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Many of us may be familiar with what modern homes look like. High ceilings, plain colored walls, minimalist design, and others may be common in homes these days. However, it does not mean that these characteristics are the only ones seen in homes. Adding a few traditional touches can give comfort and convenience to a modern home. As a result, you will still have an inviting and cozy space that is comforting to the eyes.

Adding a classic touch may not be as complicated as many people perceive. With a few inspirations and tricks, you will be able to create an interior appearance. Here are a few tips on how to blend the classic look with modern homes. 

Incorporate neutral palettes

Tired of whites and beiges? Try something new palette that allows your modern furniture to be the highlight of your room. The modern color palette tends to gear towards cool shades like pale gray, light blue, and white. Adding a touch of warm colors such as copper and red can give your interior a classic vibe. This can be achieved by painting your walls and making warm colors as accents. 

Don’t forget about coherence

This is probably one of the most challenging tasks in interior decoration. Level up your room to create a cohesive set of textures, colors, and design elements that will fit your tastes and interests. Minimalist homes can be boosted by adding wall decors, furnishings, fabric, throws, and other decorative items. Don’t worry and you do not have to go all the way to decorate your home. Just focus on colors, patterns, and textures to achieve the right interior appearance.

Decorate the kitchen with a blackboard

Blackboards have multiple functions and adding one in the kitchen can make it look great. There are different ways to add the blackboard in the kitchen. One of the most common ways is to cover an entire wall. You can also add one and have it stand on an easel or tripod. As such, you can use the blackboard to write messages, menus, things to buy, inspirational messages, and a lot more. Want to leave a message to your kids when you are not at home? Blackboards will do the trick to help you in any way. 

Add stylish organizers

Clutters are not good in any room. Make any room look tidy and organized with cabinets and storage items. You can also save space with hanging shelves or ergonomic storage. Pick the right spot so that you will still have a comfortable space even if you are adding some furniture pieces. 

Decorate the walls

Plain-looking walls are a thing in the past. These days you can boost the wall appearance with various decors. Wallpapers are still in as these can provide patterns and colors that you need to have that classic appeal. On the other hand, you can likewise display artworks. Although paintings can be quite expensive. Posters can be cool alternatives as they are more affordable and stylish. They also can give the effects that paintings can give. Hanging shelves are multifunctional. Aside from storing some of your belongings, you can also use it to display books, souvenir items, and other decorative items. 

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.

Over the years, geometric patterns have been one of the most popular decorative elements and can be used in any design style and blend with different colors. You can see them almost anywhere: in homes, restaurants, and offices around the globe. Geometric shape designs are eye-catching and can brighten up any space. Read on to know more about geometric shapes and how they can transform any living space into something appealing. 

Trendy geometric patterns

Geometric patterns are probably one of the most versatile decorative elements. It can be added to any interior design style. Polyhedrons are some of the famous shapes and can be used in various furniture pieces and their parts. For instance, polyhedrons can be used from table legs to lamps and photo frames. Recently, rhombuses are commonly used in kids’ rooms, floors, and bathroom walls. 

With these on the walls, you can also create a wonderful pattern. This can be achieved with the installation of wallpaper, wall murals, or posters. Among these, the display of posters is the easiest and fastest way to create a trendy wall design. 

Why use geometric patterns

The versatility of geometric patterns makes them ideal in both classical and modern homes. They can easily be incorporated to create any design style that has been popularized in their respective eras. For instance, geometric patterns are ideal if you want to revive the psychedelic look of the 60s or the digital appearance of today. 

Color and shape of geometric patterns

Any color goes well with geometric patterns. The use of bright and cheerful colors like orange, red, yellow, and purple will help create more fun, exciting, and modern vibe. However, warm colors, such as these, must not be overused as they can be an eyesore. In moderation, they can take the center stage and be the focal point of your rooms. 

The use of neutral colors like black and white will help create a sophisticated and elegant look. This combination can also help create a minimalist appearance that likewise offers a comfortable and cozy feel. 

How to incorporate geometric patterns 

Modern decorative shelves come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Personalize them with a mixture of different shelves to create a room focal point. Geometric shapes can also be incorporated with the installation of partitions and wall panels. These are subtle and understated structures that will not overwhelm your rooms. 

Want to be creative and unleash your artistic side? Paint your walls with a variety of colors and geometric shapes. Prepare the materials you need like a roll of masking tape, paintbrush, and paint color of your choice. With these, you will be able to create a crisp and clean pattern that you and your family will love. 

Geometric patterns on the floor are likewise eye-catching. Squares, hexagons, and zigzag patterns are cool and you can be creative by arranging them in whatever look you want. Rugs and carpets are likewise great to display geometric patterns. There are geometric rugs and carpets available in the market that can transform the appearance of your walls.

Green is a color that is considered to be a color for renewal and nature. Adding some green inside your home is a very good thing because of the many benefits that the color gives us. One of the first things that come into our mind when we want to add the color green is with the help of plants. Plants help clean the air and provide more oxygen. Plants can be placed anywhere in your home and they can help spruce up a space. 

Why add green?

Of all the colors in the color wheel, shades of green are probably the favorite of many designers and homeowners. Many believe that color is closely associated with nature and evokes many positive effects on the environment and health. As one of the cool colors, green can help relax the mind and body. The atmosphere is likewise less stressful when you are surrounded by shades of green. 

Adding indoor plants is one of the easiest and fastest ways to bring shades of green to your home. Plants offer lots of benefits to your home and environment. They release oxygen, filter, and purify the air. We all are aware that the level of pollution is rising and that having plants are of great help in reducing air pollutants. 

Adding green with accents

One of the trends in home design is by bringing the outside in. The addition of houseplants or indoor plants can have positive effects on both the environment and health. We all know that plants can reduce the carbon dioxide level from our surroundings thus lowering the greenhouse gases. On the other hand, we also understand that not all individuals have green thumbs. Do not lose hope since you can still add splashes of green with artificial plants or low-maintenance plants and other decorative items. 

Love the green with furniture pieces

You do not have to limit yourself to decorative items and wall paint. You can add shades of green to your home with furniture pieces. These will have more impact and will likewise make your interior look welcoming and relaxing. This may not also mean spending too much and buying new pieces. You can use old ones like a wooden desk and add soothing green shade. As such, working at home will be less stressful. 

Green to your walls

Just like in any other color, shades of green are suited for almost any room in your home. It encourages relaxation and promotes comfort and continuity in your rooms. Time to change those neutral colors and try using a relaxing shade of green. You will see that the effect is wonderful and extraordinary. 

If you are also worried about the expenses, you can always refinish cabinets and paint them with a shade of green. This can be done in the kitchen or the bedroom. The good thing about green is that you can add pops of complementary colors such as red. This color combination can cool down the room and make it more inviting for your friends and relatives. 

It seems like Scandinavian Design is taking the world like a storm. From the design of the furniture to the overall appearance of homes, the design style has been employed by many homeowners and designers. Not only that the style is about beauty, but the Scandinavian design style is also about functionality. Read on to learn more about Scandinavian design, its origins, and its characteristics. 

A brief history of the Scandinavian design

Scandinavian design is the name of the movement that is composed of designers, products, and companies. The design style is characterized by simplicity, minimalism, and functionality This emerged at the start of the 20th century that was developed in the 1950s from the Scandinavian countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. 

During the period between the two World Wars, European designers shared similar interests in modernity and innovation in design. As such, they created a new trend where the outcomes are the results of new industrial technologies. 

With the emergence of creativity and industrialization, the Scandinavian design focused more on the creation of shapes with delicate profiles, slight inclinations, and curves in creating light, soft, and flowing features. 

Since 1930, many individuals have contributed a lot to the development of the movement. The popular names behind the success of the Scandinavian design style are Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen, Borge Mogensen, Hans J. Wegner, Verner Panton, Poul Henningsen, and Maija Isola. They played significant roles in creating the “golden period of Scandinavian design.”

The Scandinavian design is not limited to furniture, interior design, and household products. The concept is also applied to consumer electronics, mobile phones, and automobiles. It is common to see lighter colors, simple forms, and open-plan spaces. Rooms may also have multi-purposes. For example, the appearance of the dining room may not only be used for special events and family dinners. The open-plan and flexible spaces could give the dining room other activities other than the ones already mentioned. 

Characteristics of Scandinavian design

To summarize what Scandinavian design is all about, it can be described in two words: minimalism and functionality. Below are the characteristics of the Scandinavian design that you can use in your homes:

• White walls – this can be the starting point of Scandinavian style, simple and clean. 
• Neutral color palette – achieve the Scandinavian look with shades of white, gray, and black. These three colors are important for creating a cohesive and minimalist look.
• Pops of color – adding a colorful decor or two can still create a Scandinavian style making it more fun and exciting. 
• Natural materials – Scandinavians are very much inclined with nature and as such, natural materials are common in the design style. Examples are wood, stone, concrete, tile, brick, plants, and others. 
• Simple and non-fussy layouts – Scandinavian homes also are simple, clutter-free, and have cohesive interiors that emphasize elegant minimalist aesthetics. 

Final thoughts

As people stay in their homes more these days, it is no surprise that the Scandinavian design style is dominating the construction and design industries. It has a natural beauty that has a significant impact on the total well-being of the person. 

Over the years, various interior design styles have been used by homeowners and designers to make their homes look perfect. Traditional and Transitional interior design styles are two of the favorites of many homeowners and designers. Both may have many similarities, but there are elements that make them special from each other. The first thing to do is to study the two styles and choose which one best fits your taste. When you do some comparing, you will notice that there are obvious differences that make each style extraordinary. Read on to learn more about the two interesting design styles. 

Traditional style – what it really is?

The traditional interior design style is characterized by ornate interiors that are inspired by a 17th or 18th-century European countryside home. The appearance is often warm, inviting, elegant, and luxurious. The interior usually features furnishings and decors that have curves and elegant designs. The traditional interior design style is also marked by elegant furniture pieces, intricate woodworks, heavy drapery, and different patterns. This design style will surely bring the past to the modern world. 

Characteristics of Traditional design style

The traditional design style is influenced by 19th-century European decor. It is a timeless design that evokes comfort and elegance. The presence of and antiques and classic art pieces complete the appearance of your home. 

It is also important to have dark and rich colors especially with the materials used. Examples of colors that are commonly seen are red, brown, and green tones. Floral prints and plaids are likewise common. When it comes to furniture pieces, they are often large and elegant. These include china cabinets, chandeliers, decorative pillows, mirrors, vases, and candleholders.

The beauty of the Transitional design style

The transitional interior design style blends well with contemporary and traditional styles. It is a combination of both classic and modern furniture and finishes. The appearance of the interior is less uptight and more relaxed. The addition of textiles, wood tones, and other decorative textures gives depth to the rooms. If you love the combination of classic and modern looks against a neutral backdrop, then this design style is the right one for you.

Characteristics of Transitional design style

Sometimes it is confusing to know the differences between traditional and transitional interior design styles. However, knowing the principles and significance of the characteristics will give you an idea of which style works best for you. Here are some of the common characteristics o the design style that you will surely adore.

The combination of classic curves and modern lines in a neutral setting brings the best to your home. It is also common to see comfortable furnishings and soft lines. The color palette is usually kept minimum. In addition to these, the motif is usually elegant and timeless. These characteristics create a more modern appeal. 

Which works best for you?

Now that you already have some idea about traditional and transitional interior design styles, you will be able to decide which style to use in your homes. The two styles may have many similarities, yet they both have the respective traits that make them even more extraordinary. 

The minimalist interior design style is one of our favorites. It has the beauty and appeal that can give your freedom. Minimalism can be defined as a tool that assists you in finding the best with many opportunities available. The removal of any distraction so that one can focus on the more important things is the highlight of the minimalist interior design style. Being a minimalist is different from being simple. Minimalism means promoting the things that we value most and excluding the others that may cause distractions. 

What really is minimalism?

In the world of art and design, minimalism is expressed in a way that encompasses even beyond the social, geographical, and political divisions. The design style is very similar to modern interior design that involves only the bare essentials. As such, any living space will have a simple and uncluttered look. The minimalist design style is characterized by simplicity, clean lines, and a monochromatic palette with a few colors only used as accents. The interior also has an open floor plan, great lighting, functional furniture, and a handful of essentials. 

A brief history of minimalism

Minimalism is most commonly associated with the Western art movement that started in the 1950s. The movement focused on the idea that “art should have its own reality and not be an imitation of some other thing”. The style is influenced by many things such as abstract expressionism. However, minimalism focused more on geometric shapes, subtle colors, and the phrase “less is more”. 

The Japanese concept of wabi-sabi also influenced minimalism. The concept is all about imperfection and impermanence. Japanese minimalism uses clean lines, neutral tones, carefully placed tatami mats, and natural materials. In fact, many celebrity homes use the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi. 

The minimalist interior design style that we know today has a mixture of characteristics. Probably because of the different influences it had over the years. But the core concept of simplicity, clean lines, neutral tones, and unclutteredness never disappears. 

The Scandinavian decor and design style is also influenced by minimalism. It is common for Scandinavian homes to have light wood, dried greenery, and clean lines. 

Achieve the minimalist interior design style in your home

Since your home has different rooms, you can easily incorporate the design style by following some tips. For instance, the living room can look perfect with white or neutral walls, uncluttered coffee tables, soft colors, geometric patterns, and plants. These can help achieve an inviting and cozy atmosphere especially with lots of natural light getting in. For the dining room, the colors should likewise be simple. Choose neutral or black accents along with ceramic dinnerware in light hues to complete the view. 

The bedroom can be your sanctuary and should have an appearance that is relaxing and comfortable. It is all about creating a tranquil environment with the use of minimalist concepts. Use blankets and pillows in similar tones as well as a nightstand that appears simple. Be sure that they blend into the overall appearance of the room. 

Final thoughts

Decorating and styling your home is not a joke. It means that you have to be creative in your own way. The minimalist interior design style is not that hard to achieve. All you need to do is to incorporate the core concept of the style into your home and you will have the interior design of your dreams. 

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. 

The birth of your baby is one of the greatest gifts in the world. You have waited for several months and now that your baby has finally arrived, there are a lot of changes that may happen to your life and to the whole family. However, before that, there are some preparations that need to be done. The baby room will soon be the sanctuary of your little. Preparing it before the arrival is crucial so that it becomes comfortable and relaxing. Moreover, the baby room also needs to be multi-functional. Read on to learn a few tips about decorating the baby room.

Choose the right wall color

Choosing the color for the baby room is probably the first thing that comes to your mind. Why not? This is the very first thing that you will see upon entering the room. It is therefore right to prepare the room before the birth of your little one. You may already have an idea about gender so there are different colors to choose from that will personalize the whole baby room. Check out the list below to see if they fit your needs for the baby room:

• Red is usually associated with passion and aggression. Be careful with using this color when using it in the nursery. Do not paint the entire wall red and do not even make it the principal color of the room. Use it only to accent the wall or use decorative items of this color. 
• Orange is another warm color. It stimulates communication and friendship. Be careful as well with the use of orange as too much may be too stimulating. 
• Yellow is a cheerful and sunny color. It provides more energy and contributes to better memory with the lighter hues help in concentrating. Too much yellow may likewise be too agitating for the baby.
• Green is a neutral color that can be used in any room. It is the color of health and well-being. It is a good choice for the nursery especially if you decide to use lighter and softer shades. 
• Blue is a cool color that is calming and relaxing. It is a good choice for the nursery and can be used whether you have a boy or a girl. Choose the lighter hues since the dark shades can be too depressing. 
• White is one of the common choices of parents. It is the color of purity and innocence. It offers calmness but it is recommended to use it in combination with other colors and decors. 
• Brown is also a good choice for the baby room. It is warm and pleasant and it’s better to combine it with other colors such as blue, beige, and green.

Personalized Baby Posters and Pictures

In many instances, the first thing that comes into your mind when decorating your room is the use of posters. It is one of the easiest ways to decorate the walls and make the room look warm and bright. Before choosing the poster design, you need to take into consideration the theme of the room first. Also, the color scheme is important so that you will be able to pick the right poster design that will blend. Personalized posters of babies come in different appearances and themes. And the choice depends on your existing interior design style.

A neutral theme for the posters is the safest to use as they can easily blend with any design style that the room has. The image can be anything, from animals to the baby’s first photos. Once displayed on the walls, these posters will make wonderful wall art that your family and friends will surely adore. Other themes that you can create in the nursery with the use of posters are nautical, safari, medieval, and cartoons/ 

These days, parents even make the nursery look lovely with family photos arranged in a random layout. A large-sized customized poster of the baby will even make the wall art more interesting and personalized.