Best Colors for Small Living Rooms

Choosing a paint color for small living rooms may be challenging but can be a fun activity. It may be confusing as well as there are a lot of shades and hues to choose from. Although those neutral shades are commonly used, there are still many hues in the color wheel that will look best in small living rooms. If you are having trouble deciding which color to use, worry no more as this article may help you with your interior decorating project. 

White

Pure white is excellent but not much used as many would think. Some whites reflect tones of blue, pink, and green. The color is ideal in a small living room as it reflects natural light, making it look more spacious and cozy. Having the color also creates a room that appears pure and clean. This is one of the reasons why hospitals and clinics prefer to use white. Moreover, white is seen in minimalist rooms and can be blended with many decors and styles. 

Cream

Many homeowners prefer the color and ideal in small living rooms as it makes them look open and bright. The color is best to be paired with hardwoods and other natural materials. The color cream is safe to use as it can be a perfect backdrop for other decors and colors. 

Yellow

Bright yellow may be too bright for most people, but you can use a softer tone. This can instantly make any dull room look warm and bright. It is a versatile color that can easily blend with contrasting colors such as red. It is also an ideal substitute for white and cream. 

Gray

Use gray if you are confident enough to make a difference in a small living room. The color can add depth and create a visually cozy and trendy interior appearance. Just like white, you can easily blend the color with any hues and decors. Darker shades of gray can be partnered with patterns and pops of color mixes to achieve an eclectic look in the room. 

Indigo

Just like gray, many homeowners choose this color in their small living rooms. It can help create a moody and sensual atmosphere. In addition to these, the small living room can have a cozy feel with a cool and relaxing feel. What makes the color more interesting is that it can easily be blended with other colors and decors. The dark indigo tone can likewise be a great backdrop for any wall decor and wall art. If you have this color on the walls then the ceiling should be in the color white. 

Interesting Ideas For An Open-Plan Living Room

For some time now, open-plan living rooms have captured the attention of many homeowners and designers. Designing, furnishing, and lighting an open-plan living room needs some guidance. Read on to learn some tips on how to achieve an open-plan living room.

Analyze the space

Having an open-plan living room requires space. This is a fact! However, if space does not permit you to have the interior appearance that you love, there are ways to adjust it. Making some structural changes like moving or blocking up a doorway, switching the direction of a staircase, or adding sliding glass doors can help increase space and improve flow. These recommendations will not bankrupt you as well. 

Knock down walls

In many instances, the dining room is separated from the other rooms, such as the kitchen. Increase the space by removing the walls that separate them from each other. Another cost-efficient idea is to create a large opening between the rooms. It is cheaper and very effective to help you achieve the interior design style. 

Artificial and natural lighting

Lighting, whether natural or artificial, is important in an open-plan living room. It is worth creating a lighting scheme as they may have multiple functions. Ask an electrician to do some wiring in the living room. Choose the lighting that can adjust the mood in the room. 

Define the space in an open-plan living room

There are many activities that can be done in an open-plan living room. Therefore, it is important to identify an area for each to avoid confusion. A sofa can be used to mark the boundary of a seating area in a multi-purpose space.

Establish zones

With the number of condominiums and apartments emerging these days, living areas are blended neatly with the kitchens and dining areas. The objective is to create zones that would identify the space. This can be achieved with the breaks in color, design, flooring, and furniture. The use of rugs is a cost-efficient way to create zones. 

Do not forget the cohesion

Using different flooring, decorative light fittings, or color schemes help define the role of each zone. However, never forget the design cohesion as this will make the room appealing and functional. Similar shapes, materials, or textures can maintain cohesion across the space. 

A comfortable space

There are many reasons why a space becomes uncomfortable. Cooking, electric fans, old model air conditioners, speakers, and others. You may want to keep the noise at a minimum by buying appliances with noise reduction mechanisms. It is worth checking the decibel ratings before buying. 

Convert a warehouse into an open-plan space

Transforming an industrial space can be challenging. You will be dealing with unusual dimensions, incorporating statement features into the layout, and navigating planning permissions. The open-plan layouts of warehouses can feel much larger than their actual dimensions. The elements of open-plan space can be achieved with old warehouses. For instance, they tend to have larger windows such that natural light can enter freely.

The 7 Principles Of Interior Design

You might think that the principles of interior design are not that important. However, they are vital to have a dream home that you can flaunt to your friends. Having a well-designed interior enhances the aesthetic and economic value of your house. Here are the interior design principles that will make any home look cool and awesome. 

Balance

This means creating visual harmony in the space by ensuring that the elements are evenly distributed. As such, the interior will have a sense of equilibrium. Balance can be achieved with many forms, such as shapes, colors, patterns, and textures. 

Traditional symmetrical balance can be achieved when you place objects symmetrically on either side of an imaginary central axis. Asymmetrical balance keeps the focal point on the imaginary axis while allowing dissimilar and oddly numbered objects. Evenly distributed visual weight can be maintained with objects of similar dimensions. Radial balance, on the other hand, can be achieved by arranging objects around a central focal point. Examples are round dining tables and chandeliers. 

Unity

Unity in interior design refers to the uniformity or harmony among the elements used in the design. These include having patterns or textures, equal spacing, and similar colors of objects. This also refers to the repetition of elements to create a continuity of elements. 

Rhythm

Rhythm is about creating repetition and contrast in an interior to help carry visual interest around the room. You can add this to the room by painting the wall green and using the same color again on the furniture pieces. 

Emphasis

Emphasis is another principle that focuses on the need of every room on one central element as a focal point. The other elements should complement the focal point. This can be any large piece of furniture such as art, painting, accent wall, color, pattern, or texture. 

Contrast

This is created when one combines two or more different forms, such as color, shape, or space. Achieve this principle with the use of opposite colors like black and white. Another example is to combine a round mirror with a rectangular dining table. 

Scale and Proportion

This principle refers to the ratio. For instance, the size and dimension of the objects in a room should relate to one another proportionally. One example is for homes with high ceilings should have larger furniture pieces. This will help achieve harmony in the design. 

Details

This principle tells us that the little things must not be overlooked. Nothing is too small or too unimportant to pay attention to. This can be anything, from embroideries on cushions, handles on the cabinets, or personalized framed art displayed in your room. 

Lovely Posters For The Dining Room

The kitchen is usually used for casual dining. The dining room, on the other hand, is a perfect place to share sumptuous meals with your family and friends. Making the room appear more inviting and stylish for special occasions may be tricky. Yet with the help of wall decors such as trendy art can complete your little project. 

The display of decorative items, collectibles, and stylish posters can easily give the dining room the statement it deserves. Creating wall art is one of the creative ways to spruce up the room. Boosting the appearance of the wall is an awesome way to level up the dining room. Photographs and art prints can easily do the job. These wall decor ideas will surely create a fresh and stylish vibe.

Vintage-themed prints for a retro appearance

Vintage-themed posters can create a classic-looking dining room. The images of old cafes or diners can create a nostalgic atmosphere. Along with mismatched chairs and modest-sized tables, you will be able to travel back in time. Add an antique mirror to enhance the style. No need to empty your pockets to achieve the style. You can always check flea markets or yard sales for a good catch. 

Monochromatic posters for a classic-looking dining room

Monochromatic posters can easily add drama to your dining room. An elegant room can be completed with the display of black and white prints and other monochromatic posters. Dark painted walls can likewise enhance the framed posters. This wall art can give a sophisticated look that is perfect for a candle-light dinner or on any other special occasion. 

White walls to highlight your art

White painted walls give good impressions to many homeowners. It is a positive color that represents purity, light, goodness, illumination, cleanliness, humility, and others. A dining room with white walls is a perfect canvas to display your art. Display abstract, black and white, graphic art, or nature-themed posters, and they will surely be the focal point of the dining room. 

Framed posters to connect the other elements

Framed posters are even more impressive. Neutral-colored frames can easily blend with the other decor elements of the dining room. In addition to these, the frames can enhance the art featured in the poster. Framed prints can also connect all the other elements in the room. 

Photos and prints for a personalized touch

Another way to boost the dining room is through the display of photos and prints. Cover one wall of the room with your photo and poster collection. This wall art can make a wonderful focal point that will reflect yourself. Choose the right layout to make them more appealing. This is true for prints in different sizes. 

Large poster to add style

A large-sized poster can instantly add life and theme to the dining room. Choose a colorful print to create a fun and exciting vibe. Warm colors, like red, orange, and yellow, can stimulate the appetite. This is also the reason why many restaurants and fast food chains use warm colors in their interior.

Interesting Ways To Personalize The Office

Chicago poster in interior

We spend a lot of time in the office. As employees, we are expected to be productive and be our best. As such, the office environment should be inspiring and appealing to help us show and do our best while at work. Transforming the overall appearance of the office will help the workers accomplish their daily tasks. Though it is not easy,  the good news is there are ways that will help you achieve the desired appearance. 

The goal of office decorating is not to exaggerate it with decorative and personal items. You may also want to keep the office dedicated to work and professional while also making it look comfortable just like your home.

Make the office look professional 

Keep it practical and professional by not exaggerating the decors and personal items. Add inspiring artwork or motivational posters. Do not display your personal photos such as the photo of your beach escapade. 

Make it clean and functional 

Avoid clutter in the office. Keep your desk surface and your floor space clear of clutter, papers, and books. Be sure that the office functions well whether you are sitting or standing. Try to set the office up so that it is easy for others to work also. 

Maintain a healthy environment                                                               

One way to make a healthy office environment is to add elements of nature such as plants, flowers, and water. These not only add beauty to your space but also evokes health benefits. The natural colors are likewise soothing that help in your concentration as well as being productive with your respective tasks. Pothos, aloe, and jade plants are all great options as they remove toxins from the air and are easy to manage. 

Keep it look and feel comfortable

In addition to good office appliances and equipment, you should also consider making everything comfortable and cozy. But be sure not to overdo it to the point that the workers tend to sleep on their work. That would be bad news for the company and for the employees too. Have a comfortable back or butt pillow or throw hanging around to help you become comfortable all day. In this way, you could also bring colors to your office without any difficulty. 

Use the proper lighting

Leave the tradition behind and be innovative when it comes to lighting. Add desk lamps with softer lighting so that you can see your work properly.

Add some art

The addition of some art is perfect to complete the wall design of the office. Sometimes wall art is neglected and not given some attention. Add different themes that will blend with the interior design of the office. It is also recommended to add motivational posters to inspire the workers and also to complete their day. 

Display photos for a nostalgic atmosphere

Yes, you can add photos of your family or pet. But remember that it is the office and you should limit personal items being displayed. Choose the appropriate photos and limit them to 1 to 3 only. 

Add accessories

Add items that are functional but also personalized to your own style and taste. Examples are your hip mug or Mason jars to hold your pens and pencils, an attractive bowl for your paper clips, an antique box for business cards, and others.

Types of Wallcovering For Your Living Space

Art wall 207

In any living space, whether the office or your living room, wallpaper and wallcoverings are a great way to add color and texture to them. They create a stunning focal point and level up the overall appearance of your rooms. If you are planning to modernize your space or create a unique accent wall, then there are various ways to make a statement with wallcoverings. Read on to learn more about the different wallcoverings that you can use in your space.

Texture wallcoverings

These allow you to capture the appearance of your favorite materials. This may be a luxurious marble, rustic wood, or exposed brick. Texture wallcoverings can make any room feel extraordinary. With removable wallcovering options, you can achieve the desired look without the need for altering your walls permanently.

Wood wallcovering

Wood wallcoverings bring nature into any space and create an impressive backdrop. The natural grain and color of the wood are warm and inviting and create a cozy atmosphere in the room. 

Stone wallcovering

Stone wallcoverings are a beautiful way to create a contemporary space by adding a fresh design with simple color and tone. Install faux stone wallpapers to bring depth and character to the interior. You can also use this to create a feature wall in the bedroom, kitchen, bathrooms, reception area, and office.

Brick wallcovering

Brick wallcoverings look like real bricks and these can help you add charm to the room at an affordable price. This wallcovering can make any room look stylish and trendy. There are many brick designs available in the market and you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

3D wallcovering

This adds depth and details to any room. It gives an illusion to the eye of having more space. 

Bathroom wallcovering

Bathrooms are supposed to be clean and functional. The use of this material is one of the perfect ways to transform the interior appearance of the bathroom by adding color and personality. The wallcovering is durable and water-resistant making it safe to add in high-humidity spaces. You can choose any design from geometric prints to floral prints. 

Kitchen wallcovering

Make your kitchen wall stand out with the addition of lovely wallcoverings. You may choose neutral prints or bold and colorful patterns. 

Wallcoverings – What They Are?

Abstract in living art wall

Little that we know, the wallcovering we know today has already been used in the past. Interestingly, they have made a comeback. This is made possible with the variety of patterns, prints, and benefits. As a result, wallcoverings have become a normal decor in many living spaces. Let us see what wallcoverings are and what they can do for us.

The definition of wallcoverings

Wallcoverings are any type of finishing that can be used in any living space. It includes many types, from wallpaper to textured fabrics. In addition to being functional, they have a wide range of benefits that will surely be loved by many.

Wallcovering and painting

Looking at different infrastructures, establishments, and houses, you will see that there are different kinds of wallcoverings. When knowing if a wallcovering is the right one for your and your wall, it is best to compare it with other options. The next on the list is painting. Of course, we take into consideration various factors before the final decision.

Check your budget

To be honest, painting is quite cheaper as compared with wallcoverings. Paint requires less precision work than installing a wallcovering. If you are going to hire help, they usually charge less to paint a room than to apply wallcoverings. 

It is also important to consider the lifespan of wall finishes. Even though the cost of installing a wallcovering is higher, they tend to last longer than a paint job. This makes wallcovering more cost-efficient as compared with paint. 

Choice of design

Painting is a great choice if you want to save some cash, and if you want your room to have one color. However, if you are opting to add patterns to your walls, then you may want to check out other wallcovering options. If you prefer wallpaper for the pattern, then make sure that the one who will install is experienced in it. This is to ensure that the job is seamless and the patterns are aligned. 

Foot traffic

It is recommended to install wallcovering on areas with high foot traffic. Examples of these are entryways and hallways. We all know that these areas are prone to dirt and wallcoverings can easily be cleaned with a sponge or gentle cloth. Instead of adding paint to give a fresh look, wallcoverings can easily do the job. 

Wallcover benefits that you need to know

In addition to the beauty of wallcoverings, they likewise offer functional benefits that you may find interesting. 

Acoustic benefits

If you want to reduce the noise in rooms, then adding wallcoverings is the best solution. Although don’t expect the room to be soundproof, there are some steps to accomplish it. Various living spaces, like board rooms, offices, hotel rooms, apartments, and movie theaters, would benefit from a sound-absorbing wallpaper. 

Maintenance benefits

Wallcoverings are easy to maintain making the maintenance costs minimal. Pant, on the other hand, needs to be consistently retouched from scuffs, chips, and cracks. 

Choosing the type of wallcovering

Choosing the type of wallcovering may be one of the challenging parts of interior decoration. You have to narrow down your options and here are some of the choices you need to consider:

Vinyl coated paper

This is a paper substrate that has been sprayed or coated with a decorative surface made of acrylic-type vinyl or PVC. It is durable and easy to clean. Use this material in areas that are prone to grease and moisture, such as the kitchen and bathroom.

Paper backed and solid sheet vinyl

This is made with a paper substrate laminated to a solid decorative surface. These are durable, can peel back off if necessary, and can withstand being scrubbed. Although it is durable, it is not recommended in entryways or hallways.

Fabric backed vinyl

This material has a fabric or artificial substrate that is laminated to a solid vinyl decorative surface. The two types are solid vinyl and paper. The former is perfect for spaces that require easy cleaning and durability, whereas paper can vary widely and should be used more carefully.

Personalize Your Room With Dog Prints

My pet in renaissance clothes in Interior Poster

Dogs always put a smile on our faces. Whether they are your pets, seen on television, or on the walls as art. Experts believe that decorating your home is a reflection of who and what you are. If you are a dog person, then why not show it on your walls? You may think this is difficult but with today’s technology, everything is just a piece of cake. Here are some ways how to spruce up your rooms with amazing dog prints.

Black and white dog prints

It is common and even a tradition to have white walls. If this is not your thing, then colored walls look best with black and white prints displayed. This art creates a cool contrast to all walls regardless of the colors they have. Moreover, black and white dog prints create a classy and elegant appeal that can be the focal point of any room.

Framed dog prints

While dog posters are lovely, with frames added, the art will even be more captivating. One way to offset multi-faceted styles of art, like pop or graffiti, is to give them a frame with matting. The frames give the art a more uniform feel when displayed together while the matting gives your eye a place to rest. 

Patterns and Texture Mesh

When working with patterned art, wallpaper or textiles, we tend to be safe and choose a monochrome decor scheme. Don’t hesitate to try new things or even mix and match. In order to achieve the desired appearance, it is just right to blend patterns and textures. 

Metallic decor for a neutral space

Neutral decor is easy and functional but it could look better with a little decoration. Add style and glam to the space with metallics. These will also give your home a modern touch that will surely be adored by your guests. 

Colorful standalone art can boost the whole room

In many instances, people tend to decorate their home and choose the art that will complement it. What if the process is reversed? This too can be done and keep in mind that you have to identify the color first within the art and match them with accent pieces, such as throws, rugs, fabrics, and others. 

Dog Decorating Ideas For Your Home

My pet in general suit poster

If you love dogs then it is the right time to give your home a boost with dog-inspired decoration. Incorporating your fur babies into your decor is one of the fun and exciting ways to show your love and give your home a fantastic appearance. Whether adding dog figurines or the best photo of your pet, these decors can easily level up your home’s interior. 

Pawsome photos

If you are like any other dog parent, most likely, you have a collection of photos of your fur baby. Why keep them in your album or in your mobile devices when you can have them displayed. Choose your favorite images, such as a dog in a new bandana walking around the neighborhood, or that day at the beach. If you cannot choose from what you have, then it’s time to practice your photography skills and start shooting some professional-grade photos. 

Create a captivating wall art

This can be anything, from a single photo to a photo collage. The idea is to transform a wall into an eye-catching spot in your room. If you are unsure how to create it, you can check online for design ideas. Dog wall art may serve as a fun and exciting conversation starter with your guests. Create wall art in the living room, family room, or study room. 

DIY Dog Decor 

Now, this is something that will bring out the best in your creativity. The truth is that there are tons of ideas to use when it comes to DIY projects, and you will surely be overwhelmed by them. Try some of them and you will surely love them! Here are some examples.

  • Dog cushion – just like us, our dogs also love to have a comfortable spot to rest. You can make your own cushion by sewing fabric around an old bed pillow. After creating one, you can place it on their favorite spot.
  • All-in-one hanger – need an organizer for your dog’s walking supplies? Get a wooden board, smoothen them, paint if you want, and add hooks to hold your pet’s collar and leash.
  • Toy chest – buy a wooden crate that is big enough for your dog’s toys and other belongings. Paint it in a color that matches your home’s decor so that it will not be an eyesore in your home.

Spruce up your office

Whether you are working at home or on-site, a little inspiration will not hurt. There are a lot of items you can display, such as a personalized dog poster, mugs, doormats, paperweight, or a clock. 

Decorate your walls

There are many wall coverings available in the market these days. Dog wallpaper is one of the strong elements that can add style to your home. Designs may also vary that can enhance the theme of your interior. There are likewise cartoonish designs that can be displayed in the kids’ room. 

Wooden dog signs

Wooden dog signs add a rustic twist to any part of your home. Add them to the kitchen, living room, dining room, bathroom, and any other popular location. 

The Speakeasy Bar

Speakeasy cuisine themed poster banner

Speakeasy bars are those that are behind closed doors offering exclusive cocktails and food menu items in a restricted environment that is only accessible to a few. The origin of speakeasy bars can be traced back to the first decades of the 20th century in New York City during the prohibition era. 

During the prohibition era, the city is governed by dry law. This law prevented the manufacture and consumption of alcohol. However, the law is broken and hidden bars began to appear behind closed doors, and eventually evolved into night restaurants. Most restaurants operate discretely in which customers request an alcoholic beverage without arousing suspicion. 

The location of the restaurants is spread only by word of mouth. The loyalty of the customers protected the locations of these restaurants. The customers were responsible for inviting new friends to visit speakeasy bars. Passwords were used to gain access to the place. Speakeasy bars likewise have striking secret entrances. Some even have their entrances hidden within one of the restaurants’ rooms, such as the bathroom. 

Are speakeasy bars different from underground restaurants?

Underground restaurants are sometimes called supper clubs or closed-door restaurants. These are social dining establishments operated in someone’s home, bypassing local zoning and health-code regulations. Underground restaurants are usually spread by word of mouth or guerilla advertising. The experience that an underground restaurant offers is to sample new food at a low cost as compared with the traditional restaurant experience. 

The variety of speakeasy bars

Speakeasy bars are relatively small with little or no entertainment involved. The gradual growth made these bars popular and expanded to many different areas with new additions of entertainment. It eventually became one of the biggest businesses during the Prohibition era and was often kept even after the Prohibition ended. There were even underground rooms used for these bars.

Speakeasy bar decorating idea

Creating a speakeasy bar is uncomplicated. The interior should evoke a feeling that it is quietly glowing and not brightly lit. As such, the lighting added such as overhead lighting, table lamps, and sconces need to be dimmer. The overall appearance needs to have a low-profile, classic club-style seating in leather and velvets. Sofas and chairs should be arranged in clusters that facilitate small, intimate conversation instead of large group gatherings. 

Windows should be concealed enhancing the speakeasy vibe. With a few more elements, speakeasy bars will have that modern vibe. Restaurant owners may add a dark and moody color palette with dark tones of gray, blues, and greens.