How to Show Your Faith in Your Home

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Your home is more than just a place to eat and sleep—it’s a sanctuary, a space where you can express your values, personality, and faith!

 

Whether you’re looking for a subtle way to incorporate religious elements or a bold statement of devotion, there are many creative ways to bring your faith into your home decor. Here are some inspiring ideas to transform your space into a reflection of your spiritual beliefs.

1. Display Religious Art and Icons

One of the simplest and most impactful ways to express your faith is through religious artwork. A beautifully framed painting of Christ, the Virgin Mary, or saints can serve as a focal point in your living room or prayer space. Holyart, an online store specializing in religious art and Christian home decor, offers a wide range of stunning pieces, from classic icons to modern Christian artwork, helping you find the perfect piece to inspire devotion.

2. Incorporate Crosses and Crucifixes

A crucifix or cross is a timeless symbol of faith and can be placed in various areas of your home. A large wooden cross in the living room, a delicate metal crucifix above your bed, or a small one in the entryway can serve as a daily reminder of your beliefs. Holyart provides a variety of crosses in different materials, from rustic wood to elegant silver, allowing you to choose one that best complements your home’s aesthetic.

3. Create a Dedicated Prayer or Meditation Space

Having a dedicated area for prayer or reflection can help you stay connected to your faith in the midst of daily life. You don’t need an entire room—just a quiet corner with a comfortable chair, a small table for a Bible or devotional book, and perhaps a candle or a statue of a saint. Holyart offers a selection of devotional candles and statues that can enhance the sacred atmosphere of your prayer space.

4. Use Inspirational Quotes and Scripture Verses

Words have power, and displaying meaningful scripture verses or inspirational quotes can uplift your spirit every day. Consider framed calligraphy of your favorite Bible verse in the hallway or a wooden plaque with an encouraging message in the kitchen. Many artisans on Holyart craft beautifully designed wall art featuring scripture, making it easy to find something that resonates with your heart.

5. Decorate with Nativity Scenes and Seasonal Decor

During special religious seasons like Christmas and Easter, incorporating faith-based decorations can make your celebrations more meaningful. A nativity scene at Christmas can serve as a reminder of the true meaning of the season, while beautifully crafted Easter decorations can celebrate the joy of resurrection. Holyart offers a wide variety of handcrafted nativity sets, from traditional to modern interpretations, to fit any home style.

6. Incorporate Candles and Incense for a Sacred Atmosphere

Lighting candles during prayer or meditation can create a peaceful and reverent ambiance. Scented candles or incense, such as frankincense and myrrh, can enhance the sensory experience of your spiritual practice. Holyart carries a variety of church-quality candles and high-quality incense that can bring a sense of sacredness to your home.

7. Showcase Religious Books and Bibles

A beautifully displayed Bible or a collection of religious books can serve as both decor and a source of inspiration. Consider placing a family Bible on a coffee table or creating a small bookshelf with your favorite faith-based reads. Holyart offers beautifully bound Bibles and religious texts that can add both beauty and depth to your home.

Conclusion

Your home should be a reflection of your faith, providing an environment that nurtures your spiritual life. Whether through religious artwork, sacred spaces, or inspirational decor, there are countless ways to make your faith a visible and cherished part of your daily life. With resources like Holyart, finding unique and meaningful items to express your beliefs has never been easier. By incorporating these elements, you create a home that not only welcomes guests but also invites a sense of peace, devotion, and divine presence.

Creating a Functional and Family-Friendly Bathroom

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Designing a bathroom that accommodates the needs of the entire family requires a thoughtful approach that balances functionality, safety, and style!

As one of the most frequently used spaces in the home, the bathroom should be practical, easy to maintain, and comfortable for all ages. By incorporating smart design choices, ample storage, and child-friendly features, you can create a space that is both efficient and inviting.

Prioritizing Safety for Every Family Member

Safety is a crucial consideration when designing a family-friendly bathroom, particularly when young children and elderly individuals are using the space. To reduce the risk of slips and falls, opt for slip-resistant flooring such as textured tiles or non-slip bath mats. Soft-close toilet seats help prevent injuries by eliminating the risk of pinched fingers, while vanities and countertops with rounded edges minimize the chance of accidents. Installing grab bars near the toilet and bathtub provides additional support, making the space safer for individuals with limited mobility. Additionally, a temperature-controlled faucet prevents scalding by maintaining a safe water temperature, offering peace of mind for parents with young children.

Maximizing Storage for an Organized Space

With multiple people using the bathroom daily, proper storage is essential for keeping the space tidy and clutter-free. A well-designed vanity with built-in drawers and cabinets offers convenient storage for toiletries, while wall-mounted shelves make use of vertical space without overcrowding the room. Baskets and hanging organizers help store towels, bath toys, and personal care items, ensuring everything has a designated place. For young children, a step stool with built-in storage can be a practical addition, providing both accessibility and extra space for smaller essentials.

Blending Functionality with Style

A family-friendly bathroom should be both practical and visually appealing. Instead of designing a space solely for children, opt for a timeless look with neutral tones and incorporate pops of color through accessories like rugs, shower curtains, and towels. This approach allows the space to evolve over time without requiring frequent updates. Adjustable fixtures, such as a height-adjustable showerhead or a pull-out faucet, accommodate users of all ages. Additionally, small additions like step stools and potty-training aids can encourage young children to become more independent while using the bathroom.

Choosing Low-Maintenance Materials

Keeping a family bathroom clean can be a challenge, so selecting easy-to-maintain materials can simplify upkeep. Water-resistant paint helps prevent mold and mildew, keeping walls in good condition. Durable countertops made from quartz or solid surfaces resist stains and require less maintenance than materials like marble. Seamless shower enclosures minimize grime buildup, making them easier to clean than traditional framed doors. Wall-mounted vanities and toilets provide easier access to the floor, preventing dust and dirt from accumulating in hard-to-reach areas.

Incorporating Multi-Functional Features

To accommodate multiple users efficiently, a family bathroom should include features that maximize functionality. If space allows, installing double sinks can make morning and bedtime routines smoother, especially for large families. Having both a bathtub and a shower provides flexibility—baths are ideal for young children, while showers are more convenient for older kids and adults. A built-in laundry hamper or a compact washer and dryer within the bathroom can also help streamline laundry tasks, keeping dirty clothes neatly contained.

Ensuring Proper Lighting and Ventilation

Adequate lighting and ventilation are essential for a comfortable and functional bathroom. A combination of ceiling lights, vanity lighting, and nightlights ensures that the space remains well-lit at all times, improving both safety and usability. If possible, incorporating natural light through windows or skylights can make the room feel brighter and more inviting. Proper ventilation is equally important—an efficient exhaust fan helps control humidity levels, reducing the risk of mold growth and maintaining good air quality.

Conclusion

A well-designed family bathroom should offer a blend of safety, organization, and efficiency while remaining stylish and easy to maintain. By integrating slip-resistant surfaces, ample storage, and durable materials, you can create a practical space that serves the entire household. Thoughtful design choices, such as child-friendly features, adjustable fixtures, and proper lighting, ensure that the bathroom remains a comfortable and functional space for years to come.

Infographic provided by Bath Concepts

Designing For Comfort: Building A Sensory-Supportive Home For Individuals With Autism

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Creating a sensory-friendly home is crucial for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as it helps improve their comfort and functionality in their living spaces.

Designing such a home goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about creating a nurturing environment that minimizes sensory overload and promotes a feeling of security and wellness. Today, we’ll briefly go over a what this design can entail and the good it can do for your loved one.

Let’s start with the visual aspects. It’s important to understand that the color scheme can play a pivotal role. Studies show soft hues and shades within the green-blue spectrum help calm the mind and reduce anxiety. Opting for natural materials in furniture and flooring may also diminish sensory triggers, enhancing the calming atmosphere. It’s wise to test paint samples and materials before finalizing a choice to verify that they meet sensory needs.

Lighting is another essential factor. While natural light is beneficial, having adjustable window treatments is vital to manage it based on daily or seasonal needs. For artificial lighting, choose bulbs that offer a high color rendering index (CRI) to emulate natural light while avoiding harshness. You may also want to consider using multiple light sources with dimmable features. This allows for customized settings that adapt to specific needs and times. 

Managing noise is equally critical. Soundproofing can block intrusive external noises, and using soft furnishings such as thick curtains and plush rugs inside the home can muffle sounds, reducing echoes and creating a more tranquil environment. Selecting appliances and fixtures that operate quietly can also contribute to a peaceful atmosphere.

Effective storage solutions can further create a sensory-friendly environment by minimizing clutter. A tidy space reduces stress and sensory overload. Closed storage systems help organize and simplify the space, keeping visual distractions low and maintaining calmness.

The overall layout and flow of the home are important too. Make sure there are clear pathways and ample space to move around, which helps prevent overstimulation and anxiety from cramped or cluttered areas.

Incorporating personalized sensory-friendly zones is also beneficial. These areas might feature tactile toys, weighted blankets or soft lighting, tailored to individual sensory preferences, providing safe spaces for relaxation or sensory regulation.

Designing a sensory-friendly home should be a fulfilling experience. It’s a chance to creatively tailor a space that not only meets functional requirements but also supports the emotional and psychological health of its occupants. This approach turns the home into a sanctuary that aligns with and enhances the lifestyle and sensory needs of its inhabitants. 

For more insights and practical tips on crafting a sensory-friendly home, be sure to check the accompanying resource.

A Simple Guide To Creating A Sensory Friendly Home was created by The Autism Treatment Center of America, a provider of autism consulting services

Jeremy Casson: Architectural Styles of Europe

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Having developed a passion for fine art at an early age, Jeremy Casson attended one of the UK’s top art conservation courses while studying at university. Today, he runs his own practice mentoring other conservators.

Beautiful street in Greece with balconies and trees.

From the Greek and Roman classic era to post-modern architecture, this article will explore a selection of European architectural styles, providing an overview of their background and key features.

Greek and Roman

Classical Greek and Roman architecture is characterised by stone posts and beam-bearing columns, with a heavy emphasis on geometry and symmetry. However, while the Greeks favoured the more rudimentary Doric column, the Romans opted to incorporate intricate decorative flourishes and ornate archways.

Running from 900 BC to the 1st century and 590 BC to the 4th century respectively, the ancient Greek and Roman architectural eras overlapped considerably, with their classic influences re-emerging time and time again in subsequent architectural styles.

Greek architecture Roman ruins and columns in Greece.

Byzantine

Adding to the Romans’ use of columns and arches with impressive domed ceilings and basilica structures, the Byzantine architectural phase continued for a thousand years, running from the 4th century to the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453.

Originating from the imperial capital of Constantinople, this architectural style emphasised interior decoration over exteriors, frequently incorporating gold detailing and tile mosaics.

Byzantine architecture in Europe.

Neoclassical

As the name would suggest, neoclassical architecture harks back to Greek and Roman architectural styles, with many 18th century structures somewhat resembling ancient Greek and Roman temples. With a focus on free-standing columns, elegant lines and an uncluttered appearance, buildings from this era tend to be vast, with prime examples including the White House in Washington D.C. and the Bank of England Building in Liverpool.

Neoclassical architecture in Europe, extravagant moldings on balcony.

Victorian

Constructed during the reign of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, this architectural style is not limited to a particular design and incorporates elements of the Tudor, Romanesque and Gothic eras.

Millions of Victorian buildings still survive throughout the UK today, with the style having been adopted in the construction of residential homes throughout the industrial revolution. Victorian houses are characterised by a typical ‘dolls house’ appearance, incorporating vivid colours, elaborate trims and asymmetrical designs.

Victorian architecture in England.

Modern

Popular with many architects in the first half of the 20th century, this minimalist style prioritises the simplicity of form, with a clean structure, focus on functionality and distinct lack of ornamentation. The modern style took advantage of advancements in steel, concrete and glass and was embraced by some of the world’s best-known architects, including Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Modern architecture concrete office building.

Post-Modern

Launched in the 1960s, the post-modern design movement bucked the trend of rigidity and austerity promoted throughout the modern era, incorporating decorative embellishments and artistic elements. Post-modernism drew inspiration from a mix of architectural eras, culminating in a new generation of whimsical, hybrid creations.

Prime examples of the post-modern architectural era include the Dancing House in Prague and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.

Post modern architecture, the dancing house in Prague.