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ESSENTIAL THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND FOR A FUNCTIONAL & MODERN KITCHEN

There is a saying that “the kitchen is the heart of a home”. This is true for every kind of kitchen, be it modern or traditional or minimalistic. Gone are the days when kitchens were looked at as spaces in one corner of the house, where one toiled in the heat. Today’s kitchens are designed to be functional, inspiring you to experiment and be creative in your cooking. It is now a space where the whole family can hang out, eat or participate in the cooking process. In many instances, the kitchen opens up to the living area which ensures that you can watch television or can continue to have a conversation with your loved ones while cooking up yummy meals. So if you are looking to renovate your kitchen or build a new one, here are some tips to make it a truly functional one that can also reflect your character and style.

Type Of Kitchen

Choose what kind of kitchen you want to build. A Modular Kitchen is the preferred modern way to design your kitchen. It is versatile and as the name suggests, has “modules” that you can choose. These are easy to assemble and uninstall, come in a variety of finishes and can be customized to suit your specific needs. The other option is to go in for a Carpenter Made Kitchen. While these can be pocket friendly, the finishing and precision often depend on the skill of the carpenter. It is also not easy to uninstall as these are mostly “fixed permanently”.

Ergonomic Design

Ensure that your kitchen is built to suit your needs. The most used areas when cooking are the countertops, the hob, the sink & the refrigerator. Make sure these are easily accessible and not far from each other. Usually, these are placed in a triangle for easy access. It is also important to ensure that the countertop and hob are suited to your height so you don’t stoop or stretch when cooking. Similarly, use the cabinets at the top to store things you access daily and the ones below to store things you use once in a while.

Color

If you have an open kitchen, choose colors that go with the rest of the house. Choose colors that are timeless and those that hide food stains and oil spills. You could have some fun and have accent walls with bright colors or even some wall decal stickers with quirky quotes. Warm chocolate or wood colors on the cabinets are a good option and usually go well with other elements of the house too. Similarly an all-white or a monochrome kitchen speaks of subtle elegance.

**Photo by Watermark Designs on Unsplash**

Counter Tops

When choosing the material for your countertop, go with natural stone like granite that is sturdy and will not absorb stains. There are many aesthetic designs available and can be put in as a single slab – so it is easier to clean and maintain. Though a bit expensive, they are long-lasting and don’t break easily with daily wear & tear. Artificial materials like laminates are also used for countertops. While these are less expensive, they can end up looking “cheap” and usually are not very long-lasting.

Modular Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets allow for discreet storage and are a very important component to make your cooking experience a seamless one. Modular kitchens allow for many drawers and even utilization of corner spaces. You can have exclusively created spaces for storing appliances that you don’t use regularly like toasters, mixers, kettles etc. These cabinets also come with good quality stainless steel fittings with soft-close mechanisms that ensure minimal damage during usage, thereby increasing the product life too.

Sink Space Utilization

It is always advisable to have a 2-sink unit in the kitchen as it is more convenient. It is easy to scrub using one and place it in the other for washing at one go, thereby saving water. If you have space, get 2 separate units so that you can keep the utensils for washing in a utility area and have one exclusively for your cooking needs in the kitchen. The most commonly used material for the kitchen sink is stainless steel. It is affordable, durable and suited to all countertop surfaces. Other popular choices are copper sinks or one built-in with stone. The space below the sink can be enclosed with the same finish as your cabinets to have a uniform look and feel. It helps cover the pipes and can also double up as storage for your cleaning supplies. You could also fit in bins on the doors for dry and wet waste so that it is easy to clean and dispose as you go.

Safety First

Your kitchen is the space you use many appliances that can lead to a mishap if not maintained properly. Ensure you check your wiring and sockets regularly to avoid electrical shocks when using appliances. Similarly, if using a gas cylinder keep it in an undisturbed space. While some prefer to keep it under the countertop, it would be better to keep it in a ventilated space like the utility with enclosed wiring to the hob.

You can have decorative and ambiance lighting in the kitchen. Use these for decoration and choose practical, bright lights when cooking/cleaning as this will help you see better and helps avoid accidents.

Ventilation is also very important in the overall safety of a kitchen. It helps air out the strong smell of food & spices and also helps to keep the mold away. Opt for sliding doors or windows that can be easily opened to air out your kitchen. The chimney also helps to air out the fumes when cooking. You could also install an exhaust fan for additional suction.

What are your tips for a great kitchen? Do write to us with your comments.

EASY AND SIMPLE IDEAS ON HOW TO DECORATE YOUR LIVING ROOM

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Probably one of the most used spaces in the house is the living room. It is where you relax after a long day, it is where the family comes together to laugh & bond and it is also the space where you host your guests.

The living room décor plays an important role in how comfortable and inviting it can make one feel. While the décor can be modern and of the latest style, it must also reflect your personality and give a “lived-in” feeling of a home. Here are some interior design tips that can help to get the perfect look!

Set A Theme

Decorating styles and tastes are unique to each individual & family and say a lot about who they are. While some like a minimalistic décor, others may go in for a boho-inspired one or a traditional setting. Whatever be your taste, choose one style theme for your living room so that there is continuity across the space. If you try to combine too many styles or decorate on the go, the different elements will clash with one another and end up making the room clumsy.

Choose Your Color Palette

Colors play an important role in setting the mood of any space. They can pep you up, calm you down or even energize you. If you want to set a warm tone, go in for colors like yellow, subtle orange or rust. Choose bright pinks if you like that pop of color. Or if you want a soothing & calm atmosphere, you could go in for whites and soft blues. While you can choose different shades from the same palette, it is important to not mix up too many contrasting colors. Else the room will not have a harmonious effect.

Accent Walls

Gone are the days when the entire room was wallpapered. Choose one wall that is the highlight of your living room to use the wallpaper on. Instead of paper, you could also use texture painting or simply hang your photos or artwork. This is the space that people naturally look towards when they enter your home. So let it reflect your personality.

Create A Focal Point

Every living room needs a place where people can gather around or towards which your furniture is ‘pointed’. Usually, this is in front of the TV or entertainment unit. Some people also use a fireplace before which the seating is arranged. If you have both, make sure they are in the same area. For example, you could place the TV above the fireplace. Since this is the area that people drift towards naturally, make sure you don’t have two separate spaces to avoid splitting up the gathering.

Image by PANAGIOTIS SPILIOPOULOS from Pixabay

Attractive & Inviting Seating

Since living rooms are spaces where your family and friends spent most of the time, seating should be arranged so that it nurtures tête-à-têtes. Make sure that your furniture is comfortable to sit on for a long period of time as you will be spending quality time here every day. Don’t compromise on comfort for the sake of fashion. While some furniture may look good in the showroom or in a magazine, it may be uncomfortable to use or just may not be suitable for your needs. Invest in some good ottomans or chairs that can be used alongside your sofas, in case of larger gatherings.

**Photo by** **Reagan M.** on **Unsplash**

Set The Mood With Lighting

The living room lighting should create a comfortable and relaxed setting. Use warm yellow lights to create this. You can use warm lights in side-table lamps, concealed ambiance lighting or even overhead lighting. You could also keep white lights where dual lighting option is possible as these are better for reading or working. If you like natural light, artistically throw in some votives and lanterns to hold your candles. They work wonders to set the ambiance.

Enjoy Your Privacy With Window Curtains & Blinds

Apart from the obvious use of shutting out light and prying eyes, curtains and blinds are important items in the living room décor. They add elegance and style to the room and can be used to break the monotony of the wall. Take care to measure carefully for a perfect fit to avoid a shabby look.

Floor Rug

These are great choices to visually divide the space, instead of using bulky partitions. They can also add color to the room. Take care to choose one of the correct measurements to fit your space as too small rugs tend to make the room look tacky.

Bring In The Green

Plants are a great choice for décor items. They are pleasing to the eye and normally go with any kind of theme or style of the room. Choose ones that last indoors and are not bulky. Plants like Snake Plant, Aleo Vera or Money Plant also purity the air and increase the oxygen level. Add a classy touch by opting for unique & statement planters that go with your theme. You can choose from brass, terracotta, porcelain or even custom create your own planter with simple DIY projects.

These easy tips are curated to help you set up a new living room space or even if you are just redecorating your existing one.

So, how did you like this post? Will you use any of these tips in your living room? Do write in to us!

Indoor Zen Garden and Balcony Garden

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A Zen Garden, or a Japanese Rock Garden is a stylised garden created through a careful arrangement of sand, rocks, bushes, moss and water. Zen Gardens were originally created with the intention to imitate and recreate the feel of nature, in a miniature version that would aid in meditation and maintaining peace.

The newest growing trend is an Indoor Zen Garden within homes or in office spaces. Indoor Zen Gardens may be set up in a small corner, or even in a flat bowl.

Unlike the open space Zen Gardens, Indoor Zen Gardens are easier to set up and require lesser elements.

The two basic elements are required for an Indoor Zen Garden are rocks and sand. Small plants like Bonsai or succulents may also be added for aesthetic.

The sand used in Indoor Zen Gardens is fine sand. Sometimes, white sand is also used as it creates an appealing colour scheme.

The rocks used may be river rocks, or decorative glass rocks. This depends on the discretion of the individual. The rocks are generally either place one on of the other, with the largest rock at the bottom and the smallest rock at the top. Alternatively, the rocks may be kept in a line formation. The size and placement of the rocks may depict different things in the Japanese culture.

Keep in mind, that the formation and combination of sand, rocks and plants should not overcrowd the Zen Garden, and cause it to lose its essence.

Since Indoor Zen Gardens are much smaller and cosier, they are usually ideal for relieving stress and calming the mind.

Japanese Balcony Gardens are ideal gardens in a modestly sized balcony. They are also good for small space gardening. It permits full utilisation of the balcony space. Japanese Balcony Gardens are known for being a serene space with a minimalistic layout and presentation.

The inspiration of a Japanese Balcony Garden is Nature. The essence of the Garden is to create a space within the house where different elements of nature can be seen in harmony.

Nature is known to have a calming effect on the fast-paced human mind and the Japanese Balcony Garden attempts to calm the mind and relieve stress.

The elements seen in the Japanese Garden include stones, water or sand and plants. In the Japanese Garden, unlike the Zen Garden, has no specific symmetry or formation that the different elements have to be place in.

The elements in the garden depict different things.

For instance, Water symbolises life, and brings life to the garden. Water may be replaced by sand or gravel. Stones symbolise eternity and strength. Green plants depicts longevity and adds a longer life to the arrangement.

Rocks, in any type of Japanese Garden are a fundamental element that represents mountains, or are seen as a symbol of the figure of Buddha.

In both Indoor Zen Gardens and Japanese Balcony Gardens, a small statue of Buddha may be added to add an element of tranquillity.

HOW IMPORTANT IS A WELL-DESIGNED BEDROOM

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Bedrooms are the primary place of relaxation, where we all retire to take a good sleep and refresh, away from the world and worries. The bedroom interior design is extremely important in order to provide that instant feel of relaxation and here are a few tips: the first thing that meets the eyes are the colours used on the walls, carpets and bed set so, they all must be soothing in pastel colours in order to provide a relaxing effect.

For anyone who wants to end a day would need is a bedroom that will help you relax and reduce the stress of the day. Therefore you must design your bedroom in a way that will make you feel good a part from providing you with a good sleep where you can dream and loosen up. With a well decorated bedroom, you will have a more relaxed and happy life because you will start each and every morning strong and relaxed after a good sleep at night. Here are some tips that will help you come up with the best kind of design.

DRAMATIC CURTAINS

A room is never completely finished until you address your window dressing situation. Drapery is not merely to cover your windows but drapery is something that defines whether your room would be welcoming or everyone would rather be sitting upright and uptight! You can see some fabulous examples of how simple drapery can make all the difference. Invest in a good designer curtain or get yourself someone to design a curtain that encapsulates the essence of your room perfectly.

RIGHT BED

This is the most important thing in your bedroom and you must make sure to go for the right one. If your bedroom is not that big, you need not to go for a large bed because this will make your room look more crowded and awkward. You must go for the right size of bed if you want your bedroom to look perfect. Also make sure you choose the right mattress one that is comfortable and soft if you are to have a good sleeping time.

LAYERED BEDDING

Beds take up lots of room in a bedroom. They not only take up lots of actual space, but visual space as well. That’s why a beautifully made bed can make the whole room look amazing! Designers know this and use bed linens to their maximum potential! A fabulously made bed can make the whole room appear updated and chic and beautiful, even if the rest of it is very ordinary! And layering bedding really amps the up the wow factor even more! Here are some tips and tricks for layering bedding like a designer! We can all do this!

Don’t sacrifice on lighting:

Remember that light fixtures and the tone of your lighting can help dress up your room. Always invest in good light fixtures and fit in light dimmers. Like how jewellery establishes your style, similarly lighting of a room sets its style. Don’t compromise! This will be an investment that will definitely pay off. It will enhance your soft furnishings, designer curtains etc.

If you can put all these factors into consideration then you will have the best bedroom design for you, which will make your life more fun and relaxed.

Interior Design Project

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Managing your family space and your home is not only about having a beautiful decoration, the interior decoration is about a science that will make you make the most of your space in a harmonious way. Feeling good at home is crucial so the importance of interior decoration is growing and as such hiring a professional to manage the interior decoration of your home is something to keep in mind if you are thinking about buying a new house or proceed to the interior remodeling of your current one.

An interior professional or an architect does decoration through the well-dosed blend of elements. With this it is possible to create environments that are more than simply beautiful. Today, every environment should be enjoyed to the fullest. It is necessary to find the best relationship between design, comfort and practicality. This mission of an interior professional as per an architect who does decoration.

To create an ideal environment, the designer will also serve other indispensable devices, such as lighting design, color planning used in the environment, the most appropriate choice of furniture, accessories and decorative objects, all according to the style and with the client’s budget. There, the physical changes of the spaces, the changes of walls, the adjustments of electric and hydraulic, and so on take place. It is important to understand elements such as size and proportion of furniture, shapes and coatings, colors, fabrics, fibers, textures and lighting.

It is the coordinated combination of all these points that will promote different sensations. A good interior design project can completely change a property according to the needs of the resident. And it is in this power that lies the importance of decoration.

It is important to ally the taste of the resident to their real needs so it is important to hire an Interior Design project. What the customer wants is not always what he needs. Therefore, the designer will listen and understand the family that will live in the residence, combining aesthetic, functional and economic factors, with optimal use of spaces.