30-08-2017 15:48
Many homes are special. Some are gorgeous. Others, even they are ugly, are still outstanding. Where did these verdicts come from? After all, it's a matter of taste. If about 80% of those who consider that a home is beautiful, it means that house can be considered a model for future constructions.
On the other hand, when building a home, we build it because it's "so fashionable" or we take into consideration what we really like and it’s more efficient?
We chose several criteria to answer these questions:
1. Choice of materials
It depends on everyone's taste.
Parquet flooring or carpet?
Some say the parquet flooring is easier to clean and does not cause allergies. But on the other hand, it depends on what kind of varnishes is used for finishing. Some may be allergic to those chemicals directly applied to the parquet. Unlike the carpet, the parquet is louder. Plus, you have to be careful not to scratch it. Although the carpet fades in front of the parquet or people consider it no longer fashionable, I prefer the carpet. This material gives a better feeling when you step on it, you do not have to wear slippers at all times, you can sit on the floor without thinking it's cold. And, after all, it can be vacuumed very easily.
Tiles or painted walls?
I'm glad to see people begin to think that it's more enjoyable to have a kitchen or a bathroom painted than patched with tiles from the bottom to the ceiling. It's much more effective. If you want to change the color of your walls, it would be definitely simpler and less messy. But some people might say” “well, how about the water that might wet the walls around the bathtub or sink”. In terms of the bathtub space, it is important to have an insulated wall against moisture. Tiles are effective in this area. But there are other options. A very simple one, which, unfortunately, I have not seen it at all in Romania; it’s a bathtub that comes with a wall with everything. The wall is built of the same material as the bathtub. Around the sink, the tile is optional. From my personal experience, it can be very easy, keep the wall dry without the need of tiles. Otherwise, we can use a backsplash for decoration and water free protection.
Wooden or plastic glass windows?
Plastic windows are more thermal efficient. The air does not flow through the plastic, as it circulates through wood. On the other hand, the plastic windows are cheaper than the wooden ones. However, the wood is definitely healthier; I would still recommend the wood frames windows. , than plastic.
Tiles or linoleum?
The sandstone or linoleum? The same situation as parquet or carpet. Plus linoleum is faster to install than sandstone.
2. Choosing colors
Light or dark colors?
The light colors will always create space. The dark ones bring a touch of pressure. But, if someone finds that having a dark brown room is more interesting, why not? The rest of the room can be matched with other colors.
Neutral or rainbow colors?
Neutral colors can be matched to any type of furniture or accessories. The rainbow, on the contrary. However, a colorful room can become a magnificent universe for a child.
3. Efficient and cozy furniture
What would you choose: "the fashionable" furniture or you would consider your personal taste and the efficient style?
It depends on home and space. Plus what everyone likes. The efficient furniture would be ideal for a small apartment. But some people just prefer the fashionable furniture even if after they use it, they are disappointed. But the people who are smart enough, they would be able to combine the efficiency with fashion and affordable cost. Personally, I would choose a custom made furniture according to need and home design.
4. Cleaning and organization
Clean or cluttered space?
I'm sure here we all agree: a clean, airy home fills your soul with joy, making you feel comfortable. A house that is organized gives you the feeling of space even if it is smaller. A clean and organized house, where there are no excesses, creates the environment in which you can work more efficiently. Even if, some work just fine in an office full of documents and dust, I'm convinced that if you were to opt for a beautifully office, you would choose the one that is best set up. Also, a washroom cluttered with shampoos, makeup or cleaning utensils, won’t be a great example. In a generous cabinet all these products can be stored. In exchange for the set of soap and toothbrushes next to the sink, we can use 2 or 3 decor elements, which can place on the sink counter. This will delight your eyes, making you feel relaxed.
5. Green landscape - combining utility with pleasure
A garden will always be a great, enjoyable and efficient space. Perennial shrubs, which do not grow very high, are beautiful and easy to maintain. For example, some plants that I used in front of the house were the thyme and chives. They look great and can be used as aromatic - culinary spices. Also, instead of just a tree, I planted an apple. As in Canada, it is unsual to plant fruit trees in the residential areas, many people stopped and watched my blooming apple tree.
I would say that a lot of about 120m2 can be just convenient for both, the garden and the playground. In a garden of 8X8 m2, many vegetables can be grown. Besides cultivating vegetables, I used the garden as my own eco friendly storage for the food scraps. This way the soil will be naturally fertilized.
Surely, some can say, " live in an apartment, I do not have a place for the garden." However, even on a small balcony, few vegetables and aromatic plants can be cultivated. In addition to the culinary benefit, the plants will also give a refreshing look to the balcony. And, by the way, I kept some plants directly in the house during winter time.
In the end, just remember that setting up a home, it’s a matter of effectives, enjoyable environment according to your personal taste; not just because everyone is doing this or that. A clean house, embodied by fresh air is a blessing for both, the physical and mental state of its inhabitants. Throughout the article, I've attached some photos of a personal project, very close to my heart. My house that I set up just the way I liked it. The project took me about 3 years, considering the decent budget. I just loved to take care of everything. Many decoration items have been built or sewn by me.
Written with love by Elisabeth Iosipescu.
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