Category: Interior Design

Our homes are important places, aren’t they? They’re where we go in order to retreat from the world, and they are a space that we share with our nearest and dearest. Added to this, they’re often our largest financial commitment too, so it’s no surprise we’re so eager to DIY our homes to perfection.

However, home improvement can be a costly business, with furniture, accessories, decorative supplies and tools quickly amounting to what feels like a small fortune! If your bedroom needs particular attention, here are a handful of DIY bedroom hacks you can make to your home without breaking the bank.

Fix hooks to the back of your bedroom door

Installing hooks is one of those little storage hacks that requires minimal effort and expense but goes a long way to improving your quality of life in your home. Fix a few hooks to the back of your bedroom door so you have somewhere to hang your dressing gown, making it easy to grab as you head downstairs in the morning or easy to hang once you’re done with it for the night.

Make your own headboard

Your headboard is likely to be one the focal points of your bedroom, so it’s understandable if you feel like you need to spend lots of money on it to get it ‘right’. But, it’s surprisingly easy to make an affordable DIY headboard. The simplest designs include those made from reclaimed wood (perfect for a rustic or industrial look), but even ‘complicated’ designs such as this diamond tufted headboard can be made at home if you’re prepared to try.

But, don’t be temped to cut costs on the bed itself. The quality of your sleep is very important for your mental and physical health, so invest in a decent mattress. That said, you don’t have to spend much money at all: you can find discount mattresses at Divan Beds Centre that are just as high-quality as anything you’d pay full price for, so be smart about it and you’ll have a very comfortable bed that doesn’t break the bank.

Hang your bedside tables

We all dream of having a huge bed with neat, symmetrical bedside tables either side, but many of us simply don’t have the floor space. So, rather than taking up any valuable floor space at all, why not suspend a single bedside surface from the ceiling? It’s not as crazy as it sounds (just check this out, for example), as it will ensure you have the surface area you need without gobbling up floor space. And it makes a bold design statement too.  

Add interest with rugs

Rugs are perfect for adding pattern or colour to bedroom in a way that’s low commitment and easily changed. As a bonus, a rug will muffle noise and and trap old air beneath the floorboards, helping to insulate your bedroom in the colder months, bringing your heating bills down a little. When choosing a rug, however, pick one that’s large enough to be positioned beneath the bed, ensuring it extends well beyond the length and width of the bed rather than adding a tiny ‘floating island’ rug.

Hang a mirror in small spaces

Bedrooms that are on the smaller side will benefit from having a mirror placed on the wall. Not only will it give you somewhere to check your appearance when you’re getting dressed, but it will also bounce light around the room and give the illusion of a bigger space than you actually have. For best results, position a mirror opposite the window as this will reflect the most amount of light.

Put a shelf above your headboard

The wall space above a bed often goes unused, which is a lot of wasted space. Fix a shelf above your bed and use it to store books, lamps, plants, picture frames or whatever else you want: just be sure it’s deep enough and high enough above your head so that you don’t accidentally knock things off.

You could even install shelving along the perimeter of your bedroom walls, high up near the ceiling – if you’re an avid book collector, for example, this hack could give you exactly the kind of storage you need without breaking the bank.

Afghan Rug – An Extraordinary Home Decoration Material at Ordinary Prices

This quote by Jim Rohn truly holds water –“Take care of your body. It is the only place you have to live”. –These words truly highlight the importance of health. However, you have one good reason to disagree with Jim up to some extent. You have one beautiful place to live. It does not matter whether it is small or big, your house deserves all the attention and care you can give. And, when it comes to endowing your home with a beautiful interior, you can choose a décor from a wide range home decoration materials.

And, if you are not willing to invest a boatload of bucks in interior design, you can opt for Afghan rugs. It is an extraordinary piece of beauty that does not dig deep into your wallet. This pinnacle artwork and craftsmanship by Afghans has qualified as gorgeous décor centuries ago. Today, genuine and charming handmade afghan oriental rugs are available worldwide.  So, you can revamp the interior of your home with authentic afghan rugs whether you are living in America, Europe, Russia, India or at any place from where you can shop online.   

 

Just as Afghan weavers craft rugs, we have crafted a guide for buying authentic afghan oriental rugs best known for unique design, colors and not to forget, the durability.

Choose Size  

Give the first thought to the size, even before you start searching for afghan rugs online. There are different types of afghan rugs available in a wide range of sizes. Measure the size of the space where you want to place the rug. You may love to use more than one rug of different styles and colors to give a face-lift to the interior of a room. Therefore, take measurements accordingly. Note the dimensions of the area and start searching afghan rugs online.

Color

Consider the color of the walls and floor of the room while choosing the color of the rug. The rug should perfectly blend into the color and style of the room. The color and style of the rug should complement the looks of the room. Traditionally, afghan rugs are available in a combination of dark red and black motifs.

Material

Afghan weavers use wool from their sheep for making hand woven rugs. Wool is used for making weft, warp and pile. Goat hair is used for overbidding the sides. They drive their sheep into a stream in order to wash before shearing.

Dye

They still use natural dyes. However, now-a-days, synthetic dyes and sometimes combination of natural and synthetic dyes are used. The wool is soaked in dye to obtain the desired color and then the wool is hung for drying. Wild colors found in afghan rugs are synthetic.

Construction

Afghan weavers hand knot rugs. Therefore, the quality of a rug greatly depends on the craftsmanship of the weaver. Therefore, when you examine the quality of an afghan rug, examine the quality of knot and wool. Wool from healthy sheep is smooth and firm. If you find the rug harsh and dry, the wool is from a deceased animal.

Apart from afghan rugs, Kilim, Turkish, Persian and Turken rugs are also very popular. In addition to oriental rugs, Ikat pillow covers, engraved brass, Ikat fabrics and Suzani embroidery are also of great use as phenomenal home decorating materials. These pieces of beauty are easily available at https://www.alesouk.com/ at prices you can easily afford. Alesouk Oriental Artisans Online Store is one stop shop for authentic and luxurious cushions & pillows, oriental rugs, wall art and other home decoration materials online. So, visit Alesouk for authentic home decoration materials.

Author Bio

Oriental rugs define the looks of your house in a way which never fails to impress. Rustam Fayziev is a professional home décor blogger who has experienced the beauty of Afgan rugs personally at Alesouk and writes all about it.

If you have a small space, you can trick yourself into thinking that it is a lot larger by using these simple techniques. There are simple techniques that you can use to create the illusion that your living space is much bigger than it actually is. Just a few changes will make it feel more roomy and comfortable.

Choosing the Ideal Size

Every space deserves a beautiful area rug. However, if you choose a rug that is too small, it can minimize the feel of your living space. When choosing an area rug, you want to make sure that it fills up a large majority of the space. Place the rug so that it fits in the middle of your living space and the bigger the better. A small rug will make the space look more compact and stuffy. Brands like Wilcott Weaves provide great selection of rugs with just the right size.

However, a rug that takes up all the space in the room can be just as suffering. Measure your space, and then purchase a rug that leaves a healthy amount of floor space uncovered. You want around a 70 to 80 % coverage ratio.

Rug Placement

 

Place the rug in the direction that you want your eyes to move. If you walk into a room and the rug longest part of the rug is along the horizon line, it makes the room look smaller. By turning the rug around, you will increase the length of the room and make it look bigger. If you are placing the rug in your living space, try to get one that reaches almost to the edge of your furniture or one the is placed in a way that sits underneath your furniture. Your furniture does not have to be on the carpet completely. However, if you place it up against the wall, it should be longer and wider than the bed. Placing it so that the rug shows at the base of the bed will make your bedroom appear larger.

Use a Mirror or Window

Mirrors are a wonderful way to increase the look of a room. If they are properly spaced, they will be able to expand the room beyond its natural boundaries. Placing a large mirror at the shorter end of the room, can open the space up. Also, large windows that allow natural light can brighten a room, and make it feel larger.

Choosing Furnishings

Choosing fewer furnishings that are larger is another way to widen a room. Make sure to not clutter up the space. Lots of things will decrease the size of the space. Placing minimal furniture on top of a well-placed rug will create a warm and cosy space that is not too cramped. It is a great idea to include some spaces that allow for hidden storage. That way you can easily grab your book or favourite magazine, without having to broadcast it or incorporate it into your design.

Top Furniture Choices

Choose a nice foot rest with hidden storage space. It is a terrific way to keep your space clutter-free. Shelving can give you more room to display your favourite trinkets and don’t take up too much wall space. That is a lot more welcoming than a wall full of tiny objects, like a book shelf.

When you are stuck with a smaller space than you would desire, these tricks are sure to broaden the space. It is the best way to deal with smaller spaces. These tips will help you create a space that you can be proud of, even if your tiny piece of our earth is smaller than you’d like.

Updating your kitchen doesn’t usually come cheap. However, by sprucing it up and making it look prettier, you can add value to your home. The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house, especially when you plan on selling it. That isn’t all though; you’ll have a kitchen that you just love spending time in, cooking in, entertaining in, eating in…the list goes on! Here are 6 crazily cheap kitchen design tips for when you’re on a tight budget:

Update Your Hardware

 

Start by updating your hardware. You have several options here depending on your current style kitchen. One of the cheaper but often overlooked ideas is replacing your old handles and door pulls, which can make such a huge difference to how the whole place looks, and it’ll be much kinder to your wallet than making huge changes.

Other stylistic ideas include incorporating jars, like Kilner jars, into your kitchen display.  Kilner jars are typically used to preserve and store foods. Simply add long life foods such as pasta, rice etc and display them, alternatively you can add food coloring that match the kitchen color palette and you’ve created a new focal point for the feature wall. Other great ideas can be found on the cooksmill blog.

You can buy all types of styles, even kitsch, if you want to. Just be warned that kitsch can get old pretty quickly if you’re not sure that you’re going to love it.

Hang A Pendant Light Up

A pendant light can help to make a statement, and we all know how important lighting is in the kitchen! You need task lighting where you prepare food, so providing you have this in place you can select an awesome pendant light to top things off. Rose Gold is very ‘in’ at the moment, so something like this would look amazing in any kitchen.

Paint Your Cabinets

Why not paint your cabinets instead of replacing them? You could even try a bright color. Citrus colors like orange, green, and yellow can look incredible in the kitchen, as they are so fun and fresh. Don’t be afraid to get a little quirky. Here’s a guide to help you out.

Remove Your Cabinet Doors

If you’d rather not paint your cabinet doors, you could consider taking them off altogether. This will help you to create an overall lighter space, and show off some of your favorite dishes and mugs while you’re at it. If you want your kitchen to look more spacious and open, this could be one way to go.

Paint A Feature Wall

Having a feature wall in the kitchen can add instant interest and personality. Usually, you should select a color that’s at least 2 shades deeper than your main color. You can choose anything you want though, as there are no hard and fast rules. You could even use a suitable wallpaper, or create the feature with your oven backsplash.

Laminate Your Counter Top

Replacing your countertops can be tiring and expensive. Why not just go over them with cheap and cheerful laminate? You can buy laminate that looks much more expensive than it actually is, and it’s really simple to do. You’ll have a far more expensive looking kitchen in no time.

Hopefully, the 6 tips here help you to save an absolute fortune while making your kitchen look amazing. It’s worth bearing in mind that your kitchen appliances make a huge difference too; they are like jewelry for your kitchen. If you can find small appliances in bright colors, or styles that look nice and quirky, incorporate them! You’ll have the best kitchen you’ve ever had in no time, and all for a knockout price.

Our homes are a mirror of ourselves. The way our house looks is a reflection of who we are and how we conduct ourselves in society. But even though we may feel like divas on Broadway, our wallets might not agree with us.

However, you can make your house look more luxurious by simply making a few small but significant changes. A little accessory, the way the light shines through your home and even moving the furniture from here to there may do wonders.

Here are some simple ways to make your house look luxurious even though you’re on a budget.

1. Declutter Your Home

You won’t see luxurious houses that are full of clutter – at least not the obvious kind. If you can’t avoid clutter in your home, at least place all your belongings in baskets or decorative bowls. Instead, bring some pictures, antiques or anything of value on display to make it look “rich.”

2. Make a Clearly Defined Focal Point

Every luxurious home will have a central point that is clearly defined. It can be a great dining table, a furnace or a king-size bed. As long as you have one clear spot that attracts attention, don’t try to undermine it with other imposing objects.

3. Add Plush or Velvet

Try reconditioning your chairs or furniture by adding plush pillows or velvet-like casings. This will add a sophisticated feel and will make your room look like a queen’s chamber.

4. Go for Antiques or Metallic Accessories

You don’t have to buy the most expensive antique furniture you can find. Just get some accessories that look antique. Metallic options are always a nice touch, and something as simple as an antique-looking lamp may make your home look ten times more luxurious.

5. Go for Warm Colors

Sometimes, all you have to do to make your home look more sumptuous is to paint your walls. Luxury means comfort, and warm colors have always been the most comfortable of the bunch. By going for colors such as yellow, orange or red, you will make your home look intimate and cozy; in other words, luxurious.

6. Bring Some Plants In

Every dull room will look more opulent with the right plants decorating it. Whether it’s a vase full of flowers or one with acorns and twigs, these elements of nature will add class and elegance to your home, livening up the monotonous environment.

7. Play With the Lighting

The way the light shines upon your furniture will greatly influence the feel in your home. This is why you may want to install a dimmer that controls the mood of the lighting. A centered and bigger lamp will also work awesomely in providing an intimate and luxurious aura in your home.

You don’t need loads of money to make your house look beautiful and luxurious. All you have to do is add the right accessories, clean around and choose an appropriate color pattern. Once you have done this, your home will certainly feel as if it belongs to a wealthy person.

Designing the bedroom is the most daunting task and requires a good planning. From bed to wall color, there are multiple thing to consider. A peaceful bedroom allows you to give an ideal sleep and relaxing mind after coming back from the hectic job schedule. Not so perfectly designed bedroom affects your sleep, which leads to behavioral changes. Bedrooms can turn into multi-function rooms out of laziness. This article presents you with certain tips on how you can create a sleep environment and a sober looking bedroom.

1) Setting up the Right Bed: Having a proper bed not only allows you to have a good sleep, but also perform comfortable intimate performance. As the bedroom is a place for rest and relaxation, you need to make sure that the bed is finely set. From the mattress to soft pillow everything is important. Check out Beds from Bed SOS where you’ll find the best mattress of top quality that would go for long years and give peaceful sleep.

2) Get Rid of Clutter: A bedroom with too much of clutter isn’t a perfect room. It distracts your mind and even no proper sleep. Get rid of clutter as possible and maintain a good decor of the bedroom. Dust mites can remain inside bedding and upholstery, and if unchecked, they can rise into the millions and eventually leading unhealthy air around.  So it is important to clean your room on the regular basis.

3) Keeping Room Cold: If you’re under the thought that the perfect bedroom climate is to turn the central heating at maximum, then you’re wrong.  A perfect room temperature is essential for a good sleep. To have a good sleep, the optimum temperature is between 16-20 degree. A room with too much warm temperature will make it hard to get proper sleep. You can also adjust the thermostat of the air-condition or heater.

4) Keeping Total Dark: To get the best sleeping experience for long hours, it is important to keep the room in total darkness.If your room gets direct light from outer area, then consider blackout blinds or curtains. Block the lights entering into your room during the sleep time.  Use soft lamps having low watt bulbs in the side lamp. If you’ve the habit of waking up in the night, then don’t turn on the bright lights.

5) Low Noise in the Room: To get a good sleep, we need peaceful area and low noise. If there is too much of noise around, then getting a peaceful sleep isn’t possible. If this is the case, then wear ear plugs while you sleep to keep noise away echoed by civilizedhealth.com.

Also, you can go for white noise. There are certain MP3s and special machines that emits sounds resembling static interference. White Noise is now becoming generic term, and it could be nature sounds.

Do check out with the home interior experts who can provide you with right bedding items and ideas on getting peaceful sleeps for long  hours. A well-maintained bedroom invites peaceful environment around.

It can be extremely satisfying to give your home’s décor a shake up, especially when you turn to minimalism for inspiration.

Not only does minimalism look amazing, it’s also great for your health with scientists saying: “Surrounding yourself with natural light can improve your sleep and boost your physical activity while decluttering your space down to the bare essentials can increase productivity and decrease stress levels.”

It’s also a lot easier to keep a clutter-free home clean. You’ll have less stuff to manoeuvre around so it will take you less time and result in a deeper clean.

Here are a few tips to help you achieve the perfect minimalist look for your home.

Clear the decks

First and foremost, you need a lot of clear space to achieve the minimalist look.
Have a clear out of your surfaces, and décor, donating to charity shops where you can. If you want to hold onto things for the future you could always consider self storage – there are plenty of companies across the UK, so you should be able to find somewhere close to you so that your possessions are still accessible.

You may also need to develop a system to deal with paperwork and bills so that they’re organised but out of sight. Minimalism is all about making room for things that matter and clearing the clutter you don’t need.

Let in the light

Maximising the natural light in your home is a key part of modern minimalist design. Light will also transform spaces from feeling small and claustrophobic to breezy and spacious. Shadows and darker colours can make rooms feel cramped.

To minimise shadows, place lighting above your biggest pieces of furniture and consider investing in roof lighting such as skylights to let more light into your home. For your actual light fixtures, the barer the better. Even plain bulbs hanging from light fixtures can be more effective than a complicated shade.

Consider your decorations

 

A home free of decorations would be boring but you need to find the balance between minimalist decorations and stuff that simply looks too busy (busy house, busy mind). A simple vase of flowers looks great but when you combine this with books, tableware and objets d’art you will start to lose the minimalistic feel.

You may also want to put out family photos so try and colour correspond them and position them in natural frames that suit the wall décor. Try to leave some walls bare and if you’re hanging artwork, make sure you really love it before you mount it, minimalism is about needs not wants.

Keep your comforts

A lot of people are under the impression that minimalism can mean hard, cold, comfortless spaces but that’s not what it’s about at all. By keeping the important objects around the home, you’re making space to relax.

Consider positioning natural coloured sheepskins near your bed and sofas for your feet and simple wool throws on sofas to snuggle up in. To make rooms feel more alive, add some plants to the space. They’re a great health benefit because they purify the air and they look great too.

Go natural

A lot of what makes minimalism so effective is the use of materials. In most minimalistic designs there is little use of complicated textures, designs and prints.

If you have carpets, strip things back to wooden flooring and for warmth in the winter choose natural coloured rugs.
Despite minimalism being a lot about stripping everything back, there is still plenty of room to display your personality. The key is to just keep things classy and subtle and instead of garnishing a room, display individual focal points.