Situated on Lake Eloise, part of Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes canal system, this 2006-built home underwent a three-year renovation from 2022 to 2025 with results well worth the wait.
With four grown children, the husband-and-wife owners wanted to transform their family home into a space for entertaining, relaxation and everyday enjoyment. Inspiration came from the clients themselves—their lifestyle, focus on family and love of entertaining—resulting in a home that feels like a luxury vacation.
Original features such as blue-framed windows, soaring ceilings, concrete floors and exposed wood beams were preserved, while new additions include custom cabinetry, tall motorized drapery, bespoke rugs and curated furniture pieces.
R. Nickson Interiors incorporated real materials throughout, including marble, concrete and glass, layered with wallpaper and unexpected details for texture and warmth. The color palette of the home mixes blues and greens with pops of neon, while the primary suite offers a more subdued yet complementary look. Standout spaces include a powder bath with black concrete walls and countertops paired with brush-stroked grasscloth wallpaper, bar and mudroom cabinets painted a rich teal with stainless metal grill details and an Onyx backlit bar featuring slabs of deep blue and cream stone.
The home’s unique architecture presented challenges, yet the renovation was a dream project, enhanced by abundant natural light, the quality of the original construction and the clients’ enthusiasm throughout the process.
If you’re designing a family-friendly home, it can be hard to visualise finished rooms before you start any renovations. For example, you might be starting at an empty second bedroom, trying to imagine how it would work as a nursery. Would a cot fit under the window? Could you add a changing table without blocking the door? What about storage for all those tiny clothes and endless nappies? Making decisions worth hundreds of pounds without truly understanding how everything will fit together can feel very overwhelming.
In a family home, children’s needs change rapidly. Today’s nursery becomes tomorrow’s toddler room, then a homework space, and eventually a teenager’s sanctuary. Furniture purchases represent significant investments, yet most parents buy based on guesswork and hope rather than confident visualisation.
The challenge of planning family spaces
According to research from the Royal Institute of British Architects, poor space planning in family homes leads to ongoing frustration and costly retrofitting. Common mistakes include buying furniture that doesn’t fit, creating layouts that impede daily routines, and missing opportunities to design spaces that adapt as children grow.
The root of the problem is that traditional planning methods don’t account for the dynamic nature of family life. Floor plans show dimensions, but not how a room actually functions when a toddler needs space to play while parents prepare dinner. Paint samples look lovely on cards, but reveal nothing about how that cheerful yellow affects the entire room’s atmosphere when covering four walls.
Children’s developmental stages compound this complexity. What works brilliantly for a six-month-old can become completely inadequate by the time they reach eighteen months. The nursery, perfect for a baby, needs reimagining for a curious toddler who climbs everything. It’s easy to fall into the trap of either making expensive changes every few years or living with spaces that never quite function properly.
How 3D design solves family planning problems
Modern 3d home design online free tools let you create accurate digital versions of your home, then experiment with furniture, colours, and layouts before you make any commitments or purchases. This virtual planning eliminates the guesswork that leads to expensive mistakes.
Arcadium exemplifies this new generation of accessible design technology. Unlike complex architectural software, Arcadium focuses on intuitive controls that busy parents can master quickly. You input room dimensions, add windows and doors, then start testing ideas. The platform’s photorealistic rendering shows exactly how different choices affect your space.
Testing before buying
That £300 wardrobe looks perfect online, but will it actually fit in your child’s bedroom alongside the existing bookshelf? Arcadium answers this question definitively. You can place virtual versions of furniture in your digital room and immediately see whether everything fits comfortably or creates a cramped, cluttered space.
This testing capability proves invaluable for family home planning. You can make sure those new bunk beds leave enough floor space for play, confirm that the changing table doesn’t block the nursery door, or ensure that the desk fits under the window where natural light makes homework easier. Every decision gets validated before money changes hands.
Planning for growth
Children change rapidly. The cot becomes a toddler bed. The changing table transforms into a dresser. The toy box makes way for a desk. Arcadium lets you plan these transitions before they happen, ensuring each stage works beautifully.
You can create a nursery design, then modify it to show how the same room functions as a toddler space. For example, you can test whether that specific dresser you’re considering could later hold school uniforms and sports kits, or see if the room layout will accommodate a desk when homework becomes necessary. This planning avoids the frustration of buying furniture that only works for one developmental stage.
Creating multi-functional family spaces
Modern family homes rarely have dedicated playrooms. Children’s activities usually happen in living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. As a result, you need spaces that serve multiple purposes without feeling chaotic or cramped.
Arcadium helps design these multi-functional areas effectively. You can test whether your living room accommodates both adult seating and a play mat without everyone tripping over toys. You can check that kitchen layouts allow children to help with cooking while staying safely away from the hob, or create bedroom arrangements that include both sleep space and play areas without feeling overcrowded.
Kitchen design for family life
The kitchen often represents the heart of family life. As such, kitchen design for families requires careful consideration of sightlines, storage, and safety.
Using Arcadium, you can test different kitchen layouts to find arrangements that work for family dynamics. Does a peninsula create better supervision of homework while you cook? Can you position the dining table to maintain connection without children being too close to the cooking areas? Where should child-friendly storage go for easy access to breakfast items and lunch box supplies?
The platform’s lighting simulation proves particularly valuable here. You can see how natural light from windows affects the dining area at breakfast time, or see if pendant lights over the table provide adequate illumination for homework without creating glare. These details significantly impact daily family life yet remain invisible until you actually live in the space.
Bedroom transformations
Children’s bedrooms serve evolving purposes. Initially, they’re spaces for sleeping and changing. As children grow, bedrooms become play areas, reading nooks, study spaces, and eventually teenage retreats. Each phase demands different furniture arrangements and storage solutions.
Arcadium lets you plan these transformations strategically. Position the cot knowing exactly where it will move when transitioning to a bed. Choose a dresser placement that works both for baby clothes and later for school uniforms. Identify the best wall for shelving that starts with books and toys but later holds trophies, electronics, and teenage treasures.
This planning proves especially valuable for siblings sharing rooms. You can test bunk bed positions, ensure each child gets adequate storage and personal space, and create layouts that minimise bedtime conflicts. The 3D visualisation can also help children understand and accept room arrangements, reducing the friction that often accompanies shared bedroom negotiations.
Making colour and design decisions
Paint colour decisions become significantly easier with 3D visualisation. You’re not choosing based on a tiny sample card, but instead seeing entire rooms rendered in your selected colours. This comprehensive view reveals how colours interact with natural light, existing furniture, and the room’s overall atmosphere.
For children’s rooms, this capability prevents common mistakes. That bright blue you loved in the tin might feel overwhelming when it’s covering four walls. The cheerful yellow seems perfect until you see it clashing with existing toy storage. Arcadium shows these conflicts before you’ve opened a paint tin, letting you adjust colours or create accent walls that provide visual interest without overwhelming the space.
The platform also helps coordinate colours across your home. You can ensure the nursery palette complements hallway colours that are visible through open doors, or check that the playful children’s spaces don’t clash visually with your adult living areas. This coordination creates a cohesive home that feels thoughtfully designed rather than randomly assembled.
Involving children in design decisions
Older children benefit enormously from participating in room design. Arcadium makes this collaboration easy and fun. Children can see their ideas visualised immediately, helping them understand spatial relationships and make realistic choices about furniture and layouts.
This involvement creates buy-in and excitement about their spaces. When children help plan room layouts, they’re more likely to keep them tidy because they understand where everything belongs.
The visual nature of 3D design can also help children communicate preferences clearly. Rather than vague descriptions, they can show you exactly what they mean when discussing furniture placement or colour choices. This clarity prevents misunderstandings and ensures the final room truly reflects what your child wants while meeting practical needs.
Budget planning and cost control
Family budgets rarely accommodate expensive furniture mistakes. When you buy a wardrobe that doesn’t fit or a bed that blocks the radiator, replacing it means wasting money you might not have. Three-dimensional planning can prevent these costly errors.
You can measure virtual furniture to find the exact dimensions you need, then search specifically for pieces that fit rather than buying appealing items that might not work. You can identify which expensive purchases truly matter and where budget alternatives are good enough, because you understand exactly how everything contributes to the overall design.
3D planning also reveals opportunities to repurpose existing furniture creatively. You might discover your current bookshelf works perfectly in the nursery if you simply move it, or see that a dresser from the kitchen fits beautifully in your child’s room. These insights emerge clearly when you can test arrangements virtually rather than moving heavy furniture repeatedly.
Family homes work best when spaces genuinely support daily life. Children need room to play, learn, and grow. Parents need functional areas that accommodate family activities without constant frustration. Achieving this balance traditionally required extensive trial and error, often at significant expense.
Three-dimensional home design technology transforms this process. Tools like Arcadium give you the power to plan confidently, test thoroughly, and create spaces that truly work for your family. You can make informed decisions rather than guesses, and avoid expensive mistakes while creating homes your children will love for years.
Before making your next furniture purchase or committing to a room redesign, think about taking time to visualise the complete picture. The hours invested in planning could prevent years of living with spaces that never quite function as you intended.
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he has renovated the Lincoln Bedroom bathroom, sharing before and after images on social media as he continues to put his touch on the White House.“I renovated the Lincoln Bathroom in the White House. It was renovated in the 1940s in an Art Deco green tile style, which was totally inappropriate for the Lincoln Era,” Trump said on Truth Social. “I did it in black and white polished Statuary marble. This was very appropriate for the time of Abraham Lincoln and, in fact, could be the marble that was originally there!”In the video player above: See before and after images posted to social media by President TrumpThe president posted about the renovations aboard Air Force One en route to Florida, where he will spend the weekend. The post comes as the government remains shut down, and the Trump administration says it will not tap into emergency funds to fund SNAP food assistance benefits through the month of November.Shortly after, Trump posted more images of the bathroom, showing gold detailing on the faucet and shower handle, as well as other fixtures. A plush white robe with the presidential seal also hangs on a golden hook.The president discussed the changes he was making to the bathroom earlier this month during a dinner at the White House, saying in part that the old style of the bathroom “was not exactly Abe Lincoln.”“We have little things like at the Lincoln Bedroom. The bathroom was done by the Truman family and you know, long time ago. And it’s done in a green tile, and it’s done in a style that was not exactly Abe Lincoln,” the president said.“It’s actually Art Deco. And Art Deco doesn’t go with, you know, 1850 and Civil Wars…But what does do is statuary marble. So I ripped it apart and we built a bathroom. It’s absolutely gorgeous and totally in keeping with that time because the Lincoln bedroom is, uh, so incredible, for those of you that have seen it,” he added.Trump on Friday also gave a status update on a separate construction project he’s overseeing at the Kennedy Center, which he said he “just inspected.”“The exterior columns, which were in serious danger of corrosion if something weren’t done, are completed, and look magnificent in White Enamel — Like a different place! Marble is being done, stages are being renovated, new seats, new chairs, and new fabrics will soon be installed, and magnificent high-end carpeting throughout the building. It is happening faster than anticipated, one of my trademarks,” Trump said.“We are bringing this building back to life. It was dead as a doornail, but it will soon be beautiful again!” he added.The moves are part of Trump’s effort to put his stamp on the White House – which has seen a slew of changes since he took office – and the greater DC area.So far, the renovations include paving over the grass in the historic Rose Garden, demolishing the East Wing to make way for a new ballroom and adorning the Oval Office with gold.Trump often says the White House needed a new ballroom to host world leaders, to avoid situations where they are outside and a temporary tent has to be used when it rains. And he frequently remarked that the Rose Garden paving was necessary because women in high heels would sink into the grass during events. It now has a touch of Mar-a-Lago with the same white and yellow umbrellas at tables on the patio.His redecoration of the Oval Office to his liking, as presidents do when they take office, has tripled the number of paintings on the walls with gold just about everywhere. Trump also installed portraits of every president framed in gold on the West Colonnade – except for former President Joe Biden, who is instead represented by his autopen signature – and large floor-to-ceiling mirrors, which the press can see when they are escorted into the Oval Office.In addition to those changes, Trump plans to build a new arch monument in DC in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary.As he pushes forward with his plans to leave his mark on the White House and the nation’s capital, Trump this week fired the members of the Commission of Fine Arts. The independent federal agency is charged with advising the president, Congress, and the city of Washington, DC, on “matters of design and aesthetics.” The president has also installed allies on the National Capital Planning Commission, which will be tasked with approving plans for the new ballroom on White House grounds.
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he has renovated the Lincoln Bedroom bathroom, sharing before and after images on social media as he continues to put his touch on the White House.
“I renovated the Lincoln Bathroom in the White House. It was renovated in the 1940s in an Art Deco green tile style, which was totally inappropriate for the Lincoln Era,” Trump said on Truth Social. “I did it in black and white polished Statuary marble. This was very appropriate for the time of Abraham Lincoln and, in fact, could be the marble that was originally there!”
In the video player above: See before and after images posted to social media by President Trump
The president posted about the renovations aboard Air Force One en route to Florida, where he will spend the weekend. The post comes as the government remains shut down, and the Trump administration says it will not tap into emergency funds to fund SNAP food assistance benefits through the month of November.
Shortly after, Trump posted more images of the bathroom, showing gold detailing on the faucet and shower handle, as well as other fixtures. A plush white robe with the presidential seal also hangs on a golden hook.
The president discussed the changes he was making to the bathroom earlier this month during a dinner at the White House, saying in part that the old style of the bathroom “was not exactly Abe Lincoln.”
“We have little things like at the Lincoln Bedroom. The bathroom was done by the Truman family and you know, long time ago. And it’s done in a green tile, and it’s done in a style that was not exactly Abe Lincoln,” the president said.
“It’s actually Art Deco. And Art Deco doesn’t go with, you know, 1850 and Civil Wars…But what does do is statuary marble. So I ripped it apart and we built a bathroom. It’s absolutely gorgeous and totally in keeping with that time because the Lincoln bedroom is, uh, so incredible, for those of you that have seen it,” he added.
Trump on Friday also gave a status update on a separate construction project he’s overseeing at the Kennedy Center, which he said he “just inspected.”
“The exterior columns, which were in serious danger of corrosion if something weren’t done, are completed, and look magnificent in White Enamel — Like a different place! Marble is being done, stages are being renovated, new seats, new chairs, and new fabrics will soon be installed, and magnificent high-end carpeting throughout the building. It is happening faster than anticipated, one of my trademarks,” Trump said.
“We are bringing this building back to life. It was dead as a doornail, but it will soon be beautiful again!” he added.
The moves are part of Trump’s effort to put his stamp on the White House – which has seen a slew of changes since he took office – and the greater DC area.
So far, the renovations include paving over the grass in the historic Rose Garden, demolishing the East Wing to make way for a new ballroom and adorning the Oval Office with gold.
Trump often says the White House needed a new ballroom to host world leaders, to avoid situations where they are outside and a temporary tent has to be used when it rains. And he frequently remarked that the Rose Garden paving was necessary because women in high heels would sink into the grass during events. It now has a touch of Mar-a-Lago with the same white and yellow umbrellas at tables on the patio.
His redecoration of the Oval Office to his liking, as presidents do when they take office, has tripled the number of paintings on the walls with gold just about everywhere. Trump also installed portraits of every president framed in gold on the West Colonnade – except for former President Joe Biden, who is instead represented by his autopen signature – and large floor-to-ceiling mirrors, which the press can see when they are escorted into the Oval Office.
In addition to those changes, Trump plans to build a new arch monument in DC in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary.
As he pushes forward with his plans to leave his mark on the White House and the nation’s capital, Trump this week fired the members of the Commission of Fine Arts. The independent federal agency is charged with advising the president, Congress, and the city of Washington, DC, on “matters of design and aesthetics.” The president has also installed allies on the National Capital Planning Commission, which will be tasked with approving plans for the new ballroom on White House grounds.
Global luxury furniture brand Theodore Alexander will host a grand opening celebration next week for its first Long Island store that opened last month.
The new Theodore Alexander store, which will host a grand opening event at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, was built in a 41,393-square-foot space above the Whole Foods Market in Kimco Realty’s Munsey Park Plaza shopping center at 2103 Northern Blvd. in Manhasset. The space was formerly occupied by a Bed, Bath & Beyond store which closed in 2021.
The grand opening will feature Bobby Berk, the original design expert on Netflix’s hit series “Queer Eye.” Berk will host a meet-and-greet and sign copies of his book “Right at Home,” which will be given to the first 200 guests. The event will also feature live music, champagne, light bites, as well as contests, giveaways and showroom tours, according to a company statement.
Known as the Theodore Alexander Manhasset Design Center, which opened on Sept. 11, it is operated by an international third-party investor, according to the furniture manufacturer.
“For nearly three decades, Theodore Alexander has served the designer trade community by creating exceptionally crafted pieces and building a legacy of trust, quality, and lasting creative design,” Theodore Alexander President Ed Teplitz said in the statement. “We now extend that same elevated experience to Manhasset, one of the nation’s most sophisticated luxury markets, which is made possible by the commitment of a private investor. We invite the public into our world of design to experience our craftsmanship firsthand, and we look forward to building lasting relationships with the people who will live with and love our furniture every day.”
Founded in 1996 by Paul Maitland Smith, a pioneer of high-end furniture production in Asia, Theodore Alexander has been selling its luxury home furnishings through other retailers and dealers throughout the world. The new Manhasset store is part of the company’s effort to open Theodore Alexander stores in areas with attractive demographics. It is located just across the street from Americana Manhasset and around the corner from the showroom of luxury furniture brand Arhaus.
Interior designers will have access to trade pricing, the full fabric library and digital product catalog along with designs showcased on the floor, offering an opportunity to have giving their clients a chance to check out the furnishings before purchasing, according to the statement.
The Theodore Alexander Manhasset store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Jordan Domroe of Parallel Realty represented the tenant, while Gene Spiegelman, Jeffrey Rosbash and Morgan Singer of RIPCO Realty represented the landlord, Kimco Realty, in the lease transaction.
Project Design campaign modeled after 2013 New Hyde Park success
New 60,000-sq-ft facility to open in 2027 at $34 million budget
Applications for participation due by November 30
Interior designers are invited to donate their services as part of the development of the soon-to-be-built Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.
Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro is collaborating with Washington D.C.-based furnishings supplier Kravet Family of Brands, and two publications, New York Cottages & Gardens and Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, on the initiative dubbed Stony Brook Project Design.
Bedroom design by Young Huh Interior Design at Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park. / Courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro
The effort mirrors the project design campaign for the New Hyde Park Ronald McDonald House in 2013 to 2014, where more than 60 designers donated their services to refresh 74 interior spaces, including bedrooms, common areas, media rooms and dining areas, donating furnishings and décor, valued at over $5 million.
Applications to participate in the Stony Brook project opened this month and are due by Nov. 30.
“The vision for the Stony Brook Ronald McDonald House goes far beyond a building. It’s about creating a home filled with warmth, compassion, and community,” Jennifer Nicholson, COO of RMHC New York Metro, said in a written statement. “Through Project Design, we invite designers to craft spaces that will provide comfort and healing for thousands of families for years to come.”
Construction of the new $34 million Stony Brook Ronald McDonald House is slated to begin this year, with plans to open in 2027. The new 60,000-square-foot facility will offer overnight accommodation, comfort, and hospitality to families caring for their seriously ill or injured children at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.
“Design can change lives, and this project would be life-changing,” Lisa Kravet, chair of the Stony Brook Building Committee, said in the statement. “Bright, cheerful spaces have the power to uplift families in their darkest hour.”
Designers are asked to develop mood boards which illustrate their vision to design the facility’s 30 private bedrooms, reception area, dining room, kitchens, media room, playroom, wellness center, fitness center, movie theater, meditation room, laundry rooms, family lounges, rooftop retreat, volunteer room, and more.
“We are absolutely thrilled that Stony Brook Project Design will take place in a brand-new, purpose-built Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook,” Marianne Howatson, CEO and publication director of C&G Media Group, said in the statement. “This extraordinary opportunity allows our talented community of designers to shape these spaces from the ground up—with compassion, creativity, and purpose—offering comfort to families during their most challenging times.”
Matt Campo, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro, said since 1986 the organization has helped tens of thousands of families with sick children find comfort and support when they needed it most.
“Many families travel far from home to seek the best care for their children and call Ronald McDonald House their home away from home,” Campo said in the statement. “For children facing a serious medical crisis, the love of their family is as strong as the best medicine there is.”
Aluminum for spacecraft interiors is passé; what space-farers apparently want is wood. That’s the bet from Vast, the makers of Haven-1, the world’s first commercial space station set to be placed in low-Earth orbit by the SpaceX Falcon rocket next year. First paying customers will be getting on board in 2026, and judging by the final designs just released of the station’s cozy interior, they’ll feel right at home.
Helping to add softness to an interior previously more focused on function than style, Vast has used fine-grained maple wood—a contemporary favorite of home interior designers, chosen for its ability to add warmth and elegance to any space, and now space space.
Naturally, the maple wood slats are there for aesthetic appeal more than anything else, but Haven-1 has also developed other creature comforts, including a puffy space duvet that should help to encourage a good night’s rest—not something easily achieved in space.
“This is not just any old duvet,” says Hillary Coe, Vast’s chief design and marketing officer. “It’s a duvet that inflates, creating this equal pressure up against you which allows for a beautiful, comfortable night’s rest.”
According to Vast, the patent-pending sleep system is roughly the size of a queen bed, and should accommodate side and back-sleepers alike.
“Buzz-cut astronaut-dudes giggle when they come down to our office and see the sleep system—they’d loved to have had one [on their work-a-day missions],” says Coe, who spent five years as head of design at SpaceX before jumping spaceship to Vast. She’s also held design positions at Starlink, Google, and Apple.
Vast’s patent-pending signature sleep system is roughly the size of a queen bed.
Courtesy of Vast
Eyes on the Stars
Vast is a Southern California startup founded by crypto billionaire Jed McCaleb, a programmer who, in 2010, transformed his Mt. Gox card trading site into the first major Bitcoin exchange. He is worth $2.9 billion according to Forbes’ Billionaires List. McCaleb founded Vast in 2021 to develop artificial gravity space stations.
Early hires included Kyle Dedmon, former SpaceX construction vice president; systems engineer Tom Hayford who has worked for Relativity Space and SpaceX; Molly McCormick, a former SpaceX human factors engineer; and Colin Smith, a former SpaceX propulsion engineer.
“Earth has finite resources, but out in the solar system, there is an enormous untapped wealth, both in terms of energy and matter, that could support many ‘Earths,’” McCaleb told SpaceNews in 2022.
Would you like your home to look like it was planned and curated, rather than a space that is simply filled with stuff? These simple tips on curating your space will help you create an organised and stylish interior.
1. Assess your assets
Before you can even think about creating a curated interior, you need to take stock so that you can fully understand just what it is you are actually working with. Start out by making an inventory of your possessions (hard work, but worth it in the end) and categorise everything into keep, sell, or donate, so you have a firm place to start.
2. Feng Shui your furniture
Sometimes all you need for a fresh perspective is a new layout. Play around with the positioning of your furniture to optimise the flow of your room. A well-arranged room can make it feel like you’ve moved house without actually doing so.
3. Storage units
Not everything needs to be on display. For seasonal items or those bits and bobs you can’t part with but don’t need daily, consider the use of storage units. This is an easy way to keep your home organised and your treasures safe.
4. Double-duty decor
Choose furniture that works hard. Think ottomans with storage, beds with drawers, or even hollowed-out books for stashing valuables. Multi-functional furniture is great for keeping your lesser-used items out of sight but within reach.
5. Sky’s the limit
When floor space is a premium, think upwards. Shelves aren’t just for books; they can house ornaments, magazines, kitchen accessories, or plants. And if you’re really brave, a ceiling storage system for bikes or seasonal gear can free up tons of space below.
6. Label love
Once you’ve tidied everything away, it’s important to keep track of where you’ve put it all! Avoid the frustration with a label maker; use it to label boxes, drawers, and shelves. This not only helps you, but anyone else who might dare to venture into your neatly organised realm.
7. Miracle mirrors
If you’re working with a smaller space, mirrors are your best friend. They reflect light, making your room look bigger and brighter than it really is. Position them strategically opposite windows to maximise the illusion of depth and light.
8. Add some greenery
Plants do more than just make a room look nice. They’re known mood boosters and air purifiers. Whether it’s a towering fiddle leaf fig or a humble herb garden, adding some greenery can bring life to your space while filtering out unwanted toxins.
9. Zone your home
Think of your space like a small village. Each area has its purpose: a place to relax, a place to dine, a place to work etc. Setting up these zones not only helps you to mentally separate your activities but also keeps clutter confined to specific areas, making it easier to manage.
10. Light it up
Never underestimate the power of good lighting. It’s not just functional; it sets the mood. Invest in some quality lighting options such as dimmable overhead lights, cosy table lamps, or string lights for a touch of whimsy. Use warmer bulbs to create a relaxed atmosphere, and brighter ones in areas where you need to concentrate. Lighting can dramatically change the feel of a room, turning a dreary den into a serene sanctuary.
11. Rotate your decor
Keep your space feeling fresh by rotating your decor with the seasons. This doesn’t mean a complete overhaul but changing a few key pieces like cushions, throws, or even art prints. It’s a great way to satisfy the urge for change without constant spending, and it keeps your space aligned with the natural changes outside, boosting your mood and the room’s vibe.
12. Digital detox zone
In a world where screens are omnipresent, it’s worth creating a digital detox zone in your home. This could be a reading nook, a craft corner, or simply somewhere where electronics are not welcome. This not only helps reduce clutter (physical and mental) but also encourages activities that relax and engage you in more mindful ways.
13. Use colour wisely
It’s proven that colours affect our mood and perception. Choose your palette carefully depending on the function of each room. For instance, blues and greens evoke calm and are perfect for bedrooms or bathrooms, while vibrant yellows or oranges can energise a kitchen or exercise space.
14. Smart storage solutions
Maximise your storage without compromising on style by choosing smart solutions. For example, use attractive baskets or vintage suitcases that can double as decor. These can store anything from toys to tools while adding character to your space. Also, consider multi-functional furniture like a coffee table with hidden compartments or dining benches with lift-up seats for extra storage.
15. Personal touches
In a well-curated home, you will always find personal items that mean something to you. Whether it’s family photos, travel souvenirs, or handmade items, these personal touches make your space truly yours and tell the story of who you are. They’re conversation starters, memory holders, and they make your space feel warm and lived-in.
16. A place for everything
Of course, if you truly want your home to look and feel curated, then you need to make sure that there is a place for everything and everything is in its place. When you put this golden rule of curating your space into play, then your home really does look planned and thought-out.
Hopefully these tips for curating your space help you create a home that is not only clutter-free, but which more importantly, actually looks like a home that has had a lot of thought and effort put into it, and reflects who you and your family really are.
A living room is a multi-functional area of the home, used by all family members as a place for relaxation, socialising, and entertainment. With so many roles to fulfil, it’s important to get the decor and mood right in a living room to ensure it feels welcoming while also being a chic place to spend time.
Simple ways to decorate a living room
If you need some inspiration for your living room revamp, here are some tips to help you make the best of the space.
1. Arrange furniture for optimum impact
The way you place furniture in a living room has a big impact on the feel and practicality of the space. Pushing everything against the walls can make the room feel closed-in, while leaving space for a flow of movement can open things up. Consider also the size of your furniture pieces; balancing different sizes can achieve a casual look, while symmetry will create a more organised, formal mood. Rugs are a useful accessory for anchoring furniture too.
2. Wall art
Wall art can enhance a small living room without taking up much space. Framed art will give a dynamic display, and if you choose lighter colours it can also make the room look bigger and more open. Larger rooms can cope with a bigger piece of wall art. You could also go for a gallery wall; this popular trend is a lovely way to combine family photos with prints for a unique and personal look.
3. Mirrors
Loved by the professionals, mirrors are your secret weapon when it comes to interior design. Use a large mirror or group of small mirrors to create the illusion of a bigger room. Placing them strategically to reflect light from windows will make the room brighter. To move large or fragile items such as mirrors from one place to another you can hire keeponmovin.co.uk.
4. Layered lighting
Lighting has a huge impact on your living room’s appeal, and also its functionality. Start with ambient lighting, which provides overall illumination throughout the room; this is usually in the form of ceiling or wall lights. Next, add task lighting such as floor and table lamps to support specific uses such as reading. Finally, ambient lighting such as table lamps and candles is used to highlight a particular feature or create a mood. Cover all three layers of lighting to turn your living room into a cosy retreat in the evenings.
5. Use a neutral colour scheme
For a clean and put-together look in your living room, stick to a neutral colour scheme. To stop things looking bland, introduce one or two accent colours through cushions, ornaments, and wall art. You can also add interest with texture such as wood, natural fabrics and plants. This approach to living room decor is ideal for fans of minimalist interiors and smaller spaces.
6. Create a focal point
Creating a focal point in your living room is an easy way to and draw the eye to a particular area of the room. As we’ve already mentioned, wall art can be used as a focal point, but there are other options too. A feature fireplace, a beautiful rug, a statement plant, an accent wall, and an unusual piece of furniture are all ideal candidates for a focal point.
If creating a focal point such as a fireplace leads to a room renovation, you may need some help with logistics. Click here for removal and waste disposal services to deal with heavy and bulky items.
7. Use seasonal flowers
Flowers are a great way to decorate your living room and bring a little bit of of nature inside. Choose flower types that are in season and use them in vases that complement your room’s decor. You can even get creative and use mason jars, teapots, or baskets to give your floral arrangement a unique touch.
Conclusion
Your living room is an important part of your home, and you naturally want it to look great and be a welcoming space for everyone who uses it. Furniture arrangement, wall art, mirrors, good lighting, fresh flowers and a focal point can all be used to enhance the beauty of your living room without a major renovation project.
Have you used any of these tricks to decorate a living room?
What is your idea of a dream home? Chances are it involves a property that can cater for the whole family, provide the work-life balance we’ve always wanted, and make us feel safe. Beyond these basics, you’ve probably got lots of features that are specific to your own life on your wish list.
In this article we’ll share some inspiring ideas to help you design the home of your dreams.
Key elements of your dream home
Every dream home is different, but here are some popular components that feature in a dream house wish list:
A luxury bathroom.
Statement lighting fixtures.
Spacious rooms.
A beautiful outdoor area with seating and a pool.
A luxury kitchen.
Top-end appliances.
Smart home technology.
Above all, your dream home should reflect your personal preferences and cater to your lifestyle. If you’re moving home, owenvanservices.co.uk can help you transition to your new house seamlessly.
Steps you need to consider when planning your dream house
If you’re planning a new home, here’s a quick guide to the main steps in the process:
Determine your budget.
Find a suitable location.
Hire an architect.
Secure financing.
Obtain necessary permits.
Design the layout.
Build the foundations and structure.
Finish the interior and exterior.
Inspiring ideas for your dream home
To turn a home into your dream abode you need to think creatively. Here are some unique ideas that can add wow factor:
Add an impressive patio
A stunning patio with space to relax and entertain can really elevate your home – and it can also increase its value. Quality paving or decking, water features, built-in firepits, luxury lighting, and beautiful container plants will all add a touch of luxury to your outdoor space.
Max out on natural light
Designing your home with natural light in mind will allow you to create an airy, welcoming space. Large windows, roof windows, bifold doors, and lots of mirrors will help you create a luxurious vibe. Maximising natural light can also reduce energy bills and have a positive impact on physical and mental health. It can improve mood, increase productivity, and reduce stress.
Relax in a swing chair
Who doesn’t love swinging chairs? These create a romantic vibe and are a perfect outdoor space to sit with your loved ones. You can go for a modern or traditional design to suit your home’s style. You can dial up the comfort factor by adding cushions and throws. Click Here to move large furniture with the help of professional workers.
Add a statement fireplace
If you’ve got a large living room, a statement fireplace can really deliver on wow factor. As well as providing a focal point for the room, they serve a practical purpose while adding an elegant touch to your home decor.
Smart home technology
Smart home technology is a growing trend for luxury interior design. Being able to control heating, humidity levels, lighting, and security at the touch of a button gives you greater flexibility and just makes life easier! You’ve also got the added advantage of remote control which is not only convenient but can also save you money on bills.
Have you been lucky enough to be able to design your dream home? What tips and features would you add to our list?
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in every home. It’s a very functional room, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want it to look good too.
When it comes to making your kitchen look beautiful, the size of the room has a big influence. In this article we’ll focus on tips for making a small kitchen look great.
1. Choose tiles carefully
Most kitchen designs involve an element of wall tiles. These are a practical way to keep walls clean and looking smart. The colour and size of the tiles has a direct effect on the overall look in a small kitchen.
Light coloured tiles will create a natural feel and can make a small space feel lighter and bigger. Gloss finish tiles can look really smart and modern, while textured tiles are great for adding interest and depth. Make sure you co-ordinate your tile colours with any other wall paint or wallpaper for a cohesive finish.
Installing kitchen tiles can generate a lot of waste. To dispose of waste generated during a kitchen renovation, you can use the service of reedwastecollection.co.uk and let the professionals do the job for you.
2. Choose a unique wallpaper
Wallpaper can be used in a kitchen to great effect. A bold pattern will make a strong statement, while something more geometric or muted is ideal for neutral colour schemes. Be mindful of overpowering a small kitchen with very detailed designs though. If you’ve fallen in love with a busy print, consider using it on a single wall only.
When choosing wallpaper for a kitchen it’s important to ensure that the finish is suitable for a kitchen environment. Ideally you need it to be resistant to moisture; washable or vinyl papers are a good choice.
3. Accessorise
Whether your kitchen is big or small, it can be made more charming and attractive with some personal touches. Wall art, colourful towels, and statement crockery will all add personality and detail to the space. You could even showcase your own hobbies with things like handmade vases or woven storage baskets. Simple decorations like this can make kitchens attractive at a low cost.
Do be careful not to overdo the accessories in a small kitchen. It’s a good idea to declutter on a regular basis to keep things looking neat. If you generate a lot of waste click here to get the best and most affordable options for waste removal on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
4. Add plants
Plants are fantastic for adding colour and interest to a kitchen – and they can improve air quality too. Indoor plants don’t have to take up lots of worktop space in a small kitchen; hanging planters and wall planters can add greenery without cluttering up your surfaces.
5. Aim for consistency
If the kitchen is small, it has to be designed with consistency in mind to get the best out of the space. This could be consistent colours on appliances that live on worktops, uniform storage boxes that get the most out of limited cupboards, or crockery in the same colour to minimise the feeling of clutter. Keeping your colour palette consistent on walls, appliances and cupboards can help too.
6. Utilise height
If your kitchen is small, make good use of the height. Tall wall cabinets can provide much-needed exrta storage without getting in the way; you can even run them right up to the ceiling. Wall shelves are also a great idea, and you can even build cupboards that allow you to stack your appliances (do make sure you secure each appliance properly to avoid hazards).
Conclusion
With these ideas, you can make a small kitchen look great while also improving its functionality. The right tiles, wallpaper, and colours combined with some greenery and clever storage can work wonders without breaking the bank.
Are you looking to revamp your home before putting it up for sale? It’s important to understand that some design ideas are not optimal in the long run if you’re planning to sell your home.
This article covers some practical and simple advice that you shouldn’t miss out on when preparing your home for sale.
The importance of home design for a quicker sale
If you’re hoping to sell a house fast, there are many things that can help you achieve this goal. For example, you can locate a quick sale company in the UK to assist you. These companies work by buying your home off you with readily available cash. Usually, this is all done within a short time frame, with an offering based on the current market value.
It also wouldn’t hurt to make things easier for yourself by designing your home in a way that is appealing to potential buyers. Not only will this help you attract more interest, but it can also increase the chance of getting a higher offer at a faster rate.
While you might currently only think of it as your own home, your property’s value goes beyond this and the comfort you may personally feel. By finding a balance between personal preferences, comfort, and resale value, you will make life easier for yourself in the future.
Simple changes with a big impact
There are many things you can do as a homeowner that will change the look of your house, and not all of them are massive projects.
One simple fix is to make sure you’ve got enough storage in your home, as this will minimise clutter and make everything look more organised. It will also create the impression of more space, thus adding to the property’s appeal.
Speaking of making your home seem bigger, painting your walls in lighter colours, such as pastels, will add to this illusion. Plus, paler tones tend to be more well-regarded, ensuring potential buyers will find your home more attractive. Nothing says timeless quite like minimalist shades.
In addition, having proper lighting is important. Opt for a simple and minimal approach; LED strips are an easy way to highlight specific areas or features.
Having enough lighting is especially vital if you don’t have enough natural light coming in. There are certain things you can do to increase natural light, such as hanging mirrors to reflect light into a room. Adding skylights, using bright accent walls and experimenting with light fixture placements are all also effective options for rooms with few or no windows.
One thing that never goes out of style is nature. So, try to add plants and flowers in appropriate spaces, such as on your windowsills.
Additional finishing touches include tasteful accents such as throw pillows and artwork that fit the overall theme of your home so they’re not jarring to any guests or buyers.
Finally, focus on investing in smart gadgets. Not only will they save you time, but they can also save you money in the long term, due to the fact that they can be automated and controlled remotely. This will be another attractive factor for anyone interested in purchasing your home.
As you can see from these indoor design tips, there are lots of easy ways to make your home sell more quickly and easily. Remember, you don’t have to overcomplicate things – even the smallest of details can have a big impact.
It’s easy to overlook the importance of good lighting design. Sure, a few bulbs can give you the light you need to see by, but light is more than just practical illumination. It creates beauty and art in its own…
Large artworks can help a space feel more homey, according to art consultant Louisa Warfield.
Andreas Von Einsiedel | Corbis Documentary | Getty Images
There are two common mistakes people make when hanging art in their homes, according to art consultant Louisa Warfield.
“The first is, they hang work that is too small for the space. And often you’ll go in, and you’ll find a sofa [couch] with one tiny picture above it, and that looks lonely and bleak,” she said.
Instead, “Hang a wall… with as big a painting as you can fit.” This helps a room feel homey, Warfield said, while at the same time making the space appear larger. Don’t be afraid to hang large artworks in smaller spaces such as hallways, Warfield said.
The second mistake is hanging artworks too high, which makes pieces harder to “connect” with. “Whether it’s just the visual connection, you just like the look of it, or whether it’s an emotional connection, you feel something from it … if the work is hung too high it feels like it’s not really in the room,” she said.
People sometimes make the mistake of hanging artwork too high, according to art consultant Louisa Warfield. Instead, hang the work so that its center is about 150cm above the floor, as demonstrated by the large painting on the right hand side of this dining room. The work displayed is by contemporary artist David Price and the interior designer was Rachael Harding.
Louisa Warfield Art Consultancy
A guideline is to hang the work so that its center is about 150cm above the floor, Warfield said. Alternatively, hang it so that your eye level is about a third of the way down from the top of the piece. “These are guides — there’s no hard and fast rule,” she said.
Having a gallery wall, where several pieces of varying sizes are hung together, is a popular way to display art at home. Most people are not art collectors who buy work around a particular theme; instead, they might acquire pieces on vacation or receive art as gifts, Warfield said.
“As our lives grow and get bigger, [the artworks] often don’t match. But a gallery wall … allows you to draw together lots of quite disparate bits into one quite holistic look,” she said.
Warfield suggests giving the display cohesion. “This might be as simple as everything has a black frame. This might be simple as everything is a flower picture, or … everything is a black and white photo,” she said. She might add a quirk, such as having one picture that has a touch of red in it that stands out against a monochrome selection.
A “gallery wall” in art consultant Louisa Warfield’s London home. Warfield suggested laying pictures on the floor in your desired arrangement before hanging them.
Louisa Warfield Art Consultancy
In a large home, a gallery wall might be about 160cm in height and about the width of the couch the art will hang above, Warfield said. She said mixing larger pieces with smaller ones is acceptable and recommended laying out pictures on the floor in front of the couch to decide how to display them. Should you have the largest picture in the middle of the display? “There’s no ‘should,’” she said. “There are a million different ways of doing it.”
Warfield charges £175 ($222) plus taxes for two hours of advice on what to buy and how to display it. When it comes to the hang itself, it’s worth hiring a professional who understands the best fittings to use for the size of the artwork and the type of wall it will go on, Warfield said. Expect to pay a professional hanger around £80 an hour, she said.
You might want artwork to fit with a color scheme you have chosen for your home, but this is something that the art world — which can be elitist — might look down on, Warfield said. Her approach is more inclusive: “You must do whatever you want in your home — it’s your sanctuary,” Warfield said.
“What I advise my clients is that you might want it to match now, but your sofa and your [color] palette is almost certainly going to change again in seven to 10 years,” Warfield said. If you are buying art and are keen on a matching approach, “be very aware of how much money are you spending, and will that picture have longevity after you have changed the color of your sitting room?”
Work by British artist Sophie Carter in a penthouse apartment by interior designer Yoko Kloeden. Art consultant Louisa Warfield said she commissioned the piece to reflect the views from the building.
Louisa Warfield Art Consultancy
If you’ve recently moved home and feel your existing artworks don’t fit your new space, consider reframing pieces or hanging them unframed to give them a new look, Warfield suggested, or have them glazed in non-reflective and UV-protective glass that will display work more clearly.
ForHelen Sunderland Cohen, who collects modern and contemporary art and photography, balance is important. “I try to place works that feel good in a particular space, and that interact organically with one another. This could be through colour, style, or a motif. For example, I decided to hang black and white photography down one corridor,” she told CNBC by email.
Sunderland-Cohen’s London home features an open-plan living area with large windows along its length that shed light on her collection.
A mask by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare hangs next to a monoprint on fabric by British artist Aimee Parrott, followed by an oil on canvas by post-war British artist Prunella Clough. Meanwhile, a bright pink porcelain cone by Simon Bejer is displayed on a side table — Bejer is a graduate of the City & Guilds School of Art in London, where Sunderland Cohen is a trustee.
Art collector Helen Sunderland Cohen said she aims for a “harmonious and balanced” environment when it comes to playing art. She is pictured here with an antique atlas, part of The Sunderland Collection.
Helen Sunderland Cohen
“I … try to arrange the art in a way that works with the furniture, rugs, and light, so that everything feels harmonious,” Sunderland Cohen said.
Sunderland Cohen, who manages The Sunderland Collection, a collection of antique world maps and atlases, said she buys work for her home that she has a personal connection to, such as places she has lived. “I think a lot of displaying art comes down to confidence and intuition, rather than worrying about what other people will think or how trendy an artist is,” she said.
“I am fascinated by design, and like living with it: even simple objects like a well-designed lamp or a beautiful cushion, or a quirky vase. These items do not have to be expensive, just engaging and fun,” she said.
HOUSTON – Brittany Franklin is a busy mom. Her daughter Stevie just turned one year old, she runs local non-profit Sky High for Kids, and although she and her husband had discussed moving to another house once their baby was born, they decided they wanted to make their current home work better for them.
First, they tackled their living room — the main gathering space for their family and friends.
“We for so long had two big chairs and a small couch, and it just made the room very crowded,” said Franklin, who worked with the design team at Living Designs Furniture to help her vision come to life.
Now, Franklin has an oversized sofa with two moveable ottomans so she has enough seating that a large sectional would have provided, but the flexibility to adjust the furniture based on her needs. The result? A more open, usable space.
“Now we have so much space and we can gather,” said Franklin.
The fabric she chose is a beautiful, stain-resistant Crypton that will stay looking new for years to come.
In addition to upgrading her living area, Franklin designed furniture for her bedroom, guest room, dining room, kitchen nook, and sitting area — giving her entire house a more beautiful, livable feeling. Watch the full video to see the result.
In a remarkable Fortnight, Taylor Swift’s latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, has shattered global records, leaving an everlasting mark on Swift’s large fanbase and further cementing her astounding legacy. With each era, Taylor Swift has given fans a reason to congregate–sharing emotions ranging from heartache to feelings of happiness and relief as they reflect on their personal experiences within her poetic lyricism.
For those who have found an affinity for the 31-track album and are eager to elevate their listening experience suitable for a tortured poet, this Redfin article is for you. We’ll unveil an array of interior design and decoration tips that harmonize everyday essentials with the dark academia aesthetic of The Tortured Poets Department.
Each of Taylor Swift’s unique eras is distinguished by a signature color. Her eleventh studio album is no different, as The Tortured Poets Department debuted with a white album cover. Lo and behold, when Swift dropped The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology (a second album), she did so with a black album cover. Her five vinyl variants include clear, white, black, and shades of greige.
These colors make up the album’s aesthetic and are reflected in her album art and the Fortnight music video which features Post Malone. As you design your space, keep these colors in mind while integrating fabrics, furniture pieces, and other design elements. Avoid going with one color over another; seamlessly blending and layering these colors together will contribute to a dark academia interior.
Upcycled poetry books and vinyls can add décor intrigue to any room in your house. Poetry books from infamous “tortured poets,” such as Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson, and Edgar Allen Poe, can serve as reading material accessible atop a coffee table or displayed among bookshelves with other literature.
As the self-appointed chairman of the department, a vinyl shelf or stand with Taylor Swift’s discography is a must. Alongside her, vinyls from artists such as Stevie Nicks and Charlie Puth would be exceptional companions.
When Taylor Swift declared the manuscript to no longer be hers and put it into the hands of the fans, it felt natural for fans to discover pieces of themselves within the sung words. Setting the mood to explore these lyrics from your perspective can be elevated when filling the room with your favorite scents.
Pillar candle holders or those with Baroque ornament details are excellent choices to bring in the dark academia flare. Set the mood with scents of floral or freshness, such as lilac, to evoke relaxation as you gather with your friends, Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus.
Like any feline friend, Taylor’s cats Meredith Gray, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button, likely enjoy a comfortable piece of furniture to snuggle into. Explore vintage wood pieces with darker stains, such as mahogany. These pieces can be anything from bed frames to a writing desk or seating arrangements.
Though it is no secret that the glitter gel pens didn’t appear on The Tortured Poets Department, fans got a flood of quill and fountain pen songs. These pens offer a timeless touch atop a desk where you can write your thoughts into a journal or on loose paper with ink smudges and dried droplets of spilled tea as mementos.
Early Hollywood actress Clara Bow was commemorated on Swift’s album. Additionally, Taylor Swift paid homage to her knowledge of Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle on the track So High School.
These past figureheads can be found in paintings and photographs and bode well with the dark academia style if framed in a Victorian brass or distressed black frame. With several talented artists, if you’re seeking something other than a portrait, explore scenic paintings with a muted, natural color palette that doesn’t overwhelm your space.
Fans will discover a 24-page book-bound jacket within The Tortured Poets Department vinyl that offers images of Taylor Swift and song lyrics. In several of the photos, Swift is photographed with flowers that add to the aesthetic of her album.
Draping flat surfaces such as console or dining tables, fireplace mantles, or bathroom countertops with dried florals adds a decorative layer when paired with a flickering candle. This look is also a pleasant way to style your space with natural elements that “can symbolize the many fleeting moments of life and remind us of the wisdom and meaning behind them all.”
Once you’ve made your way through the first part of The Tortured Poets Department, you reach part two, The Anthology. Here, fans discover a more somber vibe than the blended pace in the initial sixteen songs. These songs allow listeners to gaze into the moonlight, contemplate life’s sorrows, and live a “movie moment.”
Designing your home with lace curtains makes this experience more enjoyable as they are lighter in weight and offer more light exposure than solid curtains, which are designed to block out light.
While perhaps not on the side of dark academia, an interior design inspired by a heroine such as Taylor Swift and as an intern of The Tortured Poets Department, having album-inspired merchandise is imperative.
Across Swift’s vast discography, you’ll find an array of merchandise that will pair with your newly styled Tortured Poets Department-inspired home from vinyl holders to patches–but remember, handle your merchandise carefully; you wouldn’t want to break your favorite toys.
Any reference to any person, products, or services, or any third-party links in this article, do not constitute or imply the endorsement of those third parties, or the provider of those products or services.
If you’ve ever watched videos of celebrity homes, you’ll know that they can be absolutely phenomenal. These sneak peaks into the grandeur and glamour of Hollywood can make anyone yearn for a lavish home filled with all manner of luxurious features.
While jet-setting around the globe and living in Hollywood might not be on the cards for most of us, there’s no reason why we can’t indulge in a little star-studded luxury right at home. So, how can you give yourself the celebrity treatment and transform your living space into a sanctuary fit for the stars?
Here are four simple interior design tips you can steal from celebrities to take your home from average to super-chic.
A curated home
Celebrities are masters of curating their surroundings to reflect their unique personalities and tastes. They usually hire professionals to get the job done for them, but you don’t need a celebrity interior designer in order to have a beautiful home. Just take a cue from their playbook and infuse your home with pieces that speak to you.
Whether it’s a statement artwork, a vintage find, or a cherished family heirloom, surrounding yourself with items that bring you joy will make your home feel truly yours. The key is thoughtfulness; taking time and consideration for every item in the space.
Customised wardrobe solutions
It’s not surprising that celebrities have a lot of clothes, shoes, and accessories. Their homes usually have walk-in closets the size of a normal person’s master bedroom. But even if you don’t have that space, you can look into bespoke fitted wardrobes for a more elegant approach to your clothes storage. Custom wardrobes can make the most of all available space, turning odd alcoves and otherwise unusable areas into useful storage.
The way you organise your belongings is also key. Avoid over-cluttering, and use storage solutions (even IKEA ones work just fine) to keep everything neat and tidy. The right clothes hangers can make all the difference too; keeping a cohesive look (as in not mixing and matching) really helps with the finished look.
How you fold and display your clothes matters, too. Exploring Marie Kondo’s elegant way to fold laundry is a great place to start.
Spa-like retreat
Another thing you’ll see in many celebrity homes is bathrooms that resemble spas. You can take this trend into your own home without a major renovation and a big budget.
Things like plush towels, indulgent bath products, and soothing candles will help to create a serene oasis where you can unwind and recharge after a long day. Adding a touch of greenery or soft lighting will also enhance the relaxed mood. The little touches can go a long way to making the bathroom feel like a spa.
Keep it tidy
You probably already know that celebrities don’t actually clean up after themselves. They usually have an army of staff to keep their homes neat and tidy. While you may not be able to hire a housekeeper, you can still keep your home tidy for that luxury vibe.
This can be as simple as not letting the laundry basket overflow, making sure there are no dishes in the sink, and sticking to a regular cleaning rota. And don’t forget to clear the clutter on a regular basis!
Have you taken inspiration from celebrity homes in your interior design?
Marble – a stone of luxury, opulence, and elegance – has been a symbol of elite taste for centuries. In the context of modern interior design, the allure of marble continues to captivate us, offering a timeless and versatile material that can elevate your living space.
Bathroom vanity units are one of the most popular choices when it comes to incorporating marble in the home. Vanities are a key element of bathroom design; choosing the right material is crucial not just for the vanity’s longevity, but also for the finished look you’re going for.
In this article, we’ll explore the art of integrating marble vanities into modern bathroom designs, providing you with inspiration and practical advice to transform your bathroom into a sanctuary of sophistication.
The timeless elegance of marble
Steeped in the traditions of art and architecture, marble has graced the palaces, temples, and sculptures of ancient civilisations. Fast forward to the modern age, and it’s still prized for its beauty, texture, and the sense of luxury it imparts.
In modern design, a marble bathroom vanity is not just a functional unit, but also a statement of refined taste. Its natural vein patterns create a one-of-a-kind look that stands the test of time, thanks to the stone’s durability and resistance to heat and moisture. When integrated into contemporary bathrooms, marble vanities bring a touch of classical beauty that can complement a variety of styles, from minimalist to eclectic.
Selecting the right marble for your modern bathroom
Choosing the type of marble is the first step in the process. Carrara marble, renowned for its bluish-grey hue and soft, feathery veining, is a popular choice for a modern marble bathroom vanity due to its classic appeal and widespread availability. Statuario marble, with its rich contrast of white background and bold grey veining, is a bolder but equally elegant option. Other types, like Calacatta or Nero Marquina, offer a unique palette of colours and patterns.
The next thing to consider is the finish of the marble. Polished marble surfaces accentuate the stone’s natural lustre, creating a mirror-like effect that can brighten up a bathroom. Honed or matte finishes are less reflective, offering a softer, more velvety appearance that feels contemporary and understated.
Pairing marble vanities with modern fixtures
To keep the look cohesive, it’s essential to pair your marble bathroom vanity with fixtures and fittings that complement its elegance.
Modern taps and handles in finishes like brushed nickel, chrome, or even matte black will strike a balance between the rich texture of the marble and the sleekness of contemporary design.
Consider undermount sinks for a seamless transition between the sink and the marble countertop. Vessel sinks, although often associated with more traditional settings, can be selected in minimalist designs and materials to blend well with marble vanities in a modern context.
Illumination and ambience
The right lighting can accentuate the beauty of a marble bathroom vanity, enhancing its natural veining and highlighting its surface texture.
LED strips along the underside of the vanity overhang, or a pair of sconces flanking the mirror, can create a warm, inviting glow. In larger bathrooms, a statement chandelier or pendant lighting directly above the vanity can add drama and sophistication.
Beyond the vanity area, layering different light sources can help create a serene, spa-like atmosphere. Natural light is an invaluable asset in any bathroom, so consider window treatments that allow light to filter through while maintaining privacy.
Designing around the vanity
The marble vanity will often be the centrepiece of your bathroom design, so the surrounding elements need to complement it. Consider the wall colour, tile choices for the floor and shower, and the style of cabinetry. Neutral colours like crisp whites, soft greys, or pale blues can provide a calming backdrop to the drama of a marble vanity.
For the floor, large-format tiles in a polished or matte finish can continue the modern aesthetic, while intricate mosaics or hexagonal tiles offer a more unique look. The same principle applies to the shower: choose a tile that harmonises with the overall design of the bathroom, ensuring that all elements work together cohesively.
Maintenance and longevity
Marble is a porous stone, which means it requires a bit of care to maintain its pristine appearance. To protect your investment, it’s essential to seal your marble bathroom vanity regularly, especially in high-traffic areas.
When it comes to cleaning, use mild, pH-neutral cleaners to avoid etching the surface of the marble. Wipe spills promptly to prevent staining. With proper maintenance, a marble vanity can last a lifetime and continue to look as beautiful as the day it was installed.
Personalising your marble vanity
Modern design is all about personalisation, and your marble bathroom vanity is no exception. Add a touch of your personality with decorative elements like potted plants, scented candles, or curated artwork. Incorporating open shelving into the vanity design can provide a space to display items that reflect your style and interests.
The choice of mirrors or mirror designs also contributes to the personalisation of your space. Whether you opt for a simple, frameless mirror for a minimalist look, or a statement piece with an ornate frame for a touch of grandeur, the mirror above your marble vanity can be an artful extension of your style.
When we talk about designing a luxury home, we tend to think of sprawling mansions, bespoke architecture, and state-of-the-art features. While this is all great when it comes to daydreaming, most of us don’t have the ability to turn those dreams into a reality in our own living spaces.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t add wow factor to your home. Incorporating even one luxury feature can take your home from ordinary to extraordinary.
Let’s take a look at some ultra-cool amenities that have the power to transform a property into a truly luxurious home.
Multisensory rooms
A multisensory room can change its vibe to match your mood. For example, one minute, you’re in a rainforest; the next, you’re staring at the Northern Lights. These multisensory rooms allow you to create a versatile space that shifts to suit the user. Whether you want a zen room for de-stressing, or a funky space for the kids to play, you’ve got it at the touch of a button.
Luxury kitchen
If your family adores food, how about a space where cooking isn’t just cooking, it’s an experience? A luxury kitchen allows you to take your cooking and baking to the next level, with ample space for prep, gadgets, and storage. A well-designed kitchen can also take the strain off other areas of the house when it comes to storage and entertaining.
Home cinema
Turn movie nights into blockbuster events with Clarke Infinity home theatres. These aren’t your typical home cinemas; we’re talking jaw-dropping sound, crystal-clear screens, and seats so comfy you’ll never want to watch a movie anywhere else. It’s like having your own personal premiere every night.
Wellness complex
Why book a spa day when you can live one? Imagine a part of your house dedicated to your well-being – it could be a personal retreat for yoga, a swim, or just some quiet time.
Library
For bookworms and the curious minds, how about a dedicated library? Think purpose-built shelving, task lighting, space to display favourite books, and comfortable reading nooks for cosy relaxation.
Eco-luxury
Being fancy doesn’t mean you can’t be kind to the planet. Eco-luxury could involve solar panels, ground source heat pumps, sustainable materials, smart technology, a green roof, or simply a kitchen garden where you can grown your own food. Prioritising eco-friendly options will help to reduce your home’s carbon footprint without compromising on grandeur.
Garden luxury
Why stop indoors when it comes to a luxury makeover? Your garden can be transformed into a chic retreat with things like a hot tub, an outdoor movie screen, an outdoor kitchen, or a stunning patio for entertaining. Revamping your outdoor space is an easy way to make your home feel bigger and blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.
So, whether you’re into the high-tech wonders of a multisensory room, or the down-to-earth charm of an organic garden, there are lots of ways to dial up the luxury in your family home. It’s all about making your space a reflection of what you love, enjoy, and value.
The fear of falling as we age is a very real concern. Most of us can tell a story of a friend or loved one who fell and experienced a life-changing injury. The National Institute on Aging reports that more than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year. For an older person, a fall can be the start of serious problems, such as injury, a hospital stay, or even disability.
Concern about falling can lead an older person to avoid activities such as walking, shopping, or taking part in social activities — even if they haven’t fallen previously. The irony is that the likelihood of falling increases if a person doesn’t stay active. If they allow fear to keep them inactive at home, they are more likely to fall.
There are several factors that help explain why older people are at higher risk for falling. Poor eyesight can make it difficult to see a step, a throw rug, or a toy on the floor. Certain medical conditions or medications can cause dizziness.
A person can lower their chances of falling. Some falls don’t “just happen.” Here are a few tips to help you avoid falls:
— Stay physically active. Talk to your doctor about what you can do safely to stay active.
— Have your eyes and hearing tested. When you get new eyeglasses or contact lenses, take time to get used to them.
— Find out about the side effects of medicines you take. If a drug makes you sleepy or dizzy, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
— Get enough sleep.
— Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
— Stand up slowly.
— Use a cane or walker if you need help feeling steady when you walk. Again, you should speak with your doctor to learn which might be best for you.
— Be very careful when walking on wet or icy surfaces.
— Wear non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes, or lace-up shoes with non-skid soles that fully support your feet.
— Don’t walk on stairs or floors in socks or in shoes or slippers with smooth soles.
— Be careful about long dresses, slacks, or pajamas that could trip you.
There are many ways you can make your home safer. Just a few include:
— Keep cords away from areas where you walk.
— Remove loose carpets and rugs or tack down the carpets and only use rugs with non-skid backing.
— Add lights in dimly lit areas and at the top and bottom of stairs.
—Use nightlights in bedrooms, halls, and bathrooms.
— Clean up clutter – especially near staircases.
— Put handrails on both sides of any steps or stairs in or outside of your home.
— Add grab bars near the toilet and bathtub, and no-slip decals or a rubber mat in the tub or shower.
If you are concerned about falling, you can register for an emergency response system. If you fall or need emergency help, you push a button on a special necklace or bracelet to alert 911. There is a fee for this service and it is not always covered by insurance. You can call SeniorCare’s Information & Referral Department at 978-281-1750 for a list of services available in our area.
Always tell your doctor if you have fallen since your last checkup, even if you weren’t hurt. A fall can alert your doctor to a new medical problem or problems with your medications or eyesight that can be corrected. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy, a walking aid, or other steps to help prevent future falls.
SeniorCare offers the free evidence-based workshop “A Matter of Balance” several times each year. The next session is scheduled for Wednesdays from April 24 to June 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Ipswich YMCA,110 County Road in Ipswich. A Matter of Balance educates and supports aging adults around falling and the fear of falling. Topics such as viewing falls as controllable, setting realistic goals for increasing physical activity and modifying our environments help participants create a personal plan to lessen the risk of falling.
There is no charge to attend A Matter of Balance, but advance registration is required. For information about or to register for A Matter of Balance, please contact Abby Considine at SeniorCare at 978-281-1750.
Tracy Arabian is the communications officer at SeniorCare Inc., a local agency on aging that serves Gloucester, Beverly, Essex, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport, Topsfield and Wenham.
Tracy Arabian is the communications officer at SeniorCare Inc., a local agency on aging that serves Gloucester, Beverly, Essex, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport, Topsfield and Wenham.
A home is more than just a place to live; it also reflects the characteristics and taste of its owner. As such, it’s only natural to want to update your home to align with your style preferences and current trends. Additionally, ensuring your home is as comfortable as possible allows you and your family to relax and enjoy the time you spend in it.
There are lots of things you can do to improve your home, ranging from installing wooden wall panels from akuwoodpanel.uk to upgrading your lighting system. Here are three simple ways to enhance the beauty of your home while also improving its functionality.
Install wooden wall panels
One way to upgrade your home is by installing wooden wall panels. These can truly transform a room, and their distinctive visuals are not the only advantage.
Wooden wall panels also function as natural insulators, creating a significantly more comfortable atmosphere in a room. Furthermore, they are available in many styles, textures, and colours, so you won’t have trouble finding a product that complements your overall home interior design.
Upgrade the lighting system
Another way to enhance the beauty of your home is by upgrading the lighting system.
The main purpose of lighting in your home is to ensure clear visibility, particularly at night. However, the lighting system has other important functions such as enhancing aesthetics, creating a certain ambience, and highlighting specific parts of your home.
Feel free to experiment with the lighting system in your home by combining ambient, task, and accent lighting to create layers of illumination. When using ambient lighting, make sure it doesn’t create harsh shadows. If you’re after a cosy background light, consider a recessed ceiling light that you can adjust with a dimmer switch to suit different times of day.
Update your interior design
Finally, you can easily enhance the beauty of your home by updating your interior design.
Rustic interior design is currently trending again, while the modern and minimalist looks are still favoured by many people due to their practicality. Just like modern design, minimalist style loves simplicity with its clean lines, calm colours, natural light, and practical furniture. But, unlike modern design that enjoys a bit of random decoration, minimalism sticks to things that are really needed.
The obvious gain from updating your interior design from time to time is a home that brings you joy and ticks all the boxes when it comes to functionality. However, there is also an added bonus. By keeping your home relevant to current trends you can help it to maintain a stable price in the market, and possibly even increase its value.
Have you tried any of these simple upgrades in your home?
