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Unless you're hiring a professional interior designer, you no longer need to consider the big and small details of home decoration. But since you landed on this blog, I suppose you're taking the DIY route and wondering what these design elements are. Interior design requires a few factors to strike a balance in your space. You want to make your space look like they're enjoying the company of all components of your furniture, lighting, accessories, and whatnot. So let's start with these seven interior design elements you must consider when decorating your home. 

1. Space

Space is the first element to consider when decorating any room. Without it, you have nothing to work with. And without assessment, you'll encounter trouble and some back and forth down the road. 

Space is considered three-dimensional, which includes the room's height, length, and width. Depending on the functionality you want to achieve, you want to complement these three dimensions for a better visual outcome. For instance, if you wish to achieve a more heightened visual, display tall bookshelves to lead the eyes upwards. 

To make the space wider, you can paint the wall white or feature mirrors to reflect lighting. 

Overall, space requires balance in both negative and positive spaces. The former refers to empty spaces, and the latter pertains to areas with furniture or accessories. Maintaining balance between negative and positive spaces makes for better functionality and aesthetics.

2. Color

The next element to consider is color. Colors are powerful components in interior design as they evoke emotions and alter perceptions. They also set the mood in your room and create unity within your furnishings. 

You must refer to color psychology when selecting color palettes for any room. For example, blue and green promote calmness, which is suitable for the bedroom. On the other hand, red stimulates appetite, which might be ideal for the kitchen. 

When choosing colors for your space, it's crucial to see how the lighting affects it. A rule of thumb in small spaces is to use lighter or brighter colors to make them appear bigger. 

3. Lighting

Another vital interior design factor is lighting because it can unify all components in a room. Lighting is classified into three: Ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting. 

Task lighting should consider the purpose of the space under it, which is suited for home offices. Accent lighting emphasizes objects, statement pieces, or focal points in any room. Finally, ambient lighting sets the mood and atmosphere of your space, which can be suitable for your living room or bedroom.

4. Line

Your space should maintain a balance between various lines, such as vertical, horizontal, and dynamic lines. Horizontal lines refer to lines from furnishings like sofas and chairs. On the other hand, vertical lines are from your tall furnishings like bookcases, doors, or windows. Finally, dynamic lines are the curves, zigzags, and diagonals in your space, which can be your stairs or nooks. 

Balancing all three varieties to create harmony in any room is essential. Too many horizontal lines may dull your space, while overpowering vertical lines make people uneasy due to seemingly higher ceilings. Finally, too many dynamic lines break the calmness and unity of both vertical and horizontal lines.

5. Form

Forms consist of the shape of the room and the objects displayed in it. This is categorized into two: natural and geometric. The former refers to the shapes created by nature, like plants, while the latter dwells more on man-made shapes, like furniture. 

Considering scale and proportion is highly recommended when designing with form. Ensure similar forms or shapes are repeated throughout the room in small objects to prevent a confusing visual outcome. 

6. Texture

One of the most overlooked interior design elements, texture plays a vital role in creating depth in a space. It pertains to an object's finish and can be classified into actual and visual textures. Actual texture refers to the tactile sensation of an object, such as a soft velvety cushion.

On the other hand, visual textures are only perceived by the eyes. Textures give a room personality and feeling, so adding this to your space is essential.

7. Pattern

Like texture, patterns can liven up a room in an instant. When matched with proper color schemes, patterns can draw attention positively. These can be in the form of rugs, fabrics, wallpapers, or soft furnishings. 

When choosing patterns for your space, ensure you stick to three patterns, as more than that can create chaos. Also, it's best for all patterns in your room to base on the same color palettes. 

Conclusion

When designing your space, going for the DIY route is easy if you consider these seven elements. The last thing you want is an overwhelming space with the wrong colors, patterns, and some lacking textures and lighting. If you need help creating the most visually pleasing and functional space, contact Spencil's experts, and we'll guide you throughout the design process.  

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Decorating your home could be a big pain in the neck. With so many design rules, you'd probably want to hire an expert and get it over with. Of course, this might not be a budget-friendly option for some. So if you're designing your home DIY style, here are 10 interior design rules you must follow. 

1. Consider form and function

Considering both form and function and not one over the other is crucial in interior design. If you have a piece of furniture that looks good but is useless, it doesn't serve your space. It's the same thing if you buy a piece of functional furniture that doesn't go well with your home's theme. 

Don't be envious of that beautiful executive desk that might go well with your living room sofa. If you're not working from home anyway, why buy it? Better yet, don't buy that lingerie chest that will look good with your king bed if you have a place for your lingerie already. Before purchasing furniture pieces, weigh if it serves both form and function.

2. Choose a color scheme

Choosing a base color is the first step in identifying the perfect color scheme. You may refer to the year's trending color or color psychology to guide you in selecting one. Once you've chosen a base color, refer to a color wheel to determine the colors and hues that go with your base color. A color wheel shows how colors naturally blend, combine, and contrast and is a go-to interior designer's tool.

3. Include different lighting types

Invest in lighting, as it sets the mood in any room. Remember that dark colors may emanate a more hostile and gloomy atmosphere. On the other hand, brighter colors evoke a happy and positive vibe.

Lighting in a room should look pretty. Mix up different types of lighting and use energy-efficient ones. The four most common types of lighting are ambient, task, accent, and decorative. 

4. Mix textures to create layers

Creating layers in every room makes the space homier and welcoming. If you feel something is lacking in your room, the lack of layers might not be hitting the mark. Mix different textures, such as colors, fabric, patterns, surface treatments, lighting, pictures, and more. 

For instance, mix wood with metal or natural fabrics with rattan. Or you may throw in some plants with your rug or accent cushions. 

5. Include a statement piece

A focal point means it grabs a viewer's attention immediately. It's the most evident piece of decoration or accessory in a room. And every space must have a focal point, including statement pieces that steal the limelight. Any hero or statement piece must be able to impact a room. 

It can be an oversized work of art, a patterned rug, a brick wall, a giant floor lamp, or a contemporary, bold sofa. These stage-stealing pieces give any room a good, cohesive look. 

6. Seek symmetry

A haphazard room isn't very appealing at all. A space that doesn't provide balance or a hierarchy of design elements will feel too overwhelming. It resembles clutter and may have a negative impact on your mood. Experts suggest always seeking symmetry, even in the most maximalist rooms. 

Symmetry is a technique interior designers use to achieve a space that looks dainty and smart. It often starts with the focal point and creates rhythm throughout. Moreover, it makes the room look relaxing and calm. 

7. Add mirrors

This is one of the oldest but most helpful interior design rules. Adding mirrors does so much more for your space than you can imagine. First, it expands the room by bouncing light from different angles. Secondly, mirrors can also highlight the statement pieces in your room. Plus, a mirror distributes the space, which creates depth and energy. 

Adding mirrors is also a helpful decorating tip for small spaces. Since it reflects views and lighting, which makes the space brighter, making the room seem more spacious.

8. Dress your windows

Make your curtains kiss the floor, making your room seem taller. Avoid dressing your windows and hang curtains at half-mast. Moreover, the length of the curtains isn't the only factor to consider. You also have to take note of the width, which means choosing a curtain rod that extends past the window casing up to several inches. This doesn't only make your space look bigger, but it also invites natural light. 

Conclusion

Before you embark on decorating your space with these interior design rules, make sure you consider the golden ratio. This valuable technique involves measuring the room and using the 2:3 rule. It involves dividing the space into two sections, and the larger one should be where your big furniture pieces go, like the sofa. Once the bigger furniture pieces are arranged, you can work down to the smaller ones.

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Featured Image: Photo by Tumisu from Pixabay

It's easy to get too deeply invested in decorating your home, mainly if you've just acquired a new one. You want to make the space feel comfortable, secure, and, most importantly, visually appealing. Unfortunately, this can spell disaster for non-interiors designers who only rely on trends and tips they Google online. So if you're not bringing in a professional, make sure you're not making these ten interior design mistakes.

1. Not planning

As with any aspect of life, planning ensures your venture or project will go in the right direction. Interior design requires planning because it's expensive if you commit one slight mistake that involves changing furniture items, paint colors, and the whole shebang. 

Regardless of the project size, you must always write down the entire interior design plan. This includes the color palettes, furniture layout, buying furnishings, accessories, and more.

2. Not budgeting 

Not budgeting is the top second interior design mistake, next to not planning. This crucial mistake can make or break your entire project because if you mismanage your budget, you're back on the drawing board. The first is to determine how much money you can comfortably spend. Next is to jot down the list of items and services you need, such as furnishings, accessories, professional fees, paint, etc. You might not be able to purchase everything, so it's recommended to list the items according to priority.

3. Not measuring the area

Some homeowners eyeball the entire area and furniture pieces that go into that area, thinking their estimates are good enough. However, this can be the culprit for a whole overhaul. So instead of eyeballing, measure the space before buying the furnishings. This will allow you to paint a realistic picture of the layout and space that will make way for foot traffic.

4. Incorrect furniture size

The following interior design mistake is correlative to the previous one. When you're not measuring your space, you'll make the biggest mistake of buying the wrong furniture, including the wrong rug sizes. That said, it's also advised to measure the furniture items so you know which area in the room they fit. Sometimes, homeowners may have the right furniture size but the wrong placement. So it's also vital to ensure the item doesn't look awkward or out of place in a particular room area. 

5. No focal point

A focal point is the first thing that attracts the viewers' eyes. It also gives the room character. Without it, the room may look drab, and viewers may lose interest. Ensure you create a focal point in any room. It can be a fireplace, an accent wall, an oversized chair, a bold decor, a floor lamp, an art wall, or a prominent accessory. 

6. Not considering form and function

One of the biggest interior design mistakes is not considering form and function. Prioritizing one over the other won't create a space you'll enjoy for a long time because there will always be that lacking element. Make sure to choose function while giving way to form simultaneously. 

7. Bad lighting

One way to make your room look brighter, livelier, and bigger is to allow natural light in. If some spaces aren't laden with big windows to allow sunlight, installing different types of lighting is vital. 

8. Matching all textures, colors, etc. 

Some homeowners think that everything has to match. But where's the fun in that? Create a space with visual interest, which means mixing and matching colors and textures. Choose a base color and see what colors and hues go with it. Moreover, mix and match textures, such as accent pillows, rugs, patterns, plants, sofa materials, artwork, and more. 

9. Hanging art at the wrong level

One minute factor that can entirely change the look of your room is artwork that is hung at the wrong level. Experts suggest that a piece of art must be hung at eye level. Also, make sure to display it at an unexpected and subtle location. 

10. No greenery

Plants keep your space bright, cozy, and attractive. It gives life and energy to dull spaces. That said, choose some indoor plants that require minimal maintenance. Instead of grabbing fake ones that you put in a beautiful vase, display natural plants to keep the space alive. 

Conclusion

Decorating your home is easy if everything is well-thought-out. Whether it's a minor room redesign or total house decoration, it's essential to plan, budget, and take note of these interior design mistakes. 

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Every coworking space operator benefits from the increasing demand for "pay-as-you-go" workspaces. There are many factors in creating a conducive space, but arguably one of the most important is the furniture. A good selection of modern furniture ensures comfort for guests who visit and work in your establishment. With this in mind, we compiled coworking furniture ideas with specific uses and benefits to the owner and clients.

1. Height Adjustable Desks 

Only some people in a coworking space would want to sit down all day. Consider putting height-adjustable desks in focal areas if you're building or revamping your existing coworking space. Stance is a brand that embraces the health benefits of this type of desk. It creates a user-friendly work environment and promotes a healthy lifestyle simultaneously. 

2. Bench Desk 

People can use their laptops or set up computers already in place. Power blocks are installed along the central beam of the desks. Meanwhile, surface-mounted power and data units provide laptop and phone charging power. There are several colors and sizes available. You have to choose the best ones that fit your coworking space. 

3. Ergonomic Chairs 

Break the monotony in your coworking space by adding ergonomic chairs. Each chair must be comfortable and suitable for people with specific ergonomic requirements. A high-back office chair is typically the right choice for people who sit for long periods and aren't mobile while seated. 

4. Acoustic Booths

Coworking spaces are busy and noisy. In this situation, people may need an area to find privacy, peace, and quiet. Acoustic Booths are the ideal solution. Cypher and Stream acoustic booths have been trendy during the last couple of years.

5. Folding, Moveable Desks, and Tables

Although the investment may be higher, it is more practical because you'll use them for a long time. The Talent Folding Desks are the ideal solution to meet all the needs of a busy workspace, and when not in use, they can be stored neatly away, creating space for other activities. 

6. Break out furniture

Every coworking space will feature a fun break-out zone to chill or work away from the noise. It will undoubtedly be a colorful area, or it could be a more muted, subtle tone if appealing to a corporate demographic. Set up a DIY break-out room, adding a couple of brightly-color hammocks as shown in our example.

7. Large Acoustic Pods

A room within a room is always a welcome addition to any bare-looking coworking space. Acoustic pods are great for creating a dedicated meeting space that is acoustically protected from outside noise and distractions. Additionally, acoustic pods can be kitted out with several optional extras, including air circulation, power, and TV mounts, perfect for Zoom calls to remote team workers.

8. Bleacher-Type Seating Area 

Coworking offices are great for building connections. While some guests prefer to get their heads down and work with headphones, plenty actively looks to network. Not only are bleacher seats an excellent "feature" for a coworking space, but they are also ideal for meeting new people. This is also a great way to apply the team-centric atmosphere in a regular office setting, which many people might miss when switching to freelance. That's an effective selling point!

9. Coffee Shop-Inspired Furniture

Part of a freelancer's dream is to work in a coffee shop with a Mac and a cup of coffee. As such, coffee shops are arguably competitors, so it is a good idea get inspiration from this interior design trend. As an owner, you can set up modern coffee tables, bar stools, and charging ports for guests' convenience. 

10. Phone and Zoom Pods

While sharing an open workspace with others has benefits, guests must have private spaces, too. With freelancers becoming more reliant on video conferencing technology, private areas are important. One way to implement this is to install individual booths known as Zoom Booths. These booths are typically equipped with laptop stands, and integrated screens, making online meetings easy and convenient.

11. Coworking Furniture with Biophilic Touch

Biophilia can add aesthetic value to space and connect people with nature. Moreover, it can help adopt a pro-sustainability image of your coworking space, likely appealing to a young, eco-conscious demographic.

Work with different ways to add greenery in your coworking space. You can drape your workstation with foliage or add planters that double up as storage units. Besides, creating a mini indoor garden is one of the modern office decors today.

12. Meeting Tables for Small Teams

Coworking offices aren't just frequented by freelancers working on a pay-as-you-go basis. Instead, some small teams work for months in coworking spaces, often when moving between offices.

To attract small teams such as this, it's a good idea to introduce meeting tables where they can collaborate. For practicality, you could create a private space with soundproof doors, a presentation screen, and a digital booking system to ensure guests can access the room when needed. In addition, you could integrate high-standing tables and stools for an ad-hoc collaboration space.

13. Portable Partition Walls

The portable environment dividers or CALM Partition Walls allow us to work at our table more intimately and tranquility without losing contact with the other side of the partition wall. It is about being able to concentrate easily when work requires it but being able to check with a workmate when necessary. This is possible thanks to the partition wall height at 126 cm. This way, when we are seated, we have the sensation of being in a cozier space, and when we stand up, we can quietly talk with the colleague on the other side of the partition wall.

14. Standing Lamps 

One of the many benefits of this type of lighting is its versatility. These lighting products can easily be moved should you decide you don't like where it is placed or want to move your living room around for a change. A floor lamp can become a masterpiece in any room, creating a focal point in a darkened corner or highlighting another feature you want to show off.

15. Cabinets and Lockers

To summarize our list, we encourage you to permanently install modular cabinets in your coworking space. Coworking space is quite different from office spaces. So, you must install furniture encouraging your guests to be organized and work efficiently.

So, there we have it, pieces of coworking furniture that will attract more freelancers and guests. Give us a call here at Spencil if you're planning to decorate a coworking space. We would love to work with you!

Featured Image Credit: fauxels from Pexels

Many businesses have reverted to face-to-face office interactions. That said, returning to the office may seem disorienting, especially if you're used to working at home and have a well-designed set-up. You could either replicate that or give your office space a new look. Whether you're decorating your own nook, a workspace at home, or the whole office, here are tips on how to decorate an office!

1. Incorporate Nature with Plants and Flowers

Adding plants to your workspace isn't just trendy, having plants in the office reduces stress. Plus, it cleans the air. However, it also serves an aesthetic purpose. It can be welcoming to anyone who comes into the office. When decorating, you can hang them up or put them in pots. Make sure to put the plants near the windows. Sure, some don't require sunlight, but for convenience, you can place them near the windows, especially when it's time for them to get sunlight.

2. Light Up Your Office with Lamps

Natural lighting is best because of its benefits, such as increased creativity and enhanced moods. Although many experts recommend natural lighting, lamps are also a great decorative but functional piece in the office. Plus, lamps can brighten your office, especially if you're still working as the sun goes down. And you can even add character to your office with colorful lamps.

3. Bring Color to Your Office with a Color Palette

You don't want drab or dull office space. Adding even a few splashes of color can make a difference in improving one's mood. That said, you have to choose a color palette that your office should use. If you use a color palette, the colors will look harmonious. You can choose your business colors or go for a totally different color scheme from your brand. And if you're unsure which colors go well together, there are color palette generators online.

4. Organize with Storage and Shelves

This works best for home offices. But you can also still organize your actual office or desk with storage boxes, drawers, or shelves. Avoid a cluttered space, as it can impact your overall mood negatively.

Desks may have drawers where you can add items, but organizers or shelves can store other paperwork and paraphernalia you may not need every single time. If you have a large desk, you can slip it under the desk. But if not, you can place it beside your desk. In addition, if you have shelves, you can add other decor, such as vases, frames, or awards.

5. Make it Comfy with Furniture

This is ideal if you want to make over your whole office space or home office. A workspace doesn't have to be functional all the time. You can add comfy chairs for guests to sit on or an ottoman, which can also double as storage.

As for your office chair, find an ergonomic chair to make you comfortable all day long. Plus, you can also add a throw pillow on your couch.

If you work at an office that follows a certain color scheme, it would be best to go along with the palette in your office. That said, if you're not fond of the color palette, you can't go wrong with neutrals.

6. Give it Life with Art or Wall Decor

If you can't paint your workstation, one way to give it life is through art. Wall art, in particular, can make your space alive. You don't need art from world-famous painters. You can have a calming or abstract painting to stare at to rest your eyes after gluing them to the screen for hours. Or, that wall art can show the art style you love.

But, if wall art isn't your thing, you can have other wall decor like rugs or plants. Another wall decor you can consider is inspirational quotes.

7. Personalize

This tip on how to decorate an office works if the office doesn't have any color scheme at all. It means you can spruce up your cubicle, desk, or nook. You can keep it simple by decorating it with pictures of your loved ones. Perhaps, you can reuse household items as storage containers, such as old mugs, to use as pen holders. Or, you can also show off your tumbler and journals. Adding a personal touch to your space gives a sense of ownership, and you are even more motivated to work.

8. Put Rugs

Rugs have a functional purpose, such as absorbing sound and keeping you warm. But as a decorative piece, you can make your office even more brighter with a rug. It would work best if you have a neutral-colored office and want to give it a splash of color. A rug would make an excellent choice, especially paired with other pieces like wall decor or furniture.

9. Hang a Whiteboard

Although you can consider this wall decor, a whiteboard can also become great decor for creatives with many ideas. If you have a whiteboard, you don't have to worry about wasting paper too! Plus, it's not only functional when conducting meetings, but it also lets you draw or write something every day to make you smile or motivated to work.

10. Don't Forget Your Trash Can

Even though a trash can is the last thing you'll think of with decor, you can still beautify your space with one. That said, you can find unique or colorful trash cans to spruce up the place. You can follow the color scheme in your office (or not) or make it even more quirky with a pattern.

Key Takeaways

Decorating an office can seem like a challenging task, but it's not that difficult to do. You must follow some interior design rules that will ensure harmony, balance, and organization. However, if you have the freedom to personalize your desk at work or cubicle, by all means, decorate away! You don't have to be too extravagant about it; even simple items can make your workspace brighter or better.

Featured Image Credit: Pixabay from Pexels

A new year usually warrants new beginnings and, for businesses, new surroundings. So, for the coming 2023, why not give your coffee shop an upgrade? Here are the ten best coffee shop furniture ideas you can try for the coming year.

1. Go Retro

Using a beautiful combination of browns and blacks this retro-style cafe oozes nostalgic appeal. Using different types of textures adds contrast to the coffee shop. The smooth iron frames gives it an industrial look that adds space and interest to the design.

This coffee shop uses a plush leather couch paired with a sleek coffee table. The combination gives the space a cozy and comfortable charm.

2. Elegance and Class

This coffee shop furniture idea makes it fit for any restaurant, most especially a cafe. The vertical lines on the walls pair well with the round tables and curved chairs. It has a few accents in the form of hanging lights and wall art.

3. Glamorize!

While many coffee shop interiors we see have monochromatic designs, usually in brown and other neutral shades. The example below shows precisely why you need to add splashes of bright and bold colors. It gives a unique atmosphere to your cafe while adding glamor and style

The upholstered chairs provide the look and feel of comfort without compromising beauty. The design also has shabby chic written all over, from the walls to the seating combination.

4. Texturize

Inspired by a tropical ambience, this coffee shop furniture idea uses various textures that are visually appealing. The big windows let natural light in, while the ornamental plants give the space a relaxing and natural feel.

The tables and chairs are mostly made from natural materials, going well with the glam look of the classic candle chandeliers.

5. Contemporary

This coffee shop furniture idea is unique and totally conducive to drinking a cuppa joe. The clean lines used as grids connect the shop's various design components to create a harmonious look. The white background emphasizes the black board and classic pendant lights.

The wood finish on the bleacher-style seats adds warmth and touches of color to the design. Overall, the design has a contemporary, futuristic, lively ambiance perfect for a cafe, bar, or restaurant.

6. Industrial Style

Drawing inspiration from warehouses and factories, this industrial cafe furniture has bare walls and ceilings. Despite this, it still exudes a warmth ideal for a shop selling hot beverages.

Notice how the design uses different chairs but still has that industrial yet comfy appeal. The tables have a simplistic design, adding to the industrial look of the cafe.

7. Rustic Feels

Getting its inspiration from nature, rustic design is used in many restaurants, hotels, and coffee shops worldwide. It is a popular choice as it gives a cozy yet energizing feel which is the main characteristic we look for in coffee. In the design below, a beautiful blend of furniture materials is used: wood, metal, stone, and bricks.‍

The stripped-down wall adds color, while the light shades of wood give a clean and smooth feel.

8. Art Deco Style

Elegance and refinery are always welcome attributes in a coffee shop, and art deco is the style you need if you want them. In the example below, symmetrical geometric shapes abound. The dark colors of the chairs provide a lot of contrast to the walls painted with light colors.

Art deco style is all about contrasting colors and the use of brass and chrome that gives it character.

9. Scandinavian Influence

The Nordic influence is popular thanks to its clean lines, light colors, and airy ambiance. It is characterized by open and clean spaces throughout. The Scandinavian style gives a refreshing vibe that's truly ideal for places of relaxation, such as a coffee shop. 

In this design example, the walls are bare, with no touch of paint whatsoever, giving it a down-to-earth appeal. The bikes placed underneath the giant menu board give it a laid-back feel.

10. Relaxed Monochrome

Using cool blue green as its primary color, this contemporary and relaxed coffee shop desig offers a contemporary feel. The simple stool frames, coupled with the smooth lines of the bar and tables, give the cafe a distinct and elegant look. The dark colors provide a relaxing vibe ideal for bars and restaurants with a laid-back attitude.

The cool tones of the walls are complemented by the warmth off the shelf frames, countertop, and ambient lighting.

Conclusion

Furniture is a great way to beautify any space, whether a restaurant, home, or cafe. These examples of coffee shop furniture ideas are an excellent inspiration for a redesign for the new year.

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Spending time in your own space can be even more relaxing when you know you're not harming Mother Nature. In this article, we'll discuss sustainable interior design as well as examples of how you can make your space eco-friendly.

What is sustainable interior design?

Sustainable interior design pertains to an approach to designing interior spaces that consider the environmental impact of the materials, products, and systems used in the space. This type of interior design aims to create spaces that are not only beautiful and functional but also socially conscious and environment-friendly.

This design approach involves using materials made from renewable or recycled materials. In the same vein, it may also include using energy-efficient systems and employing strategies to optimize natural light and ventilation.

What are examples of sustainable design?

Here are some examples of sustainable interior design and how you can apply them in your space.

1. Use Sustainable Materials

Using sustainable materials is a critical part of sustainable interior design. Sustainable materials are renewable, non-toxic, and have a low environmental impact throughout their lifecycle, from extraction to disposal. By incorporating sustainable materials into interior design, it's possible to reduce the environmental impact of buildings and create healthier spaces.

One example of sustainable material is bamboo. Bamboo is a fast-growing and renewable resource often used for flooring, furniture, and decor. It has a lower environmental impact than traditional hardwoods, as it requires less water and pesticides to grow and can be harvested more sustainably. Aside from bamboo, you can also use reclaimed wood, cork flooring, and renewable materials produced with less water and energy.

2. Energy-Efficient Lighting

Lighting accounts for a significant portion of a building's energy consumption, and by choosing energy-efficient lighting, it's possible to reduce energy use and lower the environmental impact of a space.

Two of the most popular energy-efficient lighting options are LED lighting and compact fluorescent lamps. These use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. Daylighting is another crucial aspect of energy-efficient lighting. It can be achieved by using windows, skylights, and other methods to allow natural light to enter a space. By maximizing natural light, it's possible to reduce the need for artificial lighting.

3. Choose Eco-Friendly Furniture

Furniture production can significantly impact the environment, from the materials used to create furniture to the production and transportation process. That said, choosing eco-friendly furniture makes it possible to reduce a space's environmental impact. At the same time, many eco-friendly options offer color versatility, making them a good fit for almost any interior design color scheme.  

4. Go for Organic Fabrics 

Organic fabrics are made from materials that are grown without the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. They are often produced using sustainable practices that minimize the environmental impact of textile production.

Some organic fabrics you can use for your upholstery, curtains, and other interior elements include cotton, wool, and hemp.

5. Incorporate Indoor Plants

Indoor plants have many benefits, including purifying the air, adding color and texture to a space, and promoting well-being. They can also contribute to sustainability by reducing the need for energy-intensive air purifiers and by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.

There are many different types of indoor plants to choose from, and it's essential to select plants that are well-suited to the specific lighting and temperature conditions of the space. Low-light plants such as snake plants and peace lilies are an excellent choice for spaces with limited natural light, while succulents and cacti are well-suited to hot, dry environments.

6. Use Low-VOC Paint

Volatile organic compounds, also known as VOC, are chemicals found in many traditional paints and can negatively affect indoor air quality and human health. On the other hand, low-VOC paints have reduced levels of these harmful chemicals, making them a more sustainable choice for interior design.

One of the primary benefits of using low-VOC paint is that it improves indoor air quality. VOCs can cause various health issues, including respiratory problems, headaches, and nausea. Using low-VOC paint can reduce the impact of these chemicals on human health and create a healthier indoor environment.

7. Recycle and Upcycle

Recycling pertains to the process of transforming waste materials into new products, often through a manufacturing process. Interior design can involve using recycled materials such as glass, metal, or plastic in furniture or decor. For example, recycled glass can create unique lighting fixtures, while recycled metal can be used in decorative wall art or furniture.

On the other hand, upcycling involves repurposing existing materials to create something new and useful. This can be done by transforming an old piece of furniture or decor item into a new and unique piece. For example, an old ladder can be transformed into a bookshelf, or a vintage suitcase can be turned into a unique coffee table.

8. Choose Energy Star Appliances

Energy Star is a program run by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that sets energy efficiency standards for various household appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers.

By choosing Energy Star appliances, it's possible to reduce energy consumption in the home significantly. These appliances are designed to use less energy than traditional models, often by incorporating features such as advanced insulation, energy-efficient motors, and improved control systems.

9. Prioritize Water Conservation

Water is a precious resource, and by reducing water consumption in the home, it's possible to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact.

There are many ways to prioritize water conservation in interior design. One of the most effective is to install low-flow fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens. Low-flow fixtures, such as faucets and showerheads, are designed to use less water than traditional fixtures without sacrificing performance or functionality. Installing low-flow fixtures makes it possible to reduce water consumption in the home.

Another way to prioritize water conservation is to choose appliances designed to use less water, such as washing machines and dishwashers. These appliances often incorporate features such as water-efficient cycles and sensors that can help reduce water consumption.

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Featured image credit: Micheile Henderson on Pexels

The nail salon industry is on the rise, which means stiffer competition. To get ahead of the game, you need to reinvent. Here are ten nail spa furniture ideas you can try in 2023 to boost your business.

1. Blue Contrast

These blue nails spa seats take center stage as they all stand out amidst a white background. It gives a clean and cozy atmosphere ideal for this type of business. The smaller white seats have that streamlined design making them a great complement to the overall design.

The black pedicure bowls give the nail salon design a Zen atmosphere. The simple and sleek design and the minimalist plants exude sophistication and class. The lamps, throw pillow, and wood blocks beside the seats add color beautifully.

2. Cute and Cloudy

If you want a cute look, consider high-backed chairs in colors like light pink and gray with matching stools. Make sure that the materials are soft and velvety to get a welcoming appeal. These go well with white walls and accents.

3. Floral and Trendy

Using a soft velvet material for your furniture will give it a touch of luxury. You can pair the color scheme with ornate shapes like seashells, blending perfectly with the floral and trendy style. For a warm color scheme, match floral pink hues with beige and white wall paint.

4. Plush Luxury

Gray and wood hues have a relaxing effect, making them an excellent choice for nail spa furniture. In the example below, there is an abundance of vertical and horizontal lines on the chairs, cushions, and platform. This gives it a Zen atmosphere that is calming and energizing.

5. Crisp and Clear

The simplicity of the furniture design makes this nail salon a sight for sore eyes. Its crisp and clear lines create a soothing atmosphere. The simple black and white color palette, meanwhile, emphasizes the bright hues of nail colors customers can choose from.

6. Wooden Glamor

Wooden furniture is a go-to option for nail salons. From the floor to the tables and chairs, wood is the element that makes a salon design charming and appealing. Make sure to add various textures o the cushion, towels, and footstools. 

7. Bespoke Beauty

One approach you can take is to choose a main element that will make your nail spa interiors distinct. For instance, bespoke chairs can add a unique touch to a space, making the salon memorable and stylish.

8. Comfort Blends with Style

Beautifully blending comfort with style is the furniture for this nail spa. The seats are stylish but plush, making them look ultra comfy. The addition of matching frames on the wall make the overall look cohesive and sophisticated.

9. The Ornate

While having their nails done, why not indulge your customers in the lavish and the ornate? Consider furniture ideas for nail spas that offer splendor and extravagance. Think fluffy seats, extra cushions, and soft accents.

10. Eclectic

A mixture of styles and colors is a fun and lively way to cater to your customers' nail salon needs. For instance, the mixture of bright teal and pastel hues give this salon an eclectic feel while maintaining a relaxing vibe.

Conclusion

Whether you're just starting out with your nail spa or looking to redesign, these nail spa furniture ideas can help you find your theme. Find inspiration in them, mix and match them, or add your own to create a unique design that stands out.

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Photo by RDNE Stock project from Pexels