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7 home decorating tricks that will make a difference!

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

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

1 – USE OF MASKING TAPE

– FOR FURNITURE ARRANGEMENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drawing instead with tape is quick and immediate!

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

(credits: Vivere lo Stile; thesunnysideupblog.com)

– TO DECORATE THE WALLS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(credits: littlehouseonthecorner.com; sharonehines.com)

2 – USE PAPER TO HANG PAINTINGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(credits: claireprints.com)

3 – ADHESIVE TAPE FOR POTS

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

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

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

The result is guaranteed!!!

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

(credits: kristywicks.com; maisondecinq.com)

4 – LINING THE BOOKS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How annoying is it?

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

What to do in these cases?

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

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

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

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

(credits: Amazon)

6 – RECHARGEABLE BULBS

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

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

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

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

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

You can find them on Amazon!

(credits:Amazon)

7 – FIND THE COLOR USED FOR THE WALLS AGAIN!

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

Easily you no longer have them!

It is normal; it has happened to everyone!

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

The paint store has the tools to recognize color.

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

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

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

(credits: lonefoxhome)

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

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

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

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Kitchen with an island: helpful information!

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

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

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

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

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

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

MEASUREMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOW TO DESIGN THE REST OF THE KITCHEN

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

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

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

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

(credits: dekeukendesigners.nl; Melaragno design company)

LIGHTING AND SUPPLEMENTS

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

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

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

(credits: Eric Kuster; nfm.com)

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

There are three possible solutions:

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

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

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

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

(credits: scavolini.com; bora.com)

(credits: diotti.com; libertateapentrufemei.ro)

EXTENSIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(credits: kresswellinteriors.com; Newcastle Design)

(credits: @elleestpasbellelavie; Molins design)

ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS

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

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

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

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

(credits: pillowsandlanterns.com; kouch.es)

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

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

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

(credits: mayavisnyei.com; kreatinghomes.com)

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

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

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

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Decorating your home in spring: some tips!

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

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

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

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

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

TYPICAL ELEMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– add some authentic branches.

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

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

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

(credits: awonderfulthought.com; onsuttonplace.com)

(credits: designthusiasm.com; thriftyandchic.com)

LIVINGROOM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(credits: ©EmeryBastable; lifeonvirginiastreet.com)

KITCHEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BEDROOM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(credits: @abbie_melle; kenayhome.com)

START THINKING ABOUT THE OUTDOORS AS WELL

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

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

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

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

(credits: gordmans.com; blackhaus.com)

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

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

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

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DESIGN ELEMENTS: 6 items we use all the time and take for granted!]

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Today I would like to resume the design elements rubric by telling the story of extraordinary objects that have become everyday and sometimes taken a bit for granted!

These are objects that we know very well, some so simple that we feel like they have always existed, yet they are born of someone’s genius!

Here I told the story of 5 everyday objects: today, I offer you 6 more!

CLOTHESPIN

Is there anything simpler and more useful than the clothespin?

Two pieces of wood (complemented by plastic over the years) united by a steel spring!

The wooden clothespin we use today was invented by D.M. Smith of Springfield, Vermont, in 1853.

In 1944 Mario Maccaferri replaced wood with plastic to make the clothespin even more durable.

It then became a design classic in 1976 when artist Claes Oldenburg made a work of art named Clothespin: a giant clothespin 13.7 meters high!

This work is installed in Center Square Plaza in Philadelphia.

A curiosity: credit for this invention has often been given to the Shakers, a religious sect founded by Ann Lee in the US in 1772.

That is because they were the authors of many pieces of furniture that was an expression of their faith: utmost simplicity, essential details, and no decoration! The clothespin actually embodies all of this!

LE PARFAIT JAR

These pressure-top jars originated about 1825 by an unknown designer, mainly for storing food; today, they are also decorative items!

Filled not necessarily with food, they are, in fact, perfect to put in compositions to put on the countertops of our kitchens!

They are made of molded glass and have the ultimate sealing ability, with the characteristic orange rubber and iron hook!

A vacuum is created when the jar is heated inside, making the seal airtight!

They exist in various sizes from 50ml to 3 liters and have a large opening (7 to 10 cm) to make filling easier!

Despite numerous imitations, this jar is still present in our homes because it is functional and has a simple and inexpensive locking system.

It is now closely associated with high-quality handcrafted products!

STRAW

The straw is one of those items we pay little attention to, taking it almost for granted… only to appreciate it when it’s missing!

Over the years, the straw has really evolved a lot.

The origin of the straw is attributed to Marvin Stone, a manufacturer of paper filter cigarettes, in 1888.

Actually, straws already existed then that were made of ryegrass, a herbaceous plant.

Stone, however, fed up with straws breaking and especially leaving an unpleasant aroma, decided to produce his own straw.

At first, he wrapped some strips of the paper he used for filters to a pencil and, gluing them together, created the first paper straw.

The product was later improved by the introduction of paraffined paper that prevented the straw from impregnating, and this was the first straw patented in 1888 precisely.

Over the years, the straw has since become plastic, only to return now to paper due to pollution.

One of the significant improvements of this object was the addition of the flexible band introduced by Joseph B. Friedman in 1937.

This small addition has helped both young children, not yet accustomed to the glass, and bedridden convalescents.

Fun fact: the first batch of flexible straws was actually sold to a hospital in 1947.

ARMY KNIFE

The Swiss Army knife was created as a practical item for soldiers in 1891 by Karl Elsener.

Elsener then founded the Swiss Master Knifemakers Association to facilitate the production process.

The knife, however, was not as successful as hoped, and the association disbanded.

Elsener did not give up and tried to fix the problems that had not gotten it off the ground: that is, heaviness and limited functionality.

He succeeded in 1897 when he registered the new knife: the one we all know.

New functionality and good looks were well received by all, not just soldiers.

Elsener named his company after his mother’s name Victoria, then in 1921, he added the international name of stainless steel to the brand name, and it became Victorinox!

The use of the Swiss cross indicates an instrument of superior quality.

To meet every need, today, there are many variations of the original pocket knife on the market: it comes in a range of as many as 100 models!

PUZZLE

Who has not done, in his life, at least one puzzle with more or fewer pieces?

Well, this fascinating and timeless game that appeals to all generations originated in 1766 for educational purposes!

The idea originated with John Spilsbury, an engraver and map maker in London, who one day decided to glue one of his maps onto a wooden board and cut out individual countries at their borders.

It was called Dissected Mapp and was used, for a long time, to teach geography in school.

Only in the twentieth century was it considered to create something for adults as well; they were extremely costly to produce, so they were sold in small quantities and only to wealthy customers.

These, however, used them as a means of entertainment at their parties, sparking and spreading a collective passion.

The pieces then became interlocking, and in 1908 the name puzzle was coined for this game, referring precisely to this new form.

In 1929, at the beginning of the Depression, puzzles became a national pastime loved by everyone regardless of social background.

That is for two reasons;

  • because it reproduces images that allow them, at least with the imagination, to escape from the dark moment they were experiencing;
  • the change of material from wood to cardboard, which makes the game much more affordable!

In 1932 they also arrived in the rest of the world, becoming the most beloved form of entertainment for young and old alike.

By 1990, puzzles had become so profitable that the Parker Brothers game company decided to focus its production on this game alone.

Over the years, 3d puzzles have also been born!

CYLINDER LOCK

Invented by Linus Yale Jr in 1861.

The son of a blacksmith, he invented a lock that was a device that matched keys composed of several parts that gave the possibility of using an infinite number of combinations that were difficult to copy.

Inside, it does not have any elements that could move, such as springs.

He also invented a mechanism called a “pin tumbler” or radial pawl: a mechanism that is not visible from the outside and, therefore, cannot be forced.

The lock came to be called “the infallible magic Yale lock.”

On the other hand, the second lock, is called “the infallible secure Yale lock” and is nothing more than an improved version of the first one.

Yale shows such confidence in its product that it promised $3,000 to those who succeeded in forcing it!

Shortly, these locks became so famous for their reliability, thanks in part to Yale’s entrepreneurial skills, that in 1856 they were also used for the U.S. Mint.

Yale thus becomes synonymous with lock!

In 1860 Yale also invented the first Monitor Bank lock, the first combination lock.

HERE THE CYLINDER LOCK WE ALL KNOW

Finally, in 1861 he reworked the pin tumbler mechanism and his own in cylinder locks.

He founded his company with Harry Towne in 1868 and died shortly later; his name, however, has been passed down as the most significant lock manufacturer.

In 1879 lock production was joined by padlock production.

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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Bringing some nature into the home: 6 ways to do it!

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Bringing some nature into the home becomes really important because it has a scientifically proven beneficial impact on our being: it brings a good mood and improves the quality of life by reducing stress!

Actually, it’s vital not only in homes but in architecture in general.

Have you ever heard of Biophilic design?

It is a particular way of designing homes, offices, in short, the various places where we live and work so that they are as connected to nature as possible.

The term Biophilic was introduced in 1964 by German psychoanalyst Erich Seligmann Fromm (1900-1980) and literally translated means love for all that is alive!

We also have an example of this way of designing here in Italy: the Vertical Forest in Milan, designed by Stefano Boeri.

However, since not all houses are yet designed and built with this philosophy, we need to start from the bottom, bringing nature into our homes ourselves!

Of course one of the first things to do is to use environmentally sustainable materials as much as possible, but this is only the basis!

Some elements help this reconnection to nature…

Let’s see what they are!

NATURAL LIGHT

Light is the primary and fundamental element for one’s well-being.

Many studies show that in Nordic countries where people are in the dark for many months, there is an increase in cases of depression!

That is why you need to let as much natural light into your home (and office) as possible!

There are ways to “light up” those darker rooms when this is not at hand: I’ve talked about it here!

If you work from home, it will be relevant to place the workstation as close to the window as possible to take maximum advantage of natural light.

You may not know it, but in addition to feeling good, you will increase your productivity and creativity!

(credits: Rachel Parcell; nidi.it)

FRESH AIR

It is pretty evident how essential fresh air really is, think about how good you feel when you can breathe well when you are in the countryside, mountains, seaside or even just in the middle of the park!

In the average and small town, opening the windows will not only bring in some fresh air but will also allow you to hear sometimes the birds chirping!

Of course, in larger cities where the smog is so much, this is more complicated, but you can try to do it in the early morning hours when there is less traffic and maybe even get help from air purifiers.

(credits: evanto)

NATURAL TONES

Colors also have their importance, and to feel closer to nature, creating palettes with nature’s own colors will be paramount!

The shades of greens, browns, beiges, blues and light blues, earthy reds and straw yellows…

All colors you see when precisely you are immersed in your favorite habitat!

One of the best ways to create a home color palette that you’re unlikely to tire of is to take colors from an image of your favorite landscape!

Does that sound like a strange idea?

Actually, if you try typing in the search engine or even in Pinterest, “color palettes”, you will see that many palettes are really taken from images!

There are many programs online that can extract colors from a photo by giving you codes that will allow you, again with online programs, to reach the color of your favorite brand!

(credits: amywax.com; Little Greene)

PLANTS

That is the fastest and easy way to bring nature into the home!

There is no room in the house where you cannot have plants, not even the bedroom, as Simona Borgia explained here!

Plants bring some life into the home, and many also have purifying properties!

They also bring in some moisture, which is very helpful, especially in winter when the air tends to dry out because of the heaters!

It is a great way to bring green into the home, a color that helps promotes calm and tranquility.

That is even for those who might not like green as a color!!!

Plants also bring rhythm and movement due to their shapes, and this brings some vitality to the environments!

Then giving necessary attention and care to the plants is another very relaxing factor indeed!

If, by chance, you are not exactly a green thumb, know that there are plants that are really easy to maintain!

(credits: Eric Kuster; naszedomowepielesze.pl)

NATURAL MATERIALS

Also using natural elements such as furniture, textiles, and decorations as much as possible is another way to reconnect with nature.

Wood, marble, linen, rattan, and wicker are elements that will make a big difference in feeling connected to nature!

Wood, in addition to furniture, can be used in decorations: think of beautiful trays on which you can then create beautiful compositions!

A “slice” of the tree trunk might even be enough!

Adding beautiful wicker baskets will bring warmth and texture and precisely make you feel closer to nature!

Again, if the style allows, a rattan armchair could be that element that gives that extra touch to the room!

Don’t underestimate the beauty and properties of stones, too!

Stones are beautiful because of their uniqueness in shape, color, and texture; thus, they can be a valuable decorative element: think, for example, of a beautiful bowl with an array of stones that are all different.

I told you about stones because they also seem to have the ability to make us feel more grounded and more aligned with nature!

(credits: allisajacobs.com; spacejoy.com)

SENSORIAL ELEMENTS

I’ve said it before, a home should be experienced with all the senses, and if we want to feel more connected to nature, we can’t help but try to recreate scents and sounds as well!

Bringing fragrances of nature into the home, such as might be a forest scent, helps lower stress!

In addition, sounds, such as the flow of water, also promote reconnecting with nature!

There are drinking fountains that can also be decorative.

If not, there are also many tracks that pick up the chirping of birds or the waves of the sea, for example, and it might be an idea to have them in the background!

(credits: ArtDigest; aeryliving.com)

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

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

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

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Curtains: ideas for hanging them the right way!

Curtains, I always say, are really essential when furnishing and decorating a house!

This is because they dress the windows and bring warmth, textures, and wanting colors to the room.

Today I would like to look at some common mistakes you make when putting up curtains and also how to do it in special situations such as when there are radiators, you have an arched window, or the window is very close to a wall!

LET’S START WITH THE COMMON MISTAKES!

– HANG AT THE RIGHT HEIGHT

That is a mistake people often make: which is to hang curtains just above the window!

Putting the curtains at that level will not emphasize the heights by visually shrinking the room!

The curtain should be hung as close to the ceiling as possible; to give an idea about two-thirds of the space between the window and roof.

If the ceiling were really very high, the curtains should be hung at least 15-20 cm above the window!

– PAY ATTENTION TO THE LENGTH OF THE ROD

Another mistake that is often made is to buy a rod the same size as the window or just slightly longer.

That, as with the previous point, somewhat shrinks the window, but mostly it is nonfunctional.

The curtains, when open, obstruct the passage of light because they overlap the windows!

You need to calculate at least 10-15 cm on each side so that the open curtain barely covers the window profile.

 

– CHOOSE THE RIGHT WIDTH PANEL!

Curtains should always be soft both when open and closed.

Choosing a too narrow panel will result in the curtain appearing drawn when the curtains are closed.

Conversely, if the panel is too wide, it will be heavy both when the curtains are closed and especially when they are open!

In either case, the curtains will look randomly placed and unstudied!

(credit: la redoute; amazon)

– TAKE GOOD MEASUREMENTS IN LENGTH!

Another very common mistake is to have curtains that are too short!

Doing this will visually shrink the room, and as with the previous point, the curtains will look as if they were placed without a proper study.

Depending on the style and especially how much they are opened and closed and the footfall in that area, three lengths can be studied:

– the curtain that skims the floor: this is ideal when curtains often open, in high footfall areas, and for an elegant yet casual look;
If you really don’t like the idea of it skimming the floor, you can make it slightly shorter, but no more than a couple of inches.

(credits: Pion studio; villedesign.be)

– make the curtain rest slightly: this means adding 1-2 cm to the curtain relative to the floor so that it caresses it.
It is ideal for giving an extra dynamic touch!

(credits: Cille Grut; Kate Lawrence Interiors)

– create a slight puff on the floor: to do this, you need to add 4-6 cm to the fabric relative to the floor.
That will give a touch of formality to the room.

Be careful not to overdo the puffing, first of all, because there is then the risk of stumbling in, but it will turn out anything but elegant!

(credits: thedesignfiles.net;borgonovo1930.com)

HOW TO DO IN PARTICULAR SITUATIONS?

– WINDOWS NEAR THE WALL – ANGLE WINDOWS

You might happen to have windows near the wall that do not allow you to have that extra 10-15 cm for the rod: how to do it?

In this case, it might be advisable to decide to change the type of curtain, choosing packet or roller blinds, not necessarily glass blinds!

If you have two windows in a corner with not enough wall portion between them, it is best to avoid having 2 panels for each window; when open, they would overlap the window, not letting light through well!

If this is the case and you would still like to use drapery, the solution is there: use two different types of curtains!

That is, a roller or package to the window and then use an angle rod and use only one panel per window!

This simple trick will make the windows look like one, even if angular!

(credits: nadinestay.com; thehomesihavemade.com)

If, on the other hand, there is a good portion of the wall, possibly equal for the two windows, then double drapery panels will do!

I still recommend using two separate rods to emphasize each window.

If the corner window is a unique window indeed, I would recommend not using rods but ceiling tracks for a simpler and cleaner effect.

(credits: Marie Flanigan Interiors; Houzz.com)

– RADIATORS

Perhaps in the new generation houses not, but in most other homes, the radiators are put under the windows.

That presumably is so as not to steal valuable space from other walls.

Positioned this way, however, makes it more complicated to use curtains because if they cover it, obviously they block the passage of heat somewhat.

Again, it might be worthwhile to use two different types of curtains, that is use roller or packet curtains and drapery!

When the heaters are on, you will keep the drapery curtains open to let the heat in, but you will not have to give up privacy because you can pull down the other curtains!

Doing so will not block the heat but will not give up the elegance and fullness that drapery curtains give!

(credits: @Huisno26; Greenbank Interiors)

– ARCHED WINDOWS

When you have arched windows, the ideal is to treat them like regular windows and then put the rod over the arch as close to the ceiling as possible!

You can put the rod below the arch only in case the window, and consequently the ceiling, is a really high one.

The risk, if not, is to suffocate it by making the environment visually smaller.

(credits: makingprettyspaces.com; Jane Lockhart Design)

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

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

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

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Creating an entrance area where there is no

It is increasingly easy nowadays to find houses where you enter DIRECTLY into the living area and therefore it’s important creating an entrance area where, in fact, there is none!

Let’s look together at some ideas for doing this; it goes without saying that a lot will depend on the configuration of the room!

– USE FURNITURE

I’ve talked about this in other videos: we tend to place furniture against the wall, often missing out on incredible opportunities!

You may find that positioning the sofa differently so that it has its back, facing front or side, to the front door creates a more intimate conversation area.

The sofa at that point would act as a divider between the entrance and the living room, and behind it, you could place a console table that would serve as a countertop for the entrance!

(credits: midcentury585.com; girlmeetsgold)

If the living room is developed right in front of the door, you could put a piece of furniture, maybe double-sided, right in front of the door, leaving the passage to the sides, obviously!

That will be functional for both rooms, demarcate the areas and screen the living room a bit!!!

(credits: graziani-dicembrino)

When the living room should develop sideways, you can take advantage of the front or side wall for a console table and mirror, and perhaps, on the other side, an open bookcase, acting as a “broadside”!

You could choose it low so that it doesn’t block the eye at all, and to have an extra tabletop, but you could also decide to get a full-height one to screen a bit more.

(credits: studioblitz.com; amiel.club)

– VERTICAL DIVIDERS

Still looking at separating the entrance a bit from the rest of the living room, it might be a good idea to use proper dividers.

It could be a small wall, perhaps drywall, at full height to act as a shim, and that is functional for the entrance, so with shelves or, if the depth allows, even with doors, to serve as a closet for coats and bags.

(credits: homebook.pl; redesignhome.co)

If you want something less invasive, you can think of small walls made of wooden slats or glass so that as much light as possible can pass through.

The latter perhaps surmounting a small wall at half height.

In all cases, you could put a small bench or console leaning against these dividers that will be very useful as well as decorative.

(credits: lemayr-thomas.com; teste.com.ar)

Do you have a pillar nearby? Why not take advantage of it?

Depending on the distance to the wall, you can put shelves or a cabinet or close it with sheetrock creating a niche!

If you want more ideas on how to hide or at least disguise a pillar, I’ve talked about it here.

(credits: Heimai; femkeido.nl)

– USE COLOR AND MATERIAL CHANGE

Another good way to create an entryway when it gives directly into the living room is to have different flooring and/or make a small suspended ceiling, perhaps with spotlights.

The latter is also very functional for proper lighting of that area.

The change of material creates a barrier that unconsciously demarcates spaces.

(credits:living corriere; cose di casa)

You may also decide to use the color-blocking technique and paint the wall or the piece of it that serves as the entrance differently from the rest.

All you need on that wall is a small shelf and a mirror, and you’re done!

(credits: behance.net; @meu.alugado)

START FROM THE BASE AND PLAY WITH THE FLOOR PLAN!

The essentials for an entryway are a countertop so you can “empty your pockets” when you return, a mirror, and a couple of hooks for coats and bags.

That is the basis from which to start and for which a small portion of the wall is really all that is needed.

From there, depending on the size and shape of the room, you can add a closet or a bench to embellish and make the entrance even more functional!

(I talk in detail about entrance here!)

(credits: rooneyclothing.com; homeyohmy.com)

As always, what will make the difference is good design!

It is essential to evaluate the spaces and how to arrange the furniture so that all areas are functional.

As I always say thus, it is paramount to play with the floor plan by drawing furniture to scale or to use paper tape and drawing pieces of furniture on the floor!

Visualizing remains one of the best ways to avoid making mistakes and understand whether you are furnishing in the best way for your needs!

By trying and trying again, you might even discover solutions that, at first glance, you would never have thought possible!

(credits: Gaia Miacola Architetto; TiredBee)

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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Beware of following interior design advice!

Today I want to write a different article, linking back to a comment that was written under one of my videos, to warn you about all the given interior design advice, even my own!

No, I’m not losing my mind: the problem, of course, is not with the advice itself but with how ones follow it!

The temptation is to take what is said as, grant me the term, “pure gold”, and then follow it through regardless!

COPYING THE ADVICE COULD BE DETRIMENTAL!

But in doing so, there is a risk of not having a home that really represents you!

The principle is the same as what I explained when I said that “decorating by copying from magazines could be detrimental…”

The house is YOUR house and should be furnished according to YOUR needs, which are different from anyone else’s!

Good design, I often say, is not only about aesthetics but also, and I would say especially, about functionality!

Having a beautiful house, a cover house, but not functional for how you live it, will NOT make you feel comfortable!

The advice that all my colleagues and I give is general advice dictated by our studies, experiences, styles, and trends, and also by the culture and environment in which we live.

They are professional advice, yes, but as just said, generic, that is, suitable on paper for everyone but not designed for you specifically.

Moreover, excluding the 6 basic concepts and the focal point, on which I would say we all agree, you might also find different ideas: it is normal and understandable; who is right? Who’s wrong? Everyone and no one!

DECLINE THEM ACCORDING TO YOUR NEEDS!

So here it becomes really very important to take these tips and declutter them to your own needs!

It might also happen that an idea you love very much, unfortunately, for a thousand reasons, is not feasible at all in your home, at least not as it was said!

But, when even the idea that caught your eye is actualizable, in addition to pleasing aesthetically, always be sure to ask yourself whether it is functional for your everyday life.

In the comment I mentioned earlier, the girl explained how she had to do things differently than I had related because of very peculiar needs.

She was really good at managing the various ideas she had heard and seen (not just from my channel, of course), modifying them to combine aesthetics with the functionality needed for her life!

That is the proper spirit with which to take the various interior design tips and bring them into one’s home.

EXPERIMENT WITHOUT FEAR

Don’t be afraid to experiment you may even find that for you, the ideal is actually the opposite of what has been said!

In the end, who has the right to say if something is right or wrong? If you like something and it makes you feel good, the problem doesn’t really exist!

For you, probably everything I just said is absolutely normal; it has never crossed your mind to follow step by step the various advice you hear and see, in case I am happy about it.

But I felt the urge anyway to “put you on notice” because I really care so much that you can have your dream home, don’t blame me!

Then if general advice is not enough for you, if you want extra security and help, you can always request a consultancy!

In this case, all ideas and suggestions will be specific to you and your needs!

If you want to do this consultancy with me, you can contact me: I will be glad to help you!

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Do you need to renovate the house? Start from the furniture project!

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Today I would like to emphasize again the importance of starting with the furniture project when you have to renovate your home!

I know it’s not the first time you’ve heard me say this, but it’s so paramount that it’s good to bring it up again every once in a while.

The furniture project should be done even when we “simply” have to furnish a home (especially if we are starting from scratch) to really make sure that we get a result that represents us fully.

Where well or poorly the furniture was already there, I can grant to skip this step ONLY if the renovation would involve redoing the bathrooms and, at most, the floor.

That is because we assume material choices will be made based on the style and color palette you already have!

Actually, even here, it would be better to do a minimum of planning to be sure that everything you have (or otherwise want to keep) will fit and can be put in a practical way!

THE FURNITURE PROJECT HELPS YOU TO HAVE A FUNCTIONAL HOME

In all other cases, however, it remains sure that it is really essential to start with the furniture project!

The reasons why I insist on this are many, although, in the end, the main reason is only one: that you can have the home of your dreams, a home that can truly represent you!

For this to happen, it is not enough to have a “beautiful” house; it must also be functional!

I open a small parenthesis, in case you have to buy furniture from scratch: when I talk about furniture design, I am talking about a preliminary design.

That is, having an idea of what elements you need to make a functional room with the addition of a moodboard and color palette.

So it’s not that you have to previously know that you’re going to have that specific credenza, for example, but that you would want a credenza well or poorly of that size, shape, and color.

The moodboard and color palette will help you choose materials.

Having specified this, let’s see in detail why to start with the furniture project, whether you already have the furniture or need to buy it!

BEING ABLE TO CORRECTLY DEFINE SPACES

That is especially if you decide to make structural changes by altering the size of rooms by tearing down and rebuilding some partitions.

By what criteria will you decide (excluding the minimum dimensions imposed by law, of course) the size of new rooms if you have no clear idea of the furniture you want to put there or how to arrange the existing one?

A few inches could make a massive difference in having a comfortable and functional environment from one that is not!

A furniture project will also be able to get you out of the box, if necessary, by perhaps creating unusual room arrangements that might, however, be more functional to your way of being!

STUDY THE ELECTRICAL (and more) SYSTEM CORRECTLY.

How many times have you heard me say that lighting is the most significant part of interior design?

How can you study an authentically functional system without knowing where you will place the furniture?

You will end up studying general lighting and then put sockets more or less everywhere for prudence!

But now imagine that you are lucky enough with a large living room, so large that when you place the furniture, you decide to put the conversation area in the middle, with no element leaning against the wall.

How will you be able to have good lighting in that area?

It will not be possible for you to have any floor or table lamp unless you have ugly, as dangerous, flying wires on the ground!

With a furnishing project done before, you could have had one or more sockets on the floor!

The matter of systems is obviously not limited to the electrical one, think for example, the kitchen:

if you have no idea how you want it, you could decide to leave the connections where they are…

And then maybe find it inconvenient to have, for example, the sink to the right of the burners rather than to the left!

Or you might think you have an island and maybe have the sink or burners on this island.

But how do you decide exactly where to put the connections if you haven’t designed the kitchen?

That applies whether you have to buy a new kitchen or reposition the old one because certainly, some changes will have to be made!

SAVE!

Does this point seem strange to you? Now I’ll explain why you can save time, and even money, by investing time in the furnishing project!

If everything is clear and defined, you’ll be able to choose the best construction company or artisans for the work you have to do. By giving them an accurate project, they will make you targeted estimates and not be dictated only by their experience based on similar works.

That will ensure that, excluding unforeseen events, prices will not change during the work!

Furthermore, there will be no waste of time, having clear everything there is to do!

Even, if you have to buy the furniture (all or in part), knowing what you want precisely, with a quick search, you will be able to choose the furniture store or shops that are right for you, and you will save a lot of time!

Do you see how investing in the furnishing project is an advantage?

Don’t be afraid to play with the plan of the house, print several copies, draw to scale and cut out the furnishing accessories and study different solutions until you find the one that satisfies you the most!

If you have any doubts, or would you prefer help, do not hesitate to contact me!!

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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10 triks to make a dark room brighter!

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Living in a dark room, or worse, a house, is not the best and is also not good for our psyche.

What to do when dealing with rooms with low light? Let’s look at some simple tricks to brighten them up!!!

1 – CLEAN THE WINDOWS GLASSES

I know it will seem like trivial advice, but dirty glass does not let light penetrate well and will therefore make the room darker.

If the room also had a balcony, you need to pay attention to any plants that could block the light!

(credits: elements.evanto.com)

2 – DOUBLE THE LIGHT WITH MIRRORS

Strategically placing some mirrors will really make a big difference!

One of the places I recommend is in front of the window because it will double the light and give you the impression of having another window!

It could be one big mirror, but you can also decide to have more than one, perhaps of different sizes and shapes, to give some rhythm too!

(credits: shutterstock; Nodric design)

3 – ILLUMINATE WITH METALS

Another trick to make a room brighter is to use metals!

They can be the door handles, the structure of chairs, coffee tables, and lamps, or the frames of paintings and mirrors!

They are small touches that will help brighten up rooms, thanks to their ability to reflect light!

Of course, unless you have chosen a Glam style, don’t go overboard using these materials!

(credits: thecolourhub.ie; decoholic.org)

4 – USE LIGHT COLORS

Light colors reflect light very well and, therefore, will help a lot in making a room brighter.

Of course, the ultimate reflective color is white, which does not have to be pure white, but can be a warm or even cool white depending on the mood you want to give the house.

However, if you want to use colors, you know that you don’t have to give them up, and you have two options for doing so:

– Use your favorite color by adding a lot of white to make it neutral (and bright)

– Use pastel colors!

(credits: stylemepretty.com; noordenzoet.nl)

That should be done, not only for walls and ceilings but also possibly on larger pieces of furniture.

That doesn’t mean having a total white home if you don’t want it, not least because if not properly designed, having everything white, as well as for neutrals (I’ve talked about it here), could make the environment flat and boring!

So it’s great to add a few touches of color here and there with decorative items such as pictures, pillows, and other objects!

(credits: made.com; casawatkinsliving.com)

5 – ATTENTION TO THE FLOOR

The talk of light colors also extends to floor color…

A dark floor does not reflect light and makes the room darker.

If you have a dark floor and can’t or don’t want to change it, use light-colored rugs: it will be a quick and easy way to give it more brightness!

(credits: designdirections.com; cocolapinedesign)

6 – PAY ATTENTION TO THE FINISHES

The finish you choose, whether on walls or furniture, will also make a difference!

Matte finishes absorb light, while glossy ones reflect it.

Obviously, it’s not the case to have all the shiny finishes that would make the room look a little, allow me the term, tacky!

Alternate these finishes, preferring perhaps semi-gloss finishes; this will also help give some rhythm and depth!

(credits: furnitureworld.co.uk; behance.net)

7 – LAYERS LIGHTING

It’s something you’ve heard me say countless times now, but in interior design, lighting is really the most vital part!

Then if the room tends to be dark, a good artificial light design will really make a difference.

Therefore, it is essential to have different light sources; the general one is not enough because it would also make the room very flat!

(credits: etsy.com; behance.net)

It will also be paramount to calculate the bulb wattage and color temperature well!

Too powerful and too cold a light will absolutely illuminate everything, but it will make the environment really inhospitable!

Then choose the appropriate lumens for the size of the room and choose as natural a light as possible (around 4000 ), at least for the general lighting.

For the other lights, also use warmer temperatures to create as well some atmosphere!

There are bulbs to which you can change the color temperature; that could be an option!

(If you want to know more about lighting I talk about it here)

(credits: lartedinnovare.it; viverelostile.com)

8 – PREFER LIGHTWEIGHT FURNITURE

A bit like what happens with small rooms, heavy furniture will make a room darker because it blocks light and creates strong shadows!

Better to use furniture with a more slender structure, perhaps raised so that some light can pass under them as well!

Using transparent furniture, always without overdoing it so as not to make the room too cold, will also help brighten the room.

(credits: maidenhome.com; joannacolomas.com)

9 – BE CAREFUL HOW YOU PLACE THE FURNITURE

In making a room brighter or not, the placement of furniture will make a big difference too.

For example, it is a good idea to place the lightest furniture, perhaps with the shiniest surfaces, near windows and light sources: their light shape will not block too much light, and their glossy finish will reflect light rays!

(credits: livingroomideas.eu; Sera Michael)

10 – USE LIGHT CURTAINS

Thick curtains block light, so unless you have privacy issues, use very light and bright curtains!

Do you love the idea of double curtains, especially to give color?

You don’t have to give them up, but avoid blackout shades, use a fabric that is filtering anyway and colors that are not too dark, but most importantly, keep them on the side, so they don’t cover the window!

(credits: kimdeyir.com; evgezmesi.com)

These are small tricks that will help make a room brighter without drastic renovations!

I hope this article on how to make a dark room brighter 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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