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How to always have a scented home: 6 tips

Having a scented home is very important for one’s well-being; in fact, scents, like light and colors, act on our psyche, making us feel good or not.

We experience the home with all the senses, so also with the smell, and a scented home will elevate the perception of rooms by giving them a touch of style and sophistication.

So today, I’d like to see with you some ways to keep your house smelling fresh all the time; some of them will seem obvious, but I’d prefer to mention them anyway!

1 – ALWAYS VENTILATE

That may even seem trivial as far as being obvious, but changing the air by opening windows is the most important and the easiest thing to do!

It is paramount to do this daily, perhaps in the morning when the smog is not yet too intense.

Also, do it every time you have cooked; actually, it would be a good thing to keep them just open while you are cooking, in winter if you have windows set up, you can open them to flap so that not too much cold can get in, but smells can get out.

2 – ATTENTION TO HUMIDITY

The kitchen and bathroom are the two rooms where moisture is most likely to be created:

– in the former, especially when cooking;
– in the latter, either when showering or hanging out the laundry (for the lucky ones who have laundry rooms, the moisture will be created there!).

It is essential, here too, to ventilate because humidity brings some unpleasant smell and stale air.

Another small caution is to pick up the laundry when it is fully dry because if it is even a little damp, this moisture will give the clothes an unpleasant smell instead of a good scent.

In the closets, it is also advisable to put bags of dried lavender or Marseille soap flakes, it will scent the laundry even more, and the scent will invade the room whenever you open the doors and drawers.

(credits: casa e giardino; giocandles.com)

3 – NEUTRALIZE BAD ODORS

Unfortunately, many things can leave unpleasant smells in the house; earlier, I mentioned cooking and moisture, but there are really many others: shoes, garbage, dirty dishes, and pets…

When you arrive home and take off your shoes, it is a wise idea to let them air out on the balcony for about ten minutes and then store them in shoe racks or boxes, thus preventing them from leaving odor around.

For the same reason, always taking out the garbage bags and cleaning the bins, as well as the refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine become paramount to having a scented home.

For those who have pets, it becomes a priority to frequently clean the kennel or cage, change the sand in the litter box, and pick up the food bowls when finished because these are all things that leave unpleasant odors, you may not smell it anymore, but any guests will.

(credit: Dana Miller)

4 – CLEAN FABRICS FREQUENTLY

That may be something we pay a little less attention to, and if we change the bedclothes often, maybe we don’t do the same with bedspreads, curtains, pillow slipcovers, etc.

All fabrics you have in your home absorb odors and release them in turn!

So here is why washing curtains, blankets, pillows, slipcovers, etc., frequently becomes essential to have a home that always smells good!

That also applies to rugs and sofa covers; actually, the latter should be bought with removable covers for this very reason.

I know it is a bit tedious and time-consuming work: however, it could become a great opportunity and excuse to change the face of the house!!!

You could, in fact, having a removable sofa, take a second cover of another color or material, the same for the curtains, pillow slipcovers, blankets, bedspread, etc…

Every time you have to wash them, you could change them!

By doing so, you will not have to stay with a “bare” house due to the time of washing and drying, and precisely you will have environments that change often!

That might make this cleaning a little more fun!

(credit: marbec.it)

5 – PLANTS, FLOWERS, AND ESSENCES

There is nothing better than plants and flowers to scent the house!

Of course, we have said many times it is not always possible to have fresh flowers in the house, some do not like them, but there are some effective tricks!

The first is to have bowls of potpourri, to change frequently.

Or to create compositions of fake flowers on which to put two drops of essential oils every now and then!

For the kitchen, it will suffice to have a few jars of herbs that will give off their wonderful fragrance.

For the bathroom, I’ll give you a cheap and super effective little tip, put a few drops of essential oil inside the toilet paper roll: try it to believe!!!

(credits: littleyellowwheelbarrow.com; living.corriere.it)

6 – PERFUMERS AND CANDLES

Last but not least, use perfumers and candles!

You can find candles of all scents and shapes on the market!

That will not only smell good but also create atmosphere and give warmth to the room!

Then, of course, as just mentioned, there are also perfumers, and, again, there are many kinds.

There are burners, the terracotta ones, at the top of which you put oils that evaporate because of the candle underneath.

These, like candles, also give that extra touch because they create a little atmosphere.

Then there are essence diffusers: those that keep in the plug and the ultrasonic diffusers that give off fragrant vapor.

Finally, there are room sprays.

My advice is to keep the scents the same in the various rooms to avoid mixing too many fragrances that might then annoy!

Better to change fragrance every now and then than have different scents at the same time!

(credits:charmeandmore.it; maisons du monde)

I hope this article with tips to have a scented home 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 advice!

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10 tips to make your home look more “luxurious”

The idea of having a luxurious home appeals to everyone, no doubt, but it is also a fact that you cannot always afford to spend large prices on furnishing.

However, some little tricks will allow you to have a home that looks more luxurious and perhaps designed by an expert!

Let’s look at them together:

1 – WALLPAPER

No, don’t think about the wallpapers our grandparents had! There are all kinds and for all tastes on the market today!

(credit coverdesign.it)

Without necessarily opting for the super-colored ones (which should not be banned, we’d miss it), think of a neutral color, but one that carries different textures.

(credit demart.it)

It is not mandatory to cover all four walls: you can also do just an accent wall or a bookcase background.

The visual impact of the wallpaper is powerful and immediately gives the idea of something sophisticated and elegant.

2 – BOISERIE and MOLDING

We saw it in the 2021 trends, and again, it has nothing to do with what our grandparents had.

However, adding details like these means bringing in textures, but most importantly, that touch of elegance!

These elements create visual interest and immediately make the room look “richer.”

(credit it.decorexpro.com)

Again it is not mandatory to use it, as with wallpaper, on all four walls, but you could use it in only one that will become the room’s focal point!

Beware that this kind of decoration is suitable for classic style but also a modern and contemporary style!

3 – CHANDELIERS

Chandeliers are items that can enhance the aesthetics of a room if properly chosen and placed.

The chandelier usually makes the ambient light, but if properly placed above the table or on the island, it will indeed help create a focal point by emphasizing that specific area.

(credit Nicole Franzen; zephyrandstone.com.au; roeserhomes.com)

Depending on the chandelier you choose, you will undoubtedly add a touch of personality and style.

Always consider, when choosing, the colors, style, and materials you have chosen for the walls, furniture, and accessories!

Try to create cohesion with the other elements in the house!

When the chandelier falls on a rectangular table, remember to get it lengthwise or put more than one so that you can suitably illuminate everything!

(credit Pinterest; Poliform; Pinterest)

4 – ACCENT SEATING

We often have the habit of buying sofas and armchairs in agreement; however, putting an armchair or seats with contrasting shapes, materials, and colors with the couch will give the room a different, more luxurious perception.

Doing this is also a great way to bring a touch of color and different textures to that room and, thus, effectively break the monotony and make it more interesting!

The room will look more elegant, sophisticated, and studied!

(credit villa Bellaria umbria Ph Kristian Septimius Krogh)

If the seating is totally different from the sofa, remember to “justify” it, perhaps by picking the color in the pillows, pictures, or other decorative objects.

That will make the environment harmonious!

You can find many different seats on the market and at all prices; what they have in common, as mentioned before, is that they will give emphasis and character to any room!

(credit Ikea)

5 – PILLOWS

Pillows are another beautiful way to bring in textures and colors.

Putting a couple of pillows on the sofa that, as written a few lines ago, recall the different seat, or some color present in the decorations, will give a sense of harmony and keep everything well balanced.

(credit Pinterest; halfwaywholeistic.com; Pinterest)

Putting pillows on the bed is also a good idea; you can place them in various ways, creating beautiful compositions.

That will give importance and elegance to the bed.

(credit Vivere lo stile; Brittany Niemer; Etsy)

Taking off and putting on pillows every day takes a little time, of course, but it is an investment that the final result will amply repay!

6 – CURTAINS

Curtains dress the home, bringing, too, textures and colors.

They bring warmth and elegance.

A pretty rod anchored high up, just below the ceiling, and soft, well-draped curtains that come to lean on the floor will make any room look decidedly more sumptuous.

(credit interiordesignexplained.com)

It is not mandatory to have highly pricey curtains: even at Ikea, you can find beautiful low-cost ones, but the dramatic effect they give is really unique.

(credit alexanderpollock.com.au)

If space allows, you can put drapery curtains also in the bathroom and kitchen, giving elegance and that extra touch to those two rooms as well!

7 – MIRRORS

The mirror is functional for reflecting oneself, but it is also an object that stands out in any room.

Properly placed, it amplifies light and can even give the illusion of a larger space than it actually is!

(credit Tomasella.it)

Spaces seem to flow better because its ability to reflect creates a kind of continuity, but most importantly, it provides a focal point that draws attention and enhances the room.

Mirrors resting on the floor, uniquely shaped mirrors will be able to give that extra touch of character and style!

(credit Living-corriere)

8) USE SYMMETRY

The human mind needs balance, and symmetry is a form of it.

When you furnish and decorate, try to create symmetries; you don’t have to do it all the time: it might even be boring after a while, but for example, putting two equal table lamps at the ends of the console could be one way.

(credit sarahshermansamuel.com)

Using symmetry with objects or some furniture will immediately give the impression of something definitely researched.

(credit callastudio.com)

9 – ATTENTION TO DETAILS

Details can change the face of rooms: so pay attention to finishes such as handles or faucets!

(credit Franke; Frattini; gaiainterni.com)

I have already spoken about this in a previous video, but the same kitchen, sink, or cabinet with different faucets and handles will give different impressions!

On the market, you find endless variations of materials and shapes, both as faucets and handles and at all prices, but these are details that can actually make a difference and make your home feel more luxurious!

(credit Ikea; Gucki; Ikea)

They are easily changeable elements that, correctly chosen, can give your home a touch of elegance and style.

10 – PLANTS AND FRESH FLOWERS

Plants bring color and textures into the home, and fresh flowers bring fragrance; all of these things elevate our perception of the ambiance.

Plants, as mentioned other times, bring us back to nature, allowing us to feel better; in particular, the scent of fresh flowers helps lower anxiety.

(credit @homepolish)

So plants and flowers have a dual function: they bring beauty, elegance, and well-being too!

Orchids, lavender, eucalyptus, and gardenia add a touch of elegance and a pleasant scent to any room!

If you don’t like cut flowers, you can also bring fragrance with candles and diffusers; those will also be very effective in enhancing environments.

Avoid fake plants and flowers except for the occasional small arrangement here and there!

Then if, like me, you’re not exactly a green thumb, know that there are very easy-to-care-for plants that are “big talkers,” as Simona Borgia, the urban gardener, says in this video!

One more note, it seems almost silly to say, but clutter is really the opposite of luxury!

So everything must be suitably stored and nothing out of place!

The clutter otherwise could ruin all the study and work done!

 

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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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!

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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!

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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!

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Home decor: 6 basic interior design concepts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So it is having something outstanding that grabs attention.

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

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

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

                 

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

2) another concept is creating CONTRAST

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

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

These contrasting plays enliven the environment by giving it character!

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

3) RHYTHM is another essential concept.

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

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

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

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

                  

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

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

Balance is the proper distribution of different visual weights.

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

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

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

 

(credit Flanagan Lawrence source yellowtrace.com)

Why did I write “on paper”?

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

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

 

(credit Abramson architects)

Or, again, when elements are duplicated.

 

(credit Knoll)

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

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

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

                        

(credit Meridiani living)                                                                                       (credit Bronxes Studio)

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

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

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

       

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

6) Finally, the last concept is HARMONY.

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

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

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

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

          

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

 

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

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

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

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

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And at the end of renovation work, what happens?

And at the end of renovation work, what happens?

“I finally enjoy the house!” you’ll tell me!

Whether it is your permanent home or a second home…

And you’re right!

AND AT THE END OF RENOVATION WORK?

But I take inspiration from a fact that happened to me a few days ago, to make you understand that the end of the work and the handover of the keys does not mean that everything is finished and ok.

Some time ago, I followed the renovation of a farmhouse for foreign clients, their holiday home, and the work was finished about a year ago.

As you can easily imagine, living away from Italy, they can’t live in the house every day.

They, therefore, relied on a person who can open and check the house from time to time. And they rely on her for the management of the part used as a guest house.

This person has, as it should be, all the references of the companies and professionals who carried out the work so that she can face any problem…

In theory, at least.

BUT IT DOES NOT ALWAYS GO AS WE WOULD LIKE

Yes, because unfortunately, there was some malfunction:

– a leaking toilet,

– a shower that discharged badly,

– internet which was often absent.

Nothing really serious, just a big bother, but things that need to be fixed!

The lady, therefore, tried to call whoever had made the implant, unfortunately often IN VAIN!

Although she knows both plumbers and electricians, rightly, this person didn’t want to call them because it’s obvious that whoever made the installation knows it better and, therefore, knows where to put his hands.

I’ve tried to call them too and send them messages, which were read, but to which I didn’t receive an answer!

I honestly find this unprofessional behavior!

Sure, you can be busy at the moment, but is it possible that throughout the day, or at most the day after, you can’t find a moment to call back?

PAY ATTENTION TO THE CHOICE OF THE CONSTRUCTOR OR PROFESSIONALS!

You know how much I insist on the design phase, on how important it is to really define the project in every detail, even including the furniture (or rather, starting from that).

Once this is done, however, it’s vital to choose the right constructor or professionals!

As I explain here, it must be done after studying the project to choose highly qualified professionals in the work you have to do.

Once you have found a list of specialized technicians, you need to do a further investigation to understand which one is really for you and it will always be there… even after the delivery of the keys!

It is not easy, because, as in every field, there are serious, mediocre professionals… unfortunately also real “criminals” (yes it’s a strong term, but there are also those!)

Sites and reviews are elements that already give you a first idea, but it is not enough:

– on the sites, they could have purchased photographs and not of works actually done

– the reviews could be from friends and family!

TELL THEM ALL YOUR DOUBTS

It’s important to have an in-depth interview!

At that moment you must be able to express all your doubts, even what seems silly to you, prepare a sheet with all the questions that come to your mind.

In some ways, this is a test: if they know how to answer all your questions exhaustively, really trying to dispel any doubts, they will show you their availability!

Availability that they easily will always show you, even once the work is finished!

You must be able to be sure that if something happens, you will always have someone who can help you!

Someone who will answer you when you call, if not immediately within a short time.

And if for any reason he cannot come immediately, he will move to solve the problem anyway!

It’s not easy, let’s face it, it’s a bit of luck, but the more careful you are in this choice, without being in a hurry to start work, the more likely it is that you won’t have too many surprises during, but also afterward!

For any doubts, do not hesitate to contact me, or if you want to write to me in the comments!

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How to face a renovation in the best possible way?

Knowing how to face at the best a renovation, small or large, is really important to prevent the dream from becoming a nightmare!

We have said it several times, restructuring is not a picnic, and it can be very stressful, but some tricks can “facilitate” this path!

THREE TRICKS TO FACILITATE THE PATH

Let’s see them together, in order:

– CHOOSE AN ARCHITECT OR SURVEYOR:

If you need to renovate, unless you just have to redo the floors and/or whitewash, you MUST turn to a professional for the project, for the bureaucratic part, for safety on-site and, indeed, follow the work!

Be careful that not all professionals do everything I have just mentioned, so I recommend making sure that it can follow every part, not to risk any kind of sanctions!

– MAKE A DETAILED PROJECT:

I know, it’s not the first time you’ve heard me say it, but that’s because it’s really the cornerstone of the whole process!

Where to start?

If you don’t build from scratch you must surely start from the current state map!

From there, if you rule out any load-bearing walls, you can really go wild!

But I suggest you start with the furniture!

I know it sounds counterintuitive, but if you study the rooms from the furniture you’ll be able to create really functional settings!

Once you have identified the furniture, you can decide on the appropriate size for each room.

Once this is done, or at the same time, you can choose the materials and finishes, so that they will match the chosen furniture!

Then you can study the various systems, the electrical one, in particular, will be studied ad hoc for the position of the various elements present, making the environment even more comfortable!

– CHOOSE THE CONSTRUCTORS OR THE VARIOUS CRAFTSMEN:

having clear the work to be done and the materials you want to use will make it easier for you to search and find the right professionals!

I know that often we start from the choice of the constructor, but it is unthinkable that everyone can do everything!

Laying a resin, for example, is certainly not the same as laying tiles and requires different skills!

If you have a clear idea of what you want to do you can choose a constructor or craftsmen SPECIALISED who will surely know how to do a good job!

Better a single constructor or individual craftsmen?

It always depends on the works you want to do, there are the pros and cons in both cases:

– with a single constructor, you have only one contact person and the professionals working inside already know each other, this could save time,

– if turn on individual craftsmen you may get lower prices, because, easily the company will add a more or less large percentage on the quote of the individual professional!

In any case, if you choose a constructor, make sure that it does the work directly and not subcontract to another company, in this case, you can be sure that the prices will be much higher!

OTHER ADVANTAGES OF FOLLOWING THESE THREE TRICKS

Doing this will allow you to have a clear understanding of the costs you are about to face, and the picture is total!

So, not having yet “lifted a finger” you can always fix things!

Once you’ve done these three things, you can start work!

Will everything go smoothly?!

Well, it’s really hard because a few hitches and a few unexpected are easy to happen, it’s part of it!

If you invest some time in the research for the right professionals, but especially in the project, you will surely reduce the problems!

And the stress that follows and you will surely be able to face your renovation in the best way!

Even at an economic level, the possible cost increases are reduced, because the quotes for the works are based on a well-detailed project, and therefore, unless there is a change in the race on your part or something unexpected, the prices will remain the same!

TO DEAL AT THE BEST A RENOVATION IT’S POSSIBLE!

To face at the best a renovation is possible, the important thing is not to be in a hurry to start the work without having clear ideas!

Among other things, when everything is well planned, it allows you to speed up the whole process and not just a little bit because everyone will have clear what to do and so there will be no waste of time!

The investment made in the project and research will pay off!

If you’re going through a renovation and you’re feeling a little lost, don’t hesitate to contact me!!

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Home renovation? Read here to understand why it is important to choose the technician first and the contractor second.

If you’re thinking about a home renovation, it’s likely that you’re pondering how best to go about it…

You are probably thinking about calling a construction company in the first place, perhaps one you trust, to get a quote and decide how to start this venture directly with them.

I imagine this because I admit, I did so too for my first home renovation.

When I still knew little or nothing about it and was in a completely different line of work…

Oh yes, I too made that mistake, only fortunately for me, I chose a company with the right stuff, serious ones that work very well and so everything went smoothly!

Why do you make this choice, and why, if you are not more than lucky, can it be a terrible mistake?

Your thoughts in deciding to go directly to the construction company may be twofold:

– you think you are saving money;

– you think that the contractor is the right contact person (who better to know what we are talking about than those who perform the work).

Actually, both of these statements are incorrect!

Of course, many companies really like this choice, because they will be able to do whatever they want in your home, and, for you, this will be a big problem!

What do I mean by that? I’ll explain it to you right now!

– for huge renovations, they will offer you one of their technicians to do a project that THEY told them, based on what you explained to them;

– they will not specify the materials they will use.

This involves

– that the costs will increase out of all proportion because, not having studied the project beforehand with the technician, surely changes will come up during the work that needs to be done.

And these changes will come:

– from your side that by reasoning, you understand that there is a better solution for your needs,

– or from the contractor that only later will notice that something cannot be done this way, but it is better to do it that way, which however will lead to an increase of tot…

Believe me: this happens very often indeed!

– you will never know the proper value of the materials you have in your home, and there is a real danger that they will be poor quality, stock remnants that you paid for, however, as if they were first-rate!

– the work will be slow, and each modification will lead to an inevitable loss of time!

Construction companies, even the best ones, know how to do the work, but they don’t know how to do the project and don’t know how to do the bureaucratic part properly.

Arriving at the beginning of the work with a clear idea, with a plan properly done, knowing exactly what materials you want is really essential so that you then can check that the contractor is doing things as agreed.

It goes without saying that you are not an expert, you have an idea of what you would like, but a project cannot be limited to a quick sketch with two annotations…

The construction company, however skilled it may be, cannot accomplish what you want precisely only based on the few things you tell them.

Who looks after your interests?

And of course, as said before, on huge renovations they will propose you their technician, with whom, however, you will hardly talk… How can he do a project tailored to you? He will not do it, but will do it following the orders of the construction company!

Another problem, by no means marginal: relying directly on the contractor who will be the construction manager? Who will be in charge of safety?

If you haven’t hired a technician, you should do it yourself, but you don’t have the skills, and then you’ll have to rely on their professional, on the one you’ve never seen but who did the project and took care of the bureaucratic part…

But are you sure he will do your interests? I’m already telling you… absolutely not! He will do the interests of the construction company!

Do you still believe that for home renovation relying directly on the contractor is convenient and the best choice?

Often there is a false illusion that the construction company has every interest in giving the best possible service; in the end, it gets by on your money, so why complicate your life by not doing the work well?

That is largely due to the market in which they have to operate, a market in which price wars are the order of the day!

That somehow turns the enterprise into your “antagonist” because it has to maximize earnings while reducing costs!

Spending more is no guarantee to have a better job…

At this point, you might think: “I go to the most expensive one, and I’ve solved it!”.
No, unfortunately, it doesn’t even work that way because the constructor company MUST BE CONTROLLED anyway!

And that is always! And who can do that? Only and exclusively a technician!

But as said before, it can’t be their professional because if not, he will look at their interests and not yours, and you’ll be back to square one!

First, choose the technician and make a project!

The correct thing to do is

  • FIRST to choose a trusted technician; with him, study a project that is complete in detail and is functional to your needs.
  • choose all the materials you wish to have,
  • and THEN choose a construction company that, at that point, based on that detailed project and knowing what materials it will have to handle, will be able to give you a much more correct estimate.

The technician is aware of what he has to do, and knowing the laws and decrees, he knows how to do it, and having chosen him, you will check that everything is done properly and will defend your interests!

Do you understand why if it is true that the choice of the constructor company will make a big difference in your home renovation (I talk about it here), it is even more so the choice of the technician!

Better to move forward in steps!

My team and I always start from here…

Once we have identified the right house for you, we start with the project that we do 360°!

Which means from the first brick to the furniture (wanting to the last knick-knack!).

We follow and support you in choosing all the materials (tiles, interior and exterior fixtures, sanitary ware, furniture, of course!).

And only after that do we start with the work!

Home renovation is a high-impact financial and emotional commitment that you CAN NOT leave to chance.

It is a long and arduous path, which, if not properly managed, can lead to a lot of frustration, don’t risk this and let me support you: contact me!

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How to mix different patterns: here there are some tips!

Is it possible to mix different patterns?

Polka dots, stripes, paintings, flowers, and so forth… are patterns that bring joy and a touch of character to the home.

As for the different styles, even with the patterns, you can play by combining them together, of course, all with some criteria to avoid falling into exaggeration: not all the various prints placed close together fit well!

Again, therefore, the key word will be balance!

First of all, we must keep in mind that this type of combination does not only concern textiles, but also walls (maybe if you use wallpapers) and rugs!

Starting with textiles, such as bedspreads, plaids, curtains, and pillows, remains the easiest thing to do, also because it is more easily correctable in terms of time and money!

So how do you mix two or more different patterns together?

Here are some small tips to be able to combine different patterns perfectly and have a home that reflects your personality!

START WITH TWO PATTERNS

The first suggestion is to start with only two patterns!

The easiest match is the tone on tone, different patterns, perhaps geometric, but the same color.

(from Pinterest)

Vice versa same fantasy with different colors

(from Pinterest)

You can also use similar patterns on contrasting colors like in this example.

(from Pinterest)

If, on the other hand, you love a pattern with more colors, the second pattern should have at least one color in common in this way, the melange will undoubtedly be harmonious.

There are so many patterns, you’re spoiled for choice, so to start, choose what will be the main fabric, the one you like most of all.

Once this is chosen, the second pattern must be a little more neutral, or with at most a touch of color that is present, as mentioned before, also in the first fabric.

PAY ATTENTION TO SCALE

Another attention to pay off in choosing different patterns is the scale of the chosen designs, i.e. their size, better if the sizes are different!

Observing the scale, especially when there are multicolor fabrics, is essential for an optimal result so, if the first pattern has a large design, you will have to then, in the second pattern, choose a small design.

For example, suppose that the first textile has large flowers, as for the second textile you can choose a small geometric pattern (stripes, squares…).

The geometric prints are excellent as a second pattern because they are really flexible.

The gist is that one of the two fabrics should definitely stand out over the other with more striking colors and patterns, and the other should be a little more neutral!

(from Pinterest)

NOW TRY WITH THREE PATTERNS!

Since three is considered the perfect number, even in interiors: when choosing fabrics combining three types of textiles becomes really an ideal choice!

In order not to exaggerate, I suggest you use a solid color that ties the two patterns together; if they have a color in common, for example, that will undoubtedly be a perfect combination!

Otherwise, choose a color present in the main fabric.

Don’t use more than three shades, but also use them throughout the rest of the house, including furnishing accessories!

(from Pinterest)

If you are afraid to make some mistakes don’t hesitate to contact me!

 

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