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Many of us may be familiar with what modern homes look like. High ceilings, plain colored walls, minimalist design, and others may be common in homes these days. However, it does not mean that these characteristics are the only ones seen in homes. Adding a few traditional touches can give comfort and convenience to a modern home. As a result, you will still have an inviting and cozy space that is comforting to the eyes.

Adding a classic touch may not be as complicated as many people perceive. With a few inspirations and tricks, you will be able to create an interior appearance. Here are a few tips on how to blend the classic look with modern homes. 

Incorporate neutral palettes

Tired of whites and beiges? Try something new palette that allows your modern furniture to be the highlight of your room. The modern color palette tends to gear towards cool shades like pale gray, light blue, and white. Adding a touch of warm colors such as copper and red can give your interior a classic vibe. This can be achieved by painting your walls and making warm colors as accents. 

Don’t forget about coherence

This is probably one of the most challenging tasks in interior decoration. Level up your room to create a cohesive set of textures, colors, and design elements that will fit your tastes and interests. Minimalist homes can be boosted by adding wall decors, furnishings, fabric, throws, and other decorative items. Don’t worry and you do not have to go all the way to decorate your home. Just focus on colors, patterns, and textures to achieve the right interior appearance.

Decorate the kitchen with a blackboard

Blackboards have multiple functions and adding one in the kitchen can make it look great. There are different ways to add the blackboard in the kitchen. One of the most common ways is to cover an entire wall. You can also add one and have it stand on an easel or tripod. As such, you can use the blackboard to write messages, menus, things to buy, inspirational messages, and a lot more. Want to leave a message to your kids when you are not at home? Blackboards will do the trick to help you in any way. 

Add stylish organizers

Clutters are not good in any room. Make any room look tidy and organized with cabinets and storage items. You can also save space with hanging shelves or ergonomic storage. Pick the right spot so that you will still have a comfortable space even if you are adding some furniture pieces. 

Decorate the walls

Plain-looking walls are a thing in the past. These days you can boost the wall appearance with various decors. Wallpapers are still in as these can provide patterns and colors that you need to have that classic appeal. On the other hand, you can likewise display artworks. Although paintings can be quite expensive. Posters can be cool alternatives as they are more affordable and stylish. They also can give the effects that paintings can give. Hanging shelves are multifunctional. Aside from storing some of your belongings, you can also use it to display books, souvenir items, and other decorative items. 

Paul Klee was a German-Swiss artist born in 1879 who fell in love with colors and tones. You may have seen some of his works and they can be described as child-like, simple, and can be appreciated by all ages and levels. His paintings are also rich in geometric forms and shapes. Some of his works can even be used to help kids in their learnings, such as letters, animals, and numbers. Some are in abstract form and can be used to add colors and design to your walls. 

The use of warm and cool colors

Over the years, colors are used to make any space look attractive. There are different types of colors and you can check the color wheel for references. Colors can also be divided into two groups, cool and warm colors. Warm colors are fun and exciting and can make you think of sunlight and heat. These are orange, yellow, and red, and a combination makes the team of warm colors. 

On the other hand, cool colors are blue, green, and purples. These colors are calming and sooting. If your want your bedroom to have that ambiance that is perfect for resting and sleeping, then cool colors are a perfect choice.  

Tones what are they

Tones are created by adding neutral colors such as white, gray, or black. These colors, when added to primary or secondary colors alter their lightness. If you are on a decorating project, remember that darker colors help you to bring light color more in focus. 

Who inspired Paul Klee

Paul Klee was known as an avid reader and lover of music. With his paintings filled with shapes and colors, they are rich with rhythm motivated by the modulations of Mozart and Bach or even the cadence of poems by Apollinaire and Rilke. Klee was also inspired by the art of kids as well as those who are suffering from psychological disorders. Their art was regarded as a pure form of expression. In 1914, during a trip to Tunisia with Macke and Louis Moilliet, Klee was deeply inspired. As a result, his artworks were added with the rich color palette and distinctive language of mystical symbols.

One of the most important personalities who have inspired Klee was Kandinsky. He is considered to be the godfather of abstraction along with the other members of the Munich-based group, Macke, Marc, Alexej von Jawlensky. In addition to these, the lyrical patterns and transcendent color palette of Robert Delaunay also affected Paul Klee. 

What’s so special about Paul Klee

Paul Klee was one of the prominent artists in the 1900s. He is known for changing the course of modern art. As a passionate artist, he was also one of the artists who have influenced younger generations of artists. Remember the time when painting became less popular, it surged again because of the influences of Paul Klee. His works can be considered to be unconventional as it encompasses almost any style like the art created by disabled people and practitioners of the occult.

Valentine’s Day is one of the most awaited days by almost all individuals. This is celebrated in the name of Saint Valentine, the mysterious saint who is known to have defied the Roman emperor in service of the people. Saint Valentine performed secret marriages for young lovers. It was the belief of emperor Claudius II that single men made better soldiers than those who are already married. As such, Saint Valentine performed the sacrament of matrimony for young soldiers. Over the years, with his story and along with other tales, couples across the world started celebrating Valentine’s Day as the day of love. Read on to know more about how different countries celebrate the special day.

A week-long celebration in Argentina

Valentine’s Day in the country is not celebrated in February but in July. They call it, “the week of sweetness”. This is the time when lovers exchange kisses and receive sweet treats. It used to be a commercial activity, but later on, became a tradition. 

Romantic getaway in France

Did you know that the first-ever Valentine’s Day card originated in France? This was when Charles, the Duke of Orleans, sent love letters to his wife from the prison in 1415. There is also a French village called, Valentine, which is known to be the center of romance on the 12th and 14th of February. Homes are decorated with love cards, roses, and proposals for marriage flakes. 

A gala event in the Philippines

Valentine’s Day in the Philippines is a perfect day for young couples to get married in a mass wedding ceremony that is sponsored by the government. This is done as a form of public service. The day is considered to be special by many young couples. 

National chocolate day in Ghana

February 14 in Ghana is known as the “National Chocolate Day”. Ghana is known to be one of the largest cocoa-producing countries in the world. This is celebrated to increase tourism in the country. As such, couples or even those without dates on the said day can attend various events like performances, music events, and restaurants. 

The day of winemakers in Bulgaria

On February 14, the country celebrates the San Trifon Zartan or the “day of winemakers”. Couples celebrate their love with a glass of local wine. 

Wales – the day of the San Dwynwen

In Wales, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on January 25. This is called the “day of the San Dwynwen”. Lovers exchange gifts in the form of handcrafted wooden spoons. Interestingly, this has been the practice since the 16th century.

Feast of Saint Dionysius in Spain

In Valencia, Spain, the day of love is celebrated on October 9. This is known as the feast of Saint Dionysius. Macadora or marzipan figurines are made by men as a gift to their female partners. Parades are also done as part of the celebration. 

A celebration of love in Denmark

In Denmark, the 14th of February is celebrated by giving chocolates and roses. In addition to these, they also give handmade cards with pressed white flowers, called snowdrops. 

Exchange of unusual gifts in Japan

Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 and women buy gifts for their male partners. Men can’t return gifts until the 14th of March and this is called the “white day”.

Lovers Day in Brazil

Lovers day or Dia dos Namorados in Brazil is celebrated by exchanging chocolates, cards, and by watching music festivals, and dance performances. Family dinners are also common on that day. 

Adding colors to your home make it look more personal. Choosing the right color scheme is vital when decorating your home. Of course, at first, choosing and adding colors to your home may be a difficult task. But with some help from experts, and even inspiration from various websites or magazines, you will be able to achieve the appearance that you love. Read on to learn more about colors and how they can personalize your space. 

The colors we know

Many of us have been taught that colors come in different varieties. This includes primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. The primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. These colors are considered to be pure. Secondary colors are orange, green, and violet, and these are created by mixing two primary colors. For instance, blue and yellow give green. While tertiary colors are combinations of primary and secondary colors in different proportions. 

Create your color scheme

To create the right color scheme for your interior, it is recommended to use the color wheel. There are four types of colors schemes:

• Monochrome – this color scheme uses the hues of the same color with the application of black and white to lighten or darken the tinge. 
• Analogous – the color scheme makes use of neighboring colors from the color wheel. Yellow is used in combination with green or orange while blue will go with green or violet. As a result, you will be able to create a color scheme that can be soothing and dynamic.
• Contrasting – this color scheme is brighter and a triad of contrasting colors may be applied: yellow-orange, yellow-blue, red-violet. These color combinations make any space look bright and exciting. 
• Complementary – this color scheme makes use of two opposite colors such as orange and blue to create a bold palette. 

Expats recommend not to add colors to the wall immediately. Colors of paint can easily be found while matching furniture can be difficult. It is best to choose and add the furniture pieces and decorative items, then proceed with adding colors to the walls. It is common for homeowners to add neutral colors to the walls as they are the safest to use to whatever colors the furniture and decorative items have.

The impact of colors on your home

Colors are known to have significant effects on the interior of any space. In general, colors are categorized into two: cool and warm colors. Warm colors are known to be stimulating while cool colors are relaxing and calming. Check out the colors below and the effects they evoke in your home interior. 

• White – the color is usually associated with pureness and hygiene. It is known to reflect sunlight making any room appear lighter and expanding the space. Small rooms are recommended to use white, especially where light is scarce. 
• Black – never use this color in a dark room as things may get gloomy. Use the color only in well-lit areas.
• Gray – it is calm and neutral but can be dull and boring. Do not use gray as the main color of your room. If you want, you can use lighter shades of gray and they can be a good color for a background. 
• Red – this is a stimulating color and promotes activity. It is recommended to use the color for entryways, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. However, avoid using the color in the bedroom as well as the nursery.
• Yellow – this color is known to stimulate the learning process and develop intellect. This is the reason why yellow is highly recommended in the nursery.
• Orange – though less stimulating than red, orange contributes to better communication and harmonization of relationships. Use this color in the living room, dining room, or kitchen.
• Brown – a neutral color and preferred to be used for furniture. It works best when paired with beige and peach colors.
• Light blue – this shade of blue is calming and comforting. Use this color in the bedroom as it promotes a better quality of sleep. However, avoid shades of blue in the kitchen or dining room as it reduces appetite.
• Violet – considered to be the most mysterious color. It has different hues and influences us in various ways. 
• Green – this color has both warm and cold hues. Both hues are known to evoke different moods. Shades of green help people to concentrate and are ideal to be used in the kids’ room or study area. 

Wall decors to add colors to your space

Once you have decided on the color scheme to use, you can start planning what wall decor to add. Walls can be decorated with paintings, posters, photos, and others. They can be art installations or DIY decors. You can be creative and unleash your artistic side to create wall art that will take the center stage in your home.

It is a fact that the 80s design style is making a comeback. Many of us have witnessed the highlights of the decade and there are many good words to describe them. Technology may not be that advanced at that time, but life was enigmatic. Kids then were more engaged with physical activities. Music and films were also phenomenal. Of course, the styles then were remarkable. Though there are things that should be left behind, the 80s design style defies that catch-phrase. It keeps coming back and there are many good reasons why. 

History of the style of the 80s

It is no joke when you hear that the 80s design is synonymous with “bad taste”. In fact, there are many queer styles that emerged during the decade. But, just like any other thing, the 80s gave birth to extraordinary creativity and freedom of design. Although it is a period of experimentation and trials and errors, we can learn so much from the 80s. 

To make things more fun and exciting, the 80s design cradled some of the very diverse movements. For instance, the 80s design style was greatly influenced by art deco. The interior is seen with lots of mirrors, while the color palette is filled with soft colors and pastels. Furniture pieces were bold and heavy and can be overwhelming at first glance. 

The 80s also became popular because of Shabby Chic design style. Old items underwent upcycling to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. It is also common to see chintzes, antique chandeliers, skirted furniture, and creamy colors in the 80s. Though these were popular decades ago, they still remain famous up to this day. 

The most striking of all is the Memphis design since it is about the use of colors, patterns, and others. Many find this style bizarre, but it has elements that make it appealing and stimulating. 

How to achieve the 80s style

If you think that achieving the 80s design style is challenging and complicated, think again. You may already have some items needed to look like the 80s. Huge rooms, carpeted bathrooms, psychedelic colors, geometric patterns, and more. Some of these may have gone too soon but there are those that still hit the trend these days. 

The color scheme of the 80s

The color wheel plays an important role in interior design. When talking about the colors of the 80s, just think about the wildest and boldest color combination that you can imagine. At first, the dominant colors are pastels along with black and white, teal, and coral. The Memphis design introduced color blocking with primary colors. 

Patterns and graphic design

Geometric patterns are common in the 80s design style. Other styles that are recognizable are animal prints and doodles. Be sure that these are colorful and funky.

Color blocking

Color blocking is the mixing of two to three bold and contradictory colors. As a result, bold statements are created. 

Mix and match

80s interior design style is not about being subtle and classic. It is about decorating your home to your heart’s content. Sometimes decorating the interior means matching the patterns on your furniture, rugs, dress, and others. Think about being unusual and bold. 

Happy decorating!

The Philippines is rich in natural resources and tourist destinations. Batanes is one of the favorite travel destinations in the world. Some of the famous landmarks of Batanes are its lighthouses. There are several lighthouses known to exist in the province. All of them are important functionally as well as to the tourism industry of the country. Read on to learn more about these colossal landmarks.

Facts about lighthouses

Lighthouses have been in existence since ancient times. A little trivia that is good to know. IN fact, the first known lighthouse was the Pharos of Alexandria, Egypt. This was constructed by Ptolemy I and his son Ptolemy II in 300 and 280 BC. This was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Eventually, this was destroyed by natural disasters and wars. 

A lighthouse is a tower with a bright light on the top. Its main purpose is to help sailors in locating dangerous areas and likewise serves as a navigational aid that helps to keep ships and boats safe. A lighthouse station is usually composed of the lighthouse, the keeper’s house, and other structures. 

Batanes – a paradise worth visiting

The country is known for a number of tourist destinations and Batanes is on the top of the list. Batanes was shaped by nature millions of years ago. It is well-known for its rugged and scenic views. Green, rolling pastures, orange sunsets, crisp, clean art are some of the things that you will experience in the province. 

If you want to experience fresh, clean air and a peaceful vibe, then Batanes is the place to visit. These are also the reasons why many local and foreign travelers go to the province. It is known for its rock formations, impressive lighthouses, and wild horses that freely roam in the vast pasture. 

Batanes lighthouses

There are a lot of good things to say about lighthouses. By just staring at them, you can see that they are full of charm and enigma. What makes them more appealing is that they always have the best view. Especially those that stand in the hills of Batanes. These structures are often visited by tourists and photographs of them have been used for various reasons. 

Now, Batanes has three existing lighthouses and are quite similar in many ways. These structures are part of a project that was headed by Rep. Abad in the early 2000s. They were erected to guide seafarers across dangerous waters of the Pacific Ocean and the West Philippines Sea. Interestingly, these lighthouses also act as tourist attractions. The three are all capped with a red-painted concrete lantern room with narrow storm panes. The main tower is made of rubble masonry. 

Basco Lighthouse

This lighthouse was first lit in 2003 and the first to be completed. Basco Lighthouse is located in Naidi Hills where the old telegraph facility was during the American era. The lighthouse is white in color and crowned with a red lantern room. It is a 6-story structure allowing a majestic view of the West Philippine Sea, Mt. Iraya, and the Basco Town Proper.

Tayid Lighthouse

Tayid lighthouse was erected on a hill on Batan Island. Just like its counterpart in Basco, it is also capped with a red lantern room and roof. The base bears rubble masonry, similar to the other lighthouses of Batanes. Tayid faces the Pacific Ocean and can be seen from Marlboro Country and Diura Fishing Village. 

Sabtang Lighthouse

It stands on a cliff just beside the port. This lighthouse is the first man-made structure that you will see while you are on approach Sabtang island. It is a round tower with a rubble masonry finish all the way to the gallery deck. This gives the lighthouse an organic appeal. It also has a red lantern room, just like the other lighthouses mentioned earlier.