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.

Launch of the TikTok Shop in Germany

FIV: When does TikTok expect to launch the TikTok Shop in Germany and what features can users expect?

Sina Kadir, Social Expert

Sina: Various sources report that the TikTok Shop will soon be available in Germany. The launch brings with it exciting features, such as the ability to buy products from creators and brands directly via the app. Particularly exciting is the “buy with one click” feature, which simplifies the purchasing process.

Advantages for companies and creators

FIV: What advantages will the TikTok Shop offer German companies and creators?

Sina: The TikTok Shop enables companies and content creators to present their products to a broad audience and strengthen the bond with the TikTok community. The “buy with one click” option makes shopping on TikTok easy and attractive for the target group.

FIV: How is the security of payment transactions in the TikTok Shop guaranteed?

Sina: The security of payment transactions is a top priority. TikTok uses encryption technologies and offers well-known payment methods to ensure the confidentiality of user data and the security of payments.

Effective use of the TikTok Shop

FIV: How can companies and content creators effectively use the TikTok Shop to market their products? Sina: The TikTok Shop can be used as a marketing tool to present products creatively via videos. Authentic and appealing videos arouse the interest of users, and the simple redirection to the product in the app simplifies the sales process.

Offers in the TikTok Shop

FIV: Who can offer products in the TikTok Shop – and are there restrictions for certain categories?

Sina: The store is open to (almost) all companies and brands, but there will probably be restrictions in certain product categories to ensure the quality and safety of the products on offer.

Advantages for companies

FIV: Are there any advantages for companies using the TikTok Shop?

Sina: TikTok plans to introduce special incentives and promotional opportunities for businesses using the TikTok Shop, such as promoting products in TikTok ads and promotions.

FIV: What does the integration of the TikTok Shop into the TikTok app look like? How are users made aware of products?

Sina: The TikTok Shop will be seamlessly integrated into the TikTok app, and users will be able to discover products in their feeds and in creator videos. Personalized recommendations based on users’ interests will suggest interesting products.

Store: This is what the TikTok Store looks like

FIV: What steps should companies and creators take to prepare for the launch of the TikTok Shop?

Sina: Companies and creators should create high-quality product images and videos, develop a clear product marketing strategy and adhere to the TikTok Shop Guidelines in order to be successful. Authentic and creative content is key.

FIV: Sina, thank you very much for the interview! How can interested parties find out more about possible strategies?

Sina: With pleasure. Anyone who would like to find out more is welcome to contact me directly. I would be happy to discuss possible strategies without obligation.

TikTok Shop: What you need to know

Sina Kadir, Social Expert

In this interview, we learned that the TikTok Shop is expected to be launched in Germany soon and will offer exciting features, including the ability to “buy with one click”. Companies and creators can benefit from this integration to promote their products to a wide audience and strengthen the bond with the TikTok community. The security of payment transactions is guaranteed and there are benefits for companies using the TikTok Shop. The integration of the store into the TikTok app promises a seamless experience for users. To prepare for the launch, companies should create high-quality content and develop a clear strategy.

Thanks to our TikTok marketing expert Sina for the interview!

The modern living room

A modern living room is characterized by clean lines, minimalist design and refined aesthetics. It is characterized by a successful combination of form and function and exudes a contemporary atmosphere. In a modern living room, you’ll often find pieces of furniture with sleek proportions, smooth surfaces and pared-down ornamentation. The color palette is often dominated by neutral tones that convey calm and elegance. Lighting plays an important role and is carefully selected to create a pleasant atmosphere. Technology is cleverly integrated to enhance comfort and entertainment in the living room.

Tips for furnishing, decoration and co.

A modern living room is a harmonious space that combines style, functionality and contemporary elements to create an appealing environment. How to do this, we now take a closer look.

Clean lines and minimalist design

As mentioned above, a modern living room is characterized by clean lines and minimalist design. In terms of furniture pieces, this means opting for simple shapes and straight lines rather than ornate or overly decorated designs. Choose couches, chairs and tables with clean contours and smooth surfaces. Avoid unnecessary details and ornamentation for an uncluttered and contemporary look. Less is often more, so be careful not to place too many pieces of furniture in the room and not to clutter the space.

For a modern living room applies: less is more

The clean lines and minimalist design allow the furniture pieces to unfold their effect and give the room a modern and timeless flair.

Classic, warm tones and colorful color accents

The color palette plays a crucial role in decorating a modern living room. A popular choice is a neutral base color such as gray, white, beige or taupe. These tones create a calm and timeless atmosphere and serve as a basis for the rest of the interior design. They make the living room look open and spacious.

These colors are particularly suitable:

• White
• Beige
• Gray
• Taupe

To make the color scheme more interesting and give the room personality, you can use bold color accents. Choose a single accent color like red, blue or yellow and use it sparingly in the form of pillows, curtains, rugs or decorative items. These accents provide a lively contrast to the neutral colors and create a fresh and dynamic look.

Muted tones and colorful accents create a modern look.

Wall mural for the living room: ideas

An accent wall can instantly add character and style to your living room. Use wallpaper, wall paints or wall coverings to highlight a wall and create interesting visual effects. Another option is to use a photo wallpaper. A photo wallpaper for the living room in 3D offers a versatile way to decorate the room with stunning images, landscapes or abstract designs. You can create an eye-catcher and give the room an individual touch.

The advantage of photo wallpapers is their flexibility. They can cover a whole wall or emphasize only a certain area, such as the area around the TV or the wall shelf. Photo wallpapers are relatively easy to apply and offer an instant change to the room. Choose a living room photo wallpaper that fits your personal style and the desired atmosphere of the room.

From smart TV to intelligent security system

A modern living room should be technologically up to date. A central element is a high-quality smart TV that offers an impressive visual experience. A smart sound system is also part of the setup of any modern living room. Incorporate speakers that can connect wirelessly to your TV or other devices to create room-filling sound. You can also invest in smart assistants like Amazon Echo or Google Home to control lighting, music, or other devices by voice command for an even more convenient living room experience.

Tip: Cleverly hide cables and electronic devices to ensure a tidy appearance

In addition to entertainment technology, you can also think about integrating smart home technologies. With smart thermostats, lighting systems and security solutions, you can control and monitor your living room and the entire living area in an innovative way.

• Smart TV
• Intelligent sound system
• Intelligent assistance
• Intelligent thermostats
• Lighting systems
• Security Solutions

Efficient storage systems for multifunctionality

Multifunctionality is a crucial feature of a modern living room. In today’s world, where living spaces are often limited, it is important to make the best use of the available space and meet different needs. By choosing pieces of furniture that can serve multiple functions, you create a flexible and adaptable living room. For example, an extendable dining table is a great way to use the space for social evenings with friends or family dinners. During the day, however, it can be kept in a more compact form to create more space for other activities. A sofa with a sleep function provides an extra place for guests to sleep without the need for an additional guest room.

When choosing multifunctional furniture, also think about the design and aesthetics. Make sure that the pieces of furniture fit well with the interior style of the living room and reflect the modern style. The combination of functionality and aesthetic design will allow you to create a living room that is not only practical, but also stylish.

Conclusion: In the twinkling of an eye to the modern living room

A modern living room provides a contemporary and appealing environment where you can relax, entertain and spend time with family and friends. It is a place that suits your lifestyle and needs while providing an aesthetic experience. Through proper design and selection of furniture, colors and technology, you can create a living room that is timeless yet embodies the spirit of modernity. Enjoy the beauty and comfort of a modern living room and make it a place you love to call home.

Bedroom cozy furnishings: Here’s how

A comfortably furnished bedroom is of great importance. A pleasant and inviting atmosphere in the bedroom can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality and increase overall well-being. But what is important when furnishing the bedroom?

A soothing color choice: Soft basic tones

The choice of colors for your bedroom is a crucial aspect of its design. Calming and soft shades such as pastel blue, soft green or warm beige tones create a relaxing atmosphere. Avoid bold and intrusive colors, as they can affect the quality of sleep. Also experiment with different color combinations to give your bedroom a personal touch.

These are the best colors for the bedroom:

• Pastel blue
• Delicate green
• Warm beige tones

Cozy furniture and efficient storage solutions

The bed is undoubtedly the most important piece of furniture in the bedroom. Invest in a quality mattress and comfortable bedding to promote a restful night’s sleep. Choose a headboard upholstery that matches the style of your bedroom. You can decorate the bed with cozy pillows and a warm blanket to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

If the room offers enough space, a small seating area in the bedroom can be a nice addition. A comfortable armchair or chaise longue invites you to read, relax or meditate. Place a small side table and a reading lamp to create a cozy corner where you can switch off. Since a tidy bedroom contributes to a relaxed mind, you can also use smart storage solutions to keep your personal items neatly organized.

Tip: A cozy seating area invites you to read and relax before bedtime

In addition to a cozy interior, it also depends on the right decoration.

Decoration: colorful accents and personal accessories

Stickers for bedrooms, atmospheric lamps & Co. – Through clever decoration ideas you can give your bedroom a personal touch and create an atmosphere of peace and coziness. From strategic lighting to personal accessories, there are many ways to beautify the bedroom and make it an inviting space of relaxation.

Wall sticker for bedroom as accent

Bedroom wall stickers are a great way to add a personal touch to a room without having to make permanent changes. There are a variety of wall stickers available in different designs, patterns and sizes that are easy to apply and remove. Choose a wall you want to highlight and place an eye-catching wall sticker there for your bedroom. Whether it’s an inspirational quote, a nature motif or abstract patterns, wall stickers can beautify the room in a creative and playful way and create an individual atmosphere.

Atmospheric and well-designed lighting

Well-designed lighting can significantly affect the ambience in the bedroom. Use a combination of dimmable ceiling lights, bedside lamps and indirect lighting to create a pleasant and moody atmosphere. You can also experiment with different lampshades to add a touch of personality.

This is what you should pay attention to in terms of lighting in the bedroom:

• Dimmable ceiling lights adjust the brightness in the room
• Indirect light creates a moody atmosphere
• Bedside lamps and wall sconces serve as decorative light sources
• Strategically placed mirrors reflect as light
• Curtains and blinds regulate daylight

Natural elements and personal touches

Incorporating natural elements into bedroom design can have a calming effect. Plants are a great way to bring freshness and life to the room. Choose low-maintenance plants like a houseplant or succulents to create a relaxing atmosphere. Wooden furniture and accessories will give the room a natural and organic aesthetic.

Finally, add personal touches to the bedroom that reflect your personality. Hang artistic wall art, place family photos on the nightstand, or display mementos on a dresser. Individual elements create a familiar atmosphere and make the room a retreat that’s all yours.

Tip: Bedroom as a technology-free zone

Also, to promote restful sleep, make your bedroom a technology-free zone. Avoid using televisions, computers or smartphones in the bedroom. Instead, you can use an analog alarm clock and read a book as a bedtime ritual. This helps to calm the mind and create a relaxing sleep environment.

Inspiration: Furnishing styles, better sleep & Co.

In what color should the wall be painted? Where should the bed be placed? And how can you improve the quality of your sleep? Find out here which color accents are best suited for the bedroom and how Feng Shui can contribute to a restful sleep.

Feng Shui for the bedroom: harmony between the elements

What should you pay attention to the position and orientation of the bed in the bedroom? And what colors, shapes and materials are best suited for the bedroom? Feng Shui as a style of furnishing is about creating a harmonious balance between the elements and at the same time taking into account the desired effect on people. Find out how to decorate your bedroom in Feng Shui style here.

Setting individual accents with trend colors

The choice of color has an enormous impact on the atmosphere and mood of a room. Through targeted color selection, you can visually change a room and achieve different effects. How you can set clever accents through different colors, that and more you will learn in this video.

5 tricks for restful sleep

Quality sleep affects many aspects of our well-being, including our cognitive function, mood, immune function and ability to manage stress. Galileo has tested the latest gadget for a more restful sleep.

New chapter in life: Jolina’s emigration to Mallorca

FIV: Hello Jolina, we are glad that it worked out with the interview today. You have a lot going on right now, because you just emigrated to Mallorca with your boyfriend. How are you doing at the moment and have you been able to settle in a bit in your new home in this short time?

Jolina: Hello, thank you very much for the nice interview. I’m really doing very very well at the moment, the last few months have been very intense and exhausting due to all the planning with the emigration. Of course, this must be well thought out and considered. A few days ago, our things from Germany have arrived in Mallorca and it is getting more and more comfortable in our new home. Therefore, we are now settling in faster and faster and it is becoming more and more beautiful.

That’s why Jolina and her boyfriend moved to Mallorca!

FIV: Has emigrating always been a dream of yours and what inspired you to do so?

Jolina: If someone had asked me a few years ago if I could imagine living somewhere else than in Hamburg, I would probably have answered no. When I met and fell in love with my boyfriend Dominik Bruntner about 2 1/2 years ago, I moved to Stuttgart after a 3-month relationship with him. Since we both have the same job and have always been on the road a lot, we thought about emigrating more intensively and finally decided to take this step. Thanks to our job, we can work from anywhere and we wanted to take advantage of this opportunity.

In Mallorca the model has found her new home

FIV: You currently live in Mallorca, could you imagine living in another country for a while? Apart from Mallorca, which place would be particularly appealing to you?

Jolina: As a model, I have been to many countries, even for a few months at a time. I think we found our home in Mallorca. But for modeling I would go again for several months in another country. But only together with my boyfriend. Which is of course also possible, since we both work as models. We have some countries in mind in which we would like to spend a longer time, if the opportunity arises.

This is how the model furnishes her new home!

FIV: Of course, you have to completely refurnish your home in Mallorca. Do you have any tips for our readers on what to look out for so that the interior design looks cozy and harmonious?

Jolina: I like it bright with subtle colors. I stay in the beige and pink tones. Beautiful green plants also belong for me in every room.

GNTM Highlight: Entry into the final!

FIV: You now work successfuly as a model and are active in social media. However, many still know you from the 9th season of GNTM. Which experiences from your GNTM do you still remember fondly today?

Jolina: I generally remember my GNTM time super fondly, it simply remains unforgettable. I can still remember the pick-up quite clearly. Thomas Hayo suddenly stood in the classroom and told me I was in, pack your bags and off to Berlin. But the best experience is definitely my entry into the final and of course the final itself. Even though I only came second in the end and didn’t win the show, the whole project was simply wonderful and unforgettable. I still drive my Opel Adam, which I won in the show, and I like to think back to that time.

Jolina’s tips for aspiring models

FIV: Soon the new season of GNTM will start, what tips do you have for the aspiring candidates?

Jolina: Just stay the way you are. Don’t pretend and concentrate on the essentials. Quarrels have no place on the set.

FIV: As a successful model, what would you say are 5 qualities you need for a successful modeling career?

• Definitely self-confidence.
• Self-employment.
• You have to be able to deal with criticism, being a model is not always easy.
• Don’t be afraid of change, you’re often thrown in at the deep end and need to know how to handle the situation.
• Discipline. Your body is your capital, so must be very careful about it.

This is what the model has planned for 2022!

FIV: Finally, a short look into the future, we are curious what you have planned in the near future: Do you have big plans like a move or something similar or is there something special coming up? Give us a little teaser of what your fans and followers can look forward to in the near future!

Jolina: I won’t be moving again so quickly. But there are some cool projects coming up in the new year, but I don’t want to give too much away yet. Stay tuned and be curious.

More about Germany’s Next Topmodel

Did you like the interview with Jolina? Then read more interviews with former GNTM contestants here.

Romy Wolf: GNTM participation, The Voice of Germany & future

We met the ex-GNTM contestant Romy Wolf for an interview. Romy told us a lot about her life after Germany’s Next Topmodel. You’ll find out in this interview what Romy thinks about the pressure on social media and she gives tips on how to best deal with it. Romy also talks about her participation in The Voice of Germany and her passion for music.

• Romy Wolf in interview

Elena Kilb Interview: Model career, current projects and GNTM

The young model has been successful as a model for over 5 years. In addition, Elena has participated in a beauty contest at the age of 18. She then won the election for Miss Southern Germany and then participated in the 11th season of Germany’s Next Topmodel. In this interview Elena explains how to become successful as a model, her next travel destination and what projects are coming up.

• Elena Kilb in interview

Installing WordPress: Step by step guide

In the first part you will see how to download your WordPress, with an FTP program, play on your own web space. In addition, a MySQL database is created, here all information will be stored later. Both steps you have to do only once at the beginning.

Once download, FTP and MySQL are done, you can install WordPress. After that, the system is ready to set up.

Explainer Video: Install WordPress

How to install WordPress:

• Archive Download
• Set up FTP users
• FTP tool and WP transfer
• Create MySQL database
• Installation
• Connect database and WP

• Filezilla Download FTP Program

WordPress setup

After installing WordPress, you need to finish setting up the system. In the video you will learn the first, important 5 steps. This includes the permalinks, for your search engine optimization and beautiful URL, the page title but also your home page and your blogroll. Finally, you create your first, own main menu. Your site is already built from the ground up and you can already start working.

What is a beautiful permalink?

WordPress itself would select the following link for this article:

https://fivmagazine.com/2021/05/sample-post/

This we change, through the settings in the permalinks to:

https://fivmagazine.com/sample-post/

Explainer Video: Set up WordPress

The five basic settings at a glance:

• Set permalinks
• Assign page title
• Home page and blog
• Logo of your site
• Create main menu

Buy and install theme

With a theme you make your WordPress site more “beautiful” and functional. Often it is also called template or design template. With such a theme you can change the design of your site in a few steps. How to install such a theme, you learn in this video. As you can see in video 1, you will need an FTP program. Alternatively, you can upload your ZIP archive in the WordPress back-end.

After the upload follows the activation and your first settings.

Explainer video: Install Theme

That’s what the next video is about:

• Install Theme
• Download (example: Themeforest.net)
• FTP transfer
• Activation in WordPress
• First settings

Expansion to e-commerce & Co.

After learning WordPress installation, setting up WordPress, and already having a little insight into using themes, you’ll get to the possible expansion of WordPress as a system in Part 4.

The content management system is extensible through a variety of plugins. A large part of these extensions is even free of charge. Especially for self-employed and young companies a great benefit. You can e.g. make an e-commerce out of your WordPress in no time. So you have your own online shop, right at the beginning of self-employment. Theoretically, you can learn all the basics in 24 hours!

You can get a small insight into the multitude of variations in this explanatory video.

Explainer video: Expansion to e-commerce & Co.

The contents of the video:

• Blog
• Corporate website
• Online shop
• Landing page
• Multilingual
• …

System: pages, posts, category and URL

Now that you’ve gotten to know WordPress a little better, it’s about the basic functions in the active work. In the search engine optimization, however, it also depends very fundamentally on many, individual aspects. Roughly it is about:

To do content marketing you need good content. When you first take a look at WordPress, many questions naturally arise.

Important to mention are pages, or in the English system “Pages”. Times you must for all static content, eg your home page, contact page, privacy but also your imprint.

Posts are used for your daily content. E.g. news, new products but also typical SEO texts.

You should use categories sparingly and use as few as possible, but as many as necessary. As a rough rule of thumb, five to ten categories are perfectly adequate.

Last but not least, let’s take a look at the URL. It is important for the search engine optimization of your site, so that you can be found. You can find more tips on the URL of your page in the original article WordPress and SEO Tips on Social Media One.

Explainer video: Pages, posts, category and URL

In the video “System: Pages, Posts, Category and URL” you will learn:

• Page
• Mail
• Category
• URL

SEO: Search engine optimization for Google

You want to learn more about search engine optimization? Through SEO you can bring your page on Google far to the front. The higher your page is ranked in the search results, the more people would click on you. Whether you want to become a real estate agent, tax accountant, and open your own online fashion store or even yoga classes in your city. With search engine optimization you can attract new customers! You want to learn how to do it? Read the second part about becoming self-employed on the internet here:

• Part 2: Writing SEO texts

More WordPress and SEO Tips!

These and other great videos about becoming self-employed, making money on the internet, search engine optimization but also digital marketing can be found not only in the original article WordPress and SEO tips but also on the YouTube channel of Lukinski. Don’t miss a new tutorial and follow Lukinski on YouTube!

We also have some other interesting articles for founders here:

• Develop business idea
• Establish a company: Legal Forms
• Tax accountant near you: Tips
• Doing your taxes: Videos

Furnish: Tips & ideas for living room, kitchen, garden & Co.

It doesn’t matter whether your home offers a lot of space or not: With the right furnishings, you can influence the ambience and effect of a room immensely. Regularly redecorating a room or even the whole apartment can also have a big impact and bring a breath of fresh air into your life. Many people now even consider furnishing and decorating rooms as a hobby. How you can redesign and redecorate rooms such as living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms or children’s rooms, or even your garden, we tell you in the respective posts to the individual rooms. Let yourself be inspired and start your new design project!

Tip. Also check out our guide to interior design styles! Furnishings in country style, shabby chic, industrial and much more: Furnishing styles.

Also interesting: All luxury brands for the perfect interior from A-Z can be found in our comprehensive article Interior Brands XXL!

Bathroom furnishings: Furniture, Deco & Co.

For many people, a bathroom is a retreat where you have intimate time just for yourself. Whether it’s a beauty day with masks and manicures, or a completely relaxing time-out in the bathtub: the bathroom is an important place in every house and apartment. The space conditions can be very different: a lot or little area, roof slopes or not, windows with daylight or inside. A bathroom has many different requirements, but a lot can be achieved with all of them. Find out here how you can pimp your bathroom with the right bathroom furniture and accessories and design it according to your wishes.

• Bathroom furnishings

Office Furnishings: Desk, office chair, storage and more

The office should be a place to feel comfortable and work. The key to success is often a pleasant atmosphere at the workplace. It is important to create a positive working atmosphere so that you can always pursue your work with motivation and achieve success. Starting with the choice of the right room, through ergonomic working conditions of desk and office chair to the choice of the right room plants, we explain to you in the following article all the important aspects that need to be considered in office design. Successful working!

• Office furnishings

Dining Room Furnishings: Furniture and the right lighting

The dining room is next to the living room the center of the gathering in the apartment and the place where you and your guests relaxed evenings in convivial round spends. But what do you need in your dining room? Furniture, table, decoration, floor, lighting? How do you turn your dining room into a place of absolute well-being? With the help of our tips and tricks, you can find the right furniture such as benches, but also the right tiles, carpets or flooring for your small or large dining room!

• Dining room furnishings

Create & Design a Garden: Tips, planning and much more

The garden is a unique retreat and provides a direct connection to nature for many people in their own homes. Whether it’s relaxing candlelit nights with a glass of wine under the stars, or a barbecue with friends, a garden promises to be the site of many, great memories. But only if you feel comfortable there. Otherwise, the garden is quickly shunned and becomes an unpleasant thing that, above all, makes work. We’ll tell you how to get around this, find the right garden furniture and design your dream garden.

• Garden design

Furnish a child’s room: Design ideas, pictures & co.

You’re expecting a baby or your child wants a new room. Or your best friend is expecting a child and you want to help her prepare the nursery with advice and support? As a parent and also as a close family member, you naturally want to set up the very best room for your child that you can imagine. Not only so that the offspring feels comfortable, but above all because you yourself will spend a lot of time in the children’s room and can make life a little easier for yourself with a few little tricks. We’ll tell you what they are here.

• Furnish children’s room

Dressing Room Furnishings: Plan your dressing room

Who doesn’t know it? Your wardrobe is bursting at the seams. The amount of pants, dresses, shirts and shoes don’t fit in the front and back of your closet. There just isn’t enough room to store each of your beloved pieces. So there’s only one thing to do: sort it out, right? No! We’ll show you how to easily create your own walk-in wardrobe, incorporating places like sloping ceilings. We’ll also show you the pros and cons of each option and explain how you can create your own individual wardrobe so that all your precious treasures can finally find a place!

• Furnish or build a wardrobe

Kitchen Decorating: Ideas for cooking island, worktops and more

You want to buy your dream kitchen, maybe you already have some ideas in mind and want to implement them now? Then you’ve come to the right place. In this article you will learn everything you need to know about an exclusive and stylish kitchen. Create a place that is not only for cooking, but also for being together. Use modern materials for your worktop and kitchen fittings, and turn cooking into an experience with a customised kitchen island. From hoods to faucets, you’ll find the most important info and best inspiration here. Start planning your modern dream kitchen and fulfil your wishes.

• Kitchen furnishings

Bedroom furnishings: Beds, wardrobes and decoration

Do you dream of a bedroom that invites you to dream both at night and during the day? A stylishly designed bedroom with the right ambience can allow you to get your beauty sleep and at the same time act as a retreat and haven of peace during the day. Maybe even invite you to daydream. The following article will show you how to adapt your bedroom to your aesthetic ideas, which pieces of furniture you should include a lot of planning and research for, and what else there is to consider when designing your bedroom. A room that should not only invite you to dream at night!

• Bedroom furnishings

Terrace design: Roofing & Co. – the perfect terrace

The terrace is a very special place in your home. It is your personal retreat and your oasis of well-being. When the first warm days arrive in spring, you will be very happy to find a comfortably designed terrace with exclusive furniture. In this article you will learn everything you need to know about terraces. How you should plan and design it, which privacy screen is best or which roofing is recommended. The floor should also be chosen carefully. Whether slabs, planks, tiles or WPC. We have collected the most important facts for you. The absolute it-piece would of course be a roof terrace. If you have the possibility on your roof, you can build an exclusive place for relaxing days and exciting nights.

• Design terrace

Living room furnishings: Furniture, Deco & Tips

For many people and families, the living room is, next to the kitchen, the most important place in the whole house or apartment. Here you meet, spend time together with friends or alone on the couch. Accordingly, the living room should also be a room where everyone likes to spend time. To create this, there are many tips and tricks to create a harmonious and cozy ambience with the right decoration, the right furniture such as sofas and armchairs and the ideal wall color. How you can furnish your new living room or simply redesign it, you will learn in this article. We show you what you should pay attention to when furnishing and redesigning and want to inspire you. Take a look and create the living room of your dreams!

• Furnish living room

Tip: Guide to furnishings and designer furniture brands

Tip. Are you interested in furniture and interior design? Then check out our guide to interior design, where you’ll find the most popular and luxurious furniture brands and interior designs, from Fendi Casa to Maison Valentina and Boca do Lobo to Gucci Décor and many more! We present you the 30+ hottest labels that produce and/ or sell exclusive furniture and decoration. Find the ideal it-piece for your apartment or house among the large selection!

• Furnishing: Brands & Designers – Luxury Class Furniture

Armchairs: choices – massage armchair, lounge armchair, wing chair & co.

If you are planning to buy an armchair, you should consider more things than you might think at first. An armchair should be functional on the one hand and look good on the other. It is the piece of furniture on which you rest after a hard day and perhaps read a book by the fireplace. Therefore, it should be comfortable above all. Despite this, the armchair must match your interior and complement it ideally. Therefore, you must also plan and consider this. So decide what you want to use the armchair for, choose the right model and see where it can stand.

Classics: wing chairs, club chairs, massage chairs & Co.

Over the past centuries, many different armchairs have been designed in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Nevertheless, there are some models that have managed to establish themselves and are therefore true armchair classics. For example, there is the wing chair, which originally had no ears and was found in front of British fireplaces. The club chair was also designed in England at the beginning of the 1930s and was found in English gentlemen’s clubs. After that, several successors were created, such as the cocktail chair. The last classic is the relax armchair. This is the most comfortable of the armchair types and is in most cases equipped with a rocking mechanism and an additional stool.

Function of your armchair: to relax, as decoration or both?

You should also clarify what you want to use your chair for and what purpose it should serve. For example, do you want to complement a sofa corner or should it rather serve as a decorative item in the dressing room? Depending on the use, you can decide on the appropriate form. If you prefer a TV armchair, an additional stool could be an advantage to put your feet up. A cocktail chair, for example, would be ideal as a decorative item.

Selection: What does your armchair need to go with? Choose the ideal chair for your interior

In most cases, armchairs are bought as part of a sofa group or as an addition to the existing interior design. Therefore, you should consider in advance how it should look and what it should match. Do you want to buy it to match existing furniture in the same style? Or do you dare to mix styles? Often this mix is an interesting eye-catcher in your living room. As soon as you have clarified this question for yourself, you should start your search. Ask yourself where the armchair should stand, how big it should be and measure the space in advance. Also make sure that it has a nice backrest, if it should stand freely in the room.

Wing chair: The classic with a lot of history

Wing chairs are something very special and have an interesting history behind them. Originally, this type of armchair was found in front of the English fireplaces and then the form has evolved somewhat. The “ears” of wing chairs provide peace, relaxation and, above all, a feeling of security. They should protect against draughty rooms, so that one can sit down relaxed in front of the fireplace in the living room. Meanwhile there are many different models of this classic armchair. From classic to modern to massive. You have a lot of choice. Here you can learn everything about the history of this special armchair and which designs are available today.

Origin: protection from the cold and security by the fireplace

As you have already learned, the wing chair was designed in England to give people protection from drafts and high heat from the fire. However, only the wealthier society had the financial means to buy such a beautiful and useful piece of furniture, which is why the wing chair was not yet known worldwide. This changed when the famous “Chesterfield” model was designed by a Scottish architect for the lord of the same name around 1770. This model managed to become unique and famous due to its thick and robust upholstery, high-quality leather and button stitching.

Designs: Chesterfield, Egg Chair, Toa & Co.

In the meantime, there is a wide range of wing chair models. Of course, the “Chesterfield” is and remains the classic, but nowadays you are offered a wide selection. For example, there is the “Egg Chair”, which was designed in 1958 and is now also considered a living classic. The chair is shaped like an egg and combines modern elements with a lot of cosiness. Another variation is the “Toa” wing chair. This model comes from France and resembles an oversized cushion. It looks newer and more modern than the classic versions and is therefore very popular. Last but not least is the retro model “Archi”. It was first designed in the 50’s, but in 2009 it was renewed and remade. The upholstery of this model is inspired by the automotive industry.

Materials: covers of the wing chair – leather, fur, cotton or velvet?

The classic cover of a wing chair is leather, as this material is very robust and has many advantages. Especially in everyday life, the insensitive fabric is an advantage. A tipped glass, wine or coffee stains can not harm leather. Wipe it once and the stain is gone. And if you do find a major blemish, it’s not a bad thing, but rather tells a story and gives your piece of furniture character. If you are not a fan of leather and prefer a different type of fabric, you will also find what you are looking for. Meanwhile, you are offered a wide range of fabric covers such as velvet or lambskin.

Club armchairs: Lounge chairs from English stately homes for the living room

In the past, the club chair was only found in English gentlemen’s clubs. With its high-quality leather, high armrests and voluminous upholstery, it fitted perfectly into the premises and was perfect for gentlemen’s clubs. Fortunately, it has also graced ordinary living rooms since the early 1930s and has become a true classic over the years. The club chair is as well known as it has ever been. It is suitable for almost any interior and is versatile. That is why this model is so popular.

Designs: From the Gentleman’s Club into the Living Room

In the earlier gentleman’s clubs, the club armchair was an important part of the high-quality furniture. The leather-covered and comfortable armchair with the clear forms served especially for long conversations at the fireplace and was known for it. With time it served not only the gentlemen but was also found in hotel lobbies and elegant waiting areas. After a few years it became known all over Europe and was used more and more in France. With the industrial furniture production, the club chair lost the charm of its original model in the course of the 50’s and resembled more and more the slimmer cocktail chair. Nowadays, however, the club chair is making a comeback and can be found more and more often in its classic form.

Material & cover of the club chair: Classic leather with a lot of character

The classic cover of a club chair is undyed and untreated leather from cattle or sheep. The advantage of this is that it is only colour-matched when the chair is ready and gains more and more character over the years. Small damages like cracks or stains tell a story on the high quality leather, which makes the club chair so unique. It is very durable and usually only needs to be refurbished after a few decades. The classic colour variations are cognac tones, dark baron or even black. In the middle of the 30’s a fur as a cover has also established itself. Nowadays, however, you can also find the club chair with fabric covers. However, leather remains the classic.

Club chair furnishings: elegant surroundings or mix with modern elements

The club armchair is ideal for elegant surroundings and furnishings. Fine woods and stylish tables are a perfect partner for this type of armchair. It is also recommended to place a light source next to the piece of furniture, so that you can spend relaxing evenings with the appropriate reading. Likewise, the house bar should not be too far away. This would perfectly reflect the gentlemen’s club charm and thus reminds us of the history of this classic armchair. Nowadays, the club chair can be found more and more often in rooms with modern furnishings. It provides a pleasant place in exciting interiors and has a harmonious effect on the mood.

Unusual armchairs: massage armchair, hanging armchair or futuristic?

Besides the classic armchair models that you have already seen, there are many other types that you may like. In the armchair industry, it is becoming more and more modern, fancy and comfortable. However, besides these aspects, aesthetics plays a big role. Often, armchairs are more of a decorative piece in home furnishings. Here we present you three newer variants of armchairs. Maybe you will like one of them and soon you will find it in your four walls.

Relax armchair: relax with massage functions

The Relax armchair is, as the name suggests, an armchair for relaxing. When you come home in the evening from a long day, this model is ideal to put your feet up. In many cases, you can lean back in the recliner and thus change the angle of inclination of the model. You can now put your feet up on the additional stool. If you want even more relaxation, you can also invest in a recliner with a massage function. This usually has massage balls built into the neck, back and often also the calves, which can be adjusted by remote control. So make yourself comfortable and relax a little.

Hanging chair: The rocking chair for indoors and outdoors

The hanging chair is a very special model. It is usually suspended on a rope or in a frame and the seat has no contact with the ground. Due to the gentle swinging and rocking movements, this model is ideal for relaxing and unwinding. The material of the body is in most cases rattan, loom or a robust plastic mesh. Therefore, the hanging chair is suitable not only for indoors, but also for outdoors on the terrace or in the garden. It is immune to sun rays and rain and is easy to clean. Spend either relaxing afternoons in the sun or quiet evenings reading in your hanging chair.

Futuristic armchairs: finger, shoe or throne armchair – Use the eye-catcher

In addition to the relax chair and the hanging chair, there are also some even more unusual and crazy armchairs, which stand out mainly by their shape and design. Whether finger chair, shoe chair, throne chair, retro chair or one made of gold or silver. The selection of futuristic furniture is extremely large and you can choose your dream chair. Invest in an eye-catcher in your living space and make it special. There’s plenty of choice when it comes to crazy designs, and if a classic wingback or club chair is too basic for you, you’ll find the perfect piece of furniture for you here.

Armchairs from the luxury brands: Edra Interior, Wittmann and Rolf Benz

Are you a fan of luxury brands and their furniture collections? You love the elegance, extravagance and uniqueness of these brands? Then you’re sure to find the right furniture for your living space in our guide to furnishings , brands and designers. Let yourself be inspired by the extravagance and invest in your designer furniture. We present you here a few chair collections of the brands, which might fit ideally into your room.

Edra Interior: unusual design with high quality

Edra Interior stands for fancy and unusual designs, which are an eye-catcher in every room. Also with the armchairs this intention has not stopped. One of the most famous models of this luxury brand is the “Ester” armchair. It is made of high quality acrylic and drawn from polycarbonate cables. The armchair is of high quality and promises a lot of stability due to the special technology. You can combine it with modern or antique furniture.

Wittmann’s Spanish collection: Vuelta

The armchair collection from Wittmann is particularly versatile and you have a wide choice. The collection name is Vuelta, which means twist or turn and is derived from the Spanish. The designs are mostly created from round shapes and are reminiscent of twists and turns. The classic armchair at Wittmann is the “Aura”. It fits perfectly with the Wittmann brand and was designed accordingly.

Rolf Benz: Cult armchair “594” – perfect minimalism in your living room

The pieces of furniture by Rolf Benz are particularly comfortable and offer an extraordinary design. This company is particularly focused on minimalism, so that the armchairs can be ideally integrated into your room design. The cult armchair is the “Rolf Benz 594”. Only high-quality materials such as fabric and leather are used and you have the choice between many different color and pattern techniques.

• Rolf Benz 594 in fabric: from 1.738,- Euro
• Rolf Benz 594 in leather: from 2.200,- Euro

Shabby Chic: furniture, decoration and tips – romance at home

Shabby chic is not much different from vintage/retro or country style. Here, the focus is on old furniture that is repainted or new furniture that is trimmed to look old. Real wood furniture, which can be given a new coat of paint, is particularly suitable for this.

Why add quirks to new furniture? If you want to implement Shabby Chic in your interior design, that’s exactly what you need to do. Because the wear and tear of the furniture, i.e. the used look, is exactly what gives Shabby Chic its charm.

Where does Shabby Chic come from: Origin of the romantic interior style

The Shabby Chic style originated in the 1980s in the UK and was used to revive the flair and charm of old country homes. Restoring old furniture or downcycling mint condition furniture was a great way to avoid having to purchase expensive Victorian style furniture.

Through the English stylist Rachel Ashwell, the style got more attention. In California, she opened a store that specialized in flea market items. While dealing with the original flea market items, she founded the brand Shabby Chic. Her brand makes furniture and accessories herself and pursues the ideal: projecting the aesthetic of a pair of jeans onto furniture.

Most important pieces in a Shabby Chic interior according to interior designer Rachel Ashwell:

• Chandelier: it looks romantic and glamorous at the same time
• Pastel coloured vintage sofa with cosy cushions
• Fresh cut flowers: immediately bring something alive into any room

Materials and colours: cream tones, pastel colours & natural materials

As with the Scandinavian or country house style, here too much revolves around nude tones. Strong or flashy colors do not find their way into a Shabby Chic interior. White, beige, light grey or pastel tones are what you need to bring the Shabby style home. To give your home that glamorous touch, combine the soft colours with decorations in silver tones, with crystals or sequins.

Natural materials are especially important for Shabby Chic. For example, you can sand down old real wood furniture and give them a new color. New wooden furniture can be further trimmed next to the vintage furniture, specifically to the used look. In addition to wooden furniture, materials such as leather or linen, which already show signs of wear, are also popular. In order to preserve the tradition of Shabby Chic, a lot of value is placed on materials that have been produced by craftsmanship. Here we are talking about materials such as lace, crochet, knitted, etc..

Implementation: Shabby chic furnishings – heirlooms, flea markets, upcycling & Co.

When you talk about Shabby Chic, you’re talking about attention to detail. In every corner you can find cute, handmade parts that make up the Shabby Chic. In a Shabby Chic interior, there is usually a lot of work, because the people who want to decorate their home in this style, usually put a lot of emphasis on DIY or handmade things.

A typical piece of furniture in Shabby Chic is a chest of drawers, which is in country style and made of real wood. This chest of drawers is then first thoroughly sanded and then painted in the appropriate color. Here you then choose white, cream tones or powdery soft pastel tones. The paint doesn’t have to be perfectly applied either, it’s exactly the imperfect that makes the style, as it’s all about the beauty of the imperfect. After the paint has dried, you can decide whether to leave the furniture as it is or add a few artificial quirks to make it look as if it has been around for decades.

Wallpapers & patterns: Traditional patterns in delicate pastel & cream tones

Can the pattern you use tell a story or do you associate something traditional with the pattern? If yes, then you have chosen exactly the right pattern for Shabby Chic. With Shabby Chic it is always important that something can tell a story and that they remind of the interior design of yesteryear. Especially “cute” and feminine motifs and patterns are popular in Shabby Chic. So dots, floral wallpaper, but also checks and stripes fit perfectly into a Shabby Chic interior.

Not only the typical patterned wallpapers fit to Shabby Chic, but also oriental patterns that embody a lot of tradition, such as paisley patterns or Persian rugs in vintage style. The controversial oriental patterns ensure that the interior is loosened up a little. The only important thing is that the patterns all match in terms of color. So they should all be in Aude or pastel tones to fit the overall concept.

Furnish a room: Living room & bedroom – Shabby Chic design

To furnish the apartment in Shabby Chic you need a good sense of vintage and the style of times gone by. The mixture of old lovers’ pieces and new, romantic furniture is especially important. The interior must create a harmonious interplay and should not look restless, but cozy and romantic. You should feel as if you are in the footsteps of the 19th and early 20th century. The interior should be reminiscent of the interior of a dreamy country house, as you know it from the stories.

Living room: Dreamy with embroidered cushions, sofas & pastel tones

Here again, the classic colors of Shabby Chic are taken up. A couch in cream or delicate pastel shades fits perfectly into the interior of the living room in Shabby Chic style. With the sofa, however, it is not so important whether traces of use can be seen. The part will take over other components in the living room. On the sofa you should put pillows in pastel shades or with print (see the typical patterns listed above) – as you can see in the picture.

You can also gladly add a cotton blanket. The interplay of the sofa with cushions in powdery pastel colors and cozy blanket, creates a romantic and feminine image. Add to this a living room table, which should preferably be in a typical Shabby Chic look. So a wooden or metal table with traces of use. On the table you should arrange beautiful decorations. Flowers with a beautiful vase in a matching look, or decoration with pearls or natural materials are always welcome. A country cabinet or a chest of drawers in Shabby Chic look is also essential for a living room with Shabby Chic flair.

Special accents are set with a chandelier, which embodies the “chic” component in Shabby Chic and brings splendor into the interior. In addition to a chandelier as an eye-catcher, a Persian rug or a carpet with a matching, romantic pattern provides the right look.

Bedroom: wooden bed, with flounce bedding, lamp & candlelight

Sleep like a 19th century estate owner. This is exactly how one imagines the magnificent sleeping quarters of past times. To be able to sleep in such a bedroom yourself, you don’t need a lot of hand movements but only the right feeling for a Shabby Chic interior.

A wooden bed that exudes warmth and, in the best case scenario, has cute patterns or details is just the thing. You have 2 options:

• Buy a wooden bed made of real wood and paint it in the color you want and trim it to old (usually the cheaper option).
• Or buy a new bed, which is already in Shabby Chic look, but could be high priced

Besides the bed, accessories are especially important. Again, a chandelier is suitable for the right atmosphere. In combination with candlelight you achieve the romantic flair in the bedroom. An imposing top bed with sweet details is also important, as this is exactly what you used to find in the bedrooms of well-heeled people. A vintage look rug is not only important in the living room but also m bedroom. This not only ensures that you do not get cold feet, but also brings the right flair in the room. If you now add matching pictures, flowers and candles, you have the perfect bedroom in Shabby Chic look.

Dining room: Dining with Shabby Chic flair with vintage table and chairs

Besides the living room and the bedroom, the dining room is also an important room in a Shabby Chic interior. Here you come together with the whole family and enjoy a good dinner or play games. Therefore, it is also particularly important to stay true to the style in the dining room.

The dining table should be a classic dining table in shabby chic, so made of wood or metal and traces of use. The legs of the dining table can be squiggly, because that’s what gives the whole thing a romantic flair. The chairs should be typical vintage chairs: either completely made of wood, with a woven seat or a mixture of fabric and wood. Again, traces of use on the wood are welcome, which give the whole the Shabby Chic look.

If you now also place matching flowers in pastel or cream tones on the table and add a few small accessories, such as candles, you have a dining room in the trendy Shabby Chic look.

Decoration with romance: lace cushions, crystals, chandeliers & Co.

Especially a matching decoration is important when you talk about Shabby Chic. A lot of attention to detail is required here and each decoration gives the interior in Shabby Chic, its very own, playful and romantic charm. A great emphasis is placed on natural materials, as the interior should be reminiscent of a country house from the 19th and early 20th century. That’s why they decorate a lot with flowers and pastel tones or cream colours. In the past, everything was handmade, so lace or crocheted decorations are a must. Self-blown glass flower vases are also a real eye-catcher in the interior.

To consider the chic in shabby, a lot of emphasis is placed on pomp and elegance in addition to homemade decoration. This can be achieved by putting in chandeliers that are studded with glass or crystals. You can also make these on your own in a DIY process. Beautiful tableware is also super important when talking about Shabby Chic decor. The tableware should be silver or gold in color to make it look classy and precious. An ornate and romantic shape is also important.