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Renovate or plan a bathroom? 5 trends and ideas to do it best!

Do you need to renovate or plan a bathroom? In today’s article, I would like to share with you 5 ideas and trends to do it in the best possible way.

It’s incredible how the perception and experience of the bathroom have changed over time.

Initially, the bathroom was located outside the house because it was considered a dirty and unhygienic place.

Then, it became incorporated into the house for convenience but remained a secondary space.

Over the years, the bathroom has acquired increasing importance, evolving into a mini spa.

Today, the bathroom is actually one of the most crucial elements people consider when buying or building a home, and even the smallest ones are designed for maximum functionality.

Let’s look at the trends for contemporary bathrooms, which are highly functional and absolutely on-trend!

1 – WALL-MOUNTED FURNITURE

For a few years now, countertops or built-in sinks have been trending.

And this trend continues this year!

Wall-mounted furniture is an excellent way to make a bathroom appear larger than it actually is: the space underneath visually expands the area.

Moreover, they serve a practical purpose because they make floor cleaning easier!

(credits: Sonia Meneghin; rénovert)

You can find wall-mounted furniture in various shapes and sizes on the market, so you can definitely find something that suits your needs and style.

You can place or embed the sink on a support shelf in small bathrooms where a full-sized cabinet might be too bulky.

That will be a minimalistic yet highly impactful decor!

With boards made of wood or any material you prefer, you can definitely get creative and design something that fits perfectly into the available space.

(credits: leroymerlin.it; vogliadiristrutturare.it)

One original idea is to incorporate LED strips UNDER the furniture or the boards.

That creates unique and captivating atmospheres: it emphasizes the elevation of the furniture, defines the volumes, and enhances diffused lighting.

(credits: deghishop.it; screwfix.com)

Be CAUTIOUS of the floor surface when adding lighting under the furniture: if they are glossy, they reflect the light, which can be actually annoying!

In this case, make sure the light is not directed towards the floor; instead, you can aim it at the wall, or at the very least, use an LED strip with a diffuser!

2 – INTEGRATED LIGHTING

We already know lighting is essential everywhere, and the bathroom is no exception!

The trend for bathroom lighting is to incorporate it into the architecture, illuminating the geometry and volumes of the space instead of relying on the traditional central light fixture and mirror lights.

This type of lighting makes the environment more sophisticated, clean, and modern; it produces a soft light that creates a beautiful atmosphere!

(credits: pinterest; screwfix.com)

This kind of lighting is becoming increasingly popular because technology and LED lighting are becoming more accessible and versatile.

It’s great to use this type of lighting, not only under the wall-mounted furniture we discussed earlier but also behind the mirror, in potential niches, recessed in the ceiling, or along his perimeter.

(credits: ernesto.it; artheco.it)

Of course, you can add, as well, decorative wall or ceiling lights according to your style!

(credits: screwfix.com; medium.com)

A good lighting design combines various types of lighting (I explain it here), and playing with different lights in the bathroom can create truly enchanting spaces!

3 – MIXING TEXTURES AND MATERIALS

Mixing different materials and textures is crucial in interior design in general, as it creates contrast and movement, and contrast is a fundamental aspect of interior design (I discuss it here).

That holds true for bathrooms as well!

You could use different materials or colors to distinguish two distinct areas within the bathroom.

(credits: anword.com; leroymerlin.it)

For instance, the shower area could have a floor made of the same material but with different colors than the rest of the bathroom.

Alternatively, you could use entirely distinct materials that still complement the colors of the overall flooring.

You might decide to make the sink area and mirror the focal point of your bathroom by using tiles that contrast with the rest or even opting for wallpaper!

(credits: il-bagno.it; milanuncios.com)

As for the floors, of course, be careful that it is not a slippery material to avoid possible accidents!

A timeless combination is marble, either in white or black, with wood, combining the elegance of marble with the warmth of wood.

(credits: screwfix.com)

For an ultra-modern bathroom, you can combine concrete with wood and satin-finish elements.

Don’t be afraid to use wood; specially treated woods exist, which endure the moisture present in bathrooms.

You can mix highly patterned tiles with neutral colors and uniquely shaped elements for a more relaxing atmosphere.

(credits: obi.de)

There’s a wide array of choices available in the market when it comes to materials, and making decisions can get quite complex.

You can find a lot of examples for tile combinations, but remember, a bathroom isn’t just about tiles!

You have to consider lighting, furniture, sanitaryware, faucets, and various elements, and the risk of picking things you like individually but don’t work well together is quite significant.

HELP YOURSELF WITH A MOOD BOARD

So, how do you go about it?

As discussed in the 4 steps to furnish, creating a mood board can be immensely helpful for the bathroom as well.

A mood board is a sheet where you assemble all the pieces together.

(credits: saniweb.com)

You can easily find images of what you like online, perhaps on the retailer’s website.

Take these images and place them close together to see if the overall look is balanced and harmonious.

If not, you may need to change the mismatched piece.

Mood boards are an indispensable tool for interior designers, and I highly recommend using one when renovating or planning a bathroom!

4 – LARGE TILES

Contemporary spaces favor clean and minimalist lines, so using large-sized tiles in the bathroom is a winning choice!

The fewer interruptions in the lines, the more spacious the room will appear.

It’s also important to try to place the tiles as close to each other as possible and use grout material that matches the tile color as closely as possible.

(credits: kylandkara.com; lightslightslights.com)

That will make everything look more linear, uniform, and elegant, and, most importantly, it will reduce dirt buildup in the grout lines!

5 – TOUCHES OF BLACK

We’ve seen it in the 2021 trends: in recent years, touches of black are a beloved trend that continues to be popular!

Black details, typically matte, are widely used.

It could be the faucet, the cabinet handles, the mirror frame or shower enclosure, or even the sink itself!

Black details add a certain visual weight to the space, helping to bring strength and movement to the environment, especially when light colors dominate.

(credits: Rubinet Faucet Company’s; verticalclimb.it)

The contrast created is truly unique and captivating.

Black complements just about any material, but before incorporating this touch of black, consider how it harmonizes with the rest of the space so you can use it in the right proportions!

I hope this article has been helpful and enjoyable for you. If so, let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested, I would be honored, and it will help me gain more exposure.

If you feel that your home, or any specific area of it, doesn’t reflect your personality enough, don’t wait any longer and book your consultancy!

 

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How to decorate your balcony even if it is small and narrow!]

Spring is just around the corner: are you already thinking about how to decorate your balcony?

We saw it in the 2021 trends (find the video here!): decorating your balcony becomes vital, especially after all that happened last year and even more so since, as of today, unfortunately, we still haven’t gotten out of it.

So today, let’s see how you can furnish your balcony, even if it is small, to make it a small oasis!

– USE MAINLY LIGHT AND NEUTRAL COLORS

I’m not saying to give up colors, do not worry, however especially if the balcony, as it easily is, is small, use light and neutral colors as a base.

colori neutri e pop di colori

(credit: @shahindesign; pinterest)

That will optically expand the space!

Then you can give your touch of color and personality in some decorations!

– CREATE DIFFERENT AREAS

Dividing the balcony into small, well-defined areas will help make it seem more spacious, even if it’s just 2: relaxation and plant area!

If the balcony is long and narrow, the areas can be more: you can add a zone with a small table, perhaps foldable, with chairs, to use for eating or smart-working!

aree diverse

(credit:drawhome.com;grazia.it)

Of course, be careful not to overfill so as not to suffocate and impede passage.

Better a few elements, but well designed according to your needs!

– USE FOLDABLE AND MULTIFUNCTIONAL FURNITURE

Precisely to avoid overfilling and blocking the passage, I recommend using folding furniture; they will help you efficiently move and store the various items, thus not taking up space permanently.

Another very clever thing to do is to use multifunctional furniture such as a storage bench, which will help you keep the space tidy, or an ottoman that doubles as a side table as needed.

arredi pieghevoli e multifunzionali

(credit: Ikea; pinterest)

– TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE DEPTH AND HEIGHT

Exploit most of the short side of the balcony by putting relaxing seating there: it can be a small sofa, two seats, or even large cushions on the ground!

If you have a wall on the short side, you can decorate it with lights or a small vertical greenhouse taking advantage of the heights too; doing this, among other things, will allow you to remove plants from the ground freeing up valuable space!

profondità

(credit: decostore; mimartofis.com)

Again, all this is a great way to expand the space, at least optically!!!

– LEANING ON THE RAILING

There are so many solutions on the market that you can hang on the railing: not only in terms of vases but also for side tables or mini barbecues!

As with the vertical greenhouse, this will allow free space on the ground for stools, for example!

Without having to hang necessarily, you can also place a long, narrow counter as high as the railing to store whatever you prefer under which!

banconi

(credits: mujerde10.com; pinterest)

If you access the balcony from a large window or the view is not the best, you might decide to lean seating against the railing so that you can look inside.

(credit: @pernillevinge; pinterest)

That will make your balcony an extension of the room, another way to make it appear larger!

In this case, having a common thread between inside and outside is essential: it can be done with colors or by having same elements both inside and in the exterior.

– ILLUMINATE CORRECTLY

Proper lighting will help you create the right atmosphere to enjoy your balcony, even in the evening!

Try to put softer lights where you have assigned the relaxing area and more direct where you have the eating or smart-working area (if you can not work in the evening, better, but if you have to, good lighting is essential!).

(credit: @marzena.marideko; bonprix)

The cables with several bulbs are also very lovely and evocative, creating a joyful and relaxing atmosphere.

– PLANTS AND FLOWERS

It seems almost silly to say, but on a balcony, you can’t do without greenery!

I have often said plants help you feel closer to nature: that is even more true when you are outside!

As said before, choose a specific area for the green corner and, if there is not too much space, hang the vases either on the railing or on the wall!

(credit: juditu.hu; maisoncreative.com)

I hope you found these little tips on how to decorate your balcony helpful!

If you still have any doubts, let me know in the comments, and don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any help!

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How matching different metals in furnishing

A couple of weeks ago, we saw how to combine different woods in the home (you can find it here); today, I’d like to share with you how matching various metals too!

Metals have the ability to bring light, depth, and character to rooms while also bringing that touch of luxury!

In the home, metal parts are often in the details:

– cabinet and closet handles;

– door and window handles;

– faucets;

– legs of chairs/tables and coffee tables;

– chandeliers;

– household items

it often happens, for this reason, that we are not careful in matching them and end up perhaps with many different metals in the same room.

Fortunately, let’s face it, most of the time, since they are small details, it does not immediately fall to the eye if there is some “confusion” in these elements and if they do not always go well together.

Yet details, we have said a thousand times, can make a difference and, if well thought out, can elevate the perception of environments.

If the “clutter” doesn’t immediately fall to the eye, the correct pairing will!

There are really many different metals: gold, silver, bronze, brass, copper, corten, steel, etc.

varietà di metalli

They can also have different finishes: they can, for example, be shiny, matte, satin, or brushed.

Each of these metals has its own specific color, and steel can also be colored; you can find it mainly in white and black.

In short, you can understand that the combinations can be really many and that putting them all in the same room can become a bit “too much”!

At the same time introducing only one metal in the house could be “boring”!!!

So let’s see the best ways to combine different metals to give character to your rooms!

1) CHOOSE THE STYLE YOU WANT TO GIVE TO YOUR ENVIRONMENTS.

As seen before, metals are many and also have many different finishes.

Each of them goes better with a particular style: steel, for example, is not the best in the rustic style; it’s better in a modern or contemporary style.

2) COMBINE A MAXIMUM OF 3 DIFFERENT METALS!

If a room is small, perhaps it is better to combine a maximum of 2 different metals, while you can go up to 3 in larger rooms.

In the case of mixing 2 metals, you can do it in two ways:

– balance the two metals by giving them equal importance, so put the same amount.

– choose one primary metal and put the second one only as an accent metal.

(Credit: Studio Mcgee; beckiowens.com)

In the case of matching three, you cannot give equal importance to everything, so you have to choose the metal you want to be “dominant.”

Then choose a second metal that complements the dominant metal in a less overbearing way and, finally, a third metal that is the extra “touch,” the accent color that draws the eye!

mix a tre metalli: uno principale e gli altri in dosi minori

(Credit Studio Mcgee)

The choice of the dominant metal should be made in accordance or contrasting color with the rest of the environment.

3) USE CONTRASTING METALS

putting different metals that, however, have the same color, such as aluminum and steel, will not create contrast and will not make a real mix of metals be perceived.

mettere metalli in contrasto per interesse visivo

(Credit @lindyegalloway; simplenaturedecorblog.com)

Choose metals with contrasting colors to create movement and visual interest.

Possibly use the same metal for all elements that have the same function.

For example, in one bathroom, use the same metal for all the faucets and another for all the towel and roll holders, and a third for the handles.

That creates harmony!

4) BALANCE THE DIFFERENT METALS

As with woods, avoid creating groups of the same metal separated by other metals; instead, try not to put elements of the same metal too close together.

For example, still in the bathroom, if you have a steel faucet, avoid putting the mirror of the same finish: put it instead in brass!

non mettere gli stessi metalli tutti vicini, evita assembramenti

(credit Lindye Galloway Interiors; maisondepax.com)

Also, repeat this choice several times, for example, in cabinet handles or lights.

5) CHOOSE THE RIGHT FINISH

We have seen it before, the same metal can have different finishes, and each metal will have a different impact depending on the finish you choose.

Choose the finish that best matches your style and personality!

 

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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Can we mix different woods in the house?

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I often get this question, “Is it possible to mix different woods in the home?”

When it comes to wood, many people love it but are afraid to use it because they fear unattractive results!

And indeed, they are right: if you are not careful, the risk of chaotic environments is around the corner, but at the same time, using only one type of wood could make the environment definitely monotonous!

We’ve seen it on other occasions (here I talk about it): one of the ways to make a room intriguing is to use contrast because it creates movement, and mixing woods could be one way, and in order not to make a mistake, it’s enough to follow some small “rules.”

First of all, talking about wood, you have to keep in mind that there are two characteristics that you need to consider:

– color or tone

– texture

COLOR OR TONE

Woods can be Warm, Neutral, or Cold.

Warm woods tend to yellow, orange, and red colors; neutral woods tend to beige and cream colors; while cold woods will tend to grays.

Natural oak, hickory, cherry, beech, teak, acacia, and mahogany, are some woods that are part of Warm woods.

Maple, wenge, ash, birch, taupe oak, and dark brown are examples of Neutral woods.

Bleached oak, gray oak, gray elm, white maple, silver oak, and heather are part of the Cold woods.

Each tone, whether warm, neutral, or cool, also has different undertones or brightnesses; that is, it can be more or less intense and saturated!

TEXTURE

Different woods have varied grains, more or less pronounced, and these grains or textures will characterize rooms differently.

Marked grains will make the room more rustic and informal, while finer grains will make the environment more formal and refined.

 

Having made this necessary introduction, let’s see how to combine different woods and achieve harmonious and characteristic settings!

– CHOOSE THE MAIN TONE

The first thing to do is to choose a principal tone for the house, warm, neutral, or cool.

If you already have a parquet floor or a significant piece of furniture, that will be the tone to start with.

Once this is done, you can include other types of wood by following two rules:

1) SAME TONE, DIFFERENT SUBTONES (BRIGHTNESS)

It is the easiest combination: match lighter or darker woods with the same tone.

(credit Studio Mc Gee; Kindred Homestead)

Merely put, combine neutral woods with neutrals, cool ones with cools, and warm with warm.

In the case of warm tones, however, I advise you to avoid mixing woods tending toward red with ones leaning toward yellow because they don’t tie together too well!

Light, medium and dark essences create movement and contrast while maintaining uniformity thanks to the shared tone.

2) TOUCH OF DIFFERENT TONE

This one is a slightly more daring combination, but that can yield beautiful results!

When you decide to mix different tones, remember to dose them well; first of all, don’t mix more than 2, and one of them only as an accent, in small touches.

Compared to the previous combination, the contrast, will be stronger and more visible, so don’t overdo it!

(credit Bandd design-neutral and red warm)

To make the environment more cohesive, repeat this combination at least a couple of times.

– BALANCE

Be careful how you distribute the wood elements in the room; if you group them all only in one place, that area will be relatively heavy.

(credit Milk Magazine; Unisonhome)

That also applies to essences, light and dark, or different tones: distribute them so that there are no unwarranted “assemblages.”

– WATCH OUT FOR THE GRAIN

I said it just before, large grains give the feeling of rustic environments, while finer ones of more formal spaces.

You can mix these too: depending on the atmosphere you want to create, putting different grains together will definitely give the room character!

(credit Zara home; arscity.com)

Again, be sure not to overdo it: choose the primary grain that will give the room style and add a few touches of wood with different grain.

– INTERRUPT

To better match the different woods and harmonize it all, use various elements of disruption.

Rugs, for example, are good allies to soften the different wood tones.

(credit etsy.com: 123design)

If the woods you used are dark, remember to use light tones in the fabrics and other elements, such as the sofa or on the walls. That will help keep the room from being heavy and make it “breathe”!

 

Try to have, if it’s possible, “physical” samples and take them to the rooms where you would like to use them.

That’s because figuring out matches from catalogs is not always easy; it’s better to “touch them with your hands.”

Taking them to the rooms where you would like to use them serves to understand their rendering based on the light present there! The same materials may perform differently depending on the room orientation and the natural and artificial light present!!!

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 tips to make your home look more “luxurious”

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

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

Let’s look at them together:

1 – WALLPAPER

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

(credit coverdesign.it)

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

(credit demart.it)

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

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

2 – BOISERIE and MOLDING

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

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

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

(credit it.decorexpro.com)

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

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

3 – CHANDELIERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(credit Pinterest; Poliform; Pinterest)

4 – ACCENT SEATING

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

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

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

(credit villa Bellaria umbria Ph Kristian Septimius Krogh)

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

That will make the environment harmonious!

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

(credit Ikea)

5 – PILLOWS

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

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

(credit Pinterest; halfwaywholeistic.com; Pinterest)

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

That will give importance and elegance to the bed.

(credit Vivere lo stile; Brittany Niemer; Etsy)

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

6 – CURTAINS

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

They bring warmth and elegance.

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

(credit interiordesignexplained.com)

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

(credit alexanderpollock.com.au)

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

7 – MIRRORS

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

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

(credit Tomasella.it)

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

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

(credit Living-corriere)

8) USE SYMMETRY

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

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

(credit sarahshermansamuel.com)

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

(credit callastudio.com)

9 – ATTENTION TO DETAILS

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

(credit Franke; Frattini; gaiainterni.com)

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

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

(credit Ikea; Gucki; Ikea)

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

10 – PLANTS AND FRESH FLOWERS

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

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

(credit @homepolish)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

How to furnish a mansard?

Living in a mansard has a certain charm because of its unusual shape, but for the same reason, decorating it is not so easy!

Today let’s see together some tips and tricks to make attic rooms comfortable!

Before we get into today’s topic, let’s make a little history: the mansard and this term come from the French word “mansarde,” which in turn comes from the name of the architect François Mansart (1598-1666) who first designed this type of housing.

There are pros and cons to having a mansard room or apartment

Pros:

– it is an original and striking environment because of the sloping ceilings, often with exposed beams;

– thanks to the skylights, it tends to be a bright environment;

– with a bit of imagination, you will be able to find unusual settings not found in “normal” apartments.

Cons:

– it is not easy to find suitable furniture in stores;

– you have to be more careful about the climate and relative temperatures.

The roof is definitely exposed, and the risk is to have a room or house very hot in summer and very cold in winter;

– despite having a large floor plan, it might look small, having areas perhaps not walkable!

With good design, however, these cons can be, if not eliminated, at least curbed!

What makes particular a mansard is the difference in heights within it, which can be very different, making a furnishing project more or less difficult!

 

come arredare una mansarda

(credit fantasticfrank.se)

There are mansards that at their lowest point reach 2 meters and definitely make the task of furnishing it easier.

But there are also mansards that perhaps barely reach a meter in height and complicate things a little.

In this case, figuring out how to furnish the attic flat becomes more complicated but not impossible!

Speaking of heights, I make a very small digression: if you have an attic and would like to make it an apartment, you should know that there are very strict regulations to make that space habitable.

These regulations mainly concern heights (but not only), more precisely, the average height between the highest and the lowest point.

They vary from region to region, so I recommend contacting a technician who can give you the correct guidance!

Back to us, let’s look at some ideas that can help you better understand how to furnish a mansard!

1) CORRECTLY MATCH ROOMS TO HEIGHTS.

That is, put the rooms in the right place!

By this, I mean placing in the highest areas those rooms where you are often standing, like the kitchen or the bathroom.

      

(credit. architecturebeast.com)                                          (credit arch.Claude Petarlin)

In the lower areas, on the other hand, you can put, for example, the living room (especially the sofa area) or the bedroom…

           

(credit Westwing)                                                                  (Christian Schaulin tramite Elle.com)

That may create an irregular floor plan, but, after all, this is another thing that gives charm to this type of housing!

2) USE CUSTOM-MADE FURNITURE

Here more than ever, making the best use of space is vital!

As we have seen among the cons of this type of housing, it will not be easy to find suitable furniture in traditional stores.

Therefore, it will be necessary to create custom-made furniture and carve out cabinets and storage in the lower areas that you could not otherwise exploit!

            

(credit Archon)                                                                          (credit vtwonen)

The cons turn into pros because you will have unique and original furniture designed not only for the conformity of the room but precisely for your needs!

3) ATTENTION TO LIGHT

These rooms should be very bright, as always natural light is preferred.

If it is a room, skylights will be okay, but if it is an entire apartment, it is good to have vertical windows and maybe, at least, a small veranda!

 

(credit Arch. Bartolucci)

That will allow a glimpse of the outside the risk, otherwise is to feel a bit stuffy!

As for artificial lighting, however, some tricks will improve living comfort:

– light from below and above, especially if you have a wooden roof!

– be careful with chandeliers except in the highest areas!

While passing under them without problems, the chandelier is still a bulky element that creates a visual “barrier” that will optically shrink spaces.

Electrified rails, adjustable spotlights, sconces, and LED strips will allow you to bring light where you want it with little clutter.

(credit menzoarchitetto.it)

(if you are interested I talk about lighting in general here)

4) ATTENTION TO COLORS!

If the mansard is very low-lying, the ideal is to use light and bright colors, at least as a base.

That will optically expand the spaces giving more breathing room.

If you want to use it, the color will be good in the furniture, accessories, and textiles.

 

(credit dodk.net)

On the other hand, if the mansard is high, you can dare a little more by coloring some walls too.

In this case, do it in the brightest parts of the house and avoid too dark colors.

 

(credit cristinavelani.com)

If you have a wooden ceiling and want to keep it that way, keep more neutral colors for the walls; so you don’t risk weighing the environment down.

You can think of whitewashing the wooden ceiling to give it more breathing room, all or part of it; for example, if you have beams, you can decide to whitewash the battens between the beams while keeping them unchanged.

 

         

(credit Architettura & Urbanistica Sigurtà)                        (credit Living corriere)

These 4 tips are the basics that will help you better understand how to decorate your mansard, but if you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to write in the comments so I can better help you!

I hope the article on how to furnish a mansard was helpful and you loved it; in case, let me know in the comments!

If you need any help just contact me!

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Home decor: 6 basic interior design concepts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So it is having something outstanding that grabs attention.

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

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

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

                 

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

2) another concept is creating CONTRAST

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

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

These contrasting plays enliven the environment by giving it character!

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

3) RHYTHM is another essential concept.

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

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

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

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

                  

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

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

Balance is the proper distribution of different visual weights.

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

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

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

 

(credit Flanagan Lawrence source yellowtrace.com)

Why did I write “on paper”?

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

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

 

(credit Abramson architects)

Or, again, when elements are duplicated.

 

(credit Knoll)

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

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

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

                        

(credit Meridiani living)                                                                                       (credit Bronxes Studio)

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

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

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

       

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

6) Finally, the last concept is HARMONY.

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

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

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

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

          

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

 

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

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

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

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

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And at the end of renovation work, what happens?

And at the end of renovation work, what happens?

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

Whether it is your permanent home or a second home…

And you’re right!

AND AT THE END OF RENOVATION WORK?

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

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

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

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

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

In theory, at least.

BUT IT DOES NOT ALWAYS GO AS WE WOULD LIKE

Yes, because unfortunately, there was some malfunction:

– a leaking toilet,

– a shower that discharged badly,

– internet which was often absent.

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

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

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

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

I honestly find this unprofessional behavior!

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

PAY ATTENTION TO THE CHOICE OF THE CONSTRUCTOR OR PROFESSIONALS!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– the reviews could be from friends and family!

TELL THEM ALL YOUR DOUBTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How to face a renovation in the best possible way?

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

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

THREE TRICKS TO FACILITATE THE PATH

Let’s see them together, in order:

– CHOOSE AN ARCHITECT OR SURVEYOR:

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

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

– MAKE A DETAILED PROJECT:

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

Where to start?

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

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

But I suggest you start with the furniture!

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

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

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

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

– CHOOSE THE CONSTRUCTORS OR THE VARIOUS CRAFTSMEN:

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

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

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

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

Better a single constructor or individual craftsmen?

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

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

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

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

OTHER ADVANTAGES OF FOLLOWING THESE THREE TRICKS

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

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

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

Will everything go smoothly?!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Home renovation? 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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