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Keep playrooms fun and functional

Playrooms should be both fun and functional. Image: Chango & Co.

From a design standpoint, playrooms are incredibly fun projects. Your children will spend hours in there — playing, learning, and everything in between — so you have the freedom to cater to their tastes more than you would in other parts of your home. All of you can let your imaginations run wild when it comes to creating a look your kids will love.

But, that’s only half the battle. Underneath the aesthetics, this room also needs to be functional. A well-done playroom should be able to hold their attention and all their toys, while still seeming put together. Achieving all of these things in one space is not easy.

We’ve compiled a list of playroom ideas to help you create a room that is fun to look at while also serving its larger purpose. If you can draw inspiration from the tips in this post and then give them your own spin, we’re confident you’ll be able to create a space your whole family will love.

Create separate areas

Create separate areas for different activities. Image: Nashawtuc Architects

Create distinct activity areas

Kids are notorious for jumping from one activity to the next with lightning speed and all parents know how tough it can be to hear the words, “I’m bored” floating down the hall. Fortunately, a playroom that’s set up correctly can help cut down on these occurrences by subtly suggesting ways for your youngsters to spend their time.

To do this, you’ll need to create a few different activity areas within the room. Simply put, that means putting together spaces that are each geared toward a specific purpose, like the reading nook shown in the picture above. You could also consider adding a table for arts and crafts or a media center with a TV that’s perfect for watching videos.

When creating these areas, be sure to keep all the items they’ll need for the activity within arm’s reach. Not only will doing so help you keep things more organized, but it will also encourage the little ones to stay focused on the task at hand.

Create your own activity areas with these suggested products:

Create separate areas
Create separate areas
Create separate areas
Create separate areas

 

Playrooms need storage.

Make sure there’s plenty of storage. Image: Margaret L. Norcott, Allied ASID

Add plenty of storage

If there’s one universal truth, it’s that kids come with lots of stuff. The best playrooms are those with plenty of storage available to keep all of it out of the way while making it seem part of the design.

Your first step is to consider what kind of storage will work best for your family. Do you need lots of bookshelves for an avid reader, a tricked-out entertainment center for a video game aficionado, or cubbies to hold a menagerie of stuffed animals? You’ll likely need to use a combination of pieces to accommodate all of your child’s interests.

When you’re ready to buy the storage elements, focus on pieces that have potential to serve multiple functions and try to keep their colors as neutral as possible. Storage will probably be one of the priciest parts of your design, so try to select items that have the ability to grow with your children.

Add storage with these suggested products:

Playrooms need storage.
Playrooms need storage.
Playrooms need storage.
Playrooms need storage.

Give the room seating.

Add in tons of seating for friends. Image: David Rausch Studio

Bring in color with accessories

No playroom should ever be bland, but there’s nothing worse than the idea of redesigning one from top to bottom only to have your child tell you that their tastes have completely changed. Save yourself the headache — and the cash — by bringing lots of color into the room through the accessories you choose. That way, you can swap them out fairly easily as your child matures.

In this case, the definition of “accessories” is pretty broad. Consider mixing and matching different colors and patterns through textiles. Throw rugs, pillow covers and blankets are great places to start. However, larger items like wall art and lamps could also play a role.

Introduce color with these suggested accessories:

Give the room seating.
Give the room seating.
Give the room seating.
Give the room seating.
Give the room seating.
Give the room seating.
Give the room seating.
Give the room seating.

 

Remember to decorate the walls.

Creatively decorate the walls with wallpaper or wall decals. Image: Wynne Taylor Ford

Try out creative playroom ideas on the walls

The walls are really what can set the playroom apart from other areas in the house. Since kids’ spaces are expected to be a bit more fun and carefree than ones adults would use, you can really get creative with their design. If you have a specific theme in mind for the room, consider the walls your focal point.

We recommend starting with a base layer of neutral paint and using wall decals to add visual interest. Since the decals are held to the wall without an adhesive, they’ll be simple to swap out or take off entirely once your child’s tastes change. However, if decals aren’t for you, consider using a wallpaper or even painting a mural to liven up the space.

Spruce up your walls with these suggested products:

Remember to decorate the walls.
Remember to decorate the walls.
Remember to decorate the walls.
Remember to decorate the walls.

Use patterns in playrooms

Don’t be afraid to use plenty of patterns. Image: Chris Snook

Creating the perfect playroom is harder than it looks. On the one hand, your design needs to capture kids’ attentions and inspire their imaginations. On the other, these rooms serve a particular purpose. They need to keep kids occupied and help keep their clutter at bay. Bringing both these things into one space is not easy, but if you use the tips in this guide, we know you’ll be able to create a playroom that works well for your family.

What do you think of these playroom ideas? What design tips do you have for putting together kids’ spaces that are both fun and functional? Share them with us in the comments below.

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2017 style trends

We want to participate in a trend without letting it overwhelm. Get ready for 2017’s style trends. Image: DREAMHOUSE decorations

Let’s be honest, it can be hard to keep up with design trends. What’s popular and what’s not is constantly changing and, frankly, 2017 style trends are no exception to that rule. If you’re having difficulty keeping everything straight, you’re not alone.

You’re also in the right place. It’s no surprise that we’re big fans of interior design trends, but rather than just tell you what this year’s hottest looks are, we’re taking things a step further. We’ll show you exactly how to incorporate them into your interiors so you can create a space that is both timeless and on trend.

Use this post as your guide. Read through it and pick the styles you like best. Whether you focus on one or mix and match a few, we’ll help make sure you have the know-how to create a look you’ll love for years to come.

Marble is 2017's granite.

Marble is set to be 2017’s granite. Image: Michael Smith Architects

Marble everything

Many of us thought the day would never arrive, but granite is out. Luckily, marble was more than ready to take its place and can now be found in everything from countertops to flooring and coffee tables. Those who want to be extra trendy should look for the stone in shades of white and light gray. Then, focus on contrasting your marble pieces with accents made of natural materials.

Surprisingly, you don’t have to have a big budget to participate in this trend. Faux-marble has also become increasingly popular. These days, it can be found in everything from wallpaper to simple décor pieces.

Shop for marble products:

Marble is 2017's granite.
Marble is 2017's granite.
Marble is 2017's granite.
Marble is 2017's granite.

Millennial pink works well as an accent.

Consider MillennialPink as your next accent color. Image: Mia Mortensen Photography

Pops of Millennial Pink

If you were paying attention to Pantone’s 2016 Color of the Year, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that, in 2017, Millennial Pink is the next logical step. More muted than its predecessor, the name Millennial Pink refers to a shade that can be described as a pale, dusty rose.

Interestingly, it wasn’t always that way. For those who think this color looks familiar, you’re right. You’ve seen it before. First appearing in the design world in 2012, Millennial Pink has also been marketed under the names Tumbler Pink and Scandinavian Pink. However, the generation-based moniker seems to have stuck and we are just now seeing the shade hit peak popularity.

As for how to use it in your home, Millennial Pink is the perfect accent color. Try combining it with neutrals, especially whites and grays. Those who favor Scandinavian interiors may want to consider using this color on an accent wall. But, if you’re not willing to go that far, a set of chairs, draperies or even a rug is a great way to participate in this trend without letting the hue become overwhelming.

Shop for millennial pink products:

Millennial pink works well as an accent.
Millennial pink works well as an accent.
Millennial pink works well as an accent.
Millennial pink works well as an accent.

Hygge is a comfortable modern design

Hygge is all about a creating modern take on comfort. Image: Milray Park

Cozy up to hygge

The most important thing to realize about hygge (Commonly pronounced: Hoo-gah) is that it’s more than one of 2017’s style trends, it’s a lifestyle. An article in TIME explains the Danish concept as “an approach to living that embraces positivity and enjoyment of everyday experiences.” TIME also says this school of thought is one of the core attitudes to life in the Nordic region.

Applying hygge to your interiors is fairly simple. Since the word means comfort, that should be your primary focus. Be sure to incorporate plush furniture, plenty of pillows and soft blankets. Use soothing colors throughout and finish your design with a few, well-made accessories.

Keep in mind, what’s not included in these interiors is just as important as the pieces you select. A central principle of hygge is allowing yourself enough material pleasures to feel comfortable without feeling the need to go overboard. This is one occasion where less is more.

Shop for hygge products:

Hygge is a comfortable modern design
Hygge is a comfortable modern design
Hygge is a comfortable modern design
Hygge is a comfortable modern design

Unusual wall finishes draw the eye.

Choosing an unusual wall finish will easily draw eyes to your focal point. Image: Capital Building

2017 style trends focus on faux finishes

We already touched on exploring faux-marble, but the faux craze of 2017 is about much more than that. Realistically, we’re not that surprised to see this trend cropping up. Not only are faux finishes much more budget-friendly than their authentic alternatives, but they’re also a lot easier to find.

Natural finishes are especially popular this year, so be prepared to see plenty of look-alike finishes imitating materials such as wood, stone and even brick. Typically, these design elements are used to create a focal point, so you’ll notice quite a few of these finishes used in fireplaces, accent walls and tables.

Anyone hesitant about this trend for fear of being found out, don’t worry. Everyone is doing it.

Shop for faux finish products:

Unusual wall finishes draw the eye.
Unusual wall finishes draw the eye.
Unusual wall finishes draw the eye.
Unusual wall finishes draw the eye.

Jewel tones add a pop of color.

Jewel tones add an instant pop of color. Image: Twelve Chairs

Add in jewel tones

Jewel tones are gaining popularity across multiple interior design styles. These rich hues often act as chameleons when combined with different looks. When set against pastel shades, a jewel tone will lend a romantic feel to the space. However, if you were to set the same piece against a deeper color, the room would take on more of an art deco feel.

Typically, this trend is seen in furniture. You can either mix and match tones — as seen above — or choose one shade to act as an accent color against your more neutral pieces. Either choice will infuse plenty of visual interest into the room.

Those who are afraid to commit to making a large purchase may want to try out these colors in throw pillows or other textiles. That way, you’ll be able to swap them out more easily when you’re ready for a new look.

Shop jewel tone products:

Jewel tones add a pop of color.
Jewel tones add a pop of color.
Jewel tones add a pop of color.
Jewel tones add a pop of color.

Go ahead and embrace 2017's style trends.

Don’t be afraid to bring 2017’s style trends into your home. Image: Mark Williams Design Associates

Keeping up with which design trends are “in” is tricky — and knowing how to effectively use those trends is even harder. If you’ve found yourself scratching your head when it comes to 2017 style trends, we have your back. Use this list as your guide. We’ve offered suggestions on how each one can be used to enhance your design, but feel free to make them your own. After all, in your home, “trendy” can mean whatever you want it to.

Which of these trends do you love? Are there any you absolutely can’t stand? Put all your opinions in the comments below. We can’t wait to hear them!

The post Here’s How To Pull Off Those 2017 Style Trends You’ve Been Hearing About appeared first on Freshome.com.



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Fifteen Swedish companies and three designers took their designs on a road trip from from Sweden to Milan, Italy, to be part of an expo. This blended exhibition was curated by White, the third largest architectural studio in Europe. It showcases products that highlight the innovative designs and cultural heritage of these prominent Swedish designers.

A focus on functionality is a signature trait of Swedish design. Many of the products featured are durable, intended to be long-lasting and beautiful for generations. There is also a prominent focus on sustainability in the materials used; many of the products use sustainable raw materials, such as the the sound absorbers made from moss. Others are made from recycled materials, such as the rugs made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Other products utilize biodegradable fabrics and reclaimed wood. All are beautiful, functional and eco-friendly.

The project was an initiative by Swedish Design Goes Milan 2017 and Business Sweden, in collaboration with the Swedish Embassy. Products on display included rugs, sofas, chairs, lighting and flooring — an eclectic display that highlights the breadth and depth of current Swedish design.

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