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Rose gold

Rose gold is a current trend in classic interior design also

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My project 18.

Bathroom and toilette renewal using minimum tiles

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Ancient Greek and Roman style

The antique Roman and Greek culture was not only dominant in ancient times, but it has returned several times (renaissance, classicism, neo-renaissance, neoclassicism) during the history in interior design also by architecture and arts.
The surviving buildings and household objects show that colors were chosen from neutral, natural palette thanks to the used materials: for example, the white of marble and cream color of limestone. Fabrics were dyed with paint made of herbal, animal and mineral materials. Landscapes and genres were painted directly on the walls. Seating furniture had no upholstery but cushions were already used. Architecture and sculpture served both the sacral, public and private life. Three kinds of columns were characteristic architecture elements: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian. Probably acanthus leaf, volute and meander are the most well-known among decorating motifs. Buildings were decorated with colored decorations and gilding but these wore off during centuries. Floor was frequently covered with small mosaics, floor heating was also used.
The magic of the ancient world can be smuggled into our homes fitting for today’s modern principles also. Wide range of mosaic tiles can be found among pavements. Natural stones can be purchased not only for floor tiles but wall paneling also as ultra thin stone-veneer and stone-wallpaper. Let’s use hollow faux pillars as decorating elements if they fit for the evolving of the flat/house. Furniture decorated with caryatids, antiqued metal accessories (faucets, lamps, handles etc.), white gypsum statues and amphora shaped vases can make our endeavor to this style more accented. Stay with natural combinations of beiges, whites and browns, these can be more luxurious with a tint of gold (for example, golden mosaic decoration in the bathroom). Any bright color will look good with these as additional color.
Ask for help of an interior designer for creating ancient style interior.

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Rented flat

Tenants are frequently encounter the situation that it’s not allowed to change anything to their style. Usually wall painting, changing furniture, drilling, replacing the floor or other final changes are prohibited, because the property is owned by someone else. What are the available possibilities for the tenant (except an accurate cleaning) if he/she doesn’t want to spend a fortune for a temporary home, while the contract is considered, but wants to live in a nice place?
The bathroom is the most critical point, because we deeply expect hygiene and cleanness here. Let’s change the shower curtain if there is one. It’s quite cheap and we can choose one fitted for our taste. We can store the old one if we feel it safe for keeping good relationship with the owner. The floor can be popped up with a click barred outdoor covering. Bathrooms are usually small, so only a small amount is needed. It’s nice to walk on it and looks great. Inappropriate lighting can be better by changing the bulbs if we cannot change the lamp itself. The hidden LED ribbon could be a good solution as well, it can be removed easily if we stick it that way. The accessories are ours, so colors and patterns are variable.
We can create a comfy mood in the kitchen by laying an easy-clean runner and changing the curtain. Changing the handles of the cabinets results a bigger amount to pay (keep the old ones because they are parts of the property). Accessories (our tea towels, potted herbs, decorative coffee machine etc.) mean a lot for the view.
The unfurnished lodgings mean that at least the rooms are empty, we can bring our own furniture there. But if it is furnished, the objects in the rooms can be also a problem. The ready-made curtains fitting for the height of the room are cheap. Color and pattern assortment are quite wide. Fold the old curtains and keep them until we move out. We might also buy furniture if there is not enough storage space. Using the Internet, used furniture in perfect condition can be purchased in sell-and-buy groups at much lower price than in shops. We can resell them if we move out. A bedside rug or a carpet under the sofa can be bought this way too. Even the worst interior can be made more livable with plants, cushions, blankets.
Cheap rush mats fixed to the balustrade of the balcony (using e.g. fishing line) hide the not so aesthetic rail. An inexpensive artificial turf is a good choice for a short time. Potted flowers can be put in piled crates this way we don’t have to drill for hanging them.
Ask for help of an interior designer creating cozier lodgings.

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Moroccan style

Moroccan style is one of the favorites among eastern interior trends. It means exoticism, mystery, fabulousness and eastern comfort to many people.
The architectural elements give the basis of the style. Its characteristic features are pointed arches, curved door openings, trellises and keyhole motifs. The yard of the houses is inside the building, separated from the outside world. On the one hand, they protect the privacy with this, on the other hand, this garden area helps to keep the house cool even in the big heat. It is an Arabian country, so the human and animal motifs are not allowed. They use geometrical shapes and floral motifs instead.
The colors are the most impressive in Moroccan homes. White or neutral walls give the background for the vibrant colored seats, accessories and carpets: bright oranges and greens, turquoises, shades of purple, red and saffron are the most significant. Summarized, these are the colors of spices and precious stones.
Richly carved wooden commodes, tables and screens can be dark brown of course, just like painted or inlayed. Using ornate concretes and tiles provide the coolness of the interiors in the tropical country, used not only as floor tiles but as decorating elements around doors and windows and pavement of fountains also. Handcraft carpets are laid on the floor. Comfort is provided by the several fabrics. Cushions, poufs and pillows bring colors in the sight.
The beautiful metal accessories are commonly made of copper or bronze. Inwrought lanterns and lantern shaped candle holders are the main features of lighting, which cast fine shadows on the walls. Decorating elements made of mirror reflect the light.
There are many shops even in Hungary selling eastern (style) accessories and furniture. Ask for help of an interior designer for creating a Moroccan style home.

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Window covering

It is a common problem in a family home zone that the window of the kitchen or the bathroom is oriented to the neighbor’s garden, so anybody might look in. Here are some ideas how to keep the curious eyes away our private life.
Curtain is an obvious solution. It’s not quite simple in a wet room with a commonly small window. The coffee curtain covers only the lower part of the window. We can look out in standing position, but it hides the room from outside. It doesn’t darken the room and can be made of various fabrics (lace, voile, vintage tea towel, burlap etc.). We can fix it to the window frame without drilling by its rod.
Pleated blind can be ordered of many types of fabrics, even in black-out version. The pattern and color assortment is wide. Its advantage is mobility in both directions, so we can choose the desired coverage of the window. If there is no need to cover, we can simply push it above like an ordinary blind.
Window foil is a good choice if we do not want to use fabric in the room. It is self-adhesive, can be applied easily. It can be ordered with unique pattern or bought ready-made. The main disadvantage is blocking the view. If applied at only the lower part of the window, we can look out above it, just like in the case of sash-curtain. We can also handpaint motifs on the glass of the window using glass-paint and stencils.
An extraordinary solution is using thin metal chains instead of curtain. Hang the chain links (instead of clips) on the hooks of the curtain rod. It can be cut easily to the desired length if it was pre-measured. Chain lets the light through and partially blocks looking out (it depends on the density). The chains can be also applied to a coffee curtain rod by small rings. This solution is used usually for separating parts of a big space, but it’s perfect for windows too. We can choose a fibre of glass beads or crystals instead of metal.
An inner shutter is a clever and unique answer to the problem. If we don’t need any cover, simply leave it open. The window doesn’t have to be opened for using the inner shutter (unlike the outdoor one) which is useful in winter time. It can cover only the lower part of the window either, this way light comes in while it is closed.
Ask for help of an interior designer if encountering such problems.

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Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau was the art trend of the turn of 19th-20th centuries. Its name was Tiffany Style in the USA, Stile Floreale in Italy, Jugendstil in Germany, Modernismo in Spain, first Modern Style then also Art Nouveau in England. It was called Szecesszió in Hungary and Austria. Its main features are organic shapes, floral and animal motifs, asymmetry, multi-color and scrolling shapes. It used decorating elements in a big amount and had an effect on all fields of life, not only on arts. It brought the oncoming of content and form, namely form was created by starting from the function.
Applied arts worked closely with architecture and interior design. Glass art added to interior design with decorating doors and windows and making household objects (e.g. lamps, vases). L.C. Tiffany and R. Lalique are its outstanding representatives, for example. Textile makers designed and made upholstery fabrics and wallpapers (e.g. W. Morris). Zsolnay created eosin glazing in the field of ceramics. Ceramics were started to use not only indoors but for outer covering of houses also (e.g. Museum of Applied Arts in Budapest). In addition to jewelry, the goldsmiths also made furniture fittings and ornaments. Painters retreated off the noise of the town and founded colonies of artists and worked there (e.g. E. Munch, A. Mucha). Reinforced ferro-concrete appeared in architecture. Unique interiors came to the fore. Metal art appeared on public buildings also (e.g. subway exit of H. Guimard in Paris).
Some original pieces of furniture or accessories are available today also. For example, Tiffany lamps are still produced.
Ask for help of an interior designer for creating an Art Nouveau style home.

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Poster wallpaper

The fashionable custom-made poster wallpaper is looking good in a classic interior too, if the right picture is chosen for it

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Bath-Room

Bathroom. Even its name has the word: room. But it isn’t treated this way in everyday life. This room has tile flooring, to be as sterile as possible. It is less often used than the other parts of our home, so it is a bit neglected. Although we pay attention to quality sanitary and faucets, but not to giving a mood for it like e.g. in the case of the living room. However, it is easy to reach the feeling of a real room with some simple tricks.
Put fabrics on the windows. It could be a curtain, coffee curtain, roman blind etc., depending on the capabilities. Fabrics always create the feel of coziness.
Avoid using plastic at any kind of accessories (soap dish, litter bin, toilet brush etc.). Let’s choose quality materials instead of it, e.g. glass, metal, ceramic or wood.
Place a chair in there, it could be an armchair also, depending on the size of the bathroom. It’s better if at least the seat is upholstered. This will suggest luxury. The bathrobe can be thrown on it and the towel can be made ready.
Storages should be fit to the style, not only to the function. The doors of the cabinets can be decorated with moldings. The back of the cabinet that can be seen through the glass of the doors can be also painted or wallpapered. The consumer goods used here should be removed from their shop packages and put into decorative boxes or glasses, this way they can be stored on open shelves also.
Don’t tile the walls throughout! It is completely useless beside that it is more expensive. Tile only the parts of the walls near the tub, inside the shower and the backsplash at the basin. The other parts of the walls should be only painted – this gives more freedom in using colors too. Wallpaper can be chosen also but don’t forget to mention at the shop, that it will be applied in a wet room, this way they can recommend the proper type. Many companies offer wooden or laminated floor coverings dedicated to wet rooms. This provides more warmth to the room.
It is important that the accessories shall strengthen the mood mentioned above, so we have to choose the lamps, mirrors, handles, towel racks etc. carefully. Hang pictures on the walls fitting for the style also!
In Hungary, most of the bathrooms are small, therefore only the bathtub/shower, basin and washing machine can be placed in them. Sometimes, even the toilet is not separated, what’s more, without windows. However, room-like mood can be created here also. Ask for help of an interior designer for evolving.

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Shower curtain

Shower curtains in a more spectacular way

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