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Archive for May, 2018

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Millions of Colors, A Plethora of Moods, and You

Thursday, May 31st, 2018

Fine Furniture Veranda Collection

You’ve all probably heard of color psychology and how one can feel blue during rainy days and green with envy on the next. There really are moods and emotions associated with colors that it’s difficult to separate one from the other. There are also universal truths about colors, for instance, the most favored color is saturated blue, and this is according to Professor emeritus Steve Palmer from the University of California in Berkeley.

Other than this shade of blue, the preferences for other colors are already subjective and highly dependent on values, moods or emotions.

Humans from all cultures and ages have their own preference when it comes to colors. Veering towards one hue can be driven by one’s instinct. Or it can be as simple as the association of a color to unpleasant things such as the case of the greenish-brown which tends to conjure images of feces, rotting vegetation or snot.

One’s affiliation to an organization could also affect the way colors are perceived. Take the case of the Berkeley students who detest the Stanford white and red, while the Stanford students also hate the gold and blue colors of Berkeley.

This could also mean that people can adapt to liking the colors that they perceive. This adaptation can take place in just a few hours or days.

People love to associate objects with certain colors as they also link pleasant experiences to certain hues. Many people love red because it represents red lips, cherries or strawberries. And this vibrant color can also effectively move people to action such as which stuff to buy or what food to consume.

Color Perception Backed by Science

There have been many studies – both published and unpublished – about the significance of colors in consumerism. Food and beverage companies understand the importance of hues in influencing their customers.

Coca-cola and McDonald’s, for instance, veer towards red and the latter, red and yellow, because these are the very colors that stimulate people to buy or even to feel hungry. Color consultants are constantly being hired by companies with regard to their logos and packaging colors. These companies know the crucial role that colors have in ascertaining increased productivity and sales.

It is said that DNA or genetics might have very little or nothing to do with the way a person perceives colors. Companies and designers keep studying color preferences because it tends to evolve. What could be the in color from the ‘50s is now retro hype while the clashing hues of the ‘80s just might not make the cut in terms of being fashionable.

The Color Basics

Using colors, effectively, in interior design means you have to learn to use the color wheel. The color wheel is a visual representation of the hues that you could blend together. In essence, you will be eliminating a lot of guesswork when you learn from the outset about analogous or split complementary colors. You can also alter the colors by adding white (tint) or black (shade). You can also create different tones by adding gray.

Learning about the color wheel also means you know what color temperature is. Warm colors are more welcoming while cool tones could leave a room feeling stark (unless you do something to offset that).

Designing with Colors

Again with the color wheel. Get that visual tool so you won’t go wrong with the colors that match. As for the base color that you would use in your home, make sure that you pick the one that excites you the most.

So go ahead, pick any color, yes, any color at all, get to work and then build around that hue.

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It’s Time to Summerize Your Home

Wednesday, May 30th, 2018

The High-Low Dining Table from Fine Furniture Design’s Summer Home Collection is all that you’ll need in your dining room this summer.

Summer’s right around the corner and it’s understandable when most people can no longer contain themselves. Summer, after all, is the season for vacations, going to the beach, and inevitably, prepping your home for the new season. Everyone’s having a hopeful and warm mood so it’s time to hop on.

Accentuate with Yellow

Color is a very powerful tool in inspiring happiness. If you want your home to become a cheerful place this upcoming season, then vibrant color (or colors) is what you truly need.

And since it’s time to say hello to the summer sun. And since the sun is a burst of yellow, you might as well use this color as the accent color for your home this upcoming season. What better way is there to showcase summer than to see pops of yellow here and there?

Set Up a Reading Nook

Since summer is the time to relax, there are those who do not see beach parties and frolicking under the sun as the best type of relaxation. For those who just want to curl up and read a good novel, then this is the perfect time to finally set up your reading nook.

Cozy means you have to choose the perfect comfy chair that you could sink into. How about this Swanson Upholstered Metal Side Chair by Cynthia Rowley?

Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Dining Room Swanson Upholstered Metal Side Chair

Nothing’s swankier than this gold-leafed and curvaceous seat. And the sheepskin? You just gotta have it. And if you’re feeling the vibe of setting up a reading nook for two, then all you gotta do is to invest in a loveseat, hang some wall art, prop those comfy throws, and you’re good to go. And, oh, don’t forget to snuggle your little kitty cat as you read your favorite sci-fi novel.

Set Up a Bar

Get those fruity and fresh summer cocktails flowing. Parties and get-togethers need a proper station. And just imagine concocting a mojito or your friends’ favorite mai tai as you all listen to some great music.

Consider setting up an island where the booze and fresh juices never end.

Decorate the Fireplace

No, you won’t be needing the fireplace a while so it’s best to fill it up and decorate it at the moment.

You can have an inspiring tableau of botanicals and blooms since the hydrangeas are going to be in full bloom. Another option is to have a summery glow in the evenings as you light up the citrus and coconut-scented candles right inside the fireplace. Have them set on candelabra that coincide with your home’s décor.

Or you can also just place a lovely fire screen for now and have an awesome artwork or a mirror hung above the mantel.

Have Fun Outdoors

It’s summer! This is the best time to take that furniture outdoors and have dinner with your family there. Don’t squander those lovely evenings. Set up a picnic table for your family and don’t worry too much about formality at the dining table for now.

Just have a laidback evening with your family and enjoy the food that’s been prepared.

Go Bohemian

Also known as the Boho look, this is the style that’s for people who love unique items and are interested in culture. Infuse a lot of colors and patterns, and do not be afraid to combine different design elements.

Bohemian anchor hues include greens, the deepest browns, and shades of gray. You can then accessorize with vibrant colors like electric blue, fiery orange or this year’s Pantone Color of the Year – UltraViolet.

And Go Sheer

Store those thick draperies away. You won’t need them for many months. For now, it’s time to bring out and hang those sheer white curtains. These curtains will allow natural light and breeze to flow freely into your home which is perfect since you’re going to enjoy this season.

 

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DIY or Hire A Contractor?

Tuesday, May 29th, 2018

The Campton Grove Fiona chair from Fine Furniture Design is one of the elements that harmonized with the other pieces in this well-designed dining room.

The DIY is a route that many homeowners wish to tread but are hesitant to do so. But as soon as you have figured out how your home would eventually look like, it’s time to ask yourself this crucial question – why should I hire an interior designer?

Interior designers and decorators weren’t as in demand in the 20th century as they are today. Although there is still this ongoing stigma that only the rich should hire an interior designer. But paying for interior design is not so much a question of the availability of funds but more of losing control over the design of one’s home.

There are those who hesitate to collaborate with an interior designer so they end up doing the design project themselves. But what are the downsides to this?

Carpentry Isn’t for Everyone

Admit it. Not everyone is cut out to do carpentry projects. After all, a carpenter is an expert who took the time to learn the skills needed to bring about the perfectionism that their clients require. A slight mistake on your part could lead to a crooked-looking kitchen cabinet for many years.

Hiring an interior designer or a contractor who has teams of expert carpenters, plumbers, and electricians is always the best way to go.

Electricity Is Dangerous

There are permits as well as inspections that need to be done when you’re out to improve the electrical system in your home. And since electrical work requires getting into a dangerous territory, that 90% that you might be able to accomplish on a DIY electrical project just might end up with the other 10% hurting you.

This isn’t a great idea at all.

Flooring Installation Mishaps

Most flooring projects are simply too complex to take on your own. What appears to be straightforward at first could easily result in issues that you weren’t prepared for.

Flooring installation also eats up time and it requires the right kinds of tools and supplies. Do you have the right miters, saw, seam cutters, kickers, spacers, and tackers? Proper installation can only be done with the right set of tools.

Now enough about the downsides of DIY projects. Let’s just look at the brighter side. What can contractors and interior designers do that you and your family cannot?

Home Renovation Package in One

A general contractor can offer you practically every service that you’ll ever need for your home renovation. All you need to do is to sit down with the team and to tell them what you require. The contractor will be the one to do all the arrangements, coordination, and even the scheduling to get your home renovation project done.

Most general contractors can also help you come up with a plan and design that will be executed throughout the project. They know whether it is really needful to tear down walls or to just have a workaround for that for now.

You also won’t have to worry about safety during construction because the general contractor will take care of that, too. Also, the team is insured (well at least make sure that they are). The liability insurance will take off the huge risk on your part should there be mishaps that will happen during the renovation.

General contractors are more than qualified – they are actually licensed. A licensed expert such as he and his team are experienced when it comes to the processing of inspections, permits, and being on par with code requirements.

Lastly, when it comes to design, interior designers have an access to the widest selections of furnishings, wall coverings, fabrics, etc. Plus these experts have already established a professional relationship with many of these dealers which is why it is best to get in touch with them and just let the experts handle the renovation job.

 

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Creating the Meditation Nook

Friday, May 25th, 2018

The Bernhardt Interiors Accessories Double Flange 24-in x 24-in LP105 can be your meditation companion.

The power of meditation and its importance in improving one’s life cannot be stressed enough. If this activity is new to you, then you may still be wondering what benefits it can actually offer.  You might wonder how sitting – without making any noise – in one corner can benefit you. If stress is already taking its toll on your life, then it’s time to consider a few minutes of me time.

Meditation is a form of relaxation which can be achieved by joining a class, repeating a certain mantra or proper breathing. The benefits that come with such activities include –

Stress reduction

A stronger immune system

Lower blood pressure

Sleep improvement

And rejuvenation.

Now that you know the importance of meditation, you could try to create a special room or even just a nook in your home where you could go about with your chosen form of meditation.

Uttermost Accessories Meditation Modern Art 35355

Find a Relaxing Locale

If you happen to have a beautiful landscape outdoors, then that’s the best spot to be so long that the weather permits. Those lush greens, a patch of flowery plants or a corner with cascading water is simply difficult to beat. But there’s also the slight chance that the room near such areas is already the master bedroom or a dining room.

Should you have a room that does not have this wonderful sight, don’t fret. You can still set up any room with windows (so there’s ample natural light during the morning). You can simply hang a painting or a meditation poster with your mantra on one of the walls. This poster can also depict your ideal greenery.

Keep It Hygienic

Meditation also requires a clean mind so, naturally, the place where you’re supposed to do this activity must also be sanitized.

Another way to keep the room or zone clean is to make sure that natural light hits it during the day. Use sheer curtains if you don’t want to be hit with direct sunlight. If you like meditating in the evening, then you can just install a soft light. Should you prefer softer light, then see how you can install some dimmers.

Be sure to set up a mat so you don’t meditate directly on your floor. Find a yoga mat or have a low-height, comfy mattress. Even a soft throw would do as would a chair that properly supports your back.

Fresh Air Galore

It also helps that the environment is also well-ventilated. It greatly helps if you would feel a cool breeze while you’re meditating. The freshness of the air can also be felt when the room smells nice. You can also choose from various fragrances that are meant to calm the senses (e.g. chamomile, bergamot, jasmine, mandarin, sandalwood, vanilla, lilac, rose, etc.).

Declutter

Try to aim for a wide and open space rather than a tight one. This should give you a more relaxed ambiance. A stuffy room, whether in terms of limited space or having a lot of stuff in there will definitely interfere with the relaxation level that you’re trying to achieve with your meditation.

Another form of decluttering is to keep the mobile devices and any type of device out of your meditation room. This is the time to rejuvenate so don’t spend this getting cranky over your emails, phone calls or text messages.

Play Soft Music

If you’re the type who wants to play some music while meditating, then go for some any kind of relaxing, soft music. Instrumental music has also been observed to enhance the experience of meditation. Otherwise, you could just go ahead and meditate in complete silence.

That’s it. It doesn’t take much to set up your meditation hideout, does it?

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Mattress Shopping Made Easy

Thursday, May 24th, 2018

Tempur-Pedic Mattresses TEMPUR-Cloud Elite Mattress Split California King

You don’t have to be a mattress geek to know how to shop for the correct kind of mattress. You might be searching for ways to alleviate the back pain that you’ve been feeling since you bought the wrong type, right? Or you could simply be in search for a bigger one so you could have more room to sleep in.

Buying your mattress can be an easy-breezy task. This guide should help you achieve your goal of finding the best kind of mattress, one that would meet your needs.

The mattress is, without a doubt, one of the most important pieces of furnishing in your home. If you want to sleep a healthy eight hours, then you will need to choose, that very thing where you spend your sleeping hours, carefully.

Let’s say you get to keep a mattress for nine to 10 years, then that means you will sleep in it for eight hours (hopefully) each night or about a third of your life. This is a significant phase of your life so you have to make a careful decision with regard to the kind of mattress that you’d take home.

Mattress Support  

The most crucial factor in finding the right mattress is the support that it can provide. You need a mattress that can push your body up and is able to counteract the weight that pushes it down. So does this mean that you’re supposed to find a firm, hard mattress? Absolutely not.

Keep in mind that the human body – yup, including yours – is not a straight line. So, whether you sleep on your tummy, back or on your side, your body comes with curves. The mattress should be able to support such curves and arches.

The mattress should dip down all around the shoulders and hips. This is so correct spine alignment is achieved. A mattress that’s too hard will not be able to give you that needed eight hours of sleep simply because you will consequently keep changing your position throughout the night.

The TEMPUR-Up™ Foundation is the perfect upgrade from a flat foundation. Raise the head of the foundation, in virtually infinite number of positions, for reading, working on your laptop, or watching TV. Control your movement using the simple-to-use wires remote.

Mattress Comfort

Another vital criterion that you need to consider is the level of comfort that you will feel when you lie down on the mattress. This is the so-called pressure relief. A mattress that’s too firm will leave your body unrested. It also causes the cutting off of circulation and even nerve pinching.

Do you feel any pins and needles on your hands and feet sometimes? This could be caused by the wrong mattress on your bed.

Minimized Motion Transfer

This may be a minor factor but, still, an important one nevertheless. It could also affect the way you enjoy your sleep. When you have to share your bed, you have to consider how to minimize the so-called motion transfer. A partner who gets in and out of bed could easily disrupt the sleep of the other. The risk of being woken up quite high so try to test the mattress with your partner once you’ve decided which ones you’re shortlisting.

Mattress Temperature

One other issue that people talk about is heat retention. The best mattresses must be able to mitigate this. Ventilation can also be a concern especially during the hottest seasons. Don’t ever go for cheap memory mattresses.

Mattress Edge Support

If you’re the type who sleeps on the edge of the bed, then you should also look for a mattress that has a strong edge support. Cheaper mattresses only provide a steel rod inside. It would be best for you to choose the ones that have foam encasement.

Your Shopping Expedition

Don’t let this mattress shopping expedition scare you. You are likely to see lines upon lines of rectangular foams but just take your time so you would be able to purchase the most suitable one for you.

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The Chic, Kid-friendly Dining Room Setup

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018

Kids and fragile stuff just don’t mix. Any parent would be able to attest to this. These little ones go from room to room running, walking, teasing, and whatnot. And the family dining room could be one of those areas that can take the abuse that such activities can do. If you have little ones, it’s time to rethink what are and what are not acceptable inside the dining area in terms of furnishings and décor.

Dining Tables, Chairs, and Materials for Homes with Kiddos

Old designs are amazing when you have to set up a dining area with kids to consider. Find a table that can sustain the rigors of a kid’s lifestyle. It must have a spacious tabletop, preferably with a rich wood grain so that it still looks stylishly simple while being able to take whatever battery it’s going to go through soon.

Buying this important piece of dining room furniture isn’t as easy as when you don’t have kids to consider. Most dining tables come with delicate surfaces and even sharp edges. These are the very things that should be avoided by a family that has growing kids. You wouldn’t want those cute little fingers hurt.

A child-friendly dining table can be as stylish as the Lorts Manufacturing Dining Room Square-to-Round Table Top 1173 –

Lorts Manufacturing Dining Room Square-To-Round Table Top 1173

This table has round edges which makes it the safest choice for any parent who wants to guarantee the safety of their kids.

Don’t think, though, that your choices are limited to just the plain ones. You can still have a chic table in your dining room without having to worry about any mishaps. You can also go for the long tables complete with equally long benches such as this Winners Only Dining Room 84 Inches Leg Table and its accompanying chairs and bench –

Winners Only Dining Room 84 Inches Leg Table DFC14284

This collection is perfect for a home with kids because it comes with strong designs. It features hardwoods and birch. It is also stylish with its two-tone finish and distressed look. It’s the most charming and simple dining set that you could get.

The key here is to look for materials that are durable. Step away from anything that’s made of glass or ceramic. If you really have to have ceramic, then be sure to have the coated surface type.

Find the ones that are scratch, fade, and heat-resistant. Pick a darker-colored table or have a light-colored table stained to hide inevitable spillages or those probable crayon mishaps.

It would be practical to purchase a dining table that will last through the years, preferably, one that could also grow with the kids. After all, those playdates, as well as surprise friendly visits, should be readily accommodated by your family.  If you can find a table with a butterfly mechanism such as this Winners Only Dining Room 78-inches Table with 18-inch Butterfly leaf then that would also be a wonderful deal –

Winners Only Dining Room 78 Inches Table With 18 Inches Butterfly Leaf DC33878R

Rattan is also an amazing material for kid-friendly zones whether we’re talking about the living room or the dining area. You can shop for bamboo chairs that would still look great in your dining room. Just because you have kids in your home does not mean that you have to give up on style. This is the most laidback that your style could get but it is still, nevertheless, modish.

If you’re not a fan of rattan, then just be sure to shy away from anything that’s upholstered for now. Instead, use canvas slipcovers that can still provide your dining chairs with the needed updated, fresh look.

Lastly, be sure to cap the style that you have created with an area rug that’s both chic and durable. All in all, you have a win-win dining area that’s both safe for your kids yet still visually enticing.

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The Classic Interiors: Elegance at Its Best

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2018

Marge Carson Living Room Ionia Cocktail Table IN02

Also known as Classicism, classic interior design first came into existence during the 17th-19th centuries. It manifested in many different aspects including music, art, literature, and architecture.

If you want to use a classic style in your home, then you’d have to know how to go about with noble decoration, geometric shapes, and utilitarian frills if any.

History of Classicism

Classicism is believed to have originated in France during the 17th century. It then quickly spread through Europe and became the dominant design for a span of two centuries. The artists then were so inspired by the Greek and Roman art which both showed clarity, rigor, yet at the same time, a different kind of simplicity.

Classicism has strict rules but it still managed to influence other nations throughout the globe. When the style found its way to England, it became a representation of rationalism as well as precision. When Catherine the Great ruled, Classicism began to conquer even the land of Russia. The style then was still dignified, full of harmony but also practiced reasonable restraint.

In Russia, architectural structures such as the one in Petersburg showed the exact taste of the nobles of the Russian empire.

Russian Classicism was a trend of its own with its unique architecture during the 18th and 19th centuries proving to the world just how different their style was. This movement allowed the birth of eclecticism, too, which mixed different classic styles during that time.

Photos of classical interiors show the extreme orderliness, respectability, solidity, and predictability of this style. This design just proves that it is totally independent of other fashion trends.

The subdued elegance of the Marge Carson Living Room Ionia Lounge Chair ION41 is what makes it the perfect living room piece for a classic home.

Classic Style Is Subdued

Classic houses are attractive because of their subdued color palette and their royal dignity. Light pastels are commonly seen. You won’t see any bright hues as the shades are all neutral and calm. The overall classical interior actually even has a soothing effect.

Colors that are permitted include cream, olive, beige, shades of gold, and light green. These are fairly common in the furniture, finishing materials, and textiles. Shades of brown (especially the natural and warm wood color) are highly permissible. When using wood tones, though, make sure that you don’t make the room look gloomy. For the textiles and upholstery, use sand, blue-green, and blue hues.

You will recognize classic interior design also when you find discreet columns, cornices, and clear-outlined doors and windows. You will also typically find marble fireplaces with the paired furnishings in rectangular form. The presence of stucco, arches, columns and full columns is also apparent.

The rooms come with niches that are decorated with ancient statues. Talk of Greek gods such as Athena or Zeus himself. The ornaments are just as classical, one can typically find laurel or oak leaves.

These days, classic homes are often owned by the wealthiest people who are confident with their style preference. They are also people who prefer the age-old look that no other style can offer. They are the ones who want the type of style that lingers.

Classic homes also do not sport anything cheap. All the materials that are used are unique and natural and, therefore, pricey. Pilasters are made of marble as are the columns. The stucco is handmade which is totally different from the classic imitations that are practically seen everywhere.

The classical ceiling is often white and decorated with stucco friezes.

As for the classic lighting, you should illuminate the rooms with no less than crystal chandeliers. Be sure to install these strictly at the center of the ceiling. This is so the light is evenly distributed throughout the room.

Display lamps that are made of expensive glass or transparent stones.

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Urban or Industrial Style – And How to Make It Become You

Monday, May 21st, 2018

Uttermost Living Room Patten Distressed Walnut Console Table 25977

If you fancy using materials such as rough wood, metals, and brick; and if you love the idea of exposed structural elements or even the use of ladders as a bookcase, then you would probably embrace the concept of urban interior design.

Also known as Industrial interior design, this is a style that does not require any cosmetic tricks. Today, we’re aiming the spotlight at this particular style.

Urban Style and Its Humble Beginning

There isn’t a lot of information about the origin of urban interior design. It is assumed that it was developed during the early part of the 20th century. By the time that the second industrial revolution ended, this trend has already captured the world. Decades after, the style became even more globalized.

What spurred all these were the Western European factories which started to close down. They then moved their business to low-cost nations. This resulted in vacant buildings and neglected warehouses.

These plants were suitable for what are now known to be residential conversions. Through the years, cities became quite popular with such renovations. And with the lack of space that is often associated with urban living, it has become a fight-for-living-space of sorts out there. The transformation of the old industrial structures has become the most logical solution.

And with more and more people moving into such buildings, it soon became apparent that they did not even try to conceal the bare walls, large window panes, and the rough cement. As a result, urban interior design or what’s known more popularly as industrial interior design was born.

The Uttermost Accessories Nakul Industrial Wall Clock 06449 has ‘aged’ features which makes it the perfect decorative feature to those bare concrete wall.

Urban Style Elements

Each interior design comes with specific characteristics. For instance, when you want to use the Nordic interior design, you should be prepared to use light colors and just natural materials. The urban interior design is just the opposite.

First, there are rough brick walls. No need to hide them or do cosmetic applications. In many cases, the focus is more on the bare structure even un-plastered walls. These elements create a cozier and warmer ambiance.

Other elements that you can use include wood and concrete floors. Homeowners often pick a concrete floor more than the wooden option, though.

A third option that you can take is to have an open ceiling. This element must also be left bare. Emphasize the concrete columns, beams, and steel girders. If the ventilation pipes are exposed then let them be. You can paint the ceiling black so you can add depth to your surroundings.

A fourth design element that you might want to include are huge steel windows. These can give your space a retro look because of the small panes. What’s great about these is that more natural light can stream in.

Urban interior design is all about having an open space layout. To have visual divisions, you can use wooden screens and cabinets.

Leather seats are also a wonderful addition to an industrial design home. Dark furniture is the best choice while bright-colored pieces are a no-no. Those that show a bit of wear and tear may also be added as are metal lockers and such.

When it comes to décor, be sure to pare down your options. You will not see a lot of plants, pots, and figurines. In this home, less is definitely more.

Steel stairs can also add to the openness of the area. The types that have a simple landing and railings are a wonderful option.

Lastly, you should consider adding industrial lighting since this is a must in any urban style dwelling. You can have the pulley-inspired types or even the scissor accordion lights that you can use on the walls. The beauty of this kind of lighting is that you can fuse contemporary styles with the older structural features.

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What’s the Best Layout for An Indoor Swimming Pool?

Friday, May 18th, 2018

Imagine this Uttermost Accessories Preserved Boxwood Garden Urn by the poolside, it’s going to be sublime.

When you have decided to put an in-ground swimming pool, then you are inevitably creating a relaxation hub for your family and friends. This is one of the biggest decisions that you will probably make in your entire life since you will have to consider what style of pool will best suit your home.

There are various ways that a pool can be shaped. You better take a careful look at the classic and contemporary shapes. Each style comes with its own sets of strengths and weaknesses. The most common swimming pool shapes include kidney-shaped, Roman, Grecian, the Figure 8, rectangle, L-shaped, oval, lazy L, and the free form.

The Rectangle Pool

This geometrically-shaped pool is the most formal and classic of all. It comes with straight edges which makes it formal. This design is ideal for swimmers who are training for a sports event such as the Olympics.

The Oval Pool

Oval pools are considered rectangular with rounded edges. These are presented in such a way that the edges are softened so that the formality is toned down a bit. This can be ideal for families who love to hold water sports. This is so because you can easily set up any type of water equipment all around the perimeter of the said pool.

The L-Shaped Pool

Also known as the True L, this pool is an extension of the regular rectangular pool. This is the pool shape that can have different areas. It is common to find deeper and shallower areas with this type of pool. You can also clearly see the separation between these areas.

The longer side is great for those who love to do lap swimming.

Lazy-L Pool

The other type of L-shaped swimming pool is the so-called Lazy L which is a hybrid of the L-shaped swimming pool. It also offers the same uses as the L-shaped pool. The shorter leg which is presented diagonally offers an aesthetic appeal. This becomes the natural entrance to the swimming pool. There are still long areas for longer laps, though.

Decorate the pool area with lovely pieces of furniture such as this Universal Furniture Living Room Garden End Table.

Kidney or Bean-shaped Pool

The kidney-shaped pool is quite similar to the oval pool but it comes with an indentation on one of its sides. Many homeowners have added to the relaxing nature of this pool when they design a shrubbery or greenery on the indented spot.

This is a more natural-looking pool since you won’t find the geometric lines of the usual rectangular swimming pool.

Figure 8 Pool

The Figure 8 is a pool that works for families who love to hold activities. There is also an obvious separation between the deep and shallow areas. Small children can play in the shallower area while the adults can enjoy swimming in the deeper area.

The figure 8 does not have to have a perfect eight figure. One end could be smaller than the other.

Grecian or Roman Pools

These pools are the modified versions of the rectangular pool. The shapes make use of mirrored elements that are more formal because they look like they come from ancient art. The Roman pool comes with stylized corners as well as rounded edges while the Grecian style has cut corners which form an octagon.

Free-form Pool

This kind of pool can take on any shape that the owner wants. This is often designed around natural elements or is built to blend in with nature. This is also often picked when the homeowner wants to infuse some landscaping elements which would then lead to the pool area.

You could get more pool area with this sort of pool layout because you can conform to whatever space is actually available.

Three In-ground Pool Types

  • Vinyl
  • Fiberglass
  • Concrete

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Concrete Interiors – How Can Something Cold Become Comfy and Stylish?

Thursday, May 17th, 2018

Bernhardt Interiors Living Room Cocktail Table: Tired of concrete floor, walls, and columns? Try having this as the featured piece for a change.

Concrete is the kind of material that can be easy yet, at the same time, difficult to work with. It is versatile, hence, it is one of the best materials to use in any project. Yet concrete can also be choosy when it comes to the elements that would jive with it.

Can concrete be stylish?

There are many elements to consider when you’re working with concrete. When you’re considering style, you have to take note that concrete is a leading material used in many industrial buildings. This is also quite popular in many modern spaces.

Concrete Flooring

This is definitely one of the best ways to use concrete. Many homes, these days, have unfinished flooring. And these aren’t unfinished just because the owners run out of budget or whatnot. More often than not, homeowners embrace the roughness and raw look that concrete flooring offers.

Painting a concrete flooring is one of the ways that you can beautify a bare-looking flooring. Pick any color scheme that you can build from. This is actually your fun chance to get creative and unleash your artistic side. Plus, the painted concrete floor will tell the world that you want your home to represent you.

Concrete Countertop

Having the usual marble or granite countertop is too common or even bordering boring if you don’t know how to handle such surfaces. A good way to look different is to have concrete countertops instead.

The concrete element would add a raw look to the bathroom or the kitchen that many other homes won’t even dare to display.

Concrete Walls

What could be a more fun way to add texture to your home than to have concrete walls? These walls aren’t your usual walls because they offer a unique appearance. You can also paint over these walls when you grow tired of the raw look. You can hire someone to do it for you or you can have the whole family participate one weekend.

Having concrete floors, countertops, and walls are ways of using the natural beauty of concrete. This is the same when you proudly display colossal columns, concrete slabs, and garden benches. Burt what if you want to make concrete be a lot more than its true form?

What then?

Make Concrete Pop

You can make the transformation of an industrial place or a cold basement into an interesting one. For instance, the basement can be turned into a lovely, comfortable home office. If you set up your electrical zone in that area once, then it’s time to make way for minimalist furniture for a modern home office setting.

You can give character to the concrete space by having the walls repainted. You can also use lacquered, black furniture together with modern artwork. Nothing can scream modern than these selections. Color and concrete, inarguably, when mixed, work well together.

Concrete, as you already know, is inherently gray so you need to add colorful elements that will make this hue come alive. Consider adding colorful pillows, textiles on furniture, area rugs, and even draperies. These will give the needed contrast to the stark look that concrete offers. Just imagine featuring a fuchsia sofa right in the middle of a concrete room – dazzling, isn’t it?

Stylize

Exposed bricks and concrete is all about using what’s raw and what looks industrial. You can go for the reliable look that’s offered by a monochromatic color palette then use hone basalt and some hand-sewn timber. This will easily become a coastal habitat rather than the usual industrial house.

You can then make this style work further by adding a fireplace wall complete with a bench right in front of it. Polish the concrete and you’re good to go!

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