home decor

Durable Meets Chic: Designing a Stylish Home That Will Last Forever

 
 

Having a stylish home is not just about following the latest trends or decorating with expensive pieces.

It's also about creating a space that will stand the test of time and remain beautiful for years to come. In today's world where fast fashion and disposable items are prevalent, we ought to make conscious choices when designing our homes. A durable and chic home not only saves money in the long run, but it also minimizes waste and helps protect the environment. So how can you create a home that combines both durability and style? Here are some tips and ideas to get you started.

Choose Quality Materials
When it comes to durability, the quality of materials used is key. Investing in high-quality furniture and finishes may cost more upfront, but they will last longer and require less maintenance in the future. Look for materials that are known for their durability such as hardwood floors, solid wood furniture and stone or marble countertops. These materials not only add a touch of elegance to your home, but they also have the strength to withstand everyday wear and tear. Try to avoid trendy materials that may look good now but could quickly go out of style or deteriorate over time.

Opt for Timeless Designs
Trends come and go, but classic designs never go out of style. When choosing furniture or décor pieces, opt for timeless designs that will look just as good ten years from now as they do today. This doesn't mean you can't add some trendy elements to your home, but make sure they are easy to replace or update in the future. For example, instead of investing in a bright pink couch, choose a neutral-colored one and add pops of color with throw pillows or blankets that can be switched out easily.

In the bathroom, timeless design can be achieved by sticking to simple and clean lines. Choose classic fixtures such as a freestanding bathtub or a pedestal sink rather than trendy options that may become outdated quickly. Incorporate natural materials like marble or ceramic tiles for flooring and walls, which not only add durability but also give a timeless look. Outside of the house, opt for classic designs in your landscaping choices such as symmetrical plantings and simple yet elegant outdoor furniture. These design elements will create a cohesive and enduring look for your home's exterior.

Consider Functionality
A durable and stylish home is not just about aesthetics, it's also about functionality. Before making any design decisions, think about how you will use the space and choose pieces that will fit your lifestyle. For example, if you have children or pets, consider durable materials that can withstand their activities.

If you love to entertain, opt for furniture that is both stylish and comfortable for your guests. Functionality also means investing in storage that will keep your home organized and clutter-free. This will not only make your space more livable, but it will also help preserve the longevity of your belongings.

Work Closely With Contractors and Designers
Whether you're building a new home or renovating an existing one, you'll want to work closely with contractors and designers to ensure your vision for a durable and chic home is achieved. Communicate your desires for long-lasting materials and timeless design, and listen to their recommendations based on their expertise. Together, you can create a beautiful space that will stand the test of time.

Some recommendations that might come from a professional when creating a home include investing in energy-efficient fixtures and incorporating smart home technology. They may also suggest incorporating storage solutions to keep your home organized and clutter-free, as well as implementing proper ventilation to prevent moisture build-up and potential damage to your drywall, roof and attic or siding. No matter who you work with, be sure to find someone reputable to get the best advice you can.

Incorporate Sustainable Elements
Creating a sustainable home not only benefits the environment but also adds a unique touch to your interior design. Look for eco-friendly materials such as bamboo flooring or recycled glass countertops. You can also incorporate items made from natural materials like jute rugs or wooden décor pieces. Not only are these options more environmentally friendly, but they also add a touch of warmth and texture to your home. Additionally, consider incorporating energy-efficient appliances and lighting to reduce your home's environmental footprint while also saving on utility bills.

Don't Forget About Maintenance
Even with the best quality materials, regular maintenance is essential for keeping your home looking its best. Make sure to follow the care instructions for all furniture and finishes, such as using specific cleaning products or scheduling routine maintenance checks. Regular upkeep will prolong the lifespan of your items and ensure that they continue to look stylish for years to come.

A durable and chic home is achievable with careful consideration of materials, design choices, functionality, sustainability and maintenance. By following these tips and incorporating them into your interior design plans, you can create a space that not only looks good but also lasts a lifetime. Let's shift our focus from fast trends to timeless style and sustainability, and design homes that will truly stand the test of time.

Read more at Rismedia.com

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10 Things a Stylist Avoids in Her Own Home—And You Should, Too

 
 

Stylist Dorcia Kelley is no stranger to picture-perfect interiors.

As a seasoned pro in the design world, she’s spent countless hours preparing homes for photo shoots, turning already beautiful spaces into magazine-ready masterpieces. Over the years, Kelley has developed an eye for what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to creating a home that feels both stylish and personal. “Your taste is your taste,” she explains. “All I’m here to do is elevate it a little bit. I never want anybody to feel bad for something they’re doing from their heart.” In her own home, Kelley takes a more personal, mindful approach. Below, she shares the 10 things she would never do—plus her thoughtful advice on creating a space you love while staying true to your own style.

Buy Fake Plants

“Faux plants attract a lot of unnecessary dust,” Kelley says. “Meanwhile real plants clean the air in your home. I don’t think people talk about that enough. Between the beauty products being soaked into our skin and the processed food we eat, are we gonna do one thing right? Let’s put some real plants in our houses.”

Put Out a Welcome Mat

“You shouldn’t need a mat or sign to tell people that your home feels welcoming,” says the stylist. “Your home should embody that through the styling, the design, and the colors.” 

Load Up Shelves With Tchotchkes

A crowded display leaves no room for a focal point, Kelley says: “Your eye is trying to capture every book, every little accessory, every photograph.”

Use White Felt Furniture Pads

“Do people realize that they carry this padding in various colors to match your wood or whatever color your furniture is?” she asks. Now you know. 

Paint Every Room a Different Color

Kelley is more of a neutrals fan, but if she were going to play with color, she’d make sure there was a transition between each room. “So say you have a blue living room. You should put 50% to 30% white paint in that same blue, and paint the wall in the hallway or going up the adjacent staircase,” she says. 

Hang a Gallery Wall

“What happened to people putting really curated artwork or even photographs on a wall?” Kelley asks. “Blow a photograph up and make one focal point.”

Put Too Many Pillows on the Sofa

“I have two pillows on each couch, and they are there to prop you up. When the pillows cover the entire couch, you have to take them off to sit down anyway. And that’s a pet peeve,” she reveals.

Live With Contractor Lighting

“Lighting can tell the story of your entire home. Change your lighting. It’s going to solve a lot of your problems. And I’m not just saying change the bulb—add a beautiful fixture,” Kelley says. 

Install a Regular-Length Shower Curtain

“Always buy an extra-long shower curtain. It should go all the way up toward the ceiling as far as it can, and then it should drop long so that you can’t see the tub,” she advises.

Burn a Bunch of Scented Candles

“I think you should try to have a signature scent for your home or even just stick to a particular brand that you like, so you won’t have all these random candles sitting around your house,” Kelley says.

Read more at Domino.com

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Vintage Decor Is Making A Comeback

 
 

Home furnishing trends, colors and styles come and go with amazing speed, making it a challenge for even the most dedicated homeowner to keep track of what is "in" and "out" at any given moment.

The need or desire to remain current can be time-consuming and expensive.

The terms classic and timeless referencing design and architecture are vague and hard to pin down, and they are often overused. Presently, the popularity of vintage style – referencing the past with a few tweaks – is one answer to the struggle to harmonize old and new concepts.

A quick glance at any recent home decor magazine reveals influences from the past, whether in the form of antiques such as grandfather clocks, armoires (large cupboards used before built-in closets) or Hoosier cabinets, which stored flour and sugar in kitchens before cabinets were commonplace and standardized.

Attempting to define "vintage" is a bit complicated, as its stem, "vinter," (Anglo-French) in combination with "age," dates back to the late Middle Ages and references wine. Merriam-Webster, like most other dictionaries, offers several definitions of the adjective vintage, among them “of old, recognized, and enduring interest, importance, or quality” and “dating from the past.” Cambridge Dictionary states that “to be called vintage, the piece should strongly reflect styles and trends associated with that era.”

So, vintage design is influenced by the past, and according to Britannica Chatbot, it evokes feelings of nostalgia and celebrates the cultural heritage of bygone times. But in the past two decades, the term vintage has been “thoroughly diluted and deconstructed,” argues Shutterstock, and it “suffers from overuse in popular culture.” Often, the term can describe any type of product or design that references older styles.

In today's understanding of vintage style, five basic historical periods are seen most frequently.

1. Art Deco 

Originating in France in the 1920s and developing through the 1930s, Art Deco has had a profound influence on design with its fluid use of curving lines based on nature. Art Deco is short for the French phrase “arts décoratifs” (decorative arts), first seen in Paris in 1910, just before World War I, and it blossomed in both the United States and Europe in the 1920s and 1930s. Fashion, jewelry, furniture and interiors were heavily influenced by Art Deco, and it continues to inspire present design. New York City's Chrysler Building is a stellar example of Art Deco architecture.

2. Hollywood Regency 

Next up in the historic lineup of vintage styles is Hollywood Regency, a lesser-known style from California. Inspired by – what else? — Hollywood, the motifs emphasized glitz, glamour and sophistication. The Spruce defines this period as "glam, flashy, and unapologetically maximalist." Born in the Golden Age of cinema in the 1930s, it was an updated take on the styles of the 19th century Regency Era, sometimes termed Regency Moderne. This style and period coincided with Art Deco, representing its antithesis, and featured mirrors, animal prints, exotic jungle florals and overpowering crystal chandeliers. Its influence is still felt today in apartment building lobbies with black and white checkerboard floors, whether marble, ceramic tile or composite flooring. High gloss and lacquered finished were present in walls, ceilings and furniture.

3. Midcentury Modern 

Midcentury modern, also known as "retro" design of the 1950s, began in 1945 and was popular through the 1970s, with a resurgence as the new millennium began. Not really a style, but rather an era in design, post-World War II materials used in the war effort, such as glass, plastic, and aluminum, were now available for use in architecture and manufacturing of home goods. The focus was on inexpensive, modern, forward-looking design. Flat, abstract shapes, like the famous "Boomerang Pattern,” originally named "Skylark" by its originator, Raymond Loewy, in 1954, are emblematic of this style. This laminate was seen everywhere during this period and was reintroduced by Formica Corp. in four postmodern colors for its 75th anniversary in 1988.

4. The Natural Movement 

The 1970s brought environmentalism into the world of design with the natural movement. Natural materials, stone, wood and fur were used throughout the home. During the energy crisis or "Oil Shock of 1973-74,” the result of an oil embargo triggered by oil producing nations, warm earth tones predominated in carpeting, paint, tile and fabrics. Ceilings of living rooms and family rooms featured beams made of rough-hewn timber, wood stoves were back in vogue to keep warm and kitchens expanded in size to become cozy gathering places for families.

5. Farmhouse Style 

Presently, farmhouse style, incorporating all the vintage and antique furniture, materials and accents that were commonplace in the late 1900s, is the latest in vintage style. Despite the fast pace of life, the advanced technology of computers and appliances, and the use of solar panels; front porches, complete with hanging plants and rocking chairs, are en vogue. Television celebrities such as Joanna Gaines of HGTV's "Fixer Upper" have spearheaded this design style and promoted it relentlessly on television and in retail outlets. Clearly, the use of design motifs, colors, styles and materials from the heartland of America's early days has brought us full circle.

The Comforts of Living in the Past 

Designing one's home based on the past will assure it a place in the future. The desire to update our homes may be driven by our need to embrace the new and redefine ourselves to feel better and distract ourselves from larger life issues.

Decorating our homes makes us feel like we have control over our environment and, in turn, our lives. Living in a home that is influenced by the past can be comforting, familiar, and reassuring in a world filled with uncertainty.

Read more at USNews.com

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Pinterest Predicts the Coziest Home Decor Trend for Fall 2024

 
 

If there's one place you can depend on to have the scoop on the latest trends in, well, just about anything, it's Pinterest!

Not only does the creative board-based app give users the lowdown on everyday styles, like cute cowgirl boots or bud vases, but also the best seasonal trends in food, home decor, makeup, and more.

Last winter, Pinterest predicted the most comforting food trend of 2024: "melty mashups." And this year, they once again anticipate a super-cozy theme in time for fall, but it has less to do with French onion pasta and more to do with the home decor front.

The social media platform has released its trend report for fall 2024, which it describes as "a season for connectivity and creativity." In terms of home decor, Pinterest predicts cozy corners to take over every space in your home. Specifically, users have been searching for cozy sunrooms and cozy reading room ideas.

So, just how can you achieve this comforting vibe for your own autumnal home refresh? According to Pinterest, people are "embracing dreamy, cozy corners with a floral room aesthetics and cozy lighting, infusing their spaces with soothing colors." If you'd like to take a page from Ree Drummond's book, or at least her Walmart line, you could start with some textural, floral accents, like The Pioneer Woman Plush Reversible Throw. Just imagine curling up in the warm blanket with a book in hand (Ree's latest cookbook, anyone?).

Cozy lighting and air-purifying plants are also predicted to be huge in fall 2024. That can look like warmly-lit lamps, string lights, and even a roaring fireplace. On the green side, there are so many low-maintenance indoor plants that also purify the air (and add so much color)! Consider adding a snake plant or English ivy to the mix for the ultimate zen space.

If these ideas aren't enough to convince you that cozy corners will be all the rage this fall, let the numbers speak instead. The social media platform's trend reports have been accurate on over 80% of their predictions for the last four years, so this year should be no exception!

Read more at ThePioneerWoman.com

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