#roomhints101

3 Artwork Hints for Your Walls!

We all have the same problem, our walls are bare and we hate it!! But, what should we fill our walls up with? Yup, you guessed it - Artwork. It is a fabulous medium to enhance your décor, adding volumes to the spatial dialogue without cluttering it up.  But this makes it all the more vital to choose your artwork carefully and wisely, picking pieces that perfectly fit into your space, ambience, lifestyle and budget.

Ask a designer on Roomhints for your personal hints - you know, it's free :)  Download RoomHints app and get your hints today! GO TO Roomhints.com/app, and follow @Roomhints on Instagram & Twitter!

1. What do you want to say? – As the art historians would say “Art is the greatest form of propaganda.”

Before you commence dressing your home up, take a moment to pause and reflect on what you are trying to say through your home? And how do you want to feel? Would you like your artwork to offer a glimpse into your life and its adventures, or use it to express your personal opinions and ideas? Alternatively is your wall the ideal place to make that perfect first impression on guests, or is it the quietest, coziest corner of your home? Factoring in on the nature of your artwork, what it seeks to communicate and the tempo of its location helps narrow down your search.

2. Size? Texture? Color? Where to start? 

Color is a great place to start when picking the right artwork- finding a palette that ties your décor together can go a long way to ensure the final product looks stunning. But try and think beyond color to take things up a notch; sometimes the appeal of a piece can lie in the textures it brings to the room, especially when you are trying to use color with elegant restraint. Exploring material also gives birth to some ingenious ideas, such as the simple yet gorgeous use of floor tiles as wall art in the image above. 

3.  More is better! 

Not all walls are meant to devote themselves to a singular work of art; for cozier and livelier arrangements compose a curated selection of framed artwork, photographs, mirrors and wall accessories. This can be a handy way of putting your collection of prints to good use, and can often drastically cut down the costs of decorating a wall up.  

Designer Hints with Fawn Galli

1. How to add color to a design?  

Exotic textiles! It's a great way to inject a space with color and just bring it to life. 2. Best colors for a kitchen?

One of my favorite kitchens, I used black wallpaper as an accent to offset the traditional cabinetry. It is my belief that kitchens should be treated as an extension of your home. I like to use colors that are unexpected like black or bright yellow (if I can get away with it). Bold colors can be added in any scale to bring personality and excitement to any kitchen, whether it be the cabinet color or simply a seat cushion or window shade.

3. Your absolute favorite product of all time?    

The Saarinen dining table complements any style and is durable for any family home. 4. Designer pet peeve?

Matching art to interiors is unnecessary. Art is its own entity, not an accessory. 5. Without fail design hint that you have learned over your career?     Take chances with color. It's easy to play it safe, but using a bold and dramatic color will really enlighten and enrich any space, especially when mixed with neutral tones to keep it grounded.

Roomhints 101 Guides You With Three Easy, Undeniably Lovely #Homestyle Lessons. This week, Powder Room Design:

[Photo Credit: Jonny Valiant ]

A well-designed powder room can pack a serious punch because it’s the perfect place to try out bold light fixtures, colorful wallpaper, distinct patterned tile, and statement-making sinks. 

Since it’s a tiny, powder room design experimentation is welcomed, And since it’s one of the most utilized room in a home, your efforts will certainly get noticed. That’s why we’ve rounded up 3 chic hints that will make any powder room a unique showcase. 

As always, if you are curious about what hints you need for your room, download RoomHints app and get your hints today!

Lesson #1: Start At The Bottom With Flooring

A great floor design is the first step in creating a gorgeous powder room, because it can effectively assert its mood and theme.  From hardwood to ceramic tile, or stone, select flooring first.  

Get This Hint: In this powder room, designer Stephanie Marsh Fillbrandt started with the floor design. “I knew I wanted the mosaic to curve up onto the base board then creep up the wall to create visual interest in the room.” The chic curvature encourages people to experience the room’s height, leading the eye upwards to the window then ceiling.”

Lesson #2: Color Scheme

Once you’ve settled on a gorgeous flooring choice, indulge in a fantastic color or wallpaper that will not only open up a space, but that will also give your room character. 

Get This Hint: “Cheryl In Pink On Yellow,” wallpaper Rose Cumming by Dessin Fournir.

In addition, (and this is especially apropos for small spaces) a flashy color choice will minimize the need for artwork and other supporting accessories.

[Photo Credit: Houzz]

[Photo Credit: Kohler]

Lesson #3: The Sink Is The Talk Of The Party! 

Even though selecting a sink should be the last step, it’s actually a guest’s first impression as it also serves as the room’s focal point.

Invest in a pedestal, wall-mounted, or a petite vanity for your powder room.

Get This Hint: The Kamala Vessel-style sink by Kohler is cast from bronze, with a living finish that will patina gracefully over time.

Happy Home Feng Shui Tips from Susan Hayward

While you are drifting off to sleep, your body is going into a very complex and busy energy repair work on many levels. Basically, the trick to a beautiful #fengshui minded sleep is that you need a good comfy mattress, a steady headboard that set on a high frame.

Find out exactly why these 3 #bedstyle elements are so vital to feng shui.  

1. Good Headboard

Subconsciously, your head needs good backing, protection and support, just like your back needs it when you are sitting in a chair for extended periods of time.

2. Good Height

To allow for a balanced feng shui energy flow under the bed, you need to have your bed at a reasonable height that’s above the floor level.

Get This Hint: Tamsen Upholstered Headboard by Pottery Barn

It’s important to note that the best feng shui headboards are the ones that are solid, and made from wood. An upholstered one, like the option above, has a very good combination of solid, but also gentle and supporting feng shui energy for you and your bedroom.

3. Good Mattress

The Casper Mattress

There is a variety of mattresses on the market, so choose wisely, and invest in the one that will promote best sleep and relaxation.

Remember, the better you sleep at night, the better your health during the day--it’s that simple!

Roomhints 101 Guides You With Three Easy, Undeniably Lovely #Homestyle Lessons. This week, Florals: 

Photo Credit: Bethany Nauert

The act of incorporating sweet-looking botanicals by way of wallpaper, decorative accessory or stationary is a wonderful way to freshen up your home, just in time for spring. 

After all, 'tis the season for blossoming trees and floral everything so why not join in the fun!

Photo Credit: Ortensia Scented Candle by Fornasetti 

As always, if you are curious about what hints you need for your room, download RoomHints app and get your hints today!

Lesson #1: Coat Your Own Bedroom with Chinoiserie Wallpaper 

Vintage-inspired botanical prints, Chinoiserie, has been around since the 17th century, originally only available hand-painted on silk.

Picture your delightful bathroom with this incredible green Chinoiserie-inspired print called Temple Newsam by De Gournay (above).

Or look closely at this dreamy floral print Vogue U.K Magazine captured in this image by Javier Vallhonrat below. The wallpaper effortlessly gives this room the right amount of color, shape, and interest for an outstanding look that transcends seasons.

Thanks to Sous Style for the incredible round-up of Chinoiserie-Inspired looks

Lesson #2: Commit Conservatively with an Accessory

This multi-colored flowered Tray from Zara Home, $36, is a gorgeous option for those looking to participate in the springtime trend, without making a hefty investment. Perfect for a kitchen counter, or for dinner party entertaining.  

#GetThisHint: Succulents as house plants are de rigueur right now simply because they don’t require much care to keep it alive. Even though the plant itself is low-maintenance, being able to cozy up to a cushion version is even easier. That’s what makes this handmade sateen succulent Cushion by Ronda J. Smith for Dot & Bo such a solid sender.  

And, of course, our list wouldn’t be complete without this gorgeous crush-worthly porcelain vase by Lladró:

Photo Credit: Lladró porcelain Flowers Tapestry Canvas Vase; $1,800. lladro.com. 

Lesson #3: Floral Stationary 

Imagine pairing big, bold prints with luxurious fabrics and classic lines in stationery form! Stationery is a smart, efficient option that offers colorful patterns, while also providing you with the gift of correspondence. 

Happy spring!  

Roomhints 101 Guide With Stylish Design Hints That Work!

It’s spring! And you know what that means! #SpringCleaning! As we gear up for warmer weather, get your place in shape for the new season with the 3 helpful #Roomhints tips that will provide instant polish.

As always, if you are curious about what hints you need for your room, download RoomHints app and get your hints today!

Lesson #1: Rug Enhancements 

Spring cleaners, as you get rid of clutter, rearranging the furniture, wake up your space with an area rug.

And, no need to chuck your old one. Layer rugs, for fabulous results. 

Get this hint: In the image above, Amber Interiors places a larger neutral rug as a base with this punch of color area rug atop, helping to make the small space look bigger.  

Lesson #2: Fix Your Bed

Need instant polish in your bedroom? Change your bedding! Crisp, clean white sheets are a simple, luxurious option that’s calming, serene, ethereal. All high-end hotels use them, so why not you?! 

Keep your bedding and mattress clean with baking soda. Add Arm & Hammer Washing Soap in your wash, while dusting baking soda evenly, guaranteed to gradually draw dirt and moisture out of the mattress and eliminate odors. (It’s natural Febreze for half the price!) Just be sure to leave this light dusting on the mattress when you remake the bed. (Hinted by Domaine Home)

Lesson #3: Bring The Outside In With Flowers

"The only real rule in decorating is to buy things that you love." – Lilly Bunn

Lilly Bunn, an amazing interior designer, is right! But rather than redecorate your space completely, turn around both your space and your mood with flowers! 

A beautiful arrangement is the easiest way to enhance a space instantly. Now you’re blooming! 

Choosing upholstery fabric for family heirloom or second-hand purchase, antique is undoubtedly the most fun part of the furniture buying process. 

Navigating your way through the fabric selection process can be intimidating so let Roomhints supply you with a few tips to selecting fabulous upholstery!

As always, if you are curious about what hints you need for your room, download RoomHints app and get your hints today!.

Lesson #1: Select Furniture First.

Regardless of nicks and blemishes, look for pieces that have a sturdy, decorative frame, removable seat cushion, and an attractive silhouette. 

Lesson #2: Know The Fabric Lingo

Aside from the obvious options of color and style, it’s important to do some fabric homework, considering its durability, pattern or weave, fade resistance, and after care symbols.

Also, paying attention to the double rub count is the best indicator of a fabric’s durability. Residential upholstery can get away with 25,000 double rubs, while commercial projects generally require fabrics to be over 100,000 double rubs.

Vertical repeat is another important aspect to consider, as it lets you know the distance that an entire pattern will run in the fabric before it repeats again.

A cheerful pattern—and price. Cotton, in Aqua, $10.50 per yard; by Laura Gunn. Quilt Home.

Lesson #3: Scotchgard BEFORE Placing On Furniture!

Never fear, there are professional upholstery cleaners that make house calls. But before you call for reinforcements, there are ways to protect your upholstery on your own. 

First, if you are laying new fabric on an item, treat it with a stain blocker before putting it on the furniture. This will not only protect exposed wood from stain blocker overspray, it will also ensure coverage in hidden nooks and crannies.

Second, if your item is already upholstered, form a barrier against stains and spills with Scotchgard, or another favorite stain blocker. 

Third, got spots? Treat them with cornstarch, salt, or commercial stain removers--your upholstery will thank you. 

In feng shui, mirror placement is highly important, especially in the bedroom. A mirror is a powerful water element that could potentially offer too much energy that might keep you awake, and restless. 

DO:

To boost wellbeing, keep mirrors away from your bed.  

DON’T:

It is also not good feng shui to place your mirrors so that they directly reflect each other. This creates a harsh and weakening type of energy that is not promoting good feng shui.