After recently purchasing a home, such as one of the beautiful homes for sale in Agincourt, Toronto, one of the first and most exciting things to do is start designing and decorating your space.
With a clean and blank interior design canvas, you have ample opportunity to explore new trends, new styles and maybe even step out of your comfort zone. In most cases, you’ll still be equipped with your existing furniture and décor, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel boxed-in when it comes to your home design. Here are a few tips for recreating your new space.
Pick a Colour Scheme
Picking acolour palette for each roomof your new home will be a lifesaver and help you to stop second guessing every purchase you make. Take a look at what you already have to work with, in terms of furniture and décor, and see what colours are prominent in your home.
Using what you have and drawing on those colours to bring flow and unity to a room can make everything look put-together and sleek. You could try to use different colours and tones in each room – warmer tones for a cosy bedroom and cooler tones in your living space for a fresh feeling. If most of your furniture is neutral, this is your opportunity to choose some now bold colours to bring into your life!
Embrace Wall Art
New homes tend to feel cold, empty, and well… A little lifeless at times. Bring some energy into your new space by hanging some art, paintings, or photographs on your walls. Adding sparks of your personal life and style to a room will not only add intrigue but make it feel more like home too.
Cluster Your Décor
Trinkets scattered across every shelf, table and counter in your home isn’t a good look. Displaying your décor pieces, memorabilia and other odds and ends is a great way to style your home and make it your own, but it’s important to avoid cluttering your space.
Creating a balance between items of different heights is a great way to bring balance to different spaces in your room. Cluster items like vases, books, baskets, candles coasters and other small accessories in little groups of different heights in various spaces. Try out a group on your coffee table, a group next to the television, a group on the shelf, and so on. This will create focal areas of style in your room.
Mix and Match
Just because you’re in a new space doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch and trying out new styles doesn’t mean you need to toss everything and start over, either! Working with what you already have and mixing and matching styles can actually look amazing.
A sleek and modern sofa paired with a more vintage style coffee table makes an interesting pairing, and combining bold pieces with more subtle décor can bring amazing balance to a room
Coastal New England offers some of the most beautiful properties in the country. Who wouldn’t want to live on a gorgeous coastal area? There is so much to see and explore in these areas. Those who are attempting to decide between Cape Cod and Nantucket should keep reading so they can make the right decision when deciding where to purchase a home.
Nantucket and Cape Cod Offer Vibrant Lifestyle
To get more information about life in these two coastal regions, it is important to research carefully. Although one must travel through Cape Cod to get to Nantucket, the two areas are entirely different. Yes, they both offer beautiful beaches, but each of these areas is unique. Cape Cod is more of a bustling metropolis, while Nantucket is full of cobblestone streets and a more laid-back atmosphere. Neither is better than the other, but they each appeal to different people.
Nantucket Vs. Cape Cod
Understanding how these two coastal communities differ is important for anyone who is considering moving to one of these areas of New England. These areas both offer amazing views, beautiful homes, and plenty of amenities to keep people of all ages happy. By continuing to read further, individuals can learn everything they need to know about these two vastly different coastal experiences.
Quiet Or Hustle and Bustle?
One of the biggest differences between the two is one offers a quieter setting while the other region is bursting with noise. Cape Cod is filled with tourist attractions, restaurants, and big-name retailers. Many travelers come in and out of Cape Cod, especially during the summer season. Some people love being in on the action, while others require a quieter place to live.
While Nantucket gets busier in the summer, when tourists come in, it is very quiet the rest of the year. Nantucket has a much more laid-back atmosphere that is ideal for people who enjoy peace and quiet.
Size Matters
Cape Cod is much bigger than Nantucket. While Cape Codis 339 miles long, Nantucket is only 100 miles in area. Cape Cod boasts of over 216,000 residents, while Nantucket has a population that hovers around 10,000. When it comes to choosing between the two, the decision depends on preference.
Coastal Living Is Paradise
No matter which New England region a person chooses, life is grand. Each beautiful coastal community offers its own charms that are enjoyable for residents all year long. When choosing between the two, it is important individuals consider their needs and style of living. It is wise for individuals to visit both areas as a tourist first so they can determine which area is going to appeal to their lifestyle the most.
Those who love the beach will find both areas to be perfect for their needs. There is just something so special about living in a coastal town, whether it is bigger like Cape Cod or smaller like Nantucket.
Conclusion
Those who have been considering purchasing a coastal home have options in both Nantucket and Cape Cod. Both areas offer a distinctive impression of east coast life that cannot be forgotten.
No matter which region a person chooses, getting help from an agent will assist them in finding the property of their dreams. A beautiful new home is waiting for you on whichever community you choose. Get help from an agent and make the process of choosing a new home much more exciting.
When a person is about to renovate a home, build a new home, or just redecorate the home they are living in or just purchased, the question often comes up about hiring an architect or an interior designer. In some cases an architect is the right choice, in others, an interior designer is the best one to hire, and in other cases, the homeowner or commercial building owner should hire both. It is important when taking on a large renovation or building project to hire the right team of professionals.
What Does An Interior Designer Do?
An interior designer will have a college degree in interior design where they studied space planning, interior materials, rendering designs and making floor plans, and every aspect of interior design. Where an architect designs the building or home structure and details, the interior designer works with the interior spaces of a building once it is constructed. Interior designers can work with a home builder, an architectural office, or residential and commercial design companies. They can also work for retail home decorating stores or building supply centers. There are interior designers who work independently or have their own interior design companies.
Interior designers can work for design supply companies that people call for carpeting services, interior finishes, and design services. These companies can sell flooring, cabinetry, countertops, window coverings, wall coverings, and more. When a company like this offers design center services, customers get better service and results.
· Designers will meet with clients to learn their needs for the space and then create floor plans and renderings of designs for the interior space that create function and beauty.
· Designers will also cost out the design plan for clients and submit a bid for the materials and labor.
· Once the client approves the design, materials, and cost of the project, the designer will oversee the work of creating the finished design.
· A designer can create a space by creative use of paint, fabrics, and furnishings. Other jobs require building renovation or alterations that require a builder or construction contractor to be hired and supervised by the designer before the finishes are installed.
· Designers must create an interior space that is functional, beautiful and meets all building codes for safety.
· Interior designers must have both aesthetic design skills and the ability to plan the best use of any space.
· Designers must have training and knowledge of architecture, construction, design, sustainability, building codes, and environmentally friendly practices.
What Does an Architect Do?
Architects handle large building projects from the ground up from planning through construction and finishes. They have trained in college for engineering, design theory, and project management. They are trained to design a project, create blueprints and mechanical drawings, cost out the project, solicit bids, manage the building project, choose the contractors, subcontractors, and other professionals, oversee the work, control the money, and solve complex building design problems.
An architect’s services come at a cost and the more involved with a project you want them, the more the cost will be. But the cost is worth it when a building is built correctly and is functional and beautiful. The larger the building project, the more important it is to hire a good architect. An architect can visualize building ideas three-dimensionally. This is important in creating a building that is aesthetically balanced and attractive as well as structurally sound and functional.
Look for the initials AIA after the architect’s name because this means they belong to the American Institute of Architects. This professional organization requires its members to meet high professional standards. Each state has a process for licensing architects who meet their professional standards.
When Should You Hire an Architect or an Interior Designer, or Both?
A residing factor in hiring an architect is the size of the job. If you are building a new home, you need an architect. If you are doing a large renovation that includes removing walls, impacting the footprint of the house with an addition, changing the height or grade of the home, you need an architect. If you are moving staircases or installing a new kitchen or bath, you may need an architect.
An architect is mainly needed for the big structural changes and the exterior or shell of the building. They basically design and build the structure of a building. The interior designer can work with an architect in choosing building features such as windows, doors, finishes. But, their main responsibility is with the interior of the building once it is constructed. They add the finishing touches and the aesthetics.
If you are working with an existing structure and need interior design help, then you need an interior designer. When an existing structure needs a professional to choose and place finishes, floor covering, artwork, furniture, window treatments, and accessories to make the space functional, safe, and attractive, an interior designer is needed.
Then, there are large building and renovation projects of both residential and commercial buildings that will benefit from hiring both an architect for the structural design and concerns and an interior designer for the interior decoration and finishes. Since interior designers and architects have different skill sets, they often work together from the beginning of a large project.
Hiring both professionals does not mean twice the cost. A well-planned project will have a division of responsibilities for the architect and the interior designer. When the project is complete and the building owner has the aesthetics and functionality of both the building structure and the interiors they want, the cost of hiring these professionals will be well worth the investment.
It is important to hire the correct professionals for the job size and complexity. If the home needs an interior designer but does not involve structural changes, then pass on the architect. But when structural changes are being planned, don’t hesitate to consult an architect.
Solar panels can greatly increase the value of your home. If you are thinking about building a green home based on the principles of sustainability and energy efficiency, you need solar panels.
Installing solar panels so your home can power itself may seem like something out of a science fiction movie, but it is now a feasible and affordable reality for many homeowners.
If you invest in solar panels now, you will end up increasing the equity of your home in the long run while saving yourself money. Read on to find out more.
Invest in Solar Panels for the Long Term
Solar panels are one of those investments that pay off in droves in the long term. As soon as you get them installed, they start saving you money.
This accumulated savings over a long time is what makes them worthwhile. Solar panel costs may seem steep at first, but keep in mind that many states offer to subsidize their installation costs.
There are also some federal tax credits available to help pay for any high initial installation costs. Once you have gotten the panels installed, you only need to do a bit of maintenance on them now and again.
You also need to make sure that you keep your roof in good condition to maintain its structural integrity. Other than that, once you have your solar panel system you are good to go and ready to start saving money.
Increase Your Home’s Value
One of the things that prospective homebuyers love is a home with solar panels. This is because they don’t need to go through any of the efforts of getting a system installed, yet they reap all of its benefits.
This is why solar panels increase your home’s equity. If you want to make your home’s value skyrocket, think about installing some solar panels. This is even more true in states where the cost of energy is through the roof.
To determine if going solar is a smart financial choice for you, first, calculate your monthly energy bill. Next, calculate how much a solar panel system will save you.
Don’t forget to factor in that the system will increase your home’s overall value over time as well. Keep in mind that your only major solar panel cost is a bit of maintenance over time, and the initial installation cost.
If you need help making a thorough cost-benefit analysis, contact Blue Raven Solarto get an estimate on some installation costs for your home.
Go Solar and Save Money
If you are looking for a worthy way to help out your financial situation you should invest in solar panels. It is one of the few investments that you can make that will also help save the planet.
Having an opportunity that benefits you while saving the earth is rare so you should take advantage of them when they come around. Get some solar panels today for your home. Make sure to peruse our site often for other great news.
If you’re a fan of period décor, then the Victorian style can be a very popular choice for many rooms of the home. A Victorian-style living room, bathroom, or bedroom can allow for a warm and inviting space filled with key Victorian influence and design.
If you love the thought of having a Victorian design scheme in your home but aren’t quite sure where to start, the following steps can help you.
#1: Choose Victorian-Style Furniture
This is key for seating and tables especially, as you will want to opt for darker and more intricate wood patterns, as well as embroidered fabric and furniture with legs. Winged arms and backs for chairs or couches is preferable, and the more layers you can create with sumptuous throws and cushions, the better.
#2: Use Dark and Rich Tones
Whether you’re opting for plainer walls with rich furniture, or dark walls with plainer furniture, using dark tones in the room, in any way, is a must. Fabrics and colors should be rich, like deep burgundy or plum, and layering darker colors together can add to the dramatic effect.
#3: Install a Victorian Feature Fireplace
No period room is complete without a fireplace, especially if you’re planning a traditional holiday season gathered around the fire. Having aVictorian fireplace fitted, or choosing a Victorian-style mantel surround for a current fireplace, ensures that your room has one of the key features known for this time.
#4: Use Curtains Instead of Blinds
Your window treatments should be full, textured, and bold, which means thick fabric curtains and tiebacks are a must, as opposed to modern blind installments.
#5: Choose Intricate Picture Frames
If you want to display wall art in your room, then you need to avoid simple or basic-looking frames. Bold and embellished gold frames, or highly ornate surrounds, will be key, and the bigger, the better. That goes forany mirrors, too.
#6: Install the Right Flooring
Victorian-style flooring can be wood or patterned tiling if you’re looking to fully commit. You might want to install a highly patterned classic tile, or you can simply opt for plain wood, which you can layer up with thick fabric rugs.
#7: Fabric is a Must
The more fabric, the better, and the more rich and patterned it is will be more beneficial. As well as the obvious additions like fabric chairs, cushions, curtains, and rugs, you may even want to add more texture by a fabric wallpaper or textured wallpaper.
#8: Add Period Finishing Touches
Finish off the room by adding period ornaments and Victorian accessories. Think sumptuous lampshades, golden candlesticks, a mantel clock, trinket boxes, footstools, and general overcrowding of shelving accessories and shiny features.
Even if you’re fortunate enough to have been unaffected by the pandemic, there’s no denying its impact on our daily lives. It changes the way we go about and walk outside, and how we interact with others. When businesses close, our options for leisure activities are limited.
The implications of communicable diseases have made people turn indoors more than ever. Employers have allowed us to work from home. Schools are exploring online learning as an alternative or supplement to the classroom. And whatever you need, from groceries and gadgets to disinfectant and kitchen appliances, you can buy online.
Many of these changes in our behavior can prove to be here for the long term. And with this lifestyle shift, an indoor design change will be helpful. Here’s how we can rethink our living spaces.
Design shifts through history
It’s a designer’s job to craft specific user experiences. Product designers will try to make things simple and functional so that you don’t need a manual, or refer to one as little as possible. Layout designers subtly guide your eye through the pages of a book or website, presenting information in the right hierarchy of importance.
The nature of design implies that it’s intimately connected to user behavior. Trends don’t just come and go on the collective whims of designers; they are tied to shifts in the values and perceptions of the people over time.
History has shown that during times of economic downturn, consumer behaviors will change. Andin response, design adapts. The Great Depression saw a refinement of the Art Deco aesthetic into Streamline Moderne styles. Designers moved away from excess and began to emphasize practicality and affordability,
In a similar manner, the recent recession of 2008 had a strong influence on the design world. Even as it became clear to the millennial generation that job prospects were bleak and lifestyles less affordable than before, design shifted to accommodate their needs. Shabby chic and the DIY ethos were two closely related trends that blossomed as an outcome of these tough economic times.
Trends after a recession
We’re little more than a decade removed from that last recession. And the aesthetic trends it helped spawn are still flourishing. Thus, with the pandemic having triggered another recession, it’s reasonable to expect that design will continue to evolve along those same lines.
Due to financial difficulties, both on the consumer side and within the design industry itself, people value the DIY approach as a low-cost way of making things look good. Blemishes and flaws speak to authenticity, frugality, and sustainability.
We can expect the trend of overall minimalism to continue as people move away from consumerism. Spending more time at home, you’ll inevitably learn more about what you can and can’t live without. As people lose jobs and overseas manufacturing returns onshore, we’ll want to support locally made products more than ever.
Sustainability also ties into the need for naturethat many people feel during a time of lockdowns and social distancing. We’ll continue to bring plants and natural materials into our homes as they become office spaces. They help us to deal with stress; growing herbs or vegetables in an indoor garden can also prove attractive for cost-saving reasons.
Your response to the pandemic
You can adjust to the pandemic in terms of health measures. This can be as simple as placing hand disinfectant in every room, or it can involve extensive improvements to your ventilation. HEPA filters, and HVAC systems that use less recirculated air, can reduce the presence of disease-spreading particles in the air.
More practically, you might want to adapt your home for improved functionality. We’re missing a lot of things due to the impact of the pandemic. A kitchen upgrade, for one, can help offset the closure of local restaurants by elevating the home cooking and dining experience. Multi-functional spaces within the home can also help to address those lost comforts.
For instance, if you haven’t been able to hit the gym lately, rolling out a yoga mat in your room might not yield the desired experience. Try bringing more dedicated fitness equipment into one of your existing spaces. You could even combine it with your home office, as the ability to hold video calls can also connect you to fellow fitness enthusiasts and online trainers.
Ultimately, design trends reflect the needs of a wide swath of the population and how designers respond to those voices. But when it comes to how you live and go about redesigning your home, you have the final word on such matters. No one else is more keenly attuned to your needs.
Commercial and government buildings are often built with steel and concrete. In all the designing and construction planning, the necessary stairway may not get enough attention. They may be kind of an afterthought. But, in multi-story buildings, the staircase has a vital importance to building users for moving from one floor to another safely.
Take the Time To Design A Good Stairway System
Every building owner should make a point of asking the architect, designer, and construction company to give special consideration to stairways in the new building. A stairway with bad design can not be easily corrected after the building is completed. This is one construction element that must be done correctly the first time. Consider getting help from frasercon.com in the design, engineering, and construction of concrete and steel commercial buildings.
Avoid 5 Stairway Building Mistakes
At the beginning of the building design and engineering process, the stairways must be given the attention they deserve to avoid badly functioning staircases in the finished building. Ripping out a poorly designed concrete and steel staircase and redoing it would be a major structural renovation project costing thousands of dollars.
1.A stairway with steps that are too narrow or too tall will be unsafe for many people to climb. The height plus depth of each stair should equal 18 inches to be comfortable for most users. Incorrect height or depth will present unnatural footing leading to mobility problems and tripping or falling hazards. It might be tempting to make the stairway too narrow to save space, but this can make people uncomfortable using the stairway. The treads must have proper nosings for safety.
2. A stairway that is too steep with the wrong angle of stair treads risks the user’s health, comfort, and safety. The correct 30 degree angle can be altered in planning a stairway in cramped space to up to 45 degrees, but this change is not healthy. Allow sufficient space for a proper stairway when planning the building. Resorting to this steep angle in a cramped stairway space may lead to headroom issues.
3. A stairway that is not well lit can cause liability issues. People need good lighting in a stairway to safely travel up and down without tripping or falling. The stairway should include windows, skylights, and sufficient light fixtures.
4. Ventilation in stairways is important to keep the air fresh and the stairway the same temperature as the rest of the building. Windows that open for ventilation are one solution. Having enough doors off points along the way contributes to ventilation. Building owners should also consider having an HVAC system serving the stairways in the building.
5. Handrails of the correct type and height are important in any starway for safety. Children and older people may lean on them for support, so they need to be strong enough to carry that weight. Even though the local building codes may only call for railings on one side of a stairway, consider having handrails on both sides.
Allow Enough Space in the Building Design
There are national and local building codes for stairways that must be followed. Complying with these codes helps avoid mistakes such as the architect drawing the wrong width of stairs or drawing the treads too small. Another mistake is to make the landings too small in the planning stage. The building design might not show handrails or allow enough space for them.These mistakes can be avoided with careful coordination between the architect and the structural engineer. Design flaws must be discovered early when they can be corrected before any construction begins.
