Pet-Friendly Home Inventions

Sharing our homes with our pets can sometimes have an impact. Our pets might not be able to respect and take care of our furniture and home like we do but this does not mean we have to sacrifice our style and comfort. The key to achieving this is by selecting pet friendly materials and items that will cater for both your pets needs and yours. Keep your eyes locked here for tips on how to create a pet-friendly home.

Get fur-free upholstery

When selecting upholstery for your furniture, think carefully about how likely they are to gather fur. Go for smooth tapestries, synthetic materials or leather because they are less likely to gather fur. Also put in mind that selecting high quality textiles will withstand constant scratching and biting. Steer clear from materials like silk which can easily be damaged by your furry little friend.

Go for durable flooring

If your pets spend a lot of time indoors, hardware flooring is always a better option than having a carpet. You can opt for ceramic tiles, laminate flooring or polished concrete. Hardware floors are easier to keep clean and free from stains as compared to carpets and can help to keep your pet cool in hot weather.

Don’t overlook your walls

Walls can become a hard thing to clean if you have pets in your house. You can go for satin and semi-gloss paints to repel fur and they are also easy to clean. Avoid highly textured walls because they are a fur magnet.

More tips to consider

  • Use fashionable upholstery
  • Slip proof your rugs
  • Create special spaces for your pets
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The 7 Best Interior Design Blogs You Should Follow Today

When you’re browsing the web for interior design inspiration, the amount of content out there can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled the 7 best interior design blogs on the net, so you can get to the good stuff without wasting any time.

1. The Design Sheppard

http://www.thedesignsheppard.com

The Design Sheppard is a UK-based interior design blog curated by freelance design blogger Stacy. Stacy is a fan of fun pieces and quirky finds, and she posts about a wide range of home design subjects, from functional home storage solutions, to working with textures, to easy ways to transform your space.

2. Tylko Journal

http://journal.tylko.com

Tylko Journal is the best source for fresh, innovative interior design inspiration. Featuring designer interviews, special home design features and exclusive behind the scenes content of what goes on at Tylko headquarters, Tylko Journal is brimming with colour and energy.

3. EyeSwoon

EyeSwoon is a New-York based home living blog curated by interior designer Athena Calderone. Calderone has been referred to as ‘the modern girl’s Martha Stewart’ and her blog is dedicated to the beauty and deliciousness of the everyday. Browse EyeSwoon for design inspiration and delicious recipes.

4. Old Brand New

http://www.oldbrandnew.com/

Old Brand New is a US-based interior design website ran by the multi-talented blogger Dabito. Old Brand New is overflowing with colour, creativity and innovation, and it’s worth browsing if just for the beautiful photography alone. Check out Dabito’s bedroom makeovers series for a hefty dose of creative inspiration.

5. Design Hunter

http://www.designhunter.co.uk/

Design Hunter is a UK-based interior design blog curated by the talented Helen Powell. Helen’s style is all about chic, luxury and minimal designs and her blog integrates lifestyle content and home design inspiration. If you’re into light, white and airy spaces, Design Hunter will be just what you’re looking for.

6. Fresh Design Blog

http://www.freshdesignblog.com/

The Fresh Design Blog features modern and contemporary interior design, and draws on a wide range of inspiration sources to create its content. The blog is edited by Rachel Newcombe and focuses on affordable, fresh décor ideas for both the home and garden.

7. Coco Kelly

Coco Kelly is an online interior design platform that was founded by interior design enthusiast Cassandra LaValle in 2007. The blog offers a holistic approach to interior design, covering interiors, hosting, parties, travel and more.

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Elements of Scandinavian Interior Design

Since its inception in the early 20th century, functionality and minimalism have embodied the Scandinavian design. Also, often referred to as the democratic design, the idea behind this style is that everyone should attain functional products. Curious about how to pull off the Nordic interior style in your space? Here’s how.

Go for natural materials.

Elegant style, craftsmanship, and nature are at the heart of a Scandinavian style. Therefore, adding wood to your interior is essential to creating a Scandinavian-looking interior. Wood also creates a sense of warmth, and you can also pair it up with other materials like enamelled aluminium or pressed steel.

Keep everything light

You won’t find much contrast in the Scandinavian interior. White is the primary colour for the ceiling and walls. It is the best way to take advantage of natural light. White also expands an interior space optically. Therefore, white is a perfect colour choice if you will be spending much of your time indoors like the Scandinavians.

Colourful accents

Too much white can be a bit boring. This is why you should pair up white with other colourful accents and pieces to create a bit of contrast. Use playful patterns, pillows, fresh hues, a remarkable vase, or a pendant light to create the much-needed contrast. The possibilities and options are endless in a Scandinavian home.

Clean lines in furniture and architecture

The Scandinavian design philosophy is about minimalism and functionality. To recreate a Scandinavian home, therefore, you should go for clear lines in construction and furniture. Complex shapes aren’t a thing here. The simple design should be elegant, though.

Eco-friendly

Everyone is concerned with nature, and so should you. Eco-friendly design aspects have always been customary throughout the Scandinavian home for many years. Good examples include double or triple window glazing, roof isolation, and solid walls. Avoid water wasting and stick to natural materials.

Avoid too much clutter and accessories.

Scandinavian interiors are simple and devoid of clutter. Accessories are welcome but do not overdo them. Instead of cramming everything you like in your room, make choices and set priorities. First, let in the things you need most, then the decorative pieces. However, remember the items you need most can also become decorative pieces if designed well.

The Scandinavian style is one of the most straightforward designs to pull off in your house. You only need to know what to bring in and what to leave out. For more information, check Tylko’s article about Scandinavian interior design: http://journal.tylko.com/style-meets-comfort-8-principles-of-scandinavian-interior-design/

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