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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. 

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. 

We spend a lot of time in the office. As employees, we are expected to be productive and be our best. As such, the office environment should be inspiring and appealing to help us show and do our best while at work. Transforming the overall appearance of the office will help the workers accomplish their daily tasks. Though it is not easy,  the good news is there are ways that will help you achieve the desired appearance. 

The goal of office decorating is not to exaggerate it with decorative and personal items. You may also want to keep the office dedicated to work and professional while also making it look comfortable just like your home.

Keep the professional appeal of your office 

Keep it practical and professional by not exaggerating the decors and personal items. Add inspiring artwork or motivational posters. Do not display your personal photos such as the photo of your beach escapade. 

Keep the office clean and functional 

Avoid clutter in the office. Keep your desk surface and your floor space clear of clutter, papers, and books. Be sure that the office functions well whether you are sitting or standing. Try to set the office up so that it is easy for others to work also. 

A healthy environment                                                                                  

One way to make a healthy office environment is to add elements of nature such as plants, flowers, and water. These not only add beauty to your space but also evokes health benefits. The natural colors are likewise soothing that help in your concentration as well as being productive with your respective tasks. Pothos, aloe, and jade plants are all great options as they remove toxins from the air and are easy to manage. 

Make it comfortable

In addition to good office appliances and equipment, you should also consider making everything comfortable and cozy. But be sure not to overdo it to the point that the workers tend to sleep on their work. That would be bad news for the company and for the employees too. Have a comfortable back or butt pillow or throw hanging around to help you become comfortable all day. In this way, you could also bring colors to your office without any difficulty. 

Proper lighting

Leave the tradition behind and be innovative when it comes to lighting. Add desk lamps with softer lighting so that you can see your work properly.

Display some art

The addition of some art is perfect to complete the wall design of the office. Sometimes wall art is neglected and not given some attention. Add different themes that will blend with the interior design of the office. It is also recommended to add motivational posters to inspire the workers and also to complete their day. 

Add photos

Yes, you can add photos of your family or pet. But remember that it is the office and you should limit personal items being displayed. Choose the appropriate photos and limit them to 1 to 3 only. 

Add accessories

Add items that are functional but also personalized to your own style and taste. Examples are your hip mug or Mason jars to hold your pens and pencils, an attractive bowl for your paper clips, an antique box for business cards, and others.

The addition of nature into your home has been one of the desires of many homeowners and designers over the years. Humans love nature and the benefits that they evoke. These are some of the reasons why they want the look to be part of their homes. The natural and organic appeal of elements makes us feel calm, at peace, and inviting. These days, the problems we encounter with the environment encourage us to have a natural theme. As such, we can still enjoy the benefits of nature even if the situation of the planet is dwindling. Here are some ideas on how to bring nature to your home.

Choose the natural element that will calm you

Nature is always associated with the outdoors and it is not impossible for us to bring the elements to our homes. Some of the elements that you can highlight in your room are plants, flowers, wood, cotton, and others. Choosing the materials that reflect your personality is the first step for bringing them into your home. Decorating the walls is also a great idea since the decors can be the focal point. The key is to choose the natural elements that incorporate your style and will connect you with your interior. 

Wood as a finish

Many homeowners believe that wood is the only material that can be finished to look like any other material, like marble. You can also leave it unfinished to bring its natural beauty along with its imperfections. In fact, the addition of wood is one of the easiest ways to achieve a nature-themed interior. The material can also create a rustic feel that will make your interior warm and cozy. 

Natural wood furniture pieces

Over the years, wood furniture has been widely used by homeowners and designers. They are durable, attractive, and can be finished in various ways. If you prefer a rustic and country appeal, choose artisan-crafted furniture. You may also add antique furniture pieces to have a nostalgic vibe. If you want to have a modern appeal, select wood furniture with minimal lines that is also free from any ornamentation. 

Natural material in the bathroom

The bathroom, a perfect sanctuary where you can relax and get rejuvenated. Connecting yourself with water can calm your mind and body. The addition of natural materials can also complete the overall appearance of your bathroom. Wooden walls may give it a sauna-like appearance, while the presence of minimal fixtures and natural light can give a life-changing experience. 

Flowers and floral prints 

Wood and stones are not the only natural materials that you can add to your interiors. Flowers and plants are also perfect decorations that will bring you closer to nature. Whether you are talking about natural or artificial flowers, they both evoke beauty that will make your interior bright and warm. Of course, it is better to use natural ones as there are many benefits that can be obtained. Add potted flowers to your side tables, console table, or dining room table. You will be surprised to have that summer feel at any time of the day. 

Final Thoughts

Decorating your interior is one of the best ways to add value to your home. Nature-themed rooms are a perfect way to bring out the beauty of the environment. With flowers and floral prints, you can easily make any room look vibrant that you and your family will love.

According to Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” A good education will hone a child and the result can be astonishing. The key element to education is knowledge. Besides knowledge of certain subjects, education helps and trains us to build our opinions and have our own points of view on different matters. You don’t only learn the content of the books or the topics that the educators teach. Students also learn the most important lesson… the lesson of life. 

Over the years, educational institutions have created ways to help the learning of young minds. It is important for educators to have learning and teaching methodologies to properly instruct the students. Teachers also need materials to help them as well as the students in their classroom activities. The use of posters is one of the most commonly used visual aids in the classroom. It is an effective way to instill in the minds of students the lessons given by the teachers. Read on to learn more about the role of posters in the classroom. 

Influence student behavior with posters

Students are easily influenced by their surroundings. Studies also revealed that the appearance of the classroom has significant effects on the behavior of the learners. This is where the use of posters comes in. The display of attractive posters in the classroom will help create a pleasing environment that will be conducive to learning. In addition to these, the right posters can encourage good attendance and active participation in class. 

Active participation with interactive posters

One of the best ways to encourage student participation is to increase the activities in which they have to be involved. One of the ingenious ways to encourage active student participation is to use post-it notes. Posters can be modified by the addition of removable post-it notes. Invite students to write what they have learned on the post-it note and stick them on the poster. This activity helps reinforce the lesson for the day. 

Remind safety in the classroom with posters

The display of safety posters is one of the creative ways to enforce safe classroom practices. It is also a fact that teachers may benefit from the posters. A well-organized classroom carries little risk, thus making it safe for the kids and letting you teach more effectively. Display posters that remind about health and standard health protocols. These will be very effective especially during these times of pandemic.

Posters that show classroom rules

Rules are needed everywhere. These are to maintain everything in order. Posters that feature classroom rules will help both the teachers and learners with behavioral expectations. These are likewise effective visual aids if the need arises. 

Display these posters in a spot where students can easily see them. The posters may also be displayed on bulletin boards. Limit the text content so that kids will easily understand them. It is also recommended to use infographics to make the posters more appealing. 

More posters for learning

Over the years, posters have been used for different reasons. In the classroom, posters can totally help in the learning of kids. Young ones love colorful images that will remain in their minds. Images of animals, plants, flowers, and the alphabet are of great help in establishing the fundamentals of life for the students. 

A large empty wall can easily become an eyesore. But with a creatively designed wall art can turn everything around. A carefully planned wall design can be the focal point of any room. There are creative ways to do this and for sure, your family and friends will love them. With a little preparation and the right decorations, you can make a simple house structure into something magical. Read on to learn more about how to decorate and make any large-sized wall into a work of art.

Display oversized artwork

To fill an empty wall without destroying the modern vibe in the room, experts recommend the display of a few oversized artworks. Add a few pieces that are of the same size to create an elegant and luxurious feel in the room. 

Introduce architectural images

Add architectural elements such as baseboards, wood planks, and others. These will add depth and dimension to your wall. You can buy these materials from your local hardware store or if there are some left from your previous renovation project, you can use them. These will likewise add some style and character to the whole room. 

Add accent furniture

You can always rely on accent furniture to help fill a wall space. For instance, you can add a sculptural table, an accent chair, or a console table to make an empty space look awesome. These will easily and instantly make your large wall look fun and exciting. You may also want to look at storage solutions such as drawers or cabinets to minimize clutter in your room. 

Layers of artwork and decor

If your large wall has a table below it, you may also want to consider layering pieces to get a more three-dimensional effect. For example, oversized mirrors are one of the great solutions to add life to a big blank wall. It also offers a wonderful layered look. Add your favorite small painting or artwork as well to add texture. 

Simple wall gallery

Create a gallery of artworks or prints that are of the same theme and matching frames. You can also create an eclectic wall gallery with a mixture of artwork, mirrors, prints, and hanging decor for a more cohesive and fun appearance. You can also add a console table below and another architectural piece on one side. 

Surround your bed with artwork and mirrors

If you are looking for a more creative solution, try this one. Hang one or more pieces of art directly above the headboard and then ad two matching mirrors to framed pieces above each nightstand. These fill in a way nicely and provide a balanced wall appearance. You may also hang two to three matching botanical prints above the bed and two matching mirrors above each nightstand. 

Tall plants

Position some of your decors in front of the wall which takes up wall space. You may also use tall indoor plants to make a corner statement. Not only that the plants add beauty to your home. They can also help purify the indoor air and keep everybody healthy. 

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

A brief history of Art Nouveau

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

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

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

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

Traits of Art Nouveau

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

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

Achieve the design style in your home

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

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

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

Create a family garden

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

Plan a trip with the family

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

Plan a family photoshoot

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

Prepare meals together

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

Be in touch with nature

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

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

Wall display for the baby room

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

Family photos

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

Cuddly-looking animals

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

Nature-inspired prints

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

Alphabet and numbers

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

Personalized posters

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

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

How to decorate a small room

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

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