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Chinese lanterns have been in existence since ancient times. They were used to provide light and in religious practices. Nowadays, Chinese lanterns are used for decoration and as modern forms of celebration and worship. They are likewise symbols of national pride in China and are commonly seen in homes and public areas. Traditionally, the lanterns are seen in the color red and adorned with gold or red tassels. Do not be surprised as well if you see them in various shapes.

A brief history of Chinese lanterns

The earliest recorded Chinese lanterns were during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220). Lanterns were used as lamps or covers during that period. The lanterns were used in several religious practices like Buddha worship. Buddhism was known to spread in China due to the efforts of the Eastern Han emperor. The emperor ordered that lanterns be lit every 15th day of the first lunar month to worship Buddha. Eventually, this celebration became the famous Lantern Festival. 

During the Tang dynasty in 618-907, paper lanterns were displayed to celebrate the peaceful life and power of China. This led to the popularity of lanterns throughout the country. 

The appearance of Chinese lanterns

During ancient times in China, making lanterns was a collection of crafts including painting and paper-cutting. There are various materials used in making lanterns, and the most commonly used were bamboo, wood, wheat, straw, paper, and silk. Illustrations were also seen in traditional lanterns and these show some of the beautiful landscapes of China, portraits of key personalities, mythical creatures like dragons and phoenixes, birds, and fish. 

The colors of lanterns and their meanings

Colors say a lot about the culture and tradition of China. They have different meanings and are used on various occasions. Red lanterns represent wealth, fame, and prosperity. These lanterns are usually used at weddings, family reunions, and several festivals to show joy and harmony.

During imperial times, yellow lanterns were displayed in palaces as the color represents the emperors of ancient China. As such, it was forbidden to use yellow lanterns by the public. These days, yellow lanterns are displayed to bring good luck to students. 

White lanterns, on the other hand, are used in any event that has something to do with death. Therefore it is common to display or see white lanterns during funerals. While green lanterns symbolize health, prosperity, and harmony. These are likewise seen during temple fairs or the infamous Lantern Festival. 

The Lantern Festival

These are the days to feast your eyes on colorful and beautiful Chinese lanterns. The tradition of viewing lantern displays can be traced back to the Han Dynasty around 2000 years ago. One of the favorite activities during the Lantern Festival is guessing lantern riddles. People gather around the displayed lanterns and guess the answers to the riddles. It is a form of competition wherein the person who answered the most number of riddles win.

When designing or decorating a space, it is important to consider the 7 key elements to make it look balanced. Read on to learn more about these elements and how they can help you achieve a striking and stylish living space. 

Space 

The first thing that a decorator or designer will do is conduct an ocular visit. Knowing the overall size and the positions of doors, windows, and others is vital for a smooth design. A living space that is filled with furniture pieces is called a positive space, while an empty one is known as a negative space. A balance between the two makes the room look inviting and cozy.

Lines

A line brings structure, creativity, and a sense of direction. There are three types and these are horizontal, vertical, and dynamic. Horizontal lines are commonly seen in tables, chairs, and other furnishings. Vertical lines are common in doors, windows, and other tall structures. While dynamic lines invite activity, such as the staircase. 

Form

This element refers to the shapes of the room. This may be the shape of the whole room, including the furniture, decor, and light fittings. Forms have two types: geometric and natural. Geometric forms are anything that is man-made, such as furniture pieces. Natural shapes, on the other hand, are organic, such as plants. 

Light

Light sets the mood in any living space. Whether it is man-made or natural, a balance of both is needed to ensure a good atmosphere throughout the day. Lighting also influences the choice of colors for the space. 

Colors

Colors make any room look vibrant and lively. They can be used as a complementary or contrasting element. They are often based on color psychology to ensure that the right mood is set in the room. 

Texture

Adding texture also means incorporating depth and interest. Two types of texture exist: visual and actual. A texture that is visual refers only to the appearance, while actual textures are both seen and felt such as velvet. 

Pattern

The use of patterns can add interest and excitement. Patterns are defined as any repetitive decorative element.

Insomnia is one of the biggest dilemmas of many individuals. It has been observed that there are different reasons why this is experienced by many people. One of the reasons is the ambiance of the bedroom which is influenced by certain factors. The color of the room greatly affects the mood and contributes to the sleepless nights of many people. This can easily be remedied by choosing and incorporating the right color for the room. Read on to learn more about choosing the right bedroom color and decor to help people have a deep and relaxing night. 

What color to choose?

Many experts believe that there are ways to help an individual have a deep sleep. One of these is the design of the interior, particularly the colors. Choosing the right bedroom color can be one of the solutions for people to have a proper sleep pattern. Cool colors such as blue and green are proven to help create a room that is calming and relaxing.

The colors and sleep

It is a proven fact that the colors of the bedroom influence sleeping patterns. Studies have been continuously conducted to find the association between room colors and sleeping habits. 

Rooms that are dominated by cool colors, particularly the color blue help people enjoy longer sleep as compared to those in a room with different colors. Hues of blue are associated with calmness and can help in lowering blood pressure and heart rate. People who are staying in a room with hues of blue can sleep for an average of 7 hours and 52 minutes. 

Other colors may also contribute to sleeping patterns, yet the average length of hours of sleep is shorter than those of people in a bedroom with shades of blue. Yellow, for instance, promotes sleep for around 7 hours and 40 minutes, green for 7 hours and 36 minutes, orange for 7 hours and 28 minutes, purple for 5 hours and 56 minutes, gray for 6 hours and 12 minutes, and brown for 6 hours and 5 minutes. 

The reason why the color blue promotes good sleep is because of the receptor cells in the retina of the eyes. These cells are called ganglion cells and are highly sensitive to the color blue. Ganglions are likewise responsible for sending information directly to the brain. As a result, body activities are regulated and controlled. 

If blue is not your preference, you can still use other colors and hues that can promote deep sleep. Neutral colors such as gray and silver are also known to promote good sleeping habits. In addition to these, pale yellow can have the same effects as that neutral colors. 

Wall decor and sleep

The display of posters is one of the easiest and fastest ways to set the mood and atmosphere of the bedroom. The designs and images featured in posters come in a wide variety. They also come in colors that can help promote sleep. With the creation of wall art in the bedroom that is dominated by hues of blue, individuals will be able to have a good sleeping pattern. 

Minimalist art can be anything that is simple or lacks variation. These are commonly seen in both residential and commercial areas. When it comes to minimalist art, it may not be as simple as many think. It was developed based on history where outstanding examples can be seen. 

Minimalism vs simplicity

Simplicity and minimalism are completely different from each other. Though both terms may coincide with each other but there are differences in terms of their characteristics and elements. By definition, simplicity is the state or quality of being simple. While minimalism is any design or style in which the simplest and fewest elements are used to give a maximum effect. 

Minimalist art can have several elements and traits that are utilized and loved by many homeowners and designers. It encompasses a variety of geometric shapes and patterns. The colors and shapes seen in the art are few. It is likewise common to see monochromatism, such as the use of the colors black, white, or gray. 

A brief history of minimalism

The minimalism movement started in the 1950s in New York during the time of resistance to abstract expressionism. The abstract is known to be filled with intense emotion and expressive feelings. Minimalism reached its peak during the 1960s. Just like any new item, minimalism has received a lot of criticism from the art community. However, the unique style was supported by many curators, collectors, and corporate purchasers. This is one of the main reasons why minimalism grew to what we know these days. 

Minimalist art as a decorative element

In decorating any space, minimalist art brings balance that allows each piece to shine. Minimalist artists focus more on the work itself without any complications or obstacles. Through time, designers and art enthusiasts began to experience artwork on new levels where material, light, and scale became part of its creative nature. 

Minimalism today

These days, minimalism is usually associated with the type of lifestyle where clutter is reduced. The movement to minimize clutter which transcends art and streamlined, bold and monochromatic art fits perfectly with this trendy approach. Pairing minimalist art with minimal architecture and furniture pieces is one of the best ways to enhance the design style. 

Why use a minimalist style

Artists who support and employ minimalism in their projects only have one thing in mind. They want their viewers to have an immediate, absolute, and purely visual response to their work. These would come from personal connections and experiences with their works. As such viewers engage with the color, form, space, and medium. 

Minimalist art and its influences

Minimalism has had a great impact on the history of modernism as it introduced a new way of looking, creating, and experiencing works of art. The style that focused more on simple and essential lines and forms is used in different fields, like graphic design, architecture, and interior design. 

Minimalist art for your home

The addition of minimalist art is one of the best ways to beautify them. These forms of art add color and life to any room. This art creates a fluid motion in any space. Minimalist art also adds a sense of calmness and serenity to every living space. 

Over the years, interior design trends have been used to help designers and homeowners in upgrading their homes. Once the interior appearance has been achieved then people find some sort of inner peace. Think about the ancient Chinese art of feng shui where the arrangement and positioning of furniture pieces and even the whole house correspond with energy flow. The use of colors and geometric patterns, for instance, helps in mimicking the harmony of nature. There are even several studies conducted that show the significance of interior appearance to the total well-being of the homeowners.

This year, experts have predicted some of the design trends. For example, many have seen the rise of earthy colors, such as brown, as well as nature-inspired accents and surfaces. While others long for a cozy and warm room interior. Whatever, the trends are this year, the most important thing is that homeowners are able to enjoy staying in their homes. 

Shades of brown

If you will check the color wheel or other color references, you will notice that there are different shades of brown. But what shade is the most appropriate to use? Many experts say that chocolate browns, camels, and caramels are back. We have seen them in the 70s and this time there won’t be any mixing with orange. These shades of brown were chosen as they are close to the hues found in nature. Try to experiment with neutral colors so that your home will have that look that is close to the environment. 

Nature-inspired objects and surfaces

Since the start of the COVID 19 pandemic, most people preferred staying indoors. Being exposed to nature eventually diminished. Unless you have your own garden or nature-inspired rooms. Think stoneware, marble, terracotta, and travertine to be used in furniture pieces and decorative objects. 

Sculptures and Curved furniture pieces

Many experts believe that a curved form is safe, friendly, and welcoming. As such, furniture pieces with softer shapes and angles are still in this year. This is also true when it comes to architecture. 

Elevated outdoor furniture

With the COVID 19 alert level lowering in the whole Metro and even the whole country, many are now going out of their sanctuaries to enjoy the outdoors. The best way to enjoy this opportunity is to decorate the patio, backyard, or garage with sophisticated and refined furniture pieces. 

Multi-purpose rooms

While many have received COVID 19 vaccines, we should not be too complacent as the threat is still at large. Our living spaces continue to be used for various reasons. Many are still working at home and certain rooms may need to be transformed as the need arises. For instance, the dining room can be used as a conference room, the living room as the home office, and the bedroom as a private meeting room. Decorate them in such a way that they will be conducive to whatever purpose they may serve. Personalize them if you can with wall decors like personalized framed posters. 

Vintage-themed rooms

Just hearing the word vintage means a lot of things. It may mean something classic, old, nostalgic, and others. From the point of view of design, vintage items influence the direction of the room. You can choose any decorative item that will bring back memories. Classic art, for instance, can tell stories of the past and of the artist. Black and white photos arranged on the walls in any layout can tell stories about yourself, family, or friends. 

In the old days, people are satisfied with displaying their photos on picture frames. Although this is still the trend these days, you can still make it look amazing with some creative and fun ideas. As such, your home will have a cool statement that may serve as an inspiration for others. Read on to learn more about how to be more ingenious in displaying your photos. Who knows, you can be one of the trendsetters in wall decoration. 

Create a photo wall

Creating photo walls or gallery walls is one of the great ways to display your family photos. With this method, you will be able to capture and preserve memories in your home. Many homeowners prefer having the gallery wall in the living room. The truth is, it can be done in any room. Whether in the bedroom for a more private appeal or the dining room so that you’ll have a conversation starter before you dine with your guests. Photo walls do their job in making the wall look fantastic and likewise in creating a nostalgic room atmosphere. 

Use standing frames

Who says that photos can be displayed only on walls? Standing frames are made from different materials such as wood, bamboo, and metals, such as copper. With these, your photos will have a completely different and interesting way of displaying. 

Magnetize them

Photos are not just exclusive to be displayed on social media. You can easily turn those photos into magnets to display in your kitchen. Choose the photos, install magnets, and display them however you like on your refrigerator. 

Mix photos and art

Your photos are not the only ones that need to be displayed for exceptional wall art. Other decors can be added such as art. And when we say art, it does not have to be those expensive ones. You can display the art of your kids to have a more personalized wall design. It is recommended to have framed personalized art so that the wall can represent who and what you are. 

Arrange the photos 

The arrangement of your photos can be in different ways. Be creative and have the family photos arranged in various shapes. You can display them in a heart-shape arrangement or even in a collage-type appearance. 

Numerous photos in a print

Gather dozens of your favorite photos and arrange them in block-style in one print. It is better to have the photos in the same size. Display it over the sofa or in a bare hallway for instant wall art.

Nature-inspired display

Bring the outdoors inside with a rustic display. Get a piece of wood or a stick, attach pieces of rope and fasten mini clothespin for the pictures. Decorate it with ornaments and other items. The photos must be of the same size to make the wall art look cohesive and cool.

Poster prints

Have your photos in print. This is one way to personalize the walls and many experts recommend having the posters in frames. 

Create a gallery vibe

If you want to have that gallery look then use floating frames. These are acrylic displays with screws in brass finish for an elevated look. With these, you can have a modern appeal with your photos on the display.