Posts

Home furnishing: 4 steps for a dream result!

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!

/0 Comments/by

Recognize furniture styles to build your own

,

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

Are you familiar with them?

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

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

1) TRADITIONAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

(elizahhome.ru)

2) RUSTIC

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

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

These are worn elements with a lived-in air.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Victoria Pearson)

3) MODERN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(meka.it)

4) CONTEMPORARY

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

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

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

The materials used are innovative but also valuable!

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

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

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

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

(tomassiniarredamenti.it)

5) INDUSTRIAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

(myshambar)

6) SHABBY

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

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

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

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

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

(bjurfors.se)

7) SCANDINAVIAN

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

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

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

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

The colors are neutral and light with shades of pastel.

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

(shutterstock)

8) MINIMALIST

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

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

Order and quietness are the basis of this style.

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

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

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

(magazine.designbest.com)

9) VINTAGE

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

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

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

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

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

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

(shutterstock)

10) BOHO

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

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

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

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

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

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

(interiorsonline.com.au)

11) ETHNIC

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

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

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

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

(rifaidate.it)

12) ECLECTIC

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

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

Diversity is the common thread of this style.

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

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

(tomassiniarredamenti.it)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

/0 Comments/by

Decorate the bedroom: here are 10 essential elements!

,

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

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

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

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

1) CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLORS

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

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

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

(Fabmood.com)                                                                               (Fabmood.com)

(Fabmood.com)                                                                               (Fabmood.com)

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

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

(Apartmenttherapy.com)                                                                   (caldwellflake.com)

2) MIRRORS

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

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

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

(coolchicstylefashion.com)                                                                      (songofstyle.com)

3) FRAGRANCES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Etsy.com)                                                                                     (pfcandleco.eu)

(theoakcollective.com)                                                                               (unsplash.com)

4) CURTAINS

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

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

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

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

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

(estiloydeco.com)                                                                                       (inredningshjalpen.com)

5) PLANTS

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

Whereas, this is not the case!

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

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

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

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

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

(@arrowsandapricots)                                                                              (ingredientsldn.com)

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

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

6) SOFT TEXTILES

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

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

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

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

7) WARM LIGHT

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

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

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

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

(Adrienne DeRosa ph)                                                                      (dserbadesign.com)

8) ONE MORE SEAT

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

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

(cityfarmhouse.com)                                                                                 (mydomaine.com)

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

9) STORAGE ITEMS

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

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

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

            

(jacquelynclark.com)                                                                (weswingnow.it)

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

10) PERSONAL DECORATIONS

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

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

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

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

(etsy.com)                                                                                                     (society19.com)

Would you add something to decorate the bedroom?

Let me know in the comments!

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

/2 Comments/by

Drywall how to use it at home? Here are 7 different ways!

Drywall, how to use it at home?

There are at least 7 possible ways to use this highly convenient and versatile material!

But first of all, what is drywall?

These are panels or boards composed of gypsum and cardboard sheets; they have a standard width of 120cm and a height ranging from 200 to 350cm.

Thickness varies according to use, although 13mm is the most common.

There are sheets with good acoustic and thermal insulation properties, or fireproof or even water-repellent.

The use of this material has several advantages:

– quick and easy processing due to the panels.

There is no need for mortar; the panels, which you can cut with a simple cutter, are screwed to a galvanized steel frame.

The joints would then be grouted, and the whole thing prepared to be painted like a regular wall.

Its ease of installation makes it practical for concealing systems, thus, avoiding making tracks in walls or “leveling” any imperfections or edges.

– cleaning.

The pieces are virtually ready to use: there is no use of bricks or mortar, raising thus very little dust, so once the work is done, ordinary cleaning will be enough.

– customization.

Due to the ease of workability, it is very suitable for custom fabrications: you can have curved shapes, put doors or add integrated lighting.

– ease of removal.

The ease of installation is also found in its eventual removal.

– costs.

Drywall work has a lower cost than the same work done, however, with wood or brick.

Of course, there are some disadvantages, but minimal:

– heavy impacts.

The slabs are resistant at the surface level and can withstand medium-slight impacts, but certainly not strong ones; the slab can be dented or ruined if you give it a hard blow!

– weights.

Paintings, shelves, or chandeliers may be too heavy: there are special hooks and dowels to put them.

For heavier loads, some dowels can be attached to the framing.

Well, now that we have seen what it is and what the advantages and disadvantages of drywall are, let’s also see how to use it in the home!

– One of the most common uses is as a FALSE CEILING.

A drywall ceiling will allow the use of recessed spotlights or LED strips.

Excellent use in transition areas or perhaps to optically divide two different functionalities in the same room, such as the open-space kitchen and living room or the entrance that gives directly onto the living room.

(credit inlet.it)

(credit cose di casa)

– Use of RIB.

It is always a ceiling use, only this time it is not fully covered, but only the perimeter part.

Perfect for creating ambient lighting

It could be a great idea to emphasize an impressive ceiling because LED strips can be put on it that light upward.

Depending on the width, it will also be possible to put spotlights pointing downward.

(credit officinemama.com)

(credit Tavan Dekor)

– WALL constructions.

It can replace bricks for wall construction to divide rooms.

That is convenient if you have to do this division when you already live in the house.

The ease of installation and cleanliness of the work makes this intervention really not invasive.

(credit cose di casa)

– Construction of DIVISIONS.

It is not always necessary to divide an entire wall; sometimes, a small wall or just a portion is enough, perhaps with an open opening to let light and look flow.

(credit homify.it)

(credit casaegiarfino.it)

– CUSTOM furniture.

Its versatility allows the construction of cabinets, bookcases, wall units, and niches…

Really with a bit of imagination, you can do anything!

In the bedroom, for example, it can become an original wall with illuminated niches that will also serve as a support.

Or, if the room is large, you can create a walk-in closet.

Last week I was talking about mansards: drywall would become an incredible ally on that occasion!

Also great for taking advantage of an open understairs!

(credit El mueble)

(credit decor Style)

– fireplace COVERING.

If you have a fireplace in your home, lining it with drywall will give it a contemporary appeal.

If, on the other hand, you do not have it with drywall, it will be possible to put in a bioethanol one, that does not require a chimney, adding charm to the living room.

(credit artheco.it)

(credit michelincaminetti.it)

– creations of small MEZZANINE.

Especially in tiny houses, taking advantage of every inch is really vital.

Creating some small mezzanine in some areas where the ceiling is higher could be convenient for additional storage space!

(credit Cose di casa)

(credit Cose di casa)

Have you used it yet? Let me know how and where in the comments!

If you have any doubts just contact me!

/2 Comments/by

Living in a Mansard: 4 suggestions to furnish it at best!

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!

/0 Comments/by

Open-space kitchen / living room? 7 ideas for optically dividing spaces

Open-space: ideas for dividing kitchen – living room…

The kitchen and living room are two rooms with quite different functionalities, but are now often seen together in one open-space!

There are pros and cons to having the kitchen and living room in one open space: on the one hand, we have more space, not having dividing walls, brighter rooms, and you definitely increase conviviality because you can talk to guests even while cooking.

On the other hand, the classic clutter in the kitchen, when preparing food, absolutely cannot be hidden, and even all the smells cannot be “enclosed”!

But how do you furnish an open space?

It is a good idea to try to keep, at least optically, these 2 environments separate, emphasizing their different functionalities.

There are at least 7 different ways to create division between these two areas…

Let’s look at them together!

1) USE OF FALSE CEILING and/or PLATFORM

Lowering the ceiling of either area (tends to be better in the kitchen) and perhaps using spotlights will give the impression of an effective division.

You can also do the opposite and decide to raise the kitchen one or two steps: this, too, will divide the two areas.

If the final effective height allows, you may decide to use both the platform and the false ceiling, thus creating two different rooms!

Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno                                   Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno

(credit iversonsignaturehomes.com)                                                            (credit Paul van de Kooi)

2) THE USE OF COUNTER, ISLAND, OR PENINSULA

If the room is large and spacious, you can place a counter, island, or peninsula (depending on the shape of the kitchen) that delimits the cooking area from the living room.

It will also be super functional as a work surface, and why not as well as a snack table!

In this case, placing the stools so that you sit with your back to the living room looking at the kitchen will emphasize this division even more.

Using lights that “fall” on this top will further help to give the idea of separation!

Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno                                 Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno

(credit  Aubrie Pick)                                                                         (credit elmueble.com)

3) PLACE THE SOFA WITH ITS BACK TO THE KITCHEN

The couch placed in this way, so that whoever sits down has his back to the kitchen and looks at the living room will act as a dividing “wall” between the two areas!

Adding a beautiful large rug in front of the couch will, even more, help keep these two spaces optically divided.

If, by chance, the back of the couch is not too visually appealing, you can always put some console table or, even better, a container cabinet, which, in addition to dividing the two rooms, will give more storage space!

Then if the space is tiny, you can lean the couch against the long side of the dining table!

Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno    (credit lesh-84.ru)

        Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno

(credit lesh-84.ru)

4) USE OF DIFFERENT FLOORING

Using different colors or materials for the floors of the two areas will give the impression of two divided rooms.

It is always a matter of optical!

Of course, a sharp line separating these two floorings is not mandatory, but the two surfaces can also meet in a playful and “softer” way by playing with different shapes.

Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno

(credit dezotti.com)

Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno

(credit socooc.com)

5) THE USE OF COLOR

Color is quite an incredible ally!

You may decide, for example, to divide the living room and kitchen by using a different color for the walls.

As with flooring, platform, or fall ceiling tiles, it is a matter of optics: the eye, seeing different colors, perceives different environments!

You can dare by coloring with the same color as the walls, even the ceiling creating a kind of box effect for the kitchen!

Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno          (credit Ban architecture)

       Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno

    (credit Melissa DiRenzo/apartmenttherapy.com)

6) USE OF VERTICAL PARTITIONS

Open (that is, bottomless) bookcases can be extraordinary dividing elements.

They, indeed, will delimit spaces, but without totally closing them off, allowing glance and light to pass through.

If there is not enough space for the thickness of a bookcase, you can create different open partitions, using, for example, wooden slats, or creating honeycomb or lattice structures…

The important thing, in this case, is that they are full height and create a visual separation, but not a sharp one: you must be able to glimpse what is on the other side!

Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno(credit roomandboard.com)

                Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno

(credit casaegiardino.it)

7) USE OF GLAZING

Stained glass windows are a great alternative to divide the living room and kitchen.

They create separation but keep the brightness intact!

They are ideal for those who would have liked two separate rooms because you also have the option of totally and effectively closing off the kitchen!

That will allow you to really have two separate rooms, but without losing all the advantages that open space offers!

Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno (credit fantastic frank)

                        Open-space: 6 idee per dividere cucina e soggiorno

(credit decorazione.mobelideen.com)

As always, with a bit of caution and balance, you can also create divisions by using two or more of these listed solutions together!

If you have an open space tell me how you furnished it in the comments, I’d love to get to know you better!

Also, write if you are furnishing it and have any doubts, I will be happy to answer you!

I hope this article with ideas for dividing an open-space the kitchen – living room was helpful and you love it; in case, let me know in the comments, and if you like this kind of tips you can find more on my YouTube channel!

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!

/0 Comments/by

Furnished “grandma” house for rent

Furnished house for rent?

A couple of weeks ago, Lucia (a fictional name) approached me because she had inherited a charming one-bedroom apartment in a semi-central area of her city.

The house was partially furnished, so she had tried to rent it out but couldn’t find a tenant.

To understand it, I went to inspect the apartment myself.

The apartment per sè was pretty, but it had an old, slightly beaten-up sofa, a partially broken chandelier in the living room, and a missing mattress on the bed.

Despite having a beautiful custom-made wardrobe, the apartment could be described as somewhat “neglected.”

THE PRICE MIGHT HAVE BEEN RIGHT BUT…

The rental price considered the favorable location and the fact that no renovations were needed (even the painting was very recent), but not the actual condition of the furnishings.

That meant that those who would have been willing to “settle” for those furnishings might not have been able to afford the rent, while those who had the means certainly didn’t want to pay that amount for an apartment that wasn’t “perfect”!

People are becoming increasingly demanding.

A few years ago, perhaps because there weren’t many options available at the time if you rented a furnished house, you would settle for what was there.

Often, you would find a “grandma’s house” or, perhaps even worse, a mishmash of styles thrown together to clear out homes or basements.

THINGS HAVE CHANGED!

Today, it’s no longer the same.

People want to be able to live in apartments that are perhaps simple but well-maintained in order to feel good!

Often, people looking for furnished houses do so because it’s not their “permanent destination,” and, understandably, buying furniture that may not fit well in another home (in addition to the stress and cost of moving) is not always the preferred choice.

However, as mentioned, they shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort!

Therefore, offering a better product is a winning decision!

“But then I don’t know who will enter the house; I risk they break everything!”

I often encounter this objection.

It’s self-evident that one can never guarantee for anyone: and there is always this risk.

However, it is also true that the phrase “the beautiful attracts the beautiful” holds some truth.

So, if one finds something nice and comfortable, the tendency is to take care of it.

At the same time, since we never have absolute certainty, we’ll make minimal-cost interventions.

Certainly, expensive designer pieces will not be used (obviously, I’m referring to “normal” accommodations, not luxury ones… the target audience is different there!).

HERE’S WHAT WE DID

That said, Lucia accepted my help to modernize and improve the apartment a bit:

I kept the kitchen but changed the sofa and light fixtures, added a mattress, rearranged things for better functionality, and, together with a colleague, colored the table, chairs, and coffee tables to make them more attractive.

Curtains and decorations were the icing on the cake.

This is the result:

Thanks to the assistance of a competent real estate agent, the apartment was rented out on the first visit, with a slight increase in the rent!!!

Taking care of a rental property means always having a tenant inside and, therefore, receiving income.

If, on the other hand, you don’t make a minimum investment, the risk is to leave it vacant, turning it into just an expense!

So, if you have a furnished house for rent and are struggling to rent it out, don’t waste any more time.

Give it some appeal, and if you need help, you know you can contact me!

/0 Comments/by