Best Colors for Small Living Rooms

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

White

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

Cream

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

Yellow

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

Gray

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

Indigo

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

The 7 Principles Of Interior Design

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

Balance

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

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

Unity

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

Rhythm

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

Emphasis

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

Contrast

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

Scale and Proportion

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

Details

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

The Speakeasy Bar

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

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

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

Are speakeasy bars different from underground restaurants?

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

The variety of speakeasy bars

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

Speakeasy bar decorating idea

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

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

Your Home Needs Personalized Wall Art

A blank wall is considered to be a sign of emptiness and loneliness. Though some people may think otherwise. However, it is an eyesore having to stare at blank walls and it may leave a bad impression on your guests. These days, creating wall art is becoming a trend in every living space. Many experts believe that a wall without a captivating and personalized wall art is like an artist without creativity. 

Wall art makes any wall look fun and exciting. Styling your wall with paint is a thing of the past. With carefully selected pieces, you will have the interior appearance of your dreams. Though sometimes choosing the right pieces may be quite a challenge since they need to blend well with the overall style of your home. Read on to know about the advantages of having good personalized wall art. 

Create a focal point in your room

Every room looks better with a focal point that captures the attention of your family and guests. A beautifully designed wall art reflects everything about you. A framed poster of a landscape or seascape can boost the appearance of the room and can be called your very own. 

Make any wall look vibrant

If you get the chance to visit classrooms these days, you will notice that the walls are covered with posters. This is so that students may not feel lazy or sleepy. They will have something to look at and can somehow stimulate their mind and interests. The right wall art can set the mood in the room where you can relax, dream, and imagine. Wall art also helps in transforming any depressing environment into a lively place. 

Wall art reflects your personality

The wall arts on your walls are all about your interests. For instance, your interests are in sports or any outdoor escapades. The wall art that you create somehow tells your story uniquely and interestingly. As such, you must choose the pieces carefully and according to your preferences. 

Stimulates conversation

Tired of the routine and boring conversations? Experts believe that if you share the same interest with someone, you will be able to initiate a conversation that may last long. As such, it should be fun and engaging. Personalized wall art is a great conversation starter. 

Choose the right color palette

Wall art decorations help you to pick the colors of the paint to complete the beauty of your place. With wall art, you will now have a complete picture of what colors to add to your room. With the wall art in place, the process of choosing the right color palette will be easier than usual. With the use of framed personalized art, the color palette of your room can be chosen according to the colors that are seen in the art. For instance, art that has cool colors mean that the palette may be in blue, green, or any other cool hues. The bedroom for instance can be dominated by cool colors for a more relaxing and comfortable ambiance. 

Sleep Soundly With These Bedroom Color Ideas

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Insomnia is one of the biggest dilemmas of many individuals. It has been observed that there are different reasons why this is experienced by many people. One of the reasons is the ambiance of the bedroom which is influenced by certain factors. The color of the room greatly affects the mood and contributes to the sleepless nights of many people. This can easily be remedied by choosing and incorporating the right color for the room. Read on to learn more about choosing the right bedroom color and decor to help people have a deep and relaxing night. 

What color to choose?

Many experts believe that there are ways to help an individual have a deep sleep. One of these is the design of the interior, particularly the colors. Choosing the right bedroom color can be one of the solutions for people to have a proper sleep pattern. Cool colors such as blue and green are proven to help create a room that is calming and relaxing.

The colors and sleep

It is a proven fact that the colors of the bedroom influence sleeping patterns. Studies have been continuously conducted to find the association between room colors and sleeping habits. 

Rooms that are dominated by cool colors, particularly the color blue help people enjoy longer sleep as compared to those in a room with different colors. Hues of blue are associated with calmness and can help in lowering blood pressure and heart rate. People who are staying in a room with hues of blue can sleep for an average of 7 hours and 52 minutes. 

Other colors may also contribute to sleeping patterns, yet the average length of hours of sleep is shorter than those of people in a bedroom with shades of blue. Yellow, for instance, promotes sleep for around 7 hours and 40 minutes, green for 7 hours and 36 minutes, orange for 7 hours and 28 minutes, purple for 5 hours and 56 minutes, gray for 6 hours and 12 minutes, and brown for 6 hours and 5 minutes. 

The reason why the color blue promotes good sleep is because of the receptor cells in the retina of the eyes. These cells are called ganglion cells and are highly sensitive to the color blue. Ganglions are likewise responsible for sending information directly to the brain. As a result, body activities are regulated and controlled. 

If blue is not your preference, you can still use other colors and hues that can promote deep sleep. Neutral colors such as gray and silver are also known to promote good sleeping habits. In addition to these, pale yellow can have the same effects as that neutral colors. 

Wall decor and sleep

The display of posters is one of the easiest and fastest ways to set the mood and atmosphere of the bedroom. The designs and images featured in posters come in a wide variety. They also come in colors that can help promote sleep. With the creation of wall art in the bedroom that is dominated by hues of blue, individuals will be able to have a good sleeping pattern. 

Mix Colors Like A Pro

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Color mixing may be challenging but can be a fun and exciting aspect of interior decorating. If properly done, the output can be satisfying. Knowing the basics of mixing colors is important to be successful in the decorating project. Read on to learn more about mixing colors and how to do it like the pros.

Mixing colors and your room

Mixing colors is one of the activities that you cannot do without when it comes to decorating your room. This activity can unleash your creativity and resourcefulness. It can be challenging as well because of some rules to consider. However, this can easily be done with the help of some experts and various references. 

The color wheel and how to use it

We often tend to be a bit complicated when it comes to thinking and handling things. Sometimes we forget that there are easy ways to deal with them. When it comes to home decorating projects, we usually take a difficult path. However, if things go haywire, we seek the help of professionals that costs us extra cash.

The good news is mixing colors can be learned and done with the help of various references. The truth with mixing colors is that you have absolute freedom in choosing the colors for your room. It is also vital that some key tips are followed and observed for a more remarkable interior.

Over the years, color wheels have been used in different fields. It is an abstract organization of colors in a concentric arrangement. The color wheel represents the science behind color and the relationship among the colors. Just like what we have learned in our early years in school, the wheel has three primary colors: red, blue, and yellow; three secondary colors: green, violet, and yellow; and six tertiary colors: red-orange, yellow-orange, blue-green, blue-purple, red-purple.

There are two types of color mixing: additive mixing and subtractive mixing. Additive mixing is a type of mixing when you add colors to create white light. This mixing usually makes use of primary colors. The subtractive mixing, on the other hand, makes use of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. 

Tips on mixing colors

Now that you know what color wheel and color mixing are, you can use them to transform your room. Color mapping is one of the techniques you can use. This is a method where you can pull all the colors throughout the space. This is to guarantee that all the primary colors are employed proportionally in the space to make the whole room look more cohesive. Black and white can likewise be added to make an accent.

Black and white create design variety. White makes a tint when added to a particular color, while black adds shade. Understanding how colors relate to each other will give you a color scheme that can be used in any room or living space. 

Warm Colors For A Happier Ambiance

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Experts believe that colors affect the mood of people. In general, colors are divided into whether they are cool or warm. Warm colors can evoke fun and exciting atmosphere in any room, and they can bring out the positive aspects of life. Examples are red, orange, and yellow.

Colors and mood

Science describes colors as visual perception and that they are categorized in different categories. It was observed that when eyes connect with colors, various chemicals are released from the brain. These chemicals have particular effects on the physical and emotional levels.

These are the reasons why in the advertising and marketing industries, certain colors are used to highlight the brand. Different color palettes have been used by companies in the packaging of their products and also in designing their promotional materials. The color orange, for instance, is usually seen in restaurants since it stimulates appetite. Red, on the other hand, brings out masculinity.

Colors are also important in interior design. The use of colors is one of the important factors in creating the right atmosphere in a room. In many instances, home interiors are seen in neutral colors like black, blue, gray, and white. Unfortunately, these colors do not provide any health benefits as compared to warm colors.

Why use warm colors

Warm colors are those that are in the red area of the color spectrum. In human health, warm colors are known to have positive effects. These colors evoke emotions that range from warmth and comfort to anger and hostility. These colors stimulate the body that creates a happy emotion.

On the other hand, cool colors are those that are on the blue side of the color spectrum. Examples are blue, purple, and green. These colors are calming and relaxing. However, they also evoke a feeling of sadness. 

Red

The color with the longest wavelength and considered to be powerful. It can catch attention as compared with other colors. These are some of the reasons why red is used in traffic lights as it evokes physical and psychological responses. 

The positive traits of red are courage, strength, warmth, energy, stimulation, and excitement. It was also observed that the color can stimulate circulation, thus increasing the circulation of blood and oxygen.

Yellow

The color with a relatively long and stimulating wavelength. In color psychology, yellow is considered to be a strong color. The right shade of yellow can uplift the spirit and boost self-esteem as well as self-confidence and optimism. On the contrary, yellow can promote feelings of irrationality, fear, depression, and anxiety.

Orange

The color that results from the combination of red and yellow. This is another stimulating color that has effects on the mind. Orange also represents human needs, such as food, warmth, shelter, and sensuality. 

Final thoughts

Warm colors are considered to be stimulating colors as they help activate the mind and body. As such, blood circulation is increased to help the cells receive more oxygen. This in effect promotes cell growth and organ function. In addition to these, the immune system is also stimulated to fight disease-causing microorganisms. The brain is also well-oxygenated making the mind sharp and focused.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

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Posh, cozy, and appealing. These are what to expect in a girl’s room. Decorating their rooms is a cool bonding activity that you can do with your daughter. From the planning stage to the activity itself, your child will have a memorable experience that she can treasure forever.

Colors to consider for the bedroom

Looking for a fun and thrilling activity to do with your little girl? Then decorating their room is one of the perfect activities that you can do. There is a wide range of choices when it comes to this. The colors, for instance, may come in different appearances and are commonly adored by girls. Pink or any shade of pink is the most frequently used color for the bedroom.

Though it is the most preferred color, the room does not need to be overwhelmed by it. You can blend other colors to give the room some accent. You can also add purple as this is also a classic girl’s color. These colors can be romantic and may be considered to be a girlish territory. 

Try combining a bright shade of pink with yellow, lime green, and other bright colors as these will likewise help create a feminine and striking look in the room. Pink and orange are another powerful combination and will look impressive with white furnishings. Another interesting color combination is pink and black, especially with black furniture pieces as this combination can give a sophisticated appearance. 

For a peaceful and serene room atmosphere, it is recommended to have the walls with neutral colors. This may serve as a wonderful backdrop for the furnishings and decorative items that you will add. Neutral colors are also versatile as you can use different furnishings without changing the colors of the wall. 

A fairy tale in the bedroom

Every little girl dreams of being a princess. Becoming part of a fairy tale is one of the loveliest things that you can do to your little girl. This can be done by creating a fairy tale in their bedroom. Images, decors, and toys of castles, fairies, kings, queens, princes, and princesses will help in transforming their bedroom into a kingdom. 

Posters that feature different fairy tale characters can help you create stories for them and let them be part of the adventure. Nursery-themed prints can also make the room look adorable. Prints of cartoon-like animals can help them learn more about their nature. With a little creativity, you will bring the fantasy into the bedroom. 

Posters that can be displayed

The display of posters is one of the easiest and cost-efficient ways to decorate the girls’ bedroom. There is a wide range of available designs that young girls will adore. Examples are prints that feature flowers, cartoon characters, nature, and typography. These posters are adorable and can instantly transform the overall appearance of their room. 

In addition to these, the frames of the prints add beauty to the walls. Neutral colored frames will enhance the appeal of the prints. They will likewise make the walls look more interesting and exciting.

Japanese Restaurant Interior

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Sushi anyone? Many people have loved this dish and there is something into it that makes it comforting and pleasurable. A Japanese restaurant is never complete without sushi and other signature dishes. However, there is more to a Japanese restaurant than just the food. In addition to the menu and service, the overall appearance and ambiance of the Japanese restaurant are important. All of these factors complete the Japanese restaurant experience that will take you to the Far East with a snap of the finger. Planning to start your own Japanese restaurant business? Here are some interesting ideas that will help you with your brand.

See and feel the ambiance

The culture and tradition of the Japanese have greatly influenced the aesthetics and architecture of Japanese homes and restaurants. By principle, the Japanese-styled interior revolves around uncluttered and clean living, sticking to order, balance, love for natural beauty, and ancient costumes. 

If you have watched Japanese tea ceremonies and other traditions, you will fully understand and appreciate the interior of every Japanese home and restaurant. Japanese restaurants have that relaxing touch that will make you enjoy your food more. 

Starting the Japanese restaurant business

Starting a Japanese restaurant is quite challenging but rewarding. Think about the different factors that need to be considered and incorporated to be successful in the business. Examples are the location, market for Japanese cuisine, and available resources, especially the budget. Be sure that you have devised a marketing and business plan. You will also need to hire professional staff members, such as experienced Japanese food and sushi chefs, interior designers or decorators, and servers. 

Characteristics of a Japanese restaurant

Achieving an authentic Japanese restaurant is not that hard, especially if you are a fan of Japanese food and culture. Some elements distinguish a Japanese restaurant from other Asian restaurants. In terms of the interior appearance, Japanese culture has respect and love for nature. As such, the interior appearance should reflect this passion. Bring nature in with traditional plants such as bamboo and bonsai. Palm and orchids work well with traditional plants. The important thing is that you make the restaurant look natural, green, and simple. You can enhance the look with wooden elements around the restaurant. 

In addition to plants, water is another important element that will boost the Japanese appearance of your restaurant. The sound of water has a calming effect and can evoke a tranquil room environment. 

Adding shoji adds to the beauty of the interior. Shoji is a Japanese screen that slides back and forth. This is used as a replacement for doors to save up space and likewise allow natural light in the room. The screen is usually made up of fine translucent paper found inside a wooden grid. 

The entry or “genkan” is also an important concept of Japanese culture. Guests are greeted in this area while shoes are taken off and replaced with indoor slippers. Add shelves in the entryway to store the shoes and remember that this should look simple and made up of wooden elements. It should be uncluttered and the furniture pieces are mostly low to the ground. In many instances, floor cushions are used instead of furniture pieces. 

Japanese restaurant interior designs also have a minimalist appearance. Remember that the restaurant should always be clean, uncluttered, and simple. Use culture-inspired furniture pieces, made up of wood, clean-lined and modern. When it comes to lighting, it is recommended to have angular and modern lighting. These help in imitating Japanese-styled lanterns.

Design Tips That Will Boost Your Restaurant Business

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While the food that you serve is the main attraction of your restaurant, the design will give a welcoming ambiance that will help boost your business. The overall appearance of your restaurant is of utmost importance to attract more customers and ensure their loyalty. Here are some tips on how to transform the appearance of your restaurant and increase your revenue.

Define your style, concept, and theme

There is a big difference between entrepreneurs who are starting with their restaurant business and those who already have one. Start with an idea and work your way through to the decoration. For, instance, a Japanese-themed restaurant focuses more on simplicity, minimalism, and traditional accents. You may want to add natural elements, such as wood, bamboo, and plants will enhance the theme and design. Italian restaurants are bolder with red and white checkered tablecloths and rustic walls.

Captivating entrance

If your restaurant is located in an area with heavy foot traffic, then you need to do something to invite them. In addition to the impressive interior, decorating the entrance is vital to increase the number of your customers. Make the entrance pop with murals or neon signages. Use glass so that passers-by can take a peek at the interior. Bold colors can catch the attention of the neighborhood, especially those who are looking for a place to dine. 

Choose the right colors

Colors are known to convey messages and emotions. In color psychology, various colors have their effects on room atmosphere and overall design. Ask experts for their recommended colors according to the theme and concept. The best colors for the walls of the restaurants are shades of red, brown, green, orange, yellow, blue, and purple. Be strategic in adding them so that they will not become an eye-sore. You may have seen that fast food restaurants use shades of red or orange as these hues can stimulate the appetite and make food look more sumptuous. Fine dining restaurants are quite different and the use of earth tones like browns promotes a relaxing and calming vibe. 

Focus on the design layout

The layout of the restaurant is important to create the right ambiance. Start with the layout of tables and chairs as this can help create a cozy and welcoming vibe. If you have a bar, check out the stools and bar table that you will add. The colors and style must blend with the overall theme and concept. If you are planning to create a sports bar or already have one, make the television the center of attention. Add sports memorabilia and posters to enhance the restaurant theme. Add games like football, darts, or pool to attract more customers. 

Use the right lighting

Light can set a mood that cannot be achieved by any other decor. When designing restaurants, properly plan the lighting so that you will successfully achieve the perfect atmosphere. Red lighting can attract more customers and stimulate hunger. Adding candles and diffuse lighting can add a romantic and intimate vibe. 

Good aroma, good vibe

The smell also has a great impact on the restaurant atmosphere. Invest in scented candles as these may have dual purposes. In addition to making the room smell enticing, candles can add a romantic vibe. The smell of freshly ground coffee beans can likewise be a huge come-on to customers, especially if you have a coffee shop. 

Use music and ambient sounds

A restaurant is not just about the taste and smell of food. You may want to create a more comfortable and inviting mood with music and ambient sounds. You may choose from a wide range of music and sound genre depending on the concept and theme of your restaurant. 

Focus on details

A good restaurant interior focus on the importance of details. If you are short on space, add elements that will create a visually larger room. Examples are mirrors, indoor plants, folding tables, and bar stools.