Three steps to create a color palette that represents you

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How to create a color palette for your home?

The topic of color is absolutely fascinating and quite beloved.

I often get questions about which colors to choose for your homes!

Knowing how to choose and manage colors isn’t easy, but it’s vital for creating harmonious environments that truly represent us.

Designing and choosing the colors and materials that will be present in your home is truly important to ensure that the various spaces communicate with each other in a coherent and balanced manner.

The color palette is really one of the first things to start with!

As we now know, colors create mood and evoke sensations and emotions, so choosing them carefully and consciously is paramount!

Therefore, let’s see the fundamental steps to create a color palette that suits you, your tastes, and your style!

– CONSIDER THE FUNCTION OF THE ROOM AND COLOR PSYCHOLOGY

Different colors evoke diverse sensations, such as excitement, relaxation, introspection, mystery, passion, etc. (I talk about the color psychology here)

Color can transform a space:

– making it seem warmer or cooler.

– visually expanding the room.

– enhancing the sense of well-being.

– brightening up the space.

Color is indeed the fundamental tool for creating the right atmosphere!

(different colors different atmosphere! Credits: mooielight.com; Sean Litchfield)

To choose a color, you need to ask yourself a few questions:

– What is the function and purpose of that room?

– What emotions do you want to experience in that space?

– Which color can help you achieve this goal?

The answers to these questions will help you find the right color!

This color will impact sensations and behavior, making the space functional and suitable for the specific activities of that environment.

PAY ATTENTION ALSO TO THIS…

There are other, somewhat more technical aspects to consider:

– Where is the room located?

– How many windows are there, and how are they oriented?

– Is there anything that could alter the perception of color in any way?

These questions give an idea of the room’s conditions and further aid in color selection (or at least in determining its brightness and saturation!).

Let me give you an example: if a room doesn’t receive direct light, it’s better to use light colors to bring the space more breathing room and allow the indirect light to reflect more.

That will still enable you to make natural light more efficient, as it reflects better on lighter colors!

– CHOOSE NEUTRAL COLORS

Neutral colors are essential in a color palette because they serve as a backdrop and can enhance various furniture elements.

Walls painted in neutral colors open up numerous opportunities; they allow us to incorporate furniture pieces with stronger colors without overwhelming the space.

When selecting the right neutral, the first thing to do is to determine whether to choose warm or cool neutrals.

(Warm or cool neutral give a different result! Credits: cocolapinedesign.com; H&M)

Opt for those that best represent your personality and style and complement the other colors in the palette and furnishings.

Choosing a warm or cool neutral may not be simple due to its undertone.

For example, you might choose a white color, but once the wall is painted, it may appear slightly yellowish or bluish.

That occurs due to the undertone.

Except for pure neutrals like white, black, and gray, all others are obtained by combining two complementary colors or adding a pure neutral to one color.

That results in a white, for instance, appearing pure, but ultimately, due to its undertone, it may indeed have a slight yellowish or bluish tint.

I discuss this aspect of neutrals in more detail here!

– CHOOSE AN ACCENT COLOR

Accent colors are crucial for creating movement and contrast and emphasizing significant elements of the environment.

Choosing neutral colors will facilitate the choice of an accent color, which doesn’t necessarily have to be vibrant but should contrast with the other colors.

To better understand, if you had a home with a palette of soft neutral colors and added a bit of dark gray or black, that would still be considered an accent color because the contrast between light neutrals and dark gray or black is high.

(Credits: leclairdecor.com)

If, however, you want to add a touch of a “real” color, the questions we asked at the beginning will be helpful.

For example, green could be the right solution if you have a living room where you want to convey a sense of calm, relaxation, and freshness!

(Credits H&M)

If you decide to have more than one accent color, you need to know how to pair them, and for this, it’s essential to understand color theory and use the color wheel!

How??? Well, I explain it here.

LOOK AT THIS

There’s a small detail to pay attention to when choosing one or more accent colors: it should be accurately distributed throughout the space.

Let me explain further: suppose you choose the color green; you should use it, for example, on a seating piece, in fabrics like cushions, rugs, curtains, objects, and artworks.

You can even paint a wall or a portion of it if you like!

(Credit: interior by @interiors_dd)

In short, it shouldn’t be a single point of color that otherwise would seem randomly placed!

Doing this will help you create rhythm, one of the six basic concepts of interior design (I discuss it here), and make everything cohesive and harmonious.

That’s good: now you’re ready to create your color palette and bring it into your home!

– 3 SMALL CONSIDERATIONS

To avoid massive upheavals when using colors that you like on paper, follow these three little cautions:

  • Start with one wall or room:

You never know, so begin with a small portion to be sure you like the colors!

  • Test the shades:

unfortunately, a color swatch is NOT enough to understand how a particular color looks in your home, nor is seeing it in the store.

Where possible, get small samples and try them on the walls.

You’ll also see how they adapt to your spaces and the natural and artificial light you have.

Light can change the perception of colors.

  • Choose where to use the color:

It’s not a trivial choice; light colors enlarge, while dark ones shrink, so using color in one place rather than another can change the perception of spaces!

If you use different colors in various rooms, consider how they communicate with each other; if you can see the dining room from the kitchen and decide to use two different colors, make sure they harmonize.

(Credits: Sherwin Williams)

My suggestion is to use a single palette for the entire house, with the only exception being children’s rooms, and if necessary, use more than one color in one room and another in another.

That creates harmony and cohesion.

I hope this article about bedroom color combinations has been helpful and enjoyable for you.

If so, let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested, I would be honored, and it will help me gain more exposure.

If you feel that your home, or any specific area of it, doesn’t reflect your personality enough, don’t wait any longer and book your consultancy!

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How to choose neutral colors for home: 4 basic concepts

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How to choose neutral colors for home environments?

Neutral colors are widely used in interior design because of their versatility, providing a perfect backdrop for furnishings and architectural forms.

They help infuse elegance into spaces and evoke a sense of calm.

However, it’s easy to say ‘neutral colors,’ yet there are important factors to understand and consider when choosing the right color for your home.

Let’s explore them together.

WHAT ARE NEUTRALS?

Firstly, it’s essential to understand what colors we define as neutrals! Essentially, neutrals are colors that lack a high chromatic intensity; they have low brightness and saturation.

Neutrals fall into two categories:

– pure neutrals, which are white, gray, and black.

– near neutrals, achieved by mixing a color with a pure neutral or blending two complementary colors.

For example, if you take a blue and add white, at a certain point, it will lose saturation until it becomes almost white, with a hint of blue undertone!

That created white effectively becomes a neutral color but differs from pure neutrals due to its undertone.

1 – PAY ATTENTION TO THE UNDERTONE

The undertone is what sets near neutrals apart and is the reason why choosing them isn’t as straightforward.

It’s also why the result on the wall often differs from what we expected.

Due to this undertone, neutrals, even if they appear colorless, actually have them:

A white, for instance, unless it is a pure one, could have a slightly yellow or blue undertone.

That changes the perception of the space; a white with a yellow undertone will feel warmer than one with a blue undertone!

So, it becomes crucial to identify their undertone to be able to choose the right neutral colors!

Recognizing this elusive undertone isn’t immediate, but there’s a trick to uncover it: comparing the near-neutral with a pure neutral.

Essentially, you should place the color sample on a sheet of pure neutral paper, and the undertone will become immediately straightforward!

If you take a white by itself, it might seem just white, but when compared to pure white, you’ll immediately notice the undertone it tends toward!

The same applies to grays and blacks!

2 – WARM AND COLD NEUTRALS

Due to their undertones, near neutrals are further divided into warm and cold neutrals.

Warm and cold when choosing a neutral color are another crucial element to consider!

Knowing the undertone of a particular neutral makes it easy to position it on the color wheel and understand if it falls in the half of cold or warm colors.

From this, it’s evident that neutrals with blue, purple, and green undertones will be cold, while those with red, yellow, and orange undertones will be warm.

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Choosing the correct “temperature” of neutral is paramount because it serves as the background and foundation for your spaces, style, and the emotions you want to evoke.

It’s also the starting point for creating your color palette.

Colors need to harmonize with each other to create cohesive and unified environments.

So, by knowing the undertone of the neutral you choose, then you can pair it with other colors following one of the six ways to combine colors on the color wheel (discussed here).

3 – PAY ATTENTION TO LIGHT:

The type of light in a room is a crucial element because it alters our perception of colors.

Direct natural light differs from indirect natural light and, of course, artificial light.

Artificial light, as we’ve seen on other occasions, changes depending on the color temperature of the bulbs, which can be warm, neutral, or cold.

For instance, a wall painted in pure white may appear slightly yellow with warm light and blue with a cold one!

To maintain the perception of the actual colors, it’s ideal for the ambient light, the general one, to be neutral (more on color temperature and lighting here).

For these reasons, it’s advisable to conduct tests and paint a portion of all the walls, observing their appearance throughout the day with both light, natural and artificial.

Also, look out for the various elements in the room and how they reflect light because this reflection will also change the color perception.

4 – STYLE AND ATMOSPHERE

Knowing what style and atmosphere you want to create in a specific environment is another crucial element in choosing the right neutral color for you.

Warm neutrals are generally the right choice if you want to give an inviting, cozy, and comfortable feel.

(credits H&M HOME)

Cold neutrals are more suitable if you prefer something more sophisticated and relaxed.

(credits cocolapinedesign.com)

For a minimalist style, pure neutrals are ideal.

(credits rikreainteriors.it)

In recap, when choosing a neutral color, you need to:

– decide whether to go for pure neutrals or near neutrals.

– if you choose near neutrals, understand their undertone.

– choose between warm and cold neutrals to best match them with the color wheel and the rules of color theory.

– finally, pay attention to the light and how it may alter the perception of colors.

I hope this article has been helpful and enjoyable for you. If so, let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested, I would be honored, and it will help me gain more exposure.

If you feel that your home, or any specific area of it, doesn’t reflect your personality enough, don’t wait any longer and book your consultancy!

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How to furnish a kids’ room? Here are 10 tips

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Today, by request, I’m addressing those who have children and, therefore, need to know how to furnish a kids’ room…

Designing a space for children and/or teenagers requires special attention: you need to create an environment that is functional, safe, and comfortable but also capable of evolving with them over time.

At each stage of a child’s or teenager’s development, there are specific needs that you should consider when furnishing their room.

– THINK AHEAD

To avoid completely redoing the room every so often, consider purchasing some elements from the beginning with their future needs in mind.

For example, the wardrobe—while there are many delightful baby and children’s furniture options, after a few years, you’ll have to replace them.

The changing table, which is essential in the beginning, could actually be a beautiful dresser with just the changing pad on top.

The changing pad may disappear, but the dresser will remain.

To create a child’s room atmosphere that can easily transition into a teenager’s space, use colors, textiles, and decorations.

These elements have a less significant financial impact when they need to be updated.

(credits: stylefurnituremalta.com; Dasha Dmitrieva)

– START WITH THE BIG ITEMS

It might sound trivial to you, but the risk is not achieving a functional room otherwise: bed, wardrobe, and desk are the three essentials in a kids’ room, and everything else follows from there.

Of course, the desk will come later, and the bed will need to be replaced initially with a crib, but you should have a clear idea of how and where to place these three items.

Once you’ve established the optimal placement for these three items, you can decide whether to add more, like a bookshelf, a pouf, or a chair…

(credits: stylefurnituremalta.com; addamoebel.de)

– DIVIDE INTO ZONES

There are 4 zones to consider: sleep, play, study, and storage.

Kids tend to use everything as a play area, so if you don’t visually separate the zones, the risk is that the entire room becomes chaotic.

Bookshelves and storage should be placed near the desk and ideally away from the bed.

In smaller rooms where physical separation into zones is challenging, you’ll need to utilize the walls and multifunctional or fold-away furniture.

(credits: arentpyke.com; sneakerschampion.top)

In previous articles, I’ve often mentioned that furniture doesn’t need to be against the walls, but children’s and teenagers’ rooms are the exception.

It’s a great idea to leave them plenty of free space.

– INCORPORATE THEIR PASSIONS

Encourage your children to pursue hobbies and passions and use them to decorate their rooms.

Of course, avoid creating a room entirely based on a single theme because if their interests change, you’d have to redo everything. However, having a wall or a dedicated corner for that specific hobby or passion can be a unique addition.

The room will reflect your child’s personality and make them feel frankly represented.

(credits: Franklin Pérez; Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke)

– DON’T OVERDO IT WITH COLORS

Rooms with walls, furniture, and accessories in overly bright colors are unsuitable.

Too much can be overwhelming, and there’s a risk that they may come to dislike a color as they grow up because they are sick of being surrounded by it!

So, it’s GOOD to have color, but perhaps in softer tones on walls and large furniture, and then brighter in accessories and decorations!

(credits: stylesatlife.com; vivense.com)

– COLORED WALLS

I mentioned not to overdo the color earlier, but that doesn’t mean keeping all the walls white!

That would be a waste and a bit impersonal!

It’s acceptable ONLY if there are many colorful furnishings and decorations.

However, as mentioned before, I advise against this.

It’s better to use softer colors even for the furniture!

(credits: repubblica.it; ruangdekorasi.com)

You can also use wallpaper, looking for one with colors and patterns that help create the atmosphere you want for the room.

You can even do something unusual by putting wallpaper on the ceiling instead of the walls!

(credits: Cristina Peralta; purejoyhome.com)

Of course, if your child is already older, you can share with them what feelings they want to experience in their room and what represents them the most.

But since the tastes of children and teenagers change quickly, be careful not to overdo the patterns, or you’ll find yourself redoing the walls frequently!

– CHOOSE MATERIALS WISELY

For furniture you plan to use for a longer time, such as the wardrobe or the bed, it’s important to choose durable materials.

Of course, avoid fragile materials, especially when they are younger!

When I talk about materials, I also mean the floors because, believe me, they’ll be on the floor quite often, especially when they are babies, but even after that.

Avoid marble or overly smooth surfaces: they can be slippery besides being cold!

Wood would be ideal because it’s a warm material. But if you prefer tiles, remember to put on a nice rug!

(credits: diotti.com; brandanidecore.com)

But even for the rug, BE CAREFUL that they are resistant and easy to clean!

– CURTAINS

Even in children’s and teenagers’ rooms, light and privacy control are essential, so curtains are necessary!

Moreover, when kids are younger, it’s essential to darken the room well so they can rest better.

For this reason, you can use double curtains: a light, semi-transparent drape and a darkening, colorful one.

The light curtain can be in drapery style for a more classic and romantic room or in a panel (or glass panel) for a more modern and contemporary one (here I talk about how to choose curtains).

The darkening colorful curtain should be chosen to match the room’s colors and mood, of course.

(credits: mydomaine.com; oceanhomemag.com)

– LIGHT IT UP PROPERLY

We know lighting is super important everywhere, and it’s no different in a children’s or teenagers’ room.

One should plan for general room lighting and specific lighting for each activity:

– a floor lamp for playtime;

– one desk lamp for the study area (which should be positioned to make the most of natural light);

– a bedside lamp.

Instead of the classic table lamps that kids might accidentally knock over, you can consider using wall-mounted lights!

There are various types available, and they can add a lively touch to the room!

(credits: sigmamasterpiece.com; stylefurnituremalta.com)

– SEPARATE  FROM THE REST OF THE HOUSE

I’ve always said that there should be a common theme in every room in the house, such as color or style, but the kids’ room can be an exception!

The room is theirs and should represent them.

So, don’t impose your taste or style on them!

At the same time, you can’t accommodate every single request they have, as mentioned earlier, their ideas change quickly, and you’d find yourself constantly redecorating.

So, compromise on their requests for colors and major furnishings and let them get creative with minor elements like textiles.

(credits: amazon.com; houseandhome.com)

I hope you found this article helpful and enjoyable. If you did, please let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested; I would be honored, and it will help me get noticed.

If you feel that your home or any part of it doesn’t reflect you enough, don’t wait any longer and book your consultancy!

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How to furnish the basement room? here are 5 ways + 1!

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Do you have the luxury of having a basement? If you have doubts about how to furnish this space, this article might be just for you!

The basement is an absolutely fascinating space.

Not everyone is lucky enough to have one, but for those who own this room, there are numerous ways to utilize and furnish it.

Let’s explore them together!

– DINING AREA

That is perhaps one of the most common ways to furnish a basement. The basement is often transformed into a dining area to avoid making a mess in the main living space and to enjoy mealtime more informally.

If you want to set up your basement as a dining area, it’s essential to have a kitchenette.

That is much more practical as it saves you the hassle of going up and down to carry dishes.

It doesn’t need to be as extensive as the kitchen in your main living area, but it should have all the essential elements for heating and serving food, in addition to a refrigerator.

Naturally, you’ll need a reasonably large table to accommodate everyone, and you can use benches or chairs as seating.

(credits: freshpalace.com; cose di casa)

Try to avoid stools if possible, as they can be quite uncomfortable.

It’s okay to keep things informal, but stools are not the most comfortable choice.

If you have enough space, you might also consider creating a conversation area with some armchairs for post-meal relaxation.

That is even more appealing if you’re fortunate enough to have a fireplace!

PAY ATTENTION TO THE LIGHTING

When it comes to lighting, you’re likely to have limited natural light, so remember to illuminate the space effectively:

– use ambient, soft lighting to ensure the entire area is well-lit;

– install dedicated task lighting for the kitchen, to properly illuminate the workspace;

– place lighting over the dining table so that the food and setting are always well-illuminated.

(I talk about lighting here)

As for the style that works best in a basement, it depends on the architecture and your personal preferences.

The beauty of a basement is that it’s a distinct space from the rest of the house, so you’re not constrained to match the style of the main living areas.

Exposed brick can give a more rustic or industrial vibe, while plastered walls and ceilings offer a blank canvas for you to choose the style you prefer!

– WINE CELLAR WITH A BAR AREA

If you’re a wine enthusiast, you can transform your basement into a marvelous wine cellar.

Displaying your wine collection can be a work of art, and if you also enjoy making cocktails, it’s a great idea to pair the wine cellar with a bar area!

You can set up a lovely bar counter with a selection of glasses and other liquor bottles.

This way, you can treat your friends and family to your fantastic aperitifs or host wine tastings.

(credits: kwdesigns.com; weheartit.com)

If space allows, consider creating a conversation area for a more relaxed wine-tasting experience.

Just like in the dining area, it’s essential to have both general ambient and specific task lighting for the bar.

As for the wine cellar area, it might require specialized lighting, but if you’re a wine connoisseur, you probably know more about that than I do!

– READING AREA

If you are fond of books, I’m sure you never seem to have enough space for them, and you particularly enjoy alienating yourself a bit when you want to read.

Your basement could actually become your sanctuary!

You can fill it with bookshelves and create a cozy sitting area where you can immerse yourself in your reading.

(credits: studiovert.com; overstock.com)

There are plenty of solutions available in the market for creating your library, with various materials to choose from.

Just find the most functional for the space and your needs.

A couple of armchairs or a small sofa will complete the reading nook.

You can also consider enhancing the space with a pretty stereo system for some background music to enjoy even more the reading experience!

That all depends on your preferences and the type of reader you are.

Once again, pay attention to lighting.

In addition to ambient lighting, make sure to have specific task lighting for reading near your seating area to avoid straining your eyes.

– HOME THEATER

You might have a deep passion for movies, documentaries, and TV series, so why not transform your basement into a home theater?

You’ll have the luxury of enjoying it without having to share the space with anyone but the people you love.

With proper soundproofing, you can install top-notch home theater equipment without disturbing anyone nearby.

(credits: ecstasymodels.tumblr.com; pinterest)

You can create a super modern home theater with a large TV screen mounted on the wall, or you can opt for a slightly more vintage setup with a high-quality projector and leave the wall smooth and white as a screen.

Find some comfortable reclining chairs, and then… enjoy the show!

– HOME GYM

If you’re someone who loves staying in shape but doesn’t enjoy spending hours at the gym, you can always consider bringing the gym to your basement!

You can select the right exercise equipment and arrange the room to suit your workout routine.

(credits: pinterest)

It’s a practical option because you can use it whenever you want for as long as you like, eliminating the time wasted on commuting to a gym. Plus, when you’re done, you’re already at home!

– PLUS ONE

“What does ‘plus one’ mean?”

It means that you could also decide to combine multiple functions, such as having a dining area with a wine cellar and a bar or a gym and a reading nook…

That, of course, depends on the size of your basement.

In general, you could leave it as one huge open space for most combinations, perhaps visually dividing the various zones with colors, rugs, or furniture acting as “room dividers.”

If you’re combining two distinct functions, like a dining area and a gym, it’s a good idea to create separate, different zones to maintain a sense of order.

(credits: fbcremodel.com)

When you have two different functions in one space, the same design principles you use in your house apply:

– use a consistent color palette (as mentioned earlier, visually divide with different colors that are part of the same palette);

– maintain a cohesive style or a mix of styles that creates a harmonious feel across the different zones.

I hope you found this article helpful and enjoyable. If you did, please let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested; I would be honored, and it will help me get noticed.

If you feel that your home or any part of it doesn’t reflect you enough, don’t wait any longer and book your consultancy!

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How to choose curtains properly?

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Curtains are the blessing and bane of interior design, but how to choose the correct curtains?

First and foremost, you should think of curtains as fully-fledged decorative elements.

They must be functional, serve a specific purpose, and reflect your style.

Curtains filter light, provide privacy, dress up windows, add warmth to spaces, and introduce textures and, if desired, colors.

A home without curtains, except for exceptional views, can give the impression of an incomplete and even neglected space.

Choosing curtains should be done with care, much like the rest of your furnishings, as they can completely transform the look of a room.

If you’re unsure, you can make this choice in the second stage after your home is already furnished.

This approach allows you to get a better understanding of spaces and, most importantly, consider color and style coordination for perfect harmony!

Let’s have a look at the types of curtains to see how to choose them!

DRAPE CURTAINS

These are the classic curtains supported by a rod or a track.

They are the most versatile and can fit any window or French door.

Depending on the rod and fabric chosen, they can complement any style.

The thing that sets the style apart, in addition to the rod and fabric, is the type of drapery.

The richer the curtain’s draping, the more it suits a classic style, while minimal, understated drapery works well with a more modern and contemporary look.

(credits: Gaia Miacola Architetto)

YOU CAN REALLY INDULGE YOURSELF….

You can use them in a simple, standalone fashion, with more or less transparent panels for varying levels of privacy and light control, or combine them with other window treatments.

(credits: Katke Zavese; gotain.com)

You can choose to have a double drapery setup, with one, as mentioned earlier, being semi-transparent and the other blackout, which you can open or close as needed.

That is perfect, for example, in a bedroom.

Alternatively, instead of the blackout curtain, you can opt for colored fabrics to leave open at the sides to add a touch of color!

(credits: hackrea.com; pinterest)

Or you can also pair them with totally different curtains, such as panel or roller curtains (we’ll discuss these specifically later).

(credits: hoomebook.pl; YourSpaceForniture.com)

That can often be very practical:

For instance, if you have a French door that you frequently open and close, opening and closing the curtains could become annoying.

In such a case, you could install a simple panel curtain against the glass and keep the drapery curtains open at the sides.

At this point, you may decide to use particular and colorful fabrics to add an extra touch!

If you opt for this type of curtains, remember that one panel may be sufficient for a single-door window, while double-hung windows typically require two panels.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE MEASUREMENTS…

The width of the panels should be about 1.5 to 2 times the width of the window.

That is because curtains should extend beyond the window frame to cover a bit of the wall and, most importantly, have a soft, draped appearance.

Regarding the height (in order to avoid falling into one of the classic mistakes made when decorating), they should be installed at ceiling height or just below it, extending at least to the floor.

In areas with little passage, you can have them lean a little more for an added touch of elegance!

(credits: PianetaDesign.it; Lizzie Mackey)

For these curtains, there are numerous different support options available, such as rods, tracks, or even metal wires.

The choice, naturally, depends on the style you want to achieve!

Even among curtain rods, there is a wide variety: wood, steel, wrought iron, and more.

When selecting a rod, there are other significant accessories to consider, such as finials and, optionally, curtain catchers.

Again, much of this will depend on the style you’re aiming for.

Ornate finials and curtain catchers are better suited for a classic style, while more streamlined options are good for a modern and contemporary look.

ROLLER AND ROMAN CURTAINS

This type of window treatment is very sleek and fits perfectly with contemporary and modern styles.

These curtains gather the fabric at the top of the window, either with smooth panels or by rolling up, similar to outdoor shades.

Roman shades are more decorative because, when you raise them, they form equally spaced folds, creating a sense of movement.

(credits: Maria Nigro; mottura.com)

They can be made from simple semi-filtering fabric or feature colorful patterns and semi-darkening options.

Roller shades can also be dual, with one being semi-transparent and the other being blackout, adjustable independently.

They can even be made from bamboo, making them ideal for a beach home!

(credits: A1 blinds.co.uk; tau.com; blancohnosdecoraciones.com)

Both models can be large, covering the entire window as the drapery curtains.

In this case, you should install them close to the ceiling.

Alternatively, you can mount them at the window frame: more practical for opening and closing the window, but certainly less scenic!

If you opt for large shades that cover the entire window, remember that the shade should be wider than the window and extend a portion onto the wall, at least 15-20 cm on each side.

The window treatments applied directly to the glass work well, especially when paired with drapery curtains!

As for glass applications, there are straight panels or ones that can be gathered at the bottom using a magnet.

Glass applications are particularly suitable for small spaces, such as bathrooms and kitchens, where floor-length curtains may not be as practical.

(credits: TendaTappeti.com; tao.com)

However, if space allows, even in these rooms, you can opt for floor-length drapery curtains.

While it’s true that they may require more frequent cleaning, the dramatic visual impact they create is truly unique!

SLIDING PANEL CURTAINS

This type of curtain fits perfectly with a minimalistic style and is very convenient for huge windows.

They are simple panels, often with a weight bar at the bottom to keep them taut, and they slide horizontally on dedicated tracks (similar to sliding closet doors).

They are straightforward and easy to handle and can become quite decorative when you choose fabrics with patterns!

(credits: Lidia Siragusa; Valeria Bartolo)

One thing to keep in mind when selecting this type of curtain: it’s better to have, if possible, fewer panels that are wider rather than more narrow panels.

The wide panels can also visually expand the room!

Here, as with roller or Roman shades, the curtains should be larger than the window by at least 15-20 cm on each side!

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CURTAINS?

The choice of one type over another should be based on the style and atmosphere you want to create in a space, and you can use each type of curtain in all areas of the house.

When it comes to curtains, try to maintain consistency by using the same type in all rooms to create a cohesive look.

Of course, you can choose to have double drapery in only one room and not throughout the house, but if you opt for drapery, make it drapery everywhere (with exceptions for bathrooms and kitchens), and if it’s roller shades, then go with roller shades anywhere.

In cases where you combine different curtain types, such as having Roman shades on the glass and drapery, you can skip the drapery everywhere else but keep the Roman shades consistent.

I hope this article on how to choose the right curtains has been helpful and enjoyable for you. If so, let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested, I would be honored, and it will help me gain more exposure.

If you feel that your home, or any specific area of it, doesn’t reflect your personality enough, don’t wait any longer and book your consultancy!

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Can we mix different woods in the house?

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I often get this question, “Is it possible to mix different woods in the home?”

When it comes to wood, many people love it but are afraid to use it because they fear unattractive results!

And indeed, they are right: if you are not careful, the risk of chaotic environments is around the corner, but at the same time, using only one type of wood could make the environment definitely monotonous!

We’ve seen it on other occasions (here I talk about it): one of the ways to make a room intriguing is to use contrast because it creates movement, and mixing woods could be one way, and in order not to make a mistake, it’s enough to follow some small “rules.”

First of all, talking about wood, you have to keep in mind that there are two characteristics that you need to consider:

– color or tone

– texture

COLOR OR TONE

Woods can be Warm, Neutral, or Cold.

Warm woods tend to yellow, orange, and red colors; neutral woods tend to beige and cream colors; while cold woods will tend to grays.

Natural oak, hickory, cherry, beech, teak, acacia, and mahogany, are some woods that are part of Warm woods.

Maple, wenge, ash, birch, taupe oak, and dark brown are examples of Neutral woods.

Bleached oak, gray oak, gray elm, white maple, silver oak, and heather are part of the Cold woods.

Each tone, whether warm, neutral, or cool, also has different undertones or brightnesses; that is, it can be more or less intense and saturated!

TEXTURE

Different woods have varied grains, more or less pronounced, and these grains or textures will characterize rooms differently.

Marked grains will make the room more rustic and informal, while finer grains will make the environment more formal and refined.

 

Having made this necessary introduction, let’s see how to combine different woods and achieve harmonious and characteristic settings!

– CHOOSE THE MAIN TONE

The first thing to do is to choose a principal tone for the house, warm, neutral, or cool.

If you already have a parquet floor or a significant piece of furniture, that will be the tone to start with.

Once this is done, you can include other types of wood by following two rules:

1) SAME TONE, DIFFERENT SUBTONES (BRIGHTNESS)

It is the easiest combination: match lighter or darker woods with the same tone.

(credit Studio Mc Gee; Kindred Homestead)

Merely put, combine neutral woods with neutrals, cool ones with cools, and warm with warm.

In the case of warm tones, however, I advise you to avoid mixing woods tending toward red with ones leaning toward yellow because they don’t tie together too well!

Light, medium and dark essences create movement and contrast while maintaining uniformity thanks to the shared tone.

2) TOUCH OF DIFFERENT TONE

This one is a slightly more daring combination, but that can yield beautiful results!

When you decide to mix different tones, remember to dose them well; first of all, don’t mix more than 2, and one of them only as an accent, in small touches.

Compared to the previous combination, the contrast, will be stronger and more visible, so don’t overdo it!

(credit Bandd design-neutral and red warm)

To make the environment more cohesive, repeat this combination at least a couple of times.

– BALANCE

Be careful how you distribute the wood elements in the room; if you group them all only in one place, that area will be relatively heavy.

(credit Milk Magazine; Unisonhome)

That also applies to essences, light and dark, or different tones: distribute them so that there are no unwarranted “assemblages.”

– WATCH OUT FOR THE GRAIN

I said it just before, large grains give the feeling of rustic environments, while finer ones of more formal spaces.

You can mix these too: depending on the atmosphere you want to create, putting different grains together will definitely give the room character!

(credit Zara home; arscity.com)

Again, be sure not to overdo it: choose the primary grain that will give the room style and add a few touches of wood with different grain.

– INTERRUPT

To better match the different woods and harmonize it all, use various elements of disruption.

Rugs, for example, are good allies to soften the different wood tones.

(credit etsy.com: 123design)

If the woods you used are dark, remember to use light tones in the fabrics and other elements, such as the sofa or on the walls. That will help keep the room from being heavy and make it “breathe”!

 

Try to have, if it’s possible, “physical” samples and take them to the rooms where you would like to use them.

That’s because figuring out matches from catalogs is not always easy; it’s better to “touch them with your hands.”

Taking them to the rooms where you would like to use them serves to understand their rendering based on the light present there! The same materials may perform differently depending on the room orientation and the natural and artificial light present!!!

I hope this article was helpful and you love it; in case, let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested, I will be honored, and it will help me get my name out there.

If you feel that your home, or some environment of it, does not reflect you enough, do not wait any longer and book your consultancy!

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Decorating the dining room: 7 must haves!

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Decorating the dining room in the best possible way, even if it is just an area of the living room, is paramount to creating a cozy environment!

The dining area is where you host friends and family to share a good meal together.

It is an indeed important convivial area in the home.

Before considering how to decorate the dining room, the first thing to do is figure out how much space you have for this area: an entire room? A great open space with a living room? Or a small corner of the living area?

1 – CHOOSE THE RIGHT TABLE

This choice is crucial both in terms of style and composition; a good design is about scale, proportions, and balance (I discuss this here).

Compared to its surroundings, a table that is too big or too small will create disharmony!

So here it is once you have identified the space dedicated to the dining area, you will have to figure out the proper size of the table so that it is proportionate to the rest of the room!

(credit belliani.it; blogovin.com)

Having figured out the correct dimensions for the table, you can look for the style and material that best matches the room.

Even if you have an entire room to dedicate to a dining room, try to give continuity of style (or mix of, as always) with the rest of the house.

There must ALWAYS be a common thread.

Of course, this is much more visible if the dining area is in the same room as the living room.

2 – CHANDELIER

Light is essential in any environment; and is no exception in the dining area.

Choosing the right chandelier will serve both the functional level of properly illuminating where you eat and, of course, the aesthetic level.

Peculiar-shaped chandeliers will help draw attention to the dining area by giving it character.

The choice of shape should complement the form of the table: a rounded-shaped chandelier will look very good on a round table, and for a rectangular table will be better an elongated chandelier or a row of chandeliers!

o una fila di lampadari!

(credit maisonsdumonde.com; Noted Design Studio)

When the space is small and, therefore, so will the table, you can also opt to play with several small chandeliers, but placed at different heights.

(credit amazon; living-corriere)

That will avoid putting a visually too heavy chandelier and create movement with a really intriguing composition.

3 – THE CHOICE OF CHAIRS

Until a few years ago, chairs were in agreement with the table, and that’s perfectly fine, we would miss it, but for a more contemporary and extravagant look, you can also think about putting different chairs around the table!

They can be chairs that are all the same but contrast with the table or just chairs that are all different (but have a common thread such as material or color!).

(credit mernee.dk)

If the table is very elaborate or noteworthy, choose simple chairs to lighten it up, but mostly to let the table be the “star.”

(credit diotti.it)

If, on the other hand, you have opted for a very linear and straightforward table, then you can play a little more!

Choosing different chairs is a way to bring different textures, materials, shapes, and colors to your dining room.

If the dining area is in your living room, you can get chairs that can become “multifunctional,” that is, great for sitting at the table and as an extra seat next to the sofa.

4 – WALL DECORATIONS

Don’t underestimate the importance of wall decoration: a painting, a photograph, or a mirror, can change the face of a room.

Art tells a story; the right art can tell YOUR story!

Putting the right piece (or pieces) on the wall will help give character to your dining room, bringing different colors and textures and complementing the room.

It could be something that reminds you of your travels, or could add that perfect splash of color that brightens up the room, or even a stunning mirror that gives the room light and air.

(credit Décor Aid by houzz; homearkansas.com)

It has to be something meaningful to you, and that represents you.

Again, it will be paramount and crucial to consider the right size: a picture that is too small will be lost, and too large will overpower the room, creating disharmony.

If you decide to put several pieces, make them “talk” to each other, either by the same frames, the same subject, or through colors.

Create your composition on the floor first, then make paper cutouts the size of the frames.

Then arrange these cutouts on the wall with paper adhesive to see if it is harmonious and the right size relative to the portion of the wall.

When it is okay, you can plant the nails and replace the paper cutouts with actual frames.

(credit Pinterest)

That will prevent you from needlessly poking holes in the wall and have a perfect composition immediately!

5 – RUGS

Especially if the dining area is in the living room, putting a large rug that “encloses” the table and chairs is a good idea for optically dividing the various zones.

Then the rug is yet another way to bring texture and color into the room.

Again, pay attention to size! The rug needs to accommodate the chairs even when you move them away for seating; otherwise, the risk is tripping over it with the legs.

(credit Metricon by Houzz)

Also, a too small rug will make the dining area look much smaller, and too large will smother the table and chairs!

6 – ACCESSORIES

Accessories such as vases, centerpieces, and tableware help o personalize in addition to decorating your dining room.

Be careful not to overdo it with too many items, as that would make the room too crowded and confusing.

Better a few well-chosen pieces that perfectly match your style and personality.

(credit Etsy.com; Minotti by Houzz)

As you can imagine, these decorations also help you bring in colors, shapes, and textures creating movement and vibrancy.

7 – PLANTS

You imagined it, didn’t you? Plants are always a great way to decorate any room in the house, so, of course, the dining room too!

As I’ve said other times, plants bring us closer to nature, making us feel good.

Plants then make spaces more luxurious and, above all, less cold and impersonal!

Where space does not allow you to put pots on the floor, you can opt for arrangements to put them on the table or on the furniture you have nearby.

(credit freedom.com.au; inspirationformoms.porch.com)

Is there anything else you would add to decorate your dining room? Tell me in the comments!

Is there anything else you would add to decorate your dining room? Tell me in the comment below!

I hope this article was helpful and you love it; in case, let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested, I will be honored, and it will help me get my name out there.

If you feel that your home, or some environment of it, does not reflect you enough, do not wait any longer and book your consultancy!

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Recognize furniture styles to build your own

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I have said it many times, it is difficult for one style alone to represent your unique personality, but recognizing furniture styles is the first step to building your own!

Are you familiar with them?

Today let’s look together at the main styles, their distinctive features, materials, and colors…

Let’s get right into today’s topic and let’s see 12 of the most known styles:

1) TRADITIONAL

It is a timeless and elegant style, that often goes hand in hand with luxury.

Traditional is characterized by significant furniture elements, almost always handcrafted.

The furniture is solid wood, and the sofas and large armchairs are enveloping, all featuring traditional and precious lines.

In addition to wood, very present materials are velvet, satin, glass, and marble.

Colors that fit this style well are neutrals such as beige, creams, grays, and whites.

Accessories that complement this style of decor well are large chandeliers, mirrors, candles, and vases.

(elizahhome.ru)

2) RUSTIC

It is a style that brings back country atmospheres surrounded by nature.

And it is characterized by rough, wooden furniture elements with soft lines made by hand.

These are worn elements with a lived-in air.

In addition to wood, materials are stone, terracotta, exposed sandblasted bricks, wrought iron, and wicker.

A pretty fireplace, or at least a stove, can’t miss!

As for furniture elements, other materials are also rough, or at least do not hide imperfections.

Parquet from very knotty wood, or even terracotta that looks worn by time, or, for walls, chipped bricks will be good allies.

The colors of this style are white, gray, taupe, beige, and yellow.

Accessories that complement well are large rugs, soft plaids, and large baskets.

(Victoria Pearson)

3) MODERN

It is a style that expresses the desire for practical and functional environments and includes all design elements!

Born to break with tradition by introducing materials such as plastic, glass metals, and laminates either as actual furniture elements or to cover wood, giving it shiny and bright finishes.

This style is an unadorned and clean style with furniture that has a significantly less heavy and bulky impact, especially easy to clean.

The furnishings have clean, delicate lines with well-integrated technology to make everything more practical.

Materials found in this style are wood, ceramics, carpet, laminates, lacquered furniture, metal, and suitably treated leather.

The colors in this style are white, black, brown, and gray, brighter colors are also used and perhaps contrasted, but they are never the stars of the room.

They are used on the walls, as upholstery on furniture, and, of course, in accessories and decorations.

(meka.it)

4) CONTEMPORARY

Often confused with modern style because both styles are characterized by simple lines and shapes, contemporary style is defined by the continuous search for innovation.

Furniture is always highly functional, space-saving, and transformable to fit even the smallest spaces.

Characteristics of this style are simplicity, comfort, and attention to aesthetics.

The materials used are innovative but also valuable!

Resin is widely used in this style and also self-repairing materials (thanks to nanotechnology) such as Corian, Laminam, and Fenix.

The colors of this style are neutral, with a preference for black and white.

This style does not like frills, and decorations are kept to a minimum.

A contemporary style home cannot be without home automation for a smart home!

(tomassiniarredamenti.it)

5) INDUSTRIAL

Originated in New York City in the 1950s, when old factories, offices, and business buildings were converted to housing!

It is a style created to enhance those distinctive architectures with peculiar structural elements such as exposed pipes and concrete pillars.

The furnishings are simple and are often salvaged elements, made of aged-looking wood, leather, glass, metal, and copper.

Other typical materials of this style are exposed brick and concrete.

The colors are primary, with lots of white, blue, gray, and black.

Old metal signs and pendant lights of different sizes from the shape of old industrial lighthouses will give that extra something!

(myshambar)

6) SHABBY

It is a romantic style that harkens back to the Provencal countryside.

Shabby is characterized by pickled furniture that is worked to look ruined and give it the allure of lived-in.

They are often salvaged items revisited and redecorated, but even if new, they are worked with the pickling technique to look imperfect.

The most commonly used materials are wood, as we have seen possibly recycled, velvets, and lace.

The most suitable colors are white and pastel shades for a delicate and romantic atmosphere.

(bjurfors.se)

7) SCANDINAVIAN

It is a style very fashionable, thanks, in part, to a famous furniture distributor, let’s not give names: Ikea.

This is a modern style, bright, cozy, simple, and no-frills, but never ordinary.

It focuses on the well-being and simplicity of the home and the pleasure of small things.

The design is simple and straightforward, with much use of natural and lacquered wood.

The colors are neutral and light with shades of pastel.

Candles, fur rugs, soft pillows, and blankets provide the perfect backdrop for this style.

(shutterstock)

8) MINIMALIST

As with Scandinavian is a decorating style that loves simple, clean lines.

Here the unnecessary is absolutely banished, the rule of less is more applies, and even the decorations are few and very simple.

Order and quietness are the basis of this style.

The most commonly used materials are lacquered furniture, glass, steel, and concrete.

The colors are muted, with black and white serving as the base.

Small accents of silver in accessories brighten and complement this style!

(magazine.designbest.com)

9) VINTAGE

It is a style that we could call nostalgic because there is a lot of use of modern antiques and salvaged objects from other eras.

Vintage is definitely a style that helps you express your personality because it allows you to mix shapes and stylistic elements from other ages.

It is a unique decorating style because what you have found and researched in the various markets is unlikely to be there for someone else.

Wood, enamel, velvet, and leather make the most of it.

The colors used are bold colors such as green, orange, and yellow!

Wallpaper, items found in various markets, and colorful decorations are the must-haves of this style.

(shutterstock)

10) BOHO

It is the contraction of the word bohemian and is a “free” style; it is a style with a relaxed mood but also eccentric.

This style does not have many rules and loves the mix and match of materials, textures, and colors.

It has many exotic and extravagant elements combined with the idea of softness and coziness.

Materials such as wood, rattan, cotton, and linen are found in this style.

The colors are solid and bright but start from a neutral base.

Macramé elements, bangs, dream catchers, candles, and lanterns complete this style!

(interiorsonline.com.au)

11) ETHNIC

This style evokes distant lands, especially Africa, Asia, and Central and South America, giving the feeling of always being on the road!

Primary materials of this style are teak and mahogany wood, rattan, linen, rope, raffia, leather, and metals.

The colors are bold, reds, oranges, browns, and greens.

Souvenirs, masks, prints, and all objects reminiscent of that particular land reinforce this style!

(rifaidate.it)

12) ECLECTIC

It is the style for which the watchword is DARE: the limit is imagination!

It is a style that finds inspiration in a multitude of styles, mixing different shapes, colors, and textures.

Diversity is the common thread of this style.

No materials or colors can define this style, and there are no proper “rules”!

But precisely because of the lack of rules, it is one of the most challenging styles because it is easy to fall into kitsch!

(tomassiniarredamenti.it)

These are among the most popular and widely used furniture styles, but they are not the only ones; the glamour style, or Art Deco, comes to mind!

Styles are also frequently divided by geographic areas, as might be the Mediterranean style.

Finally, there are new trends that are becoming popular and perhaps are a reinterpretation and fusion of other furniture styles, such as Japandi, which combines Japanese and Scandinavian!

As said before, it is difficult for one style alone to represent you, but knowing the basics of these styles will enable you to better make the style mix that represents you deeply.

In fact, start with the one closest to your way of being as a base and then add in minor percentage touches of other styles!

A modern traditional, for example, could be predominantly traditional with touches of modern or, conversely, a predominance of modern with small touches of traditional!

(If you want to know more on how to mix style, I talk about it here)

If you have any doubts about how to furnish or revisit your home or even some rooms, please do not hesitate to contact me!

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Decorate the bedroom: here are 10 essential elements!

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It is paramount to decorate the bedroom well because it is the most intimate room in the house and the most important since it is where we rest and thus actually recharge our batteries.

Furniture, colors, textiles, and objects are the means that will help create the atmosphere of our rooms, and in the bedroom, this takes on even more importance.

Today I would like to tell you about 10 essential elements to consider when decorating your bedroom, which will help you feel comfortable and relaxed.

A good night’s sleep will enable you to face each day in the best possible way.

1) CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLORS

I repeat myself, but color plays a really very important role in homes.

Having a psychological implication, choosing the right color becomes crucial; the risk is not feeling comfortable and, in the bedroom, not resting properly!

It is advisable to choose, in the bedroom, colors that relax and soothe.

(Fabmood.com)                                                                               (Fabmood.com)

(Fabmood.com)                                                                               (Fabmood.com)

Earth tones, sand, dusty blues, greens, and soft pinks are colors that suggest tranquility and serenity.

That does not mean having to give up slightly brighter colors, in which case the ideal is to use it as an accent color, perhaps in the bedspread or pillows, while keeping more neutral colors in the rest of the room.

(Apartmenttherapy.com)                                                                   (caldwellflake.com)

2) MIRRORS

The mirror, especially if it is vertical, is functional because it helps you get ready for the day!

It will make the room brighter and airy, making it also look bigger by reflecting light!

It also gives style and character to your bedroom by having different shapes and sizes to choose from!

(coolchicstylefashion.com)                                                                      (songofstyle.com)

3) FRAGRANCES

As said many times, a good design is not limited to the aesthetic part; we need to experience an environment with all 5 of our senses.

The sense of smell is one of them, and it is among the most powerful because scents can influence brain activity.

It is proven that some fragrances bring benefits to our well-being.

A good fragrance in your room may help you fall asleep more easily.

Lavender, vanilla, jasmine, chamomile, bergamot, and rose are among the best essences to promote sleep because they help slow down our nervous system.

Scented candles, diffusers, and flowers are all ways to bring your favorite fragrances into your room.

These then will also be useful to give that extra aesthetic touch to the room.

(Etsy.com)                                                                                     (pfcandleco.eu)

(theoakcollective.com)                                                                               (unsplash.com)

4) CURTAINS

As with the living room, curtains dress the windows, complement the whole, and give warmth.

And again, they will be the best way to introduce colors and patterns!

Curtains also will be beneficial in darkening the room and thus allowing you a better sleep.

If the light is vital during the day, you should know that at night even a little glimmer of it decreases your melatonin intake, ruining your rest.

The ideal to do this is to use two different types of curtains, one light to let light through during the day while maintaining the privacy and one thicker that can darken the room when needed, especially at night.

(estiloydeco.com)                                                                                       (inredningshjalpen.com)

5) PLANTS

Perhaps you, too, grew up with the idea that you can’t keep plants in your room because they absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide!

Whereas, this is not the case!

Because while it is true that they do release carbon dioxide at night, this is so little that it does not have the slightest impact on us (if you make your room a forest, maybe so, but in general…).

The positive effects, on the other hand, are many:

– they absorb harmful substances in your home environment, improving the quality of the air you breathe;

– they have a relevant psychological implications because they make you feel closer to nature…

Aloe vera, spathiphyllum, sansevieria, orchid, pothos, and lavender are ideal for the bedroom.

(@arrowsandapricots)                                                                              (ingredientsldn.com)

The right plant for your bedroom will not only purify the air, making you feel more relaxed and thus promote rest but will give the room freshness and liveliness.

With the right vases, you will also add a touch of design!

6) SOFT TEXTILES

Feeling wrapped and pampered before, during, and after sleep will really make a big difference!

Rugs, pillows, and bedding should feel soft and pleasant to the touch to make you 100% relaxed and always comfortable.

(cottage-bound.com)                                                                      (cottage-bound.com)

Adding a blanket, almost thrown in, adds warmth, softness, and color!

7) WARM LIGHT

Light is, of course, super important in every room of the house, but it takes on a prominent role, especially in the bedroom.

Warm, soft, indirect light is ideal for creating an intimate and relaxing atmosphere.

For this room, you should choose bulbs with a warm color temperature of around 2700 degrees kelvin (if you want to learn more, I talk about lighting and color temperature here)

For the bedside lamps, prefer those with shades that can soften the light and bulbs with not too high lumens-you only need them for reading, not for lighting the whole room!

(Adrienne DeRosa ph)                                                                      (dserbadesign.com)

8) ONE MORE SEAT

An extra seat near or at the foot of the bed increases the functionality of your bedroom while also helping to add color and material.

You can use it for seating when you need to put on socks or shoes or to prop up an outfit without having to lean it against the bed: that’s for sleeping!

(cityfarmhouse.com)                                                                                 (mydomaine.com)

A bench, armchair, or pouf will then give that extra touch that will give character to your room.

9) STORAGE ITEMS

Clutter is definitely anti-aesthetic, so storage elements are really essential.

I’m not just talking about the closet, or the walk-in closet, for the lucky ones, but also dressers, nightstands, and why not storage benches and ottomans.

That will help to store as many things as possible, leaving the room looking large and tidy.

            

(jacquelynclark.com)                                                                (weswingnow.it)

Also, aesthetically, they will add color and material, as said in the previous point, and could be special pieces that will make your room truly unique.

10) PERSONAL DECORATIONS

Last but not least, make the space truly yours by using decorations and objects that represent you.

The personal touch can never be lacking, least of all in the bedroom, to make the environment familiar and intimate.

Photographs, paintings, souvenirs, books, and various objects that have value to you are ideal for leaving your mark on your room.

They can be the unique piece, the focal point that attracts the eye, or somehow merged by picking up colors and shapes in other parts of the bedroom.

(etsy.com)                                                                                                     (society19.com)

Would you add something to decorate the bedroom?

Let me know in the comments!

If you have any doubts or need help don’t hesitate to contact me!

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The 10 things you must never miss to decorate the living room

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Today I would like to see how best to decorate the living room since it is one of the areas of the house we live in most and is where we receive guests.

The living room should represent us, and be inviting and comfortable.

To do this: there are at least 10 things you can’t miss to decorate your living room beyond the style, or mix of styles, you choose.

Let’s see them together in today’s video!

1) SOMETHING ALIVE

Every living room should have green plants.

Not only do they make the environment more inviting, luxurious, and cozy, but they are also highly beneficial in terms of health by absorbing harmful substances.

(If you are interested, here you can find my interview with Simona Borgia: aka Nina urban gardener)

Plants help give that warm touch to the room.

It also has a psychological function: it makes you feel more in touch with nature making you happier.

If you have a black thumb or think you do, you should know that there are many kinds of plants, and some are really easy to care for (again, in the video, Simona tells about this).

Plants with colorful flowers will also give a touch of color that doesn’t hurt.

Also, depending on their size or the type of pot you choose, the plants can be actual decorations!

    

(Brianne Penney)                                                                            (decor.by.dp)

    

(thevintagerugshop.com)                                                                          (pure salt interiors)

2) A COMFORTABLE RUG

A soft rug with colors and patterns that match the style of the rest of the room will help warm the room.

Its softness underfoot will help you relax.

Good design is not only about aesthetics; but also about how you experience it and “taste” it with all your senses, including touch.

All to create cozy, intimate, and comfortable settings.

You should always feel welcomed and comfortable!

Pay attention to its size: it must accommodate the sofa and any armchairs or ottomans, creating a kind of environment within the environment; this will help create atmosphere.

   

(etsy.com)                                                                                         (mcgeeandco.com)

                 

(mk.nordik)                                                                                              (thelilypadcottage.com)

3) A COFFEE TABLE

With the right color, shape, and size, the coffee table will be the link between the various elements of the room and make it more complete.

If you then put together several coffee tables, different in color or shape, you will create original compositions that can give that extra touch to your living room!

It also will be really very functional, because you can place decorative objects on it, and/or trays with food for your guests.

           

(halfwaywholeistic.com)                                                                              (livingspaces.com)

                    

(settingforfour.com)                                                                                    (wallmart.com)

4) SOMETHING PERSONAL

It is necessary to put something personal so that you always feel represented and at ease.

Without these, the room may be beautiful, but definitely colder and less inviting!

It can be anything from your favorite books to photographs or paintings, a vacation memory in short, something that has deep meaning for you.

They will give an idea of your personality!

     

(desenio.com)                                                                                               (jessannkirby.com)

              

(justagirlblog.com)                                                                                     (urbanoutfitters.com)

5) CURTAINS.

Curtains complete the room and give it character by introducing different colors and wanting patterns.

Remember to hang them high, just below the ceiling, to not suffocate the room, because otherwise, they will shrink it (this is one of the mistakes usually made decorating a home, here I tell about the others too!).

    

(amber interiors)                                                                                        (next.co.uk)

             

(pinimg.com)                                                                                       (pinterest.com)

6) PILLOWS.

Adding pillows to your sofa has a dual function:

– comfort -> when you sit down, you may need extra support for your back, or maybe you want to take a nap, and it’s helpful to be able to use something soft and cozy!

– decorate -> in fact, with pillows, you add textiles, patterns, and colors, giving a bit of liveliness and movement.

All without huge “commitments”: the pillows are indeed easily changed.

You may want to change the pillows slipcovers for each season, giving your living room a new look each time!

    

(house-nerd.com)                                                                                       (mcgeeandco.com)

    

(studio megee)                                                                                         (studio megee)

7) MIRRORS.

Mirrors add style and elegance to the living room.

Not only, if properly placed, they optically expand the space, but more importantly, brightness by reflecting light!

They can be placed anywhere, even on the floor, if very large!

           

(Lauren Miller; design Meg Cassidy creative)                                        (sawdust2stitches.com)

    

(Vanessa Valderrama)                                                                               (westingnow.it)

8) VASES.

Vases are versatile objects; they can be used alone or with a flower arrangement.

You can find them made of a variety of materials, such as glass, terracotta, or metal, and can also have very different shapes and sizes.

They add color and movement to the environment, or they can be perfect allies to create harmony and balance, which are basic concepts for decorating the home: I talk about them here!

            

(H&M home)                                                                                                   (Orsipanosinteriors.com)

               

(cooee.se)                                                                                           (sfgirlbybay.com )

Finally, although they may not seem essential, there are still 2 things that, if used to decorate the living room, will give it warmth and coziness:

9) CANDLES.

Candles help to warm the room and make it more intimate and inviting.

And since to experience it at its best, you have to live space with all your senses, using scented candles will help even more to make you feel comfortable and relaxed!

    

(blondieinthecity.com)                                                                 (hudsonhome.co.uk)

                

(hudsonhome.co.uk)                                                                              (my-furniture.com)

10) BLANKETS.

Adding blankets just placed right on the sofa, almost as if they were thrown, again helps warm the room.

They are perfect for adding color and a different texture to the sofa.

Like pillows, they are easily changeable depending on the season and, except in summer, can wrap and warm you up while watching a movie or reading a book!

       

(carollefortin.com)                                                                         (casafacile.it)

   

(house beautiful)                                                                                      (whitepicketfarmhouse.com)

Would you add something to decorate your living room?

Let me know in the comments!!!

For any doubt don’t hesitate to contact me!

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