Aug 2,2022

How to Install Your Staircase

There are several types of staircases: straight, quarter-turn, and spiral. To make your choice, you must consider the available space, the desired aesthetic, the desired material and the ease of installation.

A good compromise to reduce the price of your staircase consists of some knowledge of DIY, assembling your wooden staircase yourself, and putting it in place at the desired location. The most uncomplicated staircase to install is the straight staircase.

Follow our step-by-step instructions on how to install a staircase.

1. Prepare the stringers

Adjust the height of the staircase

If the staircase height exceeds the height from floor to floor in your house, it is possible to shorten the staircase.

Important: This must be done before the staircase is assembled.

– Measure precisely the height to be covered from the floor to the top slab (including the covering).

– Saw off the bottom of the stringers and remove a step if necessary.

Good to know: make sure you also have enough clearance, at least 80 cm, at the top and bottom of the staircase to access it comfortably.

Drill the stringers

– Place the 2 stair stringers on trestles, with the notched sides facing up.

– Every third step, locate the middle of the step notch and drill a 6 mm diameter hole.

– Turn the stringers over.

– Locate the drill holes and enlarge each hole with a 20 mm drill bit, 6 mm deep.

Good to know: this enlargement will allow you, in the final stage, to embed the screw heads and mask the holes with covers.

2. Assemble steps, risers and stringers

Assemble the first stringer and the steps

– Place the first stringer on the floor with notches visible.

– Glue the step notches of the stringer with wood glue.

– Fit the steps one by one into the notches of the stringer with a mallet.

Necessary: insert a martyr shim, i.e. a shim that will receive the mallet blows, to avoid damaging the wood.

– Also, insert the last step in the notches of the stringboard.

Good to know: the last step is narrower than the others because it will rest on the floor.

Add the risers and the second-stringer

– Next, fit each riser into its corresponding groove in the step and into the groove in the stringer.

– Glue the notches of the second-stringer.

– Then, fit it onto the steps and risers.

Important: At least 2 people are required to perform this step.

Attach the assembly

– Carefully check the alignment of the elements in the grooves.

– Screw the steps into the holes previously drilled in the stringers.

– Nail the risers to the steps with utility hole nails.

Good to know: apply the finishing product now to the stringer that will be pressed against the wall.

3. Assemble the staircase railing

The railing consists of a handrail, vertical balusters and a bottom rail. At each end, the railing ends with a support post.

Assemble handrail and balusters

– Position the handrail on trestles.

– Insert a dowel into each pre-drilled hole on the handrail.

– Glue the ends of the balusters with wood glue and fit them into the dowels.

– Secure each assembly with a spike.

Attach the bottom rail of the guardrail

– Glue the upper ends of the balusters.

– Position the bottom rail on the balusters.

– Secure the assembly by screwing.

4. Place the support strip

The top of the staircase will rest on a cleat fixed on the hopper’s header.

– Measure the thickness of the last step.

– For the finished floor, remove the thickness of this step and locate the top of the support strip on the finish side.

– Place the strip horizontally on the marker and check its level.

– Mark the drilling points on the wall through the strip.

– Then, drill the wall and anchor.

– Screw the stair support strip to the header.

5. Fix the staircase

Draw your marks on the floor

– Present the staircase on the hopper by lifting it to 2 to distribute the weight.

– Place it on the support strip.

– Check that it is perfectly fixed.

– Locate the fixing points of the staircase locking brackets on the floor under the first step and flush with the stringer.

Place and fix the staircase.

– Move the staircase back 2.

– Drill holes in the floor for the brackets.

– Peg and screw the brackets to the floor.

– Re-engage the staircase on the cleat, place it and check the wedging.

– Screw it firmly into the cleat.

– Then, fasten the brackets in the stringers.

6. Install the stairway railing

Attach the railing to the end post

– Attach the end post by screwing it into the stringer.

– Prepare to attach the railing to the end post: glue the ends of the railing (handrail and bottom rail).

– Then, place the guardrail on the stringboard and against the top post.

– Screw everything together.

Fix the guardrail on the starting post

– Glue the parts that will be in contact with the starting post: handrail, bottom rail and stringer.

– Place the starting post against the stringboard and the guardrail, hold it in place with a clamp and screw it in place.

7. Fix the staircase in the wall

– Secure the staircase by anchoring it to the supporting wall.

– Drill a hole through the wall through the stringer.

– Insert a dowel and hammer it in.

– Finally, glue the covers to hide the assembly screws and fit them in place.

Your staircase installation is now complete; all you have to do is choose the finish to protect it.

Checklist of materials needed to install a staircase

Knock-in dowel

Man head nails

Wood glue

Pencil

Square

Fixing square

Step ladder

Gloves, goggles and mask

Mallet

Hammer

Flat drill bit

Tape measure

Spirit level

Percussion drill

Jigsaw

Clamp

Trestles

Wood screws

Screws and dowels

Screwdriver

by Maryline D

Aug 2,2022

7 Mismatched Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

A mismatched kitchen is a kitchen that breaks with uniformity, with mismatched, open and unstructured furniture: cupboard doors, display cabinets, storage elements, colour schemes, baskets, china cabinets… So many features that you can find in decoration catalogues or that you can hunt down at your leisure. Make room for mixing styles for combinations that are as successful as they are graphic. Rediscover with happiness a technical and smooth piece that becomes alive again, emblematic of the nostalgia of the kitchens of yesteryear.

Colours for a mismatched kitchen

Colour can add character to a kitchen that is too plain.

A perfect mix of different colours. For example: To create a mismatch without spreading yourself too thin, visually differentiate the lower part with a pastel colour (apricot, powder pink, lilac) and the upper part with a light grey. The space is thus well categorized with a transition ensured by the worktop, which you can imagine in light wood.

Materials for a mismatched kitchen

By combining different types of materials, you can easily achieve a kitchen that is a mix of modern and classic styles. Here are two examples that are very fashionable at the moment:

Cement tiles: opt for coloured cement tiles with a patterned credenza added to the design elements; your mismatched kitchen will be both modern and rustic.

Wooden plank: mix smooth and plain elements with an old wooden plank worktop. For example, alternate natural matt wood for the upper cupboards and dark grey glossy lacquer for the lower ones.

Tip: also mismatch details such as handles: an old-fashioned shop counter style on the lower units, and more modern stainless steel handles for the upper ones.

Furniture for a mismatched kitchen

Bringing in an offbeat element for a mismatched kitchen is advisable, as you don’t want to make a patchwork of pieces.

Adding a vintage element

For a mismatched kitchen, insert a vintage or second-hand element among the cupboards in your kitchen. This element brings an air of antiques and cachet.

For example: Insert a display cabinet with wooden shelves where you can display your dishes.

The return of the china cabinet

The china cabinet is once again taking pride in modern kitchens and is becoming functional storage and aesthetic element full of charm. It will showcase your dishes which are no longer relegated to the back of the cupboards. Opt for an open china cabinet, equipped with baskets and bottle racks, or one with a glass front.

The piano as a centrepiece

The piano is the royal occupant of old-fashioned kitchens and plays the non-integrated part, bringing a real touch of authenticity and terroir. With their superb bodywork, the chef’s pianos mark the decor and offer technology worthy of the pros: thick sheet metal casing, solid brass accessories, powerful burners, the famous “coup de feu” plate, large ovens and sharp accessories.

Antique spirit

No more hiding kitchen accessories; show them off! Accumulate spice jars, jars, zinc objects and other nostalgic finds, which you can display on wooden shelves. They can be hung on a credenza bar or a canopy suspended above the island.

Mismatched chairs

We hunt, search, rummage, and opt for entirely different seats that we will have fun trying to match in a spirit of recovery. But don’t be afraid to mix genres. Halfway between a bohemian, contemporary and vintage style, this simple and inexpensive trend reflects the passing of time and its accumulating memories. The concept is simple: combine different chairs to bring a touch of eclecticism.

by Maryline D

May 30,2022

Which Staircase to Choose for Your Dining Room

Depending on the space you have in your living room, you will not install the same type of staircase.

There are three types of a staircase and as many materials to choose from!

Choosing a staircase shape adapted to your interior

Straight staircase: for large rooms

The straight staircase is appreciated for its simplicity:

– it connects two floors along a single axis;

– it is easy to install;

– However, it is a staircase that requires a lot of space because of its length;

Therefore, it is more suitable for rooms with a large volume so as not to take up all the space.

Revolving staircase: ideal for small spaces

This type of staircase is chosen to optimise space:

– it has one or two right angles;

– the most common are:

◦ the 1/4 turn: featuring a single right angle, it forms a bend;

◦ the 2/4 turn: it has two right angles and follows the longevity of the wall;

◦ the half-turn: it is made up of two parts opposite each other and makes you make a half-turn at 90 °C;

– it saves space as it does not go through your room;

– it gives your interior a very designer look;

– However, it is steeper and more challenging to climb, especially for children or the elderly.

Spiral staircase: space-saving and easy to install

The spiral staircase saves considerable space:

– it is the easiest to install, as it does not need to be supported by a wall: it is a self-supporting staircase;

– its diameter is about 1.60 m: it is the narrowest;

– you can therefore install it in a narrow living room.

What material should I use for my living room staircase?

Wood for an individual staircase

Wood is a quality material:

– it gives a classic, rustic style to your interior;

– it allows for a specific personalisation of your living room because it can be stained or painted, for example;

– some woods are more robust and durable than others: oak or beech, for example.

Please note: remember to vacuum regularly and possibly varnish the wood of your staircase for better longevity.

Steel: for a contemporary look

For a more design-oriented style, opt for a steel staircase:

– this material is best suited for a spiral staircase;

– It gives an impression of lightness in your interior;

– treat your steel staircase against oxidation and rust, and it will last a lifetime.

Good to know: you can combine it with wood or glass.

Straight or curved stone staircase?

If your budget allows, opt for a stone or imitation stone staircase:

– stone is more suitable for straight or curved staircases: a spiral staircase in stone is complicated and time-consuming to build;

– it allows a perfect harmonisation if the floor of your room is made of stone or terracotta tiles;

– stone has the advantage of being very solid and easy to clean;

– However, as the structure must be made of concrete, the installation time is longer.

Steiner Spiral Stair Systems are a beautiful addition to any area, providing both elegance and usefulness at a great price if you are looking for staircase systems.

Their visual appeal complements both modern and period style settings in indoor and outdoor environments.

Hopefully, this article has given you some ideas on making your staircase look great! We are interested in your opinion! Don’t forget to share your experience with us in the section below.

by Maryline D

Feb 22,2022

How to Lay Out Your Kitchen

Contents

– How to successfully design your kitchen

– The 5 basic rules of kitchen design

Good management of the kitchen space is fundamental!

To help you imagine your future kitchen and visualize it, think of using these design software programs easily accessible on the net, perfect tools that will allow you to optimize your connections (water, gas, electricity) after taking your measurements and indicating your connections (water, gas, electricity) layout of your kitchen.

Making a success of your kitchen layout

We talk about a medium-sized kitchen for surfaces between 10 and 15 m² and large-sized when it exceeds 20 m². Several layouts are possible, sometimes even required, depending on the configuration of your space or room:

– The linear kitchen: its long shape often forces the furniture to be placed against one of the walls. The rest of the layout must then aim to break this corridor impression.

– The kitchen is very often arranged in a U or L shape. If it is spacious, you will have the opportunity to place a part of it in the center of the room as an island.

– Always in vogue, the American kitchen, open to another room, often the living room, offers a more pleasant space and often more light. However, take into account the management of noise and odours.

– Below 10 m², we speak of a mini-kitchen. The study of its layout must be specific and careful to integrate this surface constraint without suffering too much.

The 5 essential rules of kitchen design

For an ergonomic kitchen, functional and optimized, you can respect several rules regarding its layout. Indeed, the distance between the elements, the height of the equipment and its distribution are all points to consider to combine comfort and safety in your kitchen.

– A kitchen is divided into three areas, which form the activity triangle. This triangle concentrates the main activities of the kitchen and allows for optimal movement. The distance between these three poles should be equal and reduced as much as possible:

◦ The cooking area consists of the hobs, credenza, worktop and ventilation hood.

◦ The cold zone concentrates the refrigerator and freezer.

◦ The washing zone centers around the sink.

– One flow is to be favoured in the kitchen, that of the dishes: to limit your movements, position the trash can, the sink and the dishwasher as close as possible. This will help you manage your dirty dishes more quickly. Also, place the dishwasher next to your storage spaces to be emptied more easily.

– Adapt the heights to the users, prioritizing the comfort of the person who uses this equipment the most:

◦ from the sink, not having to bend over to reach the bottom,

◦ from the hob and worktop,

◦ the oven, preferably at eye level,

◦ from the hood so as not to hit your head on it,

◦ of the shelves, the upper ones at eye level (do not put a shelf beyond 220 cm) and the lower ones at knee level.

– Observe the dimensions:

◦ The elements and large appliances are 60 cm deep (even 65 cm).

◦ The worktop is usually 70 cm deep, for a height of 90 or 95 cm, and 115 cm for a bar. Also, leave 70 cm in front of the worktop and 90 cm in front of the open modules.

◦ A space of 120 cm is needed to allow two people to pass each other without getting in the way.

◦ The kitchen hood should be placed between 60 and 65 cm above the electric plates.

– Lighting arrangement:

◦ Natural lighting, in general, is not enough; carefully consider other light sources.

◦ Install powerful lighting and other more directional under the high furniture.

by Maryline D

Feb 16,2022

How Do You Conceive Your Modern Kitchen

Summary

– What is a modern kitchen?

– Which furniture to choose for a modern kitchen?

– Wall coverings of a modern kitchen

– Floor coverings for a modern kitchen

– Textiles and curtains to create a modern kitchen

The modern kitchen is both aesthetic and practical.

A modern kitchen is special and unique, especially because you can customize it. Often resulting from a designer’s imagination, the contemporary kitchen is original. The diversity of materials used, the colour combinations, the lines’…

What is a modern kitchen?

Above all, a modern kitchen combines different materials such as wood with red melamine particles and brushed steel handles. It is also a different conception of the kitchen space, with the cooking point placed in the centre of the room for a stronger conviviality.

A modern kitchen decoration also often requires a larger budget if you call on a designer. The key is to create total harmony between the furniture, the dishes, the floor, the kitchen linen (tablecloths, towels, tea towels) and the wall coverings.

What furniture to choose for a modern kitchen?

Let’s imagine a modern decor with a trendy red and steel atmosphere. Depending on your space, choose your furniture according to what you have to store.

Store all your equipment in low furniture and prefer a china cabinet for everything that concerns dishes and kitchen linen. If you are an occasional cook, it is not necessary to overload the space with high furniture. You can hang your most-used utensils on a design rod.

On the other hand, plan a large matching work surface and high furniture if the kitchen is your hobby. If you want to add more wood to your home, Kuccina Design has plenty of suggestions for your walls, ceilings, shelves, staircases, beds, and other eye-catching wood decor and furniture.

A red lacquered table (which will be protected by place-mats for dinners) will be in the centre of the room, accompanied by matching red chairs with brushed steel legs. If you can’t find red chairs, there’s nothing to stop you from dressing them up with chair covers that match the table.

Match the appliances to the kitchen furniture. For a few years now, household appliances have been equipped with an outstanding choice of colours.

Here are some tips on how to match your kitchen furniture:

– Try to keep an equal height between the base units, the stove and the worktop for linear harmony.

– It will be helpful to measure the elements before purchasing them.

If your budget does not allow you to buy a built-in kitchen, do not hesitate to hide your appliances (which should all be the same height) with plain grey curtains (depending on your choice) that you will have slipped into a flexible rod and fixed at each end of the worktop for example.

Wall coverings for a modern kitchen

First of all, it is essential to know that with or without a hood, a kitchen gives off grease residues during cooking. It is therefore recommended to choose washable wall coverings:

– A basic wallpaper will wash once or twice, but you will have to change it regularly.

– It is better to tile the kitchen walls, especially if you are lucky enough to own your home. You will then have the opportunity to integrate a stainless steel mosaic frieze, for example.

Also, have a craftsman make a wall covering around your hob that will be easily washable. The cost is certainly a bit high, but you will save cleaning time using a degreaser, sold in spray gun in all major stores.

Finally, you can opt for various coatings such as “tadelakt” colour “cherry”, but take care to varnish it to make it waterproof.

The flooring of a modern kitchen

Indeed, choose tiles. They can be glossy, matte or structured, but they can all be adapted to your needs.

Avoid carpets and rugs: they quickly get dirty and require an additional cleaning budget.

Textiles and curtains to create a modern kitchen

The curtains are very suitable for a kitchen. You will take care to choose them thin, not obscuring the light, and red in the atmosphere we have selected above.

To give them a modern touch, make sure they end with a tip and a tassel that matches the exact measurements of your window.

Modern kitchen decor also includes linens:

A red table runner could accompany the table linen in cotton (very easy to clean) taupe grey.

– The napkins will match and alternate: 2 red napkins and two taupe grey napkins.

– The tea towels must be in grey linen with red squares to achieve optimal harmony.

Hope this post will help you make up your mind about your kitchen renovation project. Remember to share your experience in the comments below.

by Maryline D

Jan 14,2022

The Perfect Guide To Turning Your Bathroom Nautical

The Perfect Guide To Turning Your Bathroom Nautical

Nautical home décor is quite popular in beach houses by the sea, and we frequently ask how we may enjoy this lovely style without having to live near the water. But here’s a tip: instead of going closer to the water, why not do the opposite and bring the ocean closer to you? Starting with one room and working your way up, there are several ways to incorporate a unique and pleasant nautical design into your house. We’ll show you how to include certain products to transform your bathroom into a seaside spa for renewal and relaxation in this blog article.

Clock

In nautical décor, time is an important feature, and a clock is a must-have in the bathroom. A traditional ship wheel clock, made of solid acacia wood, is a fantastic complement to any nautical design bathroom.

Are you new to the nautical look? Begin with a nearly hard piece to mess up, like a starfish or a lighthouse setting.

Cabinet Knobs

Cabinets for storage are always present in bathrooms. Utilize your cabinet knobs to give your bathroom a nautical theme. Cabinet knobs with unique designs give a touch of playfulness to any environment. To develop your artistic flair, mix and combine shells and dolphins.

Candle Holder

Candles provide a touch of elegance and warmth to any bathroom. Use marine smells and cool hues like blue, beige, and cream to add to the ambiance. A candle with a nautical motif will look great in a nautical candle holder.

Wall Decorations

A nautical-inspired seashore bathroom may be decorated in a variety of ways. If you love art, you’ll have no trouble selecting the right piece to hang on your wall.

Towels Hook

Towel hooks are required in every bathroom to keep towels clean and dry. Look for a hook that will allow you to hang your towels and other bathroom essentials in a handy location. Add some personality to your hooks by using an octopus or a shell.

Some ornamental hooks may be hung directly on the wall, while others are held in place by a frame.

Mirrors

What would a restroom look like if it didn’t have a mirror? With a nautical mirror, you can give your visitors the impression of being on a ship and make them think about how they may get into the nautical style themselves with a rope mirror…

Cabinets

Every bathroom may benefit from additional storage. Choose a cabinet with a nautical motif, one with a porthole or one designed to resemble a rowboat. Your nautical theme bathroom can also benefit from classic furnishings to offer refinement and elegance.

Shower Curtain

Select a shower curtain with shell or dolphin prints.

If you can’t find a nautical-themed shower curtain, put a decorative fish net over the exterior of a plain white curtain to create a unique nautical look.

Bathroom Mats

To replicate the color of sand, choose a light-colored or beige bath mat. When you step out of your shower, you’ll feel as if you’re stepping out of the sea.

Shell

Shells are the epitome of the seaside! You can choose from a variety of shell candle holders, or if you prefer to keep things simple, adding loose shells to your nautical theme bathroom counter would suffice—a seashell garland on a side wall or under your vanity lighting.

Adding marine-inspired things to your bathroom, whatever you pick, will offer a feeling of calm and charm to your home design. You may simply recreate a beach-themed house or turn your bathroom into a seaside spa with the appropriate things. In the comments, let us know what you think will be missing to complete a nautical bathroom.

by Maryline D

Jan 6,2022

Choosing Your Type of Floor

Choosing the type of floor you want is, first of all, a matter of selecting the type of floor, the type of wood and the protective finish of the floor according to aesthetic and technical criteria. Solid or laminate? Oak or teak? Raw, varnished, oiled or waxed?

Summary

– Which type of parquet to choose: solid or engineered?

– Which wood species to choose?

– Which protective finish to choose from?

Which type of parquet to choose: solid or glued?

You want to install a parquet, but you are still hesitating: solid or engineered? Depending on your budget, the ease of installation, the material’s resistance, the maintenance and your taste, you will choose one or the other material.

To help you choose and compare, we present the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of solid wood and glued wood flooring.

Solid parquet

Traditional parquet par excellence, solid parquet is composed of 100% of the same and unique wood species. Warm, authentic, resistant and durable over time, solid wood flooring is a profitable investment.

Engineered flooring

Composed of three layers of wood glued together, engineered flooring adapts to all configurations. Offering a wide variety of wood species, it is similar to solid wood flooring, which is less expensive but less durable.

Which wood species to choose?

There is a wide variety of wood species for flooring, each with its characteristics in terms of hardness, resistance to humidity and colour.

If the choice of a wood species depends above all on your aesthetic tastes and the budget you wish to devote to your project, it is also essential to choose a species adapted to the use of your room. To make it easier to find your way around, you should know that wood species are divided into four hardness classifications, from class A (softwood) to class D (very hardwood).

Important: the FSC and PEFC quality labels aim to ensure the traceability of European and exotic woods and to guarantee sustainable and responsible forest management.

Classic species

Classic (or indigenous) species are all wood species from local forests in France and Europe. Oak, chestnut and beech are the most common wood species, suitable for all types of structures.

Good to know: oak is the most used for the manufacture of parquet.

Exotic species

Exotic species come from the rainforests of Africa, Asia, South America or North America. Generally more expensive than traditional species, they compete more and more thanks to their resistance, their hardness. Their yellow, red or brown colour offers a refined and warm character to your room. Also, they are ideally suited to wet rooms such as the bathroom.

Which protective finish to choose from?

All wood flooring, solid or engineered, requires a surface treatment to protect it from daily wear and tear unless you choose a raw, untreated floor.

The application of this protective finish after installation is an essential step that determines the aesthetics and maintenance of your flooring. The three main protective finishes are varnish (or sealant), oil and wax.

Depending on the type of wood, its origin, hardness, ease of maintenance and your budget, you choose one finish over another.

Which Headboard Style to Choose for Your Bed;

How to Make Your Own Bed Headboard (Part 1);;

3 Easy Steps to Paint PVC;

Quartz Countertops: The Key Benefits!;

How Do You Paint a Staircase;

4 Perfect Eco-Friendly Habits to Adopt at Home in 2022;

How to Decorate Your Home in African Style;

Unique Custom Homes | Raising the Walls of a House.

Hope you have been pleased with this post. Remember to comment below.

by Maryline D

Dec 8,2021

The Secrets of a Cozy Interior

Interior design is a whole art that aims to beautify and give character to your home. A mixture of tradition and modernity, the cozy style should delight all those who want a comfortable and warm interior.

Choose the Right Materials

As its name suggests, the cozy decoration is an interior with a simple, uncluttered style while being cozy and comfortable. It is essential to bet on the suitable materials to be in this spirit.

Natural materials such as wood and brick are the most appropriate to provide a warm atmospher. Because of the different types of wood available, wood is ideally suited to various works. You can use it as flooring, a decorative accessory, or interior furniture. In addition to being warm, wood is also a noble and elegant material. It is even better if you have the privilege of having a part of brick or wood wall.

In any case, it is always necessary to mix materials to avoid having too busy decor. As you may know, wood is an imposing material, while the goal is to have a pure decoration.

Repaint Your Walls

To bring warmth and comfort, sobriety is the key. Colours such as cream, gray, shades of brown (taupe, terracotta, etc..) will enhance your walls. However, since the objective is to offer you a pleasant setting, you can paint part of the walls in a colour that you particularly appreciate. Otherwise, warm colours such as eggplant and dark green can find a place on a wall section. The goal is to have bright colors to brighten up gray winter days.

Maximize the Comfort of the Room

Furniture and decoration are the essential elements to bring more comfort. Be careful; the objective is not to clutter the room. Therefore, before decorating, put away unnecessary items.

The Furniture

Multiply the sofas and armchairs to have additional seats in your living room. However, make sure they are all comfortable, especially by choosing well-upholstered furniture.

To feel comfortable on your sofa, add cushions and plaids. Moreover, these accessories are actual invitations to relax. Choose soft materials such as wool, velvet, imitation fur, etc. Remember to brighten up your interior with a few touches of colour here and there. This can be done with cushions in warm colours (yellow is an interesting idea). For other furniture, avoid large volumes, which may be imposing.

The Light

You can play on the light to bring a cozy atmosphere and create a natural cocoon. In general, soft light is ideal for this impression of appeasement. However, you can have warm light, thanks to an incandescent bulb that gives a yellow light. Moreover, there are different models of suspensions, which allow you to multiply the bulbs. For a romantic evening or to enjoy a moment of relaxation, light some candles.

Curtains also allow you to play with light, especially if you combine curtains and thick fabrics.

A Fireplace

What better way to create a warm atmosphere than with a fireplace? If you want to install one, the wood stove is an interesting choice, combining comfort and modernity. Alternatively, you can opt for a traditional brick fireplace. Bet on decorative elements such as photo frames, clocks and vases designs, mirrors, etc. You can also paint the brick in a trendy colour such as white.

by Maryline D

Dec 2,2021

How To Build A Christian Home For The Family?

I grew up in a Christian home and I can tell you it has nothing to do with how the house is decorated or where it is located. Does that make you wonder what then really makes a home distinctly “Christian?”

The answer doesn’t lie in a unique structure. It doesn’t have to do with a house situated in a “Christian nation.” Nor is it because your house is in a “pleasant” neighborhood. It lives in the life of your home and is unseen.

I believe the answer comes down to this:

“There’s nothing special about the physical appearance of a Christian home, but the faith in devoting the house to God runs deeper than attending a church service or hanging Christian-themed photo frames in a house. It’s a place where you invite God to dwell and make Him the center of your home.”

– From Mone (oh, that’s my mom by the way)

Gospel As The Foundation Of Your Christ-centered Home

Once there were two men: the first one built his house on the rock while the other built his on the sand. When flood and wind came, the wise one’s house stood while the other house fell.

No matter how appealing your house might be, without Christ as its foundation, it is destined to fall. Just because Christians are living in a house, it doesn’t make it become a Christian home. Remember that the Gospel says that when you rely on a foundation that’s been laid by God, you will never striken be with panic. (Isaiah 28:16)

If you are building a Christian home with Christ and His word as the rock, you should forgo decorating with idol figures – Ye shall make you no idols or graven image (Leviticus 26).

Love In The Center Of Your Home

Many assume that following Jesus means following rules; on the contrary, God’s love for His people and the sacrificial act of Jesus depicts that Christianity is and would always be about love and not rule-following,

The doctrine also tells us to love and help each other; but you don’t need to wait for someone to be robbed and left to die on the road to play the good Samaritan. The bible tells us that charity starts at home.

I’m not saying sharing your food with the needy and talking to those who need comfort is wrong, but piety should be practiced at home first. It’s impossible to live in a Christian home without learning and practicing the mere act of love.

A few arguments and disagreements are pretty common in a household, but everyone should be allowed to forgive or be forgiven.

Your Home Should Be A Place Where Spirituality Is Practiced

A home is not a “Christian” home unless the members of the household are as spiritually involved in their homes as they are in their local churches.

The reason why I can claim that I lived in a Christian home was that there was not one day I didn’t hear my parents praying, reading their bibles or singing praises to God.

Your Home Should Be Based On God’s Purpose For Each Member Of The Family

If you want Christ to be at the center of your home, obedience to His word is the key. From the Old to the New Testament, obedience had a lot to do with the children of God and their victories – “Obey and you will be blessed. Disobey and you will be cursed (Deuteronomy 11:28).

You see, the guiding principles embodied in the bible have expressed how each member of a household should behave in order to please God.

Husbands should love their wives just as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25)
Wives should submit themselves to their husbands as they do to the Lord (Ephesians 5:22)
Children should honor their fathers and mothers, so that their days may be long (Exodus 20:12)
Widows should set their hope on God and continue in supplications and prayers night and day (1 Timothy 5:3-6)

If obedience to these principles is followed, God’s grace and positivity will flow in your home.

Abundance Joy In Your Home

When struck by tough times, it’s difficult to stay happy and easier to embrace the heartache, the pain, the sadness and the anger. But, things should be different in a Christian home as the Lord says, “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Every time you and your family will go through trials and hardships, do not retreat but trust God and His word. Don’t let yourself be carried on a roller coaster ride by that “joy-stealing” rascal (you know whom).

My last words to you: A house can be built by someone but God is the builder of everything.

Honorable Mentions: I would like to take this opportunity to thank my parents for building and raising me in a Christ-centered home, especially my mom who helped me to understand what a real Christian home should be like.

by Maryline D

Sep 30,2021

The Perfect Guide To Decorating Your Child’s Room.

Designing and decorating a child’s room requires a minimum of thought so that they feel comfortable. In this article, we will guide you through practical, security or aesthetic aspects of decorating a kid’s room…

The bedroom is your kid’s haven: he sleeps, plays, works and takes refuge there. It is thus essential that he feels at ease in his room. When deciding on the decoration of the child’s room, you must consider his age, personality, and desires. Do he prefer a marine theme, or is he more into soccer? Leave a blank wall or closet for him to hang posters of his idols. Or provide a shelf for his medals, cups and other awards.

Don’t choose furniture that won’t evolve (car or boat-shaped bed, princess dresser…). When you agree on a theme, keep in mind that there is a good chance that his tastes will evolve as he gets older. Rather than having a car bed frame for your car-obsessed tot, opt for bed linens, cushions, curtains, accessories and wall decorations around the theme, that can be changed for a low cost in due time.

As much as possible, the design of your child’s room should be mutually agreed upon between the child and yourself, rather than you trying to impose your own choices. Parents can enjoy themselves if the room is for a toddler (0 to 5 years old). Beyond that, the child’s tastes must be taken into account (with a certain amount of restraint because children have vivid imaginations and can change their minds quickly).

A Girl’s Room

Girl’s Room.

From birth to adolescence, your daughter’s room deserves a feminine decoration but not too much. Steer far from clichés – leave the total pink look aside and opt for touches here and there of more pastel shades with coral to powder pink. Other options include white, taupe without forgetting purple and even blue, a color that is no longer the sole domain of boys. You can also try decorating with patterned wallpapers and strings of fairy lights for a more grown-up look.

A Boy’s Room

As we said above, blue is no longer only for boys, young or old. You can still like to apply it in touches; you can reserve it for a single wall, a strip of wallpaper, a piece of furniture or a painting, for example. Alternatives include green, from its pastel version to its deepest hue. Yellow can also brighten up a boy’s room. In terms of decoration, let your imagination run wild but don’t go overboard. A cool piece of furniture that little boys will love is a teepee, so maybe consider having one in the room.

Colors in a child’s room

Color Palette…

Try to keep your color scheme to a maximum of three. It doesn’t really matter what colors you choose, although you will want to avoid clashes… I prefer simple and plain tones. You can opt for a solid color on only one of the four walls, and the other three will remain white and available for personal decorating. Avoid themed wallpapers that children quickly grow tired of.

Which flooring in a child’s room?

In general, hard floors are easier to clean (and therefore considered more hygienic) but not very comfortable to sit and lay on. You might want to cover your hardwood floors with rugs and carpets for more comfort. The much-mailgned carpet, long associated with being dust traps and other allergens, is much healthier, can be made from natural fibers and are easier to maintain than before. They are comfortable and offer better thermal and acoustic comfort to the room. However, carpeting requires daily vacuuming and is incompatible with underfloor heating.

Do you think children should have their say when decorating their room? Let us know in the comments…

by Maryline D

Category Home Inspirations