Boo! My tips to create a Halloween Chic decor

 

Source: Nordstrom

Personally, I love this time of the year; pumpkins and rich hues start flooding the street and the homes… It certainly is colder outside but somehow the home gets warmer and cosier! It is also a good time to spend times with kids and engage in fun and artsy indoor activities such as pumpkin carving and decorating, baking yummy treats etc… However, as much as I love Halloween and fall decor; I find it sometimes lacking glamour and always revolving around one colour: orange! But we can keep it chic and glamour while still entertaining and fun (and a tiny bit creepy) for the kids! I have gathered the best halloween chic decorations to inspire you to recreate the same “ambiance” at home; I know I will definitely use, mix and match, these inspirations to decorate my home this weekend – After all, Halloween is the best time to dare and be audacious, so don’t forget to keep your decor fun and spooky; happy Halloween!

 

1/ Skull home decor are dark and definitely a trendy Halloween decor

• Ralph Lauren has been creating skull themed items for a while and they are definitely a posh and rock n’ roll addition to your halloween decor – Bonus point: It is trendy all year long, so in a way, worth the price (or so I told my hubby).

 

Source: Ralph Lauren Home Collection

• Want to go the extra mile, add skull art

Source: Grandin Road

 

2/ Black lace and old books for a sexy and vintage decor

Source: Pinterest

 

Source: Pinterest

 

3/ “Bling Bling” and sparkly halloween!

• This one would be a great addition to any halloween decor, after all diamonds are a girl’s best friends! 

   

  
  Source: Pinterest

 

• Take your brooms and make them sparkle; you will be the glitter witch of your household!

  
  Source: pinterest

 

4/ Light it up! I love candles and sparkly little lights to make a home feel cosy and entertaining – Here are few sweet and fun ideas:

• Pumpkin and gourd candle holders

  
  Source: Harper’s Bazaar

 

• Lit backyard for a romantic and boho chic halloween

  
  Source: Harper’s Bazaar

 

• Halloween village decorated jars
  
  Source: Pinterest

• Mysterious and spooky lighting ideas

  
  Source: pinterest

 

5/ Go bold and add gold:

• Time to get your spray paint on and turn those boring pumpkins into gold
  
  Source: Pinterest

• Gold always adds glam and chic; don’t you think this front porch decor is brilliant? I leave in a Condo, so this decor really leaves me frustrated!

  
  Source: Pinterest
  

• Love these mantels, so glamourous yet all the halloween elements are present (pumpkins, skulls, bats, spiders, boos…)

  
  Source: Pinterest

Source: Pinterest

6/  Timeless with a black and white themed halloween decor

•  Black and white pictures and candles
  Source: Home and Decoration

• Spooky and vintage black and white decor

  
  Source: Pinterest

• Romantic and flowery pumpkin

  Source: Pretty My Party

• Boo!

  
  Source: Pinterest

 

• Keeping halloween with the Kardashian – Leave it to Kourtney to create a spooky and sophisticated black and white halloween decor!

  
  Source: Harper’s Bazaar

 

7/ All white for an ethereal, almost ghostly style

Source: Pinterest

Source: Harper’s Bazaar

 

Source: Sugar & Cloth

 

Source: Tone on Tone

 

8/ Keep it traditional with a touch of orange

• Who would have thought pumpkins could make such an entrance!

  
  Source: Harper’s Bazaar

• Love this simple, yet chic idea of filling a lantern or a vase with fall elements

  
  Source: Pinterest

• Just add colorful candies to your black and white decor

  
  Source: Pinterest

 

• Mercurized glass always adds glam and vintage to your decor

  
  Source: Pottery Barn
  

• Create a pumpkin tree

  
  Source:  Grandin Road

 

• Studded pumpkin – It is definitely a glamourous version of the traditional orange pumpkin

  
  Source: Brit + Co

 

• This mantel is a halloween decor that will never go out of style 🙂

  
  Source: Remodelaholic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dark wooden floors VS Light wooden floors

Credit: Alexander James Interiors via Pinterest

Some will say dark floors are more sophisticated some will say that a lighter shade is more modern and fresh. However, there are pros and cons to both shades, and one should carefully think twice before choosing the colour of the floor; as it will not only determine the style but also the atmosphere. But as everything in art and design, your first factor should be one’s own taste.

. Dark wooden floors:

Credit: Architectural Digest

 Pros:
– Less stainable. You will worry less about dark marks or colored food stains.
– Looks great in sun-filled rooms; it will reflect the sunlight.
– Looks more sophisticated, but you better opt for a satin finish to perfect the look.
– Timeless and versatile; it looks great in both a contemporary interior and a more classic one.
–  Looks great in a large room, open floor plans and houses.                                                    – If your cabinets are of light/natural color, dark floors will stand out.
– Looks better if you have a dark or reddish shade of  wooden furniture and/or cabinetry *

Source: cover.dk / Design : Tina Seidenfaden Busck

 

Cons:
– Darkens a room, so better to consider another option if you have poor exposure to natural sunlight.
–  Also not too great in a small space as the space might appear smaller*.
–  Dust and light food stain will be more obvious.
– Although it is less stainable than light hardwood floors, deeper damages such as scratches and dents will be more visible on dark wood.
– Consequently you might need to screen or rebuff and recoat more often than light wooden floors; as dark hardwoood floor tend to look “outdated”if they are not in good condition.

*If reddish-brown wooden furniture and/or cabinets, go for a darker shade of wooden floor; as it will not look so great if the floor matches.

*If you really prefer dark hardwood floors and have a small space, then make sure you go light with the colour of the walls and the furniture. And maybe add a light coloured rug to add brightness.

Credit: Katty Schiebeck via Pinterest

 

. Light hardwood floor: 

 

Credit: Elle Decor

Pros:

– Works wonders in spaces with no natural light; it will make it look brighter.
– Will make a small space look larger; therefore it is perfect in a space with lots of small rooms or in apartments.
– Looks more contemporary  but also looks looks great to perfect a vintage, rustic chic or French country style.
– Adds softness and complements well pastels colours for a shabby chic interior.
– Ages better than darker floors as scratches and dents are less visible on the light wood.

Source: noiretblancunstyle.blogspot.com/ Design: Double G 

 

Cons:

– Although it ages better than darker wood floors, it does stain and dark marks will be more obvious.
– It can look “cheap”, if poor quality and colour.
– it does not look so great if you have reddish wood cabinets and furniture.

 

Worried about resale? 

Again, everyone’s taste is different and I think that as a buyer you see what works best in the space. However, whether you choose to go dark or light; try to avoid red woods, as they tend to look outdated and are therefore harder to please; or you can tone it down by mixing different shades of brown… I usually advise to change the colour to either a very dark shade or grays, if you want to opt for dark wooden floors; or for a very light and natural shade of wood if you opt for light floors. Personally,  I have a crush on natural coloured wooden floors with white stains for a French country chic and authentic style.

 

Source: homebunch.com via pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

La vie en rose quartz

Source: Homedit.com

One of the biggest design trends this year, is blush pink or pantone colour of the year, rose quartz. Although difficult to use to decorate a bachelor pad, it is definitely applicable in a family home or a new couple’s nest. It is obviously perfect in a baby girl’s nursery, or even a girlie girl teen room; spaces where you can allow yourself to be bold with this beautiful and tender colour. This trend has been so successful that it took all spaces by storm, we even saw it in the bathroom and the kitchen.  I have selected for you my favorite rose quartz spaces and decor, whether you choose to be daring or subtle. And if the men of your home are really not big fans, you can always add a touch of this beautiful colour with flowers here and there.

Just because I am obsessed with doors…

                                                                                   Source: thefrenchtangerine.com

 

La cuisine* en rose quartz

The kitchen is becoming as stylish as any other rooms, and the traditional kitchen colours (wood, silver, chrome, grey, white… ) do not have the monopole anymore. We see more and more non traditional colours in the kitchen and rose quartz is definitely one of them. Whether you choose to have pink cabinets or just a colourful rug, it is definitely refreshing! My only advice: just keep in mind that it should not look like your daughter’s mini kitchen; so first make sure you do pick rose quartz or blush and not a brighter shade of pink and even if you want to be bold, tone it done with more neutral colours and even with metallics.

 Pink cabinets with a black countertop and copper hardware – Source: Superfront.com

 

                                                                    Just a touch of rose with object of decor for a glamour and subtle touch – Source: laurenconrad.com via Pinterest

 

                            Source: Bluestar appliance

 

 Pink and white cabinets with dark grey countertop. source: thekitchn.com

 

 

                           Rose quartz ceiling and rose gold lamps for a glamour and polished look – Source: luxe.com

 

              Dark grey and rose quartz rug for a subtle yet refreshing touch – Source: akstudioblog.com

 

                                                                                                                    Pink dishwasher in a very modern kitchen and wood cabinets by Smeg UK – Source: Smeguk.com

 

La salle de bain* en rose quartz

The bathroom has often been a space where you can be bolder as it is a more intimate space. You might also have a girl only bathroom, where you can have pink walls and pink curtains; however if you have one bathroom for the whole family, it can be trickier to use rose quartz, so subtlety is definitely key.

 

                                                                 Pink walls with other pastel colours for a springy and sugary feel all year long! It remains chic and “adult” thanks to the mouldings, the beautiful fireplace and the vintage-style tub and bathtub faucet. Source: House & Garden.co.uk

 

Shiny Pink tiles for a glamourous room -Source: Decor Salteado via Pinterest.

 

 

                              It’s all about accents; rugs, flowers, towels; for a subtle yet trendy use of rose quartz – Source: Domino.com/ Credit: Alyssa Rosenheck

 

Girl’s bathroom by Restoration Hardware.

 

                                                     Just a subtle touch of blush with flowers and pink bath salt in a see through container. Source: TheSimplyluxuriouslife.com via pinterest.

 

La salle a manger* en rose quartz

As always, metallics compliment perfectly pink and makes it look more polished and even more glamourous; you can add a beautiful copper chandelier above the table or brass details  and finishes on blush pink dining chairs etc… If you love the trend but would like a less permanent and visible decor, you can always go for tabletop decor with blush and metallic accents; and why not create yummy light pink cocktails for those endless summer dinners.

 

                                        Source: Pinterest

 

  Source: ByKoket.com

 

   Source: Domino.com via Pinterest

 

                                                    Dining room design: Suzanne Kasler via jenniferschoenbergerdesign.com

 

                                Stay Chairs by Nika Zupanc for Sé Collection

 

                    Blush  and copper tablescape – Source: friedatheres.com via Pinterest.

 

Le salon en rose quartz

In the family room, rose quartz blends in very well with neutral colours and greys; and as mentioned before metallics are a perfect match. It adds softness to modern and scandinavian style furniture; glamour to more traditional interiors and chic to a more bohemian style home.

                                          Grey + brass details + rose quartz – Source: Living After Midnight Blog

 

 

            Rose quartz + Lavender – Source: decoholic.org

 

 

 Source: decoholic.org

 

 

                Source: elledecor.com

 

 

                Source: Living After Midnight Blog

 

 

                                                      Source: www.brabbu.com

 

 

                      Source: http://cover.dk/

 

 

       Source: Living After Midnight Blog

 

 

               Source: thegreeneyedgirl.co.uk via Pinterest

 

 

                         Source: eijerkamp.nl

 

La chambre* en rose quartz

It is the obvious colour for a girl’s room but not so much for a couple’s bedroom. However, I found some beautiful bedrooms that have rose quartz accents and that can definitely please your partner… If you are a single girl and love this trend, then dare to be bold because it will not be as easy to do it once you’ve found your better half!

 

                              Teen Girl Bedroom by Restoration Hardware

 

                                   Source: http://www.adairs.com.au

 

                    Source: findingshibusa.com via Pinterest

 

                Copper, white and blush bedroom for fresh and springy feel – Source: Bloglovin.com via Pinterest

 

                                       Source: theprettyblog.com via Pinterest

 

                         Girl’s room with a delicate pink bed frame and lamp shades by Restoration Hardware Baby & Child

 

                      Girl’s bedroom with blush pink  beddding by Restoration Hardware Baby & Child

 

 

                   Pretty in blush pink baby girl nursery for a delicate and soothing space – Source: mydomaine.com

 

 

                                                                                                        Source: The French Bedroom Company, UK

 

 

              Chic and subtle mix of blush, greys and lavender – Source:Hotel  Royal Monceau, Paris.

 

 

              Charcoal, blush and copper for delicate yet not too girly couple’s bedroom – Source: Bloglovin.com via Pinterest

 

 

Le bureau* en rose quartz

Even the office is not spared. If you want to make your home office space more glam and girly; and therefore more inviting, add a touch of blush. Why not also try adding a pillow or just blush pink flowers to your desk at work.

                        Source: Bloglovin.com via Pinterest

 

                Source: bloglovin.com via Pinterest

 

                                                                            Source: Amie Corley Design via amiecorley.com on Pinterest.

 

                                         Source: Ikea.com

 

 

*The Kitchen; *The Bathroom;  *The Dining Room; * The Living Room; *The Bedroom; *The  Office

A Pineapple a day keeps the worries away

               Credit: themidwestbride.com via Pinterest

 

One of the most delightful and fun trends of the season is to bring home the tropics by decorating with pineapples. There are pineapples decorative accents in every shape and sizes, so you can choose to be bold and have pineapple wall or add just a touch of fantasy with cute salt & pepper shakers. Whatever your style, this beautiful fruit will definitely put your brain in a summery mood. Here are my top picks to decorate with pineapples. Spoiler alert: there is a lot of gold in my selection!

 

Golden pineapple print – Source: Westwing.fr

 

 

                 Pineapple candle – Source: stylishpetite.com via Pinterest

 

 

 

                                                    All black pineapple lamp – Source: westwing.fr

Pineapple pots – Source: westwing.fr

 

 

 

                             Pineapple table lamp – Source: Urbanoutfitters.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Golden pineapple on black and white stripes print –  Source: westwing.fr

 

 

 

                                                    Pineapple vases and and table decor – Source: pizzazzerie.com via Pinterest

 

 

 

                         Golden pineapple decals (comes in 32 colours) – Source: Etsy.com via buzzfeed.com

 

 

 

                Pineapple shower curtain – Source: junique.de
                                                                                                     Pineapple salt & pepper shakers- Source: worldmarket.com

 

 

                                  Golden pineapples pillow – Source: chicfetti.com

 

 

                                                           Vintage pineapple glasses – Source: theneotrad.com

 

                                                                                                         Vintage pineapple sconce – Source: Ballard Designs
                     Golden pineapple lamp (other colours available) – Source: Target.com

 

 

 

Pineapple tumbler – Source: kellygolightly.com via Pinterest

 

 

               Pineapple night lights in soft pastel colours – Source: alittlelovelycompany.nl

 

Bohemian chic, when the runway takes over your home

Coachella and other festivals had big impacts on fashion designer and inspired a lot of collections lately! So much so that it is taking over interiors and outdoors… Bohemian style is all about plants, flowers, colors, patterns  and texture; to keep it chic and glamorous, the best is to not overdo it. If not carefully selected and mixed, bohemian can look messy and overwhelming. Bohemian, is also a lifestyle, a relaxed, low-key way of living; therefore, the way the furniture and accents are displayed plays an important role in the styling of your boho chic space. Hope the images below will inspire you and help you create a bohemian and chic home.

 

                  Credit: James Ramsey and Jennifer Blumin via mydomaine.com

 

                  Credit: Feng Shui Interiors via Harper’s Bazaar

 

                  Credit: Brit+Co

 

                         Credit: Ball & Albanese / Lonny Magazine

 

              Credit: thefoxandshe.com/bohemian-home-decor/

 

              Credit: thefoxandshe.com/bohemian-home-decor/

 
                 Credit: El Ramla Hamra

 

                          Credit: Amber Interiors via mydomaine.com

 

 

                 Credit: kitchenwalls.nl via Pintere

 

                  Credit: lemme-holla-at-you via Pinterest

 

 

                                                                     Credit: Elle Decor

 

 

                                     Credit: Style Estate via Pinterest

 

 

                 Credit: Thedesignfiles.net

                 Credit: Architectural Digest

 

 

                                                      Credit: Architectural Digest

 

 

 Credit: Martin Lawrence Bullard design via Pinterest

 

 

 Credit: thedecorist.com / Jamie Chung Home designed by Ashley Redmond

 

 

    Credit: mydomaine.com / Jessica Alba Home designed by Mat Sanders

 

                                           Credit: Static1.squarespace.com via Pinterest

 

 

Credit: Sarah Sherman Samuel via Pinterest

 

 

Credit: mydomaine.com / Jessica Alba Home designed by Mat Sanders

 

 

 Credit: Amber Interiors via mydomaine.com

 

 Credit: mydomaine.com via Pinterest

 

 

          Credit: stylemepretty.com

 

 

 Credit: Brit+Co via Pinterest

20 stunning pool area inspirations

Summer is fast approaching, so it is about time to revamp your outdoors and here are some inspirations to get the most enviable pool of the neighborhood. Everything goes with nature, so think outside the box and play with colours, patterns, shapes, art, flowers and plants to create your perfect retreat.

 

1/ Asian inspired : Artsy, uncluttered and modern white furniture for a zen pool

Credit: Ando Studio.

 

2/ Create your life-size aquarium with an above-ground pool!

 
3/ Colorful accents and hanging chairs for a bohemian chic style

                                   Credit: Style Estate via Pinterest.

 
4/ Curtains, wooden furniture and a fireplace make for timeless and elegant pool area

                                   Credit: Style Estate via Pinterest

 

 

5/ Copper and brass lanterns, patterned tiles, mosaics and luscious plants for an oriental oasis

                       Credit: Priceypads.com via Pinterest.

 

 

6/ Build a partly elevated pool floor to add furniture in the pool and create a surrealist landscape

Credit: Delano Hotel, South Beach via kiwi collection.com.

 

 
7/ Rocks, cascade, plants and a fire pit to create a cosy, countryside, retreat

                                       Credit: styleesteate.com.

 

 
8/ Cypresses, stone wall, and Mediterranean jars for a Tuscan look

                                   Credit: stylestate.com.

 

 

 

9/ Play with lighting – There are so many outdoor lighting options and it has the power to transform your “meh” outdoor into a glamorous one.

Credit: Anthony Exter via Pinterest.

 

 
10/ Create your Meditteranean retreat with orange trees, and greek-temple style pool house

Credit: Style Estate via Pinterest.

 

 

11/Black and white stripes for an unexpected chic and timeless outdoor

Credit: CB2.

 

 

 

12/ Red is the new standard to add color to contemporary outdoors

Credit: Taiwana Hotel, St Barts.

 

 
13/ Colourful patterns, curtains and chic lighting for sophisticated and glamour outdoor

                     Credit: Traditional Home.

 

 

14/ Decorate with balls in the pool and outside

Credit: House Beautiful / Design: Jay Griffith.

 

 

15/ White airy curtains and light wood for an ethereal feel

                                        Credit: House Beautiful/ Design: Bill Brockschmidt and Courtney Coleman.

 
16/ A perfectly landscaped garden and touches of yellow for a Palm Beach style outdoor

Credit: House Beautiful/ Design: Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller

 

 

17/ Make it a fun pool with a statement pool float and colorful floating accents

Credit: Lovely Indeed via Pinterest.

 

 

18/ Shades of blue to reflect the pool and the sky, what more natural?

Credit: House Beautiful/ Design: Kim Coleman and Michele Green.

 
19/ Casually placed outdoor pillows on the floor for a cosy and laid-back style

Credit: House Beautiful/ Design: Markham Roberts.

 
20/ Try and mix orange accents with the  blue waters of the pool and you’ll discover  a true match!

Credit: JANUS et Cie.

How to make the most of your load-bearing column?

Unfortunately, sometimes, engineering and technology, gets in the way of your perfect home design. Imagine, this beautiful space where you could create your dream home, if only, you could take down this one column (or more) in the middle of the room… Fortunately, creative minds, find a way to make the most of these annoying columns and use them as design elements. First, you have to think about furniture placement around these to optimize the space, then you have to find a way to make the most of it by finding a column design that will either take the room to another level, or make it as discreet as possible. Here are some the best ideas of load-bearing columns I have selected for you.

 

Photo by Via Builders, Inc.. See more contemporary basement designs

 Use it as a display niche, to place art, flowers, pictures etc…

Photo by The Alhadeff Group. See more contemporary kitchen designs

Make it part of room and use it to define a room; i.e: to separate the kitchen from the dining room .

Photo by Design Moe Kitchen & Bath / Heather Moe designer. See more traditional dining room designs

 Make it match other pieces of furniture to create symmetry and harmony

 

 

Photo by Elad Gonen. See more contemporary kitchen designs

Use a different material to perfect a style

Photo by kimberly peck architect. See more contemporary staircase designs

Use a different style that contrasts with the rest of the room for an eclectic and edgy design

 

 

Use it outdoor or indoor to create a green wall (so trendy these days) – Design: Harold Leidner Landscape Architects/Credit: popartdecorations.com

 

 

Photo by Ann Marie Baranowski Architect PLLC. See more industrial kitchen designs

Add them to add character and authenticity to an otherwise very modern and simple decor.

Photo by Katherine Shenaman Interiors. See more mediterranean living room designs

To perfect a mediterranean style.

 

 

Photo by Kuche+Cucina. See more traditional kitchen designs

Use them to add grandeur and elegance to your home.
…Still hate it and want to make it as discreet as possible?  Then, first,  choose a classic style column design and work with your structural engineer or architect to discuss how large and how simple they can be .

credit: columnsandbalustrades.com

Then, carefully pick a paint and finish for a polished, simple and sophisticated look. I would usually advise for a matte finish.

 

Credit: http://www.home-designing.com

                                                                                          Credit: columnsandbalustrades.com

Credit: Elledecor.com via Kevin O’Gara (@kfogara Instagram).

Incorporating gold and brass in your decor

One of the 2016 design trends is the comeback of metallics, especially brass and copper. For a while contemporary interiors did not have those last two, as they were categorized as “old-fashion” materials that will not blend well in modern interiors. Even more classic interiors were styled with silver and chrome to give a more modern feel. However, in today’s designs we see them more and more and its all in the details… Subtlety is key to incorporate those materials and colours to create a contemporary, glamour and sophisticated interior. Here are some the best designs with brass and gold, room by room.

1/In the bedroom

Delicately incorporated in the furniture for a more vibrant style – Credit: Restoration Hardware

Just a simple detail (side table lamp) for a more polished look – Credit: Ando Studio

2/ The living room

Simple, yet sophisticated when subtly added in the details (thin table frame, thin floor lamp), to remind a beautiful massive statement piece (here the ceiling lamp)- Design/credit: Studio McGee

Be bold by choosing gold and brass accent furniture and tone it done it down with more neutral larger pieces. Design/Credit: Ando Studio

3/ Dining room

Pick a gold statement piece of furniture to create an instant “wow” effect – Credit: ByKoket.com

                        Adds sophistication to pastels – Stay Chairs by Nika Zupanc for Sé

4/ Kitchen

Contemporary and sophisticated with dark grey –  Credit: House Beautiful

Brings elegance and warmth in a white transitional kitchen – Credit/Design: Decorpad.com/Nicole Davis Interiors

5/ Bathroom

With subway tiles for a contemporary and edgy look – Credit: Bjurfors.se

Gold sink + gold details for a bolder and refined bathroom – credit: Maddux Creative

6/Baby, child and teen rooms

Here, it adds glamour and helps create a rock chic style to this teen girl bedroom – Credit: Restoration Hardware (RH Teen)

  To perfect industrial and add sophistication – Credit: Restoration hardware (RH Baby & Child)

                           To add edginess to a vintage style girl nursery – credit: project nursery.com

7/ Office
To step up your game with a statement office desk / Design: desk Gold Graph by Xavier Lust (via cubeme.com)

To add instant glamour for a fashionista’s office – Design: Laurel&Wolf (via mydomaine.com)

How to create a peaceful and glamour bedroom

Your bedroom is one of the most intimate room in your home and it should feel the most peaceful; after all this is where you rest. But peaceful and cosy doesn’t mean it cannot be elegant and timeless. Here are some of my tips to transform your bedroom into your own little sanctuary.

Royal Monceau Paris – Bedroom Suite

1/ Choose a soft palette for your walls
Your room should reflect your personality, so by choosing a colour you love, it will naturally feel more inviting. However, bear in mind that some colours have the power to soothe and some have the power to agitate – So I would recommend choosing a soft palette for your bedroom; if you wish to obtain that peaceful look –  If you really love strong colours, you can use it in decorative elements, such as art, flowers, a throw or accent furniture , etc… On that note, personally, in my designs I mostly use neutrals for bedroom walls.

 

Photo by Legno Bastone Wide Plank Flooring. See more coastal bedroom designs

 

2/ Symmetry
In a small space like the bedroom, installing the furniture in a symmetrical way is essential. Symmetry is naturally more attractive to the eye, it creates balance and harmony; which makes for a more peaceful room. The bed is usually the focal point in the bedroom design as it is the heaviest and largest piece in the room; so you can add on each side matching nightstands, lightings and art, for instance. Want to throw off the balance a little to make it look less boring and “too perfect” ? You can do this by adding different decorative accent on each side or something personal, a book for Mr and a frame for Mrs, or a flower on one side only…

 

See more traditional bedroom designs

 

3/ Personal objects
As I mentioned earlier, the bedroom is one of the most intimate rooms in your home and if you want it to feel like your little oasis away from the craziness in your life; then it should feel welcoming and familiar. To that purpose, add objects that you love, that bring up memories… An artwork, some books, a fragrance to spray the room with, pictures. I feel that sometimes to best art is enlarged professional family pictures…

 

Photo by Susan Glick Interiors. See more transitional bedroom designs

 

4/ Invest in the bed!
It is the biggest piece of furniture in the room, so it needs to be stylish and comfy! They say a mattress should last at least 10 years! So yes, it can be pricey, but it’s worth it in the long run. It’s worth it financially and physically; I do not need to tell you how important a good bed is for your back and a good night sleep for your brains and nerves:) – The frame of the bed, again, if you are looking for serenity, try to opt for neutral colours; you can have fun with the different shapes and materials of headboards etc… Finally the bedding , it is important to carefully select your duvet covers, shams and other decorative pillows; when you look at all these well-designed bedrooms, you will see that the bedding is no exception to achieve this perfect look. You can play with patterns, if you want to keep neutral colours and you can also play with colours; the good thing with this part is that you can change every week… Just make sure the colours go well with the rest of the room. Oh and please resist the urge to put too many decorative pillows…

 

Photo by Jamie Herzlinger. See more traditional bedroom designs

 

5/ Curtains
I have to admit I am very fond of curtains, I just love the effect they have on a room; but I am very picky and if the windows are not “fit” for curtains, then I’d rather simple and sophisticated blinds. In my opinion, if your windows are to narrow or small , then it is not worth it, it can look awkward and outdated, and the absolute no, no (for me), is short curtains. Curtains should be floor lengths, the bottom should touch or fold on the floor. I always think about a nice evening gown, if it falls just above the ankle then it is weird and lacks elegance; the same goes for curtains. Having said that, the good thing with curtains is that you can play with texture, patterns and colours…

 

Photo by Dodson Interiors. See more traditional bedroom designs

 

6/Glam it up with mirrors and flowers
Mirrors always add depth to a room, which is good in a small space like the bedroom, but it also adds glamour and sophistication. You can also add a nice bouquet here and there, it will instantly brighten the space and add a pop of colour to a neutral room.

 

Photo by Susan Glick Interiors. See more transitional bedroom designs

 

7/ A boudoir
This one tip is only if you have the space for it; it is one of the design trends of 2016 to style your room like a hotel- How to create it? It’s very simple, choose a nice seating that fits your space, it can go from a chaise lounge or a small sofa to a beautiful pouf; then add side or coffee table, it can also be piled up books that serve as a table… Then you can add a nice tray with beautiful glasses and a bottle of your favourite water (or wine, after all it is your own little sanctuary); and there you have your boudoir area! But bear in mind the last thing you want is an overwhelmed room where you can’t move, the more spacious it looks the more peaceful it will feel; so make sure that even even if you add the tiniest seating you can still move around:)

 

Restoration Hardware

8/ Unclutter
You do not have to go minimalist, if it is not your style. But try not to put too many things in your bedroom. Not too many pillows, not too many pieces of furniture if you do not have the space, do not put to many things on your nightstands and dresser… The les cluttered,  the more spacious and therefore, zen, it will feel!

 

Ando Studio Design

 
9/ Carpet or no carpet?
This one is my last point, only because, I personally am not a fan of carpeted floors. It feels very comfortable and it is noise-cancelling if you have easily upset neighbours. So yes, if you like carpeted floors then go ahead, but choose a soft and rich texture and neutral tones and it should go from wall to wall. If carpeted floors are not your thing either, a nice rug can do the trick to add softness to the room. It should be placed in a way that one part is under the bed and the other part, should stick out.

 

Kartell’s playroom –

Kartell, in collaboration with various master designers, produced a playful and funky children collection. As if the collection wasn’t cute enough, Kartell is now giving its customers the possibility to customize some of their designs by adding names and drawings – It is going to make you think twice about your classic nursery and children furniture…

 

“Lou-Lou” Ghost chair and “FL/Y lamp designed by Philippe Starck for Kartell

Clip Clap tables designed by Ferruccio Laviani for Kartell
H-Horse designed by Nendo for Kartell

Smile seating designed by Nendo for Kartell

Airway swings designed by Philippe Starck for Kartell

Discovolante & Testacalda cars designed by Piero Lissoni for Kartell