Why in home furnishings you should NEVER chase the fashion of the moment

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Today I would like to tackle the topic of “trends” with you, even in furniture, in fact, I would like to explain to you why in home furnishings you should NEVER chase the fashion of the moment!

NEW TRENDS ATTRACT BUT WHAT ARE THEY?

Most people tend to be heavily influenced by the fashion of the moment when they buy something.

So, we find ourselves wanting high-rise jeans at all costs, although we never dreamed of buying them just a couple of years before!

In fact, do you know what is the peculiar feature of fashion?

It is passing.

Some last a few months, others drag on for years.

But every fashion, by definition, sooner or later, will be forced to give way to the next.

Besides, how many clothes do you have in the closet that you wouldn’t wear even today under torture?

Do you see? This is exactly how it works.

A certain trend has a short life: sooner or later it will be replaced by another.

YOU CAN ALSO STORE CLOTHES BUT CAN YOU DO THE SAME WITH FURNITURE?

But, even if we can also accept putting in a corner a pair of jeans or an old-fashioned dress, the same cannot be said with some types of purchases.

I am referring, in particular, to purchases which, on the one hand, require a large investment and, on the other, will be part of our life for a long time.

Let’s take the furnishings.

Did you know that home furnishings are also heavily influenced by current trends?

I am sure you will have noticed the constant presence of furniture that recalls the past, which even appears used or worn to meet a style called Shabby Chic.

Would you have ever imagined, a few years ago, finding this type of furniture in stores?

And who knows what the near future holds for us!

WHY IS IT NOT GOOD TO FOLLOW THE FASHION OF THE MOMENT AT ALL COSTS IN THE FURNITURE?

When it comes to decorating your home, chasing a fashion isn’t a problem in itself.

So why in the furniture should you never have to follow the fashion of the moment?

The problem arises whenever the conditioning of fashion also wins over what makes us feel represented.

It is one thing to invest in a style that is fashionable and, at the same time, it is in tune with the type of person you are, another is to let fashion take on an overwhelming role, forcing you to put aside your real desires .

In the latter scenario, try to imagine how you could live in your home when the fashion of the moment will be replaced with another diametrically opposite.

And you know for sure that it will happen!

Don’t you think you would have the feeling of being a guest in someone else’s house?

That it would be extremely difficult to feel comfortable?

Finally, don’t you think you would do anything to replace those furnishings?

I understand you, though.

Momentary trends can be very captivating.

They are beautiful, aesthetically pleasing, and being tempted is easy.

THE IMPORTANT IS ALWAYS TO CHOOSE SOMETHING THAT YOU REPRESENT!

When it comes to the place where you will have to spend your life with your family, however, the aesthetic side is not enough.

It is very important, it is true.

But it cannot be the only element you evaluate.

If you did, you would run the risk of not feeling represented by your own home!

What is nothing but a nest in which you can truly be yourself.

So why don’t you try to furnish your home, giving equal importance to the aesthetic side and to the one most related to the sensations?

Do you think that many of my clients, at the beginning of our collaboration, think that I remember a psychologist very much!

Because all my work is born with the discovery of the person in front of me.

A deep analysis to understand what is the best way to make it feel welcomed within your family environment.

Which may, however, coincide with current fashion.

Or not.

What matters, as I said, is not current fashion, for which everyone can have their own opinion, but the creation of a place that makes us want to go home.

BE CAREFUL!

So always be careful when you go to buy the furniture for your home.

Do not let yourself be attracted by a particular trend (nor by the words of a seller who will do everything to make you buy what is fashionable) but let your sensations guide you.

Only in this way can you really feel at home.

Following the fashion of the moment to furnish your home is a bit like decorating by copying the images you see on interiors or in sector newspapers…  You would have a house that does not represent you!

And, if you think it’s too complicated to be able to do it alone, you know I’m at your disposal.

Just send me a message.

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Looking for a house will be a nightmare (if you don’t follow these 3 tips)

Looking for a house could be a nightmare…

Have you ever wondered what a house and a person have in common?

Well, finding the right one for both is not easy at all!

However, for the home, as for people, there is a certain feeling that makes us undoubtedly understand when we made the right choice.

In this article, I will tell you how to search and find that feeling and avoid turning the search for your home into a true nightmare.

Of course, I’m referring to the case where you need to buy it and not simply live in a rented house.

Because, as you might imagine, it’s when you decide to buy a home that the choice indeed becomes thoughtful.

In fact, if it is simply a rental, you will subconsciously think that it is a temporary solution, and you will be happy with it!

That being said, where should you start to find the ideal home?

First of all, you have to decide WHERE to look.

It may seem trivial, but the first thing to do is to have a clear idea of where to look for a house.

So: downtown or suburbs?

The choice will, of course, depend on the daily demands of work and family.

Both options have their disadvantages and advantages.

Just think about the convenience of having everything you need under the house if you live downtown.

On the other hand, though, you’ll have to deal with parking, a distant supermarket, and areas of foot traffic.

And so on.

Orienting the choice according to your daily rhythms is fundamental.

Don’t underestimate this aspect: otherwise, you will find yourself living your life uncomfortably.

If, on the other hand, you take the time to reflect and understand which area will best meet your needs, you will be able to experience even the most stressful moments in a more relaxed way.

Then you have to choose the TYPE of building

The first choice that must necessarily be made is between an apartment in a condominium and a detached house.

If you, like many, dream of an independent home, let me ask you:

Do you have any idea how much works you need to do to keep it always pleasant?

I’ll give you a simple example: mow the lawn.

Quite a boredom, right?

The comfort of an apartment is difficult to reach from an independent house; however, even in this case, don’t let yourself be attracted too easily.

Living in an apartment involves several limitations to your personal sphere.

Are you really sure that you can accept the condominium rules?

How will relations with neighbors be?

There is no correct answer: you have to stop for a second and imagine in which of the 2 situations you will be better off for your lifestyle.

Another aspect of the type of building to consider is whether to settle in a period building.

We can admit that it always has a particular charm with its large environments and full of spectacular sceneries at times.

However, modern buildings are built with state-of-the-art facilities, especially when it comes to energy conservation.

To find a compromise, you could look for a fully renovated period building: so as not to give up its charm and at the same time not to deprive yourself of the added value given by new energy technologies.

Lastly: “Play” with the floor plans.

The next step in choosing the type of house is to “play” with the floor plans.

Let me explain better.

Once you see the house that you think is interesting and may fit you, I recommend asking for a floor plan right away.

True, most floor plans are the cadastral ones, with all the limitations that come with them.

The important thing, though, is that you have a scale floor plan in hand and have been able to tour the house.

At this point, armed with a pencil and ruler and start drawing on the map the furniture you already have or those you intend to buy.

Position, move them, reposition them.

As I said, play!

Be careful though, make sure that the furniture you draw is also to scale; otherwise, you could be in for a nasty surprise when it’s time to get serious!

And why don’t you try to make multiple copies of the same floor plan?

This way, you’ll have more options to choose from.

Have you ever thought, otherwise, about a house to renovate?

In this case, the maneuvering range will be higher in terms of furniture because, unless you run into load-bearing walls, you can make some changes to the interior.

Even in this situation, don’t be overwhelmed by easy enthusiasm.

There is no right choice regardless, but only decisions functional to your life.

If you choose a house to renovate, in fact, in the face of a higher range for maneuver, you will have to deal with so much time and energy to spend.

You will need to rely on a surveyor or an architect and a construction company that can complete the works effectively and on time.

Again, my advice is to “play” with the floor plans.

In fact, the measurements on paper do not lie, while looking at the environment in person, you often get caught up in the enthusiasm and then find yourself with unexploited spaces.

Summing up

In short, you’ll have to choose:

– the area where you would like to live
– the type of building
– how to furnish through the use of floor plans

And always remember:

the perfect house does NOT exist.

Of course, you can always build it from the ground up; however, most of the time, you have to compromise.

And finding the right compromise is absolutely not easy.

The risk of throwing away time and money is just around the corner.

Therefore, you may want to turn to a professional to help you find the ideal choice for you and your family, without running into mistakes dictated by inexperience that will cost you very much indeed.

Because looking for a house should never be a nightmare, but only the beginning of a dream.

If you need help, 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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Is “turnkey solution” really worth it?

Today I would like to analyze with you the “turnkey solution” that construction companies often propose, trying to understand how it works and whether it is really worth it!

A SINGLE POINT OF REFERENCE

One of the key points of the turnkey solution is to deal only with the company, a single contact person that will take care of everything!

And this, it is true, is excellent practicality: it takes away a thousand complications, a thousand thoughts!

We have to deal with one person who will report everything to us and to whom we will tell our wishes.

Everything else will be taken care of by the company.

Let’s analyze the turnkey solution in detail:

– it will be the construction company that will decide the workers who will work in your house.

And it is possible that it will subcontract to another company that will choose the artisans with whom to work…

One less burden for you who would otherwise have to look for the plumber, the electrician, the tiler, the mason, the decorator…

In addition, the fact that the various workers know each other and perhaps collaborate regularly is undoubtedly a positive factor.

Knowing how the other works makes the whole thing much “smoother”!

BE CAREFUL, HOWEVER…

There is one factor to consider, however, which is the markup that the main contractor: the one you will be paying, will put on the price of the individual artisan…

The price you have been quoted by the constructor company you have chosen is undoubtedly higher than the price each artisan charged to do the work on your house…

If there are then subcontractors, this price increases even more:

  • the artisan makes his price, hands it over to the contractor, who puts his markup on it,
  • hands it over to the main contractor,
  • who in turn will markup and present you with the bill…

You have no control over this markup and especially no idea how much it might be!

If I tell you, it might as well be 68%!

No, it’s not a number put there at random: it’s really the markup that was given to a customer!

I found out in retrospect by getting in touch with one of the artisans who had worked on their house: in talking, he told me what he had asked for that job…
At home, among the various documents, I still had the price calculator and I, therefore, saw the price that had been asked of them.

And the difference was precisely 68%!!! Not an insignificant amount of money, right?

THE TECHNICIAN WILL DO YOUR BEST INTERESTS? ARE YOU SURE?

– you will be assigned a technician, surveyor, or architect who will be in charge of all the planning and bureaucratic part.

In addition, they will have to take care of the construction management by making sure that everything is done in the best possible way and finding solutions if any inconveniences occur; and they will have to take care of and also coordinate safety on the construction site.

The technician is there to look out for your interests and protect you; but, if you don’t pay him directly, but the contractor, who maybe regularly gets him jobs in case of problems, will he really look out for your interests or the interests of the contractor?

I can assure you that he really won’t care about you!

Not only that, it often happens that the technicians assigned by the company are not included in their staff, so they fish here and there for freelancers who manage to pay very little.

This fact is not irrelevant because if he is underpaid, how much attention will he put into the work, and with what results?

It goes without saying that if you work with a professional construction company, you will not have any sort of problems, but…

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THE MATERIALS YOU WILL HAVE AT HOME?

– the materials will be suggested to you from among those that the constructor company gets from various representatives/suppliers… this results in the fact that you will have a decidedly limited choice, it seems clear that a company does not have a wide range of products to show, they are not suppliers!

But the most vital factor is the price: what value does the material you are suggested really have compared to the final price you pay?

I tell you this because I have seen unbelievable prices, a striking case is of doors paid 580 euros whose commercial value was a maximum of 200 euros.

Now, it goes without saying that you have to add the labor, the shipping, and also the work the company puts in to contact the supplier: choose the material, order it, be present at the delivery, check that everything is in place, but do you understand that even then at 580 you don’t get there?

But there are so many materials: flooring, sanitary ware, interior and exterior fixtures… what really is their value, and how much did you pay for them?

SO WHAT TO DO?

For these reasons, 9 times out of 10, the way this turnkey solution is proposed to you, it’s really not worth it…

So do you have to take care of everything and everyone? Absolutely not…

And I can help you:

– you will pay the workers directly and hold their estimate!

– you will have an architect who will take care of everything, but again you will pay him directly, so he will be in “your employ” (yes, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but at least it gives the idea).

– we will go and choose materials in the best places, where there is plenty of choices and where you will be fully aware of the value of what you have in your home!

BUT

You will only have to deal with the architect and me!
We will be your contacts, and we will take care of everything!

Want to know more?

Contact me!!!

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Home renovation? The choice of the construction company will make a big difference!

Let’s see why the choice of the construction company is the first step to take when renovating!

We know, we’ve said it a million times, renovating your home can become a high source of stress and turn into a true nightmare!

There are really so many things to think about and pay attention to, and if you can’t be there all the time, it all amplifies exponentially, bringing huge bellyaches and heavy losses of money and time.

How can you avoid experiencing the work period badly?

The choice of the right construction company that will put hands on your home is a FUNDAMENTAL thing.

It is a choice that will make a difference both in the final result of the work and in the psychological component you will experience during the entire renovation phase.

Below are some hints on how to choose the right company for you

ON LINE RESEARCH

In the internet age, everything is now at your fingertips!

And it’s really hard for a construction company not to be present in some way on the internet!

PAY ATTENTION, however, to not dwell only on the most appealing website, it’s not enough to choice of the right construction company!

You should know that often the pictures you see on various websites are not photos of jobs actually done by the company, but bought from foreign sites!

In the end, the website is a showcase, and we always try to present ourselves at our best.

If you see crooked photos, perhaps out of focus, then yes, it will be their work; but if you see “magazine” photos, ask yourself questions…

Very few businesses rely on professional photographers to capture their work.

When you see a beautiful picture, go further and read the description to see that it is compatible with the image you just saw…

Focus on the contents; they will give you a first idea of who those construction companies are and what they do.

If they also have social media channels you can follow them and start “knowing them”, you can even interact without any commitment!

Search and evaluate their reviews!

Pay attention to those constructors without reviews, as well as, for those who have them, you have to understand if they are real customers or friends and relatives!!

SPECIALIST VS. GENERALIST

I recommend you avoid those companies that give you an endless list of services!

the longer the list is, the less quality you will have!

It is impossible to excel in everything and guarantee an excellent product or service if you are not specialized!

It is clear that you can find a company that has a highly skilled staff in the various sectors, but it must be specified very well on the site, perhaps in the section OUR TEAM, for example.

Also, remember that a construction company that renovates apartments will hardly do a very high-quality job if you need to renovate a cottage!

The construction company must be chosen based also on the work you have to do.

EVALUATE THE KEY IN HAND SOLUTION

If you choose each master craftsman yourself, you might save something, at least at the budget level, but to do so, remember that you will have to spend a lot of time finding the “right” ones.

Moreover, if they do not know each other, the risk of misunderstandings that will generate errors and delays (resulting in increased costs) is really great.

The construction company surely has workers with whom it collaborates, who will be just as serious; a good company cannot risk “losing face” because of a mistaken collaboration!

And for sure, these professionals already know each other and have definitely already worked together.

Try to understand whether these laborers are subcontracted by the company or whether each has its own costs. Especially try to percieve how many subcontracts there are!

I’ll tell you this because the more steps there will be the higher the final cost will be for you!

BE WARY OF TOO LOW ESTIMATES!

Quality and low prices DO NOT go hand in hand!

it would be nice, but it’s not like that!

the reality is that if you spend little you will get little!

A low share for the job done has 2 implications

– either low quality,

– or at each small variation, the price will magically increase (you know when they tell you “this can’t be done this way, we have to do it like that, but it costs X (ex) more”?)

In the end, the risk is to pay more than what you would have paid using the company that had a higher estimate.

MAKE AN IN-DEPTH MEETING

Once you have identified the one you think could be the right company, make an in-depth meeting!

Prepare a piece of paper with many questions and make them show off their works and reviews!

This will help you to understand how they work and therefore if they are the professionals you were looking for, but also their accountability: if they know how to listen to you, and if they answer all of your questions exhaustively, they will be there if problems arise, taking on responsibility and doing anything to solve them.

Because there may likely be problems during the work, and a company present will really make a difference!

In conclusion, take the time to look for the right company for your needs, don’t be charmed by sites that look too good and quotes that are too low, choose a company that specializes in what you need…

If you need a hand with your renovation don’t hesitate to contact me!

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Are you renovating home? Listen to the heart and not the others!

Renovating home…

If you are planning something, whatever it is, you can be sure that the people around you will have their opinion about it, and will be happy to let you know it!

This, therefore, also applies if you are renovating your home!

You start all thrilled with a thousand ideas, you can already imagine how it will be, and slowly everyone “destroys” your dreams with “if I were you…” “in your place…” “I would do this differently…”!

Often they give you a suggestion for a part, an element, without knowing all the rest of the project.

But, above all, they don’t know why you’re taking a certain decision!

Most of the time, people are full of good intentions, but not really being in your shoes, their suggestions will be dictated by their tastes and their experiences, which are not necessarily suited to yours!

Designing or renovating your home is definitely exciting, and it is normal that you want to share all this with friends and family!

But, often, their advice and suggestions get you confused!

And it is possible that, following some of their ideas, in the end, you will have a home that isn’t really the way you wanted!

And, above all, that doesn’t fully adapt to your needs and your way of being!

Why does this happen?

HOW ARE YOU COMMUNICATING?

Often this happens because of how you communicate information with them:

  • are you simply making them aware of your plans?
  • are you looking for suggestions?
  • or do you seek their approval?

How you tell them things will make a big difference in whereby they will understand them and reply accordingly!

If your intention is only communicative, to make them aware of what you are doing and share your joy, you must show your projects as if all the decisions had already been taken!

If you are sure of your ideas, others will be inclined to support your vision and share your joy, without intrusion.

Or, in any case, with less “invasive” ones!

When they have anyhow to give you their point of view, accept it, think about it and see if it really is something that fits you, your personality, and your needs.

If it doesn’t, go over it without hesitation, remember that it is you who must live in that house, not them!

BE CAREFUL WHO YOU ASK

If, on the other hand, you have doubts about some part of the project and would like to receive effective advice, do not ask everyone, you would come out more confused than ever!

instead look for someone who is more like you, who knows your tastes and your needs and you will see that they will give you thoughtful advice that really can be useful to you!

But, even in this case, although surely this suggestion will be based more on you, do not take it as pure gold.

Evaluate it in every detail, to be sure that it really fits your needs.

Otherwise do not be afraid to change it, maybe the basic idea is right, but some details are not entirely in tune with your way of being.

As we have said, home renovation is exciting, but it can also be stressful, especially if the project is large and the process is long!

During the path, you may feel frustrated and have a thousand doubts about your choices, and unasked advice can really throw you down…

ONLY YOU KNOW WHAT YOU NEED!

When this happens, stop, take a deep breath, and always listen just to your heart.

Only you know your very personal tastes, your rhythms, and your needs, and, therefore, only you know what can make you happy!

For example, if your dream is a large open-space kitchen because you love to receive friends and relatives and while you cook you like being able to chat with them, you don’t have to change your mind if someone tells you that a closed kitchen is better because at least you don’t see disorder and above all odors are not smelt!

Remember that a design decision is not necessarily better or worse than yours, only different, dictated by different tastes and needs.

What is right for someone could be very wrong for you!

When customers ask me for help, the first thing I do is talk at length to understand their tastes and needs to study together with the best solution that makes them happy!

Projects don’t always meet my taste, but woe if it were so, the house is not mine!

So, when you start sharing your exciting restructuring plans with others, and the advice starts to arrive copiously, remember that you are the captain of the ship and that only useful friends have to get on board!

The house must reflect you, not them!

If you are renovating your home and need help putting YOUR ideas together, please don’t hesitate to 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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