Interior

I’m a Authentic Estate Agent: These 7 Interior Structure Selections Could Incorporate $10,000 To Your Home’s Worth

Inez Caron October 18, 2023

Happy African American mother using laptop and working on paperwork while her daughter is embracing her at home.

Drazen Zigic / Getty Visuals/iStockphoto

Property costs in the U.S. have been promptly on the rise. This past July, residence selling prices rose .6% from the month prior, according to seasonally altered details from the S&P CoreLogic Scenario-Shiller US Countrywide Residence Cost Index. Costs could get even steeper in 2024, largely due to a persistent and pervasive lack of stock. This is undesirable news for individuals in the market for a new household, but rather terrific news for sellers.

Though your residence is probably ticking up in benefit dependent solely on the recent local climate of the housing industry, that doesn’t indicate there aren’t rather modest and reasonably priced inside style and design renovations that can enhance its worth even more. Let’s go over, with authentic estate specialists, which straightforward interior layout renovations you can make to incorporate an more $10,000 or so to the benefit of your property.

Putting in Pale Hardwood Floors

There is absolutely nothing fairly like hardwood flooring. They are sleek, stylish and both of those timely and timeless. Introducing a wide and mild plank hardwood flooring to your household will greatly enhance its benefit — primarily if you are replacing shoddy and/or unwell-coloured carpet.

“Installing a broad plank hardwood flooring is a excellent way to enrich the worth of your residence,” stated Jared Barnett, a accredited authentic estate salesperson at Compass Genuine Estate: The Barnett-Bittencourt Staff. “Wide planks are contemporary and eye-catching and assistance generate an illusion of a more substantial, more open space. I propose applying a light color such as white oak which will also continue to keep the area brilliant and ethereal.”

Converting a Space Into an Office

In an age where by operating from dwelling has become the norm for a lot of, changing an added home into a household business is a clever go that conveniently adds benefit to your assets.

“With increasing developments of people operating remotely, a property office has develop into a fascinating aspect for homebuyers,” Barnett mentioned. “Many potential buyers today are looking for a comfy work-from-residence way of living so this reward room will surely value your dwelling.”

Upgrading Toilets

Even though not the funnest or most enjoyable renovation to communicate about, it is necessary to contact on: upgrading bogs can truly up the value of your household.

“Old bogs can seriously place somebody off,” said Anna Karp, CEO of Bolster. “Be certain you make investments in some small-charge bogs from a significant-conclusion manufacturer like toto and have them put in it is the least complicated hack to title drop a brand name and do a swift update.”

The very best section of this renovation is that it can be remarkably reasonably priced. “New bathrooms can be as minimal as $300,” Karp claimed.

Portray Kitchen area Cabinets White

Sprucing up your kitchen cabinets with a refreshing shade of white paint can renovate an previous kitchen area into a welcoming new space though at the same time expanding your home’s price.

“White cabinets have a timeless attraction that generates a brilliant and open truly feel in the kitchen area,” Barnett stated. “As a cost-successful and somewhat uncomplicated renovation, it can produce a significant return on expense.”

Implementing a Clean Coat of Paint on Inside Walls

Yes, portray the exterior of your house can definitely improve its worth, but that tends to be a seriously expensive renovation. For case in point, in California, it costs somewhere around $2 to $4 for every square foot to paint a residence, in accordance to Diamond Star Painting. That can mail you into paying out some $10,000, based on the measurement of your household, which sorta defeats the objective of the update.

The good thing is, sprucing up the interiors of your dwelling with new paint is typically additional reasonably priced, and can nevertheless do the trick of incorporating worth to your house. “If you are wondering which paint colours to use, appear at current trends in IG, you may want to decide for white and then do an accent wall to make the property appear extra higher conclude,” Karp claimed.

Invest in Vitality Preserving Gear and Tactics

With local climate change intensifying, an growing volume of possible homebuyers are trying to find a dwelling that is energy-productive. It’s not just the eco-welcoming aspect to retain in head, both. It is also significant for cost-performance, specifically if you dwell in a point out these as California where by electrical power price ranges are skyrocketing.

“More and much more house owners are both knowledgeable of environmental troubles or want to know the accurate price of their strength costs,” Karp mentioned. “Be confident you are knowledgeable about this and that all the bulbs in the house are vitality conserving.”

Cleanse, Clear, Clean

How simple and affordable this one particular is: cleanse your position. No, actually, make it sparkle — and also make it smell like it sparkles!

“Fresh and clean does the trick: if you want a property to exhibit its genuine price, clean up it, paint it and increase programs,” Karp said. “Likewise, make investments in carpet cleaners and cleaners in general. The odor of a dwelling can definitely give a beneficial (or negative) subconscious concept to prospective purchasers.”

Additional From GOBankingRates

Interior Expert Reveals the Structure Mistake You might be Generating in the Bedroom

Inez Caron August 22, 2023

Eager to give your bedroom a high-class contact with no breaking the financial institution? One female statements a critical "style error" may be trying to keep your bedroom from possessing a superior-end feel.

The style error was highlighted in a viral TikTok video clip posted on July 29, by Kiva Brent (@kivabrent), who is "a scientist turned interior stylist" in accordance to Brent's YouTube channel.

Brent suggests in the online video: "Your bedroom will in no way search higher-finish if you hold generating this style oversight. Your rug is much too smaller." The footage demonstrates diverse pictures of a bedroom with a rug.

Bedroom space with rug and chairs. — A inventory image of a bed room with a rug position beneath the bed. A online video highlighting a key "design blunder" stopping your place from searching "high close" has long gone viral on TikTok.
iStock / Getty Photos Additionally

House decoration purchases noticed an "unprecedented" increase in popularity last year, according to a study of 46,118 U.S. householders aged 18 and more mature, which includes 24,667 who renovated their houses in 2022, conducted by Houzz, a home style and design web site.

Rugs have been between the prime interior decor purchases, with 54 % reported to have purchased a rug for their dwelling in 2022. The study also discovered 13 p.c obtained rugs for outside decor purposes.

A caption shared with the newest viral clip reads: "This structure oversight is the reason why your bed room will in no way search large conclusion!"

Brent claims in the online video "When your rug looks like this, it can be much too little," pointing to a ground program exhibiting an aerial watch of a mattress with a rug placed vertically beneath it. Most of the rug seems to be hidden by the mattress, with about a third of it sticking out further than the base edge of the mattress.

"When it appears like this, it wants to be shifted up really a bit," Brent continues, pointing to a floor plan displaying a rug placed horizontally beneath the bed. Most of the rug is shown outdoors the bed body.

"As a substitute, you want them to appear like these," she points out. The footage exhibits two flooring strategies with rugs underneath the beds but shift nearer in direction of the head of the mattress. The amount of rug area sticking out of the mattress body appeared to be equidistant close to the perimeter of the mattress frame.

"If you are not able to afford to pay for to get a larger rug, keep in mind that you can usually do two runners on either aspect," Brent notes, as the monitor displays a home with two tiny rugs placed on the still left and correct sides of a bed.

"Or an oblong rug like a cowhide," she adds, as the clip exhibits an example of a place with an irregularly formed rug beneath a mattress.

TikTokers were being delighted by the most up-to-date design recommendations.

User jaimebsparkly wrote: "Holy cow..never ever imagined of two runners! a great deal much more affordable. the bed addresses up most of the rug."

Mamasawn agreed, noting: "Two runners is brilliant thx."

Consumer Me said: "Oooo, thank you it made all the big difference."

Various consumers questioned whether or not it is advisable to have a rug when your room is carpeted, these as user9515317757557 who requested "is a rug in a area with carpet a terrible notion?"

The primary poster replied: " I like when folks do that since carpets are uninteresting."

Newsweek has contacted the authentic poster for comment through TikTok.

Do you have any inside layout ideas to share? Enable us know by means of [email protected] and your tale could be highlighted on Newsweek.

Interior Design Tips From Experts | Real Estate

Inez Caron July 31, 2023

Whether you’re looking to freshen up a single room or make your entire house a showstopper for guests, you may find yourself wondering how to get started. You don’t necessarily need an interior designer to help you achieve the right look or feel for a space, as long as you have a vision and feel confident about your decisions.

We’ve asked home renovation, design and decorating experts to weigh in on important details to consider as you prepare for your next home improvement project.

When designing and decorating your home, experts recommend:

1. Begin Designing Where it Matters Most

Young man wearing eyeglasses installing wooden table with drill while sitting at home.

(Getty Images)

When decorating your home, it’s often best to go room by room. But which room should you take on first? “Most people start in the room they spend the most time in,” says Gena Kirk, vice president of design for homebuilding company KB Home, based in Los Angeles. “In new-construction homes, it’s typically the great room or the living room and then the kitchen.”

For the sake of entertaining visitors, it makes sense to prioritize common areas. Once you’ve tackled the spaces where you spend most of your waking hours, you can work to improve bathrooms and bedrooms, followed by less critical spaces like the laundry room or linen closet.

2. Consider a New Look For Your Bedroom

Digitally generated warm and cozy modern bedroom interior design. The scene was rendered with photorealistic shaders and lighting in Autodesk® 3ds Max 2016 with V-Ray 3.6 with some post-production added.

(Getty Images)

While tackling your living room may be the ideal first project, don't neglect your bedroom. “People overlook their master bedroom – especially families. They make sure everyone else is happy,” says Leanne Ford, co-host of the HGTV show “Restored by the Fords” and co-author of “Work in Progress: Unconventional Thoughts on Designing an Extraordinary Life.”

A bedroom doesn’t require the extensive plumbing, electrical work and new appliances that a kitchen or bathroom may require, and you can create a new look simply by adding new paint and light fixtures or lamps. Consider directing your budget for this room toward a comfortable new mattress or a chair to read and relax in. “You can redo your master bedroom for what, $5,000 all in, and you can create a kind of a sanctuary,” Ford says.

3. Determine How Much Change You Want to Make

Women enjoying demolition of an old wall in a house.

(Getty Image)

When redesigning a room, decide whether your vision requires simple changes like moving furniture and hanging new drapes, or if you'll be starting a months-long project that requires construction. Taking on a do-it-yourself project, for example, isn’t just about how skilled you are, but “also what your appetite is for making a mess,” says Barbara Kavovit, founder and CEO of Evergreen Construction in New York City and author of “Heels of Steel,” a novel about the construction industry.

If you’re not up for having your living room covered in tarps for weeks to remove a wall and install recessed lighting, or even just a couple of days to paint the walls, you’ll want to stick to simply moving furniture and art around and patching nail holes.

4. Know Your Budget

Mid adult Asian woman reading bank statement, working from home with her business partner, sitting at traditional wooden desk, hand on chin, going through paperwork, doing accounts, book keeping, planning, strategy

(Getty Images)

A tight budget doesn’t mean it’s impossible to accomplish a new look and feel for a room – it just means you have to be strategic about how you spend your money. To redesign a room for less, Ford says: “It’s about swapping out lighting and a fresh coat of paint.”

Painting the walls a new color is a fairly easy project, and you can change the feel of a room with lamps that light upward instead of down or even upgrade your bulbs to LED. Investing in smart lightbulbs will give you dimmer and color-changing options without requiring any electrical work – instead, the lights operate from a remote or an app on your phone.

5. Find Inspiration From Design Blogs

Woman with a coffee cup and reading on sofa with phone for social media, chat app or web in living room.

(Getty Images)

There’s no shortage of places you can look to find design inspiration for your home. Interior design magazines often showcase a heavily curated look that can seem intimidating, while design blogs and websites like Pinterest and Houzz can highlight more approachable and achievable aesthetics that will fit your house – and hopefully your budget.

Kirk notes that homeowners can take advantage of online resources, because it's easier to find similar pieces of furniture or decor at a lower price compared to the pieces they see in a photo of a designer's or celebrity's home.

6. Start With Simple DIY Projects

(Getty Images)

If you’re looking to take on a DIY project, Kavovit recommends sticking to those that can be accomplished with a limited skill set. Projects like painting walls and changing out fixtures don't require construction knowledge and are less likely to go haywire.

“Change the look of your kitchen by painting cabinets. Put up some hooks; change the under-cabinet lighting,” Kavovit says. “You could even add a backsplash with some tile – even if you’re a novice.” Take advantage of online tutorials and how-to YouTube videos to follow a step-by-step project, even if it’s for something simple like replacing a light fixture.

7. Consider Small Changes For a New Look

Kitchen faucet spraying fresh, clean cold water.

(Getty Images)

A small project is also ideal if you're unsure of just how you should improve a room. Subtle alterations can tell you if cosmetic differences will do the trick or if you ultimately need a bigger renovation. “Replace a faucet if it’s the kitchen or the bathroom. You can replace a shower head; you can replace a doorknob,” Kavovit says.

Consider replacing cabinet pulls, knobs or faucets, which you can find at any home improvement store, and mix and match to try out more modern or traditional accents in a room. A new shower head may be the change you were looking for, or it could make it clear that the size or placement of the shower needs to change.

8. Go Traditional on Key Pieces

Close-up of a grey couch with small throw pillows.

(Getty Images)

If you’re excited about new trends or the changing season and want to embrace new colors and patterns, remember not to over-invest in those details. Kirk recommends keeping your large pieces of furniture like your couch and coffee table more traditional and neutral so they have more versatility and longevity. “Then use your accessories and those other elements to bring out the trends, so when trends change it’s easier to update,” Kirk says.

You may love plaid and deep greens or reds during the fall and winter, but come summer they look out of place. With a gray couch, you can change out green throw pillows and a plaid blanket for a pale pink come springtime.

9. Don't Follow a Trend if You Don't Like it

Young couple and dog sitting on a couch.

(Getty Images)

While home renovation shows and Pinterest often highlight what styles are popular in the moment, Ford stresses that you shouldn’t follow a trend for the sake of fitting in. In any home she works on, Ford says she focuses on creating a space that an individual can feel emotionally attached to, rather than sticking to current trends. “If you don’t love it, do something different,” Ford says.

While contemporary design trends call for clean lines and neutral colors as the main focus of a room, you can still make a space feel fresh by mixing in pieces you love that aren’t actively trending. A Victorian chandelier can still be used as a focal point over a dining room table – just consider pairing it with some modern chairs or a table to keep the room from looking dated.

10. Avoid Making Your TV the Focal Point

Monochrome living room with wood and grey tiling accents

(Getty Images)

In a common area like your living room or family room, layout is important. You not only want to make it easy to interact with family and friends, but you also want to be able to watch a movie or listen to music. However, you can encourage more conversation and less focus on the television by keeping it from becoming the focal point of the space. In daily life, “TV is becoming less prevalent,” Kirk says. Consider placing your TV off-center so it’s still easy to watch comfortably, but make the focal point of the room the fireplace or a piece of artwork.

If you still want a centered, wall-mounted TV, you can use extended hooks or a sliding rail to cover it with artwork when you’re not watching a show. Samsung even offers a magnetic frame you can attach to your TV, allowing you to set the screen to an image when it's off, making it look like framed art.

11. Pick Furniture That Matches Your Lifestyle

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When you’re selecting new furniture for your living room and dining area, keep in mind how that space will most often be used. “Let’s say you have a large family (and) you have young children. You want a piece of furniture that’s going to hold up to that,” Kirk says.

A sturdy sectional makes a lot more sense when you have kids who are going to climb over the back and roll around than an antique sofa, for example. If you rarely entertain guests or host holiday dinners, a dining table that seats 12 is an unnecessary expense. Similarly, if you work in an office and rarely use the computer at your house, there’s no need to devote a room to a home office when it could be a spare bedroom or playroom.

12. Make Your Home Lively

Interior of modern apartment. Computer is at table in home office. Furniture in room.

(Getty Images)

Don’t limit your decor to furniture and framed photographs. Design principles of today focus on giving a room more life and texture with plants and natural elements. “People are starting to really be open to more sustainable products. They’re bringing the outdoors in,” Kirk says.

If you’re not confident you can keep lots of potted plants alive, incorporate other natural details like pebbles or shells in a bowl or vase, or freshly cut flowers on a tabletop that you can replace weekly. Photos or paintings that show off a landscape also help to bring aspects of the outdoors inside without requiring regular upkeep.

Easy, accessible interior design with AI

Inez Caron July 24, 2023

AI programs can help visualize your home in different decor styles — some even connect with where specific items are sold.

Published Jul 07, 2023 • 4 minute read

AI generated rendering from Planner5D's free Design Generator, which offers interior design options automatically based on an uploaded picture. Photo by Planner5D.com /Postmedia

Artificial intelligence has been disrupting interior design for several years now but the recent launch of ChatGPT has pushed generative AI into the mainstream and it is powering easy-to-follow online design tools. A quick look at the benefits of these tools show how AI is revolutionizing interior design and why it matters to homeowners.

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First, interior design applications using artificial intelligence instantly turn anyone into an amateur designer. The tools change the way images are conceptualized and produced.

A basic function of these design tools shows the utility of AI as most programs allow users to upload a photo of any room in their house, select a designer theme (modern, traditional, minimalist) and the program will generate different images of how that room would look with each theme. Some allow you to instantly purchase the furniture in your generated images.

ai interior design — This is where the AI interior design journey began — a photo of a real living room. Photo by Scott Henderson /Postmedia

“One of our priorities is to make the designing as easy and accessible as possible. AI can be named among the best technologies for it, taking over complicated tasks or helping in generating more ideas,” says Matt Kryvashein, chief marketing officer at Planner 5D, a global e-design platform.

Easy and accessible is where this mashup of art and technology gets interesting. Learning how the technology works explains why it is so useful in design. AI uses software to simulate human intelligence processes, including learning (collecting information and rules for using information), reasoning (using rules to create conclusions) and self-correction.

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Most of interior design AI is based on machine learning, a subgroup of AI that learns patterns from large amounts of data using these patterns to make predictions and decision. Collov, one of the leaders in online provision of design tools, recently launched an updated version of its product CollovGPT. The GPT stands for Generative Pre-Trained Transformer, which is a type of language model that conducts natural languages processing tasks, like question-answering, and text generation.

Using a generative AI tool like CollovGPT enables users to experiment with different design styles by using humanlike conversations. It can respond to questions and compose visual content like design themes, floor plans, and full-blown renderings.

Prompts are used to “speak” with AI software to communicate what responses you are looking for. The best way to understand is to try it. Visit gpt.collov.com/chat, upload a photo of a room in your house and experiment.

Examples of prompts on this website include:

Ask AI for a specific interior design style rendering. “Please generate a modern style interior design rendering for my living room.”

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Customize the room layout or furniture based on preferences. “Can you move the sofa to the other side of the room?” or “Can you change the colour of the curtains to blue?”

Using the language prompts, the design tool then generates a new rendering of your room with an updated layout or furniture. Adjustments can be made with more prompts until you are satisfied with the design.

Other benefits of using AI-powered design tools are reducing time and increasing efficiency. Inputting specific parameters can save designers significant time as the software generates images quickly for optional use. It saves money on professional interior design by using AI to design spaces. It can provide designers, professional or amateur, with exact dimensions and structures of rooms to create multiple images before finalising a design.

An essential activity of interior design is selecting colours and materials, and AI can present customers with the ability to view interiors in the exact colour they want and see how they complement accessories in their homes. Experimentation is unlimited as designer and homeowner can create images quickly with different layouts, themes or colours.

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Being able to virtually tour, a designed space in 3-D before making any decision provides a powerful visualization tool to back up human intelligence, much like the adage “measure twice cut once.” Like Netflix or Spotify, these tools analyse individual tastes and behaviours to make informed recommendations. Driven by user input, the more detailed the input, the more personal the results. The more interaction with the tools, the more sophisticated the recommendations are.

Efficiencies are important, but there are some drawbacks. Designs based on algorithms do not always reflect the intuition and creativity of a human designer. In addition, misinterpretations of personal tastes happen as AI tools are not always accurate. Limitations may also be contingent on the options pre-programmed into the AI software.

While many of these tools are accessible and easy-to-use by amateur designers, the tools significantly improve the abilities of professional designers to lower costs. It is a good idea if selecting an interior designer to ask if they are currently using AI in their designs.

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How much one wants to use AI for interior design is up to the individual. A deep dive and full 2-D and 3-D renderings and floor plans with measurements, costs and building codes are possible, but for many, the basic (and free) feature of quickly visualizing possibilities will be enough to inspire them to try AI design.

Samples of interior design tools and platforms that use artificial intelligence.

1. Planner 5D: an advanced and easy-to-use 2-D/3-D, AI-powered, home design platform that allows anyone to create floor plans and interior designs in minutes.

2. CollovGPT: enables users and designers to remodel spaces by uploading images and generating stylized versions. The furniture in its versions also come priced and ready to purchase.

3. Homestyler: popular with professionals, this tool also provides augmented reality to overlay virtual furniture and decorations onto real-world surroundings.

4. Havenly: An online platform that uses AI to match users with certified professional designers who suit their style preferences.

5. RoOomy: uses AI and virtual staging technology to help real estate agents and interior designers virtually furnish an interior space.

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Got My Outdoor Space Reviewed by Interior Designer, Got Design Tips

Inez Caron July 19, 2023

I asked an interior designer how I could style my outdoor space, a large empty deck.
She suggested dividing it into sections: one for dining, one for lounging, and one for grilling.
The designer also said we should incorporate lanterns and plants to create an intimate space.

My husband and I recently bought our first house in Washington. So far, one of our biggest challenges has been making the most of our outdoor space.

We have a fairly large deck but we haven't filled it with much yet. Ultimately, we'd love for this area to be a cute hangout spot, but right now the space's overwhelming size and emptiness have kept us both from doing any work on it. We're also struggling to find the right aesthetic for an outdoor area.

To learn how to best utilize and design our empty deck, I consulted with interior designer Kathy Kuo, founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home.

After showing her many photos and a video tour of the space, she shared advice on how to make it feel cool and trendy.

She said I should start by staining the railings with a neutral brown tone to give the space a more sophisticated feel

Changing the tone of our railings can transform the space.

Cheyenne Lentz

Kuo suggested we update the structure of the deck with a fresh coat of paint or stain before we do anything else.

She recommended I use a water-resistant stain in a neutral brown color with gray undertones to give the space a rustic feel that's still very sophisticated. She also suggested I paint the support beams for an updated look.

"You could paint the support beams a really beautiful and rich dark-charcoal gray for a clean modern-farmhouse-inspired look," she said.

We can cut out some clutter by concealing it in chic furniture pieces

Another issue we've faced is figuring out where to put some of the clutter that's accumulated on our deck over time. There are tons of shoes and a few random items for outdoor use lined up just outside our door.

To solve this problem, Kuo recommended we get a storage cabinet or a shoe bench that can live on the deck to conceal the clutter.

The designer suggested we put our ping-pong table somewhere else.

Cheyenne Lentz

She said we should make sure to find a piece that's made for outdoor use and that matches the rest of the furniture that will eventually live on the deck.

Kuo also recommended we move the ping-pong table off of the deck and place it in the garage. That way, we can start designing our space "with a clutter-free floor plan."

Because I have a fairly large deck, I can divide the space into sections to create a highly multi-functional area

The size of our deck has made it challenging when it comes to decorating because there's so much empty space to fill. To help with this, Kuo advised creating multiple areas rather than trying to style the whole expanse as one big outdoor living room.

"As long as you go in with a detail-oriented eye and add visual throughways from each zone, you'll end up with a beautiful and highly multi-functional space," Kuo said.

I want to use this space to dine outdoors and entertain guests, so she suggested I divide it into three sections by placing a round table in the middle, a lounge area on one side, and a grill area on the other.

A rug could work nicely in this corner.

Cheyenne Lentz

I can also use an outdoor rug to help define and "anchor" the spaces. Kuo suggested I take inspiration from my indoor designs when choosing a rug for the deck.

We should bring our indoor aesthetic outside to create a seamless transition using a similar color palette and design style

Kuo said I could start by using my home's interior decor as inspiration for decorating my outside space.

"If you have an indoor aesthetic that you love, there's no reason not to bring that outside by using a similar color palette and furniture design style as is featured inside your home to ensure a seamless transition from the indoors to the outdoors," Kuo said.

I can spruce up our chairs with colorful pillows.

Cheyenne Lentz

She also said outdoor pillows are a great way to show personality and create a connection with my indoor decor. As for the furniture, Kuo said we should mix different textures, materials, and wood tones to create visual interest.

"You may also want to consider picking out pieces with materials contrasting and complementing the wooden railing and floors," Kuo said.

We can also create an intimate and experiential space by adding plants and lights

Kuo recommended we add lots of plants and lights to bring the outdoor space to the next level. This will create a sort of intimate and experiential space while adding depth and softness, she explained.

Real plants could work if gardening is within our wheelhouse, but she also suggested UV-resistant faux plants that are easy to upkeep and won't quickly fade over time.

As for lighting, Kuo suggested we hang pretty string lights or layer outdoor lanterns of varying sizes in the dining area and/or lounge area.

Overall, I learned that dividing my space is key to making it super functional and easier to decorate

Overall, I'm feeling better about how best to design and decorate my outdoor space.

Cheyenne Lentz

My biggest takeaway from Kuo's advice is that I should divide the space into sections and then decorate each part.

Kuo really sold me on the idea of dividing the deck into thirds — each with a different purpose — to create a beautiful and multi-functional space instead of having just one giant "room."

With her advice, the design process feels way more doable and I feel less overwhelmed about how to start decorating such a large space.

Interior design: How to mix antiques into your home

Inez Caron June 8, 2023

Author of the article:

Linda White • Special to Postmedia Network

Published May 24, 2023 • 4 minute read

Bren Petrunick, the creative founder of award winning Simply White Interiors. Photo by Supplied

There are lots of reasons why even young people are buying old stuff. It’s environmentally and budget friendly and in an era of mass production, it allows you to add something unique to your home.

“What’s novelty for young people is a trip down memory lane for others,” says Allister McCrae, owner of Orono Antique Market, a multi-vendor market that offers antique furniture, Victorian and art glass, china, mid-century art, collectibles and more.

Antique shoppers appreciate pieces that are made well, like a solid mahogany dresser that’s priced at a fraction of the cost of new. Many are looking for accent pieces. “There’s a story with most of the items here and we like to pass those stories along,” McCrae says.

Incorporating some vintage pieces into modern interiors tends to result in a “more curated, thoughtful approach to design,” assures Bren Petrunick, creative founder of Simply White Interiors, a design firm based in Niagara on the Lake.

Older pieces balance the linear, minimalistic elements of modern design. Photo by Simply White Interiors photograph

SUBTLE LAYERS

“Whether they’ve been handed down, discovered at yard sales or collected during travels, antiques tell stories that become woven into the fabric of a home. Older items add subtle layers of texture, warmth and character into contemporary spaces that help balance the linear, minimalistic elements of modern design.”

Keep a list of the pieces you’re looking for as well as dimensions of the area in which you’d like to place them, so you don’t needlessly buy something you don’t need. Don’t be deterred by dingy upholstery or minor scratches and blemishes. “It’s the bones of a piece that really determine its quality and fit for your space. Refurbishing and reupholstery work will only add value to the furniture.”

Petrunick is always on the lookout for high quality occasional tables and chairs because they have the most flexibility both in function and placement. “After being reupholstered in fresh fabric, a well-proportioned occasional chair will be the envy of any living room, but it can also steal the show in an office, nursey, bathroom or foyer,” she says.

Side tables are another favourite, but the designer admits a “show-stopping” buffet or hutch is the ultimate find. “Not only do these pieces offer additional storage and display space, but they also add character and charm to any room, and they can be painted, stained or simply given a good cleaning to complement the existing décor.”

High-quality occasional tables and chairs offer flexibility in function and placement. Photo by Simply White Interiors photograph

COLLECTIONS

Displaying collections is an artform. Several knickknacks scattered around a room or throughout a home can feel cluttered and overdone, but a carefully curated and displayed collection can provide a focal point and generates conversation, Petrunick advises.

Gallery walls are an impactful way to highlight a collection. “Displaying a grouping of vintage china, clocks, cutting boards, hats or hardware on a wall offers big visual impact. You can also use shelving, hutches and sideboards as another area to group and showcase your treasures.”

If you want to refurbish an antique, hardware, finish and fabric are the first and most obvious places to focus your attention. “Sometimes, simply using a piece of furniture in a non-traditional way can bring the item back to life,” she says.

“Dressers can be repurposed into vanities for an eye-catching update to a powder room or ensuite. Antique dry sinks make great bars and change tables, while hutches and china cabinets can be transformed into multiuse pieces such as a mail drop combined with a home office or study area.”

Orono Antique Market owner Allister McCrae. Photo by Supplied

BALANCE

Pay attention to balance. “An overabundance of antiques can feel heavy, whereas just one or two pieces looks forced. I caution people against incorporating too many antiques that are simply for show and lacking in purpose or function in a room, as this can lead to an overwhelming, cluttered living space that doesn’t inspire rest and rejuvenation,” Petrunick says.

Avoid tipping the design scale toward too much of a good thing. “Layering is the key to any space, and mixing old and new elements requires careful consideration so the end result is balanced.”

Because antiques are often made from wood, wicker, iron and leather, Patrunick recommends incorporating simpler, softer and lighter elements to offset their heaviness. “When a space is cluttered with colour and texture, nothing captures your attention and there is nowhere for the eye to rest. Ensure that for every element of focus, equal attention is paid to areas of visual white space or pause.”

Still, remember the first rule of design: there are no rules. “An over-designed space with a perfectly coordinated palette of colour is not for everyone,” says Petrunick. “So yes, you can mix wood grains, metals and finishes of all types to create a unique aesthetic that reflects the personality and style of the people who inhabit the space.”

What to look for

Know what to look for when determining an antique’s condition and value. “A maker’s mark, which is a stamp, tag or label often found on the back of furniture or the bottom of drawers, will offer clues to the history and quality of the piece,” says Bren Petrunick of Simply White Interiors. “You can also look for details in the craftsmanship that signal a piece has been well made, such as dovetail drawers or spun legs.”

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Interior design tips: Summer time decor thoughts for property makeover

Inez Caron May 10, 2023

Summer season is below and it is all about celebrating the colors and vibe of the time so, amidst this scorching summer time warmth give your dwelling a refreshing aura with some approaches to help sit again and relax. To get you impressed for a summer months refresh, we bought a handful of home decor and inside design and style specialists on board to share easy and swift fixes that make your household seem to be larger and brighter.

Interior design tips: Summer decor ideas for home makeover (Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash) — Interior style tips: Summertime decor tips for household makeover (Image by Dan Gold on Unsplash)

In an interview with HT Way of living, Reteish Sharma, Handling Director at ZYNNA, shared, “When it arrives to summers a person appears for pastels and it signifies the light hues of colors that suggests pale eco-friendly, smooth pink, soft beige and additional neutral shades. Which is what would make it extremely at ease to be in the environment and the ambiance and next when it comes to textures the materials which are more absorbent like purely natural materials of all-natural yarns are employed some thing like pure cotton or pure linen or even if it really is a mix the percentage of polyester is incredibly minor so this assists in the maintenance and also it truly is pretty simple to come to feel and touch.”

He included, “So for summers, the seems are retained additional tropical, softer and nonetheless if someone wants to admirably color it can be completed by making use of the shades of greens of the outside which offers ease and comfort to the eyes so this summer which is the appear which is heading to appear in, which is going to be additional pastels, extra gentle colours and nevertheless the textures are likely to be more all-natural.”

Neeti Chopra, Founder of Neeti's Linen Library, discovered, “For 2023, the crucial summer time colours are a mix of pista environmentally friendly, blush pink, mint interspersed with navy blue and marigold. Another big development to emerge this summertime is a contact of metallic accents on the dining region.”

City Ladder's Head of Structure, Maya Mathew, outlined some progressive ideas for this summer time and stated, “This summertime, just one of the largest traits is Biophilic Layout, which takes a wonderful offer of inspiration from character. Cultivating a sense of wellbeing by combining areas from the normal earth, biophilic patterns are made using normal components. Each individual time you walk via your doorway, they will immerse you in an aesthetic glance inherited from the natural styles, styles, iconography, earth tones, and normal textures.”

He advised some tips that will assist you embrace the summer season vibes this period:

Simple on the eyes, home furnishings with an organic type can make the area show up lighter and airier. Household furniture with wooden carvings with organic types primarily based on foliage offers it an intriguing depth. These objects can be used in conjunction with your typical home furniture as accent parts. Home furniture like lounge chairs with captivating curves and stay-edge tables are a number of exceptional summertime additions to your household.

Residing amidst character is bliss incorporating organic supplies (marble, cane, and wood) into your dwelling this summertime will include a breath of clean air. Utilised in a wide range of conventional and up to date furnishings types, cane imparts textures and lightness to your property. Delivering a rustic look, mango, teak, and weathered distressed finishes like the Bali Oak finish insert attraction to the space. Cotton, canvas, jute, or linen bestow unmatchable ease and comfort and irresistible magnificence to your household.

There is nothing at all extra perfect to start out your summer time than developing a corner at residence to relax and escape with your favorite cup of tea and a ebook. A lounge chair, a recliner, a diwan, or a comfy out of doors chair in a corner shut to the window is a great notion to delight in the sunlight and the summer season breeze. Styling it in seasonal hues provides an personal contact to your ambiance.

Hotter temperatures and ample sunshine are even additional satisfying if your outside region is summer-all set. The independence to unwind on a swing chair or any outside home furniture to bask in the summer sunlight provides a playful touch to your decor. Incorporating lanterns or fairy lights to your out of doors room can elevate the enjoyable summertime evenings.

Summer is all about colors, designs, and fun. Floral styles and prints are quintessential, as they give your home complexity, individuality, and a relaxed refinement. Accent home furnishings parts like lounge chairs, a bench, or a pouffe and accentuate gentle furnishings that depict character, maximizing the vibe of summer season.

When it will come to introducing a holiday getaway vibe to your house, aspect tables are the icing on the cake. Styled smooth with a vase and fresh new bouquets, which beautify and elevate your living area., these compact, adorable additions adapt to just about every area in your dwelling.

Here’s hoping that these ideas include some pep to your area and make it livelier and far more comforting and support you convey in that sensation of summer months.

New Control Technological innovation Can Be Sport Changer For Interior Designers And Shoppers

Inez Caron April 30, 2023

New controls can function lights and other devices via porcelain wall slabs and countertop ... [+] Hypertouch factors.

Iris Ceramica Group

If you are preparing to transform or grow your dwelling future year, there will probably be an unbelievably sleek new solution offered for operating your lights and technological innovation controls. Hypertouch has been showcased by its patent holder, surfacing maker Iris Ceramica Team, at numerous layout sector trade shows in the U.S. and Europe, and is currently doing the job its way as a result of the UL certification procedure with envisioned availability right here by fourth quarter. It’s already being specified in Europe, the global company’s U.S. marketing director Giulia Bucci shared in an electronic mail. Why may possibly you be fascinated?

Thought

Have you at any time heard the expression ‘wall acne’? It is what designers disdainfully call the cluster of switches essential to run the a lot of lights levels, enthusiasts and other controls cluttering up their types. Voice manage, touchpads and remote controls have been a few recent techniques of addressing these eyesores. Hypertouch will be the newest.

“The concept was to obtain approaches to improve the versatility, effectiveness, and style and design continuity of our ceramic surfaces, doing away with unaesthetic gentle change plates and handles,” Bucci wrote. The engineering can integrate controls for doors and windows, climate and audio-video, she pointed out, if a household is tied into an automation package deal, or just space lights if a consumer prefers. It can be utilized indoors or out in a coated location, on walls, as pointed out, or on Iris’ porcelain countertop surfaces. When accepted in the U.S., it will be available across the company’s 7 domestic brands.

Tatiana Machado-Rosas, senior interior designer for San Diego space style/construct organization QualCraft Construction, sees Hypertouch’s probable for her firm’s large stop shoppers with modern day styling tastes, she emailed in response to a ask for for her response to the product’s introductory elements. She can see it on both of those wall and countertop surfaces, she mentioned.

“Sometimes we need to have to insert switches to a kitchen area island and it would be great not to have to interrupt the slab’s structure,” she recommended. “I can also see it in a personalized-intended home business office developed into a desk. The person could contact the surface to transform on a distinct set of lights, pull up blinds, transform on music,” she contemplated, appreciating the aesthetic and operational benefits it presents.

Eric Goranson, host of the nationally syndicated About the Household radio demonstrate, podcast and regional Northwest Television set system, also weighed in on the Hypertouch concept. “The capacity to hide controls and retain a clean structure inside a area will be tempting for several property owners,” he commented in an e-mail soon after also reviewing the introduction it has been essential for a while, he added. Goranson pointed out that this installation delivers a discreet way to management property automation programs with out the large tech visuals that clash with far more conventional dwelling styles, another flexibility benefit to designers.

Set up

This is not a Do-it-yourself-friendly solution. “To install Hypertouch, a ceramic installer and qualified electrician are necessary,” Bucci explained. She described the procedure as putting in a sensor and wiring link under or guiding the ceramic floor. “Depending on the kind of package, a method integrator could possibly also be wanted,” she additional. “The wiring relationship is extremely very similar to people present in regular stand-by itself devices or built-in home techniques.”

Ken Erdmann, director of specialized education and learning packages for good house technologies association CEDIA, agreed in an electronic mail. “Once the spot of the change/handle is established, it would be a great deal like any other installation: Position the box/enclosure, operate the wire, install the system, and software the program to reply to the machine enter.”

This function could be done by an electrician, he mentioned, but when Hypertouch is tied to a much larger intelligent dwelling process, a technological know-how integrator would make sense. “By connecting to an enter that does lights, seem, security or a position update and method the processor appropriately, the integrator could do a quantity of items with this type of products.” He assumed it could be a sleek substitute for clientele who never like voice controls.

Problems

Goranson, Machado-Rosas and Erdmann all had questions about Hypertouch from their expert perspectives. “Baby boomers like comfort and ease, but also simplicity in routine maintenance, so some will be anxious about what to do if it breaks,” Machado-Rosas predicted.

“Younger consumers want everything to be managed from their telephones, including heated flooring, motorized exterior shades, appliances, etc.,” the designer observed. This is in all probability an ideal Hypertouch prospect, but not the vacationing established. “This engineering would be demanding in small phrase rentals like luxury AirBnB attributes mainly because the tenants would have to be taught in which the switches are!” she added.

Goranson pointed out, “It has to get the job done flawlessly to be thriving. I really do not imagine any of us wants an knowledge like standing in a public restroom attempting to locate the sensor to switch the drinking water on at the sink. I also consider there could be a strong studying curve for the individuals that are not as tech savvy, and friends will have no idea how to obtain or use these characteristics without the need of remaining informed.” (So probably not for guest suites!) A delicate Hypertouch label can be integrated into the structure, but that lowers its aesthetic attractiveness as a concealed control.

Pointing out the issues in repairing a similar technique released by another maker, and concealed speakers from a different business, Erdmann recalled, “Since the only way to support it was to cut into the wall, it fell from favor.”

Iris’ Bucci suggests the company has viewed as this, and suggests wall installations staying placed in which the components can be very easily accessed – these as around an open doorway – so the high quality surfacing material wouldn’t will need to be torn out for the wiring or package to be accessed. For a countertop or desk set up, it can be accessed from a hole slash into the cabinetry below.

The CEDIA government also famous the downside of hiding controls: Forgetful or foreseeable future owners may block an invisible sensor with a piece of art and then it will not perform. That will need to be addressed in a home’s product sales method.

Shopper can choose for a refined area marking allowing buyers know in which the management is located.

Iris Ceramica Group

Last Phrases

Goranson, who loves hoping out the most recent home methods and systems for his audiences, summed up his feelings on Hypertouch this way: “It’s an interesting idea. I would love to play all over with it at an install and see how properly it is effective.” Viewing trade present attendees marvel at it previous week, I suspect he’s not by yourself.

Best interior design software (April 2023): Home design apps for Windows, Mac, and more

Inez Caron April 23, 2023

The best interior design software lets professional home designers and enthusiasts craft ideal homes.

How do you accurately realize ideas and determine a viable concept for your living space? It’s a major challenge for designers and design-orientated home owners.

The answer lies in highly specialized graphic design software tailored to home design. Like the best architecture software and best landscape design software, these apps help users bring ideas to life while streamlining workflows and the design process.

So, the best software for interior design lets you create made-to-measure mock-ups of rooms, houses, and entire buildings in 2D and 3D. Each program offers a blend of tools for experimenting with unique styles, fixings and furniture in the virtual space or printed in photorealistic renders. For freelancers and teams, cloud storage capabilities and online collaboration tools are also featured in some of the top design software.

To help you find the right room planner app for you, we’ve tested the best interior design software. As part of our review process, we’ve explored each platform’s user interface, ease-of-use, size of the asset libraries, and output quality. We've also covered online platforms and desktop apps.

The best interior design software of 2023

Customization

(Image credit: Floorplanner)

Best interior design software overall

Specifications

Operating system: Browser

Plan: Free, Subscription

Reasons to buy

Free plan available

Intuitive and easy to use

Broad use from interior designers to real estate

Numerous customization options

Reasons to avoid

Some limitations with the free account

No desktop app

Floorplanner is an online interior design app for individuals and companies, letting you redesign everything from a single room to an entire floor, or even a whole building. You can also plan out how your furniture will fit in your new home.

This is a web-based home interior design tool, so you can achieve dazzling designs through the browser. There's also online collaboration for editing and presenting projects in the cloud.

In our hands-on review, we felt the best home design software "is an excellent online service, designed to help you create rooms and furnish them with great accuracy. Working with it is fluid and easy, and we didn’t observe any discernible glitches. The fact there’s a free option means many amateur designer will happily use it to configure a room, but there are limitations to that option."

Working in Floorplanner is fluid and simple - allowing you to create and furnish rooms with real accuracy. Best of all, if your needs are modest, using the program is free.

That makes it ideal for amateur designers or those learning the art of interior design. If you find the free account too limiting, there are several subscription options available to you. Business pricing starts at $59 a month for teams. Individual pricing starts at $5. You’ll also find a credit system. As you earn credits, you can unlock extra features not typically associated with your plan.

It's all browser-based designing, however, so needs a constant inter connection. There is an Android app available, but this is designed for presenting designs created on the website.

Read our full Floorplanner review

Transparent View

(Image credit: Chief Architect)

Best interior design software for architecture

Specifications

Operating system: Windows, macOS

Plan: Subscription, Perpetual license

Reasons to buy

Easy to learn

Multi-platform

Limitless possibilities

Reasons to avoid

Can appear daunting at first

3D views don’t always respond as expected

Home Designer Suite delivers professional-style interior design software - which makes it powerful but also increases the learning curve. It’s not too steep as to be unnavigable, although it might overwhelm first-timers. Stick with it.

If you’re looking for meticulous planning, precise editing and customizing tools, and everything else, right down to the material required for specific jobs, this is the best interior design software for you.

We praised the home design software in our review for its "highly detailed customisation options while at the same time, automating many processes to ease the creation process. It’s a great balance that help you create detailed environments quickly and easily."

The interior design program is very full featured. You have full control over pretty much everything, including landscaping your dream garden. Despite its apparent complexity, there are many automatic tools that do a lot of the work for you, enabling you to focus on the details, to turn a design into a house.

Available for both Mac and Windows, you have in your digital hands everything you need to build the home of your dreams.

Read our full Home Designer Suite review

Blueprint Plan

(Image credit: NCH Software)

Best interior design software for indoor and outdoor spaces

Specifications

Operating system: Windows, Mac

Plan: Subscription, Perpetual license

Reasons to buy

Easy to use

Multi-platform

Work on multiple levels

Can easily import 3D objects

Reasons to avoid

Not all objects installed initially

Occasionally awkward navigation

DreamPlan is the best home design software if you want powerful tools and simplicity of use.

The interior design program, out for Windows and Mac, helps you create buildings on multiple levels, furnish them with a library of 3D models, and customize homes inside and out. Yes, that even includes landscape design. It’s built to let you easily make modifications and alterations.

But, in our review, what we really liked about one of the best home design software tools is that it's "designed to make it easy to make modifications, and even goes out of its way to help you understand the app’s inner workings."

Trace Mode will be especially handy for those with existing floorplans. These can be imported into the home design software and turned into a 3D model.

DreamPlan features commercial and home licensing options - priced at $50 and $40 respectively, but check for regular discounts. So, it has a powerful enough toolset to use on a professional basis. But it’s intuitive enough for beginners.

For those just starting out with the best interior design software, the built-in video tutorials help you understand the inner workings of the app - just look for the subtle blue camera icon.

Read our full DreamPlan review

3D Exploration

(Image credit: Dassault Systemes)

The best interior design app when you're on-the-go

Specifications

Operating system: Browser, Android, iOS

Plan: Free, Subscription

Reasons to buy

Simple to use

Huge customisation

Can design an entire house for free

Reasons to avoid

3D pan can make some objects temporarily disappear

Long rendering times for low res photorealistic images

HomeByMe is one of the best interior design apps for when the ideas are racing. It’s browser-based - even mobile browsers are supported - and has Android and iOS apps, so you can map out thoughts for your home whenever and wherever inspiration strikes.

Since the interior design tool is cloud-only, you’ll need to stay connected to use it. During our time with the home design software, we were impressed that "HomeByMe offers a very affordable service with a myriad of options. We particularly appreciated the fact that the free plan doesn’t appear to limit your design options, and lets you work on up to three different projects."

However, we were less impressed with the time it took to render low-res images. Worse, we found "the free account pastes a giant watermark all across the image, rendering the effect pointless. The HD images are rendered in minutes, and don’t have that watermark."

The platform offers three packages: free, one-time purchase, and monthly subscription. It’s a good way to see which works for you, as the free plan doesn’t appear to limit your design options, and lets you work on up to five projects.

The limit on the number of HD photorealistic images (1920x1080px) is somewhat compensated by offering an unlimited number of lower quality ones (640x360px). You can also place real-world, branded products in your rooms for extra realism.

HomeByMe has a lot to offer. If you’re not too fussed about those images, you can explore and create very complex designs with ease.

Read our full HomeByMe review

Bedroom

(Image credit: MagicPlan)

Best interior design software for Android and iOS

Specifications

Operating system: Browser, Android, iOS

Plan: Subscription

Reasons to buy

Easy to use

Free mobile app

Two free projects

Professional Report and Estimate tools

Reasons to avoid

AR appears to struggle when furniture is in the way

No desktop app

MagicPlan is one of the best interior software kits for busy creatives and contractors.

When we reviewed the home design app, we liked its "easy to use features, an interesting AR option, and an original way of generating estimates for work needed to be done. The monthly subscriptions could pay for themselves if designing if your business, and it also offers you two free projects for casual users to explore as well."

Like HomeByMe, it lets you build designs from your browser, or within the Android and iOS apps. The free solution lets you design two projects. A monthly subscription is needed to unlock MagicPlan’s full capabilities.

You’ll find three tools in one: Sketch, Report, and Estimate. Essentially, tiered subscription packages that offer additional features.

Sketch lets you create interior designs - and, for home users, that’s likely enough. Professional designers will appreciate the inclusion of reporting and estimating tools. Enterprise licensing is also available.

One of the best interior design software tools here is the AR-enabled ‘Scan with Camera’. This lets you scan and measure the room you’re in - although we suspect this augmented reality feature would function a lot better in an unfurnished space.

Read our full MagicPlan review

Best interior design software: FAQs

How to choose the best interior design software for you

Why you can trust TechRadar
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

When selecting which interior design software is best for you, start by assessing your needs. If you’re designing the layout and decor of your own home, free interior design apps and browser-based programs will likely meet all your needs.

Professional interior designers and more demanding enthusiasts will appreciate the many advanced features offered by programs like MagicPlan and Chief Architect. Time and cost-savings mean the software will pay for itself. However, the easy user interface of both make them a good choice for beginners looking to develop their skills.

Time is a considerable factor. Even some of the best interior design software takes a long time to render concepts, especially when using photorealistic images. It’s a natural price to pay for high-resolution 3D designs. For some, speed may trump quality.

Check the price (and pricing model), too. Some options, like HomeByMe, offer free, paid-for, and subscription versions of its home design software. Others offer only one pricing model, so choose the one that best suits your creative budget.

What is interior design software?

Interior design software or home design software helps you visualize a space, allowing you to experiment with decor, design, furniture, and more. It's also an excellent tool for demonstrating design concepts and sharing ideas with clients, colleagues, and friends. Many of them are designed with simplicity in mind - you'll find the top tools are delightfully intuitive to use.

Beyond stunning aesthetics, these roomplanner apps also offer advantages for designers and real estate professionals in a real-world environment. The best software for interior design can now create an accurate model of your space simply by scanning the room with a camera or phone.

While there are professional home interior design programs, most room planner apps won't let you professionally draw up the sort of plans that will pass a local authority inspection. Think of them as a sort of home-centered mock-up sites - blank canvases to sketch out ideas, share thoughts and collaborate online, or experiment with new forms and designs.

How we test the best interior design software

When testing the best interior design software for homes, we’re looking to see how easy the experience is, how powerful the tools are, and how well the software performs. Designing in 3D can often take its toll on computers, after all.

Asset library sizes are a factor — interior design tools should make your creative ideas a reality, not just a loose approximation. We’re also reviewing these design apps based on use. Unlike consumer software, professional-grade tools offer more advanced features, but might also have steeper learning curves and more expensive pricing models.

Essentially, when we test the very best interior design software for ourselves, we expect to see it work for its intended audience — whether they're professional interior designers or creative enthusiasts.

10 Best Interior Design Books You Can Buy Right Now

Inez Caron April 6, 2023

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

'70s House: A Bold Homage to the Most Daring Decade in Design' by Estelle Bilson

Now 10% Off

Credit: Amazon

Ahh the ‘70s. A decade of good weed, great music, and arguably the most ICONIC decor. 70s House pays tribute to an era of funky, kitschy design that has had a major resurgence in interiors. Don’t worry though: if geometric linoleum flooring and wood paneled walls aren’t your thing, author Estelle Bilson covers how to bring the vibes of the ‘70s into your pad without making it feel tacky or dated. Can you dig it?!

'Jungalow: Decorate Wild' by Justina Blakeney

Credit: Jungalow

If you're a Target girly, then you have probs ogled over interior designer Justina Blakeney’s effortlessly cool collab with the retailer’s Opalhouse brand during one of your weekend runs. But for those who don't know, Justina is basically the queen of bold, boho interiors and is sharing all her fabulous advice with you in her book Jungalow: Decorate Wild. Justina fills each page with bold designs, vibrant colors, rich textures, and unique patterns that will give you the confidence to unleash your wild side.

Soho House 'Eat Drink Nap: Bringing the House Home' by Soho House

Now 20% Off

Credit: Barnes and Noble

Remember the iconic SATC episode when Samantha Jones crashed the exclusive rooftop pool at the Soho House? Luckily, for you and (Sam Jones), bringing the impeccable vibes of the Soho House to your home is far easier (and cheaper) than getting through the doors of the boujee members-only social club. Eat Drink Nap—aka my three fav activities—covers all aspects of creating the perfect space for entertaining (yummy cocktail recipes included!).

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'Living in Tiny Homes: Big Ideas for Small Spaces' by Marion Hellweg

Now 21% Off

Credit: Amazon

Maybe you moved back home with the ‘rents to save some $$$ or opted living in that fourth-floor walk-up shoebox disguised as an apartment because you just always knew you were a “city girl.” Either way, this book proves that living in tight quarters doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style and personality. Jam packed with tips and tricks to help you improve your storage (or lack thereof), increase the functionality of your lil space, and live a life free of clutter, this book is sure to save you from using your oven as a shoe closet.

'Easy Cottage Style: Comfortable Interiors for Country Living' by Liz Bauwens and Alexandra Campbell

Now 17% Off

Credit: Amazon

Cottagecore is more than just a style, it is a way of life. Authors Liz Bauwens and Alexandra Campbell provide some serious design inspo that will help you bring the rustic charm and romance of cottage living to your home. Now you can officially live out your quaint Snow White fantasy, although no promises this book will help you snag Prince Charming or make woodland creatures appear on your doorstep.

'Home Therapy: Interior Design for Increasing Happiness, Boosting Confidence, and Creating Calm' by Anita Yokota

Now 23% Off

Credit: Amazon

Your home should be where you feel most at peace (TBH the Target Starbucks takes a close second for me). Author, interior designer, and licensed therapist Anita Yokota gives expert advice on how to create an intentional space that encourages your mind, body, and soul to flourish. So, yes, self-care most definitely includes your environment—and that also goes for any Tinder hookup who does not have sheets on their bed. We are all about protecting our mental well-being here.

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'More is More is More: Today's Maximalist Interiors' by Carl Dellatore

Now 23% Off

Credit: Amazon

When it comes to maximalist decorating, there's a fine line between having an eclectic, curated space and appearing on an episode of Hoarders. We want less of the overly crowded antique mall look and more of the “I went to a prestigious art school and now collect lavish textiles” vibe. More is More is More includes page after page of lush interior goodness from award-winning designers, to help steer you in the right direction when putting together your maximalist home.

'Feng Shui Modern' by Cliff Tan

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Credit: Amazon

There is a good chance you follow Cliff Tan on TikTok or have at least had one of his satisfying AF furniture rearrangement vids pop up while scrolling. Well, your FYP’s fav architect has published a book to help you bring flow and harmony to your space with the practice of feng shui. Tan approaches the ancient practice through a modern lens and teaches you how to bring the best energy to your environment—which is honestly the most Kourtney Kardashian thing I’ve ever said.

'Living Wild: How to Plant Style Your Home and Cultivate Happiness' by Hilton Carter

Now 30% Off

Credit: Amazon

Plant people, rejoice! Coming hot off the press, “plantfluencer” and interior stylist Hilton Carter is back with even more design advice on how to bring the outdoors in with his latest book, Living Wild. On top of care tips for your lil plant bbs (which is much appreciated for all us unintentional plant killers), Carter takes you inside of several plant-filled pads he styled, and offers unique ideas on how to incorporate lush greenery in your home.

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'Parisian by Design: Interiors by David Jimenez' by Diane Dorrans Saeks

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Credit: Amazon

Just finished binging Netflix’s Emily in Paris and can’t stop daydreaming about eating croissants on the terrace of your fabulous Parisian apartment? Cause same. Unfortunately, obtaining a Visa and being able to afford a luxe apartment are not in the cards for me. Until then, I will take a note or two from the stunning pages of Parisian by Design and don a beret just to feel something. Maybe one day, Paris!

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Olivia Wagner is a freelance writer whose interests include LGBTQ+ issues, fashion, and mental health advocacy. She/her. Find her on Instagram at @liviewags.

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Victorian Interior Style and design 101: All About the Model That Screams “More Is More”

Inez Caron March 17, 2023

Victorian interior design and style has confirmed to have pretty the shelf lifetime. Originating in the 19th century, the type that epitomizes opulence stills has a lot of faithfuls, most likely because it feels a little additional approachable than the glitz of Artwork Deco. To break down all the ins and outs of Victorian inside style and design, from its origins to modern Victorian iterations, we termed in two industry experts. Susie Atkinson, inside designer and founder of Studio Atkinson, has labored with Victorian homes and with Victorian models lots of occasions in the course of her profession. Hannah Cecil Gurney is the director of world wide advertising and development at de Gournay, the British model known for its handmade wall coverings. Examine on for a complete Victorian dwelling crash system!

What is Victorian interior design?

Victorian interior style is a fashion that originated in the United Kingdom for the duration of the Victorian period. Acknowledged for its abundance of sample (in wall coverings and in textiles), ornamentation, and use of jewel tones, the inside decoration type absorbs the visitor in its prosperous environment. The Victorian era generated each a distinct inside design and style design and style and a distinctive architectural style.

“My beloved features [of Victorian spaces] are the proportions of the rooms, the height of the ceilings, the scale of the home windows, and the architectural detailing, be it ceilings, architraves, or cornices,” Atkinson suggests. “Internally, tiled floors—either black and white, terra-cotta, or patterns—characterize the entrance, high-proportion rooms have large fireplaces. It was a time when floral or patterned wallpapers, heavier curtains, carpets, and rugs were being released. Colours had been frequently rich and dark: reds, greens, blues, and browns.”

Image may contain Living Room Indoors Room Furniture Couch Table Ceiling Fan and Appliance

“My husband and I acquired a Victorian assets that experienced been thoroughly remodelled by its earlier proprietor,” Gurney, who grew up surrounded by the imaginative wallpapers of de Gournay, tells Ad. “For us, the joy was reinstating all the period of time aspects that experienced been taken out! Victorian is frequently unfairly labelled as fussy and ostentatious, i.e. Victoriana, but I come across several of the architectural specifics have their origins in the crisp magnificence of the Georgian period.”

History and origins of Victorian inside design and style

Financial prosperity in England through the Victorian period—when Queen Victoria was in power, that is—is the central variable at the rear of the Victorian inside style design and style. The arrival of mass creation in the course of the industrial revolution in the 19th century led to an influx of money for the middle class and plenty of extra affordable decorative items that would have beforehand taken considerably longer (and substantially additional cash) to produce. These mass developed decorations ended up considerably from subtle and have still left us with a model right now that some come across overpowering, but others obtain to be a persuasive counterpoint to the minimalist inside layout of the early aughts.

How to create repetition in interior design: for decorating success |

Inez Caron March 10, 2023

There are many design principles to follow when decorating your home to ensure a beautiful and successful scheme, and here, we explore the power and importance of using repetition in interior design.

When it comes to the best interior design tips, you can't go wrong with this one. Repetition is a simple interior design rule that is vital for creating a cohesive space that feels balanced and well-thought-through. It is used to create a sense of movement and flow in an interior, helping to guide you through a room, or around the home, through connected design elements.

From how you weave recurring colors, textures and patterns throughout a space, to embracing similar features across lighting, furniture and architecture, repetition works in combination with other principles, such as symmetry and rhythm, to make a scheme feel more balanced and harmonious.

What is repetition in interior design?

Bethany Prince, associate interior designer at SHH (opens in new tab) says, 'the principle of repetition is a powerful tool as it creates a sense of rhythm within an interior and establishes consistency. This rhythm can flow through all kinds of visual elements such as color, pattern, shapes and textures and helps to establish the hierarchy within a room.'

Bethany Prince

Bethany Prince has worked at London-based interior design practice, SHH for the last four years. Now an associate interior designer, Prince has past experience at March & White (opens in new tab) and OSG Architecture (opens in new tab).

How to create repetition in interior design

Repetition does not mean every element in a room needs to be matching – far from it – instead think of it as creating subtle connections through repeated colors, patterns, materials, and more.

Creating repetition in interior design can be as simple as using two matching cushions on a sofa, but the best interiors strike the perfect balance between maintaining a sense of cohesion whilst bringing in beautiful, characterful contrasts.

For example, 'using the same flooring type and pattern through multiple rooms helps create a consistent narrative, visually creating a flow from one room to another,' explains Bethany Prince.

For further insight, and a collection of helpful advice from a whole host of design experts, let us take you through the 7 foundations of how to use repetition in interior design – for guaranteed decorating success.

1. Consider your color scheme

Green painted living room with green floral patterned sofa, striped side table, plant, cushions, artwork on wall

(Image credit: Future)

'Repetition creates a unifying thread in a scheme, and carrying a key color from one space to adjacent rooms or floors creates a visual narrative, and can help to bring differing room schemes together,' says Cathrine Dal, founder, of Cat Dal Interiors (opens in new tab).

Using similar shades of one color, also known as a tonal color scheme, can create a unified and immersive design that feels beautifully connected; as shown in the pretty green living room above.

Andy Greenall, creative director at Paint & Paper Library (opens in new tab), shares his thoughts on creating repetition through paint and color. 'Both consumers and designers are turning to color combinations that add drama and intrigue to a space, from neutrals in graduating shades that flow between rooms to more dramatic color pairings. This allows for the use of layers of color to emphasize architectural features or emulate them where they lack, using thoughtful paint color combinations.

Provided in varying strengths of the same pigment, combining subtle nuances of one shade will create a tranquil and harmonious atmosphere, whilst pairing the deepest hue with the palest will deliver an impactful, tonal scheme.'

Cathrine Dal

Copenhagen born, Cathrine Dal, is the founder of London-based interior design studio, Cat Dal Interiors (opens in new tab), who have a design ethos rooted in Scandinavian design.

2. Repeat key textures and materials

Bright white dining room with white round dining table, white and wood chairs, blue and white sofa, green artwork and rug, wicker style pendant and blind

(Image credit: Society Social)

'Using the same texture or pattern in different ways within the same room provides depth and interest without overwhelming a space. This is particularly useful in open plan situations where one might want to differentiate areas whilst still keeping the overall effect harmonious,' says Cathrine Dal.

In this Bohemian-inspired dining room, filled with elegant furniture designs from Society Social (opens in new tab), the space is rich in repetition and beautiful texture. From the use of a blue and green color palette on the furniture and artwork to the warming, woven wicker chairs, pendants and blind, the design fuses a collection of contrasting shapes, colors and materials together, yet, it still maintains a calming sense of cohesion.

Another easy way to create repetition through material and texture, and to celebrate a favorite print, is to pick a pretty pattern and use it across your curtain ideas, cushions, and soft furnishings; guaranteed to create a cohesive and connected look.

3. Look to the rules of symmetry

Gray kitchen with kitchen island, black bar stools, two pendant lights, wooden flooring

(Image credit: Elizabeth Krueger Design)

'In the world of interiors, the composition is as significant as color or texture. A good composition can capture the imagination, creating a sense of harmony. Balance is a key ingredient to a successful composition, as the eye unconsciously seeks out symmetry,' says British interior designer, Kit Kemp MBE (opens in new tab).

Styling a space with symmetry in mind is a great tool for creating an environment that feels tidy, organized and calm – and it is a go-to technique often used by designers to help a small space feel bigger.

Symmetry is built on repetition, and many of us turn to this decorating technique when creating repetition in interior design. From creating a symmetrical room layout to establishing a calming zone of symmetry, as shown on the kitchen island above, designed by Elizabeth Krueger Design (opens in new tab), thinking about repetition and symmetry in combination will make for a truly harmonious scheme.

Kit Kemp MBE

Renowned British interior designer and founder of hotel chain, Firmdale Hotels (opens in new tab), Kit Kemp (opens in new tab) has been creating and designing beautiful interior spaces for over 3 decades.

4. Create repetition through lighting and furniture

Large living room with blue corner sofa, two gray armchairs, round blue ottoman, fireplace, white painted walls, beige rug

(Image credit: Elizabeth Krueger Design)

Another easy way to create repetition in interior design is through your furniture and lighting choices.

This doesn't mean your furniture necessarily all have to match (although, that will work well), but embracing a shared color palette or a similar style of upholstery across all of your seating elements, in a living room for example, will help to create an elegant repetition in the space.

The same goes for lighting; many lighting collections contain coordinating pendants, and wall, ceiling and floor lamps, so it is easy to create repetition. However, if having things too matchy-matchy isn't your style, think about how you can make subtle connections through similar colors, finishes and materials, instead.

5. Get creative with accessories

Dining table and chairs beside display shelves and archway in the foreground.

(Image credit: Alecia Neo)

Never underestimate the importance of decorative accessories, such as vases, ornaments, books, artwork and more, as these objects and finishing touches are often what can bring together a whole scheme.

For example, in the above dining room, the wicker baskets and neutral, decorative ornaments coordinate perfectly with the warming wooden dining table and chairs, and yet, they also work wonderfully with the furniture to establish an elegant contrast with the vivid blue shelving and flooring – a stand-out example of using both cohesion and contrast simultaneously.

California-based interior designer, Jen Dallas (opens in new tab) explains, 'using repetition is a great way to refresh a room. For example, adding a new throw or pillows on a living room sofa and then using the same pillow color in the artwork above the fireplace and maybe a vase on the mantle.'

Jen Dallas

Jen Dallas (opens in new tab) is a California based interior designer, whose studio has its very own line of textiles tiles, rugs and lighting.

6. Embrace architectural features

Rustic bathroom with wooden beams, bathtub, stone flooring, sheepskin rug, wall lights

(Image credit: Kara Childress)

Many of us will have homes that already feature many natural repetitions, through architectural details such as beautiful beamed ceilings, columns, alcoves and more.

Highlighting these elements, whether that be through painted paneling ideas, or by uniting them fully into your scheme, as shown by the rustic bathroom by Kara Childress (opens in new tab) above, which celebrates the natural beams with a complementary, organic design, can make for a beautiful design feature and an enhanced, organic repetition.

As an interior designer, Alison Wilkinson (opens in new tab) explains, 'when creating repetition, use architectural elements to your advantage. For example, if you have a set of lifeless stairs, liven them up with vibrant paint on the risers or a gorgeous runner.'

Alison Wilkinson

Alison Wilkinson is a registered architect with over ten years of experience in design and construction. Founder of Wilk Design Workshop (opens in new tab), Wilkinson has experience working on a variety of projects, from luxury retail stores and innovative green skyscrapers to residential remodels.

7. Assess the rhythm of the space

Rustic, cozy living room, shelves decorated with antique paintings, armchair, square coffee table, rug on wooden floor, two wall lights and artwork above fireplace

(Image credit: Elizabeth Krueger Design)

'Using repetition is the easiest way to create a rhythm for interior spaces. I like to use color or texture in my interiors. It is amazing how your eye connects all of the “dots” and fuses the elements together to create a design,' says Jen Dallas.

Repetition and rhythm go hand in hand, and both serve the function of interior design principles to help establish movement and harmony in a space.

Repetition can sometimes be created instantly, such as with a few quick and easy tweaks with accessories, but it can also be a longer, more curated process, and only you will be able to know when the overall feeling and flow in a room feel right.

Whether you have used too much of the same color, or a certain space feels a bit too ordered, neat and symmetrical, adapting and making changes can result in a design that feels more balanced and truly connected to your style.

FAQs

Why is repetition in interior design important?

Using repetition is key for a successful and well-balanced design scheme. Repeating elements through color, shape, material and pattern, can make a space look and feel more cohesive and inviting.

As we have explored, there are many ways you can incorporate repetition into a design. From obvious pairings through similar colors or by using symmetrical styling, to more subtle connections made through the use of similar materials and textures.

Ensuring that there is plenty of consistency and contrast in space, will make for a successful design that is rich in beautiful visual interest and character.

Home renovation tips: 8 interior design trends to know in 2023

Inez Caron February 13, 2023

2. Colour Blocking

Above This colour-blocked bathroom by Hong Kong design firm Lim + Lu matches a speckled terrazzo finish with a warm terracotta hue

Above Hong Kong-based designer Iman El Zeky employs colour-blocked blue tones to soothing effect in a bedroom

Forget about playing it safe: 2023 is all about going bold with brighter hues. Hong Kong-based interior designer Iman El Zeky recommends giving colour blocking a try: it’s essentially about using contrasting but complementary colours to set a mood. “Using blocks of colours on walls or surfaces is a fabulous way to bring energy to a space.”

El Zeky suggests using your favourite hue as the main colour, then selecting shades that contrast yet harmonise with that primary shade. “The complementary colours can be introduced to the interiors in the form of painted walls, or in less obvious ways such as with a decorative rug, a cushion or a throw. You can really transform a space by painting your ceiling as part of a colour block concept,” she says.

3. Colour: Pantone’s Viva Magenta

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Photo 1 of 5 Ultrafabrics will
feature Viva Magenta
on selected upholstery
collections, and on Volar
Bio, a fabric made with
renewable materials

Photo 2 of 5 B&B Italia Le Bambole armchair by Mario Bellini is available at Space Furniture

Photo 3 of 5 LG’s colour-changing MoodUp fridge can be customised in as many as 23 hues, including Viva Magenta

Photo 4 of 5 Moooi Mixing Pixels Heart Donut rug by Ruben de Haas is available
at Space Furniture

Photo 5 of 5 The Baxter Viktor sofa by
Draga & Aurel is available at Space Furniture

For homeowners seeking a more dramatic look, rich and vibrant hues like Viva Magenta, Pantone’s Colour of the Year, would be their shade of choice. This colour is a joyous tone inspired by carmine red, a dye used widely in food and cosmetics.

Use this standout hue on accent pieces to instantly invigorate a nook of your home, or be bold and apply the vivacious tone to a feature wall or kitchen cabinetry to add a burst of colour to a subdued neutral scheme.

4. Colour: Soft shades

Above Featured in this dining room is Redend Point, the Sherwin-Williams Colour of the Year

Above WGSN picked Digital Lavender as its top hue for 2023

Gentle hues that speak of nurturance and self-care will take centre stage in 2023. WGSN teamed up with colour experts Coloro to pick their 2023 Colour of the Year, Digital Lavender. Clare Smith, colour strategist at WGSN, describes it as a sensorial shade that connects to well-being and optimism: “Digital Lavender signifies [the] stability, serenity and digital escapism that so many of us have built into our recuperative rituals to both protect and improve our mental health in challenging times.”

Smith adds that this hue is ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms, and also works well in spaces with tech accessories. “This colour reflects a more hopeful view of the future, with healing rituals and soft, therapeutic colours being key,” she says.

American paint brand Sherwin-Williams chose Redend Point as its Colour of the Year. “Two major themes we wanted the 2023 Colour of the Year to reflect were warmth and empathy. This beautiful blush-beige hue reflects the trend of neutral tones warming up and people embracing earthy elements,” says Sue Wadden, director of colour marketing at Sherwin-Williams.

This versatile hue is a good accent colour for bathrooms and dressing rooms; spaces that are dedicated to beauty and self-care routines. “For example, you could use it on small accessories, or even on a ceiling,” says Wadden.

In case you missed it: Chinese New Year 2023: 7 stylish rabbit-themed decor for your home

5. Colour: Nature Inspired

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Photo 1 of 3 AkzoNobel picked Wild Wonder as its key shade for 2023

Photo 2 of 3 Dark Green, the Nippon Paint Colour of the Year, is among the trending nature-inspired hues

Photo 3 of 3 Iman El Zeky creates a cocooning atmosphere with an earthy palette

Nature-inspired tones will remain popular. These include Wild Wonder, a muted yellow hue selected as AkzoNobel’s Colour of the Year.

“It reflects the different ways that nature teaches and nurtures us,” says Heleen van Gent, creative director of AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Centre. “We’re recognising nature as the source of everything in our lives, and re-evaluating our relationship with the natural world. As people search for support, connection, inspiration and balance in the world today, they’re diving into the wonders of the natural world to find it.”

This leaning towards natural hues is reflected in Nippon Paint’s colour selection as well. Its top shade for 2023 is Dark Green, a deep emerald hue that is intended to convey signs of regeneration and life, while promoting mindfulness and creativity. It draws its verdant influences from such sources as moss growing on rocks, as well as succulents and cacti thriving in a desert environment.

6. Style: Maximalist Spirit

Above This meeting room crafted by Prestige Global Designs features a striking mural and an eye-catching neon slogan

Above Lim + Lu designed Yung’s Bistro with bold monochromatic flooring and subway tiles in emerald tones on the wall

Forget about playing it safe and embrace maximalism—get as creative as you want when designing a home that tells your own personal story. You can achieve a bold look by layering a space with different materials and colours, or introducing interesting patterned fabrics and wall designs in your home.

“I think people are looking for excitement in the post-pandemic era. Clients are more willing to explore more adventurous patterns and colours, and ways to make their home feel more vibrant and alive,” says Elaine Lu of Hong Kong-based design studio Lim + Lu.

Jeremy Tay, founder and director of Singapore-based firm Prestige Global Designs, agrees. “When executed well, a dark and moody colour scheme can result in sophisticated spaces that can really make a powerful impression,” he says.

7. Style: Fun Trimmings

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Photo 1 of 3 Travers’ Arboretum collection of trimmings available at Cetec

Photo 2 of 3 Bring the garden party aesthetic indoors by opting for a floral-inspired tablecloth

Photo 3 of 3 A touch of patterned trims to pillows can add a playful charm to the abode

Using patterned trims and tassels is a good way to add a personalised touch to your decor. These work very well with heavy fabrics and can complement boho-chic interior schemes.

“There are many different options you can use, from trimmings with subtle neutral colours and classical patterns, to pieces with bold and modern geometric patterns and opulent velvet fabrics,” says Heimgartner-Wong. Bring a touch of nature into your home with Zimmer + Rohde’s Arboretum trim collection from Travers, available at Cetec. Inspired by the beauty of nature, this garden-themed collection was created using a variety of techniques, including embroidery and block printing.

8. Material: Sustainable Fabrics

Above The Shoebill Re fabric from Hodsoll McKenzie comprising European linen and recycled cotton, both available from Cetec

Above Kvadrat’s Re-wool upholstery fabric collection

Environmentally conscious textiles made with recycled materials will become more popular in the year ahead. Christina Lee, Kvadrat’s country director for Singapore, observes that more designers and homeowners are choosing sustainable fabrics.

“Consumers are very conscious in their choices and long-lasting products of high quality are very much in demand,” says Lee. “We can definitely feel there is a momentum in terms of sustainability due to the longevity of our products as well as the aesthetic and sustainable properties of the textiles.”

In response to this demand, Kvadrat has launched fabrics such as Really, a material made from discarded t-shirts and other upcycled fabrics. It’s ideal for use on acoustic panels, soft furnishings and tabletop surfaces. Another top pick is Re-wool, a Kvadrat fabric made using 45 per cent recycled wool collected from scraps produced by the brand’s UK-based yarn spinners.

Credits

Words

Michele Koh Morollo and Hong Xinying

Images

HDP Photography (Iman El Zeky) and Courtesy of brands and studios

Interior style and design recommendations to support with your kitchen transform, structure

Inez Caron February 6, 2023

A survey by OnePoll and Bosch Residence Appliances identified that grownups in the U.S. devote an ordinary of 67 minutes for every day in their kitchens — that's more than 400 several hours per year.

It makes feeling, then, that kitchen renovations are the most common dwelling reworking undertaking. And as Kristen Pawlak of KP Layouts/Decorating Den Interiors is aware of, there are a myriad of ways to redo a kitchen area. Listed here, she shares 3 kitchens she revamped for householders all-around city.

Contemporary kitchen area lounge

The space features a Sputnik chandelier with matching pendants.

Formerly loaded with dim cabinetry, this Middletown kitchen area was also protected in dated wallpaper.

"These (homeowners) are extra modern day in their tastes," Pawlak instructed The Courier Journal, "so they preferred to lighten up enormously."

She gave the area a full makeover, brightening the whole space with white custom made cabinetry and light-weight-hued furniture pieces with personalized upholstery in efficiency fabrics. The old pantry was changed with a pantry cabinet, producing a seamless storage space. Following to it, there sits a beverage centre with a chevron backsplash.

"It is good to have a focused beverage spot," Pawlak said, introducing that this is an addition house owners really should look at if they are undergoing a kitchen renovation. "No matter if it’s (for) wine, spirits, or coffee, … it can be a nice minimal thing to include in a kitchen."

Residence of the WeekThe 2023 Newmar Dutch Star RV is a state-of-the-artwork 'luxury jet' on wheels. Take a peek

This reworked area also features a modern update to the common try to eat-in place. In lieu of a eating table, the place is loaded with a couch, chair, and espresso table.

"(The homeowners) also wished … a small bit of funky stuff," Pawlak said, describing that she opted to mild the space with a Sputnik chandelier, and matching pendants over the quartz island.

Lake-impressed transitional

The owners of this Prospect residence also have a lake home, and they utilised that abode to encourage their kitchen renovation.

"A ton of the shades are lake-like," Pawlak defined, "(this kind of as the) blues, soft greens, and grays. … They commit a good deal of their time at their lake dwelling, (so the rooms) have very little lake touches."

A blue rug anchors the dining region, though a driftwood-colored lantern hangs earlier mentioned the desk. Following to it, a landscape portray adorns the wall whilst tailor made, nature-encouraged treatment options dress the windows.

A specifically exclusive aspect of this kitchen is the present day desk location, which is set on the remaining facet of the space, reverse the peninsula.

"Individuals desks in the kitchen used to be seriously popular," Pawlak reported. "A ton of folks got rid of them, but this consumer nevertheless needed some thing like that."

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She stored the purposeful space, just slimming it down a little bit with a little, smooth desk, ideal for paying payments or getting treatment of brief responsibilities on a laptop.

"The office-sort chair is on casters," Pawlak additional. "Kind follows perform, in that if you require something like that in your kitchen area, it absolutely should really be part of (your transform). You shouldn’t have to really feel like you have to get rid of it."

Standard chef's kitchen

"These consumers are undoubtedly foodie cooks," Pawlak mentioned of the homeowners of this classic kitchen. They are continually cooking and entertaining, and wished a space that would assistance their life style. While the footprint of the authentic kitchen remained mainly the similar, Pawlak designed modifications to much better accommodate the homeowners’ desires.

A massive island presents seating so friends and loved ones can chat with the chef as foods are remaining prepared on the new Wolf array, and a created-in bar cupboard is set off to the aspect, supplying an very easily available space for crafting cocktails and the like. Next to the bar cabinet, a round wooden table provides just more than enough house for the pair to dine when they aren’t entertaining friends.

"(The homeowners) are vacant nesters," Pawlak described. "They wanted a lot more open up, entertaining area, (with a) dine-in (region that is) a minimal additional intimate."

She provides that the espresso stain of the island matches that of the bar cupboard, when the cherry-stained cabinetry in the kitchen enhances other furniture pieces in the family home.

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"You seriously want to believe about the other rooms that are obvious (from) your kitchen area, (as very well as) the over-all appear of your property," Pawlak advised, incorporating that white or off-white cabinets would glimpse odd in this kitchen area.

"(Often) contemplate your finishes as they relate to the rest of your residence and the search you want," she reported. "Really don't do a (precise type of) kitchen area just since which is (what) you see and believe which is the only issue on craze."

Know a household that would make a fantastic Home of the Week? E mail author Lennie Omalza at [email protected] or Life style Editor Kathryn Gregory at [email protected].

nuts & bolts

Up to date Kitchen area Lounge

House: This kitchen is in a 4-mattress, 3-bath, 3,000-sq.-foot, two-story regular property in Middletown that was developed in 1990.

Distinct things: Quartz counter tops customized cabinetry hardwood flooring 10-foot island customized upholstery in functionality materials.

Applause! Applause! KP Styles/Decorating Den Interiors, and RK Renovations.

Lake-Impressed Transitional

Property: This kitchen area is in a 5-mattress, 3-tub, 3,049-square-foot, two-story standard dwelling in Prospect that was designed in 1994.

What Do Interior Designers Do?

Inez Caron January 22, 2023

You might be asking yourself: What do inside designers do, in any case? And what is an inside designer, just? Knowledge how a area impacts its inhabitants is the coronary heart of an interior designer’s operate. How a place makes us imagine, experience, and act are all significant elements of our lives—and regardless of whether you realize it or not, the inside style and design career has a profound effect on nicely-staying. That’s primarily real of the places where by we expend the the vast majority of our time, like our workplaces and properties.

If you are considering about how to become an interior designer, there are several various approaches to do it—and pursuing an interior style occupation does not have to take place by a common inroad. Numerous inside designers commence their professions in completely various employment before settling on the inventive route. No make any difference what, nevertheless, there are specific foundational actions that make an expert’s get the job done properly knowledgeable.

First and foremost, inside design perform is formed by comprehending communities and their requires. There are also different varieties of licensure and protections in position to make positive layout work is protected, inclusive, and obtainable. If you’re a inventive and empathetic head, it could be time to exam out this vocation path.

“An inside designer is a design and style specialist who, among other issues, presents products and services to embellish and increase the good quality, problems, and programming of spatial and attractive environments to make a space and dwelling far better,” says Advertisement100 designer Leyden Lewis, proprietor and innovative director at Leyden Lewis Design and style Studio. “This can be applied to household, professional, hospitality, healthcare, and outside of!”

What is an inside designer?

The definition of an inside designer may perhaps differ a little, depending on who you question. “An inside designer is a skilled who works by using design—through operation, materiality, safety and constructing codes, and much more—to help the human experience,” suggests Toni Gocke Wyre, chair of the American Modern society of Inside Designers (ASID).

Gocke Wyre clarifies that designers work with clientele to see what they want in a space—not the other way around. Designers do so by in the end reflecting their client's needs and demonstrating their values to some others who enter or see their area. She notes that ASID focuses on the human 1st, and the inside space next. Interior designers also target on accessibility and inclusivity in their work to make positive that interiors can be used by all.

Chi-Thien (C.T.) Nguyen, the chair of Interior Style and design and Preservation Design at the Savannah Higher education of Art and Design and style (SCAD), in Savannah, Ga, claims that an inside designer is a imaginative trouble solver, social anthropologist, and experiential choreographer all in a person.

Nguyen’s SCAD colleague Tony Purvis would include that inside designers deliberately develop spaces that we interact with on a each day foundation, regardless of whether we understand it or not. “An interior designer produces art that people pretty much dwell, function, and engage in in just,” he suggests.

What are the duties of an interior designer? What does an inside designer do?

Inside designers have quite a few tasks tied to potential areas and their respective clientele. Mostly, inside designers are accountable for working alongside consumers and meeting their day to day requires, adhering to health and basic safety principles, conference accessibility specifications, knowledge how their perform fits into a broader group, and arranging and completing doable layout jobs underneath particular timelines.

4 Interior Style Trends You Will See In all places in 2023

Inez Caron January 13, 2023

A guesthouse at the English cottage of Sienna Miller features vintage furnishings purchased at 52 Meters an antiques...

Aged is new once again

The penchant for master craftsmanship is also driven by a need for person expression, Smecker claims. “Consumers are no longer intrigued in coordinated areas and matching furnishings sets. They favor to just incorporate exclusive pieces, heirlooms or thrifted finds that they adore into their spaces. There is empowerment in acquiring and possessing your private style, especially in interiors.”

Starmer claims the burgeoning interest in classic and reused home furnishings is a hopeful change. “This pattern is anticipated to rise and increase, as we see buying for 2nd lifestyle products as equally a design-savvy and environmental preference to make.”

Amid the most innovative illustrations she’s just lately noticed are vintage shop counters and haberdashery models as kitchen islands and antique French linen sheets dyed with bark and roots to build curtains and bed throws. “The confident dwelling designer is mixing up the models, vintage wooden home furnishings with recycled stone floor extra, or classic seating recovered in modern day printed materials,” she provides.

Cactus specimens like those found at Cactus Store in LA may top the list for plants to bring home in 2023.

Biophilia reconfigured

The earlier couple several years noticed us clinging to as lots of interior greenery elements as probable, from botanical styles to assertion crops. Now, that enthusiasm nevertheless operates deep but is morphing into a thing unique.

“[Though] biophilia is continue to vital, this year’s traits are significantly less encouraged by lush mother nature but alternatively by the irregular and imperfect,” Smecker says. “This pattern [celebrates] desert landscapes, mineral shades, mossy greens, and uncooked, unfinished textures.”

It’s also given increase to an fascinating new substance palette. “Material designers are now communing instantly with the intelligence of mother nature,” Starmer claims. “Groundbreaking manufacturers are talking the language of the land, discussing biodiversity and insect populations, permaculture, and the harmonious integration of fiber, farming, and foodstuff. Fabrics are being developed from orange skins and rose stems, and we are performing in harmony with mycelium, clay, fungus, grape skin, dried peel, pineapple skin, brick, earth, shells, kelp, blood, pig pores and skin, and petals.”

It's possible we will not see it in 2023 but, probably, a person day our decor will be dictated by our compost bins.

Top rated interior style and design developments for 2023 uncovered by industry experts

Inez Caron December 25, 2022

Biggest interior trends for 2023 (Bhavin Taylor Design/PA) — Largest interior developments for 2023 (Bhavin Taylor Design and style/PA)

Designers are now forecasting the traits established to affect our homes and decor in 2023 – and playful color, warm comfort and ease and jazzed-up walls are all in the combine.

Curious about the interiors traits in shop? We requested the experts at primary dwelling layout system Houzz.co.british isles to share their insights…

1. Nostalgia

“From the resurgence of ‘modern farmhouse’ style – which is up by 135% in queries on Houzz year-above-calendar year – to the the latest interest in cottagecore, home owners are searching to the familiarity and ease and comfort of the previous, and bringing things of this into their contemporary living spaces,” says Houzz Uk editor, Victoria Harrison.

In the most-saved shots on the site, she states they are more and more viewing heat wooden, loaded colors and carefully preferred vintage parts currently being highlighted, together with heirloom textiles such as patchwork blankets, tapestries and antique rugs. Character is a strong concept listed here, too.

“Nature is our go-to when it comes to sourcing inspiration for our interiors,” suggests Emma Sims-Hilditch, founder and innovative director for Sims Hilditch. “Our shoppers have arrive to count on a homely and welcoming aesthetic motivated by English nation design, that is uniquely tailored to satisfy the desires of their up to date existence.”

Repurposed antiques, natural textures and a good deal of levels offer convenience, character and depth. “And playful colors, patterns and artwork provide a perception of fun to the layout,” Sims-Hilditch adds.

2. Warm colors

At the commencing of 2022, designers predicted a shift absent from cooler tones to a warmer palette. Now we’re observing shades of terracotta, pink and mustard creeping into place techniques, with lookups for ‘dusky pink’, ‘brown’ and ‘mustard’ growing (up 81%, 25% and 24% respectively), notes Harrison.

“These colours are heat and comforting and, along with the pattern for nostalgia, could also be a result of home owners on the lookout for rooms that supply ease and comfort and reassurance,” she suggests – adding that Pantone’s freshly declared 2023 Colour of the 12 months, Viva Magenta, a vivid pinky purple, undoubtedly ties in with the craze.

“It’s definitely a bold shade but for the brave, all-in excess of magenta can truly energise a area,” she notes. “It also functions equally effectively as an accent colour.”3. Temperature-regulating design and style

Local climate manage inside of the house appears increasingly well-known appropriate now. “With better extremes in climate and rising strength charges will come a will need to rethink the way we control the temperature in our properties,” points out Harrison.

In the past calendar year, she claims they’ve observed an uptick in lookups for ‘external shutters’ – with warmth-lowering window treatment plans established to participate in a significantly larger portion in trying to keep homes awesome in the summertime months.

“Overheating is a common challenge exacerbated by the present day craze for large parts of glazing without having thought of photo voltaic manage,” claims Sam Cooper, director for E2 Architecture + Interiors. “Passive photo voltaic control can be incorporated into the glazing, but will frequently slash out some of the light-weight and color.

“East and west-facing glazing will put up with the most from photo voltaic attain, so it is very best to consider shading it with deciduous trees or shutters, so you can advantage from the winter season sunshine, and command the summer months solar,” Cooper adds.

Harrison thinks successful insulation will grow to be a additional urgent worry as house owners request out strategies to make improvements to the thermal efficiency of their houses.

Cooper suggests: “Careful thought demands to be supplied when specifying insulation to a wall, significantly reliable masonry. These a lot more regular buildings ‘breathe’, to make it possible for moisture to vacation in and out of the design.”

For this cause, he indicates it is very best to use complementary natural supplies like wood fibre or cork in conjunction with lime plasters, and not much too a lot insulation.

4. Appealing wall coverings

It appears to be like wallcoverings are set to perform a large aspect in 2023 dwelling decor, with murals, bold papers and attention-grabbing textures all emerging as escalating trends. Lookups for ‘decorative wall panels’ and ‘modern wall panelling’ are now up by 132% and by 116% respectively.

“Nowadays, our customers are additional open up to bolder ideas than they have at any time been in advance of,” states Omar Bhatti, CEO of Space Shack – and wall coverings are getting to be a big portion of their inside structure tasks.

“Clients want to liven up bare walls and give them some life,” Bhatti adds. “Previously, we could have accomplished this by hanging artwork or creating gallery walls.”

With so a lot of various options – from micro cement, uncooked plaster and limewash paint, which can give partitions texture, as well as textured wallpapers and wall panelling – Bhatti states the prevalent topic amongst all of these possibilities is they give the space substantially additional character.

5. Biodynamic lights

Interiors have significantly been impressed by mother nature in current a long time – a development that retains evolving.

“The hottest iteration is biodynamic lighting, wherever synthetic lights is intended to replicate daylight as a great deal as probable,” suggests Harrison.

Queries for ‘lighting design’ are up by 73%, in accordance to Houzz.

6. Playful design and style

Harrison states designers are moving absent from the security of neutrals and rather “having entertaining with colour and texture – and becoming innovative when it comes to developing areas for clients.”

Queries for conditions like ‘colourful dwelling room’, ‘colourful bedroom’ and ‘colourful bathroom’ have all elevated (up by 197%, 192% and 42% respectively), when ‘painted ceiling’ saw an maximize of 112%.

Bhavin Taylor, operator of Bhavin Taylor Layout, states purchasers want to be braver when it comes to injecting color and pattern, but generally don’t have the self esteem to just take the step.

“When creating a house that has conventional capabilities, consider inspiration from how the household could have been adorned when it was first designed – and then pick out entertaining, present day and vibrant finishes to carry this seem up to date,” indicates Taylor.

He suggests vibrant and fun pattern can be employed on both equally walls and curtain fabric, making a seamless glimpse all-around the home. “The glance is then tied alongside one another with paint and household furniture that decide on up the identical color tones in the sample

“If you wrestle with selecting colors that go with each other, enable a pattern do all the operate for you,” Taylor adds. “It’s that easy!”

A New York Interior Designer Shares 3 Hot and 2 Dated Home Trends

Inez Caron December 18, 2022

NYC interior designer Bennett Leifer outlined what's in and what's out right now.
Textured walls, hand-painted wallpaper, and bold headboards create subtle luxury that people want.
But the all-white look and overdressed windows have fallen out of favor.

People across New York City, the Hamptons, the Hudson Valley, and Connecticut seeking whimsical yet sophisticated interiors call on Bennett Leifer.

Leifer, who founded his New York City-based interior design firm nearly a decade ago, has his finger on the pulse of the design whims and wants of his clients, and those waning in popularity.

He spoke with Insider about what his clients are seeking in their homes now, and the tired trends they're ready to leave behind.

In: Handmade and unexpected touches

Handmade details are in. Just look at these two rooms with hand-painted wallpaper designed by Leifer.

Bennett Leifer Interiors (left), Josh McHugh

The minimalist white box aesthetic that was so popular five years ago has given way to an appreciation for textures and techniques that embrace an Old World style of craftsmanship.

"I think people are wanting their spaces to feel rich and unique to them," Leifer said. "They don't necessarily want to add a bold print to the wall, they don't necessarily want to paint a wild color. But they do want to have this subtle luxury — we're calling it personal richness."

He's used hand-painted wallpaper that features imagery personal to his clients and handmade Italian tiles laid in a pattern to reflect the roof of an adjacent New York City building that can be seen through a window.

Lower-lift projects include adding Venetian plaster to walls rather than the standard paint job and adding velvet trim around the baseboard and door of a room to add in that "personal richness."

In: Statement-making headboards

Leifer has created bespoke, oversized headboards for two clients recently.

Bjorn Wallander

Leifer's clients are more interested in big, bold headboards than ever before.

He sees it as a response to the rise in catalog and online shopping and the pandemic's effect on the supply chain.

"There was this whole wave towards getting the look for less, but then I think people started seeing a lot of the same thing," he said, adding that supply-chain issues inflated the "emotional frustration" of decorating a home.

"That's where I personally think a lot of the interest in making these unique, personal moments came about," he said.

Leifer has crafted an oversized arched headboard that mirrored a shape featured in the room's wallpaper. The oversized headboard is an opportunity to be playful.

"You can bring levity into the design in a way that isn't like turning it into a kid's room," he said.

In: Functional pieces

Functional pieces, like ergonomic chairs, are winning out over just design-minded pieces.

Getty Images

In this era of the Instagram-perfect home, it's tempting to eschew functional furniture for something that's more aesthetically pleasing.

But Leifer said his clients are becoming more practical than that. Case in point: The ergonomic chair, which isn't really known for its good looks.

"I'm seeing more demand for things being what they should be and more conscious decisions in terms of health choices," he said. "For example, we're doing a study and we're buying the prettiest ergonomic chairs we can find, because it's important to have good back support. Whereas in the past, it may have been a club chair style on a swivel caster base."

Herman Miller's Aeron chair is the gold standard for ergonomic chairs, and is about as streamlined-looking as they come. They start around $1,200. Branch Furniture's less costly options start around $330.

Out: All-white everything

Defaulting to white is out. Instead, Leifer said it's become a more intentional choice to use white.

John Keeble/Getty Images

Leifer said his clients aren't using white as a fallback anymore, but rather an intentional decision. It boils down to people, after spending a few years at home, really wanting to have a personalized space that speaks to their own aesthetic.

"If you're using it, it's an intentional decision," he said. While clients are still interested in white kitchen cabinetry and white bathrooms, for instance, it's because "they want it to feel crisp," and not just because it's an old standby.

Out: Overdone curtains

Overdone window treatments are out, Leifer said.

jimkruger/Getty Images

Be gone tassels and reams of drapes: Simplicity and intention are the name of the game when it comes to dressing up windows now.

"It has to finish a space to a certain degree," Leifer said, but clients aren't falling back on the old rulebook.

Instead they're curious to experiment with new touches, like the project where Leifer's using bronze casings around windows. It's not dressing windows for the sake of dressing them — it's all about intention.

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Putting in Pale Hardwood Floors

Converting a Space Into an Office

Upgrading Toilets

Portray Kitchen area Cabinets White

Implementing a Clean Coat of Paint on Inside Walls

Invest in Vitality Preserving Gear and Tactics

Cleanse, Clear, Clean

1. Begin Designing Where it Matters Most

2. Consider a New Look For Your Bedroom

3. Determine How Much Change You Want to Make

4. Know Your Budget

5. Find Inspiration From Design Blogs

6. Start With Simple DIY Projects

7. Consider Small Changes For a New Look

8. Go Traditional on Key Pieces

9. Don't Follow a Trend if You Don't Like it

10. Avoid Making Your TV the Focal Point

11. Pick Furniture That Matches Your Lifestyle

12. Make Your Home Lively

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She said I should start by staining the railings with a neutral brown tone to give the space a more sophisticated feel

We can cut out some clutter by concealing it in chic furniture pieces

Because I have a fairly large deck, I can divide the space into sections to create a highly multi-functional area

We should bring our indoor aesthetic outside to create a seamless transition using a similar color palette and design style

We can also create an intimate and experiential space by adding plants and lights

Overall, I learned that dividing my space is key to making it super functional and easier to decorate

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