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These 4 Living Room Trends for 2019 will Inspire your Next Home Design Project

January 31, 2019 by admin

Every year, new trends hit the interior design landscape and 2019 is no different. In particular, this year there is an emphasis on living room trends. We’ve decided to take a closer look at them today. Read on to learn about these new living room trends and tips on how to make these looks work in your home. Believe us when we say that you’ll fall in love with these popular design statements.

The bolder, the better when it comes to furniture colors this year. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Colorful seating

If there’s one trend this year that’s totally eye-catching, it’s the colorful seating trend. These days, sofas, accent chairs and barstools all come in an array of bold shades that we haven’t seen in a while. In particular, jewel tones – such as ruby red, emerald green and sapphire blue – are the hues that are turning heads.

If you’re going to embrace the colorful seating trend, there is one thing that you need to keep in mind. Whichever item of furniture you choose to make colorful, it needs to be the statement piece of the room. Be sure to balance out the bold hues by using lots of neutral tones in the other areas of your design. Neutral shades will give the eye a place to rest and help keep the design, as a whole, from feeling overwhelming.

Everything gets a splash of color this year, even the ceiling. Image: Artazum/Shutterstock

Statement ceilings

Statement ceilings have fallen in and out of favor over the years and it looks like they’re set to make a big comeback. However, this time, the trends are skewing darker than they have before. There’s an emphasis on dark browns, blacks and grays that hasn’t been as prevalent in the past. We have to say that we’re loving it.

However, you should not let those colors be the only ones in your design roster. The key, here, is that you incorporate colors that you’ve used in other applications throughout the room, much like you see in the picture above. In addition, you should also consider using materials beyond paint. Wallpaper or temporary wall decals will make a fine statement on your ceiling.

When it comes to art, make it big. Image: ImageFlow/Shutterstock

Large-scale wall art

In 2019, artwork is also set to make a big splash. In particular, we’re seeing an emphasis on large-scale prints. Just like the color trends that we’re seeing this year, current wall art styles are big, bold, and in-your-face. These days, it’s not uncommon to see prints that take up the better portion of an entire wall as the focal point of the room.

If you’re worried about picking a piece of wall art that works, take a look at our artwork sizing guide. However, conventional wisdom states that artwork should take up four-sevenths of the wall on which it is placed. To figure those dimensions, start by measuring the length and width of the wall. Then, multiply each number by 0.571, which is four-sevenths as a decimal.

Take seating arrangements to the next level. Image: United photo studio/Shutterstock

Purposeful arrangements

The last trend we’re talking about today is purposefully arranging furniture. Gone are the days where it’s acceptable to shove a couch up against the wall and leave a cavern of space in the middle of the room. The coming year will be all about creating room layouts that make sense from a functional standpoint, as well as looking aesthetically-pleasing to the eye.

In terms of what constitutes a functional layout where living rooms are concerned, it’s all about creating an inviting seating area. Start by adding an appropriately-sized area rug to help ground the space. This also adds more visual interest to the room. Then, arrange your seating around a central focal point like a fireplace or television.

What do you think of these living room trends for 2019? Let us know in the comments.

The post These 4 Living Room Trends for 2019 will Inspire your Next Home Design Project appeared first on Freshome.com.

4 Simple Ways To Use Wallpaper In A Bedroom To Create A Fresh Look

January 30, 2019 by admin

Lots of people have tried to use wallpaper in a bedroom, but only a few know how to utilize this material to its fullest potential. Wallpaper shouldn’t just be thrown up as a way to do away with blank walls. Rather, it should be a major player in the design of the room as a whole.

To that end, we’ve brought you four fresh and simple ways to use wallpaper in a bedroom. Look them over to see which suggestions will work best in your bedroom’s design. With any luck, the wallpaper may just become your favorite feature of the whole room.

Let your wallpaper dictate your color palette. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Set the color palette

One way to use wallpaper in your bedroom is to have it set the color palette for the entire project. For example, you can see that the picture above features a chic monochromatic palette. In it, everything from the wallpaper to the blankets, bedding and throw pillows come together to form a cohesive look.

If you decide to go this route, the key is to pick out a wallpaper that you love first. Then, build the rest of the room around it. While you can, of course, go with any aesthetic that you’d like, remember that the size of the pattern is important. It should be in proportion with the size of the room. Bigger rooms can handle bigger patterns and vice versa.

Use wallpaper to create an eye-catching accent wall. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Create an accent wall

Since wallpaper tends to be a style statement, it’s a natural fit to adorn an accent wall. Accent walls are meant to draw the eye, so this should be where you use your biggest patterns and boldest shades. Don’t hesitate to go all out here.

In this case, the placement of your wallpaper is your most important consideration. Ideally, you’ll want your accent wall to highlight the focal point of the room since it’s bound to capture viewers’ attention. Most of the time, in a bedroom, this means choosing the wall at the head of the bed. However, as you see in the photo above, sometimes exceptions can be made, especially if you’re going with a more mural-like pattern.

Don’t go without a headboard. Create one from wallpaper instead. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Make a makeshift headboard

Let’s face it, furniture is expensive. If you’re not quite ready to go out and invest in a quality headboard, wallpaper could be a cost-effective solution for you. Rolls of wallpaper cost pennies on the dollar and this material can be used to fit a variety of aesthetic tastes.

In this case, the actual application is your biggest concern. First, you have to size it correctly. You should measure out the wallpaper so that it is slightly larger than the width of your bed. A good rule of thumb is to leave a two- to three-inch border on either side. Then, there’s the placement. Do your best to apply the wallpaper on a wall that’s smooth and without pockmarks. Doing so will decrease your chances of finding annoying air bubbles in the final product.

If you’re renting and don’t want to have to deal with taking down wallpaper at the end of your lease, don’t worry. This DIY project is still an option for you. You’ll simply want to use removable wallpaper instead.

Use wallpaper to bring texture into the room. Image: 2M media/Shutterstock

Add some texture

Finally, wallpaper can be used to add a much-needed dose of texture to any room. Remember, in interior design, texture refers to the way that something looks like it feels. Incorporating a variety of textures into a room is one of the major tenets of interior design because it makes the room more visually interesting.

No matter what type of print you use in your bedroom, your wallpaper will have a texture. This is due in part to the materials used in its construction. However, you can certainly amplify the feeling of texture by choosing a rough-looking pattern like the one shown above.

For this, we recommend going with a print inspired by natural materials. Natural-looking prints like wood and stone are very on-trend at the moment and will serve you well in creating a look that’s both modern and nuanced.

The post 4 Simple Ways To Use Wallpaper In A Bedroom To Create A Fresh Look appeared first on Freshome.com.

These 4 Temporary Decorating Ideas Will Help You Keep Your Security Deposit Safe

January 29, 2019 by admin

Decorating a rental can feel like a tedious task. On the one hand, you want to be able to create a space that feels like your own, no matter how long you intend to live there. On the other, you don’t want to get so into personalizing the space that you put your security deposit at risk.

With that in mind, we’ve laid out some temporary decorating ideas to help you along the way. Use these to achieve a homey look that can be taken down as soon as your lease is up.

Use area rugs to bring visual interest to the space. Image: Breadmaker/ Shutterstock

Invest in area rugs

Area rugs are great for livening up any living space, but they’re especially useful when it comes to rental situations. Put simply, they pack a big punch of visual interest but are just as easy to roll up and put away the moment your lease is done.

As far as how to pick out a good rug, in this case, aesthetics come first. If your rental is fairly basic when it comes to decor – we’re talking white walls and neutral flooring – you’re going to want to pick a rug that easily draws the eye.

Your next consideration is size. Unfortunately, rugs come in only a few standard sizes that you’ll need to work around. To help, here are some guidelines for you to keep in mind:

If you’re choosing a full room rug, remember to leave room for a border of flooring around all sides. 18 inches is considered the standard border measurement.
If your rug will be grounding a seating area, measure the length and width of the seating area in its current layout and buy the next size up.
If the rug is meant to highlight a piece of furniture like a dining table, make sure it’s big enough to extend beyond the piece with room on all sides. For a dining table, 24 inches is standard. However, it should be less if you’re working with a smaller piece, like a coffee table.
When in doubt, bigger is better. You can always hide excess rug under a piece of furniture, but a too-small rug will stick out like a sore thumb.

Temporary products like removable wallpaper can make a huge difference. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Reconsider removable products

While you may be tempted to write off wall decals and the like as products for children, we’re here to urge you to reconsider. These days, removable wallpaper and similar applications are sleeker than ever before and they come in a range of modern patterns and hues.

With removable products, your biggest concern is the quality of the walls themselves. You want to look for smooth walls, without texture or pockmarks. Smoother walls will reduce your chances of getting air pockets under the product during installation and ending up with a bubbly look.

Layer lighting to complete the look of the space. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Add your own lighting

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: having the proper lighting in place can totally change a room. Oftentimes, in rental scenarios, you start out with the bare minimum, like harsh overhead lighting that’s flattering to no one. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t round out the space and soften it up by adding lighting of your own.

Remember, dealing with lighting is all about creating layers. There are three different types of lighting that you can use to your advantage:

Ambient: Also known as general lighting, ambient light fills the majority of the room and allows you to move around safely. It usually comes from recessed lighting, track lighting or wall-mounted fixtures.
Accent: Accent lighting is used to highlight a particular focal point, such as a piece of wall art. Picture lights, wall-mounted-fixtures or track lighting are common, and dimmers are often used on these features to provide mood lighting.
Task: As the name suggests, task lights are used to assist you in completing a particular function. This could be anything from desk lamps to pendant lights that hang over a kitchen island.

Mounting ambient lighting to the walls may not be possible in a rental. However, a variety of task lights like floor and table lamps will certainly do the job.

et stylized surfaces round out your design. Image: Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Stylize your surfaces

Lastly, keep in mind that decor does not need to be hung on the walls in order to play a role in your home. Stylized surfaces like coffee tables, dining tables and shelving units go a long way towards making your rental feel like it allows your personality to shine through.

Effectively stylizing surfaces is all about creating groupings of accessories. They can match, like the place settings on the dining table in the picture above, or they can simply coordinate, like the items on the shelves.

When selecting items to go in your grouping, you want to ensure that they’re different enough to create visual interest while still having a common thread to tie them together.

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Getting Ready To Sell? These 5 Small Repairs Make A Big Difference When Showing Your Home

January 28, 2019 by admin

When it comes time to prepare your home for sale, you want to ensure it’s in the best possible shape by the time you show it. This way, when a potential buyer asks about the property’s condition, they know it is ready to be sold without much work left to be done.

After all, most buyers would prefer not to have to deal with any functional issues before they move in. Before showing your home, consider making these small repairs, as they can make a big difference both in terms of interest levels and offer prices.

Consider applying a new coat of paint. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Applying New Paint

Nearly any reputable realtor will suggest that you give your home a fresh coat of paint before showing it, provided you have not already done so very recently. At the very least, you should paint the interior in a neutral color that will make the space seem larger. If you have the time and it has been a while, you should also consider new paint for the exterior. A simple coat of paint makes everything look newer and as if it is in better shape.

Update your flooring to hardwood. Image: Breadmaker/Shutterstock

Making flooring fixes

Depending on the flooring currently in your home and its condition, you should also make any small repairs to this part of the house. Flooring replacements and repairs can be inexpensive when you choose the right material. Even a slightly more expensive flooring replacement can be worth it if you have shag carpeting or something else no buyer will want.

At the moment, most buyers prefer hardwood floors, so if you have this type of floor under your carpeting, a relatively low-cost removal of the carpet can dramatically boost your home’s appeal. If you have ceramic flooring, replace or clean the grout and replace any cracked or chipped tiles. As a general rule, don’t bother installing ceramic flooring in a home before showing it, since it is expensive. The only exception would be a bathroom or entryway that previously had carpeting.

Think about resurfacing cabinets. Image: KUPRYNENKO ANDRII/ Shutterstock

Resurfacing kitchen cabinets and sinks

The average kitchen remodel will give you almost a complete return on your investment in terms of asking price, but this holds true more for mid-range and minor remodels than it does for high-end kitchens. One thing that will almost always be worth it, however, is resurfacing your cabinets. This is something you may be able to do yourself. You can liven up old cabinets, which will make them look less dated. While you are at it, consider replacing the handles on your cabinets, as well.

This is also the time to make small repairs to the sink and countertop, such as caulking your sink. Just giving your sink a deep clean may be enough to improve your home’s appearance. Your real estate agent may suggest some other minor repairs to the countertops, backsplash or sink.

Freshen up bathrooms. Image: ArchiVIZ/Shutterstock

Cleaning or replacing bathroom fixtures

Your home needs to be sparkling clean when you show it, so do your best to get your shower doors and any glass fixtures in the bathroom completely clean. If this is not possible, go ahead and replace them. There may, for example, be lime deposits that have etched the glass past the point of repair. You may also need to refinish your tub if there are stains.

There are also some other minor repairs to make in your bathroom before showing your home. If you have carpeting in your bathroom, you definitely want to replace it with tile, as you will be hard-pressed to find a buyer who thinks this is a nice feature. You will also generally get your money back for small repairs such as new fixtures, lights and floors, all of which help make your bathroom shine during the showings. Also, don’t forget to repaint the bathroom walls, preferably in a light color as this makes the space seem larger.

Don’t forget curb appeal. Image: rSnapshotPhotos/ Shutterstock

Boosting curb appeal

Before showing your home, take the time to boost the property’s curb appeal with minor repairs, as this will bring in more interested buyers. If there are any cracks in your sidewalk or driveway, patch them up. If you have an asphalt driveway, take the time to resurface it. In the case of fences, make any necessary repairs on them and give them a fresh coat of paint. You will also want to do some minor landscaping, such as trimming back dead branches and planting flowers.

Remember that a boost to your curb appeal will make it more likely that someone will take a look at your home. Buyers will also be attracted to the ability to get a perfect picture in front of their new home without having to do extensive landscaping themselves.

The post Getting Ready To Sell? These 5 Small Repairs Make A Big Difference When Showing Your Home appeared first on Freshome.com.

What Classifies A House Style: What Makes A National Home?

January 26, 2019 by admin

The national home is one of the oldest architectural styles that originated in the United States, yet we still see these homes – and their descendant styles – being built today. If you’ve ever wondered what it is that made this style stand the test of time, you’ve come to the right place. This post will take a deeper look at national-style homes. Read on below to find out what this type of architecture is all about.

National-style homes date back to the first settlers. Image: Romakoma/Shutterstock

History of the national home

National homes are perhaps the earliest style of architecture to be born in North America. Early settlers mixed the structure of a traditional English home with some aspects of Native American design. The narrow profile of a national home, with steeply-angled roofing, is similar to teepee and lean-to construction and was better suited for withstanding harsh New England winters.

However, this style got its name because, with the advent of the railroad, it eventually spread beyond New England to all areas of the country. Each region was then able to put its own spin on the style. For example, Midwestern versions typically have two stories while Southern ones typically feature a large veranda.

It’s thought that national-style homes are the predecessor of many of the more common architectural styles that we see today, especially Colonial and Federal homes.

There are three subtypes of national homes. Image: Ppa/ Shutterstock

Types of national homes

With all that expansion, it’s only natural that there are a few distinct subtypes of national-style homes. We’ve listed the three most common below:

Hall-and-parlor house

The hall-and-parlor house is the earliest configuration of national homes. The homes were made up of two rooms, which stood side-by-side with a wall dividing them. The larger of the two rooms was the “hall,” or main living space. It took up about two-thirds of the house and was where the family spent most of their time. The remaining third was the “parlor,” or sleeping quarters. It was usually to the back of the house and a little more private.

I-house

The I-house is similar in construction to the hall-and-parlor house in that it is two rooms wide and one room deep. This time, however, the home is two stories tall. Additionally, in more modern versions, there is a separate rear wing for the kitchen. These homes received their name in the 1930s when Fred Kniffen, a cultural geographer, remarked that they were common in rural farm areas of Indiana, Illinois and Iowa – all states beginning with the letter I.

Massed house

The term “massed house” refers to national homes that are more than two rooms deep. This type of home also typically has a large gable on one side and a shed-roofed porch.

National style homes feature simple ornamentation. Image: Karen Culp/Shutterstock

Defining characteristics of the national home

Despite the differences in floorplans and regionality, there are some distinct characteristics that tie all national-style homes together. They are as follows:

Exterior

Narrow profile
Rectangular or square shape
Pyramid-shaped roof
Steeply-angled roof
Side gables
Simple ornamentation

Interior

One to two stories
Rectangular or square floorplan
Side-by-side room layout

The post What Classifies A House Style: What Makes A National Home? appeared first on Freshome.com.

Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Creating A Hygge Home This Winter

January 16, 2019 by admin

Now that cooler temperatures are upon us, it’s the perfect time to embrace hygge design. Pronounced “hoo-gah,” the Danish word means “comfort” and who couldn’t use more of that? With that in mind, we’ve decided to bring you our best tips for creating a hygge aesthetic. Use them to keep your home feeling warm and cozy all winter long.

Build the room around a neutral color palette. Image: Intro

Start with neutral colors

Color is the first building block for any design. It helps to set the tone for the space and to bring the different design elements in your space together in a cohesive manner. Hygge spaces are no exception to this rule, which is why you should always start your hygge designs by relying mainly on a neutral color palette.

Since hygge is all about comfort, neutral tones give the eye plenty of places to rest. With that in mind, you’ll want to stick with softer neutrals, in particular. Work in plenty of soft grays, rich creams and icy blues. You’ll want to limit the use of higher contrast neutrals like black or dark brown, as these can be more visually taxing.

Hygge is all about creating comfort. Image: Rosanna Parker Interiors

Focus on comfort

An article in TIME explains the Danish concept as “an approach to living that embraces positivity and enjoyment of everyday experiences.” Practically, it’s about enjoying life’s simple pleasures, like the feeling of curling up under a blanket or slipping into bed after a long day.

From that perspective, creating a hygge home is all about infusing the space with a feeling of comfort. To do that, you want to ensure that your furniture is as plush as possible. Think big, comfy sofas and gloriously overstuffed chairs.

You also want to invest in plenty of textiles. Textiles like rugs, woven wall hangings, pillows and blankets will do a lot to bring warmth and, therefore, comfort into a room. Layer them one on top of the other to add some visual complexity into the space, but don’t get too caught up in making the layers look neat. Hygge is also about accepting imperfections as a part of life.

Add in plenty of soft lighting. Image: Louise de Miranda – 30’s Magazine

Include plenty of soft lighting

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: creating the right lighting scheme has a huge effect on the way a space feels. If you need proof, just think about how draining overhead, industrial lights can feel in an office setting. Alternatively, remember how peaceful and relaxing lighting some candles feels at the end of a long day. In this instance, we’re looking to set the latter mood.

To that end, make sure to bring plenty of soft lighting into the room. In this case, while every room does need some ambient lighting, it should almost be an afterthought to your other types of lighting. Here, you’ll focus on including some accent lighting like soft fairy lights or even candles

Avoid any unnecessary clutter. Image: June

Stick to the essentials

Keep in mind, what’s not included in these interiors is just as important as the pieces you select. A central principle of hygge is allowing yourself enough material pleasures to feel comfortable without feeling the need to go overboard. This is one occasion where less is more.

To do this effectively, your best bet is to start from scratch. Remove all the items from the space and, once you have a blank canvas, move them back in piece by piece. Think like a curator and decide individually whether each item adds specific value to the design. Whenever you’re unsure, feel free to leave that piece out.

We know that, for some, negative space can feel uncomfortable at first. If you’re one of these people, try not to give in to your initial impulses. Give yourself some time to adjust to the room’s new design. If, after a few days, the space still feels too empty, consider which parts of the design need work. Tweak those until you find your perfect balance.

To maintain a sense of comfort, especially in the winter, make sure your room temperature is an after thought. You can do this by setting your smart thermostat to work with your schedule. Also consider the use of other warming devices in your home such as a fireplace, electric blanket or oversized sweater. What is more comforting then curling up on the couch in front of the fireplace on a snowy winter evening? Happy Hygge!

The post Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Creating A Hygge Home This Winter appeared first on Freshome.com.

4 Fast, Fab and Temporary Flooring Ideas For Renters

January 15, 2019 by admin

We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.

Do you hate your apartment floors? What if we told you there is temporary flooring available that can cover (or completely change) your rental floors easily and without any complaints from your landlord?

We’re not talking area rugs, although they’re not a bad solution. We’re talking full-on floors that look fabulous, are easy to install and are just as easy to remove when you move out. Check out these four fast and fab temporary flooring ideas:

1. Carpet Tiles

The new Hollin Hills mid-century modern inspired carpet tiles by Flor add vintage-chic to any room.

Carpet tiles are the ultimate instant flooring makeover solution. They’re recyclable, making them eco-friendly, fairly inexpensive and very easy to install. Worried they may not be durable? Carpet tiles are used in hospitals, airports and other high-traffic locations around the world.

Order them in boxes according to how many you may need, cut them easily and stick them together with little adhesive dots for a cool and unique wall-to-wall look. Order extra so you can replace damaged ones in the future. And challenge your creative side by mixing and matching patterns and colors.

Check these out:

2. Vinyl Sheet Flooring

Vinyl sheeting is a great temporary flooring solution in kitchens and bathrooms. Filigree vinyl sheet flooring by Mannington.

A quick and easy way to hide unsightly apartment floors is by rolling out a big sheet of vinyl flooring. You can use a removable adhesive or double-sided carpet tile to stick the flooring in place. Or simply anchor down the sheet with furniture. The best part of vinyl sheet flooring is that it’s waterproof and easy to wipe clean.

Check these out:

3. Interlocking Floor Tiles

When a soft, forgiving surface is preferred, foam interlocking tiles are a good choice. Foam Woodgrain Interlocking Floor Mats at Amazon.

Interlocking tiles have come a long way from the colorful children’s playroom styles. They’re lightweight, quick and easy to snap together and require no adhesives. They also offer some cushioning and soundproofing as a bonus.

Check these out:

4. Laminate Flooring

The Augustus Smokey Gray Oak Laminate Flooring at Wayfair has a contemporary feel but can also work well in more traditional or farmhouse-style spaces.

Laminate flooring is durable, authentic looking and easy to install as a floating floor. Look for click and lock laminate flooring as a temporary solution that doesn’t require nails or adhesives. For extra soundproofing, add a foam underlayment sheet underneath the laminate.

Check these out:

You can add any of these temporary flooring options to update your boring floor in nearly any room of your rental home or apartment. Be sure to measure carefully, order extra (just in case) and save your receipt to return any unused portion of the flooring.

The post 4 Fast, Fab and Temporary Flooring Ideas For Renters appeared first on Freshome.com.

Beat The Winter Blues With These 8 Winter Lighting Ideas For A Brighter Home

January 15, 2019 by admin

The winter blues are real! They’re actually called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and, according to the Mayo Clinic, “Symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.” Luckily, there’s a fix to SAD and it’s easy: light therapy.

Short winter days and bad weather tend to make your home feel much darker than normal. It’s important to adjust your lighting in the winter to replace the lack of natural sunshine. Here are eight winter lighting ideas that will brighten up your space (and your outlook):

1. Maximize Natural Daylight In Your Home

Frosted window panels block out passersby for privacy but allow in natural light. Image: Jeffers Design Group

Keep windows open to let as much light in as you can. Here are some ways you can optimize your home to reflect the most natural light possible:

If your view isn’t inspiring or you’re worried about privacy, use sheer window panels or install a DIY frosted window film.
Hang or rest a mirror on an empty wall facing the window to reflect light in the room.
Place furniture with surfaces that are reflective – like glass, mirror or metals – near windows.
If you own your home, add a skylight.

2. Create A Panel Of Light To Replicate A Sunny Window

winter lighting ideas brighten up a room

Backlight sheer curtain panels to create a glow that replicates a sunny day. Image: Kababie Arquitectos

If there’s no chance of daylight filtering in from your window or you don’t have a window in the room, hang a lightly colored sheer curtain. Place an LED floor can (that points lighting straight up) behind the sheer curtain to create a soft, diffused glow, similar to a sunny window.

Use an LED lightbulb for safety. LEDs don’t heat up like a traditional bulb so you don’t have to worry about your sheer curtain catching fire.

3. Watch Your Wall Color Choices

winter lighting ideas to brighten up a dark home

Compare the white wall to the pale yellow wall in this living room. The white looks dingy, while the pale yellow looks bright. Image: Brookfield Residential

One of the most common errors homeowners make to brighten up a room is painting it white. If your room is naturally dark, the white will end up looking dull and lifeless. Choose light colors with some pop to them instead, like pale blue, butter yellow or mint green.

4. Freshen Up Your Lampshades

White light and pendant shades do a better job of diffusing light in a room. Image: Monica Hibbs

Take inventory of your lamps, chandeliers and pendants. If your shades are dingy, yellow or outdated, replace them with fresh white ones. They’ll look crisper and diffuse brighter light better.

5. Use The Right Temperature Bulbs

Warmer temperature bulbs still lighten up a space in winter, but also feel cozier when it’s cold outside. Image: Perfect Integrations

The quality of light is one of the most important things to consider about lighting your room to avoid the winter blues. Fluorescent lighting is unattractive and the flickering of the tubes gives some people headaches.

While bulbs that are sold to replicate daylight colors seem like a good idea, they may feel too cool in the winter months. Remember, winter is about warm and cozy, so go with a warmer temperature bulb.

When shopping for LED bulbs, look for the Kelvin (K) units. The lower the K-value, the warmer the quality of light. 2700K is a nice, warm color option for most homes.

6. Make Dark Corners Work For You

winter lighting ideas and types of lighting

A corner lamp or pendant lights up the corner and surrounding wall and ceiling. Image: Decotick

Take advantage of an awkward corner by lighting it up. If you place a torch floor lamp in a corner, you can reflect the uplight onto the adjacent walls and bounce it off the ceiling.

7. Have A Variety Of Lighting Options In Each Room

This room is layered with different types of lighting to create a bright and airy feel year-round. Image: Facile Ristrutturare

You’ll want to have different lights in every room for different tasks or moods. You probably have an overhead light. Layer your existing lighting by adding:

A floor, table or reading lamp
A wall sconce or pendant light
Strip lighting
String lights

Each type of light serves a different function and creates a mood. You may not always want to switch the bright ceiling light on so it’s nice to have a table or floor lamp available. Table and floor lamps are easy to move around so you can change a room’s lighting plan as the season changes.

LED string lights come battery-powered, making them a great option for ambient lighting in areas where there’s no electrical outlet. Here are ideas for decorating with string lights.

8. Automate Your Lighting With Smart Home Timers

With the new smart home automation available, you can program your lights remotely. Image: My Renovation Magazine

Automate your lighting to welcome you home every day by using smart home lighting plugs and timers. You can program them to go off and on according to a schedule – or even operate them remotely from your smartphone.

Coming home to a nicely lit home is uplifting, especially after trudging through the cold, cruel world outside.

Focus on using these winter lighting ideas in the rooms where you spend the most time. Start by upgrading the lighting in your living room, kitchen and bedroom and see how you feel after you make the changes.

The post Beat The Winter Blues With These 8 Winter Lighting Ideas For A Brighter Home appeared first on Freshome.com.

Here’s Your Design Style According To Your Zodiac Sign

January 13, 2019 by admin

Your zodiac sign can say a lot about your personality and preferences. Depending on where the stars were in the sky at the time of your birth, your design style may be bold and messy, neat and organized or somewhere in between.

Look up your zodiac sign below (or the sign of someone you love) to check out the sign’s favorite design style. It’s a great way to find the perfect gift for someone or help yourself define the best design style for your personality.

Aries

The fiery Aries loves the latest design ideas and the color red. Image: Silver Dragon

About you: You’re fiery, passionate and a pioneer. An Aries is full of energy and people are drawn to your fun, warm personality. Aries people aren’t afraid to try something new. You love to be out and about, so you prefer your home to be low maintenance.

Design style: Contemporary

Design keywords: Minimalist, contemporary, sleek, the latest

Power color: Red and any bold, fiery colors

Must-have home element: Anything in leather, especially if the leather is red, black or white

Stores just for you: All Modern, Design Within Reach

Taurus

Taureans love soft, tactile fabrics and textures. Image: Tarimas Deautor

About you: Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty. Comfort, security and a warm, peaceful environment are important to you. The best food and decor await behind the doors of a Taurus space.

Design style: Traditional luxe

Design keywords: Luxury, classic, comfortable

Power color: Green

Must-have home element: The ultimate lounging sofa or daybed, complete with throw pillows and a soft throw

Stores just for you: Restoration Hardware, Williams Sonoma

Gemini

It’s likely that a Gemini will have bookcases that display their book and object collection. Image: Carla Capdevila

About you: You’re easy-breezy, a great communicator and always on the hunt for new things. You’re ruled by twins, meaning you have two very opposite sides to you, making you seem eclectic. You’re the one sign that can love traditional and modern at the same time while falling in love in an instant with the next design trend.

Design style: Modern eclectic

Design keywords: Trendy, mix and match, light and airy

Power color: White

Must-have home element: A modern bookcase (or two) for all your books

Stores just for you: CB2, Urban Outfitters

Cancer

A Cancer space is always cozy, inviting, unfussy and family-friendly. Image: Zero Energy Design

About you: Cancers are the ultimate homebody. Your home is very important to you and it’s always cozy, comfortable and unpretentious. People gravitate to you because of your soothing, nurturing personality.

Design style: Farmhouse

Design keywords: Simple, comfortable, nostalgic, family-friendly

Power color: White

Must-have home element: A gallery wall or photo frames to display your favorite family photos and keepsakes

Stores just for you: Magnolia Home, Pottery Barn

Leo

Leos love high-end details like gold accents and graphic patterns. Image: Interior By Malin

About you: You’re regal and you know it. You were born to shine and be the star of the zodiac. In fact, many Leos have wild hair or some attribute that sets them apart from the crowd. Your home is a reflection of you – unique, lavish and eye-catching.

Design style: Maximalist

Design keywords: Regal, more is more, lavish, personalized

Power color: Gold

Must-have home element: Monogrammed everything

Stores just for you: One Kings Lane, Neiman Marcus

Virgo

This immaculate space has a warm feeling, thanks to rustic, natural elements like recycled wood floors. Image: Luigi Rosselli

About you: You have an eye that notices every tiny detail. You need order, organization and cleanliness or you’ll go crazy. Because Virgos belong to the earth element, you prefer natural materials. People appreciate your helpful, practical personality and your need for harmony at home.

Design style: Rustic modern

Design keywords: Zen, organized, natural, organic

Power color: Earth tones like mocha and beige

Must-have home element: A striking living wall or lots of indoor plants

Stores just for you: West Elm, The Container Store

Libra

Libras love to entertain and their homes are a pleasing environment for guests and family. Image: Kixo

About you: You’re naturally stylish and can be quite artistic. People are drawn to you because of your talent for being diplomatic and fair. Harmonious relationships are very important to you. Your home shows this innate talent for balance and harmony, although sometimes you get overwhelmed by everything and your house becomes a bit messy. But it will always be a pretty mess.

Design style: Modern

Design keywords: Proportionate, inviting, elegant, fashionable

Power color: Light blues and pinks

Must-have home element: A gorgeous dining room setting for six or more

Stores just for you: Crate & Barrel, Nordstrom

Scorpio

Scorpios are best known for their air of mystery and their love for dark, refined and dramatic style. Image: Project Interiors

About you: Your secretive nature makes you mysterious and enigmatic to others. You’re fascinated by all things deep and below the surface, like how or why things work. You’re suspicious of trends and superficial ideas. You prefer your home to be your gorgeously-appointed cave where you feel safe to be yourself away from the prying eyes of the world.

Design style: Classic

Design keywords: Mysterious, refined, private, sensuous

Power color: Black

Must-have home element: A bedroom featuring a velvet headboard and layers of richly colored silk sheets with blackout curtains

Stores just for you: Bo Concept, Restoration Hardware

Sagittarius

Outdoor elements like potted plants or natural materials, fused with exotic objects from their travels, are often found in the home of a Sagittarius. Image: Rikki Snyder

About you: We thank you, dear Saggie, for being you. You’re funny, easy-going and the first one to sign up for a road trip or outdoor adventure like bungee jumping or a treasure hunt. You can’t live without the outdoors or far-off cultures, making you the ultimate free spirit.

Design style: Global chic

Design keywords: Global, boho-chic, bright, outdoorsy

Power color: Indigo

Must-have home element: A wall of objects from your travels

Stores just for you: Pier 1, World Market

Capricorn

Capricorns may put practicality above all, but they still manage to create an elegant signature style. Image: Rachel Madden Interiors

About you: You tend to be traditional. Friends love you for your reliable nature and the wise advice you offer. Practicality comes before comfort or style. You work hard to earn what you have and value everything in your possession. There’s no room for things of no use in your space.

Design style: Scandinavian

Design keywords: Practical, antique, durable

Power color: Grey

Must-have home element: A beautiful and well-organized closet

Stores just for you: Room and Board, Hay

Aquarius

Quirky, artistic and fun objects are often found in the home of an Aquarius. Image: 30s Magazine

About you: You’re fascinated by anything unusual or different. Good causes and the environment are important to you. You’re a rebel and crave freedom so you can express your unique self fully. You have lots of friends and admirers that find you to be unpretentious and a breath of fresh air.

Design style: Eco-eclectic

Design keywords: Hi-tech, avant-garde, green, crafty

Power color: Aqua blue

Must-have home element: A living room featuring repurposed objects like a wood pallet coffee table

Stores just for you: Etsy, Viva Terra

Pisces

Pisces dwellers are drawn to all things water-related. You’re bound to find lots of glass and blue decor in their airy homes. Image: Black Band Design

About you: Pisces is the dreamer of the zodiac. You’re sensitive, have a great imagination and need a sanctuary where you can rest, relax and recharge your batteries. Pisces is a water element and is drawn to the sea.

Design style: Coastal

Design keywords: Beachy, zen, relaxed, subtle, ethereal

Power color: Slate blue

Must-have home element: A crisp white bedroom with a beachy-zen vibe and a small fish bowl

Stores just for you: Anthropologie, Joss & Main

Do you agree with your zodiac sign personality and design style? Or is there one that you identify with more closely?

The post Here’s Your Design Style According To Your Zodiac Sign appeared first on Freshome.com.

4 Secrets To Successfully Decorating a Tiny House And Making It Work For You

January 12, 2019 by admin

Here’s a quick guide to decorating a tiny house. Image: Calvin Hanson Creative

Congratulations, you’ve finally taken the leap and bought a tiny home! Now all that’s left to do is decorate it. Decorating a tiny house is not difficult. However, there are a few unique considerations to keep in mind.

We’ve laid them out below. Read them over to learn how to create a tiny home that’s equally functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Make the room’s function clear. Image: Sol Haus Design

Put function first

In a tiny home, there’s so little space to work with that it’s especially easy for your design to become muddled. Having too many items in that small amount of square footage can result in things getting cluttered fast. There’s a risk of losing your design in the midst of it all. With that in mind, you need to take extra steps to ensure your intent stays clear. You can do that by putting function first in your design.

When we say “put function first,” we mean “let furniture carry the room.” While every space needs aesthetic touches, those should take a back seat to essential items like a sofa, table or bed frame. Get those in place first. In an ideal world, the purpose of each distinct functional area of your home will be clear with just a glance.

For an example of what we mean, look at the picture above. Notice how it’s very pared down. Yet, thanks to the furniture and directional visual cues, you can clearly tell that there’s meant to be a work area that’s separate from the main living space.

Plan out your storage even when it seems unconventional. Image: Tiny Digs

Get creative with storage

The biggest challenge when it comes to setting up a tiny home is finding enough storage. While you undoubtedly decluttered before moving in, there will likely be many things leftover for which you need to find a home. While standard storage options like closets and cabinets will undoubtedly be necessary, you’re going to need to get a little creative and include storage options in unexpected places.

To do this, go over every inch of your tiny house with storage in mind. Challenge yourself to think of a way to add storage everywhere, whether it’s adding under-mount storage to an existing piece of furniture or bringing in more shelving. You don’t have to utilize all your ideas but, odds are, you’ll be glad for any added functionality.

Every piece should add functional and aesthetic value. Image: Shelsi Lindquist Photography

Choose items that do double-duty

Since you only have a limited number of items to work with in a tiny house, you need to choose them carefully. Here, your focus should be on what kind of value they add to the space. Is it functional value? Is it aesthetic value? Or is it both? Ideally, when you’re designing a tiny house, each piece that you bring into your home will offer both.

As for how to pull this off, it’s all about going bold with style. Choose items that have bold colors, patterns and textures.

Leave a little room for decor. Image: New Frontier Tiny Homes

Don’t forget accessories

Lastly, we know that when you’re living in a tiny house, you can spend so much time figuring out how to make the space work for you that you completely forget about the traditional elements of design. However, we’re here to remind you that they’re important – and accessories can help. After all, that’s how you infuse your personality into the space and make it feel like home.

Don’t be afraid to add a design element that solely adds aesthetic value to the space. Your accesorizing decor could consist of any of the following:

Area rugs
Throw pillows and blankets
Wall art and mirrors
Decorative bowls and trays
Coffee table books
Candles
Picture frames
Flowers and vases

The post 4 Secrets To Successfully Decorating a Tiny House And Making It Work For You appeared first on Freshome.com.