In a world of ever-shrinking living spaces and equally tight corners in decor budgets, “downsizing” seems to be the word of the era. But sometimes, we just need a breath of fresh air and a sense of wide open space. Through the power of smart design choices, making small quarters feel light and airy is actually far easier that one might think.

Jennifer Agus of Agus Interiors shares with us a quartet of tips for visually elongating, illuminating and essentially liberating a space from its diminutive dimensions.

According to Agus, the first order of business is to “choose a wall and use a sponge to paint over the solid color and create a cloud-like design on only one wall” like the room shown above. Next, she recommends taking advantage of vertical windows to literally let the light shine in from floor to ceiling:

Speaking of windows, Agus shares a tip for minimizing contrast and maximizing light by using pastel fabrics as drapes and adds, “Don’t be afraid to mix colors and add a pop with some patterned picks,” as she’s done here:

Last but not least, she recommends a simple linear approach to trick the eye. “Elongated bookshelves… give an appearance of a wider, never-ending space,” she says. “Think horizontally in terms of furniture.”

Photo credits: Agus Interiors

For many, laundry duty falls to the very bottom of the list of enjoyable chores. Some get a kick out of a nice, light dusting, while others find satisfaction in a sink-scrubbing challenge, but for most, the multi-tiered act of separating, washing, drying, pressing and folding clothes is eyeroll-inducing at best.

Perhaps a smidge of design savvy couldn’t hurt things, though. Today, we’ve collected images of several laundry rooms that aren’t just orderly; they’re actually sort of beautiful. It’s possible that the more luxurious (or at least personalized) a space feels, the less banal the chores we complete inside them become.

While these spaces may not separate lights from darks, they at least give us something lovely to look at while we’re doing the dirty work ourselves.

Photo credits: House of Turquoise (x2), Shelterness, The Keltons’ Cozy Cottage and Stagetecture

Have you wondered how interior spaces are now starting to sport rustic wood paneling everywhere you look? From children’s rooms to family rooms and even ceilings, wood paneling has reinvented itself.

Now, we aren’t talking the plywood wood paneling of the seventies that may have lined your parents’ basement walls; this is natural and it’s reclaimed wood. Old wood pallets used from warehouses are getting a new life as wood paneling and looking fabulous as a repurposed finish.

Look at how to update your bland wall with rustic wood paneling that is natural and looks fabulous.

• Getting your wood supply: Before you can get the rustic look in your interiors, choose wood that is free from bugs, major splits, etc. Try visiting reclaimed lumber yards or places that have wooden pallets: home improvement stores, garden centers, sod nurseries, etc. These places will give you a good selection of wood that you can choose from. Ensure that the wood is untreated from pesticides that could be harmful. Look for variations in color and size to add an artisan and rustic quality to your wall.

• Installing textured wood panels: Before applying to the wall, remove all nails and sand down the planks to ensure they are safe for your interiors. While this may be time consuming it will be well worth it when you have a custom wall that is safe to lean up against and admire from a far. Sort panels out by width and line up on a wall to be able to determine which wood plank should align with others. Take care in choosing nails that will be long enough to ensure wood planks will adhere to the wall securely. Applying plywood to your drywall will give the wood planks a backer board and will also protect your wall.

Similarly to laying out tile, align the planks and nail planks side by side until the wall is complete. You will love the finished rustic nature of the room and this is a perfect do it yourself project for two or more people.

Creating an accent wall with reclaimed textured wood panels can give an aesthetic that you never imagined, and the rustic appeal will be cherished for years to come.

All photo credits: Bower Power

It’s more important now than ever to create sanctuaries out of our homes — places where we can truly decompress and feel comfortable and cared for, even when a jolt from the outside world is a mere buzz or beep away. So, today’s roundup links us to inspiration around the web for cozy, luxurious living.

First up, Elle Decor offers a feature on Lulu deKwiatkowski, maker of sophisticated fabrics for kids’ rooms (above). Next, Furniture Fashion shares an eco-friendly and eye-catching roundup of ten pieces of gorgeous reclaimed wood furniture:

Real Simple offers glimpses into 14 impeccable made-over living and dining rooms to set your imagination ablaze:

Elsewhere, the helpful folks behind The Nest share nearly a dozen tips for making a small space seem larger…

… and Dwell revs up our wanderlust with its tale of a northern Italian couple trading up a tiny flat for a farmhouse, chronicling their adventures in decorating.

Photo credits: Elle Decor, Furniture Fashion and Real Simple

With all of the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, our interiors often take a back seat and we lose touch with nature. Greenery and plants are the perfect way to connect back with nature and make a fun craft with your kids at the same time.

For a unique craft, try this sea terrarium that mimics underwater sea life. Take a look at this easy DIY idea which uses sand, greenery and pretend sea life creatures for one-of-a-kind terrariums from Making it Lovely blog.

• Gather your terrarium supplies: First decide what type of glass enclosure you’d like to use. There are many options from lightbulbs and open glass Christmas ornaments to candle votive holders you can pick up from a craft store. These will serve as your display containers. Next, choose a plant that is small and will look beautiful when displayed in a “dwarfed” version. Succulents were used in this DIY project and will need coarse sand and cactus soil.

“The nice thing about working with succulents is their shallow root system and how little soil they really require to survive. If some of your plants are a bit too large for your vessel, you can simply trim off a bit of the root or some of the leaves and stick them right in the soil.” …Making it Lovely

• Assembling your succulent terrarium: Lay out your sandy bottom with the coarse sand and cactus soil. Once this layer is down, it’s time to add the succulents. Separate the plants and include some of the nutrient-rich potting soil while planting. Once you’ve planted the succulents, include more sand and consider adding a few miniature sea aquarium mermaids and sea life additions.

“If you wish, you can add a little mermaid or two, and some pretty rocks or shells to complete your seascape. The miniature mermaids are actually cocktail drink markers I found online and spray painted them white to be a bit more sophisticated.”… Making it Lovely

Once you have completed these steps you can enjoy your succulent sea terrarium. Add a few drops of water after planting and every other day for the first 2-3 days. To care for them into the future, water lightly once a week. Enjoy your new ‘seaquarium’ on your favorite table side!

All photo credits: Making it Lovely

Every once in a while, when someone uses the phrase “wall art,” it’s meant in a literal fashion. In the design climate in which we’re currently living, when personalization is not only accepted, but lauded and appreciated more than ever, illustrated walls are perhaps the ultimate way to personalize a space and convey a certain aesthetic that no one piece of furniture ever could.

Above, stylist and former Martha Stewart staffer Shana Faust effectively uses the approach in a photo shoot to illustrate — on every level — a feminine air of cosmopolitan style and flirtation. More whimsical still is the window wall art found and shared by 2D Studio, placing windows where none exist:

Used to even more bombastic effect, this direct application of art by Jonas Carlberg brings a balance of organized chaos to a neutral but hardly boring workspace.

Photo credits: Shana Faust, Pinterest/2D Studio and Jonas Carlberg

It’s official: for those of us who wish we could hire uber-accessible celebrity designer Nate Berkus to overhaul our homes, we’re a solid step closer to making the dream a reality. The Nate Berkus Collection will debut exclusively in Target stores and via the mega-retailer’s website this fall. The signature collection is said to include bedding, bath, accessories, lighting, rugs and window treatments.

According to Target’s senior vice president of merchandising, Stacia Anderson, “Nate is celebrated for helping people create beautiful spaces that express their individuality…. guests will be inspired by the Nate Berkus Collection, which captures his sophisticated design aesthetic in a stylish and affordable line.”

True to his reputation and aesthetic, the man himself doesn’t claim to have a one-size-fits-all remedy for each and every home he sees, but rather, provides inspiration points and guideposts, instead, to tie together personal tastes in an inviting way: “I created this collection for Target,” he says, “with my philosophy that homes should evoke a feeling, not a theme.”

Per Target, the collection will include chevron patterns, Ikat prints, hammered metal and accessories with snakeskin finishes. The line will debut October 21.

Photo credits: Target

When choosing exterior house paint, the choices can be daunting. From what color to choose, to brand and sheen, there are quite a few options to choose from. In addition, for those homeowners who would like an eco-friendly exterior paint – there are a few criteria you should consider before purchasing.

What type of surface you are painting, performance issues, and quality and price are where you should start. If you are ready to freshen up your exterior home with eco-friendly paint, here are tips to follow.

• Do your homework first: While you may think all eco-friendly paints are the same, think again. First, determine what application you will be using for the exterior paint. Determine if you will be painting sheetrock, wood, or masonry. The rule of thumb is the thicker the paint, the more solids that are within the paint to lock out moisture and therefore adding to the durability of the paint. This will also result in a higher priced paint. Conversely, a thinner paint will require more coats to cover your area effectively. Professional painters usually will feel out the paint consistency between their thumb and forefinger.

Photo credit: Pinterest

• Find out what’s inside: Before you visit the paint store, get on the Internet and download the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) outlining the chemicals and ingredients that are hazardous. Look through sections 2, 3, and 11 and it will outline the most important information you will need to know to be informed before visiting the paint store. When choosing eco-friendly paints, consider the terminology. Low or No VOC’s is important when choosing the right paint but does not mean it is healthy. Try and visit paint websites that have customer comments and ratings for the best results.

Photo credit: Decor Pad

Painting your exterior home is a big decision and choosing the right eco-friendly paint for your needs can be made easier with these helpful tips. If you are still baffled by all of the choices, consider hiring a paint contractor that is experienced in using eco-friendly exterior paints. Ensure your paint job will be one to last for years into the future and will keep your family and environment safe at the same time.

Photo credit top: Cote de Texas

For your next dinner party or Sunday brunch, what type of floral centerpiece are you considering? Blooming flowers are always beautiful but are the typical table decor and can often be overlooked.

What about adding greenery with the addition of the unexpected fern? Ferns have always been known to be great ‘filler’ greenery for bouquets and centerpieces, but who knew they could stand alone and command attention as well as their blooming counterparts?

Here are some unexpected ways to adorn your dining room table with ferns that guarantee your guests will do a double take.

• Finding the perfect fern: When looking for the right fern find one that is green, free from dry leaves and can be trimmed away from the stem on the bottom to accentuate its perfect silhouette. While you can use any variety of ferns, here are some hints for ones that work best:

“Sword ferns are most common here in the South and can be found everywhere from back alleys and breezy porches to fancy country clubs. Western ferns have a nice geometry, and more tropical ferns would be showy and statement-making, while the ferns of New England have leaves that are tiny and dense.” ….Design *Sponge.

• Choose vases that are simple and beautiful: Once again, while any type of container can work as a vase, remember these unexpected fern centerpieces should accent the simplicity of form of the fern. Clear glass bottles do this beautifully. They help the eye focus on the simple greenery and individual leaves – which puts nature on display in a holistic way.

‘The vases used in this arrangement are simple — just clear bottles of varying sizes collected over time with the labels washed off with warm, soapy water. Good sources for these are cream soda bottles, cold-brew coffee bottles and olive oil bottles. When in doubt, restaurant supply stores are always great sources for simple, inexpensive glassware.’ ….Design *Sponge.

Finally, arrange your bottles and fern fronds (stems) one per vase or container. Set your dinner table to counterbalance your beautiful centerpiece of bottles. Dinnerware and table linen should be also be kept clean and clear of heavy ornamentation. This will draw eyes to the center of the table.

What a lovely, inexpensive and gorgeous way to bring an unexpected touch to your next dinner party.

All photo credits: Design *Sponge

 

Your bed is one of the most used items in your home and it only gets replaced in most people’s homes once or twice in a lifetime! Believe it or not buying a bed is a lifetime investment and if you are in the market for buying one, do you know what to look for?

From pricing, to firmness and size, to health issue considerations, buying a bed is a big deal. Here are tips to ensure you make the right choice for you and your bedroom.

• Prioritize what is important: Beds are similar to appliances, you can invest in the best or you can pay less and get lower quality but save money. Everyone has different price points they feel comfortable with and knowing how much you can afford should be considered before you start bed shopping. The next consideration should be the size of your bedroom and how much you and possibly another person – or a family – may need! While you may love a California king size bed, your small apartment bedroom may not accommodate it. Once you have prioritized what’s important to you, it’s time to go shopping.

Photo credit: Notes on Design

• Know the competition: Buying a mattress and then considering the headboard and footboard may need to be separated in your shopping trips. The mattress shopping spectrum can be a feat in itself. Research prices, firmness levels, health related varieties, sizes, and warranties. If possible try them out! Lay on as many mattresses as possible to ensure you are getting exactly what you want. If you buy online, ensure there is a trial period to test in your home or research the shipping policies to send it back if you are not satisfied with the mattress. While buying a bed may seem like a lot of work, your body will be rewarded for it every evening.

Photo credit: Design Stiles

Before buying a bed, know what is important to you. If you share a bed with a partner, kids,  or pets, keep this in mind before you purchase a bed. Knowing your lifestyle, budget, and size requirements are essential. For those of you with health concerns – allergies, body aches, limited mobility and more – research beds that will help you alleviate many of these concerns. Buying a bed shouldn’t be a stress. Follow these tips for years of happy sleeping.

Photo credit top: Apartment Therapy

There’s a new trend creeping its way onto the interior design scene, but for all its hype, it’s making its entrance rather organically. Moss, which generally makes its home on the bark of large trees, is now making its way into our homes — only when invited, of course — via Mosser, a spherical mass of moss that lives inside a small terrarium.

A safe bet even for those of us with notoriously brown thumbs, it only needs watering once every week or two and comes with its own mister.

Taking things a step further — not to mention the word “green” both literally and figuratively — are the scientific minds behind Biophotovoltaics, who recently introduced the concept of the “Moss Table” with the intention of harnessing the power, quite literally, of bio-photo-voltaic technology.

Per Inhabitat, “Electricity is generated from the electrons captured by conductive fibers inside the moss table. The technology turns energy that would otherwise be wasted in the photosynthesis process into power that can be put to practical use.”

The table can produce enough energy to power a digital clock, and the same technology is expected to eventually be harnessed efficiently enough to power lamps and, apparently, even laptops. To that, we say, “Go, go, gadget greenery.”

Photo credits: Uncrate and Inhabitat

The art of lazy living is about to reach epic proportions, thanks to a design company called Oradaria. They’re the minds behind the forthcoming “Blandito” pad, a transformable blanket/seat/sleeping bag/cocoon of general relaxation that is, to quote its creators, “360° useful” and, frankly, looks a little like a grown-up version of the baby burrito.

What started with an idea, some fabric, a garden hose, foam sheets, some eyelets and an elastic cord is now a legless, armless, backless sofa perfect for napping, romping, or relaxing — either solo, with an object of affection or a gaggle of kids, as the piece’s promotional photography suggests.

The wrappable, twistable, morphable mega-pillow is machine-washable and expected to be available in small, medium and large versions. It’s currently shifting from limited to large-scale production in Italy.

Photo credits: Oradaria Design via Behance.

If you were told you could change one thing about your bathroom what would it be? Would you want a larger tub, more counter space, or more area to hide your clutter?

While you may not realize it, most people’s biggest complaint about their bathroom is about storage and lack of room to put their belongings when not in use. Clutter doesn’t always mean that you don’t need your items; in fact, clutter can refer to insufficient storage area to house your bathroom essentials.

Here are creative solutions for storing… or hiding clutter in your bathroom.

• Be honest about what you need to keep: Before you can organize, you need to take stock in what you currently have and can also part with. Let’s face it, every health and beauty item from the last ten years shouldn’t still be housed under the bathroom sink or in the medicine cabinet. Go through all of your storage areas and throw away expired medicine, health and beauty items, old curling irons, and items that haven’t been used regularly. Once you complete this step, you can assess how much space you really have.

Photo credit: House to Home

• Measure your space and get organized: Now that you have uncluttered your storage areas, measure to see how much room you have. Then visit an organization store with measurements in hand to see how you can consolidate your current bathroom essentials. Magnetic spice jars make great space savers for bobby pins, earrings, small accessories, buttons, etc… These can be affixed to the back of your metal medicine cabinet, or install a flat piece of metal to the inside of your wooden cabinet doors for more storage room. Look for vertical stacking drawers for smaller items or use open decorative baskets for open shelving vanities. If you have space, use furniture from other parts of your home to store toiletries, larger appliances such as hair dryers and extra linen.

Photo credit: Zsa Zsa Bellagio

Hiding your clutter doesn’t have to be a devious job. In fact, if you can get rid of your clutter and organize only what you use, you will soon see how much space there is to be had.

Bathrooms are one of the smallest rooms of your home, but they need to house a lot of elements. Use these helpful tips to get organized and utilize every spare space you have!

Photo credit top: Better Homes & Gardens