It’s time to start thinking about resolutions. The new year is the perfect time to make changes and create a fresh perspective. Follow these 3 tips from Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture Choice, for more mindful living in the new year.
Everything is fast, easy and digital, yet natural instinct pushes us to disconnect and slow down to regain our sense and quality of life.
1. Start with a clean and calm neutral palette
Begin the year refreshed and rejuvenated with the help of a home environment that focuses on living well.
Start by introducing a quality of softness into the home, coupled with interior design that’s comforting and inviting. “Let the intention of creating a clean and soothing ambiance guide your design decisions,” advises Rebecca. “Ultimately, the goal is to create a personal haven you’ll love going home to relax in.”
Make it a priority to get plenty of good quality sleep. In the bedroom, an oatmeal fabric bed presents the perfect starting point in a space meant for restful slumber. Introduce neutrals in varying tones for interest and depth. Safe, perennial hues to try to include white, soft grey and the recently popular greige.
Select comfortable bedding with minimal prints to focus on creating an uncluttered, restful environment. Where possible, go with furniture that features curves and organic lines instead of sharp, straight edges.
2. Nature is nurturing
Nothing relaxes the mind more than being surrounded by nature; particularly, plants. Start the year on a green note by maximizing on the benefits of having indoor plants. Choose a mix of large and small greenery and varieties that help clean the air. Leafy, trailing plants also inject a little wildness to create a tropical-inspired ambiance.
Besides making the air fresher, their lush green color is soothing on the eyes after a long day of working with screens.
To continue the natural theme, pick furnishings made with materials like wood, rattan, or clay. “The warmth and rawness of their surfaces contribute to a design that has a soothing, back to nature vibe,” says Rebecca.
3. Dedicate a corner for conscious relaxation
As a reminder to make wellbeing a priority for the year ahead, allocate a corner that’s dedicated to relaxation. “A little nook will do; you’ll only need enough space to practice your preferred stretches,” says Rebecca. For meditation and stretching exercises, fit it out with a yoga mat or thick rug. “And if you have a work desk at home, it’s a good idea to carve out a zen zone within the same room for quick stretch breaks.”
Maintaining the same neutral palette, style the space in light hues, and include plenty of plants. Another factor to consider is the accessibility of natural daylight, as it can help reset a confused circadian rhythm. A wellness-inspired space that embraces disconnecting and being present will likely become a favorite spot in the home.
Photos courtesy of Furniture Choice Ltd
Prepare for holiday festivities, dinners, parties and more with a fresh boost to your kitchen, such as these new, professional-grade appliances by Big Chill. These inspired palettes and finishes are the splash of color that your kitchen needs. Impress family and guests this time of year with Big Chill’s enviable kitchen additions.
Big Chill was founded by Orion Creamer and uncle Thom Vernon in 2001 and made a splash with its brightly colored, retro-styled fridges with modern amenities. The international manufacturer has unveiled two new tiers of finish offerings.
The new Standard and Premium paint finishes are designed to enhance the unique character and aesthetic of each collection and are offered across all three of the brand’s product lines — Classic, PRO, and Retro. Elevated in style, each finish selection was conceived to match marketplace preferences and highlight superior color options that are preferred by designers, decorators, and renovation enthusiasts alike.
“Since our conception, we’ve made colorful finish offerings our priority,” comments Big Chill Founder, Orion Creamer. “In offering two new tiers of paint finishes, in addition to our over 200 custom color options, we are aiming to assist in the design process, providing an accessible method for pairing each collection with paint finishes that make a mark.”
Retro Collection: The collection that started it all, the Retro Collection offers crave-worthy details like a stamped metal body, chrome trim, and a pivoting handle to add charismatic charm reminiscent of the period which inspired its design. The Standard offering plays to this time period, with vibrant pastels available to cheer up kitchens of all shapes and sizes.
PRO Collection: The collection combines the best in present-day performance and contemporary design using crisp lines and an array of colors for an elevated, modern aesthetic.
Classic Collection: Traditionally inspired, the collection’s appliances offer an aesthetic that asserts timeliness and luxury in the kitchen space curated with artfully worn and textured metals, sculpted handles, and turn-of-the-century knobs.
Photos courtesy of Big Chill
Luxury appliances from the likes of SMEG, Dolce&Gabbana and Tom Dixon will have you jumping from bed, rather than hitting snooze.
©istockphoto.com / grinvalds
Whether you are getting ready for a busy day at the office, gearing up to run a marathon, or dragging yourself toward the smell of coffee, these kitchen additions could be the added style and function those early hours have been missing.
Dolce&Gabbana offers unforgettable designs that meld seamlessly with SMEG’s top-quality technology in the must-have Sicily is My Love collection. Christian Boscherini, marketing and events specialist at SMEG says, “The SMEG x Dolce&Gabbana collaboration is meant as a tribute to Italy’s roots. The Sicily is My Love collection tells the story of Italian history, culture, cuisine, and beauty through artistic depictions of Sicily inspired by actual Sicilian art.” Skip the instant coffee and burnt toast that is likely putting you back to sleep and start your day with nothing short of a work of art.
Although these appliances are crafted with function and technology in mind there is also a classic feel to the designs. The Stelton Theo Stoneware Teapot is a combination of Scandinavian and Asian influence, and the black matte look and cast iron finish are reminiscent of traditional sturdy tea kettles. Boscherini describes the SMEG x Dolce&Gabbana citrus juicer as being made of “retro-futuristic lines,” which fits the other classic details that can be found in the collection. Similarly, Raper explains that “Profitec has a knack for making machines that can feel both traditional and modern at the same time.” Mechanical simplicity, classic elements, and consistent espresso contribute to the sleek feel and function of the machines
“Morning is wonderful. Its only drawback is that it comes at such an inconvenient time of day.” — Glen Cook, American science fiction writer.
SMEG x Docle&Gabbana Two-Slice Toaster
Inspired by authentic Italy, this collection is full of vibrant, rich colors. “Nearly every product is adorned with gold lemons, citrus fruits, prickly pears, bright red cherries, and floral motifs inspired by the coasts and landscapes of Southern Italy,” according to Boscherini. SMEG offers solid color designs that are also intriguing.
Photos courtesy of SMEG
Profitec Pro 700 Dual Boiler Espresso Machine
“The Pro 700 is the Porsche of espresso machines. German, thoughtful, modern design meets Italian beauty,” says Raper. Lively art and fresh colors can spice up a kitchen similar to the way coffee can awaken your senses. “There’s something truly wonderful about waking up knowing that you’ll have café-quality espresso without leaving your home,” according to Adam Raper, the CEO at Clive Coffee. “Even if you live close to a wonderful cafe, chances are that you care more about your drink than a barista does. Anything made with care in your home always tastes better.”
Photo courtesy of Tom Holk
Stelton Theo Stoneware Teapot
Cast iron is a traditional element in the kitchen that can be luxurious and operational. The classic yet fun design offers a refined style and the various accessories make this a must-have addition to your mornings and more.
Photo courtesy of Stelton
Citrus Juicer
Siciliy is My Love melds top technology with style and taste. “Made entirely of compact curves and retro-futuristic lines, and the artwork that adorns the Siciliy is My Love version of it, images of colorful fruits, all different per side, encircled by an intricate motif dominated by strong reds,” says Boscherini.
Photo courtesy of SMEG
For similar content, try; Thermador Kicks Off Fourth Kitchen Design Challenge, A SPARK IN THE KITCHEN, What’s on Tap for Kitchens?