Fundamentals of Design Part 2

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Now that you know the importance of how lines and shapes can affect your space, you will need to know how to incorporate color and texture. Color can change the whole mood of a room. It is one of the first elements that come to mind in design and can be enhanced with other combinations and patterns. Texture is an interactive connection with the room. It can help create a third-dimension to a flat surface and helps build the visual appearance of a room.

  • Color. 

Learning the importance of color and how they can change the mood or ambiance in a room is important. Some colors can give a cool, tranquil vibe to a room whereas others can add energy and give a warmth to the room. Adding a bold accent color to a neutral room can provide a fun pop or you can play with complementary colors to find balance in a room. Every color has a meaning affiliated with how it is perceived in a room. Adding a yellow may give a fun, energetic vibe. Reds can feel bold and powerful. Blues are more passive and tranquil. Apply color to your room to obtain the right atmosphere

  • Texture. 
Texture can be anything from suede couches to granite countertops. Almost all materials have some kind of texture. Natural elements complement each other well like woods and stone elements. Try to research a design theme you want and find out what textures are frequently used in that style. Mid-century modern may allow metals, plastics, and woods whereas a rustic style home may focus more on woods and leathers. Discovering what textures are primarily used with certain themes is a key way to apply textures to your home.
 
Color will help bring a visual connection to your atmosphere and adding textures will help make a definite impression on the room. Try to find a color scheme and a texture theme to your room prior to the design. If elements do not follow these themes, they may feel out of place in the room. Try to make the room flow and work with the other aspects.

Fundamentals of Design Part 1

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Like most procedures, there are guidelines and principles that outline the steps to creating a finished product. Whether perfecting a free-throw in basketball or writing an essay, there are steps in which you follow to successfully accomplish your end goal. Architects and designers have a list of basic elements which they will incorporate into there designs, but we are going to share with you ten fundamentals tips you can start including in your own home today. These are very generic guidelines, but when executed properly can completely transform a room and show the premeditate effort put into your space. Make sure to check out the rest of this series to get all the tips and tricks.
 

  • Lines
One of the most traditional elements to art is drawing a line. A line can either be used to separate space or pull one’s eye to a connecting point. Lines are useful for creating visual interest or geometric landscapes. Architects will make sure that the lines of their structures compliment one another. When using it in a design, lines or stripes can be used to emphasize the height or room’s value. If you have a room with a high ceiling, put stripes on the wall vertically will amplify the height visually. Likewise, if you have a long hallway, putting stripes down the hallway walls will make the space feel longer. Even in hardwood floors, typically, the floor will run with the length of the hallway. This is to make the room flow. You can be creative with stripes and lines by going diagonally or being sporadic. Make sure your lines have a purpose; sporadic can be dangerous but not impossible because lines can tend to clash if not done complimentary.

  • Shapes.
Shapes, like lines, are geometrically defined by their boundaries but are used more to emphasize space where lines can create boundaries and direction. Adding complimentary shapes in a room is a powerful way to express unity while emphasizing the room’s layout. If you have a round room and add a round table with circular mirrors on the walls, you can amplify your space with the table while attributing design style to the walls with the mirrors. These simple tricks can really help make a room feel well-thought-out, and the furniture will work well off each other. Try to think of shapes in the room that will help open the blueprint as well. If you have a box room and add a coffee table in the shape of a pentagon, you can be sacrificing space and the flow to the room.
 
Shapes and lines are just the basic geometrical basic to include in your room, but when it comes to elements such as balance and color, it can get a little more complex. Make sure to check out the rest of this series to learn everything you need to incorporate into your design.

How to Bring Nature Indoors

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When designing or remodeling a room, consider adding some outdoor elements into your space. Nature has a specific energy that we do not always have the pleasure of experiencing inside. Bringing those elements indoors has been a design tip for centuries and can really liven up your space. From ancient Japanese culture to modern American homes, natural decor helps to encapsulate the life found outdoors. 
 
Here are five natural elements you should consider adding to your space: 
 
  • Natural Woods.  Wooden furniture can be a great addition to any room. It provides a rustic, timeless feature that embellishes the space with an intriguing design. Authentic wood pieces can also be an excellent option for wall art. Wooden crates, hardwood floors, and solid wood doors are just some of the many ways to add this great element into your home. 
  • Stones/Bricks. Installing stones or exposed brick is a fun way to bring nature indoors with a modern twist. Bricks can go well with a plethora of different themes from rustic to industrial and even contemporary. Stone backsplashes can be an incredible staple piece for a more modern look and help to tie together a design. 
  • Floral. Flowers and plants can add energy to your room and make it smell great. While some flowers are not permanent fixtures in your home, you can get different kinds and various planters to feature throughout your space without it feeling overwhelming.
  • Metals. Add metals to your home by getting metal end tables or other pieces of furniture. Metal is a durable element that will last the lifespan of your home when taken care of properly. You can even find get wall art and put it up as a display on the wall. Metals are always fun to have throughout your space.
  • Water. Water can take some maintenance depending on how you choose to incorporate it. An excellent way to add water is by investing in a fish tank. This can be a focal point in a room. Water fountains are another great add-on to rooms. Water is a great way to add a peaceful, calm feeling to any room.
Adding these elements to your home can help encapsulate the outdoors. Decide what best suits your desire for your space and what makes you happy. Incorporating these elements into your home is a sure way to liven up your space and add charisma.

Contemporary Vs. Modern

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Contemporary and Modern design styles are often used interchangeably by most people, but these designs have distinguishing factors and origins which have developed them into what they are today. The contemporary style was established in the late 20th century and is ever-changing, whereas, mid-century modern (modern style) came about early in the middle 20th century. While contemporary may borrow some elements from modern design, it has enough specific details that give it a clear, distinctive difference from modern style. Here are four things different between contemporary design versus modern design: 
 
Colors and Materials.
Modern design has become very welcoming to a sizeable hued color palette by not excusing any color from being functional in the room. Contemporary may allow colors; however, it is usually a more neutral color palette using browns, whites, and creams to warm the environment. Modern also will use bold plastics to make a statement where contemporary may take a more modest approach and use more natural elements like woods or metals.
 

Lines
The modern design will use hard, sleek lines to amplify the rooms floor plan and make deliberate flow. When it comes to contemporary, you will notice more rounded edges with no hard cuts or distinct carvings. Modern style was created in the mid-century and does not fluctuate much from its original design; however, contemporary is living in the moment. What is in now is incorporated into the design is always changing. It can give a contemporary room a more eclectic style where mid-century modern will stay very grounded towards a minimalist approach.
 
Functionality Versus Design
A critical factor in deciphering the difference between these to styles is the functionality of architecture and interior design. A functional design will be incorporated in windows, walls, floor plan, and even lighting in a mid-century modern home. When it comes to a contemporary home, though, you will notice design and style are adapted in the design to make sure it flows with the latest trends. A unique sculpture or lamp may be in a contemporary room solely because how it looks where the modern design will always choose functionality over style.

Seeing the essential elements that separate these rooms can be challenging at first but the more you look at the key factors to these styles, the easier you can identify them. Pay attention to the geometrical layout of the room, the lines incorporated in the furniture, and the functionality of everything. These will be the easiest way interpret the style of the space.

Wall Art

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Adding a painting to a bare wall is usually the first trick that comes to mind, but there are so many kinds of wall art that you can use to help modify your space. Wall art can be anything from three-dimensional wall décor to wall sculptures or even mirror sculptures. Adding wall art to your place is a creative way to enhance up your room’s aesthetic. Consider these three different kinds of wall art as an alternative to hanging a picture:
 
  • Abstract Sculptures
There is a broad spectrum of different abstract pieces you can put on your walls. From metal three-dimension art to colorful trippy art, there are so many kinds of abstract designed sculptures you can add to your walls. Papier Mache wall art can give a nice pop to your walls and is very stylish. These are great options to add over a headboard or even a couch as a focal point in the room.
 
  • Mirror Art and Mirror Sculptures
Mirror art is a great way to keep the room feeling open and bright by allowing the art to serve a dual purpose. Different kinds of mirror art can help you personalize it towards your specific design style. Consider mirrors cut into falling leaves to be applied sporadically to your wall or a giant conglomerate of mirrors facing different directions to add a contemporary look.
 
  • Vinyl Designs and Murals
Vinyl designs are a great way to personalize your room. With such a vast variety to choose from you can find exactly what you want to have in your place. Vinyl can add character to your walls and develop your room into what you desire quickly while being cost-friendly.
 
Different varieties of wall art can spruce up your environment and have it feel unique and fresh. Do not limit yourself to just mundane pictures without exploring all the different options available to enhance your walls. Try to find different pieces and art that best amplify your personal design style and your space’s atmosphere.
 

Room Aesthetics

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When designing a room, you should consider how others portray the space. In all forms of art, there are general notions which encompass how we conceive beauty. A room’s aesthetic is a philosophical theory with guiding principles that direct how we interpret the space. Something, as simple as clutter, can give an inclination that the room is small and messy; however, an open floor plan may make the room feel airy and energetic. While the floor plan and blueprint of the room can impair how a place looks, it doe not limit you to better the room’s aesthetics. 
 
Here are four universal rules to incorporate in your space to help spruce up your room’s overall aesthetics and ambiance:
  • Theme
Your room will need a theme. Whether a color theme or a decorative theme, it should be consistent throughout the space. Decide what your design style is; do you like modern or rustic, neutral color palettes or colorful? Once you have picked a theme, be very cognitive of everything you put in the room on display. Make sure everything has a purpose or compliments the theme. Theming a room is an essential step to first developing your room’s aesthetic appeal.
  • Symmetry and Balance
Every room needs to have symmetry and balance. Studies have shown that a person with a symmetrical face can appear more attractive. Your space can abide by this concept as well. You do not need to make your room a mirror image of itself, but know when to add a complimenting piece of furniture or piece of art. Adding symmetry, where needed, in your room will help you achieve balance.
  • Organization
Nothing throws off a room’s Feng Shui like clutter and messes. Making sure everything has a designated home is essential to keeping your room clutter-free. Organization bins can help you keep your room looking clean and organized. Do not feel obligated to fill every nook and cranny of your shelves. Keeping some shelves bare can help amplify the rooms overall openness.
  • Flow
How does your room flow? You need to step back and look at your place as it develops. Consider how the room flows. Is there enough space to walk freely? Can you see focal points in the room from sitting areas? Consider entrances and exits to the room and their accessibility. If your space is hard to maneuver through, it can hurt the overall aesthetic feel to the room.
 
Adding these tips to your room will help you make your room more visually appealing. The room’s aesthetic is vital to creating the desired atmosphere. Have fun when designing your space and consider all the ways you can amplify your room.
 

What’s Your Design Style?

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At first, learning and understanding your design style can be a bit of a challenge. With so many styles out there, you may feel overwhelmed by the choices. To help you narrow down your favorite, we have created a quick and fun quiz to help point you in a possible direction.  Let’s get started! 

What’s Your Design Style?: 

1. In a room, what intrigues you the most? 

A. Patterns and designs

B. Elegant details

C. Clean lines

D. Well-built, wooden furniture pieces 

2. If you were to explain your space in one word, how would you describe it? 

A. Fun

B. Classic

C. Sleek

D. Charming

3. When looking for a home, what are the features you want? 

A. Colorful design pieces

B. Beautiful finishes and details 

C. A clean contemporary look 

D. Dark wooden features and columns 

4. If you were to travel to one place, where would you choose?

A. Argentina

B. France

C. New York City

D. Coastal Italy  

Before you look at your results, just remember that the end results are not set in stone or an exact science. This is a fun way for you to get an idea of what you like. Remember, you can, of course, mix design styles to create one that is more personalized to you. 

 

Quiz Results:

Mostly A’s: Eclectic. 

With a heavy focus on patterns, textures, and colors, eclectic is a popping design with a lot of character. It utilizes various colors and patterns to create an interesting contrast.

Mostly B’s: Traditional. 

Based around the 18th century English and 19th-century French country, a traditional style uses classic finishes, muted tones, and simple patterns to create a well-balanced look. 

Mostly C’s: Modern.

Capitalizing on minimalism, modern style uses clean, sleek lines in to create a well-polished look. The color scheme is typically neutral with geometric shapes featured throughout the space.

Mostly D’s: Mediterranean. 

Borrowing pieces from the coastal areas of European countries like Italy and Spain, a Mediterranean design features dark woods and thick fabrics to create a sturdy design.

Can People with Asthma & Allergies Own Carpet?

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You may have heard that hardwood floors are the best option for people who suffer from asthma or household allergens. With hardwood floors being a fantastic solution, we are here to dive deeper into the age-old question of “can people with asthma and allergies own carpet?” Let’s found it.  

Can People with Asthma and Allergies Own Carpet?

1. A Clean Carpet = A Happy Home. 

Often times, the fibers within our carpet trap particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander inside of our carpet. Theoretically, this would remove the particles from the air that we are breathing every day; therefore, with a routine vacuum cleaning, you can actually help remove dust and common allergens from your carpet and in essence, from the air, you breathe. In a sense, one could suggest that carpet serves as an “air filter” and just like any other filter, it just needs to be cleaned out to serve a proper purpose. 

2. Indoor Air Quality. 

What if we told you that carpet has actually shown to improve the air quality inside of homes? Well, it is true. In recent studies, experts have found that carpet can have a positive effect on air quality. It is also known to have the lowest volatile organic compound emission out of all of the flooring choices. Homeowners have found that choosing carpet helps to improve their symptoms from asthma and household allergens. 

If you are interested in reading more, please visit one of these sites for their official studies: 

1. Airmid Healthcare of Ireland Study.

2. DAAB Study (German Allergy and Asthma Society).

3. New England Journal of Medicine Inner-City Asthma Study. 

For information on air quality regulations, please visit: 

1. Green Label Plus Indoor Air Quality Standard. 

**These official sources were provided by Mohawk Flooring. 

We do recommend that you take into consideration your own lifestyle, health, allergens, and/or asthma before choosing carpet. Results are not 100% certain for every homeowner and they may vary. Consider talking to your physician before moving forward in the purchasing process. 

To-Do List for Late Summer/Early Fall Gardening

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Before pumpkin-themed drinks are released, you need to do some important things in your garden. During the late summer, it is important to tackle a couple of gardening projects to keep your garden happy and healthy during the wintertime. These tasks can be done over the weekend so grab your favorite gardening gloves and let’s get started!  

Late-Summer/Early Fall To-Do List:

  • Remove faded and dead flowers from your garden bed. Flowers and plants that have lost their color tend to not recover; therefore, you will want to make an executive decision on whether or not to remove them from your garden bed before fall. 
  • Add grass and bushes into your yard and garden. Late summer to early fall is the perfect time to begin planting grass and bushes at your home. 
  • Fill up your bird feeders with fresh seeds.
  • Plant your favorite fall flowers! Grab some mums and decorate your garden with fall-inspiring colors like yellow, orange and red. You can even incorporate a bale of hay with a couple of pumpkins for a fun, festive look. 
  • Take some time to prune your trees, bushes, and hedges. This will help make them look full and colorful next spring and summer. 
  • Till your soil and garden beds to get them ready for next year. You can even add a homemade compost! 
  • If you decide not to use your planters this fall, make sure to remove all the soil and wash them out thoroughly with mild soap and warm water. This will prevent transferring bacteria and disease to next year’s new plants. 
  • During the fall, your grass will grow at a slower rate than it does during the summertime. Make sure to lower your lawn mower’s blade height.
  • Once the leaves begin to fall, you want to make sure you are raking frequently. Leaves can actually suffocate your lawn and stop it from growing properly. 
  • Take some time to remove weeds and debris from your garden bed. The more you remove this time of year, the less you will have to worry about in the spring. 

Make sure to follow these tips to help your garden adjust to the change in temperatures. Let us know what you think in the comment section. Happy Gardening! 

Seating Ideas for Small Kitchens

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If you have a small kitchen, you may currently be struggling to find a place to sit. To help you accommodate to the small area, we have created a list of five seating ideas. Let’s take a look! 

Seating Ideas for Small Kitchens: 

1. Backless. 

If your kitchen has an island, backless chairs can be used to create seating without being visually distracting. They take up a minimal amount of space while providing you with an ample amount of room to dine with guests. Plus, their clean lines will help create the illusion of a larger space!

2. Bench. 

Benches are great seating options for small kitchens or dining areas. They can be easily tucked away or featured as a built-in. If you decide to go with a built-in, be sure to add a hidden storage compartment to hide all of your kitchen items. If you are looking for a trendy look, you can add some variety by incorporating chairs with a bench. 

3. Armless. 

When you do not have a lot of wiggle room, armless chairs can come in handy. They give homeowners more space to move their arms without the fear of bumping into each other. Plus, they provide easy access by making it easy to get in and out of them.

4. L-Shaped Nook. 

Using corner space can help tuck away your seating while utilizing the awkward corner space. Homeowners love the eat-in nooks for their cozy presence and comfortable nature. You can add fabric to the bench for a softer touch and decorate it with accent pillows for a little bit of style. Plus, design experts love nooks for their ability to provide a focal point within the space. They are an inexpensive way to add depth and interest without breaking the bank. 

5.   Stools. 

Stools can be a more rustic approach to seating. They provide little visual distraction while adding to the overall design. Plus, you can simply push them underneath of your table to clear the walkway.

Do you have a small space? How do you manage it? We would love to hear your thoughts and feedback in the comment section. Thanks for reading!