Are you making this common design mistake in your interiors? Image: Lisa Petrole Photography
There’s no denying that designing small apartments can be tricky. When you’re dealing with limited square footage, you do have to scale back your design elements to ensure they work with the available space. But many people take this concept too far — and that’s a huge design mistake.
If you’re guilty of making this mistake, don’t worry. It’s much more common than you think, and we’re going to help you fix it once and for all. Learn more about how to pick perfectly sized furniture and accessories for your home every single time.
Always pay attention to scale and proportion. Image: Brad Ramsey Interiors
Whenever you’re dealing with a small apartment, it makes sense to buy furniture that’s equally small, right? Actually, not quite. While this idea does make sense to a point, many homeowners make the mistake of taking it too far and buying pieces that are too small.
When you buy items that are too small for the room, rather than making the space look bigger, it can make it look even smaller than it already is. Combining these two things only succeeds in giving the apartment a “dollhouse effect,” where tiny furniture ends up swimming in the room without ever really feeling appropriately grounded.
In these situations, it’s important to take a middle ground. For that, scale and proportion are your best tools. When utilized correctly, they help you fill your apartment with furniture that is just the right size.
When in doubt, remember the 2/3 rule. Image: m.arkitektur
Like it or not, buying properly sized furniture is all about getting correct measurements. Even those of us with design experience can’t get away with simply eyeballing a piece before purchasing it. That rings doubly true for situations where space is limited.
When thinking about your ideal measurements for furniture, it’s important to keep a 2/3 proportion in mind. Start by measuring the room as a whole and work backward from there. For example, ideally, the length of your sofa should take up approximately 2/3 of the closest wall. Then, your coffee table should be around 2/3 as long as the sofa.
This proportion works regardless of which room you’re working on at the moment. You should aim to have your bedframe cover around 2/3 of the room, as well as your dining table or any other anchoring piece.
Don’t forget to switch up the sizing of the design elements. Image: The New Design Project
Once you’ve used the 2/3 proportion rule to choose the main furniture for the room, it’s time to fill out the space with secondary pieces. Secondary pieces are items like end tables or buffets, anything that coordinates with the main furniture but isn’t necessary to make the function of the space perfectly clear.
Where these items are concerned, it’s important to make visual weight — or how heavy the item looks like it feels — a priority. Here, variety is key because including too many weighty items makes the room feel top-heavy while using too many airy items leaves it feeling ungrounded.
Take the photo above as an example. It features a good mix of visual weights. Some pieces appear dense and heavy while others don’t seem like they would be a struggle to pick up at all. Your end goal should be the same.
Trust your perception as you pull the room together. Image: Finch London
After you’ve purchased all of the design elements you plan to use in the room, your next step is figuring out how to arrange them appropriately. While we’re always happy to provide some layout tips, at the end of the day, your own perception is one of the best tools you have at your disposal.
In interior design, perception is your sixth sense. If you’ve ever rearranged furniture only to take a step back and realize that something feels “off,” you know how powerful perception can be. As you’re arranging your small apartment, pay close attention to how the arrangements make you feel. If you sense something is amiss, don’t be afraid to tweak your design until it feels right to you.
Use our tips to fix this common design mistake once and for all. Image: PLUS ULTRA studio
All of us can agree that designing a small apartment comes with its unique set of challenges. On the one hand, the furniture and accessories you choose will probably need to be smaller than average. But, on the other hand, going too small can actually be a design mistake. Keep the tips in the post above close at hand, so you can always be sure to find a happy medium.
Have you ever made this design mistake? Are you ready to fix it? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
The post How to Fix the Biggest Design Mistake People With Small Apartments Make appeared first on Freshome.com.
Concrete is shaping up to be 2018’s next big design trend. Image: Walter Barda Design
So far 2018 has brought us quite a few polarizing design trends. We’ve already talked about how to harness the power of bold colors, but now, it’s time to talk about a trend on the other end of the aesthetic spectrum. The concrete look is here and it’s ready to bring a subtle yet sophisticated edge to your interiors.
If you need some convincing, this post is for you. We’ve broken down why concrete works so well and why it’s set to become a fixture in the design landscape. Read on and, before you know it, you’ll be ready to give concrete a shot.
Concrete is the perfect fit for those who want an industrial aesthetic. Image: SHED Architecture & Design
It almost goes without saying that concrete and industrial design go hand in hand. You don’t have to work hard to conjure images of former industrial warehouses turned sun-drenched lofts or reclaimed bits of machinery that have been transformed into chic accent pieces.
If you’re going to go this route, we suggest going big to really drive home your design inspiration. Concrete floors are a natural choice. They work particularly well in open concept applications and, when compared to many of the rustic-finished woods that also fit this aesthetic, they’re an affordable alternative.
If concrete floors aren’t your thing, concrete walls are also a great way to make a style statement. However, you’ll probably want to stick to a singular accent wall. In this case, while one wall will probably add a bold punch of texture and visual interest, multiple walls run the risk of feeling too stark and overwhelming.
Once properly installed, concrete easy to maintain. Image: Audrey Matlock Architects
More and more people are choosing to incorporate concrete in their interiors because it’s a particularly easy material to maintain. In fact, the bulk of your work takes place when you first purchase the item. Whatever application you choose for your concrete — whether it’s a fireplace, countertop, or coffee table — it should be properly stained, sealed and polished.
Be sure to ask the manufacturer how to maintain your specific items. As a general rule, simply sweeping away general debris and washing it with a non-abrasive cleaner is the way to go.
Concrete gives the room instant texture. Image: Wood Melbourne
We’ve talked before about how texture can help bring untold amounts of visual interest to your space. Remember, in an interior design context, texture refers to the way an element looks like it feels. Everyone knows the feeling of running their hands over concrete, so including one of these items in your design fosters an instant connection with the viewer.
When you’re looking to highlight texture, the key is to create contrast. In particular, concrete does best when it’s juxtaposed against something natural, such as wood. You should also pay attention to the colors in your concrete and be sure to choose contrasting shades for the rest of the room.
Looking for a focal point. Problem solved? Image: Glancey Rockwell & Associates
Every room in your home needs a focal point. Since concrete is such a heavy material to work with, when it’s used in design, it lends a ton of visual weight to the room. This means it will instantly draw the eye and ground the space. All told, these factors make concrete an excellent choice to become a focal point in your home.
Take the picture above as an example. The fireplace has such a commanding presence that your eye is pulled to it. If you’re willing to go this bold, an architectural element definitely fits the bill. It’s also possible to go more subtle. A concrete island instantly becomes a conversation piece in your kitchen and a coffee table easily grounds a seating area.
Consider making concrete a trendy fixture in your interiors. Image: Sea Island Builders LLC
Concrete is a bit different than some of this year’s other design trends. While others are focused on bold patterns and bright, in-your-face colors, concrete is subtler. That said, we understand some people may need convincing. To that end, this post is dedicated to how concrete can ultimately benefit a room. Read it over and we’re sure you’ll be ready to give this once-commercial material a place of honor in your home.
What do you think of the concrete interior design trend? Will you be trying it out in your own home anytime soon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post Why Concrete Is 2018’s Next Big Thing in Interior Design (and How to Try the Trend) appeared first on Freshome.com.
Looking for more ways to incorporate storage into your décor? Keep scrolling for some inspiration. Image: PLATEMARK DESIGN
Storage doesn’t have to be synonymous with shoving your belongings in a closet, pulling the doors closed, and hoping no one ever looks inside. In reality, it can serve a dual purpose. In addition to keeping your belongings safe and organized, it can actually become an important — and even essential — component of your aesthetic.
If you’re ready to have your storage solutions pull double duty, this post is for you. We’ve compiled a list of ideas on how to effortlessly include storage in your décor. Look them over and use the ones you love as design inspiration for your next home improvement project. By incorporating a few of these suggestions into your own interiors, you can create a design that is equally functional and beautiful.
Incorporate kitchen gear into your décor by making it part of your backsplash. Image: Maurizio Giovannoni Architetto
Give built-ins extra flair by following the architectural lines of the room. Image: MMM Architects Ltd.
Forgo a traditional closet in favor of adding a clothes rack, which provides trendy storage for a fraction of the space. Image: Hibou Design & Co.
Be open to giving unused corners new purpose, such as creating a reading nook. Image: Handwerk Interiors
Creating a mudroom where each family member has their own designated area will help keep busy days running smoothly. Image: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
Swap out upper cabinets for some chic and modern open shelving. Image: Mike Schaap Builders Inc.
Storage ottomans bring a comforting feel to the room, as well as the added benefit of hidden storage. Image: House of Jade Interiors
Kill two birds with one stone by adding a room divider that enhances storage while also splitting up your space. Image: Lauren Edith Andersen, Photographer
If a regular room divider is just not big enough, make a statement with a stylish built-in cabinet. Image: Banda Property
A trunk provides extra storage while also giving the room a decorative vintage touch. Image: Tracie Butler Interior Design
Invest in a bed frame that allows you to store off-season clothing underneath. Image: Cassie Daughtrey Realogics Sotheby’s Realty
Take advantage of unused space under the stairs by adding a few creative cubby holes. Image: Structures Building Inc.
Go vertical to create storage without using valuable square footage and give the room more visual height. Image: Arlington Home Interiors
If you have the skills, design a wall rack to hold exactly what you need. Image: Olivia van Dijk Architecture
What do you think of these storage solutions? Will you be trying any of them in your own home? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
The post You’ll Flip For These 14 Easy, Inspiring Ways to Include Storage in Your Décor appeared first on Freshome.com.
Does your kitchen need a new look? Our kitchen upgrades are just what you need. Image: Caesarstone
Head’s up, homeowners: A recent survey by Remodeling Magazine shared some unexpected news about popular home improvements. It found that kitchen remodels are not garnering the same return on investment they used to. With that in mind, we suggest that rather than spending your money on totally redo-ing the space, selecting a few, smart kitchen upgrades might be a better bet.
As far as which projects make sense, we’ve got you covered. Below is a list of four upgrades that can be completed in a weekend or less. Read them over and tackle them one by one. By the time you’re done, your kitchen will have a totally new look for a fraction of the cost.
Get trendy with some brightly painted cabinets. Image: J NORD WOLFE General Contracting Inc.
Has it been a little while since your kitchen has been updated? Is the finish on your cabinets a “blast from the past”? Are you starting to notice a few nicks and chips? If so, it may be time to freshen up the cabinets with a new coat of paint. While neutral shades are always in, consider taking things a step further and embracing 2018’s bold, two-toned cabinet trend.
The key to pulling this project off fast is organization. At the start, label your doors and drawers with corresponding numbers, so you know exactly where they belong. Then, remove them, clean them to remove any grime, sand off the current finish, and wrap up with a few coats each of fast-drying primer and paint.
Brighten things up with different hardware. Image: Liz Schupanitz Designs
If painting the cabinets is too big of a job to tackle at the moment, give your existing ones a refresh by swapping out the hardware. Focus on choosing a modern finish and shape for the new set. While an argument can be made that gold is making a comeback, you really can’t go wrong with a minimalistic option in either chrome or brushed nickel.
Effort-wise, this job is fairly simple. After you purchased your new hardware, remove the old ones with a screwdriver. Judge if the existing holes in your cabinets will work with the placement of your new pick and fill any unnecessary ones with matching putty. Then, drill new holes, as needed, before screwing the new hardware in place.
Layer in a few pendant lights. Image: Dillon Kyle Architects (DKA)
We’ve talked before about the importance of layering lighting, but it’s especially important in a kitchen. When working with knives, you need to see exactly what you’re doing, and adding a few pendant lights in the mix is a functional and stylish way to make that happen.
Most pendant lights come with mounting kits that allow them to easily take the place of existing fixtures. Start the process by turning off the appropriate breaker. Then, unscrew the covering on your existing fixture and disconnect the wires before removing the fixture itself. Next, follow the instructions that come with the mounting kit for your new pendant light to secure it properly.
Refresh your look with a new backsplash. Image: Laurie Battersby
Your backsplash is arguably the biggest style statement in your kitchen. This element of your design is a bit more aesthetically focused than functional, so you have the opportunity to get more creative here. With that in mind, if it’s been a while since you’ve redone your kitchen, it may be time to refresh your backsplash and, fortunately, you don’t need to hire a contractor to pull it off.
These days, peel-and-stick kits can be purchased at any home improvement store. The key to this project is planning. Measure the area you’ll be transforming before you go shopping, so you purchase the correct amount of product. When you get home, lay out the pieces before you start working with your adhesive, so you have an idea of any adjustments that need to be made for them to fit correctly.
Use these kitchen upgrades to give your interiors a makeover. Image: Orchid Newton ltd
Trends are showing that, in 2018, full kitchen remodels may not be the way to go. Rather, it may make more financial sense to invest in a few kitchen upgrades that will give your existing space a new look. With that in mind, we’ve hooked you up with four easy upgrades that only take a weekend to pull off. Keep them in mind for when you’re ready to give your space a new look.
What do you think about these easy kitchen upgrades? Will you be adding them to your to-do list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
The post Check Out These 4 Easy Kitchen Upgrades You Can Do in a Weekend appeared first on Freshome.com.
