Home Decor Blog

Everything you need to know about the latest decor trends, DIY, and safety in your home.

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2016 Upcoming Design Trends

Can you believe it – we’re two months into 2016 already! Well, new year and new trends, and in case you haven’t seen these amazing styles yet (or already integrated them into your stylish home) you can be sure that you will soon!

Here are a few trends that will be taking the spotlight this year. 

1. Mix-and-match kitchen materials

Your kitchen should be a truly personalsied space- Houzz predicts that in 2016 homeowners will use an array of different materials to turn their kitchens into something truly unique. 

This means raw wood, cement, stainless steel, laminate or painted cupboard carcasses, ceramic tiles, etc. all mixed together to create something magical. 

2. Mismatched cabinets

White cabinets at the bottom, white top cabinets, and a marble or granite counter top is nice, but not wow. This year kitchen counters and cabinets will WOW.  Whether you mix colours alone, or mix different cabinet styles completely, the results will be stunning! Be bold and daring! 

3. Black Steel

Silver or white fridge? Time to switch up, honey, black IS the NEW black! Gleaming silver appliances are out and matt sleek black appliances will be sneaking into our hearts and homes, and they look HOT! 

4. Mixed Metals

While the bling will be leaving your kitchen appliances alone it will be popping up everywhere else! Copper, stainless steel, gold, platinum, whatever the colour add some shine to your home be it in the form of a metal vase or metallic wall cladding. 

5. Pendant Lights

Chandeliers are so last year, or even the year before. 2016 is the year of the statement pendant! Even better is you have a metallic coloured pendant above your mismatched kitchen cabinets. 

6. The tech-free, show-off family room

In 2016 we are kicking the kids and dogs off the couches and sending them to a separate TV room. The lounge or family room will be used for quality family time and hosting guests without the TV blaring in the background.  These rooms will take a more traditional decor style; looking smart without gadgets.  (And fireplaces are going to be coming up hot too this year.)

7. Statement Bathrooms (that you will want to spend more time in)

You don’t think rugs, upholstered seats or couches, or decorative pieces belong in the bathroom - well now they do! Because why should someone sit on the chaise lounge and chat to you while you are in the tub. Why shouldn't there be a fireplace in your bathroom?  Because your bathroom should be warm and cosy and relaxing not an explosion of cold white tiling. 

Source: http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/trends/news/g2873/interior-design-trends-2016/?slide=9

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The Best Interior Design Tips

1. Plant it up!

Any small or dark space can be instantly transformed with a plant or two – be it a vase of fresh flowers or a potted fern - never underestimate nature! No one will notice that your coffee table is a little outdated when it is holding an array of colour and beauty.

2.       Let your clutter be your décor – yes you can!

Open shelving is big, and with good reason. I once read a quote that said “stop spending so much time trying to keep your head above the water that you forget you love to swim” – the same applies to décor. Stop trying to pack everything away when you can show it off! Crockery, chine tea cups, biscuit tins, pots and pans – put it all out for people to see.

3.       Wall paper – traditional or modern – in unusual spaces.

Wall paper is an easy but efficient way to add a splash of colour and texture to your home.

Floral patterned paper wall paper can look amazing in unusual spaces – such as on the back of a bookshelf or on a small adjoining wall.

You can also use modern forms of textured wallpaper that looks like a brick or wooden wall, or stainless steel wallpaper to bring out a feature wall.

4.       Create illusions

Paint small spaces light colours – preferably white to create an illusion of space. Dark colours are better for creating cosy space in larger rooms.

5.       Mix it up.

Colours, wood, and materials – it doesn’t really have to match nowadays. Your wooden staircase can be spruced up with some coloured architectural piping as balustrades. Your wooden counter tops can be juxtaposed with steel wall tiles – anything goes really.

6.       Light up – or down

Lighting can make or break a space. No ione wants to feel like they are in the spotlight of a stage when walking into a sitting room – nor do you want your home to feel too dark and dingy. Remember while choosing stylish lampshade or light fittings that the amount of light they give off I just as important as how the fitting looks.

It is best to “layer lighting” so that it is not all on the same level – have a combination of ceiling lights, wall-hung lights, and lamps that give off a soft glow.

Get more home renovation ideas for 2016 here: http://www.ezrails.co.za/2016-home-renovation-ideas

 Source: http://www.redonline.co.uk/interiors/interior-design-tips-that-will-transform-your-life?utm_content=buffer0fc1b&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

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What’s on the kitchen table for 2016?

What is up and coming for kitchen design in 2016? Here are a few ideas. 

1. Personalised spaces. 

Gone are box-kit kitchen cabinets. Nowadays people are choosing colours, styles and functions that are suited to their needs. 

Not only can the material used to build your kitchen cabinets be personalised, but the inside of the cupboard can be customised to suit your needs too. In these busy times practicality is key (on the inside), but this doesn't mean that your cupboards and Kitchener cannot still be gorgeous.

2.  The best of both worlds.

You no longer need to choose between a traditional or modern, all clean-lines kitchen. One can mix it up and have the best of both worlds by combining a more traditional cabinet style, perhaps out of melamine finish chipboard, with modern concrete or solid wood counter tops. Mix up a funky coloured backslash with neutral coloured cabinets. Or spice up traditional tiles with funky colourful appliances on the counters. 

3. Paint.

Yes, it may have been in your mother’s kitchen, but that doesn’t mean you need melamine in yours. While melamine is low maintenance, low cost and effective, it is not your only option.  Wooden cupboards, in an old farm style, are back. However, real wood cabinets can be costly.  For painted wood cupboards in the season’s hottest colour why not use a MDF, like Supawood, that is smooth and great for painting. 

4. Counter tops that aren’t granite.

For years granite tops were the “it-thing” to have and a sign of style and wealth. Nowadays, however, other materials are joining the competition, and winning. Materials such as laminate FORMICA, real wood, concreate, and stainless steel, are now also popular materials for kitchen counter tops.

5. Appliances

Appliances are no longer something to use and then hide in a cupboard but are becoming part of the decor more and more. Smeg fridges, Le Creuset cookware, etc. is in – keep it colourful and keep it in sight! You may even want to install open shelving to display your appliances.

One can also cover old appliances in a number of trendy ways – stainless steel cladding for appliances is a great way to add life to an old fridge or microwave.

6. Tech-smart cabinetry

In this techno age it is not surprising that our kitchens are being designed to be techno friendly.  Women have had TV’s in their kitchens for years, but now technical solutions such as built in charging stations, tablet holders, and even wine dispensers in the fridge, are making their way into the kitchen and making our lives easier.

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Mad for Metallics

The other day I was at a flea market and saw some old bronze and copper vases for sale - off course I wanted one, but my friend was devastated and told me they were old fashioned and out-of style. Little did she know. 

Metallic colours are big right now and can be used to jazz up any old room and dull decor or to complement something brighter with an older more natural look. 

Lately metallic is being used in clothes, shoes, jewelry, and why shouldn’t it be used in your home? 

From brittanymakes.com, here are a few copper items for the home.

As a general rule of thumb keep to one or two metallic items per room or space. You don’t want to over do it but rather add just a splash of glitter. 

This could be a copper vase on your coffee table.

Or a silver table. (I wouldn’t try both)

Metallic finishes add interest and elegance, and a touch of wonder, to any space. 

Some like to play it safe and add less permanent, movable, metallic items such as cushion covers, photo frames, or candle holders. 

Others are a little braver, as they should be, and make this timeless decor statement a more permanent feature in their home. 

This can be done with a metallic bed frame, metallic light fittings, or a stunning metallic backsplash in your kitchen and bathroom. The great thing about stainless steel wall tiles is that they are really easy to clean making them extremely practical while still being so pretty. 

One could also create a metallic feature wall and complement it with more natural colours and plants. Vernox is a great wall covering that comes in a range of metallic colours - this product is durable and easy to apply. 

One could even cover a small room in metallic wall paper for a super impressive look. 

Or add a few spots of shine to a big wall! The possibilities are endless, but do not miss out of this hot hot style! Your home needs it. 

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Industrial Design Interiors - Back to Basics

Industrial type decor is taking the world by storm and sneaking its way into the hearts and homes of many. This trendy new design culture wonderfully combines old and new, shiny and metallic with raw and natural elements.  While some might see this cool new look as “cheap”, combining simplicity and style, as well as natural elements, really is the way to go for a well balanced and peaceful feeling home. 

How do you do it? Well, this look is pretty simple, and best of all you can put a bunch of random items together and make them work. Some things to look out for are: 

Wood. 

A lighter, raw looking wood is great for this style of decor as it looks natural. It is also nice and neutral allowing it to be matched with anything. 

Bricks.  Red brick walls whether real or wall-papered on are a must have! This gives your space an older look. The idea is that your home looks like it is old and wise and has a story to tell. 

Space.  The industrial style, believe it or not, comes from old warehouses and industrial buildings that were turned into loft type living spaces. Try to keep it simple and spacious. Note how the wooden stairs and steel cable balustrades are simple but stylish. 

Metal.  Industrial spaces are made of and made for metal. This can be anything from a wall covered in stainless steel wall tiles  in your kitchen or bathroom to stainless steel wall coverings in a more rustic style. 

Design Stainless Steel Products South Africa sells a range of steel wall coverings in different textures and colours. Colours include silver, gold, copper, champagne, and even black. 

Metal chairs and old rusted light fittings are also popular. 

An old look. 

If you don't have old stuff you can make things look older. These wooden crates are given a more industrial look with steel corner protectors and a set of wheels. (Great storage idea!)

A splash of colour. 

This look is usually formed from natural colours - metallic and wood. however one will generally find a red or yellow chair thrown in just to brighten up the mood. 

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Love these “mirror” tiles! 

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11 Creative things you didn’t know you could do with railings.

Whether you prefer the old wooden type balustrades or a more modern steel balustrade here are a few decorative and useful tips to spice up your home.

tired of cold and frosty handrails as you make your way downstairs for your morning cup of coffee? Why not try a handrail-cosy! 

Got kids? help them climb stairs safely with a baby-height soft, rope rail. 

No space to braai on your balcony? Simply attach a braai to your balustrades - it is ingenious!

Do you want to work outside? Save space on your balcony with this cool hook-on-desk. This is almost as cool as the balustrade-braai. 

This is the same concept, but with cocktails. 

And, if you like railings, why not build your child a climbing wall out of grab rails!

You can also put handrails in your kitchen as basket holders, or to hang cutlery or pans etc. on.

You can also use railings on the patio to keep cushions in place. This is great for any kind of decor that needs to be held in place. Just make sure that you have stainless steel handrails that don’t rust when placed outside.  

If you still need a little more pizzazz why not install some super-stylish glass balustrades.

If stainless steel handrails aren’t for you there are always these cool rope-rails. 

Need storage space? these drawer-stairs are absolutely awesome! Just watch your step...

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10 tools every DIY person needs.

1. Pencil

This may seem obvious, but make sure you have a pencil. This simple tool is useful for drawing plans, marking cutting or drilling points, and even mixing paint. 

2. Tape measure. 

Useful for measuring cutting dimensions, painting projects, and measuring spaces. 

3. Hammer

Preferably a claw hammer. You can knock in  nails and pull out nails when you knock them into the wrong place.

4. Spirit level

Whatever you do you need to make sure that it is straight, at the right angle, and in the right place. A post level is useful for post and balustrades etc.

5. Power drill

There is little you can do without a drill so invest in a proper one. You can use a drill for drilling holes in walls to hang pictures, drilling guide holes for screws, and if you change to a screwhead bit you can even use it as a screw driver.  

6. Screwdriver set

If you don’t have a power drill with a screwhead bit you will have to do it the old fashioned way. A screwdriver is needed in almost every DIY project so be sure to get yourself a set of both Philips and flathead screwdrivers in all sizes. 

7. Socket set (with spanners)

A socket and spanner set is important for loosening and tightening your nuts and bolts. 

8.Pliers

Pliers can be used for anything from pulling to stripping to pinching and even bending. 

9. A saw

Everyone needs a saw of some sort because you will always need to cut something. I suggest a hand held jigsaw. 

10. Pop rivet gun

Pop rivets are the same as duct tape and cable ties - they can fix anything. Pop rivets can be used to put many things together, even DIY balustrading kits. 

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via /r/woodworking

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Paul’s Shed Nathalie de Leval

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Stylish Stairs

Gone are the days of carpeted stairways and heavy wooden balustrades (that you could slip down and crack your head open on respectively).

In 2015 stairways are bringing sexy back! This year we will see staircase styles incorporating: 

Curved staircases

Staircases and balustrades made from glass

Staircases made from wood

Mixed material staircases - for example, wooden staircases with stainless steel balustrades or frame less glass balustrades

Natural elements - such as plants

Bold and daring statement pieces

Images taken from: houzz.com  welearners.com

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Stairways to Enchant Your Decorative Senses.

Whether you prefer the safe and traditional, or over-the-top style trends, here are some stairways that will leave you wanting to give your staircase and balustrades a make over. 

1. The Spiral Spiral staircases, or elliptical stairs, give a sense of mystery. Like a Princess trapped in a castle, they give your home a sense of enchantment as you believe you may just fall...down a rabbit hole. 

2. Along the line

Cable balustrade systems give a sense of security, without entirely cutting you off from the “other side”. This is great because you feel secure without feeling cut-off or having your view completely obstructed. 

3. Mirror mirror

Or the glass between... glass balustrades are perfect for protecting the Princess from the dragon, but still allow her to see her Prince Charming coming to save her.

4. The stowaway

Balustrades are as important as the staircase itself. A stairway without hand railings can make one feel very uncomfortable or give a “living on the edge” kind of vibe.  Alternatively one can choose to put handrails against the wall on one side, or to place glass, wooden or stainless steel balustrades along the “open edge”.

Others choose to create a jail bird feel and close off the whole stairway giving a sense of entrapment (remember previously mentioned Princess).

5. The forest path

Wooden, especially rustic wooden staircases give a sense of being in touch with nature and may remind you of your grandmothers’ house or a forest canopy tour. 

(While beautiful bear in mind that wooden staircases and balustrades are high maintenance.)

For those a little less creative, with feet firmly on the ground, you can still create your own sense of fantasy with DIY balustrades. These will let you design your own stairways, and then simply put them in place. 

Images taken from www.houzz.com

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Sheats Goldstein House by John Lautner. Photography: Tom Ferguson.

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THE GLASS HOUSE | Derek Diedricksen / hybrid cabin-treehouse above a seasonal stream via Tiny House Swoon

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via /r/woodworking

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via /r/woodworking

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Glad to Clad!

Cladding is hot and happening at the moment; and for good reason!  Cladding is a great way to decorate both the interior and exterior of your home while still making it look natural and classy. 

Cladding comes in numerous materials - so your options are endless. This is certainly a creative step up from just splashing a new coat of paint on those old and tired walls. 

Cladding can be out of wood, 

Metal, 

Stone, 

Or even glass. 

There are a number of different trends in cladding as well, the biggest of these is mixing and matching and using different types of cladding together.  One type of cladding used all over the house can become a tad repetitive and boring,

which is why it is fun to mix it up.

As mentioned, the great thing about cladding is that it can used for both interior and exterior, though the styles do change a bit. 

People tend to stick to wood, stone, or different types of metal such as corrugated iron for outside. 

While inside you have a few other options such as coloured glass or stainless steel. 

Cladding is most popular in the kitchen or around a fireplace, or to create a nice feature wall.  My personal favourites are stone for the outdoors, wood for the bedroom, and stainless steel is a definite for the kitchen. This is because the steel option is just so much easier to clean if there is grease around. For people who like their spaces to be spic and span, stainless steel cladding is a must - it is even easier to clean than tiles!