Wool is considered one of the most luxurious fabrics in interior design. The durability and versatility make wool an excellent choice for rugs, upholstery, and accents. 

Wool is a natural material that won’t pollute the environment. Unlike artificial materials, it is biodegradable. In addition, wool doesn’t promote the growth of bacteria, making it an excellent choice for people who suffer from allergies. 

When it comes to looks, wool is considered a premium material that will elevate your interior style. Wool won’t sag or stretch, ensuring a tidy and pristine look for years to come. 

For a long time, wool had the notorious reputation of being wrinkle-prone. However, the fabric industry has made significant improvements. The new, specially designed wool blends aren’t inclined to wrinkle, and many come with special moth protection. 

Styling your home with a luxurious fabric might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. How should you incorporate wool in your home for an elevated and refined feel? Here, we share designers’ favorite ways to decorate with wool.

Area rugs

A wool rug will bring an organic feel to a space, with its distinctive natural texture. A cozy area rug will anchor the conversational area in the living room or add a touch of coziness to a bedroom.

A cozy wool rug will keep its shape for years (from Unsplash)

Bathroom rugs

Surprised? Wool is a waterproof material that will perform excellently in the bathroom. The richness with detail will elevate the bathroom design, introducing a touch of warmth and visual interest.

In addition, the fiber allows air circulation, meaning that wool can handle moisture without the risk of mildew. So feel free to break down the sterile look and cold tiles by adding an exquisite Moroccan rug.

Wool doesn’t absorb moisture and will perform excellently in the bathroom (from Unsplash)

Furniture upholstery

Wool upholstery is durable, comfortable, and easy to clean. The material is naturally waterproof, meaning that you can easily clean any spills. The upholstery won’t pile and stretch, so your furniture will stay in perfect shape for years to come. You don’t have to worry that your couch or chairs will be compressed or wrinkled. Even after long hours of sitting, wool will preserve its initial shape. 

Wool upholstery brings a high-end feel (from Unsplash)

Throw blankets

Nothing adds a touch of coziness like a chunky throw blanket. Throws crafted from fine wool will introduce a dose of texture to the room while elevating the decor. When you want to curl up on the couch and get toasty, your favorite wool blanket will be within arm’s reach. 

Add wool in the form of cozy throws(from Unsplash)

Wool area rug to cozy up the bedroom (from Wayfair)

Wool area rug to add warmth to the space (from Wayfair)

Chunky throw blanket for hygge vibe (from Wayfair)

Patterned wool throw for coziness (from Wayfair)

Wool bedding

Bedding covers crafted from wool will feel soft to the touch and won’t wrinkle. The excellent thermoregulating ability will keep you cool when it is hot and keep you warm when it is cold. Therefore, wool bedding is ideal for year-round use and not just in winter. 

Wool isn’t prone to wrinkling (from Unsplash)

Wool is an excellent choice for bedding (from Unsplash)

You're reading Durable, Luxurious and Versatile: Ways To Use Wool in Your Home, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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Throw pillows can add a touch of coziness and style to your bedroom. However, you might feel overwhelmed because you have nowhere to put the enormous pile of cushions. And throwing them on the floor just isn’t an option. If you aren’t ready to give up your precious pillow collection, you’ve found the right place. We picked the best ideas for storing those decorative pillows at night. You’re sure to find options that fit your space.

Decorative basket

An oversized basket is ideal for stashing your decorative throws and pillows when you feel too tired to do much else with them before bed. Available in many different designs, you can choose the right fit for your bedroom’s style and color palette. Whether you prefer a sleek cotton basket or a textured wicker basket, there is a fit for any taste.

Oversized basket that will add style to the bedroom (from Wayfair)

Wicker baskets for storing throw pillows and other necessities (from Wayfair)

Storage bench

A sleek bench at the end of the bed isn’t only a stylish addition that makes your bedroom feel more luxurious. This elegant piece has a hidden storage compartment so that you can store your pillows at night. Simply stash them inside and enjoy a good night’s sleep without worrying that your pet will get to the pillows and ruin them. 

Sleek bench with hidden storage compartment (from Wayfair)

Rustic trunk

A rustic trunk will add a dose of charm and personality to your bedroom but also provides additional storage space to suit your needs. This is a perfect choice if you are after unique and charming decor that serves a purpose.

Vintage trunk that doubles as storage (from Wayfair)

Bed with storage

Investing in multifunctional furniture is always a brilliant idea. This sleek bed comes with convenient drawers under the mattress to provide ample storage space for your throw pillows.

Bed with integrated storage will keep your throws tidy (from Wayfair)

Ladder

A wooden ladder is an excellent solution for small bedrooms. The smart design takes advantage of the vertical space available, thus, saving you precious floor space. Store your throw pillows and blankets during the night, and have them handy when you make the bed in the morning. 

Use the vertical space with a blanket ladder (from Apartment Therapy)

This wooden ladder provides enough storage space for your throws (from Wayfair)

Chair

A spare chair will do fine if you are left with no other options but still want to keep your precious cushion collection. Stack your throw pillows on a chair instead of tossing them on the floor. 

Use a spare chair for storing throws (from Cotton and Flax)

Under-bed storage

If the space under your bed is free, add under-bed storage boxes for stashing those throws. The boxes will stay out of sight, thus, leaving your bedroom looking tidy and neat. This clever design comes with wheels for convenience and easy access.

Underbed storage with wheels for convenience (from Wayfair)

Underbed storage (from Wayfair)

You're reading What To Do With Those Decorative Pillows on Your Bed at Night (Hint: Don’t Put Them on the Floor!), originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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Introducing the Decoist Interview Series! 

Here at Decoist, we’re kickstarting a new series where we ask interior designers, design bloggers, and design influencers about their story, experiences, design philosophies and more. 

As much as we know you all love hearing from us about the latest trends and design ideas for your home, we wanted to start featuring people that we also look to for inspiration. We’re excited to get going and hope you are too!

Starting off the series is Sarah Symonds, creator of Grace in My Space. Sarah’s got a knack for home design and the reasons why she got into it might surprise you! You can find Sarah as @graceinmyspace on Pinterest, Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook, sharing content on home and garden design, recipes, fantastic DIYs, and more. We had a great time getting to know Sarah and are confident you will too!

What started your passion for design and what inspired you to get involved in this industry?

Ironically, my passion for design began from necessity. In 2013 our home caught fire. We had to rebuild for 6 months, and in the process of doing so my love for design was born. Things that I never slowed down enough to consider before, were then top of mind as decisions that were forced upon me. Ever since rebuilding, I’ve treasured creating a haven.

What’s a golden rule you have when it comes to decorating and redesigning a space in your home?

Make it serve you and your family. Design for yourself. Trends come and go, but creating a space that is functional and enjoyable for the ones living in it should always be a first priority.

What’s an often overlooked part of homes that need more attention when it comes to style & design?

Utilitarian areas, like mudrooms, laundry rooms, bathrooms and storage spaces are often overlooked because they aren’t front and center like living rooms or kitchens. However, those are often spaces that we spend tons of time in. Instead of neglecting those spaces, I love to focus on them so they are functional and beautiful.

What’s the biggest mistake you see people make when redesigning their home?

Adding random decor without a bigger picture in mind. So often people see one thing they like, but don’t consider how it will fit with the rest of their home. I always like to recommend that people create an action plan of sorts for their whole home before designing individual rooms. It helps keep things cohesive and provides structure and good flow through an entire home.

What are some of your favorite new trends you have noticed coming up recently?

I’m loving the lean back towards traditional and organic design. The romanization of rustic design is also high on my list.

Found at Grace in My Space

How do you know when you’ve done a “good job” with a space?

When I can be in the space and not pick apart things I’d like to change, then I know it’s done.

From your perspective, is home design more of an art or science?

It is an amazing mix of both. Home design should follow some structured rules that just make sense. But if you have only rules with no personality then it will fall flat. I say, every now and then it is good to break the rules.

 

Are you a designer or an influencer in the design space and want to get on the series? Let’s talk. Reach out to us at contact@decoist.com.

You're reading Decoist Interview Series: Meet Sarah Symonds, Creator of “Grace in My Space”, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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House flipping is quite a popular investment strategy. The main idea is to buy a cheap property, do a complete renovation, and sell it for a higher price. Home flippers typically spend a lot of time searching for properties and negotiating prices. Once they get an affordable fixer-upper, they will manage the whole renovation process from start to finish. Experienced DIYers can also take part in flipping and save money in the process. 

With any home flipping project, things can quickly go wrong. As with other businesses, you need detailed planning, research, and excellent management skills. 

Home flipping newbies should be aware of the potential mistakes and adapt their strategy accordingly. In this post, we share the most common mistakes that first-time house flippers make. After reading these tips, you will understand how to avoid the biggest mistakes and have a successful business! 

Paying high prices

The goal of house flipping is to get a bargain and sell it for a higher price after remodeling. The whole project won’t be feasible if you pay too much for a property. Therefore, you shouldn’t spend more than 70% of the after-repair value minus the repair costs. 

Not being accurate with cost estimates

Before buying a property, make sure to visit it with your chosen contractor. They should provide a price estimate for the repairs. An accurate price estimate will determine whether the house flipping project will bring you profit.

Flipped fixer-upper into a luxurious property (from CC and Mike)

Not understanding that house flipping is time-consuming

Before you even decide that you want to do house flipping, calculate whether it will be feasible for you. You need to find the right property, manage contractors, and schedule inspections. After the renovation is done, you will need to put effort into selling the property. The process can take a lot of time, so you might earn more money if you stick with your day job.

Stunning before and after of a flipped house (from Medium)

House with an awkward layout

Keep in mind that you can’t fix an awkward layout with cosmetic upgrades. Structural work can be pretty costly, so be sure to pick a property with a good layout. A proper home layout should be functional, and every room should have a purpose.

Flipping properties requires investing, planning, and excellent managing skills (from Unsplash)

Not researching the market

As with every business, you need to research the market and understand the customers’ needs. This crucial step will help you decide what type of property to focus on. 

The best way to start researching the market is to explore the properties listed for sale in your specific area. Explore the price ranges and get to know more about the types of properties sold in the area and which ones are high in demand. 

Work closely with your real estate agent to understand the buyers’ preferences, as this will give you a clear idea of how to finish the home. Ensure that the house is cohesive with the other properties in the area. Although high-end finishes might sound appealing, they can make a flipped house less desirable in the eyes of potential buyers. If the other houses in the neighborhood don’t have luxurious features, you shouldn’t add any. 

However, keep in mind that the market conditions can drastically change. Your initial assumptions might be incorrect, so be sure to stay updated with local trends.

Neutral finishes will appeal to any taste (from Unsplash)

Bold decor choices

One of the biggest mistakes house flippers make is following their personal taste and preferences. While you like bold and outstanding color choices, they might not appeal to buyers. A potential buyer should be able to project their style and personality onto the space. Therefore, the best solution is to opt for neutral materials and colors that appeal to everyone. 

Researching the local property market provides useful insights (from Unsplash)

Pick finishes that match the other houses in the neighborhood (from Unsplash)

Design a home that matches the customers’ preferences (from Unsplash)

You shouldn’t spend more than 70% of the after-repair value minus the repair costs (from Unsplash)

You're reading The Biggest Mistakes First-Time House Flippers Make, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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Lagom is a popular Scandinavian concept with the main goal of achieving a balance in all aspects of life. With elements that are applicable to career, relationships, and design, Lagom has found its way to home decor. 

Lagom motivates you to get rid of the things that don’t serve a purpose in your life. The main intent is to create a pleasant and relaxing space through the use of colors, materials, and furnishings. How can you implement the popular trend in your living space? Let’s find out!

What is Lagom?

Lagom can be defined as establishing an equilibrium. The goal is not to have too much or too little of something, but rather to find the right balance. 

The concept is pretty versatile and can find its way into various styles. The main principle is to hold onto the things that you like. Start by eliminating the things that you don’t like or use. Remove all the unwanted stuff so that your home is practical, comfortable, and loveable.

What can you do to implement Lagom in your home? Simple things like changing the furniture position and redesigning the layout to make the space functional are a good start. Remove the clutter and all those things that make it difficult to relax. Use decorative items like woven storage baskets to conceal the clutter and bring a minimalist feel to the space.

Neutral color palette (from Unsplash)

Light color palette

When choosing a color palette, opt for light colors that make the space feel airy and bright. If white appears too flat, stick with light gray instead. According to the Lagom concept, bold colors make you feel stressed and don’t allow you to relax.

Introduce natural light

Lagom focuses on maximizing the natural sunlight, so make sure to keep your walls in light tones to disperse the light in the space. Use sheer curtains and move large furniture pieces away from the windows so that they won’t block the natural sunlight.

Mix of natural textures is part of Lagom concept (from Unsplash)

Natural elements

Natural elements add a dose of texture, so feel free to introduce a variety in the space. Fresh plants are an excellent start since they are aesthetically pleasing and contribute to wellbeing with their air-purifying ability. 

Try and introduce a mix of natural textures to spruce up a minimalist space. We would recommend woven blankets, wicker baskets, and jute rugs to add a touch of playfulness. Don’t forget that the Scandinavian principle excludes carpeting for hygienic reasons, so add area rugs to anchor specific areas and add a touch of coziness.

Comfort and coziness (from Unsplash)

Furniture choice

Choosing furniture for the sake of good looks isn’t in harmony with the Lagom principle. Instead, opt for functionality and comfort. The pieces should have a purpose, fit your style, and provoke positive emotions. 

One of the essential aspects of Lagom is sustainability. Spend some time searching for furniture in thrift stores and flea markets. Find charming pieces that will complement your style and you will cherish them for years to come. 

Warm and inviting Scandinavian space (from Unsplash)

Minimalist decor that stands out (from Unsplash)

Cozy and warm bedroom (from Unsplash)

Charming reading nook (from Houzz)

Simple design and muted tones (from Houzz)

Curated mix of neutrals (from Houzz)

Mix of textures for a subtle visual touch (from Houzz)

You're reading How to Implement Lagom, the Scandinavian Trend, in Your Home, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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