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The balcony is one of the multipurpose areas in your home. It may have different appearances depending on how it will be used. Making a balcony herb garden is a great way to add beauty to space. Herbs and spices are ideal as they do not take up much space. Read on to learn more about starting an herb garden on the balcony. 

Best herbs to plant on the balcony

Any herb can be planted. However, there are factors to consider before starting the herb garden. The type of herb greatly depends on sunlight, space, and weather. Among the favorite herbs is basil. Dill. cilantro, marjoram, parsley, chive, oregano, lavender, sage, thyme, mint, and rosemary. 

Sunlight availability for the balcony herb garden

It is a fundamental principle that plants need an ample amount of sunlight for them to grow. This is what you need to consider if you are planning to create a balcony herb garden. It is a must to know the sunlight that the balcony receives each day. 

Most herbs need around 4-6 hours of sunlight each day to grow properly. Check the balcony for the availability of sunlight before making the herb garden. Living in a condominium or apartment may also pose a problem. Nearby buildings may shade your balcony, thus hindering you from growing herb gardens. 

Seeds or starter kits for the balcony herb garden

Seed packets are readily available. They can be purchased from the market or online. Growing from seeds can be fun and exciting. Seed starter packs can likewise be purchased to hold enough moisture to start propagation. It is also recommended to purchase starter plants that have already sprouted. This will give you an idea of which herb to grow.

The things you need

Creating your balcony herb garden only needs a few items. Pots, potting soils, and herb plants are the primary items that you need. Pots can be purchased easily and you may want to consider the type of pot that can be brought indoors when the weather gets rough. You may also recycle PET bottles and use them as pots. Choose herbs that are easy to grow and manage. It is also ideal to grow herbs that you usually use in cooking. Group them accordingly so they would look attractive on the balcony.

Water them

Understand the herbs that you are growing. Understanding their water requirements is a must so that you may know the frequency of watering them. It is also recommended to water the soil before planting the seedling or seeds. Check the soil and make sure that they do not dry out. 

Reaping your reward

Not all herbs are the same when it comes to harvesting. For instance, oregano and mint can be harvested by cutting the leaves off from anywhere on the plant. Basil leaves should be snipped from the top of the plant. Chives can be cut to the soil. Get enough information on this matter so as not to waste your hardship. 

Having your own place is one of the most exciting things to have. Especially if you are living in the city and just got your new apartment close to where you work. Of course, having your own apartment is a package deal that requires your attention. The package includes cleaning and disinfecting the space, buying new furniture, appliances, and decorative items. After cleaning and placing the furniture pieces in their respective places, you observed that the room still appears dull and boring due to those big blank walls. 

Blank walls can be a pain in the head, especially if you do not have the resources, such as time and money. However, it does not have to be that way. There are many ways to accessorize your walls with various decorative items. There is no need to break the bank as there are also affordable means to decorate your rooms.

Color Swatch Gallery Wall

Print any color of your choice on a piece of paper then frame them in a grid. The size of the color should be large enough to be seen from afar. This is best when placed in the kids’ room or in the craft room.

Oversized photo

Blow up your own photo, preferably in black and white to have that classic and elegant appearance. Hang it on a wall to create a meaningful yet affordable piece of art.

Bikes on the wall

Who says bikes are only for riding. Contemporary wood mounts are hip and can hold your amazing bikes when not in use. A unique style of decorating your walls with unusual accessories.

Wall calendars

Look for oversized calendars from shops and hang them on the wall. This is ideal in the office or family kitchen.

Green chalkboards

Chalkboards are not for teaching only. This can provide a classic vibe that cannot be provided by other decorative wall accessories. Write something on it or draw a picture, this item can be versatile as you can change what’s written every time you feel like it.

Go green with planters

This is an affordable way to spice up your walls. Use low-maintenance succulents in wall-mounted planters to enjoy the benefits of indoor plants.

Living wall 

A full-scale wall-mounted garden that brings life into your home. Just remember to choose a wall where they can be recognized and appreciated immediately.

Modern tapestries

Remember the tapestries found in castles during the Medieval Age? The same principle, however, with a twist. You may use a beaded wall hanging with an attractive design to accentuate the furniture pieces and other decorative items.

Wooden ledge

A functional design of the wall. The wooden ledge can be used to display different items such as framed photos, souvenirs, keepsakes, vases, and other decorative items. This is a good choice especially if you are the person who wants to change the appearance of your house from time to time. 

Wall mirrors

Hanging mirrors never goes out of style. Depending on the size of the room, you may hang a mirror in your room to give you a stylish appearance. In addition to that, the mirror can also reflect natural light and can create an illusion of having a larger room. 

Upgrading and redesigning our home is not that simple. You are not just considering the aesthetics but also the budget required as well. Though sometimes, it may be quite expensive, there are always creative and resourceful ways to add value to your home without breaking the bank. One way to add value to your home is by decorating the walls. We have here some ideas on how to create wall decors that can increase the value of your home. 

Walls and their relevance

By definition, walls are structures that define an area, carry a load, and provide shelter. Walls like retaining walls, seawalls, solid fences, and barriers have their respective functions. The walls in houses function in both aesthetics and structure. 

Walls are needed by houses and other structures to support roofs, floors, and ceilings. They are also necessary to enclose any space. In general, there are two types of walls in a structure: framed walls and mass walls. Framed walls are composed of three elements: structural, insulation, and finish. Mass walls are usually made from solid materials that include cement, log, and masonry. 

Wall decor and adding value to your home

In many instances, the walls are left plain with paint of the color of your choice. Though paint adds life to any wall, they often look dull and boring. As such, homeowners and designers prefer to have the walls decorated to make them look more appealing and inviting. In addition to these, wall decors can add value to your home just like any other design and structural element of the house.

The focal point

Every home is not complete without a focal point. A focal point gives you something to look at whenever you are in a room. It can be a potted indoor plant, a large mirror, a painting, a photo gallery, or a large-sized poster. Focal points can give a glimpse of what to expect inside a home. A well-planned and designed focal point can capture the attention of anyone and will likewise add life to the walls. 

Color palette

Well-chosen wall decor can provide a color palette. This is important for plain-colored walls. Wall decors can be the answer to any plain walls or even unfinished walls. Wall decors can finish the job and provide the color palette that you love.

Texture

Different wall decor items can provide a different sense of texture to your home. Posters that feature different themes can easily complete the overall appearance of your walls. Abstract art, for instance, has a texture that will add beauty to the whole room.

Wall decor ideas that you will love

In reality, there are many ways and materials that you can utilize to decorate your walls. As mentioned earlier, these need not be expensive. You can always reuse or repurpose certain items and make them into attractive wall decors. Of course, there are easy ways such as the display of photos, posters, and paintings. 

In addition to these, you may also try other wall decors like the use of stencils, canvas paintings, wall decals, floating shelves, framed chalkboards, tapestries, vertical gardens, and photo galleries.

Each one of us deserves a relaxing and calming place especially after a hectic day at work or school. This is the reason why many homeowners decorate their homes with wall coverings and color palettes that are visually relaxing. Decorating our homes need not be that complicated. The right home design can boost the mood, reduce stress, and promote better sleep. Read on to learn ways on how to create a stress-free home environment.  

Decorating the entryway

The entryway is the first part of the house that you will see. Decorating it would be one of the first steps in achieving a stress-free home. Create a focal point by adding something that you really love. Examples are a piece of art, a vase with flowers, and memorabilia. These would help you relax after a tiring day.

Keep the entryway clutter-free. This will send a message that the whole home is also clutter-free. A home that is filled with clutter can only promote stress. Create storage areas for every item in your home. These will avoid the accumulation of clutter making the home more comfortable and roomy. 

Stress-free living room

The living room is considered to be one of the busiest rooms in the house. This is where anxiety usually builds up, especially when it is filled with unwanted items. Make the living room clutter-free as well. It is also recommended to paint a table or a bookshelf with a color that is the same as the wall. White or light-colored walls also help create a visually larger room. 

Light up certain parts of the room with the use of spotlighting. This can be done next to a sofa where it can also be used as a reading nook. It is also recommended to create pedestrian-friendly paths to minimize traffic. 

Give the living room a touch of nature as natural elements can make the room look more comfortable. Add indoor plants as these can give medical and psychological benefits. In addition to these, hand a mirror next to a window to enhance the outdoor vantage point. 

Calming and stress-free bedroom

Experts believe that cool colors like blue and green can promote a relaxing home environment. In addition to these, earth tones can also boost a stress-free bedroom. The display of nature-inspired prints is one of the easiest ways to achieve this room environment. Wallpaper can also be added and incorporate with it a few decorative items like pillows, beddings, or lampshades in cool and relaxing colors. 

Studies have also shown that cool colors like blue, green, and purple can help promote good sleep. In addition to these, try to switch off all electronic devices and gadgets so you will have a more relaxing sleep. 

Don’t forget the kitchen

The kitchen is probably one of the most important rooms in the house. Many kitchens are known to have piles of utensils, pots and pans, and others. The addition of storage spaces like cabinets and shelves will help keep these items in their proper places. These will also make your life easier when preparing meals in the kitchen. 

Over the years, we have collected photos of the different events that we have celebrated with our loved ones. After printing them, they are arranged in albums and kept in storage areas. The fact is that these photos should be displayed and create memories. 

There are different ways to do this, Photos must be displayed in creative and innovative ways and this can easily be done in the DIY style. Though the use of photo albums has been commonly done over the years. They can be displayed in various ways such as the use of frames and displaying them in conspicuous areas of the house. 

Creating personalized art

Creating personalized art is fun and exciting. With a little creativity and the use of personal touches, your home will appear attractive and eye-catching. However, you may find it challenging when incorporating them into your existing interior design style. Other decorating elements need to be considered, such as colors, the presence of other decorative items, and the overall vibe of the room. 

Displayed photos of your family and friends make perfect wall art. The goal is to create wall art that will make memories come to life. In addition to the use of frames, photos can also be printed on fabrics like shirts and blankets. They can likewise be printed on mugs, calendars, and display plates. 

Interesting personalized art ideas that you will adore

Decorating your hoes need not be that expensive. There are budget-friendly ideas that you can use to display your personalized art. Use materials that you can find in your home or from your storage areas. In addition to these, try to check the items that garage sales are selling as these may be affordable. Here are some personalized art ideas that you can use to make your home look attractive.

Family photos

A gallery of photos that features some of the memorable events of the family can create a perfect wall gallery. These will likewise add a nostalgic room vibe that will be enjoyed by your households. 

Plants and flowers

Creating wall art of floral and botanical prints is a perfect way to add a touch of nature to your home. Arranging them in an attractive layout will boost the appearance of your walls. You may also use dry-pressed plants and flowers and frame them for more compelling wall art. 

Window frames

A salvaged window frame can help create an attractive architectural display with the incorporation of personal photo prints. Choose photos that can make a fun and interesting display like stolen shots and poses. 

Kids’ books

Old children’s books can likewise be used to create interesting wall art. Take pages from the books and frame them. Choose a background color that will contrast with the neutral colors of the frames. In this way, you can highlight the art displayed on the frame. 

Polaroid prints

The use of polaroid photo prints is one of the easiest ways to make artistic wall art. Attach the photos, preferably of similar sizes, on the blank wall. Add an artistic touch by wrapping around the corner. 

The Nordic design style is characterized by the use of natural materials and cool shades of pastel colors. This is a design style that is known to be closely similar to the Scandinavian interior design style. The only difference is that the Nordic design style has a slightly darker edge with the use of colors like blue, green, and gray. Add different textures and you will have a room that is comfy and spacious. 

Nordic design style – its origin

Nordic interior design style has its origin from the Scandinavian region. The style rose to popularity during the 19th century. This is the period when Arts and Crafts movement had influenced the interior design industry. Nordic design style became part of different design movements. 

During the 1920s, designers from the Scandinavian region incorporated the principles of Nordic design style to modernism. Though it took many years, it was in the 1950s when the Nordic design style was widely accepted. From 1954 to 1957, the design style was observed to participate in traveling exhibits in the United States and Canada. 

The characteristics of Nordic design style

The characteristics of Nordic design style have its great influence by the Scandinavians with a touch of German. It is a combination of natural and practical ideas that are observed from everyday objects. The design style features wood, plastic, anodized metal, pressed steel, and aluminum. 

Gray and white walls

The design style primarily features crisp, clean colors, such as hues of gray, white, and cream. The colors add beauty to any room and can make them appear clean. In addition to these, the materials make the furniture and other decorative items be the highlight of the room. 

Natural textiles and plants

Indoor plants are common with the design style. Experts also have suggested that the incorporation of plants gives benefits to the mind and body. In addition to these, the plants add attractive accents to your homes. Natural textiles like burlap, linen, and cotton are likewise recommended to further enhance the Nordic-inspired home. 

Minimalist kitchens

The design style is also known for its minimalist rooms. The kitchen, for instance, appears clear, solid-colored, and clutterless. The cabinets often appear flat, plain, and simple. The rooms are usually seen in white color. 

Dark grout lines

The use of dark grout lines can give any tile a touch of pop color. The bathroom and the kitchen can have an impressive look with dark grout lines. In addition to these, white tiles can give sterility and a clean look to the rooms. 

Fireplace

Add comfort and warmth to your room with the incorporation of a fireplace. This can create a visually comfortable interior with a clean and crisp appearance. As such, the fireplace can be the focal point of your home making it look more inviting and relaxing. 

Patterns and textures

Patterns and textures in Nordic design style are usually in a monochromatic style. As such, this can be an opportunity to add a color theme. Think of the monochromatic style as a blank canvas to paint your art. 

Vertical garden is a wall in a structure that is either partially or completely covered with plants. The vertical garden also includes growing medium like soil as well as a water system. The garden can be indoor, outdoor, freestanding or attached to the wall. Vertical gardens are commonly seen in urban areas where planting areas are limited due to space availability.  

The Pros of Indoor Vertical Garden

Vertical gardens are sometimes called living walls and there are many reasons why. The garden offers many benefits for both the humans and interior design. The addition of vertical gardens is a wonderful way to maximize any unused space. This can be utilized to plant herbs and vegetables. The presence of plants helps remove or filter common indoor pollutants. This can help owners in preventing any harmful diseases. 

The garden also insulates homes as it protects the homeowners from cold climate. As such, there is a reduction in energy consumption. Experts also believe that indoor vertical gardens can provide calming and tranquil effects to the body. As a home decor, indoor vertical garden is probably one of the most attractive and cost-effective home decorations. 

Cons of Indoor Vertical Garden

Just like any other product, indoor vertical gardens also have its disadvantages. The soil dries quickly, therefore a steady supply of water is needed. The growing space for the plants may be limited as there is not enough space for the plants to grow. As such, not all plants can be used in vertical gardens. 

Indoor vertical gardens may also require lots of maintenance because of the dirt that is coming from the containers. In addition to these, water may also leak that may damage the structure supporting the garden. The disadvantages may therefore be presented with careful planning. Along with proper designing, problems may be minimized in the future. 

Creating an indoor vertical garden

Indoor vertical gardens are the latest trend in home design. Sometimes called green or living wall since the wall is covered with crawling and climbing plants. There are also homeowners who use a modular system that allows plants to grow inside. 

The green wall or vertical garden was first created by Patrick Blanc, a French Botanist. His first project was at the Museum of Science and Industry in 1988. The beauty of the vertical garden was regarded as living paintings or vegetal walls. His projects may seem expensive, but many offices and other establishments due to its elegance and being environmentally-friendly.

Vertical gardens can be installed in any space even if it is small and use modular pocket planters. With a little creativity, you will be able to create a wall decor that will be adored by anyone. To save money, use empty PET bottles as pots and hang them on the walls. You may also use an old pallet as a planter. This will give you enough space for planting herbs and spices. 

Vertical gardens are innovative wall decor. If you want to include nature in your home, a vertical garden is a perfect choice. Not only that the garden provide beauty to the whole room. It also offers health benefits that can be enjoyed even by young ones.

Feeling a little unease with the big, blank wall in your home? No need to worry as there are tons of ideas to apply to add life to your large walls. Having a large wall art may be a little pricey. The good news is, there are creative, innovative, and affordable ways to spruce up your walls. Read on to learn fantastic ways to add life to large walls and make them look more vibrant and interesting. 

Garden on large walls

Give your home a touch of nature and boost the overall appearance of your room. This can easily be achieved by installing small, potted plants on a large wall. Wall-mounted planters are now available in the market and can easily be displayed on your walls in DIY style. You can likewise use floating shelves and paint them the same color as your wall. Place the potted plants on top of them and you have an attractive mini garden innovatively displayed. 

Large-sized art

Create a major visual impact on your walls with a piece of art. A large-sized piece of art will do the trick and you will surely love it. The good thing about this decor is that it can last for a long period of time. Large-sized posters can also be displayed to create compelling wall art. Posters are more affordable than the real ones and still give the same effects to your rooms. Posters can also be replaced if you want to change the theme of your room. With these wall decors, you will be able to add a focal point that will be adored by anyone.

Floating shelves

Floating shelves are innovative items that can be functional as well as add aesthetics to your rooms. They do not have conventional support such as legs. They are built or anchored on the wall which gives them a floating appearance. Floating shelves are more affordable than the traditional ones since they are made up of fewer materials. They can also save space as floating shelves do not take up floor space. Floating shelves can likewise be installed anywhere such as in the bathroom, above any furniture pieces, in the garage, or in the dining room. 

Fabric to cover large walls

There are different types of fabric to choose from and use them as wall hangings. Choose a colorful fabric that will blend perfectly with the color of the wall. These wall decorations can make your room look more stylish and chic. You can choose the fabric with the right size, colors, and textures for your room. 

Book-display for the large wall

A wall decor that will surely be loved by bookworms. Display your preloved books on an extra-large bookshelf or floating shelves. These will add a spectacular view by adding color, texture, and visual interest to a large, blank wall. 

Impressive wall gallery

Over the years the addition of wall galleries has proven its worth in adding life to any blank wall. They are still popular these days and are used by many households. You can display different kinds of framed art, photos, or posters. In black and white, you will be able to create a timelessly classic appearance. Different themed posters can avoid a uniform look thus creating a more contemporary wall art design. 

School is considered to be the second home of our kids. Especially preschoolers who will have much fun and memorable experiences. The appearance of the classroom is one of the most important things to consider to make learning more exciting. This is important so that during their formative years, kids will learn more. 

The overall appearance of the classroom

The appearance of the classroom is vital in the learning of kids these days. Experts believe that the environment of the classroom can have significant effects on the learning of kids. It was also observed that academic progress can go up to 25%. Classroom design should also be on the top of the list of every school or preschool. 

The design of the classroom should be able to strike the balance between teaching methodologies and learning styles. The overall appearance of the classroom including the arrangement of furniture pieces and decorative items should facilitate the learning of kids. Therefore, the learning experience will be memorable and successful.

Kids’ classroom arrangement

Over the years, teaching and learning have been continuously evolving. The technology we have these days is of great help to teachers. They tend to have more interaction with the learners instead of taking the spotlight all throughout the class. This style can give the teachers more time to guide their learners. In this case, the appearance of the classroom should facilitate both the teachers and learners in accomplishing their tasks.

The design or arrangement of the classroom should be planned carefully. Both of them should have easy access to the different areas of the classroom. It is also a fact that students are more dynamic these days. As such, more activities are given to them rather than just sitting and reading books. The classroom must also have areas for the various activities that kids will do. Examples are areas for reading, playing, and cooperative learning. 

Wall decorations of the classroom

It is also of utmost importance to choose the wall decorations properly. In many instances, the wall decors are also used as learning materials. For example, it is common to see preschool classrooms decorated with posters of the alphabet, numbers, animals, plants, and others. These materials will help kids in familiarizing themselves with the fundamentals. 

The colors are also important as it has been observed that different colors can affect the behavior of kids. Warm colors such as red, orange, and yellow tend to be stimulating. On the other hand, cool colors like blue, green, and purple can be calming and relaxing. Nursery-themed posters are perfect for preschoolers as these have subtle colors and are not offensive to the sense of vision. 

Classroom temperature and acoustics

The level of sound is also vital to the learning of kids. To create the right sound level, it is recommended to minimize the background noise and amplify the voice of the teacher. The right flooring, baffle boards, noticeboards, and soft seating can help in adjusting sound levels. 

In addition to these, it is also advised to regularly check the classroom temperature. Kids learn well in a classroom with optimum temperature. Warm temperatures make students sleepy and lose concentration in their studies. 

The storage solutions

Keep the classroom clutter-free with the addition of clever storage solutions. Clean classrooms make learning better for kids. There are different innovative storage solutions available, such as wall units. Fixed storage behind closed doors, and others.