Category: Apartment Living

Interior design trends vary, based on many factors like the state of economy and seasonal changes. This piece of article highlights home-trends which are currently in vogue. Some trends overlap the past year trends while others require a modification to suit current styles.

Here are 5 of the most sought-after apartment trends ruling the interior charts:

1. Neon Accents
Neon theme inspiration for your apartment will go a long way in making an impeccable impression over anyone. Colours like lime green and bright yellow are the latest fad. The coordination of colours has to be balanced. Keep it modest, too much of bright neon can be disturbing.

You can use it (watchfully) on the wall space above the bed area, kitchen cabinets, wardrobe, curtains, mirror boundaries, pendant lamps, bathroom floor tiles, etc. Keep the rest of your home space in subtle shades.

Image courtesy: home-designing

2. Traditional
India is specially known for the variety and beauty of its locally handcrafted artefacts. This year, handcrafted articles will be an integral part of home decor. Old things with a history also occupy a special place, not just on shelves but also in lives of people. The preserved story about that wedgewood collection passed over generations might interest your guests.

Image courtesy: wikipedia

3. Pastels
Serene shades of pink, peach, lavender, pale yellow, etc. will dominate the interior space. Pastel colours add a soft soothing charm to bedroom and living space. It looks equally mesmerising on walls, furniture and upholstery.

Image courtesy: thenakeddecorator

4. Emphasis on nature
The focus of interior designers has shifted to environment-friendly designs and green living. The essence of this art lies in bringing home closer to nature in the most artistic way. It does not only look beautiful and calm but also has profound health benefits. Read, spa, listen to music or relax in an aura of nature.

Image courtesy: ecofriend

5. Minimalistic approach
As spaces tend to be costlier, the minimalistic arrangement of space and keeping only functional decorative items is gaining prominence in 2016. For the same reason, modular furniture with dual functionality is popular among the online home shopping sites. Some easy space-saving furniture ideas are convertible tables, sofa-cum-beds, understair storage, wall beds, fusion dining and pool tables, etc.

Image courtesy: luciola-imagination

Image courtesy: boredpanda

Some people look for a beautiful space; others make a space beautiful. Keep it simple, decorate with love and your home will speak for itself.

Hope this post inspires you! Feel free to share with us any related ideas.

The most beautiful room in any household will (undoubtedly) always be – kid’s room! Vivacious, full of interesting things and joyful laughter, this room will help you create some of the most beautiful memories with your child. Therefore, planning it ahead and giving it a new look after regular intervals and as time demands is very important.

Image Source – beautyhouzz

But who says you need to splurge on it every now and then? Here we have brought together some easy-to-do things that will revamp your child’s room without burning a hole in your pocket.

• A bright room not only makes colours come out but also keeps its residents cheerful. Go for lighting fixtures that provides you with ample of light and can also add some drama to the room.
• Revamp old furniture with colour. Create a theme with new bed sheets and curtains to complement the new furniture.
• A colourful rug can really enhance a room with vibrancy.
• Pin up boards are a great idea to display your child’s creativity without marking the walls with tapes and glue.
• Polish and add wheels to wooden crates. These are easy to move, sturdy and perfect to store toys in.
• Place large colourful or wicker baskets (matching with the interiors) in your child’s room to store a variety of toys, to keep all those discarded soiled clothes in one place, to keep balls in or simply to store fresh towels or napkins in.

Image Source – cdn.home-designing

• Canisters of all shapes and sizes come in handy if you have an artsy child. Decorate them, paste stickers, etc., to beautify them and you will be surprised on the neatness they bring along with.
• Try to utilize the furniture as much as possible. Add storage space (with drawers and boxes) in beds, stools, etc., to keep all the extra things out of view.
• Every child deserves a world full of imagination in the form of books. If short on space, you can build one behind the door or into the wall. It will not only keep books organised but also help your child learn how to put books back on the shelf after she/he has finished reading.
• Place giant pillows on rugs and carpets with easy-to-wash covers. This setting can be placed in a corner or in the middle of a large room to create a reading zone (or maybe a nap corner).
•  Detachable bed slides are easy to install and provide good fun filled activity as well.
• When short on space, opt for a fold-able study table that can either be brought out or is wall mounted.
• Apply high-gloss latex paint to top or bottom half of stools, tables, etc., to create a shiny look.
• Wall decal are budget friendly, easy to use, come in variety of shapes and sizes and jazz up a room from the minute they are put up.
• Add magic with a homemade canopy above your child’s bed.

Image Source – nijihomedesign

These are just few of the many ways with which you can revamp your child’s room at regular intervals. Curtains, coloured window panes, door art… there are so many things to do. All you need is a little time and a little imagination.

Ask any woman and you will come to know about the importance of kitchen. A place where the lady of the house spends most of her time making those lip-smacking meals. Shouldn’t we focus more on the kitchen when designing interiors then?

While re-modelling the kitchen, it is not always necessary to splurge and change everything in view. Easy pops of colours on walls, flooring, countertop, cabinetry, bar stools, tiles, textiles, etc., can be great ways to give a fresh look to your kitchen. Here we have brought together few easy-to-do tips that will add life to your home’s kitchen and not burn a hole in your pocket:

Source – hgtv

Source – courbeneluxhof

Cabinets:

• Install cabinets in shades that contrast with the wall colours to make them stand out.
• Try painting existing cabinetry either whole or parts of it. It is an economical choice as well.
• Add drama to your kitchen by painting the interior of glass cabinets.
• Painting alternate cabinets is a nice way to anchor brightness.

Source – hgtv

Source – design.canvasandpen

Doors, Windows & Furniture:

• In case you have a attached pantry with a door, paint the door in a standout colour and add some antique wall art or frame on the wall for a striking dramatic effect.
• Change the cover of barstools, dining chairs or any other chair that you have placed there. You can also add a cushion or drape to give your kitchen a cosy look.
• Window treatments can help you control the light coming in and also gives you the option to bring colour to your kitchen.

 

Source – electroluxgroup

Source – potterybarn

Dishware, Electronic Appliances & Accessories:

• Colourful dishware easily add personality to your kitchen as well as to your food.
• You can also play around with faucets and other sanitary ware.
• Place potted plants – floral, herbs, creepers – wherever possible to lend a natural glow and freshness.
• Add a dash of colour in a soft pastel shaded kitchen with accessories, gadgets, kitchen appliances, showpieces, lamp shades, etc.
• Another great opportunity is to stack cookbooks in open selves with small and interesting showpieces.
• You can also put up a chalkboard and decorate your kitchen with colourful drawings every day. It is also a great way to keep children occupied when they want to spend time with you in the kitchen.

 

Source – wayfair

Wall, Ceilings & Floor:

• Wall decals come handy even in kitchen. Easy to use, not permanent and they do not damage walls. A great and cheap option if you live in a rented property.
• A new colour scheme can be included with large scale wall art. It need not be expensive – think of topographical maps, vintage posters, botanical illustrations, etc.
•  If you are not up for a lengthy process, simply add a big backsplash in bold colours behind your kitchen counter.
• White ceilings are a thing of past. Though a tedious job but imagine the captivating look bright yellow stripes, big red flowers, geometric shapes in different shades and many similar elements can give to your kitchen.
• Wallpaper come in handy if you wish to change only a certain wall of your kitchen. Wall stencils are also known to beautify corners.
• Create a statement with huge chandeliers. But ensure that your kitchen is big enough to have one. Or you can opt for smaller ones too in case you have a small space.
• Place runners/rugs in different colour/print coordinated shades on the floor. But ensure to go for a material that is easy to clean and has a non-skid pad.
• The kitchen floor must withstand heavy footfalls, spills, frequent cleaning – a practical solution for this can be carpet tiles.
• Changing the countertop might look simple but you will be surprised with the effect it has on the overall kitchen.

 

 

 

Lights:

• Lighting plays a major role in keeping the kitchen bright and inviting. From adding colourful bulbs to pendant lights to under cabinet lighting, there’s a huge variety to choose from.
• Open shelving with undermount lighting enhances the floating, airy feel.

Source – benjaminmoore

Source – matteothun

Colour:

• Natural wood and wood stains offer amazing colour variations – natural wood flooring, countertops, cabinets or wall mural – it is great to give that organic look to the kitchen.
• Soft pastels go well with an elegant white kitchen but adding woody textures instead can change the look as desired.
• If bright colours make you uncomfortable, darken things a bit with the grey colour scale. It will bring in a soothing effect.

The list is endless when it comes to beautifying home. Hopefully these tips will help you bring in desired change in your kitchen!

Whether we ever thought about it or not, plants, trees, shrubs – flowering or non-flowering – all have a soothing effect on us.

Image source – purenutrient

And not just in gardens, playgrounds and big spaces, even those small potted ones are known to:

• Reduce carbon dioxide levels
• Increase humidity/moisture
• Reduce levels of certain harmful chemicals
• Reduce airborne dust levels
• Keep temperature down
• Absorb background noise
• Bring stress levels down
• Fight the modern-age phenomenon of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
• Decrease risk of many disorders and diseases

And the list is endless. Wondering how can you grow your own green sanctuary while staying in a flat? You don’t need to be a farmer to reap the benefits of indoor plants. All you need is a bit of sunshine, a bit extra time every few days and you are good-to-go. Add a bit of creativity to your kitchen, bedroom and even bathroom to enhance your living space.

Image source – brit

Here are few places where you can grow indoor (as well as outdoor) plants:

• Stack flower pots in an old shelf
• Stack fruit crates together (these can be put on the wall too)
• Reuse old coloured bottles or get them for minimal rates from your local junk dealer
• Mason jars can hold small flowering plants (you are surely going to love this idea)
• A cinderblock can hold bigger plants
• Hang your plants in decorative macrame
• Old water cans, tins, etc., offer a rustic look
• Stack a smaller pot in half filled bigger pot. Blooming floral creepers in this setting will surely brighten up that corner.
• Place few pots on a tray to make a portable garden
• Old buckets are great for plants that need more space

Image source – goodhousekeeping

Herbs, microgreens, garlic, tomatoes, lemons, salad greens and even carrots can be grown indoors. There’s a huge list of plants that are low-maintenance, do not require much sunlight and at the same time revive the air in your room. Bonsai is also a nice way to jazz up homes. What else can you ask for?

But while you plan to make a small garden for yourself, keep these points in consideration:

• Few plants need a bigger space as they grow. Plan the setting accordingly.
• Stone/terracotta pots look great but are difficult to move
• Wooden containers look beautiful but lend a foul smell too. Make sure they are not placed in a closed room.
• Ensure to make drain holes in all the pots
• Soil used should be disease free
• Use organic manure (look for options from your kitchen waste)
• Place plastic saucers under the pot to prevent water and soil spillage
• April, May and June are the best months for planting new saplings
• Ensure that plants are not overexposed to sunlight
• Keep the soil moist, water the plants twice if need be

Image source – sharespace

With this complete guide when are you creating a green heaven for your home and office?

Giving your home a makeover is as good as buying a new property all over again – and this time with more specifications. Which colour theme for the bedroom, which table for the study-room, which tile for the bathroom… the list is endless.

But let’s accept it – no one can renovate a whole living space on their own. It is always recommended to hire a professional who knows the in-and-out of the latest trends, understands your requirements, has a team of workers and most importantly – stays in budget!

We have brought together few points that will take you across property renovation effortlessly while not exceeding your finances. Let’s read on:

• Determine the purpose of renovating your home/office. Is it just giving it a new look or fixing the faults in the infrastructure or to add value for reselling.
• While finalising on a budget ensure to stay flexible and keep a separate amount in case you have to shift to a rental property during the renovation.’
• Get quote from few contractors and check their previous work before freezing on one. You can also speak to their past clients to make sure that your work will be completed on time.
• Draw up a written agreement with your contractor/interior designer/architect to keep a tab on the project progress and the finances.
• Before getting on with the actual remodeling, check on with building laws so that you do not face any legal problem later on.
• Make a priority list so that your contractor knows which work needs to be completed first. Your priority list will also help you decide if you need to move out during the renovation.
• If you are getting this work done to increase the sale value of your property, opt for tile/stone/floor colours that are usually liked by all. A vibrant combination of yellow, blue and pink might not go down with everyone.
• At any point if you feel that the work is not going as originally planned, speak up. It might look like a small issue now, but sorting them out beforehand will ensure that you do not face trouble later on.

Renovating a house/office is not for the fainthearted. There can be plenty of issues if you do not plan out things prior. Do your homework at every step. Though it’s a massive commitment but it’s always a good way to create a living space that fits your taste.