Caught this as I was looking at recycled projects online and had to share it. These are created by using common things you can find around your home or at thrift stores, yard sales or flea markets. Bowls and lamps. As you can see a variation of materials was used from metal to glass from old to modern. I especially like the mixture of materials and styles. Gives them their own quirkiness. Now the birds visiting your yard can bathe in style.
Today the home improvement market is flooded with many innovative items that make your life comfortable. Outdoor Blinds are one such innovation which helps you to create cozy outdoor living areas by offering you with the protection from the sunlight and privacy from the prying eyes of the neighbors. These are the blinds which are designed mainly for the outdoor and it enhances the aesthetic appeal of any property. In terms of its functionality, homeowners can enjoy the afternoon in better way at their balcony by blocking the heat with the external blinds.
Outdoor blinds are available in various designs such as, café blinds, full block patio blinds, aluminum or wood privacy blinds, window awnings and more. Because of so many choices, it becomes difficult for homeowners to make the right choice in blinds which can suit the home style. So, check the follow helpful tips to make the right selection.
Modern Homes
It is undeniable fact that the modern or contemporary homes today have very minimalist design, with neutral or plain colors across the house. So, for such homes you can choose any of the fabric on these types of Outdoor Blinds:
Traditional Homes
It is now becoming a popular choice amongst the homeowners of conventional homes to add a modernized extension to their homes. They are opting for both traditional and latest styles of outdoor window treatment which they use with the old style house. Homeowners of traditional homes can consider choosing the striped canvas for the conventional style of Outdoor Blinds. Below are some of the helpful ideas for the front of your traditional house:
Retro Style Homes
Here the retro style homes means the homes that were build in late 50s and 80s. If you have any old home that are designed with retro style then you can remodel your home with some contemporary designs. You need to ensure that Outdoor Blinds you have selected for the retro style homes fit the fresh look of the interior. If the exterior and the interior of the retro style home has been remodeled or revamped, then it is always a good idea to go with the modern style blinds for outdoor windows. The house which were built in 60s or 70s have contemporary designs relatively and hence the Outdoor Blinds with minimalist design with neutral color schemes are always considered the best choice for such retro style homes.
Choose the best outdoor blinds online:
Now you can search some outdoor blinds online and choose the best one according to the style of your home. But make sure that you should check their quality of the blinds and they must durable enough to resist the heat and adverse weather conditions. Apart from that, you can also customize the outdoor blinds according to your needs and you can hire some experts to install the same in your house. So now you can search them online and choose the best shade and fabric of the outdoor blinds according to your budget.
No matter whatever style and color scheme you choose in Outdoor Blinds, you need to ensure that it helps you to achieve the exceptional blend between the aesthetic appeal and functionality. Compromising on any of these factors is not a good idea indeed for a homeowner.
Regardless of whether you are trying to make your guests feel welcome, or you wish to create space where you can curl up after a busy day, interior design is the key. Find out what you need to change and where you need to look for comfort and coziness.
With an inviting entrance, you will set the mood for those coming to your home. An entryway clear of clutter and debris is a good start. Colorful door with a stylish knob, a handle, and a knocker will make a good start. Some of the most widespread colors, apart from natural wood color, are blue, green, and red. Floral wreath, flower planters, seasonal garden décor, or fun welcoming signs are a nice addition.
A nice entrance will raise the bar and set high expectations for the hallway. Even though it is often overlooked, the hallway deserves some of your attention. Carefully select the furniture, minding the size of the room. Narrow tall furniture is the best choice for smaller spaces. Perhaps shoe cabinets have some advantage over shoe racks as they look tidier. If you have a staircase in the hallway, utilize the space underneath it. Add a comfortable sitting area, an armchair or a bench. Accentuate one of the walls with a mural, colorful wallpaper, or selection of your family photos and paintings.
Once you are in the house, your first impression is created by the materials, namely what walls and floors are made of. Wood is your best choice for creating a warm atmosphere. It is also favored by the current trends. Speaking of trends and warmth, all-natural materials are an excellent choice. Try using leather, fur, wool, and cotton. Choose soft fabrics for the upholstery and fluffy throws to make straight lines smooth.
The furniture in your home should be arranged in such manner to allow enough space for maneuvering. If your home is small, leave only essential pieces and create minimalistic space, rather than using every inch of it. Focus on curves and soft edges. If you prefer modern furniture with strict lines, use rugs, throws, cushions, and mats to soften them. While there should be traffic space, you still need to keep your furniture close enough to encourage conversation and the sense of togetherness.
Each time of the day requires specific lighting. Stay energized throughout the day by allowing as much natural light as possible. In addition to your windows, you can add light tubes, roof windows, and skylights. Use window treatments to change the color of the light coming in and make it look warm even on a gloomy day. Light orange curtains can create this effect for you. Nightfall calls for mood lights. Several lamps, candles, or a fire space can do wonders.
Without a doubt, warm color pallets are the right choice for a snug home. This does not mean that you should paint your entire home yellow and orange. In fact, professionals from ASAP Sydney Painters will tell you to choose warm neutrals such as beige, light peach, light brown etc. You can use different hues of the neutral color of your choice throughout the entire house. Make it more exciting with accent colors used on certain architectural, as well as decorative pieces.
Paying attention to detail will make all the difference. First of all, make sure you keep your home tidy and clutter-free. Indoor plants filter the air and evoke serenity. Add greenery and floral patterns to your home. Be careful with florals as they can get too much and be tacky. Perhaps, adding dried flowers and some pine cones can do the trick. Personalize space and use quirky accents and centerpieces. We will again emphasize the importance of using cushions, throws, and blankets on coziness.
Make sure that if you use these tips, you also incorporate yourself into them. Don’t follow design trends blindly but ask yourself how you feel about them. Essentially, you and the members of your family, are the ones creating the atmosphere in your home. No interior designer can change the effect you have on your home.
There is that one thing that every living space should have in order to feel complete, and that thing is ambience. Creating a comfortable atmosphere in this space is one of the key aspects as it guarantees comfort, serenity and a more welcoming setting. But don’t despair, if you’re looking for simple ways to make your living room more inviting, you can rely on these few tricks.
A Creative Focal Point
One of the biggest mistakes in living room decoration is putting accent on the wrong things. Having a focal point is a great way to put focus on something that will enhance the beauty of the space and create a more appealing ambience. Unfortunately, instead of putting focus on artistic centerpieces or accent walls, many people will choose to highlight the television set for example. This creates distractions and should be avoided at any cost. Also, try to go beyond a classic fireplace centerpiece and opt for an art piece instead, a sculpture or even a mixture of exotic plants. If you are feeling creative, keep in mind that a nice view can also serve as a great focal point.
Experiment with Colour
A clever colour combination can create a wonderful ambience, put focus on certain objects and even connect different spaces. Choosing a good colour scheme for your living room can be perceived as tricky, but the best solutions is to opt for warm shades that will ensure comfort and ease. If you wish to go a step further and experiment with something bold, you can always choose wallpapers with unusual textures and patterns. Keep in mind that, when choosing colours and patterns, balance is the key, but do not hesitate to add a dramatic twist or a simple splash of colour in order to bring the room back to life.
Mixture of Styles
While many would prefer to stick to just one style during their decoration ventures, sometimes doing something unconventional can truly affect the atmosphere in the space. For instance, if your living room exudes the minimalist fashion of the modern era, it’s a good idea to try and incorporate a dash of that charming Victorian style. At first, this might seem a bit unrealistic and rather tasteless, but those who manage to subtly blend these two styles together can indulge in an exquisite ambience of elegance, luxury and amenity.
Consider The Arrangement
Another important aspect of creating a more inviting atmosphere in the room, is carefully choosing your seating arrangement. There are a few factors that can greatly help you achieve that welcoming setting in your living room. Firstly, you will want to choose furniture that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable. Consider the arm rests, the height and the depth of the furniture pieces. Also, make sure to create a suitable balance between different pieces like tables, armchairs and sofas in order to achieve a structured setting. Keep in mind that the overall shape of the furniture but also the room itself can greatly influence how your seating arrangement will look like. Lastly, make sure to carefully place your furniture so it would allow good traffic but also make it easier to observe and communicate with your guests.
Enhance Your Senses
The thing that mostly affects the ambience in a room is creating a way to please all of your senses. Scented candles and incense sticks have the ability to create a relaxing and soothing ambience, while certain sounds and music can have calming effects However, the choice of lighting is one of the most important things, and as such, should be considered carefully. Allowing natural light in the room is always a good choice, while combining accent and decorative illumination will certainly give your room a wonderful look.
Most people have a tendency to spend too much time embellishing their living rooms in order to create a space that will please the eye. Of course, you can spend ages decorating your living area, making it feel more chic, modern and even functional, but in the end you will feel like something is missing. By implementing these few tricks, you will be able to experience the true sensation of your living space.
Author’s Bio: Lana Hawkins is a student of architecture from Sydney. She is the editor-in-chief at Smooth Decorator, and she loves writing about inspiring landscaping and interior designs. Lana finds her inspiration in sustainability and green design.
A symbol of timeless elegance, Victorian décor is slowly sneaking back to interior design waters nowadays, albeit in a slightly revamped guise. An ingenious reinterpretation of the awe-inspiring 19th-century style, the modern Victorian home look is characterized by superior craftsmanship, textural balance, abundance of vintage details, and less dramatic color palette compared to the original look. Intrigued? Here, pick up a few simple tips on how to usher in a touch of the time-honored Victorian charisma in your contemporary living area.
Contrasting textures occupy an important place in the traditional Victorian home. In the modern equivalent of the 19th-century decor, however, textural opulence is replaced by a fine balance of natural elements such as wood and stone and furnishings made from contemporary materials such as synthetic fiber and brushed metal. Although true-blue Victorian homes featured heavy drapes in place of shutters and shades, chic white, brown, or black blinds purchased online are not uncommon in contemporary Victorian bedrooms. Similarly, upholstery in modern Victorian homes verges on the pastel rather than dramatically dark tones, and metallic accents are often mixed with wooden furnishings varnished to a high shine to avoid excess textural contrast.
Another feature typical of Victorian and Gothic style, drastic tones are today replaced by slightly dampened hues to produce a lavish debonair look while not overwhelming the rest of the décor. Deep, sinister tones such as black, dark brown, navy blue, and crimson have ceded the throne to their paler counterparts, and the overall color scheme of a modern Victorian home is somewhat lighter than it normally was in the original 19th-century style. Neutrals such as cream, grey, and beige are often employed today, whereas solid tones are used sparingly, to set the overall mood to grounded rather than replicate the breath-taking grandeur typical of classic Victorian homes.
In a conventional Victorian home, walls were outfitted with heavy wallpapers in bold shades and elaborate prints, but in a modern Victorian home, walls feature less dramatic patterns. Tone-on-tone prints in beige, cream, grey, and soft metallic work well in the modern Victorian home, and the antique flair is achieved through tasteful employment of masterfully executed architectural elements such as crown molding, wall trims, chair rails, and millwork with the recognizable 19th- century embellishments. A chic Victorian wallscape is often centered on grey, ivory, and similar neutral shades, whereas the use of bold pops common in the original Victorian look is nowadays limited to accent walls and statement furnishings.
Imposing furnishings that occupied the central place in a 19th-century room are still at home in a modern Victorian living area. Antique armoires, lavish armchairs, and heavy tables add a dose of opulence to the contemporary reinterpretation of the Victorian décor, and vintage touches are modernized through creative material mixes such as mahogany and leather, teak and velvet, or redwood and damask. Nightstands with brass feet, retro chaises with modern upholstery, and exotic storage chests exude an aura of luxury and old-school nostalgia, but the tonal palette of furnishings in a modern Victorian-inspired home is less intense compared to the 19th-century style.
Modern Victorian homes are an embodiment of retro charm, balance, and sophistication, which makes this style perfect for homeowners looking to redo their property following in vintage footsteps. Visual unity of antique elements and modern colors and materials, sumptuous trims and toned-down contrasts, and focus on stability over extravaganza are the biggest assets of contemporary Victorian design. An evergreen source of inspiration for romantics, Victorian style is not a thing of the past: with just a few minor tweaks and updates, the olden home look has returned to claim its rightful place on the 21st-century interior design bandwagon.
Author bio:
Zoe Clark is a journalist, freelance stylist and blogger. She is a visual storyteller and aesthetician by heart who often writes about decorating and DIY ideas. She loves sparking creativity in people and giving them ideas for their own spaces.
Country & Victorian Times 