Tag: interior design

A basic guide to rustic home decor

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If you want to redesign a space with a rugged yet comfortable aesthetic, consider adding rustic home decor. The term “rustic” can apply to many interior design styles, but all have the same basic elements in common.

Here is a basic guide to the pinnacle of comfortable yet classic home decor: rustic design.

What are the key features of rustic home decor?

Heavy

Rustic design is often described as “heavy.” Bold, thick lines in basic shapes and angles without intricacy are common in rustic furniture and decor. A great example is a dining table and chairs with large, square legs. Heaviness also applies to fabrics and upholstery. Think sturdy leather armchairs, thick throw blankets and dense but simple window drapes.

Simple

Rustic decor is more about the material and function than intricacies seen in other design types. Therefore, the representations are often simple. Go for streamlined furnishings that showcase the material while clearly communicating the chosen function. For wall art, keep busy patterns and detail to a minimum.

Handmade

Rustic design includes handmade elements with character and imperfections. This might include unique pieces like hand woven blankets, wooden shelving and light fixtures. Avoid anything obviously mass-produced, and instead create rustic charm with one-of-a-kind furniture and accessories.

Real wood

Real wood is essential to rustic interior design. Wood furnishings with natural knots and grain are key elements of rustic decor, and the more lived-in the better. Wood doesn’t need to be unfinished to count as rustic, however. Stains that show the natural imperfections of wood pieces are ideal, as they can protect your furniture while giving the rustic aesthetic.

Textures

Rustic decor requires variety in textures. The more natural textures you can bring into a space, the more rustic and comfortable it will feel. Experiment with combining exposed wood grains, jute weaves and soft leather. Avoid heavily polished surfaces, but add some weathered brass or wrought iron accents for things like lighting and wall art.

Rustic home decor can make any space stylish and comfortable without being fussy. Remember these key elements of rustic design when planning your next style makeover.

3 Tips for Picking the Perfect Area Rug

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An area rug can make a significant difference in the aesthetic and feel of a room. You can add style, affect the sense of space and tie together all of your furnishings in one step. But how do you choose the right rug for the room? Everybody’s taste is different, but here are the main things to consider when picking the perfect rug:

Rug Size vs. Room Size

The size of the room is the first thing to consider when choosing a rug. Most designers advise centering the rug in a room so it isn’t touching any walls. That said, be careful not to choose too small a rug. A rug that’s too small for the room can make the entire space feel more cramped. Instead, try to find a rug that will let you keep 10 to 20 inches of bare floor on each side.

Color & Pattern

Color is another great starting point when choosing the perfect rug. The color of your area rug will affect the palette of the entire room, so consider your existing color schemes in your choice. If you have a room with lots of color and pattern, try a more neutral or single-colored rug to ground the space. Conversely, a brightly colored or boldly patterned rug can enhance a room with lots of neutral tones.

Lifestyle & Maintenance

Practicality matters with area rugs. You want to choose a rug that will match your lifestyle in addition to your design. Think about the purpose of the room and the amount of regular traffic the rug will endure. Also consider elements like moisture, probability of stains and amount of direct sunlight. A dining room rug should ideally be easy to clean in case of food or drink spills, and a bathroom rug should be resistant to damage from humidity.

Flat-weave rugs are easiest to clean, while cushy, high-pile rugs often need professional shampooing. You can usually find all of the maintenance information for a rug on its tag, but if you want more information, you can consult a vendor or rug cleaning surface for advice.

An area rug can serve an important utilitarian purpose as well as a stylish one. Choosing the perfect rug for your space will enhance the aesthetic and your enjoyment of the room.

3 Celebrity Home Trends to Try in Your Own Home

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Photo by Taryn Elliott from Pexels

Using celebrity homes as a source of design inspiration can require some creative thinking. After all, it’s almost impossible to replicate exactly what some stars have in their homes. Luckily, there are ways to take ideas from extravagant star abodes and make them work in your own home on a smaller scale. Here are some of the hottest trends from celebrity homes you can try yourself:

Celebrate Your Personal Style

Everyone has their own idea of what makes home truly their own. Some celebrities have taken this concept to a whole new level and created iconic interiors completely unafraid to emphasize what they love most. One easy way to do this is with a favorite color. If you have a specific color you love, don’t be afraid to use it in your decor. You can start small with accent pieces like throw pillows, rugs and wall art or go completely monochrome and match your furniture, curtains and more. As long as you don’t allow the features and furniture of a room to completely disappear in a sea of a single color you can make a truly personal space you’re excited to be in.

Love the Outdoors

Celebrity homes can provide incredible inspiration when it comes to outdoor living spaces. You can achieve some of the same luxury without the Hollywood price tag, too. Try adding curtains or retractable shades to a covered patio for privacy and ambiance. Cozy cushions on outdoor furniture and an outdoor rug will boost the comfort and style of the whole space and make it somewhere you want to spend time. If it’s safe to do so, setting up a small fire pit surrounded by inviting chairs can create a luxurious but accessible spot to enjoy the fresh air. For smaller spaces you can achieve a glamorous look with soft lighting and a plush throw blanket to ward off a chill.

If you don’t have any outdoor space to decorate, don’t worry—you can still use this trend to your advantage. Emphasizing your windows to bring in the light and the view from outside can do wonders for an interior space. Use hanging plants as decor to bring nature inside and create a boho-chic vibe. Use botanical motifs and soothing, natural colors to let the sun shine in.

Layer & Combine for Comfort

Another hot style trend currently found in celebrity homes is layering textures and materials. Think overlapping rugs or table cloths. If you stick to the same color palette while mixing patterns and textures and still keep the room feeling upscale but not stuffy. Use wall art of different sizes and an eclectic mix of lighting and you’ll achieve an atmosphere that’s relaxed but refined all at once.

If you find yourself feeling envious of celebrities for their home design, don’t forget that you can do a lot of the same things for less. What’s even better is that you’ll be doing it for yourself and create a space you can truly be proud of.

Got an Old Door? Create Your Dream Headboard in 7 Steps

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Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

Have you always dreamed of having a beautiful stately headboard at the head of your bed? Do you have an old door and wonder just what you can do with it? If you answered yes to both of those questions, boy, do we have the perfect project for you. Using your old door and a few more supplies, you can make your dreams a reality, creating a gorgeous headboard in seven easy steps. Here’s how.

1. Grab All Your Supplies

Before you get started, gather your materials and tools to breeze through this project with ease. The materials you will need include:

  • Old door
  • 3-Inch crown molding
  • 1 – 5×73 oak board
  • 4 – 2×4 lumber
  • 220-grit sandpaper
  • Satin paint in your preferred color
  • 1 ½-Inch wood screws
  • 1 ½-Inch nails
  • 2 – 3-inch bolts and nuts

    • As for tools, you will need:

  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Cut-off saw
  • Drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Paintbrushes
  • Nail gun
  • Ratchet and socket set

    • With those items in hand, you can get started on creating the headboard of your dreams out of an old door.

    2. Remove the Old Hardware

    Use your screwdriver to remove all the old hardware on the door, including the hinges and doorknob. Either toss out the old hardware or put it to the side for another project.

    3. Give It Legs & a Frame

    Cut the 2x4s down to size with the cut-off saw, making them small enough to frame around three sides of the back edge. You will screw these pieces along the sides and top edge of the back of the door to extend it out enough to accommodate the mantle edge. Then, measure your bed to determine how long the legs need to be. Cut the rest of the 2x4s to that length and screw them to the bottom of the door.

    4. Dress It Up with Trim

    Take the oak board and cut it to the length of the door. Secure to the top edge of the door with your nail gun. Cut two pieces of the crown molding to the length of the door and secure them just under the oak board to create a cohesive mantle edge. Then, do the same for the sides, cutting a small piece of crown molding and securing it with the nail gun.  

    5. Sand & Paint

    While being careful to retain the edges of the molding and door details, sand everything down lightly to prep the area for paint. Then, use your brushes to paint the surface using your selected color. Allow the first coat to dry for at least four hours, then add a second. Allow the second coat to dry overnight before continuing with this project.

    6. Install on the Frame

    With the door painted, it is time to install it on the frame of your bed. You can do so by finding the height of the mounting point on your bedframe and measuring up the legs to mark that point. Then, use your drill to create holes large enough for your mounting hardware. Slide your hardware through the hole in the legs and the mounting plate, then tighten down with your ratchet and socket set.  

    7. Step Back & Admire

    Once you reach this step, all that is left to do is step back and admire your hard work. Your efforts have not only saved an old door from the landfill, but also allowed you to create the headboard of your dreams. And that is definitely something to be proud of.

    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.

    Tips for arranging living rooms with TV stands

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    Many homeowners arrange their living rooms with TV placement as their priority. As a common focal point, a TV can pose some design challenges, especially in small or unusually shaped rooms.

    However, there are plenty of places to put your television in your living room without sacrificing style or comfort. To help you find the best arrangement for your living space, here are some points to consider:

    Power source & outlet placement

    Concerning practicality, it’s important to think about placing your TV near an outlet or power source. Extension cords are plentiful and useful, but it can be a hassle to route an abundance of wiring around the room.

    Remember to account for your other devices when planning TV placement as well. It’s not only your TV you’ll be plugging in – DVD, Blu-ray, sound systems and game consoles all require power of their own.

    Windows & screen glare

    Think about where your windows are in the room and avoid placing your TV directly opposite of them. If you have east or west-facing windows, consider the glare from low-angled sunshine early and late in the day.

    Window screen glare can be eliminated by heavy curtains or closed blinds. Other sources of glare, like task or accent lighting, should be avoided when possible for a clear picture.

    TV stands & living room furniture

    Consider what support you need for your television. If wall mounting a TV, identify and measure the locations of studs before drilling any holes. If you prefer to use a TV stand, consider what style will work best in your living room.

    Open shelves keep your components easily accessible, while closed cabinets have a sleeker aesthetic. For a fully integrated entertainment center, plan your TV placement alongside wall shelves for the best possible use of wall space.