Why You Should Choose Neutral Colours for Your Kitchen Appliances

Over the last 50 or so years, kitchen design has gone through many different looks. We’ve experienced bright colours, bold patterns, and even appliances that look like they’ve come out of a Sci-Fi movie. 

But with today’s lifestyle turning more minimalistic, kitchens are following the same pattern with uncomplicated designs, lack of clutter, and a no-fuss experience being preferred by homeowners. Neutral coloured appliances are also part of the latest look, with black, stainless steel and white contributing perfectly to the desired basic aesthetics.

While you may not be quite convinced just yet that this is what you should be doing in your kitchen, it’s good to consider the options. Let’s have a look at the benefits that choosing appliances in different neutral colours can bring to your kitchen.

Stainless Steel for classy style that will never outdate

Stainless steel provides a sophisticated and timeless look to any kitchen. It can be used with an assortment of colour schemes from pale to dark and is also a good match with dark wood or brick.

There are a lot of appliances available in stainless steel including kettles, toasters and blenders, and it blends well with any metal fixtures you might have in your kitchen.

Black for an ultra-modern look

Black has often been seen as a masculine colour in the home, but it does in fact give a modern and sleek look when used in the kitchen. It works well with wood or stone décor to give a warm feel while matching or contrasting perfectly with other colours.

Black appliances are great to have in a family with children too, since they don’t show marks as easily as other colours do.

White for more variety

There was once upon a time that every kitchen appliance on the market came in white only. But then, white started getting a bad rap for looking cheap once different coloured appliances started being released, and many people also thought that it showed fingerprints and marks easily.

While some people still may believe these things, white is a safe choice when it comes to choosing new kitchen appliances. Not only do you have the greatest selection out of any other colour, but white gives a homey and welcoming look. It is also easy to clean despite what others may say and can match with any colour scheme that you choose.

How to Get the Best Out of Your Neutral Appliances

For the ultimate minimalistic look, it’s a good idea to choose appliances in all the same colour. This means your fridge, oven, dishwasher and microwave, and even your toaster and kettle if possible. Keeping all your appliances the same will help to keep the basic look and a simplistic colour scheme.

Which Neutral Colour Do You Prefer?

Black, white and stainless-steel appliances will always look great in minimalistic kitchens and can be nicely matched with various types of cabinetry and benchtops. Look for an excellent selection of neutral coloured appliances and style ideas to suit you and your family’s needs.

From Visually.

Tweet

How to Choose the Right Furniture for Your Patio

When buying patio furniture you should always first take into consideration the quality. Think of it as investment and it just may be well worth it. First, you should make sure whatever you choose should fit in the space you have for it nicely. Second. find a material you like and something that will be durable such as wicker, teak, or die cast aluminum. You want to have something that allows you to be comfortable and also something that will last a long time. Of course it should be UV protected and weather resistant too.

Wicker Rattan - Patio wicker dining and seating sets with colorful cushions and multiple different colors of wicker such as white, dark brown and beige offer a great way to decorate your outdoor area. Good quality wicker rattan will last much longer and look better than going on the cheaper end. The cushions won't fade as fast either. I also recommend covering your furniture too when you are not using it as this will extend the life of your nice furniture. Wicker also comes in many different styles like classic, contemporary, or even have a very tropical feel if you like to feel like you are at the beach in your back yard. If you choose a contemporary design then it will have a more sleek and modern look to it. Some people prefer the classic look as it can have more of a country feel to it. Wicker furniture is also lightweight so pretty much anyone can move it around.

Teak - Teak is also a great selection as it looks natural, has a beautiful appearance and is incredibly tough! Teak can also come in many different styles as well as different colors. Teak also has dense, hard grain and repels insects because it has a natural resin in it. These are nice advantages for outdoor use. It is high in natural oils to so it reduces how often you would have to varnish, finish, and seal over other woods.

Die Cast Aluminum - Die cast aluminum is a casting method that makes it easier to create more detailed surface textures of many different shapes and styles. This makes it easy to find a dining or seating set in the style that you love. Aluminum is also lightweight and it does not rust which is important when considering anything metal that is left outside especially in areas along the coast where there is a lot of salt in the air. It is low maintenance, weather resistant, and sturdy so you will love your furniture for years to come.

Tweet

How to Choose Flowers for Your Floral Arangement

Just about everyone loves the appearance of fresh flowers, or the smell of sweetly fragrant ones. Most people love to bring flowers into their homes to brighten them up, particularly if they don't have a garden to enjoy. If you're one of them, you're probably buying flowers from the supermarket or road side stall and putting them all together in an nice arrangement. But if it's your first time to pick fresh flowers, what are exactly are you going to do?  Here are some tips you might find helpful.

Pick a color sequence of no more than three colors. It's easy to get carried away while browsing a flower shop—but making something beautiful is easier when your flowers match each other. In the winter, we're fans of purple and orange; white, green and blue; or, in honor of a holiday like Valentine's Day, red, white, and pink.

Source: UNSPLASH

Get inspired. If you fall in love with one color or type of flower, carry it around the shop with you. Then, match up the potential accompaniments, seeing if their colors and shapes work well together.

If you're making multiple bouquets, pick a base flower. Look out for an inexpensive, filler flower in a neutral color—and then stretch it throughout all of your arrangements. This allows you to buy in bulk—and to have fun picking special items for each separate bouquet. You can use white limonium as a base flower; they're small, elegant, and allow the bigger, more colorful flowers to pop.

Be wary of the flowers on sale. They're on sale for a reason; the store is trying to move them quickly. If you're looking for your flowers to last up to a week, it's best to buy them full-price.

Big flowers stretch the farthest. If you're on a budget—or if you're nervous about making your own arrangement—go for a larger type of flower. They take up more space in a bouquet, so you can buy less of them—and they're easier to work with while building a bouquet.

Think about timing. Some flowers, like roses and tulips, benefit from a night in water. If you're building a bouquet for the same day, it's important to keep this in mind.

Prune. Just because you buy the flowers a certain way doesn't mean they're finished. Trim away all extra leaves, thorns, branches, and other distractions; you want the flowers themselves to shine.

Tweet

Major Decorating Don'ts You Must Know

You need not be an interior designer in order to know what will and won't work for your house design. With a little creativity and patience, you can decorate your house just like expert designers. How? By knowing and avoiding what you must not do in terms of home decoration.

DON'T hang chandeliers too high. A chandelier is a light fixture. It should light  your house and not the ceiling.

DON'T hang artwork too high. Pieces should be hung at about eye-level. You don't want your visitors to have stiff neck just to appreciate your artwork on display.

DON'T use short curtains. Curtains are made to touch the floor neatly. It's okay if it puddle a bit.

DON'T use too many throw pillows. Throw pillows are great decorative accents but don't make them occupy the entirety of your couch or bed.

DON'T choose style over comfort. Pieces of home furniture are meant to be used and not just to be displayed. Refrain from buying any item which you won't be able to use comfortably. It will just be a waste of money.

DON'T push all your furniture against the walls. You must observe this especially in the living room. When furniture pieces are pulled together, intimate conversation spaces are created. This is a great idea to stay connected with other family members.

Tweet

Five Things to Avoid When Designing Your Living Room

The living room is an important part of your house. It is where you welcome your visitors and where other people are able to create their first impressions on you. With wrong decisions, you can easily ruin the image of your living room.

Don't buy uncomfortable pieces of furniture. What are you going to do with a stylish sofa becomes if you're unable to sit comfortably on it? Buy a sofa that is both good looking and useful. Search online for some guidelines on furniture selection if you don't trust your instincts.

Purchase your wall paint last. Your wall color must blend with the color of your living room furniture. It is best to buy your wall paint once you're settled with the color theme of  your room.

Don't purchase bulky lights. Bulky lights will make your living room look cramped specifically when you don't have a wide floor space. Look for medium-sized light fixtures which can brighten your living room  neatly.
 
Refrain from following trends. Study the structure of your living room and research what design would suit it best. It's not always wise to follow the trend. Opt for a classic finish.

Do away with small area rugs. Area rugs should be big enough for all your living room furniture to fit in. Ask for assistance from the sales agents when choosing the right rug for your living room.

Tweet

How to Choose Window Curtains

Hanging curtains by your windows does not only make your home look beautiful. It provides  other advantages which you might not know about.

Curtains are useful in sound deadening purposes. The fabrics from which curtains are made absorb noise. This reduces the echo and reflection of noise around your house. Hence, the noise level is reduced and your house becomes more peaceful to live in.

Curtains also promote insulation in your house. They reduce the transfer of heat from outside to inside your house. This helps you enjoy a cooler home during summer and a warmer house during winter.

To acquire the maximum benefits of curtains, you must take the effort and time to find the suitable kind of curtains for your home. Here are some tips that can make the selection process much easier for you.

1) Consider functionality - Do you need curtains to frame the view or to obtain privacy for your home? The main purpose why you're buying curtains will dictate the kind of curtain you need to buy.

2) Check the length - Consider the the size of your window when deciding on the length of your curtains. You will also need to consider the look of that you want to achieve for your entire house. A classic look might require long curtains for you to buy.

3) Choose suitable fabric - If your house is painted with solid colors, choosing curtains with patterns as this can add style to your home. Sometimes, you will need to consider the season or weather too. For example, thicker curtains are best used during winter for insulation purposes.

Here's a video I found online. It can give you additional insights when buying curtains for your home. I don't own it. All credit to the owner.

Tweet

Blank House Walls - How to Decorate Them

Blank walls make any house look empty. Some homeowners simply choose to let their walls appear blank because they find wall decoration to be a daunting task. The truth is, it is a very enjoyable activity that won't require you to spend a lot. All you need is a bit of creativity and patience.

Family room wall - Consider creating a photo collage in this wall. Choose photos which remind you of your best family memories. Insert in them in beautiful frames with different colors, sizes and shapes. Choose other wall decors to hang with your picture frames. Make sure that they all achieve a central theme.

Kitchen and dining room wall - You can also bring touches of art to your kitchen. Instead of the typical enlarged photo of The Last Supper, use vintage recipe cards, images of delectable foods or images of quotes about food to decorate your kitchen. As for your dining room,  you can showcase your collectible items in shelves like your favorite mugs and plates from overseas.

Bathroom wall - Apart from mirrors, install framed artworks in your bathroom wall. Just make sure that they are protected from moisture so that they don't get damaged easily.

Bedroom wall - Some people ought to have an oversized photo of themselves hung on the wall behind their beds. If you don't like this idea, you can choose an image of a natural setting or a certain pattern to print oversized. Choose a frame that will compliment your wall paint the design of your bedroom.

Tweet

The Importance of Incorporating Patterns and Prints In Your Room

You might say that pattern is the thing of the good old days. Think again because it is making a come back especially in the interior design industry. Solid fabrics, monochromatic shades, and clean lines will still be around but elegant patterns will make it easier for any room to stand out. Are you thinking whether prints can be counted here? Well, the answer is a resounding 'Yes!'.

Patterns initiate activity - Plain or solid colors can be boring. Try replacing them with patterns to initiate activity in an empty and wide space. Size matters a lot when it comes to determining activity level. Large patterns will do if you want to achieve a calm or serene atmosphere in your room. On the other hand, small and intricate patterns are perfect to use if you want to convey busyness. Pieces of big furniture and wide wallpapers are best designed with large patterns while small decors and accessories are best  designed with small  patterns.

Prints promote visual weight - A part of a room is said to have visual weight when the viewers' eyes are drawn towards it. If the visual weight is gathered in one side. the entire room will not look balanced. Hence, you must be careful in incorporating prints in your room design.

You can mix and match patterns and prints to achieve your desired theme for your room. Choose distinct patterns and prints belonging to color palettes  which appear cohesive when combined. Successful pattern-print combination can make your room design look intricate. If you're confident enough about your artistic skills, you can try pulling off a wonderful contrast between patterns and prints. Just make sure that your color choices coordinate well. You can check some color guides or color theories before starting with your project.

Tweet

How to Hang Pictures without Damaging Walls

Hanging pictures is one of the simplest ways to make a house look beautiful. Needless to say, it is also one of the quickest ways to destroy a neatly painted wall. While there's no perfect way to hang pictures without leaving a hole in the wall, there are simple things that you can observe to keep the damage at a minimum. 

Create a plan. First of all, decide where you want to hang your pictures. Make sure that your choice can accommodate all the pictures you want displayed. Also, make sure that it is not hollow; that it remains solid enough even after a couple or more frames are drilled and hung onto it. In connection to this, make use of a stud finder. Hanging your frames on studs will keep you worry-free about your art pieces falling off the wall. This will also prevent damage on your wall. Below is an example of a stud finder. (Disclaimer: I'm not promoting its brand.)

Get a dummy picture. Use another picture or a paper that has the size of the picture that you want to hang. Try hanging up against the wall area of your choice as you do the measurements.

Make measurements. In relation to the wall studs, measure and mark the exact spot where you need the nails hammered or the holes drilled for hooks or screws. Take note that the ideal height for hanging pictures on the wall is eye-level. With that, position your dummy picture against the wall at your eye-level so that you can mark the spot correctly.

Use the right tools. Wall damage can be prevented if you're using the right tools. You can find picture hanging kits in department stores and most hardware shops. If you're into DIY projects, having a kit like this will be very useful to you.

Tweet

Free Ways To Get That Fresh Look In Your Living Room

Are you tired of the same look of your living room for the last two years or so? If yes, then it's about time to make some changes to create a new look for you and your visitors. Here's a list of free ways to get that fresh look in your living room today.

Clean your living room.

Yes, there are times that rooms need deep cleaning to see how beautiful they are. Schedule a day or two to deep clean, depends on the size of your living room.

Declutter and organize. 

Throw away stuff that you don't need, say a painting that doesn't match the theme of your room or a picture that looks outdated. Just save those that you want and keep them in your stock room. Organize the rest of the stuff or return them where these things should be kept.

Check your stock of throw pillows.

This may surprise a lot of homeowners but you are not certain that you have used all your stock of throw pillows until you go back and check what's available. You don't need to buy new throw pillows and covers if you still have some new ones on stock.

Introduce green in your living room.

Want to infuse green stuff to make it look fresh?  Get some fresh flowers in the garden, use your old vase or a beautiful wine bottle to contain these blooms. You can also place small plants to make your living room more inviting.

Tweet

Tips On Decorating A Small Living Room...Continued

In a small space, the pieces of furniture must be kept to a minimum. In terms of size, one major furniture could be big but the rest have to be small. Why? This strategy keeps your living room from being overcrowded and everything else looks put together.

To avoid decorative pieces from taking much of the floor space, shelves may be installed directly onto the walls. These can hold the art items which you want to be in display. Keep coffee tables clear for immediate use. A small décor item that is easy to lift and relocate can sit on the coffee table though.

Lighting is another key to having a bright and spacious living room. Refrain from using dark and heavy curtains. If you do not want your windows to look bare, hung light and transparent cloth just to screen the light shining from outside during day time. For glass windows, translucent shades are ideal.

Have you ever heard about the wonders brought about by mirrors? By placing them in appropriate spots, an illusion of expansive space is created.  Do not over decorate with mirrors though. You can hang a big one on the wall opposite your living room window. Choose an elegant design for the frames to achieve a sophisticated finish.

Tweet

Tips On Decorating A Small Living Room - First Part

I am thankful that we are blessed with our own house. Although it is not that big, it is spacious enough for us to live comfortably with the kids. Now, the challenge for me lies in making our small living room to be elegantly alive and very functional. I was contemplating on these two photos for ideas.

Frankly, our current budget may not allow us to purchase new pieces of furniture and other decors which come along with these designs. And so, I searched for low-cost techniques on living room decoration which can get me the output I want. Here they are:

Making The Room Color Right – Believe it or not, the perfect room color can make the smallest space bigger in appearance. Hues which create a bright atmosphere are blues and greens as they replicate the ambiance of nature. Instead of leaning towards the darker scale, choose the softer tones for better results. Dim colors make your space intimate looking and so it would look more closed up. Such colors are best for creating an atmosphere of warmth in bed rooms.

Tweet