TRICKS PROS USE TO LIGHT INTERIORS

Do you wonder why you get an intimate, cozy feeling when you enter a fine dining restaurant? Or maybe a brighter, more vibrant space for a playroom? Aside from the interior style and the decor that is used, this is mainly attributed to the type of light/s used to illuminate the space.

Why is light important to interior spaces? It is because we can create different moods and different purposes depending on the type of light.

Work in layers.

This means that you should decide on your general lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting.

General lighting is the uniform level of illumination that enables you to see your surroundings and walk safely.

Accent lighting highlights key pieces you want to put a spotlight on. This may include art in the form of a sculpture or painting, or collections placed in open shelves or cabinets, or even architectural features like a column or intricate architectural details you want to put emphasis on.

Task lighting is a more focused light that allows you to perform certain tasks, such as undercabinet lighting for the kitchen or a desk lamp for an office.

Be mindful of the color of light.

In general, warm light gives a cozy ambience and cool light that goes on the bluer side gives a brighter, more vibrant feeling. Check what kind of function your space needs and employ the proper color of light. Daylight, the color in between warm and cool, is perfect for areas where you need truer colors. This means you can use this on your makeup area, or for other areas where true color rendition is important. That is why proper lighting knowledge is very important especially for retail stores selling fashion or makeup.

Do you know this is why supermarkets also employ this technique when they light their produce? It makes them look fresher. Try to remove the produce and check them out in a better light--whether daylight or fluorescent. You can tell there's a difference.

Finally, remember the purpose of your lighting.

As mentioned earlier, there are different uses for each type of light. This does not mean you sacrifice your design style. There are many decorative lighting solutions you can employ that will match the design style of your interior.

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SLEEP LIKE A BABY

Imagine that you have the most relaxing and peaceful sleep of your life. Won't that make you start your day right? Now, envision yourself having trouble sleeping and when you finally do, your back aches in the morning. Perhaps even more than your back. Your legs seems tired, your body doesn't want to move. Is this the way you want to start your mornings? We spend at least six to eight hours minimum a day on our bed. That means around a third of our day. Choosing the right mattress for us is something vital to a good life.

What types of mattresses are there in the market? From the cheapest to the most expensive, these are what you can find locally.

First, we have the polyurethane high-density foam. This is a regular type of mattress supplied by Uratex. This type has medium to firm support. Yes, it's the same material used for your dish sponges.

via The Mattress Ideas

Second is the latex foam mattress that uses a combination of synthetic and organic eco-friendly materials. This is a firm type of mattress. It's like really firm! I bought a Sleepcare latex foam pillow at Duty Free, and yep, gave it to my husband as I had an achingly sore back in the morning! 

via In Nature

Third is the spring mattress. These are made with hand-tied steel coil springs to support your back. Take note that each manufacturer has a different layer that adds comfort to your sleep. For the first photo below, we have the regular spring mattress.

via Ikea

For the next photo, we have pocketed coil springs. Each coil is individually wrapped in a "pocket" which means that if you sit down on edge of the bed, the other part won't "move." Of course, there'll be a slight movement but it won't be as drastic as the regular coils. This is perfect for a couple's mattress.

via Amazon

Fourth is the memory foam. Memory foam was developed by NASA during the 1960's. I won't give you the technical details. The important thing is that memory foam molds to your body shape. The idea is that the foam cushions your shape and gives you a more pleasant sleep. I tried memory foam before and boy was it hot! So if you tend to get hot (as is normally the case here in the Philippines), either lower your airconditioning temperature, or maybe, even better, try the new memory foam with the gel technology supposedly cools down your body temperature. This is one mattress I haven't tried though--and I am so tempted to try at least the pillow! Yes, I admit I'm a pillow junkie! I've been trying and buying different types of pillows over the years.

via Snug Mattress

via Amazon-Lucid

Now that you know all the types, which one should you choose? Aside from the budget, find out what type of support you normally gravitate to. Is it soft, medium or firm? This will narrow down your choices quite a bit.

Also, as an added feature some use a combination of types. Most common is pocket-coil springs with a memory foam top. Some even have a plush pillow top that makes your sleeping much more comfortable.

What is truly important is to actually try lying down on the mattress. No matter how much explanation I may give you, you'll never know how it feels unless you try it. Lie down on your back, or on your side, or if you sleep on your tummy, try that too. Simulate how you normally do it. Stay for a while and try different types. I've done this at Dexterton Mattress Gallery. That's the way I chose my bed and no, this isn't an advertisement! I just love my Simmons! Find out what mattress sizes are available in the market by clicking on the image below.

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KIDS AND YOUR SANITY!

Hate the mess? Having children does not necessarily mean a messy home. Making organization fun for them will also return your sanity as well.

via Better Homes and Gardens

Use colorful bins and LABEL!

I know it seems like another task to label but your kids will follow more if you teach them and label their bins. It will give them a sense of ownership.

via Better Homes and Gardens

Set up hooks and a bench at the entry of your home or at the entry of your child's room.

via Hobby Lobby

I never realized how important this is but having a command center is something I think everyone should have, kids or no kids. After all, we have letters, bills, shoes and other paraphernalia that will accumulate and create a mess if we don't have a space for it. Add bins at the bottom of the bench and label with each child's name.

Use a desk organizer, cork board/blackboard/whiteboard for their study.

Well, you're not the only one who needs this! Your kids do as well. They'll be studying for at least 16 years after all! For those with asthma, use a whiteboard. For older kids, a cork board and a blackboard is fun!

Place a bin near their bed.

I honestly don't know why my son has so much things near his bed. I solved the problem by adding a bin. It relegates his mess to one container! Sorry, son, you star in this role!!

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A LOCAL GUIDE TO MATTRESS SIZES

I know it's confusing. We have so much mattress sizes in the market. Practically everything when you think about it. The notorious problem here when you buy beddings is that lengths are always different, even height! A good basic guide is to follow the Uratex sizes with 75" length.  

via Uratex

Uratex

Uratex is a local Filipino brand loved by the whole nation for their quality foam and bed products. 78" as far as a I know is a special size and therefore, made-to-order.

Common sizes:

Single = 36" x 75"/78"

Double = 48" x 75"/78"

Full = 54" x 75"/78"

Queen = 60" x 75"/78"

King = 72" x 75"/78"

via Dexterton Mattress Gallery

Simmons at Dexterton

Simmons is a world-class brand and I have to admit, I finally purchased one last year! It was quite a splurge but my body thanks me for it! Watch out when they have a sale as you can get as much as 30% off!

Single/Twin = 39.4" x 75"

Full = 54" x 75"

Queen = 60" x 75"

Asian King = 72" x 78"

King = 72" x 80"

American King = 76" x 80"

California King = 72" x 84"

Eastern King = 78" x 80"

via ph.tempur.com

Tempur

I was contemplating between this and Simmons, however, I did decide to go with the former. I have no experience (aside from pillows) with the Tempur mattress but for those mattress snobs out there, this is absolutely perfect!

100 cm x 200 cm = 39-3/8" X 78-3/4"- equivalent to single

135 cm x 190 cm = 53-1/8"X 74-3/4" - equivalent to double

152 cm x 203 cm = 60" X 80" - equivalent to queen

180 cm x 200 cm = 71" X 78-3/4" - equivalent to king

193 cm x 203 cm = 76" X 80" - equivalent to American King

200 cm x 200 cm = 71" X 71"

I told you it was confusing! I will not even get into the different heights as there is so much! Just one last reminder before you buy your mattress. Check where to buy the beddings as these are all different sizes. Unfortunately, one size does NOT fit all. I hope somehow this enlightens you a little bit. Buying a mattress is not as easy as it seems. Do your research and go visit the mattress showrooms! On another day, I'll give you some tips on how to choose your mattress type.

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EASY TIPS FOR A HEAVENLY BATH

I always imagine myself relaxing in a hot shower with a high pressure spray raining down on me! Before we even talk about showers, what are the main essentials that we need to have a relaxing bath?

First and foremost, if you are still in the process of building your bathroom, place a niche or ledge! Make it as wide as you can afford! You'll need the space and the sleek design of this simply makes it drool-worthy!

What if you already have a bath and have no intentions of renovating at the moment? Buy a shower caddy. That's the very least. I've stayed in a few Airbnb's that don't provide either! Think of function. Where will you put your shampoo, conditioner, body wash and the like?

Second, place some baskets for your extra toilet paper. Or you can use a ledge. You do have a toilet roll holder, right? If you don't, now's the time to place one.

Third, have a small tray for your toiletries near the sink. Just like in the bath, all your beauty products or manly products for those men out there need a proper container to look neat and tidy! Don't stay in the bath section. Try looking at ceramic or porcelain trays in the home area of your department store. This will be cheaper and still look amazing!

If you have a tub, need I say more? Yes, again, a niche, basket or tray will make your products look better and easier to clean as well.

I believe in stimulating the senses for a more enjoyable and relaxing bath. Use scented candles or diffusers for an enhanced bath experience. Use lavender for relaxation or an apple scent for a fruity energizing day. 

Lastly, play some tunes! A cool way is for this Kohler Moxie shower head that incorporates the speaker in the shower. Another way is to simply put some bluetooth speakers and play from your phone.

This is why going to the spa is always a peaceful and idealistic experience! It's the combination of sight, sound and smell that adds to the scene. So why not try this in your own bath? You'll come to love it!

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FROM HELL'S KITCHEN TO HEAVENLY COOKING

One of the things I wish I planned really well when I built my house was the kitchen. The funny thing is, in my previous house, the kitchen was well planned! In this post, I will discuss the importance of having a pantry no matter how small your space is. 

As a practice, most of us probably only do groceries once a week. Perhaps at the most twice a week. What does this mean? We need storage for our groceries--from our condiments, spices, flour to rice, pasta, canned goods, drinks and maybe snacks as well. That is why even if you live in a studio, having a pantry is something you should plan for.

How do we start? First, determine how you work in the kitchen. Do we simply cook a simple meal? Or are you an aspiring chef or even a baker? All of us have different needs. List down the things you normally buy to ensure that all is planned for. 

Next, measure your space. Where do you put your pantry? Here are some inspirational photos that will help you in planning your space. 

via Better Homes & Gardens

Even a small pull out cabinet like this will help.

via The Cabinet Knobs Company

I love these canisters and shelving! Very neat and easy to see everything.

via Better Homes & Gardens

You can add open shelves. The problem with exposed storage is that if you're not organized, your space will look unkempt.

via We are the Brauns

Next, consider using pantry organizers. This may seem expensive at the start but if you don't have a carpenter who can actually do everything you need for you, a simple pantry organizer will save you time and trouble. You'd be thankful when you have one. 

via Wayfair

Finally, when you organize your groceries, have a system. Categorize according to type of food. This will make it easier for you to find things in a snap. Think of it like a bookshop. How do you find the books you like if it isn't arranged according to genre? In the same way, apply this concept and you'll be cooking and enjoying your meals in no time!

via Mrs. Meyers