Category: breakfast nook

Ceiling considerations when renovating your home
When renovating your home, ceilings often get overlooked, but they play a crucial role in the overall aesthetic and functionality of a space. Here are some key considerations:

Used with permission from Mimi & Hill

1. Ceiling Height

Impact on Space Perception: Higher ceilings can make rooms feel more spacious and luxurious, while lower ceilings can create a cozier, more intimate atmosphere.

Structural Changes: Altering ceiling height can be complex and costly, involving structural changes and potentially relocating plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems.

Used with permission from Mimi & Hill

2. Ceiling Design and Style

Traditional Flat Ceilings: Simple and common, easy to maintain and paint. These are also far more desirable than popcorn ceilings. You’d be surprised at the low cost of removing popcorn ceilings.

Vaulted/Cathedral Ceilings: Create a sense of grandeur and openness but may increase heating and cooling costs.

Coffered Ceilings: Add depth and architectural interest, suitable for formal areas like dining rooms or living rooms.

Tray Ceilings: Offer a subtle decorative element and can make a room feel taller.

Beamed Ceilings: Provide a rustic or industrial look, often used in living rooms or kitchens.
3. Materials and Finishes
- Drywall: Most common material, easy to install and paint.
- Plaster: Traditional and durable but more labor-intensive to apply.
- Wood Panels: Add warmth and texture, ideal for rustic or coastal styles.
- Metal Tiles: Offer a unique, industrial look, often used in kitchens or bathrooms.
- Acoustic Tiles: Useful for soundproofing, especially in media rooms or home offices.
4. Lighting
- Recessed Lighting: Creates a clean look, good for general illumination.
- Pendant Lights: Provide focused lighting, great for dining areas or kitchen islands.
- Chandeliers: Add elegance and a focal point, suitable for entryways or dining rooms.
- Cove Lighting: Enhances architectural features and adds ambient light.
Used with permission from Mimi & Hill
5. Insulation and Soundproofing

Thermal Insulation: Essential for energy efficiency, keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

Acoustic Insulation: Important in multi-story homes or apartments to reduce noise transmission between floors.

6. Painting and Finishes

Color Choices: Light colors can make a room feel larger and more open, while dark colors can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

Textured Finishes: Options like popcorn, knockdown, or smooth finishes can add visual interest but may require more maintenance.

Used with permission from Mimi & Hill

7. Sustainability

Eco-Friendly Materials: Consider using sustainable materials like reclaimed wood or low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints.

Energy Efficiency: Integrating energy-efficient lighting and proper insulation can reduce your carbon footprint and utility bills.

8. Safety and Building Codes

Compliance: Ensure any changes meet local building codes and regulations, particularly if you’re making structural changes.

Fire Safety: Use fire-resistant materials and ensure proper installation of smoke detectors.

9. Budget

Cost Estimates: Factor in the costs of materials, labor, and any structural changes. A Renovated-Home is not an investment to take lightly.

Return on Investment: Consider the potential increase in home value and comfort versus the cost of renovations.

10. Professional Advice

Consultation: Hiring a professional architect or interior designer can help you make informed decisions and achieve the best results.

Careful consideration of these aspects can help you create a beautiful and functional ceiling design that enhances your home renovation project.

Thanks to Renovated-Home for consulting.
July 31, 2024
An amazing industrial chic New York City apartment

Okay, so this apartment isn’t technically in New York, it’s in Hoboken. I actually worked in Hoboken years ago when I lived in Brooklyn, and it’s a really cool city with great views and great food. I also recently discovered the work of John B. Murray Architect and have been binging on the portfolio. Here is just one of the amazing homes the firm has worked on.

Huge windows make for amazing natural right. And what about that fawn-spotted rug?

There is just something about bookshelves with a ladder isn’t there?

This kitchen is so dreamy. The subway tile backsplash, the rough hewn wide plank floors.

This home is full of amazing details and impeccable taste.

September 21, 2018
Beautiful dining rooms in every style

Beautiful Dining Rooms

I’ll be honest with you, it took me awhile to find even these 6 dining rooms that really knocked my socks off. Maybe I’m just getting pickier, or maybe beautiful dining rooms are a shortage these days? Whatever the cause, I hope you find at least one that speaks to you, and I tried to find them in a variety of decor styles.

I found the above dining room to be really unusual, but I thought it merited a share. The glass table and wood chairs is a really interesting choice. I feel like this dining room could also double as a space to be really productive if you chose to work from home.

I LOVE this dining room and that it is a small intimate room dedicated purely to sitting and enjoying a meal, board game, etc.

I’ve been seeing settees, banquette, and other comfy seating more and more, which is nice because it means families are hopefully focusing on more time gathered around the table in each other’s company.

Aren’t those chairs cool? The round table is STUNNING too.

What do you think of all the mixed seating? I like dining rooms with a lot of natural light, as I need it to feel awake in the morning.

Want more? Check out these elegant dining rooms.

All images via DecorPad

October 26, 2017
5 Clever Tips on Decorating Your Interiors

There are always times in one’s life when one just gets tired of one’s living room or bedroom and wants to add something more to what one already has. Adding beauty to your wall could help you there to fill the emptiness you feel within your abode. I always find that having flowersforeveryone.com.au in my house can really lighten up my mood, but the same could not be said for everyone. So here are a few ideas that can enable you to give a new look to your good old home.

Do I need a professional approach?

When going for a makeover for your walls, it’s always best that you go for a tested and proven approach. Since there are many ways you can make your walls look more attractive, you need something that matches your tastes and personality, and for that, you need someone who can help you find the perfect match.

via Lonny Mag

Colours your personality synchronises with

If you are thinking about painting your bedroom, you should know that there are distinct colour palettes offering a variety of shades. Painting your bedroom is not something you can just decide and start doing. You need to choose the colours you are most comfortable with and make sure you can tolerate them for a long period of time. Don’t just pick any colour just for the sake of fashion, you will end up regretting it in the long run. Experts advise going for two basic colours and a few different shades that could enhance the beauty of the base colour.

via Amara

via ?

Floral designs!

Sometimes people like to go with floral designs for their walls. Here you have the liberty of even choosing floral wallpaper on one wall and then paint the rest with matching colours or other simple patterns. It is always better to choose colours that go with your furniture or vice versa. You can also choose floral designs that cast an impression of your favourite season.

via Nancy Lane Interiors

Classic polka dots!

Polka dots are not only classic, the also go with the moods of different people. They also help you in colouring walls with different shades, shapes and textures all in one go. If you wish to create excitement by breaking the monotony, use polka dotted stools!

via blog.dabbiericollection.com

via Tidbits & Twine

Chaos goes with Creativity!

If you feel like using different textures and prints like polka dots, paisley and ikat all together, then just do it. Be a bit careful with the shades and the tones and a bit of creativity can land you the perfect creative chaos.

Remember, your house is your retreat after a hectic day at work. It is the place you spend lovely times with your husband and children and create memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. So plan carefully and take your time while deciding the décor of your interiors. Some psychologists are of the view that the décor of the house has a lasting impression on the personalities of children. So if you feel uncertain about anything, simply get some professional help and all will be well. Good Luck!

*disclosure: This post in partnership with Flowers for Everyone

July 13, 2017
Transitional Interiors: A fresh and colorful 1940’s home

Transitional Interiors

I particularly like this house tour because it’s not over the top or a complete interior design fantasy, and because transitional interiors are my favorite. I can see real people living here. The house is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and inhabited by a New York couple. The interior design is by Lindsey Coral Harper.

This entry is like a breath of fresh air.

The kitchen floor is painted. Harper says: ”
The floor was stained a deep, dark brown, and it brought the whole room down. I suggested we do a large geometric design, because the kitchen is so large — it’s a 20-foot-long rectangle. The bold graphic breaks it up so it doesn’t feel so big. We kept the pattern clean and simple because the ikat on the sofa is so busy.”

A tip from Harper I’ve never heard before, but one that makes a lot of sense, if you are going for impact that’s not too over the top:

“You can only have one showstopper in a room. In the foyer, it’s the wallpaper; in the living room, it’s the curtains; in the dining room, it’s the chandelier; in the kitchen, it’s that acid yellow color. It’s like a dinner party — you can only have one great storyteller. If two people are vying for attention, it doesn’t work.”

Love this bedroom.

What do you think of this house… a good balance of color?

via House Beautiful

June 8, 2017
Just beautiful rooms to start your week off right

No specific topic today, just beautiful rooms to inspire this rather gloomy morning (at least here in MD). Granted, it’s also not Monday, but I also wasn’t particularly productive yesterday. So, without further ado, I bring you some interior design eye candy and inspiration.

What a great kitchen to wake up to every morning. The natural light and open concept is so nice. The glass front cabinets mimic the windows.

via ?

This bedroom in silver and purple is all about the elegance. Of course, what is more elegant than a purple velvet tufted headboard?

via Dwelling Decor

This is more of an art shot but the white and gray, wainscoting, and architectural details are really stunning.

via Tanini Home

A humble but cheerful breakfast nook looks like such an ideal way to start the morning. What I wouldn’t do for a little greenery out the window these days!

via Digs Digs

The blue Chinese stools and green velvet couch add elegance through jewel tones to the staircase. I like the gallery wall with tiny pictures too.

via BHG

Bohemian in pastels isn’t something you see too often. A bit busy for me but nice to look at!

via House Beautiful

January 10, 2017
An amazing industrial chic New York City apartment

Okay, so this apartment isn’t technically in New York, it’s in Hoboken. I actually worked in Hoboken years ago when I lived in Brooklyn, and it’s a really cool city with great views and great food. I also recently discovered the work of John B. Murray Architect and have been binging on the portfolio. Here is just one of the amazing homes the firm has worked on.

Huge windows make for amazing natural right. And what about that fawn-spotted rug?

There is just something about bookshelves with a ladder isn’t there?

This kitchen is so dreamy. The subway tile backsplash, the rough hewn wide plank floors.

This home is full of amazing details and impeccable taste.

What do you think of this Hoboken apartment by John B. Murray Architect?
All images from John B. Murray Architect

October 6, 2016
Bench Seating Inspiration

Kitchen’s can always use extra seating. Formal dining rooms are nice but not always available in smaller spaces. Finding that balance between a kitchenette and enough space to seat a family is easier than you might think. Bench seating can create extra space where you might not think you have it.

via popsugar

With a traditional dining room table it would need to be in the middle of the room to allow for people to move around the chairs. If you need that room for other things, a bench seat allows you to put the table up against the wall and give your more floor space.

via bhg

It can create seating where you thought you couldn’t have it. This little corner would normally barely fit two and a simple bench can add additional seating and storage.

via mydomaine

Don’t have a dinning room or need that space for something else? Take your breakfast nook up a notch! Bench seating can double as storage space too! That’s a win-win.

via hgtv

A formal dining room isn’t for everyone. If you’d rather a cozy home, make it cozy!

via sugarandcharm

If formal is your thing and you can’t picture a bench seat in a formal setting, hopefully this well help! Keep it simple and classy.

Do you love bench seats? Do you have any in your home? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

October 14, 2015
Inspiring Eat-In Kitchens

Supposedly eat-in kitchens are back, though I never knew they left. I have just never had a kitchen large enough for a table other than a small barista table. I really like the idea of an eat-in kitchen to get the family together and away from the TV though. Seems like it would be cozier than eating in the dining room!

via Pinterest via Centsational Girl

I love one side being a booth or a bench – a great option for squirmy kids.

via Pinterest via House and Home

via Pinterest via BHG

via Pinterest via Desire to Inspire

via CoCoCozy

Do you have an eat-in kitchen? How often do you use it?

December 10, 2014
Unexpected ways to make your dining room chic and gorgeous

My dining room is one of those rooms that is visible from most other rooms in my home, so it’s really important to me that it’s easy on the eyes. Here are some fabulous dining rooms, big and small that I would be more than happy to have as my own…

via homeremodelnote

Loving this clean and chic dining room. It is small, just like mine, so how genius is the floor length mirror at one end of the dining table. I will definitely be trying that trick.

via homedesignlove

I’m a big fan of bench or settee seating at the dining table. You can put a bench on just one side or on both.

via Lonny Mag

Feeling risky? Go all out and get full bench seating! I would still have two simple mix matching chairs to put on each end to maximize the seating in this space but I love the idea.

How cool is this bench? And those blue velvet chairs? The chandelier is often the conversation piece in a dining room, making the chairs the focal point is a nice change of pace.

via Pinterest via La Dolce Vita

I LOVE the idea of combining a library and a dining room. I grew up in a family that often reads and eats at the same time ( I know, I know…not always a healthy environment for books)

via Pinterest via feedly

April 17, 2014