Decorology

Category: small space

  • Making the Most of a Small Space: Small Bathroom Design Tips

    Making the Most of a Small Space: Small Bathroom Design Tips

    Whether you’re building it from scratch or renovating, knowing how to design a bathroom to maximize the space is essential. Check out these tips and tricks!

    The U.S. residential kitchen and bath market is worth over $150 billion dollars. Kitchens and bathrooms are a big deal, and people love remodeling them. 

    Not everyone owns a mini-mansion but having a small bathroom won’t stop you from having a beautiful and functional bathroom. Do you have a small bathroom you’re remodeling? Are you wondering how to make it practical and spa-like?

    Learn how to design a bathroom even if you don’t have a ton of space. Keep reading for some designer tips to trick out your small space and make it feel luxurious.

    via Kitchen Concepts

    Getting Ready for a Remodel

    Bathroom remodeling takes planning, patience, and budgeting to get the look you want. Most homeowners exceed their budget when remodeling. The most common reason is not doing enough research and pre-planning. 

    Start with your budget first, knowing the exact amount you can spend. Plan on spending a few thousand dollars extra for unexpected surprises. If you don’t end up needing the extra, you’ll come out ahead. 

    Do Your Research

    Look at your wish list and then start pricing. How much is that fancy faucet? How much is that gorgeous sink? You can find a wealth of information on sites like bathroom store uk.

    Familiarize yourself with how much things cost. Price out everything from flooring to toilets to faucets. You’ll soon understand the basic costs of your project. 

    Once you have a good feel for material costs, you’re ready to find a contractor. Look for someone with experience remodeling bathrooms. Ask to speak with a few of their recent clients.

    via Kitchen Concepts

    Be clear about the budget with the contractor. 

    It’s a good idea to have one contractor who oversees the project. Otherwise, you’ll be in charge of the plumber, the tile person, and everyone else working on your bathroom. 

    If you choose to be the project manager, you’ll soon see why hiring an experienced contractor is the way to go!

    How to Design a Bathroom With These Small-Bathroom Ideas

    Designing a bathroom may seem simple at first but you’ll soon realize a small bathroom is a challenge. The good news is, you’ll spend less money on a small bathroom because you won’t need as many raw materials. If you want to go for a minimalist design, it  isn’t always as simple as it seems to be, especially when it comes to fixtures. You’d want to have as little details seen or exposed as possible to achieve a minimal look. This is often a challenge when choosing bathroom fixtures because of the pipes. Fortunately, there are efficient toilet systems available that use “macerating” technology to lessen the need for pipes, allowing it to have a minimalist look.

    Here are some great small bathroom design ideas. 

    A Pretty Shower Curtain

    While going with glass doors is modern, consider a pretty shower curtain instead. Glass doors swing in and out while the shower curtain slides to one side. 

    A clean white curtain lets lots of light through while still maintaining privacy. 

    via Kitchen Concepts

    Wall-Mounted Sink and Faucet

    A wall-mounted sink leaves lots of open space below for small drawers or shelves. It gives a small bathroom a feeling of space. Go with a sink that has plenty of counter space right up snug to the wall. 

    To make the most of the space around the sink, use a wall-mounted faucet as well. Position it high enough that there’s room on the back of the sink for soap, toothbrushes, and other essentials. 

    Door-Mounted Towel Bars

    Small bathrooms often lack wall space. It’s hard finding a place to hang your towels. Look no further than the back of the door. 

    Need space for more towels? You can fit decorative hooks in small spaces. Look for a small wall spot near the shower and fit a hook or two there. 

    Over-the-Toilet Counter

    Many wall-mounted sinks have one end that extends out to the side. Positioned right, you can extend that part of the sink into a shelf running over the top of the toilet. This adds a nice design touch while giving you a bit of extra space for storage or a decorative touch. 

    via Blackband Design

    Clever Overhead Storage

    Are the bathroom ceilings high? Add some personality to the room with wall-mounted glass shelves high above the toilet. Fill the shelves with bright decor adding vibrance to the small bathroom. 

    Consider the Corners

    Some small bathrooms have odd shapes and awkward corners. Instead of seeing it as a flaw, use odd corners to your advantage. 

    Make full use of the space with a corner sink or cabinet. Corner sinks are good solutions for areas with difficult traffic lanes, such as where a cabinet door opens. 

    The All-In-One

    This bathroom is a “wet room.” This isn’t for everyone but it works well when dealing with a tiny space. 

    Cover the entire small room in mold-free tiles. Use built-in shelves and high towel racks. The hand-held shower goes on one wall. The entire bathroom is your shower. 

    This solution does require an out-of-the-way spot for keeping your toilet paper dry!

    via Blackband Design

    Clever Use of Mirrors

    Mirrors make any room appear bigger. Mirrored cabinet doors across a small wall reflect light and convey a spacious feel. 

    Place mirrors where they’ll reflect the most natural light. 

    Wall-Mounted Toilet on Bold Tile

    How about a wall-mounted toilet against a bold tile? Extend the tile from the floor up the wall behind the toilet and all the way to the ceiling. 

    Paint the other walls cream or white. This adds a lot of personality in a small space while making it feel spa-like and luxurious. 

    Using large tiles set on the diagonal also makes the room feel bigger. The wall-hung toilet leaves open space underneath also adding to the illusion of a bigger room. 

    Try a glass wall-mounted shelf above the toilet. 

    Lighting Options

    The right lighting makes the room appear bigger. Make sure the room is well lit. Avoid pendant lighting since that makes the room appear smaller. 

    Wall-mounted lights set high are one of the best options. Well-placed recessed ceiling lights with dimmers are another good option.

    Designing the Perfect Small Bathroom

    Now that you know how to design a bathroom, you’re ready to start. Remodeling a bathroom is daunting but with the right help, you’ll have a beautiful new room in no time. 

    Start with a clear budget in mind and do your research. Once you’re ready, find an experienced contractor. 

    via Blackband Design

    Remember to look for features that add space, such as wall-mounted sinks, toilets, and faucets. Use corner cabinets and sinks if appropriate for help with awkward spaces. 

    Most important of all is to find the ideas that work best for your budget and taste. Have fun with your project!

    Looking for more great decorating ideas? Keep perusing the blog! Thanks to Kitchen Concepts for contributing!

  • 4 Aspects to Contemplate in a Staircase Design for a Modern Home in the UK

    4 Aspects to Contemplate in a Staircase Design for a Modern Home in the UK

    Apart from the staircase letting you access rooms on floors, it is easy to accessorize. An elegant design in stairs brings together creativity and innovation. The trends evolve in construction style and items used. Stair parts can play a big part in transforming your house into a modern home.

    Combining the right stair parts will give a fresh taste. It will revolutionize the standard architectural design. The design can match other décor in the house. Attractive spindles, handrails, mouldings, brackets, posts, panels, bases, and caps are common.

    The components of a modern staircase seek to give comfort and durability. It enhances the experience while navigating through your home. The choice of model and composition of parts depends on domestic or commercial needs.

    We will discuss things to think about as one looks to give the staircase a modern outlook;

    i. Space

    Photo by Amy Bartlam. Design by Sandra Fox Interiors.

    Each space that a stair occupies can develop its unique design. A straight or spiral staircase will make use of treads, handrails, and newel posts. Expanding the surface area that a staircase occupies is not a must.

    The newel posts will hold the rails at the bottom and top of the stairs. A glass panel with metallic spindles can fit well in a commercial building. It will enhance the professional outlook of the premises. Wooden spindles are good for homes and hotels. The home décor can match well with the spindles as they offer safety against children falling off stairs.

    ii. Budget

    Design by Sandra Fox Interiors.

    The style and material to use for your modern staircase will depend on the budget. While stair cladding, the risers, steps, and caps on the edges give the outlook, there are a variety of materials to use for wooden steps, risers, and caps. The components can make use of mahogany, Walnut, White Oak, or Pine.

    Other materials that develop the stair parts include metal, glass, or timber. Make the point to discuss the budget with an expert in home decors. S/he will get you what you want according to preferences and budget.

    Design by Sandra Fox Interiors.

    iii. Safety Precautions

    The people using a staircase should be able to navigate up and down with ease. Safety is essential for the elderly and children when using the stairs. While installing the handrails, give enough width allowance according to the building regulations.

    A landing space will reduce the steepness of the stairs. It helps those with medical and mobility challenges.

    iv. Design and Material to Use

    via Christina Wikman

    There are different techniques to use when getting the design to use for your staircase. Timber, marble, steel, aluminium, and concrete are common materials to use. The design can incorporate two types of materials according to what works for you.

    The Newel stair caps, newel post caps, bases, mouldings, and brackets will give the room an elegant look.

    Conclusion

    A well-thought staircase plan enables a prospective customer to get the ultimate customer experience. Modern homes use the space under a staircase for storage. Creativity in developing the partition will depend on the design and finishing. Stair parts are durable for both indoor and outdoor housing plans. Thanks to George Quinn for contributing

  • Questions you should be asking when thinking about a new floor

    Questions you should be asking when thinking about a new floor

    Getting a new floor in your home is a big undertaking. While it can be a lot of work, it can also make a huge difference to how you view and the overall design of a room. As with any large purchase for your home, there are some questions you need to ask yourself before you go ahead and put an order in.

    via Jenny Keenan Design

    Is it practical?

    Practicality is crucial with flooring and making sure any floor you choose for a specific room is practical for that space is vital. Some rooms have very different requirements for their floors, and this needs to be taken into consideration. The clearest example of this is where a carpet isn’t suitable or practical. Both bathrooms and kitchens are rooms where a carpet is completely impractical because of the high amount of moisture present and the issues this can cause in carpets.

    via Jenny Keenan Design

    Unless you live on your own, as with any piece of furniture, you’ll need to consider how this new floor will impact your family. If you have young children, a floor which is softer so that they can play on comfortably is a good idea. Also, one which is easy to clean and unlikely to stain is also useful for families. This leads us nicely to the next question you should be asking yourself.

    via Jenny Keenan Design

    How easy or difficult is it to maintain?

    Maintaining any floor is something you need to keep on top of if you want to keep it looking its best. Different flooring material have different maintenance requirements, and this is something you have to consider when making any decision on a new floor. To keep wood floors looking their best, they need to be sanded and oiled from time to time, and carpets require special machines to clean them thoroughly. If you’re looking for a floor which requires less work, vinyl flooring is a good option.

    Asking yourself if you want and have time to go to the lengths it takes to clean and maintain some floors will help you narrow down your options when initially looking at flooring types available.

    Is it within your budget?

    via Jenny Keenan Design

    As with everything, there are different price ranges for all types of flooring. In general, though some flooring options are more expensive than others. Once you know exactly how big the space you need to cover is, it’s worth asking around to find out a general price for all the options you have in mind. The key thing to remember is to stay within your budget. You also need to factor in the cost of fitting the floor. Unlike a piece of furniture, such as a sofa, where you pay for the item and potentially the delivery, with flooring never assume that fitting is included as often it isn’t. It’s vital to check before you buy the flooring how much fitting will cost because that could impact how much you can spend on the floor itself.

    For all that buying a new floor can be challenging because it is a big decision, if you take the time to ask yourself these questions and do your research, you’ll end up with something you can love and enjoy for years. Thanks to Amtico for consulting

  • Shabby Chic, Rustic or Vintage: Which Concept Suits You Best?

    Shabby Chic, Rustic or Vintage: Which Concept Suits You Best?

    Designing your home in a way that will make you feel comfortable and secure is very important. The key to do this correctly is to know what you want and understanding the concept you want to pursue.

    Individuals have different taste in designing their homes as there’s also a plethora of design options to choose from. However, there are design concepts that may confuse us since they have the same style and vibe.

    Shabby chic, vintage, and rustic are three of the most popular yet commonly-misinterpreted concepts.

    Let’s talk about these three design approaches and differentiate them, so you will have a better understanding.

    via Ricco Style

    How to Spot The Difference

    The best way to separate the three concepts is to understand their core philosophies. Always remember this pattern: vintage is time, rustic is a place, and shabby chic is style. The three have their own charms and characters that will appeal to many homeowners. You can even use all of these themes simultaneously.

    Using these three designs altogether won’t harm your overall design concept. But for you to pull it off, you might need a design expert’s guidance or advice. These people will guide you on how to use these three designs in the correct manner. Doing it by yourself may result in a profligate design and will hurt not only your goal, but also your savings.

    Being comfortable with the design you are going to choose is vital. You are going to live in this home, and you are the one who will deal with the place every day so you must know what you want. Understanding these designs can help you choose and decide what path you are going to.

    To further understand these concepts, let’s dissect each of them carefully. Let’s again discuss their differences and functions. Will it be a better choice to combine the three designs or choose one and stick to it?

    via Ricco Style

    Shabby Chic

    Shabby chic style is softer and has a more feminine vibe to it. It will be a bad idea if you live with boys since this design focuses more on female inhabitants. Many males might feel awkward or uncomfortable living in a home that has a more feminine vibe.

    If you live alone or with another female, it would be an excellent choice to express your femininity. Shabby chic decors or furniture tends to be more weathered or old age looking. You can use both old and new items as long as it looks aged.

    Also, some vintage items are considered shabby chic, and rustic also used to describe shabby chic items. It is why confusion has circulated among these three schemes. But the difference will emerge when you picture these designs separately.

    Take note that color palettes used in shabby chic designs are more light, which makes pastel colors the most choice of the designers. It gives the cozy and light feeling of your space. Most items used in this design scheme are antique items or at least things that look antique.

    Rustic

    via Ricco Style

    The rustic design gives out an outdoor or countryside vibe. Items used for designing a rustic scheme are usually in earth, wood, and green tones. This design leans towards more natural choices.

    Burlap and twines, mason jars, and wooden boards are what make or break this design. But you should incorporate these things with caution. Don’t overdo it, or else, it will look more of a farm than a home. Though it is what should it look like, you still want your home to be livable by humans, not by animals.

    You can still have the rustic feel by using a plaid tablecloth or more natural colored curtains. Furniture can also contribute to your design. Choose wooden furniture that has a weathered look for a warm and woody feel.

    Even indoor plants can give out a rustic vibe inside your home. You can add several plants to your living room and kitchen. You can also add some in your bedroom or the bathroom.

    Tobiason & Rook Construction; via Ricco Style

    Vintage

    The vintage design gives you a nostalgic vibe as most furniture or accessories used in this scheme are old or antique. It has a cozy and laid back feel. This concept is best for couples since it also gives a romantic and elegant atmosphere.

    Decors used in this concept depict a specific period. Even the accessories have their history to tell. Those histories will combine as you incorporate all of the items together to create the vibe that you want.

    Many individuals are more inclined to a vintage look for their homes. By choosing this approach to style your home, you can use old furniture, which can also help you save some bucks. You can use your grandma’s old wardrobe or your mom’s antique mirror. You can also use an old AC and heater unit or check Lewisville TX AC Repair and Residential HVAC Contractors if they can customize one for you to look more antique to fit with your theme.

    For other people, the vintage design resembles a haunted house, but it all depends on how good your interior designer is. If your designer is a bit careless in putting things and don’t know how to balance, then you will end up with a house that looks old and scary.

    For this reason, you should check the blueprint and ask many questions before pushing through with the design and the plan. It is not wise to spend on things that will only ruin the vibe. Sometimes, less is more, and that’s what you need to put in mind.

    Takeaway

    All three concepts are unique in their own ways. If you love the idea of those three concepts, you can use them to create the design you have in mind. The differences between the three aren’t that obvious. They even look the same but only have different approaches. The keys to perfect the combination of the three designs is being careful and not overdoing them. Always seek help from a professional before engaging with your plan. Thanks to Southern Comfort Mechanical for collaborating!

    Author’s bio:

    Anna Stallman is a part-time writer who enjoys writing about home improvement and the real estate industry. Her articles have earned praises and helped a lot of people improve the quality of their lives at home. When she’s not trying to teach herself a new set of skills, Anna paints abstract art pieces.

  • The New Downsize Craze: A Shipping Container Home

    The New Downsize Craze: A Shipping Container Home

    In a world where space is limited, people are downsizing their homes. A shipping container home is one of the trendy options and they are easy and fun to do!

    Did you know that downsizing can lead to financial and mental health benefits? Consider downsizing to a smaller home.

    Are you wondering what a shipping container home is? Not to worry! In this guide, we’ll go over how to make a home from a shipping container.

    Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out.

    Leftover Shipping Containers

    via Curbed

    A lot of imported goods exceed the exported items leaving the United States. This results in a bunch of used shipping containers getting left behind. They aren’t expensive, and so it’s more cost-efficient for companies to buy new containers.

    This way, they don’t need to ship the used containers back home. A Lot of these old containers get discarded.

    Look into new and old shipping containers from Transocean Containers.

    Sustainable Living

    Since most companies leave behind old containers, they get melted down after awhile. You can repurpose the containers and make a positive impact on the environment.

    via Alibaba

    By building a well-insulated and small home, you can adopt a new sustainable way of life. You’ll save a lot of energy and money. These homes have a tough exterior and could last longer.

    Shipping Containers Are Sturdy

    Older containers are getting used to construct buildings. These containers get designed to carry massive loads and endure harsher environments. You can stack or interlock the shipping containers.

    When secured, the container can even withstand a category five hurricane! This makes them a lot sturdier than other structures. The container can get transported by rail, truck, or sea at a low cost.

    What Container Should I Choose?

    There are two popular sizes people pick from, but you can also get a customized size.

    via Tiny LIving

    Pick from a 40 by 8 feet container that provides 320 square feet of space. The other popular size is a 20 by 8 feet container, providing 160 square feet of space. A regular container is around 8.5 feet high.

    Next, you’ll want to consider the condition of the shipping container. Once you have picked one, make sure you power wash the inside of the container. This way, you can get rid of any harmful materials.

    What’s the Cost of a Shipping Container?

    The cost of a used container’s around $1,500. Depending on the type, you can buy a brand new container for $6,000. Find a container from a reputable container broker. You’ll want a company that can ship your container to your site.

    What About the Special Permits?

    Locations in the world and the United States will all have varying regulations. Before you consider buying a shipping container, you’ll need to find out the rules in your area.

    For example, in California, units used for homes must be a one-trip or first-run container. All the trips need documentation.

    Containers aren’t super expensive, but the building regulations will increase the price. The rules could even make it impossible for you to transition to this smaller home.

    via New Atlas

    Learn more about the permits, zoning laws, building codes, and any deed restrictions. Next, you’ll want to learn more about the homeowners association rules.

    In Atlanta, buildings below 750 square feet are only allowed behind a primary home. Is there going to be long-term residents living there over 90 days? If so, they must be in specific zoning districts only.

    In cities, a container home has to meet building codes. Container homes have local and state building codes like site-built or modular homes. Visit your local building department. Explain to them what you would like to build.

    Buy a Finished Container Home

    Once you have your permits and a shipping container on its way, start putting together a plan for your new home.

    Some people end up buying a finished container home from a builder. The price can start at $40,000, depending on the size. If you want to go with this option, make sure the builder understands the codes for your area.

    Next, ask what’s included in your quote. Will it include the hookup for electric and plumbing, delivery, and the foundation?

    Get an accurate and inclusive quote. Consider working with someone who has been doing this for a few years. Talk with previous clients or references.

    Delivering Your Container Home

    Do you plan to arrange your new container home on a piece of remote land? If so, make sure the roads are stable enough for the truck to drive down.

    via New Atlas

    Is your foundation ready? If it isn’t, you will need to rent a crane for when the foundation’s finished.

    Are You Building Your Own Container Home?

    If you plan to build your container home on your own, you’ll need to create spaces in the steel for doors and windows. Do you have experience with welding? Work with a few experienced friends or hire someone who can help you with this project.

    When you build your home on your own, you can control everything and create your dream home. You can bypass working with shady contractors. During this process, you’ll learn how everything works together and what materials to use.

    Have a Plan for Insulation

    A steel shipping container will get super hot in the summer and chilly in the winter. Ask contractors for insulation ideas. You will have to insulate your roof as well.

    You can spray foam insulation on the wall. If you choose blanket-style insulation, you’ll need an interior stud wall.

    Now You Know More About a Shipping Container Home

    We hope you found this guide on shipping container homes helpful. Find out the regulations in your state for a shipping container home.

    Don’t forget to bookmark our site, so you don’t miss any of our helpful resources. Thanks to Transocean for contributing.

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  • The Best Interior Design Trends for 2018

    The Best Interior Design Trends for 2018

    Decorating your home is no easy task, getting everything right the first time can take a lot of planning and a lot of money. A good place to start when you are coming up with a new design for your bathroom or living room is to have a look at some of the current interior design trends. You can ask your friends for advice or even look online at some of the ways that people have transformed their homes.

    Interior design trends are always changing, and it can be hard to keep up when you need to plan ahead before decorating your home. Here, we are going to take you through some of the best interior design trends for 2018. If you think that this is something that you could benefit from, keep reading to find out more.

    2018%20design%20trends

    via coastalbeachhomedeecor.club

    Statement Ceilings

    One of the biggest trends that have been taking the interior design world by storm this year has to be statement ceilings. Ceilings are often the part of the room that gets ignored and people don’t really seem to be interested in spending money on decorating something that no one will look at. The good news is that if you create an amazing statement ceiling then people are definitely going to stare. When it comes to your ceiling you’re going to need to get creative, you can decorate it with nice wallpaper or paint or even add something that hangs to create a beautiful effect. People in the past have added umbrellas, tapestries and even baskets.

    2018%20design%20trends

    via mydomaine.com

    Spa Bathrooms

    People all over the country have always visited spas to have some deep relaxation time. Well, in 2018 spas are coming home and spa bathrooms are popping up all over the place. If you’re willing to fork out a little money, creating a spa bathroom for your home isn’t too difficult. Of course, you’ll need an amazing bath, a great sink and a huge mirror but you’ll also need to work on the décor itself. Before you start buying bathroom furniture, choose a relaxing colour scheme, marble works really well with this theme if you want to create the perfect spa atmosphere. When you get your new bath in, you should add some candles and scents that are going to really turn this into a home spa.

    2018 Design Trends

    via cocokelley.com

    Earthy Neutral Colours

    Another great interior design trend that is coming through in 2018 is the use of earthy neutral colours. These make homes seem a lot calmer and they are a little less boring than the usual white or beige neutrals that people have been opting for over the years. If you want to make this look work, invest in some pale green furniture or spruce up your old curtains with some earthy neutral ones from https://curtains.com/. You should also consider adding some wooden furniture and pairing it with jades or other earthy neutral colours. Once you’ve got this design in place, you’ll love how it looks in your home.

     

     

     

     

    cocokelley.com

    Textures

    The final trend that we are going to take you through is textured furniture and designs. In 2018, people are loving adding some textures to their home and often bold colours work well with some of the great fabrics that are on offer. If you really want to make a statement in your home, you need to invest in some velvet. Velvet furniture and décor is really big right now and it will look great in your living room. If you’d rather opt for leather, now is the time. Get some leather furniture or headboards for your bedroom and you’ll love how it looks and feels.

    2018%20design%20trends

    cocokelley.com

    Final Thoughts

    If you are thinking about redecorating your home, it is important that you plan everything out carefully. You don’t want to start buying furniture only to find out that it doesn’t match your chosen décor or that it is not on trend. Staying on top of the current interior design trend is really important if you want to impress your friends or family with how you have designed your home. Make sure to opt for some earthy neutral colours this year if you are investing in some wallpaper or paint or get some textured furniture that will stand out in your living room. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add a stunning statement ceiling to that room that doesn’t have much else going on.

    It is important that you set yourself a budget and make sure that you only spend what you can afford to on your new design. You should remember though that your home is the place that you spend most of your time so don’t be afraid to splash out. If you take some time to follow all of our guidance on how you should decorate your home, you won’t be disappointed.

  • A home full of charm, beautiful details, and built-ins!

    A home full of charm, beautiful details, and built-ins!

    I love our home, but if I lived in this one I’d be pinching myself every morning to make sure I wasn’t still in a dream.  This is the Willow House by  Kate Marker Interiors.. It’s so serene and everything is top-quality craftsmanship.  It’s also full of built-ins and clever storage solutions.  I’ve filled our closets with adjustable wire shelving, but it’s just not the same as having built-ins.  Of course, the color palette is just right too.  White and soft hues on the walls with pops of color to breathe life into the space.

    I really encourage you to click on these images to see them full size so you don’t miss out on how beautiful the furnishings and details are.

    The house has modest, but great bones, which really lends itself to built-ins.

    The neutral walls allow beautiful furniture like this amazing table to shine.

    WWWAAAAYYYYY nicer than our laundry room.  Maybe laundry wouldn’t be so bad then.  My sweet hubby did build me a barn door similar to that one though, which I plan to share soon.

    Treat a small space just like you would a large one and people seem to not notice how small it is as much.  Even in a small bedroom, I never put the bed against the wall.

    The dormer windows still allow a decent amount of light in this room.

    Love this piece.  Since most of the furniture is in more neutral colors, this cupboard in inky blue doesn’t add to the visual business of the space.

    Holy built-ins.

    A kitchen desk in something I really want in our next house.

    See the entire home here.
    All images via Kate Marker Interiors.

  • A modern lighthearted and comfortable Park Slope Brownstone

    A modern lighthearted and comfortable Park Slope Brownstone

    A Brooklyn apartment full of inspiring ideas and details

    I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July!  It seems like another lifetime ago when I used to live in Brooklyn, first Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and then Park Slope.  I’m full on domestic now and living in the suburbs of Washington DC, but there are times when I miss the quirky apartments and having 10 cafes all within 5 blocks.  The apartment below is much nicer than any of mine were, but it still makes me nostalgic for Park Slope living!

     For a New York apartment, the natural light in this place is amazing.  Ant that mirrored mantle!  I thought it was the entrance to another room at first.  Notice the tin ceiling, which was a common characteristic of the brownstones there.

    Exposed brick was another fun element in a lot of apartments.  These old buildings were full of character and charm.

     

    So serene and beautiful!

    I really like the wallpaper and pink door in the bathroom.

    The ceiling is actually painted a soft mint to complement the antique runner.

    A fun blue home office and guest room.

    Principal of Wills Design Associates Lauren Wills is a friend of the family and helped them transform their home into a modern and comfortable space.  Wills loves creating contrast and a statement, so the black accent wall in the master was a way to do that without being over the top.

    Check out the lamp table wit the bird legs!  What do you think of this light-filled Park Slope home?

    Read and see more at Domino

  • March Madness on Decorology

    March came and left so fast but not without a great giveaway and some loved posts! Here are the top posts in March:

  • Keeping Small Spaces Beautiful

    Keeping Small Spaces Beautiful

    You would think that having a small flat or studio would mean minimalistic decoration and the end to all clutter forever. But like most people, you probably find yourself holding onto stuff which you can’t justify discarding. I believe that if you have space, you’ll fill it, so one has to be careful to remember to purge, purge, purge, or you will run out of space, no matter how much you have.
     
    This is easier said than done however, especially if your sweetums or the kiddies hate to throw things away or donate them.  Here are a few rules I follow to try to keep clutter at bay. Here are a few rules from Glimmr Cardiff that I follow to try to keep clutter at bay.
    Be brutal
     
    Home decoration is one of those areas where you have to be ruthless no matter how big or small the job.
    The fact is that you are going to be living in the space you are decorating so you have to be absolutely sure that what you are bringing into your home is what you want AND has either a function or very sentimental value.

    Keep it to a minimum or keep it hidden in plain sight.

    Baskets and bins are my mantra if you have a lot of small toys or tools that need to be kept accessible. Open shelves are great for accessibility but they can start looking messy very fast.  An easy way to remedy that is matching baskets or totes.

     

    via Apartment Therapy

    Use color decisively

    In a small space, every color and item has more impact than it does in a more spacious abode.  It is a myth that dark colors make a small space seem smaller. What makes a space seems smaller is high contrast, because of it’s play with perspective. Your can use that idea to your advantage though if you want to create depth in a room. Painting three walls a light color and saving the last one for something rich deepens the sense of space.
    Nowadays, space is at a premium especially in large cities. They say that less is more and there is no reason why this can’t also be true for making a small flat or studio a delight to live in.
    Large pieces of art make a space seem larger than it is and mirrors work wonders for giving the illusion of increased space.
    Keep it slick
     
    There is nothing wrong with clutter if you like the crammed-and-cosy look.
    However, if you want to create space, turf out the unwanted odds and ends immediately. I always feel amazing after dropping off boxes at good will!
     
    To keep it simple work on one set of items at a time to stop you from feeling overwhelmed. After all, de-cluttering is not just a physical task but emotional too. It is tough discarding objects which and quieting that voice that always says “but I may use it one day…”.
    Once you are de-cluttered, some cleaning tips will help you along. Clean as you go each day so that you can not only relax in comfort in your space but you don’t have a huge job at the end of the week.  Even cleaning a studio flat can take days if left too long.
    With less clutter, 15 minutes of daily cleaning will be a breeze.
     
    this post was in partnership with supersavvyme.co.uk