Basic Bedroom Design Elements

January 22, 2020 by Suzanne Lasky

Below is a guest posting that talks about some basic bedroom design elements that can make your ‘nest’ more comfortable and enjoyable. Once someone asked me what defined ‘luxury’ for my personal world. My answer was high quality, unwrinkled sheets and pillowcases on my bed daily. Probably not the answer most would give to that question, but a comfortable bedding situation can make or break how you sleep.
Some of S Interior Design’s clients feel this way, others are more interested in the color and patterns for their bedding. As the phrase goes “to each his own”. Here is a photo of a master bedroom that S Interior Design did the design work for. The client now calls it her sanctuary.

MASTER BEDROOM DESIGN — MASTER BEDROOM BY S INTERIOR DESIGN, LLC

Simple ways to add comfort to your bedroom

Everyone should take time to relax. One of the most personal spaces in your home is your bedroom. It should be the coziest and most comfortable place in your home. Your personal preferences and tastes will influence how you decorate it. For an old-fashioned look, use antique furniture and décor. Or choose something new if you prefer a modern or chic look.

The bedroom is where we spend time relaxing, reading a book being in our own comfortable space. It’s the place where we open our eyes early in the morning and close our eyes at night for a good nights sleep. Every bedroom has essential items like a mattress, bed frame, down pillows, bed sheets, comforters, blankets, and more.

Pillows:

Pillows are one area where the selection is vast. Consider down pillows to avoid neck and shoulder. Down pillows are available in a variety of firmness options. Choose a firmer option if you’re a side sleeper or a less firm option if you are a stomach or back sleeper.

Here are a few ways to add comfort to your room:

Picture Frames & Art:

We all have memories attached to our past. Cherish those memories with photos from your important family events to make your room feel like home. You may hang your pictures on the wall or place them on a table or shelf.

Shelves for Décor or Books:

Many of us love reading a book. It’s a good habit. It can relieve stress and in transport you into a new world. A bookshelf in your bedroom can be used for books or for photos and keepsakes.

Lighting and Lamp:

When designing a room, don’t forget that light is in an important especially if your room is in a portion of the house where sunlight does not pass. There are a variety of lighting options including fixtures, ceiling fans with lights, or floor or table lamps to match a wide variety of styles.

Mirrors:

Adding a mirror to your bedroom is always a good idea. A mirror reflects light and it makes your room look larger and more bright. A mirror is also useful when getting dressed to make sure you’re looking your best.

Linens and Bed Sheets:

Many use cotton bed sheets as they are an affordable and comfortable option. Consider different types of cotton for improved comfort, Egyptian or Pima cotton has a tighter weave and can give feel of staying in a luxury hotel.

Furniture:

While adding furniture into your bedroom keep the size and amount of space. Oversize furniture works well is a large room where smaller furniture is a better option for smaller bedrooms with little space.

Color Scheme:

Something else to keep in mind when designing a room is the color scheme. Pick a color scheme that coordinates with the rest of your decor. Lighter colors generally make a room feel larger and work well in rooms that don’t get a lot of natural light. Darker colors bring a more relaxed vibe and work well in rooms with lots of natural light.

Storage options:

To keep your room organized and tidy, consider storage using shelves or a chest of drawers. You can also add organizers and shelves to closets to increase the efficiency of your space there.

Conclusion:

The bedroom is the most personal room in your house. Design it according to align with your preferences. You can spend a lot or find budget ideas to make your room perfect. Overall, you should be happy and comfortable in your bedroom and it should reflect aspects of your personality and things that are important to you.

Top Home Improvement Tips for Living with Alzheimer’s-Universal Design

March 7, 2018 by Suzanne Lasky

Below is a guest post on a subject matter that touches so many of us. My own father-in-law is a dementia sufferer and I have had a first row seat to witness the challenges living in a home that is not designed to accommodate the illness presents. As a professional designer, I have an interest in addressing the design of living spaces for adults impacted by Alzheimers that will provide easier living conditions for all in the household.

Here is a recent remodel of a master bath that is universal design compliant so my clients can age in place without issue.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

You may think living with Alzheimer’s means living in a sterile, nursing home-style environment. However, one of the hottest trends in home remodeling is “universal design,” which means creating an environment that allows homeowners to enjoy their homes at any age. That includes living well into their golden years, and accommodating the mental and physical decline that can come with aging. Those same modifications can apply when making homes safer and more accessible to people living with Alzheimer’s disease.

More of us are caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease, and this means making appropriate home modifications to meet loved ones’ needs. As pointed out by the experts at Redfin, “Alzheimer’s disease affects about 5.4 million Americans, about 5.2 million of which are 65 and older. It can be your grandparent, your cousin, your sibling or even your parent who faces the diagnosis. Eventually, those with Alzheimer’s require round-the-clock care, and for many families, that means taking the loved one into their own home.” Thankfully, with universal design options, you can meet those needs in ways that are not only safe, but livable and fashionable.

Studies show Alzheimer’s disease erodes judgment, balance, memory, general behavior, and basic senses like hearing and vision. Because of the effects of the disease, some experts advise making important modifications to reduce risks while keeping your loved one independent, such as:

Eliminate steps. At least one entryway to the home should be free of steps.
One-floor living. The main floor of the house should include at least one bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen conveniences.
Doorways and hallways. Doorways throughout the main living area should be free of thresholds and should be a minimum of forty-two inches wide.
Flooring. Replace carpeting with slip-resistant flooring, such as hardwood floors or linoleum.
Floor space. Open floor plans are a benefit to those with mobility issues. Reducing clutter and broadening walkways helps reduce the risk of tripping or falling.
Easy-to-use handles. Doorknobs and faucet handles should be replaced with lever handles.
Controls and switches. Place thermostats at lower levels, add a remote control, or add devices or apps which allow for voice control. Switches should be placed at heights accessible from a wheelchair, generally forty-two to forty-eight inches off the floor. Similarly, install electrical outlets higher for easier accessibility.
Lighting. Improving lighting throughout the home is a simple and important step toward safety. Add light fixtures, install brighter bulbs, and add nightlights to enhance safety for those with failing vision or to help those suffering with disorientation.
Bathroom. A taller, hands-free toilet and walk-in shower improve independence and safety. Installing grab bars and a seat for the shower are also important selections.
Countertops and sinks. Opt for shallower designs to keep things easier to reach.

The AARP notes that most of us want to remain at home as long as possible, and with that in mind, home styles are favoring designs that allow people of all ages and abilities to remain comfortable, mobile and safe in their living arrangements. For those who are caregiving to Alzheimer’s patients, that means stylish options can accommodate your loved one on all fronts. As explained by some professionals, it’s an opportunity to choose aesthetically pleasing but also practical solutions for living independently as long as possible.

Here’s the most exciting part: thanks to modern trends, functional equipment is more fashion-friendly than you think. Even grab bars offer a spa-style appeal coupled with safety and support. As The Wichita Eagle explains, “Many of today’s grab bars are cleverly disguised, looking instead like sleek soap dishes, functional shampoo trays, trendy towel racks and even toilet-paper holders.”

Safety marries fashion. If you thought home modifications for the elderly meant giving in to an institutional, sterile environment, think again. Homes can be safe, accessible and fashionable. Thanks to the trend of universal design, caregivers for Alzheimer’s patients can meet their loved one’s needs effectively and beautifully.

Check Out Trends and Products from 2018 Kitchen and Bath International Show

February 13, 2018 by Suzanne Lasky

Here is as link to a recap or trends and products from the recent 2018 K.B.I.S. Show.

https://freshome.com/kitchen-and-bath-trends-KBIS-2018/

Clean geometric lines, updated technology, new functionality for both the kitchen and bath are featured including a voice activated LED mirror, and a cook top with the vent fully integrated. The glam factor showed up in several areas too–look at this bathroom!

Basic Bedroom Design Ideas

April 17, 2014 by Suzanne Lasky

Below is a guest post on the subject of bedroom design. Basic ideas that some times we can forget. S Interior Design believes that your bedroom should be a sanctuary to unplug from your electronic devices and relax. Do your best to keep your work life out of the bedroom. Do not have a desk with a computer in your bedroom unless there simply is no other option in your home. Don’t under-estimate the positive impact of a new mattress. We just replaced our 8-year-old mattress and the commercial advertisements seem to be true……we are indeed sleeping better.

Bedroom Interior Design Tips

For the most part we all have an idea what our perfect home looks like. Depending on our tastes and preferences, it may look like a nice quiet mountain home or even a rich and decadent villa with its own pool overlooking the endless ocean. For others it may be a very eco-friendly home with sustainable materials that make its carbon footprint smaller. Regardless of what your personal choices and preferences may be, your bedroom is the room we spend the most time in while we’re at it. If you have an uninspired and boring bedroom design then you will likely feel it.

You should do your best to ensure your bedroom is something to enjoy, even if it’s only used as a place to lay your head down to rest for the night and wash away your troubles. The following tips will give you a head start in what you can do to make it happen:

One of the best ways to approach your bedroom is to consider what you can do with your bed. There are many companies out there on the market which create beds with imagination in mind, allowing one to enjoy a completely new experience instead of sleeping in the same old, boring bed and mattress. It will likely cost more than the usual equivalents, but it will be something to relax in a unique way.

You can also focus on better lighting, such as a chandelier or wall sconces that give a different outcome of your lights and shadows. You should look for ways you can accommodate bedtime reading as well as a low-key and romantic atmosphere when needed. The main idea is to make sure your & is not too bright, as this will disrupt your sleeping patterns and your rest will be quite restless indeed.

You should never underestimate the importance of pillows. They can make your bedroom much more cozy than it was before. Mix and match favorite patterns and looks and you will have a chance to create a unique look of your own. You will enjoy the pillows, even if you couldn’t imagine that at first.

You can also focus on some DIY decorations, pieces of art or even murals if you are so inclined. All of those will require a good bit of work to deal with, but they will add depth and character to the room, literally spelling out your tastes and opening a window into your inner world. Never go with a bare, boring wall if you can create a kaleidoscope of emotions on it.

If you want to stick to a single style or pattern, that can also work well as long as you remember to do so with flair. You must make sure you follow the same pattern around the room and even with its furniture. Themes are very important in cases like these, as they create an identity that becomes easily remembered.

Bio: Emma is part of a team of professional writers, who, with enthusiasm and flair to the detail, create content on home, renovating, cleaning etc. related topics. For further information check: <a href=“http://www.cleanerscleaning.org.uk/W1-house-cleaning/westminster-cleaning-home-W1.html”>Westminster cleaning home</a>

Downsizing? Small Works !

November 16, 2013 by Suzanne Lasky

I have heard myself saying to several different new clients within the past 6 months-“Small can be great!” As one example, you can probably afford the very expensive back splash tile if you are using it in a smaller sized kitchen or bath remodel; and you need less furniture to furnish a smaller great room.

That said, there are tried and true tips that can give you a larger feeling space—mirrors, lighting, clutter control to name 3 top ones. A guest post about how to make small spaces feel larger is shown below. The author is from the U.K where overall spaces tend to be smaller than in the United States where the mantra seems to be-bigger is better.

How To Make A Small Living Space Feel Bigger

Whatever your current living situation, if your house, apartment or shared accommodation isn’t quite as palatial as you’d like it to be there are lots of different ways to adapt your space to make it feel bigger.

It is possible to transform the rooms you occupy at home with a few simple tricks of the eye, making them appear lighter, airier and much more spacious. Here are some ways to decorate and organise your home to give the impression of much more space than you might have.

Use Of Mirrors

Whether you place them above the mantelpiece, incorporate them into your wardrobe door or even prop them up against the wall, mirrors can dramatically alter your perception of a room and also help to reflect light, giving a greater sense of space. Entire mirrored walls are often used in bars and restaurants to make them seem twice the size they actually are, so why not emulate this at home?

(Image credit: Sam Agnew)

For maximum effect:

opt for large mirrors
position them opposite windows or doorways where light enters
don’t be afraid to have more than one in the room- in fact, the more mirrors the brighter the room!

Pick A Light, Bright Colour Scheme

Dark colours, if on every wall, can have the undesired effect of making small rooms appear even smaller. To maximise every inch of available space, choose from a light colour palette of neutrals and pastels.

(Image credit: Mazzali)

There is no need to forgo the dark, bold colours that you love, as these can still look great and add character if used in small doses. Perhaps have a feature wall painted in your accent colour and pick soft furnishings to match.

Choose A Light Floor Colour

Choosing anything other than a light floor colour is certain to highlight the small size of a room by drawing the eye downwards to the exact dimensions of the floor space. Opting for a neutral colour which flows uninterrupted up to walls of a similar colour will open up the space and draw the eye up and out to the rest of the room.

Size Does Matter

Unlike mirrors, which can be as big as you like (in fact the bigger the better!), overly large paintings, ornaments, rugs and pieces of furniture dominate small spaces and serve to highlight the size of a small room. Opt for chairs and tables which aren’t too chunky, those with a lighter ‘footprint’ will take up less floor space.

The size of furniture and decorative items should be in keeping with the size of the room, so buy for the space you have rather than the space you’d like to have!

Hide The Clutter With Clever Storage

Cramming lots of paintings, pictures and ornaments into a small room will only serve to highlight how cramped everything looks. To maintain a calm, unfussy environment keep surfaces as clear as possible by storing all non-decorative items away.

(Image credit: PoshSurfside.com)

Built in storage will aid in de-cluttering and saving space. Think about incorporating:

cabinets built in to alcoves
wardrobes built along walls
bench seating which contains drawers and storage space

Let There Be Light

Clever lighting can create the illusion of more space by making the most of every square foot available. If you don’t have large or south facing windows then create light with strategically placed lamps and mirrors. One large central light creates a clinical look which leaves corners and other nooks and crannies in shadow. Light such areas with up-lights, spotlights or lamps.

(Image credit: Doug)

Make use of other reflective materials, such as glass and metals, to increase light. Why not place lamps upon mirrored trays for maximum light reflection, for example?

Knock through to create an open plan living space

If the structure of your house is such that you occupy a series of small box rooms, the simplest way to transform it into a living space which feels much larger is to knock through adjoining walls.

(Image credit: Jeremy Levine)

An open plan living space increases space, adds light and unites the social spaces in your home. Being able to see how large your floor plan actually is and move around it with ease is one of the best ways to make a small space feel larger.

Adopting a less is more approach when it comes to decoration and aiming to maximise available light with neutral colours and reflective surfaces are the best ways to make small rooms appear larger.

About The Author

Hi there, my name is Loren, I love being creative with living spaces. I live in a small but very cosy apartment, I love my creature comforts and I don’t like clutter! I work at http://sofasofa.co.uk who sell comfy sofas, sofa beds and other bits and bobs.