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Pink Candy

Green is a bold choice of color for some. It's most commonly used as an accent or a bold statement color. If you suggested to someone that they should add green into their space, plants would most likely be the initial response. We felt that green is a color that could be a challenge for most to use as a focal point so we decided to make that this week's challenge. 

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📷: <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">nasa75</a>

We challenged our users to create spaces that focus on the color and different shades of green! We gave them spaces such as living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, etc. Check out some of their beautiful designs!

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📷:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog">@angelablueeyez</a>

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📷:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">cat2022</a>

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📷:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog">@whiteroses1118</a>

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📷:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">craftywitch</a>

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Design Challenge: Green

New interior design games in-app, play today!

#daily #ikeastyle #designgames #white 

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A very Happy New Year to you! The blog is taking a look at some interior design trends for 2022. Country House style (with sustainability always at its heart) looks again to the East for decorating inspiration. On the blog radar too is an interesting juxtaposition between Pantone’s Metaverse-inspired color of the year versus Mother Nature’s slow decorating palette. Let’s start though by opening the door to the new ‘Garden Room’

The New Garden Room

The ‘reset’ that in 2021 saw 90,000 people leave London for the countryside was as much about a desire for the outdoors as well as for a more flexible living space. And the importance we now place on a connection to nature for our health also extends to the way we decorate our homes.

The new Garden Room (as mentioned previously in <a href="https://chariswhite.com/2021/09/24/autumn-winter-2021-interior-design-directions/#more-48603" target="_blank">Autumn/Winter 2021 Interior Design Directions</a>) is taking precedence alongside home offices, utility rooms, and home gyms. Unsurprisingly they are also being designed for chic hotel and restaurant renovations.

Garden Rooms take many forms from the more traditional idea of a room at the bottom of the garden to a chic architect- or custom-designed space to a bathroom, bedroom, or living space that has botanical forms at the heart of its design. A century or so ago plant hunters returning from intrepid overseas travels inspired the building of plant cathedrals by way of orangeries and conservatories.

Today’s new Garden Room is a little more egalitarian in that it can be created with a simple packet of seeds in the tightest of spaces. It might consist of an indoor theatre of plants with a few shelves. A console table with symmetry of table lamps and mirrors is also hugely effective. When budgets are small, it is amazing what can be achieved with decoupage, the use of painted trellis, wallpaper, or striking mural.

Here are some ‘Garden Room’ ideas on the more glamorous end of the spectrum:

This dreamy Moghul-inspired mural is handpainted on Belgian linen on the walls of this Victorian room by <a href="https://www.willfosterstudios.com/" target="_blank">Will Foster Studios.</a>

<a href="https://www.willfosterstudios.com/" target="_blank"></a>This is a reminder of how glamorous and effectively painted trellis looks for a garden room interior. This is from a uber stylish antique, objects, and artworks company (also offering interior design) called <a href="https://getthegusto.com/" target="_blank">Get The Gusto </a>in West Palm Beach, Florida.

A log-painted console table, with antique mirror and symmetry of lamps, is perfectly styled with ferns in the Colefax &amp; Fowler showroom at The Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. Wallpaper: Leaf Green Woodfern, C4779-01 from the Christobel Collection, <a href="https://designs.colefax.com/Design/F4779-01" target="_blank">Colefax &amp; Fowler.</a> Photo: Charis White

Designed by Georgie Pearman is a garden dining room bringing the outside in at the <a href="https://www.countrycreatures.com/double-red-duke" target="_blank">Double Red Duke </a>coaching inn.

Riverside garden restaurant is beautifully designed by @nicholahardingandco with an exquisite painted tended ceiling by <a href="https://www.willfosterstudios.com/" target="_blank">Will Foster Studios</a> for <a href="https://www.mitrehamptoncourt.com/" target="_blank">The Mitre Hampton Court Hotel,</a> London.

The Metaverse and Pantone’s Color of the Year

In contrast to decorating with nature, Pantone has announced their color of the year for 2022 as <a href="https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2022" target="_blank">Very Peri.</a> They describe it as having a combination of violet-red with undertones of blue and that it represents the transformation of the physical and digital world. The idea for this color emerged following lockdowns and isolations when the digital world and the rise of the <a href="https://www.quytech.com/blog/what-is-metaverse/" target="_blank">Metaverse</a> took a new place in our lives.

The color is a little synthetic to my taste and whilst the idea of the Metaverse might hold all sorts of possibilities, I feel a little reserved about what significance it might ultimately have.

Russian Style

<a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/faberge" target="_blank">The Faberge in London: Romance to Revolution exhibition at The V&amp;A Museum</a> (from now until 8 May 2022) is driving a renewed interest in Russian decorating. From the more rustic decoration folk art of countryside Dachas to the opulence of Russian palaces.

If like me you are a bit of a Russophile, you might like to look out for specialists in the field such as the very stylish <a href="https://www.alexandratolstoy.co.uk/" target="_blank">Alexandra Tolstoy</a>/<a href="https://thetolstoyedit.com/" target="_blank">The Tolstoy Edit</a>, Larissa Miladoravich of <a href="https://www.miloladesign.com/collections/wallpaper/products/russian-costumes-pea-green" target="_blank">Milola Designs</a> (as featured in my previous post on <a href="https://chariswhite.com/2021/11/19/russian-style/" target="_blank">Russian Style</a>), and <a href="https://volgalinen.com/" target="_blank">Volga Linen.</a><a href="https://www.manuelcanovas.com/" target="_blank">Manuel Canovas</a> at Colefax &amp; Fowler is launching ‘Anastasia’ a new Faberge egg-inspired fabric design in January 2022.

What I love about these designers is how richly they re-tell the stories of their Russian heritage for today’s design audience.

Another date for your diary: A new exhibition at the Ashmoleum Museum in Oxford from July 2022 to January 2023 is <a href="https://www.ashmolean.org/russia" target="_blank">Russia: Icons and the Avantgarde</a>.

‘Anastasia’ fabric sample as seen at The Design Centre London Design Week 2022 press launch by <a href="https://www.manuelcanovas.com/" target="_blank">Manuel Canovas</a> at Colefax &amp; Fowler. Launches January 2022. Photo: Charis White

Delicious almost Faberge egg-inspired silk tassel tiebacks by <a href="https://www.houles.com/" target="_blank">Houles. </a>As seen at The Design Centre’s London Design Week 2022 press launch. Photo: Charis White

Well spotted! No, not new but I think I will always love Ivan Prussian Blue on 100% linen, and all the other print designs from <a href="https://volgalinen.com/shop/fabric/prints/ivan-blue/" target="_blank">Volga Linen.</a>

<a href="https://volgalinen.com/shop/fabric/prints/ivan-blue/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.alexandratolstoy.co.uk/travel-with-alexandra/" target="_blank">Alexandra Tolstoy’s </a>beautiful Russian Style living room in London. Shop Alexandra’s style via <a href="https://thetolstoyedit.com/" target="_blank">The Tolstoy Edit</a> where you can expect to find stunning antiques as well as upholstered furniture, linens, and lighting.

Chinoiserie style

Looking further East, another Country House style favorite is the use of Chinoiserie in an eclectic decorating scheme. 2022 sees more new highlights of this style from glinting glossy walls to lacquered furniture and accessories as well as new fabric and wallpaper designs.

Look out too for original pieces such as these gorgeous English Chinoiserie 1920s green splat back chairs, although now sold, they are from an ever-changing selection of pieces at <a href="https://www.theoscarcollective.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Oscar Collective</a>. No country house rules are required as Chinoiserie looks just as fabulous in contemporary settings too.

Pair of 1920s English Chinoiserie splat back chairs from a selection at <a href="https://www.theoscarcollective.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Oscar Collective, </a>now SOLD.

New Audubon Garden fabric sample by Travers at <a href="https://www.zimmer-rohde.com/en/brands/travers" target="_blank">Zimmer and Rohde </a>as seen at the 2022 London Design Week press show at The Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. Photo: Charis White

Marg Arg Style

Finally, in the recent and rather excellent <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0b569c3/a-very-british-scandal-series-1-episode-1" target="_blank">A Very British Scandal on BBC1</a>, you can understand why Margaret, the Duchess of Argyll fell in love with the fairy tale <a href="https://www.inveraray-castle.com/" target="_blank">‘Inverar(y)’ castle.</a> Certainly worth a visit, the castle sits in beautiful gardens with a magnificent view of Loch Fyne. There are some lovely rooms and as I remember it, the main hall has quite a display of war-like clan implements!

In the meantime, <a href="https://www.pierrefrey.com/en/" target="_blank">Pierre Frey </a>is launching this Art Deco-inspired furniture set for <a href="https://www.dcch.co.uk/london-design-week-2022/" target="_blank">London Design Week</a> at The Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour (13 – 18 March 2022), perfect for recreating the Duchess’ glamorous Mayfair bedroom.

Chair and footstool, <a href="https://www.pierrefrey.com/en/" target="_blank">Pierre Frey</a> at The Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour press show. Photo: Charis WhiteThis article was written by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chariswhiteinteriors/" target="_blank">Charis</a> from <a href="https://chariswhite.com/" target="_blank">Charis White Interiors</a>.

Meet The Author

Charis is a professional stylist who went freelance. A lot of her work has been for both editorial and advertisements.

She is a stylist who genuinely enjoys all aspects of interior design and does not feel bound by one style. Rather she tries to create something with originality for her clients.

Check out her <a href="https://chariswhite.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chariswhiteinteriors/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>!

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The blog is taking a look at some interior design trends for 2022. Country House style (with sustainability always at its heart) looks again to the East for decorating inspiration. On the blog radar too is an interesting juxtaposition between Pantone’s Metaverse-inspired color of the year versus Mother Nature’s slow decorating palette.

Interior Design in 2022

Winter is here, and it’s that time of the year to reflect, celebrate, and spend time with loved ones inside the warmth of our homes! 2021 carried styles from previous years and brought about endless creative interior design trends whether it be antique and vintage furniture, sustainable design, cottagecore, minimalism, the list goes on and on! It truly was a special year, and we asked 3 interior designers to share their expertise and thoughts on 2021 trends, what will stay/go, personal favorites, challenges, and what we should be excited about in 2022. 

Interior Design Trends 2022: Reflecting on Last Year and What to Expect in 2022

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Here’s one for you students out there... A lovely little post on How To Update Your Student Digs:

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Whether it’s your student digs you’ve been in for about a month now or it’s someone else’s that you really want to get your hands on and make it a little more homely, there are plenty of things you can do to transform them into something unique, something homely, and something showing personality despite the size and restrictions.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">If you’ve taken too much stuff to college and want to declutter then look into student storage options in places so that your place isn’t too messy and you only have the essentials. Here are a few tips on how to transform your digs into something you’ll love:

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Let There Be Light

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Most student rooms don’t come with the best lighting options, so get your own. A standing lamp to light the room when the main light is too much could be a bright idea, then you could have a study lamp for your desk or bedside table, and one of the nicest things you can add to your room is fairy lights – they’re not just for <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Holiday-Decorations-Christmas-Decorations-Christmas-Trees/N-5yc1vZc3rz" target="_blank">Christmas trees</a> and they’ll make your room look amazing.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Focus On The Floor

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Again carpets in student accommodation are never the best quality, and god only knows what has been spilled on them over the years, so rugs and mats are a cheap and easy way to transform your space. They come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and patterns, plus, rugs provide extra insulation for your feet in the winter and extra seating for your mates too!

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Plant Plants And Flowers

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Nothing makes a room look and smell nicer than plants and flowers. Dot them around but do remember to water them! You’ll get an instant burst of freshness that a can of air freshener just won’t beat. You can also find some really cool plant pots, or you can customize your own.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Decorate The Walls

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">If there’s anything already on the walls, take it down, then it’s time to put your own stamp on things. <a href="https://www.idealhome.co.uk/all-rooms-ideas/bunting-display-10-ideas-89745" target="_blank">Bunting is nice for the walls</a> as it always looks pretty. Or you could go for photos of your friends and family hung on the wall using string and pegs or get them framed, a wall of mismatched frames can look awesome. PS, a huge tip is to use Command Strips to hang frames and prints, they’re perfect for Students and leave no mess when you are ready to move out!

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Rearrange The Furniture

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">One of the things that make student accommodation feel characterless and similar is that all the rooms are often laid out in the same way. If your things aren’t nailed to the floor or walls, then see if <a href="https://www.company.decormatters.com/post/the-simple-art-of-rearranging" target="_blank">you can rearrange your furniture</a>, as it’s an instant way to make your room feel that little bit different from everyone else’s. It can also be a good way to give you more space – or at least feel like you have more space which is as good.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Make It Smell Nice

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">If you’re not allowed candles in the digs, then get creative. Incense is a good option, although you might not be allowed that either. How about getting a diffuser instead? Or for a really quick fix, find a <a href="https://www.yankeecandle.com/browse/car--flameless/flameless-fragrance/room-sprays/_/N-8de" target="_blank">room spray</a> that you love the smell of.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Invest in Nice Bedding and Towels

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">It’s worth paying a little more for nice bedding and fluffy towels because your room is cold or you’re trying to avoid having the heating on too much; you’ll want a thicker duvet to see you through the winter. <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/towel-reviews/g5037/best-bath-towel-reviews/" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(0, 130, 185);">Good towels</a> can also make your small student room feel like a fancy hotel.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">This article was written by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/designandbeyond/" target="_blank">Paul</a> from <a href="https://designandbeyond.co.uk/blog/" target="_blank">Design &amp; Beyond</a>.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-h2-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Meet The Author

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Paul started Design &amp; Beyond back in 2015 as an online space to share his University portfolio and over the years it changed from a portfolio to a blog and a shop.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Throughout the years, Paul has gained experience and learned a lot from the design world. He is passionate about all that he does so follow along on his journey to success!

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Check out their <a href="https://designandbeyond.co.uk/blog/" target="_blank">Blog</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/designandbeyond/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Designandbeyond/_created/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>!

Despite the size and restrictions of many college student dorms and apartments, there are plenty of things you can do to transform them into something unique to show your personality. Check out our best tips and ideas on how you can update your student digs with a student budget. From lighting ideas to wall decorations, learn how to make cheap and subtle but transformative changes to your college dorm.

How to Update Your Student Digs and College Dorm Room

The term biophilia has been defined in many ways, but essentially it’s an affinity or love for all things living. Humans have been living in and evolved with nature for as long as we’ve been here. Being surrounded by nature is quite literally in our DNA. We are wired to respond positively to natural environments.

📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/studiowust/" target="_blank">@studiowust</a>

When we find ourselves in nature, we automatically feel more relaxed. Did you know that<a href="https://www.beingbetterhumans.com/benefits-wood-therapy/" target="_blank"> touching wood for 90 seconds</a> lowers the release of stress hormones in our body? Biophilic design can affect the human body in other fundamental ways. It helps regulate how your body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It can keep inflammation levels down and lower blood pressure. It can even affect your sleep cycle.

Western architecture was introduced to biophilia in the 1980s, but the concept is far from new. For more than 2,000 years, Asian cultures have valued striking an equilibrium with the surrounding environment and cherished the healing potential of nature-inspired design.

📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/k8theearthling/" target="_blank">@k8theearthling</a>

It’s only in the past few years that the principles of biophilia have made their way into the realm of home décor and interior design. At this point, you may be thinking, “I’ll buy a few more house plants and plant flowers in my back garden – job done!” While that would be a good start, it’s not so simple. 

Environmental psychology research suggests that physical spaces are the most beneficial for us when they echo the scale and tone of the natural environment. How can we bring the majestic beauty of Mother Nature indoors? Here are a few biophilic design principles you can employ in your approach to home décor.



Natural light that is. We tend to depend on artificial light in enclosed spaces or during those dim, grey winter months. The task here would be to maximize the amount of sunlight coming through your windows. Be sure to clear away anything that might prevent natural light from coming in, both inside and outside your window. Throw open your blinds and curtains, give the windows a good cleaning, remove any furniture, decorations, or plants that could obstruct the natural light from shining through and entering your space. A simple change in layout might be all it takes to employ this biophilic design principle.

📸: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kellymacplants/" target="_blank">@kellymacplants</a>

Now consider what’s outside your windows. How green is it out there? Are you looking at a busy street full of passing cars? Studies suggest that close proximity to plants slows our breathing and makes us feel more relaxed. But viewing greenery from a distance actually lowers blood pressure and reduces stress. You can’t control what’s outside all the windows in your home, but in spaces where you can, you might do well by reordering the placement of things like sheds or lawn furniture if what’s behind them is a view of a forest or rolling hills.

Being around wood is good for your health. Treated wood is okay, but natural untreated wood is better. In a<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXZzsty5BGY" target="_blank"> TED Talk from 2021</a>, renowned architect Matthias Olt references a scientific study where participants performed written tests in furniture settings with white plastic and wooden surfaces. Organizers found that taking tests in rooms constructed with a moderate balance of wooden surfaces dramatically reduced participants’ cortisol levels to 38 percent – making them calmer and more alert. Wooden surfaces affect our mood, motivation, stress levels, and even fear. In the same study, Olt said they found that heart rates dropped significantly when the participants touched wood while they took the test. This is a biophilic design principle that you can easily incorporate in your home—and gives new meaning to the phrase “knock on wood.”

Ever notice how so many modern office buildings have water fountains or shallow pools of water flanking the main entrance? It’s no accident. It’s a sign that the architect who designed the structure was interested in utilizing another key biophilic design principle: proximity to water. Research into green spaces has shown that the presence of water prompts greater improvements in one’s mood and sense of self-esteem than in green spaces without the presence of water. Using this biophilia principle in your home will depend on several factors, including space availability and budget. If a decorative pool or “water sheet” is out of the question, then maybe a small water fountain, indoors or out, could be more feasible.

Biophilia is more than a design paradigm; it’s a philosophy. It can be considered a celebration of the natural world and its innate connection. Making the conscious decision to employ just a few of its principles can dramatically enhance the way we feel and perform in our lives. Incorporating nature into our interior design approaches can improve our physical health in real, measurable ways and help us develop an overall sense of wellbeing.

The term biophilia has been defined in many ways, but essentially it’s an affinity or love for all things living. Humans have been living in and evolved with nature for as long as we’ve been here. Being surrounded by nature is quite literally in our DNA. We are wired to respond positively to natural environments. When we find ourselves in nature, we automatically feel more relaxed. Did you know that touching wood for 90 seconds lowers the release of stress hormones in our body? Biophilic design can affect the human body in other fundamental ways. It helps regulate how your body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It can keep inflammation levels down and lower blood pressure. It can even affect your sleep cycle. 

Biophilia: The Hot New Trend in Interior Design

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">Designing a space with a BoHo Chic style can be a challenge when you remember that it involves a lot of unruly and messy decor. By this, we mean thinking outside the box and coloring outside the lines. Personality really has its moment to shine through with this style. All creative control is left in the hands of the designer.

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: center !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(48, 63, 77);">📷: <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@plainjaneaz</a>

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: left !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;">We challenged our users to create spaces that reflected boldness and added personality into the space! We gave them spaces such as living rooms, entryways, bedrooms, etc. Check out some of their beautiful designs!

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: center !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(48, 63, 77);">📷 <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">madriddesign</a>, <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">decoratinglife</a>

<span class="_2PHJq public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; direction: ltr; text-align: center !important; display: block;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: var(--ricos-custom-p-background-color,unset); font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: transparent; font: inherit; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(48, 63, 77);">📷 <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">msdecoholic</a>, <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">bjyxszd</a>

8f44c0_494fdf3008384e2baeb3dff77415bc38~mv2.webp

Designing a space with a BoHo Chic style can be a challenge when you remember that it involves a lot of unruly and messy decor. By this, we mean thinking outside the box and coloring outside the lines. Personality really has its moment to shine through with this style. All creative control is left in the hands of the designer. 

Design Challenge: Green

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