Not all of us are blessed with lavish, palatial homes where we can afford to pick and choose when it comes to decorating corner spaces. Most homeowners wish to make the most of every inch of space that they have, and the forgotten corners offer the perfect opportunity to revitalize a room and give it a brand new dimension. Over the last few weeks we have looked at the smart utilization of corner spaces in the bedroom, living room and the kitchen. Now it is time to put those lonely corners spaces in the dining room to use as well! With open-floor living areas becoming the hot trend, many modern homes are doing away with the exclusive dining room. Instead, it is the ergonomically crafted ‘dining area’ that finds a place in between the smashing living area and the practical kitchen. Yet, if you have a dedicated dining room or a dining area with empty corners, here are the most popular ways to brighten them up with style and panache – 1. Quality Family TimeHow can the dining room corner aid in bringing the family together? If you have enough space to spare around, we suggest combining the dining room with the family area to shape a fun and practical social hubin the house. With the kitchen right next to it, this is one of the best ways to bring the family together. You can use a small sectional in the corner or a cozy nook along with some chairs and a small coffee table to get this done. Yes, you may need to clear out a credenza or an additional chair, but it is well worth the effort. 2. Add some Extra SeatingOne of the easiest and most practical ways in which you can put that small corner to use is by just adding an additional seating option. It can be an extra chair that does not fit at the dining table or a cozy ottoman that also ushers in some color. Even though the spot may look pretty ‘lonely’, remember that in a really tiny room, every inch of space does matter. Look at it as an aesthetic way to display an additional chair that can be put to use elsewhere when needed. 3. Simple Reading NookBeing a book lover, this is one of my favorite corner decorating ideas no matter the room! Some home corners and reading spots seem like a perfect match. You are left undisturbed with a beautiful lamp right next to the comfy chair, and this is a perfect way to create some spatial symmetry in a small dining room. In case you do not have enough space to add a floor lamp for the reading spot, use a gorgeous pendant that fits the style of the dining area. 4. Storage and DisplayOpen shelves, closed cabinets or trendy modern freestanding displays; the dining room kitchen corner can easily double both as a smart storage space and an attractive display. Building a permanent corner cabinet is obviously a lot more work, and if you have a small dining room, then it makes the area seem even more crowded. Floating wall-mounted shelves are a chic option that gives the space an airy appeal while letting you display your favorite ceramics with elegance. 5. A Cozy FireplaceAnother classic that feels right at home in any corner of your home is the fireplace. And what better time to commit to this idea than as fall slowly gives way to winter? With Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas waiting for us in the near future, a fireplace mantel in the dining room can be much more than a mere cozy addition. For those who cannot afford to spare the space for a classic fireplace, give other sleeker, more modern options a go. 6. Time for Work!Love bringing work home? Or maybe you work from home? Turn that boring dining room corner into a workspace that can be used by everyone in the family. All you need is a simple desk and a comfortable chair to turn the corner into a functional home workstation. Also add a few floating shelves above the desk to create the storage you need for this deft home office nook. With the kind of wireless connectivity available these days, the rest would not be too hard to set up.
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Japanese-inspired interiors, Zen-style homes and amazing garden retreats that borrow generously from Asian motifs; contemporary design is quickly discovering the many advantages of looking towards the East. We’ve previously discussed the way modern life is becoming a touch too hectic and monotonous for most of us, and how every new trend in interior design seems to be an effort to escape this never-ending cycle. From opening up the view to bring in natural goodness to creating spa-like bathrooms at home, all the trends seem to be pointing one way. And the growing popularity of Feng Shui is simply added proof! Today we delve into Feng Shui tips for the living room, which promise to improve the overall ambiance of your home while transforming your lifestyle. Easy to incorporate and aesthetically pleasing, Feng Shui actually elevates and enhances the existing theme of your home without demanding too many renovations or revamps. 1. Organize with LessNo matter which room of the house it is, the basic principles of Feng Shui remain constant, and it doesn’t really take a rocket scientist to figure out that the best way to begin is by de-cluttering the space. With the living room, the idea is to keep only what you love and ensure that there is a coherent style and pattern to decorating. With the growing popularity of open floor plans, area rugs, raised floors and false ceilings have become twice as important. If the living room seems far too cluttered, it is time to get ruthless with decorating! Weapons are generally associated with negative energy, so think twice before you have those big, bad hunting rifles hanging above the fireplace! Obviously, vintage swords and decor with sharp edges are also unwanted in the living room. (Or in any room!) Television and the CouchOnce you have the color of the door picked, it is time to get down to the placement of the decor in the living room. The large couch or section of chairs in the living room that is the focal point of the room must always face toward the entrance. It is also a good idea to place the couch as close to the wall as possible. This design scheme not only conforms to the principles of Feng Shui, it’s also defined by our evolutionary instincts! We always want to sit in a ‘position of empowerment’ where we are in control of the surroundings. placement of the television is not so much about where it goes, but is more about how well you can conceal it when not in use. A good idea is to have a separate TV room, which makes the living room a hub of social activity and interaction. If you cannot afford to dedicate an exclusive room to the television, then hide the TV behind sliding doors to make the living room more Feng Shui-friendly. Colors and StylesIt is not very often that you see living rooms with striking patterns and overtly bold colors. If you have a living space with neutral hues, a few pops of bright color here and there and cozy decor, then you already have things spot on! Feng Shui suggests that the living room is a place of Yin and hence it is best to create a calming and relaxed atmosphere. A balance of elements is another key aspect in creating this perfect, harmonious atmosphere. Feng Shui places great emphasis on bringing together the five elements of nature in every setting. While fire, earth, water metal and wood make up the five elements, you cannot always take them too literally. For instance, glass is a water element, and placing a stylish mirror near a fireplace is the ideal way to balance fire and water! Brick and ceramics can be used to usher in the earth element, while natural stone and metallic accents are an ideal way to give the room the hint of metal it needs. A Line between Heaven and Earth!One of the biggest problems with contemporary living rooms and Feng Shui is the way in which they are connected with the rest of the house. With an open floor plan and possibly high ceilings, the positive energy moves upwards and away from the living area. Add a few smart dividers between each area of the open floor plan to give the living room a better definition. Glass partitions or even traditional shoji screen-style dividers work well. If you have a really high ceiling, then create the illusion of a room with a lower ceiling by placing wall art, photographs and accessories at a lower eye level. Lighting and the Flow of EnergySpeaking of high ceilings, another modern trend is to showcase heavy, exposed wooden beams in the living room to drive home a rustic, cabin style. While heavy beams hanging above you head never makes for good Feng Shui, we are not going to ask you to abandon this style either. Instead use string lightsand multiple layers of additional ambient lighting to give these beams a lighter and brighter touch! Lighting is a key aspect of good Feng Shui in any room. Avoid dark corners and shadows at all cost, and turn mirrors to create additional visual space along with better illumination of the room.
The sun is shining, and the days and nights are getting hotter. Are you in the summer spirit?! Kate here, and I’m excited to share my latest design project with you. Actually, I’m sharing the entire process with you, from start to finish. Remember my recent post on turning your patio into a stylish outdoor lounge? As I researched this piece, I began dreaming about creating my own outdoor lounging space. The only thing stopping me was my budget. But this weekend, I decided that I would find a way to make my summer relaxation dream a reality–for under $100. [outdoor lounge inspiration from Alan Dunn Landscape Design] I have already ordered a few basic supplies, but today I’m searching for a “look”–a little bit ofdesign inspiration for pulling it all together in a way that is clean, modern and serene. Whether you’re planning an outdoor lounge of your own or you’re looking for ways to turn your yard into a tranquil summer retreat, read on for a collection of ideas that will spark your creativity. Outdoor Lounge DesignAs you begin to plan your outdoor retreat, it can be helpful to focus on a look for your space. Will it be modern? Will it be tropical? Maybe “modern tropical”?! You might also consider the style of the items you already own–seating is a great place to start. For example, in order to create the outdoor lounge of my dreams, I knew that affordable seating was key. I wanted something clean-lined and inexpensive, but nothing that looked cheap or skimped on comfort. I was delighted to find the Garden Oasis Hinton Sling Folding Chaise from Kmart, shown below. This piece is so basic that it can easily blend with a variety of visual styles, but lately I’ve been truly inspired by clean-lined spaces that convey a sense of relaxation. Call it “low-key modern”. If you’re a fan of A Beautiful Mess, you’ve likely been reading about the bloggers’ recent trip to Costa Rica. Here is an outdoor shot of their rental house. I love the laid-back feel of this space, as well as the tropical touches: Here’s a pic of another modern outdoor space, complete with loungers covered in white fabric, an abundance of plants, and stepping stones surrounded by gravel. The hassle-free modern look that results is both tranquil and interesting. [from Huettl Landscape Architecture] I’ve always loved the classic look of stripes. I also like the idea of using a bolster pillow for extra back support. There’s something very low-maintenance about the Moroccan-style poolside lounge below, yet the use of pattern on pillow and tile creates plenty of visual interest. I just might have to add some patterning to my outdoor lounge area… [from Lonny] Speaking of stripes, these peachy-pink and white striped beach towels are the perfect subtle dose of pattern and color for the lounge area below. While my outdoor retreat won’t include a water feature, I’m getting plenty of ideas from this oasis. The use of neutral tones is irresistible, and the greenery that surrounds the space truly creates a cooling effect. [from Frontgate] A Place to Rest Your Drink As you saw above, the clean-lined look of my upcoming 0utdoor retreat is inspired by the seating I recently purchased. In fact, this post is filled with sleek outdoor seating options. But once you’ve found a place to recline, there are other elements to explore. Where will you rest your refreshing drink, your book and your tablet? A side table is in order! [from Frontgate] We know–the structure below is much more than a side table! And yes, we featured this design in a previous post on projects created with cinder blocks. But it’s a great reminder of the amazing configurations that can result when you mix (always affordable) cinder blocks with true creativity. With the bulk of my outdoor lounge budget going to seating, I will need to be super thrifty when it comes to my side table. I’m already working on a brown and gray cinder block creation. I promise to share the results here on Decoist! [from The Horticult] In fact, cinder blocks can even be used in your seating endeavors, as shown by this DIY rustic modern bench. Instead of a place to rest your drink, you can create a place to rest the plant of your choice. With merely three cinder blocks, a bit of lumber and a few other supplies, you’ve got a contemporary seating solution with a built-in planter! For a full tutorial, head on over to Jilian Dee. To Top It All Off…Speaking of plants, they are one of the essential ingredients for your outdoor summer retreat. And I’m definitely shopping around for ideas! I’m a fan of the Snake Plant (shown in the image above), but then again, I can’t deny the modern, quirky appeal of succulents, shown below. [fromDerviss Design] If you’ve read my recent posts, you know how much I love neutral tones for modern outdoor spaces. But punctuating these natural hues with a bright pop of color is key. I’m currently on the hunt for a turquoise planter than can add some much-needed color to my outdoor retreat. [fromAlan Dunn Landscape Design] Did you notice the umbrellas in today’s post? There’s nothing more loungey than a little shade from the sun! But where I live, the sun isn’t the biggest problem–the mosquitoes are! Peak lounging hours in my part of the world are the early mornings and the evenings/nights. The sun isn’t such a threat at these cooler hours, but this is a key time for those buzzing insects that love to bite. So my lounging area will include a mosquito net. What can I say–I’m not a fan of bug spray! [from MosquitoCurtains.com]
We at Decoist love celebrating fabulous design through the change in seasons. And it’s easy to get excited about summer style! The bright, warm weather lends itself to crisp, cheery patterns. Stock up on bold geometrics, from the earthy and breezy to the retro and modern. Lines, angles, shapes and curves blend well with any style, thanks to a wide range of geometric patternsavailable. Today we highlight our current favorites. Enjoy! Geo Patterns for the WallsLet’s start with the walls! Pick one (or more) and get ready to wallpaper. In fact, an accent wall is a great way to freshen up your interior! Showcase a radial grid motif with this Orbit Small Metallic Self-Adhesive Wallpaper from CB2. Mod yet contemporary, thanks to a double-line design: A Little Geometry for the Floor From the walls to the floor…and don’t forget the outdoors! This Bergama Reversible Outdoor Rug from CB2 features a geo tribal pattern in white and gray, thanks to the talents of designer Aelfie Oudghiri. Geometric Furniture Patterns
Some of today’s most interesting geo patterns appear on furniture. This large chevron pattern in reclaimed pine really calls attention to the slanted wooden planks of the Alexa Bed from West Elm. Yes, slanted wood is once again stylish! Are you shopping for new furniture and decor? Whether you follow design trends or you prefer to choose timeless pieces, it’s always helpful to spend at least a little bit of time reveling in the latest offerings. After all, many of today’s top styles have their roots in classic motifs, from the beauty of pastels to the evergreen allure of plants! Yet there’s something undeniably fresh about today’s featured trends. Enjoy browsing the eye-catching selections below, and let them inspire you as you embark on your design endeavors for the new season… PastelsWe begin with pastels, which are anything but washed out, thanks to their recent makeover. What makeover, you might ask? The design redo that’s cast pastels in edgy patterns such as bold geometrics and striking combinations involving deeper hues, as shown below. Say hello to the Spear Cushion from ferm LIVING, printed by hand and crafted of organic cotton: Also from ferm LIVING are the Stackable Jars shown in front of the colorful tray below. But of course, we’re smitten with the entire vignette, which includes a range of pastel hues, as well as rich shades such as deep teal and olive. Anyone notice how retro-style refrigerators are making a comeback? And they’re offered in a range of shades, including candy-colored pastels that look good enough to eat. Below we see the Smeg Refrigerator in Pastel Green from West Elm: Tropical Motifs The tropical look never goes out of style, but there are definitely times when it truly seems to shine. Like the 1980s, when flamingos, parrots, watermelon and other breezy motifs made a big impact. The style is definitely experiencing a current revival, thanks to retailers such as Zara Home. Vibrant colors and exotic designs combine to create a lush vignette in the image below: Before we bid adieu to Zara Home, we must acknowledge the company’s stylish commitment to tropical patterns, often showcased on throw pillows, such as the Jungle Pillow featured in the image below. Fruit, a flamingo and lush vegetation are a few key features of this pattern. The New Chevron We at Decoist love the chevron pattern. And we’ve seen a lot of it in years past, especially the black-and-white/gray-and-white varieties. Which is why this beloved motif was clearly in need of an update. An update it got, thanks to a couple of new takes on the pattern, which push it in a retro direction. This Large Chevron Deco Table Lamp from West Elm showcases one such revamp, which involves the intersection of chevron stripes. The pattern seems to originate at the tops AND the sides, creating a true dimensional, Deco look. And when the chevron pattern is monochromatic, it has a retro-meets-modern feel, especially when wood grain is involved. This Chevron Grain Nightstand is geometric and chic, thanks to a walnut-veneered surface outlined in a chocolate-stained frame. Brass hardware is the icing on this fabulous cake! Here’s a stylish bedroom set featuring the Chevron Queen Bed and Chevron Nightstand, both from Crate & Barrel. The thickness of the stripes and the way they’re angled can’t help but channel the slanted wooden paneling of the ’70s and the ’80s. Yet because the slanting comes from two directions, the pattern is very on-trend. Plants
We end with one of our favorite current design trends: a heavy focus on plants! It’s been interesting to see plants play a key role in so many of today’s interiors and outdoor spaces. Sure, they’ve always been essential, but a new range of pots and planters has given us even more reason to enjoy them. These iron plant stands from ferm LIVING will serve as the perfect pedestal for the pots and plants of your choice. There’s no denying that succulents make a strong statement! How many times have you turned your attention to the finer things that make up your home’s interiors? Side tables and accent tables might not always top your shopping list, but they might be that one last missing piece you need to truly complete your home. A gorgeous side table can uplift the ambiance of the room and bring together practicality and aesthetics with effortless ease. While there are plenty of timeless icons to choose from, today we showcase three chic andsculptural side tables that bring home much more than mere functionality. A side table obviously comes with a multitude of benefits that even your modern coffee tablecannot offer. It can be moved around with ease, often takes up very little space, gives a geometric visual balance to the room when used in pairs and makes your life a whole lot more comfy. From holding your books and drinks to adding color and glamour, these great side tables can do it all! Martini Side Table: A West Elm Icon!As smooth and refreshing as the drink itself, the Martini side table is a West Elm best seller that has taken the decor world by storm. Its gorgeous design, sleek finish and the colorful options ensure that it blends in with any style or color scheme of your choice. This hollow and lightweight side table can be moved around with ease from room to room, while its lovely curved form breaks up the monotony of simple, straight lines in the contemporary home. You can even bring two or three of these exciting little side tables to create a whimsical and dynamic coffee table in the living room.
Lighting a room is a task that is both fun and challenging at the same time. The wide range oflighting installations, and the endless choices, design styles and brilliant hues captivate and enthrall us. Yet, getting the lighting fixtures right is often an act of walking the tight rope that most homeowners can’t seem to master. What seems so inherently simple has several layers of complexities, and often we end up going overboard and flooding our homes with an inordinate amount of illumination. This is particularly true in the case of bedrooms, where we install several different types of lights without taking into account the eventual output. Choosing the right lighting for your bedroom is all about understanding the basics of the art of lighting and combining it with the theme of the room and its color scheme. Bedrooms are personal havens that are dramatic, soothing, romantic and functional, depending on your needs and the time of day. Lighting plays arguably the most important role in setting the tone for these many moods. Here are a few simple yet essential pointers to get you started on the right path – 1. Size Matters!The first and most essential aspect that defines your lighting choices in the bedroom (or any room, for that matter) is the size of the room. You need to pick fixtures that emit enough light to illuminate every corner of the room in the desired fashion. The common tendency is to place way too many lights hoping that the presence of ample illumination will reflect your detailed design planning. But in reality, this does just the opposite, and the room looks too bright in one corner and dim in others. Even as sculptural additions, the pedants and chandeliers that you choose must be proportional to the size of the bedroom and surrounding decor. 2. A Brilliant Style StatementYour bedroom lighting must also reflect and enhance the design theme and the color scheme that you have incorporated with such meticulous care. If you have a room that is glamorous and borrows elements from chic Hollywood Regency, then a gorgeous cascading chandelier is the perfect centerpiece. For those looking to go in the opposite direction and embrace a minimal theme, simple recessed lights coupled with sleek sconces like the Serge Mouille Lamp are the ideal choice. You can even bring in a cool hotel room vibe by opting for sconces that have a more traditional appearance. 3. Multiple Layers of LightingThere is absolutely NO substitute for incorporating several different layers of lightingthat work in conjunction to offer the perfect look. Every space that is elegantly designed includes various types of lights, and you cannot replace this with an overwhelming number of recessed lights and make up for the loss of accent and task lighting. While ambient light defines the general aura of the room, task lighting offers focused illumination for specific nooks. Accent lighting allows you to highlight the feature that you feel is the focal point of the room. This could be either a modern fireplace or even bright artwork. All three types of light combine to make your bedroom truly stunning! 4. Innovative Bedside FixturesBedside lights have evolved a whole lot in the last few years. No longer are they restricted to simple table lamps on either side of your giant bed. Exceptional pendant lights and sconces have replaced the traditional table lamp. These new and suspended additions free up space on your bedside tables and even offer you the option of doing away with the tables too. They also give you the comfort of catching up with a book before dozing off, even if you happen to own a small bedroom with little room for additional decor. This in no way means that the table lamp is done and dusted. Identical bedside tables with twin table lamps are the best way to bring visual symmetry to the room. Just because it is the traditional approach to bedroom design does not mean you ought to throw it away. Sometimes the tried, tested and timeless methods can be rewarding as well! 5. Play with the AmbianceOne unique lighting feature that showcases your bedroom in a whole new light is the dimmer. Having the dimmer feature allows you to easily swap between various moods of lighting with the touch of a screen or the press of a button. Considering the technology at our disposal these days, the options are simply endless. So next time you wish to switch between reading a book to tranquil meditation, you will not have to find a whole new room. If the other layers of lighting serve the first purpose of lighting: illumination, dimmers serve the secondary purpose of fashioning and accentuating the mood. 6. Decorating with Lighting FixturesAnother mistake that most of us make while choosing the lights for our bedroom is to place aesthetics above ergonomics. Yes, a certain chandelier or floor lamp might look exquisite and amazing in the showroom and even in your bedroom. But does it provide the right illumination? Will it function well when you add other layers of lighting? Remember that at the core of it all, you are looking for the right lights. So, do not just think about decorating with fixtures as the primary aspect of the process. If you find a sparkling chandelier or striking pendant that also offers the right illumination, it is indeed a win-win situation. If not, then consider the illumination, the intensity and the angles at work before accounting for the lamp as a standalone sculptural addition to the room. 7. A Flood of ColorBe it the color of the lampshade or that of the bulb itself, a minute change in the hue and shade can alter the look of the bedroom completely. Warm and fuzzy white lights bring a sense of serenity and calmness and are great even for those passionate, romantic evenings and nights. Brighter lights tend to elevate the grandeur of the room and make it far more alluring. Lampshades also can be used to alter the appeal and even the color scheme of a modern bedroom. If the bedroom backdrop is predominantly neutral, then a simple switch in the lampshades can alter the accent hue of the space. One little detail that you must take care of while planning for bedroom lighting is the placement of the fixtures in relation to the sockets and the switches. The last thing you want is to worry about the wiring. Decorating and lighting the bedroom is all about expressing your own personality in the most pleasant and enjoyable manner. That is the simple secret to great bedroom lighting! Never lose the sight of this while shopping for the right bedroom lights.
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June 2017
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