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You may have read about a charcuterie board or have seen them on menus. Have you tried them? Charcuterie is a fancy word used to refer to cured meat. The word is of French origin and can be traced back to the 15th century. It was during these times that the people consumed every last bit of a meal and left nothing to waste. 

This is served as an appetizer and served on a wooden board or a slab of stone. On the board is a selection of preserved foods, particularly cured meats or pates. The board also includes cheeses, crackers, or bread. 

A brief history in Europe

As mentioned above, charcuterie is cured meat and is derived from two French words: chair, which means flesh, and cuit, cooked and was used during 15th century France. Shop owners who specialize in charcuterie became popular as they have shown the detailed preparation of meats. The arrangement of the boards has made charcuterie boards part of the French culinary culture.

Studies on European history also have revealed that the charcuterie board also has roots in the simple meals that were eaten by the people of the working class around Europe during the medieval times. The board is usually composed of meats, cheeses, bread, local produce, wine, or beer. The meal eventually evolved and found its way to the higher classes of society along with the cheese course meal. These are commonly seen in formal dinners during the 18th and 19th centuries in France, Great Britain, and colonial America. The cheeses were then replaced by desserts in the 19th century. 

The development in the United States

During the 19th and 20th centuries in the United States, hosting informal dinners are greatly increasing. Formal dinners were replaced by cocktail parties and finger foods were served and more preferred over the course meals. During World War II, American soldiers were introduced to various charcuteries and cheeses in France, Italy, Germany, and Greece. This exposure to European dishes was brought home to the U.S. and charcuterie boards became popular in the 90s and have been sold in American grocery stores. The dish also became popular in specialty food stores with diversified contents. 

Charcuterie boards are usually served as appetizers in many restaurants. They still are served in private gatherings and dinner parties since they are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by many. 

What’s on the board

The boards used are usually made of wood or stone to keep the food cool. Diners will also see other equipment such as cheese knives, spoons, and ramekins. 

In addition to meats, cheeses, and bread, the board also includes flavors and textures that would complement the main components. Examples are fruits, olives, olive oil, nuts, vinegar, pickled or fresh vegetables, herbs, edible flowers, mustards, and honey. In many instances, charcuterie boards are served with wines of any variety. 

In creating a compelling interior, there are certain concepts that you need to know and follow. If not, the results may break your heart. In this article, you will learn more about the interior design principles that will help you achieve the desired outcome. Interior design is the art of designing the interior decoration of a living space. It is a mixture of art aesthetics and the science of knowing people’s behavior to make a space functional. 

Harmony

Every house is always considered to be a unit composed of spaces that are connected with each other. As such, harmony is created when the house is regarded as a whole rather than an isolated structure. This principle gives a sense of unity, therefore these elements need to be applied with uniformity: color, theme, and style. However, these elements may oftentimes differ from each other, these need to work together to create unity. Different shades of colors may also have to complement each other to achieve harmony.

Rhythm

We have heard rhythm in music and you will hear about it again in interior design. This principle is all about generating visual interest by creating patterns of repetition and contrast. It is defined in terms of continuity, recurrence, and movement. The four properties are:

• Repetition – the use of more than one element or the same element more than once. 
• Progression – increasing or decreasing one or more qualities of an element.
• Transition – creating a smoother natural flow for the eye.
• Contrast – putting two different elements in opposition to each other.

Balance

This creates a feeling of stability and equilibrium. This can be achieved with the use of colors, patterns, theme, texture, or shape. A balance should be created in all elements that make up the design. Balance is about ensuring equal distribution and approximation of the visual weight of objects in a room. There are three types of balance and these are symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.

• Symmetrical balance – consists of spaces that are evenly distributed or repeated on the same axis on two sides of a room. 
• Asymmetrical balance – more casual, more complex, and a common trend in modern design. It creates a balance that does not require duplicating the visual weights of lines, colors, forms, and textures. 
• Radial balance – this balance can be achieved when some elements radiate around or from a focal point. Examples are a spiral staircase and a round dining table. 

Focal Point

This principle is also called emphasis and adds life to any room. This can be anything, from a large piece of artwork to a sculpture. The focal point captures the attention of the viewer and creates a lasting impression. 

Proportion and Scale

Proportion refers to the ratio between the size of one part to another. While the scale is how the size of one object relates to another. As a rule, the smaller segment should have an equal ratio to the larger segment as that of the larger segment is to the whole space.

Old factories and industrial spaces. Are they still appealing or a space that is considered musty, old, and creaky? The industrial design style is topping the news these days. Many homeowners and designers are transforming lofts and old buildings into beautiful living spaces including apartments and houses. 

When people think of the industrial design style, people think of oversized metal windows, unfinished wood, and visible bricks. Though the design style in urban areas, it is also employed in many rural places. So what does it take to achieve the design style? Here are some inspirations on how to be successful in decorating your home with the Industrial design style.

What is the Industrial style?

Industrial design style refers to the fuss-free interior appearance that is inspired by the lofty look of warehouses, factories, and industrial buildings. No need to be critical with finishings as bare bricks, metals, and untreated woods look appealing themselves. Designing the interior is as flexible as it can be. 

The style will allow you to customize the look with furniture and decor that can give a unique style. The most important thing is to create an interior that is cozy and comfortable. It is recommended to employ furniture pieces with simple design and upholstery in neutral colors and natural textures. 

A brief history

Experts believe that the Industrial design style started in the early 20th century. It has become more evident during the 2nd Industrial Revolution. A time when many factories closed and moved to different countries. As a result, many industrial structures were abandoned. Seeing this as an opportunity, architects and designers converted them into living spaces.

With the use of necessary elements, one can be successful in achieving the design style. The use of materials such as furniture made from wood, aluminum, iron, steel, tin, stone, and copper is encouraged. It is also common to see distressed metal elements, wooden floors, and bare steel beams. 

Decorating the walls to enhance the style

In addition to bare walls, visible pipes, rustic metals, and worn-out wood, the addition of industrial-inspired art will complete the design style. 

Trendy posters like nature-inspired prints, architecture posters, patterns, and classic art are great designs that can help achieve the style. These can also create cool and awesome wall art that can be the focal point of any room.

Poster art in black and white can set a comfortable and airy room that is expected in an industrial design style. Moreover, posters that feature various infrastructures, and industrial materials are highly recommended if you want to be successful with your interior decorating project. 

What makes the design style more fun and exciting is the fact that your imagination and creativity will be harnessed. It does not need to be costly to decorate. You can start with material that can be seen in your storage rooms and trendy and affordable art that can finish the job.

Our homes are continuously evolving and you may develop a love/hate relationship with them. You may sometimes feel a disconnection with your home or even your room. In reality, there is no perfect relationship that will make you feel at ease at all times. Most of us can see at least a few flaws in our homes. Whether you are talking about the arrangement of your furniture pieces or the appearance of your decorative items. These may not be visually appealing as you see them every day. Time to refresh your home to boost the overall appearance. 

There are different ways to refresh your home. Even if you are tight on the budget, you can still successfully achieve an interior appearance that will surely be adored by anyone. Sometimes you just need to be innovative and creative in looking for ways to spruce up your homes. With these easy steps, you can have a home interior that is worth flaunting on your social media account.

Remove all accessories

Sometimes, the decorative items that you add become eyesores. Remove any item that is not needed except for furniture pieces, drapes, and rugs. You may find other places for them in other rooms such as the dining or the kitchen. Start with this step and you will see the overall appearance of your home from a bird’s eye view.

Rearrange the furniture

Check the arrangement of your furniture pieces. Sometimes just rearranging them can give your home a whole new look. This is possible if your room allows them in different arrangements. The good thing about this is that you may be able to do the cleaning simultaneously.

Collector’s items

Time to see if you have unwanted items in your collection. Time to discard or sell them to prevent the accumulation of clutter. Check where they are usually located such as the bookshelves, corners of your house, study area, and others. Old books and magazines may be donated or sold. Use boxes to temporarily store them until such time that they will be disposed of. 

Add plants 

Plants and flowers can totally transform the overall appearance of your home. They can make your rooms look fresh and pollution-free. Studies also have shown that flowers and plants can provide health and environmental benefits. In addition to these, a mini garden can be the focal point of your room.

Add texture to your rooms

This can be achieved with a nicely decorated blanket, rope-wrapped candlesticks, and rugs. You can also add texture to your walls with cool poster art. These can make your room look trendy and stylish.

Light a candle to your home

Scented candles are great not only to illuminate your home. They can also add fragrance to calm and relax your mind and body. In addition to these, scented candles are also perfect to display if you want to add colors to your home. Display them in the living room or on the console table.

In any living space, whether the office or your living room, wallpaper and wallcoverings are a great way to add color and texture to them. They create a stunning focal point and level up the overall appearance of your rooms. If you are planning to modernize your space or create a unique accent wall, then there are various ways to make a statement with wallcoverings. Read on to learn more about the different wallcoverings that you can use in your space.

Texture wallcoverings

These allow you to capture the appearance of your favorite materials. This may be a luxurious marble, rustic wood, or exposed brick. Texture wallcoverings can make any room feel extraordinary. With removable wallcovering options, you can achieve the desired look without the need for altering your walls permanently.

Wood wallcovering

Wood wallcoverings bring nature into any space and create an impressive backdrop. The natural grain and color of the wood are warm and inviting and create a cozy atmosphere in the room. 

Stone wallcovering

Stone wallcoverings are a beautiful way to create a contemporary space by adding a fresh design with simple color and tone. Install faux stone wallpapers to bring depth and character to the interior. You can also use this to create a feature wall in the bedroom, kitchen, bathrooms, reception area, and office.

Brick wallcovering

Brick wallcoverings look like real bricks and these can help you add charm to the room at an affordable price. This wallcovering can make any room look stylish and trendy. There are many brick designs available in the market and you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

3D wallcovering

This adds depth and details to any room. It gives an illusion to the eye of having more space. 

Bathroom wallcovering

Bathrooms are supposed to be clean and functional. The use of this material is one of the perfect ways to transform the interior appearance of the bathroom by adding color and personality. The wallcovering is durable and water-resistant making it safe to add in high-humidity spaces. You can choose any design from geometric prints to floral prints. 

Kitchen wallcovering

Make your kitchen wall stand out with the addition of lovely wallcoverings. You may choose neutral prints or bold and colorful patterns. 

Little that we know, the wallcovering we know today has already been used in the past. Interestingly, they have made a comeback. This is made possible with the variety of patterns, prints, and benefits. As a result, wallcoverings have become a normal decor in many living spaces. Let us see what wallcoverings are and what they can do for us.

The definition of wallcoverings

Wallcoverings are any type of finishing that can be used in any living space. It includes many types, from wallpaper to textured fabrics. In addition to being functional, they have a wide range of benefits that will surely be loved by many.

Wallcovering and painting

Looking at different infrastructures, establishments, and houses, you will see that there are different kinds of wallcoverings. When knowing if a wallcovering is the right one for your and your wall, it is best to compare it with other options. The next on the list is painting. Of course, we take into consideration various factors before the final decision.

Check your budget

To be honest, painting is quite cheaper as compared with wallcoverings. Paint requires less precision work than installing a wallcovering. If you are going to hire help, they usually charge less to paint a room than to apply wallcoverings. 

It is also important to consider the lifespan of wall finishes. Even though the cost of installing a wallcovering is higher, they tend to last longer than a paint job. This makes wallcovering more cost-efficient as compared with paint. 

Choice of design

Painting is a great choice if you want to save some cash, and if you want your room to have one color. However, if you are opting to add patterns to your walls, then you may want to check out other wallcovering options. If you prefer wallpaper for the pattern, then make sure that the one who will install is experienced in it. This is to ensure that the job is seamless and the patterns are aligned. 

Foot traffic

It is recommended to install wallcovering on areas with high foot traffic. Examples of these are entryways and hallways. We all know that these areas are prone to dirt and wallcoverings can easily be cleaned with a sponge or gentle cloth. Instead of adding paint to give a fresh look, wallcoverings can easily do the job. 

Wallcover benefits that you need to know

In addition to the beauty of wallcoverings, they likewise offer functional benefits that you may find interesting. 

Acoustic benefits

If you want to reduce the noise in rooms, then adding wallcoverings is the best solution. Although don’t expect the room to be soundproof, there are some steps to accomplish it. Various living spaces, like board rooms, offices, hotel rooms, apartments, and movie theaters, would benefit from a sound-absorbing wallpaper. 

Maintenance benefits

Wallcoverings are easy to maintain making the maintenance costs minimal. Pant, on the other hand, needs to be consistently retouched from scuffs, chips, and cracks. 

Choosing the type of wallcovering

Choosing the type of wallcovering may be one of the challenging parts of interior decoration. You have to narrow down your options and here are some of the choices you need to consider:

Vinyl coated paper

This is a paper substrate that has been sprayed or coated with a decorative surface made of acrylic-type vinyl or PVC. It is durable and easy to clean. Use this material in areas that are prone to grease and moisture, such as the kitchen and bathroom.

Paper backed and solid sheet vinyl

This is made with a paper substrate laminated to a solid decorative surface. These are durable, can peel back off if necessary, and can withstand being scrubbed. Although it is durable, it is not recommended in entryways or hallways.

Fabric backed vinyl

This material has a fabric or artificial substrate that is laminated to a solid vinyl decorative surface. The two types are solid vinyl and paper. The former is perfect for spaces that require easy cleaning and durability, whereas paper can vary widely and should be used more carefully.

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.