Here is a gorgeous home in Cyclades, Greece, on the Island of Tinos. The architects set out to make the home symbolic of what the island represents – day to day beauty and simplicity.
The home is 250sqm of living space with an open plan layout. There are no cabinets, closets, or drawers in the interior, only built in nooks and niches. I imagine this keeps the inhabitant from bringing clutter into the home and keeps the look simple and serene.
via Yatzer
Sometimes it can feel like technology can get in the way of our home decor. A huge screen TV might not go along with your rustic look, but thankfully there are some clever ways of designing your space around your screens
Built in cabinets are a great way to go! You can mount the TV on the wall or just place inside the cabinet and have a gorgeous space without the eye sore of screens, wires, and devices that with it!
Don’t like the thought of going through the trouble to hide your TV? Try using your it as a centerpiece for your art. Placing your pictures around the it strategically can give the wall a great look without covering up the screen.
LOVE the perfume shelf!
I feel like every time I move, the amount of possessions I have to find space for doubles. It’s important to me that I have a way to tuck some of these things away and hide them so my bedroom can stay clean and serene.
You can also find a lot of storage solutions that double as decor, like old trunks.
2 above via Covet Garden
One space you never want lacking in storage is the closet! I love built in style closets because they feel so luxe and it makes it really easy to store and find items. Not having enough storage space in a closet results in random boxes on the floor or above where you can’t reach them or end up not using the contents because it’s such a pain to get to them!
via House Beautiful
Keep it simple – sometimes, all you need is a few beautiful baskets to create the storage you need. A guest room may only need a few extra pillows and blankets and baskets can be a beautiful and functional way to fill that need.
Another options is to a bed with built in storage in it! Something like a double storage bed is a great option if you are having trouble finding space to create storage in your room or you just need that extra space.
The built in storage under the bed gives it a more flush and clean look – I personally don’t like to put things under the bed, so it’s a great option if you are like me.. There are plenty of different styles of double storage beds that you can choose from. Some have a similar look to multiple drawers or cubbies you can put fabric bins like under the window seat.
The most important factor is not only that the storage is functional, but that you like it, so sometimes it takes a bit of hunting to find a storage solution you like. You want your bedroom to be relaxing and clutter is the last thing that’s going to achieve that! Find a storage solution that doesn’t distract your eye or take away from much needed rest!
Happy Friday everyone! I’ve gathered up some images of spaces that marry two of my favorite interior elements: white, and wood. I personally don’t think there’s anything more classic, crisp, and “home.”
Those floors are gorgeous!
The shelves are a great use of an otherwise hard-to-use wall adjoining a gabled ceiling.
Do you like white and wood?
1.-2. Rue Mag 3.-5. Sweet Home Style
Decorating has never been more popular. The plethora of magazines, television programmes and websites dedicated to DIY stand testament to that.
Visit your local hardware store any day of the week and you will see people browsing the aisles and seeking inspiration for that big decorating project. But before you go ahead and pick up that paintbrush, just give a little extra thought and consideration to what you are going to do and how you are going to do it. Planning is probably the most important part of the job. This is also involves planning against anything that could go wrong and cost you extra money.
Avoiding Problems
There are perhaps two reasons for choosing to undertake your own decorating job. You derive great pleasure from something which is all your own work or you simply cannot afford to employ a professional to do it for you. My boyfriend and I personally LOVE building and creating things for our home. We take a lot of pride in it, but it does tend to take us awhile to finish it up.
This is also where your forward planning is important. Before you start to consider decorating your home yourself, check that your home insurance is up to date and that your buildings and contents insurance cover you adequately. This means that you have a policy that will pay for rebuilding your home and for the replacement of all your clothing, furniture, white goods, trinkets and treasures. In short, your home and everything you have in it. Failure to do this could result in your being seriously out of pocket, so it is of paramount importance to check the figures. We never take on projects of that scope, as we just rent right now, but if you are planning on taking your kitchen down to the studs, for example, you really want to make sure you are protected should something go wrong.
Of course, if you do choose to hire a professional, they will be covered by public liability insurance, so if anything goes wrong you and your home are covered. But to avoid having to make a claim after redecorating, ensure that you are careful and remove all items of value which could get broken or damaged. Cover carpets and furniture which cannot be moved with thick dustsheets. Plastic-backed ones are a good choice as any spillages do not go through them. I am guilty of using only an old sheet to cover things when painting, but I’ve learned the hard way that paint goes right through a sheet.
Be particularly careful about using blowtorches to burn off paint from wood, especially in confined spaces. Keep a wet rag and bucket of water near to hand to cool down any hotspots. Smouldering wood can ignite and, ultimately, your house could burn down. If you are working in the bathroom or anywhere where there is water present take great care in using electrical appliances. Water and electricity definitely do not mix! Aside from blowing every fuse in the house, your life could be at risk, so keep them apart.
Your insurance company is there to help and advise you. Check the paperwork and ensure you are covered so that any disasters are paid for. If you follow these simple tips you can enjoy giving your home a stunning makeover. Just a little planning can avert financial disaster should the worst happen.
Below is some inspiration if you need a little nudge to start planning that redecorating/remodeling project…
Decorative trim, moldings, and a sophisticated paint job can make a huge impact.
via BHG
If remodeling makes you nervous, start small. Some easy to install shelves can make greatly improve a space in much need of storage.
via BHG
Outdoor improvement projects include just as much planning, thought, and protection as indoor projects.
via BHG
Built-ins can be a worthwhile investment when carefully planned out.
via BHG
A custom kitchen is probably the most rewarding home improvement project you can undertake.
via Traditional Home
*disclosure: This post is brought to you in partnership with Churchill
I have to admit, I don’t exactly think of charming little farms when I think of New Jersey, but undoubtedly there is more to the state than what one sees driving down the turnpike. This little farmhouse is proof that New Jersey must have pockets of beautiful land and towns. The home belongs to designer Terri Cannon-Nelson. Terri has utilized some high end resources (they splurged on cabinetry), paired with some more budget-friendly choices (west elm, target, and ikea).
Love this mix – a country table, a Noguchi lantern, and an over-dyed rug from the 40s!
I like the cabinet – but to me the windows are crying out for some window treatments other that those blinds…
A gorgeous built-in houses her china collection.
I have a serious thing for large floor mirrors…
What do you think of this New Jersey abode?
via Country Living
This apartment, inhabited by young entrepreneur Nikole, used to be a “bachelor apartment.” In the beginning of the 20th century, bachelor apartments were created in old houses for young, unmarried professionals who were just starting out. The space is just 350 sq. ft., but the amazing light and bright walls keep the space airy.
Nikole used to work as a pastry chef, so her kitchen and amazing array of tools is one of the most important areas of her home. You can see her shop, full of nifty tools, here.
I don’t usually go for accent walls, but I like this charcoal gray ones. It keeps the space from being overly feminine.
Go to Covet Garden to see more and read the story.
I’ve been in beautiful San Francisco since Saturday, and today is my last day. I thought I’d pay homage with this gorgeous Pacific Heights 700 sq. foot apartment. Enjoy!
I LOVE her bedroom. Calm but happay at the same time. The architectural elements are to die for.
This lady is good at editing her stuff – but maybe a tad bit more – like some art, etc. – would help us learn a little about the person who lives here.
What do you think?
via Apartment Therapy
There are lots of pretty decorating books out there, but it’s only every now and then that I get one where I want to scan and show you every single page. This book, “Books Make A Home,” is one of those few gems.
“Books Make A Home,” by Damian Thompson, is filled to the brim with ideas and imagery of how to store and display the books in your space – large or small…
like in alcoves..
…even bathrooms! (I do love reading in the tub!)
This white bedroom, where color is solely brought in be books and the three potted plants, is one of my new favorite spaces.
Don’t store books above your bed if you live in an earthquake prone area.
I’m against covering books so they fit into your decor or color palette. Books themselves are beautiful to me, and I like people who come into my home to be able to learn a little more about me, where I’ve been, and what I’m passionate about, by the spines on my shelf.
A cleverly placed book shelf is a classic great idea for breaking up a studio or large space into separate rooms.
So, are the books in your home there haphazardly? Or have you stored and displayed them in a thoughtful way? If so, do you arrange them based on where you need to access them, there importance to you, the beauty of their spines, etc. ? Can’t wait to hear how you integrate books into your home!
The book can be purchased on Amazon.
all images from “Books Make a Home,” I received “Books Make a Home” as a sample.