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Art Nouveau is a design style that is commonly used in architecture, applied art, and fine art. Its popularity rose in the 1890s until the beginning of World War I. The goal of the design style was to modernize the design and move away from the eclectic historical styles that were popular during that period. In fact, the concept of Art Nouveau originated from the stems and blossoms of plants. Read on to learn more about Art Nouveau and how it all began. 

A brief history of Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau was based on the name of an art gallery in Paris, “Maison de l’Art Nouveau”. The gallery was owned by an art collector, Siegfried Bing. The gallery featured artworks that were created in the Art Nouveau style. Along with modern furniture pieces, tapestries, and other decorative items during the 1900 Exposition Universelle made the place popular that the name of the place was used to denote the design style. 

Simultaneously, Les Vingt and La Libre Esthetique promoted the design style in Belgium. While the magazine, Youth, promoted the design style in Germany. It was an illustrated magazine on art and lifestyle in Munich. 

Though the exact origin of Art Nouveau is not really determined. Many art historians agree that the origin is linked with the English Arts and Crafts Movement. It also has influences from Celtic art to Japonism. The beauty of Art Nouveau is that it can be applied to other disciplines like architecture, interior design, fine arts, glassware, and illustrations. 

Its worldwide popularity is short-lived, however, because of the rise of the Art Deco movement. It made its comeback in the 1960s. The emergence of Art Nouveau is the response to the traditional design style. The goal was to do away with the traditional ones and modernize the concepts and ideas in the decorative arts. The design style is inspired by the organic and geometric forms, evolving elegant designs that mimic the stems and blossoms of plants. The beauty of Art Nouveau features lines and curves as well as colors and hues. 

Traits of Art Nouveau

Here are some of the traits of Art Nouveau that will make a difference to your homes:

• The design of the furniture pieces is styled with flowers, leaves, buds, and roots. 
• Designers have the freedom and flexibility to choose the color as long as they are light.
• The floor is usually made from hardwood that is stained and varnished with the addition of an oriental or colorful rug. 
• Tiffany lamps and stained glass windows create the atmosphere. 

Achieve the design style in your home

For homes that employ the design style, it is common to see elongated curves and linear shapes. The style is influenced by nature such as flowers, spider webs, and feathers. Here are some ideas and tips to achieve Art Nouveau interior to your home. 

• Wall colors – usually the colors of the wall are soft and muted mixed with palettes of gray, mustard, brown, olive, and lilac.
• Floors – parquet floor or wood finish will achieve the classic appearance, whitewash the floor, or mid-toned wood. 
• Lighting – Tiffany lamps were the popular ones during the period.
• Decors – add curved or straight lines which are geared upwards from the ground. Stained glasses can be used with the same design which resembles blossoms of plants. 

One of the ways to have fun memories with your family is by being involved in planning fun activities. This is your opportunity to experience to experience special moments that will bond the ties among the family members. As experts would say, “Spending time with the family takes planning, but it’s a good investment.” With a little effort, you can turn bonding into a lifetime of funny and lasting memories. What makes it more wonderful is that you can display these moments on your wall with personalized posters. A timeless wall design that will surely be adored by your family and friends. 

Create a family garden

Encourage every family member to get their hands dirty by creating a patch in the garden where you can plant vegetables or flowers. Plant seeds into the soil and watch them grow and bloom. It is also recommended to plant herbs and spices that you can use in your dishes in the future. The good thing about this is that you are not just planting for the kitchen. You are also making the backyard look attractive. Don’t forget to take photos of your family members doing the project and the plants that are growing. Think of it as a simple project that will benefit you and the environment. 

Plan a trip with the family

Set a budget and suggest a place where you can have a vacation with your family. Ask them what they want to do and where they want to go. In the Philippines, there are cool places to go and have a staycation. There are tourist spots that are at par with the rest of the world. Examples are Palawan, Siargao, and Carmen. You can also plan to go to museums, parks, and others. 

Plan a family photoshoot

You have a choice if you want to have a family portrait. Either do this on your own or by a professional in a studio. You can schedule a portrait session at a local studio or a photographer who can capture those candid moments. The photos need not be kept in an album as well. Have them in frames and display them in the living room or your bedroom. You can also have them printed on a poster and personalize your rooms. Arrange them in a great layout and create wall art that will make memories.

Prepare meals together

Another cool and interacting activity you can do with your family is preparing your meals. Studies have shown that kids who dine frequently with their parents have improved academic performance, increased self-esteem, and a reduced risk of obesity. Regular dinnertime together is also associated with open communication between parents and kids. 

Be in touch with nature

Another great activity that you can do with your family is hiking and camping. Not only that you will be able to spend quality time with your kids, but you will also enjoy the beauty of nature and the benefits they give. The natural scenery can help you calm down as well as your kids. This is also a good opportunity for you to document your activity through photos. You can then display the images on the walls to remind you of the fun times you have spent with your family.

Now that you are expecting the arrival of your baby, it is time to decorate the nursery and personalize it. Preparing the nursery may be a bit busy for you as there are many things to consider. For instance, the addition of wall art is usually the last to be thought of. Yet this will totally make the nursery look amazing. Customized art will help you create a wonderful nursery and will create a room environment that is perfect for the newest member of the family. 

Wall display for the baby room

Decorating the walls is one of the easiest and fastest ways to personalize the baby room. As expecting parents, preparing the nursery is one of the exciting activities to do while waiting for the day of your baby’s arrival. Buying the things they need and placing them in their respective places may be tedious yet there’s something satisfying about it. This is also true when decorating the wall. You get the chance to choose the right color as well as the decors to display to customize the whole nursery. With the right wall art, the nursery will be a safe haven for your little bundle of joy.

Family photos

Check your albums. For sure there are a lot of photos of the family that you have kept all these years. Displaying them and arranging them in a fashionable way will help you introduce the family members to your baby at the right time. You can also do this to create memorable wall art as you will showcase some of the fun activities that you and your family did. 

Cuddly-looking animals

There are a lot of animal-themed posters that are perfect for the nursery. Most of them are in adorable colors that are not too loud for the eyes of babies. Collect the different animals and display them and create wonderful wall art in a random layout. These posters can also be used to teach them the different animals and prepare them for school. 

Nature-inspired prints

Posters of plants and flowers are not only cool for the sense of vision. These will also make the nursery look lively and welcoming. The natural colors can help create a calming and relaxing vibe that is perfect for you and your little one. The posters will also look perfect if they are in neutral-colored frames. 

Alphabet and numbers

Alphabets and numbers are the very first lesson to teach your little ones. Having posters of the alphabet as well as numbers will likewise help your child learn about them and prepare them for school. Choose prints in subtle colors so that they may not be too offensive to the eye. These will not only help beautify the walls but will also serve as visual aids to educate them. 

Personalized posters

It is also smart to add personalized posters to make the nursery look and feel its own. Display posters that feature the images of your child when they were born. You can likewise choose poster designs with colors that will help your child rest and relax.

Decorating your home and making it look impressive is one of the fun and exciting activities that you can do with your family and friends. It is a project that must be done to level it up in terms of aesthetics and function. There is no reason for stopping you when you have this in mind. In addition to making your home look beautiful, try to make it look bigger. This can be done without doing any serious renovation. In fact, different art can easily help you achieve the appearance that you have been looking for. 

Understand your space

Before you use artwork to make your home look bigger, you should understand first the space in your home. There are different factors that you need to consider. The height of the ceiling, for instance, is a vital part of the house that needs to be looked into. If you have a low ceiling, this could appear higher by placing a tall lamp with artistic shades. This will create an effect of having a larger room

Other factors that are considered vital are the color of the wall, room lighting, the amount of furniture and other accessories, and the layout and placement of furniture. The color that is used to paint the walls plays an important role in making the room look bigger. Therefore, before choosing the color, there are some pointers that you need to know. Dark colors, tend to absorb light, while bright colors open up the space. 

Lighting

Natural light in the room is the best way to make your home look bigger. Small rooms tend to have a lot of dark corners. Allowing natural light in your home can make everything brighter. As a result, the display of stylish art will make wonderful wall art. 

Furniture layout

Any art will not matter in making your home look bigger if you have cramped rooms because of your furniture pieces. It is crucial that you declutter first. Dispose of anything that you do not use any longer. If there are items that you want to stay in, be sure to organize them so that the center of the room is open. 

Use art to decorate your walls

Having art in your rooms does not only make them beautiful. It is a fact that the design of the art can make your home look bigger. Choose artwork that has bright colors and can make a contrast to the other decors. A tall artwork can make a feeling that the ceiling is higher. Make some space around the painting to highlight it. 

Use wallpaper and posters

It is tasky to install wallpaper. It is also even more difficult to remove them. If you decide to use this wall covering, try to be creative by taping them on the entire side of the wall. You can choose wallpaper s with artistic details. The addition of posters can also visually increase the size of your rooms. Especially with natural light.

Posters come in different designs and they surely do the job of making any space look bigger. With minimalist-themed art, you can create an illusion of having more space. Moreover, you can use posters to personalize your rooms. Other themes that can make the room look bigger are nature-inspired, black and white, and abstract. 

Already in the planning stage for your wedding? This is probably one of the most challenging parts before the big day. You will have to choose the right wedding cake, the gown, reception area, flowers, and others. With so many choices on the table, you will surely be confused about which ones to choose. However, if you are planning to have the wedding ceremony at your home, then you also have to prepare your home big time! Do not stress yourself as there are simple and inexpensive ways to prepare your house for this momentous occasion. 

Clean your house and make it stay that way

Big efforts are needed into getting your house organized and clean especially before the big day. As it draws closer, you should be able to focus on the preparation rather than cleaning up and making things look bright. Of course, many people will keep on coming in and out of your home. This will be difficult for your to keep your home clean. A robot vacuum will be a good help in removing the dust off your floors. It does not have to be that expensive. You can get good deals online. As such, cleaning the floors would be simple.

Try to rent some items instead of getting new ones

For sure, you will have some events before the wedding day. Relatives from different places will be coming in to stay in your home. Friends will come and go for visits. Your things may not be sufficient, like chairs and tables. Avoid buying new ones and look for rentals. Wine glasses, tents, decors are likewise available for rent as long as you take time in search of them. Ask your friends if they know someone to save time and effort. Another way is to check social media as you can see a lot of rentals there. 

Relieve your guests from stress

Wedding and wedding preparations are fun and exciting. They can also be highly stressful. It is important to keep everyone relaxed and maintain a comfortable ambiance to your home. If the room temperature is warm, try adding some electric fans and paper fans to keep your guests comfortable. You may also use calming scents with the use of scented candles of oils to calm your nerves before the big day. Examples of scents you can try are lavender and cedarwood. 

Prepare simple yet sumptuous meals

Food is very crucial during these times. However, this should be the last of your worries especially if you have a large number of guests. It is also vital to prepare healthy food especially for those who are on maintenance meds. You do not want your wedding to be the cause of their health problems. Plan your meals and snacks even before they arrive. You can hire some help in preparing the meals. Prepare a snack bar where they can pick their own stress busters. It is also cute to see a colorful healthy snack bar for the little ones. 

How about pets?

Pets do get stressed especially if they are not familiar with their surroundings. Look for someone who can take care of them while you are away or busy with the preparations and celebrations. You may also bring your pets along with you, especially anxious animals. 

Decorate your home

There are a lot of ways to maintain a festive ambiance in your home. Decorating the walls is one of the easiest and fastest ways to keep them cool and lovely. Posters are some of the wonderful wall decors that can be a great help when preparing your home before the big day. There are a lot of themes available. Floral prints are also perfect to make the ambiance perfect for the event. You can also personalize it with your photos with family and friends. 

You do not have to feel gloomy if you only have a small room. Many people think that decorating a small room is only limited to just hanging some artwork on the wall or just by simply installing wallpaper. To tell you the truth, there are endless possibilities on how to decorate your rooms with a style, even if they are small. You can even make them look and feel bigger with some ingenious tricks. Yes, it is true that adding decorations is costly, but there are ways on how to make the room pleasing without spending that much. You might even be surprised if your guests adore your room design by just using your creativity, imagination, and resourcefulness. 

How to decorate a small room

In decorating your small room with style, there are things that need to be considered. Here are the things that you need to focus on in order to have an appealing small room:

1. Creating a focal point – focal point is the center of interest or activity in a room. In interior design, every room needs a focal point, a spot that will captivate the eye. Sometimes, having a good focal point will give you a bird’s eye view of the whole house. This can be anything that will capture the interest of anyone who looks at it. Rightly scaled artwork, nice vases or potteries on a mantle, decorative plants and flowers, sculpture, tapestries, you name it. As long as these items coincide with your interest, they will do well being the focal point of the small room.
2. Keeping things open – what you want to prevent is having the feeling of being cramped. It may be tempting to buy a large furniture piece like a sofa, but with the limitation of having a small space, large furniture pieces in a small room may feel and appear congested. Choose furniture pieces with small stature and would not choke the room. It is good to have pieces with see-through parts. For instance, a bed with a see-through headboard and footboard. Or better yet, a bed with no footboard, such as a storage bed. This will keep the room open, making it feel larger.
3. Boosting a small room – organize your small room to make the room more spacious. For the bedroom, you can make it dark and cozy with the use of saturated berry reds or chocolate browns. The living room can be emphasized by allowing natural light to enter the room. Natural light can be enhanced with the right window treatments or by installing light-colored wallpaper or applying light and bright-colored colors that can reflect light.
4. Add storage areas – one thing for sure, a cluttered space is an eyesore. Remember that every part of a small room can be a potential storage area. It is true that you can just stash your things anywhere, but of course, this will cause the accumulation of clutter that will make the room cramped. The underside of the bed can be a good place to stack your boxes filled with things, not in use.
5. Make every part of the room special – look for ways on how to make the small room look special. Add accents such as throws on the sofa, fabric with meaningful patterns in the bedroom. Lighting says a lot when decorating a small room. Choose a lovely chandelier for the living room or the bedroom or a sculptural table lamp. Use artwork to show off your personality. Choose something that is not expensive. It is recommended to blow up your favorite pictures and have them framed and hang them on the wall. Remember to use any decoration that will make you happy.
6. Keep it high – use floor-to-ceiling curtains to make an illusion of a high ceiling. A small change can create something big. You may also use light and crisp colors for a visually higher ceiling.
7. Keep it round – when it comes to furniture pieces, go for pieces with rounded edges, since these will take up less floor space and help widen walkways.
8. Different style – you need not have to decorate your small room the conventional way as these may not be applicable in your room. Be creative with the layout of the furniture. For instance, you can place cabinetry proximal to the wall to save space. The bed can also be placed near the wall also to save space and place the side table next.

Summer is one of the most awaited seasons around the world. This is the time when kids can go out to enjoy the heat of the sun. This is also the right time to prepare the balcony so that you and your family can use it for some outdoor fun. 

Clean the balcony before decorating

Before decorating the balcony, you need to thoroughly clean it. This includes the floor, railing, walls, door, and others. Use eco-friendly detergent in cleaning them. Use baking soda when cleaning the floor. For the windows, wash them with a mixture of water and vinegar then wipe with a crumpled paper. Though there are glass cleaning solutions that can be bought from the grocery, baking soda and water can help you save a few bucks. Cleaning the balcony will also allow you to check its condition. You may also discover some parts that need to be repaired or replaced. 

Add lighting in the balcony

Lighting is needed in all rooms of your house. It may be functional but lighting can also add drama and effects to the entire room. You can add general and accent lighting as well as ambient lighting to achieve the desired effects. Examples of general and accent lightings are articulated clip lamps and ceiling lights. On the other hand, floor lamps, pendant lamps, lanterns, and string lights are examples of ambient lighting.

Give it a touch of nature with plants 

Adding plants and flowers is one of the best ways to make the balcony look like summertime. With blooms and greens, you can also make it look like a mini garden. These can be in large pots, hanging planters, or railing planters. Be creative and add a vegetable patch that you can use in the future in some of your dishes. 

Make the balcony look cozy and relaxing

There are different themes or appearances that can make the balcony look cozy. The addition of a close seating arrangement and the right outdoor lighting can do the trick. Designers and many homeowners also recommend the addition of thematic plants and decor as they can liven up the balcony.

Grill pit for an outdoor party

It is a tradition to have a BBQ while enjoying the outdoors with your family and friends. Summer is never complete without having a BBQ party. These days, there are table-top and tiny frill options that can make the balcony look more fun and exciting. Not to mention the BBQ that you will be serving. Just remember to have a fire extinguisher or a pail of water if things turn out roughly. 

Tables and chairs on the balcony

A small table and set of chairs can give you the opportunity to have an outdoor breakfast any day of the week. You can also make the balcony into a small nook for a bottle of beer with your buddies. Add other decors such as string lights to personalize the balcony and make it look perfect for the dry season.

The bedroom is one of the personal spaces in your home. It may be considered as your sanctuary where you can relax and recharge. These are the reasons why it needs personal attention when designing and decorating it. But before going to stores and buying the things to upgrade it, think strategically. Buying expensive items is not recommended these days. There are smart ways to create a luxurious bedroom without going bankrupt. Read on to know how to create a luxurious bedroom that will add value to your home.

Dress up your walls for a luxurious bedroom

White-colored walls in the bedroom are great especially if you prefer a minimalist style. This wall appearance can instantly make your bedroom look elegant. You can still upgrade its look with some wall decors like wallpaper, little paint, artwork, and posters. As such, you will have a wall that appears warm and comforting. If you have dark-colored walls, you can add posters that will contrast the color of the wall. 

Add eye-catching headboard

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

Think about the lighting for a luxurious bedroom

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

Add stylish and luxurious-looking seating

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

Add mirrors for a luxurious bedroom

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

Choose chic nightstands

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

Pillows as accents

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

Plush blanket for the win

Add a cherry on top of the ice cream. A soft throw blanket can easily make any plain-looking bed look extravagant. 

Sleep is important to all of us. Every age has their respective sleep requirements per day. However, there are those who find sleep as a luxury due to certain reasons. Experts believe that there are design flaws that greatly affect the quality of sleep. Read on to learn more about interior design and its effects on sleep pattern.

Home design and sleep

Each one of us has our own required number of hours of sleep every day. Unfortunately, there are different factors that can ruin sleep. Examples are the food and drinks you have, presence and use of gadgets, watching television, and others. It has also been observed that the design of your home can likewise affect the quality of sleep. For instance, the arrangement of your furniture pieces and the interior design style can have a significant impact on sleep quality. As such, many homeowners consult Feng Shui experts.

The art of Feng Shui

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy of harmonizing the environment and humans. It is one of the Five Arts of Metaphysics that is classified as physiognomy. Feng Shui is concerned with architecture, design, and the forces that bind the universe together. 

Feng Shui has been used over the centuries in construction and design. It has helped on how buildings are oriented and linked with the spiritual world. During the Cultural Revolution in the 60s, the practice of the Art was temporarily ceased due to the claim that it is purely based on superstitions and the absence of any supporting principles and theories. 

These days, Feng Shui is widely used in construction and design. Even landscape artists and scientists use Feng Shui in their research and projects. For example, Feng Shui experts are considered to know and understand more the proper ways of preserving the environment. 

Designing the bedroom with Feng Shui

Needless to say, the bedroom should be comfortable and relaxing. Feng Shui experts believe that there are common mistakes in designing the bedroom. The position of the bed, for instance, is important. Experts recommend that the position of the bed should leave equal spaces on both sides. As such, the bed must not be pushed up against the wall. This arrangement represents an equal space between you and your partner. This can be balanced with the addition of two side tables with lamps.

Another example is the layout of the bedroom. The door should be aligned with the bed. This layout allows the feeling of good opportunities to come to their lives. This also allows the entry of positive energy into the room. These arrangements can help revitalize your life through the bedroom. 

The accumulation of clutter should also be avoided as this can cause intimacy and health issues. Make sure that the bedroom is free of any debris. Place your stuff in their proper places. In addition to these, take the television out of the bedroom as this may disrupt sleep. Plants and flowers must also be kept outside the bedroom or keep them out of the line of sight of your bed.

You also need to have a comfortable and supportive mattress. Choose the mattress that will not cause any discomfort in your back. The bed should also be high enough to allow the flow of energy in the room.

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 in your social media account.

Remove all accessories to refresh your home

Sometimes, the decorative items that you add become an eyesore. 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 at a bird’s eye view.

Furniture pieces arrangement

Check the arrangement of your furniture pieces. Sometimes by 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.

Check 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. 

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 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.