Thoughtful Home Design

 A new year brings opportunities to refresh your living space and add colors into your life. These four trends are all about incorporating more of yourself and your lifestyle into your home, whether it's answering your need for a serene escape or dialing up the energy with vibrant surroundings. Bring in Nature Soothing earthy tones help bring a sense of calm and balance indoors. When designing with nature in mind, use gray-green tones to connect your aesthetic with the serene elements of the outdoors. Incorporate nature's palette with greens in fabrics, accessories and even on the walls. Wood and stone materials naturally complement these shades for a look that's cohesively pleasing and peaceful. Stylish Sophistication If you're aiming to infuse some sophistication with an update to a favorite space, opt for a monochromatic look in a dark (almost black) hue. The approach is simultaneously bold and classic, but the secret to this trend is finding a shade that's rich ...

By Jared K Advantages of Gray Gray is a common occurrence in modern kitchens. Namely because gray goes well with nearly every color with which it is paired. In fact, some people think that adding a gray finish is one of the best methods to add contrast and depth to a kitchen. Gray is so adept that it gives the designer freedom in every category from transitional, to modern, and even traditional. The fact that there are over 50 shades of gray (hehe) is what enables this color to harmonize so well with others. By choosing the correct shade you can add elements of brightness for a cozy ambiance or keep it monochromatic for a more modern look. Benefits of Matte One benefit of a matte cabinet door is that imperfections such as fingerprints and scratches are a lot less obvious than on cabinets that have a gloss finish. This isn't to say that they don't appear at all, they do, but it is much less noticeable. Furthermore, the color on something with a matte finish will often appea...

There is a misconception that monochrome equals drab. A monochrome color scheme makes use of different hues, tints, shades, and grades of the same color. This apartment in France by Anastasiia Reznichenko of Ukraine is a great example of how to correctly apply a monochrome color regime.  Behance

By Adeel Ali The 21st century has definitely seen a rise in the level of awareness regarding environmental conservation and sustainability. From efficient waste disposal to water conservation, everybody is looking for ways to make sure that the earth stays green. But, if you are still wondering if switching off the lights when not in use is enough on your part, then think again. There are more things that you can do to not only reduce your electricity bills but also save energy. Here are some eco-friendly ways to brighten your home. With these tips, you can give your house a completely fresh and vibrant appeal, while at the same time reduce energy consumption significantly. First of all, ditch those old tungsten coil bulbs. The rusty 70s look is not what you want to welcome your guests too. Prefer lighting up your living room with calm lights using LED bulbs. These are not just energy-efficient but also last reasonably longer than the traditional bulbs or CFLs. And the best pa...