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A pet-friendly home is not always easy to achieve!

You have to succeed in balancing good design well with functionality and ease of cleaning!

Dog and cat, especially, have now become actual members of our families and share everything with us!

It is paramount, therefore, to ensure that everything is comfortable for them without necessarily giving up good design!

– CREATE AREAS FOR THEM

It is essential, even for them, to have different functionalities well separated!

Then identify where to create for your pet the area to eat, the one to sleep, another to play, and for cats the zone to keep the litter box!

Those will be dedicated areas designed just for them!

Also think about having the necessities to clean up your 4-legged friend when you come home after a walk.

Of course, he won’t wipe his paws on the doormat, so you will need to clean him a bit to prevent him from bringing all the dirt into the house, especially if you allow him to get on the couch or bed!

(credits: Roy Beeson; crateandbarrel.com)

– USE THE RIGHT FABRICS

When you have pets at home, one essential thing is to use suitable fabrics for sofas, armchairs, and beds!

For sofas, it is ideal to have removable covers so you can wash them regularly.

However, look for stain-resistant fabrics that are easy to clean, scrub, or vacuum!

Nowadays, there are some really high-performance materials; usually, they are fabrics with synthetic fibers interwoven with natural ones.

Other suitable fabrics may be leather and microfiber.

Seek fabrics with very dense fibers: they will be much less easily ruined by dog and/or cat nails!

You can also put throw blankets on both the couch and bed to protect them a bit!

(credits: doitbutdoitnow.de; 78.media.tumblr.com)

– CURTAINS

If you have puppies, especially cats, drapery curtains may not be the best solution, at least not at first.

You could opt for panel or packet glass curtains and then, at a later date, add, if you like, drapery, perhaps open at the sides.

Packet curtains could also be helpful for allowing your “furry” to look outside, something they love to do, especially when you are away from home.

(credits: twotwentyone.net; Lisa Plummer)

– RUGS

When you have pets in your home, rugs can be a problem because, in addition to collecting their fur, they can be easily ruined by their nails.

So you will need to look for durable and easy-to-clean rugs; one solution might be to buy outdoor ones.

They are designed to withstand the weather; they will resist better than normal ones to our 4-legged friends!

Another solution might be rugs that we can call “patchwork,” that is, they are rugs formed by the union of rug loons.

The beauty of these rugs is that you can make them the size you want, but more importantly, you can replace the ruined pieces without needing to change everything!

(If you want to learn more about rugs, I talk about them here!)

(credits: floor.com)

– FLOORING

For floors, the same considerations made for textiles and rugs apply; the choice should also be made toward durable materials.

For sure, one of the best materials could be porcelain tile.

In addition to being durable, they will also need to be easy to clean!

Also, choose a color that “camouflages” the stains well!

(If you have to choose floors and you’re in a bit of a crisis, I talk about it here!)

(credits: flooringamericachampaign.com)

– FURNITURE

Again, the trick is to buy furniture that is durable and easy to clean!

You should avoid wood so cats don’t get their nails on it and dogs don’t bite them!

For cats, one trick might be to put a scratching post next to anything you care about that they might scratch: they will tend to use the scratching post and not the furniture!

(credits: bestdograincoats.com; cuckoo4design.com)

– PLANTS

As we always say, plants are vital in the home because they purify the air, bring beauty, and make us feel close to nature!

However, when you have pets, especially puppies, you must be careful because they might eat some leaves.

The problem is that some plants for animals can be toxic, so best to ask your vet!

(credits: emilieeats.com; missmv.com)

– CHOOSE ACCESSORIES PROPERLY

When choosing accessories for your dog or cat, remember the color palette and style you’ve decided on for your home, and try to stick with those choices as much as possible!

That will allow you to maintain harmony in your rooms, and even these accessories will, somehow, seem to be part of the decor!

Always arrange the various toys together to avoid visual clutter: you can collect them, for example, in baskets, which are always pretty to see!

As for cat litter, there are also litter boxes disguised as cabinets on the market.

It could be an original and visually less “invasive” solution!

(credits: Rejuvenation; wayfair.com)

– BEWARE OF FRAGILE THINGS

I have read several times that when you have pets, you should give up having fragile objects and avoid having knick-knacks.

Now it’s true, dogs wag their tails, and cats jump all over the place, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up anything!

Now we know that one should never overdo it, but if there are objects you care about, even if they are fragile, and you want to make your compositions DO IT!

There’s a simple trick, which I’ve already talked about in “Home decorating tricks” (you can find it here): it is enough to block these items with wax or double-sided tape!

That’s what they do in museums, to protect the various artworks!

(credits: Amazon)

– PERFUME

No matter how clean they are, pets smell; it is normal!

You may not notice it anymore because you have become used to it, but those who may come to visit you will feel it!

Since washing them every three for two is not healthy, it will be necessary to provide room perfuming.

Obviously, the first thing is to air often and clean, but even adding perfumers such as scented candles or essential oil vaporizers can be a good idea.

Use natural products, but again, as with plants, ask your vet because not all essences are suitable for pets.

(credits: edensgarden.com; ilovepaket.com)

– LITTLE TRICK

Whether for floors or rugs and textiles, use the colors of your pet’s fur…

It seems like a trifle, but by doing so, the fur will be less visible, saving you from having to go crazy cleaning up every day!

In the case of a “multicolor” pet, use patterns: this will camouflage the fur too!

(credits: the-sun.com)

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!

It is increasingly easy nowadays to find houses where you enter DIRECTLY into the living area and therefore it’s important creating an entrance area where, in fact, there is none!

Let’s look together at some ideas for doing this; it goes without saying that a lot will depend on the configuration of the room!

– USE FURNITURE

I’ve talked about this in other videos: we tend to place furniture against the wall, often missing out on incredible opportunities!

You may find that positioning the sofa differently so that it has its back, facing front or side, to the front door creates a more intimate conversation area.

The sofa at that point would act as a divider between the entrance and the living room, and behind it, you could place a console table that would serve as a countertop for the entrance!

(credits: midcentury585.com; girlmeetsgold)

If the living room is developed right in front of the door, you could put a piece of furniture, maybe double-sided, right in front of the door, leaving the passage to the sides, obviously!

That will be functional for both rooms, demarcate the areas and screen the living room a bit!!!

(credits: graziani-dicembrino)

When the living room should develop sideways, you can take advantage of the front or side wall for a console table and mirror, and perhaps, on the other side, an open bookcase, acting as a “broadside”!

You could choose it low so that it doesn’t block the eye at all, and to have an extra tabletop, but you could also decide to get a full-height one to screen a bit more.

(credits: studioblitz.com; amiel.club)

– VERTICAL DIVIDERS

Still looking at separating the entrance a bit from the rest of the living room, it might be a good idea to use proper dividers.

It could be a small wall, perhaps drywall, at full height to act as a shim, and that is functional for the entrance, so with shelves or, if the depth allows, even with doors, to serve as a closet for coats and bags.

(credits: homebook.pl; redesignhome.co)

If you want something less invasive, you can think of small walls made of wooden slats or glass so that as much light as possible can pass through.

The latter perhaps surmounting a small wall at half height.

In all cases, you could put a small bench or console leaning against these dividers that will be very useful as well as decorative.

(credits: lemayr-thomas.com; teste.com.ar)

Do you have a pillar nearby? Why not take advantage of it?

Depending on the distance to the wall, you can put shelves or a cabinet or close it with sheetrock creating a niche!

If you want more ideas on how to hide or at least disguise a pillar, I’ve talked about it here.

(credits: Heimai; femkeido.nl)

– USE COLOR AND MATERIAL CHANGE

Another good way to create an entryway when it gives directly into the living room is to have different flooring and/or make a small suspended ceiling, perhaps with spotlights.

The latter is also very functional for proper lighting of that area.

The change of material creates a barrier that unconsciously demarcates spaces.

(credits:living corriere; cose di casa)

You may also decide to use the color-blocking technique and paint the wall or the piece of it that serves as the entrance differently from the rest.

All you need on that wall is a small shelf and a mirror, and you’re done!

(credits: behance.net; @meu.alugado)

START FROM THE BASE AND PLAY WITH THE FLOOR PLAN!

The essentials for an entryway are a countertop so you can “empty your pockets” when you return, a mirror, and a couple of hooks for coats and bags.

That is the basis from which to start and for which a small portion of the wall is really all that is needed.

From there, depending on the size and shape of the room, you can add a closet or a bench to embellish and make the entrance even more functional!

(I talk in detail about entrance here!)

(credits: rooneyclothing.com; homeyohmy.com)

As always, what will make the difference is good design!

It is essential to evaluate the spaces and how to arrange the furniture so that all areas are functional.

As I always say thus, it is paramount to play with the floor plan by drawing furniture to scale or to use paper tape and drawing pieces of furniture on the floor!

Visualizing remains one of the best ways to avoid making mistakes and understand whether you are furnishing in the best way for your needs!

By trying and trying again, you might even discover solutions that, at first glance, you would never have thought possible!

(credits: Gaia Miacola Architetto; TiredBee)

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!

Today I want to write a different article, linking back to a comment that was written under one of my videos, to warn you about all the given interior design advice, even my own!

No, I’m not losing my mind: the problem, of course, is not with the advice itself but with how ones follow it!

The temptation is to take what is said as, grant me the term, “pure gold”, and then follow it through regardless!

COPYING THE ADVICE COULD BE DETRIMENTAL!

But in doing so, there is a risk of not having a home that really represents you!

The principle is the same as what I explained when I said that “decorating by copying from magazines could be detrimental…

The house is YOUR house and should be furnished according to YOUR needs, which are different from anyone else’s!

Good design, I often say, is not only about aesthetics but also, and I would say especially, about functionality!

Having a beautiful house, a cover house, but not functional for how you live it, will NOT make you feel comfortable!

The advice that all my colleagues and I give is general advice dictated by our studies, experiences, styles, and trends, and also by the culture and environment in which we live.

They are professional advice, yes, but as just said, generic, that is, suitable on paper for everyone but not designed for you specifically.

Moreover, excluding the 6 basic concepts and the focal point, on which I would say we all agree, you might also find different ideas: it is normal and understandable; who is right? Who’s wrong? Everyone and no one!

DECLINE THEM ACCORDING TO YOUR NEEDS!

So here it becomes really very important to take these tips and declutter them to your own needs!

It might also happen that an idea you love very much, unfortunately, for a thousand reasons, is not feasible at all in your home, at least not as it was said!

But, when even the idea that caught your eye is actualizable, in addition to pleasing aesthetically, always be sure to ask yourself whether it is functional for your everyday life.

In the comment I mentioned earlier, the girl explained how she had to do things differently than I had related because of very peculiar needs.

She was really good at managing the various ideas she had heard and seen (not just from my channel, of course), modifying them to combine aesthetics with the functionality needed for her life!

That is the proper spirit with which to take the various interior design tips and bring them into one’s home.

EXPERIMENT WITHOUT FEAR

Don’t be afraid to experiment you may even find that for you, the ideal is actually the opposite of what has been said!

In the end, who has the right to say if something is right or wrong? If you like something and it makes you feel good, the problem doesn’t really exist!

For you, probably everything I just said is absolutely normal; it has never crossed your mind to follow step by step the various advice you hear and see, in case I am happy about it.

But I felt the urge anyway to “put you on notice” because I really care so much that you can have your dream home, don’t blame me!

Then if general advice is not enough for you, if you want extra security and help, you can always request a consultancy!

In this case, all ideas and suggestions will be specific to you and your needs!

If you want to do this consultancy with me, you can contact me: I will be glad to help you!

Who doesn’t love the idea of having a luxurious and sophisticated living room?

But is it necessary to spend crazy amounts of money to have such a living room?

No! It is not mandatory: some tips and tricks will help to achieve great results without having to “splurge”!

Let’s see them together

1 – COLORS: START FROM A NEUTRAL BASE

Luxurious environments, regardless of style, have in common that they use neutral colors, at least as a base.

Neutrals make spaces relaxing, elegant, and sophisticated, and because of their versatility, they match any style!

Use neutrals for walls, floors, and larger furnishings, then give them a pop of color with smaller furnishings and decorations!

I remember that when I talk about neutrals, I am not just talking about white, gray, and beige, but any color to which a lot of white (to get a light neutral) or a lot of black (for a dark neutral) is added.

Adding white or black to the color will allow color lovers to not give it up!

The neutrals thus obtained will lose their exciting component but will maintain the mood of that color that will still remain in the background.

If you want to learn more about neutral colors, I describe them in detail here!

(credits: rh.com; interiorbutikker.no)

2 – BOISERIE AND MOLDINGS

Moldings on the walls help give some movement and depth to the room, especially when you have neutral-colored walls.

They also provide textures and warmth, make the room more “rich”, and create visual interest.

Simple and linear moldings go very well with modern or contemporary styles but also with the minimalist one.

The slightly more elaborate ones will go better with the classic style!

You can use low paneling, about a meter high, this has a high visual impact giving importance to the room, especially if colored differently from the wall.

If you make this paneling a little overhanging, you can use this shelf to put decorative objects or frames on it!

Alternatively, but also in addition, you can use full-wall moldings to create frames that will give a very stylish and sophisticated effect.

It is better, in this case, to keep the same color between the wall and the boiserie.

(credits: Sergey Krasyuk; leroymerlin.fr)

– CREATE A FOCAL POINT

The focal point is an essential element in interior design: it catches the eye by creating visual interest!

It is always relevant, but it becomes even more so when you want to make your environments sophisticated and luxurious!

In the living room, the focal point can be the sofa wall or, if well-designed, the TV wall!

For the lucky ones, of course, it could be a beautiful fireplace or a window with a stunning view.

It must be something that “dominates” the rest of the room and around which everything else revolves.

You can use a different wall color to make what is placed next to it stand out.

You could also use a particular wallpaper, a large mirror, or an important painting.

The focal point doesn’t need to be the wall; it could be the sofa itself or a piece of furniture perhaps of particular value (not necessarily economic value!)

(credits: Shiri Ganesh Home Solutions; Etsy- ArttideArt)

4 – CONTRASTING SEAT

Buying coordinated furniture, we have seen it before, is a “mistake” that people often make, for fear of making a wrong…

So people often buy the sofa-armchair set and, in fact, miss out on great opportunities.

For a more luxurious, sophisticated, and studied living room, it is a good thing to have one or two seats contrasting with the sofa.

Different shapes, textures, and colors will break the monotony and make the environment even more interesting, giving it character.

If the seat is totally different from the sofa, “justify” it by picking up the color in the covers of the decorative pillows: this will harmonize the whole thing!

(credits: article.com; textureliving.com)

5 – MIRRORS (AND PICTURES)

Mirrors amplify space and natural light, making the environment more refined, elegant, and luxurious.

Ideally, put them near a window to amplify the light as much as possible; however, be careful what it reflects, that it is a tidy area, or you will duplicate the clutter!

Dare with even oversized mirrors resting on the floor: you’ll give an extra touch of character; by doing so, the mirror could become the focal point of the living room!

That also applies to paintings: compositions of several small-medium-sized paintings are all right, but if you want something to make the living room look more luxurious and sophisticated, then dare with large ones!

They have a higher visual impact and make the environment less stuffy, more linear, and clean!

(credits: living-corriere; Meridiani living)

6 – CURTAINS

Curtains, in general, dress a home by bringing warmth, texture, and color.

They become significant when you want to add a touch of elegance and luxury to your living room.

They don’t have to be super expensive because it’s their scenic effect that changes the perception of the environment!

The best choice, in this case, is drapery curtains, perhaps a double curtain, with a filter curtain and a blackout curtain always open at the sides.

The double curtain brings a bit of contrast and color, making the living room even more elegant and luxurious.

For a perfect result, the rod should be as close to the ceiling as possible to enhance the heights and give more breathing space to the window.

When ceilings are really very high, the rod should still be placed at least 15-20 cm above the window.

It is also important that the stick is wider than the window by at least 10 cm on each side so that the curtain, when open, does not block the passage of light.

The curtain then can rest lightly on the ground or barely touch it; short curtains shrink the room and look “unfinished”!

(credits: pinimg.com; Tom Stringer)

7 – RUGS

I know this point is controversial because many people do not like rugs, yet, in the living room, it is an essential element to make it elegant and sophisticated.

The rug brings warmth and texture, but most importantly, it ties the elements together!

A large rug that encloses the sofa, seats, and coffee and side tables will create a conversation area, a more intimate and welcoming environment.

I’m talking about rugs here!

(credits: theblushhome.com; @homepolish)

8 – PILLOWS

Dressing the sofa with some decorative pillow (and maybe a blanket) is extraordinary for a luxurious living room!

The pillows, such as the curtains and the rug, bring texture and color, and this creates rhythm and contrast.

It is important to alternate between large patterns, solid colors, smaller patterns, and even geometric designs (I’m talking about how to mix patterns here).

Also, use different textures by alternating smoother fabrics with rougher and more worked ones; this tip will make the sofa look more sophisticated and elegant.

A little trick for pretty puffy pillows: get the inside of a material that can be easily “molded” like down and then always take it a little larger than the lining (example: 45×45 pillow with 40×40 lining).

(credits: studio mcgee; french.alibaba.com)

9 – LIGHTS

Artificial lighting will play a significant role in the final result!

First of all, there must be good general light for visual comfort, but ambient and task lights (perhaps near the sofa for reading) should still be added to the general one.

Having multiple types of light helps create contrast and depth.

Where possible, use dimmable lights to manage the intensity of the light as needed!

Then, in choosing lights, be daring, as with mirrors and pictures: get large, distinctive chandeliers or floor lamps that immediately grab attention!

(credits: nomadbubbles.com; Bronxes Studio)

10 – SEARCH FOR PARTICULAR ITEMS

When looking for decorative accessories, avoid ordinary objects; instead, search for unique and out-of-the-ordinary items.

For example, look for vases and candle holders with unusual shapes and finishes.

Buy also trays and create inside your compositions: giving it a sort of border, you will set it more importance.

Remember to create compositions with an odd number of objects, which have different heights and sizes, and distinct colors and finishes.

Another trick that gives a touch of sophistication and luxury is to use, here and there, the principle of symmetry; for example, on the sideboard, you could put two equal lamps on the sides and a beautiful central painting.

It is not to be done constantly and at all costs: on the contrary, it would become boring, but the principle of symmetry immediately gives the impression of something sophisticated!

(credits: etsy.com; east.co.uk)

(credits:pinimg.com;sarahshermansamuel.com)

11 – PLANTS, FLOWERS, BRANCHES, AND ESSENCES

Plants bring a touch of nature into the house, and this is really very important; they also purify the air and elevate the perception of the environment!

They immediately give that touch of elegance and sophistication!

Fresh flowers are also great, but for a more low-cost elegant effect, you can also decorate with branches!

Even these bring movement and freshness with simplicity!

The perception of spaces is not only visual but also concerns what we feel with touch and smell.

The scents of fresh flowers immediately elevate the perception of the environment, but of course, you can also help yourself with candles and diffusers.

Perfumes do not have to be aggressive, it goes without saying, but adding them in the living room will immediately make it more refined and luxurious.

(credits: @homepolish; tileclub.com)

12 – ORDER!

It seems obvious, but clutter is the exact opposite of luxury, even the visual one: a living room too full of things is not good.

We need to embrace a little more of the rules of minimalism, including “less is more”!

Then use storage furnishing to store things that are too much!

Poufs, coffee tables, benches, or baskets are excellent allies for this purpose.

(credits: coffeetableonline.com; wallmart.ca)

I hope this article was helpful and you loved 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 bedroom, or some other room in the house, does not reflect you enough, don’t wait any longer and book your consultation, all you need to do is contact me!

A couple of weeks ago, we saw how to combine different woods in the home (you can find it here); today, I’d like to share with you how matching various metals too!

Metals have the ability to bring light, depth, and character to rooms while also bringing that touch of luxury!

In the home, metal parts are often in the details:

– cabinet and closet handles;

– door and window handles;

– faucets;

– legs of chairs/tables and coffee tables;

– chandeliers;

– household items

it often happens, for this reason, that we are not careful in matching them and end up perhaps with many different metals in the same room.

Fortunately, let’s face it, most of the time, since they are small details, it does not immediately fall to the eye if there is some “confusion” in these elements and if they do not always go well together.

Yet details, we have said a thousand times, can make a difference and, if well thought out, can elevate the perception of environments.

If the “clutter” doesn’t immediately fall to the eye, the correct pairing will!

There are really many different metals: gold, silver, bronze, brass, copper, corten, steel, etc.

varietà di metalli

They can also have different finishes: they can, for example, be shiny, matte, satin, or brushed.

Each of these metals has its own specific color, and steel can also be colored; you can find it mainly in white and black.

In short, you can understand that the combinations can be really many and that putting them all in the same room can become a bit “too much”!

At the same time introducing only one metal in the house could be “boring”!!!

So let’s see the best ways to combine different metals to give character to your rooms!

1) CHOOSE THE STYLE YOU WANT TO GIVE TO YOUR ENVIRONMENTS.

As seen before, metals are many and also have many different finishes.

Each of them goes better with a particular style: steel, for example, is not the best in the rustic style; it’s better in a modern or contemporary style.

2) COMBINE A MAXIMUM OF 3 DIFFERENT METALS!

If a room is small, perhaps it is better to combine a maximum of 2 different metals, while you can go up to 3 in larger rooms.

In the case of mixing 2 metals, you can do it in two ways:

– balance the two metals by giving them equal importance, so put the same amount.

– choose one primary metal and put the second one only as an accent metal.

(Credit: Studio Mcgee; beckiowens.com)

In the case of matching three, you cannot give equal importance to everything, so you have to choose the metal you want to be “dominant.”

Then choose a second metal that complements the dominant metal in a less overbearing way and, finally, a third metal that is the extra “touch,” the accent color that draws the eye!

mix a tre metalli: uno principale e gli altri in dosi minori

(Credit Studio Mcgee)

The choice of the dominant metal should be made in accordance or contrasting color with the rest of the environment.

3) USE CONTRASTING METALS

putting different metals that, however, have the same color, such as aluminum and steel, will not create contrast and will not make a real mix of metals be perceived.

mettere metalli in contrasto per interesse visivo

(Credit @lindyegalloway; simplenaturedecorblog.com)

Choose metals with contrasting colors to create movement and visual interest.

Possibly use the same metal for all elements that have the same function.

For example, in one bathroom, use the same metal for all the faucets and another for all the towel and roll holders, and a third for the handles.

That creates harmony!

4) BALANCE THE DIFFERENT METALS

As with woods, avoid creating groups of the same metal separated by other metals; instead, try not to put elements of the same metal too close together.

For example, still in the bathroom, if you have a steel faucet, avoid putting the mirror of the same finish: put it instead in brass!

non mettere gli stessi metalli tutti vicini, evita assembramenti

(credit Lindye Galloway Interiors; maisondepax.com)

Also, repeat this choice several times, for example, in cabinet handles or lights.

5) CHOOSE THE RIGHT FINISH

We have seen it before, the same metal can have different finishes, and each metal will have a different impact depending on the finish you choose.

Choose the finish that best matches your style and personality!

 

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!

Furnishing your home is exciting and thrilling, but it’s easy to run into common mistakes that will then make the result not quite what you imagined!

Today I would like to talk about what to do when you decide to furnish your home, giving you four helpful tips to succeed in having the home of your dreams.

Now you know, I’ve said it several times: it is necessary to have a detailed project, even when you have to “only” furnish; if not, the risk is to buy impulsively things that you like but then do not fit with the rest!

So let’s see 4 steps to take to baste a project and avoid mistakes!

1 – DEFINE YOUR STYLE AND YOUR NEEDS:

It seems like a trifle, but we don’t always think deeply about our needs and what we really want and need.

Yet an environment becomes truly special when it reflects the particular personality of the person who inhabits it!

Everyone is unique, and we experience home differently based on who we are and our habits.

So here is where it becomes relevant to know what we like, but more importantly, what is really functional for our daily lives.

So the first thing to do is to evaluate the functional aspects of the spaces you have:

– how do you use that particular space?

– What do you need to make sure that you are comfortable performing various tasks?

Once you have identified these two things in detail, it is a good idea to make a list of what and how much furniture you need and decide where to place it so that it will be functional.

NOW YOU CAN MOVE ON

Next you can move on to aesthetics, thinking about what style or mix of styles you would like in your home to feel good.

To do this, you can take inspiration from the Internet (we know Pinterest is an inexhaustible source) and/or magazines

Be careful not to “copy” the settings you see that attract you; this could be detrimental (I explained this in this video).

Ask yourself what you are drawn to and like about those settings:

– color palette

– textures

– materials

– lighting

– style…

(credit mk.nordic)

When you understand and are clear about your preferences, you can really start to get more into the details.

An important thing to do is to organize the ideas and, especially, to see that all the inspirations we have chosen can match each other.

One effective way is to create a mood board where you put everything that attracts you: furniture, objects, textiles, colors, everything.

There are many ways to do that: for example, you can do it with Canvas or even simply using PowerPoint.

Mood boards are used to visualize all the ideas effectively: everything is packed together in one sheet.

What you need to check is whether the final result is pleasing and harmonious and whether everything fits together perfectly.

If not, you can always make adjustments and avoid buying things that won’t fit later!

2 – CHOOSE THE COLOR PALETTE

In recent years the trend in home colors is to use hues that bring back nature and warm neutrals.

But this doesn’t necessarily fit you! You have to choose the one that you feel most can represent your personality and makes you feel good.

(credit Fab mood)

The palette you choose will also serve as a guide when choosing furniture, as well as textiles, lamps, and various decorations!

To do this, start with the details of the room, such as the floor, the finishes, such as windows and doors, and the type of light, natural and artificial present.

I recommend choosing neutral colors as a general base and then the color(s) (without overdoing it) you will want to use to define the color palette.

Remember that the same color can then be used with different saturations creating movement even with one color.

(credit annabellkutucu.com)

Of course, the palette may change a bit over time, but it is paramount to have it to understand whether a particular item you would like to buy is in harmony with the whole!

Having clear ideas about colors and materials is absolutely essential to having a harmonious and cohesive home.

3 – LIGHTING PROJECT

Light plays a crucial role in decorating your home because, depending on how it is designed, it can change the face of the room.

You may have studied and chosen the best aesthetic and decided on the best color palette, but if you get the light wrong, the result will be compromised.

Why is light so important?

Because it can change the way we perceive spaces and especially how we can feel inside them.

Good light will enhance the colors chosen and the furnishings present, as well, because it defines the volumes and creates movement and depth through light-shadow contrasts.

(credit Tadao Ando)

That makes spaces definitely more appealing and aesthetically pleasing!

(credit Mantellassi)

In a video, I explained in detail how to best light each room by describing the various types of lighting and how to choose the right color temperature for the bulbs (you can find it here)

– DON’T MISS THE DETAILS

Details make a difference and should be studied.

By details, I mean, for example, the door and cabinet handles the faucets, and architectural details that may already be present or that you may want to add.

(Credits: hprnj.com; sustainablekitchens.co.uk; styleathome.com)

(credits: Kevin Whatley; gessi.com; Kraus USA)

(Credit Eleonora Giacopetti)

These details, well thought out, will enhance your rooms!

Even in fashion, clothes are enhanced with a few details, such as a belt, a brooch, or particular jewelry, when you wear them.

Details will help add personality and style to your home, making an ordinary space into something fabulous!

Of course, these details must match your chosen style and color palette to maintain balance and harmony.

Carefully following these 4 steps will allow you to make conscious and focused choices for a home that represents you in depth and where you will always feel comfortable!

One last tip: when shopping for your home, always carry the mood board you created with you, so you will avoid buying things that don’t fit, somehow ruining all the work done!!!

I hope the article was helpful and you loved it; in case, in the comments!

Please feel free to share this article with someone you think might be interested in the topic, I will be honored, and it will help me grow my channel!

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!

How to furnish a mansard?

Living in a mansard has a certain charm because of its unusual shape, but for the same reason, decorating it is not so easy!

Today let’s see together some tips and tricks to make attic rooms comfortable!

Before we get into today’s topic, let’s make a little history: the mansard and this term come from the French word “mansarde,” which in turn comes from the name of the architect François Mansart (1598-1666) who first designed this type of housing.

There are pros and cons to having a mansard room or apartment

Pros:

– it is an original and striking environment because of the sloping ceilings, often with exposed beams;

– thanks to the skylights, it tends to be a bright environment;

– with a bit of imagination, you will be able to find unusual settings not found in “normal” apartments.

Cons:

– it is not easy to find suitable furniture in stores;

– you have to be more careful about the climate and relative temperatures.

The roof is definitely exposed, and the risk is to have a room or house very hot in summer and very cold in winter;

– despite having a large floor plan, it might look small, having areas perhaps not walkable!

With good design, however, these cons can be, if not eliminated, at least curbed!

What makes particular a mansard is the difference in heights within it, which can be very different, making a furnishing project more or less difficult!

 

come arredare una mansarda

(credit fantasticfrank.se)

There are mansards that at their lowest point reach 2 meters and definitely make the task of furnishing it easier.

But there are also mansards that perhaps barely reach a meter in height and complicate things a little.

In this case, figuring out how to furnish the attic flat becomes more complicated but not impossible!

Speaking of heights, I make a very small digression: if you have an attic and would like to make it an apartment, you should know that there are very strict regulations to make that space habitable.

These regulations mainly concern heights (but not only), more precisely, the average height between the highest and the lowest point.

They vary from region to region, so I recommend contacting a technician who can give you the correct guidance!

Back to us, let’s look at some ideas that can help you better understand how to furnish a mansard!

1) CORRECTLY MATCH ROOMS TO HEIGHTS.

That is, put the rooms in the right place!

By this, I mean placing in the highest areas those rooms where you are often standing, like the kitchen or the bathroom.

      

(credit. architecturebeast.com)                                          (credit arch.Claude Petarlin)

In the lower areas, on the other hand, you can put, for example, the living room (especially the sofa area) or the bedroom…

           

(credit Westwing)                                                                  (Christian Schaulin tramite Elle.com)

That may create an irregular floor plan, but, after all, this is another thing that gives charm to this type of housing!

2) USE CUSTOM-MADE FURNITURE

Here more than ever, making the best use of space is vital!

As we have seen among the cons of this type of housing, it will not be easy to find suitable furniture in traditional stores.

Therefore, it will be necessary to create custom-made furniture and carve out cabinets and storage in the lower areas that you could not otherwise exploit!

            

(credit Archon)                                                                          (credit vtwonen)

The cons turn into pros because you will have unique and original furniture designed not only for the conformity of the room but precisely for your needs!

3) ATTENTION TO LIGHT

These rooms should be very bright, as always natural light is preferred.

If it is a room, skylights will be okay, but if it is an entire apartment, it is good to have vertical windows and maybe, at least, a small veranda!

 

(credit Arch. Bartolucci)

That will allow a glimpse of the outside the risk, otherwise is to feel a bit stuffy!

As for artificial lighting, however, some tricks will improve living comfort:

– light from below and above, especially if you have a wooden roof!

– be careful with chandeliers except in the highest areas!

While passing under them without problems, the chandelier is still a bulky element that creates a visual “barrier” that will optically shrink spaces.

Electrified rails, adjustable spotlights, sconces, and LED strips will allow you to bring light where you want it with little clutter.

(credit menzoarchitetto.it)

(if you are interested I talk about lighting in general here)

4) ATTENTION TO COLORS!

If the mansard is very low-lying, the ideal is to use light and bright colors, at least as a base.

That will optically expand the spaces giving more breathing room.

If you want to use it, the color will be good in the furniture, accessories, and textiles.

 

(credit dodk.net)

On the other hand, if the mansard is high, you can dare a little more by coloring some walls too.

In this case, do it in the brightest parts of the house and avoid too dark colors.

 

(credit cristinavelani.com)

If you have a wooden ceiling and want to keep it that way, keep more neutral colors for the walls; so you don’t risk weighing the environment down.

You can think of whitewashing the wooden ceiling to give it more breathing room, all or part of it; for example, if you have beams, you can decide to whitewash the battens between the beams while keeping them unchanged.

 

         

(credit Architettura & Urbanistica Sigurtà)                        (credit Living corriere)

These 4 tips are the basics that will help you better understand how to decorate your mansard, but if you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to write in the comments so I can better help you!

I hope the article on how to furnish a mansard was helpful and you loved it; in case, let me know in the comments!

If you need any help just contact me!

Home decor and furnishing are exciting, and today I’d like to give you some tips that can help you do it to the best for a home that represents you deeply!

Good design is not only about aesthetics; it is not enough to put beautiful things in a room for it to be lovely and comfortable.

More importantly, it is about how each element can communicate with the other.

So it is not just a matter of “beauty,” but it is a proper interaction between the elements of the same environment.

Some basic concepts are crucial to designing or transforming any environment, making it unique and wonderful.

Each thing must be connected to the other and give a sense of unity.

These concepts that will help you best decorate your home are 6: let’s see them together!

1) The first home decor basic concept is to create EMPHASIS.

Said like this may sound tricky, but it is not: it is about creating a focal point!

So it is having something outstanding that grabs attention.

If everything in the room has the same importance, everything will seem somewhat unconnected, monotonous, or boring.

There is a need for something that attracts, that somehow breaks the patterns.

That can be a wall with a bold color, a painting or a particular object, etc.

                 

(credit archimadestudio.com)                                                                        (credit etsy.com)

2) another concept is creating CONTRAST

In order to create movement, it is relevant to put elements close together that contrast with each other through color, shape, materials, or sizes.

It can be done in many ways, for example, by combining light and dark colors, huge elements with small ones, shiny and matte surfaces, and so on…

These contrasting plays enliven the environment by giving it character!

(credit ludexo.com)                                                                                (credit neptune.com)

3) RHYTHM is another essential concept.

In furniture, rhythm is achieved by creating repetitions and contrasts: it is like in the combination of musical notes, only this one is visual!

The repetitions create a flow that guides the eye through the surrounding space.

You can do it in various ways:
– a repeated architectural detail, object, or complement
– use the color of a painting in the patterning of a pillow and in some objects.

The latter will create rhythm precisely, but it will also help create balance and tie all the various elements together.

                  

(credit shootfactory.co.uk)                                                                       (credit elledecor.com)

4) speaking of BALANCE, this is the fourth concept for a perfect interior project

Balance is the proper distribution of different visual weights.

Some colors, shapes, or sizes attract more than others and are said to have a greater visual weight.

To achieve a harmonious environment, it is paramount that these do not overpower what has less visual weight but that there is indeed a balance.

On paper, the perfect balance is symmetry, which is when dividing a room in half, the two parts are furnished in the same way; it is as if there is a mirror!

 

(credit Flanagan Lawrence source yellowtrace.com)

Why did I write “on paper”?

Because it is not mandatory that everything is symmetrical to achieve balance: on the contrary, asymmetry could make everything more dynamic!

A color with a high visual weight will balance well with a neutral colored element, but perhaps very large…

 

(credit Abramson architects)

Or, again, when elements are duplicated.

 

(credit Knoll)

5) SCALE and PROPORTIONS are basic home decor concepts when designing furniture!

SCALE takes into consideration the size of an object relative to the room in which it is placed:

Small rooms with furniture that is way too bulky will suffocate the space (and therefore you!); conversely small furniture and objects in large rooms will get lost!

                        

(credit Meridiani living)                                                                                       (credit Bronxes Studio)

PROPORTION takes into consideration the size of one item in relation to another.

A rug that is too small next to a large sofa will look out of place!

You cannot think only about the size of the room and the main furniture, but you will have to think about the size of each element and the correlation between them.

       

(credit artheco.it)                                                                                              (credit artheco.it)

6) Finally, the last concept is HARMONY.

You can achieve harmony when all the elements in the environment communicate with each other, creating a unique and balanced whole.

One must have the impression that each piece nicely matches the other.

As always, this does not mean using only one style or color, but it is paramount that each piece seems to belong to the other in some way!

To do this, you need, as mentioned before, for the pieces to communicate with each other, picking up the material or color, for example!

          

(credit casavogue.globo.com)                                                                         (credit jessicabrigham.com)

 

These six home decor concepts go hand in hand, and if followed carefully, they will help you decorate your home by creating unique and spectacular environments where you will always feel at ease!

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!