
A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.
Guest Post - 5 New Home Design Trends to Watch in 2021
2020 was a year where more of us than ever spent time ensconced in our four walls, desperately trying to bring some of the outside, inside.
In 2021, the reported interior design trends seem to now be reflecting our general need to be at one with nature and the feelings of happiness and optimism associated with doing so.
2020 was a year where more of us than ever spent time ensconced in our four walls, desperately trying to bring some of the outside, inside.
In 2021, the reported interior design trends seem to now be reflecting our general need to be at one with nature and the feelings of happiness and optimism associated with doing so.
Natural, organic and earthy color schemes are dominating wallpapers and paints, whilst real and artificial plants see an unsurprising uptick in popularity.
Here we round up the top 5 home design trends set to dominate 2021 whether you’re a homeowner, residential management company, or interior designer.
1. Forget color, your walls want texture
Texture has always been a key part of interior design. Texture affects both sensation and touch, and has the power to change the entire atmosphere of a room.
In 2021, experts are predicting that texture will now feature more heavily than ever on walls and in wallpaper. This is because homeowners are wanting to bring more life to the walls that they felt so enclosed in in the previous year.
Texture has always had the ability to change the ambience of a room, so it’s easy to see why it’s being so sought after. Hotly tipped textured effects expected to feature include marble, stone and wooden beams, so look out for them in your favorite homestore.
2. Keep the clutter out, minimalist is still in
Minimalist styles have continued to trend upward in the interior design industry for the last few years. Gone are the days of clutter and furniture, instead we’ve replaced them with sleek and open living spaces.
One aspect of minimalism that looks set to make a breakthrough in 2021 is the introduction of minimalist art.
These art pieces are mostly line drawings that rely very little on bright colors and landscapes, and instead take the shape of thin drawings or doodles. Inspired entirely by Japanese ink murals, they’re one to keep an eye on.
An example of minimalist art
3. Neutral colors bring the outside, in
A new trend set to shape 2021 is the introduction of Griege (grey and beige). The two colors have enjoyed surges in popularity across 2020 with most dining rooms, living areas and bedrooms being adorned in plush metallic greys.
Now however, the two are being blended together for an entirely neutral color. Designed to both calm and soothe, the color is hotly tipped to feature as all of us seek a little bit of respite from the events of 2020.
Colors that give us feelings of serenity and peace are highly sought after to combat the rise in anxiety and unpredictability we’ve all felt - and are still feeling. What’s better about Greige, or just grey or beige on their own, is that they’re versatile for all kinds of different rooms and styles.
Related reading: Family Bathroom Remodelling Ideas
4. Plants, plants everywhere
House plants have never gone “out”. When real house plants started to lose their allure, in came faux and artificial ones and now in 2021, they’re about to see another surge in popularity.
From big palms to small potted ferns, house plants are in as we once again attempt to bring nature indoors. Many of us in flats and apartments with limited outdoor space felt particularly bereft of nature throughout 2020, and nature has also been shown to have a calming, restorative effect on our moods.
As we continue to recover from multiple lockdowns and restrictions on our lives, expect indoor plants to feature hotly in not only minimalist apartments, but in sprawling houses too.
5. Organic isn’t just limited to food
Sustainability is on the rise. Not only just in our food sources, but in our clothing and fashion too. Now, it’s reached the shores of interior design.
Organic materials such as bamboo, rattan and fibrewood are big contenders for homeware accessories across 2021 as more people begin to contemplate the impact of global warming on our planet.
Luxe decor is expected to be the next niche in interior design to get a makeover, with retro terrazzo wallpaper featuring, and antique wicker furniture expected in many living areas and orangeries. If it looks good and it’s good for the planet, count us in.
Author bio: Scanlans Property Management are property management & block management specialists with over 25 years experience.
How To Create Hanging Racks For Magazine And Books
Are you a book enthusiast who enjoys every phrase of a book? Yes? Me either! Then why don’t you consider creating an area in your room, incorporating a bookshelf? There is a vast variety of bookshelves available in the market ranging from open shelf bookcase, closed cabinet style with glass doors, suspended racks, hexagonal shelves and more. However, if you have not enough floor space, you may be thinking of having a hanging rack for books or magazines. Luckily, creating a book rack is the most straightforward project that every beginner can do.
Are you a book enthusiast who enjoys every phrase of a book? Yes? Me either! Then why don’t you consider creating an area in your room, incorporating a bookshelf? There is a vast variety of bookshelves available in the market ranging from open shelf bookcase, closed cabinet style with glass doors, suspended racks, hexagonal shelves and more. However, if you have not enough floor space, you may be thinking of having a hanging rack for books or magazines. Luckily, creating a book rack is the most straightforward project that every beginner can do.
You can easily display your whimsical collectable by creating a chick book rack. You neither need to be the pro-Diyer, nor does it require technical tools to construct practical hanging book racks. Get inspired by the following useful hanging shelves that you can create with simple wood and brackets.
Advantages of adding a good looking book rack to your room
The multipurpose book racks are a space saver. They not only save books but allow keeping other furniture units too. You can wall mount some bookshelves to have some extra space for your books or other whimsical collectables. Below are listed some major benefits of racks for your books.
Organize the clutter
Bookshelves organize the clutter and provide your home with a more organized and peaceful vibe. You can put anything you want, be it photo frames, stationery items, framed certificates or any other decorative item.
Display your personality
Book Rack is not just functional furniture but reflects the style and personality of the homeowner. It showcases your interest and hobbies.
Easy to access
Book racks are easy to access and you can arrange your books in whatever way you want. Hence, racks make it more hassle-free to find the particular edition anytime.
A chic book rack you can put together yourself
Creating a hanging book rack is as simple as pie. Spare some time and make your books to work for you as shelves. Hang multiple in a particular order and see how they beautify the corner of your room. You can create such shelves in your living area, bedroom, kid’s room or anywhere you like. The project is simple hence will take only a few minutes for execution.
Instructions
If you’ve been book enthusiasts, you must have leather or cloth-bound books with a great spine that tends to work well in a grouping.
Get two sets of brackets. Use one for below the book and another bracket above the book. Precisely measure the thickness of each book and use a drill to start drilling on the pointed area.
Slide each book between the lower and above brackets. Now you either can keep books on it or some lightweight objects.
Building a simple wall rack for magazines
Add form and function to any part of your home by this do-it-your-self’s dream project. You can either display a treasured collection or keep your favorite books. This multipurpose hand shelf does not demand you to be a handyman.
Instructions
1. Locate the wall stud and highlight a particular portion of the wall for the first shelf bracket. Make sure to hold a shelf support bracket over the stud and utilize it as a template to mark the area of mounting screws.
2. Install the bracket with a screw; make sure they are long enough to penetrate the wall by one inch.
3. Locate the location of the second stud.
4. Repeat step two, install another bracket making sure it penetrates the wall by one inch.
5. The last step is installing the shelf on the support brackets. If you have small screws, use them to secure the shelf.
Vintage Floating shelves for living area
The vintage influenced detail on floating shelves will draw the attention of every visitor. The idea is challenging; therefore, it is more appropriate if you take assistance from a professional. To create it all you need is:
Books
4 Command strips
2 L brackets & screws
Drill
Level
Instructions
1. Find the L bracket that can extend the halfway point so that books can remain centred
2. Measure the distance between the bracket and anchor book.
3. Attach L brackets, making sure that they are flat.
4. Get the command strips and use them on the top and bottom of the shelves.
5. Add more books on top to hide L-brackets.
Build a wood and leather suspended rack
If you are unsure whether the rope shelf will suit your place or not, try out the contemporary wood and leather suspended rack for books and magazines. The style is simple to execute; all you need is a small, precisely cut wooden sheet along with leather to hold the shelf firmly.
Wood and pipe shelves
How about providing your place with a slightly rustic vibe? It will bring a vintage-modern aesthetics. If you have plenty of books or ancient pieces, frames or anything worth displaying then consider creating these giant shelves. All you need is a wood and pipe, screws, grill and brackets. However, we recommend you to take the help of a pro, since the project is technical and it is better to get it done by a professional.
Wrapping up
A well organized room is not complete with a rack or bookshelf. This is because; it blends the art with function and provides design and organization to your home. You can add elegance or beautify such shelves to many folds by keeping some decorative or expensive items. If you are more into quality products, go and explore handcraftedshelves.com - the hub for creative and trendy shelves that tend to amplify the décor of your space.
Guest Post - How to Complete Your Deck-Building Project
Every project has two levels of completion. The first is the functional level, where you can actually use it. The second is the finished level, where you have put the final touches on it to make it perfect. A deck project fits perfectly with this idea. You can get the deck to a point where you can walk on it and use it, but there are always some details you can add to make sure it’s truly finished. Here are four ways to make that happen.
Every project has two levels of completion. The first is the functional level, where you can actually use it. The second is the finished level, where you have put the final touches on it to make it perfect. A deck project fits perfectly with this idea. You can get the deck to a point where you can walk on it and use it, but there are always some details you can add to make sure it’s truly finished. Here are four ways to make that happen.
Waterproof It
If you’re using natural wood on your deck, it’s vital that you treat it to minimize the effects of weather. In just a few years, the combined effects of precipitation and extreme temperatures will leave your deck splintered, faded, and even in decay. New treated lumber may need a season or so to cure before being waterproofed, so check with your contractor or supplier about when to treat.
Add Upgraded Features
Every deck has the same general design and looks a lot like every other deck in the neighborhood. Your project can turn out more beautiful and more unique if you take it up a level. Instead of the familiar wooden balusters and rails, find glass baluster deck railing online to give your deck that distinctive look. Check into canopies, gazebos, and other features that will provide extra comfort and beauty.
Integrate Nature
Most people want to make their homes fit in with the surrounding natural features. That’s why we landscape around the house instead of having a sharp cutoff between it and the yard. Your deck can tie in with nature as well. You can easily incorporate flower boxes on the railing or simply place pots on the deck itself. Some climbing vines can help conceal tall supports and give the whole project a greener look.
Improve Function
A deck isn’t just a way to provide access into the house. It’s a space all its own where you can gather with family and friends to prepare a meal, play a game, or just enjoy spending some time together. By adding features like an outdoor kitchen, built-in tables, and propane-powered heaters, you can expand the possibilities for your new deck.
A great home becomes even better with a new deck, and a new deck becomes even better with some simple add-ons. Ideas like these can make your deck more distinctively personal for your family while adding value and comfort to your home.
Author Bio: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn't on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009221637700
Tips for Modernizing the Bathroom in Your Historic Home
When you purchase a historic home, you might do it for the charm that it offers as well as the character that could be dated back hundreds of years. However, there are some areas of the home that you've just purchased that you might want to update at least minimally so that they function as they should. The bathroom is one of these areas with the following ideas being simple ways that you can craft a modern bathroom with little effort.
When you purchase a historic home, you might do it for the charm that it offers as well as the character that could be dated back hundreds of years. However, there are some areas of the home that you've just purchased that you might want to update at least minimally so that they function as they should. The bathroom is one of these areas with the following ideas being simple ways that you can craft a modern bathroom with little effort.
A Coat of Paint
One of the things that you can do to change the appearance of the bathroom in your historic home is to paint the walls. Consider a neutral color that allows you to use a theme in the room or that allows for using any color combination instead of being limited to colors that blend with the paint option that you select.
Sinks and Showers
Since you might not know a lot about the plumbing system in an older home, it's sometimes a good idea to have the pipes and hardware replaced. You should also consider getting the septic tank pumped as well. Replacing the toilet with a new one, even if it's a basic design, usually isn't too much trouble. Other ideas to consider would be a walk-in shower, a free-standing tub, and a new sink if the one in the home looks a bit dated.
Lights
Brighten the bathroom with a few new lights. You can install vanity lights on the sides of the mirror to make it easier to see when you're getting dressed. Recessed lighting is an option to consider as well and can sometimes deliver more light in a small room than traditional fixtures. If you don't want to use artificial lights, then consider a skylight that allows natural sources to shine through.
Storage
Modernizing your historic home's bathroom can be as simple as increasing the storage space. Try to organize items on top of the counter so that they aren't tossed around everywhere. A shelving unit in a cabinet can increase the space that you have and is easily hidden by closing a door.
Your historic home is something to cherish. Sometimes, there is a bit of history leftover when you purchase the home that could be updated to reflect the modern details that are used in other homes. Once you've changed the main features, you can then work on the small details to make the home your own.