Where Design and Interiors Meets Happiness and Wellbeing
If I was to ask you to list the main criteria you would like for your dream home, what would they be?
I’m guessing that high up on your wish list might be for your home to be situated in a location with a breathtaking view. (Perhaps by the sea, in the mountains, countryside or in a forest.) And to be able to enjoy the scenery with a panoramic vista of it through your windows.
Plants appear to be everywhere right now. Open almost any design magazine or blog and you’ll find interiors filled with plants.
Increasingly, they are becoming an integral feature in the home. As more and more people rediscover the beauty of greenery, and how it can be used to enhance the decoration of any room.
But plants are so much more than just another interior trend. Because as well as looking attractive, there are many more benefits to having them.
So here are ten good reasons to have plants in your home.
‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ – African Proverb
PS: More inspirational quotes
A Valentine’s Day gift is so much more than just about the present. It’s an expression of your feelings.
The gift is really only a token to how much you care about that special someone. It’s the thought that goes into it that matters so much more.
That’s why, when it comes to a Valentine’s Day gift, presentation is everything.
So here are some creative gift wrap ideas to give your Valentine present maximum impact.
One of the best night’s sleep I ever had was when I once stayed in a hotel where each hotel room was an individual wooden chalet.
Simply furnished, but very cosy, I’ve rarely felt so rested and refreshed upon waking up. While the clear country air certainly helped. It was pointed out to me that it probably also had a lot to do with the entire structure being made out of wood – a natural material.
That was the first time I made the connection between the effect of our bedroom environment and its ability to help us sleep well. And the importance of bringing more nature and natural materials into our homes. I didn’t realise at the time that there was a name for this: Biophilia.
Various research studies have shown that there are clear links between biophilia and well-being. So introducing some elements of biophilic design into your bedroom could go a long way to helping you get a better night’s sleep.
This month’s topic for Urban Jungle Bloggers brings together two of my favourite things: Plants and Coffee. The theme instantly brought to mind images of sitting outside surrounded by nature and greenery, sipping an aromatic cup of coffee. It’s always a simple, but blissful pleasure to savour. Whether sitting on a balcony, in a garden or at an outdoor cafe
But since the weather is still too cold for sitting outdoors, I had an idea: why not bring the outside in and turn an area of my lounge into an extension of the balcony?
There are two elements of interior design I find particularly fascinating: staircases and smart storage ideas.
Staircases are transitional spaces that take you on a journey, transporting you from one area to another. While at the same time, their forms can also create an interesting architectural feature or focal point.
And who ever has enough storage? I love finding new solutions – especially those that use space in such innovative ways.
Now put the two together and you have a dynamic combination!
There are so many clever ways storage can be integrated with stairs: under, over and even inside.
Here are a few inspired ideas showing different ways your staircase can be used to provide valuable extra storage space, or serve an additional purpose.
Have you ever noticed that Scandinavian homes usually look so airy and spacious?
You might therefore be surprised to learn that the average apartment in a city like Copenhagen or Stockholm isn’t particularly large. In fact some of them are downright tiny! I did some quick online research of properties for sale in those cities, and discovered that a typical apartment is frequently less than 75 square metres in size.
So why do they look so spacious?
The short answer is because of clever design techniques. And of course Scandinavian design is renowned for its style.
But you too can learn their design secrets.
If you live in a small apartment or house, you’ll find these tips especially useful to create a feeling of more space. And as an added bonus, not only will your home appear larger, but it will also look effortlessly stylish and cool.
Let’s delve into some the design tricks frequently used in Scandinavian homes.
Let’s begin the first full week of January on a bright note.
The combination of going back to work after the holidays, together with short winter days can lead to a touch of the blues. But here’s one way to lighten up those dark days – with some great lighting ideas.
Researchers have made the connection between lighting and our mood. According to the IALD, lighting can enhance the mood and desirability of a space.
Brightening up your home with atmospheric lighting can really help to lift the spirit. So here are some ideas for using it to create a warm and welcoming home to come back to at the end of the day.
Happy new year!
My new year wishes to you are that you should have a happy, healthy and successful year.
May 2015 be your year.
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