Sunday 8 December 2019

Follow these basic design principles to decorate your home



Some people are born with a great eye for decorating or design. Others learn the skill and are able to apply it successfully. And then there are the rest of us. If you don't have much of a knack for design, a few basic techniques can go a long way.

These decorating rules and principles are simple enough that most anyone can apply them. Your home might not look like a West Elm catalogue, but it'll look presentable.

Follow The Rule of Odd Numbers

You might already be familiar with the rule of thirds for photography. Designing with odd numbers as a foundation can create harmony and visual interest, explains designer Cecilia Walker:

The basic idea of the rule is that details and objects that are arranged or grouped in odd numbers are more appealing, memorable, and effective than even-numbered pairings.

living room sets under $500
https://www.justdiydecor.com/livingroom-decor-ideas/top-5-living-room-furniture-sets-under-500/

It helps to have groupings of objects in varying heights, shapes and textures. At the same time, there should be something similar about them. This advice seems to contradict itself, but the point is, there should be something that groups your items together, but also something about each of them that is slightly different.

Look at the image above as an example. Three vases, all different heights. The main materials are similar—wicker and glass. But there are subtle differences in elements—sand, water, and the texture of the limes.

Walker points out that this is just a basic rule, and it might not work in every instance. But if this grouping doesn't look right to you, go with your gut. The goal here is to make sure everything isn't uniform, and by extension, boring.

Find Your Room's Focal Point

A room's focal point is its most emphasized feature. It's the thing your eyes are naturally drawn to when you walk into the room. And everything around the focal point compliments it.

lighting ideas for living room with no ceiling light
https://www.justdiydecor.com/livingroom-decor-ideas/top-8-lighting-ideas-for-living-room-with-no-ceiling-light/

If you're lost with how to start decorating a room, finding its focal point is a good start. Many rooms have built-in focal points: a large window with a view, for example, or a fireplace. If your room doesn't have a built-in focal point, here are some tips and options for creating one:
• Paint one wall a different color, then accessorize with artwork or shelves, says interior designer Coral Nafie.
• Decide what you want to use the room for, then create a focal point around that, says The Inspired Room. For example, if you want to use a room for reading, you'd make a bookshelf your focal point.
• Nafie also suggests simply using a large piece of furniture as a focal point.
• You could use a large piece of artwork as a focal point. A large mirror also works well.

Once you find the focal point, decorate around it. Use its main color in elements throughout the rest of the room. In the above example, the focal point—the fireplace—is white. The red walls make its color stand out, and the white candles, orchid and vases all around the room compliment the fireplace.

You can also frame it. In the photo, the vases, windows and sofas serve this purpose. A fireplace is easy to frame, as it usually comes with a mantle. You can add decor on or above the mantle. If your focal point is a large window with a view, you might arrange your furniture to frame it. If it's a large mirror or an interesting piece of artwork, you might frame it with two smaller elements on either side, like this:

Once you have a focal point, a center point helps balance the room. Apartment Therapy explains:

The center point is the core of your room's layout. It doesn't have to be the exact middle of the room, although that's the case in many homes. The center point of a living room is where the coffee table or center table will sit, with seating arranged around it.

minimalist bedroom on a budget
https://www.justdiydecor.com/bedroom-decor-ideas/minimalist-bedroom-ideas-on-a-budget/

Think of it as the room's anchor.

Know Basic Measurement Rules

When it comes to hanging curtains or arranging furniture, most of us just eyeball it as we go. But there are specific measurements for decorating that make a room look better. Here are a few general measurements to keep in mind:

• Coffee table distance: Keep at least 15" between coffee tables and sofas, says decorator Maria Killam. Apartment Therapy suggests leaving about 18" between them.
• Hanging art: When hanging art, keep its center at eye level, which is generally 56" to 60" from the floor, says Driven By Decor. If you're hanging multiple pieces of art, keep the center point of the whole arrangement at this level.
• When hanging art above your sofa, make sure it's no more than 2/3 the width of the sofa. You'll also want to leave 5-9" of space between the art and the furniture, Driven By Decor adds.
• Hanging curtains: Crate and Barrel says it's typical to have 1-3" of overlap on either side of your window. For height, they say you should mount curtain rods 4" from the top of the window. But maybe you want your windows to look wider or taller. To create the illusion of height, Real Simple says you can go beyond the 4" standard, but don't exceed 8", or it'll look awkward. To create the illusion of width, feel free to break the 1-3" standard, too. You might want to go as far as 12" on either side.
• TV distance: How far your TV should be from your sofa will depend on its size. We've talked about viewing distance before. The easiest rule of thumb: multiply the diagonal size of your TV by two. That's about how many inches your tv should be from your seating area.

For rugs, there are three basic rules you can follow.

All on: If a rug is big enough, you can put all legs of your furniture on top of it. But you should leave 12-18" of floor surface on all four sides of the rug, says decorating site Houzz.

All off: If you have a smaller space, you might choose a smaller rug, and then you'd leave all four feet of your furniture off of it. Houzz adds, "You don't want to pick too small a rug, though, or it may look insignificant, like an afterthought."

Front on: Many designers choose to just put the two front feet on the rug. This can tie everything together and create a feeling of openness.

Again, most all of these sources add one big caveat: don't be afraid to break these rules. They don't always work, but they're good guidelines to follow.

Consider Your Negative Space

Sometimes, less is more. In design, the negative space is the area that's not taken up by any subject. Most commonly, this is the white area on your walls. Its tempting to fill every space with a subject, but sometimes, the negative space speaks for itself. Apartment Therapy explains:

In writing, sentences often contain extra words that without, the sentence would sound just fine. Train yourself to look for those moments in your own home. Is there a narrow wall with a small blot of art that when taken down, would still look like a fine wall? Is there a tabletop with a fledgling vignette that would look just as spectacular if cleared off?

urban kitchen decor
https://www.justdiydecor.com/kitchen-decor-ideas/10-urban-kitchen-drawer-storage-ideas/

Decorating with negative space can be a bit complicated, but there are a few ways anyone can do it:

• Avoid clutter. This is probably the best and most common way to make the most of negative space. A bunch of stuff might fit perfectly on your table, but that doesn't mean it all needs to go there. Leave some room—some negative space.
• Be intentional. Make sure the negative space serves a purpose. You might leave a space empty to highlight a decorated area nearby. Or maybe the negative space creates an interesting design.
• Look at shapes. SF Gate's Home Guides explains that two contrasting shapes can create an odd—or interesting—negative space. "a curved coffee table can soften the harsh negative space lines created by angular sofas and chairs in a square room. But this space plan may not work in smaller rooms, which would force edge of the round table too close to the sofa for comfortable sitting."
To clarify, it's not just about looking for places where you can remove things. It's about looking for spots that look great even when they're empty. It's also about considering the function of the empty spaces between subjects.

Layer Your Lighting

Lighting could be a whole post in itself, but here's what you should consider when you don't know much about it. First, learn the three basic types of lighting:

• Ambient: Its also called general lighting, and its the overhead lighting meant to evenly illuminate a room.
• Task: As its name suggests, task lighting is meant to light a specific task. A lamp in the living room might light a reading area. Under-cabinet lights in a kitchen serve as task lights for countertops.
• Accent: Accent lights are meant to highlight a particular object. You might see them on painting, for example.

Adding different types lighting can give your room dimension. Start with ambient lighting in each room, then consider how you can use task and accent lighting. Real Simple has some specific tips on how to do this in each room.

Beyond these basics, you'll probably also want to make your home look like your own. We've got some tips on how to do that, too. These guidelines help you get started, but you should adjust your decorating according to your own tastes and preferences. Use these rules to get started, but don't be afraid to break them and go with your instincts if something feels right to you.

Resolutions for decorating a new home



The moving process can be pretty work intensive. If you’re selling, staging your home so that someone will fall in love with it and buy it is a job in itself. Then, there’s the task of packing and clearing out your old place. And then there’s the actual move, unpacking and decorating a new home.

Many movers feel like they never want to move again, or at least they may want to set up their home differently the next time around. Here are five moving “aha!” moments and the lessons they provide on decorating a new home better and more easily the next time.

1. Some of the stuff you packed (and carried) should have been left behind

The most common realization during the moving process is that you have far more than you thought you did. And honestly, how much of it have you even used recently? Many movers end up realizing that a sizable percentage of the stuff they paid to move should have stayed behind. Moving it wasted time, effort and money.

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https://www.justdiydecor.com/livingroom-decor-ideas/top-5-living-room-furniture-sets-under-500/

It’s time to clear out the clutter, even if you have no plans to move soon. You’ll feel better about the space you make and you’ll be ready when it’s time to pack things up.

Even if you have tons of storage, like this large cabinet unit, keep only the items you use regularly. Image: Banda Property
Resolution: Packing and purging are two different tasks. Trying to clear out during the packing process is way too much work in a short time span. Start the editing process at least two months before you move. Take on one room at a time and decide what gets thrown out, recycled or donated. That way, when it’s time to pack, you’ll have less to handle.

2. Some of the furniture from the old home may not fit in the new place
One of the common problems when moving furniture from one place to another is that the scale or style of the major pieces doesn’t work in the new place. You can have a garage sale and practically give the pieces away, then have to spend money on new ones – or you can shop smart next time.

Modular furniture items can be used in different ways and take up minimal space. Color is infused in the form of small, affordable accessories. Image: Caitlin Wilson

lighting ideas for living room with no ceiling light
https://www.justdiydecor.com/livingroom-decor-ideas/top-8-lighting-ideas-for-living-room-with-no-ceiling-light/

Resolution: Your main furniture pieces should be classic in style, neutral in color and as modular as possible. Look for sofas or sectionals that can be separated into smaller pieces or can be expanded into large ones as needed, like the Tillary collection from West Elm. And once you move in, invest in bold or colorful accent pieces to give your classic neutral furniture some pop. It’s much cheaper to buy some graphic pillows or an area rug than it is to replace a sofa that’s too style-specific.

3. Heavy furniture makes moving and rearranging harder

It used to be a fact that the heavier the furniture, the better the quality. But that is no longer true, thanks to manufacturing and material advancements. And once you have to haul your heavy, giant sofa up a few flights of stairs, you may not love it as much as you once did.

The dining table and benches are surprisingly strong yet lightweight, thanks to the hollow steel tubing frames. Image: Photo by Pixy
Resolution: Consider the weight of furniture before you buy. Look for pieces that are well constructed but feature lightweight materials. Even better, consider buying furniture that breaks down easily, or even flatpacks like these pieces, to save you time and money on your next move. Even if you’re not planning on moving, lightweight furniture makes it easier to rearrange or clean around it.

minimalist bedroom on a budget
https://www.justdiydecor.com/bedroom-decor-ideas/minimalist-bedroom-ideas-on-a-budget/

4. You loved the home staging of your old place so much, you considered staying

Did you fall in love with your old home all over again after the home stager worked their magic? You’re not alone. What’s the secret to the way your home looked so awesome after being staged to sell? Simplification and a few applied design principles.

Stagers focus on creating a room layout that features soft, neutral colors and furniture pieces that don’t compete with the room’s architecture or view. Image: Georgia Home Staging
Resolution: When decorating a new home, set it up to look like it’s a model home – and live that way every day. That means that clutter is non-existent, everything is put away and every room has the right touch of accessories and color. Burn fragrant candles and enjoy your home!

Here are some great articles to check out to get you started:
• How To Declutter
• How To Decorate A Home From Scratch
And when the home doldrums set in, rearrange your furniture and accessories. Freshening up your space every few months can work wonders for the energy of the room.

5. Paint and decorate right away or it’s not going to happen
Let’s be honest. If you’ve moved in the last couple of years, you probably have some boxes you still haven’t unpacked. Or home improvement projects you wanted to tackle and never got around to starting. You’ve got to strike while the iron is hot and before you start settling into a daily routine.

urban kitchen decor
https://www.justdiydecor.com/kitchen-decor-ideas/10-urban-kitchen-drawer-storage-ideas/

A single wall was painted in a rich mocha tone to create a focal wall. Image: Unique Spaces

Resolution: Decorating a new home needs to happen right away. If you have projects you want to do, like upgrading lighting, painting or replacing the flooring, do them before you move in – or right when you do. It’s far easier to get the messier projects like painting and flooring done before you arrive, but if you can’t do them in advance, make them a priority when you move in. Unpack all boxes ASAP. And if you’re burnt out and rethinking painting the living room in a pumpkin spice shade, paint just one focal wall in the color. You’d be amazed what one single bold wall can do for a room.

Have you moved recently? We’d love to hear what you learned from your move and how you’ll approach decorating a new home.

Thursday 30 May 2019

Clever interior design tricks for your home



Whether you’ve just moved or are looking for a quick, little home pick-me-up, or perhaps something more significant, there are some well-known interior design tricks that designers employ that you too can easily do with minimal effort and cost.  Sometimes the smallest things make the greatest impact. It could be the addition of a mirror, a painting, a lamp or even a plant. Maybe you want to soften your walls, brighten a room, or add some warmth to your living space. Take a look at these clever design tips and see how they can inspire you!

1. Paint smaller rooms in softer, lighter colors to help make the room feel larger.
The living room above is a great example of how to maximize a small living space. A room of this size has the tendency to seem cramped, but the large windows, light colored walls and ample use of mirrors not only reflect the natural light pouring in from the doors and the windows but the use of mirrors also gives the optical illusion of space, making the room seem larger than it actually is. Conversely, darker colors will make a room feel smaller. Even with the abundance of natural light and the strategic placement of the mirrors, this room in a darker shade would have a more boxed-in feel to it.
breakfast bar ideas for small kitchens
https://www.justdiydecor.com/kitchen-decor-ideas/4-easy-and-affordable-breakfast-bar-ideas-for-small-kitchens/

2. Use decorative mirrors to add instant light to your living space.
As seen above, mirrors can also be used to make a small space feel larger. For larger rooms, or any room with a more limited amount of natural light, mirrors placed directly across from the windows, will add instant light. Decorative mirrors can also be used in lieu of art to fill empty wall space. Large or small, mirrors add light and dimension to your living space.

3. Mix it up. Mix up patterns and textures. Mix up old and new, expensive and inexpensive. 
There’s nothing wrong with placing family heirlooms alongside your modern couch. All good interior decorators will tell you that the most important aspect to decorating your home is that it reflects who you are, your personality and your style. The antique Chippendale desk that was your grandfather’s tells a story. It tells the story of your past. The modern couch you fell in love with and simply had to purchase also tells a story, your present story, and there is no reason why the present and past can’t co-exist beautifully together. The same can be said for art. Now you might not want to place a painting by Salvador Dali on the same wall next to a Monet, but there’s no reason why they can’t be in the same room together. With fabrics whether it be furniture, rugs or pillows, varied colors and patterns can bring warmth and texture into your living space.
upstairs loft ideas
https://www.justdiydecor.com/interior-decoration/7-functional-upstairs-loft-decorating-ideas/

4. Slip into something a little more comfortable!
Slip covers often get a bad rap but they are truly wonderful things. They can serve as a  means of changing your furniture’s look to reflect the seasons. These easily removed coverings allow you to have a sophisticated look without constantly worrying about people dirtying or spilling on your furniture. Slip covers are ideal for rooms used frequently by children. Above the white slip-covered couches gives the air of a casual, comfortable, easy yet sophisticated elegance.

5. Wicker baskets
Wicker baskets are an economical and elegant way to add storage to any room. Baskets can be used to store and display books, architectural and decor magazines, toys, towels and blankets to name a few. Place a couple of small wicker baskets on the counter-tops in your kitchen to beautifully display and store your fruit and vegetables.

6. Use what you already have to decorate.
We all have items in our possession, probably packed up in boxes somewhere and haven’t given them a second glance. Your home needs some accessories. Instead of running to the store, take a good look at what you already have. Trays, wooden, acrylic, metal or silver can be placed on top of luggage racks, tea carts, trunks, bedside tables and coffee tables for extra texture and dimension. Arrange candles on them, frames or pile books on top of them. Plates can be hung to create wonderful wall art. Art from children’s books can be framed and hung in nurseries, children’s rooms or their bathrooms. You will be amazed at what you can do with what you already have!
twin girl bedroom ideas
https://www.justdiydecor.com/bedroom-decor-ideas/7-timeless-twin-girl-bedroom-ideas/

7. Add a hanging pot holder to your kitchen.
Kitchens are meant to be warm and inviting. We spend much of our time in them whether it be for preparing meals, serving meals or entertaining. A hanging pot rack is useful elegance. Kitchens are meant to feel as though they are in constant use and a hanging pot rack certainly makes one feel this way. In addition to looking so wonderful, (there are many sizes and styles available) additional cupboard space below is now freed up to store other items. Seldom has anyone complained of having too much storage.

8. Go green.
Add plants to your living space. Add them to every room, small or large, few or many. Plants are an inexpensive means to accessorizing your space and adding color and texture. Not only are plants beautiful but many can clean household air and balance humidity. They can absorb pollutants and remove harmful gases from the air. No home should be without these wonderful greens!
kids bathroom decor ideas
https://www.justdiydecor.com/bathroom-decor-ideas/10-kids-bathroom-decor-ideas-every-mom-will-love/

9. Paint or wallpaper your bookcases.
This instant pop of color will brighten and re-energize any room! It’s amazing how something so simple as a coat of colorful paint can instantly energize and transform your space. This built-in bookcase would be simple and ordinary without the bright blue interior. Perhaps the simplest and most inexpensive way to transform a boring space is to apply a coat of paint somewhere unexpected. Bookcases are an ideal place to start because you don’t need to paint a large area. Other fun places to add a pop of color include painting fireplace mantels, the insides of closets, hallways and ceilings.
lighting ideas for living room with no ceiling light
https://www.justdiydecor.com/livingroom-decor-ideas/top-3-lighting-ideas-for-living-room-with-no-ceiling-light/

10. Use area rugs to soften hardwood floors.
Throw rugs give warmth and can add great texture, color and personality to your living space. Hardwood floors are beautiful and easy to maintain but they lack the comfort that carpeted floors offer, especially in the cooler months. Area rugs can add fun and functionality to your living space. Use several of varying patterns and fabrics together to showcase your character. Or add several rugs of the same pattern and fabric, or different textures but the same color. The possibilities are endless. You can change your area rugs to reflect the seasons using warmer tones and fabrics for cooler months and lighter ones for the warmer days of the year. There are many lovely cotton, washable area rugs which are ideal for those homes with children. There really is no reason why a home with young children cannot also be a stylish one.
What inspired you? Personally, I’m just mad about these animal hide rugs that seem to be all the rage lately. The question is, do I go for the cow or the zebra? Or both, and just say that I live in a barn!

Guide for affordable interior design ideas

Designing your space can be incredibly exciting, but also intimidating. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged when the vision in your head doesn’t seem to be materializing. That’s why it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want and a plan for making it happen. You should also know what you want to spend on the project, and keep in mind that decorating your home on a budget is possible. Inexpensive home decor doesn’t mean low quality, it just means that you need to get creative to find affordable decorating ideas that work for your space and your budget.

FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU WANT

Before you get started, answer these questions to figure out a plan for how to decorate:

Where am I hoping to make changes?
Identify the spaces you want to address, and list them in order from the highest priority to the lowest priority.

o What am I trying to accomplish?
Create a vision for your space through sketches and inspiration images.
o Why do I want to design (or redesign) this space?
It’s important to understand your motivation for starting the project. Identify what is not working and why it needs to change.
o How involved do I want to be?
Decide whether you’re more of a DIY enthusiast or if you would prefer a surprise reveal, in which case you should hire an interior designer.
Who do I need to help me execute the project?
If you need to hire an interior designer or other professionals, like contractors or electricians, do your research. Always hire people who make you feel comfortable and share your vision.
When do you hope to start and complete your project?
Create an ideal schedule for your project to keep you organized and on track, and be prepared to adapt as needed.

breakfast bar ideas for small kitchens
https://www.justdiydecor.com/kitchen-decor-ideas/4-easy-and-affordable-breakfast-bar-ideas-for-small-kitchens/

FIND YOUR STYLE

o Once you’ve determined your goals, involvement, and team for the project, choose a decorating style. If you don’t already have a strong sense of what you want, start exploring design blogs and magazines to figure out what you gravitate towards. Create home inspiration boards on Pinterest and start pinning anything and everything you like or don’t like. (If you decide to hire an interior decorator, it might be helpful to create a board for them of looks that you want to avoid.) After you’ve been pinning for a while, you’ll probably start to notice some patterns and similarities, which means that your personal style preferences are emerging.

o Space
You have to know the space you’re working with before you can make informed decisions about furniture and artwork, so take about 30 minutes to measure the room–including the size of the doors. That way you won’t be heartbroken when your dream sofa doesn’t fit through the doorway, or frustrated when your new furniture looks like it belongs in a dollhouse.

It might be tempting to buy all your furniture in one trip, but a more affordable strategy is to just buy a few things at a time. By living in the space, you’ll get a sense of what you need, like a side table next to the sofa for your drink. This is also a good way to spread out the cost of furnishing the room. Also, there’s nothing wrong with having an empty wall or floor space. You don’t need to cover every square inch of your room with furniture or art.

upstairs loft ideas
https://www.justdiydecor.com/interior-decoration/7-functional-upstairs-loft-decorating-ideas/

o Lighting
During the day, evaluate the amount of natural light the room gets and figure out where you need to brighten things up. Make sure to layer your lighting so that the room is lit from various levels and sources, like floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces. If your space doesn’t get enough natural light, mirrors maximize the light you do have. Also, be sure to buy the correct wattage bulbs–it may sound obvious, but it’s a common mistake.

o Color
If you have a lot of room color ideas swirling around in your head but you’re not sure which to choose, consider whether you want a warm or cool palette. Next, introduce new hues in the form of commitment-free items like throw pillows, blankets, and other accessories. You might regret a bold living room paint color like lime green, but if you change your mind about a lime green pillow? That’s a much easier problem to solve. You don’t need to prove something about your style or personality by saturating every surface with color. On the contrary, thoughtfully-chosen pops of color make a bigger impact.

twin girl bedroom ideas
https://www.justdiydecor.com/bedroom-decor-ideas/7-timeless-twin-girl-bedroom-ideas/

o Furniture
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make with furniture is not understanding the importance of a statement piece. Instead, people tend to be too safe with their choices, and as a result, nothing stands out and the room looks bland.
You don’t need to go matchy matchy with your furniture. So, just because a company sells sofas and chairs from the same line, resist the urge to buy the entire set. It’s more visually interesting to have a variety of different, though complementary, profiles. If you’re unsure about mixing styles, look for a common thread between two pieces, like a similar style or silhouette.

o Flooring
Adding an area rug is an easy way to add color or texture. Make sure to get one large enough to define the space. As a rule of thumb, make sure the area rug extends either six inches under your sofa or starts six inches in front of it, and six inches away from the wall.
If you’re choosing a rug for a high-traffic area, choose something durable, like a low-pile wool or sisal. For low-traffic areas, you can choose more luxe options, like sheepskin, or delicate bamboo silk.

kids bathroom decor ideas
https://www.justdiydecor.com/bathroom-decor-ideas/10-kids-bathroom-decor-ideas-every-mom-will-love/

o Art
Art is another opportunity to reflect your personality, so take your time choosing it, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Figure out what styles inspire you, and how much you’re willing or able to invest in art at the moment. If you have a limited budget, there are plenty of options, like art shows, street vendors, and websites where you can purchase prints from more well-known artists, or original pieces from up-and-coming talents. Also, keep in mind that art isn’t just framed photos or canvases–it can be objects, too, like plates or macrame wall hangings. Art also doesn’t have to match the colors of the room. In fact, it’s more striking when it pops against neutral or contrasting colors.

Next, decide whether you want to hang one big piece or a gallery wall. Pay attention to scale when choosing and hanging art. For example, if you have high ceilings, a large vertical piece will draw the eye up. Hang pieces at a height where you can easily look at and enjoy them–you shouldn’t have to crane your neck to see your art.

lighting ideas for living room with no ceiling light
https://www.justdiydecor.com/livingroom-decor-ideas/top-3-lighting-ideas-for-living-room-with-no-ceiling-light/

o Accessories
Pillows, throw blankets, books, and decorative objects are the final layers you add to a room to unify the space. This is an opportunity to personalize the room with items that reflect your style and interests, like a coffee table book of work by your favorite designer, or a vase you bought while traveling.

Edit your objects. It still needs to be a functional living space, so don’t crowd every surface with accessories. Make sure there’s space to put down your phone or a beverage.

Let go of the idea that a room needs to feel completely “done.” One of the fun things about decorating is that your space is always evolving. If an item doesn’t bring you joy, don’t force it into your design. Take things slowly, and enjoy the process.

Wednesday 22 May 2019

Stunning bedroom design ideas




During the chilly months, your bed can be a place of relaxation, warmth and comfort. But have you ever turned off the lights only to find that sleep evades you? Turns out, just getting into bed isn’t always enough to ensure you catch some quality z’s. That’s why we’ve rounded up some tips for creating the ultimate bedroom for sleep.

Related Articles : https://www.justdiydecor.com

A throw blanket can do more than just punch up your design. It can also make it easier to get

Lavish yourself with layers
Sleeping through the night ultimately comes down to making your body comfortable enough to maintain a restful state. So, obviously, a quality mattress and good bedding are key. But beyond just getting the basics on your bed, it can also help to think in layers.

Not only does layering your bedding create a more luxurious, hotel-like bed where you can curl up with a good book (or a good Netflix marathon), it also makes sleep easier. Throughout the course of the night, your body temp can fluctuate. Being easily able to add or take off a layer so you can get comfortable quickly supports a restful night.




Go dark

Have you ever woken up in a hotel room, completely baffled about the time? That’s because most hotel rooms come stocked with quality blackout curtains designed to ensure that sunlight doesn’t stop your sleep. Why not give yourself the same treatment at home?
Hanging blackout curtains gives you control over your sleeping space. If you want to get some sleep before the sun’s even set, you can. If you want to sleep in on Saturday to rest up after a busy week, you can. With curtains that will keep your room dark for as long as you need, or want, sleep becomes less elusive.

breakfast bar ideas for small kitchens
https://www.justdiydecor.com/kitchen-decor-ideas/4-easy-and-affordable-breakfast-bar-ideas-for-small-kitchens/

What would your ultimate bedroom for sleep sound like? Perhaps a record player could help.

Control your soundscape

Some people need complete silence to sleep. Others find it easier to drift off to the sound of white noise. A third group actually prefers the TV to lull them off to dreamland. Which group are you? If you’ve never thought about your ideal soundscape for sleep, this is the time to start. Knowing what kind of auditory inputs help you sleep – and which keep you from it – can make a big difference in both your ability to fall asleep quickly and your ability to stay asleep.
If you think white noise, crashing waves, rainfall or another continuous sound would help you sleep well, try out an app on your phone. There are quite a few that can help you curate your best soundscape and create the ultimate bedroom for sleep. Then, once you know what works for you, consider investing in a sound machine. Studies have shown that being on our phones can decrease sleep quality, especially right before bed. Make it easy to stash your phone early and turn to your trusty sound machine to set up your room for sleep.

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Relax your design

Your bedroom is a great design opportunity. Because it gets less foot traffic from guests, it can be a place to take some risks and implement choices you really love. But before you go totally wild and paint your room red and yellow, think about how your decor decisions will impact your sleep.

We’ve got a great guide on room color and its impact on your mood that you can reference. Keep these color psychology guidelines in mind when you’re curating your bedroom. In general, neutrals and cool tones (blues, purples and greens) are best when trying to create the ultimate bedroom for sleep because they convey a sense of calm.
Creating a relaxing bedroom doesn’t just mean choosing certain colors, either. Adding items you love that bring you a sense of peace and joy creates the right ambiance for restful sleep. Flowers, candles, books and art can all help you create a room where it’s easy to cast off your cares and drift off to sleep. Check out even more tips on creating a relaxing bedroom here.

When it comes to sleep, comfort is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. For many, finding the right mattress can be the difference between waking up well-rested and “stay out of my way, there literally isn’t enough coffee in the world.”

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Sifting through the labyrinth to find the right mattress, however, can cause even the savviest of shoppers to forfeit precious sleep researching competitive brands into the wee hours of the morning. Fortunately, you can rest easy; we have definitively chosen the mattresses that dreams are made of.

Comparing mattresses can feel like comparing apples to oranges, since everyone has a finely tuned preference for what sends them off to snoozeville. Some want to sleep like Aslan on the stone table in Narnia; others prefer to feel like they’re sinking in a vat of quicksand.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to personal comfort, but for this review we split the difference and searched for the best mattress at a medium firmness. For comparing prices, we looked only at queen-size mattresses, the less expensive of the regal options.

In our research, we learned a few interesting tidbits about mattresses and sleep itself. Most important, expensive doesn’t always equal comfortable. Several companies specialize in custom mattresses for a specific comfort type, but these are simply not worth the everyday shopper shelling out money for. More often than not, you’re better off going with an affordable mattress with a lenient warranty and return policy.

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After coming home from a long day, and feeling an eternal separation from last night’s beauty sleep, there really is nothing better than sinking into the perfect mattress. What makes a perfect mattress, though? Simply put, it’s the one that lets you rest the best.
The design of the American-made Saatva Luxury Firm mattress is part of what makes it stand out from the crowd. First, it’s an innerspring mattress, but it’s far removed from your old dorm room’s innerspring. This one instead has two levels of innerspring coils (1,300 springs total).
The top level, comprising 884 individually wrapped springs, helps the mattress conform to your shape and limits the transfer of motion. The bottom level has 416 steel springs for support. This spring formation plays a crucial role in allowing air to flow through the mattress, acting as a “deterrent to germs and dust mites. Essentially, the innerspring design allows the mattress, and you, to breathe easily.

How to transfer your home with cool design ideas?



Whether you’ve just moved or are looking for a quick, little home pick-me-up, or perhaps something more significant, there are some well-known interior design tricks that designers employ that you too can easily do with minimal effort and cost.  Sometimes the smallest things make the greatest impact. It could be the addition of a mirror, a painting, a lamp or even a plant. Maybe you want to soften your walls, brighten a room, or add some warmth to your living space. Take a look at these clever design tips and see how they can inspire you!



1. Paint smaller rooms in softer, lighter colors to help make the room feel larger.

The living room above is a great example of how to maximize a small living space. A room of this size has the tendency to seem cramped, but the large windows, light colored walls and ample use of mirrors not only reflect the natural light pouring in from the doors and the windows but the use of mirrors also gives the optical illusion of space, making the room seem larger than it actually is. Conversely, darker colors will make a room feel smaller. Even with the abundance of natural light and the strategic placement of the mirrors, this room in a darker shade would have a more boxed-in feel to it.

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2. Use decorative mirrors to add instant light to your living space.
As seen above, mirrors can also be used to make a small space feel larger. For larger rooms, or any room with a more limited amount of natural light, mirrors placed directly across from the windows, will add instant light. Decorative mirrors can also be used in lieu of art to fill empty wall space. Large or small, mirrors add light and dimension to your living space.

3. Mix it up. Mix up patterns and textures. Mix up old and new, expensive and inexpensive.

There’s nothing wrong with placing family heirlooms alongside your modern couch. All good interior decorators will tell you that the most important aspect to decorating your home is that it reflects who you are, your personality and your style. The antique Chippendale desk that was your grandfather’s tells a story. It tells the story of your past. The modern couch you fell in love with and simply had to purchase also tells a story, your present story, and there is no reason why the present and past can’t co-exist beautifully together. The same can be said for art. Now you might not want to place a painting by Salvador Dali on the same wall next to a Monet, but there’s no reason why they can’t be in the same room together. With fabrics whether it be furniture, rugs or pillows, varied colors and patterns can bring warmth and texture into your living space.

4. Slip into something a little more comfortable!

Slip covers often get a bad rap but they are truly wonderful things. They can serve as a  means of changing your furniture’s look to reflect the seasons. These easily removed coverings allow you to have a sophisticated look without constantly worrying about people dirtying or spilling on your furniture. Slip covers are ideal for rooms used frequently by children. Above the white slip-covered couches gives the air of a casual, comfortable, easy yet sophisticated elegance.

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5. Wicker baskets

Wicker baskets are an economical and elegant way to add storage to any room. Baskets can be used to store and display books, architectural and decor magazines, toys, towels and blankets to name a few. Place a couple of small wicker baskets on the counter-tops in your kitchen to beautifully display and store your fruit and vegetables.

6. Use what you already have to decorate.

We all have items in our possession, probably packed up in boxes somewhere and haven’t given them a second glance. Your home needs some accessories. Instead of running to the store, take a good look at what you already have. Trays, wooden, acrylic, metal or silver can be placed on top of luggage racks, tea carts, trunks, bedside tables and coffee tables for extra texture and dimension. Arrange candles on them, frames or pile books on top of them. Plates can be hung to create wonderful wall art. Art from children’s books can be framed and hung in nurseries, children’s rooms or their bathrooms. You will be amazed at what you can do with what you already have!

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7. Add a hanging pot holder to your kitchen.

Kitchens are meant to be warm and inviting. We spend much of our time in them whether it be for preparing meals, serving meals or entertaining. A hanging pot rack is useful elegance. Kitchens are meant to feel as though they are in constant use and a hanging pot rack certainly makes one feel this way. In addition to looking so wonderful, (there are many sizes and styles available) additional cupboard space below is now freed up to store other items. Seldom has anyone complained of having too much storage.

8. Go green.

Add plants to your living space. Add them to every room, small or large, few or many. Plants are an inexpensive means to accessorizing your space and adding color and texture. Not only are plants beautiful but many can clean household air and balance humidity. They can absorb pollutants and remove harmful gases from the air. No home should be without these wonderful greens!

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9. Paint or wallpaper your bookcases.

This instant pop of color will brighten and re-energize any room! It’s amazing how something so simple as a coat of colorful paint can instantly energize and transform your space. This built-in bookcase would be simple and ordinary without the bright blue interior. Perhaps the simplest and most inexpensive way to transform a boring space is to apply a coat of paint somewhere unexpected. Bookcases are an ideal place to start because you don’t need to paint a large area. Other fun places to add a pop of color include painting fireplace mantels, the insides of closets, hallways and ceilings.

10. Use area rugs to soften hardwood floors.

Throw rugs give warmth and can add great texture, color and personality to your living space. Hardwood floors are beautiful and easy to maintain but they lack the comfort that carpeted floors offer, especially in the cooler months. Area rugs can add fun and functionality to your living space. Use several of varying patterns and fabrics together to showcase your character. Or add several rugs of the same pattern and fabric, or different textures but the same color. The possibilities are endless. You can change your area rugs to reflect the seasons using warmer tones and fabrics for cooler months and lighter ones for the warmer days of the year. There are many lovely cotton, washable area rugs which are ideal for those homes with children. There really is no reason why a home with young children cannot also be a stylish one.

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What inspired you? Personally, I’m just mad about these animal hide rugs that seem to be all the rage lately. The question is, do I go for the cow or the zebra? Or both, and just say that I live in a barn!

Tuesday 14 May 2019

Quick and easy bathroom decorating ideas



If you’re tired of walking into your dated bathroom and dream of a change, we’ve got bathroom decorating ideas for you that are inexpensive and simple to do.

The most important upgrade you can make in your bathroom involves lighting. A Swedish study found that lighting, paired with the right color, affects mood. Changing out your lighting is not difficult or expensive to do, but makes a bathroom look fresher and larger.
Older lighting fixtures and fluorescent lighting cast unattractive shadows and odd color hues on your skin. If changing a fixture isn’t possible, you can upgrade the bulb with some of the new fluorescent bulbs that are similar in color warmth to the light cast on a bright, sunny day.




Once you’ve upgraded the lighting quality of your bathroom, paint is the next quick and easy upgrade to the bathroom. Pick light colors for large surfaces like the walls and save the darker, richer tones for accents. Check how your color choices look in your upgraded lighting before you paint, since color temperature can change a color’s shade.
Set a weekend aside, invite friends over and try a few of these ideas to give your bathroom a facelift.

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Here is an overview of our quick and easy bathroom decorating ideas:
Paint

Paint your walls with the perfect shade you selected. It’s no longer necessary to choose gloss in a bathroom to combat moisture, ask the paint shop to add an additive to matte paint to keep it from mildewing.
Don’t just paint the walls — purchase an eggshell or semi-gloss paint and paint the cabinets, too.

Lighting Fixture Replacement

There’s a great variety of affordable lighting fixtures available. Replace outdated lighting fixtures with new ones from your home improvement store. Electrical projects are best left to professionals, but with some guidance, switching out lighting fixtures shouldn’t be difficult for a DIY-er.

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Be original when upgrading lighting. Bathroom lighting trends include hanging pendants and light bars that diffuse light in a room. Select LED lighting fixtures since they’re the most energy efficient and don’t heat your bathroom up.


Bathroom Works of Art

There’s no need to stare at unadorned walls in your bathroom. Treated canvas prints are water resistant and affordable. Go for oversized proportions for the best visual impact. For a unique look, have a local printer blow up a favorite photo into customized wall art. Nowadays, custom printers can create canvas prints and even laminate them for water resistance.

When thinking of bathroom decorating ideas for art, think beyond a canvas print. A wall gallery of favorite objects like starfish or baskets can be another way to decorate your bathroom walls.

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Redecorate existing tile

If your tile is boring and there’s not much you can do about it, try removable adhesive tiles like the ones shown above. They’re easy to cut and install, look like the real deal and can be removed without damaging the surface behind it.

Hardware upgrade, and we’re not talking laptops

A quick and easy bathroom decorating idea involves changing out your bathroom’s hardware like drawer pulls, towel bars and the toilet paper holder. Especially if you’re bathroom is “adorned” with gold brass circa 1978.

Replacement is as simple as unscrewing or popping off the old hardware and adding a new one. To keep this project quick and easy, be sure you are replacing old hardware with similarly sized screw hole spacing, especially on bar style drawer pulls that require to screws. It’ll mean less holes to make (and hide) in the cabinets and walls.

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From the Ground Up

There are DIY-friendly flooring options today that are modern and easy to work with. Affordable, resilient vinyl floor planks are available at most home improvement stores and come in a variety of wood species and patterns. They’re realistic looking (white washed oak shown above) and include texture and imperfections on the surface, much like a real wood floor or stone tile would. Installing is as easy as scoring with a blade, peeling and sticking. The best part is that they’re waterproof and come with long warranties against wear and tear.

The addition of a woven vinyl floor rug by Chilewich is another option. The rugs are industrial strength, can be ordered in custom sizes and have a rubber backing that adds padding and comfort to your bathroom floor.

Maximize Storage

Decluttering the bathroom will give it a freshly updated look. If you’re space challenged, look at how you can improve on existing storage. Adding pull-out drawers (that sort items easier) into a cabinet is an easy weekend upgrade. Standard sizes of pull-out drawers are available at most home improvement stores.

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Other ways to maximize storage include:
–Floating wall shelves
–Wall mounted baskets
–Adding a small furniture-style cabinet to the room

Upgrade Your Textiles
You’re now on your final bathroom decorating stages. This part’s like adding a giant bow to a present. Donate or throw away your old, mismatched towels and add new soft goods to your bathroom. An accent color or pattern would be a modern design touch. Add the following new textiles to your bathroom:

–Towels
–Floor mat
–Shower curtain. If you have a color you’re working with for your towels and floor mat, choose a patterned or printed shower curtain that contains some of that color to add pop to your bathroom

Accessorize

Your bathroom should have an updated look now. It’s time to add personality. Some bathroom decorating ideas that add the finishing touches to your bathroom include:

–A wastebasket and bathroom soap dish or soap pump
–A silk floral or live plant if there’s natural light available. Orchids are a great bathroom plant — they love the humidity in a bright  bathroom
–Elements like a candle or room diffuser that add a nice scent to the room