Flooring is a key design feature, but it also needs to be practical. It must be able to stand up to a lot of abuse, including constant foot traffic and the weight of furniture.
Tile is a good choice for moisture-prone areas because it’s durable and easy to clean. It can be either unglazed or glazed and is available in a huge range of colours and designs.
The kitchen is a space that demands hardwearing, easy-to-clean, water and heat-resistant flooring. Natural stone flooring is an attractive, enduring option, but it can be very expensive and requires expert installation and re-sealing every six months. However, it is naturally insulating and doesn’t harbor dust mites and pet hair like ceramic tiles.
A single-file kitchen has cabinets along one wall; this is not ideal but may be the best solution in a tight space such as an attic conversion or a studio apartment. A double-file kitchen has two rows of cabinets on opposite walls; this is the classical work kitchen design that maximises storage and efficiency.
Linoleum floors are made from renewable materials including linseed oil, resin and sawdust; it’s durable but doesn’t suit wet or humid environments. Vinyl floors are also available in a range of styles and colours, can withstand moisture and have a soft, sound-absorbing surface.
Poured concrete floor types are not just for the garage – they look fantastic in open plan kitchens, conservatories and contemporary living rooms too. They’re hardwearing, water and heat resistant, hypoallergenic and come in a variety of finishes from matt to glossy. They can even incorporate flecks of glitter or stone for a designer finish.
Living Room
The living room is the heart of a home, where family members gather to entertain guests, enjoy a movie together or simply sit and relax. The living room is typically the most spacious of all rooms and should be able to accommodate large furniture pieces like sofas and sectionals. It should also be able to hold plenty of decorative items and accessories. If you’re struggling with how to decorate your living room, here are some simple tips and tricks to help you create a beautiful and functional space.
Choosing the right colors for your living room can make or break its overall aesthetic. Although many people tend to lean toward neutral tones, there are a wide variety of shades that can add warmth and interest to the space. The trick is to choose the shade that best complements your other decor elements and matches the lighting in your living room. If you don’t have a neutral color in mind, try using a bold accent color that catches the eye.
Another way to create a stylish living room is to use wall art to tie in the room’s decor and colors. But don’t over-do it with the wall art or your living room will look cluttered. Choose a few striking pieces that have a common theme or subject matter and hang them in a way that draws the eye up to the ceiling. This trick can be especially effective if you have a tall ceiling or a vaulted or cathedral-style living room.
In addition to layered overhead and ambient lighting, a well-lit living room should have plenty of table lamps. This will ensure that all corners of your space are lit and you won’t have any dark spots in the room. The key is to have varying heights of lamps so that your eyes don’t get too used to one level of light.
Oftentimes, small living rooms feel cramped and claustrophobic. But there are a few ways to make your tiny lounge feel bigger, including using a soft color palette and incorporating plenty of storage. If you’re worried about sacrificing storage space, mount some cleverly camouflaged white storage units on your living room walls to hide clutter. This can be a great option for families who want to keep their living room looking clean and uncluttered.
Bedroom
It’s easy to let bedrooms become a dumping ground for clutter from other areas of the house that you can’t deal with right away. Sort through the dresser drawers, clean out the nightstands and get rid of all those things you don’t use or need.
Bedrooms can also quickly fill up with too much decor. Go through the items and keep only those that bring you joy and make your room feel calming and well-loved.
Whether the bedroom is used for children or adults, it should have a window that provides natural light and allows escape in the case of a fire. The size of the window varies but generally needs to be about 5.7 square feet and 44 inches from the floor. Window specifications are set by code requirements for safety and egress. These requirements may limit the size of a bedroom but are independent of how the space is used.
Bathroom
The bathroom is a room of function, but also a space where style can come through. One simple accent wall of a lighter color can create a bold statement, or you can keep it calm and relaxing with greens like mint and pistachio, lavender, pearl grey, or soft blues. If you entertain guests, bolder colors can add a wow factor, but for daily use, softer colors are better for bathing or just a moment to reflect before the day begins.
