How to use a curtain as a room divider

room divider

If you live in a studio apartment, a house with spacious rooms or just want to room divider a large living space into zones, you will probably like the idea of easy and quick zoning with textile curtains.

If you think that the partition curtain is a new trend in interior design, you are very wrong. Even in peasant huts, and later in communal apartments, where large families lived in one room, this method of dividing the space into zones was used.

In many country and country houses textile curtains are still used as interior doors.

But even in a modern urban apartment, renovated according to the latest interior fashion, partition curtains will look appropriate and very effective.

Of course, they do not provide noise insulation, but they perform the zoning function perfectly and make the room more comfortable.

Another plus of this way of dividing the space is that, if the need for dividing the space disappears, the curtain can always be removed.

Where will we hang it?

A textile partition is a great solution in the following cases:

  • in a studio apartment, when it is necessary to hide the bed from prying eyes or to separate from the “adult” area the place for children’s games: then before the arrival of guests you will not even have to remove toys;
  • in the living room, if there is a need to equip an office or a sensory corner, where everyone in the family can relax and unwind;
  • in living-dining rooms, curtains are used to separate the TV and dining areas;
  • In the bedroom, to cover the bed from all sides. This will create a sense of security and intimacy;
  • in a one-room apartment – if you need to separate personal space for all members of a large family.
  • In addition, thick curtains can serve as doors in built-in closets-counter or closets.
room divider

Color and material

Of course, a partition curtain should fit perfectly into the interior and harmoniously complement it, and not draw unnecessary attention to itself. That is why such curtains are sewn from monochrome fabrics – they look stylish and noble, while multicolored will look garish in this case.

As for the material, then everything depends on the task that the curtain performs.

If it is destined to clearly delineate the space, we use dense curtain fabrics that do not let the light pass through.

If the zones need only to be marked, and the function of the curtains is rather decorative, then they are sewn from light translucent materials or use thread blinds.

As a rule, partition curtains are fixed on the usual ceiling ledges. The less prominent the curtain rod, the better, so it is better to choose a version without baguettes and in the same color scheme with the ceiling.

The fabric that serves as a door in the closet, pantry or closet can be hung on wooden or metal rings, which will move on the ledge of the same material.

It is important that the curtain slides easily and freely along the curtain track: its ease of use depends on it. The curtain should obediently move with a light movement of the hand.

Recommendations from the designers

  1. You don’t need to make the curtains intended for zoning the space heavier by means of lambrequins and unnecessary drapery.
  2. Ideally, the curtain should reach to the floor, but not lie on it, so the measurements before sewing need to be done very meticulously, literally to the millimeter. Keep in mind that some fabrics (linen, wool) give shrinkage after washing.
  3. It is very desirable (and in living rooms and studios – obligatory) that the curtain is double, i.e. both its sides are frontal, and the seams are hidden inside. Then the fabric partition will look aesthetically pleasing on both sides.
  4. Many people reject the idea of zoning the space with curtains because fabric collects dust.

But, agree, window curtains, bedspreads, covers on upholstered furniture and carpets are also “dust collectors”, but we don’t refuse to use them, we just wash and clean them in time.

We need to do the same with curtains-partitions – and there will be no “extra” dust in the house!

Categories: Bedroom Living room

How to use a room divider

room divider

There are many reasons for room divider living space. Often it is necessary to separate a place to sleep in a one-room apartment, or in a large living room you need to arrange for each person to have their own corner of rest or work area. Or you just need to divide the room into two zones. Zoning a room with a partition creates a special light design of the room without heavy clutter.

Aesthetics, dynamics and practicality – that’s the motto under which the room is transformed. If you decide to divide the room into children’s and adult zones, partitions are also an excellent solution, children can then play in peace or do homework. If there are two children, over time, each of them will need their own territory, with the help of zoning and partitions to divide one room into two. When an adult and a child live in the same room and in addition of different sexes there is a need to make partitions for zoning space in the room.

Isolated rooms with the help of partitions 

Plasterboard partition for zoning the room performs a radical function, it may well replace a brick wall, if you are not very concerned about soundproofing. Such a partition can be installed on a metal frame, wallpaper, paint, hang a picture. It is worth noting that if necessary, it is quite easy to remove such a wall. For a permanent wall, it is better to use various blocks, bricks, which are laid on the mortar, but in this case we already get full-fledged rooms.

When there is no possibility or desire to do something thorough, portable structures can help. They can consist of several sections fastened together. They can be easily moved, moved and dismantled. Sliding doors, partitions successfully divide kitchen or bar from living room, bedroom from office or lounge, dining room from living room.

Variants of mobile partitions

Variants of partitions for zoning rooms are different, can be glass or made of laminate. They are functional and beautiful. Their convenience is that the zones can be made open if necessary, creating the right atmosphere in the house.

Racks

Racks to divide the room into zones look good in a modern interior. Open shelves, on which you can place various souvenirs and necessary things, create lightness, do not clutter the space. For small rooms it is just a godsend. By making the bottom closed, certain things are stowed there, replacing the closet, saving space.

Racks for zoning the room does not have to be high, up to the ceiling. A lower one separates the zones, and at the same time leaves a sense of space. If the room has only one window, you can separate the zone with a translucent shelving unit, equipped with lighting. This type of partition is versatile, made of metal or wood, bamboo, rattan or rice paper, suits any style of room. It is affordable and easy to maintain and assemble.

Furniture

By arranging furniture in a certain way, the room is perceived differently. Putting a sofa and a table at the side of the entrance or opposite the fireplace, the TV, creates a cozy atmosphere of relaxation. Dividing the room into zones is possible with consoles, bar counters and dressers. The sofa and the table behind it are a good way to divide the space for rest and work. This option is convenient and does not require monetary costs, the rearrangement can be done at any time.

The screen

A great option is a screen, carries out the division of the room into zones. It is not very difficult to make their own hands, you will need:

  • Racks;
  • Nails;
  • Hammer;
  • Corners;
  • Cloth.

Connect the slats to each other in the form of a frame, stretch the material on them, securing with small nails, you get a panel, fasten them with corners. The screen can be done with or without feet. The fabric is selected taking into account the style of the room, linen, silk, cotton with different colors and patterns is suitable. Such a partition will be enough to separate the chair and floor lamp, getting a place for relaxation, reading books. The other part of the room will look solid. If necessary, the screen can be removed, moved to another place, it is mobile.

room divider

Curtains

Curtains to divide the room into zones have the same function. The division with curtains saves space and creates a romantic atmosphere. The idea can be realized by your own efforts and for little money. To fix the curtains you will need a curtain rod installed at the place of zoning. With their help divides the room completely or partially, with a hint that there is another zone.

In the living room, a canopy separates the sleeping place, creating a fairy-tale effect. In any room, a working space is created, the options can be temporary and permanent, there are many. By changing the curtains, the appearance is renewed easily and quickly. Double curtains, from a material of different colors on each side denotes, for example, the bedroom with gentler shades and the living room with a bright color.

In addition to traditional curtains are used:

  • beads;
  • gauze;
  • wooden;
  • glass;
  • crystal;
  • bamboo.

With their help, functional zoning is carried out without architectural elements.

Other separation options

In addition to those presented above, there are other types of partitions for zoning the space in the room. Using the color of decorative plaster or paint, you can highlight the functional zone. Using wallpaper of different shades and textures can clearly delineate the space. Light or dark shades are put accents. In the kitchen-dining room, a bright wall near the dining area will add coziness and warmth. A wall with drawings in the children’s room will indicate the play area.

Is there a niche in the room? Let’s put a table there and with the help of the right color wallpaper we’ll get a cabinet. In the zoning the light plays a huge role. Spot lights, floor lamps, artificial and natural lighting allows you to avoid a global redevelopment. One chandelier can unite the entire space, and directed light sconces to put an emphasis, literally turn on or off a certain place, to divide the room into two zones.

In today’s interior, LED strips effectively delineate the space. Safety and reliability allows for use in hard-to-reach places. Mirrors, pictures with backlighting put accents, attract attention. A catwalk, especially with lighting, is an excellent zoning tool, the main thing is to correctly match its size with the proportions of the room.

Floor coverings, carpets clearly delineate the space, but in this case there will not be a sense of privacy. With proper zoning, you can implement the idea of placing several rooms in one.

Categories: Bedroom Living room

What to put in guest bathrooms

guest bathroom

Is a guest bathroom a luxury? Not anymore! Its presence in houses and apartments is becoming more and more commonplace. In new buildings and cottages, an additional sanitary room for guests is usually provided at the design stage. In older buildings, it can be allocated as a result of redevelopment.

Area, location, functionality

Experts recognize that the most successful location for a guest bathroom is in the hallway, in the hallway, or near the guest rooms, if any. Accordingly, in two-story houses and apartments, the guest bathroom should be located in the same place as all the main guest rooms. As a rule, this is the first floor.

The contents and functionality of the guest bathroom will depend on the frequency of use and purpose:

  • If you plan to use the spare bathroom yourself (at times when the main ones are busy), or if you have frequent and long visits from guests, in this case it is worth installing a bathtub or shower in addition to a sink with a toilet.
  • If guests are coming rarely, the family is small and one bathroom is more than enough for you, it is possible to be limited to a minimal set of sanitary ware.

The same criteria are key in determining the area allocated to the future guest bathroom.

If you are initially buying an apartment with a guest bathroom and have not yet decided how and what to furnish it with, then, on the contrary, the amount of square meters at your disposal will be the main guide in determining the functionality and set of sanitary equipment.

Planning

Once you’ve decided on the ergonomics and fillings (plumbing fixtures, mirrors, furniture or drawers for storing soap, towels), you need to figure out how to arrange it all in the limited square footage. Installations and modern built-in showers can help.

Visually expand space – mirrors, glass surfaces, LED lighting, skillfully emphasizing the details, contrasting color combinations

An excellent solution for small bathrooms – all kinds of niches for storing small items, which can be hidden behind the mirrors and protrusions. An ingenious solution: the use of retractable shelves (acting on the type of “bottle holder” in the kitchen, but designed to store towels and shampoos). This option and looks very stylish, and saves space wonderfully!

A few more tips when setting up a guest bathroom with limited space:

  • Choose a shower instead of a bathtub, or do without them at all.
  • Consider showerheads without trays.
  • Use corner sinks and showers that take up less space and make better ergonomic use of space.
  • If you are planning to make repairs by yourself, without the help of a designer, then do not forget to take into account the minimum distances. There is such a science of ergonomics, and Neufert wrote more than one book on it. So, between the centers of the devices should be at least 70 cm. From the edge of the toilet bowl to the wall or other sanitary appliance – at least 20 cm (from the center of the toilet bowl to the wall 50 cm). Free distance in front of the bathtub or shower: from 70-80 cm. Functional distance in front of the washing machine: at least 60 cm. 
guest bathroom

Design

Some people believe that the guest bathroom should be a “calling card” of the apartment. Others, on the contrary, give it a “secondary role”, making more effort to furnish and decorate the master bathroom. We recommend sticking to the “golden mean”.

The style of this room is often connected with the interior design of the whole apartment. Loft, Provence, art deco, classic, eclectic… A fundamental difference can make some dissonance in the perception.

However, if a certain style in the house is not visible, then by color and finish, you can safely make the guest bathroom fundamentally different! For example, in a bright apartment with a predominantly calm color scheme, it is quite acceptable to add a dark or bright finish to the guest bathroom.

Do not forget about the lighting. A bright touch to the interior of the bathroom can make an unusual lamp, descending from the ceiling almost to the level of your eyes, or a rectangular lamp, reminiscent of the office, as well as the original LED lighting.

Another fashionable method: the use of porcelain tiles, imitating natural materials (wood, concrete, marble surfaces).

Decorate and refresh the interior sinks, original shape and unusual color, chrome details in the finishing, interesting combinations of glossy and textured parts.

Categories: Bathroom

How to make white concrete floors

white concrete

What makes white concrete different from ordinary mortar and what gives it this whiteness. After reading this article, you will be able to easily prepare it yourself, as well as choose a suitable dry mixture in the store.

What is white concrete

It differs from gray:

  • composition;
  • The technology of manufacture.

Any Portland concrete is extracted from rocks, and different rocks, of course, differ from each other in their mineral composition. First the limestone and clay are heated to make a “semi-finished product” – clinker. This is then ground and a bit of gypsum is added and mixed. This is how concrete is made, consisting of four phases:

Ordinary concrete, in addition, contains impurities: compounds of chromium, manganese, sulfur and other ions (what concrete is made of). Some of the components color it with the familiar gray color.

But white concrete is devoid of these impurities, and in it, in addition, the iron content is reduced. So it turns out due to a choice of raw materials (kaolin and chalk) and a special method of treatment. Clinker is fired at high temperature, and then sharply cooled in water and dried in a drying drum, then milled. At the same time:

A fuel is used for heating that does not produce ash or soot

It also has a much lower degree of grinding than gray concrete.

Of course, all of this affects the characteristics of concrete, in addition to color.

Composition and properties of white concrete

So, the composition will be approximately as follows:

  • low-iron clinker;
  • mineral additives;
  • gypsum;
  • chlorine salts (bleach the mixture).

The result is a very light, almost white powder.

When the mixture hardens, it becomes a high-strength material. It is also divided into grades (denoted by the letter “M”) – from M400 to M600. The number means how much load it withstands in kg/cm3.

It is worth paying attention to other designations in the marking. Thus, “N” means that from the time of preparation of the concrete mixture and until the end of its laying, there is a reserve of time during which it does not set. Such concrete is usually compatible with most additives. The letter “R”, on the contrary, indicates that it sets quickly. With it, you can noticeably reduce the time for construction work.

Finally, the most important quality just for white concrete – the amount of impurities in percentage – is denoted by the letter D. The maximum permissible value is 20 %. Marking D0 means that there are no impurities.

According to the degree of whiteness (coefficient of light reflection) is divided into:

  • Grade 3 (68%);
  • Grade 2 (75%);
  • Grade 1 (80%);
  • “Premium class” (90%).
white concrete

Advantages of white concrete

There are several advantages over conventional concrete:

  • it looks better on its own;
  • it also does not hide the color of pigments, which can be added to it;
  • the mortar hardens quickly (60% in 16 hours);
  • it is more durable due to its fine grinding;
  • therefore, also adheres well to other materials;
  • allows you to add less chemicals to the composition, and therefore more environmentally friendly;
  • sulfate-resistant (it is not corroded by acids in ground water and sediments).

Compared with conventional concrete has no disadvantages, except higher cost. But its advantages allow you to expand the scope of application.

Applications for white concrete

Firstly, the color stability in direct sunlight and resistance to atmospheric moisture make white concrete ideal for outdoor use. It is used as a finishing material for facades – terrazzite plaster, for example, contains mineral particles and looks like natural stone. If desired, it is possible to cover the walls. The mortar, in this case, is not much different from the usual – gray. You can use this instruction: how to dilute plaster for walls at home.

This type of concrete can be part of the white concrete, from which the elements of decor – columns, steps, curbs, vases – are made. By adding pigments, you can achieve saturated colors, create original paving tiles or decorative bricks, the same color plaster or contrasting grout for masonry. The possibilities here are not limited. We have a separate article that will teach you how to make vases out of concrete and sand.

As for the physical properties of the mixture, it is fine-grained, and therefore ideal for grouting and adhesives.

Rules for Making Concrete Mixture

If you are going to manually prepare a small amount of white concrete-based mortar at home, here’s how you can do it.

Pour the dry components (concrete, sand, crushed stone – if necessary) into a clean dry container, measuring the minimum volume with a shovel in the right proportions (usually 1:3:3).

Stir everything thoroughly until the mixture becomes homogeneous.

Add a little water and stir again. Little by little, the mixture should come out creamy rather than crumbly, but not too runny. The volume of water in the mortar should not exceed 15%.

Cement mortar should be used before it hardens, which means you should not make it in large batches. If it is needed more than it turned out, you should add the ingredients in the same order and quantity, stir again and again slowly dilute the mixture with water.

Let’s talk about the ingredients in more detail. Ordinary sand is not suitable here, because it has clay impurities – the same ones that give ordinary concrete a gray color. If you want to get white concrete, then as a fine filler is acceptable to use:

quartz sand (0.1-1 mm), purified at the manufacture;

river sand, washed and sifted (0.5-2 mm);

marble flour (0.1-1.5 mm) – the most expensive filler, but the concrete mortar with it will turn out snow-white.

But even using good building materials, the beautiful white color can easily be spoiled by dirty technical water. It must be clean, as well as all the containers with tools: they should not have grease, alkalis or rust, remnants of mortars or construction dust on them.

It is very important to properly store bags of concrete so that it does not get damp – on pallets, preferably so that they do not touch the outside wall.

Tips for working with white concrete

To protect reinforced white concrete from rusting, you need to follow some simple rules:

The iron elements should be buried to a depth of at least 3 cm from the surface.

Reinforcement bars should be treated with anticorrosion before pouring.

Also, they should be covered in advance with a thin layer of concrete mortar and allow to dry.

For colored compositions based on white concrete, there is also an important condition: the pigment concentration in the solution should be no more than five percent. And you should not add more sand than necessary – it dulls the colors.

Categories: Tips

How to make traditional kitchens modern

traditional kitchen

Making a traditional kitchen modern can be as simple as updating the hardware and fixtures. For a more dramatic transformation, consider painting the cabinets or walls a sleek, modern color. You can also add new appliances that have a more contemporary look, such as stainless steel refrigerators and ovens. To really give your kitchen a modern makeover, install new countertops, flooring, and backsplashes. These updates can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen, and make it feel more like a room you want to spend time in.

Today, many people abandon the classic framed fronts in the kitchen in favor of smooth glossy, matte or wood textured, “so as not to be considered old-fashioned.

But for me “old-fashioned” is to use in the interior what was done 15-20 years ago without adding anything new!

How to make a classic kitchen modern?

1. Color Choice

Framed matte painted (or film) mdf fronts can be absolutely any color. Including the trendy ones – trendy this year!

2. Selection of furniture accessories

Bronze or aged handles with ceramic inlay: tribute to the classics on the one hand, interesting coexistence with the color of the table top on the other.

traditional kitchen

3. Modern appliances

The dishwasher (to the left of the sink) is built in behind the front, the oven and microwave in the recess at a convenient height, the faucet for 2 waters (filtered and piped), and the sink integrated into the countertop.

The refrigerator is in the recess to the right, and the cooktop and hood are in the island.

4. Artificial stone countertop

Allows you to do any pirouettes with the kitchen: islands, peninsulas, any depth and width of countertops, semicircles, bent counters in conjunction with the wall, shaped edges, counters and much more that your imagination (and approved wallet) will produce.

5. Non-traditional arrangement

Under the window, with an island, a couple of pantries for dishes on the sides, multilevel cabinets, columns with appliances start and end the main part of the kitchen (all of this is in our case) and another 1,000 not traditional, but convenient options.

The main thing is not to get hung up on the “working triangle”!

6. An island or peninsula

Or another breakfast area (while having a full dining table) adds convenience to using the kitchen and allows for a quick snack.

7. Original interior

The kitchen is the kitchen, and when flowers, books, gloves, water bottles, dishes (not always new and clean), grandma’s salt pans, cat bowls, children’s toys, etc. are added in an interesting combination of colors and textures the interior will not fade, and will delight the owners and delight guests.

8. Interesting accents

Table legs, hood, lamps, chairs, curtains, outlets – everything can be unusual, colored, whimsical and seemingly incompatible! And in the end, the original solutions will hold style for years to come!

9. Finish the renovation

This is probably the hardest part, even despite the energy and nerve-wracking nature of the process. Artists, writers, sculptors will not let you lie that it is very important to stop at the right moment, and not to improve your creation to an imaginary ideal.

Categories: Kitchen

How to display metal signs in modern home kitchens ideas

modern home kitchen

Metal signs in modern home kitchens are a great way to add a unique and stylish touch to your kitchen decor. Metal signs can be used to display a favorite quote, fun phrase, or a family name or phrase. They can also be used to add a personal touch to your kitchen by displaying a favorite recipe or an image of a family member. Metal signs can be contemporary or traditional, depending on your preference. They are available in a variety of materials, such as aluminum, brass, copper, stainless steel and more. Metal signs can be used to enhance the overall look of your kitchen, while adding a fun and unique touch to your home décor.

Ideas for displaying metal signs in home kitchens

  1. Hanging: You can hang metal signs using hooks or nails. This works well if you have a specific wall or area in your kitchen that you want to highlight.
  2. Propping: You can prop metal signs against a wall or shelf. This works well if you want to add a pop of color or interest to a neutral or empty space in your kitchen.
  3. Framing: You can frame metal signs to give them a more finished look. This works well if you want to add a touch of elegance to your kitchen.
  4. Magnets: You can use magnets to attach metal signs to your refrigerator or other metal surfaces in your kitchen. This is a great option if you want to be able to change out signs frequently.
  5. Stands: You can use a metal stand to display signs on a countertop or table. This works well if you want to add a vintage or rustic touch to your kitchen.
  6. Place on Shelves: You can place metal signs on shelves in your kitchen. This works well if you want to add a touch of personality to your kitchen or if you have a lot of open shelving.
  7. Backlit: You can place metal signs behind a backlit surface, such as a light box or backlit glass, to create a unique and eye-catching display.

Tips for choosing the right metal signs for your kitchen

  1. Size and Scale: Consider the size and scale of the metal signs in relation to the space they will be displayed in. Make sure they are proportionate to the room and the wall they will be hung on.
  2. Style and Design: Choose metal signs that complement the overall style and design of your kitchen. Consider the color palette, materials, and overall aesthetic of your space when selecting metal signs.
  3. Personal Taste: Choose metal signs that reflect your personal taste and interests. This will make your kitchen feel more personal and unique.
  4. Durability: Consider the durability of the metal signs. Kitchen can be a high traffic area and the signs will be exposed to humidity and heat, so make sure the signs are made of high-quality metal that will not rust or tarnish easily.
  5. Functionality: Think about how the metal signs will be used in the kitchen. If they are meant to be functional, such as a menu board or recipe sign, make sure they are easy to read and understand.
  6. Flexibility: Consider if you would like to change the signs frequently or not. If yes, choose signs that are easy to install and remove.
  7. Lighting: Think about the lighting in your kitchen and how it will affect the visibility of the metal signs. If the signs will be displayed in a poorly lit area, choose signs with high contrast to ensure they are easy to read.
modern home kitchen

Making a metal signs with their own hands

Making a metal sign with your own hands can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. Here are some basic steps to get you started:

  1. Gather materials: You will need metal sheets, a saw, a drill, paint or markers, stencils or templates (if desired), and any other tools or materials you may need to complete the project.
  2. Cut the metal: Use a saw to cut the metal sheets to the desired size and shape for your sign.
  3. Drill holes: If you want to hang the sign, drill holes at the top and bottom of the sign.
  4. Sand the edges: Sand down any rough edges to make sure the sign is smooth and safe to touch.
  5. Paint or Mark: You can use paint, markers or other mediums to decorate your sign. You can use stencils or templates to help you create the design you want.
  6. Seal: If you used paint or markers, you will want to seal the sign to protect the design from fading or chipping. You can use a clear coat of paint or a sealant spray.
  7. Add hardware: If you drilled holes, you can add hardware to hang the sign. Use screws, nails or wire to hang your sign.
  8. Enjoy: Hang your new metal sign in your home and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Please note: Working with metal can be dangerous, be sure to use the proper safety equipment and follow all safety guidelines when working with metal.

Categories: Kitchen

What do modern kitchens look like

modern kitchen

A modern kitchen is a combination of comfort and functionality, style and conciseness. In such a room it is not only convenient to cook and spend time with the family, but also not ashamed to host guests.

What does the modern style look like in the kitchen interior

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it’s no wonder that people want their kitchens to look modern, stylish and inviting. But what does the modern style look like in the kitchen interior?

There are many different interpretations of the modern style, but in general, it is characterized by clean lines, simple forms and a minimalistic approach. The focus is on function, not form, and the decoration is kept to a minimum.

In the kitchen, this means having plenty of storage and counter space, and choosing simple, clean appliances. The walls and floors are usually kept neutral, with splashes of color introduced through accessories and accents.

The modern style is all about creating a space that is comfortable and practical, while still looking chic and stylish. If you’re thinking of giving your kitchen a makeover, take a look at these modern kitchen ideas for inspiration.

modern kitchen

Kitchen design in a modern style: the secrets of comfort – in the details

The heart of the home, the kitchen is arguably the most important room in the house. It’s where we cook, eat, entertain and socialise, so it’s important that it’s a space we feel comfortable and relaxed in.

When it comes to kitchen design, there are endless possibilities. But if you’re after a modern kitchen with a touch of luxury, there are certain design elements you can incorporate to create the perfect space.

Here are some secrets to designing a modern kitchen that is both stylish and comfortable:

1. Keep it light and airy

In a modern kitchen, natural light is key. So, if possible, design your kitchen with plenty of windows and skylights to let in as much light as possible. Alternatively, you could opt for artificial lighting, such as LED lights, which will also help to brighten up the space.

2. Incorporate a kitchen island

A kitchen island is a great way to add extra storage and workspace to your kitchen. It can also be used as a breakfast bar or a place to socialise and entertain guests. If you’re short on space, you could even opt for a small kitchen island that can be easily moved around.

3. Choose the right colour scheme

When it comes to choosing a colour scheme for your kitchen, opt for light and neutral colours. This will help to create a feeling of space and will also be easy to accessorise with different colours and patterns.

4. Go for high-quality materials

When it comes to materials, opt for high-quality and durable options that will stand the test of time. This includes materials such as stone, granite and stainless steel. Not only will they look great, but they’ll also be easy to keep clean.

5. Add some greenery

Incorporating some greenery into your kitchen design is a great way to add a touch of luxury. Plants not only look great, but they also help to purify the air and create a more relaxing environment.

6. Invest in comfortable furniture

As the kitchen is a space where we spend a lot of time, it’s important to invest in comfortable furniture. This includes chairs, stools and benches that are ergonomically designed and will be comfortable to use for long periods of time.

7. Consider the layout

When it comes to the layout of your kitchen, it’s important to create a space that is both functional and stylish. A good way to do this is to use a kitchen planner to help you design the perfect layout for your space.

8. Add some finishing touches

Once you’ve designed the perfect modern kitchen, it’s time to add some finishing touches. This could include stylish kitchenware, beautiful table linen and some luxurious accessories.

By following these secrets, you can design a modern kitchen that is both stylish and comfortable. So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your kitchen design today!

Categories: Kitchen

How to decorate your family room in Victorian design

family room

Decorating your family room in a Victorian style can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Victorian design is all about creating an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication, while still being comfortable and inviting for guests and family. The key to achieving a successful Victorian-style family room is to mix traditional elements with modern touches. This will give your family room an updated look while still keeping it true to the Victorian era.

The Victorian era, Alice in Wonderland and a little historical sketch

The reign of Queen Victoria (empress of Britain, India and Ireland, yes, they had that too) lasted almost 64 years and went down in history as the Victorian Era. The tectonic shifts that occurred during this time in the minds of the masses cannot even be roughly compared to any other period in history. The Industrial Revolution, the development of transport and the emergence of new professions changed Britain and the world forever: educated women went to work, Lewis Carroll invented the Mad Hatter and Alice, and the first homeless shelters opened in London. They were, by the way, for a fee.

The British middle class was not just born, it became dominant on the social map of the state. Society was dominated by the values of the bourgeoisie – piety, industriousness, unassumingness. And, of course, greed and hypocrisy, of course.

The middle class was shaping the environment for itself, and Queen Victoria only went along with it: as an exceptionally restrained woman, after the death of her husband she gave up the excesses and reduced her lifestyle to functional minimalism. So it happened that the Victorian style in the interior has become a reflection of the difficult era – not a synthetic invention of graduate designers, but an enduring part of life for millions of people in the most powerful country of the XIX century.

The main features of the Victorian style are:

  • large windows, perhaps with stained glass windows;
  • furniture made of precious wood, made to last a century;
  • a wooden floor, preferably oak;
  • massive chandeliers and framed mirrors;
  • metal wrought iron elements.

In an apartment, of course, this is not particularly repeatable, but there is no need: a modern view of the Victorian style involves combining it with other elements. The main thing is to do it correctly.

family room

The base: walls, shades, floor, ceiling

In a true Victorian home, there are three completely white things: the ceiling, the bedding and the hostess’s apron. If the latter is a matter of taste, the ceilings are really best left white – flight, height, contact with higher powers, finally.

Technically, the walls can also be white, but the classic Victorian style is wood paneling up to the shoulder of a person of average height, above which is either whitewash or paint. Use this tipster at least in the hallway and kitchen. In the bedroom, you can put wallpaper, but with themed patterns – medallions, heraldic lilies or small panels. Perfect looks in a modern apartment Victorian accent – one wall, decorated in the right way.

Main shades:

  • Natural for furniture, flooring and paneling: mahogany, rosewood, at most oak or cherry.
  • For upholstery and textiles: dark and noble shades of blue, brown, green with the inclusion of sandy, beige, pale yellow. Curtains should be light or transparent, not layered, without drapes.

The mirror should impress

Nothing sets the mood in the apartment like a spectacular mirror. We recommend and even insist: the centerpiece of a Victorian interior in a small space is a properly chosen mirror. This is important, pay attention to the frame, shape and accompany it with a vintage truce. Or play up the contrast and put something in a modern utilitarian-minimalist style next to it.

Bedroom

Despite society’s reigning puritanism and a rampant Anglican church, the British of Queen Victoria’s era treated the bedroom with reverence.

Important:

  • The bed should be large, tall, preferably with featherbeds and bedspreads to the floor.
  • A tall frame and alcove are a must.
  • Around the bed bright shades are not welcome.
  • The bed must have stitched lace, preferably in the decoration of the bed linen and pillows.
  • The British did not keep mirrors in the bedroom.

In a modern apartment, where there is never enough space, you can add some Victorian style to the bedroom with a shaped or suede headboard. Keep a balance and don’t go overboard! It’s better to be modest than to shift toward gypsy baroque.

Emphasis on furniture

If you’re not drawn to antiques (and you should be), catch some great tips to help you choose the perfect furniture for a modern apartment with a touch of Victorian style:

You don’t have to have all the furniture in the house in the same style, eclectic is trending.

The dining table should impress, be solid wood, not flashy and heavy.

Buy three or four raw rustic style stools, they can be used in the bathroom or kitchen.

Look in salons for some tables and chairs with bent legs in the master Gumbs style, put them under the walls, let them dilute the living room.

A rocking chair near the fireplace is a Victorian classic.

If the apartment has a workroom, pay special attention to the desk. It should look representative and impressive, like a family treasure. So you’ll want to look inside it for a drawer with a secret drawer, which stores secret maps and documents.

Lights

There’s no truly Victorian style without the right light fixtures: a floor lamp near a chair, round lamps in the kitchen and a chandelier in the living room. Although modern trends allow you to drag a chandelier into the bedroom – it’s a little more bohemian, but it’s still quite Victorian.

Victorian style in the interior is beautiful, especially if done with intelligence and feeling. Remember, however, that there is no place for plastic and shiny polyester textures in such a home, and details for room decorations can take years to collect.

Categories: Living room

How to design a basement family room

basement

Designing a basement family room can be a fun and rewarding experience. A basement space can provide a great opportunity to create a comfortable and functional living area that adds value to your home and provides a space for family and friends to enjoy. When designing a basement family room, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. 

Wonderful basement room interiors are useful to all private homeowners. Do you need more storage space for rarely used items? Or lacking another full-fledged room?

To begin with, you need to decide what you need it for. Will it be a comfortable room for out-of-town guests, a place to meet with friends, or an additional nursery? Whatever you decide, basement renovations will be more costly and complicated than in other parts of the house, as construction work is often left unfinished in it.

Regardless of the size and lightness of your basement, we can help you create a room that you’ll want to spend as much time there as possible. Below you’ll find 25 great ways to make the most of your space.

Draw a detailed plan

Once you’ve decided on the purpose of your basement and your budget, you should think hard about the layout.

If you want to set up a guest room, it makes sense to add a bathroom, which will also require a proper plan.

If the room is quite large, it can be divided into several rooms of different purposes. But even if you have a small basement, it can be made multifunctional by thinking through the options in advance.

Use neutral colors

Saturated, bold colors draw attention and add expression to the interior. But they also make the room visually smaller.

If you decorate the basement in this way, the ceiling will seem lower, and the walls will squeeze the space. In order to expand it, it is better to rely on light neutral colors, such as gray, beige, white. Large-size furniture should be chosen in the same color scheme. Bright colors and style will add accessories, cushions, curtains, mats and vases.

More open space

If the basement is small, try to leave it as open as possible without unnecessary walls and partitions. Use color and decor to create a multifunctional space.

For example, on one side can be a large rug marked adult seating area, with the ability to adjust the brightness of the lighting. And on the other side, a creative workshop with a wide, sturdy table, shelves, and brighter light.

Maximum light

Basement windows are always much smaller than usual because the room is partially or completely underground. Not only will a well-lit room seem larger, but you won’t notice the lack of windows in it.

Of course, recessed lighting saves space, but your ceiling may be too narrow, or your budget is limited. Then you need to use the walls and floor – decorate them with hanging candlesticks, table lamps and floor lamps. You can think about hanging mirrors to reflect the light.

basement

Select functional cabinets

Despite the high goals, it often happens that the main purpose of the basement, becomes the storage of things.

Prepare for the latter option in advance: plan cabinets from ceiling to floor to make the most efficient use of the space. Buy furniture with a lift top, in which you can put things. You can set aside some part of the basement for storage, separating it from the rest of the space with a wall painted the same color as the main room.

Categories: Basement Living room

How to design a family room with a fireplace

fireplace

Fireplace in the living room – a modern interpretation of the hearth, a source of heat and an important component of home comfort. Therefore, it is not surprising that many people want to complement the interior of their living room with a stylish fireplace.

1. Fireplace room in the style of American classics

Living room with a fireplace room in the style of American classics with traditionally decorated white walls and a fireplace of gray marble – a standard of respectability. The designers decided to emphasize the importance of the hearth in the interior with the help of patinated mirror tiles, which decorate the wall above the portal. The result was a beautiful vertical that visually increased the height of the fireplace. “Extend” the composition helps and Italian design floor lamp of golden color.

2: Bio fireplace in a modern duplex apartment

In the light modern living room in the photo, a fireplace built into a high dark portal with an imitation of a chimney plays the role of interior dominant. It runs on biofuel, and a vertical fireplace near the firebox is purely decorative and gives the design additional aesthetic value.

3: Electric fireplace with wood imitation

Slabs of ancient trees and phytomodules with stabilized moss illuminated by LEDs are an ideal setting for a modern fireplace with a glass front panel. This composition looks very decorative and is the main decoration of the fusion living room in the photo.

fireplace

4: Electric fireplace in a classic living room

Classic fireplace in a marble portal is perfectly combined with a bronze fireplace clock and forged accessories. Around this interior dominant, and at the same time TV-zone of the living room, builds a symmetrical composition of paired antique cabinets. Complementing the classic entourage is a soft sofa group with pouffe and serving table, as well as a charming reading area with a floor lamp by the window.

5. English classic style fireplace

Fireplace area of the living room is one of the main components of respectable coziness of English classic style interiors. In modern urban apartments this corner will be a favorite place for relaxation, intimate conversations and evening reading in a soft chair by the fire. English check wallpaper, a portrait of queen and traditional decor of the mantelpiece would give this place a special charm and appeal.

6. Neoclassical fireplace in a white portal

The typical neoclassical light palette including milky, cream and blue hues created the perfect entourage for the fireplace in a laconic portal of white marble with a wrought iron grille. The designers completed it with stylish accessories, and on the mantelpiece they organized a mini-gallery with dear to the heart photos of the owners.

7. A minimalistic electric fireplace in the TV-zone

Electric fireplace is probably the safest solution for TV-zone with an abundance of equipment. Imitation of a hot flame in a minimalistic dark gray portal will bring liveliness and a bright color accent to the strict and technological interior of the living room.

8. Loft style fire line

Suspended linear bio fireplace with a live fire looks advantageous in combination with vintage red brick. The flame emphasizes the relief of the wall and harmonizes well with the lights above the staircase. And you can look at the fire from both the guest area and the kitchen behind the sofa.

9. Fireplace room with aristocratic grunge library

The living room, decided in the aristocratic interpretation of grunge style, with a bright personality and exclusive details deserves the best fireplace. Therefore, the authors of the project chose a large wood-burning fireplace with red textured brick facing as the main character of the interior. And complemented the composition with exclusive clocks, handmade fireplace accessories and a metal mantelpiece sheet.

10. Living room with a chalet-style fireplace

It’s hard to imagine a cozier interior than a chalet-style living room with a fluffy hide rug, brutal wood beams and a large wood-burning fireplace built into a partition. Thanks to the tunnel fireplace, the fire can be admired from the living room and from the private sitting area, which is located in the far side of the room. And the candles on the mantelpiece will help to increase the feeling of warmth.

11. Fireplace, built into the TV partition

A lot of wood, live fire and phyto wall – the interior of the kitchen-living room in eco-style is harmonious and functional. A fireplace partition with hanging shelving effectively separates the kitchen area and is a key design element. And around this style-forming structure, a natural and convenient traffic zone is formed, allowing quick access from the living room to the kitchen part with a mini-dining room.

Categories: Living room