Helpful Guidelines To Spruce Up Your Walls

Wedding Collage no. 2 Poster in Black Frame

If one day you are staring at your blank walls and wonder why it is still plain up to now, then it is time to give it a boost. However, looking for ways to decorate it may be challenging at times, and the right decor to display may be confusing. For a start, not all can be displayed right away. Posters, for instance, maybe cool wall decors, but not all designs will blend perfectly well with the interior design style that you have. If you still cannot decipher how to decorate your walls, then this article will give you a helpful guide to be successful in this project.

Break the tradition

It is a common mistake for many homeowners to hang frames, prints, posters, or photos in symmetrical or linear ways. Sometimes we do everything by the number and follow traditional ways of displaying them. The beauty of these decors is unleashed by being creative with them. Try to experiment with colors, patterns, and textures and see which arrangement will suit your taste. Trendy posters come in different designs and styles and hanging them artistically will transform the overall appearance of your walls.

Check out the size

When you are thinking of decorating your walls and coming up with a design, it is important to consider the sizes of the prints, photographs, posters, or art. It is common that large spaces may be left behind if the wall art is poorly planned and executed. Scale them as much as possible to avoid any mistakes. Large-sized prints, trendy posters, mirrors, and paintings are often perfect to complement the space. However, the right size greatly depends on your taste and preference. 

Mix and match the decors

As mentioned earlier, we sometimes need to break the tradition when it comes to wall decorating. No need to display prints or posters of the same color or pattern. Although if you are creating a theme for your room, you may think of displaying same-styled decors. There are more eye-catching ways to decorate the walls. Experiment by blending colors, patterns, textures, and others. Black and white prints or neutral colors can enhance a minimalist design style. While vibrant posters can create a fun and cheerful vibe. 

Add mirrors for a magical effect

Mirrors are not only used to look at yourselves before leaving the room. They can also be used as decor and they sure will give a big impact. Mirrors add to the illusion of more space or a room looking larger than it is. They can also let natural light inside the room making it look and feel more comfortable and rejuvenating. However, do not overdo it. Remember that too much of anything can be an eyesore. 

A picture means a lot

We are so accustomed to displaying pictures of ourselves, loved, ones, family, friends, and pets. The display of framed inspirational quotes along with other poster designs can look great and add a positive vibe inside the room. Again, do not fill your walls with typography prints as they will overwhelm the overall room design. These framed prints can also help us, especially those who may fill a little down. 

Illuminate your rooms

Light fixtures are one of the decor elements that you should try. These help in boosting the ambiance and aesthetics of the room. In addition to these, light fixtures can help enhance the theme you are trying to put up. Use LED bulbs to save on electricity and these give the same effects and illumination as the traditional ones. 

Add smaller prints around the larger pieces

If you have large pieces displayed on your walls, surround them with smaller framed posters. The larger pieces can be the focal point of the room so that the viewers’ attention can easily be captured. 

Use fabric to cover the walls

Displaying tapestries, cross-stitches, and other fabric pieces adds style and personality to any room. Do not hesitate to hang them, especially those with cultural significance. If you have a talent for creating a fabric display, then you can feature them on your walls. 

Love your Dogs? Get them a PAWtrait

My Pet In General Suit Poster for Christian Labrador

Over the years, we have displayed portraits of the family in our homes. Try to visit a home in the Philippines and you will see framed photos displayed on the walls of the living room. It is also common to see framed diplomas to flaunt the achievements of the children. These photos instantly create a wall gallery that can serve as the focal point of the room. 

These days, there are many wall decors and coverings available that not only make the walls look appealing but also set the mood in the room. For many fur parents, it is wonderful to have a PAWtrait of their dogs as there are many reasons why they are displayed. Dogs always hold a special place in the life of their owners and having a personalized print just for them means a lot. Here are some of the reasons why you should have your dog’s PAWtrait in your home. 

Your dog is the baby of the house

Dogs are not just pets. They are part of the family. Many families consider them as one of their kids and it is only right to treat them with trendy prints. They are always with you wherever you go, even when going to malls, parties, or any family affairs. 

Dogs spend years with their owners

Typically, dogs live for over a decade, which means that we have developed a strong bond with them. They offer unconditional love and completely understand who and what we are, especially our needs. In return, we also treat them like any family member or loved one. Dogs become our best friends that you get to spend time with daily. As such, it is only natural to get them a customized poster to be displayed in your home. 

However, they do not live that long and we often mourn their passing. With the PAWtrait displayed, you can immortalize them and bring back memories of happy times with them. Looking at their PAWtraits creates a nostalgic vibe that you will surely love.

A PAWtrait tells a story

These customized posters are great for telling the story of your dogs. A great image of your pet can make them larger than life. In a well-captured photo, you will be able to capture their personality and understand them. A story in the PAWtrait includes finding the right textures, shapes, color, composition, and angles, as well as the background. As such, the location is important when creating a personalized PAWtrait.

Customized PAWtrait displayed in your home

Displaying the PAWtrait in your home is best when they are hung in the living room or the bedroom. Having them enlarged and framed is even better as it creates a focal point and may also become a conversation starter whenever you invite your friends over. 

You can easily create your dog’s PAWtrait by sending a lovely photo to Artdesign. We offer customized prints that will captivate your hearts. These types of posters can easily show how special your dogs are to your hearts. 

How to Give your Home a Refreshing Vibe

Our homes are continuously evolving and you may personally develop a love/hate relationship. 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. 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 inspiring your friends.

Remove all unwanted accessories

Decorative items can sometimes be an eyesore. Declutter by removing 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.

Furniture arrangement

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.

Your collectibles

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 properly.

Add plants to refresh your home

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

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.

The Story of the Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie Board Poster in Black Frame

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. 

Fundamental Concepts of Interior Design

Art wall 235

In creating a compelling interior, there are certain concepts that you need to know and follow. If not, the results may break your heart. In this article, you will learn more about the interior design principles that will help you achieve the desired outcome. Interior design is the art of designing the interior decoration of a living space. It is a mixture of art aesthetics and the science of knowing people’s behavior to make a space functional. 

Harmony

Every house is always considered to be a unit composed of spaces that are connected with each other. As such, harmony is created when the house is regarded as a whole rather than an isolated structure. This principle gives a sense of unity, therefore these elements need to be applied with uniformity: color, theme, and style. However, these elements may oftentimes differ from each other, these need to work together to create unity. Different shades of colors may also have to complement each other to achieve harmony.

Rhythm

We have heard rhythm in music and you will hear about it again in interior design. This principle is all about generating visual interest by creating patterns of repetition and contrast. It is defined in terms of continuity, recurrence, and movement. The four properties are:

  • Repetition – the use of more than one element or the same element more than once. 
  • Progression – increasing or decreasing one or more qualities of an element.
  • Transition – creating a smoother natural flow for the eye.
  • Contrast – putting two different elements in opposition to each other.

Balance

This creates a feeling of stability and equilibrium. This can be achieved with the use of colors, patterns, theme, texture, or shape. A balance should be created in all elements that make up the design. Balance is about ensuring equal distribution and approximation of the visual weight of objects in a room. There are three types of balance and these are symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.

  • Symmetrical balance – consists of spaces that are evenly distributed or repeated on the same axis on two sides of a room. 
  • Asymmetrical balance – more casual, more complex, and a common trend in modern design. It creates a balance that does not require duplicating the visual weights of lines, colors, forms, and textures. 
  • Radial balance – this balance can be achieved when some elements radiate around or from a focal point. Examples are a spiral staircase and a round dining table. 

Focal Point

This principle is also called emphasis and adds life to any room. This can be anything, from a large piece of artwork to a sculpture. The focal point captures the attention of the viewer and creates a lasting impression. 

Proportion and Scale

Proportion refers to the ratio between the size of one part to another. While the scale is how the size of one object relates to another. As a rule, the smaller segment should have an equal ratio to the larger segment as that of the larger segment is to the whole space.

The Beauty of Industrial Design

Metropolitan area poster

Old factories and industrial spaces. Are they still appealing or a space that is considered musty, old, and creaky? The industrial design style is topping the news these days. Many homeowners and designers are transforming lofts and old buildings into beautiful living spaces including apartments and houses. 

When people think of the industrial design style, people think of oversized metal windows, unfinished wood, and visible bricks. Though the design style in urban areas, it is also employed in many rural places. So what does it take to achieve the design style? Here are some inspirations on how to be successful in decorating your home with the Industrial design style.

What is the Industrial style?

Industrial design style refers to the fuss-free interior appearance that is inspired by the lofty look of warehouses, factories, and industrial buildings. No need to be critical with finishings as bare bricks, metals, and untreated woods look appealing themselves. Designing the interior is as flexible as it can be. 

The style will allow you to customize the look with furniture and decor that can give a unique style. The most important thing is to create an interior that is cozy and comfortable. It is recommended to employ furniture pieces with simple design and upholstery in neutral colors and natural textures. 

A brief history

Experts believe that the Industrial design style started in the early 20th century. It has become more evident during the 2nd Industrial Revolution. A time when many factories closed and moved to different countries. As a result, many industrial structures were abandoned. Seeing this as an opportunity, architects and designers converted them into living spaces.

With the use of necessary elements, one can be successful in achieving the design style. The use of materials such as furniture made from wood, aluminum, iron, steel, tin, stone, and copper is encouraged. It is also common to see distressed metal elements, wooden floors, and bare steel beams. 

Decorating the walls to enhance the style

In addition to bare walls, visible pipes, rustic metals, and worn-out wood, the addition of industrial-inspired art will complete the design style. 

Trendy posters like nature-inspired prints, architecture posters, patterns, and classic art are great designs that can help achieve the style. These can also create cool and awesome wall art that can be the focal point of any room.

Poster art in black and white can set a comfortable and airy room that is expected in an industrial design style. Moreover, posters that feature various infrastructures, and industrial materials are highly recommended if you want to be successful with your interior decorating project. 

What makes the design style more fun and exciting is the fact that your imagination and creativity will be harnessed. It does not need to be costly to decorate. You can start with material that can be seen in your storage rooms and trendy and affordable art that can finish the job.

Decorating Your Room with Wall Art

Wall art is the life of any room. If designed beautifully, wall art adds attraction and creates a fun and cozy vibe that will be enjoyed by its viewers. A wonderfully designed wall gallery of photos or trendy poster art can transform the interior appearance of any room or space. 

Why add wall art?

Walls are important in every home. They can function in both aesthetics and structure of any building. Walls bring a room together and make everything look more cohesive with the design elements added to them. Designing and creating wall art is one of the ways to make the room look more exciting and fun. 

Wall art is thought and planned last and usually after all the other decorations have been placed. Many homeowners even do not consider the addition of wall art as they are already satisfied with the color and appearance of a plain wall. On the contrary, a blank wall is like a canvas where art should be painted.

The blank wall

Staring at an empty wall has never been fun. Blank walls give you an opportunity for limitless design ideas. Properly planned and designed wall art can make any room look unique and interesting. As such, many designers and homeowners consider the addition of wall art in their room or space.

One of the interesting ways to add wall art to your design is by creating a wall gallery of photos. This can evoke a nostalgic atmosphere that is perfect for the family. An attractive collage with the use of different paintings and photographs can also create compelling wall art. Frames that are used in photos and posters are of great help in designing and decorating the wall. You can feature a similar color palette or consider the use of different colors.

Create one in your room

Choosing the right color for the rooms is one of the challenges for many homeowners. Sometimes choosing the color that you love and applying it to the walls is enough for many individuals. However, this is not always the case as you are still looking at a dull wall. 

Wall art can instantly create a focal point that will be enjoyed by its viewers. Think of the wall art as a magnet that can draw the attention of anyone who sees it. They can eventually be the center of attraction in any room such as wall art that is created in the living room or the bedroom.

Furthermore, wall art adds texture to any room with the use of 3D art like sculptures. These artworks can give depth to the room by creating an illusion that there are more layers to unleash. Many experts believe that to create an intimate-looking interior, rough textures must be added. On the other hand, decors with smooth textures can create a sophisticated and classy-looking interior. 

Time To Refresh Your Home

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.

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.