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10 tips to make your home look more “luxurious”

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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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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

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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…

 

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Or, again, when elements are duplicated.

 

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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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Paintings, prints, and photographs… here how to put them on walls!

Paintings, prints, and photographs are decorative elements on walls that immediately catch the eye!

Deciding, on a given wall, which and how many paintings, taking the measurements, and planting the nails is not as simple as saying it!

It happens, in fact, that you spend time on this work only to see that:

– the paintings are badly placed,

– too close together or, on the contrary, too far apart,

– they do not all have the same distances.

– or perhaps there are frames that don’t fit at all with the others!

Placing paintings according to specific criteria will have a different effect than arranging them randomly.

So what to do to get a good result? Here are some tips for you!

CHOOSE THE PAINTINGS TO PUT TOGETHER

The first thing you need to do is to group everything you would like to hang in specific groups such as frame color, frame type, or according to content (i.e., prints, photographs, graphics, and so on).

Exclude those paintings that have nothing to do with the style and furnishings of the house.

If they have a sentimental value better to keep them in a different place, the risk indeed is, if it is not the right place to put them, to end up “hating” them!

You can try to transform them by changing the frame or painting it, but even so, it doesn’t mean that they fit the rest of the elements!

Or maybe you could also find a way to make it “the unique piece”, giving it importance with proper lighting too!

However, it’s better to not mix them with other paintings that are too different!

Made the groups, you have to decide where to place each of them based on the style and color of the room: in a rustic environment, for example, it is better to avoid pop art paintings!

HOW TO PUT PAINTINGS AND WHERE?

Once you have chosen the paintings and the room you will have to find where to hang them: if you have the impression that a wall is a bit empty and sad, it is undoubtedly the right place!

Now, you have to decide how to place the paintings to have an attractive and pleasant composition.

You can take a whole picture (from floor to ceiling) of the wall where you want to place your paintings and then use some graphics program (even a simple PowerPoint) and from there study your schemes.

Or you can measure the part of the wall you want to decorate, taking care to leave enough space around it, especially if you have other furniture on the nearby walls.

Mark this space on the floor, then, knowing that the eye has a tendency to look initially to the upper left and then go in search of a focal point that is usually central, start the composition right by putting the main picture in the center.

From there, put the other pieces always remaining in the dèsignated space.

If the composition sits on top of a piece of furniture center the picture in relation to it!

Of course, the scheme you make, whether you do it “on the floor” or with a graphics program, doesn’t have to be made up only of paintings; you can also combine mirrors, letters, numbers, or other objects!

This could give your composition sparkle and personality.

LITTLE TRICK FOR A WALL WITHOUT TOO MANY HOLES!

Now… how to put the paintings exactly where you want, at the proper distances without puncturing all the walls?

Here is a little trick to avoid damages: take some sheets of paper and cut them according to the profiles of each frame, possibly from the back, to also mark the position of hooks.

Most importantly, to avoid forgetting the combination, you can write what picture it is.

After that, place your cutouts on the wall, following the composition you decided on the floor, or in your graphics program.

Fix these sheets of paper with paper tape (to avoid peeling off the plaster).

Also, I recommend using the level to be sure that all the cutouts are straight!!

In conclusion, when you are sure that everything is in order, plant the nails in the points corresponding to the hooks.

And then replace the papers with the paintings!

And voilà, the job is done.

From now on, your walls will be real works of art!!

Do you have any doubt about how to hang paintings on walls?

Don’t hesitate to contact me!

If you’d like more tips like this one come to see my YouTube channel!

 

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Entryway and passages: instruction for use!

Often, the entryway and passages, being passage areas, are somewhat put in the background.

Today I would like to focus on these two environments to make them always pleasant and harmonious (and maybe take the most advantage of them!).

The entryway is the very first room we come in contact with, and it’s the house’s calling card!

CORRECT THE DEFECTS

How to do it when long and narrow entryway or open on the long side of a hallway?

Irregular entryways or where a lot of doors open are definitely unpleasant to look at!

If we have this type of entryways (and it often happens), we have to regularize volumes and paths, let’s see how:

– Too long paths, such as hallways, can be “slowed down” and “modulated” with color, prints, consoles, mirrors, or architectural elements.

– It is an excellent thing to draw attention to one or two key points, such as a particular wall or a significant painting.

– Irregular spaces can also be harmonized by using a piece of furniture to fill an empty area or closing off an area to create a small closet.

– Uniform style, color, and finishes with the rest of the home.

PAY ATTENTION TO THESE DETAILS

– Of course, the more natural light there is, the better it is, but if it is not possible, check that the lighting is good, not just the central light point.
A false ceiling with recessed spotlights might be a good idea!
This even if the entryway gave directly into the living room: it would help visually delimit the space.

– Warm and light colors are always good, but since these areas are transit zones and the stay is short, you can even venture stronger colors to have an impact effect!

– Try to use low furniture, because tall ones, especially if there is little space, are too dominant.
If it is necessary to have a wardrobe, it is better to have a wall one; if it isn’t possible, the ideal is to mask it with the colors of the walls so that it is concealed and does not overlap too much.

– In the entryway, an “emptying pocket” is essential!

– If large furniture can be too pressing, remember to avoid too small accessories, they would be lost!

– If you want to draw attention to something, whatever it is, it needs to be big and very well lit, even better if it is effectively lit with a spotlight pointed at it.

– Never show the bathroom from the entrance, try to mask it as much as possible!
The connection to emphasize is always the one with the living room.

– Entryways and hallways can also provide other functions, such as a small study or a library area…

With small tricks, even the “strangest” entryway and hallway can become welcoming and very pleasant.

Do you need a hand with your entryway and passages? don’t hesitate to contact me for a consultation!

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Here how to choose floors while renovating your home

How to choose floors?

Are you about to furnish a home, change it, or perhaps renovate it?

It is an actually beautiful emotion: you go shopping, choose materials and furniture… everything to create your own nest according to your personality.

Let’s focus on how to choose the floors because they are the highest difficult ones because the most definitive…

But it is also the one that is often undervalued or rather done without considering the whole!

CHOOSE MATERIALS

The first choice to make is the material among tiles, marble, terracotta, parquet, resin, stone, cement, or even carpet and linoleum, even if this two are less used.

It’s a style choice!

Broadly speaking, but of course, everything is declinable:

– the tiles adapt to a tendentially modern style;

– wood, in various shades, and marble are more versatile and adapt to everything, but give the best with a classic style;

– terracotta and stone are more for a rustic style;

– the cement fits well with an industrial style;

– the resin fits with everything, it will depend on the decorations and the finish.

Whatever your choice is, you have to take into account that the floor is in effect a piece of furniture, with its own color!!!

It may seem obvious, however, when we talk about the tiles, there is attention to their colors.

But, for the parquet and the terracotta, their shades go into the background or are chosen based on the impulse of the moment.

Let’s make an introduction, for many years there has been the possibility of having a floor that looks like a parquet, but it is not wood: in fact, there are laminate and porcelain stoneware planks.

At first, the fake parquet was really immediately recognizable, now we must admit that these reproductions, with the naked eye, can often be mistaken for wood.

Not only that, they are becoming very material and so, even to the touch, except that they are colder, you might think it is a wood essence if you have underfloor heating, a good porcelain stoneware could almost mislead you!

The same is true for terracotta: today, there is some fake porcelain stoneware that satisfies the eye, but that is much easier to manage!

ATTENTION TO COLOR, SHAPE, AND LAYING

Whatever the choice, shades, sizes, shape, and laying become, as mentioned, furniture elements to all effects and must be studied according to the style you want to give to the house!

Neutral colors, light or dark do not matter, will adapt to any style and will act as a background; you will only have to pay attention to the shades, that is: if you choose a dark floor, try to put light furniture so as not to burden the environment!

Colors tending to reddish or yellowish, if saturated, instead they are more difficult to combine both in style, but above all in colors!

A yellow-colored floor cannot be matched with pink-colored furniture (and vice versa!).

Loaded colors must be “played down” with whites, contrasting colors, and gray.

A note: the stronger the saturation is, the more the gray must be quantitatively greater or it must darken, otherwise it will not be noticed.

If you choose the parquet, remember that the woods are more or less knotty, and you have to take it into account when choosing the style of your house!

Knotty wood fits better with rustic styles, and smooth wood is good with modern style
Furthermore, it is NOT good to mix different types of essences!

The advice is to combine at most three, with colors decisively distant from each other!

If you already have items of furniture, keep them, or better, their colors, in mind when choosing the floor; but, if you are starting from scratch, think about what kind of furniture you would like, to see the whole and so to choose the right material and color!

If you have any doubts about how to choose floors, don’t hesitate to contact me!

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