Category: Design & decor

Categories
Design & decor

Choosing the right paint colours for your home

Choosing interior paint colours for your redecoration projects shouldn’t be done on a whim. When learning how to choose the right paint colour, you will need to consider things like the size of the room, what it’ll be used for, and your current interior style. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of choosing interior paint colours that will work best with any living room or furniture colour scheme. Check out these nine tips before you hit the paint store to get the best results from your redecoration project.

9 Tips for choosing house paint colours for your next painting project

1. Learn about the effect of colour on moods

Paint colours can impact the mood of the people in the room. They can energise, calm, or even help you focus.

Certain shades, like red, can stimulate your mind and urge you into action, while other shades, such as blue, can put your nerves at ease. Choose colours that closely reflect your personality and motivate you to feel a certain way. 

When learning how to choose the right paint colour, consider the purpose of the room and the vibe you want to achieve.

2. Identify how cosy or airy you want the room to feel

A cosy living room with neutral tones / Source: iStock

Colour choices also affect how your room will be perceived. It can make a cramped flat feel airy or a large space feel cosy.

For example, warm whites and warm greys have yellow undertones and give the appearance of a cosy, soft, inviting space. Using deep blue and other dark colour palettes can also help achieve the same cosy effect.

On the other hand, cool grey or cool white interior paint colours can make a room feel more spacious.

3. Factor in your current furnishings and decor

While it may be tempting just to pick your favourite shade when redoing your interior house paint colours, you should never choose paint in isolation from the other elements in the room. Not everything has to match, but make sure that the walls, flooring, cabinetry, furniture, and accent pieces work harmoniously.

While you can certainly pick different colour schemes for different rooms of the house, it may save you time to choose one that works for the majority of your home. Mixing and matching hues can guide the eyes from one space to another or delineate one area from another.

4. Check the natural and artificial lighting

A modern living room welcoming natural lighting / Source: iStock

Lighting also plays a big factor in how your space will look like. Even if the paint swatch looks great in the store, it may look slightly different in the actual space where it will be used due to the natural light entering the room and the artificial lighting.

As a quick reference, here’s how different lighting availability affects paint colour:

  • North-facing rooms will look bluish; offset this by choosing a brighter hue of your desired paint colour or using daylight-temperature artificial light. Warmer whites are a great choice for north-facing walls.
  • South-facing rooms will appear closer to the true paint colour thanks to abundant natural light.
  • East-facing rooms will appear more vibrant in the morning then duller in the afternoon. You can remedy this by choosing the right window treatments and artificial lighting. The opposite is true for west-facing rooms, which look bluish in the morning and warmer as the day progresses.
  • Incandescent lighting typically amplifies warmer colours and dulls cooler colours.
  • Halogen bulbs are closer to natural light so that interior walls will look true to colour with these bulbs.
  • Fluorescent lamps will make paint colours look more intense. Blue will appear as deep blue, for example.

Before you decide on a paint colour, look at it against the morning, afternoon, and evening (artificial lighting) in the room. Talking to a professional house painter can help make this decision-making process easier.

5. Consider neutral colours for common spaces

Neutral doesn’t have to mean boring! Neutral house paint colours can bridge pops of colour from room to room, like a pastel pink ceiling and accent wall in the living room or a patterned tile in the kitchen. 

Blue and white are also a popular pairing that looks great in dining and living rooms. You can also liven up neutral paint by introducing patterns like a striped wall in cream and tan.

6. Don’t be afraid to choose more than one paint colour

A cosy dining space with turquoise and white walls / Source: iStock

Two-tone interior paint colours are a trendy way to update your room. You can go with a lighter or darker shade for a monochromatic palette. Meanwhile, grey tones with orange make for an unexpected, vibrant pairing.

Another example is combining dark brown and purple in one room. This can add just the right amount of oomph without deviating from your comfort zone.

Implementing two-colour combinations for your living room is easier than you think. Even just painting one wall in two colours or having a solid colour theme for the walls, furniture and decor can create an interesting focal point in the room and delineate areas in open-plan spaces.

7. Look at the room’s features for inspiration

Your next paint colour choice might be hidden right in the room! Look at an architectural feature on the exterior of your house. Bringing your exterior house paint colours indoors brings a seamless flow throughout the house. 

For instance, the trim or fascia might just be perfect for your interior walls, or the grey polished concrete floors could pair well with green or off-white walls.

You can also look at nature for inspiration. If you have a lot of greenery outside, you can complement this by choosing green as one of your interior paint colours and pairing it with a neutral shade. A rustic surface like the hardwood on your floors could also inspire nature- or earth-tone-inspired colour choices.

8. Factor in the size of your space

A minimalist bedroom with white walls and wooden floors / Source: iStock

When you know the colours you might like, consider the area you intend to paint. Take a moment to pause and think about the existing layout of the space or what the area will be used for, as the wall colour will affect the look and feel of the entire space. 

Professional painters and decorators know which paint finish and what paint colour would work best for every space, considering all factors in the house. So, if you’re unsure how to go about a painting project, consult a pro for expert advice and painting cost estimates. 

9. Use a colour scheme to choose the right paint colour palette

Colour scheme and palette are often used interchangeably but are very different.

A colour scheme is a framework or theory, for example, monochromatic, complementary colours, or achromatic. Meanwhile, a colour palette is the actual swatches: complementary colours, blue and orange, different shades and tints of the same colour, pink, and so on.

When picking a colour palette, stick to a few hues or choose different tones of a similar colour group rather than contrasting shades. It helps to use a colour wheel or talk to a colour consultant when determining the right colour scheme or colour palette for your interior walls.

Choose the right interior paint colours easily

Picking paint colours doesn’t have to be overwhelming and complicated. While doing it yourself can be fulfilling and affordable, reaching out to a painter can ensure a successful painting project that is worth your time and money, especially if it’s your first time repainting your walls.

FAQs on choosing the right paint colours

Should you go lighter or darker with paint?

Paints typically dry darker, but if mixed properly, they should come out looking the same as what is on the paint swatch. So, it all boils down to your choice of the swatch and mixing the paint properly. 

Should I paint my entire house the same colour?

There’s no hard rule that says you shouldn’t; however, your home will benefit from using at least different shades of the same colour. This adds visual interest while maintaining a certain flow or continuity as one moves through the house. 

How do I choose my exterior house colour?

Below are some tips to help you choose your exterior house colour:

  • Look for inspiration in the finishes in your home, such as the foundation, trim, roof, and landscape.
  • Get a colour wheel and test out some palettes.
  • Consult with a house painter to get the best look for your home.
  • If you want, feel free to look at the colour scheme in your own neighbourhood to make sure your home fits in.

What is the most popular interior paint colour?

White is one of the most popular interior paint colours since it’s easy to pair with other colours. White can look warm and cosy or light and airy. Its classic look and ability to tie different colours together make it many homeowners’ paint colour of choice. 

Categories
Design & decor

Home office design ideas

Whether you’re self-employed or you just need a quiet spot to focus, a dedicated office space is a useful addition to the home. Setting up a new workstation or upgrading your existing home office can be a simple and inexpensive project. Get ready for a day’s work in the comfort of your own home and avoid Mondayitis with these simple home office design ideas and tips. 

Source: DSdezines interiors

Choosing the right home office space

Home office location

Choose a spot in your home that is set apart from your living space. Use this space only for work, and the rest of your house should stay dedicated to leisure. If you happen to build your office in a place that can be seen by visitors, you might find it handy to install some sort of decorative screens.

Lighting

Lighting is important in a working space as it can affect your concentration and energy levels. If your home office space attracts natural light, position your desk in a spot that will maximise natural sunlight. Alternatively, ensure your room is adequately lit with a combination of overhead lights and well placed lamps. 

Layout and storage

Home offices aren’t usually swimming in square footage, which means planning the layout is imperative. For starters, your home office desk will likely be the place you spend most of your time, so you’ll need to consider different options for organisation and storage, making sure everything important is within reach.

The idea behind good organisation and storage is also to give you ample room to spread out. There’s nothing worse than feeling cramped, which means you might need to get creative with the space

Home office furniture

The following items can be of great use in any home office: 

  • Desk — The home office desk is the centrepiece of the entire room – it’s the place where you’ll do all of the work and store most of your equipment. Make sure you get a sturdy one with plenty of space for your office activities.
  • Chair — What good is a desk if you have nowhere to sit? Office dwellers tend to sit for long periods of time, so you want to make sure you purchase a home office chair that is comfortable and provides great lumbar support. 
  • Hutch — A hutch is a great addition to a home office because it provides extra space to store supplies. 
  • Filing cabinets — Filing cabinets come in a variety of styles and shapes, and are a vital part of the office space for storing important documents and files. 
  • Bookcases and shelving — Bookcases and shelving are useful if you have a lot of reference materials that you frequently use. Shelving will keep them readily within your reach. Remember to go bigger when you’re picking out the bookshelf – stuff will pile up over time.
  • Extra seating — Will you frequently have clients in your home office? Make sure you have comfortable seating for your guests.

Choosing your home office furniture

When purchasing office furniture, there are a few factors that you will need to consider. Be sure that you are choosing pieces that not only fit your style, but also comfortably fit your space. Comfort is a huge factor for many office dwellers. In order to increase your productivity, make sure that you are comfortable in the space and have free range of motion as you work. 

Source: Marzia Design

Making your home office energy efficient 

You’re already cutting down on carbon emissions from your car by not commuting, but how do you make your home office green as well? Here are some sustainability tips to keep in mind when designing your office:

  • Pick a room with windows – Using natural light will help you save on electricity bills. If you work in an enclosed room, consider installing a skylight.
  • Buy energy efficient items – Use compact fluorescent light bulbs, which last longer and use less energy, therefore cutting costs and helping the environment. Also consider buying laptops and other devices with good energy saving ratings.
  • Don’t waste electricity – Don’t leave your computer or lights running when you leave your office.
  • Recycle – Opt for recycled paper and other office supplies, and remember to recycle any paper you use.
  • Utilise the cloud – Instead of printing documents you just plan to file, use cloud storage, flash drives, or your computer’s hard drive to organise your files. Don’t waste paper unnecessarily!

Add personal touches

A home space allows you to enjoy an efficient and productive work routine in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Don’t style your home office to look just like your old corporate desk space but personalise your workstation and be creative with the way you decorate your space. 

Add a touch of cosiness with a soft rug to maximise the benefits of working from home or decorate a spare wall with family photos and memories to keep you motivated for longer. If in doubt, occupy your wall space with functional decorations such as colourful wall calendars or unique clocks that serve a dual purpose in your office space. Plants are a decorative addition to a space that will keep your space fresh and lively, also helping you remain focused and alert.

Categories
Design & decor

14 ways to decorate and maintain a small-spaced Airbnb listing

Managing an Airbnb rental is a great way to earn extra income, especially if you have an unoccupied property available.

Although Airbnb rentals are a great way of earning extra income, it doesn’t mean that it easy to do as it requires quite a bit of maintenance and involvement on your part. You have to make sure that you decorate your space to make it more attractive to a range of people.

If you have a smaller space for your Airbnb, you might be thinking that it’s harder to make it stand out from the crowd. Nonetheless, having an excellent decorating idea that you can maintain can help give you a good standing on Airbnb.

Below are some tips that you can try out for yourself:

1. Keep the floor clean

If you have a small space in your Airbnb, then a simple way of making sure that the space doesn’t feel too crowded is by cleaning the floor.

Sure, a great decoration can definitely liven up a space, but if you have little to work with, you should make sure that you have enough working space available.

One way you can create more space is simply by reducing the pieces of furniture or appliances that you have on the floor and creating a minimalistic look.

2. Focus on lights

Another simple solution that you can try to make your Airbnb space look more spacious is the lights.

The right lighting, especially if it’s natural, can help widen a space and has the illusion that you have a bigger space.

If you don’t have much access to natural light, then you should make sure that the lighting fixtures installed don’t get in the way of your floor as mentioned before. Wall sconces are a great choice of lighting for a small space. 

3 hanging white pendant lights in a room with windows leading to a beach.
The impact of natural lighting on display / Source: Visualising Interiors

3. Add mirrors

Another simple decoration that you can use that will help you give the illusion of a wider and bigger space inside your Airbnb is a series of mirrors.

You don’t have to go and install a lot of mirrors but be tactical so that you don’t look like you have a circus-themed Airbnb (unless that’s what you the vision you’re looking to create).

Excellent placement of a mirror is right in front of a big window that brings in natural light. Doing so allows the mirror to reflect the light all around the room.

4. Have indoor plants and flowers

You don’t have to add too many trinkets and installations to make your Airbnb feel decorated and appealing to your guests.

A simple addition of indoor plants and flowers can beautify your space without costing you too much money. Not to mention that it doesn’t take up too much space.

The great thing about indoor plants is that it helps improve the air quality inside your Airbnb, and at the same time it serves as a decoration too.

White lounge room with L shaped lounge, coffee table and indoor plants.
Indoor plants are aesthetic and cost-effective / Source: Visualising Interiors

5. Consider multi-purpose and folding furniture

Since you have a small space in your Airbnb, you want to be able to serve your guests without having to sacrifice comfort and convenience.

The key to being able to balance both is by having furniture that are space savers or, at the very least, furniture that has more than one purpose. For example, you could have a set of stairs that also serve as a cabinet, or you can have a sofa that becomes a bed.

6. Consider a hanging chair

If you want to decorate your Airbnb uniquely, then consider adding a hanging chair inside the living room.

It will be an eye-catching and attractive set in your living. Also, a hanging chair is a great space saver while offering a sitting arrangement at the same time.

7. Play with scale

Just because you have a small Airbnb doesn’t mean that your space should be filled with trinkets and tiny decorations.

It’s important to balance your big decorations in the small space, or you might end up making your Airbnb look smaller than it actually is. 

8. Keep it cozy

The great thing about having a small space is that it can be a lot homier than bigger and more expansive spaces.

You should capitalise on that fact by keeping things cozy and decorating your space with a lot of textures like plush.

A fluffy rug and soft blanket laid on top of your sofas are a great touch as well. It really makes the space feel like a second home.

9. Put your pantry on display

If you don’t have enough space in your Airbnb for a pantry, then why not have a shelving system? That way, it doesn’t occupy as much space as cabinets do.

For example, you can have a sturdy hook and hang baskets where you can put your essential grocery items that is usually going to be in the pantry.

10. Divide and conquer

If you want to divide certain areas in your Airbnb, using wise divisions allows you to do just that without making your space look crowded.

A great way to divide your space is by having rice paper room dividers all around that certain separate areas, but at the same time, it doesn’t crowd your Airbnb.

11. Clean as you leave

At Maid Sailors Airbnb Turnaround Service, we encourage our clients to advise their guests to clean the space itself. That way, it’s easier for you to clean your Airbnb. This is especially important for a quicker turnaround process in between immediate bookings.

12. Colour selection

It’s important to select the right texture and colours for cushions, throws and very importantly linen including doona covers, sheet and towels. Keep them simple not too much over the top prints.

Grey cushioned window seat with 3 pillows next to a small round coffee table.
Make the most of your small space with appropriate colour selections / Source: Little White Label

13. Make it personal

Leave a special check-in surprise for guests. It could be a bottle of wine or a grazing platter, fresh muffins or freshly baked bread and/or rolls and for that special occasion. Maybe a double pass to the local cinema and a voucher for a local Takeaway.

14. Entertaining areas

An entertaining area with books, games and jigsaw puzzles are great to have for guests.

Conclusion

Maintaining and decorating a small space can be a difficult task, especially if your goal is to create an attractive place to encourage guests to book your Airbnb rental.

Although it can be difficult it doesn’t mean it’s impossible. That’s why the tips above will definitely help you level up your Airbnb listing.

From having unique decorations in place to simple maintenance, there are plenty of things you can do that will make your small-spaced Airbnb listing more attractive to guests. Aside from the ones listed above, try and come up with your own ways of boosting your Airbnb or hire a professional interior designer to bring your vision to life.

Categories
Design & decor

6 interesting small bathroom tile ideas

We all look forward to relaxing in our bathrooms after a busy and tiring day. Like most people, you may prefer a luxurious and spacious bathroom with beautiful tiles. Unfortunately, the majority of us own smaller bathrooms. Although it may seem like you can’t execute your dream bathroom if it is smaller, you can still have the luxury and comfort you require from your bathroom despite its size.

It can be overwhelming choosing the right tiles, as the market is flooded with many options. Here, My Home Zen Spa recommend their top tile picks to help transform your bathroom into a sanctuary.

1. Subway tile accents

If you’re looking for a versatile option, the subway tile accents are the best. Despite being modern, its design is stunning and never get outdated. What’s exciting about these tiles is the fact that they come in different colours, patterns, and get made with various materials. As a result, you get to choose what you like.

If you want your other bathroom elements to shine, you can get these tiles in a pure white. Are you the creative type? With these tiles, you can contrast your grout colours and help give a different look at your shower, bath, or faucet. You’ll find them easily at your local hardware store.

Subway tiles on the wall in a small bathroom / Source: Engage Construction Pty Ltd

2. Glass mosaic accents

Mosaic tiles are available in ceramic or stone, but for a bathroom that pops – try glass mosaic tiles. You can use them for a full wall, or use sparingly to create an interesting frame or accent. Mosaic tiles are practical versatile, water-resistant and come in a variety of colours and patterns. Flex your creative muscles by playing with accents in your bathroom. If you are just using it for a small feature, remember to purchase a few spare for down the road, just in case you can’t find the exact type again.

3. Large format tiles

Large-format tiles come with a bunch of benefits when used in a bathroom. You should consider these tiles if your bathroom is small, as they can make a small bathroom appear larger.

They cover a large area and are easy to clean because they are applied with fewer grout lines. Large format tiles also create an elegant aesthetic in your bathroom. Large tiles come in various designs for you to choose what you like, including 3-D and wood-look plank tiles.

Large format tiles can be a great option for small bathrooms / Source: Mrg Tiling

4. Bathroom wall tiles

Wall tile styles for bathrooms will excite you with their durability. Despite serving you for many years, maintaining them is easy, and they improve your bathroom’s appearance. Bathroom wall tile styles come in various forms. For example, contemporary or traditional, and modern, mid-century, or old-world. It all depends on your taste. The market is flooded with what you need. When choosing wall tiles for your bathroom, consider various combinations and patterns. This will not only improve your bathroom’s appearance but also blend well with your bathroom fittings and décor.

5. Shower tile styles

If your bathroom has a shower or tub, you should consider installing shower tiles. Shower tiles are an excellent choice as they are waterproof if sealed properly and can be cleaned very easily. These tiles can turn your bathroom into a beautiful showpiece. When planning to build or remodel your bathroom, always remember to put the tub or shower tiles into account.

6. Porcelein bathroom tiles

Porcelain bathroom tiles offer many benefits because they are strong and durable but easy to clean and look beautiful in most settings. In comparison to other styles of tiles, procelein tiles are strong and durable – being super thin, moulded, and then fired at a high temperature.

The glaze on these tiles that helps to lock out water to ensure that no damage occurs to the flooring structure. They also do not scratch, fade, and are easy to keep clean and don’t stain easily – meaning they’ll last over the long term. There are plenty of design options to choose from – from textured, natural or polished finished meaning they are versatile to work with whatever design you’re after.

Tile style tips for small bathrooms

You don’t have to match all your bathroom tiles, but ensure that they blend well with each other, from the walls, showers, tubs, to the floor. Mixing various tile styles in your bathroom can elevate the look into a spa-like. It is, therefore, essential to choose tile styles for your bathroom wisely.

If your bathroom is limited in space, try using the following tile tricks to make it feel more significant than its actual size.

  • Use one tile type on all your bathroom floor, wall, and ceiling. It will help open up some space. If you decide to switch your tile pathway up or down the wall, it may visually reduce the room. As a result, your bathroom may appear even smaller.
  • When using both paint and tiles on your bathroom walls, use similar colours. You may ask why; it will ease the transition from one location to another. Different colours create hard stops when transitioning from a particular space to another.
  • Put tiles in your bathroom’s ceiling. It is a perfect strategy that will help increase your bathroom’s height.
  • Neutral colours are very popular with most bathrooms, but you get free to use what you prefer. But be careful about how you use your bright, dark, and bold colours. You may need to avoid colours that will dull your bathroom and interfere with its visibility. If you are the colour person, try balancing the neutral and bright colours. Neutral colours are exceptional, and you can get creative when using them in your bathroom. Though one neutral colour is okay, try mixing them.
Categories
Design & decor

How to prepare a baby’s nursery

The nesting instinct will kick in soon and you won’t be able to help pottering around the nursery cleaning and preparing for your new arrival. The best thing you can do to make it easier for yourself once baby arrives is having the nursery completely ready for them to move in.

Choosing a nursery decor theme

Decorating a nursery is a big task, but a simple one if you have a clear plan. Remember, this is the room you and your baby will use the most, so it’s important to make it cheerful and comfortable for both of you.

Source: Shutterstock

Before you begin purchasing items, go through magazines and sites like Pinterest and visit local baby shops to get an idea of what’s available, and what style you like. Keep track of the items that catch your eye, and you should soon see a theme evolving.

Even though you want to give your child the most beautiful nursery, do give priority to practicality over style. Make a list of the essential baby items, such as a cot, chest of drawers, cupboard, and changing table. If you’re lucky, you will get all these items in a common theme or else, pick the item you love the most and use your creativity to mix and match. Another option is to choose plain furniture, and then incorporate your chosen theme with the help of wall decals, printed linen and other accessories.

Interesting Themes for the Nursery

You may choose a favourite cartoon as the nursery theme, so that your baby can enjoy looking at the colourful characters. Animals are another popular choice, but if you have trouble deciding on which one to go with opt for a full-blown jungle theme instead. If you’re a sporting family, you could decorate in a sporting motif, such as football, surfing, car racing or any other sport that your family enjoys. Or lend a softer touch to the nursery by going florals. Once you start looking around, there is no shortage of interesting ideas for nursery themes. The important thing is that it makes you and your baby feel cosy and comfortable.

Future-proofing your nursery

Remember that your baby won’t stay this tiny forever. While buying furniture and accessories to decorate the nursery, leave extra room for expansion as your little one grows. In this way, the amount of money you invested in the nursery will provide value for years to come.

Colour ideas to paint your baby’s nursery

One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make when it comes to decorating your nursery is the colour of the walls, after all – research has shown that paint colours can have a comforting and nurturing effect. If you know the baby’s sex, you may choose to go for the traditional colour palette of pink or blue. However, there is a large colour spectrum to choose from that can achieve a beautiful and calming environment for your baby.

When choosing which paint colour to use when decorating a nursery you should also consider what the natural light is like in the room and the size of the room. It’s best to avoid dark shades in a small room that lacks light, as this will make the room feel enclosed and claustrophobic. Think about the longevity of the paint colour you are choosing and whether or not this can be easily accessorised to be suitable for your baby as they get older.If you’re unsure you want to fully commit, some like to have a coloured feature wall that the crib stands against. Here are our top picks.

1. Nice and neutral: Neutral shades such as taupe, beige and brown are great for giving baby’s eyes a rest from the bright colours and contrasts that they have been exposed to throughout the day. It’s also perfect if you’re aiming for a gender neutral theme.

Source: Shutterstock

2. Serene green: Green is a great gender neutral colour choice for nurseries, often associated with nature and has a very calming effect on new mum’s and babies. Studies into the colour green have found that it reduces anxiety and improves concentration. The best shades of green to go for when painting your babies nursery include earthy shades such as sage, apple, olive and moss green.

Source: Shutterstock

3. Lovely lavender & lilacs: Choose pale shades of lavender or lilac for a baby girls nursery. Purple is soothing and feminine whilst benefiting from lacking the babyish look of pink. Accent purple walls with crisp white furnishings for a room fit for your new little princess.

4. Baby blue: The classic baby blue is always a go-to paint colour when expecting a boy. Eggshell shades of blue such as periwinkle, duck egg, powder blue and pale turquoise create a cooling effect on the body and can assist in preparing babies for sleep.

Source: Shutterstock

5. Wonderful white: Whilst white may often be viewed as clinical and cold, it can be used to create fabulous nurseries. White can be used with up-cycled wicker, wood or white shabby-chic furniture to create the perfect sleep sanctuary for your little one.  Crisp white walls can also provide the perfect minimalist backdrop for funky wall murals and artwork that is visually stimulating for your baby.

Other considerations in preparing your nursery

Flooring options

It’s important to consider the flooring of the nursery because it’s where your baby will spend most of their time playing with toys and learning how to crawl and walk. If you have existing carpet, it’s a great idea to get a professional carpet cleaner in to shampoo it so it’s free of dust, dirt, allergens, and stains.

If you need new carpet, choose one that is good for repelling liquids and for its hypoallergenic qualities. Babies tend to drop their bottles and dummies all over the place, so a spill-resistant carpet made from fabric that prevents dust mite build-up is best.

If you have existing floorboards, you’ll need to look closely for any splintery edges that might have come away. Giving them a new coat of polish will ensure they are smooth and safe for baby.

Lighting, heating & cooling

You’ll spend a lot of time in the nursery through the night, checking on your baby, feeding and nappy changes every few hours. This means you’ll need to make sure there’s adequate lighting so you don’t risk tripping on anything like toys left out on the floor.

Look at what existing lighting you have in there – does it need to be brighter? Do you need more lighting options in the corners of the room, not just the centre? Consider where you’ll put the baby furniture as well. Are the electrical outlet plugs in the most convenient parts of the room?

If the nursery is prone to being quite cold in winter and warm in summer, consider installing a heating and cooling system, or give existing ones a service. Some parents like to have dehumidifiers running to keep the air clean in the room as well.

Source: Shutterstock

Windows

Living in Australia means lots of bugs can get through open windows, such as mosquitoes and spiders. Even cats are a safety problem for sleeping babies if they get inside the cot with them. Consider getting fly screens installed by our window and door experts, and get professional pest control a few weeks before baby arrives.

Even with flyscreens in place, you don’t want to risk your baby going anywhere near a window they can fall out of. Windows must be be child-safe compliant and many parents achieve this by having window opening restrictors installed. Our handymen can help you install the right devices to keep the windows safe.

If you’re wanting to paint your nursery, or need the help of other trades to get your nursery ready, post a job on Oneflare today to connect with local experts.

Categories
Design & decor

What is Feng Shui?

The ancient Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui (pronounced “foong schway”) is an interior design principle that aims to create a harmonious space. Literally translating to “wind” and “water”, Feng Shui is all about connecting your home or office space with the natural elements.

While you might think that this ancient art is simply about placing objects in a particular order, it is actually more about designing a balanced setting that supports you and anyone who enters the area.

Source: Lindy de Waal Interiors

What is ‘Qi’ energy?

The practice, evolving from traditional Chinese medicine, analyses the energy that flows through a specific area. This flow known as ‘Qi’ – also sometimes referred to as ‘chi’, literally means the ‘life force’. Qi is said to be a source of energy that has an effect on the overall happiness of those occupying the space. If there is a negative Qi, then this is said to result in one having problems in different aspects of their life. Positive Qi encourages beneficial effects such as happiness and improved finances in an individual’s life.

The Three Different Schools of Feng Shui

The three different schools of Feng Shui include Form, Compass, and Flying Star.

Form School: This school is named for the art of analysing “forms” or physical objects in and around an area. As every form has its own Qi, it is important to take into account how these objects contribute to the area’s total Qi. This school concentrates mainly on how energy flows through the landscape and objects in the area.

Compass School: This school of Feng Shui is concerned with the direction in which the area is facing. Upon discovering this element, the area is divided into nine sectors that represent a different area of ones life.

Flying Star School: This is the most inclusive and sacred school within the art of Feng Shui. It is believed to work by computing the “natal chart” of the area. Once this has been done, the nine sectors divided up in the Compass School are identified.

How to ensure your home has good Feng Shui

Here are some easy to implement improvements you can do to add some positive Feng Shui into your home.

1. Declutter your home

This can take some effort on your part, but the end result will be worth it. Take some time to go through any clutter in your residence Marie Kondo style, and throw out what you no longer need. Importantly, ensure whatever you decide to keep has a home – perhaps investing in some bins and shelves to store your belongings neatly.

Source: Studio Oscar Lea

2. Ensure a warm welcome

In Feng Shui, the front door is an important area of capturing Qi energy and can affect the flow of your entire home. If you want people to feel welcome and relaxed in your house, you should make sure the entrance looks good. Try to keep it open and lit up with natural light whenever possible. You should also decorate the area with decor items like fresh flowers and framed photos.

3. Keep it fresh

You can improve the feng shui of your home by making an effort to keep everything about it as fresh as possible. For example, get rid of dead plants and trim off any leaves that are clearly dead as well. This can keep the energy in your home positive. Even the air needs to be fresh, so avoid stale air by opening the windows and doors at least once a day.

4. Position your furnishings properly

Feng Shui often depends on the proper positioning of furniture and decor. For example, make sure any mirrors on the wall allow you to see your whole reflection or at least your entire face. If it does not, you should reposition it by moving it up or down as necessary. Similarly, your stove should be placed against an interior wall that cannot be seen from your foyer. Even the position of your bed makes a difference, since it should be against a wall that does not have a door, and you need to make sure the foot of the bed points anywhere besides the door to your room.

5. Avoid certain decor

Yet another way to improve Feng Shui is to avoid filling your home with heavy, bulky furniture, opting for lighter pieces instead. In addition, be wary of water features in your house since they can create negative energy in many instances. If you really want a water fountain, consider keeping it outdoors so it does not affect the Feng Shui of the interior of your house.

Creating Feng Shui your bedroom

To achieve a sense of Feng Shui in your bedroom, location, furnishings, colour, and decor all play an important role. While the location of a bedroom is not necessarily something most people can control, colours and materials absolutely are! Here’s how to make chi flow for a harmonious bedroom that might just help you get a better night’s sleep.

Bedroom location

First and foremost, try figuring out the orientation of your bedroom. Is it facing west, east, north or south? Ideally, your bedroom should be exposed to sunlight at dawn to help increase your energy levels. You avoid, where possible, facing the busy street is not a good idea. The ideal location for your bedroom can also depend on a number of lifestyle factors:

  • North-west: mature energy, best suited for parents as it can help boost feelings of responsibility, respect from others, and give you a better ability to organize your life.
  • North: quiet and peaceful energy – best for those who find it hard to sleep or suffer from frequent nightmares.
  • West: best for a couple – can boost romance, pleasure, and contentment.
  • East/South-east: best suited for younger people, chi energy in this part of the house is considered to help anybody wanting to make a good start in life.
Source: Visualising Interiors

What about the bed?

In Feng Shui, the placement of the bed and the materials it is made from are both important factors to consider. The right bed can revitalize your energy and influence aspects of everyday life. Wood is the most favourable material for the bed as metal is thought to disturb chi, and may even alter the local magnetic field. Watch out for bed frames made out of brass and cast iron as they may speed up chi which can cause sleeping problems.

You should also aim to keep the space beneath your bed empty to avoid energy stagnating while you sleep.

Keep it natural

Natural materials in the home are thought to help to calm the body and spirit, and better for overall health. Your mattress and bed linens should be made from natural materials like bamboo or organic cotton, as it means chi can easily flow over it.

In addition to introducing a natural mattress and linens, you need to take it a step further and detoxify your room. Switch out toxic cleaning products with non-toxic cleaning products. Vinegar and water can go a long way, so can baking soda. Eliminate plug-ins and air fresheners, instead opt for a diffuser with essential oils – avoiding any that isn’t tested for toxicity and metals.

Try and keep your bedroom decor natural too, incorporating elements like wood, mirrored surfaces and natural fibre rugs. Adding in a personalised soy candle on your bedside table can also invite a naturally calming scent and positive energy throughout the space of your bedroom.

Colour me calm

To strengthen chi energy, use soft pastels and white with touches of red, silver, and gold. Painters Care recommends starting with painting your walls in neutral tones first, before introducing bolder colours.Red is thought to increase romantic ambience, while pastels and metallic colours create peace and tranquillity.

Designated decor

According to Feng Shui principles, a bedroom should never be cluttered or contain electronic equipment such as TVs as this can lead to disturbed sleep and low energy levels. The same holds true for books. If you have stacks and stacks of books, you will want to remove them from your bedroom, keeping just a single book you’re reading on your nightstand.

The ideal bedroom decor should include wall scrolls with harmonious representations of nature, including flowers and birds. If you have a desk in your bedroom it should be white, and kept clean and tidy. Rugs are okay in the bedroom, but it important that they are the right colour. Red and gold-coloured rugs are thought to improve energy and create warm energy. Fitted carpets are also fine but think about the colour before you go ahead and have them fitted. A wooden floor with natural rugs maybe a better idea when it comes to improving chi.

In the bedroom of a married couple, everything should be placed in pairs. Two nightstands, two lamps, two pillows. This is thought to help to improve intimacy and warm feelings towards each other.

Do I need a professional for Feng Shui?

If you are really interested in improving the Feng Shui of your home or office, then you might consider hiring a professional consultant. They can analyse your space and create a comprehensive chart that identifies all the positive and negative energies present. From there, the consultant will help create an actionable plan that can help you minimise negative energy while maximising positive energy.

To kick off your quest for a harmonious space, seek out a local interior design expert today.