Category: Living Room Design

How to Make Your Living Room More ‘Green’

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Make your living room eco-friendly with some of these “green” decorating ideas!

What’s a better place to start going green than your living room? And when I say “green” I don’t mean getting a lot of plants (although that can be one part of it, why not). There are so many ways you can turn your house green, even if it wasn’t originally built according to the eco-friendly standards. And before covering the rest of the house, why not start from the place where you spend most of your time.

It has the most options for going green, and can thus make the greatest impact both on the environment, and on your health, at the same time. So here are a few suggestions on how to make the living room more eco-friendly. Some of them may require a bit larger investments, but are definitely worth the money. In any case, you don’t have to apply them all at once.

Get Eco-Friendly Furniture


Photo: Via Pinterest

When selecting new furniture for your home, make sure it is made of eco-friendly materials, preferably renewable ones as well. You can recognize such furniture by the GreenGuard label, which ensures lower levels of toxicity emissions. What’s more, you can turn to the Sustainable Furnishing Council for the list of all eco-friendly manufacturers of living room furniture.

[su_note note_color=”#5cc9a2″ text_color=”#ffffff” radius=”0″]If you are not in a good financial moment to buy the new furniture, you can consider recycling what you already have. Try reupholstering your old sofa, armchair or chairs, ideally using an organic fabric, which is locally harvested and free of pesticides.[/su_note]


Photo: Apartment Therapy

Change Your Flooring

This might sound like a lot of work, but it will definitely pay off. The idea is to use renewable floor materials. The top ones would be the fast growing bamboo, tile, sea grass, cork, linoleum and wool. If you really can’t renounce a wood floor, at least make sure it’s made of FSC wood. This means it’s confirmed the wood is coming from sustainable forests. It’s good to keep in mind that the major part of tropical woods, such as, for instance, mahogany, come from the rainforests, so it’s advised to avoid them.

If changing the entire flooring is too much for you at the moment, at least consider changing your carpet. A new carpet is an essential that will make your living room pop, without too much effort. Wool is a good choice of material, since it’s renewable and harvesting it does not hurt the sheep it comes from. Also, some companies offer carpets made of recycled nylon, which is further recyclable, so it’s an example of the so-called “cradle to cradle” manufacturing, since once you decide to throw out your old carpet, it can be recycled into a new carpet again.


Photo: Glitter Guide

Use Eco-Friendly Wall Paints

The factor that decides a paint’s eco-friendliness are the so-called, VOC, that is, “volatile organic compounds”. These ingredients have been connected to various health issues, and even cancers. They represent the gases which are emitted in your house after your walls are painted.

There are some companies who produce VOC-free paints, which are of no less quality than the standard high quality paints. You will recognize eco-friendly products by the green seal you should find on the label, so that should help you choose. This is a very important factor when it comes to your and your family’s health, and also when it comes to the overall air quality and gas emissions.

Whichever option you choose, it will be a great improvement for your overall quality of life and for the environment. So try to keep it up and move further on the “green” way.

To contact Skylar’s Home & Patio Furniture San Diego
9160 Kearny Villa Ct, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
858-939-1360

Minimalist Décor: How to Simplify Your Home

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Are you a fan of crisp, clean, and stylish home decorating? You’l love minimalist decor, here are some tips on how to simplify your home!


Photo: Storme Conradie

You don’t have to be a hoarder to collect a lot of things you don’t actually need over time. People usually feel bad for even thinking of throwing away some sentimental item, so it all stays where it is collecting dust and creating clutter. But organizing your home is not that hard if you adopt a minimalist way of thinking and try to uphold its principles. “Less is more” is something you will often read in articles about minimalism, especially when it comes to design.

Most likely, you will be amazed how someone can live with almost nothing in their home, but that’s where you’d be wrong. Minimalist décor is less about the furniture and more about the understanding and treatment of your space, something you’ll get the feel from these several ideas to simplify your home.


Photo: Via Instagram

Organize your drawers

Drawers are first to become cluttered and the last to even be considered for organizing. All the things you don’t need but have a problem to throw away, ends up in a drawer. The best way to put it in order is to empty their contents on a pile and start examining item by item. Surely there are things in there you don’t need and even didn’t know you kept until you looked at the drawer. Then use bins and organizers to keep the drawers neat and tidy. Also, use drawer dividers to compartmentalize the drawers.

Choose the base

When it comes to color, it’s more than just using one shade for everything. What you need is to decide what will be your base color. The best choice would be some neutral color like beige or light grey. You can easily add darker or lighter undertones to these colors and even try one more vivid shade to highlight certain points in your home, especially when it comes to small apartments. Natural light is important since it will bring out the freshness and warm up space regardless of the simple design and color combination.


Photo: Decoist

Downsize on the furniture

The hardest part will be to downsize your furniture since everything will seem important and needed at the moment of minimizing your space. When you start following the minimalist principles of décorating your home that doesn’t mean that you should lose most of your furniture and feel uncomfortable. The point is to declutter so that you have enough room to move without hitting anything, to create harmony among the pieces in your home and to be in control of your space. You can still have cozy and comfortable furniture, but only more organized and arranged. You could try the rule “one in, one out” meaning that if you buy something new, you have to get rid of something old, which can be quite useful when it comes to furniture.

Get rid of the clutter

Over time, you collected figurines, vases, pictures and all sorts of small things you use as ornaments and décorations for your home. And soon enough they swallowed your home and turned it into a museum. Just like with the drawer, have a good look at the shelves, cabinets, coffee table and walls, then decide which things you will donate, sell or throw away. Today, storage solutions intended just for these purposes are more and more available in Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong, Brisbane and other Australian cities. That way, you won’t be saying goodbye to your belongings for good, but you would be storing them away to re-evaluate later.

Apply texture

The texture is the key ingredient to transform your home from frigid to welcoming, and yet let you have a minimalist décor. This is done by introducing knitted materials like covers and throws, plush carpets and velvet fabrics. But playing with texture can be a bit risky since if you’re new to minimalist décor, you will try to warm it up too much. Namely, if you mix textures, shapes and materials of different colors you will create chaos and disorder, something you not only try to avoid but also escape from. Designers advise using the colors and shapes that blend well in nature since this is the safest way to avoid mistakes.

How to Free Up Space in Your Home

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Make your home look and feel twice the size with these easy ways to free up space in your home! You’ll be surprised at what a difference it make’s and how large your home really is!


Photo: Style at Home

Have you been feeling space is a bit tight in your home as of late? Is it starting to get difficult to find a place for everything and move through the house without feeling like you are in an obstacle course? If so, it’s probably time to start looking for ways to free up space in your home. This will leave the space feeling bigger, brighter, and just more enjoyable to relax in. Here are some tips you can use as you work to free up space in your home.

Go Through the Cupboards

One of the biggest culprits when it comes to wasted space in a home is our cupboards. There is bound to be items there that you no longer want or need that are just taking up space. Think about it, if you manage to clear space in your cupboards, then it allows for more storage space for all those items that are currently causing clutter in your home.


Photo: Home Decor Star

You will want to start by taking everything out. Once you’ve got an empty cupboard, you can then start to decide what will be going back in. A general rule of thumb that will help you decide what to keep and what to get rid of is the one-year rule. If you haven’t used it or worn it in the past year, then there’s a good chance you won’t miss it.

[su_note note_color=”#f1aec4″ text_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]Tip: Before you do put everything back into the cupboard, it would be a good idea to consider a cupboard organization system. This could include racks, shelves, drawers, and hanging rods. These types of system provide you with a massive amount of storage space in an organized manner.[/su_note]

Invest in Smart Furniture Pieces

Rather than just looking at furniture to serve one purpose, it’s time to start shopping for smart pieces. Today, you can find furniture that is able to multi-task and act as both a place to sit, rest, or place objects and provide storage.

Great examples include ottomans with storage under the top, a bench seat at the front door that offers storage underneath, a bed frame with built-in shelves and drawers, and even storage chests that can double as tables.


Photo: Audrey Yap

Start Using those Nooks in Your Home

Does your home have an odd shaped nook or area that is pretty much just dead-space? There’s no reason it can’t be functional and act as the perfect place for a bookshelf, a small desk or workstation, or even a coat rack and umbrella stand. If you’ve got small kids, this could even be their designated toy corner. You can also make a window nook look bigger by adding flooring to ceiling curtains that make your ceiling look taller, and your windows longer.

Install Shelves on the Wall

For those looking to free up space in their home, shelves can be your very best friend. Think floating shelves that don’t take up any floor space but offer you spots to store items, collections, and even a place for your decor pieces.

What to Do with the Junk?

Now that you’ve gone through the house and reorganized and gathered up a pile of things you no longer want or need, it’s time to get rid of all that junk. Enviro Waste London can help by removing it for you. You won’t have to do any of the work and Enviro Waste will even re-use and recycle items where applicable.


Photo: Southern Living

Enjoy the Added Space

By taking these steps to reorganise your home, you will suddenly feel as though you’ve gained all kinds of valuable space. Not only that, you will find it’s much easier to locate items once they have been stored and placed in a more organised and uncluttered manner.

* Are you looking to purchase a new home? Take a look at Cache Valley Homes, you may find your dream place right here!: http://www.cachevalleyhomes.net/homes-for-sale-in-smithfield-ut



Infographic Provided By luxury apartments in Chicago , Downtown Apartment Company

10 Easy Ways To Make Your Living Room Look Elegant

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Check out these 10 easy ways to make your living room look designer decorated and elegant!

 


Photo: Citrine Living By Tamara Anka

True to its name, the living room is one of the most important places in your house – where life happens. Mostly, it is one of the first places you see upon entering your home. It is where your visitors gather, where you spend lazy days and evenings watching movies or playing video games. On most homes, living rooms consume a big part of the total space. For these reasons, don’t you think it’s about time to revamp your old and boring living room and make it more elegant and luxurious? How? Scroll through our 10 easy ways below. You’re welcome! 

A Clean, Uncluttered Home is a Must

Gone are the days that a living room filled with antiques and decorative stuff are in. The truth is, an over-accessorized room can look messy and disordered. Ditch most of your decorations and only leave those which have sentimental values for you. If you can keep your space simple and clean, it will look more cozy and comfy.

Hardwood is Preferred over Carpet

You should also get rid of that dusty carpet and replace it with hardwood. While it is true that carpets can bring in that soft and warm feeling, hardwoods can provide a more elegant appearance. Purchasing a hardwood is really a good affordable investment not only because they look good and they last a long time, they can also make the reselling value of your house higher.


Photo: Domaine Home

Embrace Your Vintage Style

[su_note note_color=”#fdc1df” text_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]Classic decorations can instantly upgrade your place’s look. Whether it is a real antique or it just looks old, it doesn’t really matter as long as it looks historic, it will give a timeless feel to your living room.[/su_note]

Camouflage Your Television

A huge rectangle television placed in the center can really bring the luxurious impression in your living room. You can use mirrors to hide your TV but if it is not fit in your budget, you can reduce its presence by letting it blend with a gallery wall.

Use an Interesting Textile

You can use custom textiles in your throw pillows or you can use small pieces like seat cushions as coverings to add a vintage mood to your things in the living room. Using these types of fabric will make your room have a unique element and elegant aura. You can also consider rolling out a oriental rug. There are hundreds of styles of Persian rugs available making it easy to find one that matches your style and decor.


Photo: Style Me Pretty

Hang a Large Scale Art

The easiest way to makeover a room from top to bottom is by using a grand piece of artwork. You can give your space a wow factor by placing an enormous wall-painting at the center of your living room. It will give a big impact on your room and you do not have to exert too much effort because all you need is one big piece. You can look at different shops to find one at an affordable price or you can just do it yourself if you are into painting.

Include a Piece with History

Put something with a historical value in your living room. It can add a sense of wisdom to the place. Anything from a mirror or side table figurines will do. Just remember that the older it looks, the better.


Photo: Freshideen

Lighting Makes a Difference

Forget about the traditional lighting if you want an elegant looking living room. Designer lights are now widely available almost everywhere and it is much better than your standard chandelier. If done right, this lighting can impact the look of your room and it can be the difference between just-another-living-room and a luxurious looking one.

Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get this designer decorated look. You can try looking at some flea markets or garage sales for second-hand items or shop at Halcyon to have more design options. You can save money but be sure that all the things you will buy are still working. Additionally, some lighting can be more effective if you will do some paint jobs to buff and improve your place.

Incorporate a Sculptural Item

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”#0abf8c” class=”” size=””]Try to avoid a boring sea of straight lines by adding something with an interesting shape or a distinctive silhouette. For instance, a tree root coffee table or a unique side chair will make the ambience more artistic. Feel free to put anything that is exceptional and uncommon.[/perfectpullquote]


Photo: Sophie Robinson

Simplify Your Styling

A popular saying goes like this: Simplicity is a beauty. It is also true when it comes to living rooms. You don’t have to put too much stuff in your room just to make it look beautiful. If you have a lot of decorations in your room, it may otherwise look cheap.

How Decorating with Floral Wallpaper will Transform Your Home for Summer

Michelle from Modern Architecture Concept

Decorate your home for the summer season with a new design trend: floral wallpaper! Here’s exactly how and why you should be jumping on the band wagon!

We all love learning about new decorating trends and since the summer season is quickly approaching, it’s time to pop something colorful into your home. Floral kitsch wallpaper may have been in style in the 60s, but trends always come and go… and come back in style! This summer, roll out some floral wallpaper and make a statement in your home. Here’s why and how you should be decorating your home with this exciting trend!

Create a Statement Wall

Putting up floral wallpaper throughout your whole space may seem a little much, but wallpapering just one wall in your home will look just as beautiful! Creating a statement wall with colorful, floral wallpaper is a fantastic way to bring color, light, and energy into your home. Think about wallpapering just one wall in your kid’s room right where natural light hits to showcase a beautiful print in all it’s glory.


Photo: Domino

Use it In Your Office

We all know that working from home can make you feel unmotivated, glum, and uninspired. That’s why I’m always looking for new ways to bring my office to life and create a space that inspires. This white washed office was pretty plain before this wallpaper installation. Matching the chairs and storage boxes to the colors swatches in the wallpaper really tied the whole look together. It’s important to make your wallpaper match your room, so a good way is to take color swatches from the wallpaper and use it for the rest of your decorating. Match up your curtains, upholstery fabric, accessories, and finishing touches to make your decorating look seamless.


Photo: Bloglovin’

[su_note note_color=”#f19aba” text_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]If you are lucky enough, you may even be able to find fabric in the same print as your wallpaper. Take advantage of something like this and use it to create cushions and simple curtains to make your room look customized and put together.[/su_note]

Liven Up Your Bathroom

Bathrooms are the perfect place to experiment with your decor and try something out of the ordinary. The greatest thing about trying a new wallpaper or wall color in the bathroom is that pretty much anything will work in this space. Why? Since there is not much furniture and fabrics in your bathroom, it’s pretty easy to make a crazy wallpaper work great with no competition. This white bathroom looks colorful and positive thanks to this drop dead gorgeous “granny floral” wallpaper instalment. If you are afraid to take the plunge elsewhere, take a risk in your bathroom – you definitely will not be disappointed.


Photo: Style Caster

Use Floral Wallpaper in Unexpected Places

To add an extra pop of color, use floral wallpaper in unexpected places like this cute reading nook. I like to wallpaper the inside of my drawers or the inside of bookshelves with colorful vintage wallpapers for a pop of color! Experiment with different prints and don’t be afraid of adding some color to your home. Floral wallpapers are the perfect thing to add some color, energy, and vibes to your home this summer.


Photo: Shop Catherine Masi