How To Add Art and Décor To Your Kitchen InteriorAnd Other Utilitarian Spaces

When it comes to decorating our homes, the spaces where socialization takes place tends to be the priority for a design glow-up. These include spots like the living room and dining room. Bedrooms which we spend the most time resting in are also on the top of the list.

However, spaces that serve more of a functional purpose like your kitchen (unless it is part of an open plan layout that includes the dining area), dirty kitchen, and laundry can end up neglected. If you haven’t given much thought to your kitchen interior, or the styling of other utilitarian spots in the home, now is a good time to spruce it up. Here are our easy tips to do just that!

Kitchen Interior Ideas

Display beautiful tableware

Instead of keeping your plates, bowls, and cups out of sight, consider using your tableware collection as a decorative element. Whether you choose to show them off in a classic cabinet with glass doors or on open shelves, carefully arrange and display your tableware as you would your art collection or books.

Here are some ideas:

• Group collections that have the same pattern or are in the same color family

• Stack vintage-style mugs

• Mix up small and large pieces to create a sense of balance

• Use your wall to display decorative ceramic plates

• To create a unique vignette, feel free to add other visual elements to a display cabinet such as artwork, framed prints, and even books.

• If you have a pantry, store food in identical baskets and containers. Use airtight mason jars to preserve the freshness of dry items. Even if the pantry is out of sight, properly organizing food items will not only make these easier to find but aesthetically pleasing.

Spruce up your dirty kitchen

Locally referred to as the dirty kitchen, a work kitchen is where messier tasks like cleaning up pots and pans or prepping ingredients take place—and effectively keeping these away from your house guests’ sights.

However, even if this spot is typically hidden, there is no reason why you shouldn’t consider decorating your dirty kitchen’s interiors. Approach its design as you would your main kitchen. Give careful thought to the color theme and design, which can serve as a complement to the larger adjacent kitchen.

Adding decorative yet functional elements will also turn the dirty kitchen into a more enjoyable space no matter how small. Try these ideas.

• Use vertical space to creatively display items. A peg board is a smart way to hang pots, pans, cutting boards, and utensils. It also lends an industrial look to the dirty kitchen. Another option is a metal rack.

• Add pops of color to give the space personality. This can be an accent wall, a vibrant backsplash, or even framed artwork.

Bathroom Interior Ideas

Use functional art

The bathroom is probably one of the last places one thinksof when it comes to displaying art, but why not? Functional art by way of a sculptural mirror can serve as a pièce de resistance. You can do the same for the guest powder room by regaling the this typically small space with framed prints, paintings, photos, or posters on the wall.

Display essentials artfully

When decanted and stored in clear decorative bottles, liquid soaps, lotions, alcohol or hand sanitizer, and other toiletries such as cotton balls and q-tips take on a fresh elegance. You can even group these containers on a stylish tray. As for those empty perfume bottles? When corralled together, they can make for a beautiful vignette.

Laundry Area Ideas

Store clothes and other essentials in style

The laundry area tends to be littered with hampers full of dirty laundry. To minimize a cluttered look, choose woven baskets in earthy textures like rattan or raffia or metal baskets lined with linen. As for laundry soap, empty these into large containers like this tin box or a set of these translucent containers.

Add decorative accents 

Laundry duty may not be the most fun activity to do at home, but interior design can play a role in making the task a little more enjoyable. Use decorative accents that tie your laundry area to the rest of the home. Hang statement lighting like a pair of sconces or an overhead light fixture to complement task lighting. If there is sufficient light, feel free to display potted plants and flowers to give the space a fresh, organic look. Finally, hang an artwork or two (or three!) on the walls.

Need professional help with designing every room in your home and curating an art collection by emerging and established Filipino talents? Inquire with us atwww.jasanchetainteriors.com!

5 Ways Art and Accessories Enhance Home Interior Design

If you have ever walked into a condominium model unit, you have probably come across the requisite “showroom look.” While showroom design can vary, the lived-in look (and feel) of a real home is notably absent. Not to mention, no showroom can ever fully capture the warmth and personality of an actual dwelling—and the thoughtful home interior design that goes into it.

These are simulations of living spaces after all, with the express purpose of demonstrating the layout, floor area, and turnover finishes of a listed property.

But once you have secured that home, or have made the decision to spruce up your existing space with artwork and home accesories, know that the choice to create an abode that brims with personality will make for a happier, cozier dwelling. Here are five reasons why!

Completes the look of your home

As mentioned earlier, without home accessories and artwork, a home risks having that dreaded “showroom look.”

For that reason, it is worth your time and effort to give thought to decorating your interiors. Remember, while there are decorating guidelines to consider to ensure that there is balance, color combination, and aesthetic harmony in your space, there is no right or wrong way when it comes to picking pieces that appeal to you.

In fact, while art and décor completes the look of a home, it can be a lifelong process of curating, adding, and even subtracting pieces as your style evolves over time.

Highlights Key Features in Home’s Interior Design

Artwork and home accessories call attention to the best features of your home’s layout and design. 

For example, they can help draw the eye to specific areas you wish to highlight. In a loft space or condominium unit with generous ceiling height, a vast expanse of wall can serve as the perfect backdrop for a collection of framed art. As with a chandelier, it not only anchors social spaces like a dining or living room, but can also call attention to the details of a ceiling, be it specialty molding or decorative beams. The same effect can be achieved with a printed rug.

Even nooks and crannies that would otherwise go unnoticed can benefit from art and décor. For example, placing a sculptural artwork or a statement chair under the staircase can inject interest to this oft neglected spot.

Doubles as Functional Pieces

Art can also serve as functional pieces, just as home décor can also double as art. Mid-century modern icons, Charles and Ray Eames, for one, designed geometric storage cabinets and sculptural wall dividers that have become collectible over time.

Other ways to add items that marry form and function?

Look for handcrafted artisan mirrors that can be incorporated into gallery wall vignettes or used as a statement piece in the bathroom vanity. Vintage fabrics and textiles can also be framed and displayed, adding texture to walls, not to mention, these can serve as conversation starters! Even your book collection—which can be displayed in a number of creative ways, and often alongside other home accessories—can double as décor, in addition of course, to imparting wisdom and knowledge. 

Reflects your passions, interests—and nuances of character

The American interior designer, Jonathan Adler, is noted for his trademark “happy chic” home interior design which is chock-full of vivid colors, patterns, and textures. On the other hand, the renowned French industrial designer, Philippe Starck has created a range of products that are at once sleek, quirky, and subversive. With its tall legs, Starck’s Juicy Salif lemon squeezer, created for Alessi, resembles a cross between a War of the Worlds alien robot and an octopus. The kitchen implement, which was criticized for its impracticality, garnered a notoriety that the designer no less expected.

"I am very happy with this project because I consider it a big joke to everybody," Starck has said of the lemon squeezer, which could very easily serve as a pièce de résistance 

on your kitchen counter.

Art and home décor, regardless of its design, level of quirkiness, and practicality (or lack thereof), almost always align with what we like, love, are amused by, or passionate about.

If you wish to start a collection by avantgarde artists or home décor with a distinctly feminist aesthetic, by all means go ahead and imbibe your home with objects that reflect your unique taste and preferences.

Evokes emotion in your home

Coming from the previous point, when a home is filled with objects that you love, it will breathe life into the space and evoke a range of emotions—be it wonder, awe, nostalgia, or simply bliss. 

And if a house guest takes a glimpse into one of your collected art pieces, and feels sadness or perhaps, confusion, that is okay too. Art can certainly have a unique impact on an individual—and those feelings can become fodder for interesting conversations. And it is these conversations that turn homes not just into practical spaces for living, but receptables for intellectual discourse, growth, and socialization.

Need professional help with designing your home and curating an art collection by emerging and established Filipino talent? Inquire with us atwww.jasanchetainteriors.com!

5 Designer Ideas For Multi-use Home Design

Incorporating multi-use rooms into one’s home design has become somewhat of a necessity. This is especially true as work-from-home and distance learning have become fixtures in our daily lives. As for those who live in condominium units or homes with a smaller footprint, having multiple uses for different rooms is a smart use of space.

Some tips for creating multi-use homes demands for smart planning, incorporating convertible furniture like expandable tables and murphy beds, and adding storage solutions that make good use of vertical space.

In this article, we gathered five key learnings from design professionals and creatives from across the globe who provide more insight and ideas on how to best execute multi-use design strategies.

Invest in bespoke furniture

Sometimes tiny spaces demand for furniture especially tailored to that space. Paris-based studio, Batik, goes the extra mile by building “secret storage” into the nooks and crannies of apartments, including one that measures a miniscule 11 square meters and boasts of a dining table that folds out from the wall.

Other interesting bespoke furniture ideas that you can discuss with your designer or supplier? Sofa sets or beds with storage; a hanging desk that is measured to fit; a coffee table with a pop up desk; and a dining table with built-in storage for utensils or even office and study supplies.

Use cluster storage

In this tiny Vancouver apartment, owned and designed by interior designers, an entire storage unit was created to house clothes, personal effects pantry items, a washer and dryer. In addition to storage, a cozy bedroom is hidden into the loft that is accessible by a door that blends well into the unit itself.

Create clear zones

New York-based designer, Peter Sander uses visual devices to mark the different zones in a single room. Working from home in his West Village apartment, Sander’s dining room also doubles as an office. 

You too can easily zone your multi-use space with the following items:

• Home décor such as a freestanding divider or a decorative rug

• Different color schemes

• Textural elements

Live big even in a small space

Tiny house builder, John Weisbarth rose to popularity as the host of home design show, Tiny House Nation. Weisbarth, along with his wife and daughter, lives in a 1,300 square foot home (about 120 square meters)himself. While not necessarily tiny, it is still smaller compared to the average American home, which measures 2,400 square feet (about 223 square meters).

The tiny homes that Weisbarth creates alongside design partner and co-host, Zack Giffin, epitomize an ideal multi-use space. For example, dining areas convert into work or living spaces. With its tall ceiling height, tiny homes often boast of lofts with multiple functions, or even multiple rooms like a kitchen and bathroom below and a bedroom on top. If you are fortunate to have generous ceiling height this is one idea you can borrow. 

If there is one lesson to be gained from these micro spaces, you can always live big even in a small home, so don’t let the amount of space limit your design ideas nor the activities you wish to do in your home.

Bring your personal passion into a space

Even if space is at a premium, multiuse homes and rooms should still reflect your personality, whether it’s displaying a personal collection of items or displaying artworks you love. Creative Director for Ralph Lauren, author, and photographer, Mary Randolph Carter loves collecting vintage items and artworks, and displaying these in her small two-bedroom apartment.

Her recommendation: get creative with displaying your personal pieces. You can add items to bookshelves or even the backs of doors. 

Need professional help with designing a multipurpose room? Inquire with us at www.jasanchetainteriors.com!

5 Interior Design Ideas for Multipurpose Spaces

Creating multipurpose spaces in one’s home has become not only a practicality, but a necessity. With households continuing to do distance learning and work-from-home, our personal spaces have begun to intersect with our professional and academic lives. 

However, with the right space planning coupled with multipurpose furniture and home décor, you can create a home that caters to everything from work and school to rest and relaxation.

Below, we share five interior design ideas for creating inspired spaces that serve several purposes.

Use multipurpose and space saving furniture

There is no shortage of furniture pieces that can help you save on precious square footage. The infamous Murphy Bed, named after a US immigrant who developed the patented design to free up space in his small apartment, easily folds up into one’s wall when not in use. Nowadays, manufacturers also create Murphy Beds with built in work desks.

For a child’s or teenager’s room, bunk beds can be customized to incorporate multiple uses. Instead of a bed on the lower bunk, consider using the space for a study table or even a small sofa for lounging or reading.

For a kitchen or living room that also doubles as an office or study area, choose a table that can easily expand for a bigger work area. Expandable tables also give you the flexibility of accommodating more guests when entertaining. Another space-saving option is the gateleg table. Much like a folding chair, gateleg tables come with drop leaves allowing one to easily stow these away when not in use.  

Maximize wall space

Vertical space can be used for additional storage especially in spaces that need to serve more than one function. Beginning with your home’s entryway, you can turn a wall into a “parking space” for a bicycle by mounting wall hangers. Wall hangers call also be utilized for other items like folding chairs and ladders. This is especially useful if you need the flexibility of adding extra seating to your home office or study area. 

Need to incorporate a workshop into your laundry area or garage? A pegboard is a smart solution for hanging tools. Peg boards can also be used for storing arts and crafts supplies if you wish to incorporate a DIY area into your child’s bedroom or study.

Finally, if space is at a premium, you can install a drop-down work desk into the wall.  Drop desks can also be utilized as a small dining table which works perfectly in very small studio spaces.

Use home décor to anchor various zones

No matter how large or small your space is, it’s always a good idea to create zones to mark areas within a room that serves different purposes. How to do this? Get create with decorative items. Area rugs can mark off spaces for eating and working in a combination office and dining area. 

Lighting fixtures is another option. For example, if you wish to incorporate a reading area into a living room or bedroom, use task lighting and combine it with a comfy reading chair. And if you pick a chair in a striking color or design, it can also serve as a statement piece. Complete the vignette with an area rug, a pillow, and a decorative throw.

Get creative with storing clutter 

Playrooms that double as a study? Guest rooms that function as an office space by day? It can be easy for a room to be overrun by toys, books, and supplies.

Manage clutter in multipurpose spaces by adding storage solutions that double as décor. Wicker baskets or colorful bins can be used for organizing playthings after use. Similarly, a nice decorative box can be used for stowing away a laptop and work supplies once the day is done. 

Incorporate dividers in an open plan space

Dividers, including options that are movable, can help you create quick transitions in an open space.

For example, if you live in a studio, a curtain can be used to create privacy in the sleep area while separating it from the study or areas for socialization. Sliding partitions or movable walls can also be constructed so you can convert a space easily as activities change. 

Lastly, storage cabinets need not always be positioned flush against a wall. In fact, they also can be used not only as dividers while serving as storage for a multipurpose room.

Maximize unused spots and corners

Finally, make use of underutilized spaces in your home to create a multifunctional space. Odd and previously ignored corners can be used as a small office. The same can be done for a spare closet. 

Do you have underused space under the staircase? Convert it into a small room or a storage area. How about the extra space at the top landing of your staircase? Add a row of bookshelves with a built-in study table or perhaps areading nook near the window. 

When thinking of interior design ideas for your multipurpose rooms, it’s all about turning every function as an opportunity to inject decorative elements into the home. 

Need professional help with designing a multipurpose room? Inquire with us at www.jasanchetainteriors.com!

10 Home Interior Design Must-Haves For Your Staycation

One need not always head to the nearest hotel for a staycation. And while there’s no doubt that checking into your favorite bed and breakfast comes with its own perks like say, room service, current safety restrictions can be a barrier to staycations. 

A great alternative to hotel check-ins is to create your own space with a private staycation home. This can be as simple as a spare room in your home or a condominium unit that you were previously using as a halfway house.

Once you have dedicated a place for your staycation, you can now focus on the fun part: customizing it with these home interior design must-haves.

Read on to find out which decorative pieces to include for a cozy, comfortable home away from home.

1. A stylish yet comfortable bed

Hotel rooms are synonymous with ultra-comfortable beds. This is mainly because hotels invest in the highest quality mattresses. Most of these are fashioned from memory foam or latex foam. They may even be designed to provide comfort and relieve pain and pressure. Hotels give careful thought to linens as well. You will usually find high thread count sheets (350 or higher), thick comforters, and down pillows all intended to give you the most restful sleepwhile on vacation.

When decorating your staycation home, give careful thought to your bed. You will be spending several hours getting some shut-eye, so it is worth investing in a good quality mattress and sheets.

Secondly, make sure your bed is just as easy on the eyes. The easiest way to do this is to choose high-quality bedding sets with pillows to match. Here is a checklist for what to include in your list:

• Mattress Covers. A cover add a layer of protection and comfort to your mattress and extends its life.

• Fitted sheet. This is the first layer that goes on top of the mattress cover

• Flat sheet. This follows the fitted sheet.

• Pillowcases. Typical sizes are standard (20 x 26), queen (20 x 30), and king (20 x 36). If you wish, you may also add other pillow types such as neckrolls and boudoir pillows.

2. Multiple light sources

Your favorite hotel room or bed and breakfast is usually well-lit in a manner that is cozy and inviting. That is because they employ a variety of light sources to create a relaxing effect. 

You can employ the same techniques to your staycation home by including three types of lighting into your home design.

• Task lighting. Whether you’re relaxing with a good book, enjoying an art and crafts activity with the kids, or even doing your make-up, task lighting provides sufficient light for focused activities. These include desk lamps, reading lamps, and diva lights for vanity tables, to name a few.

• Ambient lighting. Ambient light can refer to natural light that flows into the room. However, floor lamps, pendant lights, and ceiling lamps also provide non-direct ambient light. Make sure to mix up sources at various heights.

• Accent lighting. As the name implies, accent lighting serves to highlight features of the room. Recessed lighting and sconces are common examples that call attention to the lines, features, and even the ceilingheight of a room. Another example are lights that illuminate artwork.

3. A mini garden

Plants certainly have a place in your staycation home! Not only do they provide decorative value, they can help create an overall sense of calm, thanks to a host of benefits that improve physical health and well-being. Moreover, people’s natural connection to nature endear us to indoor plants.

Much like accent lighting, the right indoor plants can call attention to the features of your space. For example, if your staycation home is a loft, dragon trees can highlight the tall ceilings. As a precaution, make sure not to choose plants that are harmful such as poinsettias, aloe vera, and monsteras.

4. Add your favorite scent with decorative candles

Scents can remind you of a favorite vacation spot, and adding these to your staycation home can help set the mood for a relaxing getaway. One of the most stylish ways to decorate your home while imbibing it with scents is to use votive candles.

In light of precautions on the use of wax candles, however, make sure to use these for a limited time and in a well-ventilated space. You may also explore other options like beeswax and soy candles. If you or anybody in your household develops a possible allergic reaction, stop using the candle immediately. Even when unlit, candles can still serve as decorative pieces.

Other creative ways to add scents? Place coffee beans in a clear vessel, add plants like eucalyptus, mint, and lemon balm, or use an essential oil-based room and linen spray.

5. A well-stocked (and decorative) snack bar

Snack bars are a fixture in hotel rooms so why not get creative with your own?

Decant snacks into clear mason jars or airtight containers so they always stay crisp. You’ll also know when it’s time to restock on those favorite cookies. Ceramic cookie jars also make for good storage. Have kids who love packaged snacks? Place them in a nicely-woven basket so everyone can just grab and go.

6. A vignette for lounging

Have a dedicated lounge space for hanging out---and optimize its comfort level. Go beyond a comfortable sofa by adding other decorative pieces such as floor pillows, oversized ottomans that can do double duty as a coffee table, or even a hammock if you have an outdoor areasuch as a generous-sized balcony.

And while it may seem de rigueur to arrange furniture around the TV, challenge yourself to position the sofa and chairs toward each other to encourage conversation.

7. A fragrance and toiletries bar

Don’t forget to pay attention to your bathroom. Stock it up with toiletries that double as decorative pieces. Designer fragrances carefully arranged on a marble tray add a luxurious feel to your bathroom. You can even add other elements like a potted plant that can withstand humidity. 

Liquid soap, creams, and lotions stored in see-through bottles also add style to countertops. As for toothbrushes and make-up tools, store these in metallic containers or acrylic stands. Adding beads in a pearl-like finish to the bottom of these stands can even help items stay upright.Of course you can never pay too much attention to the pieces you store, even those that serve a practical purpose.

For example, choose toothbrushes in the same color and material, and make sure it fits well with the interior design. For example, bamboo brushes sit nicely in an all-white modern bathroom.

8. High quality cotton towels and robes

Cotton towels are another mainstay in luxurious hotel rooms. Carefully choose bath towels, hand towels, and even bathrobes made with quality fabric blends. In the hospitality industry, towel quality is measured in terms of GSM or grams per square meter. The highest quality towels will usually command a GSM between 400 and 600.

And as far as color and print is concerned, white is always a flexible choice, but you are certainly free to choose towel sets in a color or print that you love. Just make sure not to mix prints that don’t combine well.

Now make sure to neatly fold and hang your towels and robes so they add decorative value to your bathroom rather than create a cluttered look.

9. A statement piece

Adding statement pieces to your staycation home can help create points of visual interest and serve as conversation starters. Some ideas for a pièce de resistance?

An oversized decorative bowl. A piece of pottery you created yourself. A vintage item like an antique clock or phone with interesting details. Or even a printed accent chair, lighting fixture, or cabinet.

10. Artwork

Artwork is a statement piece in itself. And whether you display one large painting or sculpture, a triptych of works, or a gallery of photos, art adds a highly personal touch to your staycation home since it reflects your own taste and interests. Art also inspires creativity and contribute to the mood of your space. 

And as cultural pieces, these make for for great conversation starters. Finally, art usually goes up in value and will prove to be a wise investment choice for decades to come.

Need professional help with putting together a staycation home to call you own? Inquire with us atwww.jasanchetainteriors.com

Staycation Home Design Ideas To Try

With the pandemic placing limitations on movement, it was unsurprising that tourism was one of the hardest hit industries across the globe. Now that the Philippine economy is slowly recovering, largely due to the vaccine rollout, going on vacations and checking into hotels is on the horizon. However, the question still remains as to when travel will be safe once again. 

Enter the staycation home! Staycations have been defined as brief stays in hotels or resorts usually close to one’s home. They can also be defined as mini retreats you do in the comfort of your own home. However, with local hotels still placing limits on check-ins such as age restrictions, you can opt to put together your own staycation home!

Below we share staycation home design ideas for creating your very own sanctuary.

How To Turn Your Home Into a Staycation Resort?

What are the best locations for your staycation home? One obvious option is to create a dedicated space in your very own home. With remote work and distance learning continuing to be the norm of pandemic life, it makes sense to have a place to retreat to when you need to take a break from it all.

Another option is to upgrade an existing halfway home. No matter the size, you can turn even studio into a cozy spot for rest and relaxation.

Create A Space Conducive To R&R

Once you have a designated room or property for your staycation, here are some home design ideas to try so you can create a peaceful and relaxing space:

Use organic textures

When choose furniture pieces and decorative items, look for textures and materials that remind you of a vacation. Think bamboo, rattan, woven textiles, and natural woods that would feel right at-home at a beach resort. While some hotels can certainly sport a more modern aesthetic, organic textures imbibe spaces with a more relaxed and natural look and feel that reminds us of the outdoors. Research supports nature’s benefits on one’s health in what is also known as ecopsychology.

If your staycation home is located close to a public green space like an outdoor park or if located outside the city, a nature trail, even better!

Add greenery

In addition to choosing natural textures, incorporating greenery is another great staycation home design idea.Indoor plants create a fresh and inviting look, while providing health benefits such as purifying the air. Some popular choices for indoor greenery include spider plants, philodendrons, and snake plants. Make sure to house your plants in beautiful pottery.

Get inspired by your favorite destinations

If you need more interior design inspirations, look back to past vacations. From hotels to islands resorts to entire cities, take note of the places and spaces that had an impact on you. Remember that tropical modern resort with sweeping views of the beach? Or that hotel whose old-world architecture you loved?

Find and pin photos online or visit the social media sites of these places. From there, you can create a design moodboard for a staycation that reflects your taste.

Include Interactive Items For Relaxation And Play

Now that you have set the scene for you staycation, add items that will encourage you to kick back and enjoy.

If you enjoy going to the spa, set up a nook with a basket full of spa essentials, such as a manicure set, face and hands masks, as well as essential oil diffusers or decorative scented candles to relax you while you get pampered.

Enjoy movie nights with the family? Pay special attention to your home entertainment system. Invest in a TV with 4K capability, a soundbar with crisp sound, and even other extras like a turntable for listening to records. Invest in a cabinet that you can have custom built to hide unsightly wires.

Have you kids? Engage them by creating a play area where you can do arts and crafts or play board games. Or put together a small library with their favorite books so you can enjoy a storytelling session.

If you need more inspiration, check out these pins for staycation activity ideas.

With your own staycation home, you don’t need to leave the house to enjoy some much needed me (or family) time!

Need professional help with your home? Inquire with us atwww.jasanchetainteriors.com