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Mixing Furniture Styles: Tips and Ideas for a Unique Home Decor
April 28, 2023
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Did you know that by simply mixing furniture styles, you can add personality and pizazz to your home decor? Blending different design elements lets you achieve a unique, personalized look that reflects your taste and style. Here's how you can create the style you love without making your home look like a jumbled and chaotic mess.

1. Use a Common Color Palette

Image Source: Vika Glitter on Pexels

To mix furniture styles that have a cohesive and harmonious look, use a common color palette. A color scheme that works well with all your furniture pieces can create a sense of unity in the room. To achieve this, you need to choose one or two primary colors and use them consistently throughout the space. Do this on your walls, curtains, and accent pieces.

To add visual interest and prevent the room from looking too monotonous, you may also add splashes of complementing colors. A common color scheme is a flexible method to combine various furniture types and give your home design a professional, finished appearance.

2. Play with Textures

Image Source: Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

A fun and creative way to mix furniture styles is to play with different textures. Combining different textures like smooth leather, rough wood, and shiny metal can create a dynamic and engaging space. Before doing this, you need to consider the tactile quality of each piece of furniture and how it will feel in the room.

As an example, you can add a plush rug to give the space warmth and softness. You can then add a sleek metal lamp to give it a modern touch. Experimenting with different textures can help you create a visually appealing design that reflects your personality.

3. Create a Focal Point

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Anchor a room by creating a focal point when mixing furniture styles. A focal point draws the eye to your room's specific area or item. You can make this using a statement piece of furniture, such as an oversized painting, an antique chest, or a modern sculpture.

Before choosing a focal point, consider the scale and style of the surrounding furniture pieces. For instance, a bold and contemporary work of art may provide a startling contrast and bring attention to the room's focal point if you have a conventional sofa and accent chairs. 

4. Mix Up Patterns

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When you combine different patterns, such as stripes, florals, and geometric shapes, you can create a dynamic and engaging space. This is a fun and playful way to mix furniture styles that can add oomph to any room or area. It's crucial to consider each pattern's color scheme and scale when combining them. 

You can also use patterned accent pieces, such as throw pillows, curtains, and area rugs, to tie together different furniture styles and create a cohesive look. Mixing patterns is a versatile and creative way to express your personality and make unique home decor.

5. Incorporate Different Shapes

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A subtle way to mix furniture styles is by combining different shapes. Use furniture with different shapes, such as round, square, and rectangular, to quickly add depth and dimension to a room. To do this, you need to consider the size and scale of each piece of furniture and how it will fit into the overall design scheme.

A great example would be to add a round coffee table to soften the hard edges of a sectional sofa. A rectangular dining table can create a sense of structure and balance in a dining room.

6. Play with Contrast

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One of the most important principles of design is contrast. If you want to mix furniture styles, you need to add contrast to it to get a tied-down design. Contrasting different furniture styles, such as combining a rustic farmhouse table with sleek modern chairs, can create a sense of tension and energy in the room.�

You can also play with contrast by incorporating different textures, colors, and patterns to create a dynamic and visually exciting space. Take note, though, that too much contrast can be overwhelming, while too little can be boring. The key is to get a beautiful balance by experimenting.

7. Balance the Scale

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Balancing the scale is essential to mixing furniture styles and creating a harmonious and visually appealing space. For this, you need careful planning to pull off the look. A large sectional sofa can overwhelm a small room, while a small accent chair can get lost in an ample living space.

One great way to achieve balance is by using furniture pieces with similar proportions and heights or by using a variety of furniture sizes to create a sense of rhythm and movement in the space.

8. Combine Different Eras

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Another enjoyable way when mixing furniture styles is by combining different eras. Mixing vintage and modern pieces, for example, can create a timeless and eclectic look. You can use vintage pieces to add character and charm to a contemporary space or trendy pieces to update a traditional room. 

One way to achieve this is by pairing a vintage statement piece, such as an antique sideboard or vintage mirror, with modern accent pieces, such as a sleek lamp or a contemporary rug.

9. Layer Different Textures

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A mashup of different textures can add depth and interest to a room, but only if done right. A good mix of soft fabrics, rough wood, and shiny metal can create a tactile and visually engaging space. You need to consider the color and pattern of each piece of furniture and how it will work with the overall design scheme.

A good example would be to throw a plush faux fur rug over a natural jute rug to add warmth and texture to a room. To create a cozy and inviting space, you can also layer different fabrics, such as velvet, linen, and cotton.

10. Blend Design Styles

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Don't be afraid to blend mid-century modern with bohemian design styles, as this can result in unique and creative home decor. You can blend design styles using similar colors and patterns or pair contrasting elements to create a harmonious and balanced space.

Explore and experiment by adding a vintage rug to a room with a sleek modern sofa. Or you can add a bohemian throw pillow to create a cozy and inviting space.

Final Thoughts

Mixing furniture styles to achieve personalized home decor can be a challenge. But with the proper guidance, it's certainly doable and will provide amazing results.

Featured Image Source: Donald Tong on Pexels

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10 Bedroom Layouts To Help You Maximize Your Space
April 26, 2023
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One crucial element of designing a bedroom is choosing the right layout. Bedroom layout can affect everything, including accessibility and functionality of the space. We've rounded up some bedroom layouts to help you design the perfect space that meets your needs. 

1. Bedroom with Vanity Table

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Many bedrooms feature a vanity to avoid going back and forth to the bathroom to prep up in the morning. If needed, a desk or vanity may be styled to serve as a nightstand. To brighten a blank wall, you may add a gallery wall of personalized photos in minimalist frames. 

The shape and size of the mirror will depend on the size of the wall within the dedicated vanity area. Then, you can hang some decorative lights around the mirror for aesthetic purposes and additional lighting.

2. Set up a Reading Nook�

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A window seat is perfect for curling up and reading a good book. Many bookworms would love this idea. Aside from reading, the space will let you enjoy the view of your garden or the cityscape before bed. And if the room size permits, adding an ottoman or side table is excellent. Add some colors to your throw pillows to brighten the spot more. 

3. Bedroom + Home Office

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A bedroom layout with a home office is a popular option for those working from home. This layout typically involves dedicating a portion of the room to a workspace while maintaining a traditional bedroom's essential elements. To ensure productivity in this home office idea, you may add room dividers and create an office-like environment in your bedroom's comfort. Any partition, such as accordion-type room dividers, shelving units, or curtains, will do. 

4. Bedroom with TV

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For those who enjoy watching television in the bedroom, this design inspiration is for you. It's best to keep the layout simple. Place the TV directly across from your bed. For smaller bedrooms, mount your TV on the center focal wall. Adding a seating area is also a good option for larger rooms for easy viewing.

5. Built-in Wardrobe Cabinets

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This built-in cabinet is perfect for wardrobes and other essentials. This technique allows the room to allow the owner to make use of all the space according to functions and needs. Some would love to add under-bed drawers for additional storage. 

6. Add a Sleek Bedside Table

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Blend convenience with style with this white and gold bedside table. If you need a place for books, a notebook, a functional bedside table is an excellent idea. The size is also perfect for holding a lampshade, an essential oil diffuser, and a few books. In addition, the sleek geometric design matches the simplicity of the overall bedroom layout. 

7. Twin Bed Layout�

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Putting two beds in a tiny room is one of our list's most cost-effective bedroom layouts. Figure out how to beautifully squeeze two beds into a small space. This bedroom, for example, uses a plush headboards against clean white walls and bedding. Separate the beds with a simple nightstand. You can adopt many other styles to make guests feel at home during sleepovers or reunions. 

8. Studio Apartment Bedroom

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The bedroom in a studio apartment may consist of a bed and nightstands. A chic room divider drapes can separate a sleeping area from the rest of the unit. It will also promote privacy and discourage guests from entering this sacred spot. Instead of curtains, you can install a temporary hall wall to divide the studio apartment. This is a good idea for a rental unit where building something permanent is not allowed. 

9. Take Advantage of the Beautiful Views�

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There's nothing like waking up to a stunning view to put you in a positive mood the whole day. So, if you have a bedroom with beautiful views, place the bed facing the window to make the most of the view.

10. Ensuite Bathroom

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Boutique hotels are famous for their ensuite bathroom. So, to feel luxurious in your home, consider decorating the rooms with complementary materials. An ensuite bathroom is a perfect addition to a restful sanctuary, allowing you to bathe, relax and unwind in bed in the privacy of a self-contained space. 

Conclusion

Bedroom layout ideas are essential in creating a comfortable and inviting space. The proper bedroom layouts can make a huge difference in a small or large bedroom. It is necessary to prioritize functionality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal to create an entertaining space. 

Featured image credit: Collov Home Design on Unsplash

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Decorating with Furniture for Small Spaces: Tips + Examples
April 26, 2023
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Designing and decorating small spaces is no small feat, even for expert interior designers. They maximize the space to ensure all the furniture you need will be placed functionally and aesthetically. But you don't need prior experience to decorate a small space. And with the tips we listed below, you'll know how to place furniture for small spaces properly. But before that, know which furniture you might need and where to buy them.

Examples of Furniture for Small Spaces

  • Folding table
  • Murphy wall bed
  • Double-decker bed (for families or small living quarters with two or more people)
  • Height-adjusting tables
  • Rolling carts, organizers, or tables
  • Ottoman
  • Storage beds
  • Wall-mounted desk

Where to Buy Furniture for Small Spaces

  • West Elm
  • IKEA
  • Pottery Barn
  • Resource Furniture
  • Apartment 2B
  • Target
  • Crate and Barrel

1. Assess and Visualize the Space

empty room
Image Source: Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. on Unsplash

The first and most important step in decorating a small space is to assess it. 

You need to visualize the space with the furniture you want to place in your room or space. Additionally, you have to be practical about your furniture. For example, if you're moving from one dwelling to another, keep the ones that matter or the least bulky ones and work from there. After assessing the space, you should measure the room or area to which you'll add the furniture. 

2. Use the Edges

pink chair white cabinets
Image Source: MAHZA D'BRATA on Unsplash

When decorating with furniture for small spaces, the edges are your friend. You want to maximize every square foot of your room or space. And edges will close off the perimeter, opening space for other items, such as small storage boxes or decorative pieces.

3. Maximize the Walls

wall shelf
Image Source: Andrea Davis on Unsplash

Your furniture is already occupying most of your floor space. Don't overcrowd the floor space with too many items. Instead of using storage boxes to fill it with books or putting potted plants on the floor, use wall-mounted shelves.

Similarly, vases and other decors would be ideal on those shelves. Plus, you can save space by hanging a mirror instead of a floor one. Additionally, with a mirror, your space can appear larger and lighter. Finally, you can consider hanging your plants on the ceiling too.

4. Choose Smaller and Slimmer Pieces

small chair and table
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You have limited floor space, and bulky pieces will use up the space you need to walk in or add more storage boxes or organizers. The best alternative to decorating a compact space is selecting smaller or slimmer pieces. For example, you can opt for slimmer cube storage.

Your nightstands can also be compact, giving you more room for storage and other decorative floor pieces.

5. Segment The Room with Dividers

room
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If you have a small apartment or room, one challenge is making it larger. This is ideal for those who love having guests and want to host small gatherings in their living space. Transform your humble abode by making it look bigger with dividers.

For example, if you live in a studio apartment, a divider will be great for segmenting other areas in your room, such as your bedroom, living room, and dining area. You can use a folding divider for this purpose. 

Another divider to use is curtains. You can use these dividers to separate your bed from other areas of your apartment. 

Finally, bookshelves can also serve as great dividers. You can fill the space with plants or books to create a private nook in your pad or sleeping quarters.

6. Layer Furniture

dining area
Image Source: Andrea Davis on Unsplash

Furniture layering also works for small spaces. But this works best if you have smaller pieces accompanying the bigger ones. For example, if you have a small desk, you can place a stool or small chair under it. This example is also applicable if you have a coffee table and you can slide in a pouf underneath it.

7. Go for a Minimalist Aesthetic

bedroom
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If you are starting over in a new apartment or don't have a lot of furniture when moving to a smaller home, why not consider going minimalist? You can use the multi-purpose furniture, such as a futon that doubles as a storage. Additionally, a minimalist aesthetic uses neutral colors. You can pair your furniture based on the neutral palette you'll use. Finally, you can limit decor on the walls or ceiling to achieve a minimalist look.

Final Thoughts

Choosing furniture for small spaces can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be, especially if you're not experienced in interior design. It may require you to be practical with the furniture pieces to keep in your dwelling. Alternatively, you have to maximize all the square footage in your area to make room for everything. With these in mind, you can enjoy staying in your living quarters without worrying about furniture crowding your space.

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Workplace
7 Home Office Inspiration You Need
April 26, 2023
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Setting up your home office needs a well-thought-out process. You want your home office to emanate an inviting, distraction-free atmosphere that encourages creativity all day. But it can be confusing which home office design you should go for. Setting a budget, assessing your type of work, and gauging your overall home theme is essential for a beautiful and welcoming space. If you have an empty corner or area in your living room or bedroom, transform it into a conducive workspace. Here are seven quick and easy home office space inspiration ideas for you.

1. Minimalist

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Something that people tend to forget when designing a home office is clutter. The last thing you want is an unorganized workspace that hinders productivity. A minimalist home office could be an excellent idea if you want something clean and straightforward. A minimalist design banks on a few modern design characteristics. 

For instance, simplicity is of the essence in a minimalist workspace. It provides high functionality and is determined by open spaces, clean straight lines, natural lighting, and organic elements like indoor plants. This minimalist workspace dwells on white painting and flooring, with pops of organic materials like wood, plants, and soft throw pillows to give it contrast.

2. Accent wall

Image Credit: Collov Home Design from Unsplash

Photo from: The Spruce

If your home office is too small, painting it white is a helpful trick to make the area appear bigger. Unfortunately, smaller spaces don't allow you to explore some fun accessories and valuable furniture. Due to a limited area, you can only choose the essential furniture pieces that serve a purpose.�

Creating an accent wall is one way to accentuate a mundane single-paint room. An accent wall is a good distraction you need in your home office. It livens up your space, adding excitement to the whole ensemble while giving your room a decorative flair. This example had one wall transformed into an accent wall with green panels. 

3. Home office library

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Have you ever walked into a library and suddenly felt a certain calmness encapsulate you? A library is often correlated to peacefulness and security, so it's another creative and impactful design element for your home workstation. 

A library is the area's one-stop shop for all necessary resources. Whether you're looking for a book to read for leisure or a magazine for your next article, a library exudes creativity. You can start small by displaying a small bookshelf with a few cupboards for your favorite books, journals, magazines, etc.

4. Office nook

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Finding an area for your workspace in your tiny home can be a bummer. While some homeowners neglect the little home nooks, some see a valuable space in these small corners. Nooks are cozy little corners that are connected to a much bigger area. 

If you have a small home nook that needs work, try featuring a small writing table and chair. Maybe a tall indoor plant would help make it feel cozier, or how about an artwork just above the table? 

5. Pops of color

Image Credit: Huseyn Kamaladdin from Pexels

A distraction-free home office is every homeowner's dream. White paint, minimal design, and curated furniture items help keep the area organized. However, it doesn't mean you can't make it unique and exciting.

Including pops of color sometimes only need your creative imagination. For instance, you can display colossal and vibrant hanging art on your home office's wall. Or it can also be as simple as featuring some colorful, contemporary chairs or tables for that contrast.�

6. Office loft

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Here's a simple home office space inspiration for those with a loft-style home. A loft is separated from the other areas of the house, making it a conducive space for a workstation. Lofts are quieter and offer a more peaceful working environment.�

Plus, transforming your loft into your home office maximizes your space. Try to add roof windows if you can. That way, you can still breathe fresh air during your shift. 

7. Outdoor home office

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Another way to make your home office exciting and boost creativity is to bring it to the outdoors. If you don't have a sliding door, as shown in this example, putting your workspace near big windows will do. A big opening can welcome natural light and make occupants closer to nature.�

The outdoors positively impacts our mood, making us feel happier. Also, green is a soothing color that helps soothes the eyes and calms our souls. If you can't bring the outdoors indoors, feature a few hanging plants or a small tree in your home office. 

Conclusion

These home office ideas should inspire you to create one in the most unexpected areas. Creating a comfortable home office involves furniture pieces and accessories that complement each other. Assess your lifestyle and type of work, so you'll know which furniture items to buy for your workspace. 

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8 Home Office Furniture Pieces You Need
April 26, 2023
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Setting up a conducive home office means higher productivity and excellent output. However, some neglect purchasing the best home office furniture and settle for subpar ones. Your home office should be a comfortable work environment that encourages creativity. Buying all or a few of these home office furniture items will ensure a fulfilling workday. 

1. Executive desk

An executive desk is a large, high-end desk typically used by executives and professionals in a corporate or business setting. Getting one is recommended if you have a huge home office and need a proper desk for clerical tasks. An executive desk also offers ample workspace and storage. The look is more professional, making it suitable for managers and high-ranking executives.

2. Standing desk

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A standing desk is a type of desk that is designed to be used while standing up rather than sitting down. It typically consists of a flat surface elevated to a comfortable height for the user to work on while standing. Standing desks are often adjustable, allowing users to raise or lower the desk to the appropriate height for their comfort level. 

Some models also include a separate platform for a computer keyboard and mouse, which can be adjusted independently from the main work surface. Getting one as an alternative desk is recommended to ensure you protect your back from sitting for long periods.

3. Lap desk

A lap desk, also known as a lap tray, is a portable desk designed to be used on a person's lap while sitting. Lap desks are handy for people who spend a lot of time sitting on a couch or in bed, as they provide a stable surface for working or reading while in a comfortable position. 

They can also be used by people who travel frequently, as they are lightweight and easy to pack. A lap desk is also a versatile way to change your work position and location. If you're tired of working from a floor desk, you can go to your bed and switch to a lap desk instead.

4. Armoire desks

This type of desk is a writing table connected to a large cabinet, typically five to seven feet high. It's furniture that combines a desk with an armoire, a tall cabinet commonly with drawers, shelves, and hanging space for clothes. Armoire desks are designed to provide workspace and storage in a single piece of furniture.�

Armoire desks often feature a fold-out or pull-out desk surface that can be used for writing, using a computer, or other work-related tasks. When not in use, the desk surface can be folded or pushed back into the armoire, freeing up the space for storage.

5. Filing cabinet

Another essential home office furniture is a filing cabinet. The last thing you want in your home office is clutter, significantly if you haven't shifted to digitization. A lack of cabinets or storage for your files will inevitably accumulate more paper documents, which may lead to clutter. A filing cabinet helps keep your important documents and papers organized and easily accessible. Having a designated place for each type of document lets you quickly find what you need without wasting time searching through piles of paper.

6. Footrest

A footrest can be a simple but effective way to improve comfort and lessen health problems associated with prolonged sitting in a home office. Sitting in a chair for extended periods can cause strain on your back, legs, and feet. Using a footrest can help improve your posture by keeping your feet at a comfortable angle and reducing pressure on your lower back. 

Another reason to get a footrest for your home office is to increase blood circulation. Sitting with your legs on the ground can cause too much blood flow to your legs and feet. Elevating your feet can help with blood circulation and prevent health issues from arising over time. Plus, a footrest, such as an ottoman, can also double as additional storage.

7. Bookcase

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A bookcase provides a convenient and organized way to store books, documents, and other items you need for your work. By keeping everything in one place, you can easily find what you need when you need it. Moreover, a bookcase can also add visual interest and reflects your personality. It comes in various types and materials, and choosing the perfect one will showcase your style.

8. Ergonomic chair

Finally, investing in an ergonomic chair ensures you're comfortable throughout your shift. It's a chair designed to support the natural curves and alignment of the human body. An ergonomic chair promotes good posture, reducing the risk of injury and back pain in prolonged sitting. An ergonomic chair offers many features, such as an adjustable backrest, lumbar support, swivel base, and more. 

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7 Lighting Ideas to Illuminate Your Space
April 26, 2023
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Furniture and decor can complete any space. But to give it life, you need lighting that will complement any room. Here are 7 lighting ideas to try for your new home or office space.

Before that, here are the lighting types that interior designers use. Plus, we also list the importance of lighting in your newly designed space.

Types of Lighting

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In interior design, there are four types of lighting. They are:

  • Ambient - This refers to the general lighting of any space or room. Natural lighting is one form of ambient lighting.
  • Accent - This lighting style only illuminates certain pieces of any room or space.
  • Task - This lighting type is to help any individual accomplish any task, such as reading or cooking
  • Decorative - As the name suggests, decorative lighting is to provide an aesthetic value to the space

Importance of Lighting

  • Sets the tone and mood of the room
  • Creates a warm and inviting ambiance
  • Adds color to the room
  • Provides aesthetic value
  • Highlights decor and other pieces

7 Lighting Ideas

1. Layer Your Lights

kitchen
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Layering your lights requires various lighting fixtures in one room or space. This allows you to try multiple lighting types in one area. For example, you can use natural light in the morning. Then as the sun sets, you can use a floor lamp to brighten the room or a wall sconce to highlight pieces or set the mood.

2. Choose the Right Bulbs and Shades

The right bulbs also contribute to the overall mood and ambiance. When you select the right bulbs, you control the lighting temperature. Warm lights are ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. Meanwhile, your bathroom can either have warm or cooler temperatures.

If you have an eclectic style, you can choose colorful light bulbs to provide color to your room. Or, it's something that could reflect your personality.

3. Select a Focal Point

room
Image Source: Spacejoy on Unsplash

Decor and furniture are usually the focal points of any room. However, lighting fixtures can also act as the focus in any space. A chandelier is the best example of a focal point lighting fixture. Go for a modern chandelier style that can capture your guests' eyes.

4. Adjust with Dimmers or Smart Lighting Apps

Dimmers are an excellent option for your home. It's great, especially if you host lunches or dinners with guests. You can also have dimmers when watching a movie in the living room with the family.

Plus, thanks to the power of smartphones, you can switch lights on and off using your device. Some smart lighting apps have a dimmer option. Aside from that, you can change light colors and adjust the light temperature.

5. Switch Between Task and Ambient Lighting

table lamp
Image Source: Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash

This lighting idea works best for home office spaces. Many experts recommend natural lighting, especially when you're at home. Not only is this energy-saving, but your body will thank you if you use natural lighting daily. However, the sun doesn't always shine. That's why task lighting is a great option before the sun sets. But if you're still working at night, add ambient lighting to your workspace to make your room lit.

6. Mix and Match Various Fixtures

Most interior design styles dictate that you should stick to one color palette or texture. However, mixing and matching can make a space more vibrant or dynamic. It's what gives your space more character. That said, lighting fixtures can also be mixed and matched in your space. For example, you can have a floor lamp, sconce, and pendant in your living room.

Another way to consider this is through height. For example, go with a high floor lamp in one area and a smaller one for your coffee table.

7. Use Lighting Fixtures to Decorate

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Many lighting fixtures are decorative pieces. Make your space brighter and more colorful by using them as decor. Table lamps are the best decorative items to add to your bedroom, living room, or even office space. But if you're not fond of those, you can decorate your space with floor lamps or sconces.

Where to Buy Lights

Do you want to try these lighting ideas for your space but don't know where to buy the pieces? Here are the best places to buy your new lighting fixtures:

  • Wayfair
  • Urban Outfitters
  • Ikea
  • YLighting
  • Lamps Plus
  • Shades of Light
  • West Elm

Final Thoughts

Lighting doesn't only illuminate a space. It also serves an aesthetic purpose. The best thing about light fixtures is you can consider them as part of your furniture, and you can decorate your space with them. Additionally, with lighting, you can combine functionality and aesthetics to create a well-lit room to set the mood and create a cozy and comfortable ambiance.

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Mixing Interior Design Styles: Tips for Creating a Unique and Cohesive Home Decor
April 25, 2023
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Your home is a reflection of your style, taste, and personality. It's where you unwind, entertain guests, and create memories. As a homeowner, you may feel restricted by traditional interior design rules, wanting to mix and match different styles but unsure where to start. 

The good news is that blending different aesthetics can be a beautiful and harmonious way to create a unique and cohesive home decor. Let's explore the art of mixing interior design styles and provide practical tips and advice to help you achieve the perfect balance.

Understanding Interior Design Styles

Before we go further, it's essential to have a basic understanding of interior design styles. Interior design has evolved, with many different styles emerging and fading in popularity. Some popular interior design styles include traditional, modern, transitional, industrial, bohemian, and coastal. Each of these has unique characteristics, from color schemes and furniture to decor and accessories.

Identifying your preferred style can help you decide which to blend. Take your time in researching and exploring the different interior design styles. You can do this by browsing design blogs and magazines. Visiting interior design showrooms can also help you better understand the styles that will resonate with you.

Principles of Mixing Interior Design Styles

Mixing interior design styles is all about achieving balance, contrast, scale and proportion, color, texture, and unity. Here are some of the most vital design principles to take note of when mixing different styles:

Balance: To create a cohesive and harmonious look, you need a balanced mix of styles. This is necessary to ensure that no one style takes center stage.

Contrast: To add interest and dimension to your space, add contrasting elements. For example, pairing a traditional sofa with a modern coffee table or a coastal rug with an industrial-style lamp.

Scale and Proportion: Maintaining consistent scale and proportion when blending different styles is crucial. Try to avoid using oversized or undersized furniture in a room, as it can make the space look unbalanced.

Color: Color can be great in tying everything together when mixing different styles. Select a color combination that complements each of the style you're blending.

Texture: To add depth and visual interest to a room, you'll need to use texture. You can mix smooth, rough, shiny, and matte textures to create an inviting and tactile space.

Unity: Unity is vital in achieving a cohesive look. While blending different styles, it's essential to have a unifying element that ties everything together.

A Few Helpful Tips for Mixing Interior Design Styles

Mixing interior design styles may seem overwhelming initially, but it can be a fun and rewarding process with a few tips. Here are some to help you get started:

Start with a neutral base: Neutral colors such as white, beige, or gray can create a blank canvas for mixing different styles.

Choose a dominant style: Select one style you want to be the focal point and base your design around it. It can be the style that most resonates with you or suits your home's architecture.

Layer in complementary styles: After choosing your dominant style, start by layering in complementary styles. As an example, if you're going for a modern style, you can add traditional elements such as a vintage rug or an antique mirror.

Mix and match furniture and decor: Create an eclectic and personalized look by mixing and matching furniture and decor from different styles.

Use color to tie everything together: As mentioned earlier, color can unify a scheme. Choose a color palette that will complement the different styles you're blending.

Experiment with patterns and textures: You can use patterns and textures to add depth and visual interest to your space. Explore different designs and textures, such as florals, stripes, and geometric shapes. Mix them with a variety of materials like wood, metal, and glass.

Play with lighting: Transform the mood and atmosphere of a room through the use of creative lighting. Mix different types, such as overhead, floor lamps, and table lamps, to create a warm and welcoming space.

Add a unifying element: To tie everything down together, add a unifying element, such as a statement piece or a common color. It could be a piece of art, a rug, or a decorative accessory.

Examples of Blending Interior Design Styles

Now that you know the principles and tips for mixing interior design styles, let's take a look at some examples of blending different styles:

Modern Bohemian

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Blend modern furniture with bohemian accessories such as macrame wall hangings, colorful textiles, and plants.

Coastal Industrial

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Combine coastal elements such as seashells and driftwood with industrial elements such as metal and concrete to create a beachy yet urban vibe.

Traditional Scandinavian

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Mix traditional furniture with Scandinavian decors such as clean lines, neutral colors, and natural materials like wood and leather.

Rustic Glam

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Blend rustic elements such as reclaimed wood with glamorous accessories such as metallic accents and velvet upholstery.

Mid-Century Modern Farmhouse

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Combine mid-century modern furniture with farmhouse elements such as shiplap walls, vintage accessories, and natural wood finishes to create a cozy and inviting space.

Art Deco Bohemian

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Blend art deco elements such as geometric patterns and metallic accents with bohemian accessories such as colorful textiles and macrame plant hangers for a bold and eclectic look.

Industrial Chic

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Mix industrial elements such as exposed brick and metal pipes with chic accessories such as plush velvet upholstery and statement lighting fixtures for a sophisticated yet edgy vibe.

Hollywood Regency Glam

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Combine Hollywood regency style, with its plush fabrics and elegant lines, with glamorous accessories such as mirrored surfaces and metallic accents for a luxurious and opulent look.

Minimalist Eclectic

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Mix minimalist furniture with eclectic accessories such as colorful artwork, patterned rugs, and unique decorative objects to create a dynamic and visually exciting space.

Final Thoughts

Keep in mind that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to mixing interior design styles. The most important thing is to explore, experiment, and create a space that reflects your personality and style. Have fun blending different styles and elements while you achieve a home decor that is both unique and cohesive.

Featured Image Source: Nugroho Wahyu on Pexels

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7 Simple Creative Interiors and Ideas for Your Home
April 10, 2023
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Transforming your home into a beautiful space takes a few tweaks and techniques. Some go as far as painting the walls or displaying artwork as the room's focal point. Whatever you do, making your home reflect your personality and lifestyle is essential. The possibilities are endless when thinking of creative interiors and ideas for your home. But we've chosen the seven most accessible, affordable, and impactful creative design ideas for you in this article.

1. Statement Walls

Statement walls are a popular interior design trend because they instantly add character and style to a room. A statement wall draws the eye and becomes the room's focal point. By painting or covering one wall in bold colors or striking wallpaper designs, you can create a sense of drama and add visual interest to your space.

A statement wall is a great way to express your personality and style. You can choose a color or pattern that reflects your tastes and makes a statement about who you are.

2. Mixed Patterns

mixed patterns and colors
Image Source: Clark Van Der Beken on Unsplash

Mixed patterns can be beautiful in interior design because they add visual interest, texture, and depth to a space. When done correctly, combining different patterns can create a cohesive and harmonious look, adding personality and uniqueness to a room.

A well-designed mix of patterns can create contrast and balance, enhancing the space's overall aesthetic. Patterns can range from stripes, plaids, florals, geometric shapes, and more. Combined, they can create a dynamic visual effect that draws the eye and keeps the space lively and exciting.

To make mixed patterns work in a room, it's essential to follow a few guidelines:

  • Consider the scale of each design and ensure they are in proportion to each other.
  • Stick to a color scheme and use patterns with complementary or harmonious colors.
  • Balance the patterns by incorporating neutral elements, such as solid-colored furniture or minimalist decor.

3. Natural Materials

Incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, and leather in your furniture and decor to add warmth and texture to your space. Natural materials, like wood, stone, and plants can add texture and depth to a room, creating a tactile and multi-dimensional experience. This can make a space more dynamic and engaging, inspiring creative thinking and sparking new ideas.

Natural materials can add character and personality to a space, reflecting the homeowner's style and taste. Whether it's a rustic wooden table or a sleek marble countertop, natural materials can make a space feel more personal and unique.

4. Gallery Wall

A gallery wall is a perfect way to showcase your personality and style through art and photographs that are meaningful to you. It's an opportunity to display your interests, hobbies, and experiences, allowing your home to reflect individuality.

It's also an excellent way to maximize wall space in your home. Rather than leaving a large blank wall, a gallery wall can create a cohesive and intentional display that enhances the room's overall aesthetic.

Plus, it's highly customizable and easily updated or changed over time. You can switch out photographs, add new art, or rearrange the layout to reflect new interests or experiences.

5. Accent Lighting

accent lighting
Image Source: Etienne Girardet on Unsplash

Install unique accent lighting fixtures like pendant lights, chandeliers, or quirky lampshades to add an unexpected twist to your space. This can create a more visually exciting and dynamic area that feels more inviting and engaging.

Different types of accent lighting can help set the mood and create a specific ambiance in a room. For example, warm and dimly lit accent lighting can create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, while brighter and cooler lighting can make a space feel more energetic and lively.

Also, accent lighting can increase the functionality of a room by providing additional illumination where needed. For example, under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen can help illuminate countertops, making it easier to prepare food and cook.

6. Indoor Garden

Research has shown that being surrounded by nature, even indoors, can positively impact mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Indoor gardens can provide a sense of calm and tranquility, promoting a more relaxed and positive state of mind.

On top of that, indoor plants can improve the air quality in your home by filtering out pollutants and toxins. This can help reduce allergies and respiratory issues, creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment.

7. Creative Storage

Creative storage in interior design refers to finding innovative and unique ways to store items that not only maximize space but also add aesthetic value to a room. It's a design approach that incorporates storage solutions into the overall design scheme of a space, creating a seamless and functional storage system that enhances the overall aesthetic of a room.

Creative storage solutions can come in many forms, including built-in storage units, multi-functional furniture, shelving systems, and hidden storage compartments. 

Featured Image Source: Jonny Caspari on Unsplash

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