Myndu Interior Design

All families want to spend time together by comfortably sitting in their living room and talking to each other. Fortunately, you can easily decorate your living room environment with a comfortable and relaxed feel without the need for a big room with expensive furniture. Although some luxury furniture and furnishings are certainly good at home, in the end, they do not necessarily make up a great living room for the family.

To make a relaxing place for your family, consider the factors that are in your living room. If your family spends more time in the room, is it necessary to place a piece of luxury furniture in the room? The answer to that is no. Well, it may be a good thing to have something in your living room that you can show off to your guests, however, it is much better to have simple and functional pieces for your family to enjoy with comfort.

There are also other several ways that can make your living room comfortable to your family as well. For added decoration, you can place images of your loved ones in the room. To create a relaxed atmosphere, use scented candles or oil burner, but make sure to keep them out of reach of children.

How do you clean your home when you have so little time available? Here are some tips to help you maintain a clean living room:

1. Clean as you go. To save you from trouble, if your kid is playing in the living room, make sure that every toy has been picked up. And depending on your kid’s age, you should also be able to let him/her pick up the toys after playing.

2. Create a list of the things that you could always do before you go to bed at night. For example, you could ensure that there are no dirty cups in the kitchen. These are small tasks that can make a huge difference in any room.

3. Schedule in your personal calendar the time when you will be doing your regular general cleaning.

For quite some time, the living room, often called as “drawing room” or “the parlor”, has been regarded as a formal room to welcome and entertain guests. Thus, this room always contain the most valuable and expensive items in the house.

However, nowadays, only a few people consider their living rooms a formal space. A lot of people preferred their living rooms as comfortable as possible, thus eliminating a lot of expensive items and replacing these with wing chairs and Chinese rugs.

Casual living rooms for most homeowners often reflect their own personalities, which is far from what is traditionally considered before. But even casual living rooms need basic guidelines to help achieve an orderly space that everyone will love to live in.

To start with, you should be able to have the best piece of furniture in your living room, which is the sofa. This is the largest item in the living room and you should invest in a good and comfortable sofa that will cater to your family and guests.

A coffee table is another great addition in your living room. But before you even buy your coffee table, make sure that you have enough space for this furniture. If your space is small, you can just have a great-looking area rug to accompany your sofa.

When you are younger, home decorating seemed to be very easy. All you have to do is to plan out your favorite theme and pick your favorite colors. However, aging in place makes home decorating a challenge. There are a lot of important things to consider like effects in your heath, which greatly restrict you from your own choices and preferences.

A lot of seniors wanted to live in their homes as much as possible. Thus, it is also important that you spend time making your living room environment a safer and user-friendly place for you.

If you or your spouse uses the wheelchair a lot, you should redecorate your interior with light sliding door that is in proportion and width to your wheelchair.

Your flooring should also be made of thin carpets that are fit to your floors so you avoid tripping. Avoid polished hardwood flooring as this tends to be slippery.

The living room should be one of your priorities in terms of home decorating. If this is important, then your living room should also look best. In terms of decorating, it is often hard to start the job and narrow down the choices when it comes to painting its interiors. The pressure in painting your living room is on picking out the right color that will be best for your living room and at the same time would say something about your own style.

One trick you can do is to look at the largest piece of furniture in the room. From there you can create the living room around it. If you have a piano, for example, you can pick this as your focal point and create a new look based from that shade of wood or color. You can then also start to pick some highlight colors to make your living room décor complete.

Accessorizing is also important when creating a new look for your living room. Shopping for few, great pieces and items would do. You can look online or shop at your local retail stores to find something that will fit in your living room interior.

Sometimes when you’re doing a living room makeover, the only major thing you’d have to consider really, is picking the right paint color to achieve the exact look you want to get. Paint colors do make a lot of difference that no small ornaments or wall decors can do. Once you have selected the right living room paint color everything else follows.

One of the major booboos in living room decorating is refusing to try bold colors, and instead going the safer way of painting the walls using pastel shades. This is fine, except that in the long run it can become boring or sometimes pretty useless if you use them over and over as if no major changes happen. Bold colors can define any room, too, given that they are used the right way.

If you have a huge living room, it’s fine to experiment with darker shades as they can help create a smaller view of the space. On the other hand, if you have a smaller living room, you may consider lighter paint colors to achieve a bigger look of the room.

Meanwhile, do keep in mind that your living room is not for yourself only. It’s the place in your home where you invite friends and family members to socialize and catch up on each other’s lives. So make sure that the place is comfy and brings out homey ambiance. With the right paint color, it’s easier to pick the smaller decors that will go make your guests feel welcome in the place.

There are many ways to relax and unwind after a day full of stress – decorating your home according to Zen principles is one of them. And there are more benefits of Zen home décor.

A hectic urban pace of life causes stress at each and every step, even though we don’t realize or choose to ignore it sometimes. So, it is only natural that at home we crave for relaxation and peace. Asia-originated Zen interior décor is based on simple lines, natural colors and textures, minimalism in everything, and plenty of open space. It is all about achieving balance and harmony between objects and eliminating distracting elements.

Zen home decorating is becoming increasingly popular in the western world today thanks to a number of benefits it brings along. The “less is better” home décor principle of Zen proves to work best for modern urban homes.

Less Stress

Multiple colors (especially very bright and contrasting), too many accessories, cluttered surfaces, and things of mismatching design and style add to everyday stress. Subconsciously, you might hate the way your room looks like and it disturbs you day after day. An irritating detail, like gaudy curtains or an out-of-place piece of furniture can ruin the entire look of the room and turn off your mood as well.

Zen home, thanks to its minimalism and organic color scheme, creates a balanced look and helps restore your own inner balance. Simplicity, earth shades and no distracting elements promote stress relief and relaxation. The soothing effect is also achieved through soft lighting, the use of natural materials (wood, bamboo, rice paper, natural fabrics, etc) and such decorative elements like a mini Zen garden, a lotus flower in a bowl, or a tiny table waterfall.

Less Clutter

Some people may argue that a Zen home looks rather boring, but compare it to a cluttered home and see which one looks more appealing. In order to give your home that spacious and neat appearance, you have to declutter it first, which is a great thing. Actually, a home of any décor style will only benefit from it. Instead of a billion of knick knacks invest in quality furniture, natural flooring and redesigning your home towards plenty of hidden storage spaces.

Getting rid of excessive details doesn’t mean, however, no decoration at all. There is always a place for a nice artwork or another decorative element in a Zen home. And, if well chosen, a single accessory might be enough to liven up a room. So, embracing principles of Zen home décor doesn’t mean making it boring – on the contrary, your house will look more intriguing and a lot better organized.

Less Housework

A lot of furniture, cluttered surfaces and walls, insufficient storage space that results in little objects scattered everywhere around the house certainly add to daily housework. Whereas, clear floors and surfaces, and minimum furniture make it much easier to clean the house within minutes. Ideally, things that are out of sight should also be kept in order and well-organized. In other words, decluttering the living areas doesn’t mean you can stack stuff to shelves and cabinets and clutter them instead. Mess in your drawers will not give you a peace of mind Zen home décor is supposed to. Make your home a true Zen inside out!

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Of the major design elements, pattern is often the least appreciated—but it tends to have the biggest aesthetic effect. Patterns are a great way to introduce variety into your home and bring attention to your colors. Even the most vibrant shades can appear dull if they’re not given proper treatment. If your room lacks interest despite your carefully planned colors, introducing patterns can give it that much-needed punch. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Keep it to smaller items.

One drawback of patterns is that they become dated faster than solid colors. That’s why it’s best to use them on items you can easily change or move around, such as pillowcases, curtains, and area rugs. Think long and hard before using patterns on permanent or semi-permanent fixtures, like wallpaper or carpeting. Choose a pattern you can live with for a long time—make sure it’s not just a fad or a passing interest. Start with simple patterns like stripes or checks.

Choose a base color.

Patterns work best when they have a single unifying color. Make sure the predominant shade is similar in all your pieces, or that there’s at least one consistent color. For example, if you have pink and yellow area rugs, at least one of them should also appear in your curtains, sheets, or drapes. The base color is what keeps the room from looking jumbled, a common mistake when using patterned fabrics. Ideally this should be the same as your wall color, but don’t be afraid to go for contrast if you’re feeling experimental.

Combine different pattern types.

There’s a wide variety when it comes to pattern choices, so take advantage of it. Don’t stick to just florals or stripes; mix and match to make it more interesting. Achieve contrast by placing patterns against solids, or placing “soft” patterns against sharper or cleaner ones. Some good combinations include:

• floral and stripes
• checkers and paisley
• geometric shapes and batik (Indian-style pattern)
• polka dots and tie-dye
• fractals and solids

Use appropriate pattern sizes.

Pattern size is the size of each element that repeats in the fabric. A pattern of wide stripes is said to be large, while pinstripes are considered “small” patterns. These sizes can create illusions of space wherever you need it. Use large patterns to make large items look smaller, and small items to do the opposite. Combine different pattern sizes to create an interesting balance throughout the room.

Look for patterned area rugs.

Most floors are a plain solid color, and geometric area rugs are a great way to perk them up. Modern area rugs also come in all colors and sizes, so there’s sure to be one that fits in your home. If you have a large living room, consider oriental area rugs as your centerpiece. The intricate designs make an instant focal point and can set the theme for the rest of the room. Going for an Asian look? Get some colorful bamboo area rugs and place them near doorways for a breezy and festive atmosphere.

Postmodern was the buzzword of home décor in the last few years, but the trend is changing fast. Today, country-style homes are making a comeback and warming up homes that were once cold and minimal. With our increasingly busy lifestyles, it’s great to come home to a home that’s warm and inviting, rather than one that’s sleek and stylish.

Decorating country-style isn’t as hard or costly as it seems. Just a few simple additions can completely turn your home around and make it your own country haven. Get started with these simple tips.

Bring in the wood

Wood is probably the first thing people think of when they think of country homes. Casual and inviting, wooden elements add instant warmth to your home—a sharp contrast to the cold, bare look of modern design. The best thing about it is that it goes with just about any color—just add a splash of your favorite shade and you’ve got a nice country home with a personal touch!

Can’t afford real wood? Create the same look with wood-themed wallpaper or laminate flooring and countertops. Some of them even come with wood scents to make them even more real.

Go natural

Country homes are known for their outdoorsy feel, so natural materials will fit right in. Sisal area rugs, bamboo shades, and wooden furniture are all excellent room additions. Not all natural materials are durable, so make sure to check for quality especially if you’re buying furniture. Wooden furniture has to be coated to minimize wear and resealed every year or two.

Create soft surfaces

A country home should have a casual atmosphere—you should feel like you can plop down anywhere and be comfortable. Start with natural fiber area rugs. Wood floors are prone to damage, so protect it with soft wool area rugs, or braided area rugs if you want a bit of color. If you have a large living room, choose oriental area rugs with central medallions to create an instant focal point. This looks especially dramatic in front of a fireplace.

Let in some natural light

Let in as much natural light as possible. It’s great if you have large windows—you can simply leave them open in the day and pull down the shades at night. Otherwise, maximize whatever light you have by using bright, pale-colored surfaces. Beige or yellow area rugs, pastel fabrics, and light curtains are best for small homes. You can also put up a mirror to reflect the right around the room. If properly placed, mirrors can eliminate the need for daytime lighting altogether.

Add a personal touch

Country décor is all about personalization. Consider making your own pieces from recycled materials such as fabric scraps, pieces of wood, and old bottles. They don’t have to be beautiful or well-made; they just have to be presentable and have that unique personal touch. Avoid store-bought decorations as much as possible. If you’re not into DIY décor, look for individual pieces in vintage or antique stores.

By the time winter is nearing the end of its annual extended visit, most people are ready to embrace the youthful exuberance of springtime with open arms. These easy decorating tips help you bring the beauty and cheer of the fresh, new season indoors.
Go Floral

As springtime buds begin flowering in a profusion of colors, you know the promise of spring has arrived. Once in bloom, the scent of these flowers is a welcome sign that winter is truly gone and sunny days are here to enjoy.
Potted spring flowers displayed everywhere around the house will fill your home with the refreshingly beautiful sights and sounds of spring. Tulips, crocus, and hyacinth are popular varieties and are usually easily available at florists during this time of the year. You can usually even find them at your local grocery market.
Think Green

Head out to your local nursery or the nursery section of one of the big-name home improvement stores and browse their vast selection of house plants. Load your cart with your favorite varieties and take them home to inject a healthy dose of oxygen into your home.

If you are lucky enough to enjoy a good deal of sunlight in your home, you will have a much larger selection of indoor plants to choose from. Don’t let less light keep you from having houseplants however; there are several varieties of house plants that can thrive even under low light conditions.

Add Pastels

While you aren´t likely to change the entire color scheme of your living room with new paint and carpeting, you can still make a dramatic springtime statement with some more subtle decorating touches.
There are simple, unobtrusive ways to bring some of the pastels of spring into your home environment. Throw pillows are a great way to make a quick, relatively inexpensive change. Pick up several in your favorite spring colors and scatter them across the sofa. Put away the heavy wool afghan and in its place display a lighter weight, pastel colored throw. How about a display of pastel candles? Pastel candles in springtime scents are another way to bring the colors and scents of spring right into your home.
Bring in More Natural Light

Make the most of the ever-increasing sunlight and bring more of it into your home by lighting up your window treatments. If you typically use heavy drapes on your windows, consider removing them. The effect will be dramatic. Try using nets or light curtains instead of heavy and dark ones. You will see the difference immediately and not only that, you will feel all the better for it.
If you don´t want to make drastic changes in your window decor, you can still capture more rays without making a big change. Just see to it that the windows are exposed as fully as possible. For example if your windows are typically covered in blinds, consider pulling the blinds up half way or even all of the way. As the light pours in, you will feel the promise of spring.
The change from winter to spring is refreshing and spirit lifting. As the landscape changes outside of your window, making a few changes to your indoor landscape will help you delight in the season even more.