Tag: Interior Design

Design

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

Post author By Elaine
Post date May 15, 2020
No Comments on 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 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?

Tags Design, Home, Interior Design

Travel

9 Eco-friendly Earth houses you can rent on Airbnb

Post author By Elaine
Post date February 27, 2020
No Comments on 9 Eco-friendly Earth houses you can rent on Airbnb

If your idea of a getaway means literally getting away from the business of the modern world, book your next vacation in an Earth house or an eco-friendly Airbnb. Earth houses are homes that are sustainably made with natural materials. Some of the features on this list include Earth homes that are located on beaches, islands, mountains, forests–you name it.

It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day, so reconnecting with nature is oftentimes the therapy we all need. Maybe that’s the tree-hugger in us talking but we’re huge fans of this Earth and if we can marry the idea of adventure, sustainability, and design together, we will. And that’s how this post was born.

Up next, you’ll read about some of the most remarkable homes we could find on Airbnb that are eco-conscious and promise the tranquility that nature has to offer. Plus, there’s a little something in here (aesthetically-speaking) for everyone.

Architectural wonder in the forest

El Cope, Panonome, Cocle, Panama

If unique architecture and eco-design really tickle your fancy, this Earth home secluded in El Cope, Panama is for you. It’s truly a getaway as it is tucked away in the near the Omar Torrijos national park, called “a cloud forest” by its Airbnb host. The home has features in various architectural magazines hailing from the US and Europe and surely one to see. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the luscious landscape while lounging in the home’s saltwater infinity pool. You will also enjoy nearby hikes, waterfalls, and birdwatching–our kind of vacation if you ask us.

Hygge Hobbit Haven

Orondo, Washington

With an uncanny likeness to our favorite Hobbit house, you can live out your best life in this cozy and fantastical one-bedroom home. It’s a 2-mile drive up a remote hill, but when you get to the top, the view is breathtaking. The home is complete with the iconic round green door, and barrel-shaped architecture. The furnishings only make it that much more magical. It’s also pet-friendly!

Tranquil Balinese Eco-dome

Bali, Indonesia

For anyone who wants to be immersed in the natural surroundings Bali has to offer, this eco-friendly bungalow is a must-stay. It’s a BioArchitectural dome made from bamboo and other natural materials. It’s equipped with a luxurious California King size bed, skylight, bird’s eye view of the landscape, and plenty of power outlets and access to wi-fi. But let’s be real–in a place like this, you don’t want to be on your phone the entire time.

Villa Aalaya

Ubud, Indonesia

Villa Aalaya is Sanskrit for “home”, but don’t be fooled–this site is probably your dream home. It comprises of three antique teak buildings. The first is a daytime space that includes the kitchen, dining and living rooms. Another building is complete with three bedrooms, a TV area, a library, and two upper-level spaces for working, meditation, or whatever suits your fancy. Lastly, there is a private bedroom with its own private outdoor bathroom and veranda.

Eco-Loft Bamboo Bungalow

Tambon Ko Phy-ngan, Thailand

Tucked away in a tropical garden by the sea, the Eco Loft is a beautiful eco-retreat in Thailand. It’s made entirely of bamboo and wood so you’ll get the feel of living right in nature. The bungalow features a gorgeous sea view from the upper level complete with a balcony that overlooks the canopy of trees and the nearby beach.

Agave Moon

Porto, Portugal

On the smaller scale, this doesn’t qualify as an Earth home, but it’s important to call out hosts that create eco-conscious homes. This eco-chic apartment located conveniently in Porto, Portugal features eclectic decor that blends modern and traditional Portuguese styles. The space is light and airy and includes all of the essential amenities. It’s nestled in a traditional part of Porto which is home to many family-owned shops and restaurants, so if you want to live as the locals do, this is the spot. This part of Porto offers serene, quiet nights and it’s just a short walk from shopping and bar streets.

Spacious Sustainable Earth House

Bonogin, Queensland, Australia

This large property is a unique retreat centered on sustainability. It’s an oasis in the Mudgeeraba forest with rammed earth walls, recycled timber, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a chemical-free 10-meter pool. Immerse yourself in nature in this beautiful villa and you’ll enjoy it. The property is a 22-minute drive from the Gold Coast, so it’s a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the area.

Idylle Maison

Matera, Italy

If you keen to live like the Italians do in a romantic bright and airy home, Idylle Maison will surely be a treat. It’s thoughtful furnishings and bedding make it a space you want to surrender to. It’s minimalist, calming, private and surrounded by gorgeous views of Matera’s skyline.

Canava Villas II in Medieval Village

Emporio, Santorini, Greece

If tranquil surroundings away from busy city streets are your idea of a vacation, look no further. Canava Villas II is situated in Emporio, Santorini’s largest village, is set on a hill overlooking the town and nearby sea. The home’s design is thoughtful and accents natural stone walls. However, it’s not short of creature comforts like an outdoor patio with a jet plunge pool among many other amenities.

With sustainability at the forefront, we’re seeing a lot more eco-friendly homes popping up for rent on Airbnb and we dig it. Have you ever just typed “Anywhere” in the search bar? For your next adventure, go the road less traveled and take a few friends along for the ride. Which of these is your next eco-getaway?

Tags Interior Design, sustainability, Travel

Sustainability

Tips for nurturing your dream sustainable home

Post author By Elaine
Post date February 25, 2020
No Comments on Tips for nurturing your dream sustainable home

Photo by Taylor Simpson on Unsplash rattan chair in outdoor patio

Is your home eco-friendly? Take a few tips from the experts. You don’t have to break the bank in order to save the planet (believe it or not). And you don’t have to completely change your home’s aesthetic either if you don’t want to. One of the keys to cultivating an eco-friendly home is to buy less.

Yes, the minimalistic approach to home design can be more eco-friendly but we’ll talk more on that later.

Be mindful

Be mindful of what you bring into your home. This is the foundation of any sustainable home and sustainable lifestyles. Being mindful means that you are considering the outcomes and repercussions of your purchase. Does it add value to your space? Does it perform multiple functions that improve your quality of life? What is the longevity of the item? How likely are you to keep it for years to come? Considering these questions and more can help guide your decision–a decision that mitigates waste.

Go for minimal

We’re not saying everyone needs to be a minimalist, but taking a minimalistic approach to your home can be more sustainable in the sense that you should be buying less. Think Marie Kondo–only keep what sparks joy in your life and nothing else. Taking this approach will help you build a home free of clutter and distractions–just pure oasis (what a home should be in our opinion). More stuff means more potential for trash. Let’s face it–impulse purchases are not our best moments, but they tend to happen.

Energy-efficient appliances and lighting fixtures

Daily use of appliances and light is a fact of life, but there are ways to make it sustainable. For starters, switch to energy-efficient everything. Your refrigerator, toaster oven, microwave, laundry machine (washer and dryer), lightbulbs, TVs–you name it.

Water-saving appliances and fixtures

Similar to energy-efficient appliances, there are water-saving ones too. Think about your dishwasher, kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower, and even your toilet. Swapping out old fixtures (if the house was built before 1994) can reduce your water consumption and lower the water bill. Who doesn’t want that?

Our friends at Nebia, partnered up with Moen to create the latest water-saving shower: Nebia by Moen. The Nebia Shower is a piece of luxury in itself with its proprietary H2Micro technology that optimizes droplet size and controlled water coverage to have maximum impact without the extra water. The latest project, Nebia by Moen aims to reach more homes than ever in order to save one billion gallons of water by 2021. You can actually become a Kickstarter backer and receive your own Nebia by Moen shower (starting at $160) now until February 28.

Sustainable materials

The demand for eco-friendly materials in homes has grown just over the last few years, so naturally, eco-friendly materials for the home are more accessible than ever. So your dream sustainable home is certainly within reach.

Bamboo

Unlike wood, bamboo is a highly renewable resource. It requires minimal care and water to produce. Technically, bamboo is a grass, not a tree. And it grows at a higher rate than trees do; it takes just three to five years for bamboo to regrow to its full adult size. Bamboo is naturally pest-resistant (no need for pesticides in growing it), antibacterial, antifungal, and requires far less water than similar plants. It’s also better for the environment–absorbing 5 times more carbon dioxide, and producing 35% more oxygen than similar plants.

FSC-certified wood

Wood is a luxurious component to add in your home, but it can be costly for the environment. Shop responsibly for FSC-certified wood. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible and sustainable forest management. This certification indicates that the wood was sourced from a responsibly-managed forest.

Reclaimed, recycled or salvaged wood

These tend to be used interchangeably, so we’ll define them for you. Reclaimed wood is wood taken from old buildings, warehouses, or ships, that are then upcycled and repurposed. Its physical properties are not changed. Recycled wood refers to wood that is reconstructed into a new product. Salvaged wood refers to unused wood such as fallen branches, trees or logs.

Rattan

Similar to bamboo, this natural material also grows quickly and uses minimal energy and resources to produce. Since it’s a natural material, it is also biodegradable and recyclable.

Recycled plastic, metal, and other recycled materials

As aforementioned, the demand for more sustainable furniture is on the rise, and so are the options. When shopping for furniture, keep an eye out for furniture made from recycled materials. These can comprise of anything from recycled ocean plastic, to recycled metal, and even stone.

Natural fabrics and textiles

Textiles can have a major impact on the home, adding texture and warmth. For home textiles such as throw blankets, rugs, bedding, towels, and window treatments, seek out organic products. Processing takes a lot of energy and resources and varies drastically. Certified organic textiles can be identified by GOTS- (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification. This certification is the standard for processing organic fibers and certifies the ecological and social criteria of the entire supply chain. Organic fibers include cotton, organic wool, bamboo, hemp, jute, linen, ramie, and Tencel–to name a few.

Buy used. Upcycle. Get creative.

Depending on the type of furniture, buying used can be a bit taboo. We’d steer clear of buying a used mattress from someone you don’t know. You know, for hygienic reasons. But how about that cool vintage dresser at the antique store? Or that free coffee table at the yard sale? Part of fostering your sustainable home is to find new ways to buy less.

Oftentimes, these can add a whole lot of character to your space, or they can be refinished to fit your home. After all, who doesn’t love a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture that makes a bold statement or tells a story?

Donate or give away your old stuff

If you can, donate, resell, or give away your used furniture and household items instead of hauling them to the landfill. You never know if someone could potentially upcycle or reuse the item for years to come.

Tags Interior Design, sustainability

Design

10 Tips for styling your bedroom like a pro

Post author By Elaine
Post date July 31, 2019
No Comments on 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)!

Tags Home, Interior Design

Lifestyle

5 Easy Ways to Declutter Your Desk and Cultivate a Productive Workspace

Post author By Elaine
Post date June 6, 2019
No Comments on 5 Easy Ways to Declutter Your Desk and Cultivate a Productive Workspace

Your office space is probably the place you spend the majority of your time–unless you’re one of those people who can work from your bed; how is that even possible?! Whether it’s at home or at HQ, your office space should inspire productivity, creativity, clarity and overall feel like a space where you can, you know, actually get stuff done.

We’ve all been there–arriving to a cluttered desk with piles and piles of paperwork and random knick-knacks that can get overwhelming. When you see things in disarray, your mind can’t help but feel overwhelmed and stressed. A clear and organized workspace is essential to your productivity and mental health.

Now, here are a few tips on how to decorate your home office or work space for optimum success and minimal maintenance. Did somebody say “desk envy”?

#1 Everything should have a place

Storage, storage, storage.

matching blue plastic desk storage set — Source: Poppin

If everything has a designated space, you are less likely to lose things and less likely to leave a mess, which will likely result in reduced stress!

For that paper

wire crate magazine holder for desk — Source: Amazon

For magazines, newspapers, manuscripts, sketches–any form of paperwork, a filing system might help. If you have a lot of paperwork, you might need some file cabinets. If not, you might be able to get away with a desktop filing system (as long as your paperwork isn’t too sensitive of course).

All the small things

matte black magnetic desk storage set — Source: The Container Store

Keep small office supplies in a drawer organizer or a container with a lid so they are easy to find yet concealed to avoid clutter. Binder clips, paperclips, erasers, loose change–they all have a place and it’s not scattering them across your desk or thrown into a drawer carelessly.

A cup half full

uniquely shaped geometric pencil holders — Source: MoMA Design Store

A pencil case, pencil box, or simply a tall mug will keep your writing tools in one place. If you use a lot of different mediums for your work like pens, pencils and different sizes of paint brushes, you might even want to take it a step further and have them organized into different holders.

clay geometric pencil holders — Source: Container Store

Use this rule of thumb and tailor it to your needs. You can always find a place for things that makes sense for the way you work.

#2 If you don’t use it, get rid of it

We’re all a little guilty of keeping things at our desk for ages and never using them. If you realize you haven’t used something in more than 6 months, consider repurposing it elsewhere or giving it to a friend. There’s no use in letting it collect dust and take up space in your office.

#3 Use a notebook

If you’re the type of person who needs to write things down and are currently doing that on a bunch of sticky notes or random pieces of paper you have on your desk–it’s time to invest in a notebook. Having all your notes in one place not only keeps your desk neat, but it makes finding your notes easier. After all, you wrote them down to try to remember them right? You could also think of it as an archive of all the work you’ve done in that part of your life.

Trust me, I was really resistant towards purchasing one because I have had a ton in the past I didn’t use, but when you get one that you like, that fits your aesthetic and is a good size for your lifestyle, you’ll want to use it and stick with it until you run out of pages.

Do you tend to spill coffee or tea or anything on your notes? What if I told you there was a waterproof and tear-resistant notebook for you that also looks beautiful? Shocking, right? The Karst notebook is made out of stone that has been finely milled to create beautifully smooth pages that are spill-proof and tear-resistant so even the most accident-prone people will have a notebook they can truly take with them anywhere.

#4 Keep your cables in order

The most frustrating thing about a desk area is the cluttered cord situation. You have chargers for everything–even if most of your tech gear is wireless.

So what’s the solution?

matte black adhesive cable management strip — Source: Amazon

Keep cords neat by binding them together or using a cord keeper. If your gear has wireless charging capabilities, invest in a wireless charger to minimize the amount of cords on your desk.

You can also tuck larger cords behind a laptop or monitor stand or keep them neatly bound towards the back of your desk.

#5 Express yourself

Sometimes the problem with an office area is the lack of self-expression that can make your space feel cold and unwelcoming. But on the other hand, a slippery slope is adding too many random things to your desk, so make sure every piece of decor you add is intentional and not overbearing.

Get Sentimental

You can say a lot with the few things that you decide to include, such as photos of loved ones, or a bobble head from your favorite team–no need to bring your entire collection. Don’t want to get too personal? Using elements that speak to you, like wood finished accessories, minimalist touches, or a few your favorite books sandwiched by gold bookends will get the job done without the warm and fuzzies.

Form but also function

Express yourself with functional pieces too, such as a desktop calendar with your pet’s face on it or a mug with your favorite Disney character on it. Or, dare I say, a sleek looking water bottle that won’t cramp your office style and that automatically cleans itself so you never have to worry about the embarrassing stench after forgetting it in the office for a whole weekend.

Go green

modern designer's desk scandinavian desk inspiration — Photo by Christopher Gower on Unsplash

Photo by Christopher Gower on Unsplash

A great way to spruce up any area, especially your office, is adding indoor plants. Plants are great for adding some life into your otherwise cold workspace. Some even help purify the air and are *nearly* impossible to kill. Snake plants, peace lilies, dracaenas, and cacti are all tough plants that will do well in lowlight settings such as in an office space and are forgiving if you forget to water them or overwater them.

Don’t worry, if you don’t have a green thumb, you can opt for some faux plants! They add the same effect without the hassle.

Remember, your workspace should be a place that feels like your own, that inspires creativity and productivity, and that you shouldn’t feel stressed out by on top of your workload. We believe these simple tips will help guide you along your way to a more productive work life. Does your stress stem a little further than from your working environment? Check out our article on how to reduce stress and tips on managing your stress levels for improved mental health.

Tags Design, Interior Design