Mama Home Decor - Specialist Home Decor

April 10, 2023

2023 Home & Garden Events

Spring has officially sprung – time to get your hands dirty! To help with the process, we’ve amassed a collection of plant swaps, garden shows, wildflower hikes, gardening workshops and other home-and-garden related events taking place in and around Lexington in the coming months.

Central Kentucky Home & Garden Show. March 31-April 2. This marketplace offers the opportunity to shop for home-related products and services, garner inspiration for projects with a collection of displays, connect with industry experts and more. Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Central Bank Center, 430 W. Vine St. www.centralkentuckyhomeshow.com

Athens Schoolhouse Antique Show. April 8-9, May 13-14, June 10-11, July 8-9. This monthly show features thousands of square feet of antiques and collectibles from the region’s most prominent dealers. Products range from American and European furniture to vintage handbags and accessories. Monthly shows take place 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Athens Boonesboro School, 6270 Athens Walnut Hill Pike. More details and a full list of upcoming dates are available at www.antiqueskentucky.com

Wild Ones: Spring Wildflower Hike. April 15. This wildflower hike will travel from the upland parking areas on an old road that descends into the creek valley, and then along Lower Howard’s Creek, one of the region’s most beautiful waterways. Participants will have the chance to admire the spectacular rock faces that form its banks and hopefully catch a large population of Virginia Bluebells in bloom. 1-4 p.m. Lower Howards Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve,1225 Athens-Boonesboro Road, Winchester. lexington.wildones.org/events

The Kentucky Christmas Tree Association’s Annual Plant Auction. April 15. This annual auction provides a unique opportunity to bid and take home some Kentucky-grown nursery stock. A variety of annuals, perennials, and balled and burlapped trees and shrubs will be available, with a portion of proceeds going toward providing one or more scholarships for University of Kentucky students majoring in forestry or related sciences in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. 10 a.m.-noon. Fayette County Extension Office, 1140 Harry Sykes Way. kychristmastreefarms.com/annual-spring-auction

Wild Ones Plant Exchange. May 4. Everything from seeds, perennials, grasses and sedges to shrubs, trees and vines can be exchanged at this event to benefit the local chapter of Wild Ones; the only stipulation is that the plants must be native to the eastern United States (cultivars of a native plant are also acceptable). Participants are encouraged to bring finger foods, beer or wine if they don’t have any plants to offer. Note: The event features a modest entry fee; cash is appreciated. 6:30-8:30 p.m. St. Michael’s Church (upper parking lot), 2025 Bellefonte Drive. lexington.wildones.org/events

Arboretum Spring Plant Exchange. May 6. At this annual plant exchange, participants are asked to bring garden items to exchange (i.e., trees, shrubs, perennial divisions, bulbs, houseplants and garden-related items such as tools, books and pots), though it is not necessary to bring anything to participate. Setup begins at 8:30 a.m. for those bringing items to exchange, with the exchange starting at 9 a.m. No pre-registration is required. The Arboretum State Botanical Garden, 500 Alumni Drive. arboretum.ca.uky.edu

Bluegrass Iris Society Spring Iris Show. May 13. Beautiful locally grown iris stems, flower designs, photography and iris culture information will be on display at the Bluegrass Iris Society’s annual show, which is free and open to the public from 1-4 p.m. Lexington Green Mall (behind Joseph-Beth Booksellers), 161 Lexington Circle. More information and entry rules can be found at www.bluegrassiris.org.

Down to Earth Garden Sale. May 13. This annual plant sale/community fundraiser hosted by the Down to Earth Garden Club features plants that are grown, nurtured and generously donated by club members. To accommodate a building project at the longtime venue (Woodland Christian Church), the event will take place at a new INDOOR venue (rain or shine!), and will feature native plants, herbs, fruits, vegetables, perennials, wildflowers, grasses, hostas, shrubs, trees, annuals, container gardens, succulents, irises, decorative containers, gardening books and many plants for sun or shade. Proceeds benefit local projects that promote gardening, education, preservation, conservation and environmental stewardship. (EDITOR’S NOTE: This event will take place inside the church, not in the parking lot as we erroneously published in our print magazine.) 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Centenary United Methodist Church, 2800 Tates Creek Road. www.downtoearthky.com

The Garden Club of Kentucky: Botherum Garden Tour. June 17-18. This tour of the historic home and gardens of Botherum, owned and designed by Jon Carloftis, will benefit The Garden Club of Kentucky. Built in 1851 by architect/builder John McMurtry, this Greek Revival home was commissioned by Kentucky attorney general Madison Conyers Johnson, added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and meticulously restored by Carloftis into a showcase of Southern style, hospitality and grace. It has been featured in Martha Stewart Living, Garden & Gun, and Southern Living, to name a few. This tour includes gardens of his home, carriage house and the newly acquired original summer kitchen. Tickets are limited and must be purchased prior to the event. 1-5 p.m. both days. More info and a link to tickets can be found at www.gardenclubky.org.

Open Gates to Bluegrass Living Garden Tour. June 24-25. Presented by the Lexington Council Garden Clubs, this garden tour will feature eight beautiful Lexington gardens, designed by homeowners and professionals alike. Tickets will be available at a variety of independently owned garden centers, including Best Of Flowers, King’s Gardens, Peggy’s Gifts and Accessories, Pemberton’s Greenhouse, Wilson’s Garden Center Lexington and Springhouse Gardens in May and June, and at the participating homes on the days of the tour. Proceeds from the tour help provide scholarships to University of Kentucky students majoring in horticulture and related fields. A list of participating gardens and more details can be found at www.lexgardenclubs.org.

Wild Ones Curbside Garden Tour. June 24. This garden tour focuses on front yard gardens — in particular, those that are planted in the strip between a sidewalk and the street. Its goal is to highlight these curb stripes which are publicly very visible but rarely used for ornamental gardening. With some thought given to planting height and succession of bloom, they can be transformed into magnificent flower beds. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Multiple locations to be announced. www.lexington.wildones.org/events

Bluegrass Daylily Show. July 1. Local iris lovers are invited to browse the many colors and shapes of jury-selected modern and historic daylilies from growers and hybridizers in Bluegrass Hemerocallis Society. 1-4 p.m., Twin Pines Christian Church, 1139 Tanbark Road.

Fayette County Extension Office Gardening Workshops. Each year, the Fayette County Extension Office hosts a bevy of horticulture, agriculture and family science workshops. Topics for this year’s workshops include Growing Dahlias (April 13), The Truly Hardy Fall Mums (May 16), Native Ornamental Grasses (June 15), Milkweeds for the Garden (June 20) and many, many more. For a full schedule, more details or to register, visit fayette.ca.uky.edu and click the “Upcoming Events” tab.

April 10, 2023

A Unique Restaurant In Mobile, Alabama

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When it will come to dining out, a restaurant’s ambiance is just as essential as its food items. Fortunately, there are many restaurants located throughout Alabama that supply equally a fantastic environment and a wide range of tasty foodstuff. One particular restaurant in specific is Vandals Avenue Kitchen. To master about Vandals Road Kitchen area, like what makes it genuinely special, get a glimpse underneath.

Vandals Road Kitchen is a special cafe that’s positioned in Cell, Alabama.

Just one of the issues that sets this cafe aside from many others is its brightly coloured walls, which showcase beautiful murals.

Vandals Street Kitchen brings avenue art and avenue food items jointly beneath a person roof.

A person of the restaurant’s most well-known menu products is the street corn, which is topped with Kewpie mayo, crema, cojita cheese, seasoning, cilantro, and lime.

The bao buns are also well-liked. These are Chinese buns that have been steamed and are stuffed with a range of fillings.

The Korean fajitas are also well known amongst the shoppers. This dish includes Asian braised brisket, grilled kimchi, avocado, jalapenos, peppers, and onions. It can be served with verde sauce, crema, and the customers preference of tortillas.

And of course, no avenue foodstuff menu is full without having the inclusion of tacos. Vandals Avenue Kitchen delivers a selection of tacos with fillings these as chicken, fish, shrimp, steak, veggies, and so on.

In addition to food, Vandals Avenue Kitchen also presents a range of beers, wines, and cocktails. Joyful Hour is Monday-Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. All through this time, you can appreciate drink specials. A few foodstuff goods will also be out there for a distinctive rate.

And ultimately, you really don’t want to depart without having giving one of the restaurant’s desserts a attempt. Whichever one you select is absolutely sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Have you had a chance to dine at Vandals Street Kitchen area in Mobile, Alabama? If so, what did you feel about its foodstuff and atmosphere? Be sure to sense cost-free to share your thoughts with us in the opinions under.

To master a little about Cellular, be guaranteed to consider a appear at these 12 Factors You Possibly Didn’t Currently Know About Cellular, Alabama.

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Deal with: Vandals Street Kitchen area, 6601 Airport Blvd Ste C, Cellular, AL 36608, Usa

April 9, 2023

Steve Haid Explains What to Look for in a Luxury Real Estate Agent

When wanting for luxurious serious estate, prospective buyers and sellers are fascinated in far more than just acquiring the very best achievable offer. All people movie star serious estate offers that fill innumerable magazine and website webpages and flash seven or 8-digit prices can only come about with the committed professional support of luxurious actual estate brokers. Brokers like Steve Haid.

Originally from Toronto, Steve Haid is a luxurious authentic estate agent specializing in properties in and all over the Muskoka Lakes place, where by he now lives. This component of Canada is regarded as a cottage place and offers a significant amount of money of vacationer attract. It is also dwelling to luxurious qualities, desirable plenty of to draw the consideration of stars.

As another person who’s operated in a incredibly hot town serious estate industry and the luxury cottage country marketplace, Steve Haid is aware of just the sort of provider consumers intrigued in obtaining or promoting luxurious actual estate assume. And it commences with understanding the proper individuals.

“In Muskoka, we have numerous international famous people, experienced athletes, and occupied specialists coming to invest in and market cottage waterfront properties,” he points out. “There’s a lot of Us citizens, in particular, who are interested in the type of escape that stunning Muskoka gives whilst also getting comparatively close to a significant city center like Toronto.”

Famous people and persons on the lookout to invest in luxury actual estate require additional time and income to shell out on the sort of luxury real estate that matches their tastes. Conversely, sellers of luxurious authentic estate want to get their properties in entrance of the people today who can essentially afford to pay for it.

As an in-betweener, the luxury genuine estate agent is the skilled whose networking capabilities must assure that they know both of those the sellers of luxurious homes and the individuals who could be the likely prospective buyers. With pocket listings, the luxury authentic estate agent’s capability to provide individuals two worlds together helps make the offer take place.

The ability to make discounts happen should also be obvious from preceding perform historical past and references in the local community. A luxury serious estate agent with knowledge ought to be capable to exhibit all factors contributing to the good results of consumers and sellers. Owning all the certifications essential to work in real estate is important, but much more importantly is knowledge, work ethic and the realtor’s precise network between many other properties that set up your presence in the market.

“I’ve been supporting shoppers achieve their investment decision and genuine estate goals for much more than fifteen many years, and I put in the very first 50 {61deb032f2f3cf43cd91e0a97f017aab274ddbb67b74a5b085bd003b9ac3cd96} functioning in Toronto which assisted construct my refined database,” points out Steve Haid. “When I resolved to take the plunge and transfer to Muskoka, I opened our luxury boutique brokerage listed here and became the taking care of partner with a group of quite a few realtors working for us. We specialize in the luxurious lakefront market place, and we’re extremely nicely-regarded for it.”

Steve Haid’s heritage with the area goes back again, even — as a lot of other Torontonians, he visited the cottage region prolonged in advance of he made a decision to move there. But now, as he lives in his renovated lakehouse on Lake Muskoka, pushing on 130 yrs of age, it is harmless to say that the individuals and the group in Muskoka know him, as well.

Luxurious actual estate agents can not slack in the internet marketing department, either, even if they’re mainly working with pocket listings — the marketing and advertising techniques demanded are much too worthwhile not to be realized. So everything from being aware of how to present and market place a listing, organize it for images, videography and staging, and publish superior-quality notice grabbing written content could be in the real estate agent’s occupation description.

For Steve Haid, it is portion of his service package. “I call it white glove provider, which usually means that I’m palms-on from the starting right until the close for both sellers and consumers,” he explains. “The shopper doesn’t even have to be below for the system, which is pretty common in cottage nation. When we create that have confidence in, they let me choose care of the full approach for them, eradicating important time for pretty fast paced gurus.”

This is only a aspect of the full established of providers Steve Haid provides, identified as white glove assistance. For example, people who are also busy producing revenue may possibly will need assistance spending it on actual estate, and Steve Haid is familiar with how to assist.

“I do everything for the client, from acquiring their exceptional residence whilst delivering total online video tours for our clientele who are not capable to be existing in Muskoka bodily,” he clarifies. “I often advise basically seeing the home in man or woman but they can rely on my experience to be their eyes and ears when they can’t physically arrive to Muskoka. This incorporates authentic estate investors who are as close as Toronto or as significantly away as the US and even Europe.”

With prime-notch service, a deep understanding of the Muskoka place, and an remarkable do the job history, Steve Haid has immediately become the most sought-right after luxury authentic estate agent in the location. For the final touch, he details out another thing that will make fantastic actual estate brokers, irrespective of whether they’re luxurious or not.

“People let us into their lives. They give us manage over a thing as worthwhile to them as the roof over their head,” he claims. “It’s a remarkable level of believe in. I’m happy to say that quite a few of my shoppers however like to have me all over – they see me as not only a focused advisor but a pal that’s been with them by way of generating pretty challenging conclusions. And that’s an crucial process for gauging the quality of a actual estate agent as any – the type of relationships they’ve cultivated around the yrs.”

McClatchy newsroom and editorial staff were being not involved in the development of this articles.

April 9, 2023

10 expert design tips |

There’s no doubt that double bathroom vanities give any space a luxe look, plus, of course, the benefit of more countertop and storage space.

But how to ensure your bathroom vanity ideas fit both the style of your room and the space available perfectly?

We spoke to leading interior designers and bathroom experts for their advice on designing a bathroom vanity for two.

Double vanity bathroom ideas and advice

Whether you are designing a double vanity for a spacious primary bathroom or a snug ensuite, there’s much to consider, from countertop materials to storage opportunities. Here, we cover the most important design elements.

1. Choose a double pedestal for a traditional feel

Double vanity bathroom idea with standing basins and marble behind

(Image credit: Alicia Waite / Buchanan Studio)

What you sacrifice in countertop and storage, you more than make up for in curvaceous style when you choose a double bathroom vanity on pedestals.

‘A freestanding pedestal-style basin is a very versatile choice and can suit traditional bathrooms as well as modern ones,’ says Angus Buchanan (opens in new tab), creative director, Buchanan Studio.

‘What we also love about them is that you can take them with you when you move house more easily than a built-in vanity with tiles around. So, if you fall in love with one, you can take it with you forever.’

Our list of the best places to buy bathroom vanities is a good place to start your search for the perfect find.

2. Contrast bathroom vanity materials with hardware

Double vanity bathroom idea with wood paneled wall behind

(Image credit: Nicole Cohen)

Bathroom countertop materials tend to steal the limelight, but let’s not minimize the effect that well-chosen brassware can have.

Design insiders often refer to brassware as the ‘jewellery of the bathroom’ in recognition of its ability to dress the space up, or down.

Interior designer Nicole Cohen (opens in new tab) is well versed in the influence of brass.

‘Here, warm brass plays off the coziness of cedar walls, adding a feeling of luxury and preventing it from taking a rustic turn,’ she says. ‘Chrome or nickel would have been too bright and a little jarring.’

3. Choose a curved, wall-mounted double vanity for small spaces

Double vanity bathroom unit with round mirrors over them

(Image credit: CP Hart)

Whether you want to make a small bathroom look bigger or simply enhance space further in a large bathroom, think: wall-mounted double bathroom vanities.

‘To create a sense of space, while maximizing bathroom storage and counter space, opt for a wallmounted vanity unit,’ recommends Yousef Mansuri, director of design, C.P. Hart (opens in new tab).

‘Seeing the floor run right under the unit is an instant space-enhancer. Choose a curved design to avoid the “boxy” look of modular wall-hung units. Losing the corners can also be advantageous to the bathroom layout, allowing more room around a bath or WC.’

4. Design a bespoke double vanity for a principal bathroom

Double bathroom vanity in traditional bathroom

(Image credit: Shalini Misra / Mel Yates)

Looking for luxury bathroom ideas? Commissioning a custom-made double vanity is the smart way to achieve your dream piece, makes organizing a bathroom vanity or designing makeup vanity ideas entirely unique to you, and says interior designer Shalini Misra (opens in new tab), who based this unusual vanity design on vintage furniture from a French hair salon.

‘The joy of a bespoke vanity is that it can be made to your precise requirements, from dimensions to the amount and type of storage included, making it something that is really unique to you,’ she adds.

5. Use a double vanity to introduce color

Double bathroom vanity with large mirror over the top

(Image credit: West One Bathrooms)

The outsized proportions of double vanities make them prime candidates for adding a big bathroom color boost.

‘Introducing colour via a statement double vanity focuses the eye onto the beauty and architecture of each individual piece,’ says Louise Ashdown, head of design, West One Bathrooms (opens in new tab).

‘Use your choice of color to express your personality or change the feel of the space. This on-trend Marsala shade lends a modern twist to the classical vanity design.’

It’s a very repeatable idea for powder room vanities, too.

6. Create a charming look with vintage vanity furniture

Double vanity bathroom idea with wallpapered wall and gilted mirrors over

(Image credit: Unique Kitchens / Stacy Goldberg)

Dial down the practical side of daily ablutions by styling your double vanity on vintage furniture more typically found in living rooms or bedrooms. This is exactly the story behind this ensuite bathroom, where the owners requested a relaxed, comforting ambience.

‘It’s designed to look like an antique piece of furniture, with espresso stained maple lending richness and warmth,’ says Tanya Smith-Shiflett, owner, Unique Kitchens & Baths (opens in new tab).

It’s a wonderful partner for bathroom wallpaper ideas and antique style bathroom vanity lighting ideas, too.

7. Mix materials in a double vanity for interest

Double bathroom vanity in apartment bathroom with bath and view of city behind

(Image credit: Studio Ashby)

This contemporary bathroom by Studio Ashby (opens in new tab) demonstrates how combining contrasting materials can soften a practical apartment bathroom. But though the double vanity is the star of the show, it’s the double vanity bathroom mirror idea that captures our attention:

‘The huge circular mirror is in perfect contrast to the straight lines of the vanity below it,’ comments Jennifer Ebert, Homes & Gardens‘ Digital Editor, ‘and because the framing is matched to the hardware in the faucets, it feels perfectly paired.’

8. Build storage into a family double bathroom vanity

Double bathroom vanity in marbled finish

(Image credit: Studio Indigo)

A double vanity is a wonderful opportunity to incorporate plenty of storage, above and below. And while gray bathroom vanity ideas are enduringly popular for family spaces, you can soften their visually heavy presence by cladding a double vanity in solid stone with gray tones; it’s a masterful move that’s beautifully achieved in the space above.

‘Here, the onyx veining was matched on the horizontal and vertical planes to give the impression that it’s made of a solid block of stone inlaid with chrome,’ explains Mike Fisher (opens in new tab), founder and creative director, Studio Indigo.

‘Stone is heavy, so requires a specialist joinery company to execute. Framing the onyx panels in chrome also helps protect the vulnerable edges.’

9. Choose the right countertop and backsplash materials

Double bathroom vanity with symmetric mirrors

(Image credit: Domus)

Continuing countertop materials up the wall or running the bathroom vanity backplash above and below the countertop is a refined way to protect surfaces from splashes. Go for a taller splashback if you are wallpapering or want to celebrate a striking stone or finish.

‘This is a good opportunity to exaggerate the proportions of a room, either with texture, as above, or pattern. Horizontal lines will make a bathroom vanity, and the rest of the room, look wider; vertical lines like these will make the room feel taller and grander,’ advises Lucy Searle, Editor in Chief, Homes & Gardens.

10. Put single bathroom vanities side by side

bathroom with yellow floral wallpaper, double vanities, colourful rug

(Image credit: VSP Interiors )

If you have the floor space, two single bathroom vanities sat side-by-side can give you a boutique hotel bathroom style. This space, designed by VSP Interiors (opens in new tab) is a wonderful approach for a country bathroom and should be top of the list if you are looking for luxury farmhouse bathroom ideas.

‘The arch-topped mirrors, floral wallpaper and patterned bathroom rug all soften the chunky nature of these bathroom vanities,’ says Jo Bailey, stylist and Deputy Editor (Print) of Homes & Gardens.

FAQs

How big does a bathroom need to be for a double vanity?

A double bathroom vanity will average at around 72in wide, and this should allow for two people to stand side by side at the same time. So the minimum width or length of a bathroom that includes one would be around 6ft. However, if this is the case, ensure that it is designed to enhance the space: a wall-hung unit with storage and a large mirror above will be the most appropriate design.

Double vanity bathrooms are generally saved for primary or family bathrooms; in a primary bathroom, you can afford to invest in shapely units and not, necessarily, focus on storage, but in a family bathroom, roomy storage beneath the countertop and behind drawer or door fronts will be a must. In all cases, design in your bathroom lighting and bathroom mirror ideas at the same time as your double bathroom vanity: the success of your space depends on all three working together.

April 9, 2023

What colors make a house look expensive? 6 five-star colors |

There is a multitude of interior design elements to consider when you’re redecorating your home, but few are as important as your chosen room colors. The right color doesn’t just have the power to upgrade a space with personality and create a long-lasting impression; it can also make a room look more expensive and refined, which is a big win when you’re decorating on a smaller budget.

Here, designers, decorators, and experts reveal how to approach choosing room color ideas to make a house look expensive, from using the color wheel to create strong color combinations to using accent shades that sing and timeless neutrals.

What colors make a house look expensive?

Color is one of the easiest ways to create a visual story in your home. Creating a luxurious and expensive-looking house using color should be a multisensory experience; a visual masterpiece that still maintains the liveability that you desire.

1. Embrace the quiet beauty of beige

Beige living room with texture

(Image credit: Becca Interiors)

It’s fair to say that at Homes & Gardens, we’ve been championing vivid interior schemes and bold decorating ideas for some time, but a neutral backdrop can enable beautiful architecture, decorative furniture, and bespoke artwork to make a true style statement within your home. Sophisticated and timeless in their simplicity, beige room ideas are a stalwart in the world of interiors. The soft neutral – we love it for its quiet beauty and versatility – get it right, and it’s a failsafe way to make a house look more expensive.

Using a white or natural palette is all about adding depth and contrast in different layers and textures, says Jane Landino, creative head of the studio at Taylor Howes. ‘To make a neutral palette feel designed, considered, and luxurious it’s important to mix and match patterns, albeit neutral ones, and occasional bursts of color.

For Becca Casey (opens in new tab), founder of Becca Interiors, beige instantly brings gravitas. ‘Beige represents purity, innocence, and new beginnings, as well as cleanliness and clarity. It can be used everywhere in the home but is very successful in any room where you want to create order and with little distraction. It is also an ideal foil for a well-curated room of art and furniture.’

‘I gravitate towards natural palettes, and materials too, as for me they bring a certain longevity and luxuriousness to design,’ she adds.

Becca Casey

Owner and principal designer Becca Casey grew up in the English countryside, before eventually moving to the other side of the Atlantic and launching her design career in New York City. Currently based in Connecticut where she leads her interior design firm, Becca brings her style – rooted in the UK – to homes across the US.

2. Add impact with contrasting color

hall with wooden floor with colorful geometric design, mid century style chairs with green pattern and green woodwork

(Image credit: Katie Charlotte)

The addition of an accent color is a quick and easy way to transform a space, define an area, or highlight architectural elements, believes Ruth Mottershead of Little Greene. ‘If you’re lucky enough to have wonderful architectural details such as archways, moldings, or picture rails in your home, paint is the perfect way to highlight them to create a design detail.’

A simple pop of contrasting color on a door or skirting is a great way to add impact and an element of surprise to an otherwise muted scheme. This popular color trend will not only make a space feel considered and curated, but also expensive and luxurious.

Finally, says the American decorator Cortney Bishop (opens in new tab), don’t be afraid to bring in an accent color to unexpected places. ‘Consider applying a lively hue to a bathroom vanity unit or painting your interior doors or trim with a contrasting color that makes your walls stand out even more,’ suggests Cortney. ‘The transition and break in color will be more welcoming than you might think when transitioning between rooms.’

3. Be inspired by nature with an earthy green

L-shaped kitchen with green cabinets and wood floor

(Image credit: Jessica Nelson Design / Carina Skrobecki Photography)

Botanical tones work with most shades to create rooms that are harmonious and easy to live with. Green is in general a heritage, calming and relaxing color. Being the color that represents nature, it’s one that makes us feel good and positive.

‘The poet and philosopher Goethe used to describe green as a useful color, a good color to have around,’ explains Francesca Wezel, founder of Francesca’s Paints. ‘Dark green is often used in traditional gentlemen’s clubs and libraries, it goes well with wood, and is a color that stimulates concentration and deep thinking.’

‘This is a wonderful color that works well all through the year and is ideal if you are trying to bring an element of nature or heritage feel into a more contemporary city home,’ says Emma Sims-Hilditch, founder and creative director, Sims Hilditch. ‘It’s an expensive-looking, restful, and calming shade which not only works well on cabinetry but also looks great on walls.’

4. Adopt a heritage yellow

Yellow and purple kitchen by deVOL

(Image credit: deVOL)

Embrace the warmth and mood-boosting power of sunny tones for a happy, vibrant feel. There is an air of heritage and nostalgia with yellow that makes a house look expensive.

At the lighter, bolder end of the spectrum, yellow is a color of optimism. ‘Yellow can create a mellow and uplifting interior all at the same time. It transports us back to long lazy sun-drenched days in the Mediterranean and it can brighten us up on gloomy days,’ says Martin Waller of global design brand Andrew Martin.

But yellow can be a tricky color to master, says Mike Fisher, creative director and founder of Studio Indigo (opens in new tab). ‘In particular, bright primary yellow, as it can be quite harsh and childlike within an interior despite its sunny, positive connotations.’ He likes to use darker yet richer fall versions of yellows in an ochre or saffron hue which work well with petrol blues and purples.

If you want to curate an expensive space, look to a range of yellowish colors which have a depth to them: they work well in bright, south-facing rooms where they can turn the air into something tangible and edible, while on a dull day they can add a sense of cheerfulness. A brighter yellow could be paired with splashes of green or orange.

5. Go for a strong, confident red

wellness bathroom with stone floor and neutral color scheme

(Image credit: That Home Studio)

One of the most passionate and life-enhancing colors to use in a decorating scheme, red rooms offer a luxurious bank of positive energy.

Historically, red has associations with wealth and status. In the 17th century, flashes of red dye were used on the soles of shoes worn by aristocratic courtiers to Louis XIV, while the use of a VIP red carpet goes back to Ancient Greece. Perhaps a present-day example of this might be the eye-catching interior design trend of using red in high gloss or lacquered finishes on woodwork.

‘We have been using red to decorate the walls of our homes from the beginning of human existence,’ explains Marianne Shillingford (opens in new tab), creative director of Dulux. ‘We find red on the walls of the earliest cave dwellers and red pigment was used in Neanderthal burials as a symbol of life. It has the longest visual wavelength of any color, making it the most impactful. It is famous for stimulating the appetite, good conversation, and love, making it an enduring favorite in the dining room and the bedroom,’ she continues.

Color-drenching a room with red walls and matching upholstery offers a fully immersive effect. In contrast, dialing down the red percentage to a discreet trim on white bedlinen or to the leading edge of a curtain can be equally as thrilling. ‘When using red in a color scheme, it’s best to choose shades that are rich and warm rather than loud and insistent. Maroon, burgundy, and rosehip work brilliantly with shades of green, while deep pinky-reds are very adaptable and blend well with khaki or stone. Dark reds pair best with gold metallic touches and carry a degree of heritage, especially when mixed with dark wood,’ says Simon Temprell, head of interior design at Neptune (opens in new tab).

6. Reintroduce brown to your home

neutral living room with textured wallpaper and brown curtains

(Image credit: Catherine Gratwicke / Future )

Decorating with brown is having a renaissance. This confident hue looks delicious as an all-over color, especially if you want to make a house look expensive.

‘Tell someone you are painting a room brown and watch them recoil in horror. However, this much-maligned color is a great choice for expensive-looking interiors,’ says Sarah Brown, director, of Sarah Brown Interiors (opens in new tab).

The nuances of brown are often underplayed but one look at this brown living room shows how complex and interesting the shade can be. Deeper than ochre and earthier than gold, this rich yet understated tone strikes a refined note in the living room. In north-facing rooms, it will create a cocooning field, and in brighter spaces, it allows the opportunity to layer other shades of brown for more impact.

FAQs

How do you pick the perfect house colors?

Picking the perfect house colors in a room can be a tricky business. Even with all their experience, it can take time for professionals to make a decision. There is a lot to consider – the size and shape of the space, the available natural light, its direction, who it is for, etc. ‘A large space can often handle a blanket of color that works with both north- and south-facing light,’ says Tom Morris of Morris Studio (opens in new tab). ‘If wall colors are strong, I tone down the colors in the furnishings or vice versa.’

The contemporary home is all about layerism – whether that’s tonal variations of color on different surfaces, a mix of patterns that playfully explore a particular palette, or a dynamic blend of textures. Two or three variations of each is enough to develop a richly pleasing space that is the last thing you see at night and the first thing the next day.

Another favored choice for designer is taupe. Reminiscent of velvety cocoa, a mid-brown taupe is a striking color for any room. Depending on the furniture and accent colors introduced alongside, it has the flexibility to range from looking neat and tailored to soft and welcoming.

‘For me, neutrals such as taupe are grounding wall colors,’ says Henriette Von Stockhausen, creative director, of VSP Interiors. ‘It’s important to remember that sometimes a classic and expensive-looking interior is just the ticket: calm colors, gentle schemes, traditional furniture, and antiques – no pattern clashes, no huge color pops, just comfort and a quiet space to relax in.’

April 8, 2023

Popular Loft Bedroom Tiny Reveals Beautiful Details That Work Like Magic

Indi and Dominique discovered about small living by following the massive results of this motion in the U.S. Each very small home layout that they noticed encouraged them to imagine that homes can be sustainable, very affordable, and stunning at the exact time. When they eventually made a decision to check out making their individual little, the process itself grabbed everyone’s attention. Everybody needed to see a serious small property occur to daily life.

That was again in 2017. When their very first two products were being created, Indi (who’s a skilled builder) and Dominique (whose notice to element was reflected in the over-all design of the residences) have currently obtained a considerable pursuing and focus from the media. Today, they are happy to say that they have finished additional than 50 tailor made very small properties, in addition to acquiring drew the options for around 30 styles.

1 of the most well known Little Property by Hangan models continues to be the Komodo. One of the causes must be its perfect stability, in equally sizing and design and style. The tiniest homes designed by this Australian manufacturer are not for a longer time than four meters (13 ft) and they’re typically destined to turn into vacation rentals.

Photo: Very small Dwelling by Hangan