The arrival of a new baby is always exciting and you would naturally want to plan the nursery down to the last detail. You’ll find a wide range of nursery furniture and furnishings to choose from these days, within your budget. Ideally, choose a décor and color scheme that is gender-neutral.
Choose a theme before you decide on the furniture and accessories. Select a crib that can convert to a toddler’s bed and a full-sized dresser that will have long term use. Plan for plenty of storage space for baby’s toys, clothes and linen. Keep safety in mind while selecting paints and fabrics, opting for non-toxic materials.
For visitors entering your home, the first thing they step on is the floor. So your choice of flooring is pivotal to the first impression made on your guests. Is it smooth or textured? Shiny or matte? In colored or neutral tones? These are decisions you have to take based on usage – which room is it for? Will a lot of people walk over it? Will there be a lot of wear and tear?
You will need to choose tough flooring for kitchens and bathrooms, which are non-slip, durable and easy to clean. While bedrooms and living rooms should have warm rugs and carpets. Try to maintain continuity through intelligent use of color.
Carpets not only possess decorative value but also provide warmth in cold weather. You have multiple choices these days and should select one based on your specific need and décor objectives. Carpets can be made from either synthetic material or woolen yarn sewn to a backing. The most durable material for carpets is Nylon. It is long-lasting and will survive the daily wear and tear of a family with children and pets.
The choice of carpet will depend on which room it’s for; how much traffic there will be; and the color scheme of the room. Keep in mind that any change in décor will necessitate a change of carpet. Hence, choose a neutral color and pattern.
There’s more to adding color to your room than just painting the walls. Of course, it always helps to paint one wall in a vibrant color like a red, blue or green. But you can also add color to your room by using different design elements. Bring neutral shades to life with touches of bright colors in the cushions and rugs. And try curtains with geometric patterns in contrasting colors.
Play around with accessories that will create splashes of color. Vases in primary colors or crystal bowls full of fruits. How about a large painting or poster that echoes the colors used in the room? Experiment with light and shade; white and bright; or even plain and printed.
A bedroom is more than just a place to sleep in. It is the one place that is entirely your own, your sanctuary. And the first priority is the bed. The choice of bed will of course depend on the décor or theme that you want to create. Which in turn should reflect your personality? So choose the bed first and then place everything else in the room that will complement it.
Mix and match the colors of the bedspread with the walls and curtains, combining prints and plains. Add accents with cushions and rugs. Play around with lighting to create the right ambience and you will have a bedroom you will not want to leave.
High humidity levels in the house require immediate rectification as prolonged exposure to humidity can cause serious health problems in the long run. You will know your house has high humidity levels if your home is feeling stuffy or musty, and if water condenses on windows and pipes.
Humidity gets added to the house by use of showers, washing machine or dishwasher, and even cooking. Humidity can cause damage to furniture in the house and even its walls, floors and ceilings. It leads to the growth of fungus, dust mites, and mildew, which thrive in damp environments and trigger allergies. Humidity also causes stale odors that can pervade a home.
Here is a practical and easy solution to your problem of excessive humidity: Dehumidifiers. A dehumidifier is an extremely simple electrical appliance that is designed to extract excess moisture from indoor air. Using a dehumidifier makes your interior spaces far more comfortable and healthy.
Your living room is what creates the first impression for visitors to your home. It reflects your personality as much as it creates a welcoming environment. So you need to decide on the theme, and look and feel of the room. Should it be casual and colorful? Or glitzy and glamorous? Should it be traditional or contemporary? What best reflects your personality?
Choose your furniture and color scheme according to the theme you want. Select your accessories to add highlights. Combine prints and plains for curtains and upholstery. Add a touch of warmth with rugs and cushions. Use lighting to create the right mood. Then give a finishing touch with potted plants and flower arrangements.
Designing a retro bedroom involves creating a theme reminiscent of the 60’s or 70’s. Don’t stress over the colors of the walls, instead use rugs or posters with big, bold floral designs in vibrant colors. You can also use curtains or upholstery with colorful geometric patterns or block and paisley prints. And use checkerboard patterns for the flooring.
Add accessories like pop art reminiscent of Andy Warhol combined with Tiffany or Lava lamps. Play around with patterned mirrors and stained glass in bright colors. Exotic Indian throw rugs and shawls draped over furniture will complete the look with a little help from potted palms placed strategically in corners.
Mixing styles of décor in your home can be challenging and satisfying, and is quite popular these days. Mixing the traditional and contemporary can achieve an innovative new look and feel that sets your home apart. Combining the rich woods or carvings of traditional furniture with the clean lines of contemporary furniture can create a whole new personality for your home. Or you can use contemporary colours, textures and finishes to highlight heavy, traditional furniture, thereby giving it a softer feel. Alternatively, use a piece of modern art with antique furniture to create a focal point for the room. Try to bring it all together with a unifying theme.
Moving into a new home can be very exciting, especially if you are going to do it up yourself. But you must keep a few basics in mind before you start. To begin with, decide how your home can best reflect your personality. Do you have a signature style? Choose a theme and style that will bear your personal stamp.
Identify a piece that you can plan your décor around, like a painting, carpet or statue that will occupy pride of place in the house. Choose colors for upholstery and flooring that will complement it and furniture that will not overshadow it. Aim for thematic continuity and a unified look.