Color Theory And Your Home Interior

Art wall 124

Color theory is the study of hues and how to use them in harmony. This is important in the design industry as the correct choice of scheme can influence moods, feelings, and even the quality of sleep. As such, the addition of furniture pieces and decorative items will be easy. 

Choosing the colors of the paint

Houses have different rooms, yet there should be an easy flow into each other. This design can create a cohesive decorating scheme making the home look more interesting. If the rooms feature different palettes or color schemes, the result would be disastrous. The colors in the room should be in perfect balance to achieve an interior that will be appealing to the sense of vision. 

There are homeowners who play safe and use one color of paint on the walls, especially those with open floor plans. Connections between rooms are mostly because of the pleasing effect of a color scheme. 

The harmony

Harmony refers to the relationship of the hues with one another on the color wheel. As such color combinations can be formed. There are six types of harmonies: monochromatic, analogous, complementary, split-complementary, triadic, tetradic. 

Color temperature

There are two temperatures or tones: warm and cool. Examples of cool colors are blue, indigo, purple, and green while warm colors are red, pink, orange, and yellow. Blending them results in rich and versatile hues and choosing the right tone can give a home an attractive theme. These colors are also perfect to be paired with neutral tones and cool accents. 

Color meanings

In decorating the interior, it is also important to know and understand the meanings of the colors. As such, they can reflect the emotions that the homeowners want in their homes. Red, for instance, represents ambition power, passion, and activity. Orange stimulates appetite, represents optimism, and being instinctive. Cool colors, such as blue represents intelligence, authority, control, and contentment. 

Color conveys these characteristics and blends with your senses to leave you feeling synergized with them. In addition to these, the saturation and scheme of a home can boost mood and provide a form of color therapy in any room. 

Palette balance

Balance allows you to use your palette in an attractive way. This can be achieved by choosing one color as the dominant one and fill about 60% of the space. In many instances, neutral colors are chosen to be the dominant colors then secondary and accent hues take about 30% of the space. The remaining 10% are for the accents. 

Light and Texture

Light is one of the best ways to feature and adjust colors. It gives more depth and value. With the use of light dimmers, you will be able to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Applying paint can be easy and affordable, but with the use of light, the colors that you added can be enhanced. 

Moreover, you can also add texture to your home with the use of fabrics. Surfaces with natural materials like wood and stone can also add texture to the whole interior. Use pillows, blankets, throws, and carpet to complete your home interior.

The Elements of Interior Design

Graphical lines and half circle no. 1 poster in interior

There is more to painting the walls and adding furnishings when it comes to interior design. Interior design is not just about making any space attractive. It is actually both art and science. It is important to note that when decorating any living space, the reaction of the body and mind matters a lot. As such designers employ skills and techniques that will reshape how we perceive living spaces. In this case, the elements of interior design are integrated to successfully achieve the appearance that will be loved by your family and friends.

Space

One example of smart utilization of space in interior design is the “open concept” floor plan. This design focuses on the balance between negative and positive space. Negative space is about an empty space giving a room a lofty and open feel. While positive space is the space filled with decors such as furniture pieces and other decorative items. Walls are removed in this concept that makes the brain feel like the space is bigger in contrast to when the walls are present. 

Lines

Another important element are lines (horizontal, vertical, and dynamic). Horizontal lines give any room a tranquil and peaceful feel. They make the space feel wider and more expansive. However, too much use of horizontal lines makes the space feel dull and boring. Vertical lines, on the other hand, draw the eyes upward. Too much, though, can cause people to feel confined. 

Dynamic lines suggest movement and stimulation. These lines encourage the eyes to move in the direction of the line. Examples are zigzag, angular, and curved lines. Offer different movements or effects on the feeling of a room. They provide energy and life to the whole room and examples are zigzag and angular lines. Curves and smooth lines add balance and smoothness. 

Pattern

Patterns are a collection of lines and forms. Just like shapes, they highlight certain parts of the room such as stairs, ceiling, and walls. These can be achieved with the display of posters, the installation of wallpaper, picture frames, or pillows. 

Light

Light can set the right mood in your rooms. Natural light can represent warmth and happiness. It can show the natural beauty of paint colors and highlight furniture pieces that you want to feature. Place them near windows or doors to allow them to be illuminated with natural light. Regulate the entry of natural light with curtains, shades, or drapes. 

Artificial lighting, on the other hand, can be added if natural light is not enough. They can be used to highlight a particular piece of art, poster, or wall art. Examples of these are task lighting, accent lighting, and ambient lighting. 

Color

Colors evoke certain messages and moods as the brain reacts to the different colors inside a room. Certain colors produce the desired effect that you want for your home. Both cool and warm colors evoke different kinds of feelings. Green, for instance, suggests tranquility and peace. As one of the cool colors, green also evoke an atmosphere of relaxation and calmness. Warm colors like red, on the other hand, promote activity and stimulation. Red stimulates hunger, while purple represents royalty. 

Texture

There are two types of texture: actual and visual. The actual texture shows how a material truly feels. Like the smoothness of silk and the toughness of leather. Visual texture is how something appears to feel to your eyes. Posters and other wall coverings feature images that make the eyes perceive of having the real deal. For example, posters or wallpaper that feature stone can give an illusion of stones on the wall.

Affordable Ways To Create A Man Cave

Art wall 76

A man cave is one of the best rooms that you can in your home. A perfect sanctuary for rest and recreation at the comfort of your home. Looking at some design inspiration, you will notice that many may empty your pockets. Think creatively as there are affordable ways to create a man cave that you will surely love.

Making an appealing and functional man cave

Whatever the size of your man cave, the most important thing is the details. Making one is not an easy task. You need to be creative and resourceful for a man cave that is not costly. Do not just settle for converting a small spot and making it look generic. Choose the right spot in your home and paint it with your favorite colors. Add furniture pieces like tables and chairs and decorate the walls with trendy and affordable art. The idea is to create a space that is not only attractive but functional as well. 

Pick a small spot for your man cave

Choose a spot in your home where you can have a little privacy. It does not have to be that big but has the potential to expand when the need arises. The corner of a basement is one of the most popular choices. It has the privacy you need and is free from heavy traffic in contrast with the living room and kitchen. 

However, not all homes have basements. If that is the case then take a small part of your home office or the guest room. Add the necessary decors so that you will have a clear division on the space you just created. You can also pick a portion of the living room!

Create a theme

Every guy has their respective hobbies, interests, and passions. In many instances, when they say man cave, the first thing that comes in the mind is having a sports theme. However, not all men are into sports. This is the common mistake people make when conceptualizing man cave. Think of a theme that will best define who you are. Gamers may add decorative items depicting video games and different characters. How about putting up a small bar so you can have a drink after work. You can likewise create a small library to enjoy reading your most-loved books or magazines. 

Choose decors that will personalize and reinforce the man cave

Since we are just dealing with a small man cave, do not overdecorate it with wall accessories, and other items. Add items that will best define your personality especially your passion and hobbies. Create wall art composed of trendy and stylish posters in attractive frames to make the room look more interesting. For music lovers, add guitar hangers to display your guitars for a cooler man cave. 

Select your favorite colors

Give the man cave an extra touch with your favorite colors on the walls. This will also personalize your room. Think out-of-the-box and be more creative in painting the walls. The use of cool colors like blue and green can make the room look and feel more relaxing. Warm colors on the other hand, like red and orange, can be stimulating.

Repurpose furniture

We understand that it is costly to buy new furniture pieces when setting up the man cave. Borrow pieces from the other rooms such as chairs and side tables. You may also have kept some old pieces in the storage. These can be used again in creating the room! 

Easy Ways To Make Personalized Posters

Baby line art No1 personal poster

Posters are important as they are used for different functions. They need to be eye-catching and informative. Posters are also commonly used for promoting events, products, spreading information, and others. Posters these days are used for reproductions of famous artworks and in decorating any living space. 

How it all began

Over the years, people have used posters for different reasons. Most of the posters created are visually appealing since they intend to catch the attention of the public. Posters have been displayed in public places to make people aware of political viewpoints, an invitation to certain events, or as a marketing strategy to purchase a product or service. 

Posters these days are based on those that were created during the mid-19th century. During that period, the printing industry already has perfected color lithography and made mass production possible. Censorship of public spaces in certain countries like France has been lifted and advertisers began to market the mass-produced consumer goods to a growing population in urban areas. 

Eventually, after more than a hundred years, posters evolved when it has already been recognized as a vital art form that attracted artists. 

How to create posters

These days, posters come in many interesting and creative designs that serve their purpose. Not only that they are used the conventional way, but posters can also be a great accent to your walls. 

Know the appropriate size

Posters may have their standard sizes. But you can still create the size that you need and it greatly depends on how you are going to use your poster. 

Design the layout of the poster

Viewers must be able to easily grasp the message of the poster. Determine the right alignment and apply them to the headers, photos, text, and shapes. These must be unified and consolidated. With these, the poster and its elements will have coherence. It is also recommended to place the text at the center to create a sense of symmetry. 

Pick your choice of graphics

The good thing about posters is that a simple image can convey a message. In creating the design of the poster, bear in mind that there should be a balance between text and images. The design should also complement and blend. Larger posters must have an image that has the highest resolution. 

Make it colorful

The colors should be able to complement the photographs and the message. In color psychology, it has been documented that different colors can already convey a message. For instance, green can be translated to freshness and the natural environment. It is though recommended that the use of colors be limited. If the poster is bombarded with colors, it may be a distraction to the real message of the poster. 

Add text

Maintain the simplicity of the headers and titles. The headers must have a larger font size to show the viewers which one to first look at. Do not forget the contrasts in the sizes of the fonts, style, and color. These elements are the ones that catch the attention of the viewers. Do remember that do not use more than two faces in a document. Keep the message straightforward so that your audience will immediately know what the poster is all about. 

Prepare The Balcony For The Summer

Sunflower with a burst of sunlight poster

Summer is one of the most awaited seasons around the world. This is the time when kids can go out to enjoy the heat of the sun. This is also the right time to prepare the balcony so that you and your family can use it for some outdoor fun. 

Clean the balcony before decorating

Before decorating the balcony, you need to thoroughly clean it. This includes the floor, railing, walls, door, and others. Use eco-friendly detergent in cleaning them. Use baking soda when cleaning the floor. For the windows, wash them with a mixture of water and vinegar then wipe with a crumpled paper. Though there are glass cleaning solutions that can be bought from the grocery, baking soda and water can help you save a few bucks. Cleaning the balcony will also allow you to check its condition. You may also discover some parts that need to be repaired or replaced. 

Add lighting in the balcony

Lighting is needed in all rooms of your house. It may be functional but lighting can also add drama and effects to the entire room. You can add general and accent lighting as well as ambient lighting to achieve the desired effects. Examples of general and accent lightings are articulated clip lamps and ceiling lights. On the other hand, floor lamps, pendant lamps, lanterns, and string lights are examples of ambient lighting.

Give it a touch of nature with plants 

Adding plants and flowers is one of the best ways to make the balcony look like summertime. With blooms and greens, you can also make it look like a mini garden. These can be in large pots, hanging planters, or railing planters. Be creative and add a vegetable patch that you can use in the future in some of your dishes. 

Make the balcony look cozy and relaxing

There are different themes or appearances that can make the balcony look cozy. The addition of a close seating arrangement and the right outdoor lighting can do the trick. Designers and many homeowners also recommend the addition of thematic plants and decor as they can liven up the balcony.

Grill pit for an outdoor party

It is a tradition to have a BBQ while enjoying the outdoors with your family and friends. Summer is never complete without having a BBQ party. These days, there are table-top and tiny frill options that can make the balcony look more fun and exciting. Not to mention the BBQ that you will be serving. Just remember to have a fire extinguisher or a pail of water if things turn out roughly. 

Tables and chairs on the balcony

A small table and set of chairs can give you the opportunity to have an outdoor breakfast any day of the week. You can also make the balcony into a small nook for a bottle of beer with your buddies. Add other decors such as string lights to personalize the balcony and make it look perfect for the dry season.

Use A Mood board Before Designing Your Home

Art wall 81

Before designing or redesigning your home, it is important to define your own style with the help of a mood board. Try to identify the style and things that you want. You may have a lot of ideas in your mind but can’t visualize them clearly? Read on to know and learn more about mood boards and how they can help you in creating an attractive and inviting room interior.

What is a mood board?

Mood boards are a collection of different ideas that will help you organize your thoughts and your plans in designing your home or space. It helps you focus only on the things that you need therefore being efficient when doing the project For instance, colors may be narrowed down to make the wall aesthetically appealing. This can also be done so that each element will blend with the other. 

Why use a mood board?

Mood board is important so you will have a bigger picture of the interior decorating project. As such you can have a clearer picture of what your room will look like after the project. It will also help you express what is in your mind so you will not have any difficulty in adding or removing items or elements. A Mood board is also a good starting point to get things done. It will help you successfully finish your project by collating your ideas.

Make your own mood board

The internet is full of ideas and inspiration. You just need to look for the right site where you can gather information. Browse shops, digital magazines, and other references for the style that best interests you. Do not forget to check books, magazines, brochures, and other references as they can also give you ideas that you can use. 

You can also collect samples of paint from stores as well as swatches for fabrics. Also, do not hesitate to take photos of ideas whenever you come across them in the places you visit. Who knows, they may come in handy when the time comes that you will design your space. 

The appearance of your mood board greatly depends on you. There is no strict rule in creating one. Be sure that the style you will be used is one that is comfortable for you. The easiest and traditional way is by cutting pictures from magazines or other printed material and sticking them in a cardboard or corkboard. 

Once you have gathered all the ideas on the mood board, it is time to refine it. See what will work for you and discard those that will not look great when used in your space. Add more if you feel that the ones on the board are not cohesive. For instance, if the colors do not blend with one another, you may add neutral colors or natural materials. Look at your mood board for several days and refine it until it becomes appealing. 

Final thoughts

Creating a mood board is a must before doing the actual project. Believe us, it helps a lot! There is no strict rule when it comes to the number of images to add. Do as you please as long as you achieve the appearance that will fit best in your space.

7 Types Of Posters And What They Do

Art wall 127

By definition, posters are large print, ads, or decorations that are displayed on walls. They are commonly used as a promotion of an idea, product, or event displayed in a public space for mass consumption. It is common to see posters that include textual and graphic elements. There are also those that may be either wholly graphical or textual. This definition may show that there are different types of posters in terms of themes and designs. This article gives you an overview of the different types of posters and why they are special. 

Advertising

Advertising posters are used by different companies for promotional purposes. These posters are designed to catch the attention of the public in order for them to take action. These can be anything from purchasing the product to lifestyle change. Advertising posters are commonly designed to house subliminal messages. They are also filled with symbolisms and are aimed to provoke, inspire, and distress. These posters are designed to give the “WOW-factor” and can either be serious or hilarious. 

Informative

Informative posters appear in different designs and greatly depend on the information that you want to convey. Some will look like infographics and others may be purely visuals. They contain different facts to educate. Informative posters are based on facts. These posters are generally created to educate the public. Some may also appear fun and exciting like in food and beverages posters.

Motivational or Inspirational

Motivational posters only have one purpose and that is to inspire. They contain motivational quotes or messages and are represented with large and bold typography, overlaid on an attractive background/. They are always optimistic and will help the viewers to feel good and encouraged. 

Movie posters

Movie posters are used to advertise or promote a film and serve as the cover for all promotional materials. These posters aim to tease the public about the upcoming films. As such, the posters will be helped in making decisions in purchasing tickets for the movie. Movie posters are also designed to contain different elements that are featured in the film. 

Event posters

Event posters are created to inform the public about an upcoming event. These posters likewise offer a little information about the event. Think of the posters as a teaser or promotional material. They may also stimulate the interests of the public. In many instances, event posters contain all the needed information of what the public can expect from the event. The elements seen on the posters must match the theme of the event. They may also appear mostly in typography with some design in the background. 

Travel posters

Travel posters aim to inspire the viewers to see the world. They are also used by different travel agencies and airline companies to promote their services. Travel posters may have different themes such as vintage, art deco, and modern. They have a timeless appearance and captures the beauty of travel destinations. 

Research posters

These posters are used by the academic community in presenting their discoveries in their research or studies. Research posters are completely different from the posters that we know. It is heavy on texts, data, and other visualizations. In addition to these, jargon is also used in presenting data and information. 

Things To Consider Before Redesigning Your Living Room

Graphical lines and sun overlapped poster in interior

Redesigning certain areas in your home often gives a refreshing and optimistic feeling. The living room, for instance, is often used for relaxation and socialization. It is usually adjacent to the main entrance of your house. Over the years, the room has been called by different names. Examples are sitting room, family room, living area, and lounge. It includes sofa set, center table, art works, television sets, books, magazines, and different decorative items. Redesigning the room means improving the aesthetics and functionality. Before executing your redesigning project, contemplate first on some factors for you to be successful with it. 

The flow in the living room

Redesigning your living room can add life to your home. However, do not add items or furniture pieces that will make the room look like an obstacle course. This would just make you feel frustrated and anxious. Things that you may want to avoid adding in the room are cardboard, boxes, side tables, and others. The objective is to make the room look more comfortable and relaxing. 

The storage that you need

Storage areas are one of the most common problems in many households. If you are undecided on what storage space or equipment to use, it may result in clutter in the room. Look for a possible storage area where you can store your personal belongings. Examples are under the staircase or you can add a storage box under the window. There are also storage boxes available in stores where they can also add beauty to the room. 

The budget for redesigning the living room

You may already have an idea on how your living room will look like. It is also recommended to consult your friends and check different websites and other references for inspiration. Try to work within the budget. Check different stores as well as garage sales for items that you need. Going beyond your allotted budget may only lead to frustrations especially if you fail to achieve your goal. 

The presence of sockets and switches

No need to add sockets and switches especially if you are tight on the budget. Work on what you already have. Place electrical appliances to where the sockets can easily be accessed. Lamps and television sets, for instance, can be placed where you can easily plug them without using any extension cords. 

Appliances and other decors should be proportionate to the living room

Do not add items that are too large or too small. Always consider the size of the items and they should always be on the right scale. Before adding them, visualize if they will look good in the living room. Scaling is important in interior decorating as this refers to the comparative size of the objects. 

Consult a professional

Consulting a professional designer greatly depends on you and your budget. Small projects can actually be accomplished without any professional help. With the help of a contractor, you can be successful with your project. However, when it comes to a larger project, such as renovating the entire living room, you may want to consider professional help. Plan first on what to do and seek help only if need arises.

Home Office Ideas You Will Love

Art wall 91

With the COVID 19 still threatening our way of life, working from home is becoming a trend these days. In fact, even before the pandemic, work from home set-up has already been embraced by many companies. Design your home office easily with affordable decors or modern DIY. With creativity and resourcefulness, you will have a room that is not only appealing, but functional as well.

Benefits of work from home set up

There are different reasons why many people prefer to work in their respective abodes. Studies have shown that work from home set-up different advantages. 

Happier employees

Many companies these days promote work-life balance. In the past, workers lost a great proportion of their time with their families. Most often than not, workers stay in the office for 8 to 9 hours. However, there are also times that they need to stay over time for some reasons. Add the time of their travel to and from the office. These will eat up more hours instead of spending quality time with your family. Moreover, workers also tend to go home feeling tired and stressed due to different reasons that include traffic, deadlines, and colleagues. Work from home set-up has solved these problems. In fact, studies have also shown that if you can balance work and life, you will have a happier and healthier life. 

Save money

The money that you save from commuting can be used for other expenses. You may now plan to buy new gadgets, new appliances, or furniture pieces from the money that you save. 

Power of the net

The internet is a powerful tool in gathering information and communication. In recent years, workers need to go to the office for internet connection. It is completely different these days as access to the internet has been made easier. With the use of certain applications and tools, you will have all the things you need for your work.

Home office ideas

Here are some ideas that you may use to create your home office. You will surely find them easy to make and cost-efficient. 

Wall mounted desk

Sometimes, small houses prevent you from having your own office. Don’t lose hope as a flip-down work area can be installed at any corner of your home. 

Office in the kid’s room

The kid’s room can be considered as the sanctuary of your children. Let the room be your workplace as well where you can keep an eye on your kids while working. You can do this with built-in desks and shelves.

A personalized nook

Pick a spot in your home where you can add your desk and other items. An area with natural light is a perfect spot. Add indoor plants, posters, and mirrors for that trendy and modern vibe.

Vibrant decors

One of the interesting ways to make an impact on the entire house is the addition of bold accessories. With colors, you can add a happy and exciting vibe to your room. 

The power of blue

Blue is one of the cool colors that is loved by many. This color evokes a calming and relaxing vibe that will help you focus on your work.

Design Your Office To Make It Look Harmonious

Art wall 126

Studies have shown that many happy employees are the key to make any business or organization successful. They are the ones who are creative, productive, and tend to go an extra mile. As such, employees need a working environment that will stimulate their mind and body to become productive. A harmonious office design is what everyone needs to stay happy with their work.

Easy tips to add harmony in the office

Creating a harmonious office interior is easy to achieve. With a little imagination and creativity as well as some inspiration, you will be able to come up with a compelling design that everyone will love. 

Clean and comfortable office

It is always conducive to work in a clean and beautiful looking office room. Time to remove all the clutter and unusable equipment. Remember that the office is not a storage area. Check all the light bulbs and replace those that are defective. LED lights are recommended to save energy without sacrificing the quality of light needed while working. Buy new ergonomic furniture pieces, indoor plants, snacks, and coffee. Add accents on the walls like posters and art. 

Open doors

Open door design in the office ensures transparency between the workers and heads. This also prevents or limits the conflict between employees. Managers are also recommended to have open communication with their subordinates. Open door office design also encourages friendly communication among the workers. 

Recreational areas

Add a room where employees can enjoy a little exercise or relax before doing some tasks. Studies also have shown that recreational games and sports can lead to better rapport and team management. Moreover, some employees may need to have a quiet time before going to war. This will minimize stress and make the employees more focused at work.

Personalized work areas

Allow the employees to arrange and decorate their work areas according to their preferences. Let them choose the standing adjustable desk, office chair, keyboard, and mouse for their computers. These would give them a sense of pride and belongingness to the company.

Indoor plants

Plants provide various benefits, both to mental and physical health. This has also been supported by science. In addition to these, the natural colors can also create a comfortable and relaxing room environment to help the employees become more productive. 

Team building activities

It is also important for employees to have a break and have fun. Team building activities may be in different forms, such as celebrating an employee’s birthday or a planned and structured workshop for them to improve in their roles in the office. 

Think out-of-the-box

Provide non conventional benefits for the employees such as unlimited day offs. The goal is to accomplish the tasks assigned and not to extend time everything at work. 

Final thoughts

The office is not a prison for employees and the workers are not slaves. A conducive office environment has been proven to be effective to make the workers become more focused and productive. Designing and decorating the office need not be that complicated and should not always break the company’s funds. Choose the appropriate theme for the office that will make the rooms fit for working. Decorating the walls with posters is one of the fastest and easiest ways to make the office look more appealing and functional.