From the Floors Up

A Zen-Inspired Design

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Zen is the philosophy of encapsulating the peace found in nature and bringing it into your home. While this minimalistic style is visually aesthetic, it also can create the perfect relaxing environment. When you think of a Zen-inspired atmosphere, you probably envision a spa. With some simple tricks, you can capture this peace and relaxation and put it into your own home. Zen is the structure of tranquility in a home, so here are several ways to help create this feeling in your own home:

Flow

To create flow in your atmosphere, you will need to make a less obtrusive environment. This reason is why most Zen designs are very minimalistic. Doorways are an extremely vital aspect of allowing energy to travel between the rooms. A good Zen atmosphere will let doors be unobstructed. It does not take much décor to help create this flow. Try to stick to a very nature-influenced design.

Natural Elements

When adding elements of nature, try to add stones, water, bamboo, and candles. Even scents and aromas can have an impact on mellowing out the atmosphere. A truly Zen-inspired design has peace at its core. Try to involve all the senses from music to the warmth of the room. All these small details can allow your atmosphere to feel authentic.

Reflection

Have an area to reflect and relax. Some individuals will allow this spot to be outdoors since natural elements have some considerable influences on the design. You can create this by making a Zen Garden. Most Zen gardens will have simple seating to reflect. Plus, they incorporate running water as well as stones. Creating this tranquil garden outside your home is a great way to capture the values of Zen.

Zen takes the elements found in nature and emphasizes them in helping you find peace. Therefore, make sure to incorporate nature into your design. Peace can be found through your color choices, fragrances, space, and lighting. Allow minimalism to work its magic in your home by giving everything more meaning. Remember, the less you use, the more impactful the object you do choose can have.

Interior Design Styles Trending Around the World | Part Four

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Every culture and country has a unique perspective on interior design. While some countries share similar preferences, many trends come and go at different times. Variables such as wealth, locations, social influences, and events can all contribute to these design trends. Today, we are going to further explore the world of design and the interesting trends each country has.

Portugal – Personalization

Portugal has gone through many changes in design styles and trends. They all seem to come and go. Now, Portuguese, more than ever, are using their interior to express themselves. Interior design is an outlet and a way to put your own personal touch into your home. Currently, the country is very influenced by tailoring their own homes to personalize them to the individual.

Qatar – Luxury and Ornate

When it comes to beautiful and intricate design, Qatar does not hold back. Their trending design is lavished with luxurious and ornate details. From fine art, intricate wallpapers, the highest quality flooring, and pristine furniture, they make sure to leave no stone unturned.

Russia – Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern is a style that came about in the early 1930s and lasted until 1965. It brought forth a cleaner cut and open layout style of living. With a neutral color palette and less obstructive atmosphere, functionality was key. Russia is continuing to add this styling into many of their homes. With functionality at its core, it will never truly be outdated.

South Africa – Patterns and Prints

South African trends continue to keep elaborate prints and colors. Patterns are a large part of South African culture. It is no surprise that we see the trends of many textiles in the home, including these designs. Curtains, rugs, and blankets will all have African-style prints and patterns to give pride to the culture.

Thailand – Indoor/Outdoor Living

Thailand’s culture is at one with nature. Much of their current interior design influences indoor/outdoor living. Most homes have easy access to outside of the home, with elements of nature being brought inside the house. Woods, plants, water, and stone can all be found in many of Thailand’s trending styles.

Interior design trends fluctuate throughout the world. We are privileged to see many trends within our own culture. There are still some more countries to explore, make sure to check out the last part of the series to see the latest trends around the world.

Wabi-Sabi Interior Design

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The Japanese term Wabi-Sabi means to find beauty, even in imperfection. Sometimes in Japanese culture, when pottery would break, they would repair the broken pieces with a lacquer. This lacquer had gold and silver powdered into it. It made the cracks that once were broken, more prevalent, and easier to notice. However, they were even more beautiful because they had been fixed with gold. This style of finding beauty in imperfection was carried into interior design. Embracing the home with all the imperfections and taking pride in them rather than hiding them.

Minimalist Approach

Wabi-Sabi takes pride in a clutter-free atmosphere. To make imperfection shine, you do not want to draw away from them. From a crack on the wall to unfinished ceiling architecture, there are hundreds of ways homes can have imperfections. Your goal is to embrace and enhance them. Be strategic of what furniture you bring into your home. Light color schemes can help enrich the atmosphere without taking from it.

Embrace Imperfection

Imperfect hardwood floors, cracked concrete, or paint splashed on a brick wall can all be subtle imperfections. They can come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and natures. Identifying them and embracing them is vital. This does not work in every home, yet when you have a home with these characteristics, they should be recognized. Seeing these imperfections as a character is key to understanding the beauty of Wabi-Sabi.

Incorporate Imperfect Furniture

Add what makes you happy. Not all your furniture needs to match. This styling has room to express yourself. Add antiques or homemade furniture. If you love a picture, hang it up. The joy of Wabi-Sabi is having a calm and simple atmosphere. Your space does not need to be beautiful, but it should be recognized that you take pride in it. Adding plants and enhancing that cozy comfort is all part of creating the atmosphere. Add mismatched chairs, antique furniture, modern sofas, and rustic vases. The style is collected not solely through a uniform look but the pride you take in your space.

Wabi-Sabi means to embrace the authenticity of the area. Let it feel lived in yet not too chaotic. This Asian interior design style should flow and all details to shine; however, it is never perfect. Finding pride in your home is key to mastering this style. No two Wabi-Sabi spaces will look exactly alike!

Principles of Interior Design: Harmony and Unity

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The last principle of this series helps bring everything full circle! We need to ensure that our design is unified and has harmony. These principles will make sure that everything in your room has a visual relationship with each other. Nothing should feel out of place or forced. Everything in our design should have a purpose. This can be challenging when we design rooms and do not want to get rid of elements that do not belong. Perhaps you have a favorite painting or an antique couch you inherited. They may not belong in the design of your new modern style living room, but this does not mean you need to get rid of them. You just need to see where and what belongs in the room.

Harmony and Unity 

One way to find unity in a new design before starting is by creating a mood board. You can make a mood board digitally or physically.  Find fabrics, pictures of furniture, flooring samples, and paint swatches then collect them all together. You can see if anything does not agree or contrasts with one another. Finding unity is the key to success. Your design should have a clear set vision with harmony throughout it. This visually satisfying effect is the assurance that all your elements in your design will agree. When this is achieved properly, your design will be complete. 

Make sure your design does not create confusion. If you are mimicking a Modern Rustic Design, make sure every element is easily recognizable to help enhance the look. Likewise, if you choose a more Scandinavian style design, you should be able to recognize if anything does not belong. This can be challenging at first, but when mastered, will help you create a beautiful living space. 

Look at your home design. Take it through the checklist of the interior design principles. Do you have any elements that feel “forced”? Do you feel that your home has properly achieved balance, unity, rhythm, scale, and emphasis? Being able to recognize these principles takes time, but we assure you it is worth the time invested. For more insight on how to improve your design theme and home improvement, make sure to subscribe! 

Is Interior Design an Art or a Science? | Part Three

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The Conclusion

“If a tree falls in the woods, does it make a sound?” The constant debate of what is considered an art and what is considered a science can go on with many beliefs and laws. Interior design can influence emotions and feelings, which is subjective. Yet, finite laws can create these atmospheres. Both are essential in creating your home. Tried and trued techniques can help your home flourish with style; however, tailoring it to what makes you happy can also be vital.

Science Conclusion

It is proven that design is more than just objective in certain aspects. Physics and mathematics play a significant role in our interpretation. Aesthetically speaking, we tend to admire and seek designs with a 1:1.6 ratio and symmetry. This is why most art and painting do not put the focal point truly in the center. You can incorporate this method by visually splitting your room using the golden ratio. Symmetry is essential to aesthetics, but visually, we tend to respond best to 1:1.6 ratio. Off center your bed from a wall, add décor using this technique, even hang art on your walls, can all be used in designing your space.

Art Conclusion

Color can have psychological effects. Using red may make your room feel bolder, applying yellow may add a sense of creativity, while blue can feel calming. The feelings colors give to your room make a perception. Your perception is creating the art. Apply décor and design in your atmosphere that means something important to you. This tactic will keep an artistic, individual spin on your design.

Blend ‘Em

Art and science, or objective versus subjective, can both help your interior design. Use elements proved to enhance your room while giving your own artistic flair to the space. This is the best way to facilitate both elements and get the greatest reward.

What do you think is more effective in interior design? Copying design and replicating schemes is an effective tactic, yet individuality is equally as important. Do not be set on the numbers and guidelines as much as the experience. Your home should make you happy!

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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