Tips for Hanging Up Wall Art

Wall art, such as paintings, photographs, drawings, and prints, greatly enhance a room with color and style. Deciding how to arrange wall art in your home can be a challenging task, but there are several tips and tricks to help you achieve a polished and aesthetically pleasing look.

Plan the Look
It’s important to plan out your art arrangement before your start hammering nails into the wall. This can be done with digital tools or kraft paper.

In terms of digital tools, some interior design apps allow you to visualise an art piece on your wall before purchasing it. They use augmented reality technology to show you how a piece will look on your wall through your phone.

Cutting out kraft paper is another great method for planning your look. Simply cut out different pieces of kraft paper that correspond to the sizes of your art pieces. Then, using paint-safe tape, stick the pieces of paper to the wall to see what arrangements work best. Using this technique, you can experiment with different layouts and spacing options to decide on the best way to hang up your art pieces.

Get Out the Tape Measurer
There are several easy measurements you can make to ensure your art looks well-placed. For example, average eye level is around 57-60 inches above the ground. Make sure the middle of a painting sits at this height so viewers can see it clearly.

It often looks stylish to place several large pieces above a couch or console table. To do so, make sure that the art only spans ⅔ the width of the furniture piece below.

For a tight look, hang multiple art pieces around 3-4 inches apart. For a more spaced-out feel, hang them 5-6 inches apart.

Choose a Style
There are many ways to arrange art pieces on a wall. When you’re deciding on the perfect way to incorporate art into your interior, it helps to choose between a symmetrical or asymmetrical look.

Symmetry is achieved through a window-like display. You can place identically-sized and framed pieces in a grid, in which they are evenly spaced. Lining up two pieces side-by-side creates a diptych, and lining up three creates a triptych.

Asymmetry is achieved by hanging pieces that aren’t perfectly lined up or by including a variety of art shapes and styles. In a gallery wall, you can hang up a variety of art pieces, mixing photography, painting, and other mediums.

Create Unity and Balance
Maintaining visual balance is one of the most difficult aspects of arranging wall art, but it’s also one of the most important.

To maintain visual balance in a linear row of art pieces, line up the middle of the pieces.

To keep a complex gallery wall balanced, envision a line down the center of the wall. As you hang up different pieces, step back now and again to ensure you place the same amount of small and large pieces on both the left and right of that line.

Though it’s always best to arrange art in the way that feels right to you, these pointers will guide you and help display art in a way that compliments your existing decor and reflects your personal style. 

 

Please include attribution to 1stdibs.com with this graphic.

Essential Things To Consider When Hiring A Pergola Builder

A pergola can be found on the outskirts of a house where people can enjoy evening tea or sit in the garden for a while. Columns and posts are the main components of the structure. A walkway is also made that is used for connecting the pergola to the house. A pergola may have a roof, but it is not a complete one. The base of the pergola is made up of concrete and columns or posts are attached to this base.

There are many pergola builders and people need to choose the one who can do the required work under a specific budget. There are many things which people must consider before hiring pergola builders. Some of these things are described here.

Selection of a design

The first thing that an owner must do is to select a design for the pergola. The design must be chosen based on the space where the pergola must be constructed. This thing can either be done before selecting pergola builders or after that. Various catalogs are available online and offline with these builders which the owner can look to finalize the design. The owner also must choose the reason due to which the pergola has to be made. The design must be chosen according to the budget and availability of space along with the usage of pergola. This will prevent the owner from selecting a design that he may not afford or may not fit.

Research before selection

The owner must do much research before selecting pergola builders. He can ask his family or friends about an experienced pergola builder. He can also check online reviews and ignore those builders whose clients have many complaints against them. The builder must have expert staff and a log year of experience in making the pergola.

Check quotes given by different builders.

The owner should check the quotes given by different pergola builders. These quotes will help the owner choose the one who can make the pergola within the budget. The owner must ignore those builders whose quotes are exceptionally low. Such builders may not be experienced, or their work may not be good. He should check the market price and then select the quotes.

Check punctuality.

The owner must check the punctuality of the pergola builders. There are some builders who take an exceptionally longtime, and this can become expensive. The time frame should be decided by the owner so that no inconvenience is caused later. He must research and look for the builders who complete their work on or before time.

Building material

Another thing that the owner must think is the material which will be used to make the pergola. Some of these materials have been described here.

Timber

Timber is considered as one of the best materials to construct a pergola. After the structure is finished, the owner can opt for painting the pergola. The disadvantage of using the timber is that it is easily affected by weather and moisture.  However, the timber pergolas look timeless.

Metal

Pergola made with metal is waterproof and has long life in comparison to timber. It is better to use galvanized steel so that it is not affected by rust.Other metals used are aluminum, and irons.

Conclusion

The builder must be chosen based on the experience and budget. The pergola builders should have long years of experience and the staff should be expert and friendly to execute the best results.

 

Tips for repurposing your unused space

Our lives change constantly, and so do our needs. There may be a new baby on the way, an elderly family member moving in, children going to college and moving out, some new hobbies, a need to work from home, etc. These things and, of course, many others require a change of lifestyle. And, with a shift in lifestyle comes repurposing the unused space in your home. However, in most cases, doing that is not as easy as it sounds. Without proper planning and preparation, many things can go wrong. But, do not worry, we got you covered! Here are some tips for repurposing your unused space.

image:pexels.com/photo/wood-person-dirty-construction-6474458

Brainstorm And Make Your Decision

Before you start repurposing any room in your home, think about your needs and your interests! Many people want to use the free space they have in their home just because it is 'sitting' empty. By doing that, they make a mistake that ends up costing them a lot of time, energy, and money. So, do not make that mistake - make this new repurposed room of yours match your lifestyle, that is, make it fit your current (and future) needs and interests.

Start brainstorming! For instance, if you have a formal dining room that is just collecting dust or a guest bedroom but no frequent guests, what will you turn that room into? Think about your current needs and, most importantly, think about the things your family needs in a home! After thorough brainstorming and consulting with everybody, make your decision!

Prepping is a Must

Another thing you should do you start with any remodeling projects is to remove everything 'removable' from your unused space. It means that you should take out all the furniture pieces and all the knick-knacks from there someplace else. If you have any difficulties doing this, then it’s time you let the guys from Heart Moving, NYC, handle heavy lifting and help you find good storage options.

Once the room or the unused area is free from all the clutter, be sure to clean it thoroughly too! This is important for two reasons. Firstly, an empty and clean working area will make your renovation project safer. Secondly, empty space will allow you to see all the possibilities clearly and enable you to brainstorm some more.

Plan, Plan, Plan!

Everything in life starts with a proper plan! And so does repurposing your unused space. The first part of planning is mental. You must think about everything you should do and the best way to do it. Think about how your new space should look and what pieces of furniture you should put in there. Moreover, if you think you cannot pull off this remodeling project yourself, think about the people who can help you - interior designers, contractors, movers, painters, etc.

The second part of planning is more concrete, where you must do all the prepping mentioned above. After removing everything from the room and cleaning it thoroughly, measure the space! That will help you when picking new furniture or repurposing the old one.

Most importantly, plan your budget! It is easy to get carried away when designing a fun room for your entire family, but your bank may easily break if your budget is not figured out. But, do not worry, there are many ways you can repurpose and remodel your home on a budget, but for that, you must know how big your budget is in the first place.

Shop Till You Drop

Take your measurements and hit the stores. Do not hesitate to do some window shopping first. Take your time to explore all the stores that sell the items you need for your new repurposed room. So, for instance, if you want your basement turned into a cozy space, be sure to check out all the stores that sell living room furniture, pillows, throws, candles, curtains, and other comfy stuff. 

 

Window shopping is essential as it allows you to brainstorm some more and compare all the prices. It would also be a good idea to check the online stores since items there are usually cheaper. For even more budget-friendly solutions, you can check sites that sell second-hand furniture too!

Execute Your Idea Properly when Repurposing Your Unused Space

You should have a clear vision of what your new repurposed space should look like by now. And, hopefully, your new furniture and other home stuff are ready to be placed in. All that is left is to execute this idea and start enjoying your new space. When executing an idea, that is, when executing a remodeling project, it is crucial to follow the 'order'. First, finish all the structural and cosmetic changes, such as repainting, adding new floors, changing doors and windows, etc. Only after those things are done should you start adding the furnishings. Always respect the order: add rugs, then all the furniture, install the lighting, and finally, accessorize the room.

Find the Right People for the Job

If you decide to hire somebody to help you out with this project rather than to do it all by yourself, be sure that you found the right people for the job. Not every company (and not every worker) is the same. Some are better, faster, cheaper, and more legitimate than others. So, find the right company to paint your home, another good one to add your floors, one more reputable business to replace the windows, a reliable crew to move your heavy furniture, etc. Spend some time asking around and 'googling' different companies in your city to find the one that suits your needs and budget.

It would be best to hire a company or a worker recommended by someone you trust. Do not focus solely on the price - remember that good things cost more, especially things in the house that are supposed to last for years. Cutting corners on important stuff can lead to money loss and the loss of your energy, nerves, and a considerable amount of time. Take everything into consideration when repurposing your unused space. 

Perfect Colors for Yout Home

Image:pixabay.com

Blue is one of those shadings that never appear to become unfashionable. It is one shading that will consistently rouse feelings like style, harmony, and peacefulness to the individuals who view it. It's anything but a miracle that blue is perhaps the most loved shadings that individuals have regarding home design thoughts. While a few group should shading their whole house blue, there are better home beautification thoughts to show your affection for the shading blue. 

Blue can be utilized to communicate numerous feelings relying upon the shade that you are picking. Also, there is no lack of blue conceals to look over. As of late blue has been a top pick of creators and blenders, prompting a blast in the quantity of blue shades accessible also. 

Frigid Blue for Lacquers and Varnish 

Cold blue shades will help to remember you the freezing skies of Scandinavia. Their practically pale dim tint shies through when they are utilized to feature furniture pieces like shelves, beds, and even tables and work areas. 

The tone summons a feeling of agelessness and wonder and hypnotizes the individuals who view it. By utilizing it on your assertion household items, you're attempting to feature their ageless nature. 

This shading functions admirably for a wide range of styles of homes also. 

Grayish and Muted Blue Drapes for Studies, Libraries, and Offices 

Blue is the ideal tone to bring you into a condition of stream and core interest. A significant perspective in case you're doing any critical measure of work or concentrating in your home. By utilizing marginally more dull blues nearly taking after the shade of the sea before a tempest, you feature this part of blue tone. 

The dull shades of the window hangings give visual soundness and break you into a condition of center and drive. 

Cobalt and Coral Blue Accents 

Cobalt and Coral blue are enthusiastic tones. Not the very kind that red summons but rather more likened to the reviving energy after a dunk in the sea. By utilizing these tones for frill and complement pieces, you also can bring the restoring energy of the sea into your living spaces. 

These shading work best with pieces that are sporadically formed and planned as it adds an awesome profundity to the shades. 

Naval force Blue Fabrics for Cool Elegance 

Naval force blue is a top pick among fashioners and decorators. It quickly passes on a feeling of loftiness, expressiveness, and class. After all the popular saying is "blue of blood" and no other tone. 

This tone particularly functions admirably with textures in living spaces. Smooth finished textures like silk and high-string mixes of cotton convey the shading admirably and supplement its feeling of style. You may also consider new style of canvas acrylic  prints and canvas art at The Canvas Art Factory. 

 

Pros & Cons of a Black Kitchen

An all-white kitchen has been used for decades. However, there is a new trend on the rise – the drama of black kitchen designs. While this trend started in 2016, it really caught up in 2017. More people each month choose to ‘go over to the dark side. One of the best ways to make a sentence with your remodel is to add dark kitchen accessories and components. They will bring in the bold and the sophisticated to that space; however, they also require upkeep.

Are black designs worth your time, money, and energy? How to decorate a kitchen with black appliances? Let us go through some pros and cons of such a redesign first.

Pros

Some pros of a black kitchen include:

✔    Looks Great
A kitchen with black appliances has been around for quite some time. However, they have recently started gaining popularity because they look modern and chic. The black color makes these homes look more contemporary. The dark color will contrast with almost any color—exceedingly brighter and lighter colors.

✔    Cleaner Appearance
A room with black appliances will look spotless. This is the simplicity of a black kitchen – they will offer a classic and clean look. This decoration will match well with people looking for a sleek and/or modern kitchen, which is becoming very popular these days.  Additionally, the home will look very elegant and contemporary.

✔    Versatile Look
Dark components offer a very versatile look. These colors can easily contrast with any color. Therefore, it will make your kitchen space look much more versatile than ever.

✔    Adding Drama
Even if it is a black and white kitchen, they may seem bland or boring. However, if you opt for all-black cabinets and countertops, the look of your home will be transformed instantly. This will add a lot of drama, and visitors will think that you have spent a fortune. Thankfully, opting for a black kitchen is very affordable, and you can buy everything you are looking for at a meager price.

Cons

Some cons are discussed below. We took the time to look at the topic from all angles.

🗶    More Cleaning
Such components need to be cleaned more often. Water splatters, dust, and food particles show up quickly on darker surfaces. Hence, these cabinets and countertops need to be wiped frequently with a damp cloth to keep them looking clean.

🗶    Scratches Easily
If the black surface gets scratched or dinged, hiding the marks will be challenging. The best solution would be to be extra careful around the black appliances. Alternatively, you can also buy a varnish or cover stick that matches your black kitchen.

🗶    Can Make Your Kitchen Look Heavy
Dark accessories and components can make your home look extremely heavy. To counteract this, you can look for a mixture of black and white kitchen decor—dark colors can make this particular room look smaller as well. Hence, it is vital to include lighter accents as well.

Are Black Kitchens a Good Idea?

Dark components will give your entire home a very luxurious look. The polished finish will add some depth to the room. If you want to recreate your home into something sophisticated, then opting for a black design is perhaps an idea you can look into.

White or light may be classic kitchen color schemes, pairing black kitchen components will create a space that is unique and interesting. Using black details will depend on the type of space you wish to create.

What do you think? Let us know what's your opinion; this might help other readers!

Author’s Bio
Alex Green is a copywriter with 3 years of experience. He is fond of healthy living and knows everything about home improvement. In his spare time, Alex likes walking with his golden retriever, meeting with friends, and attending the gym.

Images:
1.https://images.pexels.com/photos/3637739/pexels-photo-3637739.jpeg
2: https://images.pexels.com/photos/1271940/pexels-photo-1271940.jpeg

 

Preparing your home furniture for a new baby! Here are 5 tips to be super prepared!

Congratulations on your new baby! How exciting of a time. When you learn you are expecting, things can get overwhelming quickly. From preparing work/life balance, to investing in new baby toys and cribs. Making time to see the doctor while still working on work or school projects. There are a million things to get done so that you are ready and confident you can look after the new baby the best you can. Unfortunately, a lot of parents neglect the nursery room when there is so much to get done in preparation. We have compiled a list of 5 very helpful tips that will make setting up the nursery and keeping your little one safe, as easy as possible.

image:pixabay.com/photos/baby-bear-bed-blue-change-child-2941785

1. Place your baby’s crib In the right spot

While it might seem like common sense to put the crib somewhere convenient, like close to the bed, it is not always easy to see when waking up to the cries of the baby at night. This is why we suggest putting the crib in a place that you can access quickly, and could do so blindfolded (if that were ever necessary)

We also recommend having the change table near to the crib, so you can be as efficient as possible and keep awkwardness to a minimum.

2. Choose cribs and changing tables that offer as much room as possible

Why? Its very easy to mistake cords and other hanging objects in the area, and trip or run into them causing disorientation and possible damage to other furniture and harm to you or the baby. We suggest purchasing furniture that takes up as much space as required but doesn’t have any “bells or whistles” than can lead to a choking hazard for the baby. Choose your furniture wisely when shopping.

3. Use straps to secure the furniture

If furniture isn’t strapped down, it can prove a problem with slips and injuries. For the sake of safety, we suggest placing straps on the toy box, shelving, dressers, changing tables and the crib. This will provide maximum security and make sure that nothing moves into a place it shouldn’t be.

4. Get spring loaded toy boxes

What we mean is to have a lid on a toy box that can’t slam shut on hands and fingers. This is important as the baby may try to look around for a favorite toy and accidently close the lid on its fingers leading to a lot of pain and crying (both of which can cause you to sleep less). Make sure to invest in safety measures on places that are accessed frequently.

5. Go for a crib, not a bassinet

A baby can grow, fast! Many babies will simply get too large for a bassinet, making it a redundant purchase. Save yourself some money and aim for a waterproof mattress inside of the crib and woods that are resistant to liquid. This is make sure you can focus entirely on the babies needs, without having to worry about their safety due to poor furniture quality.

These are just some of the quick tips that will help you to prepare your dream nursery for your little one.  Since your baby’s safety and comfort are the top priorities, make sure to call professionals who offer Furniture Repair service whenever you see any furniture that need to be restored.