Design: The Best Practices for a Small Space

Are you looking to restore an antique piece of furniture or give a rustic spin to a modern-day piece? Is your farmhouse-inspired décor in need of a little facelift or are you simply looking for an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paints? Milk paint may end up being just the thing that both meets your needs and spruces your DIY projects! What’s milk paint? Source: Canva Milk paint is sold in coloured powder format to which you simply need to add the required amount of water to obtain the desired result. This product will do it for all wood-finish lovers. You can dilute it at will, meaning to obtain the following: thick paste for added texture; normal paint-like consistency; colour wash-like look; clear stain finish. In any case, you’ll get a matte, eggshell, or chalk-like finish, maybe even a cracked, weathered look if the right technique is used. Since this paint is crafted from natural ingredients, it’s not too far-fetched to suggest that it can be made using a DIY approach. Besides, it’s named after its primary component, a protein found in milk called “casein.” So, if you have skimmed milk, and a head full of ideas, follow along with the recipe instructions detailed at the bottom of this article! When retailed in-store, the other components are borax, a type of clay known as “kaolinite,” limestone in lime form, mineral pigments, as well as calcium carbonate. Characteristics and Benefits of Powdered Milk Paint Source: Canva Main characteristic: Unlimited shelf life when in powder form and can be stored in the fridge for 2 weeks after being mixed with water Possibility of creating your own colours by adding separately purchased pigments Ideal to restore antique furniture and woodwork, can also be used to paint walls and cabinets Control over the desired finish with the possibility of creating varying effects (antique, cracked, matte, stained, gloss, weathered, brush-stroked, patina, etc.) Made for primer-free use on porous surfaces (wood, gypsum, terracotta, cardboard, etc.) Can be applied to all materials as long as the surfaces have been sanded and an acrylic-based binder is added (glass, melamine, enamel, metal, oil, ceramic, plastic, etc.) Also made for outdoor use To obtain a washable, glossy, and protected surface, top it with a finishing coat (beeswax, hemp oil, or tung oil) Can’t be stripped, has to be sanded Significant benefits: Doesn’t have a potent smell Doesn’t chip or peel (unless done purposefully!) Lasts decades Eco-friendly, VOC-free, non-toxic, 100% organic, biodegradable Kid- and pet-friendly Cost-effective (about $20 = 1 litre = 60 sq.ft.) Ideal for DIY enthusiasts or work-shy individuals Are you looking for experts for your painting projects? Fill in our form to be connected with top-rated contractors! How do you apply milk-based paint? Source: Canva First of all, note that milk paint can be used as conventional paint or as a semi-clear wood stain. Ultimately, the consistency depends on the amount of water added to the powder mix. Homestead House Paint: User Guidelines This is the only Canadian brand—made in Ontario—and it’s been around since the beginning of the 80s. Its manufacturing process hasn’t changed over the years, and natural pigments are still used (coal, soil, berries, etc.). User guidelines: Add 1 part lukewarm water, ideally boiled and cooled to eliminate bacteria, to 1 part paint powder. Mix vigorously in a clear glass container with a stick. Close the lid and set the mixture aside for 10 minutes. Shake and wait 5 minutes, then repeat 2-3 times to properly mix the colour and prevent any lime deposits. If needed, use a mixer or a paint filter to remove any lumps to obtain a creamy consistency. Test on a sample and fine-tune as needed, to suit your purpose, prior to mixing again (add more powder if the paint is too liquid or water if too thick). When applying, lightly mix with your paintbrush or roller to disperse the pigments resting at the bottom of the container. Apply 2 to 3 coats to obtain the desired result and allow for 30 minutes or so of drying time between each coat. Use indoors, albeit it isn’t mandatory, and coat in a hemp oil or beeswax finish. For outdoor use, you can use a tung oil finish or swap ¼ of the water for said oil during the initial mix. For a less eco-friendly, yet maintenance-free finish, consider a polyurethane sealer or varnish. Amount of powder Approximate coverage 30g 8 to 10 square feet 50g 10 to 15 square feet 170g 40 to 60 square feet 230g 60 to 75 square feet 460g - 1lb. 140 to 150 square feet 2.3kg - 5lb. 700 to 750 square feet 4.5kg - 10lb. 1,400 to 1,500 square feet 13.6kg - 30lb. 4,200 to 4,500 square feet Milk Paint Stain Add more water to the powder mixture to obtain a stain-like finish. Before applying, it’s best to run a damp rag over the piece, allow it to dry, then sand the surface with the wood grain. Protect the stained surface with wax or oil. Basic Method for an Antique Finish on Wood For a surface like a standard-sized kitchen table. Follow the same steps but: Sand the surface with 120-grit paper. Mix 1L of lukewarm water with 100g of walnut stain (crystallized wood stain to obtain various walnut hues). Spread a coat of the mixture onto your surface. Allow to dry and apply a neutral-coloured vegetable paste wax made with Carnauba wax in areas where you want the colour of the wood to show through the paint. If your goal is to create little cracks, apply gum arabic or fish glue to the surface before spreading the paint onto this sticky texture (wet the gum or glue if it’s too dry). Apply a first coat of white milk paint. Allow to dry and reapply wax to areas where you want the colour of the wood or white to show through. Now apply paint in the colour of your choosing. Flake the paint where you previously applied wax with 100-grit sandpaper. (Optional) Sand the entire surface with 220-grit paper prior to applying a coloured wax. Methods for Surfaces Other Than Bare Wood Follow the same steps but: Lightly sand the surface with 120-grit paper. Clean with a popular degreaser like TSP. Add ⅓ part bonding agent to your milk paint mix. DIY Milk Paint Recipe Warm up skimmed milk (1 litre for every 60 square feet or so) with 30ml of white vinegar on low heat for 5 minutes. The milk will curdle, like when making buttermilk. Slowly pour into a bowl so that the yellowish milk drains, and filter the rest with a cheesecloth or coffee filter. Allow to drain overnight or for at least 6 hours. You’ll get about 300g of curdled substance in your filter. Dissolve a pinch of borax (antibacterial that renders casein water-soluble) in 30ml of water. Add to curdled substance and stir. The result should look like thick and creamy yogurt. Should that not be the case, add a bit of water. In another bowl, mix 250ml of water with 300g of Meudon white (a whiting powder made with crushed chalk), then add to the previously mentioned mixture. To add colour, use gouache, eco-friendly dyes, watered-down soil, or store-bought pigments. Add an acrylic binder or methylcellulose solution so the paint better adheres to the surface in question. To prevent a soured milk smell while applying the paint, you can add a few drops of pine- or lemon-scented essential oils; the smell won’t linger on your furniture after the paint has cured.

Zen-inspired home décor is an interior decorating approach that focuses on creating a calming atmosphere, one that’s largely inspired by the Zen philosophy. Its style highlights simplicity and harmony. This aesthetic features natural materials, neutral colours, and simple furniture. It very much embraces calming and relaxing natures and allows for designing a very soothing ambience all around. The Basic Principles of a Zen Décor Source: Canva Are you thinking about decorating your home to turn it into a peaceful retreat? Here are the key aspects to consider when planning your project. What’s a Zen style? The Zen style is closely linked to an aesthetic inspired by the Zen Buddhist philosophy and practice. It’s defined by: Simplicity Minimalism Functionality The use of natural materials Symmetry Balance Harmony A Zen décor often incorporates neutral tones like white, beige, grey, and black, along with natural materials like wood, stone, bamboo, and linen. Zen-inspired spaces tend to be uncluttered, featuring minimalist furniture and carefully selected accessories. In practice, this style is often connected to meditation and contemplation, aimed at creating a calming and harmonious space, one that’s conducive to inner calm and mental clarity. How to Create a Zen Interior Décor Source: Canva Clean and flowing lines Set your sights on an uncluttered concept and prioritize geometric shapes. While squares and rectangles have made quite a comeback as of late, the Zen aesthetic veers away from such angular forms in favour of clean and flowing lines. As for accessories, opt for soft shapes and supple contours. Round shapes evoke a sense of completeness—round, oval, spherical shapes are unmistakably Zen-like. Noble and natural materials Source: Canva Synthetic fibres are set aside in favour of natural fibres. When it comes to furniture, wood with machined panels is a must. As for horizontal and vertical surfaces, wood, stone, and marble take centre stage. A seamless material pairing Zen-inspired bathroom walls, floors, or furniture are adorned with concrete, wood, stone, and pebbles. There’s something to say about their stability, which is an essential quality in creating a wholesome balance. While the atmosphere does give way to details, the style is unquestionably linked to the presence of noble materials. As for those details, they’re never chosen at random. All the different elements showcased perfectly recall natural textures and shades: jute, ramie, luffa, Egyptian cotton, rattan…you get the picture. Natural and artificial lighting: complementary and harmonious Source: Canva It’s all about lighting. As the hours go by, natural light will give life to different ambiences. After that, it’s best to vary the light sources as much as the space will allow (chandelier, sconces, lanterns, etc.). In smaller, more restrictive rooms, it’s essential to benefit alternately from bright to dimmed lighting to fully bask in an atmosphere conducive to relaxation. Get a dimmer to make your life easier. Another go-to would be to place a few scented candles around the room. Trust the process! Closer than ever to nature Greenery and items reminiscent of nature are often displayed around the room. Some ivy strands here and there, miniature palm trees for an exotic wink…and a few potted flowers while you’re at it! Natural-hued, almost velvety-looking pampas grass is always a great add-on to bring in a softer touch to the room. Pebbles, seashells, shards of polished glass, willow branches, and pinecones are all decorative items that easily suit a Zen aesthetic. Also very welcomed are tapestries and murals, which conjure up nature: mountain landscapes with a misty and bluish reflection, a tropical forest depicting an array of green hues, and the list goes on. Are you looking for experts for your home renovation project? Fill in our form to be connected with top-rated contractors! What are the most Zen-like colours for your home? When it comes to recreating a particular style, colour is paramount. Simply said, sometimes it’s just a matter of choosing the right shade, and going from there. Otherwise, choosing the wrong colour can lead down a path toward a humdrum, eclectic décor. White, the symbol of purity. Source: Canva Since it reflects light and makes any space look bigger, white is a winner for all Zen-inspired bathrooms. It’s simply beautiful in all its shades and allows for designing a customized décor, at will. By simply switching out accent-coloured accessories from time to time, the area is revamped in a blink. Blue, most soothing colour. Source: Canva Sky blue, ocean blue… Blue is often associated with relaxation. It has a soothing nature, beckons rejuvenation, and encourages contemplation and meditation. Blue is often associated with getaways and the promise of faraway lands. It’s also universally liked, no matter the surface it adorns. Fun fact: It’s also a shade that colourblind individuals can see! Green, head-on vast spaces Source: Canva Sage green, forest green, Christmas tree green, bottle green, the list goes on! Green is somewhat of a quintessential colour when it comes to nature. As versatile as can be, green can be easily paired with shades of white, grey, copper, and an array of wood essences. It’s almost like a daily refreshing gust of wind that blows through your Zen-inspired bathroom to mentally whisk you away to far, faraway lands. Green is also great for evoking rather calming virtues. Our Top Tips for Creating a Zen Ambience Source: Canva Chic and poetic décor Antique furniture, vintage perfume bottles, cherry blossom branches, airy and see-through veil-like curtains, rustic wood pieces, coloured glass bottles… And, to take things to a whole other level in terms of attention to detail, retro yet refined hygiene product packaging. Welcome to the Zen jungle Source: Canva In this idyllic version of the Zen aesthetic, it’s all about adding greenery and waterfalls. Rain showerhead, waterfall faucet, strands of ivy, pretty palm trees, green wall, slate or imitation stone tiling. And, for an even more obvious touch of serenity, opt for dimmed lighting, any and everywhere, even in the shower! Travertine Limestone, slate, marble, and granite are all well-known natural stones used for flooring, and to those 4, we’re adding travertine to complete our list. Its soft, rosy-peach shade is ultra natural and certainly isn’t lacking in the beauty department. Monochromatic Zen Source: Canva Now this is, hands-down, a winner! Choose one shade and slowly go through its gradients. Just a simple tip for a well-done décor at every turn. Natural wood The woodwork is stripped back or feigned using exposed beams. Aside from the vanity, framed mirror, and a few select items matching in colour, the bathroom is kept as white as possible. Stunning wallpaper Source: Canva It's all about relaxing, panoramic landscapes depicting scenes drawn from a jungle, mountains, or boreal forest, beckoning you along for the ride.

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Every year, home décor and interior design experts give a ruling over the year’s trends. As a result, our team of writers puts together a ton of articles on the matter, spanning all rooms, one renovation project at a time, on a yearly basis. This article will serve as a guideline for all things home décor for 2023. Luckily, we seem to have chosen trends that are here to stay, for the long run, and that can easily be tweaked to suit your preferences. What are the home décor guidelines for 2023? Over the last 2 or 3 years, specific trends have stood out amongst the rest and are coming back, full throttle this year: the vintage and retro looks—meaning everything that has to do with nature and sustainability, and never-ending creativity. However, if you want to find out which styles to steer clear of, check out our article: Home Interior Design Trends to Avoid this Year. Biophilic All Around: From Living Room to Bedroom Source: Canva This concept has a propensity to mend the gap between indoors and outdoors. Organic or biological elements are front and centre: shapes, natural textures and materials, nature-themed decorative accents, etc. The prevailing colours are of a matte finish and earth-toned, conjuring up a seaside, forest, or beach. The preferred materials and items of a biophilic design: Cotton Linen Wood Rattan Wicker Bamboo Stone Concrete Plants Natural lighting This trend also encourages the use of recycled, eco-responsible, and sustainable materials. It’s increasingly important to support local businesses and resources, purchase second-hand items, or craft your own décor. Fashionable Home Décors Source: Canva Retro style To make a connection between the “recycling” aspect of this trend, vintage or retro items are deemed stylish. Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern designs—wistful references to the 50s and 80s—are all too inspiring! They’re very reminiscent of the pin-up aesthetic, also that of the eclectic, hippie movement, needless to say, it’s quite unorthodox. Browse secondhand outlets, thrift stores, classified ads websites, and charity shops to uncover rare and unique finds at a bargain! Maximalism True to its name, this style steers toward bold, grandiose, and indulgent designs. As such, the rooms spanning your home are a reflection of your personality, albeit it borders on exuberance, it remains in vogue this year. Rich colours, souvenirs, passions, unique art, enormous patterns, overlapping concepts, themes, and alternative and showy indie looks are prescribed! For those looking to give this look a go, but are wary of showcasing it for all to see, a happy medium could be embracing the maximalism look in a room, tucked away, located on an upper floor or in a closed home office. Trendy Shapes and Colours Source: Canva Observe the swerves Rounded shapes and curved lines are featured once again in homes! Whether for furniture, architecture, or decorative elements, swerved lines are a part of the décor. Not only are these fun and original, but this geometrical shape is also rather reminiscent of a certain softness and romanticism. Round furniture and decorative item ideas: Ball-shaped light fixture Arched doorway Oval mirror Roundback accent chair and ottoman Curved kitchen island Round coffee or dining room table Curved bathtub Bouclé fabric Circular-patterned wallpaper Warm and earth-toned shades This year, neutral, calm, warm, and soothing colour palettes are favoured. Consider nature-inspired ideas to embellish your walls and textiles: terracotta, clay, lavender, curry yellow, cinnamon brown, burnt orange, sage green, etc. Check out our article Interior Paint Colour Trends for 2023, to learn more about the paint colours recommended by industry professionals. Trendy Accessories and Coverings Source: Canva Decorative rugs First off, note that if quality is what you’re seeking, beware of low prices and inquire as to the carpet’s origin. It may be that there’s a lack of ethics behind the manufacturing process or it simply wasn’t made with genuine, natural materials as advertised. Besides this, you’ll find rugs of all colours, shapes, and prices on the market. Area rugs are, first and foremost, used to draw attention to a focal area of a specific room, add some punch to a rather monochromatic setting and render strategic areas more comfortable. Feel free to layer different patterned and shaped rugs atop one another! Accessories for an additional kick Golden hues are back in style. It suits most home décors and colours and can add a touch of luxury to any given room. With the fear of abusing said shade, consider featuring it by way of a light fixture, faucet, furniture feet or knobs, a few trinkets, or decorative accessories. In a nutshell, there are several options, whether you’re a fan of gold-coloured items or not. Personalizing a décor is at the forefront when it comes to factors that must be prioritized. This trend offsets that of minimalism or immaculate whites seen between 2000 and 2015. Why not feature family heirlooms or items reminiscent of your childhood? Your grandmother’s vintage tea set or pictures of past travels—all in moderation—must have a dedicated space within your décor. Trendy tiles for the win Regarding this matter, interior designers often provide guidelines that suit the masses: Surprisingly, terrazzo has been making a comeback since 2020, showcasing patterns that are as diverse as they are colourful. This trend calls for large-format tiles, oversized even, making the space in question appear bigger. On the other hand, small square-shaped tiles, like zellige tiles (enamel-coated terracotta tiles handmade in Morocco) are just as sought-after. Tone-on-tone colour schemes and earth-toned tiles of various geometric patterns are also popular. Textured ceramic tiles or those with raised patterns are super stylish. Interested in all things home décor and interior design? Check out the related articles listed below.

In terms of stylish décors and interior design, trends come and go, year after year. Some are timeless, like wood for example. Whereas, other decorative aspects or faux pas can quickly make a room look outdated, and go as far as lowering the resale value of your home. Should trends be followed no matter what? That’s an absolute negative. Otherwise, you’d be spending a fortune every year trying to adapt your living space to every new trend that's driven by major retailers and social media. Moreover, who wants to live in a house that doesn’t really convey one’s true personality or taste? Every home and family is unique in its own way. Hence the need for this interior space to make you happy, meet your needs, and suit your lifestyle. Nevertheless, here are a few details to keep in mind when interior decorating, all of which may help you create the perfect look for your home, or spare you from disappointment. Uncover a wealth of interior design trends and layout errors to avoid in 2023. Mainstream Design Styles to Avoid Source: Canva Sterile, minimalist kitchens At one point in time, immaculate kitchens with cold white walls were all the rage. They featured super glossy and monochromatic materials, as well as spotless countertops, devoid of any appliances, and embodied cleanliness and modernity. These futuristic-inspired, devoid of any personality designs are now considered austere and completely outdated. Instead, look to create a warmer, more functional setting that welcomes casual conversation and cooking. Contrasting design trends Are you a fan of different décor styles? It’s all good! As long as they mesh without disrupting the visual harmony you’re looking to create in a specific room or open space. The Scandinavian look is refined and adds a tranquil vibe compared with the industrial style. A minimalistic look is hard to blend in with more eclectic looks like retro or glam goth. In contrast, try mixing modern with industrial or Scandinavian with minimalist, it could work wonders. In fact, while the main guidelines of each style are complete opposites, both in terms of fabric colours and decorative items, avoid lumping them all together. Otherwise, chaos will prevail and neither feature will stand out in any given space. Over-hyped styles of recent years In this category, think about the trends that have really peaked in the interior design industry over the last couple of years. Those that, overnight, virtually everyone was eager to incorporate into their renovation projects. Take the farmhouse look for example’s sake—the inspirational quotes plastered on the walls, the famous sliding barn doors, open shelves, exposed piping serving as shelves or light fixtures, etc. This issue here doesn’t lie in the fact that the items are offputting or completely wrong. They've just been popping up all over the place and overused to the point of excess. 2023 is all about revisiting classics, bringing nature inside with a range of organic materials, and scattering these familiar features sparingly. Are you looking for general contractors for your renovation project? Fill in our form to be connected with top-rated contractors! Banned Flooring and Wall Treatments Source: Canva Horizontally-laid metro tiles Brick-like backsplashes and 3- x 6-inch tiles embedded in dark grout have gone out of style as far as wall treatments are concerned. To be honest, what’s outdated is the way they’re laid, horizontally, with a contrasting tile grout colour, making the whole look featureless. 2023 is all about prioritizing tone-on-tone, vertically-laid tiles. Especially grainy wood Distinct wood grain...off with you! Instead, focus on softer grains and tones. Again, linear, vertical patterns are very trendy and much less fickle than anything that's too bold of a statement. It's also far easier to blend a fine grain with various décor styles. All-over colours and patterns As above-mentioned, cold hues, too-neutral colours, and monochromatic elements are nearing extinction, and are being replaced by warmer tones, those reminiscent of nature. Hence, grey, white, or beige walls, room-wide, aren’t sought-after. Forget all about adding hints of colours and textures by way of an accent wall, rug, throw pillows or paintings—it’s an interior design mistake to avoid. On the flip side, just like the famous quote conveys all too well, “Too much is the same as not enough.” Interior decorators tend to dislike excessive, whimsical details. Forget about flower patterns here and animal prints there. Stick to three basic colours that are either within the same palette or work well together, spread out sparingly and evenly amongst walls, furnishings, and decorative items. Avoid gaudy mixes, like dark blue and red walls as well as mixing bright hues with pastels, for example. Likewise, two textiles should suffice, so as not to weigh down the room's ambience. Theatre-inspired fabrics aren’t trendy anymore. As such, avoid using velvet, leather, silk, etc. Instead, go for more natural materials, with organic features such as rattan, wood, concrete, stone; basically, anything suited to biophilic design. Matters Pertaining to Furnishings and Layout Source: Canva Hanging curtains or frames too low or too high Window treatments tend to be the first item noticed in a room, especially if you choose to make it an accent piece rather than a simple, discreet sheer curtain. Yet your curtains need to stand out for the right reasons! Hence the importance of hanging them at the right height. To evoke a more dramatic look, hang the curtains nearer to the ceiling and let the fabric fall to the floor, or below the window ledge. In other words, don't limit yourself to simply concealing the frames, at the risk of making the space look small. Hanging blinds on a patio door also makes sense. Are you a fan of all wall art? Once against, height matters. Whether it’s huge paintings, family photos, or traditional frames, the rule of thumb is to hang them at eye level. On average, the artwork’s centre point should be 1.4 metres (55 inches) off the floor. Suppose you’re the proud owner of several paintings and looking to put them all up on the same wall or create a sort of focal points, like an art gallery wall. In that case, it’s highly recommended to group them according to a predominant colour and figure out heights based on the whole set’s centre. Likewise, test out the layout either on the floor or using sheets of paper taped to the wall, to get a better idea of the layout, thus allowing your creative juices to flow and making any necessary adjustments before hammering holes all over the place. Mismatched or ill-placed furniture Furniture plays a significant role in your overall décor and takes up a substantial amount of space. The key is knowing how to position the furniture to make the most of the space and create a setting that fits your style. A common mistake interior designers often point out is people tend to want to avoid any hassle by purchasing complete furniture sets. People love symmetry and order, however, in terms of fashionable interior décor trends, creating cohesion is far better than simply copy-pasting from a showroom to your living space. However, if you’ve purchased a living room set with an identical loveseat, couch, and armchair, perhaps not positioning them next to each other is the best course of action. Consider placing the armchair in your bedroom or a little further away, like say in a private suite or entryway. Or better yet, add throw pillows and blankets on the seats. Once again, the keyword here is “harmony,” not “magazine spread.” Another antiquated trend is putting all the furniture up against the walls. However, with open-plan concepts, the rise of loft-style units, and angular architectural designs, it's harder to achieve. Designing select spaces in rooms according to their function and partitioning them up with rugs or accent pieces is much more modern and well-balanced. Particularly in a living room, you can create a reading nook, a lounge area where you can chat over drinks and an entertainment corner to watch movies. Lastly, we’re well aware that your interests are diverse. However, keep in mind that your house isn’t a museum nor is it a flea market. If you can’t put one foot in front of the other without having to avoid item after item, for aesthetics’ sake, and pure convenience, consider decluttering your home! What are the most popular décor trends in 2023? To sum it up, keep in mind that accessories should reflect your personality, while still amounting to a manageable quantity. Moreover, you can give any room a new, refreshing look by simply updating its furnishings (cushions, rugs, curtains, fabrics, trinkets, etc.). Also, note that an overly clean, neutral décor teeters on boring and tends to lessen the value of your home. Want to learn more about current trends? Check these out: Interior Paint Colour Trends for 2023 Bathroom Design Trends What Are the 2023 Kitchen Décor Trends?