Sometimes a house can tell even more about a person than he himself. Housing reflects the character, taste and sense of style of the owner. But creating your own interior that will show the owner’s individuality is not at all easy.
You need to be inspired by fashion design magazines for a long time, compare different styles and look for the one you like best. But it is also important not to forget about the functionality of the room: the furniture should not only be beautiful, but also practical, comfortable and reliable, and the overall picture should be cozy and pleasant.
You can always turn to designers for help, but this is a rather expensive service, and besides, only he himself can create an interior that one hundred percent reflects the character of the owner. Then it will be pleasant to return to it every day, and the admiration of the guests is guaranteed.
All rooms can be divided according to purpose, size and shape.
Living room design
For each family it has its own special function. If this is a place where loved ones spend every evening together, then this room should be as cozy as possible. Install soft armchairs and large sofas, a round coffee table and complement the interior with a small amount of decor, for example, a soft carpet. But if it is formal in nature, for example, when the living room is intended for receiving guests, it is better to choose a minimalist style. Please note that traditional “walls” are long outdated - they have too many extra shelves, which are often filled with unnecessary tableware, souvenirs, and other things. Get rid of unnecessary things - a stylish living room should have a minimum of items; minimalism and neatness are in fashion now.
Bedroom design
Modern apartments cannot boast of a large area. Because of this, the bedroom gets the smallest room, and its furnishings are limited to only a bed and two bedside tables. Many people even try to do without this room, but then they should choose a sofa with a high-quality orthopedic mattress, otherwise such restrictions will soon lead to health problems. Also, the bedroom can be made even more functional by combining it with a dressing room, which is separated by a glass partition. You should choose calm pastel colors that promote relaxation.
How to zone a one-room apartment for a family with children
An effective way to emphasize the zoning of a one-room apartment is to use a sofa bed. The latter must be placed perpendicular to the wall. Facing the living room, the sofa provides a comfortable seating area. At the back, behind the backrest, you can place a baby cot, which will be hidden from prying eyes. It is recommended to organize a play area near the window so that the child can feel light and warm thanks to the sun's rays and a heating radiator.
This division into children's and adult areas allows for rational use of limited space. The advantage is a minimum of furniture, and it looks beautiful. On 18-20 sq m you can place 3 functional areas: a living room, which becomes a bedroom at night, and a children's room with a play area.
Kitchen Design
An important nuance when decorating the kitchen interior is the installation of built-in household appliances. Therefore, before starting repairs, it is worth taking into account its size, power, distance from the wall, cord length and other parameters, as well as the location of the sockets. If you neglect this point, installing the equipment and the headset itself will be problematic. As for the apron, designers suggest using unusual tiles, textures or embossed plastic. Glass aprons look interesting only when they have a stylish design.
Floor decoration - types of floor coverings
A popular floor covering is linoleum - durable, unpretentious to use, and easy to repair. In second place in popularity is laminate, which is considered natural and requires a perfectly flat floor when laying and maintaining the distance to the wall. If the corner sways in one place, there is a high probability that when the humidity of the room changes, the floor will rise and it will have to be disassembled and filed. Ceramic tiles are durable, require professional installation and are fireproof, suitable for bathtubs, toilets and islands near the kitchen work area. The disadvantage is a cold surface in the absence of floor heating. Cork floor coverings are natural, wear-resistant, suitable for bedrooms. Polyvinyl chloride - fire-resistant high-quality coating, will last up to 30 years, has an elegant relief. The stone covering is durable, but heavy and cold. The self-leveling floor looks impressive - it provides a wide range of design possibilities.
Bathroom design
The design of the bathroom will depend on its area. The large room has plenty of room to roam around - here you can install not only a bathtub, but also a shower stall, a washstand, additional bedside tables, and even combine it with a bathroom. In a modest bathroom, you should limit yourself to the essentials and think about replacing the bathtub with a shower - this will help save space. When decorating a modern bathroom, designers give preference to discreet tones - peach, coffee, beige, olive, and shades of gray. Gone are the panels on the walls - replaced by laconic plain walls, sometimes decorated with a small amount of mosaic.
TOP 4 anti-trends in the interior
White interiors
Interior designers are gradually moving away from white and gray shades, increasingly preferring warm, rich shades of brown, black, green and powder.
White “hospital” interiors are diluted with contrasting objects
Of course, this doesn't mean you need to remove your marble countertops immediately—they're timeless. And a few marble touches here and there can be lovely. But in general, the trend with marble is gradually moving away. Instead, opt for slightly earthier materials such as wood, clay and metal with distressed finishes.
Aged metal looks great in light interiors
Copper Home Accessories
Like marble, rose gold and copper seem to have run their course. Don't panic: your real copper fixtures and copper sink will always be in style. We're talking here about the overly shiny, obviously fake home accents that have flooded the market in recent years and are starting to look dated. Instead, the trend is now moving towards classic aged brass.
Don't put too much emphasis on copper accessories
Furniture sets
Instead of buying an entire set, people are now mixing and matching different sets for a one-of-a-kind look. There is also a trend away from modern furniture towards mid-century style.
Furniture elements from the Middle Ages style
Boring bedding
Switch to the bedroom this season, we spend around one third of our lives in bed, so why not invest in some interesting bedding? The days of white pillowcases, sheets and blankets are becoming a thing of the past.
Bed linen with a twist
Hallway design
The amount of furniture in the hallway also depends on its size. If space allows, you can install a built-in wardrobe and even organize a wardrobe there. But if the hallway is small, it is better to install essential furniture: a shoe rack, a hanger for outerwear and hats, a mirror. You can add small decorative items such as vases. It is better to choose a light color scheme, since the hallway is the most unlit part of the apartment. Additional lighting in the form of sconces or floor lamps will not be superfluous.
Filling white spots and black holes in rooms
Every apartment has those tiny areas that we tend to ignore and leave empty. Especially if you live in a small space, you won't want to miss these five opportunities to spruce up your living spaces.
In the corners of the room
Even in the corners of the room there is room to place some additional shelving. If you're a renter and don't want to install corner shelves, consider hanging ladder shelving.
Hanging rack in the form of a ladder as a functional decorative element
Along a narrow corridor
Many apartments have a long, narrow hallway at the entrance. While this space can be a challenge to decorate, the key is to choose items that mimic the long, narrow shape of the hallway to create movement. Flat, elongated wall shelves and long rugs (especially those with glitter) are suitable.
Long, bright rug in the hallway
In the bathroom
Just because your guests don’t see this space doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bypass it or try to personalize it. Hang moisture-loving plants and buy a shelf that fits directly on the bathtub - use it for your favorite little things.
Use moisture-loving plants in the bathroom
On the windowsill
If your window has even the tiniest overhangs, they are the perfect place to support some sun-loving plants and pretty knick-knacks that set the mood of the room.
A beautiful bauble on the windowsill for the mood
You can add a shelf above the door or hang a piece of art. This is an easy way to draw attention to an unexpected place.
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Cabinet design
Not everyone can allocate a separate room for work, but if the area of the apartment allows it, this is the right decision, because no one will disturb you here. There is a stereotype that an office must be strict, like an office. However, this is not true at all: if you are a creative person and your work is related to art, allow yourself to go beyond the boundaries and make your workspace bright and creative. Multi-colored accents, bean bag chairs, and abstract paintings will only enhance your office while highlighting your character. The environment should be conducive to work. Don't forget about installing a cabinet and shelving - everyone will need them.
Room design by size and shape
If everything is clear with the size - the room can be small, medium or large, then with the shapes things are more complicated. The most common rooms are square and rectangular, but you can also find L-shaped, polyhedron-shaped and even round. On the one hand, creating an interior for such unusual shapes can be difficult, but on the other hand, the room turns out to be original and creative. Of course, it is advisable to return the room to the correct geometry by covering extra corners with cabinets, but you can also emphasize the features of the room by placing furniture in the corners.
Small room design
When setting up a small area, you will have to endure a little hardship and think about how to use the space as efficiently as possible. The most popular option is to install a folding sofa, which combines a sleeping place, drawers for bedding and the seat itself. Another option is a bed built into a closet. You can use other original ideas, for example, use a window sill instead of a workplace. It is necessary to hang racks and shelves on the walls, which significantly save space.
Visual techniques will also help to increase space. Light wallpaper perfectly reflects light, so it makes the room feel more spacious. The same function is performed by mirrors, well-placed lighting and textured photo wallpaper.
Dividing a house without internal walls into zones
You can delimit space in a house without internal walls by building a suitcase podium. This design folds in half, which is convenient if a mattress is used as a bed. Before guests arrive, the sleeping place is removed inside the podium, turning the podium into a comfortable table.
Plants will help divide the space in studio apartments. For example, it is enough to place several flowerpots with tall flowers to delimit the area of the kitchen and dining area. Nearby you can place a sofa with its back turned, which will mark the boundary of the bedroom.
Middle room design
There is already room to roam here. Unlike a small room, where functionality comes first, when decorating a medium-sized room, you can think about style and interior design. There are two main approaches: to focus on flashy decor and furniture, placing them against a neutral background, or to decorate the floor and walls in bright colors, and make the furniture calm and laconic. The average area allows you to combine several rooms. For example, you can organize a work area and a relaxation space. It is important to separate each zone using zoning techniques. You can divide a room both with the help of partitions and with the help of visual techniques, for example, by painting the walls in different colors. You can limit yourself to a budget option: install a sofa at the junction of two zones, so it will delimit them.
Wall decoration - types of materials and wallpaper
The choice of material for the walls of the apartment depends on the room: in the corridor we choose a denser, wear-resistant texture. In the bedroom and living room we give preference to more delicate materials. This type of finishing, such as painting, can be used for the corridor or rooms with low temperature conditions: pantry, veranda, basement. Wallpaper amazes with its variety of types and colors. Often wallpaper comes in two styles at once: plain and with a pattern on the same background. Paper is an economical option, not inferior in style and quality to expensive wallpaper. Non-woven wallpaper is easy to apply to walls - only the wall is smeared, which allows you to paste the wallpaper quickly and evenly. Vinyl wallpaper is known for its durability and good performance. Fiberglass, tiles, decorative plaster, stone, decorative panels - will allow you to create a unique style.
Large room design
A large room is a real field for imagination. If it makes up a significant part of the housing, it would be rational to divide it into several zones. They often combine a living room and a kitchen, separating them with a bar counter. Sometimes they additionally organize a place for eating by installing a dining table next to the kitchen. Furniture and decor should be large and noticeable, because small details can easily be lost in such a space. Don't forget about lighting: a large room requires a lot of light.
Rectangular room design
Such rooms can be quite long and narrow, so they require adjustments. Long curtains will help with this, smoothing out the disproportion of the room. Wallpaper with a horizontal stripe is highly discouraged - it will make the room even longer, turning it into a corridor.
It would be wise to divide a rectangular room into zones. If it combines a living room and a bedroom, then the bed should always be placed at the end of the room so as not to disturb vacationers. Zoning does not have to be clear; a regular carpet or different wall coverings will cope with the delimitation function, which will help adjust the length. Lighting also plays a big role: one part of the room, for example, the sleeping area, can be made less illuminated and more obvious, focusing on the living room.
Ceiling decoration - types of ceilings
The ceiling is a noticeable part of the room, it is difficult not to pay attention to it, so it must be perfect. There are not many ceiling options, and if the electrical wiring runs along the ceiling, then there are only two of them: plasterboard or tension. You can combine these two options or make a mirror ceiling. Currently, suspended ceilings and plasterboard can be of any color or with photo printing. Stretch ceilings may differ in texture: matte or glossy. Matte is used in large rooms, glossy in the bath and toilet. A leveled ceiling can simply be painted - it looks high-quality, solid, but not always durable. Decorating the ceiling in a room involves maintaining the overall style of the room and color combination. A white ceiling looks win-win, but rather ordinary; you can add modern notes with the help of interesting lamps with original patterns or lighting.
Square room design
With the furnishings of a square room, things are more complicated. It is best suited for arranging a living room or office, as it is easy to create ideal, strict proportions. It is better to place the kitchen in a rectangular room - the square will steal the space for the kitchen set, but there will be extra space in the middle. It is advisable to choose paintings in a rectangular shape, lengthening the space. A horizontal print on the wallpaper will also help with this.
How to separate one space from another. Room zoning
The placement of functional areas requires their allocation in the squares of the room. This must be done extremely carefully, without taking away volume and air space from the room. Zoning in a small room should be done in several ways:
Using racks
A mobile shelving unit in a neutral color is installed. On the one hand there are functional shelves, on the other you can place a picture, a plasma panel, etc. You can use a rack without a back wall, which will make the zoning unobtrusive and breathable.
Using screens
Lightweight plastic or wooden screens are perfect for both temporary and permanent zoning. They take up little space, but perform a decorative function no worse than static structures.
Using thread curtains
Transparent, light, aesthetically attractive thread curtains, on the one hand, look like elegant structures, and on the other hand, like drops of water flowing from a height. In the interior of small rooms, such structures can separate the sleeping area from the living room or study.
These methods are not the only ones. Niches made of plasterboard are widely used , but moving them requires dismantling, while mobile screens or shelving do not need this.
A small space can accommodate everything you need for a comfortable stay. It is worth paying close attention to the planning of functional areas, room decor, and color scheme. It is recommended to dilute the furniture with pleasant textiles, which will add comfort and homely warmth. And then it doesn’t matter whether the room is large or small, two adults can comfortably fit in it.
Room design styles
When trying to make the interior practical and functional, it is important not to forget about the external component. Fortunately, the choice of styles is huge, and everyone can find the one that most fully reflects the character and personality of the owner. All housing should be designed in the same style, or at least two similar ones. You can’t mix several styles in one apartment, and especially in one room - you’ll end up with a tacky, tasteless environment. Light, calm tones, diluted with bright decorative objects, would be appropriate in almost any style.
Most popular styles:
- High tech. This is a style with an emphasis on technology and modernity. It is characterized by strict lines, white, black, red colors, diluted with silver inserts and elements, as well as an abundance of glass and metal surfaces.
- Vanguard. It is distinguished by originality and abstractness. It is perfect for decorating rooms that combine several zones, as it often has a non-standard layout. Furniture of unusual shapes and colors. It is imperative to have a semantic accent that attracts attention.
- Eco style. A style that is gaining popularity, manifested in the absence of plastic and other non-natural materials. In rooms decorated in this style, you can find many plants, natural furniture, upholstered in cotton or linen. The leading colors are brown, white and green.
- Scandinavian. It came from northern countries, so you rarely see an abundance of colorful objects. Mainly white and gray shades are used; blue can serve as an accent color. The furniture chosen is wooden, but plastic items will also be appropriate;
- Loft. Perhaps one of the most recognizable styles. Its calling card is brick walls or concrete walls and a wooden ceiling. As a rule, the furniture is unusual and old. The most unexpected objects can serve as decor: metal pipes, mirrors without frames, large vases and even stairs.
- Minimalism. Ideal if you want to save as much as possible, because this style requires a minimum of things. To create a stylish environment without sacrificing functionality, all furniture is chosen to be as laconic and simple as possible, without decorations or patterns. Cabinets, cabinets and other places for storing things should blend into the general background as much as possible.
- Provence. This is a vintage style that creates a French village atmosphere. Suitable for dreamy and romantic people who want to turn their apartment into something like a dollhouse. It is characterized by calm pastel colors, natural materials and an abundance of floral patterns.
TOP 12 trends of 2019-2020
Seasons give way to one another, and with it our mood and tastes change. During these periods, it can be especially acute to worry about how appropriate the usual trinkets look and whether it’s time to change the color of the walls. Being in torment over choosing a new image for my nest, I turned to leading designers, studying their collections and approach. Below you will see insights that will help you stay on trend.
Dark green
The leaves may be falling outside, but inside we'll be in perpetual spring - a trend especially true for kitchen cabinets paired with rich natural wood and leather, accented with brass and cream - a cozy color that's perfect for autumn and winter.
Dark green color in the kitchen interior
Places for quiet solitude
Do you know the feeling of being overwhelmed by digital devices? Then this trend is for you. People are carving out cozy, more intimate spaces in their homes in droves as tech-free sanctuaries.
The most obvious place for such a disconnect is, of course, the bedroom. Surround your sleeping space with awnings or lace curtains hanging from a decorative wood beam. Pull a comfy chair into the corner to read your favorite books, or hang a hammock inside with a layer of soft blankets.
A cozy chair and a blanket for a relaxing holiday
Velvet
What could be more soothing than velvet? The fabric looks luxurious and welcoming in fall and winter, and paired with rough, natural textures (how about distressed wood and wicker baskets?).
With sleek metals and ceramics, it adds visual interest and tactile comfort to a room. If you're hesitant to splurge on an elegant velvet-upholstered chair, throw in velvet pillows instead for a statement velvet feel.
Velvet sofas for a royal reception
Wicker texture
Don't underestimate the expressiveness of woven textiles and the accents they bring to a room, especially during the colder months. Hang flat baskets for a focal point on the wall, place plants in wicker stands, or replace your light fixture with a hanging wicker floor lamp.
Again, pair rough textures with soft velvet or hand-knitted wool, and toss these accents over sleek metal tables, mirrors, and ceramic details.
Eco style with wicker shade
Powdery
Pink is a color in a million. He's back and better than ever. Decor inspired by Provence style and decoupaged roses is at the peak of its popularity. And home accents in different shades of powder will prove to you that this warm and cheerful shade is here to stay.
Designers call it "blush" and use it for antique tableware, velvet pillows, painted plant pots and other small details that set the tone.
Powdery shade of velvet in the decoration of armchairs
Decorative finishing
Do you want to update your interior but are on a budget? It's not worth spending a fortune to make some improvements. The increasing availability of mobile material finishes - from removable wallpaper to floor stickers - can add a lot of life to your decor, be it bathroom tiles or a children's room.
You can choose stickers from Ali Express or make crafts with your own hands from available materials to create the mood you need - and it will look appropriate.
You can make floral motifs, paper butterflies or artificially create a wooden texture - it all depends only on your imagination. Now there are many ways to make simple and cheap decor to improve the rooms in your apartment.
The sticker will highlight the work area
Brass
Brass has replaced copper as a popular choice in interior design, especially when incorporated into furniture.
Brass in furniture finishing
Quilts
A return to old and cozy classics may appeal to connoisseurs of comfort and those who do not want to part with their favorite things.
In the new season, duvets will be especially appreciated, as well as all kinds of cozy and soft bedspreads, which will be casually thrown over the bed, as if enticing you to wrap yourself in them. Designers offer a cozy, homey selection of handmade quilts in traditional or contemporary styles.
A colorful quilt over the bed for coziness
Dark paint
Forget the country house in white and gray tones! A dramatic touch of color is all the rage this season. Designers have announced all the cozy shades of black as the main color of the year 2019-2020.
Shades of black this year's trending color
For those who aren't ready to go completely over to the dark side, there's another deep color that's also making a comeback—chocolate brown as the best way to add some luxury to your decor. Designers advise replacing light pillows with this rich shade and casually scattering them around the rooms.
Brown-chocolate color in the interior of the room
Unusual bedding
Try something more exciting this season than white sheets. Today, completely different patterns are relevant that can be combined with each other - experiment with monograms and monograms and don’t be afraid to combine them with other patterns.
This trend is gaining momentum and will soon become widespread. In addition to bedding, the expression of style will be beds with soft upholstery at the headboard, which has an important effect.
Upholstery at the head of the bed
Terracotta tiles
Terracotta tiles are making a comeback and if you ask me, I will tell you that they have never gone out of style. Incorporate classic pottery into your decor to add warmth and character to your home.
Terracotta tiles in the kitchen interior
Unusual ceilings
Everyone has heard about the importance of accent walls, but what about an accent ceiling? Whether it's textured wallpaper, embossed or tin-effect foam ceiling tiles, wood beams, or bold colors, add texture to that often-overlooked fifth wall.
Wooden beams on the “fifth wall”
