Sunday, April 26, 2020

How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)

Kitchen islands are often utilized as space fillers in modern kitchens. But their nature is not just decorative, but they also play a very practical role. They can be a good way of utilizing the unused space while also providing a working surface, and a place to store kitchen utensils and food, as well as increasing the efficiency of the kitchen.

They can also act as a statement, and as the centerpiece of your kitchen. A well-designed kitchen island makes for a good focal point, one that would present the heart and soul of the kitchen. And the general audience tends to lean towards having a kitchen island in their kitchen.

In fact, according to research, more than 70% of household owners opt for a kitchen island, while more than half of the owners consider it as a must-have feature of the kitchen. So it is quite clear that kitchen islands are relatively popular, but people often don’t know how to utilize them. Don’t worry, we have gathered 60 of the best ideas as to how to decorate a kitchen island.

Here, we will see some of the trending kitchen island designs and hopefully, you will get some ideas as to how to organize it and decorate it. These will give you a sense of what’s currently in fashion. The truth is that it allows for a lot of creativity, and we will see a mixture of old and new. The great thing is that we can make them fit just about any purpose or look.

If you are looking for something contemporary and trendy, or if you lean towards something more retro and classic, we also have you covered. Here are some of the best ways of how to decorate a kitchen island for every taste.

More counter space never hurts

Waterway-Oasis-by-Fitch-n-Company How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)
Image source: Fitch & Company

This design is all about functionality. They help the island become a more usable piece of your kitchen, with more counter space. This will allow you to prepare meals easier, and have more space to store your cooking applications. It will also allow multiple chefs to cook at the same time. And you can still make a nice design out of a functional island; you can, for example, use off to the already existing colors in your kitchen to create a nice, and satisfying contrast.

Espresso

Waterway-by-Peridot-Interiors-LLC How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)Image source: Peridot Interiors LLC

If you enjoy a good espresso, then you will love this design. It is a mixture of a richly red-colored brown, and relatively dark color to create a modern and sophisticated look. For espresso lovers, this is a fantastic design as they will enjoy their morning coffee in these beautiful colors. Also, it can create a nice contrast with the rest of the kitchen.

Brass poles

Acrylic-and-Brass-at-Island-with-Brass-Legs-by-Boss-Design-Center How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)Image source: Boss Design Center

This is an interesting design: brass poles were added to the corners of this island, which has a cantilevered countertop. That will create an interesting contrast. But the brass poles will go very nicely with the rest of the kitchen’s design, with the brass features complying with the overall brass design of the kitchen.

Make use of an antique

Windsor-Kitchen-by-Isler-Homes How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)Image source: Isler Homes

If you don’t have space for a huge kitchen island, or you simply can’t afford one, then all you need to do is to have a look at your basement or attic – you might find a useful antique table there that you could use it as an island!

This is an example of an owner using an old table, which he refurbished, like an island in the kitchen. It is a good way of how to decorate a kitchen island in a very rustic way, but still not having to spend too much.

Use a tall bistro table

Stamford-Kitchen-by-Hugh-Jefferson-Randolph-Architects How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)Image source: Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

Similarly, you can make use of a tall bistro table as a kitchen island. This is another good option for those working on a budget. Ideally, this table should be of rectangular shape, and should have a bottom shelf to add more functionality.

Cherry

Leesburg-Traditional-Cherry-Kitchen-Close-Up-by-Synergy-Design-and-Construction How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)Image source: Synergy Design & Construction

The cherry color is one of the most wanted colors for kitchen islands, and you can utilize it to create a very satisfying environment that will make you feel at home. It is especially nice to have these colors in your kitchen if you already have some of these colors in the rest of the areas of your kitchen, such as wooden pieces.

Multi-level island

Easy-Breezy-by-SV-Design How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)Image source: SV Design

Create a dynamic feel to your kitchen by adding a two-level kitchen island with two countertops, and each of them is on a different level. That will give you much more functionality and space to work with. For example, the bottom compartment could be used as a stool sitting area, while the top one can be fitted with sinks or used as a working area. Whatever your choice, this idea is one that will add some functionality to your kitchen.

Multipurpose kitchen island

Classic-Coastal-Colonial-Renovation-the-Anti-McMansion-by-Michael-Robert-Construction How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)Image source: Michael Robert Construction

Talking about functionality, many owners like to use their kitchen islands not just for eating or cooking, but also for doing all sorts of other things. These include doing homework, paying bills, handling various papers, and more. You can even install a junk drawer to the island where you will be able to store everything that is not related to the kitchen.

Wooden kitchen island

Two-Toned-Traditional-by-DesignArt-Studios How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)Image source: DesignArt Studios

This is a chunky wooden island that is fit for many purposes. It is one of the more robust choices of how to decorate a kitchen island, but also very functional. You can fit it with various appliances and features, and you can decorate it pretty neatly. For example, adding cherry-colored wood to the island to contrast the gray-green outer cabinets.

Go bold

Dynamic-City-Kitchen-by-Bath-Kitchen-Company How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)Image source: Bath Kitchen Company

If you want to do something more creative and out of the ordinary, you can add some bold colors to the island. You can add a red-orange island to your kitchen, and fit it with blue stools to make an immediate impact. Here, the color choices are almost limitless, this is just an example of how to decorate a kitchen island boldly.

Two sinks

Kosher-Kitchen-by-Superior-Woodcraft-Inc How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)Image source: Superior Woodcraft, Inc.

This kitchen island is fit for many purposes. These two huge kitchen sinks will help you do all the tasks simultaneously, without compromising too much on what you can do. For example, you can prepare meals in one, while you can wash the dishes in the other one.

Contrasts

Los-Angeles-Hills-Home-Remodel-by-OPULENT-Remodeling-and-Construction-Inc How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)Image source: OPULENT Remodeling & Construction Inc

This is a good example of how to create visually-pleasing contrasts in your kitchen. Here, a marble countertop and industrial barstools are used to oppose the other textures and design features of the kitchen.

The kitchen island as a room divider

Brentwood-Transitional-by-CJS-Woodworking-and-Design How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)Image source: CJS Woodworking & Design

You can fit your kitchen island into the overall design of the kitchen, and the shape of the space. This kitchen island is put upright against the wall, and it acts as a partial wall divider. You can do that too, if you have a similar design. You can easily divide two rooms with it for example, but still provide a very satisfying experience.

White kitchen island with granite top

ST-ALBANS-KITCHEN-by-id-interior-design How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)Image source: i.d. | interior design

If you want to go for something classy, then this is certainly worth considering. Nothing screams classy as white, and top it off with a nice granite top. You can add dark-colored handles to combine them with the granite top. This is a good example of how to combine elegance and tradition.

Blue

Kitchens-by-Kenowa-Builders-by-Kenowa-Builders How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)Image source: Kenowa Builders

If your preferred color is blue, then this is something for you. You can create a kitchen island with a vivid-blue color, which will make the room surprisingly more peaceful and relaxed.

Metallic symphony

Candlelight-Kitchen-by-Cabinet-Innovations How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)Image source: Cabinet Innovations

Here is an example of how to decorate a kitchen island by mixing metals. This marble island is combined with bronze base anchors, and the handle pulls off the back drawers are gold. Everything is combined quite nicely, and it gives a feeling of sophistication.

Industrial look

Knollwood-River-Oaks-by-Parker-House-Inc How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)Image source: Parker House Inc.

You can go for a more industrial look if you want a kitchen island geared primarily towards functionality.

Rustic

Montana-Ski-House-by-Brooks-and-Falotico-Associates-Inc How to decorate a kitchen island (Cool ideas and designs)Image source: Brooks and Falotico Associates, Inc.

Pair distressed wood with galvanized sheet metal to create a rustic look.

Two kitchen islands

Why not use two islands? You can combine two back-to-back islands to create symmetry.

If you enjoyed reading this article about how to decorate a kitchen island, you should read these as well:

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source https://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/how-to-decorate-a-kitchen-island/

Saturday, April 25, 2020

What to do with old kitchen cabinets (repurposed cabinets ideas)

When changing our old kitchen cabinets, one of the dilemmas that arise is what to do with them after removing them. However, the options are multiple. Those who do not wish to have them stored can sell them to second-hand stores or construction companies. However, the most skilled can use the material in new projects. Do you want to know what to do with old kitchen cabinets? Then keep reading.

An already manufactured cabinet is perfect for storing any kind of objects in our home. Having been built for the kitchen does not mean that they should stay exclusively in it. Whenever we need furniture with which to organize objects, we will get to reuse kitchen cabinets.

Most likely, we need to make some changes to our cabinets so they can be part of another room in our home. A change in the door moldings or even the color of the wood may be all we need to give new life to the drawers.

Before choosing to dispose of these shelves as if they had no value, we recommend that you see the list below to check the ingenious things you can do with them.

Shoe storage cabinets

shoe-storage What to do with old kitchen cabinets (repurposed cabinets ideas)

The first alternative is a nice shelf for our shoes. By locating some shelves at the entrance, we will create a place where we can store shoes before entering our home, keeping it clean.

Thanks to the height of these cabinets, we can easily adapt them to our closet space to get an additional storage area.

Use them as a sofa table

Private-Beach-Residence-by-JS-Interiors-LLC What to do with old kitchen cabinets (repurposed cabinets ideas)
Image source: JS Interiors LLC

The tables that are located on the back of a sofa create a cozier atmosphere in the living rooms, but their price can be high considering that their function will be limited. Instead, we can place a couple of old kitchen cabinets that we no longer need.

Depending on the size of your sofa, you may need more than two cabinets to cover a considerable part. Preferably, you should join them with a pair of screws to get a solid structure.

If you want a style similar to that of a table, you can remove the cabinet doors and leave an empty or exhibition space.

Build a small table

Navy-Blue-Boy-Bedroom-with-Shed-Dormer-by-Bill-Fry-Construction-Wm.-H.-Fry-Const-Co. What to do with old kitchen cabinets (repurposed cabinets ideas)Image source: Bill Fry Construction – Wm. H. Fry Const. Co.

We can also use individual parts of the cabinets to build other furniture, such as a small drawing board. For this, we must disassemble one of the doors, removing the hinges and the handle, and placing a lower frame that can hold the board.

Since this is likely to be worn out by the use, this table will be perfect for young children to draw and do all kinds of crafts without ruining the furniture in your home.

We can also try to build a desk. In this case, we can keep some of the repurposed cabinets with the original construction to have storage space and join some additional segments that can serve as a table.

Organize your bathroom with a mudroom bench

Longfellow-kitchen-bath-and-mudroom-by-Emily-Blonigen What to do with old kitchen cabinets (repurposed cabinets ideas)Image source: Emily Blonigen

By joining several pieces as if it were a puzzle, you can put together a small mudroom bench that allows you to organize your bathroom implements.

Wooden cabinets installed in the kitchen usually have an acrylic coating that protects them, but this does not mean that they are completely waterproof, so we must be careful when using them, especially if they have cracks.

Most likely, you do not need more than one cabinet for this project since the bathroom implements are not so large, but everything will depend on your taste.

Furnish a craft room

Eastern-Point-Vista-by-SV-Design What to do with old kitchen cabinets (repurposed cabinets ideas)Image source: SV Design

There are many old kitchen cabinet ideas that you can apply to build a craft room. Due to the number of implements that artists require, they can often end up with messy rooms, but this can be solved with several drawers on a table.

As we require space to work on it, we must leave at least 70cm free. This means that the table must be approximately 160cm wide to have a comfortable installation.

If you are not sure how you want the placement of your furniture, do not screw them to the table. Although this gives you greater assurance that they will not move, it also restricts their future movement.

A change in the office

Custom-Home-by-Dan-Hahn-Custom-Builders-Inc What to do with old kitchen cabinets (repurposed cabinets ideas)Image source: Dan Hahn Custom Builders, Inc.

Don’t you know what to do with old kitchen cabinets? Try an office remodel and organize all the important documents you need.

Old cabinets can regain their usefulness in other spaces away from the kitchen, such as a private office. Stationery implements, important documents, and files that we probably don’t need anymore can be stored in a worn drawer.

Rearranging the bathroom

Bathrooms-by-Arizona-Designs-Kitchens-and-Baths What to do with old kitchen cabinets (repurposed cabinets ideas)Image source: Arizona Designs Kitchens and Baths

If the dresser is too small to store all the beauty and personal care products you own, you can use an individual drawer and install it on the wall as if it were a new drawer. You can also use a full cabinet to create new countertops.

Now you can store from towels to soaps, and some other medicine you require. The only recommended thing is to sand and paint the drawer if it is worn so that it looks similar to the bathroom decoration.

Prepare the game night

Maple-Lake-Game-Room-by-Plekkenpol-Builders-Inc What to do with old kitchen cabinets (repurposed cabinets ideas)Image source: Plekkenpol Builders, Inc.

This is a dynamic use of all that leftover material that we have from our old kitchen cabinets. A table with a pair of doors and new paint can become a dartboard for fun nights with friends.

Get slate paint so you get an ideal finish for darts to adhere to.

Homemade toy closet

Basement-Remodel-by-Chi-Renovation-and-Design What to do with old kitchen cabinets (repurposed cabinets ideas)Image source: Chi Renovation & Design

Instead of wondering what to do with old kitchen cabinets, ask yourself how to fix your child’s mess caused by a large number of toys.

The ideas with this function are varied, being able to create aerial shelves that eliminate clutter on the floor, to large traditional cabinets stacking multiple cabinets.

Be sure to replace the basic hinges in the drawer with ones that slowly close the doors for safety reasons.

An economical kitchen island

Luxury-Blue-Painted-Kitchen-by-Tom-Howley What to do with old kitchen cabinets (repurposed cabinets ideas)Image source: Tom Howley

If you want to carry out a remodeling project in your kitchen to create additional work surfaces, you can reuse the cabinets to make an economical kitchen island.

With a couple of cabinets that work as a support and a new countertop, you will only need to distribute the internal space to create new drawers that can store your utensils.

Reusing old kitchen cabinets in the garage

Colorados-Garage-Organization-Professionals-by-Organization-and-Relocation What to do with old kitchen cabinets (repurposed cabinets ideas)Image source: Organization & Relocation

Sometimes we will not be able to hide the wear and tear of our cabinets, which will make us wonder if we can use them in another project within our home. However, remember that there are areas that do not need to stand out for their beauty, such as the garage.

Some additional storage for our tools is never too much, and since the shelves are already worn, they are not in danger of being damaged by the rough treatment.

Another desktop option

Bradley-Place-Office-by-Gathered What to do with old kitchen cabinets (repurposed cabinets ideas)Image source: Gathered

Multiple stacked small cabinets can form a very original desk that does not dislodge with the office environment.

Deliver messages in an original way

Like the dartboard idea, this uses a couple of doors to create a kind of folding board where you can leave messages and drawings. If you use slate paint, you can write on it several times. The number of options is only limited by creativity.

An elegant way to store wine

Kitchen-Remodel-Upper-St-Clair-by-Evalia-Design-LLC What to do with old kitchen cabinets (repurposed cabinets ideas)Image source: Evalia Design, LLC.

A little chicken wire, a pair of legs, and perhaps a new carving on the wood are the necessary ingredients to create an economical wine rack. To locate the glasses safely, you can use recycled hangers on top.

Serve food with style

Kitchen-Cart-with-Leaf-and-Trash-Compartment-by-The-Classic-Furniture What to do with old kitchen cabinets (repurposed cabinets ideas)Image source: The Classic Furniture

Finally, if you don’t know what to do with old kitchen cabinets, you can always make a tray to serve snacks using the leftover material. Cover it with a self-adhesive acrylic to hide wear, and add a pair of handles to each side. For added convenience, the structure may include plastic wheels that allow you to move the tray.

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Friday, April 24, 2020

What MERV rating filter should I use and why

Not all air filters have the same quality and efficiency that we need. In the market, there are alternatives that adapt to each user, but not everyone knows how to qualify these options. When we see a MERV rating filter, we may not know what the acronym they have means, which makes us doubt whether it is the right purchase.

Today we will help you understand the MERV ratings so you can choose the one you need in your home or business.

What does MERV mean?

merv What MERV rating filter should I use and why

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This is the standard that determines the quality of an air filter. Through a numerical system, the quantity of particles that an air filter lets through is qualified.

The highest the MERV rating, the higher the amount of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and smoke particles that a filter prevents from passing. Depending on the device for which we need the air filter, the MERV rating will change.

What is the function of the MERV rating?

merv1 What MERV rating filter should I use and why

Before the existence of the MERV rating, determining the efficiency of an air filter was complex. With the creation of the MERV rating, there was finally a way of knowing when a product met parameters to be considered better in its function.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) coined the term in 1987. MERV ratings are an easy way to determine if an air filter is suitable for certain buildings such as hospitals.

MERV rating chart – Where to use the corresponding filter

merv2 What MERV rating filter should I use and why

The MERV chart consists of a table that classifies filters with a number from 1 to 20. The higher the number, the greater its efficiency. In general, a filter of category greater than 16 is only found in health centers, nuclear plants and other types of spaces that require a sterile environment.

MERV from 1 to 4 – Fair protection

merv4 What MERV rating filter should I use and why

The first four MERV categories are intended for basic filters that only protect against the most prominent dirt. Although they will trap 80% of the particles of 50 microns or more, it is only 25% effective against those of lower measurements.

These filters tend to be disposable and cheap, and they do not resist prolonged use, having an average useful life of one month. They are excellent for protecting the equipment that uses them, such as motors and fans, but they do not work to purify the air.

MERV from 5 to 8 – Improvement for health

merv8 What MERV rating filter should I use and why

Starting from this range, the filters have a positive effect on health. Since they are capable of removing up to 95% of the particles that pass through them, agents such as mold or aerosols will be filtered until they are removed.

MERV rating filters of this category can cost up to 4 times more than those of the previous levels, but it is due to the quality of the materials and the pleat of between one and two inches that creates more layers. These are ideal for homes and businesses.

MERV from 9 to 12 – The standard option

merv11 What MERV rating filter should I use and why

The filters that fall between these categories offer the best possible protection for homes. These are essential for people with respiratory problems.

The manufacture of these filters is very complex, including a large number of pleats to achieve the best air purification for domestic use. They are so efficient that they absorb virtually any residue from the air, which causes them to get dirty quickly.

We will have to clean our heating, air conditioning, and air purifiers systems with some regularity if we decide to use a MERV rating filter of this category.

MERV from 13 to 16 – The major leagues

merv16 What MERV rating filter should I use and why

The categories above MERV 13 are used by hospitals and other places that need to purify the air to the fullest. They are not made for residential use since the domestic cooling or heating equipment needs some airflow to function properly, and these filters restrict it, which can damage them.

MERV from 17 to 20 – Exclusive use

merv17-20 What MERV rating filter should I use and why

This range is designed for the areas with the highest sterilization in the world. They will only be found in pharmaceutical development companies and electronics factories.

MERV rating filter ideal for our home

As we mentioned, a filter with a high MERV rating means that it gives us better air purification. However, this also increases costs and many times that additional efficiency is not necessary, besides that it can be harmful to some devices.

For residential use, it is best to purchase filters between the range 4 and 12. The optimum are MERV filters rating 7 and 8, as they offer a value for money adapted to most users.

In case our budget is limited, the MERV 4 is the minimum recommended, although this will not be useful to purify the air. If we need a filter for a special air purification device for a person with allergic or respiratory problems, then we should make the effort to get a type 11 or 12 filter.

Examples of optimal filter selections

Unit with up to two members: in general, domestic units with one or two people will have all members of the household working for a good part of the day, so the house does not need a filter that works all day.

If additionally, they do not have pets, they clean constantly, and they do not smoke, then the air will be kept clean naturally, so a MERV rating filter greater than 8 is not necessary.

Unit with up to five members: groups from two to five people tend to be families with young children. These will require additional care, especially during early age. You are also likely to start receiving your children’s friends, which will generate more dirt. A category 11 filter would be optimal.

Unit with six or more members: statistically, some of the people in the largest families likely suffer from respiratory problems, whether due to an allergy or old age. As there are more people within a space, there are also more germs, which merits deeper filtering. A MERV 12 filter should not be missing in our home.

Elements to consider about air filters

Pressure drop

HVAC-Filters What MERV rating filter should I use and why

This phenomenon occurs in all systems that have an air filter. This translates as a decrease in the amount of air that reaches a place.

In this case, because the filter slows and controls the amount of air that passes, the vents of your HVAC will always have some pressure drop. The higher the MERV rating of the filter, the greater the pressure drop in your system

How does the pressure drop affect your filter choice?

How-does-the-pressure-drop-affect-your-filter-choice What MERV rating filter should I use and why

Since not all equipment has the same power or capacity to filter the air, a very high pressure drop could damage them. Domestic fans and motors are not designed for filters that drastically limit airflow, so a higher MERV index will not improve our experience with them.

It could even make air quality worse by compromising your health. Check the product manual before changing the filter.

Remember the constant maintenance

hvac-filter-change What MERV rating filter should I use and why

The higher the MERV rating, the more waste they will accumulate. As a result, we must change them more consistently than those with a low MERV rating.

A filter with tiny pores will be blocked more easily, making it difficult for air to flow freely, and this will increase the pressure drop, creating a risk for your HVAC equipment.

The manufacturers’ recommendation is to replace the air filter every 3 months for the lower ranges. A MERV rating filter higher than 8 should be replaced every 2 months so as not to wait until the extreme situation of forcing the equipment.

Each device needs a different filter

Now that you know what the MERV rating is, you can make a better decision when changing the air filters. Each HVAC works differently, so you should always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations to determine the best filter.

Remember that it does not always require a filter with a high purification level. You can save a considerable amount of money if you do not need totally clean air.

If you enjoyed reading this article about the MERV rating filter, you should read these as well:

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source https://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/merv-rating-filter/

Kate Watson-Smyth on Post-Pandemic Design And Our New Normal

Photo by Rekha Damhar

As we all adjust to a new normal and begin ushering in a new age of post-pandemic design, it’s best to turn to the experts. We wanted to hear directly from inspiring home designers about ways to adjust your space during this time. So we spoke with Kate Watson-Smyth, a renowned home designer and bestselling author who heads Mad About The House, for some essential design insight. 

Q: What are some ways you’re staying sane right now while staying at home?

A: Well in many ways things haven’t changed that much for me as I have always been at home writing, so I’m probably reasonably well placed for a lockdown. That said, I wouldn’t normally have two teenage boys and a husband at home all the time either. I have finally stopped watching the news all the time – even for a trained news journalist that became too much –  and I make sure I get dressed and put makeup on every day. If I didn’t do that then, for me at least, it would be a short slide to staying in pyjamas and bed till lunchtime or beyond. I wish I could say that regular exercise was keeping me sane but sadly I can’t seem to find the motivation to do any!

Q: How can people arrange or design their homes to accommodate staying in for long periods of time?

A: Firstly, you need to work out what you need from your space and remember that it won’t be like that forever. So, if you need to move the coffee table to make room for a YouTube exercise class, or for the kids to build a giant fort from cardboard boxes then do it. Or if you need to make a proper homeworking spot then do that. If at all possible move the sofa so you can put a table next to the window – you might have more room if the coffee table has already gone!

The next really important thing is that you need to be able to make a distinction between the working day and the relaxing evening. Use some of the time you would normally have spent commuting to put the work stuff away – laptop in a drawer, paperwork in a box that can slide under the table or be tucked away at the end of the sofa. Changing your clothes is an effective way to change the mood and then spend the rest of your “commute” having a cocktail or a cold, iced drink to really switch from work to home. We have made a real ritual of this with a tray of drinks, a bowl of (usually tinned) olives and a crisp or seven. We are definitely all eating too many crisps. If you have small kids then they can watch tv while you have your cocktail hour. That way everyone gets a break from everyone else and you can reconvene for dinner.

In the morning take the work stuff out of that box and arrange it on the table with your favourite mug and even a vase of flowers to make your desk environment feel proper rather than makeshift.

Research has also shown that surrounding yourself with family pictures or souvenirs that bring back happy memories is key to being happy yourself so include some of those objects on your new desk.

If at all possible avoid working from the sofa or the bed or they will become bound up in work vibes and it will be difficult to relax in the evening.

Q: What lasting changes from the pandemic do you think we will see in home design? What do you see for the future of design?

A: I think it’s clear that employers will have to accept that working from home is doable, practical and doesn’t have a negative impact on productivity. It’s also possible that people will run screaming back to the offices and refuse to work from home ever again! Joking aside, I think we will finally see a rise in well-designed, beautiful office furniture that looks as happy at home as it does at work. For example, at the moment office chairs are ergonomic and ugly and the best way to get round that is to reupholster one in the fabric of your choice. We might see more dining tables with cable management built-in and desks that can double up as dressing tables. Multi-functional furniture will be key – our homes are already multi-functional; the furniture needs to catch up.

Multi-functional furniture will be key – our homes are already multi-functional; the furniture needs to catch up.

Q: On your blog, you said your philosophy is, “Your home should tell your story. It should make your heart sing when you open the front door.” What story will our homes tell now?

A: Now at the time of writing I suspect a story of chaos and mess as people adjust to having everyone at home at the same time and in for the whole day rather than coming and going. In the future, perhaps new home design will involve more natural light either via skylights or internal windows. As the homes probably won’t get bigger, our lifestyles will have to adapt to living in multi-functional spaces – perhaps we will finally start buying less and buying better. I wonder if open-plan living will fall out of fashion; it’s fine when you want to keep an eye on small kids, but when you have more people living and working in the same space you yearn for walls to divide areas up and mean that one can work while another listens to music.

Q: Can you tell us more about how people can achieve that visual story?


A: If we are going to be spending more time in our homes then we need to get the décor right and that means working out what we like and what our personal style is. When it comes to colours always ask yourself how certain shades make you feel and decide if that is the right feeling for the room you are looking to decorate. Vintage always adds character to a room and creates a more bespoke and individual look. But you can also paint cheap pieces of furniture to create something that’s uniquely yours. In my new book. Mad About The House, 101 Interior Design Answers (Pavilion £20) I say that before you start any scheme you should ask yourself six questions: who, what, when, where, why and how? Who is doing what where and when? Why do you want to redo this room? How are you going to pay for it? The answers for a couple with a kid will be very different from a couple of twentysomethings or a pair of pensioners. Work these things out before you go near a paint chip and you will already have some idea of what you are trying to achieve.

Q: What are some tips for balancing functionality and beauty? What pieces can you think of that blend the two?

A: In an ideal world, if we look back to William Morris then everything we have should be both beautiful and useful. To quote another truism, beauty is also in the eye of the beholder so everyone’s idea of that will vary. It’s up to you to work out what function you require from your sofa so that you can buy the right one for you. One person may want a large lounging modular piece where they can stretch out on and watch films while another wants something more upright for conversation and cocktails.

But there are a few pieces that are universal – a console table with drawers can double up as a desk and a dressing table – put the laptop in the drawer at night and take the mirror out. A bookshelf works for both books and displaying happy memories in the form of photos or objects. A coffee table is good for family games and resting your drinks on. A stool can be both side table and extra seating. The Saarinen Tulip table is both a beautiful dining table and a great place to work. The Wegner wishbone chair is comfortable enough for dinner and for wrestling with spreadsheets.

Q: Which two adjectives would you use to describe your interior style now? Have those changed from the two adjectives you’d have chosen when you started out?

A: I always used to describe my style as urban glamour, I’m not sure I’ve strayed too far from that although perhaps now it might be a bit more vintage elegance.

About Kate Watson-Smyth: 
Kate Watson-Smyth founded her multi-award-winning blog madaboutthehouse.com in 2012 and has now written two best-selling books of the same name. She was the first interiors Instagram account in the UK to receive a blue checkmark and has 226K followers. Together with television presenter Sophie Robinson, she hosts the interiors podcast “The Great Indoors” and she is currently working on the next installment of the “Mad About The House” series.


You can find more insight from Kate in her latest book, “Mad About the House: 101 Interior Design Answers,” on her blog and on Instagram.

The post Kate Watson-Smyth on Post-Pandemic Design And Our New Normal appeared first on Freshome.com.



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