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If you just transferred to your new home, it may take time to feel at home. Plain white walls can feel unfamiliar and intimidating. Want to make your rooms feel more like home? Think of it as a blank canvas where you can create your art. As such, you will be able to unleash your creativity to personalize your rooms. Read on to know fun and easy ways to personalize your rooms and call them your own.

Display your keepsakes

Each one of us may have collected something in our lives. These can be pins, sports caps, shirts, keychains, and others. Get a corkboard, organize your souvenir items, and display them in your room. It’s totally easy to do this project. You also need not have to spend that much as you only need a few materials. Some of them can likewise be recycled and still can look new with a few touches.

A nostalgic atmosphere like home

Your home can be where your most “firsts” happened. The first walk, the first words to say, the first love, and many others. Display some memorabilia for the new place. Display old photos of family and friends, buy throws, create personalized posters, and pick the colors you love. Making your new home feel like your ancestral home may be tasky, but here are some ways to be successful with this project. 

Add plants

The kind of greenery you have in your room says a lot about who you are and your lifestyle. Choose plants that will fit your personality and have them rest near a window. As a result, you will have cool decor that can also give health and environmental benefits. If you are not into plants and feel that you will just fail in taking care of them, there are always faux plants.

Paint your new home

Paint your walls by picking your favorite color to cover the entire room. After which, you can add geometric patterns or floral prints as accents. How to achieve this? Pick a theme and start painting your walls. You can check different interior design ideas and inspirations to use in your rooms. 

Add some illumination

Proper lighting is vital in setting the mood in a room. In addition to a reading lamp, there are more ways to add lighting. Here are some ideas that you can use. Examples are twinkle lights, chili pepper lights, Christmas lights, neon signs, and many more.

Final Thoughts

Personalizing your new home encompasses many aspects of interior decoration. Your goal may be simple but the results and effects can be grandiose. From the display of old photos to painting the walls, a personalized room can be lovely as ever. Although others consider this decorating project to be costly and time-consuming you can think of ways that will say otherwise. 

Start with the walls. Think of a wall design that can change the overall appearance and vibe of your new home. The easiest one is with the display of posters and old photographs. Add frames on them to make them look more enticing and captivating. Wallpaper may be old wall decor but they still do their purpose. Be creative and resourceful and for sure, you will achieve the interior appearance that will fit your taste. 

Paul Klee was a German-Swiss artist born in 1879 who fell in love with colors and tones. You may have seen some of his works and they can be described as child-like, simple, and can be appreciated by all ages and levels. His paintings are also rich in geometric forms and shapes. Some of his works can even be used to help kids in their learnings, such as letters, animals, and numbers. Some are in abstract form and can be used to add colors and design to your walls. 

The use of warm and cool colors

Over the years, colors are used to make any space look attractive. There are different types of colors and you can check the color wheel for references. Colors can also be divided into two groups, cool and warm colors. Warm colors are fun and exciting and can make you think of sunlight and heat. These are orange, yellow, and red, and a combination makes the team of warm colors. 

On the other hand, cool colors are blue, green, and purples. These colors are calming and sooting. If your want your bedroom to have that ambiance that is perfect for resting and sleeping, then cool colors are a perfect choice.  

Tones what are they

Tones are created by adding neutral colors such as white, gray, or black. These colors, when added to primary or secondary colors alter their lightness. If you are on a decorating project, remember that darker colors help you to bring light color more in focus. 

Who inspired Paul Klee

Paul Klee was known as an avid reader and lover of music. With his paintings filled with shapes and colors, they are rich with rhythm motivated by the modulations of Mozart and Bach or even the cadence of poems by Apollinaire and Rilke. Klee was also inspired by the art of kids as well as those who are suffering from psychological disorders. Their art was regarded as a pure form of expression. In 1914, during a trip to Tunisia with Macke and Louis Moilliet, Klee was deeply inspired. As a result, his artworks were added with the rich color palette and distinctive language of mystical symbols.

One of the most important personalities who have inspired Klee was Kandinsky. He is considered to be the godfather of abstraction along with the other members of the Munich-based group, Macke, Marc, Alexej von Jawlensky. In addition to these, the lyrical patterns and transcendent color palette of Robert Delaunay also affected Paul Klee. 

What’s so special about Paul Klee

Paul Klee was one of the prominent artists in the 1900s. He is known for changing the course of modern art. As a passionate artist, he was also one of the artists who have influenced younger generations of artists. Remember the time when painting became less popular, it surged again because of the influences of Paul Klee. His works can be considered to be unconventional as it encompasses almost any style like the art created by disabled people and practitioners of the occult.

Adding colors to your home make it look more personal. Choosing the right color scheme is vital when decorating your home. Of course, at first, choosing and adding colors to your home may be a difficult task. But with some help from experts, and even inspiration from various websites or magazines, you will be able to achieve the appearance that you love. Read on to learn more about colors and how they can personalize your space. 

The colors we know

Many of us have been taught that colors come in different varieties. This includes primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. The primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. These colors are considered to be pure. Secondary colors are orange, green, and violet, and these are created by mixing two primary colors. For instance, blue and yellow give green. While tertiary colors are combinations of primary and secondary colors in different proportions. 

Create your color scheme

To create the right color scheme for your interior, it is recommended to use the color wheel. There are four types of colors schemes:

• Monochrome – this color scheme uses the hues of the same color with the application of black and white to lighten or darken the tinge. 
• Analogous – the color scheme makes use of neighboring colors from the color wheel. Yellow is used in combination with green or orange while blue will go with green or violet. As a result, you will be able to create a color scheme that can be soothing and dynamic.
• Contrasting – this color scheme is brighter and a triad of contrasting colors may be applied: yellow-orange, yellow-blue, red-violet. These color combinations make any space look bright and exciting. 
• Complementary – this color scheme makes use of two opposite colors such as orange and blue to create a bold palette. 

Expats recommend not to add colors to the wall immediately. Colors of paint can easily be found while matching furniture can be difficult. It is best to choose and add the furniture pieces and decorative items, then proceed with adding colors to the walls. It is common for homeowners to add neutral colors to the walls as they are the safest to use to whatever colors the furniture and decorative items have.

The impact of colors on your home

Colors are known to have significant effects on the interior of any space. In general, colors are categorized into two: cool and warm colors. Warm colors are known to be stimulating while cool colors are relaxing and calming. Check out the colors below and the effects they evoke in your home interior. 

• White – the color is usually associated with pureness and hygiene. It is known to reflect sunlight making any room appear lighter and expanding the space. Small rooms are recommended to use white, especially where light is scarce. 
• Black – never use this color in a dark room as things may get gloomy. Use the color only in well-lit areas.
• Gray – it is calm and neutral but can be dull and boring. Do not use gray as the main color of your room. If you want, you can use lighter shades of gray and they can be a good color for a background. 
• Red – this is a stimulating color and promotes activity. It is recommended to use the color for entryways, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. However, avoid using the color in the bedroom as well as the nursery.
• Yellow – this color is known to stimulate the learning process and develop intellect. This is the reason why yellow is highly recommended in the nursery.
• Orange – though less stimulating than red, orange contributes to better communication and harmonization of relationships. Use this color in the living room, dining room, or kitchen.
• Brown – a neutral color and preferred to be used for furniture. It works best when paired with beige and peach colors.
• Light blue – this shade of blue is calming and comforting. Use this color in the bedroom as it promotes a better quality of sleep. However, avoid shades of blue in the kitchen or dining room as it reduces appetite.
• Violet – considered to be the most mysterious color. It has different hues and influences us in various ways. 
• Green – this color has both warm and cold hues. Both hues are known to evoke different moods. Shades of green help people to concentrate and are ideal to be used in the kids’ room or study area. 

Wall decors to add colors to your space

Once you have decided on the color scheme to use, you can start planning what wall decor to add. Walls can be decorated with paintings, posters, photos, and others. They can be art installations or DIY decors. You can be creative and unleash your artistic side to create wall art that will take the center stage in your home.

The Philippines is rich in natural resources and tourist destinations. Batanes is one of the favorite travel destinations in the world. Some of the famous landmarks of Batanes are its lighthouses. There are several lighthouses known to exist in the province. All of them are important functionally as well as to the tourism industry of the country. Read on to learn more about these colossal landmarks.

Facts about lighthouses

Lighthouses have been in existence since ancient times. A little trivia that is good to know. IN fact, the first known lighthouse was the Pharos of Alexandria, Egypt. This was constructed by Ptolemy I and his son Ptolemy II in 300 and 280 BC. This was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Eventually, this was destroyed by natural disasters and wars. 

A lighthouse is a tower with a bright light on the top. Its main purpose is to help sailors in locating dangerous areas and likewise serves as a navigational aid that helps to keep ships and boats safe. A lighthouse station is usually composed of the lighthouse, the keeper’s house, and other structures. 

Batanes – a paradise worth visiting

The country is known for a number of tourist destinations and Batanes is on the top of the list. Batanes was shaped by nature millions of years ago. It is well-known for its rugged and scenic views. Green, rolling pastures, orange sunsets, crisp, clean art are some of the things that you will experience in the province. 

If you want to experience fresh, clean air and a peaceful vibe, then Batanes is the place to visit. These are also the reasons why many local and foreign travelers go to the province. It is known for its rock formations, impressive lighthouses, and wild horses that freely roam in the vast pasture. 

Batanes lighthouses

There are a lot of good things to say about lighthouses. By just staring at them, you can see that they are full of charm and enigma. What makes them more appealing is that they always have the best view. Especially those that stand in the hills of Batanes. These structures are often visited by tourists and photographs of them have been used for various reasons. 

Now, Batanes has three existing lighthouses and are quite similar in many ways. These structures are part of a project that was headed by Rep. Abad in the early 2000s. They were erected to guide seafarers across dangerous waters of the Pacific Ocean and the West Philippines Sea. Interestingly, these lighthouses also act as tourist attractions. The three are all capped with a red-painted concrete lantern room with narrow storm panes. The main tower is made of rubble masonry. 

Basco Lighthouse

This lighthouse was first lit in 2003 and the first to be completed. Basco Lighthouse is located in Naidi Hills where the old telegraph facility was during the American era. The lighthouse is white in color and crowned with a red lantern room. It is a 6-story structure allowing a majestic view of the West Philippine Sea, Mt. Iraya, and the Basco Town Proper.

Tayid Lighthouse

Tayid lighthouse was erected on a hill on Batan Island. Just like its counterpart in Basco, it is also capped with a red lantern room and roof. The base bears rubble masonry, similar to the other lighthouses of Batanes. Tayid faces the Pacific Ocean and can be seen from Marlboro Country and Diura Fishing Village. 

Sabtang Lighthouse

It stands on a cliff just beside the port. This lighthouse is the first man-made structure that you will see while you are on approach Sabtang island. It is a round tower with a rubble masonry finish all the way to the gallery deck. This gives the lighthouse an organic appeal. It also has a red lantern room, just like the other lighthouses mentioned earlier. 

Take a walk down memory lane and see how beautiful the styles that are popular even in films are. You probably have used them in your home for years until other trends have come along. These days, the styles of the 80s are making a comeback and are being used in many homes, offices, restaurants, and other establishments. Read on to know more about the styles that many people have loved over the years. 

Chintz

Chintz is a printed cotton fabric with a glazed finish and multicolored patterns. It was originally used for upholstery, curtains, and clothing. These days, chintz refers to the floral patterns seen in fabric and other decorative materials, such as wallpaper. It is common to see designs and patterns such as nature, flowers, and leaves. 

Pastels

Pastel colors belong to a pale family of colors that are described to have high value and low saturation. The colors of this family are considered to be soothing. The most commonly used pastels are pink, mauve, baby blue, mint green, peach, periwinkle, and lavender. 

Country Style

Country interior style is any design that appears casual and cozy. The overall appearance eludes the feeling of simple country life. It includes color palettes that are bright along with pastel colors. In addition to these, the colors should also be able to blend perfectly with other design elements like vintage wares and second-hand accessories.

Verdigris

Verdigris is a green or bluish patina that forms on copper, brass, or bronze surfaces that is exposed to air for long periods of time. It consists mainly of copper sulfate. 

Open Kitchens

The open kitchen is a remarkable design for homes that are small. The absence of barriers or doors allows spaces to flow into each other. This design makes the home look more spacious than it is. The good thing about open kitchen design is that it also keeps the family in touch by integrating meal preparation with nearby activities like watching television in the family room. 

Memphis-Inspired Design

The Memphis Design is one of the most popular styles ever created. It is known for the use of bright neon, primary and pastel colors, geometric shapes, and bold, repetitive patterns, such as black and white stripes. 

Preppy

Preppy interior design showcases genteel mix patterns. Plaid is the traditional pattern of preppy style, but not the only one. Think about stripes, houndstooth, herringbone, and gingham checks mix to create a curated look that is anything but stuffy. 

Shabby Chic

Shabby Chic is defined as having a soft, relaxed, romantic style that appears cozy and inviting. The design style usually is related to females, On the other hand, masculine shabby chic appears to be rusty, along with deeper or richer colors. Other decorative items that may be used to achieve the design style are rustic furniture, unfinished wood, denim, burlap, sailcloth, and homespun. 

Japanese Zen

Soothing and spiritual, Japanese-inspired design was a popular trend in the 80s. Zen refers to meditation and has become a popular principle for interior designers. The design style focuses on creating balance, harmony, and feelings of relaxation through a minimalist approach. 

A retro style in decorating your home does not only focus on one aspect. It actually encompasses different decades of styles. These have been influenced by several trends and styles from the past. Although the term “retro” refers to something in the past, it actually describes the decor from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. A retro design style has a fun and lively feel that is characterized by bright colors, wild designs, and an overall sense of flair. The retro design style requires a bold approach and likewise requires a certain personality to achieve it. Bring the design style to your home with the elements and inspiration below. 

Furniture

Furniture pieces in retro style have an abstract feel to them. It also seems like every piece is almost fighting to be the focal point of the room. The sofas are usually broad and elongated that are also decorated with multi-colored pillows. The materials used in barstools are usually shiny and metallic along with bright red seats. The retro design style is also complete when Mitt chairs and puzzle-piece ottomans are added.

Colors

Choosing the colors that help achieve the design style is not that hard. You can choose from avocado green, mustard yellow, brown, black, white, and red. The combination of purple and hot pink is great to achieve the style. You can also have mixes of bright orange, green, indigo blue, and yellow. The retro era is also popular for tie-dyed fabrics, checkered patterns, and elaborate paisley prints. 

Textures

Go retro with shag carpeting, smooth plastics, soft vinyl, and crushed velvet. When achieving the style, remember to go bold.

Accents and flooring

When it comes to decorating, there is actually no limit. Add accents and accessories like fuzzy throw rugs, door beads, lava lamps, skate tables, and scoop stools. It is also common to see bold and unusual art and sculptures. These pieces tend to be abstract in nature rather than simple still-life and landscapes. When it comes to flooring choose from natural wood, shag carpeting, and a bold mix of tiles. Placed in a checkerboard pattern. 

Lighting

Get the retro style with floor lamps and lamps with square or tasseled shades. You can also choose a swag multi-colored chandelier that plugs into a wall socket and feature a dangling cord draped from hook to hook. 

Final thoughts

The retro design style is fun and exciting. There’s no doubt about that! It is all about the blending of shapes, textures, and colors. The furniture of the retro era is sturdy, durable, and functional. Achieving the design style is requires attention to detail and it is important to be versatile with the materials and decors available. Remember, anything goes, and do not tone down a retro-style decor.

The 1980s interior design can be described as complex as it consists of metallic accents, prominent angles, and curves. The good thing about it is it can easily be integrated into other design styles. From bright colors to flat designs and numerous geometric figures, the 1980’s design can boost modern interior.

The modern appearance of the 80s reflected the “less is more” approach together with the minimalist spaces that highlight the clean-lined furniture. The surfaces characterized to be reflective was achieved with the use of mirror, chrome, and glass. These were used to visually enlarge the room. Gray was usually seen on the walls wherein other colors such as white could easily be combined. White was likewise popular during the decade together with contemporary lighting fixtures.

The events in the 80s

The decade was marked by socioeconomic change due to advances in technology. It is also a period of moving away from the planned economy and gearing towards laissez-faire capitalism. Many believed that this change in the global economy is attributed to the “Reagan Boom” in which there was a drastic increase in job employment and economic expansion in the United States.

Multinational manufacturing companies relocated to various countries such as Thailand, Mexico, South Korea, China, and Japan, providing these countries with economic growth and a decrease in the unemployment rate. 

This is also the decade of the end of the Cold War between the United States and the USSR that almost escalated to the use of nuclear weapons in both countries. The collapse of Soviet communism also happened during the decade, wherein the United Kingdom and the United States started a trend in international trade that would eventually be used in the succeeding decades. 

With these developments in the developed countries, the developing countries on the other hand are having financial crises and an increase of debt from the International Bank and the World Bank is evidently observed. 

The AIDS epidemic was recognized during the decade as well as global warming which has started to become a problem. 

Designing your home the 80s way

Designs that were popular in the 80s are making their come back these days and it is not difficult to integrate them into other designs. Try to adopt these ideas and create a comfortable and nostalgic vibe in your home. 

• Chintz – a printed multicolored cotton fabric with a glazed finish, used as curtains and upholstery.
• Pastel colors – soft pastels were commonly used in the 80’s interior decoration. The application of white in generous amounts could intensity the soft colors of the pastel.
• Country style – the design refers to the aesthetic that represents rural farmhouse-like design. This has gained popularity due to the simplicity it projects. Pastel and bright colors will blend well with the country-style design. Materials used in this style include rocks, wood, and other natural elements.
• Verdigris – blue-green tarnish on certain metals after they were left outdoors for a long period of time. Metals such as bronze, copper, and brass get verdigris due to exposure to moisture and air. 
• Memphis-inspired Design – this design was made popular by Memphis Milano in which includes bright looks and bold geometric patterns. 
• Open kitchens – the purpose of the open kitchen is to avoid the isolation of the person who is using the kitchen from the actions simultaneously happening in the other rooms such as the living room and the dining area.
• Shabby chic design – white and antique in appearance coupled with sofas covered with quilted comforters and simple grommets. 
• Japanese Zen – Zen is known for its simplicity and spiritual appearance with the use of elements such as pebbles arranged neatly in certain areas.