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Decorate the outdoors? Beware of these 5 mistakes!

When decorating outdoors, no matter if it is a small balcony or a large terrace, it is common to run into some mistakes that will not allow you to enjoy 100% of those spaces!

Today we’ll see what they are, so you can immediately run for cover!

1 – LIGHTING

Lighting, as always, is paramount in all areas of the home: the outdoors is no exception!

Also, it is easy in warm weather to take advantage of the outdoors, especially in the evening!

Whether it is a mini balcony or a large terrace, it will be essential to light it properly.

If there is a table for eating, you will need to try to illuminate the table precisely and punctually so that you can always see what you are eating well.

But usually, the lighting may be a little softer to create a relaxing atmosphere!

Very decorative are those wires or chains with bulbs!

To be rolled up to the railing or hung overhead, they have a warm glow and give the outdoors a cozy, relaxing mood.

(credits: shopee.com.br; freshpatio.com)

Unless you could do a renovation, it was hard, until recently, to properly light balconies and terraces.

That is because you tend to have a ceiling or wall light point (something more if it is a terrace), and that’s it!

However, nowadays, things have changed because there is battery-powered, solar-powered, and rechargeable lighting!!!

With the arrival of rechargeable bulbs, there is no excuse, and you can take any suitable outside lamp outdoors!

There are also vases and light figures to illuminate and create some play; in addition to giving light, they are also decorative!

Of course, there are also lanterns and candles: always worth adding a few!

If you want to know more about lighting in general, I talk about it here; if you want specifics about terrace lighting, you can find them here!)

(credits: moovdesign.it; luminalpark.com)

2 – TREAT THE OUTSIDE AS THE INSIDE

Even when well maintained, the exterior is often regarded as a thing unto itself, but this area is seen through the French window!

If well-designed, it will look like a literal extension of your home!

Starting with the flooring, it should optically be a continuation of the interior flooring, if not quite the same material, at least the same color!

While being careful to choose materials suitable for the outdoors, for decor, replicate as much as possible from the style you have at home and keep your color palette!

Doing this is to recreate, outside, the exact mood you created inside your home!

Therefore, pay attention to the color of the walls as well!

If they are not in agreement and you cannot paint them, then try to screen them, perhaps with climbing plants!

(credits: @pernillevinge; Tomaro Architecture)

3- LACK OF DESIGNING

The balcony or terrace should be studied quite like any other room in the house, not only so that stylistically it is an extension of the interior, as seen before.

But also so that they are pleasant to live with and functional!

We need to understand what function we want to give to this space!

If it is a small balcony, you will probably be able to use it for only one purpose, such as a sitting area or space for eating…

We usually make this choice based on the position of the balcony, for example, a dining area if it’s near the kitchen or a lounging area near the living room!

But even in the case of a huger terrace, where you may have more functions, it is good to be able to study t

First, we will need to divide the terrace into areas for each function we want to have; it could be an area for dining and one for a sitting area!

You then need to buy furniture that is proportionate to the space available and that everything is easily usable!

Be careful not to overfill so as not to suffocate the environment, but at the same time, make good use of every available space!

(credits: bekleidet.net; westwing)

4 – THE CHOICE OF PLANTS

To have consistently beautiful and lush exteriors, you will need to be able to choose the right plants.

Not all plants are suitable, even when it comes to outdoor plants!

One thing to evaluate is how much and for how long (perhaps at what times) direct light gets into the balcony or terrace.

That will be instrumental in choosing the right plants.

Some love to have direct light, while others prefer a little more shade!

Another thing to consider is that there are plants that can act as natural insect repellents.

If you are in an area where there are many mosquitoes, this could be an option!

Also, add plants with flowers to give some color and maybe fragrance!

(credits: cdarchitects.com.au; architeworks.com)

5 – LACK OF PRIVACY

If you live in the city, a balcony or terrace is visible from the street or yard, but privacy is really very important!

There are many ways to screen your balcony or terrace on the market, starting with view-break panels!

Very nice to use these panels and attach a pretty climbing plant to them!

Another idea might be to use shielding fabrics!

You could also prune for canes that you can find with both natural and artificial materials.

Bamboo canes, by the way, are sound-absorbing, so they are also helpful for shielding a bit from the noise!

(credits: mojewlasne.pl; @smyk_w_kuchni_blog)

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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A pet-friendly home? Here are 10+1 tips!

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!

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Creating a timeless home: here are some tricks!

A timeless home is a home that never gets tired and manages to go through various trends without ever going out of style!

Let me make it clear right away that having a timeless home does NOT mean you have to give up on following some trend you might like; you will add it in smaller elements, easily changeable if and when you no longer like it!

So let’s look at some elements that help to have a timeless home:

– NEUTRAL COLORS

Neutral colors are colors that never go out of style!

Whites, blacks, and grays primarily, but we can add beiges and powder blues!

Choose these colors for walls and major furniture!

Neutral colors are great because they match ANY style and any other color!

They are an evergreen and perfect home background!

It’s not that you have to make everything neutral: if you like the colors, you can, and I would say you have to, add them, but as an accent, maybe in the pillows or some objects.

You can also use them on some minor furniture, such as an armchair, and, if you want, on a small wall or a portion of it.

That will ensure you will not have to break the bank if you should change your mind after a few years!

(credits: @umagedesign; harlowejames.com)

– BUY FURNITURE WITH CLEAN AND SIMPLE LINES

To give your home a sophisticated and timeless vibe, it’s a good idea to buy furniture with essential, simple, and clean lines.

It’s kind of like the neutral colors: simple lines go with any style!

Unusually shaped complements are not to be absolutely banned, but it is better not to overdo it, always in order not to risk getting bored with them after some time.

You can then add a few peculiar pieces leaving it as the original piece, again, easily replaceable over time!

(credits: mcgeeandco.com)

– LESS IS MORE

Stay “simple” even in your decorations, and avoid cramming too much space with furniture and accessories or taping all the walls with photos and pictures!

Overfilling creates visual clutter, and this is not good for a timeless home!

Create a point of visual interest, a focal point, but also leave emptier areas to rest your eyes and, thus, your mind!

Empty spaces also will help emphasize the focal point because they will not distract!

(credits: Behance; Avenue Design Studio)

– THINK ABOUT THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Every environment has its own function, and it is paramount that everything is really designed and arranged in the best possible way for that function!

In a living room, for example, you will need to pay attention to arrange everything in a way that encourages conversation in case of guests; that the television is at the right height and distance: all things that will always make use of that room comfortable.

It almost sounds silly to say, but if the room is not furnished in a super functional way, after a while, you will get tired of it and want to change everything!

So create environments you look forward to being in because they are comfortable and relaxing!

(credits: article.com; slf24.co.uk)

– COMBINE CLASSIC AND MODERN

To give a timeless look to your home is to make sure that you can’t place it in any specific decade, in particular mixing modern and classic!

Classic and modern will allow you to give a lived-in yet sophisticated feel, making your home timeless!

So don’t be afraid to mix different styles using elements you like and represent yourself!

For a good result, you can see the video where I talk about how to mix different styles: you can find it here.

(credits: huitlaguna.com; incollect.com)

– USE CLASSIC PATTERNS

There are patterns that we find in virtually every trend, one of which is stripes.

Classic but also super contemporary, given the extensive use of geometric patterns, stripes certainly are a great way to give your home a timeless look.

Floral patterns, too, are a classic that never wanes!

Of course, it’s not like you have to give up other patterns: as for colors, use them as accents!

(credits: lightanddwell.com; secretsales.com)

– BUY QUALITY FURNITURE

Get quality furniture and accessories when you can!

Quality, you know, costs more, but it is worth it!

Now I’m not saying to buy everything super quality and, so spend necessarily a lot of money, but investing at least in the major furniture, like, it could be, the kitchen or the sofa, in quality furniture will pay you back!

This furniture will definitely last longer.

Another idea might also be to make custom, built-in furniture that looks like it is part of the architecture of the house.

It is a great way to take advantage of those awkward spaces and have more storage space.

An example would be if you have a pillar in the room, incorporate it into a bookcase that reaches to the wall next…

(credits: sinnenrausch.at; elmueble.com)

– NATURAL ELEMENTS

Using natural elements is quite common to all styles, and today more than ever!

So it is very likely that this trend will never go away!

So it will be essential to use, to give a timeless look, natural materials such as stone and wood as much as possible!

Besides plants, the most immediate and quickest way to have natural materials is to use wicker baskets.

But if you have to change some furniture, get them, even if lacquered, wooden ones, and use textiles such as cotton, wool, and linen among sofas, blankets, and curtains.

If you are going to make a renovation, think about using parquet, stone, or marble on floors and coverings or as a kitchen countertop!

(credits: shop.lindyegalloway.com; Julia Green)

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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Here’s how to warm up a white kitchen and bathroom!

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White or light gray kitchen and bathroom have been a trend for many years since they looked bright and clean!

The flip side, however, is that these environments can be a bit cold and impersonal!

If you have a white kitchen or bathroom that feels a little sterile but don’t want to or can make massive changes know that there are little tricks to warming up these rooms!

In this case, three tips will help you warm up and give personality, and I recommend you follow them all for a good result!

1 – ADD NATURAL ELEMENTS

Adding natural elements is a quick and easy way to warm up rooms!

WOOD

You can use wood by putting some shelves either in the kitchen or bathroom on which you can then put some decorative composition.

In the kitchen, you can bring wood with nice cutting boards, utensils, trays, and bowls!

In the bathroom, you can add it with a stool, or some accessories, maybe a ladder to put towels on!

Always for the bathroom, you could also think about bamboo or teak liquid soap dispensers!

(credits: byshnordic.com; styleathome.com)

WICKER

Another natural element that helps with warmth is wicker, and you can use it with baskets, which are always helpful for storage and keeping everything tidy.

Also, depending on the style, you could use it as a chandelier shade or a plant pot cover!

In the kitchen, it could be placemats to put on the table!

(credits: cutypaste.com; 100layercake.com)

CORK

Cork is another excellent element for warming up rooms!

It could be the underpots or jar caps you may have exposed!

You could also think about having a glass bowl or vase filled with corks: it would be decorative and would precisely warm up the environment a bit!

(credits: Kinto; Target)

COPPER

Our grandmothers had many copper shapes hanging on the walls now, I’m not saying to do the same thing, especially with super modern kitchens, but a few copper items would surely help warm the room!

You can use them first as faucets or cabinet handles, or you could use them as plant pots or a couple of items on the countertop!

(credits: maisondepax.com; abiinteriors.com.au)

TERRACOTTA

If copper could be hard to insert, surely it will be easier with terracotta!

There are beautiful decorative vases or even terracotta pans that can be left on display!

(credits: intimatelivinginteriors.com;Sara & Rich Combs)

2 – PLANTS AND FLOWERS

I bet you were expecting it!

Well, yes, plants and flowers are a fabulous way to warm up a room, thus even a white kitchen and bathroom!

The call to nature beyond all will bring a bit of color and texture, creating some movement!

If space de allows, don’t be afraid, whether in the bathroom or kitchen, to put a large potted plant!

It will immediately make the environment more lively and cozy, as well as elegant!

If this is not possible, even small touches of nature will be enough!

In the kitchen, of course, you can think of small vases with tastes on the countertop or some pots with branches or leaves!

No need to have a jungle or expensive bouquets of fresh flowers; very little is needed!

What if you are a black thumb?

You can create some arrangements with fake flowers! Real is better, of course, but nowadays, as I’ve said other times, there are artificial flowers that look real!

Plus, if you mix them with live branches or put a little water inside in the case of a glass vase, you’ll be able to make them look even more realistic!

As always, one should not overdo it, but it could be a good compromise!

(credits: littlehouseoffour.com; GeorgiaRaeOwen)

3 – ADD TOUCHES OF COLOR

White kitchen and bathroom can be seen as two blank canvases where to express one’s personality!

With white, ANY color looks good!

Warm colors will make the environment pleasant and more inviting, while blues and greens will add a touch of freshness and energy!

Of course, if you already have a color palette used in the rest of the house, bring that into the kitchen and bathroom!

BATHROOM

The quickest and fastest way to add color to the bathroom will be by using colorful rugs and towels!

But you can also do it using colorful toothbrush holders and dispensers!

You could also have a small tray with a few items, like a perfume bottle, colored!

(credits: Archiv firmy; House & Home)

KITCHEN

The fastest way to add color also for the kitchen is to use colorful textiles, such as rugs, towels, potholders, and the possible apron.

You could also put a pretty runner on the table with a lovely centerpiece!

On the countertop, if you have exposed appliances, you could get them colored or put a series of colored cups on a tray, for example!

Of course, in both cases, decorating the walls with pictures or photos will be another great way to bring a splash of color!

As always, you don’t have to overdo it: just a few well-distributed touches in the room can make a difference!

(credits: vibekedesign.blogspot.com; mydomaine.com)

If well-designed, these decorations can be changed regularly (with each change of season, for example) to have an ever-changing kitchen and bathroom!

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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How to decorate and furnish a hallway!

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To furnish and decorate a hallway is not always easy because it is a transition area with no proper function!

In newly designed apartments, they try to limit spaces like these as much as possible, but it is very likely to find them in those designed a few decades ago!

How then to do with hallways?

Let’s see it together!

THE FIRST THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

First of all, you have to consider the hallway as any other room in the house, and therefore, you will need to keep the style and color palette used for the rest of the house!

Another really very important aspect then will be the lighting since it will most likely be a windowless area.

The hallway, heights permitting, is the classic place where it is really ideal to do a ceiling lowering and integrate with spotlights!

This will allow you to have excellent illumination of the entire space.

In the case of a renovation, you could also think about creating light effects by making cuts in the wall!

(credits: oselya.ua; Barbara Fassoni Architects)

In addition to illuminating, doing this will help give character by creating unique and striking visual interest.

However, if it was not your intention to do such work and you had multiple light points, choose the same chandelier for the whole hallway; if you had (a quite usual situation) only one central light source, then the advice is to get spotlights to illuminate better!

(credits: 320sycamoreblog.com; hotcore.info)

TAKE MEASUREMENTS AND DECIDE ON A FUNCTION

How to furnish and decorate the hallway depends on two factors:

– the size; a narrow corridor will give fewer opportunities to be able to exploit it than a wider one;

– location; depending on where it is, it could serve as “support” for another environment!

For example, if the hallway were immediately adjacent to the front door, it could serve as an entrance, if there is not, or otherwise act as a reinforcement for it by putting a coat closet or shoe racks or benches there!

(credits: simonahome.wordpress.com; alvhem.com)

If, on the other hand, it was near the rooms or bathroom, one could think of closets for seasonal changes or to put bed linens and towels in!

Another example would be to put bookshelves, especially if it was near the living room!

In the hallway, you could also think about creating your own study corner; of course, if it’s not a location you use for many hours a day!

(credits: luckyandi.co; rndrstudio.it)

IN THE CASE OF FURNITURE…

Once you have determined the function you want to give it, you can choose the furniture and accessories that best suit your needs.

A small caution, especially if the hallway was particularly narrow, not to take things that might obstruct the passage.

The minimum space to leave is 80cm!

Keep the lines as simple and clean as possible to maintain some visual order!

For huge elements such as cabinets, try to take them full height and the same color as the walls; this will camouflage these elements and avoid visually weighing down the space.

If you decide on a bookcase, you can take it full height and use the books as decoration.

(credits: koloapp.in; annaeugenibach.com)

In this case, I recommend arranging the books as neatly as possible and avoiding using other colors in the hallway to avoid, again, visual chaos that would shrink the room!

Or you could use a half-height bookcase that also doubles as a console table; and decorate the walls with a few paintings or some particular objects!

If space allows, and you’re in the process of renovating, you could also think about creating a plasterboard structure, perhaps with integrated lighting, to make everything even more scenic!

(credits: insplosion.com; Jim_Stephenson)

IF THE FURNITURE DOESN’T FIT…

In the case of particularly small or narrow hallways where putting furniture perhaps becomes a bit stuffy, you could create a small emotional corner.

Little is needed, for example, a small seat with a plant and a lamp nearby.

You will make this area more pleasant.

(credits: havenly.com; vk.com)

If even this option is too much, then all that remains is to decorate the walls to make this environment less austere and more pleasant!

And here, again, with a minimum of criteria, you can really indulge!

You can merely use colors, perhaps strategically, to change the perception of space by visually enlarging the corridor.

If you want to know how to do it, I talked in detail about it here!

USE FANTASY!

You can also think about coloring only half of the wall and then putting a gallery of paintings at the top.

You will create some movement.

(credits: cotemaison.fr; no5ishome)

Still, to enhance a possible gallery of paintings, you could paint the wall a dark color (obviously belonging to the palette you have throughout the house).

Thus you will create a contrast that will indeed emphasize your gallery of paintings.

Instead of a classic wall gallery, you could also think about putting huge paintings perhaps at the doors facing it.

These paintings will become an extra wall for those rooms that precisely face the hallway.

(credits: devongraceinteriors.com; Living Corriere-Filippo Bamberghi)

If you want to double the space, you can think of putting, instead of paintings, big mirrors!

The hallway will look bigger this way, however, you will have to be careful that the rooms are neat, otherwise, you will double the chaos too!

For a scenic effect, you can also think about using wallpaper.

You will create movement and rhythm without any obstruction!

(credits: thespruce.com; tricountypainting.net)

The hallway could also be a great place to show a particular collection, such as records or hats; create something original that shows who you are!

(credits: fatherrabbitalbum.tumblr.com; Livivng Corriere-Dean Kaufman)

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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Small house? Here are some tricks to make it bigger

Furnishing a small house can be challenging, especially managing not to make it look smaller than it is by making it stuffy.

As always, the expedients are there, in this case, 7 tricks that will make the house look bigger!

Let’s look at them together!

– HOMOGENEITY

In a small house, it is paramount to maintain harmony wherever possible, and one of the first things to do is to avoid contrasts as much as possible.

For this in a small house, it will be essential to try to have everything the same color walls, ceiling, doors, baseboards, floors…

The homogeneity of colors, and thus the lack of contrasts, will help make the room look larger.

Beware that this doesn’t necessarily mean having everything white or otherwise light; you could also decide to have everything dark!

The color changes, the contrasts precisely, create boundaries, and these visually shrink spaces.

Again to avoid boundaries, it would be good to have the same floor throughout the house; even if it were tone on tone, changing materials (or worse) patterns would still create some dividing line!

Likewise, use tiles as large as possible to limit the view of joints!

It is a good idea to maintain this homogeneity even with bigger furniture, curtains, and any rugs, thus keeping a tone-on-tone as much as possible.

You can play with colors, if you want, with smaller elements and decorations.

To brighten a bit of the tone on tone that might otherwise be “boring”, it will be enough to play with different materials and finishes!

(credits: Tonje Isaksen; greenarchitectures.com)

– FURNISHINGS

It will be vital, in small rooms, to maximizing space as much as possible, and for this purpose, 2 types of furniture can help with this.

One is multi-functional furniture, that is, furniture that can have several functions in one, such as a bed or a storage sofa.

Or it could be a coffee table that transforms completely to become a dining table or partly to become, for example, a desk!

(credits: lumisource.com; Amazon)

The second type, quite helpful, is folding furniture such as might be a console table which, when opened, becomes a dining table!

That will give you more breathing room when the dining table is not needed!

Of course, there are also chairs, which you can place in a closet or, why not, even hang on the wall!

This type of furniture is increasingly needed and, therefore, has evolved over the years to become really beautiful as well, allowing you not to have to sacrifice design for functionality!

(credits: progettosedia.com; neptune.com)

Study your space well and what you need for your everyday life to choose the type of furniture that best suits your needs.

Another shrewdness will be to take elements that have feet and do not rest directly on the floor: this makes the eye perceive the space underneath, giving more breadth to the room.

(credits: roomandboard.com; pinterest)

– EMPHASIZES THE HEIGHTS

Deceiving the mind is really very easy; it is always just a matter of perceptions!

Accentuating and emphasizing heights is a great way to make spaces seem visually larger!

A first way to do this is to use, where possible, full-height furniture, which, in addition to everything else, will give the possibility of more storage space!

If you are using drapery curtains, it will be imperative that you hang them as close to the ceiling as possible and that they skim the floor; let’s avoid optical barriers with curtains too short!

(credits: aewee.top; brandoconcept.com)

Replace floor and table lamps with wall ones you will illuminate properly while leaving the floor and various surfaces free!

Then if you get some particular lamps, maybe with arms you can even create some scenery!

Another way to emphasize heights is to use very tall plants!

The plants then will also give movement, create visual interest, and bring a touch of freshness!

(credits: medium.com; maisondepax.com)

– FOCAL POINT

Speaking of visual interests: the focal point becomes almost essential in a small environment!

And the best way to do this is to use huge paintings that immediately attract the eye and attention!

I emphasize that it should be a single large painting rather than a wall gallery so as not only to create visual interest but also to avoid visually shrinking the environment!

Lots of paintings will, in fact, have many borders and create boundaries that we have already seen many times will make environments appear smaller!

Not only that, many paintings, although perfectly placed, also create a somewhat visual clutter that, again, optically shrinks the spaces!

(credits: Behance; Amazon)

– DECLUTTERING

Picking up on the previous point, decluttering in small spaces is essential!

Lots of things, all misplaced, create visual confusion, and this, as already mentioned, will make the environments perceived as “crowded” and, therefore, smaller!

Withdraw everything you can and place in baskets or boxes what is in sight.

There are really so many solutions on the market to be able to keep everything tidy.

(credits: @crescentlivingco; amazon)

– DOUBLE THE LIGHT AND THE SPACES WITH THE MIRRORS

Mirrors are known to reflect, and this in small spaces is really a not inconsiderable help!

In fact, you will be able to double light and space!

You can think of mirroring an entire wall to give the optical illusion of extra space!

If the whole wall is too much for your taste, I still recommend using large mirrors to multiply as much light as possible!

In addition, large mirrors are also very scenic and can be that extra element of style that never hurts!

(credits: inmyroom.ru; Mark Luscombe-Whyte)

– SMALL SPACES, SMALL ELEMENTS?

Be careful not to fall into the common mistake of thinking: “because I have small spaces, I must have small furniture and elements!”

Everything too small will shrink spaces, in addition, to increasing the risk of overfilling and thus creating visual chaos that, again, will make the environment feel even smaller!

Always keeping proportions in mind, it is good to play with size by taking big and small elements.

Properly study what is essential and functional for you, get it comfortable and, therefore, maybe larger, and pair it with smaller pieces.

The interplay of sizes will help visually enlarge the spaces!

(credits: Stephen Sills; Margaret Boatner)

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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Blind bathroom: here are some tips

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The blind bathroom, i.e., without windows, is provided for by Italian regulations if it is a second bathroom or the only bathroom if the house is small with only one bedroom.

Today I would like to share with you some tips on making this type of bathroom beautiful and functional.

– AERATION

The first and most important thing to think about for a blind bathroom is to provide proper aeration.

That is required by regulations to prevent the accumulation of bacteria and viruses, unplesant odors, and mold in the air, which would make the environment unhealthy.

There are multiple types of aeration:

– through aerators;

– forced mechanical ventilation.

The aerators can be of different types; usually, it is activated by turning on the light.

They have a suction unit, with a fan, inside the bathroom and an evacuation duct with a backstop damper so that not only the air does not go back, but no insects can enter.

In new-generation houses, forced mechanical ventilation is used, which has much the same function, but also has vents for fresh air to enter from outside: this helps to create less condensation.

Especially in the case of normal aerators, you could also use dehumidifiers and even specific paints to prevent mold growth due to moisture.

If you decide on a suspended ceiling, remember to use drywall specifically for wet environments, i.e., the green one!

(credit: stilebagno.com)

(credit:Knauff; imbiancaturedipipimirko.it)

– LIGHTING

Once you have thought about aeration, you will need to think about proper lighting!

In this case, more than ever, it is paramount to have multiple sources of lighting which you can manage as needed.

If you can do a suspended ceiling, you will obviously have more leeway, perhaps putting in recessed spotlights!

You will also need point lighting at the mirror anyway; perhaps think about the possibility of getting illuminated mirrors!

You can think about light cuts on the walls to give that extra touch or create niches with integrated lighting.

(credits: behance; ernesto.it)

Also very scenic is the lighted shower: color therapy has been catching on a lot in recent years and is a way to bring light and movement.

Finally, if you have the vanity unit raised, you can think of adding the light under it to give it some depth as well!

(credits: sanikal.com; deghishop.it)

– FURNISHINGS

Usually, the blind bathroom is also tiny, so it will be vital to take measurements correctly to place the various fixtures and fittings properly!

Therefore, the ideas about small bathrooms I shared apply; find the video here.

Being dark, I suggest using reflective surfaces, if not in the actual furniture, at least in the handles: this is to help increase the light, even if it is artificial.

Try to use furniture with simple, light shapes to avoid weighing down the room, and if by chance you also have a washing machine, try to enclose it in a cabinet, again, to maintain visual simplicity.

For the same reason, a shower stall or bathtub should have no framing, or at least it should be minimal and thin.

(credits: Sonia Meneghin; looox.nl)

– COLORS

In a blind bathroom, light colors would be preferred to give breath due to the fact that they will reflect artificial light better.

But, as we have seen for small bathrooms, indeed, dark colors will help give depth!

The decisive thing actually will be to avoid strong contrasts as much as possible!

(credits: thehappyhousie.porch.com; homedit.com)

– COVERINGS.

It will be paramount, in a blind bathroom, to use durable and water-repellent materials such as ceramic and porcelain tiles.

In order not to weigh down, again, as also suggested for small bathrooms, it is good to use large pieces to limit the sight of joints that create visual clutter!

(credits: hupehome.com; redefineinterior.com)

– MAKE IT SCENOGRAPHIC

The blind bathroom, due to the lack of light, could be a bit sad: make it scenographic!

One of the easiest and most practical ways is definitely to play with light!

We’ve seen it before: LED strips on the walls, under the vanity unit, in the niches, and even in the shower!

Of course, if you don’t have the possibility to false ceiling and put spotlights, you can choose an original chandelier in the center of the vault; the same goes for the light at the mirror.

But you might also decide to use a nice wallpaper, perhaps in the shower; there are suitable papers for this environment as well!

That especially is true if the shower is right in front of the door and is the first thing you see!

That could be, always paying attention to strong contrasts, a great way to make this bathroom particular and pleasant, despite not having a window!

(credits:Inkiostro Bianco; london-art-naiadi-wallpaper)

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.

And if you need advice for your home, do not hesitate to contact me!

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7 home decorating tricks that will make a difference!

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Today I want to share with you some home decorating tricks you can use right away that will help you furnish and decorate your home to the fullest!

I have already mentioned some of these tricks in other articles, but it never hurts to repeat them!

1 – USE OF MASKING TAPE

– FOR FURNITURE ARRANGEMENT

Masking tape is mainly used for painting walls because it is easily removable without leaving residue and without taking away the plaster.

This tape, however, can be really super useful for other purposes!

One really super helpful use is to draw with it the footprint of furniture and rugs on the floor so you can see that the proportions are correct.

Just because a two-meter sofa theoretically fits, for example, does not mean that it is proportionate to the rest or functional to be able to move around!

As I often say, there is nothing like seeing for yourself to understand.

Of course, there are 3d modeling programs, even free ones, that can help with this, but it can become time-consuming if you are not familiar with them.

Drawing instead with tape is quick and immediate!

So draw the elements you would like on the floor and move around the room to see that everything is functional and proportionate!

(credits: Vivere lo Stile; thesunnysideupblog.com)

– TO DECORATE THE WALLS

This trick can also be used on walls to see if paneling or wall lamps would fit.

You can also use it to create your own composition: whether it is just paintings or pictures with mirrors and other objects! (For this, there is also another trick!)

You only have to draw the outline of the frames or objects on the wall with the tape; you will see immediately if you really like the result!

Moreover, the tape is also very valid for hanging those pictures or mirrors with 2 hooks!!!

All you need to do is put the tape behind the picture or mirror at the height of the hooks and mark where they are placed on it.

Then you will place the tape on the wall at the desired height, of course taking care to put it on a level, et voila, the game is done!

That avoids measuring the distance between the two hooks, which is often impractical!!!

(credits: littlehouseonthecorner.com; sharonehines.com)

2 – USE PAPER TO HANG PAINTINGS

Whether you need to hang a painting or a composition of them, perhaps even with other objects, it is paramount to consider proportions and heights well.

To do this and avoid unnecessarily poking holes in the wall, you can use the trick from before, which is masking tape, or get help from paper and cardboard!

I personally prefer this method because the paper will contrast from the wall across the entire painting surface, giving an even clearer idea, in my opinion!

Not only that, if you don’t like the position, it will be easier to move the paper than to re-frame it with tape!

The trick is quite simple: draw the outline of the picture (or mirror or any object) on the paper and cut it out!

I recommend, also, marking the location of the hook(s) as well and maybe writing the description of the picture!

Then place the cutout on the wall by securing it with paper or masking tape.

With this simple gimmick, you can move and rearrange the sheets of paper until you are sure you have found the correct position!

Having marked the position of the hooks will be a snap then, hammer in the nail or drill holes to put in the dowels!

By doing this, you will drill holes in the right place on the first time, and the wall will thank you!

(If you are interested here I’m going into details about how to hang paintings)

(credits: claireprints.com)

3 – ADHESIVE TAPE FOR POTS

If you have vases with a large opening, putting flowers, whether real or fake, is really tricky because they will rest on the edges of the vase, leaving a gap in between.

Here again, the trick is there, and it is indeed simple but effective: again, use tape, possibly the transparent kind!

All you need to do is create a kind of grid on the vase opening with tape and then arrange the flowers inside this grid!

The result is guaranteed!!!

If the vase is quite large and not glass, another way might be to put a smaller vase in it!

(credits: kristywicks.com; maisondecinq.com)

4 – LINING THE BOOKS

Books are really a beautiful way to decorate the home: on the coffee table, shelves, or console table, they give that quid to our compositions!

The problem with books, however, is often the color of the covers that doesn’t match the color palette you’ve chosen at all!

When this is the case and, understandably, you don’t want to buy books specifically just for decoration, you can decide to line them!

All you need to do is buy some paper or fabric that matches the color palette you have chosen for your home and line your favorite books!

Then, to recognize them, you can write the title by hand if you have nice handwriting, print a label or use stamps!

By doing this, you can put your favorite books in your compositions!

It might also be an idea to have a cover for each season or at least 2: one for fall-winter and one for summer-spring!

(credits: chloemoorephotography.blogspot.com;thehouseofelements.com)

5 – USE WAX OR DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE TO SECURE OBJECTS

I guess you have a cutlery tray in your kitchen drawer, and every time you open it, it moves around, ending up in the bottom!

How annoying is it?

Maybe you also have objects on display that you care about, but there is a risk of bumping into them or you have children or animals and you are afraid they might fall…

What to do in these cases?

Simply by doing as in museums: blocking these objects with wax or double-sided tape!

Specifically, as waxes, there is “museum wax”, and as double-sided tape, there is “PfX Nano” (you can find them on Amazon).

You only need to put a small amount of wax or a small piece of tape to lock the objects where you want them.

However, both wax and double-sided tape are easily removed without leaving any residue!

(credits: Amazon)

6 – RECHARGEABLE BULBS

How often have you found yourself wanting to put a lamp, whether floor or table one, in one place and then not having an outlet nearby?

When this is the case, either you use unsightly, as much as dangerous extension cables, or you end up giving up putting the lamp there!

Well, here, too, there is finally a solution: rechargeable bulbs!!!

Thanks to these bulbs, you can add a few light points, perhaps even on the wall, to give that extra quid without having to break anywhere or redo the wiring!

By the way, thanks to the remote control, you can also decide the brightness by adjusting it as needed!

You can find them on Amazon!

(credits:Amazon)

7 – FIND THE COLOR USED FOR THE WALLS AGAIN!

It’s time to whiten the walls of your home: if you have them white, no problem, but if you have them colored and want to keep the color, you need to remember the codes!

Easily you no longer have them!

It is normal; it has happened to everyone!

To find the right color, if you do not want to buy special tools, you will need to scrape a little plaster, perhaps under a socket or behind a piece of furniture.

The paint store has the tools to recognize color.

Once you find it, however, to avoid going crazy next time and having to ruin the wall each time and then retouch it, I reveal an effective trick!

Take the plate off one of the sockets and write the color code for that wall behind it with a permanent marker!

By doing this, especially if you have multiple colors, you won’t have to go crazy to remember the codes or where you put the paper where you marked them all!!!

(credits: lonefoxhome)

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: just contact me!

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Kitchen with an island: helpful information!

A kitchen with an island is many people’s dream; if it is yours too, you are in the right place: in fact, today, I want to give you some ideas to design the right island for you!

People usually opt for a kitchen with an island when they have an open-plan kitchen-living space because the island is that element that, on the one hand, optically divides the two functions and, on the other, allows the cook to be able to relate to family members or guests.

(If you are interested in other ways to optically divide an open space, I talk about them here!)

You don’t need to have a generously sized house to be able to design a kitchen with an island, but for it to be truly functional, you will need to study the space properly!

The island can be designed as an extra storage element with a respective countertop (and perhaps snack top) or as a full-fledged “operating” station with a sink and/or stove.

However, the second case will only be possible if a proper renovation is done because connections and drains must be arranged!

MEASUREMENTS

An island with both a sink and stove will obviously have larger dimensions than one with nothing or only one of the two!

The dimensions for an island equipped with both elements must be at least 200cm long and at least 120cm deep to be functional.

On the other hand, an island with only the burners or the sink may be a little shorter until it reaches the 90cm recommended for a simple countertop island.

The island without appliances may also be narrower, limited to the depth of the cabinet, that is, 60cm.

The minimum distances from other elements must also be kept in mind when choosing the right size of the island.

If there are walls on the sides, the required distance is 85-90 cm to let the passage around the island be comfortable.

Instead, the distance to the kitchen is 100-120 cm to make it easy to open doors and drawers.

On the other hand, the height of the island will be the same as the height of the kitchen bases, so 85-90 cm.

(credits: middleton-bespoke.co.uk; diotti.com)

HOW TO DESIGN THE REST OF THE KITCHEN

Depending on the size and shape of the room, the kitchen behind the island could have 3 forms: linear, L-shaped, or U-shaped, precisely as if the island were not there.

Having an island, especially an operational one, will allow more cabinetry, perhaps with interlocking appliances, and thus more storage space.

Cooktop, sink, and countertop, in fact, can be concentrated exclusively on the island!

Of course, appliances, such as the oven and dishwasher, can also be integrated into the island to make them even less visible!

(credits: dekeukendesigners.nl; Melaragno design company)

LIGHTING AND SUPPLEMENTS

Whether it is a countertop-only island or operational, you must adequately light this area!

You can opt for discreet lighting, such as spotlights recessed into a suspended ceiling or a series of pendant lamps placed at equal distances.

If the island is not too big, you can also choose a pretty scenic chandelier!

(credits: Eric Kuster; nfm.com)

In case you have the cooktop, be it gas or induction, you will also have to think about the hood!

There are three possible solutions:

– integrated into the top: that is, a retractable element that can be activated as needed;

– integrated into the cooktop, the hood fan is connected below the countertop, thus completely invisible;

– classic hood: this could be integrated into a recess made of plasterboard or free-standing, perhaps using a designer hood.

Another thing to keep in mind is to plan to have a retractable socket on the countertop: it will be functional if sometimes you have to use, for example, the computer!

(credits: scavolini.com; bora.com)

(credits: diotti.com; libertateapentrufemei.ro)

EXTENSIONS

It is rare to see an island that is only operational or countertop: most of the time, a part is used to be able to eat, the snack nook!

Here again, depending on the size, this part can be studied in various ways:

– an extension of the top in-depth, i.e., extending the top by at least 45-50 cm so that there is enough leg room;

– extend the countertop to one side: this will allow seating on both sides;

– a slightly raised extension; this elevation can be of the same material as the countertop or different material to visually differentiate the two functions!

In all these cases, you must remember that the table top will have a height of 85-90 cm, or something more if you make it elevated, so you will have to look for suitable seats to reach the table comfortably!

High seats may be uncomfortable, in which case a lower shelf, that is, at a table height of about 75 cm, can be studied.

You can make it narrow, about 50 cm, if you only want to have it for breakfast or a quick snack, but you could, at this point, integrate the table directly!

(credits: kresswellinteriors.com; Newcastle Design)

(credits: @elleestpasbellelavie; Molins design)

ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS

In case the kitchen is tiny, does one have to give up the island?

Maybe you won’t be able to have a large island or operational, but alternative solutions that can still be viable are possible!

The first is to create a peninsula instead of an island, that is, to have one side resting against the wall or as a corner extension of the kitchen.

That saves you the 85-90 cm required for the passage.

(credits: pillowsandlanterns.com; kouch.es)

You will find furniture or trolleys on the market that can serve as a small island in case you actually need something smaller; they also would be easily moved, when necessary, if they had wheels!

Nothing forbids you to create yourself a small island, for example, by hacking some Ikea furniture! (There are so many ideas online!)

It may not be an actual island, but it’s still a storage element, not to mention an extra countertop/support, and in the kitchen, that never hurts!

(credits: mayavisnyei.com; kreatinghomes.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.

And if you need advice for your home, do not hesitate to contact me!

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Decorating your home in spring: some tips!

Decorating home differently for each season is a way to give new life to our homes while giving them new energy too!

You don’t need big things because then we know we have to retire them at the following season change: just small touches that can make a difference, though!

Spring is approaching, so here are some tips for decorating your home for this beautiful period!

One of the first things to do is to take advantage of the famous spring cleaning, not only to do deep cleaning but also to get rid of anything that is no longer needed.

Good decluttering will help give rooms a fresher, lighter feel!

TYPICAL ELEMENTS

Spring kicks off the beautiful season, longer days, and the awakening of nature!

Plants, flowers, pastel and light colors, and fresh aromas are among the most typical elements to use in decorating your home and bringing a little spring into the home.

It is a proper time to take care of your plants, change the pots of those that need it, remove any yellowed leaves, and clean and polish them!

For flowers, I understand that it is not always feasible to have fresh ones everywhere, and I know I always say it is better to avoid fake plants and flowers, but let’s be objective: sometimes, it remains the best solution.

Always without exaggeration, of course, but nowadays, there are fake flowers that look real!

Then 2 tricks can help and not make people perceive that they are using artificial flowers:

– if using in a glass jar, put some water inside;

– add some authentic branches.

Berry branches, rather than that of eucalyptus or butcher’s broom, last for weeks and will give that touch of authenticity to the artificial flower arrangement!

In addition, pots can be created with small arrangements of moss.

Let’s now see, room by room, how to bring in a little spring!

(credits: awonderfulthought.com; onsuttonplace.com)

(credits: designthusiasm.com; thriftyandchic.com)

LIVINGROOM

After taking care of the plants that are there, a quick and effective way to decorate is to change the covers of the pillows you have on the sofa.

Use colors in cheerful spring hues with some floral patterns, and use cotton, linen, and silk fabrics!

If you like to have the blanket on the couch, you can have it just as long as it is not wool but cotton and in spring colors, even vivid if you like to give some movement.

Change the decorations on the coffee table, putting a lovely vase of flowers and colorful and scented candles.

If you have dark-colored covers books on your coffee table, you might consider replacing them with books with lighter-colored covers.

If you have frames with prints, as I had suggested for fall decorations, you can think about changing them by putting ones with typically spring themes and colors.

These are all things that are not bulky yet change the face of an environment.

Wicker baskets are always “the welcome ones” and a great way to decorate and pick up anything that doesn’t need to be on view!

If you have double curtains, it’s a good idea, unless it’s neutral, to also change the non-filtering one to more spring colors.

A lovely centerpiece with a nice glass vase and flowers will be ideal for the dining table too!

(credits: ©EmeryBastable; lifeonvirginiastreet.com)

KITCHEN

The best way to bring spring into the kitchen is to have jars with aromatic herbs and maybe lavender!

The scents these give off immediately bring you back to this fresh season!

You can also accompany these with lemons to give them some color and fragrance!

If you have pretty colored mugs, you can take them out and place them on a tray on the countertop.

You can hang some garland, maybe DIY, on the walls: you can find many tutorials on the internet!

And, of course, change textiles, such as gloves, potholders, and aprons, but also any cushions on chairs and rugs!

(credits: adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com; vibekedesign.blogspot.com)

BEDROOM

Here too, as you can imagine, the easiest and most effective way is to change textiles!

You can decide on a bedspread in cheerful colors, perhaps with floral patterns (always being careful not to overdo it).

Or you can keep a more neutral bedspread and add the splash of color with pillows and a blanket at the foot of the bed!

Similar to the living room, you might think about changing the non-filtering ones if you have double curtains.

On the dresser, a beautiful arrangement with flowers in a lovely glass vase and a few colorful, scented candles.

You can as well put small flower arrangements on the nightstands or place a faux tulip on it.

Again, if you have paintings with prints, replace them with more spring-like images.

(credits: @abbie_melle; kenayhome.com)

START THINKING ABOUT THE OUTDOORS AS WELL

However small your balcony may be, take advantage of the outdoor spaces as well and start fixing them up!

There can be no shortage of plants there, possibly with flowers to give some color too, but also think about a small seat or just some cushions on the ground!

Make the interior and exterior connected to enlarge and give more breathing space!

If you want more ideas on how to decorate a balcony, I talk about it here (7 ways to make a balcony pleasant and functional) and here (How to decorate your balcony, even if it is small and narrow!)!

(credits: gordmans.com; blackhaus.com)

I hope this article about decorating your home in spring 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.

And if you need advice for your home, do not hesitate to contact me!

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