Japandi: the Perfect Blend of Asian Zen and Nordic Hygge

Interior design trends come and go. Over the past few years, we've seen the rise and fall of cottage-core, all-gray minimalism, green kitchen cabinetry, and, of course, rattan.

However, some design directions — like the Japanese Kanso and Scandinavian minimalism — never go out of fashion. Instead, they endure, transform, or blend with other styles, to create looks that will remain relevant, fashionable, and sought-after for decades to come.

Are you thinking of updating your home in 2023? Do you want to do it in a way that will stand the test of time while looking stylish and feeling cozy? If that's the case, you might consider taking inspiration from Japandi.

What Is Japandi Design?

The simplest way to describe Japandi is to say that it's a blend of two seemingly different interior design styles.

On the one hand, there's the well-known Scandi style, with its light-colored tones, simple shapes, and cozy ambiance (which is, by now, known all over the world as "hygge"). 

On the other hand, the Japanese wabi-sabi direction values well-loved objects (flaws included) for their usefulness, natural materials, and the mix of clean lines with rough textures.

The result may sound unexpected or strange. Yet, it is anything but. Japandi is a beautiful stylistic direction that brings life, sophistication, and function into minimalist interiors. Moreover, it allows for almost infinite creativity for those willing to experiment.

The Elements of Japandi

Though they may seem exotic in theory, Japandi interiors are built using only a few simple elements. And by getting every single one of these elements right, you can ensure that your home looks sophisticated and stylish without sacrificing its coziness or functionality. 

Plus, if you do a bit of work to properly incorporate the design principles of Japandi in your home (or office), you'll find that it's easy to get right. Even if you're making design changes without consulting an interior designer or working with a not-so-generous budget.

Natural materials

One of the main principles of Japandi is that it relies on natural and organic materials to bring texture into your home. So, to achieve the desired effect, give yourself the freedom to play around with different woods. 

Unlike Scandinavian interior designs, darker shades are more than welcome in Japandi homes, as they provide richness, texture, and contrast. Alternatively, incorporate bamboo in your living spaces. 

Don't forget to choose natural materials for the rest of your furnishings. For the furniture you bring into your house — choose organic, untreated, and eco-friendly materials. This will instantly elevate the look and feel of your home without having to make drastic changes.

Neutral and muted colors

The Scandi part of the Japandi interior design trend dictates the use of neutral and muted colors. And though this may not allow you to play around with some of the bolder trends of 2023, it will give you an opportunity to create a solid base that you can slowly build on. 

Of course, this doesn't mean you shouldn't explore ways to elevate the look and feel of your interiors with color. But be aware that, for you to achieve the Japandi look, these instances shouldn't feel overpowering. Instead, they should only be peppered through your home. 

For example, you can do this with cozy cushions made with a rich green velvet fabric or a piece of art that brings a breath of color into your home.

Clean lines

With Japandi interiors, there's not much room for the bells and whistles of contemporary furnishings. So say goodbye to your ultra-modern computer chair, your 100-inch curved-edge TV, and that fiberglass coffee table. Instead, what you'll have to do to achieve the recognizable Japandi look is seek more curated pieces for your home. 

The good news is that this is super easy to do if you're on a budget. After all, used and loved furnishings — even if they're showing signs of wear — fit perfectly into this interior design style. 

Give yourself the green light to seek inspiring pieces that will turn your house into a home. Just make sure you avoid using too much, as this design direction heavily relies on the absence of clutter. So definitely think carefully about your mattress size, whether a couch will fit, and anything else that takes up a lot of space.

Greenery

Finally, as you explore ways to decorate in the Japandi style, don't forget that the easiest way to elevate a room is with some well-chosen pieces of greenery. 

Ideally, display plants like a well-cared-for bonsai, a fully-grown Fiddle-Leaf Fig, or an easy-to-maintain Peace Lily.

With this design direction, you shouldn't go for that jungle-inspired look that's been trending over the past couple of years. But know that adding some indoor plants into your space will help you achieve that calming, cohesive Japandi look while improving your well-being along the way.

Transforming Your Backyard: Designing Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen Oasis

We partnered with a home design company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

If you’re seeking a fun and original way to redefine your backyard space, how about making your own outdoor kitchen? Sure, it might sound like a wild idea at first, but stats show that more and more people are setting up their own outdoor cooking areas. And when you think about all the benefits, it’s not hard to see why! This guide will show you exactly how to go about the creation of a fully-functional backyard kitchen.

The Growing Trend of Outdoor Living Spaces

The growing trend of outdoor living spaces has seen homeowners redefining their outdoor areas and building the likes of outdoor kitchens, dining spaces, and entertainment zones. Cozy outdoor seating areas, full-on kitchens with high-end grills, and dining spaces with tables, chairs, and solar lights are just a few options available for those looking to enhance their outdoor experience.

So, what are the reasons for investing in an outdoor kitchen or similar space? Well, for many homeowners who don't typically utilize their yard, adding a kitchen or seating area can be a game-changer, encouraging them to spend more time outside. In fact, numerous homeowners find that they significantly increase their outdoor time once they have comfortable seating or cooking units to enjoy.

This trend isn't limited to warm states or regions; it's a global phenomenon. People all around the world are transforming their backyards into more fully-featured, functional, and engaging spaces. So, if you've grown a little tired of your backyard and feel it's time for a change, perhaps it's time to consider building your own outdoor kitchen.

Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen

Going ahead with an outdoor kitchen installation? If so, step 1 is to plan. It might be a little boring, but planning ahead will ensure that you stay on-budget, don’t make any costly mistakes, and end up with the very best sure, guaranteed to wow guests and impress the neighbors. Here’s a little more info about the planning phase and how to go about it.

Assessing your backyard space

First up, take a look out across your yard. Ask yourself a few questions. How much free space do I have? Where could I put an outdoor kitchen? Is there enough room for all I need? Measure it out and see how much space you have to work with, and don’t forget to account for any existing structures, like decks and patios, or uneven ground surfaces which could require landscaping before building on.

Setting a budget

This is also a good time to think about costs. Installing an outdoor kitchen can be quite expensive, especially when you start adding up the costs of not just the labor required to set it all up, but also the various appliances, materials, decorative items, and so on. Take your finances into account and try to set a fair and realistic budget for your outdoor kitchen project.

Designing Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen

With the planning phase out of the way, you can move on to the next part of the process: designing your kitchen. This is where the fun begins, as you can start thinking about the aesthetics and layout of the space. You can pick and choose specific materials you want to work with, as well as selecting the most appropriate appliances and devices to fill out your cooking area.

Selecting the right location

First, pick a spot for the kitchen installation. More often than not, it should be right beside the house, ideally near some French doors or some other exit point, so that you can easily and conveniently step out into your outdoor kitchen without any hassle, or head back into the home as needed to collect other items that you might need, like food and cutlery.

Choosing the kitchen layout

With the location for your outdoor kitchen selected, it’s time to move on to the layout. Ideally, you should try to draw up some basic plans of the space, setting out where you want to put the appliances, where the countertops and cabinets should be, and, if you wish to include a dining table and chairs, you also need to find the right placement for those, as well.

Selecting materials

Next, you can start picking out the materials that will fill in your design and bring the kitchen to life. There are lots of possible materials to choose from, and many modern homeowners are tending to choose materials that are sustainable and eco-friendly. This way, you can create a space that elevates your home without having a negative impact on nature.

Countertops, cabinets

You’ll need to focus primarily on materials for the countertops and cabinets. Remember, since the kitchen is going to be located outdoors and may have to withstand changing temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year, you need materials that are strong, sturdy, and reliable. They also need to be aesthetically pleasing, in a color and style that you enjoy.

Picking the right appliances

Every kitchen needs appliances, and outdoor kitchens are no different. Decide on the kinds of grills and cookers you need, thinking about how much cooking you plan to do, how many people you’ll be feeding, and your budget, in order to make the right call. You may even want to consider different types of air conditioning systems or outdoor heating units, like patio heaters, in order to keep the space cozy and comfortable for year-round use.

Creating a Comfortable Dining and Entertainment Space

In general, there’s not a lot of point in having an outdoor kitchen if you simply cook up the food outdoors and then take it back inside to eat. Ideally, you’ll want to pair your kitchen with a dining and entertainment area, where people can sit and enjoy the food you cook. This space can become one of your most favorite places in the home, perfect for get-togethers, family nights, and backyard BBQ parties with the neighbors.

Designing seating areas

First up, you’ll need to think about seating. Consider how many people you’ll usually need to seat. Will you only use the space for the family? Or do you plan on having lots of parties and inviting lots of loved ones and friends around on a regular basis? The answers to those questions will help you see how many seats you need. As well as chairs for dining, you may like to add outdoor sofas for people to relax on afterwards.

Incorporating a bar or serving area

You might also like to include a bar or serving station in your outdoor kitchen and dining space, particularly if you plan on hosting events and parties on a regular basis. A bar space can be ideally placed at one end of the kitchen, providing a convenient place for you to serve drinks or hand over plates of food to your guests.

Adding Greenery and Landscaping

Once you’ve taken care of the functional elements of your outdoor kitchen, it’s also worth thinking about the aesthetics, especially of the surrounding area. The best outdoor kitchens seem to just blend seamlessly with the landscapes and gardens around them, and you can look up various landscaping trends to see how homeowners can successfully fuse a kitchen and dining space with the rest of their yard.

Sometimes, it can be as simple as rolling out some fake grass around the kitchen. In other cases, you might need a full landscaping service, with new native plants dotted around the yard and even the addition of other accessories, like solar lights and decorative yard additions, or even a water feature beside the seating area to really set the mood and help people relax.

Benefits of Having an Outdoor Kitchen

Just like how swimming pool plans can elevate an outdoor area, an outdoor kitchen offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it gives you another big reason to spend time outside, breathing in fresh air and feeling connected to nature. It also provides you with a super space for entertaining guests, hosting parties, and getting lots of people together for fun, memorable times. An outdoor kitchen can also add value to your property if you decide to sell up and move on.

Overall, the benefits of outdoor kitchens are clear to see. They can transform backyards, adding live and vibrancy to any outdoor space and making it so much more useful and fun to use. And, as this guide shows, planning and designing your own outdoor cooking area doesn’t need to be difficult. So, if you want to give your backyard a major upgrade, maybe an outdoor kitchen is just what you need.

Design Tips for Beautifying Your Home With Hardwood Floors

When it comes to beautifying your home, there are a variety of options to consider – and selecting the right flooring materials is key. Hardwood floors are a classic option for any household, offering endless versatility and timeless elegance. Whether you prefer oak, hickory, maple, or any other type of hardwood, there are numerous ways to leverage this flooring to transform your interior space. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing our top design tips for beautifying your home with hardwood floors.

Select the Right Stain

One of the major benefits of hardwood flooring is that it can be stained to your exact preferences. You can go for a darker, richer color to make a room feel more formal and moody or lighten up a space with a lighter, more neutral stain that will compliment any decor. It’s important to note that different types of wood take stains differently, so be sure to research which stains will work best with your particular hardwood variety.

Use Area Rugs to Enhance Your Design

Area rugs provide an opportunity to enhance the beauty of hardwood floors while also adding texture and warmth to a room. Choosing a color that compliments the natural hues of your flooring will tie the room together and create a cohesive look. Alternatively, use a bold or patterned rug to add interest and contrast.

Opt for a Timeless Pattern

If you’re looking to add visual interest to your hardwood floors, choosing a timeless pattern will achieve exactly that. Herringbone, chevron, and multiple-width planks are classic styles that will elevate the look of any room. They add depth and texture to your floors, creating a sense of depth while promoting a sense of luxury.

Mix and Match Hardwood Varieties

As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life – and this sentiment certainly applies to hardwood flooring. You can play with the texture and color of different woods to create a floor that highlights your personal sense of style. Be sure to choose hardwood varieties that complement one another to enhance the overall look of your design.

Consider Installing Hardwood on Walls and Ceilings

Hardwood flooring is not just limited to the floor itself – you can also have hardwood installed on your walls and ceilings to create a truly unique look. This trend creates a natural and warm atmosphere that is striking but comfortable. Not only does it add visual interest, but it also doubles down on the benefits of hardwood materials.

When it comes to beautifying your home, hardwood flooring is a classic choice that is versatile, timeless, and elegant. By selecting the right stain, using area rugs to enhance your design, opting for a timeless pattern, mixing and matching hardwood varieties, and even considering hardwood walls and ceilings, you can craft a space that you love to live in. If you have any questions on how to improve your hardwood flooring, it is highly recommended to reach out to local professionals like Rejuvenation Floor & Design. With these design tips in mind, you’ll be able to achieve the aesthetic you’ve been dreaming of – and elevate the beauty of your home with the enduring appeal of hardwood floors.

Upgrade Your Home With These Stylish Garage Door Design Ideas

We partnered with a home improvement company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

As a homeowner, you want to upgrade your home and add value to it. Improving your home's curb appeal is one way to make your home look inviting and appealing. One of the ways to achieve this is by upgrading your garage door. The garage door is one of the most visible parts of your home's exterior, and it can make a significant impact on how your home looks. There are different garage door designs and styles to choose from, depending on your preference and budget. In this blog post, we'll share some stylish garage door design ideas, including ideas if you want to build a garage, that you can use to upgrade your home.

Faux Wood Garage Doors

Faux wood garage doors are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners because they give the appearance of a natural wood garage door without the cost and maintenance that come with a real wood door. Faux wood garage doors are made of composite materials, making them durable and long-lasting.

Custom Designed Garage Doors

If you're looking to add a unique touch to your home's exterior, a custom-designed garage door might be the answer. Custom garage doors can be made to match the style and architecture of your home. You can choose from various materials, such as wood, steel, glass, and aluminum, and customize the design based on your preference.

Glass Garage Doors

Glass garage doors are an excellent way to add a modern touch to your home's exterior. They allow natural light to enter the garage, which can be beneficial if you use the garage as a workspace. Glass garage doors are also available in different colors, sizes, and finishes, making them versatile and easy to customize.

Carriage-Style Garage Doors

Carriage-style garage doors add a classic and elegant touch to your home's exterior. They look like the traditional carriage doors that were popular in the early 1900s. Carriage-style garage doors are available in wood, steel, and aluminum, and they can be customized to match your home's style.

Steel Garage Doors

Steel garage doors are durable, low-maintenance, and can withstand harsh weather conditions. They come in various styles and finishes, making them versatile and easy to customize. Steel garage doors are also energy-efficient, which can reduce your energy bills in the long run.

Upgrading your home's garage door is an excellent way to add value to your home and improve its curb appeal. With the above stylish garage door design ideas, you can choose a garage door that matches your home's style and architecture. Whether you opt for a faux wood garage door, custom-designed garage door, glass garage door, carriage-style garage door, or steel garage door, make sure you hire a professional garage door company to install the door correctly. If you ever have any questions on which style would be best for your home, it’s highly recommended to reach out to local professionals like Designer Doors. A well-installed garage door will not only improve the appearance of your home's exterior but also provide safety and security for your belongings.