Myndu Interior Design

Chinese product designer Zhili Liu has marvelously incorporated nature into his furniture products.  For tables, Liu takes inspiration from shrubs, and for lighting, birds.  They are very minimalistic and elegant, minimizing the amount of material that is usually needed to make regular tables and light fixtures.

Even just a simple angular change changes a boring lightbulb into something that comes to life!  Such things would match perfectly well in almost any home, and would definitely add a subtle elegance and a hint of nature’s own design.

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Do you think your bathroom looks better when the lights are off? Do you hesitate to show anyone your bathroom because you are ashamed of how it looks? Do you feel overwhelmed at the thought that your bathroom needs a complete makeover but you do not have the time or money to spare?

Bathroom remodeling does not have to be a daunting endeavor. Simple updates and small changes can have a big impact and can be done a little at a time. They don’t cost a lot either.

Replace the Faucet

The faucet is the first thing to catch the eye when you enter a bathroom; updating it first on your bathroom remodeling agenda. Changing a faucet is independent of any other bathroom renovation you need to undertake so there’s no need to wait to build up your savings. If your faucet looks like it’s from a long-gone era, change it right away. With plenty to choose in a variety of styles, finishes and price ranges, you are sure to find one that meets your requirements.

Countertop sinks and pedestal sinks are easy to replace and can instantly freshen up the look of your bathroom. You may want to consider getting a new sink if you have one that is easily replaceable.

Change the Lighting

Your choice of lighting makes a big difference to the way your bathroom looks. Lights that are too bright can make the bathroom look harsh and uninviting whereas too dim lights make the bathroom look dark and dingy. Installing adjustable lighting and side sconces gives the bathroom a refreshing new look and they are practical too. You can turn them up in the mornings when you need to get ready for the work-day whereas in the evening they could be turned down for softer illumination whilst you are indulging in a soothing and relaxing soak in the tub.

Don’t forget to install an overhead light of adequate wattage above the mirror for putting on make-up and for shaving.

Get a new Showerhead

Showerheads are now available in innovative new styles. You can choose from hand held showers, adjustable shower heads and even invigorating massaging shower heads. If there’s one thing you should splurge on, it’s the showerhead. Go ahead and get the best one you can afford; you deserve it. There’s nothing like a custom shower to wash away the stress of the day.

Update the Accessories

New hardware and other assorted bathroom accessories are a quick and affordable way to give your bathroom an immediate facelift. A unique soap dish and colorful toothpaste and toothbrush holders can add instant appeal. Towel rings, drawer handles and other hardware are now available in beautiful brushed nickel, chrome and bronze finishes that make a bathroom look elegant and sophisticated. Colorful towels add practical beauty to your bathroom.

Don’t let your vanity shelves be used exclusively for toiletries. Placing a small bunch of fresh or even artificial flowers can break the monotony having just toiletry items. Don’t spoil the whole effect by using an old drab shower curtain. Replace it with a beautifully designed shower curtain in a color that goes with the rest of the décor.

Considering the bathroom is one of the most used of all rooms in the house, it’s worth giving it a brand new look. Moreover, if you dabble in DIY, you should be able to do all these projects by yourself. You don’t need to hire a professional contractor to do any of the above.

Home décor has come full circle and retro décor, which was a rage in the sixties and seventies, is making a huge comeback. With vibrant colors, bold prints and zany accessories, retro home décor is cheerful and fun.

While you do not need to have a bulging bank balance to achieve the retro look in your home, what you do need is loads of creativity coupled with a strong individualistic style that does not bow to any dictates. Retro home décor may be frowned upon by staid traditionalists, but it allows those with a streak of rebellion to unleash their creativity and celebrate their individualism.

Take a look at a few easy ways in which to incorporate the retro décor into your home:

Fabrics and Patterns

When considering using fabrics that characterize the retro theme, look for bright colors and big patterns. Plaid or paisley are frequently used in getting a retro feel to a home’s decor. All you need to do is simply by scatter around a few cushions or pillows with covers that fit in with the retro area. A large, brightly-colored geometric area rug or several smaller ones strategically placed will help you achieve the retro look at the flick of a wrist – what would look more retro then an orange shag area rug! You can mix and match colors and patterns but beware of over-cluttering the room and making it feel chaotic.

Retro Furniture

Bean bags and bean bag chairs, so reminiscent of the retro era, are also enjoying a newly-found popularity. Plastic tables and chairs with bright colored cushions placed on them also give off a retro feel.

Accessories for the Retro Home

Accessories can be a fun way to add some retro to your home. Why not opt for some lava lamps, a rotary phone or stacked record albums in a corner or on a shelf. For a steeped-in retro style, you could find some old retro posters either of films in that era or of bands in that era. Frame them and hang them on the wall to create a great retro centerpiece.

Colors

When it comes to retro colors, brown is usually a good starting point. There are some gorgeous shades of brown on the market so pick one that you like and that complements the home and you will soon have a retro feeling throughout. A brown area rug can be a good idea.

The general rule of thumb is to use pale colors throughout a small room and darker colors within a large room. If you have a small room then you could have the paler brown on the walls and darker accessories to compliment the general colors and feelings.

Where to Find Retro

A great way to have a retro feel in your house without blowing the budget is to look around charity shops or online. You may even already have some of the things you need in your basement or in your attic. Ask your family members if they have any old items that they don’t want anymore. It can be a cost effective way for everyone.

Getting a retro feel to your home decor plan could be cheaper, easier and more fun than you ever thought possible. Go Retro!

Three distinct ways to ‘hang’ something in your home – these images certainly provide a new take on the same old boring hangings that we usually see.

Try these in your home and see what impact you can make.

Just in case you are wondering – the image above is of ceramic pots hung above the old fireplace.