How to create the perfect bonus room from your basement

Even if it's currently cold concrete and crammed with boxes of off-season duds, the lowest floor of your home probably has loads of potential. Treat your basement just as you would any of the rooms aboveground, and it might just become the most popular spot in the house. Here's our advice for turning basement into a place you'll be eager to spend time in.

First some ideas what your basement could become.  For example you can turn it into extra TV room or kids play room. Sometimes it is nice to have TV that the kids can control, playing their favorite shows and using it for video games. You just need to install simple TV cabinet and comfy sofa and your new room will be set.

Another idea is to turn it into movie theater. If your family love watching movies, basement is a perfect space to outfit with the latest technology, surround sound, subwoofers, and comfy chairs. Go all out and you’ll never actually have to go out for a movie again!

To create a home theatre you must allow sufficient distance between the armchairs and the screen. Lighting is less important here, but comfortable seating is essential. Remember also that you will need to hide the unsightly cables of your various pieces of equipment, and you may also want to consider soundproofing the room.

Last but not least you can turn basement into guest suite. Your guests will enjoy having their own space to retreat to without feeling like they are in the middle of a busy household. You just need to buy some chairs and table for your guest to sit and relax. Outfit the space with a luxurious bath, and on a dark, snowy night with no guests, you can sneak down for a bubble bath yourself.

Quick guide - garden furniture

Spending time outdoors can be a very relaxing and enjoyable way to appreciate summer days and make the most of patios and balconies. But that time can become considerably less enjoyable when there is no comfortable place to sit outside. Luckily there are many styles and makes of patio furniture that can improve your outdoor space.

First, you need to answer yourself simple question - will you be using your furniture for dining, socializing or relaxing? Dining sets are great for those wanting to enjoy teasty meal outside, whereas a deck set might be a less costly option worth considering if dining is not a priority. If you plan on using your patio only occasionally, a few basic items like a bistro set might do.

Next you need to know how many people will join you during outside parties? For larger groups you might opt for a 7-piece dining set. If relaxing with friends and family for extended periods is something you enjoy, sectional 3- or 4-piece cushioned seating sets could be great idea.

If you entertain frequently or spend a considerable amount of time enjoying the warmer months outdoors, comfort and durability are especially important when making patio furniture purchases. Solidly constructed pieces, cushions and sofas are a must.

Next very important aspect is free space. The amount of outdoor space you have will help determine what furniture is best for you. If space is limited, round and hexagonal tables are ideal alternatives to larger dining tables. A hexagonal table can seat as many people as a rectangular table and takes up less space.

Furthermore, keep available storage space in mind when deciding on what items to purchase. Some outdoor items integrate storage space into the pieces themselves.

Before you choose garden furniture you also need to consider their weather resistance. If you cannot store or shelter your patio furniture and accessories from the elements, they might have to endure prolonged exposure to harsh outdoor conditions.

How to pick paint color to your room - quick guide

Changing the colour of a room in your home can have a very positive effect on how the space looks and feels. But which color will be right for given room? It is difficult decision. Here are some advice about latest trends and how to choose perfect color.

Paint colours, like anything, tend to follow trends. Choosing a paint color that is popular in this season is a great way to display your design savvy and great taste.

You should also don't ignore floor colour, because it's the second largest surface to the walls in your home. Even wooden floors have own  shade that will effect how paint will look.

So which color should you choose? Deeper colours tend to suit cosier rooms such as the study and living room or bigger rooms with lots of light. On the other hand strong colours can be used in smaller amounts to bring depth and a focal point to any room. Unless you are looking to achieve a very clinical look, keep white color for bathroom only and always use a softer white for ceilings.

You also need to know that there is something like pscyhology of colour. Different colours have various effect on your mood. Certain colours - most commonly those found in nature - are very calming, which is why you often see neutral tones like pale blues in bedrooms and bathrooms. Green is the color of balance and growth so you could easily use it in kid's room. If you want to draw attention to certain room or spot, use red colour.

Cheap and easy decorating ideas

Revamping your home decor don't always need to be a big deal and require lots of money. Here are some ways to give your rooms a fresh look in short time, without much effort. So lets start.

First of all, take down all your paintings and other art and move them around to different walls. Thanks to this it will create effect like you seeing them for the first time.

Next idea - create a gallery wall of family photos and other small pictures in matching frames, arranged in a collage on a wall in hallway.

Remember that small details make all the difference. Beautiful coasters, interesting desk frames, a small crystal vase filled with flowers will add a fresh look to your home.

Here is another thrick that can do wonders - change the lightbulb in your bedroom lamp with a pink one for a rosy, romantic glow.

You can alco replace your bathroom shower curtain and curtain hooks, for an instant freshener for even the most dingy bathroom.

It is also very important to maximize light in a darker room by hanging mirror directly opposite the window, so you can bring some light to your home by doing this.

And the last advice that is very simple - take a walk in the park or woods and pick up interesting seasonal accents for your home.

Everything you want to know about bathroom cabinets

If you need extra storage room in your bathroom - cabinets are perfect for this. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can choose something for you.

First, let's talk about bathroom mirror cabinets. They are some of the most popular pieces of bathroom furniture, because are extremely practical. Mirrored cabinets can be wall-mounted or freestanding. The smaller ones are perfect for mounting above the basin, and the larger ones can serve as a full-length mirror.

Choose proper shapes and sizes
Some bathroom cabinets are bigger than others, as they constructed for larger spaces, whereas others are built with a smaller bathroom in mind. Cabinets can be long and narrow or short and wide, and anything in between, so you can choose perfect size depending on yours needs. And there is something new - corner cabinets. These are built to slot into the corner of the room, doing the same job as the larger cabinets but in a more confined space.

Cabinets are available in traditional or a contemporary style. Minimalist cabinets with very straight edges look best in a modern bathroom. Traditional cabinets will probablly have quirky features like exposed shelves will give your bathroom unique style.

Steel or wood
Mirrored cabinets are typically made of stainless steel, which has a shiny finish to make your bathroom look bigger. If you more into natural look of furniture you should choose cabinet made of wood or MDF.

bathroom style - traditional or contemporary - a quick guide

Contemporary and traditional are 2 of the most popular styles of bathroom suites available. First combines sharp lines with soft curves to create something minimal and modern where the other one is similar to Victorians style. Both styles can make your bathroom look marvelous. A mixture of styles is also great thing if it is done well, but simple solution is to choose one style and stick to it.

Traditional style

Your bathroom furniture should evoke a feel of a former time. Your storage units and cabinets can match this perfectly, especially the freestanding cabinets with inset basins. You could also try to achive a shabby chic look by using traditional bathroom furniture, with good quality, rustic-looking cabinets that are practical and aesthetical.

For traditional bathroom suite best option can be freestanding cabinets. Resting slightly off the ground on four feet, these look great with an inset basin, paired with twisty, period-effect taps. If we talking about color - traditional look require subtle colours. Moreover patterned tiles or ones in a vibrant shade will also contrast subtle furniture very nicely.

Traditional bathroom furniture are also a little bit modern becasue of used materials. All units are made well to withstand the heat and humidity of a bathroom suite not like the original "traditional" ones. This is a luxury that gives you buying traditional furniture nowdays.

Contemporary style

Many people like more a sleek and modern looking bathroom oposite to the traditional look. From square basins to wet rooms, modern bathroom fixtures can evoke the feel of a spa where you can relax and rest.

If this is the look you are going for, then there are plenty of bathroom furniture options. These units are usually quite angular,  creating sharp lines that flow around the room.

Drawers are often soft-closing with bolder colours oposite to traditional furniture. Shelving and wall-mounted box-style units are typical here, as well as square taps and basins.

Just like traditional furniture, contemporary furnitures are also water-resistant to prevent damp and condensation having an adverse effect. Both styles can be as space-saving if you have small bathroom.

Fresh furniture trends

Furniture is one of those things in your house that gains a lot of  attention from people who visit you.  You need to remember that furniture which you choose will represent your personality and taste. So let's check out what furniture trends are popular nowdays.

One of the new trends is bringing outdoor furniture inside your house. If you into it remember to stay classy and do everything with a dash of sophistication so it looks like the chairs or tables you take inside are in room for a reason. Aged metals, glass, wicker and natural wood are popular options when talking about outdor furniture inside.

Another trend that is very popular - metallic leather. Let your furniture bring a sparkle to your rooms with metallic styled materials. Furnitures that have metallic leather will simply be calling out for attention to all guest who enter the room. You can bet that this kind of furnitures will not be left unnoticed. If the room is decorated in subtle manner then chairs and sofas with metallic leather will bring life and sparkle to the room.

Next popular trend is statement dining table. If you like spending time with your family or friends at the table you can use unique dining room table. Embellishing your dining room with a standout furniture piece is a popular trend.

As houses becomes smaller due to housing shortages and population explosions also furniture becomes smaller. Tight, compact furniture are more and more popular nowdays.

What does your home style say about you?

Is your personal style easy to read? Sometimes other assessed us by the clothes we wear, music we hear, or the car we drive. These things can say a lot about our personality. Also your furniture choice says a lot about your personality. So check out what is your furniture style and what does it say about you?

Different styles in the kitchen

If you like traditional furniture
With its beautiful dark-stained woods with elegant style, traditional furniture is rich with historical furniture design influences. Traditional furniture have very formal feel.
So waht traditional furniture says about you?
That you are practical, you enjoy structure and formality. Moreover, you are very nostalgic and love timeless design. Because of the luxurious nature of traditional furniture, you want to impress guest that visit your home.

If you are into contemporary or modern furniture
Function is the focus with contemporary and modern furniture. Furniture designs are sleek, clean and simple. For such furniture materials like metal, chrome, glass and leather are used.
And what such design says about you?
That you are uncomplicated and gravitate toward simplicity. Even with your fondness of simplicity, you are trendy and have kept up with current fashion styles.

Modern furniture set INEZ

If you like casual style
Casual is the old transitional. Sofas and chairs are plush and sometimes slipcovered. Woods are warm-toned or rustic-looking. Think of a room soft and comfortable and furniture you can melt into. Casual furniture compliments daily life.
And what does it say about you?
That you are laid-back person, unpretentious and like to live comfortably. You want to feel relaxed in your home and you want friends and family to feel the same way too.

Casual corner sofa PATRIZIA

So as you can see, our furniture choices are most certainly a reflection of our personality. Not only is it a type of communication of who we are, but it is also a way to exemplify how we want others to see us.