Roomhints Blog

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Give Your Walls Some PERSONALITY!

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.  

Hope you liked these hints! Let us know :) 

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4 Design Hints for Your Home With Carly Alhman of Carly Ahlman Design

We’ve rounded up 4 hints from Carly Ahlman that will help you decorate your home!

Hint #1: Your absolute favorite product of all time? Paint - it's a relatively easy and inexpensive way to completely change the look and feel of a space or even a piece of furniture. Hint #2: What is your designer pet peeve? You just hate when people do this... Over-doing it - too many accessories, too much furniture, etc. Less is always more.

Hint #3: Advice on how to decorate a kitchen? I always love a crisp, white kitchen. I suggest adding color through dishware, dish towels, or even cabinet pulls. When you get sick of the accent color, it's easy to switch out without having to re-do and entire kitchen. Hint #4: What is your best design hint? Measure twice, order once; especially when placing a custom order.

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3 Design Hints for Your Home With Marina Case of The Red Shutters

Home Decor Hints with Marina Case of The Red Shutters

We’ve rounded up 3 hints from Marina Case that will help you decorate your home!

As always, if you are curious about what hints you need for your room, download RoomHints app and get your hints today! GO TORoomhints.com/app, and follow @Roomhints on Instagram & Twitter!

Hint #1: Your absolute favorite products of all time? I love CR Laine furniture and Visual Comfort Lights. Hint #2: What is your designer pet peeve? You just hate when people do this... Big brown leather sofa against light walls. They are the elephant in the room!!

Hint #3: What is your best design hint? Get in touch with your reactions to your surroundings and believe in it. The balance of a room's layout reflects that of our own body's symmetry - that's why it works.

To get more #homestyle ideas, or as we call them "hints," for your home, ask an expert on Roomhints!

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3 Hints to Selecting the Perfect Color Scheme With Rachel Blindauer

Home Decor Hints with Rachel Blindauer

San Francisco interior designer Rachel Blindauer is known for crafting funky, contemporary spaces that appeal to anyone looking for a bit of color and pattern to spice up their life.

We’ve rounded up 3 roomhints that will help you decide on the right color combinations to transform your home!

Lesson #1: Pick A Season, Any Season. Decide whether you are a winter, fall, summer, or spring person, and then design following that color palette. For instance bright, sunny shades of watermelon, turquoise or salmon speak to a warm, spring-like look; while a gray color can give off an impression of a cool "winter" tone.  

Lesson #2: For The Kitchen, Go Bold. 

Photo Credit: BHG.com

It's hard to pick one because it depends on the house/lighting/etc., but I love a rich Hollandlac color on traditional cabinets with mirror backslashes. I also like navy walls in a brown tortoise shell kitchen, and white modern kitchens with painted graphics.

Lesson #3: Seek Comfort Always

The image above is of a classic home that was designed for comfortable, casual living in a multicolor palate with a focus on navy and grey. To best accentuate the color scheme, we incorporated fiber cement objects, and used natural wood bookcases to create further texture. The blank canvas in the kitchen became the perfect backdrop for family activities and social events with visitors.

Bonus Comfort Hint: When it comes to selecting anything from a desk chair to a sofa, ideally they should not only look good, they should be comfortable too.

When possible, I have people sit in the seating for an hour so they can determine if it's comfortable enough for them. When you sit there that long you can tell how the seating will make you feel after a dinner party, movie, or part of the 8-hour work day.

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Paying Special Attention to Bedroom Lighting Is More Important Than You Think

Happy Home Feng Shui Tips from Susan Hayward

Pay special attention to lighting in the bedroom, because smart lighting and good quality air are the very basics of good feng shui.

Replace burnt out light bulbs, or add a light where it’s dark. In #FengShui, dark spaces represent stagnant energy so bring a more uplifting feeling by adding the right amount of light where needed. 

photo credit: examiner.com

Make sure that it's not too glaring as you want to have the right ambiance for restful sleep and romance. Think about installing dimmers to make adjusting the lighting to your mood a cinch.

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#GirlBoss Arianne Bellizaire Shares Easy Tips To A Livable Home

Designer Hints with Arianne Bellizaire

1. How to add color to a design?  

I love adding color to my design projects through the use of fabrics and textiles. It is a great way to build upon neutral foundational pieces, while bringing in color and pattern in ways that are relatively easy and inexpensive to change out when the mood arises.

2. Best colors for a kitchen?

I love light, bright kitchens, so I lean toward cream or ivory colored walls. "Grays" are a hot trend, and with the right shade paired with white cabinets and granite you've got a knock-out space!

3. Your absolute favorite product of all time?    

It's tough to say what my favorite product of all time is, but because I'm a mother of young children and many of my clients are in the same life stage. I am a HUGE fan of highly durable, high quality upholstery pieces, made with easy-to-maintain fabrics in the event of red wine spills or sticky fingers!. Companies like Sunbrella and JF Fabrics with Crypton have great, family-friendly lines that all my clients to enjoy. 4. Designer pet peeve?

I really hate to judge other designer's work because each designer brings his or her heart and soul to each space. I also know that designers ride a fine line between their aesthetics, their clients lifestyle needs, various preferences, as well as budgetary and time constraints. That being said, I guess one pet peeve would be spaces that are absolutely gorgeous to look at, but in no way "livable."

5. Without fail design hint that you have learned over your career?    

This one is simple but often overlooked by my clients: Choose your color palette first by selecting your fabrics, materials and other design elements. Choose your paint color LAST after all of the other elements have been decided on.

Bonus: Lighting is everything! Make sure your space has enough light AND that the lighting elements don't project a color cast that affects or changes the colors of the other elements in your room.

**** Arianne Bellizaire is an interior and product designer at Inspired To Style Interior Design. For more information, visit www.inspiredtostyle.com

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Here’s How To Avoid Bad Feng Shui In Your Bathroom

Happy Home Feng Shui Tips from Susan Hayward

In feng shui, the bathroom has a bad reputation for affecting the positive flow of money.  Bathrooms have a tendency for “leaking” energy, as well as easily accumulating lower vibrations.

Photo Credit: Ludger Paffrath/Getty Images

Here are a few easy, life-saving hints to cure your bathroom blues, that will definitely increase the money flow, and get you on the right side of feng shui. 

Lesson #1: Tidiness Is Paramount

A commitment to keeping your bathroom very clean and orderly is the first order of business when you are dealing with such a challenging feng shui area like a bathroom. 

Lesson #2: Make Your Space Inviting

It’s important that your bathroom has good quality air and good light, as these are the foundations of good energy. 

Also, be sure to keep the space warm. Candles are a perfect option as they provide warmth and a pleasing scent that can be either calming, invigorating, romantic or cleansing. 

Lesson #3: Keep Your Lid Shut!

Always keep your toilet seat down, or else energy is being flushed down the toilet!

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This Is How To Use Colors That Are Unexpected Like Black Or Bright Yellow

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.

**** Fawn Galli is an interior and product designer at Fawn Galli Interior Design. For more information, visit www.fawngalli.com

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Here’s Are 3 Surefire Ways To Make A Stunning Entrance

Happy Home Feng Shui Tips from Susan Hayward

Photo Credit: Unique Feng Shui

In Feng Shui, it’s important to start your decorating journey at the front door, because that’s where the amount and quality of positive energy that you could potentially receive enters.

Photo Credit: Elle Decor

Lesson #1: Get A Doormat

Remember: A clean and positive doormat will open your home to receiving clean and positive energy! Although adding a doormat is a simple touch, it can make a huge impact, welcoming a visitor with the words listed on it, or simply by its design.  

Lesson #2: Easy Access

A clear, open and easy to access entrance allows for new energy and good opportunities to enter into your life.

Photo Credit: DomaineHome.com

Photo Credit: DomaineHome.com

Lesson #3: A Warm and Welcoming House Number

Don’t mean to be glib: But if you want someone to be able to find your home, opening yourself up to good, positive energy and opportunity, you’ll need to clearly marked house number or name! 

Photo Credit: About.com

Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

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This Is Why You Need A Himalayan Salt Lamp

Happy Home Feng Shui Tips from Susan Hayward

This reddish/pink rock salt crystal lamp emits an attractively soft glowing light, and will balance the energy in your space. Basically, a Himalayan Salt Lamp will create harmony, abundance and love in a #fengshui minded home. 

In your bedroom, place two heart shaped Himalayan Salt Lamps in your romance/relationship area (Gua) in order to enhance or strengthen your relationship with your partner.

In addition, the Earth element of the Himalayan Salt Lamps will enhance your decision-making and will improve your learning capabilities. 

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Here Are 3 Essentials To A Stunning Powder Room

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.

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This Is What Your Perfect Bed Should Look Like In 3 Easy Steps

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!

Be mindful of the quality of feng shui energy and do not buy used mattresses! You never know what energy they have accumulated from previous owners.

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Designer Hints with Lauren Feiner of Feiner Goods

1. How to add color to a design?  

Textiles! Whether it be a pillow on a side chair, a throw over the back of a sofa or rugs layered over a floor. Textiles inject a space with color and just bring it to life. I mix patterns, textures and colors. My favorite textiles right now are the worn vintage Aso Oke fabrics from Nigeria with beautiful metallic threads and pops of color. 2. Best colors for a kitchen?

White with hints of gray. My dream kitchen involves bookmatched Calacatta gold. White just lets the beautiful colors of fresh fruit, produce, spices etc pop. It also creates a serene backdrop for the consumption of food which is sensory enough!

3. Your absolute favorite product of all time?    

I have many favorites but I think Muji everything -- pens, paper, glass mugs, organizers -- rises to the top of my list. I have a fascination with all things Japanese (from afar as the closest I've ever gotten is a layover at the Tokyo airport). Muji products bring that clean, uber organized, natural Japanese aesthetic into my home and work space. 4. Designer pet peeve?

Chevron. I love geometrics but there is something about the chunky chevron pattern that is hard for me to stomach visually. I think it is the overabundance of the pattern. 5. Without fail design hint that you have learned over your career?     Two main hints. Number one is, expect the unexpected. With designing, a lot of things happen not to plan and it's all about being solutions oriented and solving problems to get to a beautiful result. Number two, design is never done (the slogan of my former employer, One Kings Lane!) While clients are often in a rush to have their homes and spaces finished right away, a space that is truly unique is one where elements have been layered in from travels, flea markets, friends and family. Design is both an evolution and also an opportunity to tell a story. The continuous process of adding on pieces allows a space tell your story.

**** Lauren Feiner is an interior and product designer at Feiner Goods. For more information, visit www.feinergoods.com

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3 Unexpectedly Cool Ways To Infuse Florals This Spring

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!  

Photo Credit: Hong Kong Flower stationery by Elizabeth McKay for Dempsey & Carroll; $110 for a box of ten cards and envelopes.dempseyandcarroll.com

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3 Easy Tips To Happier Front Entrance

Happy Home Feng Shui Tips from Susan Hayward

Create a great first impression, bringing positive energy and unlimited opportunities into your home with a beautiful #fengshui minded entryway. 

As the first space experienced in a house, an entryway allows for new energy and good opportunities to enter into your life, directing all energy coming in and out.

Place artwork depicting natural landscapes, or with images of water to represent the flow of wealth gently coming into your home.  

Create a welcoming vibe, providing a place to put your keys, while displaying flowers or beautiful painting. 

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This Is How You Add Easy, Instant Springtime Cleaning Polish In The Right Places

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! 

Check out #Roomhints101 featuring #BeforeandAfter #InteriorDesign #Hints every Wednesday! #Interiors #Decorating #Project. Tag #Roomhints to any #designprojects you are working on!

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For Good Feng Shui, Your Kitchen Stove Needs To Work

Happy Home Feng Shui Hints by Susan Hayward

Did you know that clutter in the kitchen represents being stuck with stagnant energy, preventing you from feeling a sense of wealth?

Forget money wealth, feel rich with health and happiness in the kitchen by getting rid of stuff you don't use everyday. 

For healthy feng shui in the kitchen, which effects your wealth, make sure all burners work.

Clear the magnets off the fridge. Adorn your culinary space with pictures of food and other artwork that  gives yourself that sense of wealth, makes you feel abundant. Bon appetit!

Check out Feng Shui specialist Susan Hayward #happyhome #InteriorDesign #Hints every Sunday! #Interiors #Decorating #Project. Tag @Roomhints to any #designprojects you are working on! #wcw #Roomhints #love #decorgram #interiordesigner #inspiration #inspogram #wcw #hints #details #roomhints