how to build a tiny house

How to Build a Tiny House.

Many people have one very big loan, and that is a home mortgage. A mortgage can end up costing much more than your house is worth and takes much of your lifetime to pay off. One creative way to sidestep this problem is to make the choice to live in a tiny house. It is also a great way to live a minimalist life, avoiding being tied down by too much stuff. This article will start you off with some basic steps to cover when seeking to build a tiny house.



Part 1 Planning Your Build.

1. Figure out what kind of lifestyle you want to live. Your needs for mobility, stability and space will determine the type of tiny house you will be seeking to develop. Consider the following:

If you intend to move a lot, then a trailer-based home is probably a good choice.

If you think you'll maybe move once or twice, then you can use a bigger trailer base for your house a rent a truck to move it for you when the time comes.

Build onto the tiny house. You also have the option of building extensions to the main house, such as a deck or rooftop patio.

If you have a spot to build on, then you can do normal construction on a spot of land (this tends to be more expensive and permanent).

2. Determine what needs your home must meet. Sit down and make a list of all the things you want in your home. Of course, this is a tiny house, so you need to focus on the necessities, as there isn't any room for a lot of stuff. Examples of important basics for the house include:

One or more beds.

Appliances such as the oven, fridge, stovetop, microwave, etc., remembering that all of these will likely be much smaller than those you'd have in a standard size house.

Washer-dryer combo instead of two different machines.

3. Find a location to either park the trailer base or to build your tiny house in situ. Choose a location with accessibility to water and electricity. If this is not possible find a way to come up with alternatives. For example, many people prefer to use solar power and collect rain as part of the tiny house philosophy.



Part 2 Creating a First Draft of the House.

1. Map out all the things you want in your house. As you do so, keep in mind the exact amount of space you have to work with. It will always be less than you expect, so don't be surprised if you have to let go of some dream ideas but see this as an opportunity to be inventive rather than giving up on everything.

Include plenty of storage space and clever ideas such as stairs that include storage underneath.

This step works best by making an electronic floor plan of the house, or you can also make a actual model by hand so that you get a good sense of how it will look in your hands.

2. Scale the design so that the dimensions of your model will be accurate when building the house. A key aspect of this step is to build the house around the appliances you want. Go online and find the appliances that you will buy and go to the specs of the product. There will be dimensions for you to include in your floor plan/model.



Part 3 Making a Budget.

1. Work out the budget by concentrating on the main elements involved. These are appliances, labour, building materials and tools. Usually to build the house with all the desirable (kitchen, trailer, siding, etc.), an average cost is about $35,000 for a 24 ft trailer house. Keep in mind that the smaller the trailer, the cheaper the build. And, if you want fancier things and bigger size, the tiny house can cost up to $100,000.

2. Work out the appliance budget. With the appliances that you have selected in your floor plans as a base, include how much you can spend immediately. Then work out how much you can spend over time (that is, how much you can deduct from your paycheck towards the build).

3. Determine what you can do yourself. Then include the amount of labour that you can put in for things you can do yourself.

4. Figure out the cost of labour for professionals (i.e. plumber, electrician, builders).

5. Cost the tools you will need for your build. Renting the tools when necessary is one way to go so you don't have to put too much money into tools that you will not use again. For some basic tools it might be a better idea to just buy and own them if you don't already have them.This list provides a rundown of the tools you'll likely need.

Air compressor – Drives air powered tools like framing nailers and paint sprayers.

Caulking gun – Used to apply caulking and building adhesive.

Chalk line – Helps mark strait lines so that paneling, siding, and roofing stay in line.

Chisel – Used to finish cutting notches in wood.

Circular Saw – Handheld saw for cutting wood. Very versatile.

Clamps – Very useful when you need a second set of hands and none are available.

Crowbar – Good for amplifying elbow grease, and pulling nails.

Drill – Used for drilling holes and driving screws.

Dust Masks – Essential for protecting your lungs during dusty work.

Eye Protection – Essential for protecting your eyes during most cutting and other debris flinging work.

Framing nailer – Makes driving nails much easier.

Gloves – Essential for protecting your hands from splinters and abrasions.

Hacksaw – Used for cutting metal like pipes, nails, etc.

Hammer – Used for persuading lots of things on the job site, most commonly nails.

Impact driver – Like a drill, but drives screws better when the job is tough.

Level – Used to keep everything strait and level.

Miter saw – Used as a chop saw when many identical angered or strait cuts are needed.

Pliers – Used for pulling nails and most anything when your fingers aren’t tough enough.

Reciprocating Saw – Commonly used for demolition but also very handy for cutting nails and rough cuts on wood.

Rubber mallet – Ideal wen gentile persuasion is needed.

Socket wrench – Good for turning nuts in tight places, like when bolting your tiny house floor framing to the trailer.

Screwdrivers – Needed for turning screws and useful for opening paint cans.

Staple gun – Good for hanging vapor barriers, roofing felt, and can be used on house wrap.

Table saw – Ideal for making long strait cuts.

Tape measure – Used constantly for keeping everything accurate.

Tin snips – Used for cutting thin metal, like the aluminum flashing you’d use between your floor and trailer.

Toolbox – Helpful for keeping everything organized and transportable.

Utility knife – Used to cut thin material like roofing felt, house wrap, and vapor barrier.

Wire cutter – Used when wiring your tiny house.

Wrench – Necessary for turning nuts on bolts, like when connecting your tiny house to the trailer.

6. Put together a materials list. A typical list of materials that you will need in your tiny house. The amount of each that you will need depends on your build, and the cost will therefore reflect what type of tiny house you're building. Here are standard materials needed:

Trailer (varies in the size and length, wood for floors, walls, ceiling, and interior structures.

Installation for the walls, floor and ceiling (recommend Roxul - fire and water resistant).

Class D tires for the trailer, Typical house siding, Typical shingles for roof, Drywall.

Doors and windows, Cabinets and storage closets (many can be built from reclaimed wood if feasible).

Toilet (composting, RV toilet, or a actual functioning toilet).

Shower (typically small standing shower is used, a small tub can be added with creativity).

Sinks (kitchen, and bathroom), Counter-tops, Plenty of screws, braces, and nails.

Pipes for plumbing and propane lines for heating and water lines.

Electrical circuit wiring, outlets, switches, and breakers.

Tyvek wrapping for protection (or similar suited to your area).

Heating system, Regular appliances as selected by you.

Metal sheeting for flashing the trailer base (galvanized for durability).

7. Include solar power elements, as needed. If solar panels are going to be added, then you'll need the following as well: A charge controller, deep cycle batteries, and inverter to store charge and convert from DC to AC power.



Part 4 Constructing Your Tiny House.

Build the foundation of your tiny house

1. Level the trailer using jacks for the trailer. This step is important to do properly or your house will be tilted.

2. Build a frame on the trailer that your house will be built. Anchor the frame to the trailer so that your house does not slide off the trailer during transport keep in mind the weight distribution so that your house does not tip over.

3. Add galvanized sheet metal to flash the bottom of the trailer. This helps protect the home from rodents, water, and other elements from the bottom.

4. Put a floor frame on top. Add the insulation (Roxul) for more protection.

5. Install the sub floor on top.

Wall Framing

1. Build the walls as you had designed in your floor plans. Leave room for the windows and doors, as well as putting in the studs, and weight barring headers.

The headers are one of the aspects that are against building code, but are necessary for a tiny house, as every wall is a weight bearing wall.

You must ensure that everything is perfectly squared.

2. Double check that the windows and door fit in the spaces you made for them. Do this before you put the walls up.

At this point you might want to move anything inside the house that will not fit through the door depending on the design.

3. Sheath the walls while they are still down. Then raise the walls (with help, for safety reasons). Make sure that the walls are perfectly squared with the floor and other walls.

4. Secure the walls to the trailer with anchors.

Adding the Roof

1. Make sure that walls are perfectly parallel with each other before installing the rafters. Apply a spring brace to secure the walls and make them perfectly straight while installing the rafter

Double check the distance between the walls at the top for a good cut.

2. Construct the trusses per the plans that you made. Ensure that the height is under 13.5 ft to stay street legal (this may vary between countries, so check with the road authorities first).

3. Begin the sheathing process. Cut out the boards and glue the truss edges. Use clips to secure the sheets of wood into place and secure with nail/screws

4. Apply the Tyvek covering for more protection on the sheathing boards.

5. Install the reflection barrier followed by the furring strips and shingles.

Adding the Windows, Doors, and Siding

1. Make sure that door and window holes were cut in the walls that were put up.

2. Put Tyvek wrap outside the house for protection

3. Tuck the Tyvek wrapping into the window cut outs. Begin applying flash tape to the window sills to prevent water and heat from entering.

4. Install the windows and secure with a couple screws along the side. Then test the functionality.

5. Apply flashing tape to the outside of the window to insure it is sealed. Leave the bottom unsealed for water drainage, just in case.

For the doors, do the same thing as windows and flash the doorway then start installing the door frame.

6. Install the door. This can be made or purchased.

7. Install locks and door knobs.

8. Begin the siding process by taping the Tyvek seams and installing the furring strips. Paint both sides of the siding before putting up, to prevent rusting.

9. Hang the siding with a nail gun or as the product describes.

10. End the work on the outside by installing fascia boards and a drip edge.

Part 5 Creating the Interior of the Tiny House

1. Install a lofted platform at an optimal height for the sleeping area. This is a common practice in a tiny house. It will also need a ladder or staircase to reach the loft area.

2. Get electrical and plumbing installed by a professional at this point. Do not do this yourself unless you are a professional in these fields.

Make sure you instruct the professional on where you want your outlets, lights and sockets for your tiny house to accommodate the floor plan, such as gas lines for the propane to the stove/oven or water lines to the water heater and shower.

Put in the smoke and CO alarms at the same time.

Consider the power usage or your appliances and adjust accordingly.

3. Begin insulating the home from the inside. Make sure to put foam in the edges so that it is completely sealed.

Make sure that all materials are not affected by the foam, as some do react and that is not a good outcome.

4. Install the major fixtures now. This includes the heater, shower, toilet, sink, and water heater (preferably tankless). The heater weight should be considered in conjunction with the weight of the tiny house as a whole, and a safety zone and materials placed around it.

5. Install the desired flooring. For example, you could use hardwood in the living area and light tiles in the kitchen and bathroom areas. Splashbacks can also be used.

6. Install drywall and/or wall panels.

7. Construct the cabinets and counter tops for the kitchen. It is great if you can use recycled wood for these purposes. Include hookups and openings for the oven, fridge, and sink, etc.

8. Construct and install the bathroom vanity and storage. Install vents and the toilet.

9. Build in the storage units as per the initial design. You may also realize other possible storage options, so remain flexible and open to relevant changes.

10. Put in bulbs and outlet covers.

11. Decorate as desired. Your tiny house is complete. Now you can move in and enjoy your own space.



Question : How do I add a bathroom?

Answer : You need to decide whether you want it to be a whole little room of its own or just a cupboard-style loo with tiny shower. Keep it at one end of the tiny house and make sure it's well ventilated. Keep in mind weight if you're adding a bathtub.



Tips.

While planning make notes of the materials you will use in there largest quantities as most stores will give you better deals when you buy in bulk. However it is necessary to know exact quantities as to not over buy, then your just wasting your money.

Keep in mind the Material while building, so most building materials come in increments of 4 to 8 feet, so build the house around those dimensions to keep it easier.

Warnings.

- Loans are hard to get when there is no much that you have to put up for collateral, it is almost impossible for someone just starting out to get a loan on a none.

Laws - building codes are generally made for regular houses, and city building codes usually frown on most of the common practices the tiny homes follow.

Land - It is hard to find a piece of land to set your tiny house up on, in-city is almost impossible, and outside in a rural area will not have proper hookups.

When putting up the walls, it is important to have help, as this is very dangerous for one person to do alone.

Februari 24, 2020

how to decorate your room for free

How to Decorate Your Room for Free.

For most people, the bedroom is more than simply a place to sleep at night. Redecorating your bedroom can help create an environment that is relaxing, reflects your personality, and even provide a better night's rest. Adding recycled pieces or simple DIY flourishes can help transform your room to fit your needs. You can also incorporate elements of Feng Sui to convert your room into a sanctuary.

Part 1 Planning and Reorganizing.

1. Make a 2-dimensional floor plan of your room and furniture. Use a tape measure to measure the dimensions of your room (length and width). On a piece of graphing paper, draw a scale image of room where 3 grid squares = 4 inches or 1/3rd of a foot.

Include in your floor plan the location and size of doors, windows, closets, fireplaces, etc.

Make scale drawings of furniture on a separate piece of paper. Measure the length and width of any large pieces of furniture (e.g. bed, dresser, couch).

Cut these out and rearrange them in your drawing to see how much space you have to work with.

Carry this plan and furniture cut-outs with you if go shopping or "dumpster diving", so you know if you have enough space for something before bringing it home.

2. Make a list of design ideas. In a search engine such as Google or Bing, type in "easy bedroom decorating ideas" or "cheap bedroom diy".

Before starting a project you find online, write-out the instructions and compile a list of materials, including tools.

Gather together any tools or materials you need before beginning your project.

3. Clean your room. Create more space and reorganize by getting rid of anything that is unnecessary or outdated.

Clean out and organize your closet, under your bed, and other places in your room where stuff has accumulated.

Donate any furniture, clothing, or electronics that are in good condition. A good rule of thumb is to donate or throw out anything you haven't worn or used in the past year.

4. Rearrange or add furniture. Create more space in your bedroom by moving your bed against the wall or place a comfortable chair next to the window to make a comfy reading nook.

You want everything currently in your bedroom to fit comfortably before adding anything new, especially if you have a small bedroom.

Add a bed skirt so you can store things under your bed without them being seen.

Switch-out a bedside table with one that has drawers for storage or several shelves to hold books.

5. Maximize the storage potential of your bedroom. Create additional space by installing extra shelving in your closet or purchasing a combination of plastic and decorative storage bins.

Attach hooks or shoe bags to the back of doors.

Use the vertical space in your closet to install high shelves as a space to store out-of-season clothes and accessories.

Decide what you want to place in each storage bin and label it. Use these labels to avoid throwing anything in a bin that does not belong. This will help you stay organized.

Arrange storage bins on a shelf or the bottom shelf of a bookcase for easy access. If the bin is in a visible location, use a decorative canvas bin or wicker basket.

6. Rearrange your bedroom according to the principles of Feng Sui. Your bed should be raised off the floor and if possible, avoid placing it in an area that receives direct sunlight during the day.

Do not place mirrors opposite your bed.

Stimulate your other senses by adding lightly scented candles or spraying diluted essential oils. Lavender has been shown to decrease heart rate and blood pressure.

7. Create a more relaxing space. Replace any light bulbs that emit a bluish light with soft white LED bulbs. Blue light stimulates brain activity and may make it more difficult to fall asleep.

Look through your house for lamps that have LED soft white bulbs and swap them with bulbs from your bedroom. Most interior lamps use 40- or 60-watt bulbs, but check first before exchanging a light bulb from another lamp.

Incorporate warm, bright colors as accessories (lamps, vases, pillows, etc.), but do not make them the dominate color in your bedroom.

Part 2 Decorating with Re-purposed or Recycled Items.

1. Find free things. Find a freecycle network within your area or ask friends and relatives for old unwanted items.

Look for furniture made from real wood that can be refinished.[9]

Unless it is in good condition, avoid second-hand plywood, particle board, or laminate furniture. While these surfaces can be cleaned and repainted, refinishing techniques such as sanding or sawing can release airborne pollutants such as formaldehyde.

2. Go to garage sales. Check your local newspaper or Craigslist for garage sales in or near your neighborhood.

You are more likely to find things for free if you go later in the day, preferably after 12:00 p.m.

3. Ask for old swatch books at the wallpaper store. Use recycled wallpaper to decoupage old lamps, vases, or furniture for free.

You can also use wallpaper to line shelves or the bottoms of drawers.

4. Move furniture and art from other places in the house for a fun change. For example, move a bookshelf from the living room to your bedroom.

Look for design inspiration in your own house. Use a painting, decorative pillow, piece of clothing, or floor rug as the basis for a new design theme or color palette in your room.

Ask permission from housemates before moving anything.

Part 3 Making Your Own Bedroom Accessories.

1. Make your own throw pillows. Throw pillows make a great accent piece and can add color. However, store bought pillows are often expensive. While having sewing skills or access to a sewing machine are helpful, they are not necessary.

Make a 'no sew pillow' by using two pieces of felt that are the same.[14] Place the felt pieces together and use scissors to cut 2 inch wide by 5 inch long strips along the edges. Leave a square at each corner. Tie the strips together around an insert pillow or cotton batting.

Use two t-shirts that hold sentimental value, but don't fit anymore to make a pillow. Cut-out a square or rectangular piece (depending on what shape and size you want your pillow) from each shirt. Place the two pieces together and sew together three of the four sides. Stuff with cotton batting or even other t-shirts before sewing the final edge.

You can also stuff a pillow with fabric scraps or use an old pillow as an insert pillow.

2. Make your own curtains. Drape fabric over the top and down the side of a curtain rod and then slide a valance or swag over the rod.

If you live in an area with a lot of light-pollution from streetlights, signs, car headlights, etc., you might want to use darker fabric to block outside light. Too much light exposure at dusk or at night can disrupt your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, known as its circadian rhythm.

Make your own curtain rings. Attach your curtains to the rod by tying hooks with fabric, rope, or ribbon. You can also dress-up cheap curtain wrings by wrapping them in different colored fabric.

Use a bed sheet to make a curtain ruffle that can be sewed onto the top or bottom of your curtains.

Use inexpensive small hooks, pegs or doorknobs to "hang" or tie curtains off to the side.

3. Make your own flower arrangement. Search garage sales, flea markets, and second-hand shops for silk flowers, or cut and dry real flowers.

Make an arrangement of dried grasses and wildflowers found along the roadside.Cut the flower and at least 8 inches of stem when they are in peak-bloom. Remove any leaves along the stem. Tie the flowers together with a piece of twine and hang them upside down in a dark, cool, dry place until completely dry, about 2-3 weeks.

4. Make a jewelry tree for your dresser. Arrange several dry branches in a vase. Fill the vase with pebbles for stability. Decorate the tree by draping earrings, necklaces and bracelets over the branches.

5. Hang some of your drawings, paintings or old calendar pictures on the walls. They don't necessarily need a frame. Attach them to the wall with a couple of common pins or mount them with poster board or foam board.

6. Experiment with DIY design ideas. Make a decorative mat or bureau scarf.

Stylize a plain lampshade by wrapping it in metallic ribbon, wrap it in gauzy fabric, or cover it in old maps or pages from your favorite book.

Make a mobile of odds and ends to hang from the ceiling. Attach old keys or origami birds with string to a metal coat hanger. This adds a fun, whimsical atmosphere to the room.

Question : I share a room with my sister and my mom wouldn't allow some of these ideas, but a few might do! Anything else?
Answer : I love some of these, but you need to agree with your sister. If you two agree, and your mom says no, ask her why she doesn't want that idea. She must have a good reason. A cute idea that she won't say no to is to put some books on your shelf landscape-way with up to five on each other, and put a few trinkets, such as glass animals, on top.

Question : My room is awesome, but my brothers always enter it without permission and break stuff and open my drawers. I have tried reasoning with them, and my parents won't stop them either. What do I do?
Answer : Try to save up money to get locks, either to get installed on your bedroom door or on your drawers. Also, find a hiding place to put your most valuable stuff. Remember, the harder you look, the harder they'll look, so go simple.

Question : How can I make space in my room?
Answer : Make sure everything is picked up off the floors, and get rid of all the old things you do not want.

Question : What are some ideas for DIY projects for small rooms?
Answer : You can make the room calmer or brighter to make it appear bigger by using washi tape to cover light switches or plugs. You could also make decorations with washi tape or cardboard for your door.

Question : I don't have a lot of money. What can I do for free?
Answer : You can use some of your own drawings or paintings or even some from another room to accessorize. You could also ask family members who have a garden for some nice flowers or plants to decorate. Go to a garage sale and look at what they have for some possible ideas as well.

Question : Can I have an example of some DIY projects?
Answer : You could do something as simple as decorating a simple lamp with some fabric or even writing quotes or putting accessories on a dresser. There are endless possibilities.

Question : Where can I get free suggestions on how to decorate my room?
Answer : There are a lot of online sights that offer decorating techniques. You can take an old dresser or desk and make it a decorative piece by writing quotes or drawing on it for decor.

Question : How should I decorate a loft bed?
Answer : Buy some nice sheets or reuse some from a garage sale or even at your own house. Go to a garage sale to find some decorative pillows or throws to add. You could even use some fabric to make a curtain for around it.

Question : I share a room with my sister and we have different tastes, how do I decorate?
Answer : You can always decorate your half of the room! If that's not convenient, then add a few small touches that don't clash with your sister's style. You could also just talk it over with your sister and try to compromise, there's got to be a few things you can agree on!

Question : How do I get teenage room decor for free with DIY?
Answer : Use the tips here to create things that vibe with the teen's style.

Tips.

Spray paint any mismatched furniture to match your room's décor.

Turn a wall into a chalkboard by painting it with chalkboard paint, or designate one wall as an art wall and paint what ever you want.

Minimize damage to walls when hanging pictures or posters by using blue sticky tack or reusable adhesive hooks. You can also buy an inexpensive picture or mirror hanging kit from a hardware store.

Turn a twin bed into a daybed by pushing it against the wall and placing pillows along the back edge.

Keep your room feeling fresh by washing bed sheets and pillow cases at least once a week.

Make a wall collage using photos, posters and anything cute.

Turn on your favorite music and renew your spirit along with your room. Music can change a room's atmosphere completely without any need for redecoration.

Planning is the most important first step for any redecorating or DIY project.

Select a theme or color scheme and stick to it. This will help you stick to your budget by preventing you from buying anything that does not 'go'.

Remember if you are under-aged or living in someone else's house, ask permission before decorating.



Warnings.

Be careful moving furniture. Ask for help if you think you may need it. Strained backs or broken toes are never fun.

Always let someone else use a nail and hammer if you're inexperienced. Throbbing thumbs or cracked walls certainly don't add much to a room.

Refrain from using power tools unless you have received proper training or obtain guidance from someone who is experience. Always wear a face mask when stripping old paint or sanding furniture.

Januari 15, 2020

how to make your house look luxurious on a tight budget

How to Make Your House Look Luxurious on a Tight Budget.

We use our homes to help distinguish ourselves from others. For many, their homes are a part of their self-definition. Simply put, the way you perceive yourself reflects the way you live. Chance are that if your house bores you it also bores your visitors. Maybe it is time for a change.

Home décor could be expensive and those interior designers don't make it any easier with the crazy hourly rates, but there are simple fixes and solutions that will make your house look appealing and majestic.

A tight budget should never stop someone from designing his or her own home for comfort and luxury. After all, home is where you really are yourself. To start your remodeling all you really need is efficient planning, a handy hardware shop, and a little elbow grease.

Method 1 Reducing Clutter.

1. Reorganize your furniture.

Most luxurious homes are spotless because they place their furniture in a way that is clutter free.

Hide your clutter in baskets and decorative bowls.

Create a theme for each room.

See-through bookcases, shelves, and nooks are your best friend. Place antiques, pictures, or anything of value on open display.

Method 2 Bring Greenry In.

1. Place vases or bowls of greenery around the house. This will revitalize a dull room.

A bowl of artificial fruit in any room can be used to liven up the monotonous environment.

A vase full of flowers, acorns, twigs, or any element of nature added to a room is a sure-fire way to add class and elegance.

Method 3 Lighting.

1. Invest in quality lights that set up your focal point for a room.

Lighting is a functional necessity that effectively effects the mood and tone of any room.

It is best to install a dimmer on overhead lights to control mood lighting.

2. Use light for first impression and decorations.

Foyers determine the first impression of the home. A centered chandelier provides a warm welcoming aura around a house.

3. Ensure decorative fixtures should be compatible with space where they will placed.

A bedroom, for example, cannot accommodate a chandelier as large as one that fits in a foyer.

Make sure the size of a fixture is proportional to room size to avoid clutter, awkwardness and an eyesore.

Method 4 Choosing the Right Paint.

1. Use neutral hues on the main floor. Many luxury homes use creams, browns, and honey shades to paint their first floor. Bold colors are usually used on more private rooms such as the bedrooms, or bathrooms.

Neutral hues create a calm, clutter-free, and classic environment.

Neutral hues allow furniture to take center stage.

2. Remember that rich dark painted walls require light furniture.

Dark colors should always be in high gloss, as to add more light and shine to them.

Family and dining rooms are typically darkly painted rooms.

Red is a color that can easily fail you if not matched precisely with complementing the furniture.

3. Use light paint to make a room look larger.

Warm colors cause a glow to emit from the room.

Warm colors convey strength and togetherness.

Cool colors cause a fresh and relaxing aura to surround its area.

Cool colors create a soothing effect. Cool colors are recommended to be used in bedrooms.

Method 5 Accessorizing and Using Antiques.

1. Add three to four vertical mirrors to a wall.

Mirrors can break up a wall without having to add a lot of artwork and also make a room appear larger. If possible, place your mirrors adjacent to windows and doors leading to the outside; this is a good way to let more light in and can even create the illusion of having more windows.

2. Add different sizes of framed art, photo, pottery, or posters.

Do not place a small frame alone on a large wall.

A small wall should generally contain only one large picture frame or multiple small and medium frames.

3. Follow the symmetry and asymmetry rule. This will help you to decide on what accessories you plan to use.

Candles work well with symmetry.

Antiques are best designed in an overlapping fashion using asymmetry.

Vases are also another item that works well with asymmetry.

4. Accessorize with rugs. The perfect sized rug is essential for the classy look you are trying to achieve. Many luxury homes use rugs that are larger than the furniture's space because it allows the room to look larger.

The right rug can cause the right illusion.

Depending on the original flooring of the room, a rug could be plain or it could contain motifs as long as it goes well with the floor and the furniture.

Method 6 Achieving the Cathedral (High-ceiling) Effect.

1. Place curtains at the highest point of the wall.

Avoid placing curtains above windows, it makes a wall seem shorter than its actual length.

Use curtain tie backs to create an elegant look surrounding the windows.

2. Keep all clutter away from windows and manipulate light settings.

Placing accessories near window frame blinds a person from appreciating the design it also makes space look smaller.

3. Feature half-painted walls, to give the illusion of taller ceilings.

Vertical striped rooms look larger than other rooms.

Painting walls a light color on the bottom half and a darker color on the upper half of the wall adds definition and length to any room.

4. Purchase the right furniture. Do not just base your furniture on appearance. Consider functionality.

Low furniture profile is perfect for low-ceilings, it increases the space between the furniture and the ceiling causing the ceiling to look higher than it actually is.

5. Raise the doors to the height of the ceiling. This will make your ceilings look taller.

The taller you place a door the more the illusion seems authentic.

6. Paint the ceiling a light color.

This tricks the eye to believe that the ceiling seems higher.

7. Add high shelves.

This will delude the eyes into believing that the ceiling is actually higher than it is.

8. Avoid clutter. This includes pendant lighting, and chandeliers.

Tight spaces should stay free of extravagant materials in order to not make space seem confined.

Method 7 Adding Architectural Trims.

1. Create dimension in your house. This gives an elegant and luxurious look.

Molding creates a paneled look which draws an eye's attention to certain areas of the room.

Molding keeps the spacing even, symmetrical, and aesthetic.

Wide molding is better than narrow as it dramatically improves the appearance of your home.

2. Add molding to your kitchen cabinets.

Molding the top your kitchen cabinets will cause a modish and eye-pleasing also adding an extra level of polish to the kitchen.

3. Add trims around the edges of your windows.

This will add appeal to your bland windows.

The heavier the molding around the windows you add the plainer the curtains should be. Remember simpler is better.

Tips.

Remember less is more. Do not try to do too much at the same time. Keep things simple.

Maximize your space.

Design to fit your plot and budget.

Think about safety, storage, and lighting

Januari 16, 2020

how to choose winter interior decor

How to Choose Winter Interior Decor.

Home decor in general is, of course, a matter of personal taste, so when you're looking to decorate the house for winter, the best guide to follow is your own gut. However, an important first step is to decide which areas to focus on, both in your home overall and then within each room. Finding ways to emphasize warmth will then make your home that much comfier during the coldest months. And for those of you who take your shoes off indoors, layering rugs during the winter is a further way to add warmth while adding seasonal variety to your decor.







Deciding Where and How to Decorate.



Choose which rooms to decorate. If you have the budget, time, and inclination to overhaul your home entirely, feel free to go wild. If not, however, prioritize rooms that see the most use. Don't waste time and money on, say, your bedroom, which hardly anyone but you will see. Instead, focus on areas like your.

Living room.

Family room.

Dining room.

Kitchen.

Bathroom(s).



Pick a color scheme. If you're a purist, bring the outside in with seasonal colors that emphasize cold. If, on the other hand, you want to make your home a comfy hideaway from the elements, go the opposite route with warm colors. There's no right or wrong, so follow your instincts and please your own taste.

Cold color schemes include white paired with either blue, burgundy, emerald, gray, plum, or silver.

Warm colors also include white, as well as browns, reds, and yellows.

To find colors that match your paint, furniture, and other decor, use online color palettes.

Add seasonal decorations. If you celebrate Christmas, you're probably already starting the winter off by decorating for that. But whether or not you celebrate that holiday, search the aisles or online for decorations that don't tie directly into the holiday. Use these to decorate your home throughout the winter season, even after you've packed all the Santa stuff away.

Items to look for include figurines, framed pictures, snow globes, wreaths, and garland.

Neutral designs include snowmen, sleighs, winter villages, and bare or snow-covered evergreens.



Use small touches to drive winter home. Again, if you want to go hog-wild about it, feel free to make your home a winter wonderland with any number of appropriately themed decorations. But if time, budget, and space is limited, use them wisely. Consider:

Choosing one fanciful item to stand out as a seasonal centerpiece in a given area, like a model winter village to top a mantelpiece, bureau, or window seat.

Replacing everyday items with seasonally decorated ones, like dish- or hand towels, salt and pepper shakers, and placemats.

Investing in seasonal pillow cases, blankets, comforters, and/or even sofa- and armchair covers to quickly punch up areas like bedrooms, living rooms, and dens.



Choose decorations that transition from season to season. Between school and holidays, both fall and winter can be busy times of year, so plan ahead to minimize work. As you decorate for each season and/or holiday, use items that will still be appropriate as you roll over to the next so you can minimize work. For instance:

Red, yellow, orange, and brown scream autumn when bunched together, but each is a warm color that can help make your winter home more inviting. Say you decorated your living room with throw pillows in all four colors for fall. Simply take away the yellow and orange ones and leave the red and brown pillows.

Hanging wreaths with bare branches is a popular way to decorate for both fall and winter. Simply swap the autumn leaves with more winter-appropriate flair like holly leaves, oranges, or leaves painted in cool colors like blue or silver.

Evergreen garland and pine cones are Christmas favorites, but on their own they work just as well for the whole winter.









Making Your Space Feel Warm and Cozy.



Provide literal warmth with fire. If your house has one, use your fireplace! Rearrange the furniture to make the hearth the centerpiece of that room. Make a blazing fire a daily, nightly, or weekly ritual with your loved ones.

If your fireplace is inoperable, stack some bright firewood in the rack anyway to suggest the idea of a nice warm fire.



Set out candles. Whether or not you have a fireplace, light candles to add the flickering glow of flames to your home. Choose candlesticks or holders that enhance the winter theme either by color, design, or both. Enhance the effect by burning scented candles that fill the house with pleasing smells that highlight the season.

Gold or brass candlesticks provide warm colors and reflective surfaces, enhancing the light and suggestion of warmth.

Mugs, bowls, and jars filled with readymade candles and decorated with seasonal designs are also widely available.

Popular scents for winter include cinnamon, cloves, oranges, pine cones, and various types of wood.

Alternatively, you can also use LED candles if you're worried about fire risks or forbidden to use candles.



Add throws to seating areas. Drape throw blankets over the backs of your couches and armchairs. Arrange throw pillows in the corners of each one, too. If you have an accent chair, pile extras on the seat so family, roommates, and guests can help themselves as needed. Don't be mingy with them; the more, the better!

Choose neutral-colored throw pillows and blankets to use year-round. This way, you can easily dress up each seating area with just a couple of new winter-themed blankets and/or pillows.



Change your curtains. Make an instant dramatic change to your home by hanging curtains selected especially for winter. Choose whichever color or design highlights the season best for your tastes, but favor thick, heavy fabrics to suggest more warmth and protection from the cold outside. For the best insulation, choose thermal curtains, which are designed to prevent heat from escaping while also blocking drafts from the windows.

If you miss the sunlight in winter and still want to let it in without keeping the drapes shut all day, you can also find thermal-backed vertical blinds that allow more light to pass through with minimal heat loss.







Layering Rugs for Extra Coziness.



Determine the best spaces to layer rugs. Assess how much visibility the floor area receives in each room. Favor open areas over small, cramped ones. Use layered rugs where they will stand out and be noticed, rather than areas where furniture blocks them from view.

Larger rooms like the living room or den are generally ideal for this. Depending on the square footage and the amount of furniture inside, master bedrooms can also be a likely candidate.

Layered rugs can also be used in smaller spaces with little or no furniture, like hallways or bathrooms. However, expect rugs to possibly wear out faster here due to concentrated foot traffic.



Select your rugs. Maybe you're buying both at once, or perhaps you're trying to pair a new rug with one that you already own. Either way, make sure the base rug and accent rug complement each other. Make your selections according to.

Size: whether you're choosing an accent rug, base rug, or both, aim to have at least one foot (30.5 cm) of the base rug revealed along each side of the accent rug. With the base rug, always err on the side of too big if you're unsure of how large a rug you should select.

Supporting role versus starring role: favor neutral rugs for your base. Let the accent rug shine by choosing a base rug that won't upstage it. At the same time, make life easier by going with a base rug that can be used year-round while you switch accent rugs by season.

Contrast: make the accent rug pop out even more by pairing it with a base rug that contrasts it. Use color, pile height, shape, texture, or a combination of these features to make your selections more eye-catching.



Lay out your rugs. For areas like hallways or bathrooms without furniture, simply center the rugs in the open floor space. In more heavily furnished rooms, use your rugs to define specific spaces within that room, such as a sitting area in your living room, or the desk area in your home office. This may take a little trial-and-error depending on the sizes of your rugs, the open space available, and the surrounding furniture. For example.

One rule of thumb is to cover at least two feet (61 cm) of both rugs with the furniture surrounding it. Let's say your rug is being placed at the foot of a single 3-seat sofa in the living room, with no other surrounding furniture. As long as you're happy with the amount of rug visible, this should be fine.

Now let's say you're framing the rugs with an L-shaped couch. Covering two feet on either side of the base rug may look fine, but doing the same to a small accent rug may not. Here, you may want to pull the accent rug out from underneath on one or both sides..

Now say that you also have a coffee table to go with your L-shaped couch. If it's solid wood (as opposed to glass and see-through), you may wish to pull either the accent rug or both rugs further out from underneath the couch so they are more visible.

November 17, 2019