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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. 

 

With the different events that happened in our lives throughout the year, we are now prepared to face another year. A year that we hope to be full of hope and optimism. Celebrating the New Year is also filled with traditions and beliefs. At least in the Philippines. History tells us that we have been greatly influenced by different cultures, such as the Chinese, Americans, and Spanish. 

The addition of colors is during the New Year’s Eve celebration is also important to many families. Certain colors are believed to bring good luck. Over the years, color psychology has captured the interests of many experts. Studies have shown that colors have significant effects on the mind and body. That is the reason why the colors we add to our rooms are important as these may affect the mood as well as our behavior. When it comes to the New Year celebration, there are some colors that are considered lucky when they are seen around or when we wear them. 

Clean as white

White has many symbolism. It represents innocence, purity, hygiene. It is also associated with religious traditions and certain works of art. 

The bold red

One of the events that have been celebrated for many years is the Lunar New Year. In fact, this has been observed for thousands of years and celebrated in many Asian countries. The color red is used to scare off a hungry beast that was believed to terrorize villages every New year. These days, red is associated with good luck and good fortune by the Chinese and other Asian cultures. 

Purple for prosperity

Purple is associated with wealth and that is the reason why the color is only seen in monarchs in Europe and Asia. The reason is that the original vibrant purple dye that was made in ancient Phoenicia, needed around 250,000 rare sea snails. Do note also that the number of sea snails only produces about an ounce of the dye. This makes the color expensive that only the wealthy people can afford it. 

Cool Blue

One of the cool colors in color psychology. Blue is associated with religious traditions and serenity in art. Blue is also believed to have mystical properties due to its rarity. Make your home look serene with blue for a more peaceful New Year. 

Silver linings

Silver is one of the precious metals in the world. In fact, it was mined more than 5000 years ago. The shiny hue is associated with all the precious opportunities this New Year. 

In touch with nature with green

Studies have shown that the color green leads to better physical and mental health. The reason is that the color is associated with nature. Green also increases positive emotions and vibes. This is why you have to bring the color to your home this year. 

Food and drink posters are the most common prints displayed in the kitchen. In fact, they are the easiest to display in the room as they completely blend well with the purpose and function of the room. However, food and drink posters become boring in the long run. Try to be innovative and use other poster designs to give the kitchen a fresh new appeal. For the kitchen to look lively and vibrant, consider decorating the wall with poster designs that are classic and timeless, such as black and white prints.

Decorating the kitchen walls

As many of us know, the kitchen is not only used to prepare our meals. Just like in any other room, the kitchen may be multifunctional. It can be a place for entertainment in which a television set is added. It can also be a place for dining or for eating breakfast with the family. In other households, the room is also used to receive guests. 

It is important to treat the kitchen just like how we treat the other rooms of the house. At least when it comes to decorating the walls. By tradition and practice, kitchens are usually decorated with food and drink posters. However, there are other designs that can be used to break the tradition. Kitchen wall art can add visual interest and personality to the room. In addition to framed artworks, homeowners use oversized utensils, tapestries with designs that are associated with the room. Want to make the kitchen look more stylish and trendy/ use oversized letters in various fonts and colors. This decor is created with the use of thin but sturdy metals that may be light enough to be displayed. 

Poster designs to display in the kitchen

There are no strict rules when it comes to decorating the kitchen with posters. Although, there are some when it comes to how you hang and arrange them on your walls. There are many designs and themes to choose from. For instance, abstract posters add life with the colors, patterns, and designs they have, Nature-themed posters can also give a refreshing and rejuvenating vibe to the kitchen. With the images of plants, flowers, seascapes, and landscapes, the kitchen will have a calming and relaxing atmosphere that you will love. 

Go minimalist with Scandinavian-inspired prints as well as black and white posters. These posters will help you achieve a simple yet elegant room appearance that can be the highlight of the entire house. In fact, many homes these days use the minimalist design style as there are also benefits they give to the mind and body. 

Typography posters are also popular and many of them have inspirational or motivational quotes. Sometimes what we need are positive words to keep us going. The messages written on the posters, though however simple they are, can have a big impact on our total well-being. 

Prepare the kitchen for the holidays with Christmas-themed posters. Not only that these prints will bring the spirit of Christmas to your home, but they will also make the kitchen look vibrant and lovely. With the colors of the season in your kitchen, you will have inspiration and motivation in prepping the meals for Christmas. 

With a few weeks left before Christmas, you may already have completed shopping for gifts to be given to your loved ones. Decors are all around us amidst the COVID 19 virus still lurking like a rat waiting for its chance to steal food. However, it is still not too late to make your home perfect for the holidays. In fact, there are tons of ideas and inspiration that you can use to prepare your home for the Christmas celebration this year and make it look and feel festive. With the classic red and green color scheme that we have known since childhood, you can give it a twist and turn to create an eye-catching Christmas-themed interior for a perfect and memorable Christmas. 

Classic with a twist

Many people love the classic. Why not? There are many elements in the style that would remind you of your childhood. Although the concept is a bit non-specific, it still gives many homeowners and designers goosebumps as they recall their past. Classic design style suits almost anything. Black and white is probably the most popular theme that can easily give your interior a classic look for the holidays. 

Boosting the standard

When it comes to interior decoration, there will always be standards that would serve as a basis for other design styles. Sticking with the traditional is not bad. However, some people may find this a bit dull and boring as many are looking for something new and creative. For instance, the addition of Christmas accessories in candy colors will give any room a modern and stylish look. You can also add ribbons if you feel a little crafty. 

Less is more

Less is not a bad idea, unlike what others think. Here are a few minimalist decorating ideas that can truly give a great look to your home. 

• Fewer items used, the better. This is the whole idea of using a minimalist design style. 
• Buy Christmas trees that come with lights. Arranging the lights may be quite a challenge for some. With this, you will spend less time arranging the lights for your trees. 
• Do not use too many colors as this will make your home look chaotic. Use shades of a few chosen colors so that these will give you a trendy and chic interior. 
• Use fruits and vegetables as decoration. These will save you money and your home will also have a fresh and natural feel and smell. 
• Use one color of lighting for your Christmas tree as it can make a calm and relaxing vibe. 
• A simple pinecone can be used as a decoration. Fill a plate or bowl with pinecones along with candies for a more wonderful holiday vibe. 
• Use ribbons to decorate the tree or your surroundings. 

Materials for Christmas

Christmas decors need not have to be made from soft materials all the time. The use of metal pieces as the decor has proven to be a perfect choice. Metal decors look best with dark interiors as they can be highlighted. 

Flowers are still great

Want to add life to your home for the holidays? Use simple flowers or wreaths for a look that you have been longing for. You can place them anywhere and they would still look great. Add them to the door, window, or you can create a centerpiece of flowers for a warm and comfortable living space. 

Let it snow!

Snowflakes are some of the favorite Christmas decors. Hang them on the wall or the curtain and do not just use one size. 

The industrial interior design style is one of the appealing styles that features metal and open space. A wonderful design style that incorporates many elements of the Scandinavian hygge interior design. Read on to learn more about this design style and why it is preferred by many homeowners and designers.

Industrial Interior Design – what is it?

The industrial design style is inspired by the repurposed factories during the Industrial Revolution. It encompasses exposed architectural elements such as pipes, bricks, concrete, and is combined with the philosophy of the minimalist design. In addition to these, the design is also known for open floor plans and a cool neutral color palette. 

Although it is based on minimalist style, there is also the use of different rustic materials in furniture pieces and lighting accents. Many modern homes these days use a combination of industrial, mid-century modern, and farmhouse style to create cozy rooms throughout the entire home. 

How it began

Although industrial design style is regarded as modern, it still has its origins during the Industrial Revolution. It can be recalled that during that period, giant factories were built to store large machinery.

The First Industrial Revolution in the 1760s marked the beginning of mass production in urban Europe and the United States. Factories were the start of industrial architecture and were characterized by large, grid-paned windows to allow the entry of fresh air and natural light, lofts, open floor plans, and exposed brick walls. 

The Second Industrial Revolution in the 1870s  led to the construction of larger factories as businesses consolidated operations under one roof. Eventually, these factories required stronger construction materials, like concrete and steel. These materials were seen exposed in many instances. 

In the 2000s, New York and other urban areas were facing housing shortages. As such, the factories during the Industrial Revolutions were converted into industrial loft apartments with open floor plans. The selling points are the exposed materials and large windows. 

Minimalism and hygge also embraced the concepts of industrial design style. Repurposed materials were seen to coincide with the clean, straight lines that are common in the modern and minimalist design style. Many urban-styled homes are generally characterized by open plans, large windows, and neutral palettes, which are also common in Scandinavian homes. 

Characteristics of Industrial design style

Here are the characteristics of the Industrial design style that you will surely adore:

• The industrial design style uses neutral colors such as shades of white, gray, blacks, and brown. 
• Large natural windows are also common to allow the entry of natural light. 
• The open floor plan is also common as well as high ceilings, exposed brick, concrete floors, industrial pipes, and ductwork. 
• Repurposed materials are also important such as repurposed dining tables that will bring natural elements into the metal-heavy materials. 
• Edison bulbs that are hanging in singles or in a decorative group such as in a chandelier are also common elements. Use large metal domes, a pendant light, or floor lamps if you prefer something less bare. 
• Graphic lines can be seen in window panes, bar stools, and others. 
• Fabrics such as weathered leather or linen are added to furniture and accents, creating a cozy feel. 

Paul Klee is a talented artist who has contributed a lot to the world of art. He is also a natural draftsman who experimented with and mastered the color theory and wrote extensively about it. His lectures, Writings on Form and Design Theory, that is published in English as the Paul Klee Notebooks, are considered to be of utmost importance to modern art. Read on to learn more about the life and works of Paul Klee.

Biography

Paul Klee (1879-1940) was born in Switzerland and considered to be both a German and Swiss painter. His works were greatly influenced by different movements in art, including expressionism, cubism, and surrealism. He is a natural draftsman whose artworks have shown that he has mastered color theory. 

During his younger years, Paul Klee focused on becoming a musician, but later on decided to concentrate more on the visual arts. As a musician, he played mostly the traditional works of the 18th and 19th centuries. As a visual artist, he enjoyed practicing freedom to explore radical ideas and styles. 

During his school years, he is fond of drawing caricatures and already displaying and already displaying skill with line and volume. He also studied art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich wherein he excelled at drawing. After receiving his Fine Arts degree, he traveled to Italy along with his friend, Hermann Haller. While traveling, the two studied the master painters of the past centuries. 

For Paul Klee, color represented the optimism and nobility in art, and a hope for relief from the pessimistic nature he expressed in his black-and-white grotesques and satires. By 1905, he was developing some experimental techniques, including drawing with a needle on a blackened pane of glass resulting in 57 works including his Portrait of My Father (1906). He also completed a cycle of eleven zinc-plate etchings called Inventions. 

From 1931 to 1933, Klee taught at the Academy of Fine Arts in Dusseldorf. He went back to his hometown when the National Socialists declared his art “degenerate” in 1933. His later works reflected the turmoil in Europe in which they have a somber tone. Lines turned into black bars, forms became broad and generalized, scales are larger, and colors are simpler. 

Methods and Styles

Paul Klee was associated with Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism, Surrealism, and Abstraction. He usually worked alone to interpret new art trends in how own way. He developed new techniques as he worked in different media including oil paint, watercolor, ink, pastel, etching, and others. He often combined these mediums in one artwork. He also used canvas, burlap, muslin, linen, gauze, cardboard, metal foils, fabric, wallpaper, and newsprint. He also used spray paint, knife application, stamping, glazing, and impasto and mixed media such as oil with watercolor, watercolor with pen and India ink, and oil with tempera. 

With his mastery of color and toes, many of his works combine these skills. Most works have a fragile childlike quality to them and are usually on a small scale. It is also common to see geometric forms and grid format compositions along with letters, numbers, animals, and people. Some of his works are abstract that may reflect dry humor and varying moods, as well as political convictions. His works often allude to poetry, music, and dreams. His later works are distinguished by spidery hieroglyph-like symbols.  

The display of posters is one of the fun and exciting ways to express ourselves, add a personal style to our rooms, and bring to life any room in our homes. Gone are the days that we simply display the art or any photos on the walls. Sometimes we even use corkboards to pin these memorabilia. These days, the use of frames does not only protect your art, posters, or photos. They can also add beauty to the wall decor that will level up the overall appearance of your walls. 

Local framing store

The quickest and easiest way to frame a poster is to bring it to a local framing store. However, this may be a little expensive and greatly depends on the type and size of the frame. The only disadvantage is that these stores may have a limited selection of suitable frames to choose from. Some stores may also offer you frames that are of not good quality and may cause problems in the future. 

Frame it yourself

If you are worried that you may commit a mistake in framing your posters, there are different references on how to do it correctly. The internet is one of the best sources that we have these days and practically everything can be found on various websites. 

Choosing the right frame is quite a challenge at first. But come to think of it, there are simple ways to determine the most suitable frame for your needs. You need to consider two aspects of your poster. Is the poster black and white or colored? You also need to consider the dimension of the poster. If the poster is black and white, a neutral frame is highly recommended to highlight the image. If the poster is in vibrant colors, choose a frame with a color that is also featured in the poster. 

How to frame a poster

1. To use or not to use a mat. The mat can add beauty to your posters as it provides an extra border, providing a space between the poster and the frame. Mats can also adjust the size of the poster.
2. The right frame to use. There are different types of frames to use. The materials also vary from plastic to high-quality metal or wood. These frames can add beauty to your poster and likewise protect them especially those that are considered to be collector’s editions. 
3. Clean the glass or plexiglass.
4. Attach the poster to an adhesive foam board.
5. Slide the glass back into its place in the frame.
6. Fit the mat into the frame.
7. Gently slide the poster or foam board into the frame behind the mat.
8. If there is a need for a poster backing, then add it to the assembly. This protects the art against dust and dents. 
9. Attach the hanging mechanism. 

The perfect frame for your poster

Finding the right frame for your poster and framing it is not that difficult as many people think. Many shops sell posters in the form of a kit. There are instructions included to guide you in properly adding the frame. In Artdesign, we have simple yet appealing frames that will add beauty to any poster design that you choose. Choose the right frame and beautify your walls.

Do you think that the dining room is important? Of course, it is! These days, many designers combine the dining room with the kitchen. This is to save some space and use that space into something functional, like a playroom or a breakfast nook. Just like any other room, the dining room can be versatile. It can be used to entertain your guests, a workspace, or a study area. Whether you are decorating a traditional dining room or a modern one, you have a lot of options that will boost its appearance. Here we have some tips and ideas that will help you with your dining room decorating project.

Functional and appealing dining tables

Before buying a new dining table, it is smart to consider the size of the room first. In addition to this, you must choose the appearance that will best fit your style along with the budget that you have. Many small dining rooms have extendable tables that can be used on different occasions. Extendable tables are perfect for birthdays, parties, or game nights. 

The material that most people love is wood and this is what you really need. It gives a cozy and relaxing feel that seems a combination of traditional and modern. There are available tables that are made up of other materials like ceramic, plastic, and marble. They too are functional and attractive. 

Dining chairs

Choose dining chairs that are of high quality and comfortable. These chairs will not only add beauty to your dining room but will likewise be functional for every occasion. Select chairs that are made with wood, eco-leather, or metal as these are more durable over the years. 

However, if you already have chairs, might as well be practical and buy chair covers. These can make them more vibrant, comfortable, and attractive. You may also include bar stools in the dining room. 

Rugs

Stylish rugs will make the dining room look even more beautiful. Rugs are also used to make the dining room cleaner as well as to protect the floor from damages like scratches and spills. The addition of rugs is also an affordable way to cover old and worn-out flooring. 

Wall accessories and other decorative items

Add details to the dining room with wall accessories and other impressive decors. Add lights, mirrors, trendy posters, and wall art. These will make the room look more stylish and elegant. You can also style your walls with personalized posters to make them look more attractive and functional. These items can likewise brighten the dining room that is perfect for romantic dinners, parties, or family gatherings. Mirrors can reflect the natural light that will make the room warm and cozy. 

Final Thoughts

We hope that these tips will be able to help you in making your room look fantastic. The furniture pieces can give your room the boost it deserves. With the creation of wall art, the dining room will be the highlight of your room. The display of the dining room posters can also add a theme that will surely be adored by your guests. 

Bring the classic into your home with a traditional interior design style. A design style that many consider to be obsolete, but offers a natural beauty and comfort. This design style is influenced by the 18th and 19th century European decor. Traditional interior design style offers elegance and comfort that is perfect for all ages. These days, with the availability of different materials, the design style has become more versatile giving the chance for homeowners to personalize and customize their homes.

Characteristics of Traditional Interior Design

Here are some of the common features of the design style. These may be your guide in achieving it successfully and sometimes you need not break your bank account. With a little imagination and creativity, you will be able to have an inviting and comfortable home. 

Soft edges

The absence of sharp angles and edges is one of the trademarks of the traditional interior design. Focus more on curves such as the addition of skirts on furniture pieces. This evokes a cozy feeling in addition to hiding the legs of tables and chairs. 

Rich wood tones

Dark wood tones are another key feature of the design style. Use woods such as mahogany, cherry, or oak. 

Symmetry

Traditional interior design also focuses on balance in every part of the house. This means that from the architecture to the addition of furniture pieces. They are usually grouped together is a way that they appear formal and elegant.

Conservative colors

Colors to use are supposed to be laid back and subtle. Neutral colors are often used, examples are beige, cream, and tan. You may also opt to use shades of brown, red, green, and blue.

Interesting tips to achieve the design style

Here are some tips for your to create a traditional interior design style to your home:

Dark colors

The design style makes use of dark woods, refined colors, and rich tones. The walls are usually painted with neutral colors. Furniture pieces, artworks, and other decorative items should be in dark colors to contrast the colors of the wall. As such, the wall and the items will be highlighted. 

Elegant furniture pieces

Furniture pieces tend to be heavier and made from wood of mahogany, maple, or cherry. Choose high-quality fabric such as leather, silk, and velvet. 

Wood

The use of wood is one of the key elements of the traditional design style. Dark woods are used for the furniture pieces. The wood is carved and lacquered to have that elegant appeal.

Exotic rugs

Use Persian carpets and oriental rugs as these never go out of style and are popular in the traditional interior design. 

Glossy

Metals with soft, warm undertones are another feature. Add metals like brass, bronze, and copper.

Accessories

Add decorative items like china, figurines, indoor plants, books, and globe. 

Final thoughts

Traditional interior design style is not that hard to achieve. It offers an elegant appearance that is perfect for all ages. It also gives a comfortable feel especially with the natural materials used such as wood.