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About smithdiana

Diana Smith is a full time mom and a part time writer interested in environment and ecology. She enjoys seeing her readers getting useful information from her articles.

The Best Paint Colours For Your Living Room

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Keeping in mind the fact that a living room is the place where a family spends most of the time with each other or with friends, it’s essential that the space is nicely decorated. The colours of the walls have a great influence on people’s mood, so choosing the perfect paint for the walls can be challenging. If you take into consideration the fact that a living room can look smaller or bigger depending whether it’s painted in a lighter or darker shade, the challenge becomes even greater.

logs-1807830_960_720Raging Red

It’s been said that red is the most intense colour that raises the energy level of a room. This hue is the one that increases the adrenaline, blood pressure and stirs up excitement. It’s highly recommended shade for living rooms, since that is the place of frequent interaction among people. A room with red walls brings people together and promotes communication, so be sure to consider any shade of red when choosing the paint for your living room. A bold colour such as red, requires a bit calmer shade of accent elements. Therefore, match white shelving and white moulding with the energetic red. What’s more, if your entryway is connected with the living room with only an archway, paint the walls of an entryway in deep yellow, to achieve the terrific contrast and unique living room feel.

couch-1835923_960_720Bold Blue

Periwinkle blue is a fantastic colour for living rooms, since it encourages relaxation. Cerulean and turquoise shades are as good as periwinkle, so feel free to experiment by matching all of these shades together to create a one-of-a-kind design. To make the room look bright, yet sophisticated, incorporate white tones into the living room decoration. Periwinkle walls in combination with white windows and furniture would look very classy. Add blue cushions, lamps, and a rug to create the room you’ll always feel comfortable at. If you want to add a real pop of colour to your living room, feel free to match cerulean walls with red furniture. If the room has plenty of natural light, the combination of these two colours would liven up the space perfectly. With a couple of white accents, like vases, lamps or rugs, the room will look fabulous.

living-room-1597078_960_720Go for Grey

Grey is one of the best shades to choose if you want to achieve the monochromatic scheme in the living room. Going from deep grey to the lightest shade will create a truly unique feel in the room, and look polished as well. A combination of light grey walls, deep grey furniture, and patterned accents is all you need for the room everyone will feel comfortable at. If you’re not an expert in painting walls, there are a number of highly qualified professional painters in Sydney who can help you achieve the ultimate goal. To brighten up the space a bit, feel free to add green accents, like flowers, figurines or vases.

Crème de la Crème

One of the favourite colours of most interior designers is cream and all its shades. Starting from ivory, beige, and all the way to eggshell and seashell, cream hues will make every home look elegant and polished. What’s more, it can be perfectly combined with any colour, which is another reason we all love this shade. If your living room is small, cream shade will visually enlarge the space a bit. Combine seashell walls with ivory furniture to get a clean classy look. If you have a large living room, with big windows that allow the daylight to fill the room, painting the walls dark brown, and adding white mouldings would look amazing. In combination with ivory curtains and furniture, alongside an ivory carpet, the room would look incredibly luxurious and modern.

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The living room is the space where a family spends most of their time, which is why it deserves a proper decoration. Therefore, it’s essential that you think through well before you opt for the colour to paint the room. Think if you’d like to have a room in which you could feel relaxed and comfortable, or you’d rather opt for the hues that’ll promote communication and pump up your adrenaline. Finally, keep in mind that certain colours will make the room look smaller while others can visually enlarge the space. Colours have a great influence on people, so choose your shades wisely.

Injecting Some Much-Deserved Privacy into Your Yard

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The modern world doesn’t really excel in the amount of privacy it offers. In fact, getting some time to ourselves is becoming increasingly difficult even within our very own homes. This having been said, our yards are even more plagued by curious glimpses – our very own oases are no longer places of seclusion and peace. Well, unless there’s a way to instill privacy into your yard! Of course, building a wall around it is always a choice, but this won’t really play well with your neighbors as they might get offended, so you’re going to need to be subtle. Here are some easy ways to make your yard more private without being too obvious about it.

48c7255b44f3ee7905ce481f519fcd09Useful Backyard Privacy Ideas

Artistic Decorative Panels

Privacy screens are cool, but there’s no reason for these to be tedious – the more interesting you make them, the less obvious you are going to be about your privacy.

Arched Trellis

If there’s a building next to your garden, or if you’re lucky enough to own the rooftop of your building and a garden in addition, you will definitely experience privacy problems. Installing arched trellis is a very smart way to go here, which will provide you with some much-desired privacy, while still enabling you to get some sunlight in a city.

Curtains

If you want some optional privacy, going with curtains is a smart decision. They are adjustable and able to turn your open-space backyard into a secluded, private place.

044507ebedd41e2264863d30819eb0e6Outdoor Fireplace

On another hand, if a large object providing privacy is your thing, choose an outdoor fireplace and add arborvitae trees to this cozy-looking choice to completely privatize your backyard.

Ordinary Materials are Boring

If you don’t really care about what your neighbors think of you, you can make a simple wall. Of course, there is no reason to use ordinary materials here – instead of brick and simple fences, opt for bamboo for that popular Asian feel that these plants provide.

Patios

Okay, patios don’t really provide privacy by themselves, but they really are perfect excuses for installing mosquito nets, which very much do so. Subtle and useful, these nets will protect you from the nasty insects as a bonus!

bywater_tour_022_backyard_chicken_coopDon’t be afraid to use Typical Items

Regular and neutral garden items are also adequate choices. Browse for a shade sail online for that easy-going feel that these provide in a backyard. Experiment as much as you want with typical items in order to make your yard unique!

Plants are Great!

What better way to give your yard some seclusion than using plants? After all, the very point of it is lounging in nature. For example, a hedge barrier is a fantastic idea if you are going for that minimalistic look. However, if you want to be a bit more flamboyant about it, you can opt for a trellis or arbor, as well as climbing vines and grapevines – nothing better than a healthy, natural shade from something that will make your yard more private!

d8b4df00c20cdddb1c49a506efc900aaGreen Walls

As mentioned, natural decorative walls are an excellent way to go in your yard, but if you are looking for something more than a simple hedge barrier, using the popular green walls is a great idea! When in doubt, always go natural!

With this many ideas on the table, you’re bound to find something that suits your needs. If you like more than one, feel free to combine any of these into something truly unique. As long as you have enough space, anything goes and with a bit of creativity and dedication, this project may turn into a fantastic experience!

 

Design Tips For A Modern Bathroom

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Besides comfort and functionality, a bathroom should also have a little style. After all, we spend a lot of time in it and want to make it as enjoyable as possible. Use a combination of clean lines and geometric shapes to give your bathroom a modern look. Turn your bathroom into a relaxing oasis where you will enjoy spending time. Here are a few tips to help you modernize your bathroom.

image-3Make it simple

When it comes to modern design, simpler is really better. The idea is to keep the bathroom clean of clutter. This will give a feeling of an open space, which will also make it look larger. Use built-in shelves and cabinets to hide all items, such as a hairdryer, make up, perfumes and similar. Throw the laundry basket out of the bathroom, it will only take up space and is not a necessary item in a bathroom. Getting rid of the things you don’t use will not only make the bathroom look cleaner but more sophisticated and modern.

Choice of materials

In an attempt to save the planet Earth, more homeowners use eco-friendly materials in all parts of their house, including bathrooms. Using items made of wood or bamboo can add style points to your bathroom. Putting in a cabinet made of natural wood can freshen up the whole bathroom. Combine this with the right choice of modern looking tiles and your bathroom will look magnificent.

image-1Tiles

Ceramic is not the only option when it comes to bathroom tiles. Brighten up the bathroom with metallic tiles. These brushed steel tiles are sure to draw attention and they will give a bathroom a clean look. Glass tiles are also an option; they will make your bathroom look bigger. When it comes to tile color, going monochromatic is the best option. This will keep the lines clean and put emphasis on the overall design.

If you wish to add contrast, combine warm and cold colors. Don’t use complex designs in a bathroom, this will make it look busy and overwhelming. For a modern look, it is better to keep everything as simple and clean as possible.

image-5Greenery

Bringing in some plants into the bathroom will make it more sophisticated and make it smell nicer. It is important to use plants that can survive in dim lit room. Bathrooms usually don’t have a lot of windows and unless you have fluorescent light bulbs, this can be a problem. Also, use plants that enjoy high humidity; bathrooms tend to get steamy and humid which can kill certain plants. Nice smelling flowers are also a great idea; orchids, lilies and lotus plants are nice options. If you just want your bathroom to look nicer, get plastic plants or flowers so you don’t have to take care of them.

A bath or a shower

The choice on this one might be determined by how much space you have. A bath can be the main item in the whole bathroom; it gives you an option to lie down and relax at the end of the day. But they can take up a lot of space, so a freestanding bath tub is a better option in a small bathroom. If you are not a bath person, invest in a luxurious shower. You can save up on space by opting for a shower. However, you will need to clean its enclosures regularly. Also, if you have a problem with blocked drains, you can mix some baking soda and vinegar and pour this solution down the clogged drain.

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If you are looking to give your bathroom a modern look, then keep it as simple as possible. Don’t use complex designs, avoid cluttering and keep it clean. And bring in some natural materials and greenery to make it look more sophisticated.
 

 

Kitchen Trends to Watch For In 2017

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The kitchen usually turns into the most used room in every home. Family life revolves around it because that’s where we prepare our food. That’s why it’s important to design it with special care. It should be both functional and pleasant to be in. Functionality, when it comes to the kitchen, means the ability to move around safely and easily. It’s also important to design a kitchen in a way that makes it (or at least parts of it) accessible to all generations.

Here are a couple of kitchen trends to look out for in a year to come:

image-14Open floor plans

Open floor plans are a trend for a while now and that’s going to continue, because of the practicality of the whole concept. As the name suggests homes with this layout have one or more large open rooms, which functions as multiple rooms within a living space. It changes the living conditions in several significant ways. First of all, it allows for more social interactions during the day, it’s better for entertaining and having house parties. Open floor plans are also safer because it allows parents to keep an eye on the kids, while they’re busy in the kitchen. These houses also tend to have more natural lighting. The downside is that you have fewer walls to put artwork on.

Transitional design

Transitional style is sometimes called updated classic and it’s very well suited to modern kitchens. It looks simple and clean, which is important because kitchen should serve a purpose. On the other hand, it goes well with all the modern appliances, which sometimes look like something out of sci-fi movie. It usually means that working surfaces are made out of natural materials (like granite and wood) and the appliances make a nice contrast with gleaming stainless steel.

image-12Smaller appliances

Micro-living has started as a hipster trend and now it’s a widely accepted design choice. With state of the art bosch appliances smaller size doesn’t mean less quality. If you choose the right appliances you’ll be able to use your kitchen like a professional chef and still have the luxury of free space. Cooktop with two burners, 18 -inch dishwasher, 60-inch fridge and microwave combined with a convection oven are all you really need. Naturally, you might want to add juicers or soda makers if you’re a health junkie, but it’s optional.

image-9Go all black

For a long time, kitchens were white from the floor to the ceiling. No one really knows why that was the case or who made the rule, but that was the rule. As it often happens with trends, someone decided to do just the opposite and it stuck. If you’re redoing your kitchen in 2017 make it all black – floors, walls, countertops, and the appliances all come in clean and sleek black. It takes a bit more cleaning that way, but faucets, glasses and everything made out of steel, really pops that way.

Touch-activated faucets

Touch- activated faucets were something that only exists in restaurants, where they’re basically a necessity. Then they became a bit of a trend and now every cool kitchen has them. The most important advantage is that you can get the water running even when you’re hands are all sticky from cooking, but there’s more to them. It’s a way to waste less water and that’s something that is going to be increasingly important as the environmental issues become more pressing.

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In the end, kitchen (and basically your entire home) is a personal space. When you design it – think beyond the trends and imagine yourself living there and using it every day. That’s what really counts.

 

How To Properly Decorate Your Front Door

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The gateway to your home deserves a lot of attention. Regardless of how much time and money you’ve invested into remodeling your entire home, without proper front door decorations, the entire impression of your house is compromised. Here is a list of interesting front door décor ideas.

image-3Letter Monograms

The traditional family name is best left on your post box; your front door fits perfectly with a giant letter monogram. This trend has been around for 5 years, but it is still very popular and for a reason – the fonts, colors and letter styling ideas are countless. Although you can buy large letters, of have them engraved onto a piece of metal, making this a DIY project is a completely viable and, above all, fun option. Purchase an oversized letter from a craft store, or simply cut one out using a pattern, a jigsaw and a piece of hardboard or foam board.

Chalkboard

The blackboard has long ago transcended its use in a classroom – the majority of schools are into whiteboards now. However, the chalkboard has found its new calling in restaurants and cafes, where they are usually used to specify what is on menu during happy hours or display offers on discount. A great idea, however, is to put a chalkboard onto your front door, where you can write something new anytime you want. This fun and interesting idea can spell out your apartment number, the welcome sign, whether or not you are present or to be disturbed, and even something funny to welcome the people you invite over.

image-5Flower Basket(s)

There is nothing more gorgeous than having flowers decorate the pathway to your home, but why stop there? Putting flower baskets onto the very front door can turn it into something absolutely beautiful. The easy way to get there is getting faux flowers, owing to the fact that they don’t really need tending to, but these may compromise the realistic look you might be aiming for. Of course, this largely depends on the climate your place of residence is in (harsh winters can present huge problems). Faux flowering branches are a smart way to go, seeing as how they look more realistic. Additionally, keep in mind that fake flowers are becoming cool again.

Go Plain

The minimalistic trend is always on the rise – many people strive towards looking professional and, just as there is absolutely nothing wrong with going chic, there is nothing wrong with turning towards minimalism. The upshot of this is outlined in the fact that the vast majority of plain and “cold” doors is significantly safer than their “lively” counterparts and the experts from locksmith Ryde advise that safety should always be put in front of aesthetics. If you want to add details to the appearance of your plain door, you can always opt for minimalist painting!

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Wood Cutout Door Décor

Back to livelier designs, wood cutout décor can look amazing! The limits here are endless – you can go with regular flower design, but also with quirkier stuff, such as a wood-carved shoe, an animal or even nametags. The best part here is that you can make these on your own and DIY projects are quite fulfilling. Simply come up with a pattern, grab a piece of cardboard, a jigsaw and, depending on your preference, some paint and get down to business. This is extremely easy and with some sandpaper, you can create a real piece of art!

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Not everyone abides to what’s currently trending, so going a bit wild with your front door can often turn out perfect. These ideas are great on their own, but nothing is stopping you from using them to come up with those of your own – going original is always the right way!