Tag: interior decorating

No Renovating Needed: Easy Ways to Divide Up a Room

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Sometimes decorating a large room is difficult. With so much space, knowing how and where to arrange furniture and accessories can seem daunting. One thing that can make the process easier is dividing the space in half or into smaller pieces. Rather than call your contractor about building a new wall, we’ve gathered some easy and inexpensive ways to divide up a room.

Shelving Units

Backless, cubby-style bookcases are a popular trend in both storage and interior design. One of the best things about them is that they allow partial visibility to whatever is behind the shelf. If you put a shelving unit like this in the middle of a room or perpendicular to a wall to create a corner, you can define the space without cutting off airflow or light. This will also keep both parts of the room connected, but comfortably separated.

There are plenty of choices for shelving units to divide a space, but you can also create a bolder division by using a bookcase or shelving unit with a back or two sides. Floor-to-ceiling modular bookcases make a solid definition without adding an actual wall. Whichever style you choose, you’ll appreciate both the definition it adds to the space and the myriad options for storage and decoration.

Indoor Trellis

Trellises have ever been a popular and simple way to divide an outdoor space or add privacy. However, using a trellis indoors can be just as helpful. Houseplant lovers can encourage climbing or trailing plants to cover the trellis with natural greenery and liven up the space while creating depth. Those who prefer not to keep live plants can also use artificial vines to mimic the same outdoor look.

A trellis can also make a bold statement all on its own. Try staining a wood trellis with a rich, dark mahogany color or even black paint. You can also opt for a metal trellis for a more industrial angle. Regardless of whether you use plants, an indoor trellis can divide up a space easily and inexpensively.

Rug Placement

Not every room divider has to be vertical. In fact, strategic placing of area rugs can make an enormous difference in the flow and structure of a large space. If you want to define two specific areas, for example, place two different rugs with space between them. The empty floor space will create a natural division that’s unobtrusive and easy to change if necessary. This method works especially well for separating a living room from a dining room or office nook.

You can use rugs of different sizes, colors and styles to make an even bolder separation. However, keep in mind the scale of the space and the furniture. You don’t want to go too far and make the space feel crowded by using too many oversized pieces.

A large space is like a blank canvas and sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. One of the best things you can do to help solidify your decorating and design plans is to divide up the space. Using these tips you’ll be able to section off a large and intimidating space into manageable pieces with specific functions and aesthetic. Best of all, without building an entirely new wall, you can save money and give yourself the freedom to change your layout in the future.

What is Rustic Style Interior Design?

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Rustic design is one of many styles that can be difficult to define. Elements of interior design styles are shared and combined so frequently that you might not know what is rustic and what might be something else. Luckily, there are a few specific characteristics unique to rustic design you can use to guide your decorating decisions. Here we’ll go over the key elements of rustic interior design to give you a better understanding.

Raw & Unfinished Textures

Rustic design features organic and natural materials that show their original texture and colors. Real wood is essential, and the more weathered the better, whether it be for furniture or flooring. Rustic design celebrates age and well-worn pieces so you might even find some items classified as “distressed.” Obvious grain, knots or imperfections are excellent—try reclaimed wood for better chances at a unique look.

There are many other natural textures combined with unfinished wood. Thickly woven textiles or rugs, raw (or faux) animal hide, well-worn leather and raw stone are common staples. You want each piece to be safe and usable but to stay truly rustic, stay away from glossy or heavily polished surfaces. Anything and everything that keeps its natural texture will be perfect for your rustic style space.

Exposed Beams & Brick

While more of an architectural element than strictly a decorating one, exposed beams are a key feature in rustic design. Exposed beams add visual interest to the upper view of a room and also promote a sense of tradition and coziness. You don’t have to live in a ragged log cabin in order to get the same rustic feel of utilitarian and sturdy construction that exposed beams can create.

You’ll also find a lot of exposed brick in rustic design. If you don’t have real brick walls, you can easily replicate them with interior wall siding panels from your local home improvement store. Because brick has such gritty natural texture, it can still add to the rustic style of a room when painted white or another soft color.

Handmade & Natural Materials

Imperfections and uniqueness are essential elements of rustic design. Handmade items, while often more expensive, are a great way to keep the look of the room comfortable and accessible. If you don’t go for truly handmade options you can still get the same effect with anything unique or second-hand. Some examples might be hand-woven rugs or blankets, handmade pottery or unique furniture items like end tables or chairs.

Regardless of the style, however, the materials are the most important thing. Rustic design uses natural materials that are commonly available like stone, wood, jute and canvas rather than man-made metals or synthetic fabrics. For a softer touch, you can go with linen and organic cotton.

Heavy Duty & Functional

While rustic design might favor simple furniture items, it doesn’t mean they’re minimalist in construction. Rustic design is all about large, heavy and solidly built furniture and accent pieces. The style is secondary to the material but there is very little embellishment or decoration. Go for well-worn but simple leather couches and chairs with chunky legs. Every piece should be functional rather than chosen purely for looks, but it’s easy to find beautiful options that still fit the approachable and simple rustic style.

Rustic interior design is an effortless style to use in your own home. The next time you think about furniture and decor choices, go for natural materials with lots of texture and neutral colors. You can create a sense of comfort and tradition no matter how modern the setting.

Incorporating Antique Doorknobs into your Decor

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Image by savannaholson0 from Pixabay

There are many people who are looking for new and inventive ways to decorate their home. In order to get the most out of this process, it is important to pay attention to detail. The doorknobs are a commonly overlooked source of decoration. One of the ways to add a little bit of personal style and flair is to replace the existing doorknobs with a classic, antique, ornamental doorknob. Those who are looking for ways to replace their existing doorknobs should take note of the step by step instructions.

Take Off the Old Doorknob

The first step in replacing a doorknob is to remove the old one. Take a screwdriver and remove the current knob from the inside portion of the door. Once the screws have been removed, the doorknob will release. This will allow the user to remove the knobs from front and back of the door at once. 

Remove the Latch Plate 

The next step in replacing a doorknob is to remove the latch plate. This is on the inside lip of the door. Most latch plates use small, Philips head screws. Once the screws are removed, the latch can be pulled out. This step is also needed for those who are replacing the deadbolt of their door.

Fasten the New Latch Plate to the Door

Once the old latch plate has been removed, the new one can be fastened in place. Make sure that the tapered edge of the turning lock is facing against the strike plate on the frame of the door. Use the screws that come with the latch plate to fasten it in place. The latch plate should fit snug to the door when this step is finished.

Install the New Spindle and Doorknob

With the latch plate in place, it is time to attach the antique doorknob. The exterior portion of the doorknob should have a long spindle that is connected to it. Insert the spindle into the latch plate that has just been installed. The spindle should stick out to the other side of the door. Use the plate and hardware that comes with the doorknob to fasten it in place. Once this has been completed, the interior handle should slide over the spindle with ease. Make sure the parts have been aligned and the doorknob is in place. Make sure to try out the new doorknob to ensure it works properly.

Decorating with Antique Doorknobs

Now that people know how to replace an existing doorknob, there are plenty of antique, ornamental styles to choose from. The floral designs of a classic antique doorknob will still fit well with almost any style or decorative scheme. While some people think that antique doorknobs might be past their prime, they still have plenty of use when it comes to decorating styles today. The details of an antique doorknob can bring an entire room together.