Interior design is one of the best ways to show who we are, allowing ideals like sustainability and eco-consciousness to take the stage. Whether you're new to going green or a seasoned pro interested in new ideas, you're not alone in this journey. These are some of the top tips and trends for sustainable interior design, and they will help you tell if it's right for you! Embracing Natural Materials Natural wood is one of the hottest trends of the year. From beautiful cedar decking to gorgeous natural wood throughout the kitchen, you can make your home a dream come true with this simple swap. You can go beyond wood by using natural stone as well! If you want the best results, consider going for wood and stone that's natural in the area you live in. Not only will this look incredible, but it can also be more sustainable if sourced well. Optimizing Energy Efficiency Energy efficiency is one of the most popular ways to make a property more sustainable. Not only does it reduce the drain on the local environment, but it also helps homeowners save money on their monthly bills and increases property value. With all of this in mind, remember that your comfort still matters. Although the best temperature for summer apartments is higher if you're considering energy efficiency, it's not always comfortable to live in an 85-degree apartment just because it's 100 degrees outside. Try to find a balance between energy efficiency and comfort. Minimizing Waste With the mass popularity of recycling, it's easy to hope that waste will be reduced, but the average American still creates tons of trash and waste every year. Remember to reduce, reuse, and recycle what you can, but there are more options than just these three! Selling and donating older items you don't want can also be helpful. This is especially important if you're updating appliances that work but need more energy efficiency. Give your old products a second life by passing them on to someone who needs them. Incorporating Biophilic Design Biophilic design has been a buzzword for many years, and for good reason! This design idea pushes people to lean into more natural materials and styles, emphasizing plant life, which is good for the home's oxygen and mental health. This is best done in spaces like kitchens and home offices, which can benefit from the big boost of inspiration that comes from being in a biophilic space. Remember your abilities, though, and don't bite off more than you can chew. An office with a couple of fiddle-leaf figs may seem beautiful, but if you can't maintain them, it could be a better idea to go with pothos instead. Choosing Low-VOC and Non-Toxic Materials Our air quality and health matter. When you're building or redesigning your home, it's important to stop and consider the impact of every stain, dye, and material you pick. Remember to clean and replace your filters often and build for your future. Just because a company says it's green doesn't necessarily mean it's safe or trustworthy. The most important thing you can do is stop and research anything you can. Over time, this will become second nature and save you a lot of stress and work. Greenwashing is extremely popular right now, so look beyond the buzzwords companies use to label their products and research how they're made, what materials are used, and how safe they are for the consumer. Investing in Quality Over Quantity Quality over quantity is one of those sayings that's been overdone constantly, but it's popular for a reason. Investing in high-quality wood, stone, and other materials will ensure they last longer and look fantastic. Although you can initially afford more with low-quality materials, you'll have to pay more in the long term when you replace them. The quality you choose matters more when you're dealing with items like rooftop flooring tiles. Nobody wants to use subpar materials when they could put someone's life at risk. Updating With Maintenance In Mind When updating your home, remember how much future maintenance you're creating for yourself. Although all homes need some base layer of maintenance performed, you need to keep up with the major things to avoid becoming overwhelmed and worse than you were when you started off. Use high-quality materials, set a maintenance schedule, and consider getting a home inspection for tips on what needs work the most. This will save you from struggling in the long term. Your Property Can Be Eco-Friendly in No Time We only have one Earth, so we all must take steps towards making it an awesome place to live. Consider following some of these ideas, and check out Jill Seidner's Interior Design for more tips!
Author Bio Andrea Erickson is a freelance writer who loves sharing her knowledge and expertise in renovation and Interior Design. She lives in her hometown of Austin, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and decorating with her children. Andrea’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.
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Need ideas on how to merge existing furniture with new? Want help with accessory & furniture selections? Paint color choices? Get a complete room design for just $500 with online design. Email your room dimensions along with pictures of the room & any existing furniture you would like to incorporate and receive a complete room design which will consist of:
Please email for more info, questions, or to forward pics and measurements: JSInteriorDes@aol.com. Payable via Zelle or Venmo: @Jill-Seidner When most people think of luxury, the first thing that comes to mind is massive rooms, polished details, and technology that makes life easier. But what about the exterior of your home? Luxury can create a lawn that you'll be excited to entertain on or a space that could be the perfect oasis after a long week. These tips can help inspire something new while making your life more interesting. Embracing Nature: The Foundation of Outdoor Living Luxurious outdoor living spaces are rooted in a deep appreciation for the natural world. These designs blend indoor comforts with the serenity of nature, creating harmonious retreats. Lush greenery, tranquil water features, and native landscaping add character, while organic materials like stone and wood enhance the connection to the outdoors, embodying a rustic design exterior. Whether it's a spacious deck, a cozy fire pit, or an outdoor kitchen, every element is thoughtfully crafted for relaxation and entertainment. From lounging under a pergola to dining amidst a garden, outdoor living offers a chance to unwind and connect with the beauty of the surrounding environment. Functional Layouts: Creating Cohesive Spaces In designing luxurious outdoor living areas, the layout is key for seamlessly integrating indoor comfort with outdoor ambiance. Careful arrangement of furniture, amenities, and landscaping elements promotes functionality and harmony. Strategic placement of seating, dining, and recreational areas allows for smooth transitions between activities, while incorporating versatile features like modular furniture enhances flexibility. With a focus on functional layouts, designers create outdoor spaces that offer both style and practicality for homeowners to enjoy. Comfort and Style: Furnishing Outdoor Spaces When it comes to designing luxurious outdoor living spaces, choosing the right furnishings is crucial. From comfortable seating to elegant dining sets, each piece is carefully selected to create an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and entertainment. Plush sofas and accent chairs ensure comfort, while decorative elements like outdoor rugs and soft lighting add to the ambiance. Dining areas are equipped with elegant tables and durable yet stylish tableware, making outdoor dining a seamless experience. To secure these furnishings, knowing how to use self-drilling screws can be invaluable, ensuring sturdy installations without the need for pre-drilling. By blending comfort and style, furnished outdoor spaces become an extension of the home, perfect for leisure and entertaining. Seamless Transitions: Blurring Indoor and Outdoor Boundaries Blurring the lines between the indoor and outdoor of your home is easier than you may think! Starting with wood stains, you can try to match your deck color with the floors or cabinets of whatever room your back door is connected to. This is a fast way to make it clear these spaces are connected. Another great idea is using similar fabric colors and styles. If you have a light and airy aesthetic on the interior of your home, it's important that you don't have a dark and heavy one outside. If you want to save yourself from extra work and time spent on your lawn, it's time to look into artificial grass suppliers in your area. Lighting and Atmosphere: Setting the Mood When designing luxurious outdoor living spaces, it's important to consider lighting and atmosphere to create the right vibe. Lighting plays a crucial role in transforming your outdoor area into a welcoming retreat, whether you're entertaining guests or seeking relaxation.
By mixing ambient, task, and accent lighting, you can adjust the mood to fit different occasions. Soft, warm lighting sets a cozy tone for intimate gatherings, while carefully placed fixtures highlight key features in the landscape. Think about options like dimmable lights or smart lighting systems for added convenience. Additionally, features such as fire pits, torches, or string lights can add a magical touch, encouraging you to unwind and enjoy your outdoor sanctuary. Integration of Technology: Smart Outdoor Living In upscale outdoor designs, modern technology and eco-friendly solutions like permeable pavers are essential. Smart outdoor systems offer convenience and entertainment, from automated irrigation to sophisticated lighting controls. Smart speakers and outdoor kitchens with Wi-Fi connectivity enhance the experience, while surveillance cameras and smart locks provide security. By integrating technology and sustainable materials like permeable pavers, outdoor spaces become luxurious hubs for relaxation and entertainment, with a focus on environmental responsibility. Luxury Doesn’t Have to Stop at the Door Although luxury can seem like a daunting task, it's not as hard to achieve as you may think. Make your lawn luxurious by following these tips, and check out Jill Seidner's Interior Design for more inspiration. Author Bio Andrea Erickson is a freelance writer who loves sharing her knowledge and expertise in renovation and Interior Design. She lives in her hometown of Austin, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and decorating with her children. Andrea’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site. After a long, chilly winter, it's time to start fresh and give your home a new beginning. Thankfully, spring is the perfect time to reinvent yourself and your home and add value while you're at it. Whether you're working on a new property or you live in an older home that needs a lot of work, you're not alone! Here are the top tips to keep in mind. Declutter and Simplify The first thing to do before you pick a single paint swatch or swap out a single piece of furniture is deep clean. We all strive to keep our properties clean and fresh, but sometimes dust, dirt, and clutter can add up. Work one room at a time, starting top to bottom, and declutter as you clean. Don't skip closets or cabinets! This will give you time to think about what you need to keep, what should be sold or donated, and what needs to be recycled or trashed. Clutter can add to anxiety and disorganized thinking, so take care of it early on so the rest of this process is easy. Embrace Soft Pastel Hues As spring approaches, consider incorporating soft pastel hues into your home's interior design to capture the essence of the season. These gentle shades, such as blush pink, baby blue, lavender, and mint green, evoke a sense of freshness and tranquility reminiscent of blooming flowers and clear skies. Whether through paint choices, upholstery fabrics, or decorative accents, integrating these soothing colors can instantly brighten and rejuvenate any space, creating a serene atmosphere that invites relaxation and adds a touch of springtime charm to your home. Maximize Natural Light The moment the sun comes out in the spring, it's time to invite it in! Are your windows large enough to match your aesthetic? Do you have enough windows? Installing new windows can cost between five hundred and two thousand dollars each, and expanding windows can be similar in price. The final effect is worth it, though. If you DIY this, use the best insulation tools to seal any gaps around windows or doors. You can create the illusion of more sunlight by using sheer curtains, mirrors across from windows, and smart lighting that adjusts based on the time of day. Bring the Outdoors In Incorporating natural elements into your home design is a timeless strategy that complements the fresh feel of spring. By welcoming the outdoors in, you not only enhance visual appeal but also cultivate a sense of tranquility and connection to nature. Start by adding potted plants or fresh flowers to infuse your living spaces with color and organic charm. Positioning windows or glass doors strategically can maximize natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere. Utilizing materials like wood, rattan, or stone adds warmth and authenticity to your decor. Consider integrating botanical prints or nature-inspired artwork to evoke the outdoors throughout your home. This approach creates a welcoming environment that captures the essence of spring indoors. Lightweight Fabrics and Textures Integrating lightweight fabrics and textures is a popular choice for achieving a bright and airy atmosphere in your home this spring. Materials like linen, cotton, and sheer fabrics can instantly uplift any room, allowing natural light to filter through and create a refreshing ambiance. Consider adding sheer curtains to gently diffuse sunlight while maintaining an open feel. Incorporating linen upholstery on furniture adds casual elegance and promotes airflow during warmer months. To enhance the overall aesthetic, introduce textured elements such as rattan, wicker, or woven textiles for added depth and visual interest. Additionally, installing acoustic wood panels can improve sound quality in your space while adding a stylish touch to your interior design. These thoughtful additions not only elevate the look of your home but also create a comfortable and inviting environment perfect for spring. Incorporate Metallic Accents To add a touch of elegance and refinement to your spring-inspired interior design, consider incorporating metallic accents throughout your home. Choose gold, silver, or copper elements strategically placed to catch and reflect natural light, enhancing the overall brightness of your space. Whether it's gleaming metallic frames for mirrors and artwork, shimmering light fixtures, or textiles with metallic threads, these accents can bring depth and visual interest to your décor. Additionally, metallic accessories like vases, trays, and candleholders can serve as stylish focal points while enhancing the ambiance of any room. Thoughtfully used metallic accents can evoke a sense of luxury and warmth, perfectly complementing the fresh and airy atmosphere of spring. Playing With Patterns Introducing patterns into your home decor can inject a fresh and lively vibe, perfect for capturing the essence of spring. Consider incorporating bathroom shiplap ideas alongside other patterns like floral motifs, geometric designs, or subtle stripes. Mixing and matching patterns in complementary colors can create a dynamic yet cohesive look. Experimenting with different textures and sizes adds depth to your space, revitalizing your home for the season ahead.
Spring Is the Time for a Fresh Start When greenery returns, and the weather turns warm, it's time to start fresh and give your home a new life. Consider following these tips, and check out Jill Seidner's Interior Design for more inspiration. Author Bio Andrea Erickson is a freelance writer who loves sharing her knowledge and expertise in renovation and Interior Design. She lives in her hometown of Austin, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and decorating with her children. Andrea’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site. Adding pops of color to a bedroom can bring life and personality to the space. Here are some ideas:
1. Accent wall: Paint one wall in a bold, vibrant color to serve as a focal point in the room. 2. Throw pillows and blankets: Incorporate colorful throw pillows and blankets in different textures and patterns to add visual interest to the bed or seating area. 3. Artwork: Hang colorful artwork or framed prints on the walls to inject color and personality into the room. 4. Rug: Place a colorful rug under the bed or in a seating area to anchor the space and add warmth and vibrancy. 5. Curtains or drapes: Choose curtains or drapes in a bold color or pattern to frame the windows and add a pop of color to the room. 6. Decorative accents: Scatter colorful vases, lamps, candles, or decorative objects throughout the room to add small pops of color in unexpected places. 7. Plants: Incorporate colorful plants or flowers in vibrant pots to bring natural beauty and color into the room. Remember to balance the colors and patterns to create a cohesive and visually pleasing look. Looking to improve your home office space and / or make it more presentable for virtual meetings? Offering a flat rate home office design for any areas of your home that need to be transitioned to a comfortable and conducive work space.
Email your room dimensions along with pictures of the room & any existing furniture you would like to incorporate and receive a complete room design which will consist of:
3 Functional Upgrades To Transform Your Home If you have been eyeing an aesthetic design for your kitchen or are looking to bring some life into your home with new and improved features, this might be the time to dive into your renovation project. While you may want to focus on making outdated rooms beautiful again, it is essential to plan your project well so that you can also boost your home’s value. Before you begin, calculate your budget and ensure that the changes you make will achieve your desired results. Here are three functional upgrades that are set to transform your home.
Image credit As the years progress, your floors are likely to go through some damage, such as dents, scratches, and broken boards. If your floors have started to creak and move, it is a huge indicator that they have been separated from the subfloor. This will expose them to moisture, which can lead to mold or mildew. While some minor damages can be fixed, others require a replacement. This means that you will need to trade your old flooring for better materials, like vinyl, ceramic, or hardwood. These types of flooring also increase your home’s value.
When it comes to reselling or enjoying your space, your kitchen is one of the essential places to upgrade. It is advisable to avoid making your new features too personal if you plan to put your home on the market one day. This is because your personal preference may not be appealing to interested buyers. However, you need to choose high-quality fixtures and use the best materials for your cabinet and walls. Consider applying a fresh coat of paint on your cabinets to improve your theme and match your appliances. You can also replace your broken knobs or drawers. Add drawer organizers or other storage accessories that can keep your everyday kitchen tools and equipment organized so you don’t spend too much time looking for them. You can take things further by investing in an outdoor kitchen, as it increases your home's value while reducing unwanted heat. Plus, it's great for entertaining guests. Hiring professionals like Belgard, who have in-depth knowledge of transforming outdoor spaces, would be beneficial for this project.
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Apart from your kitchen, your bathroom is another important area you need to enhance. Bathrooms are smaller than kitchens, which makes their renovation easier and less costly. If you have a small bathroom, you may be tempted to build out. However, a few changes, like building into the walls for extra space, do the trick. For instance, you can build a medicine cabinet to free up some space. If you have wood floors, consider switching them out for ceramic or vinyl. This is because these materials can withstand the stresses of daily use. Finally, you can make your bathroom look bigger with a bright color palette. Apply this same rule to your light fixtures and opt for flat models as well. Remodelling specific areas in your home can enhance your lifestyle and add safety to your living area. With these ideas, you can transform your home into a modern and amazing space. I am currently researching bar ideas for a project. Loving these dramatic bars in black.
Here’s some pointers for creating a dramatic home bar: To create a dramatic home bar, focus on bold design elements like dark colors, statement lighting, and textured materials. Incorporate a variety of glassware and liquor bottles for visual interest. Consider a mirrored or metallic backsplash to add glamour, and use under-cabinet lighting to highlight the bar area. Add personal touches like framed artwork or unique bar tools to make it distinctive. All images via Pinterest here. Give the gift of interior design services: Online or in person (LA/OC areas). A one hour interior design consultation for anyone, anywhere looking for interior design advice, feedback, remodeling questions, furniture layout ideas, home office design, paint colors, or any other design advice.
$150/one hour Payable via Venmo @Jill-Seidner Decorating any tiny living space can be challenging, and never is this more the case than with a tiny bathroom. After all, at the very least, your bathroom needs to accommodate sink and toilet basins. That, alone, can see you squashed in like a sardine, and that’s before you even think about your style choices! In reality, though, your bathroom is probably one of the most highly used rooms in the house, and it deserves to look as great as the rest of your home regardless of size. Luckily, even a tiny bathroom can pack a whole load of interior punch if you approach the design process in the right way. Keep on reading to find out the top design tips that could take your tiny bathroom from squashed to spectacular in the blink of an eye. Pexels Image: CC0 License
Step 1: Scrap the bathtub Baths might be great for long languid soaks, but they’re also hefty pieces of kit, and there’s not much you can do to compromise on those size requirements. That’s why you would be better off getting rid of your bath altogether in place of a shower cubicle that needs way less floor space. You can also do a lot more with the appearance of a shower, including brass control panels, large overhead shower heads, and custom shower doors like the ones offered by Arizona Glass & Door. Each of these additions can help your bathroom to look great, without taking up any more space than is required for your shower in the first place! Step 2: Sweat the small stuff Speaking of using small features to make subtle style statements, it’s worth sweating the small stuff in your tiny bathroom. After all, in a confined space, large style statements will look out of place, as well as being impractical. Instead, additions like under-sink lighting, sleek brass cupboard handles, and even a rose-gold tap, can all help to bring pops of spa-esque style, regardless of space. Tie in enough of these little stylish extras, and even the smallest bathroom will end up looking like it’s straight out of the pages of a top interior magazine. Step 3: Remember, storage, storage, storage Clutter is one of the worst obstacles to style in a small bathroom. After all, how can you possibly make the space look good when your cosmetics are spilling all over your sink and your toilet rolls are stacked tightly next to the toilet? You can’t, but you can turn things around for your tiny bathroom by simply getting smart with storage. Floating shelves are especially great for this purpose, as they don’t require any floor space, and they can turn storage into a style choice with the addition of a few simple organized baskets. Equally, things like thin, tall kitchen cabinets alongside your sink can make a style statement in themselves, as well as keeping your toothpaste, bubble bath, and other bathroom accessories out of sight. Your small bathroom can shine. Simply implement these style choices to help it along the way! |
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