Old buildings and minimalism with interior lover Sandra

We caught up with Sandra, also known as Our.homeliving, and she takes us into the world of home styling and minimalism. Through her aesthetically pleasing photos and minimalist interior design style, she inspires many people and shares her passion for interior design. We share with you Sandra’s love for the Bauhaus era as well as her tips at the end that everyone can take to heart for their aesthetic and cozy interior.

• Our.homeliving Instagram
• Our.homeliving TikTok

Bauhaus era: the pioneer of modern design

FIV: Hi Sandra, nice of you to take the time for us, before we start with current affairs, let’s say you could go back in time, what era would it be?

Sandra: I believe in the Bauhaus era. As a pioneer of modern design, the Bauhaus movement laid the groundwork for many modern design trends. A visit to this period would allow you to experience the minimalist aesthetic and clean lines that continue to inspire today. I have a few coffee table books from this period and love browsing through them.

FIV: Aha – And what materials do you prefer to use to create such an aesthetic?

I love how wood creates a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Sandra: I love natural materials that bring warmth and authenticity to a room. Wood is a clear favorite for me as it offers versatility, durability and a timeless beauty. I love how wood creates a warm and cozy atmosphere while connecting with nature. We have an incredible amount of wooden furniture. Otherwise, I like to use materials such as stone and linen. Both lend a natural charm and offer an incredible amount of scope for design.

FIV: Old or new building – what do you prefer to work with and why?

Sandra: That’s a really difficult question, to be honest. I appreciate both the uniqueness of old buildings and the modern aesthetics of new buildings, but my heart definitely beats more for old buildings. We lived in an old apartment for 5 years and I loved it. Apartments in old buildings exude a unique charm. The high ceilings, the beautiful stucco decorations and the characterful wooden floors give every room a special atmosphere that I love. It’s a really exciting challenge to renovate these historic buildings and breathe new life into them while retaining their original charm and authenticity.

Minimalism – less is more

FIV: We can almost guess the answer, but let’s take another look anyway: Eclectic or minimalism?

Sandra: Definitely minimalism. I appreciate the simplicity, clarity and calm that a minimalist approach can create in a room. The clean look and reduction to the essentials particularly appeal to me and are often my guiding principles when designing.

However, I sometimes have to remind myself to stay true to this style, as there are indeed just too many beautiful things that can be tempting. Nevertheless, I make sure that my rooms always look tidy and organized, as I enjoy the calming effect of a minimalist design.

FIV: You know what’s good Sandra, why don’t you tell us 3 tips for creating the perfect home?

Think not only about aesthetics, but also about functionality.

Sandra: 1. take time to discover and define your personal interior design style. Search through sources of inspiration such as magazines, blogs and social media platforms to find out what appeals to you.

2 Then make a plan and think about how you want to use your rooms. Sketch the floor plan and experiment with different layouts. I like to create mood boards for this. They are my absolute game changers. Important: When furnishing a room, don’t just think about aesthetics, but also about functionality. Ask yourself how the room will be used and choose furniture and decorations accordingly.

3. experiment with colors and textures to add depth and dimension to your space. Choose a color palette that suits your style and personality and play with different textures.

Ceiling lights are only there to look good!

FIV: Okay, now we know what’s important, is there a faux pas that should be avoided?
Sandra: My faux pas is definitely when you don’t have enough indirect lighting. I’m not a fan of ceiling lights at all. But they still have to hang and look nice, haha.

Here you can get inspiration from Sandra for your interior:

• Our.homeliving Instagram
• Our.homeliving TikTok

Now in FIV Issue #32!

You can also discover the whole interview as well as inspiring fitness stories, travel tips and fashion in the complete magazine!

• Read now: FIV Magazine #32

More interior?

Haven’t found the right aesthetic for your own interior yet? Then let yourself be inspired here:

• Furnishing styles

The choice of lighting makes all the difference

Make-up artists prefer to work in daylight or at least with daylight-like lighting. Tips and tricks for at home.

Has this ever happened to you? At home in front of the bathroom mirror, your make-up looks great. Then the scene changes: on the go, you take a look in the mirror and see something completely different. Make-up edges, lipstick color too bright and way too much blush on your cheekbones…sure, we’ve all been there, but what can you do to prevent this from happening again in the future?

Right, as you’ve already guessed, when it comes to make-up, everything stands and falls with the right lighting. Don’t worry, you don’t have to get professional equipment now. All you really need is a new mirror.

Your new bathroom mirror: this is what it should look like

It is particularly difficult to create daylight-like conditions in bathrooms without windows. After all, the light from the midday sun is very bright and the light color is not really suitable for lighting interiors. It quickly appears uncomfortable and cold. It is also not necessary to illuminate the entire bathroom in this way. Only the area in front of the mirror needs to be illuminated if necessary.

A bathroom mirror with an integrated LED light strip is the gold standard for your perfect make-up. Make sure that the lighting is positioned on all four sides of the mirror. This way, your face is optimally illuminated when you apply your make-up – evenly and directly from the front.

No compromises: It all depends on the light color

When buying your new bathroom mirror, it is essential that you ask about the right light color.

Only LEDs with neutral white light can simulate daylight.

Although warm white tones are suitable for indoor lighting and flatter the complexion, they lead to differences in your color perception. And then it is all too easy to choose a make-up shade that is too dark or apply too much blusher.

Compact make-up guide for a beautiful complexion

1. Speaking of complexion
2. Day cream
3. Primer
4. Foundation
5. Make-up routine

Speaking of complexion – beauty step #1

Of course, we also have some professional make-up advice for you when you’re styling yourself in front of your new bathroom mirror for the first time. Always stick to this order and take your time:

Day cream – Beauty step #2

First, apply your day cream as usual to cleansed facial skin, the neck and perhaps also the décolleté. Make sure you use the right sun protection factor, especially in summer. The day cream should be well absorbed before you continue. This may take a few minutes.

Primer – Beauty step #3

Next, use a primer to even out small irregularities and/or enlarged pores. The complexion will appear refined and the foundation will not form unsightly lumps later on.

Foundation – Beauty Step #4

Now you can apply your foundation or make-up. Feel free to use a sponge to ensure an even result. In the right light, you can quickly check whether you have blended all the transitions properly.

Make-up routine – Beauty step #5

Depending on what you want to apply now, you can use fixing powder, eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, blusher or lipstick.

Conclusion: Neutral white light for optimum conditions

Neutral white light integrated into a bathroom mirror creates the ideal conditions for professional make-up that doesn’t just look good indoors. Have fun trying it out!

Checklist: Buy a sofa you love!

Already in the store or online store? My quick sofa-buying checklist for you:

1st tip: Determine the function of the room

Before you start looking for a sofa, think about how the room will be used. Should the sofa be used for entertainment purposes, be a cozy retreat or include a TV or fireplace? The function of the room will influence the choice of sofa.

Determine space utilization:

• Define the purpose of the room (e.g. living room, guest room, study).
• Think about how often the sofa is used (daily, occasionally).

2nd tip: Measure the room

Carefully measure the room in which the sofa is to be placed. Pay attention to the room dimensions to ensure that the sofa fits in well without overcrowding the room or appearing too small.

Measure the room:

• Record the exact room dimensions (width, length, height).
• Check whether the sofa fits through doors, corridors and stairs.

3rd tip: Consider the style and aesthetics

Think about the desired style and aesthetics of the sofa. Should it be modern, classic, vintage or Scandinavian? Choose a design that suits your personal taste and the interior design.

Observe style and aesthetics:

• Consider the desired furnishing style (modern, classic, Scandinavian).
• Keep an eye on the color palette and design of the room.

4th tip: Pay attention to the quality

The quality of the sofa is crucial. Make sure it has a solid wooden frame, ideally made of kiln-dried hardwood. High-quality upholstery and hard-wearing covers are also important. A high-quality sofa offers comfort and durability.

Check quality:

• Look for a stable frame made of solid wood or plywood.
• Evaluate the quality of the upholstery and cover material.

5th tip: Think about the color and the cover

Choose a color and upholstery that suits your room and lifestyle. Consider the care requirements of the upholstery fabric, especially if there are pets or children in the household. Sofa trends range from timeless classics in gray to statement sofas.

Select color and cover:

• Consider cover materials such as leather, fabric or microfiber.
• Determine the color tone of the sofa based on the room colors and personal preferences.

6th tip: Test the seating comfort

Try out the sofa by sitting or lying down. Seating comfort is subjective, so it’s important to test the sofa before you buy to make sure it’s comfortable and meets your needs.

Test seating comfort

• Test sit to assess comfort and support.
• Check whether the seat depth and height are comfortable.

7th tip: Check the price-performance ratio

Compare the prices of different sofas and check the price-performance ratio. A more expensive sofa can be a long-term investment, but it should also offer the desired quality and style.

Check the price-performance ratio:

• Set the budget and look for options in this price range.
• Assess the value of the sofa in relation to the price.

8th tip: Compare different retailers

Look around at various dealers to see a wide selection of sofas.

Explore different dealers:

• Visit various furniture stores and online retailers.
• Compare brands, offers and availability.

9th tip: Delivery and installation – do it yourself?

Think about the delivery and assembly of the sofa. Make sure it will fit through doorways and hallways and that the retailer offers delivery and assembly services if needed. You can find plenty of assembly instructions, for example on YouTube.

Consider delivery and installation:

• Ensure that the sofa can be delivered to the room.
• Check availability of assembly and delivery services.

10th tip: Read reviews and ask for recommendations

Read reviews from other buyers and ask friends or family for their recommendations. The experiences of others can be helpful when choosing the perfect sofa.

Read reviews and get recommendations

• Research online reviews and experiences of other buyers.
• Ask friends, family or interior designers for recommendations.

With this detailed checklist, you can make sure you find the sofa that perfectly suits your room and your lifestyle. Good luck in your search for your dream sofa!

Sofa 2024 – 4 ideas for your living room

My plan today was actually just a Big Sofa, but somehow I got into the tunnel of sofas and ended up being online for an hour. I’m already half an expert on sofas for 2024! If you’re also looking for a new sofa, here are my tips for 2024!

PS: You want to get your first high-quality sofa? Pay attention to a few things to save time, money and enjoy it for a long time. Read my 10 tips here: How to find a good sofa?

Let’s start with timeless models!

Neutral Elegance: timeless elegance in beige

The first trend we are exploring is “Neutral Elegance”. What defines the look? This sofa exudes timeless elegance, with its upholstered backrest and neutral beige fabric. It blends into a room that feels open and calm, with minimalist yet cozy furnishings. The surrounding shelves are adorned with a symmetrical arrangement of books, and geometric shapes add to the modern aesthetic of the room.

• Neutral, beige fabric
• Minimalist and cozy
• Padded backrest
• Symmetrical shelves, minimalist design

Modern Industrial: Robust elegance in gray

The second trend presents a sofa with a robust, textured gray fabric that perfectly matches the modern-industrialdesign of the room. The room features clean lines, a monochromatic color palette and a mix of glass and metal elements. The black framed glass partition gives the room depth and a touch of contemporary sophistication. Whether small version for big sofa for your living room.

Incidentally, this is the style I bought for my dining room.

Modern Industrial:

• Robust, textured gray fabric
• Modern-industrial space
• Clear lines, monochrome color palette
• Glass and metal elements, black frame

Rustic chic: cozy luxury in leather

The third trend is“rustic chic“. This sofa is deep and upholstered in leather, which fits perfectly with the rustic chic atmosphere. The dark leather contrasts with the warm wooden floors and exposed stone wall, creating a sense of aged luxury. This sofa would be perfect for a cozy, intimate space that balances ruggedness with comfort.

Rustic Chic:

• Deep, leather-covered sofa
• Rustic-chic atmosphere
• Dark leather, warm wooden floors
• Exposed stone wall, aged luxury

Statement sofa: already a small work of art

One trend that will become increasingly important in 2024 is the “statement sofa”. It’s hard to imagine life without statement shirts, now it’s time to create more statements at home too! If you dare. One of the rules for statement looks is the rule of 3: opposites attract to give your favorite piece of furniture character. Combine different styles and colors for excitement. Use colors in three different places in the room to create variety and make the room more vibrant. This requires patience and time.

 

Check out this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by WESTWING Germany (@westwingde)

Your sofa is not just a seat; it’s a work of art. With eye-catching designs, bold colors and unique shapes, your statement sofa will become the focal point of your living room. From sculptural silhouettes to luxurious materials such as velvet or leather, your sofa will definitely be a talking point.

Statement sofa:

• Eye-catching design
• Vibrant colors
• Unique shapes
• Sculptural silhouettes, luxurious materials

What else will be important in 2024?

1. Modularity and flexibility
2. Natural materials and color palette
3. Technological integration

Modularity and flexibility

Your lifestyle is constantly changing, which is why sofas that are modular and flexible are becoming a must. These versatile sofas allow you to customize your living space as needed. Whether you’re planning a cozy movie night with friends or just want to relax, these sofas give you the flexibility you need. With their customizable elements and versatile configurations, they are the perfect companion for your dynamic lifestyle.

Natural materials and color palette

In 2024, natural materials and a soft color palette will come to the fore. Think sofas with a light wood frame, elegant bamboo or rattan accents and calming earth tones. These natural elements create a calming and relaxing atmosphere in your home that blends perfectly with the modern world. The use of sustainable materials also emphasizes your commitment to environmental awareness and style.

Technological integration

Modern technology is also being integrated into the world of furniture. You can expect to see sofas with built-in charging stations, atmospheric LED lighting or even smart features such as heated seats. These pieces of furniture combine functionality and innovation in an elegant way and are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also practical in everyday life. Your sofa becomes an intelligent companion that keeps an eye on your needs and offers you maximum comfort.

XXL furnishing style: find your look!

Living room, kitchen, bedroom, maritime, boho look or vintage. You’ll find everything for your home here:

• Furnishing style

Elements of Feng Shui: Materials & Furniture in Harmony

Feng Shui is mainly about designing your living space in harmony to maintain your life energy and let it flow. The Chi – also written “Qi” – plays a central role. According to the ancient Chinese teaching of Feng Shui, which literally means “wind” and “water”, these two elements form the basis of the life energy that flows through everything: Chi.

In terms of your interior design, you can think of chi as a current, it can flow quickly or slowly depending on the furniture and shape. Ideally, the Chi flows in pleasant, moderately fast paths around your living areas. The five elements of Feng Shui are particularly important: wood, fire, earth, metal, water. Matching your furniture and accessories to these will have a positive effect on your chi.

Tip! Whether bedroom, living room or terrace: Guide – Furnishing rooms.

Wood: cork, bamboo, rattan and wicker furniture

The element wood is the symbol for life and growth. It stands for the colors green and light blue and can be implemented with wooden, cork, rattan, bamboo or wicker furniture. High and slender forms also stand for the element wood in Feng Shui.

Fire: candles & lamps in pointed shapes

In Feng Shui, fire stands for the shades red and orange and can be supported with candles, lamps or a fireplace. In addition, furniture and accessories made of leather or wool set the element beautifuly in scene. The element is found in pointed and angular shapes in furnishings.

Earth: ceramic, clay & stone elements

The earth embodies the center in Feng Shui. It is stable and protective and stands for groundedness, durability and reliability. This element can be implemented with yellow and brown tones, as well as flat shapes such as stone, ceramics and clay.

Metal: Deco in white, silver & gold

Metal represents prosperity and success and is associated with white, silver and gold tones. Furniture and accessories can have round and domed shapes, be shiny or matte. Objects such as crystals or glass allow the chi to flow well.

Water: Pictures & Accent Wall

The last element symbolizes luck and success in private as well as business life. Flowing, soft fabrics such as silk or even glass can be used here. Also, pictures with rivers or wetland plants can be brought in, as well as the colors black, purple or blue, for example, with a dark blue accent wall.

Feng Shui Colors of Harmony – White, Pastel & Co.

With the use of wall color, rooms can be divided and structured, but above all it strengthens the flow of energy and weakens negative vibrations at the same time. The colour in which a room must be designed depends on which of the five elements underlies the room in order to create a positive effect.

Living room: earthy tones & friendly colours

For the living room are most ideal white, pastel and earthy tones. These radiate cosiness. Highlights can be set off with green or lilac decorative objects. Seasons also play an important role: in winter, replace the spring colours with red or purple tones.

Lamps, windows & light: light sources for a harmonious soul

Sufficient light and brightness are an extremely important aspect of Feng Shui. Different sources of light are crucial in this respect. Of course, the most important is sufficient daylight, which comes through the windows into the apartment. Curtains and blinds should be as translucent as possible, where not enough light arrives, the Chi flow can wither. Therefore, illuminate dark, inanimate corners with different light sources, even in windowless rooms such as the hallway, a single ceiling lamp should not be the only source of light.

The type of light should also be taken into account: in the kitchen and study, somewhat brighter light is suitable, in the living room and bedroom rather a softer glow.

Living room to relax in: Sofa, coffee table & co.

Your living room is the centre of communal life. This is where family, friends and acquaintances come together, a meeting place, the most public room in the house. But also to relax, watch TV or read, you sit down in the “good room”. Accordingly, the Chi should flow well and harmoniously in this very room. We tell you how to do that.

Arrangement of the living room according to Feng Shui

To ensure that the chi is retained and does not escape again immediately, the living room door should not be directly opposite a window. If this is the case, plants on the window front protect against negative influences from the outside and from the chi escaping too quickly. If possible, place seating against the wall and avoid the line between the door and the window. The middle of the living room ideally remains free – so the Chi can spread undisturbed and strengthen the inhabitants.

Furniture in curved lines – how the chi flows: arrangement & tips

Avoid clean lines or sharp-edged furniture: harmony is created with a U-shaped sofa. This triggers a sense of well-being in your guests, as everyone can sit opposite each other. Organic, curved shapes create the perfect flow of chi. Instead of a rectangular coffee table, an oval or one in a kidney shape is better. The floor should be left wide open, yet a cute round rug may be placed under the sofa or coffee table – as long as the center of the room remains clear. High, massive cupboards are a no-go: they look heavy and destroy harmony.

Bedroom: ideas and selection according to Feng Shui

The bedroom is undoubtedly the most important room in the whole house. It is the ultimate retreat, where relaxation and recreation should meet a well-cared-for sleep. Create your own oasis so that the right energies flow in your bedroom. Love happiness can also be greatly influenced by the chi in the bedroom. A couple is more likely to find mutual support and success in their relationship when the chi flows harmoniously.

Location of the bedroom: view into the garden

In Feng Shui, the location of the rooms is also assigned a special meaning. The bedroom is best located in the back of the house. Facing the garden, away from negative energy currents such as roads, noisy cars, dirt and noise. Attention should also be paid to the location of the bedroom within the house. It should never be above a garage or storage room and should not be in close proximity (i.e. next to, above, opposite or below) the kitchen or toilet.

Bed: alignment and the best place for restful sleep

The bed is the central element of your bedroom. Place it against a stable wall, preferably without windows or doors. You should be able to see doors and windows from your bed, but be careful not to lie in a direct line to the bedroom door – otherwise the chi will flow towards you unchecked. Also, do not sleep directly between the window and the door, as this will have the same effect: you will be in the chi flow.

Bedroom furnishings: Bed, wardrobes & mirror in Feng Shui

The best option is a bed with a large headboard, the bed itself should not have a metal frame and should be made mostly of natural wood. Likewise, cabinets and chests of drawers should be made of natural materials in round shapes. These should be closed as much as possible to create a more uncluttered atmosphere. Large, heavy shelves, pictures or lamps are a no-go, they create too much restlessness and distraction during sleep. If there is the possibility of a dressing room, move the wardrobes completely out of the bedroom.

Mirrors in the bedroom should be avoided – the reflection generates strong activity and disturbs sleep. If the mirror is indispensable, it should in no case be in the line of sight of the bed, otherwise the consumed energy will be returned directly to you.

Decoration according to Feng Shui – tips like cushions, lamps & Co.

Similar to minimalism, Feng Shui is based on a clear, orderly and tidy living area. Less is more here, because superfluous clutter and unnecessary accessories restrict the flow of chi considerably – in the worst case they can even block it. However, this does not mean that decorations of any kind are forbidden. Carefully selected, they even have a positive influence on the Chi and give you positive energy.

Decorative articles made of wood, metal & porcelain

Small decorative items are the perfect tools to keep your chi flowing optimally and maximize your sense of well-being. Accessories made of wood, metal or porcelain are very suitable for the living room. In general, natural-looking materials and light, soft colours help. Here are the top tips with which decorative items you can increase your Chi:

• Natural materials such as fresh flowers, leaves or stones
• A pretty decorative bowl with fresh water and flowers
• A wind chime made of shells, driftwood or glass
• Cosy textiles like cushions, plaids or carpets
• Mirrors: welcome in the living room, unlike in the bedroom – they add dimension to the room.

In the bathroom help the flow of energy:

• Scented candles and tea lights
• Sweet room fresheners
• Fluffy bath mats or towels

Lamps & lights: small islands of light with table lamps & candles

Rooms that are equipped with different light sources appear more harmonious. Lamps and smaller luminaires give dark and inanimate corners an extra dose of chi. Create a homely atmosphere with individual islands of light. These distribute the chi throughout the room and allow it to flow better. With chic floor lamps and table lamps, as well as candles, you can create a pleasant atmosphere in the living room and bring it to life. Again, look for round and wavy shapes of the lamps and don’t try anything too angular or bulky.

Garden: flowers, plants & vegetation for positive chi

Feng Shui is mainly about harmonization and the optimal flow of positive energy. Various plants and especially the garden play an important role. Living in harmony with nature is the motto. House and garden are harmoniously integrated into the environment.

Houseplants: Upgrading with bamboo plants and crystal vases

Inside the house, houseplants and fresh flowers are indispensable for effective Feng Shui decoration. With them, dead corners or bare corners can be revived and refreshed, so that the life energy also finds a place here. Bamboo plants or cut flowers can be very well integrated into the Feng Shui decoration. Modern crystal vases or beautiful vases made of porcelain are suitable here.

Our top 3 houseplants:

• Bamboo palm – for a tropical atmosphere
• Rubber tree – survives with little light in darker corners
• Dragon tree – easy to care for and visually appealing

Feng Shui garden: design & arrangement – fountain or sculpture

Create an inviting atmosphere in your garden, for example with flowering perennials or a jasmine plant. Curved paths and a pond or fountain are a must-have in your Feng Shui garden. Water represents the flow of life and is one of the strongest energies. The heart point, i.e. the centre of the garden, can be deliberately emphasised, for example with a fireplace or a sculpture. For further planting, chrysanthemums or hydrangeas, for example, are welcome, otherwise evergreen plants provide year-round color even in cold seasons.

Oriental furnishings: Furniture, decoration and lamps á la Bollywood?

Bollywood movies have cult factor, so why not the oriental interior? In oriental countries, the hospitality and the family is in the foreground and exactly that is also reflected in the interior design. The friendly and bright colors make every room look inviting. The oriental interior design stands out from other interior styles because of its extravagance. A room in oriental style seems almost overloaded, but that is exactly what makes the style. In the following, I’ll show you how you can interpret the oriental flair in a modern way, so that your room doesn’t look too cluttered. But first, here is a little video to get a feel for what is important in the oriental style.

Typically oriental: bright colours, special fabrics & mix of patterns

The Paisley pattern is one of the most common oriental patterns. The pattern can be found on decorative items, furniture and clothing. In addition to the Paisley pattern, there is also a range of other oriental patterns that appear in the interior design. Many patterns are mixed with each other, so an exciting and diverse interior is created.

Are you also interested in fashion? Then let yourself be inspired by the Oriental Fashion Show Haute Couture.

The patterns are accompanied by bright and vivid colors. So if you want to decorate your living room oriental use mainly intense colors, such as: Pink, red, orange, brown, blue or purple. These colors look especially good when decorating the interior. Cushions, curtains, carpets or blankets are best suited for the implementation of colour in the room. But also a single armchair or oriental stools, so-called poufs, are suitable to bring the color and the pattern in oriental style in the apartment.

Oriental materials: Persian carpets, woven fabrics & silk

There are many materials that are typical for an oriental interior. Especially easy to realize the oriental style by using textiles. Here are mainly used: cotton, silk, organza or brocade as textiles. Another must when talking about oriental materials that should be brought in an interior design is fragrant wood, which is used in furniture. This scented wood is cedar wood which brings a pleasant oriental fragrance to one’s home. Other popular materials are: Leather, glass or mosaic tiles. To give a room the shine and splendor one uses gold and silver, which provide for refinement of individual furniture or decoration.

• Woven fabrics
• Leather
• Glass
• Tiles / Mosaic
• Unmachined metal / sheet metal & copper

Oriental architecture: arches, columns & ornaments – oriental flair

Oriental architecture has a long tradition. When one thinks of oriental, one first thinks of magnificent mosques, which stand out from the dull European architecture due to their squiggles and colors. Typical of oriental houses are the curved arches and columns, reminiscent of the pomp of Arab palaces. High ceilings, usually complemented by a vault, make the house seem particularly spiritual and imposing. Another stylistic element of the architecture is the use of certain decorative forms, such as geometric ornaments, floral motifs and caligraphic inscriptions. Among the most popular oriental buildings are:

• Sheikh Zayid Mosque – historical monument of the Arab world
• Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul – a must-see of Arab culture
• Alhambra – an Arab monument in the middle of Europe

Distribution of the interior style – Europe, Asia and Co.

The Orient comprises the Middle East, i.e. Arab countries and part of North Africa. With the Orient, one associates the tale of 1001 Nights and the Orient. If you travel to Arab countries, you will mainly encounter the Oriental style of furnishing. The style is very special and therefore probably not as widespread as, for example, the simple Scandinavian style. It takes courage but also skill to implement the ethno chic in your own home.

Mostly you can find the style also with Arab families who have emigrated and remain true to your traditional furnishings here. In addition to the Arab culture, amusement parks or hotels are often inspired by the furnishing style. The Orient is known for its numerous hours of sunshine and it is exactly this flair of sun, but also culture and tradition that the amusement parks or hotels want to implement in the interior design of the rooms or theme worlds. Here, one usually experiences how it must feel to reside in Arabian palaces or Moroccan riads.

Interior design Orient: Living room, bedroom & Co.

Oriental interior design can be both classic and modern. The most important rooms in the house are those that are used by the whole family. For this reason, in the common rooms you can find a lot of traditional patterns and materials that reflect the culture and also religious details, because religion has a very high value in oriental countries and shapes the life of each individual.

Living room: seat cushions, poufs and sofa offer space for guests & family

The living room is the place where family life takes place, parties are held and guests are received. That is exactly why the living room must bring the qualities: a lot of space and a vivid, traditional interior. Especially the seating is in the foreground. So you need a large couch, with enough seating space, matching armchairs and the traditional poufs, which do not take up much space and guarantee seating for everyone. However, in Arab countries it is also common to sit on cushions, so you are very close to the floor. To match the low seating, you also need to buy a table that has a lot of surface area and is close to the floor, so that the people sitting on the cushions or on the poufs can also use the table.

Besides the furniture, the accessories are also important in an oriental living room. Persian carpets, known from Aladdin with the flying carpet, decorate the floor so that the family and guests do not get cold feet. Carpets radiate cosiness and warmth, with Persian carpets traditional patterns are additionally added to the interior design. For this reason, one often finds tapestries in oriental living rooms. Besides the carpets, the spiritual atmosphere is essential. This is achieved by using colorful cushions with oriental patterns and colorful curtains. Also important are lamps in oriental style, which give the whole room warmth and make the living room more homely. If you now add plants, the living room reminds of an oasis in the desert.

Bedroom: tapestries, oriental patterns & ornate wooden furniture

Oriental furnishings can also be combined in a modern way. If you want to adapt the colourful oriental style to your home, the ornate wooden furniture is in the foreground and the colours in the background. So special attention is paid to the shapes and materials of the furniture. If, for example, you have furnished the rest of the house in classic Scandinavian style or country house style, but want to be bold in the bedroom design and have an eye-catcher in the house, you can easily merge the styles. So you take shapes and materials reminiscent of the Orient and combine them with simple colors that match the rest of the interior, such as: Nude tones, so a beige, or a light grey and pastel shades.

Do you already know the oriental fragrances of Yves Saint Laurent? Let the fragrance take you to the Orient

Besides the right materials, shapes and colors, the decoration in a bedroom with oriental flair is also important. For this, choose oriental hanging lamps made of glass or metal in different shapes and colors that create a cozy atmosphere. Decorative cushions with oriental patterns are also a must, as well as light curtains or drapes, heavy rugs, mirrors, lanterns and tapestries.

Kitchen from the Orient: porcelain, colorful tiles, tableware and more

You can easily decorate your existing kitchen in oriental style. The main ingredients here are: matching accessories, matching spices and patterns. Since the typical, oriental patterns are particularly in demand, you can also bring them into your kitchen. How about cool tiles in paisley pattern, or a nice carpet, which beautifies the boring kitchen front? That’s exactly what you need to create the first basic building blocks for furnishing the kitchen in oriental style.

Besides matching patterns, the decoration of the kitchen is especially important. Who can’t imagine the scent of a Moroccan market? It smells of very different aromatic and oriental spices and exactly these, you should also present in your kitchen. Besides the spices, silverware and trays are essential, accompanied by ornate glass jars, pitchers and mugs. To give it all that certain something, add a lamp in oriental design to the kitchen, which embodies the flair perfectly and brings it into your now oriental kitchen.

Oriental style bathroom: beauty tradition, hamam & mosaic

Besides the main rooms of a house, there is also the possibility of decorating the bathroom in an oriental style. What many people do not know is that beauty care in the Orient already brings a long tradition, which is why the appropriate design of the bathroom is all the more important. This tradition is still celebrated today through the classic hamam, where a special bathing ceremony is performed in the form of a steam bath and massage with soap lather.

By using towels and bath mats in bold colors, you can feel the oriental flair. Use oriental patterns to decorate the walls: Mosaic tiles, mirrors with ornate oriental wooden frames and lamps in classic oriental style, which will instantly transport you to the world of 1001 nights. To complete the interior design, create onion-shaped protrusions in the walls where you can place decorative items that will complete the design of the room.

Natural beauty: the advantages of a natural wood table

Natural wood is often called solid wood or solid wood. It is processed into furniture in its natural form, such as tables, without being chemically treated or altered. Natural wood comes directly from trees and contains no artificial or synthetic materials. Compared to engineered wood or veneer products, natural wood is usually more robust and durable.

Properties of natural wood: what makes it so cozy?

Natural wood has a natural beauty and texture that can vary from tree to tree. Each tree has a unique pattern of growth rings, knotholes and other features that give the wood character. There are different types of natural wood, some types are more suitable for kitchens, others for living spaces. Natural wood is often used for furniture, flooring, panels and other wood products.

The typical wood species:

• Oak wood
• Pine wood
• Mahogany
• Teak
• Maple wood

Advantages of natural wood tables

Natural wood tables offer many benefits, whether health, style or sustainability. A natural wood table can better withstand impact, pressure and daily use. In terms of sturdiness, natural wood often outperforms engineered wood and synthetic materials, so a natural wood table can withstand daily wear and tear. In addition, natural wood tables adapt to different styles and designs and fit harmoniously into different room designs. Another plus point is their positive influence on indoor air quality, as natural wood regulates moisture and thus contributes to a healthy indoor climate. Unlike synthetic materials, natural wood tables do not contain chemical additives or evaporation.

Here again are our top three benefits at a glance:

• Durability and robustness
• Adaptability to room styles
• Better indoor air quality

Find the perfect natural wood table for your home

Your personal taste plays the most important role when choosing a new table made of natural wood. Choose a piece of furniture that you like and that reflects your personality and style. If you like natural wood and appreciate the natural beauty of the material, it is probably a good choice for your apartment. Of course, we can’t help you decide if and which natural wood table will suit your home. However, we hope to make the decision easier for you with these exciting tips!

Rustic to modern: Natural wood table for any interior style

Natural wood furniture goes well with a variety of interior styles, from rustic and traditional to modern and Scandinavian. If your interior style emphasizes natural elements and a warm, organic aesthetic, natural wood furniture can be a great choice.

Harmony of wood colors: Natural wood color palette

Natural wood has a natural color palette that ranges from light to dark tones. Consider whether the color of the wood matches the colors of the floors, walls and other furniture in the room, or whether it should create an interesting contrast. The different types of wood and their colors can blend together and create an overall natural look.

Impressive accents: Importance of the size of the room

Another factor to consider is the size of the room you’re decorating. In smaller rooms, a natural wood table can create a warm and cozy feel, while in larger spaces, larger pieces of wood furniture can serve as impressive statement pieces.

Natural wood for your interior style

It is important to note that wood is versatile and can be used in other interior styles. The choice of wood, wood color, and wood finish can influence the style you want. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect look for your space. Wood is a versatile material that goes well with a variety of interior design styles. Here are some interior design styles that showcase wood particularly well:

We look at the following styles:

1. Rustic
2. Skandi
3. Modern

Rustic style: wood as the centerpiece

Wood is a main feature of the rustic style. Natural wood furniture, especially with rough grain and natural surface, gives the room a warm and cozy atmosphere. Rustic elements such as antique wooden beams, wooden paneling or wooden plank floors complement the rustic charm.

Scandinavian style: focus on light colors and natural materials

Scandinavian interior style is characterized by light colors, simple shapes and natural materials. Dining tables, shelves and sideboards made of natural wood are particularly suitable here. Light woods like birch or ash go well with the Scandinavian style and give the room an airy and natural atmosphere, with matching chairs.

Modern style: aesthetics meets natural elements

Natural wood can also be used in modern interior styles to convey warmth and naturalness. Combine wooden furniture with clean lines and minimalist designs to create a modern look. Darker woods like walnut or oak can give an elegant and contemporary look.

Five measures for a cozy terrace

To make your own terrace cozy and stylish, you need only a few well thought-out furnishings and matching accessories. The basis for a cozy terrace is stylish lounge and garden furniture, which is enhanced by high-quality outdoor textiles. Whether boho style, wood look or stylish lounge in metal look – beautiful is what pleases.
What should also not be missing in any case is a suitable sunshade and, if necessary, a privacy screen, which can be made particularly natural, for example, by plants. Otherwise, plants and flowers as well as light sources in the form of candles, fire bowls and fairy lights are also the best way to make the terrace cozy and according to your own taste. So you are guaranteed to feel comfortable, whether with friends, family or just relaxed for yourself.

Lounge and garden furniture: stylish and cozy

The basis for your outdoor living room is beautiful lounge or garden furniture. It is a question of personal taste whether furniture in wood look, rattan, polyrattan or metal is the best choice for you. In addition, it makes a big difference for which occasions you want to use the furniture mainly. Hammocks, deck chairs and garden loungers are the right choice if you mainly want to relax on the terrace. Whereas garden benches and a large table are ideal for social gatherings. A lounge corner with a large side table is a good compromise and can be used both for relaxing and spending time with family and friends.

Ideal for family, friends & to relax is a lounge corner

Those who like it more extravagant and are looking for something very special, can put a luxurious garden bed, a cozy hanging chair or an idyllic beach chair on the terrace. Last but not least, for the selection of suitable furniture, the available space and, of course, the budget plays a major role.

Interior design tips summarized:

• For relaxation: hammocks and deckchairs
• For social evenings: Garden bench and large table
• For the extravagant: Garden bed, hanging chair & beach chair

Ideal for both balcony, garden, and terrace – the hammock:

High quality outdoor textiles: weatherproof seat covers and fluffy blankets

Once the furniture is chosen, it’s time to decorate the terrace. Here, high-quality outdoor textiles play a major role. On the one hand, they can be a real eye-catcher, and on the other hand, of course, they should be particularly cozy and practical. Fluffy blankets and soft cushions, for example, are a must for relaxing evenings under the open sky.

Blanket, cushion & seat pads are cozy & practical

In addition, outdoor textiles such as seat covers, blankets and cushions should fit well into the overall picture and match the style of the selected furniture. Bohemian-style textiles, for example, go very well with wood and natural materials, while metal garden furniture in combination with simple colors like gray or beige can look very classy. In addition, it is important that the outdoor upholstery is weatherproof and can withstand the occasional rain shower.

• For wood & natural materials: bohemian style textiles
• Metal garden furniture: cool colors, such as beige and gray

Suitable sun protection: awning, sun sail and co.

Every patio furnishing includes a suitable sunshade. If the terrace is large or the lounge area is in the middle of the garden, a large parasol or a sun sail may be the right choice, while a terrace that is directly adjacent to the house can be well protected from the sun with an awning. While awnings can be expensive, they last all the longer for it. You can benefit from a high-quality awning for decades.

Tip: Invest in awning, sun sail & parasol

But it is also worth paying attention to good quality parasols and sun sails. Free-arm umbrellas, for example, offer maximum flexibility, as they can be swiveled into the right position and adjusted in inclination. In addition, the material plays an important role. The fabric should keep out sunlight, be light-resistant and withstand rain.

Lush planting: from flower beds to screens

To really feel at home on the terrace, plants and flowers should not be missing. Especially if there is no garden adjacent to the terrace, a little greenery works wonders. You can choose from typical terrace plants such as hibiscus, bamboo or angel’s trumpet, as well as herbs, tomato plants and other vegetables.

In addition, plants can be a good natural privacy screen. Especially bamboo, holly and cypress are very popular here. If you have a larger garden, you can plant your own tree or create a flower bed full of roses, lilacs and hydrangeas.

The most popular plants for garden & terrace:

• Hibiscus
• Bamboo
• Angel Trumpet
• Herbs
• Vegetable plants
• Flowerbed

On smaller terraces, it can be a good idea to plant on top of each other or prefer hanging and climbing plants such as climbing roses or climbing hydrangeas. In addition, the color and smell of flowers make a lot, because what could be better than a floral scent of jasmine with your morning coffee.

Not only the planting affects the atmosphere of the terrace, but also the lighting:

Romantic lighting: rustic fire bowl or sustainable solar lamps

In addition to the plants, the lighting is important for the feel-good factor. Especially when you sit in the garden for a long time in the evening and enjoy the pleasant cool evening air, the patio lighting makes a lot of difference. For those who want it romantic, candles, lamps and fairy lights should not be missing in any case. Particularly beautiful and environmentally friendly are solar-powered light chains and lights, which charge during the day and give off their light until late at night.
If you prefer something more rustic, you can use a fire bowl or a fire basket. These are also available in a beautiful, elegant design and some can even be converted into a grill.

Fire basket, fairy lights & Co. provides romance

Conclusion : How to turn your terrace into an outdoor living room

With a few tips and tricks, your terrace can easily be transformed into a beautiful and cozy outdoor living room, which, especially in summer, can replace the living room at home and be at least as comfortable and stylish. Whether with friends, family or for yourself, you can enjoy the sun during the day and spend a nice time and relax until the evening hours.

Our five tips summarized:

1. When choosing furniture, pay attention to coziness and function
2. Blanket, cushion and seat cover should be waterproof
3. Invest in sufficient sun protection
4. Plants and flowers provide greenery
5. The right feel-good factor can be achieved with lighting

But before you start choosing the right furniture, outdoor textiles, lighting, plants and flowers for you, you should think about what you mainly want to use your terrace for and what style suits you. Whether it’s a wooden set with a large table and long benches for evening dinners with the whole family or a cozy hammock to enjoy a book or two – there are no limits to your imagination. If you have enough space, individual elements and styles can be wonderfully combined.

Energetic – Good or difficult?

Insufficiently insulated windows can form so-called cold bridges in the facade. For this reason, the replacement of old windows is always one of the first measures in a renovation. This is because a lot of energy is lost in a house through old and not well insulated windows. The roof, exterior walls, exterior doors, windows and the floor slab are the building components that seal off the outside. The energy efficiency of a building depends to a large extent on them, as the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy also states.

Energetically ideal are windows with panes that have a metallic coating. The spaces between them are filled with inert gas. Their insulation values are three times higher than those of single-glazed windows.

Ideal: windows with panes and metallic coating

Bright rooms look more friendly and spacious:

Source for more light

If you are in a room with many windows, you use less energy for artificial light. Especially in the house in the hallways, generous window areas and glass in the house have a positive effect on energy consumption.

Special case corridor

If you have daylight in the hallway for long stretches, you need light there exclusively at night, at least in the summer. In addition, a house looks friendlier if the entrance area is full of daylight. But how can this be achieved? Firstly, through front doors with side panels or skylights. Through these, the light comes directly into the hallway. A high-quality frosted glass film provides privacy at this point. It lets the light in, but does not allow people to see inside the house from the outside. The film can be ordered made to measure and easily applied.

Frosted glass film allows light into the room while protecting privacy

Another option for more light in the hallway are interior doors with glass. These can be all-glass doors or glass inserts in the doors. Similarly, skylights in the house are a way to get the light from the rooms to the interior of the house. Again, the use of frosted glass film can provide privacy.

Effect of large windows in living rooms

Floor-to-ceiling windows are popular in modern living spaces in new buildings. Especially large window fronts create a nice feeling of spaciousness in the room. However, attention must be paid to two points:

• How to heat
• Where storage space or floor space remains

Heating type

Usually, the radiators are located under the window. This was done to counteract the cold bridge and distribute the warm air in the room as much as possible. Now, if the windows in a room are floor-to-ceiling, underfloor heating is ideal. This distributes the warmth already ideally in the space alone by its structure. It also counteracts cold spots on the floor, which can certainly occur with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Footprint

If a room has floor-to-ceiling windows, think about the upcoming furniture. As beautiful as window fronts are, if there is a cabinet in front of them at the end, they look strange. For this reason, the window design and the room should think about the use and furnishings. Floor-to-ceiling windows are not always the ideal solution in small rooms. If floor space for furniture is difficult, high-set narrower windows, as in Scandinavian houses, can be an ideal source of light.

Ideal light sources in the kitchen

While floor-to-ceiling windows are nice at the dining area in an eat-in kitchen, it’s a different story with the windows directly at the countertops. There, on the one hand, a direct source of light is needed, but on the other hand, the floor space for the cabinets. For this reason, floor-to-ceiling windows in a kitchen are rarely the ideal solution. If the work surface is located opposite, the occupant stands in the light while cooking. If the work surfaces are placed in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, it is neither possible to ventilate well nor does the room really benefit from the floor-to-ceiling windows. For this reason, it makes sense to have smaller windows in a kitchen and light through skylights or narrower windows set higher again.

Tip: Higher set narrow windows allow good ventilation and let light into the kitchen

Large windows in children’s rooms

Children’s rooms benefit from brightness. At the same time, it must be remembered that a child plays intensively on the floor, especially during the first years of life. Whether it’s crawling, playing on a play rug or later concentrated building with Lego – a child spends a lot of time on the floor. Those who choose floor-to-ceiling windows in a child’s room must pay particular attention to insulation. Because while underfloor heating works effectively against the cold floor in winter, if the windows are not well insulated, the floor can get chilly even in summer.

Additional tip: Light wall colors reflect the light from the window and contribute to a pleasant atmosphere:

With age, a child may also feel disturbed by the openness of a floor-to-ceiling window. Better than pleated blinds or venetian blinds – which often do not suit the taste of a teenager, a frosted glass film fits here. It can be applied flexibly and protects against unwanted glances without the room having to be plunged into darkness.

Bathroom with daylight

In the bathroom, windows have several important functions. Windows provide the opportunity to ventilate the humid air from the room. They also provide daylight when looking in the mirror, which is often nicer than the very bright artificial lighting in the bathroom. To prevent unwanted views, higher windows are useful, especially on the first floor. On the one hand, a high light band lets the light in and offers the option of ventilation. In addition, bathrooms are often planned so small that lower-seated windows take away important floor space. Or the window sills at the end serves as a floor space and hereby the ventilation is more difficult.

Room size decisive

The size of the window must fit the size of the room. The windows should be freely accessible, so that in addition to light, they allow air into the four-walls. From too many gazes films safely protect the inhabitants of the house, without swallowing too much light. Living is always better with daylight in the premises.

Classic facilities are out

The bedroom has long since become more than just a place to sleep. It has become a popular retreat that we also like to use to simply switch off and get new thoughts. Perhaps this is the reason for the interesting furnishing trends of recent times. They range from luxurious minimalism to the rustic look of old factory spaces. More and more bedrooms are being designed with the look of decaying industrial buildings. The coarse charm of this reminiscence of old times exerts a special fascination on many people today. This is reflected in how sought-after former factory lofts are on the housing market.

Now in vogue: the style of old industrial spaces

The Industrial Style is a very expressive style of living that is finding more and more friends. Room-high mullioned windows, rustic ceiling beams and raw metal elements are its most striking visual features. There is no question that the furnishings for a complete bedroom in industrial style must be adapted to this.

Bare concrete, pallets instead of furniture & Co! There are no limits to the imagination

The typical workroom atmosphere nevertheless leaves plenty of room for your own design ideas. For example, you can set accents by removing the plaster from the wall in certain places and exposing the original clinker brickwork. The reverse method is also very effective: if you do almost completely without the plaster and only use it in exposed places, for example, to highlight a picture or a special work of art against this background:

It doesn’t necessarily have to be clinker. The look of bare concrete is also very popular at the moment. And instead of designer lamps, raw sockets with simple light bulbs make the original visual effect of the room perfect. Pallets as a substitute for classic furniture, for example for the bed, have long been a hit in the vintage scene. You can find even more inspiration for the factory loft look on Instagram.

Here are a few interior design ideas for a look in typical Industry Style:

• Room-high muntin windows
• Rustic ceiling beams
• Raw metal elements
• Bare concrete
• Pallets as a substitute for furniture
• Designer lamps with raw sockets

A creative retreat from the stress of the day

However, despite all the enthusiasm for the cool style from the industrial age, one should not forget that a bedroom must remain a place of tranquility. Therefore, one should take great care in choosing the design elements so as not to overshoot the mark. For instance, when choosing a bed and a mattress, one should completely leave aside the thought of a rustic look. After all, this is about sleeping comfort that allows you to regenerate physically and mentally, and other quality standards apply. This magazine article provides you with some tips on how to create an appealing and relaxed atmosphere for a cosy bedroom.

Above all, the atmosphere is important for a restful sleep

His conclusion: It is not only the visual design of a bedroom that shapes its atmosphere. Rather, all elements that could disturb sleep should stay outside. These include, among other things, light from the street, because it does not make the room properly dark, and the mobile phone, because it emits electromagnetic fields.

With this everything should be clear for restful nights in the new bedroom:

• Comfortable bed
• Pleasant furnishings
• Curtains in front of the window
• No electronic devices