Categories
Design

Check out these homes around the world (if you’re bored of looking at yours)

As far as design-y things are concerned, interior design is at the top of our list (next to sleek product design, of course). Has that wanderlust kicked in yet since your recent stay-at-home orders? We know ours have. So humor us with this journey around the world–in other people’s homes around the world that is. 

The Parisian home

bright modern glam parisian interior design with yellow velvet couches and gilded mirror
Source: Flourishmentary.com

Ahh, Paris. When you think of Paris interior design, certain things come to mind–like gold, tall windows with tiny balconies where you sip your cafe au lait. Parisian apartments are rich and full of history, with antique fixtures and ornate trim that border every room. 

For decor, touches of antiqued gold are sprinkled throughout. If it doesn’t have a chandelier yet, it demands one. If the space calls for it, vintage furniture works really well with the ornate trim and brass doorknobs. 

 

The modern German home 

german interior design modern
Source: apartmenttherapy.com

German interiors boast clean lines, industrial elements, and meticulously chosen decor that looks sleek and finished. The plethora of indoor plants sure make this particular apartment feel lively yet moody. We’re about it. 

modern german interior design bathroom
Source: lonny.com

There’s a lot of focus in this example on bright airy light grounded by clean lines with an architectural feel.

modern german minimalist interior design
Source: dwell.com

German interior designs feature elements like steel, concrete paired with natural elements to ground the overall look. The result is sleek, modern, and minimalistic.

The Scandinavian home

scandinavian interior design home office
Source: theposterclub.com

Scandinavian style homes marry the ideas of modern minimalism with a casual lived-in feel. Furniture items feature clean lines and sleek finishes with a solid color pallette–typically with softer colors. 

scandinavian home interior
Source: ourfoodstories.com

For a hygge approach, decor is placed around the home “casually” to give it a lived-in look. A fluffy throw tossed over the living room sofa, or a medley of framed artwork leaned up against a wall make a space feel relaxed and homely. 

Scandinavian interior design
Source: thenordroom.com

As you can see here, it’s easy to mix up the furniture around the house with natural touches for a more laid back feel.

The Hong Kong home

stylish eclectic hong kong apartment interior design
Source: dezeen.com

Many interior design styles around the world marry old styles with the new, and Hong Kong is no exception. The interiors are updated to maximize light in smaller apartments, and modern furnishings mixed with bright colors and plants make the space feel happy. 

boho minimalist hong kong home
Source: remodelista.com

Bringing the old world into the new is not an easy feat. This space features antique-y wood furnishings, vintage artwork and soft textures. You can’t help but sip your tea and read your book by this full-sized window.

The Modern Spanish home

modern spanish home interior design
Source: decordemon.com

Stained glass, bold colors, and vaulted ceilings come to mind when thinking of a traditional Spanish home. These interiors take Spanish-influenced style to a whole new level. The decor is an ode to its traditional roots that work well with sleek modern furniture. The result is an eclectic mix of old and new that we’d be excited to come home to every day. 

eclectic modern spanish interior design
Source: thouswell.com

Touches of glam that complement the traditional-style tiled floors, with an eclectic mix of furnishings totally works in this space. It feels like a home and an art gallery at the same time.

Modern eclectic Spanish interior design
Source: micasarevista.com

This space makes us want to take more risks in complementing the old with the new. The rug here and the color palette emulate the apartment’s stained glass windows.

This journey featuring different homes around the world satisfies that wanderlust we’ve been having. Whether for inspirational or utter curiosity, hopefully these spaces are getting your creative juices flowing. Maybe cause for a little redecorating?

Categories
Design

13 Low maintenance indoor plants for the bedroom

So you want to get your inner plant parent on? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Indoor plants are not just the trendy thing to do, but the healthy thing to do. They help purify the air of toxins such as benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE) and formaldehyde. The indoor plant phenomena actually comes from NASA’s 1989 study on “Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement”, which found that several plants were effective in purifying the air of these three common airborne toxins.

Where do these toxins come from you might ask? Humans. These chemicals are released into the air due to production of man-made products. Benzene is very commonly used in gasoline, inks, oils, paints, plastics, rubber, and even in the manufacture of detergents explosives, pharmaceuticals, and dyes according to the NASA study. TCE is a commercial product with a plethora of industrial uses including metal degreasing, dry-cleaning industries, printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes, and adhesives. Formaldehyde is found in virtually all indoor environments, according to the study. It’s uses stem from urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) and particle board or pressed-wood products, consumer paper products like grocery bags, waxed paper, facial tissues, paper towels–that all use formaldehyde resins. Many household cleaning agents contain formaldehyde too–hence the push for all-natural products in the recent decade. There are a lot of serious health implications that we’ll spare you from here, but they aren’t good. Prolonged exposure can be detrimental to your health which is why you should always try to choose clean, all-natural products where you can and beware of greenwashing.

NASA’s goal here was to reignite the relationship between humans and plants and remind people of our dependence on plants to survive. So next time you’re watering all your plant babies, remember they’re doing as much for you as you are for them!

Rubber plant/fig (Ficus elastica)

Photo by @planttherapy.yvr

The rubber plant is a gorgeous plant with large, glossy leaves. It thrives in moderate to bright light (it can even be left outside during the summer!), and needs light and constant moisture so a well-drained soil and pot is ideal. Rubber plants are great for any place in the house, but especially the bedroom due to its ability to remove toxins and formaldehyde from the air. Keep the glossy leaves clean and shiny by wiping with a damp cloth.

Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutenscens)

Photo by @stephnosehome

Don’t let this tropical look fool you. The Areca Palm is perfect for any style. It needs bright direct sunlight though, so if you have a big window that gets a lot of sun, this is the perfect home for the Areca Palm. Because it prefers bright direct sunlight, you’ll find that the Areca Palm is a heavy drinker. You’ll want to wet the soil every time you water, and only water when the surface of the soil is dry before watering again. The Areca Palm can grow up to 6-7 ft tall and will last as long as you take care of it.

Snake plant (Sanseveria trifasciata)

Photo by @indonesiaplantclub

The snake plant is easily distinguished due to its ribbon-like fronds. But it’s not just striking to look at–it’s also named on NASA’s list of top air purifying plants! The snake plant has shown to filter benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene, and even converts carbon dioxide into oxygen at night, which is something houseplants only do during the day.

Dracaena (various species)

Dracaenas come in different colors and shapes from the “Janet Craig” to the “Tricolor” or “Masangeana” (aka “corn plant”) but require more or less the same care. They love moderate to bright indirect light, and like when their soil is kept lightly moist. These are perfect for the bedroom because they help purify the air and especially good for smokers because they can suck up particles of smoke in the air that cause health problems. Talk about a plant that gives back.

Spider Plant (chlorophytum comosum)

Photo by @artful_green

This grassy and fuss-free plant is adorable in hanging baskets or in regular planters. The Spider plant thrives in medium to light shade and moist air. It’s best known for decreasing carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide levels along with purifying the air of ethylbenzene and formaldehyde. The spider plant is unique in that it will produce a bunch of baby spider plants called “pups” or “plantlets”, and you can cut them off and gift them to friends and family! Who doesn’t love a plant that gives back?

Pothos (epipremnum aureum)

Photo by @thismotherhood

Pothos comes in all types of colors and patterns. It’s known as a beautiful vine plant that climbs well and for its heart shaped leaves. They are one of the easiest plants to grow, clears the air of formaldehyde and helps purify the air of benzene. Pothos prefer moderate to bright light, or filtered light. Using a rich, moist yet well-drained soil is ideal for keeping the Pothos happy and healthy.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum species)

Photo by @thebarnatnewbygrange

Peace lilies are beautiful and surprisingly fuss-free indoor plants and a great option for people who love flowers but don’t want to constantly purchase and replace them in the bedroom. In addition to giving you gorgeously glossy leaves and white blooms, they also purify the air by removing toxins and increasing humidity of the air which can help reduce allergy symptoms and give your throat and sinuses a break. They tolerate low to moderate light, but they bloom best in brighter light. For care, allow the soil to become nearly dry before watering. You can divide and propagate every five or so years to create new baby plants! Peace lilies come in different sizes so whether you want a substantial floor plant or a petite tabletop plant.

English ivy (hedera helix)

Photo by @plantaelover

English ivy is beautiful in a hanging planter or trained to climb trellises. It’s also great for clearing toxins from the air like toluene and benzene. A study reported that English ivy removed 94% of airborne baeces and 78% of airborne mould in just 12 hours. As a result, it’s recommended to those who suffer from allergies. To care for English ivy, remember to mist regularly and keep the soil moist but well-drained. It should be placed in a partially sunny to shady location, so it’s perfect for the bedroom!

Philodendron (various species)

Photo by @leaflyhome

The Philodendron genus are nearly unkillable indoor plant that actually thrives on neglect. One popular plant in this genus is the Heartleaf Philodendron, an adorable table plant or hanging plant with dark green, shiny, heart-shaped leaves. You’ll find several species under this genus that you’ll love, including one named the Pink Princess, known for it’s marbled pink and green leaves or a marbled version known as the Variegated Philodendron. They are particularly effective in absorbing formaldehyde from indoor air. They can survive in low light conditions, but grow faster and produce more leaves in medium or bright indirect light. Allow soil to dry completely before watering again.

Parlor Palm (chamaedorea)

Photo by @houseplantscollective

If you love a good tropical plant, the Parlor Palm is a great addition to your space. It can grow pretty big, so make sure you have enough height and width in your room. They prefer bright but indirect light and can grow in average home humidity, but it grows best in high humidity. Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy and remember to water when the soil is barely dry to the touch.

Aloe vera

Photo by @gardens_nursery

Aloe vera is an excellent indoor succulent that is hard to kill and easy on the eyes. It’s been named by NASA as one of the best plants for air purification, and shown to release oxygen throughout the night.

Keep your air fresh and breathable with these NASA-approved indoor plants. You’ll be breathing better and sleeping a little easier in no time. Just remember to take care of them–plants have needs too!

Categories
Design

10 Tips for styling your bedroom like a pro

If Marie Kondo wasn’t enough to get your bedroom into tip-top shape, we’re here to help. After all the cleaning and organization (we DON’T love a mess), your bedroom was probably immaculate but left feeling a little… simple? After perusing Pinterest for bedroom inspiration, you probably have some clue of what your style might be, but what do you actually need to know to style your bedroom to Pinterest-worthy recognition? Here, we’ll tell you.

Size up your duvet

Photo by Crunchhome.com

Go a size up for duvets/comforters to get that draped-over-the-bed look. It’s not that your bed won’t look good without, but if you have a bed frame you don’t love, have storage under the bed, or just like the draped-over look, sizing up is a neat little trick to achieve this! Going a size bigger for your duvet will also give you more coverage–especially if your partner likes to steal the blanket at night.

Keep a low profile

Photo by Architectural Digest

Low profile furniture makes your ceilings feel higher and more spacious. A low profile platform bed is the perfect way to make your bedroom feel more zen too–who doesn’t want that in their bedroom? You’ll want your nightstands and anything adjacent to the bed to be low-profile too so there isn’t a huge clash.

Artwork, meet bedroom.

Photo via ensidecor.com

Everyone’s style is different, but artwork–no matter what your taste preference is–speaks volumes on your style without needing a whole lot of decor. Opt for something contemporary, a watercolor painting, or even a tapestry to completely change the personality of the room. Here, minimalist meets the world with ancient-era wall art and figurines.

Rug Placement

Photo via domino.com

A rug can convey a lot of different things in a room from being a piece of artwork in itself or making the space feel cozy, depending on the design or pile height. Size matters too–you’ll traditionally see a rectangular mattress under the bottom half of the bed. It’s also fun to play with rug layering too to combine textures. Pictured here, a new age diagonal rug placement draws the eyes down and makes a statement without a lot of effort!

Symmetry

Photo by mydomaine.com

Symmetry in a bedroom can make a room look more put-together. This includes having two or more pillows on the bed, two sconces on either side and even two nightstands. This will also provide balance, which is important in making a bedroom feel less cluttered. It doesn’t mean that everything should be exactly symmetrical, of course; intentional decor and “un-done” bedding can bring it back to life and make it look less stiff.

Lighting is everything

Photo via breyi.com

Seriously, don’t skip the lighting elements, which aren’t just for lighting the area. Pendant lights, sconces, lamps, and desk lamps can make a huge statement aesthetically in a bedroom too. Coordinate the fixtures for these to make to a bedroom look complete. Pictured, these brass fixtures pull the bedroom look together, and they make a massive statement against the black ship panel wall.

Color Palette

Photo by Matri via Nordic Design

Stick to a color palette. Depending on what your style is, a good way to ensure a bedroom look that will stand the test of time is a palette that is versatile, i.e. neutral. We’re not saying you can only stick to black and white, but having a few key colors to stick to are important for keeping the overall look balanced.

Textures = unboring

Photo via Tumblr

Play around with textures! Nothing makes a room look flatter then a lack of texture. Breathe some life and interest into your space by using wire grids on the wall, a chunky knit throw, or even layered rugs! In this styling, we see playfulness with textures like velvet, knits, and even a stripe pattern.

Indoor Plants

Photo via decoraiso.com

Are you tired of hearing about indoor plants yet? We aren’t. Indoor plants liven up any room, and some offer benefits like air purification (since we got water purification covered with the LARQ Bottle). They’re also super easy to take care of. If you don’t want to do a real plant, you can even opt for art prints you can find on Etsy that will give a similar effect without a smidge of responsibility.

Mirror Mirror

Photo by West Elm

Did you know that restaurants use mirrors to make the space feel bigger? You can use the same idea with your bedroom. Although some feng shui experts would advise not to face a mirror towards your bed, mirrors do make your room appear slightly larger and add texture as well as function. And you can face them towards something else, like your door (good feng shui)!

Categories
Design

10 Unique Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas to Inspire You

Alright, you Scandinavian interior design fanatics–your inspiration for innovative interior design is here. We want Scandi, we want Hygge, we want inventive ideas we can use in our own homes–at some point in time… There are some cool innovative things people are doing around the world in interior design. Ready to be inspired?

 

If you have a space for a spiral staircase and a giant net nook, you’re one lucky person. Not for the faint of heart or if you’re scared of heights–this unique reading area is what design dreams were made of.

 

Have minimal space but want to spruce up your bedroom? Try this cool wood design on your wall and ceiling. It draws the eyes up to make the space feel a little larger. If you can find a great reclaimed wood carpenter, please make this come true for your space.

 

What better way to chill out in front of a fireplace than a gigantic round couch recessed into the ground? I bet you won’t ever want to leave this area–like ever.

 

A cool way to divide a large space–this hardwood and tile-work is a masterpiece of sorts. It’ll be the highlight of your guest’s visit. Guaranteed to spark joy.

 

Cool artwork aside, what makes this space unique is the rolling coffee table that appears to be made from a reclaimed barn door. The oversized industrial wheels make the space a little more interesting than your standard minimalist coffee table. Plus, you get the utility of being able to move it anywhere you want at a moment’s notice.

 

Are you a wine-lover? This cool peg wine rack is what minimalist dreams are made of. Install with caution.

 

The perfect remedy for a small space is this mock-loft. You got ample storage on the bottom and a cool looking loft-style bed area on the top.

 

Talk about unique workspaces. This area is made by its peculiarly cool bookcase. Who said you can’t have fun with your shelving? We love that the design partially covers some of the books drawing your eye to the design and not on any clutter.

 

Liven up your space with indoor plants. No floor space? Hang your plants on a sturdy lighting system. It’s a great way to add freshness and color to an otherwise dull space.

 

Give your kitchen a Scandi update with exposed pantry space like this one. It’ll make you neater (believe it or not) and the frosted sliding paneling breaks up the space and draws eyes up. We’re also fans of this stainless steel island–perfect for you aspiring chefs (or clumsy people).

We love how simple some of these concepts are that make them different than your average Instagram home. Next time you tackle your next home improvement project, think outside the box and do something a little different.

Inspired? Us, too. We love innovative design no matter what industry it’s in. Keep up with our blog for more design inspiration for the home, office and more!

Editor’s Note: Images used in this article do not belong to LARQ.