Tag Archives: design

Sustainable Victorian Interior Design Tips

Posted on by
5

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Though traditional Victorian homes are not very eco-friendly or sustainable, there are many ways you can renovate an old house to make it more sustainable or design a new Victorian-style home using sustainable materials and elements. There is no reason you have to give up your love for Victorian design just to be more eco-conscious.

Sustainability is important, and homeowners need to do their part to minimize their home’s carbon footprint to mitigate further damage to the environment. Still, it is possible to have a beautifully elegant Victorian home while being mindful of your impact on the planet.

Below are some tips and tricks you can follow to design the sustainable, modern Victorian home of your dreams:

1. Build Your Own Sustainable Victorian Home

If overhauling an existing Victorian-era home seems like too much work, or if you simply can’t find exactly what you are looking for, building your own home in the Victorian style is an option. Building a family home takes a lot of time, money, and effort, but the result is often worth it. It means you can use more sustainable materials from the start and ensure everything looks exactly the way you want it to.

2. Renovate a Condo or a Townhome

Maintaining a smaller carbon footprint can sometimes be achieved by living in a smaller home. So instead of buying and renovating a Victorian house, you can look for a smaller condo or townhome that is a new build designed in the Victorian style. New, smaller builds like condos and townhomes are often more sustainable, and even if you can’t find one in the Victorian style, you can renovate it or decorate it using Victorian design elements.

3. Eco-friendly Subdued Hue Paints

Today, chic Victorian designs are all about using darker, subdued hues such as smokey blacks, blues, and greens, while bringing in brighter colors with the furniture and decor. Not all paint brands are the same, however. So when choosing your Victorian paint colors, opt for brands that use non-toxic paints that are more sustainable and better for your health.

4. Sustainable Patterned Fabrics

Contrasting textures and fabric patterns are staples in Victorian-style homes as they can give the space a very opulent and luxurious feel. However, you don’t need to buy expensive fabrics to achieve this look. You can purchase more sustainable fabrics and dye them yourself using natural dyes. Or you can even find what you are looking for at thrift stores.

While fabrics and decor from a thrift store might not have been initially made sustainably, buying things second-hand helps keep landfills from overflowing and reduces the number of new things that need to be manufactured. You can shop second-hand for just about anything, including curtains, lace table cloths, patterned pillows and bedcovers, and more. 

5. Upgrade Old Appliances

One of the best ways to make your home more sustainable is to install new energy-efficient appliances. Older, Victorian homes often come with outdated appliances that use more energy than they need to. Of course, many new energy-efficient appliances do not reflect the Victorian style, but there are design hacks you can use to make them look vintage. There are even some companies that sell modern, energy-efficient appliances that are designed to resemble those from bygone eras.

6. Prioritize Natural Light

While elegant, vintage light fixtures are a great way to bring the Victorian style to your home, they are not always the most eco-friendly design option. This is not to say you can’t install these light fixtures or use elegant lamps, but it’s best to actually use them as little as possible. To avoid having to use lights during the day, try to design or buy a home that has a lot of windows and good natural light. This can help you reduce your energy bill and lower your home’s carbon footprint while still allowing you to use elegant, Victorian light features when it gets dark.

7. Buy Second-hand Art and Decor

The elements that often tie a space together are art and decor. Hunting down vintage pieces to create your Victoria dream home can be fun and even eco-friendly, depending on where you shop. There are plenty of new companies that manufacture things in the Victorian style, but supporting these sellers is not very sustainable. Instead, seek out thrift shops and antique stores to repurpose existing art and decor.

It’s more satisfying anyways to know that you are using an actual piece versus buying something new that looks vintage. You can even find and repurpose old light and plumbing fixtures that better match the Victorian style.

Wrapping Up

Just because Victorian design doesn’t look sustainable doesn’t mean it can be environmentally friendly. There are many construction companies today, for example, that can build a Victorian-style home using eco-friendly materials. And the interior design can easily mimic the Victorian era while utilizing sustainable and thrifted products and materials. There are really no limitations if you are willing to get creative and put in a little extra effort.

4 Interior Design Trends to Follow This Year

Posted on by
1

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/4HG3Ca3EzWw

Everyone has their own unique preferences when designing their living spaces, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t common trends that come and go from year to year. Over the past few years, as many have found themselves spending more time at home than usual, creating a welcoming environment has become even more of a focus. Let’s take a look at four interior design trends you may want to consider as you update your home’s decor.

1. Bold Colors and Patterns

These days, many homeowners are replacing neutral tones and minimalist designs with more visually stimulating colors and patterns. Primary colors—red, blue, and yellow— are certainly having a moment, as well as green, often in the form of plaids, checks, stripes, florals, and other playful patterns. Retro-inspired designs provide a sense of comfort and familiarity, and these bigger colors and patterns offer a mood-enhancing aesthetic.

Especially worthy of note, Pantone’s color of the year, Very Peri, is quite a versatile shade, combining the boldness of blue with the softness of periwinkle, and can be used equally well as an accent or focal point. From subtle decor like throw pillows and lighting fixtures to main pieces like furniture and bedspreads, this lovely shade can both excite the eye and calm the mind—two key elements in maintaining a healthy home.

Another simple yet effective way to add a splash of color to any room (with windows) is to apply diffraction rainbow decal stickers to windows. When the light shines through, it creates a gorgeous pop of rainbow colors akin to a prism, only with more exciting patterns. The combination of natural light with morphing rays of color is truly a magnificent feast for the eyes!

2. Vintage and Antique Pieces

This year, designers and homeowners are enjoying the comforting allure of vintage and antique decor. Besides looking beautiful, many well-aged pieces are also functional. For example, a vintage record player complete with your favorite albums and vinyl accessories can provide entertainment while looking quite dashing to boot.

Additionally, the prospect of hunting down and acquiring these types of goods is a fun and rewarding hobby in and of itself. Scouring the internet and local shops for the perfect piece is a modern treasure hunt, and you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor for many years to come. You can even turn the hobby into a business if you play your cards right!

3. Personalized Spaces

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/7qTYBEEEvZc

As people spend more time at home, they gain a new appreciation for surroundings that tell their stories. For example, while everyone has their own preferences when selecting types of art prints, many designers and homeowners are choosing to support their favorite artists by purchasing or commission artwork that speaks to them, rather than picking up mass-produced art from big-box stores. Showcasing a collection—be it art, knick-knacks, musical instruments, or anything else that ignites joy— is a fantastic way to surround oneself with meaningful beauty.

Besides displaying collections, there are plenty of other ways to truly turn a house into a home that represents its inhabitants. Framed family photos, or even painted portraits, are a great choice, and they serve as a reminder of what’s truly important in life. Similarly, decor with inspirational quotes and images can serve as reminders of one’s beliefs and goals.

4. Elevated Home Offices

As working from home becomes increasingly common, many homeowners are choosing to upgrade their home offices. In the past, many home offices were used rarely—often only on sick days— so a simple desk, chair, and computer did the trick. As people find themselves spending more time in these spaces, they’re naturally gravitating towards better decor and equipment.

Even those who don’t have rooms solely dedicated to their home offices may find that upgrading their bedroom, basement, living room, or other auxiliary room with hybrid furnishings is a great way to differentiate between time spent on and off the clock. For example, a laptop table with wheels can be rolled out when it’s time to clock in, or a lift-top coffee table can be converted to a desk.

Beyond functionality, decorating a home office makes working that much more appealing. While some homeowners prefer a cohesive aesthetic throughout the home, some remote workers enjoy treating their home offices like an entirely different place, helping to replicate the feeling of waking up and going to the office—even if that office is just a few feet away!

Beauty Is In the Eye of the Beholder

Whether you’re just incorporating a few interior design trends or completely renovating your home, this year looks to be all about comfort and personality. Consider thinking outside the box as you shop for new decor. You might be surprised by how a subtle or drastic change can really add excitement to your living space, and in turn, your life.

At the same time, if you prefer minimalist, clinical, and utilitarian design, there’s certainly nothing wrong with that! It all comes down to your preferences, so go ahead and embrace your inner designer, regardless of what the latest trends may look like. It’s your home, and only you know which interior design choices will bring the most joy.

Author Bio:

Carolyn Mitchell is a freelance writer and content strategist with a passion for home décor. She can often be found re-painting and updating the furnishings in her home, and she is also a dedicated cat mom to two adorable kitties.

Design Your Bathroom With Mirrors

Posted on by
1

When it comes time to decorate the bathroom of your house, there is an element that undoubtedly gains prominence in the room and the environment: the mirror.

A mirror is necessary for daily use in the bathroom. Who doesn’t look in the mirror just after waking up or before leaving home?

In the bathroom, there are multiple, such as combing your hair, putting on makeup, shaving, brushing your teeth, etc. But in addition to being a fundamental element, it is also decorative and transmits personality and character to the bathroom. There are countless shapes, textures and colours, and in Bathroom Design.

The choice of mirrors will depend on four main factors:

  • The style itself of the bathroom. In this aspect, you can find minimalist, modern, classic, rustic, industrial bathrooms, etc.
  • The dimensions of the bathroom. Depending on the space you have to place the mirror, you  will choose the right size so that it adds depth but does not overwhelm the room.
  • The type of sink. For example, you are not going to choose the same mirror for a countertop washbasin as a freestanding one.
  • Matter of taste. Depending on the taste you have when decorating the bathroom, you will choose a smaller or larger one.

Types of mirrors to decorate your bathroom

There is a multitude of mirrors that are adjusted to the needs of each person and that of their bathroom. They explain the difference in shapes and structures so that you can choose the right one for your bathroom.

Round mirror:

 It is one of the mirrors that you find the most in bathrooms. Thanks to its rounded shape, it can be adapted to any bathroom. You have to choose the colour of the frame so that it fits elegantly. There is also the possibility of introducing a round frameless mirror to add an infinite touch to the toilet. The Point collection, with its round lines details, is perfect to accompany this type of mirrors. In addition, Point can be found in three different finishes, essential to be able to choose which colour best suits the frame of the round mirror. The simple hangers or shelves methacrylate 55 cm. They will complement each other perfectly next to the round mirror.

Straight lines mirror:

 The straight-line mirrors in Bathroom Design are divided into rectangular or square. They adapt perfectly to modern environments and are introduced in the bathroom in large dimensions. You can place it on a column or wall vertically so that you can see the whole body. This mirror is often used in large bathrooms, as you can create an independent space that serves as a dressing area. The straight lines of these mirrors together with the straight lines of the wall toilet brush holders from the Point collection will create a balance and give a sense of order to the environment. You will also have the possibility to align the soap dish and wall toothbrush holder.

Framed mirror:

Framed mirrors are usually presented in decorations of a more classic and even rustic style. If you choose a wood colour, you will offer a cosy feeling that your guests will love. With this type of mirrors, you have an infinity of lines and colours since currently, there is an infinity of styles in the frames. In Bathroom Design, they recommend that you opt for a neutral colour, such as white or black. In addition, you will be able to find countless collections with chrome white or chrome black finishes, which will be complemented by unique and special shape. Following an aesthetic and chromatic line is essential for the bathroom. Therefore, for this type of mirrors, they recommend The entire Point collection, from the shower sponges to the shelves, since you can find them in three different finishes and having the option of combining colours or unifying all parts of the bathroom. Also read about chandie yawn-nelson .

It is essential to know the mirror that your bathroom needs in order to create simple spaces that you will use day after day, from the first hour of the day until minutes before going to bed. The great infinity of mirrors helps to find the ideal one for your bathroom, but you have to take into account the bathroom accessories to be able to choose yours.

Decor Your Kitchen With Small Cabinets

Posted on by
1

Generally, the base kitchen cabinet is 24 inches deep and 36 inches high. They either sit directly on the floor or rest on a 4-inch kick riser. Their width depends on what is on tops of it, such as a sink, stove, or countertop.

There are some random areas in your house that seem to be screaming to decorate, but just as something has to go there, such as the open space under the stairs or the space above the kitchen cabinets. It tends to be very unpleasant.

If your work area cannot accommodate standard size cabinets, one option is to incorporate a custom cabinet into your kitchen to provide the storage you need in tight spaces. Custom cabinets are manufactured individually according to the owner’s specific design requirements. They are usually built by carpenters hired by local cabinet makers or owners. Labour costs for custom cabinets are considerable. There is no prefabricated one because all parts of the cabinet need to be created from scratch assembled and then installed. This tedious process is time-consuming and, as a result, costly.

If you’re lacking in kitchen flair and need something to create the final look, decorating your kitchen cabinets can be the answer.

If you can’t find a good place to showcase that beautiful collection, put it in your kitchen cabinet. Vases and books are great for decorating your cabinet. However, you need to make sure that the object is large enough to be displayed. A collection of salt and pepper shakers. Probably not the right choice for that location.

Space above kitchen cabinets can provide additional storage for baskets that can keep small items and kitchen items out of sight.

If you have enough space in that area, you can hang some objects on the wall. Whether it’s framed photos, baking or cooking tools, or mirrors, this space will surprisingly fit into any wall art. Go to the flea market you will find interesting pieces to make your kitchen look much more charming.

You may think that it has gone out of style since, in the 80s, vines were used to be used on kitchen cabinets. However, you can find realistic-looking faux plants that will add a nice touch to the room and keep it fresh and clean. Add some similar arrangements on the countertop and dining room table.

If there is enough space in the cupboard, it may not be enough to store everything. Therefore, show only what you need and what you regularly use, such as cake racks and trays, kitchen paper rolls, kitchen scales, and decorations.

  • If you have high ceilings, tall vases and ceramic art can be great pieces to place in the space above kitchen cabinets.
  • If you can’t find walls to put your old oil paintings and framed black-and-white photos on, put them above your kitchen cabinets.
  • It can be functionally stored in a space not found elsewhere, such as picnic baskets, ornaments and cutting boards.
  • Add bricks (or simulate brick wallpaper) on top of the cabinet for a cool industrial effect. It helps balance a stylish and modern kitchen. They can also be blocks or trees.
  • Homeowners with large kitchens can also look for some small cabinets to fill the space around the appliances or to provide unique storage such as spice cabinets and wine cabinets.

Whether you need a small cabinet that fits in a small space in your kitchen, or you’re looking for a specific cabinet to store specific kitchen items, you can customize the cabinet to be smaller than the standard size for any design to suit your taste. They can provide functional storage in a new style.

Also read about alice adair

Furnishing a small kitchen is not an unsolvable problem if you design the environment correctly, making it functional and looking beautiful thanks to the infinite solutions available on the market.

The sum of these elements will make your kitchen functional even in situations of limited space; the size of the houses has decreased more and more in recent decades, and if they add to this the fact that now they eat at homeless and fewer times, given the distance from home/work, it no longer makes much sense to give many square meters of the home to this environment.

10 Budget Home Designing Instagram Accounts You Can Check for Inspiration

Posted on by
Reply

Since Covid-19 hit us, we’ve been all stuck in our home and there is no news when we’ll be able to walk freely. Now is the best time to decorate the interior and exterior of your home. But money is a true concern for pretty much all of us as home decoration is generally a costly affair.

A home’s not merely four square walls, it’s a place where you can get comfortable and relax. You might be thinking that there are various Instagram pages that are great for finding home decoration inspiration. Speaking of Instagram, when you open a new page, it’ll take time to gain followers. In fact, as per https://www.forbes.com, organic ways although successful, can take quite some time to boost Instagram followers. The best way to get likes on your post is to buy 50 likes on Instagram.

Here is a list of some Instagram accounts that not only offer great interior and exterior designs, but also inspiration, good suggestions, and cheaper but high-quality items. 

Room for Tuesday

Sarah Gibson, who shares great ideas for home renovation, design tips, DIY projects is the owner of this page. Whenever you observe her work, you’ll notice she focuses on both the interior and exterior of the house equally, so this account is really useful for those who own a bigger home or real estate. She has two cute puppies that she features in the majority of her images, which produces a different vibe for dog lovers.

Philip or Flop

There’s no doubt that there exists many more female DIY creators than male DIY creators. This proves that female DIY creators can offer much more fantastic home decoration ideas for budget-friendly decorations. However, Philip is amongst the rare male designers who can decorate both the interior and exterior perfectly. His ideas about interior designs are much more realistic than any female designer.

Angela Rose Home

Angela Rose, known as fearless DIY creator, uses power tools and design to transform your home. She decorates the interior of the house in such a way, that you’ll get so many decoration ideas just by scrolling through her IG feed. Her website, linked on her IG account, offers so many new ideas and detailed tips to accomplish her vision in your home. Until you check her IG account, you won’t be able to guess how cool and brilliant interior home design can be!

Budget Home Interior Design

This is a type of IG account that shouldn’t be missed. When you land on this page, you’ll notice one thing is common in every image despite the house, a splash of color offered by plants. You’ll also notice how the interior changes when a plant is around. Natalie, owner of the IG page only decorates the interior of houses, but in a budget-conscious way, even using simple items such as Washi tape, which is quite amazing.

Philip or Flop

There’s no doubt that there exists many more female DIY creators than male DIY creators. This proves that female DIY creators can offer much more fantastic home decoration ideas for budget-friendly decorations. However, Philip is amongst the rare male designers who can decorate both the interior and exterior perfectly. His ideas about interior designs are much more realistic than any female designer.

Jenny Komenda

Jenny Komenda, Founder and Creative Director of juniper print shop and juniper home, is a pure skilled artist. From designing the interior to the exterior, everywhere she proves that she focuses much more on details. You’ll see that in every post she shares, she offers some subtle tips that make a budget-friendly decoration so much simpler. There is also a touch of large and expensive items like furniture in her posts to remind you that accessories are like vitamins to fashion.

Grillo Designs

Medina shares her thoughts on interior designing on her Instagram page. Medina’s website, where she writes her own posts, has beautiful budget-friendly ideas, which is a key factor during this pandemic. Her style blends in every aspect of her culture. And it is also so fascinating to see that she prioritizes turmeric color to design interior homes, which will surely impress you the moment you scroll through her IG feed.

Making Pretty Spaces

The most lovable thing about this account is how small changes can bring so much glory and transform a space thoroughly. From changing a night lamp or a small bookshelf, Jennifer does it like a pure skilled designer. Her website is full of blogs and tutorials. Jennifer’s idea of making a small upgrade is to deliver a perfect and happy economical life. You’ll be so inspired by Jennifer that you might start purchasing small items to decorate your rooms.

Chris Loves Julia

This account has everything from budget-conscious designing to marvelous home designing ideas. They have linked their website on the IG page, where you’ll find all the details. The moment you land on their IG page, you’ll notice some video walkthroughs, which are not only extremely satisfying but also added a bonus to the fact that every image they share on their page is extremely stylish and looks fantastic.

Right Meets Left Interior Design

Courtney McLeos, the owner of the interior design company, showcases much from wealthy clients, but shares tips of interior designing in the caption of some images. Upon scrolling her IG page, you’ll notice beautiful highlights of the color scheme or how small pieces of furniture can help you achieve your desired look. Though the page showcases wealthy clients, much of what she shares can be used by budget-friendly followers, too.

Conclusion

Remember one thing, a home’s not merely roof and room. It is where you can bloom your heart and spend quality time with your family members. Home is sweet, and it is your responsibility to make it sweeter.