Meet Chrystal King: The DIY Designer Helping People Makeover Their Spaces

Photo Credit: Chrystal’s Instagram

Deciding to makeover your home can be an exciting decision. Enlisting the help of creative designers can give anyone looking to uplift their spaces an added level of inspiration. One such creative designer, that has captured the hearts of DIY enthusiasts and interior design lovers through her successful DIY projects, is Chrystal King.

Chrystal is a Tik Tok and Instagram content creator, who has been able to consistently and creatively make over her own space through her innovative interior style choices and DIY designs. Even up-cycling unwanted items and revamping them into modern and unique statement pieces.

Her creativity has enabled her to shift into making over other people’s spaces and showcasing the journey through her new series. The first episode of the series follows Chrystal making over the home of new homeowner, Drico, as they work together to turn his space into a “bachelor pad”.

The response to Chrystal’s new series, has been overwhelmingly positive with one Instagram user, Deborahbiyi, commenting “this talent is out of this world”. In a recent CM interview, here’s what Chrystal had to share:

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A post shared by Chrystal (@chrystalking_)

CM: For those who don’t know, tell the readership a little bit about yourself?

Chrystal: Of course! I started sharing my home design journey online two years ago after I bought my own home and began documenting my journey online, designing it and turning it into a smart home. With time, my platform has grown and now I’ve started designing other people's homes, which is a natural extension of my passion for design. I also have an architecture degree so it feels great to finally be putting it to good use!  

Photo Credit: Chrystal’s Instagram

CM: How did your creativity for designing home spaces and DIY start?

Chrystal: I have always been interested in designing my own space, and I grew up in a home where DIY was normalised. My mum used to do a lot of DIY projects, and I remember seeing her build a wardrobe from scratch and repair our ceiling one time. She encouraged me to be creative and do whatever I wanted, which gave me a lot of confidence. I have always loved being creative and [I] have explored it in many different mediums, including graphic design, digital art, tech, videography, and architecture.

CM: What was the inspiration behind the ‘Make over other people's spaces’ series?

Chrystal: I wanted to help people love their homes and feel proud of them. That's what inspired me to start the series I want to empower people to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment without necessarily breaking the bank and make home improvement accessible to everyone. 

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A post shared by Chrystal (@chrystalking_)

CM: A lot of your home design projects seem to be art and tech inspired, will this carry on into your designs for other peoples spaces?

Chrystal: Definitely! My home design projects are totally art and tech-inspired, and I plan to carry that on for other people's spaces too. I've been working in the tech industry for nearly 8 years now as a product designer, so that influence is definitely ingrained in me. Expect to see homes that are not only beautiful but also smart, and designed to make peoples lives easier!

CM: How do you approach the process of designing other people's spaces?

Chrystal: My approach is always centered around the individual and their unique needs. I start by having a conversation with them to get a better understanding of their personality and lifestyle, as well as their design preferences and goals for the space. This helps me to create a clear picture of what they are looking for, and allows me to tailor my approach to their specific needs. Once I have a good understanding of the person and their space, I begin the creative process, exploring different design options and ideas, taking into account the space's size, layout, and architecture. I also consider factors such as lighting, colour, and texture, and how they can be used to create a cohesive and harmonious space.   

CM: Your home makeovers seem to be very budget friendly, how do you manage the challenge of designing on a budget? 

Chrystal: When it comes to designing on a budget, I try to be creative and resourceful. I believe that you don't always need to spend a lot of money to achieve a great look. Sometimes it's just a matter of looking at things from a different angle. For example, I may repurpose items that I already have in my home or use materials in unconventional ways. Another strategy that I use is to research and compare prices to find the best deals. Google reverse image search is a tool that I find particularly helpful in this regard. I can easily find similar products at lower prices by searching for the image of an item that I like. This way, I can stay within my budget without sacrificing style or quality. Furthermore, I try to prioritise my expenses and focus on the areas that will make the biggest impact. For instance, I may invest in a statement piece of furniture or a bold accent wall, and then work around it with more affordable items.

CM: Bonus question: Which iconic figure, past or present, would you love to design a space for and why?

Chrystal: Ooo this is a tough one, if I had to choose one iconic figure I would choose Stephanie Ike. I love listening to her, and would love to work with her to create a space that reflects her personality and style! 

Follow Chrystal King @chrystalking_ for more DIY design makeovers.

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Stay Ahead of the Curve: Unveiling the Top 2024 Design Trends

It's that time when design professionals are utilizing their expertise and creativity to unveil this year's top interior design trends — and, as in previous years, their predictions are truly impressive. Whether planning a complete renovation or just looking to spruce up your home on a budget, this compilation of the biggest home trends in 2024 from our trusted design experts is here to assist you. Some trends, such as statement wallpaper, vibrant colours, and eye-catching tiles, have proven to be enduring. However, some innovative ideas have emerged.

These include incorporating woodgrain millwork and designing spaces with wellness features. No matter your design preferences, you're certain to find a surge of inspiration in this collection. So, feel free to consider remodelling an entire room, making a simple upgrade like changing the hardware, embarking on a painting project, or investing in new furniture to create your desired bedroom sanctuary or living room. If you're seeking more inspiration, take a look at the latest kitchen and bathroom trends for the upcoming year.

Brass Accents

Brass accents have been popular for a while and are expected to continue trending in 2024. Versatile and timeless, brass adds a classic and sophisticated appeal to both traditional and modern design environments. It allows other design elements and materials like marble or wood to shine, creating visual interest and contrast. Brass accents are a popular choice for homeowners looking to elevate their spaces with a touch of elegance.

Woodgrain Millwork

One of the key trends for 2024 is the resurgence of woodgrain millwork. Design experts predict that more clients will want to expose their original wood millwork, leading to a boom in paint stripping companies. Additionally, new-build clients are favouring rich woods like walnut, maple, and mahogany over paint-grade millwork. This trend brings warmth and natural beauty to spaces, creating a timeless appeal.

Bold Lighting

2024 is set to be a year of exciting lighting trends and fixtures. Designers anticipate large-scale fixtures, smaller recessed cans, and intricate sculptural lighting to take centre stage. These bold lighting choices serve as statement pieces, illuminating spaces with personality and flair. From chandeliers to pendant lights, a wide range of options are available to add a touch of drama and intrigue to any room.

Fluted Details

Saturated Colors

Neutrals are taking a back seat in 2024 as bold and saturated colours take the spotlight. Designers are embracing vibrant colours to infuse energy and personality into interiors. From rich blues to vibrant oranges, saturated colours make a statement in various design elements, including walls, furniture, and accessories. This trend adds drama and depth to spaces, creating a visually stunning environment.

Vintage Furniture

Investment pieces and vintage furniture are gaining popularity in 2024. Homeowners are opting for beautiful vintage case goods and expertly crafted reproductions. Instead of settling for "fast" furniture that doesn't stand the test of time, people are now willing to invest in well-built, thoughtfully crafted pieces that will last for generations. Vintage furniture brings character and charm to spaces, adding a sense of history and uniqueness.

Organic Light Fixtures

In 2024, lighting fixtures that use natural materials will be in high demand. Rattan, wood, and clay are just a few examples of the materials designers will incorporate into light fixtures. These natural materials add depth to the space and create a softer glow when paired with the lighting hardware. Organic light fixtures bring a touch of nature indoors, creating a warm and inviting ambience.

Quiet Luxury

Quiet luxury is a hot trend in interior design for 2024. This trend combines innovation with timeless elegance, creating spaces that inspire and elevate everyday living. Quiet luxury interiors feature sustainable materials, discreetly integrated smart technology, and a revival of classic design elements. The goal is to evoke nostalgia while embracing the modern era, creating sophisticated and comfortable spaces.

Understated Opulence

An emerging trend for 2024 is the concept of understated luxury. This trend focuses on seamlessly integrating touches of opulence into a space without compromising its overall effortless and clean feel. Designers are adding little touches that feel a bit fancier, such as character-driven edge profiles, detail-driven plumbing fixtures, and the incorporation of vintage rugs and furnishings. This trend creates a sense of luxury and refinement while maintaining a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

Wallpaper in Unexpected Places

While wallpaper has made a comeback, homeowners are now using it in unexpected places to add a touch of fun and surprise. Closets, linen closets, and small bars are being transformed with colourful and patterned wallpapers. These spaces, often overlooked, are given a new lease on life with vibrant designs. Wallpaper in unexpected places adds a sense of whimsy and personality, making every corner of the home feel special.

Natural Wood

Gone are the days of light and brightly painted walls in small spaces. Natural wood is coming back in 2024, adding warmth and cosiness to large and small areas. Wood siding is being used in spaces of all sizes, creating a sense of comfort and charm. This trend embraces the natural beauty of wood, making rooms feel inviting and grounded.

Secondary Spaces

2024 will see an increase in the creation of secondary spaces within kitchens. Homeowners are opting for additional wet bars, back kitchens, and butler's pantries to enhance the functionality and convenience of their kitchens. These secondary spaces can house additional refrigeration, warming drawers, built-in coffee systems, wine storage, and dishwashers. By expanding the kitchen with these secondary spaces, homeowners can prepare and store food more efficiently while maintaining a seamless aesthetic.

Intimate Dining Areas

In a departure from the once-popular open concept, there is a growing preference for separating the kitchen from the dining room. Designers are creating more intimate dining experiences by blocking direct access to the busy kitchen. This trend immerses guests in beautifully designed dining rooms reminiscent of popular period dramas. Intimate dining areas allow for a more focused and enjoyable dining experience, bringing people together in a beautifully curated space.

Modern Maximalism

Mid-century modern and subtle tones are giving way to modern maximalism in 2024. Clients seek more character and uniqueness in their rooms, embracing jewel tones and statement rugs. This trend combines vibrant colours with statement neutrals, creating a visually striking environment. Modern maximalism allows homeowners to showcase their personalities and create spaces that stand out.

Statement Tiles

Statement tiles are gaining popularity, especially in showers and wet areas. Homeowners are using statement or accent tiles to alleviate the monotony and introduce visual intrigue into these areas. As shower sizes grow, a statement tile can significantly impact, creating a focal point and increasing the overall design. This trend allows for creativity and personalization, turning ordinary bathrooms into extraordinary spaces.

Mixed Metals

Mixing metals is no longer taboo in interior design. Homeowners are opting to layer different hardware finishes throughout their homes, just like layering jewellery. This trend adds a playful and modern touch to spaces, allowing for a balance between different design elements. Closet hardware, in particular, is used to set the tone for a more playful or masculine space. Mixing metals adds visual interest and creates a unique and personalized look.

Hallways With Colorful Wallpaper

Corridors and hallways are often overlooked when it comes to design. However, in 2024, colourful wallpapers will bring these areas to life. Colourful wallpapers add vibrancy and personality to otherwise mundane spaces. Adding colourful wallpaper can make these spaces feel special and unique, whether it's a hallway used for coats, linen, towels, or small bars.

Muted Tones

Muted tones are set to become the new neutrals in 2024. Homeowners are expanding their definition of neutral to include soft blues, sage greens, dusty rose pinks, and buttery yellows. These muted tones serve as foundational colours, allowing for the incorporation of colour without overwhelming the space. Painting ceilings, mouldings, and baseboards with a soft contrasting neutral adds a creative and unique touch to any room.

Wellness Offerings

Wellness is a top priority for many homeowners, and in 2024, wellness offerings will be a prominent trend in interior design. Developers incorporate spectacular indoor and outdoor movie areas, rooftop pools, and co-working lounges into luxury developments. These spaces are designed to inspire and provide a certain lifestyle, complete with character, Wi-Fi, and enough outlets for charging. The focus on wellness extends to beach clubs and residences, where full-size bars are now sought-after elements in designing spaces for a specific lifestyle.

In conclusion, the interior design trends of 2024 promise to bring excitement, elegance, and personalization to homes. From woodgrain millwork to bold lighting and statement tiles, homeowners will have plenty of options to transform their spaces. Whether you prefer understated opulence or modern maximalism, there is a trend for every taste and style. Embrace these trends and create a home that reflects your unique personality and vision.

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11 Expert Interior Design Tips to Create Your Dream Home

Designing and styling your home can be an exciting and fulfilling process. It's an opportunity to turn your living space into an expression of your personality and preferences. But where do you start? With so many elements to consider, from paint colors to furniture placement, it can feel overwhelming. That's why we've compiled 11 expert interior design tips to guide you along the way. Whether you're renovating an entire house or simply refreshing a room, these professional-approved tips will help you create a dream home that is both functional and stylish.

1. Embrace Your Personal Style

When it comes to interior design, there are no rights or wrongs. Everyone has the potential to design their own home, so it's important to embrace your personal style. While home decor trends can provide inspiration, your home should ultimately be a true reflection of your taste. Take the latest trends into account, but always put your own spin on them to make your home special. After all, your home is where you spend most of your time, so it should reflect you.

2. Create a Mood Board for Inspiration

Transforming your interiors from tired to revitalized starts with gathering inspirational images. Create a mood board using a large foam board and pins. Gather fabric, wallpaper, furniture, and flooring samples that you're considering for use. This will help you visualize how they will all work together within the room. Explore various textures and colors to introduce depth and enhance visual interest. Place the mood board in the room and live with it for a while to see if it resonates with your vision.

3. Repurpose and Upcycle

Good interior design isn't always about buying new. At times, it's about cleverly utilizing what you already possess. Consider repurposing or upcycling furniture and accessories to give them a fresh look. For example, reupholstering an old sofa can breathe new life into it. Don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. Not only is this approach environmentally-friendly and budget-conscious, but it also adds a personal touch to your home.

4. Play with Color

Selecting a color palette for your home can feel overwhelming. While it's important to consider trends and aesthetics, the most important factor is what you love. There are no strict rules when it comes to color, but it's best to avoid too much color clash or over-saturation. A helpful guideline is to allocate 60% of the room to your dominant hue, 30% to your secondary hue, and 10% to accents. Draw inspiration from nature if you're struggling to decide on a starting point.

5. Test Paint Colors and Wallpaper

Colors can appear differently depending on lighting, so it's crucial to test them before committing to a whole room. Buy sample pots of paint and apply them to A2-sized sections on both the lightest and darkest walls within the same room. Observe how natural light affects the shade throughout the day. The same goes for wallpaper tape samples to the walls or drape large returnable samples over existing furniture or curtains. Take your time to evaluate how the colors work in the space before making a final decision.

6. Consider Scale and Proportion

When selecting furniture, it's essential to consider scale and proportion. In a large room, opt for a big sofa and footstool to create a balanced and inviting space. Even small rooms can benefit from one large statement piece, such as a headboard in a bedroom. Finding the right balance of large and small pieces will help create an appealing living space. Take measurements and visualize how each piece will fit into the room before making a purchase.

7. Live in the Space Before Decorating

While it can be tempting to rush into decorating a new home or renovated room, it's important to take your time. Live in the space for a while before making any major design decisions. Collect pieces as you come across them, rather than settling for what's immediately available. This allows you to curate a collection of items that you truly love and that fit seamlessly into your home. Take the opportunity to analyze the look and colors of your room with accessories and gradually add elements that enhance the overall design.

8. Explore Unique Paint Ideas

The era of rigid paint rules is a thing of the past. Modern interior design encourages creativity and personal expression. Traditional ideas like painting doors, frames, skirting boards, and ceilings in brilliant white are no longer the only options. Consider alternative approaches, like matching the skirting boards' color with the walls, to establish a seamless flow and visually expand the room. Experiment with diverse colors and finishes to infuse depth and character into your living space.

9. Measure Properly for Curtains and Blinds

When it comes to window treatments, proper measurement is key. Before ordering blinds or curtains, ensure you have accurate measurements of your windows. This will prevent any costly mistakes or ill-fitting treatments. Custom sizes may be more expensive, but they will give your home a professionally designed look. Additionally, take the time to learn what not to do when choosing curtains to avoid common mishaps and ensure that your window treatments enhance the overall aesthetic of the room.

10. Add Finishing Touches

The finishing touches are what bring a room together and give it character. Consider adding elements like lampshades, rugs, cushions, paintings, and plants to complete the look. These small details can make a significantly impact in the overall ambiance of a space. Don't underestimate the power of accents – even the colors on the spines of books on a bookshelf or a throw on the back of a sofa can create opportunities for pops of color and added visual interest.

11. Engage the Senses with Signature Fragrances

After you've added all the accessories and finishing touches, consider engaging the senses by incorporating a signature fragrance into your home. Smell plays a significant role in how a space feels, especially to guests. Choose a scent that resonates with you and create a consistent aroma throughout your home. Scented candles, diffusers, and essential oils are all great options for infusing your space with a delightful fragrance that will make you feel instantly at home.

Starting on the journey to design your dream home is an exhilarating experience, enabling you to showcase your creativity and style. By following to these expert interior design tips, you can turn your living space into a chic and functional sanctuary. Embrace your personal style, create a mood board for inspiration, repurpose and upcycle, play with color, test paint colors and wallpaper, consider scale and proportion, live in the space before decorating, explore unique paint ideas, measure properly for curtains and blinds, add finishing touches, and engage the senses with signature fragrances. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating a home that reflects your unique personality and taste.

Remember, the cornerstone of effective interior design is to craft your home as a true reflection of yourself. So, don't be afraid to break the rules and experiment with different ideas. Have fun and enjoy the process of creating a space that you love coming home to. Happy designing!

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The next generation of interior designers: 3 inspiring interior designers to watch for 2024

Interior design is something dear to most homeowners when making a house a home. Or even for business owners that want that special stamp on their spaces. If you do not have a knack for styling then outsourcing the design activities can be a great option. The interior design space is filled with talented entrepreneurs and stylists who are able to help bring spaces to life.

Left to Right: Teni Adelegan of @Studioteni, Zoie Peters of @zoiepetersx, Feliciana Dalley of @felieinteriors, Photo Credit: Instagram, Illustration: Casa by Marie

With that being said, we have rounded up three interior designers that are rising in their field and we think you should watch out for in 2024:

Photo credit: Newly styled Chrissy bales salon from @Studioteni instagram

Studio Teni

Studio Teni is an Interior Designer who has been elevating everyday living spaces for over three years. Teni started her interior design business without a design degree, going on to design spaces for established business owners and homeowners a like. Her most notable retail project to date being, the interior design of Chrissy bales salon. Studio Tent opted for an array of modern aesthetics that were perfectly contrasted with oak and gold, finishing off with simple black accents across the salon.

Photo Credit: Zoie Peters newly designed toilet from @zoieinteriors instagram

Zoie Interiors

Zoie Peters specialises in Interior Architecture and Design. She has been transforming other peoples spaces for over a decade. Recently venturing on to buy a new home with her partner and taking on the task of designing her own home. Her chosen designs for the media wall allowed for a perfect focal point in the front room and the colour choices in the newly designed toilet seamlessly applies a breath of fresh air with the navy, gold and marble effect combination.

Photo credit: A Felie interiors project from @felieinteriors instagram

Felie Interiors

Felie Interiors was founded by Feliciana. It is a new age Interior design studio that is redefining luxury. With their homeware brand Felie home and kids line Felie kids, Felie Interiors promotes well being through the world of home decor. Felie Interiors has also taken her interior design skills to the next level, offering design courses to aspiring interior designers that explores design styles and identifying design groups.

We are sure these three rising interior designer will excel in 2024. Follow their incredible design projects on Instagram.

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Top Picks: The best retail brands to furnish your home

Are you interested in refreshing the styling of your home? Or perhaps you have recently completed your home renovation and do not know where to start with the interior styling. Well look no further because here is a concisely curated list of the top picks for interiors and homeware retail brands to shop from (not in any particular order).

Photo credit: Next.com website

Next

Next is the traditional high street chain whose homeware line sports some of the highest quality furnishings that are designed to elevate any room. Next prides themselves on providing essential living options to their customers which makes them a top choice for home styling.

Dunelm

Dunelm is one of the largest homeware online stores. They are primarily known for their affordable designer replicas and soft homewares. If you’ve got a knack for searching for alternatives to the designer statement pieces then Dunelm is the brand for you. Dunelm’s wide range of soft furnishings and accessories makes it seamless to find your preferred items at the desired price.

H&M home

When it comes to H&M home, think fashionable but on a budget. H&M dawns the most stylish homeware goods that are hot and trending in the interiors realm. This is the homeware store for you if you want to stay on top of the latest interior design trends. However, due to the affordable price tag and trending choices you might notice a few pieces in most modern homes.

Photo credit: JohnLewis.com website

John Lewis

John Lewis is a long running and dependable brand for homeware goods. In more recent years, the department store has been able to cater to a broad range of styles with products ranging from coffee machines to throws. Due to their array of design pieces, you’ll be certain to find items that will match your style.

Ikea

Ikea is most known for their simplistic and functional homeware products. The brands resonates with homeowners who are decorating on a budget and typically doing it themselves. The majority of Ikea homeware items are designed to be assembled at home.

Photo credit: Dusk.com website

Dusk

Dusk is an elegant and fairly new brand that positions itself as the ‘luxury for less’ homeware option. Their elegant and stylish homeware products have been designed for everyday shoppers that want attainable luxuries in their home.

Wayfair

Wayfair is the gigantic furniture marketplace, allowing buyers to shop multiple retailers all in one place. Given the large platform hosts both big and small furniture brands, you’ll be sure to find items to match any style choices or preferences.

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4 Modern Design Ideas to Improve the Functionality of Your Small Kitchen

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Small kitchens can be difficult to design. However the limited space offers great opportunities to get creative with your style choices whilst still keeping up with modern day trends.

What a small kitchen lacks in space, it can still make up for in optimised functionality with the right design choices. Here are four modern design ideas that will improve the workflow of your small kitchen space:

Pull down shelf baskets in wall cabinets

Photo Credit: goldeneye.designer on TikTok

It’s difficult and inconvenient to get items from wall cabinets especially if you’re below average height and need to get that can of tuna from the top shelf. Having pull down shelf baskets in your wall cabinets offers an easy solution that does not negatively impact the use of your wall cabinets.

Platform base instead of kick board

Kick boards can easily become detached and they can make a lovely home for creepy crawlies and other unwanted creatures. Instead, create a platform with bricks and tiles for the base units to stand on instead. This creates a sturdier base that will not house unwanted guests.

Diamond shaped cabinets instead of right angled

Right angled cabinets on the left transformed into diamond shaped cabinets on the right. Photo Credit: goldeneye.designer on TikTok

Photo Credit: goldeneye.designer on TikTok

Kitchens with right angled cupboards and countertops have less storage. Their old fashioned style can make access inconvenient. Instead, make diamond shaped cupboards which provide better storage for large and dry goods. This choice will create more countertop space.

Customised shelves between small gaps

Photo Credit: goldeneye.designer on TikTok

Small kitchens are notorious for small and awkward gaps between counters and appliances. Adjoin appliances to counters where there are gaps, and fill the spaces with customised shelves that can contain small kitchen items such as spices and sauce jars. This makes it convenient to access small items whilst also not taking up larger storage spaces.

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Do fully tiled bathrooms look cold and clinical?

Photo credit: Unsplash

Designing a bathroom is a highly complicated task, particularly around choosing the right materials that offer the perfect intersection between practicality and style. The most common design style for bathrooms is the use of tiles given they offer the walls and floors protection from water damage and also create a seamless wet room aesthetic if completely tiled.

Interior design is largely a personal choice, so the extent at which to tile a bathroom will ultimately come down to the individual. There are a number of opinions on the look of half tiled bathrooms vs fully tiled bathrooms but some interior designers believe that fully tiled bathrooms can look “cold and clinical”.

Interior Designer Abigail Beddow. Photo Credit: @thebeddowspace instagram

Interior designer Abigail Beddow, who specialises in attainable luxury decor choices, and runs the interior design studio, theab_interiors, had some thoughts to share. Abigail agrees “yes [all tiled] does look cold and can look clinical”.

Some interior designers believe that the all tiled look can give off an inexpensive taste that does not look particularly stylish. Whilst that can be disheartening, it is not all doom and gloom for the all tiled bathroom style because “there are ways to suppress [it]” Abigail challenges.

Abigail shares her advice on how to revitalise the cold and clinical look by adding “some warmth using texture, perhaps a rug or a wooden vanity unit”. She also adds “you can also have one wall or partial [wall] with no tiling where you can paint and add another warm colour that would subdue the environment”.

Whether you are looking for a luxury bathroom look or have concerns around an all tiled bathroom, Abigail co-signs that “many luxurious bathrooms have [the all tiled] design”.

Ultimately, styling preferences are always going to have different opinions and whether your personal style suits an all tiled bathroom or not is down to personal choice.

Visit www.theabigailcreatives.com for interior design and styling services. Follow Abigail Beddow on Instagram @thebeddowspace for more interior styling tips.

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Our top 5 design mistakes

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a new home or even completing a renovation that interior design then becomes an after thought. It’s also all too easy to become caught up in the latest styling trends that you become overwhelmed with choice.

The interior design element is arguably the most important part that should take careful consideration, so we’ve put together a list of our top 5 design mistakes to avoid when making a house a home:

1. Disproportionate furniture

Considering the size of the rooms when buying furniture and ensure to accurately measure the space that each piece will be placed is important. It’s easy for furniture that does not fit to scale to make a space look confusing.

2. Matching Colour scheme

Some times there is such thing as too much and that can be the case when choosing only one colour palette for the walls, furniture and decor. Choosing one colour to be matchy-matchy can seem like a safe option but rarely looks the part. Instead opt for the 60-30-10 rule - 60% main/dominant colour, 30% a secondary colour and then 10% an accent colour to give each room more vibrancy.

3. Wrong lighting

The wrong lighting in for a room can significantly change the ambiance or equally not utilising the natural lighting. Think about the function of the room and the kind of lighting that would be best suited.

4. Unappealing Wall art

Whilst sprucing up a room with some wall art can seem like a good idea, choosing pieces that are unappealing can dampen a room. In some instances it might even be better to opt for no art.

5. Clutter

Overdoing it with the decor can make a room look unclean and untidy. Instead, inspire your inner Marie Kondo and design your space with only select pieces that fit with the aesthetic.

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Why adopting a minimalist decor style could be right for you

When people think of minimalism they might think of the popular decluttering methodology by MARIE KONDO. For those who may not be familiar or who have been living under a rock. Marie Kondo’s methodology of decluttering encourages individuals to create clear spaces by decluttering their homes by asking themselves whether an item “sparks joy”. Thus only keeping the items that do, resulting in only the items in your home that you cherish. It could be the case that there are still a lot of items remaining if you decide that they all spark joy.

Source: Marie Kondo Instagram

Whilst it could be argued that this philosophy is still minimalism to an extent, at the very least it is not pure minimalism. So what is ‘pure’ minimalism? Minimalism is about simplicity, attaining detailed pieces that complement each other and create a simplistic aesthetic that is the embodiment of “less is more”. Minimalism isn’t about suffering or sacrifice but having a decor that is still functional and interesting whilst minimising the amount of items you have.

So if your ultimate goal when decorating is to create calm spaces that optimise functionality and minimise the number of items, we have curated some of the positives from adopting a minimalistic decor style:

Less distractions

Adopting a minimalist style can push your productivity through the roof. Studies have shown that a clear space leads to lower stress levels. By eliminating incessant distractions and items that may subconsciously be causing visual stress, it can allow for focus and enable you to become to be more organised in other areas of your life.

Easier when moving

Moving is a pain. It is something that everyone has to deal with at some point in their life. The more items that you have, the more there is to move. And the less items there are to move, the more seamless the moving process will be. A minimalist decor style is optimal for anyone who intends to move home frequently.

Saves money

One of the biggest benefits of minimalism is the financial benefit. Less items means less money spent on the unnecessary and only spending on the necessary. Adopting a minimalist style for your home means you become very intentional with your spending and therefore make more cost beneficial decisions when it comes to your home.

Improved mental health

We all know mental health is important and becoming by more and more impart in modern times. A minimalistic decor style provides the ability to reduce anxiety and improve your mental health. Minimalism is a great catalyst for mindfulness by giving you room to tune out and self discover what is truly important.

Easier to clean

Having less items not only improves your mental health but your physical health too. Minimalistic style choices attract far less dirt and dust and therefore a simpler cleaning process. Nothing says health benefits than a home that is spic and span.

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Most important things to think about when designing a Kitchen

How hard can it be to design a kitchen? That’s probably what you are thinking. Well let us be the first to tell you, there’s more to think about than meets the eye.

We are in time where people value convenience and an improved workflow for their homes in order to get the most efficiency from a brand new kitchen. Designing a kitchen requires great thought in order to find the perfect intersection between aesthetically pleasing choices and a practically effective layout.

Here’s the most important things to think about when designing a kitchen:

Layout

Of course at top of the list is the actual layout. Kitchens can come in all sorts of layouts. From L-shape to gallery to peninsula. The type of layout you choose (or that comes with your house) will determine the best way to design the layout of the kitchen. The layout will impact how appliances can be easily accessed and how easily the placement of sockets are in comparison to safety regulations. The kitchen layout will heavily influence the workflow so it is best to choose a layout that will reduce and mange any kitchen traffic.

Usage

In parallel to the layout, consider the usage of appliances. What appliances in the kitchen are going to be used the most? This will typically be the oven/stove so it is always wise to place them in a location that has the most surrounding worktop space. For appliances that have less usage, it may be wise to place those in corners. Is there enough space to socialise in your kitchen? If so, then factoring in how to separate the kitchen element from the relaxing element is key.

Colour scheme

The kind of colours schemes that go together perfectly can turn a kitchen from an eye sore into a haven. Consider what’s appealing in the current market. That may be neutral tones which give a fresh, vibrant and calming feel. Also maximise the light where there is a lack of natural day light. Greens and Blues may also be an option for those who may want to go against the grain with their colours scheme. Combining bolder colour choices that can withstand the test of time whilst giving room for a unique stamp to stand out is also favourable.

Materials

Choosing the right materials can really go a long way. So it’s important to make sure whatever your choices are, they are long lasting. Kitchens develop the most wear and tear due to the every day usage so selecting durable materials that can weather the storm is a must. Countertop materials are one that come to mind. Whilst marble worktops are much pricier, they are highly durable and may be a more long lasting choice than other cost effective options.

Cost

And finally, the cost. It’s easy to lose track of the budget when designing a kitchen. Consider which choices are most cost effective and practical. That self cleaning oven may be aesthetically pleasing but it may not fit the budget. Some choices may not even be worth the price tag. Ultimately the kitchen design choices will be heavily influenced by the available budget so monitor fluctuating costs closely and make the necessary amendments.

Dream kitchens are a result of proper planning and preparation. Whilst there may be overwhelming moments, designing a well thought out kitchen is highly rewarding. Happy designing.

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