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Over the years, various interior design styles have been used by homeowners and designers to make their homes look perfect. Traditional and Transitional interior design styles are two of the favorites of many homeowners and designers. Both may have many similarities, but there are elements that make them special from each other. The first thing to do is to study the two styles and choose which one best fits your taste. When you do some comparing, you will notice that there are obvious differences that make each style extraordinary. Read on to learn more about the two interesting design styles. 

Traditional style – what it really is?

The traditional interior design style is characterized by ornate interiors that are inspired by a 17th or 18th-century European countryside home. The appearance is often warm, inviting, elegant, and luxurious. The interior usually features furnishings and decors that have curves and elegant designs. The traditional interior design style is also marked by elegant furniture pieces, intricate woodworks, heavy drapery, and different patterns. This design style will surely bring the past to the modern world. 

Characteristics of Traditional design style

The traditional design style is influenced by 19th-century European decor. It is a timeless design that evokes comfort and elegance. The presence of and antiques and classic art pieces complete the appearance of your home. 

It is also important to have dark and rich colors especially with the materials used. Examples of colors that are commonly seen are red, brown, and green tones. Floral prints and plaids are likewise common. When it comes to furniture pieces, they are often large and elegant. These include china cabinets, chandeliers, decorative pillows, mirrors, vases, and candleholders.

The beauty of the Transitional design style

The transitional interior design style blends well with contemporary and traditional styles. It is a combination of both classic and modern furniture and finishes. The appearance of the interior is less uptight and more relaxed. The addition of textiles, wood tones, and other decorative textures gives depth to the rooms. If you love the combination of classic and modern looks against a neutral backdrop, then this design style is the right one for you.

Characteristics of Transitional design style

Sometimes it is confusing to know the differences between traditional and transitional interior design styles. However, knowing the principles and significance of the characteristics will give you an idea of which style works best for you. Here are some of the common characteristics o the design style that you will surely adore.

The combination of classic curves and modern lines in a neutral setting brings the best to your home. It is also common to see comfortable furnishings and soft lines. The color palette is usually kept minimum. In addition to these, the motif is usually elegant and timeless. These characteristics create a more modern appeal. 

Which works best for you?

Now that you already have some idea about traditional and transitional interior design styles, you will be able to decide which style to use in your homes. The two styles may have many similarities, yet they both have the respective traits that make them even more extraordinary. 

The minimalist interior design style is one of our favorites. It has the beauty and appeal that can give your freedom. Minimalism can be defined as a tool that assists you in finding the best with many opportunities available. The removal of any distraction so that one can focus on the more important things is the highlight of the minimalist interior design style. Being a minimalist is different from being simple. Minimalism means promoting the things that we value most and excluding the others that may cause distractions. 

What really is minimalism?

In the world of art and design, minimalism is expressed in a way that encompasses even beyond the social, geographical, and political divisions. The design style is very similar to modern interior design that involves only the bare essentials. As such, any living space will have a simple and uncluttered look. The minimalist design style is characterized by simplicity, clean lines, and a monochromatic palette with a few colors only used as accents. The interior also has an open floor plan, great lighting, functional furniture, and a handful of essentials. 

A brief history of minimalism

Minimalism is most commonly associated with the Western art movement that started in the 1950s. The movement focused on the idea that “art should have its own reality and not be an imitation of some other thing”. The style is influenced by many things such as abstract expressionism. However, minimalism focused more on geometric shapes, subtle colors, and the phrase “less is more”. 

The Japanese concept of wabi-sabi also influenced minimalism. The concept is all about imperfection and impermanence. Japanese minimalism uses clean lines, neutral tones, carefully placed tatami mats, and natural materials. In fact, many celebrity homes use the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi. 

The minimalist interior design style that we know today has a mixture of characteristics. Probably because of the different influences it had over the years. But the core concept of simplicity, clean lines, neutral tones, and unclutteredness never disappears. 

The Scandinavian decor and design style is also influenced by minimalism. It is common for Scandinavian homes to have light wood, dried greenery, and clean lines. 

Achieve the minimalist interior design style in your home

Since your home has different rooms, you can easily incorporate the design style by following some tips. For instance, the living room can look perfect with white or neutral walls, uncluttered coffee tables, soft colors, geometric patterns, and plants. These can help achieve an inviting and cozy atmosphere especially with lots of natural light getting in. For the dining room, the colors should likewise be simple. Choose neutral or black accents along with ceramic dinnerware in light hues to complete the view. 

The bedroom can be your sanctuary and should have an appearance that is relaxing and comfortable. It is all about creating a tranquil environment with the use of minimalist concepts. Use blankets and pillows in similar tones as well as a nightstand that appears simple. Be sure that they blend into the overall appearance of the room. 

Final thoughts

Decorating and styling your home is not a joke. It means that you have to be creative in your own way. The minimalist interior design style is not that hard to achieve. All you need to do is to incorporate the core concept of the style into your home and you will have the interior design of your dreams. 

The addition of nature into your home has been one of the desires of many homeowners and designers over the years. Humans love nature and the benefits that they evoke. These are some of the reasons why they want the look to be part of their homes. The natural and organic appeal of elements makes us feel calm, at peace, and inviting. These days, the problems we encounter with the environment encourage us to have a natural theme. As such, we can still enjoy the benefits of nature even if the situation of the planet is dwindling. Here are some ideas on how to bring nature to your home.

Choose the natural element that will calm you

Nature is always associated with the outdoors and it is not impossible for us to bring the elements to our homes. Some of the elements that you can highlight in your room are plants, flowers, wood, cotton, and others. Choosing the materials that reflect your personality is the first step for bringing them into your home. Decorating the walls is also a great idea since the decors can be the focal point. The key is to choose the natural elements that incorporate your style and will connect you with your interior. 

Wood as a finish

Many homeowners believe that wood is the only material that can be finished to look like any other material, like marble. You can also leave it unfinished to bring its natural beauty along with its imperfections. In fact, the addition of wood is one of the easiest ways to achieve a nature-themed interior. The material can also create a rustic feel that will make your interior warm and cozy. 

Natural wood furniture pieces

Over the years, wood furniture has been widely used by homeowners and designers. They are durable, attractive, and can be finished in various ways. If you prefer a rustic and country appeal, choose artisan-crafted furniture. You may also add antique furniture pieces to have a nostalgic vibe. If you want to have a modern appeal, select wood furniture with minimal lines that is also free from any ornamentation. 

Natural material in the bathroom

The bathroom, a perfect sanctuary where you can relax and get rejuvenated. Connecting yourself with water can calm your mind and body. The addition of natural materials can also complete the overall appearance of your bathroom. Wooden walls may give it a sauna-like appearance, while the presence of minimal fixtures and natural light can give a life-changing experience. 

Flowers and floral prints 

Wood and stones are not the only natural materials that you can add to your interiors. Flowers and plants are also perfect decorations that will bring you closer to nature. Whether you are talking about natural or artificial flowers, they both evoke beauty that will make your interior bright and warm. Of course, it is better to use natural ones as there are many benefits that can be obtained. Add potted flowers to your side tables, console table, or dining room table. You will be surprised to have that summer feel at any time of the day. 

Final Thoughts

Decorating your interior is one of the best ways to add value to your home. Nature-themed rooms are a perfect way to bring out the beauty of the environment. With flowers and floral prints, you can easily make any room look vibrant that you and your family will love.

A large empty wall can easily become an eyesore. But with a creatively designed wall art can turn everything around. A carefully planned wall design can be the focal point of any room. There are creative ways to do this and for sure, your family and friends will love them. With a little preparation and the right decorations, you can make a simple house structure into something magical. Read on to learn more about how to decorate and make any large-sized wall into a work of art.

Display oversized artwork

To fill an empty wall without destroying the modern vibe in the room, experts recommend the display of a few oversized artworks. Add a few pieces that are of the same size to create an elegant and luxurious feel in the room. 

Introduce architectural images

Add architectural elements such as baseboards, wood planks, and others. These will add depth and dimension to your wall. You can buy these materials from your local hardware store or if there are some left from your previous renovation project, you can use them. These will likewise add some style and character to the whole room. 

Add accent furniture

You can always rely on accent furniture to help fill a wall space. For instance, you can add a sculptural table, an accent chair, or a console table to make an empty space look awesome. These will easily and instantly make your large wall look fun and exciting. You may also want to look at storage solutions such as drawers or cabinets to minimize clutter in your room. 

Layers of artwork and decor

If your large wall has a table below it, you may also want to consider layering pieces to get a more three-dimensional effect. For example, oversized mirrors are one of the great solutions to add life to a big blank wall. It also offers a wonderful layered look. Add your favorite small painting or artwork as well to add texture. 

Simple wall gallery

Create a gallery of artworks or prints that are of the same theme and matching frames. You can also create an eclectic wall gallery with a mixture of artwork, mirrors, prints, and hanging decor for a more cohesive and fun appearance. You can also add a console table below and another architectural piece on one side. 

Surround your bed with artwork and mirrors

If you are looking for a more creative solution, try this one. Hang one or more pieces of art directly above the headboard and then ad two matching mirrors to framed pieces above each nightstand. These fill in a way nicely and provide a balanced wall appearance. You may also hang two to three matching botanical prints above the bed and two matching mirrors above each nightstand. 

Tall plants

Position some of your decors in front of the wall which takes up wall space. You may also use tall indoor plants to make a corner statement. Not only that the plants add beauty to your home. They can also help purify the indoor air and keep everybody healthy. 

Art Nouveau is a design style that is commonly used in architecture, applied art, and fine art. Its popularity rose in the 1890s until the beginning of World War I. The goal of the design style was to modernize the design and move away from the eclectic historical styles that were popular during that period. In fact, the concept of Art Nouveau originated from the stems and blossoms of plants. Read on to learn more about Art Nouveau and how it all began. 

A brief history of Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau was based on the name of an art gallery in Paris, “Maison de l’Art Nouveau”. The gallery was owned by an art collector, Siegfried Bing. The gallery featured artworks that were created in the Art Nouveau style. Along with modern furniture pieces, tapestries, and other decorative items during the 1900 Exposition Universelle made the place popular that the name of the place was used to denote the design style. 

Simultaneously, Les Vingt and La Libre Esthetique promoted the design style in Belgium. While the magazine, Youth, promoted the design style in Germany. It was an illustrated magazine on art and lifestyle in Munich. 

Though the exact origin of Art Nouveau is not really determined. Many art historians agree that the origin is linked with the English Arts and Crafts Movement. It also has influences from Celtic art to Japonism. The beauty of Art Nouveau is that it can be applied to other disciplines like architecture, interior design, fine arts, glassware, and illustrations. 

Its worldwide popularity is short-lived, however, because of the rise of the Art Deco movement. It made its comeback in the 1960s. The emergence of Art Nouveau is the response to the traditional design style. The goal was to do away with the traditional ones and modernize the concepts and ideas in the decorative arts. The design style is inspired by the organic and geometric forms, evolving elegant designs that mimic the stems and blossoms of plants. The beauty of Art Nouveau features lines and curves as well as colors and hues. 

Traits of Art Nouveau

Here are some of the traits of Art Nouveau that will make a difference to your homes:

• The design of the furniture pieces is styled with flowers, leaves, buds, and roots. 
• Designers have the freedom and flexibility to choose the color as long as they are light.
• The floor is usually made from hardwood that is stained and varnished with the addition of an oriental or colorful rug. 
• Tiffany lamps and stained glass windows create the atmosphere. 

Achieve the design style in your home

For homes that employ the design style, it is common to see elongated curves and linear shapes. The style is influenced by nature such as flowers, spider webs, and feathers. Here are some ideas and tips to achieve Art Nouveau interior to your home. 

• Wall colors – usually the colors of the wall are soft and muted mixed with palettes of gray, mustard, brown, olive, and lilac.
• Floors – parquet floor or wood finish will achieve the classic appearance, whitewash the floor, or mid-toned wood. 
• Lighting – Tiffany lamps were the popular ones during the period.
• Decors – add curved or straight lines which are geared upwards from the ground. Stained glasses can be used with the same design which resembles blossoms of plants. 

Poster art is one of the most common forms of art and probably the most straightforward when it comes to sending messages and information. Posters use graphical and textual elements and are designed to attract attention. It also aims to give information as brief yet accurate as possible. However, popular posters are, they are still underestimated by many people. Many do not accept it as a form of art since posters are now mass-produced. Read on to learn why posters are still considered art. Hopefully, at the end of this article, you will have a different perspective about posters and be able to fully appreciate them.

The ancient times

Modern posters or the posters that we know these days emerged between the 1840s and 1850s. However, if you are going to study it further, poster as a medium dates back to the prehistoric period. Cave paintings from the Ancient Middle East and Egypt are the earliest examples of what we call posters. 

Production of posters then was limited due to the availability of technology. It was in the 1860s when Jules Cheret developed a new lithographic process. The three-stone lithography was more affordable yet with richer and more expressive colors. This was also influenced by Ukiyo-e woodblock prints in Japan. With these developments in poster technology, he was known as “The Father of the Fine Art Poster.”

Pioneers of Posters

Jules Cheret was not the only one who developed poster printing. The golden age of the poster saw the spread of poster art beyond Paris and throughout Europe. Posters were used in circuses, sporting events, cabarets, and others. Name like Theophile Steinlen’s advertisements for the Parisian cabaret Le Chat Noir is one of the iconic poster art from the Golden Age movement. The end of the 19th century marked the growth of posters as art. This period is what they call the Belle Epoque.

Many art movements can be traced and influenced by other periods such as Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Modern Contemporary Art Movement. Among the names that are associated with the development of modern posters are T. Privat-Livemont, Dudley hardy, Eugene Grasset, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Jules Cheret. In the United States, posters were used in advertisements such as Ringing Bros. 

Posters in the United States were more subtle and realistic. They had subdued colors and simpler compositions. It was Edward Penfield who started these kinds of posters and they were even welcomed warmly in Europe. 

Propaganda posters

Posters became popular as a medium for rallying cry and calling to arms. The most iconic poster during the propaganda era was Lord Kitchener Want You by Alfred Leete. It practically captured the true essence of the poster as a medium that speaks directly to its viewers. Post World War I, the Art Noveau was considered to be old-fashioned and obsolete. The rise of Art Deco and the modern art movements in Europe caused the resurgence in the popularity of posters. It showcased new aesthetics but still, posters never became prevalent as compared during the Golden Age. 

Posters in the present day

Today, poster art is becoming popular, They are ubiquitous in homes and many public areas. Typography posters with inspirational and personalized text are used to motivate people while graphic posters were influenced by past and contemporary art movements. Posters also had new purposes such as reproducing popular paintings and advertising. 

Already in the planning stage for your wedding? This is probably one of the most challenging parts before the big day. You will have to choose the right wedding cake, the gown, reception area, flowers, and others. With so many choices on the table, you will surely be confused about which ones to choose. However, if you are planning to have the wedding ceremony at your home, then you also have to prepare your home big time! Do not stress yourself as there are simple and inexpensive ways to prepare your house for this momentous occasion. 

Clean your house and make it stay that way

Big efforts are needed into getting your house organized and clean especially before the big day. As it draws closer, you should be able to focus on the preparation rather than cleaning up and making things look bright. Of course, many people will keep on coming in and out of your home. This will be difficult for your to keep your home clean. A robot vacuum will be a good help in removing the dust off your floors. It does not have to be that expensive. You can get good deals online. As such, cleaning the floors would be simple.

Try to rent some items instead of getting new ones

For sure, you will have some events before the wedding day. Relatives from different places will be coming in to stay in your home. Friends will come and go for visits. Your things may not be sufficient, like chairs and tables. Avoid buying new ones and look for rentals. Wine glasses, tents, decors are likewise available for rent as long as you take time in search of them. Ask your friends if they know someone to save time and effort. Another way is to check social media as you can see a lot of rentals there. 

Relieve your guests from stress

Wedding and wedding preparations are fun and exciting. They can also be highly stressful. It is important to keep everyone relaxed and maintain a comfortable ambiance to your home. If the room temperature is warm, try adding some electric fans and paper fans to keep your guests comfortable. You may also use calming scents with the use of scented candles of oils to calm your nerves before the big day. Examples of scents you can try are lavender and cedarwood. 

Prepare simple yet sumptuous meals

Food is very crucial during these times. However, this should be the last of your worries especially if you have a large number of guests. It is also vital to prepare healthy food especially for those who are on maintenance meds. You do not want your wedding to be the cause of their health problems. Plan your meals and snacks even before they arrive. You can hire some help in preparing the meals. Prepare a snack bar where they can pick their own stress busters. It is also cute to see a colorful healthy snack bar for the little ones. 

How about pets?

Pets do get stressed especially if they are not familiar with their surroundings. Look for someone who can take care of them while you are away or busy with the preparations and celebrations. You may also bring your pets along with you, especially anxious animals. 

Decorate your home

There are a lot of ways to maintain a festive ambiance in your home. Decorating the walls is one of the easiest and fastest ways to keep them cool and lovely. Posters are some of the wonderful wall decors that can be a great help when preparing your home before the big day. There are a lot of themes available. Floral prints are also perfect to make the ambiance perfect for the event. You can also personalize it with your photos with family and friends. 

One of the spectacular ways to personalize your home is by displaying family photos. This may be quite easy but when done in the wrong way, you will be creating an eyesore instead of a compelling focal point. So, instead of keeping the photos in an album, try to unleash your creativity by creating a wall gallery for your family photos. 

Time to organize your pictures

Sometimes, family photos are just scattered in the bedroom. Gather them all, even those that are already displayed, and group them in one area. The area can either be a gallery wall, bookshelves, or photo ledges. As such, you will be creating a fantastic focal point instead of having them scattered around the room. The chaotic appearance of the photos can now be organized with a great result. 

Choose the right picture frames

The appearance of the focal point or photo gallery greatly depends on how well they are framed and displayed. Small frames do not look that appealing. Replace them with larger ones and it is better to use the same frame for all family photos. This will be of great help to highlight the photos displayed on the walls. Large mats will likewise highlight the photos.

A feature wall instead of scattered photos

Avoid having more than two areas in a room with daily photos displayed. For instance, if you already have a feature wall with a gallery of family photos, you can still add another area for the photos to be displayed. Examples are the nightstand or console table. Choose the right area in the room to display family photos. Do not overpower the whole room appearance with too many areas displayed with photos.

Family photos in grids

A collection of family photos in a grid of frames with mats will top it all. This arrangement is perfect for big walls. It is also important to choose the right frame to highlight the display. Extra-large mats can also highlight the photos, making them instantly noticeable once a guest enters your home. 

A kitchen gallery

The display of family photos is not confined in the living room alone. Be creative and unique by creating a wall gallery in the kitchen. Pick a spot where the photos can give your wall a fantastic appearance making the room look more perfect. 

Decorating the hallway with a photo gallery

The hallway may have multiple purposes. Decorating the wall with a photo gallery will make the necessary transformation. Impress your friends by creating a gallery of special memories. With the use of warm wood frames and clean white mats, you will have a wall that will look timeless, especially if the photos are in black and white. 

Fun-filled dining room with wall gallery

What’s the best way to entertain your guests while dining? Of course a wall with framed photos. This wall design will not only add life to the room. It will also serve as a conversation starter as the photos can give a nostalgic vibe. The layout can be anything as long as they do not overwhelm the room. 

The display of posters is one of the fun and exciting ways to express ourselves, add a personal style to our rooms, and bring to life any room in our homes. Gone are the days that we simply display the art or any photos on the walls. Sometimes we even use corkboards to pin these memorabilia. These days, the use of frames does not only protect your art, posters, or photos. They can also add beauty to the wall decor that will level up the overall appearance of your walls. 

Local framing store

The quickest and easiest way to frame a poster is to bring it to a local framing store. However, this may be a little expensive and greatly depends on the type and size of the frame. The only disadvantage is that these stores may have a limited selection of suitable frames to choose from. Some stores may also offer you frames that are of not good quality and may cause problems in the future. 

Frame it yourself

If you are worried that you may commit a mistake in framing your posters, there are different references on how to do it correctly. The internet is one of the best sources that we have these days and practically everything can be found on various websites. 

Choosing the right frame is quite a challenge at first. But come to think of it, there are simple ways to determine the most suitable frame for your needs. You need to consider two aspects of your poster. Is the poster black and white or colored? You also need to consider the dimension of the poster. If the poster is black and white, a neutral frame is highly recommended to highlight the image. If the poster is in vibrant colors, choose a frame with a color that is also featured in the poster. 

How to frame a poster

1. To use or not to use a mat. The mat can add beauty to your posters as it provides an extra border, providing a space between the poster and the frame. Mats can also adjust the size of the poster.
2. The right frame to use. There are different types of frames to use. The materials also vary from plastic to high-quality metal or wood. These frames can add beauty to your poster and likewise protect them especially those that are considered to be collector’s editions. 
3. Clean the glass or plexiglass.
4. Attach the poster to an adhesive foam board.
5. Slide the glass back into its place in the frame.
6. Fit the mat into the frame.
7. Gently slide the poster or foam board into the frame behind the mat.
8. If there is a need for a poster backing, then add it to the assembly. This protects the art against dust and dents. 
9. Attach the hanging mechanism. 

The perfect frame for your poster

Finding the right frame for your poster and framing it is not that difficult as many people think. Many shops sell posters in the form of a kit. There are instructions included to guide you in properly adding the frame. In Artdesign, we have simple yet appealing frames that will add beauty to any poster design that you choose. Choose the right frame and beautify your walls.

In many houses, the walls get the usual covering such as flat, eggshell, or semi-gloss interior paint. The good thing about this is that you can never go wrong with coating the walls with interior paint. However, there are other wall coverings that can be used to make your walls appealing and exciting. A great wall covering can likewise be the focal point of the house. Some of these wallcoverings are highly textured and not recommended to cover the whole house with it since it will produce visual overload. Try using highly textured wall coverings on an accent wall instead of multiple walls to have an interesting wall decoration. 

Wood Wainscot

Conventionally, this is an area of wooden paneling on the lower part of the walls of a room. This is often wood beadboard and can be commonly seen painted in white. White wainscot projects a retro appearance of a summer cottage. The reality is that you do not have to confine yourself with white. You can paint it in an array of colors. Wainscot is also readily available and inexpensive. You can get them from the local lumberyard or home improvement store. There are basically two main forms of wood wainscot: Tongue-and-groove plywood beadboard paneling that still requires cutting and priming; MDF panels that are exclusively made for wainscot, and is already primed and ready for painting.

Tile Wainscot

Commonly, a wainscot is made of wood. Tile can also be used in wainscoting and is ideal in the bathroom. Joining tile to tile creates a perfect water-sealed seam. This will also look good in other rooms aside from the bathroom, as long as they will look appropriate.

Floor-to-ceiling tile

Cover the wall with tiles from the floor way up to the ceiling to create a modern look for your interior wall. However, choose the appropriate wall to lay the tiles on as this will cause visual overload if multiple walls are tiled.

Modern wallpaper

This type of wallpaper can provide a sophisticated and glamorous appearance. The design can provide a fresh and trendy look. Commonly, simple patterns and colors can provide a bold and clean look. Geometric figures, textures, floral, and more futuristic designs can give a modern wall appearance that will be loved by many homeowners.

Manufactured Stone Veneer

Man-made stone veneer is composed of Portland cement, aggregates, and iron oxides. Just like natural stones, manufactured stone veneer also has the same weight and durability.

Faux stone veneer

This is usually made of styrofoam that looks like a real stone. The drawback is that faux stone veneer can dent easily therefore these should be installed in areas where physical contact is not that much.

Wood wall panels

Today, wood paneling is one of the popular wall covering designs available that looks great on the wall interior. These panels are usually made from rosewood, oak, ebony, teak, and other exotic woods. The size is small and they are usually mounted horizontally.

Mosaic tiles made of bamboo

If you are looking for a wall covering that is fresh and modern, then the bamboo mosaic tile is a perfect choice. The food thing about bamboo is that they are sustainable as it can be grown easily. So no need to worry about waiting for a long period of time to have a full-grown plant. Bamboo tiles are ideal indoors and try not to install them in the bathroom.

Mosaic tiles made of cork

These are tiny round tiles made of cork and are bound together on mesh mats for easy installation. These are ideal for wall sections or for backsplashes.

Removable wallpaper

Unlike conventional wallpaper, this type of wallpaper can be removed with no special tools needed. Ideal for apartment living where you can just remove them without the fuss when the time comes that you decided to leave the apartment.