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The bedroom may be considered your sanctuary where you can relax and recharge. These are the reasons why the space needs a personal touch when decorating it. Before purchasing the things you need to upgrade, think twice. There are smart ways to create a luxurious bedroom without emptying your pockets. Here are some ways to level up your bedroom without spending that much. 

Dress up your bedroom walls

White-colored walls are great for a minimalist style. This wall color can instantly make your bedroom look elegant. Decorate it with wall coverings like wallpaper, paint, artwork, and prints. As a result, you will have a wall that appears bright and warm. Dark-colored walls also deserve treatment for the same decors that are added to white walls. 

A captivating headboard

A luxurious-looking headboard may be expensive but it can give an elegant effect to your bedroom. However, this is not always true. There are still affordable headboards available in the market that will also rock the bedroom interior. The headboard should have an appearance that will catch the attention, such as bold colors, unique shape, impressive height, and elegant-looking fabric. 

The proper lighting

Whatever type of lighting you prefer: ceiling fixtures, table lamps, statement lamps, or others, choose those with a shiny finish. It may be gold, glass, or crystals. Large-sized lighting can also make the room look elegant. 

Add stylish seating

Seating can be added to the bedroom if there is any unused space. This can be beside the window, in front of the bed, or adjacent to a nightstand. Not only that the seating can add life to your room. It can also be functional and help create a small nook for reading or working. 

Add mirrors

Add mirrors on the wall, above the nightstand, or behind any lamp. These are some of the tricks that many designers do to add glamour to the room. Mirrors create depth and can make small rooms look larger. Choose mirrors with a gilded finish or unusual shapes. 

Chic nightstands

No need to buy a new nightstand if you already have one. You just have to declutter it by removing excess items like papers and other possessions. Leave only the lighting, a small vase of flowers, and a book. You may also add something shiny like a mirror, crystal, or brass. 

Pillows as accents

Add large-sized pillows combined with the standard-sized ones as well as two to three smaller throws. Rule of thumb, the pillows must not occupy more than a quarter of the length of the bed. Select pillows in silk, velvet, or faux fur to make the room look more luxurious. 

You may have read about a charcuterie board or have seen them on menus. Have you tried them? Charcuterie is a fancy word used to refer to cured meat. The word is of French origin and can be traced back to the 15th century. It was during these times that the people consumed every last bit of a meal and left nothing to waste. 

This is served as an appetizer and served on a wooden board or a slab of stone. On the board is a selection of preserved foods, particularly cured meats or pates. The board also includes cheeses, crackers, or bread. 

A brief history in Europe

As mentioned above, charcuterie is cured meat and is derived from two French words: chair, which means flesh, and cuit, cooked and was used during 15th century France. Shop owners who specialize in charcuterie became popular as they have shown the detailed preparation of meats. The arrangement of the boards has made charcuterie boards part of the French culinary culture.

Studies on European history also have revealed that the charcuterie board also has roots in the simple meals that were eaten by the people of the working class around Europe during the medieval times. The board is usually composed of meats, cheeses, bread, local produce, wine, or beer. The meal eventually evolved and found its way to the higher classes of society along with the cheese course meal. These are commonly seen in formal dinners during the 18th and 19th centuries in France, Great Britain, and colonial America. The cheeses were then replaced by desserts in the 19th century. 

The development in the United States

During the 19th and 20th centuries in the United States, hosting informal dinners are greatly increasing. Formal dinners were replaced by cocktail parties and finger foods were served and more preferred over the course meals. During World War II, American soldiers were introduced to various charcuteries and cheeses in France, Italy, Germany, and Greece. This exposure to European dishes was brought home to the U.S. and charcuterie boards became popular in the 90s and have been sold in American grocery stores. The dish also became popular in specialty food stores with diversified contents. 

Charcuterie boards are usually served as appetizers in many restaurants. They still are served in private gatherings and dinner parties since they are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by many. 

What’s on the board

The boards used are usually made of wood or stone to keep the food cool. Diners will also see other equipment such as cheese knives, spoons, and ramekins. 

In addition to meats, cheeses, and bread, the board also includes flavors and textures that would complement the main components. Examples are fruits, olives, olive oil, nuts, vinegar, pickled or fresh vegetables, herbs, edible flowers, mustards, and honey. In many instances, charcuterie boards are served with wines of any variety. 

France is known for having the language of love and of course, its sumptuous cuisine. If you are planning to redecorate your restaurant or just owned a French restaurant, then there are a few things that you need to consider about decor and interior design. There are in fact many choices when it comes to decorating the interior. From being classic to a modern interior, the ultimate goal is to stay true to traditions and cooking recipes. 

Although France wants to maintain the traditional look and taste of its restaurants, the Westerns have adopted the concepts and contributed to the growth and popularity of French western cuisines.  Whether you keep with the tradition or have a mixed fusion, decorating a French restaurant will give an unforgettable experience.  Read on to know how to create a kick-ass French interior decor.

Visit French restaurants to research their composition

No need to act like James Bond and go spying on different French restaurants. Do the visits discretely and never flaunt your plans. Remember that they may be your competitors in the future. While doing the visits, familiarize yourself with their design but do not copy the entire interior. You need to know the flaws so that you may be able to improve them for your own restaurant. 

The prices on the menu, as well as the dishes, are vital for your success. You want to be affordable but not cheap as this may affect your brand. So be mindful of these factors. If you are planning to have a high-end restaurant, be inspired by expensive furnishing and elaborate dishes. For not so expensive image, mix up the menu a bit to attract more customers. 

Pick the right location

Location is everything. Never choose an area where your restaurant will not be noticed. A restaurant in business areas attracts more customers. A remote location like the mountainside or at the lakeside will give your customers magnificent views, far from an urban setting. 

Choose staff who knows French cuisine

Hire a chef who is fully knowledgeable about French cooking. They may even be required to learn some French words to enhance the theme of the restaurant. As such, they may likewise be prepared to answer any question from the customers. 

The restaurant appearance

Visiting some French restaurants may already have given you ideas about the interior and exterior appearances. Many believe that a French restaurant has to be complicated with motifs, gold colors, and ornaments. The truth is that the appearance of the interior depends on the time period you want to feature. If you aim for minimalism, then opt for simple moldings and ornaments. 

There are features that are considered to be the main components of a classic French restaurant design: cornice, arches, fireplace, moldings, ceiling and wall paintings, soft furniture, classic chandeliers, mirrors, curtains, golden polished frames, classic walls sconces, and vases with ornaments and flowers. 

If you want your customers to enjoy a real French restaurant vibe then lean towards decorating and enhancing the theme. Focus on French-style doors, candlelight ambiance, and floral aromas. 

Happy decorating!

Our homes are continuously evolving and you may develop a love/hate relationship with them. You may sometimes feel a disconnection with your home or even your room. In reality, there is no perfect relationship that will make you feel at ease at all times. Most of us can see at least a few flaws in our homes. Whether you are talking about the arrangement of your furniture pieces or the appearance of your decorative items. These may not be visually appealing as you see them every day. Time to refresh your home to boost the overall appearance. 

There are different ways to refresh your home. Even if you are tight on the budget, you can still successfully achieve an interior appearance that will surely be adored by anyone. Sometimes you just need to be innovative and creative in looking for ways to spruce up your homes. With these easy steps, you can have a home interior that is worth flaunting on your social media account.

Remove all accessories

Sometimes, the decorative items that you add become eyesores. Remove any item that is not needed except for furniture pieces, drapes, and rugs. You may find other places for them in other rooms such as the dining or the kitchen. Start with this step and you will see the overall appearance of your home from a bird’s eye view.

Rearrange the furniture

Check the arrangement of your furniture pieces. Sometimes just rearranging them can give your home a whole new look. This is possible if your room allows them in different arrangements. The good thing about this is that you may be able to do the cleaning simultaneously.

Collector’s items

Time to see if you have unwanted items in your collection. Time to discard or sell them to prevent the accumulation of clutter. Check where they are usually located such as the bookshelves, corners of your house, study area, and others. Old books and magazines may be donated or sold. Use boxes to temporarily store them until such time that they will be disposed of. 

Add plants 

Plants and flowers can totally transform the overall appearance of your home. They can make your rooms look fresh and pollution-free. Studies also have shown that flowers and plants can provide health and environmental benefits. In addition to these, a mini garden can be the focal point of your room.

Add texture to your rooms

This can be achieved with a nicely decorated blanket, rope-wrapped candlesticks, and rugs. You can also add texture to your walls with cool poster art. These can make your room look trendy and stylish.

Light a candle to your home

Scented candles are great not only to illuminate your home. They can also add fragrance to calm and relax your mind and body. In addition to these, scented candles are also perfect to display if you want to add colors to your home. Display them in the living room or on the console table.