Tag Archives: decor

How European and Nordic Design Still Influences American Style?

Interior design is a form of art in itself. Plenty of thought and care go into creating a warm and inviting room that will be a reflection of the homeowner and their personal taste. The American Style as we know it, is a beautiful one. It’s suited to a fast-paced life that Americans seem to lead day in, day out. However, did you know that the inspiration for that beautiful living room you are now lounging in while reading this, came from a completely different part of the world?

In the past, we have relied heavily on the style of the Old Continent. In fact, the European and Nordic design still influences American style as we know it today. Whether you are contemplating improving your home or simply interested in learning more about design, paying attention to what’s listed below could come in handy before you know it!

How does European and Nordic design still influences American style?

Functionalism as the staple of the Nordic design

Have you ever visited the Nordic regions? If you have, then you know that life here can get very harsh. Just imagine how it must have been for the people of by-gone times, who were still creating the region we know today. They had to come up with different ways to survive the harsh Nordic climate, and it all began with the creation of their homes. The functional and minimalistic style the Americans love today came from the Nordic region in Europe. To best see how this style has affected the American one, just take a look around your home, and pay attention to the following details.

How does European and Nordic design still influence American style? 

  1. Bright colors

The day in Scandinavia is rather short. People wanted to make the best use of those few hours of daylight they get, as well as brighten their environments when the sun goes down for the day. That’s when they turned to bright colors. When you look around yourself, you will inevitably see pastel colors and light. This type of environment is elegant, clean, enticing, and inviting. If you want to introduce the Nordic style into your American home, all you have to do is change the color of a few key elements. Or add another coat of paint to your walls. It’s a good way to improve the look of your house, stay on the budget, and bring in some elements of one of the most popular interior design styles today – the Nordic style!

The Nordic style is dedicated to using the natural sunlight to the max.

  1. Open-plan spaces

Those who have recently bought homes know that the open-plan concept is not only trendy but highly desirable. It allows for greater freedom to decorate and it improves the functionality of a household. Not to mention that it gives a beautiful look, especially when designed according to the latest trends. Whether the open-plan concept would arrive to the US were it not for the Scandinavia is a mystery. It was the practicality of the Nordic design that made it possible for us to enjoy a beautiful, clean, and clutter-free house today.

If you are moving to a new place and buying a house, consider it best to buy a house with an open-plan concept. And if moving to a state as sunny as Florida, it’s precisely when you should abide by the Nordic trends. They will allow you to reap the benefits of living in a sunny state to the max. If and when relocating to South Florida with ease, or planning to do it, just pay attention to the property you settle in. It will be of great importance for the overall quality of your life.

The open-plan concept is not just beautiful – it’s also practical!

  1. Simple forms

Aren’t the simple things always the sweetest ones? Wouldn’t you prefer to be able to do all the things in life without too much hassle? If you were relocating to another state, wouldn’t it be better to find a quality moving company like Moving Kings Van Lines FL right away, without having to spend days searching for it? Wouldn’t it be nice to pack up your items without wasting weeks spent worrying about it? Likewise, how amazing would it be to live in a simple yet sophisticated home? To answer your question – it would be incredible.

Luckily, all you have to do is follow the European and Nordic style. Simple forms are a recognizable feature of the aforementioned style. That can probably be best seen through the invention of the famous egg chair. This piece of furniture can today be found in all American homes, as well as trendy coffee shops. And what is it if not a simple and beautifully made piece? It’s also not made from any rare nor expensive materials. That’s something all Americans crave – a beautifully furnished house that didn’t cost a lot. 

The European and Nordic style is eternal

If there is one thing that can be said for sure is that the European and Nordic style isn’t likely to go out of style any time soon. It’s a design that is based on functionality, minimalism, as well as beauty, and those can never get boring. When you take into account that it’s also budget-friendly, you can easily see why Mommy Ramblings is so in love with it!

That European and Nordic design still influences American style is no secret. What is the burning question is whether or not you’ll decide to incorporate it in your home. The answer is a tough one. If you are a practical person that is enamored with the clean look, you will most certainly opt for this design. On the other hand, if you love bright colors and warmth, the Nordic style might not be suited to your taste. But, you can’t know until you try, so don’t be afraid to give it a go.

This is a collaborative guest post. The ideas and views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.

 


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5 Things You Can Do To Improve The Look of Your House

It is important to work on the aesthetics of your home. A well-kept home not only makes a great impression, it can also help make you feel more relaxed and happy. We all want our homes to look good, but not all of us know where to start to achieve that perfect look. Do not be fooled into thinking that  decorating or updating your home is not possible without the help of an interior designer.

If you have the right eye, you can create some small changes on your own to change the look of your house, and make it appear more attractive. To help you with this, check out these five things you can do to improve the look of your house:

Paint your house

You can have a mansion worth millions of dollars, but if the walls are covered in scuffed, stained paint, the whole look would be compromised. If your house has old, dingy paint, consider freshening it up with new paint  as soon as possible. Nothing adds value and transforms your house better than fresh paint. It can make your house look more attractive, and also allows you to fix issues such as cracks in the walls.

Update your kitchen

Your kitchen is truly the heart of your home, so make sure to keep it updated, organized and clean. Some of the ways to update your kitchen game without breaking the bank include:

  • Resurfacing or painting cabinets
  • Updating your lighting fixtures
  • Installing new countertops

These additions can make your kitchens more useful and also increase the worth of your house as they bring a ROI as high as 60%.

Spruce up your Living Room

If you want to make a good impression on guests and make your house look better, than you might want to consider updating your living room. You can make your living room more inviting in the following ways:

  • Installing new curtains and blinds from a company like Select Blinds Canada.
  • Buying new furniture for the living room or updating the old furniture with new paint or upholstery.
  • Getting rid of excess clutter to make the room appear larger and more organized.

Keep It Clean

Now, this is an area where you need to invest your time not your money.  Go through your house, purge excess clutter and clean rooms from top to bottom.  A cluttered, dusty home looks unattractive and can be depressing to yourself and your guests.

Install new lighting

Ditch those ordinary or basic lighting fixtures that add no pizzazz or style. Spice up the lighting in your home and make it look more elegant. Try looking for chandeliers, table lamps and floor lamps that have style and flair. The right use of lighting will not only brighten up your house but also make it look more lavish.

If you follow these tips you can add new life into your home and make it feel welcoming and stylish.

This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideals expressed are not necessarily those of Mommy Ramblings.


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You’ll Never Believe What You Can Do With Reclaimed Wood

Using wood and other natural materials, is huge in interior decor this fall. It’s with good reason, too. Wood finishes are the perfect way to bring the look of any interior design concept together as well as, adding a personal touch to the family home.

Wood finishes add a sense of warmth, richness and comfort to whatever colors, finishes and materials they’re paired with. The sheer range of woods available makes this material extremely versatile. Pale ash, for example can give a room a fresh yet neutral tone, while a deep mahogany adds warmth and prestige to any living space and oak is perfect for more or less anything.

While many of us love to use wood in our interior design, few are aware of the benefits of reclaimed wood. Just go ahead and look at Plank and Mill’s website and you’ll see the distinctive finish that reclaimed wood has, as well as its enormous variety of applications. Using reclaimed wood is not only good for the environment but is also perfect for a wide range of interior uses, including…

Headboards

The bedroom should be a restful, tranquil place decorated with neutral tones and unimposing natural materials. Thus, a reclaimed wood headboard can be a subtle yet distinctive addition to the bedroom. The type of wood you choose to use will depend on the overall aesthetic of your room and the other tones and types of wood already present in your bedroom furniture.  For example, a headboard made of reclaimed driftwood can strike the difficult balance between making a statement and compromising the soothing neutrality of the room.

 

Feature walls

Every now and then you’ll want to call attention to a particular wall and neither paint nor wallpaper will quite cut it. For an accent or feature wall that’s little more distinctive, reclaimed wood creates a pleasing contrast with paler tones elsewhere in the room. It’s important to remember that wood has a tendency to absorb light, so it’s best utilized in spaces where the furniture and decor is light and airy. Wooden feature walls can be dressed up or down, recreating either a rustic log cabin feel or a more sleek, contemporary look. While versatile, reclaimed wood is, of course, unique meaning that your reclaimed wall will look like no other anywhere in the world.

Dining tables

If you’re looking for something truly unique, a dining table made of reclaimed wood is a wonderfully distinctive piece of furniture that doubles as a fun conversation piece among dinner guests. The great thing is that you’ll never need another dining table as the look of the finish will change subtly with age. While a reclaimed wood dining table is seldom cheap, it may well be the last one you ever buy.

Flooring

If you’re aiming for a rural, country effect, distressed reclaimed wood will look (and feel) fantastic under your feet. However, if your tastes lean towards the classic and elegant, a darker tone will give the room warmth and grandeur while subtly complementing any antique furniture you may have in the room.

This is a sponsored post that may or may not represent the views and ideals of Mommy Ramblings. Photo Credit-Plank and Mill’s website

 


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Let Me Shed Some Light On Your Holiday Gift List

Are you going crazy trying to think of a really cool gift for someone on your holiday gift list? I just might have the answer you are looking for. I think I may be able to shed some light on your dilemma. Not just any light but a 3DLIGHTFX 3D Deco Light!

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These lights come in a full range of styles and appear to be popping right out of the wall. They are battery operated and cool to the touch. Choose from lights that look like comic books, super heroes, Disney Princesses or you might like their sports or car lights.

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They can be placed in so many rooms like bedrooms, dens, basements, playrooms and more. Check out all their amazing products HERE! Lights are available at Target stores and Target.com.

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Mommy Ramblings is putting them on our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide because we think they make an awesome gift!!! What do you think? Do you know someone that would like one of these lights? Let me know.

 

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Finally An Orchid That I Can’t Kill!

I would consider myself to have a green thumb, two in fact, but when it comes to orchids, something changes them both to brown. I love the look when I see them in the store but take them home, and soon all I have to show is a planter. Recently, I found a beautiful orchid that will stay that way.

At Silk Flowers Direct, I can shop online from a vast selection of silk flowers, plants, topiaries, palms, trees, containers, custom items and even commercial products. I love you can choose from various  filters that let me find items by the type of flower or plant, color, shape, quantity, material and more. Silk Plants Direct offers the largest selection of lifelike faux plants and trees for your home or office decor. They not only offer a collection of stocked products, but they also manufacture plants and trees to each customers exact specifications for turn-key solution.

Here is the beautiful Orchid I received and it is so pretty.  I put it next to my tub and it is a gorgeous, tranquil piece that is perfect for gazing at when relaxing in the tub.

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Exclusive Discount Code-Save 10%

So take a look at the huge assortment of beautiful flowers, trees and plants at Silk Plants Direct  and if you decide to purchase use the exclusive discount code, BLOGGER10  created for Mommy Ramblings’ Readers to save 10% on your order!  Follow Silk Plants Direct on Facebook and  Twitter to stay in the loop on the newest products and promotions. 

 

 

 

 

I was sent the orchid silk plant to facilitate my review by Silk Plants Direct.  As usual my words and views are 100% my own!


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