Without a doubt one of the most unique design styles in the world, Moroccan interior design is characterized by rich colors, repeated geometric patterns, and colored glass lanterns. What colors are particularly Moroccan you ask, they include bold reds, vibrant purples, rich emerald greens, stunning oranges, and most importantly, electrifying blues. That may sound like a bit much in a room, but another great thing about Moroccan design is that it balances out. The brilliantly bright tones are offset and calmed by neutral earth tones, resulting in a design space that is both full of life and energy yet very warm and welcoming. Color is not the only thing that makes Moroccan interior design bold, repeated geometric patterns are common features of all accessories in Moroccan spaces. If there’s not a pattern inlaid in the flooring, its in the area rugs, its in the fabrics covering the furniture and accessories, its in wall decor,  and sometimes its even found on the ceiling. However, there isn’t just one pattern used – there are several of different sizes, shapes, angles, and colors found in one space. Layer upon layer of both color and pattern add to the vibrancy of a Moroccan space, but one question remains: how do you create your own Moroccan inspired space?

Lanterns are most commonly used to light Moroccan inspired spaces, however, lighting designers are taking all of those previously discussed elements and updating the traditional Moroccan lighting fixture. Moroccan lanterns typically feature tribal art, colorful glass shades, and boast low romantic hues when actually lighting a space.

Now, Moroccan lighting is available in colored glass fixtures that offer the same bold colors,  geometric shapes, and ambiance lighting. Take a look at the examples below, both inspired by Moroccan design, they are just as bold and yet subtle enough to cool the room down and be the perfect accessory.

No Moroccan inspired room design is complete without a chest and  rug of some sort. The chests and rug pictured below are the perfect examples of Moroccan inspired home decor that can easily be added to your home. Both pieces stay true to their country of inspiration, but are versatile enough to be used with just about any design style.

The geometric shapes are present, the bold yet calming color is present, and most importantly, they look like they belong in the Moroccan inspired room pictured in the beginning of the post. Updating or adding a splash of exotic to your home decor is easy and fun. 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Check out the Arcadian Home store front to find Moroccan inspired home decor and accessories for your home here!

Decorating a kitchen space can be challenging, especially when it comes to home accessories and decor. Home decor in general can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to achieve a certain look. Fortunately, a number of home accessories exist for kitchen spaces of all sizes. Here are a few tips and tricks for decorating a small kitchen space.

Make Use of Food

Certain foods, such as pastas, rice, and spices, make great small kitchen decor. Since there is a limited amount of space in the area, turning your perishables and non-perishables into home decor can help you decorate your space and keep things in reach at the same time.

For example, spices can be stored in colorful magnetic tins made especially for storing these particular items. Meanwhile, you can store pasta, rice and other items in larger storage jars right on your counter. The different colors and textures bring visual interest to the space while your food works double-duty as home accessories.

Utilize Every Space

If you’ve got open space over your cabinetry, use it! You can easily incorporate a display, such as an heirloom set of antique teacups or a glass jar collection. However, avoid using home accessories such as fake flowers and foliage, as these just collect dust and look cheesy.

Mirrored Backsplash

In a small space, you want to incorporate home decor items that really reflect things, literally! The use of mirrors in a small kitchen space can help make the space feel brighter and lighter, as well as larger. A mirrored backsplash is also easy to clean and can even add a touch of glamour to the space.

Open Shelving

Open shelving is becoming more and more popular with the younger crowd. Plus, open shelving allows you to display your dishes as artwork. Having a small kitchen space doesn’t mean you can’t have beautiful dinnerware that doubles as elegant “wall art.”

With open shelving, you can also add a few decorative touches to the space such as a framed piece of actual wall art or a beautiful, vibrantly colored vase.

Light Fixtures

Just because you’re in a small kitchen doesn’t mean you won’t have any light fixtures. A good interior designer will incorporate elegant, beautiful kitchen lights into every design they create. That being said, why not choose a fixture that is visually appealing to you and will add to the decor of your space.

Many people just opt for a basic flush mount or semi flush mount ceiling fixture and move on, but this isn’t the way to go in a small space. Choose a fixture that you’ll love to light and your home decor will thank you.

Add Color

Finally, don’t be afraid to add color. The traditional thought process is that small spaces must be painted in a light color to remain open and brought. Fortunately, this isn’t true.

Ideally, a small kitchen space should be painted in a more simple color palette, one that features two, maybe three colors tops. This can be any color from stark white to jet black if desired, as long as fewer hues are used, the space will still feel large and open.

Decorating a small kitchen space involves a number of factors. Adding some color and utilizing every space available can really make your small kitchen feel like a big, beautiful kitchen. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Why not complete your kitchen design with some remarkable charger plates?

When thinking about decorating a smaller space like your powder bathroom, think about what style you want to portray. For instance, do you want a classic design and a more traditional space? Maybe you already have a pedestal sink or an antique chest with a drop-in sink to work with?

The lines of the faucets, lighting fixtures, accessories, and home decor play a major role in determining “style” as well. The more detailed and intricate the faucets and lighting fixtures are in a space, usually the more traditional. And, the more straight or angular lines, usually the more modern the space.

Consider coordinating the finishes in your powder bathroom because… well, it is small. Your faucets, lighting fixtures and wall art will band together to shine as one beautiful space if you do.

Annabelle Dawson, from home and design website mydeco.com, unveils a cool new trend with the geometric shapes, stark patterns and animal graphics she spotted at London’s Design Festival:

Last month I was rushing madly between exhibitions during London Design Festival 2011, ogling the latest designs and innovations, and catching up with our own creative mydeco.com boutique designers.

Kirath Ghundoo

My first stop was a long-awaited trip to 100% Design at Earls Court where, inside the vast space, commercial and sleek design companies jostled with smaller artisanal designers showcasing in the 100% Futures stalls. Wandering through these aspirational stands, I was hit by the abundance of highly patterned surfaces, pieced-together asymmetric and geometrical shapes, and bold, stark designs. It was clear a new trend was emerging – one I would like to coin ‘Graphique’.

And this style doesn’t seem to be confined to smaller home accessories like pillows and framed prints, but is actually more emphatic and striking on lampshades and even chairs and wallpaper.

Sjguest

At 100%, mydeco.com boutique designer sjguest encapsulated this trend with her Zigzag cushions and unusual Frog lampshades. Meanwhile, her friend Lorna Syson was showing her new ‘Bradbury’ and ‘Juneberry and Bird’ lampshades which embrace geometric shapes and graphical depictions of birds.

Lorna Syson

Kirath Ghundoo (a talented surface pattern designer joining mydeco.com very soon) revealed her abstract, energetic and colorful pattern wallpaper panels (top), which can be mixed and matched due to the inconsistent nature of the design. I think Kirath’s prints would make an exciting focal point to a restrained interior or a fun, tactile addition to a child’s playroom.

Over at my favorite show Tent London, in edgy Brick Lane, the ‘Graphique’ trend was also out in force but with a softer, more organic and handmade feel. mydeco.com boutique designer Melanie Porter featured armchairs, lampshades and even clocks in her signature knit. With patchworked patterns varying from stripes to angular Union Jack motifs, her unique pieces are playful and quirky.

Mel Porter

DesignBark had collaborated with BYPLY on a customised wingback chair collection. Complementing the chairs’ angular form, DesignBark had screenprinted a series of sharp, angular, asymmetric shapes in bright pinks, purples and blues onto the side panels, creating eye-catching pieces of furniture.

DesignBark

Literally around the corner, Cheshire Street is home to Ella Doran’s dazzling (and award-winning) geometric geo wallpaper, trays and coasters.

Ella Doran

However, where this striking Graphique trend really shines (pun intended) is on lampshades, which designers seem to be using as a canvas for wacky and psychedelic patterns. Check out our compilation of ‘Graphique’ lighting products, below, and get the look in your home.

Graphique lighting

Did you  like My Deco’s  brief report on the 2011 London Design Festival? Comments are welcome! Don’t forget to check out Arcadian Home Decor for more inspirational home accessories and decor! Image credit: { 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 }

When it comes to home accessories and decor, things can get costly. Unfortunately, that often means that updating a room in your house, whether it be a living room or a bedroom, can quickly cost you an arm, a leg and much, much more. There are dozens of inexpensive ways to update your home decor, whether it be through new upholstery or new home accessories. Here are a few inexpensive, under $1,000 ways to update the look of any room in your house.

Reupholstering Furnitures

Many people think that reupholstering a piece of furniture is costly. While this can be true, it’s actually not that difficult to reupholster a small loveseat, sofa or chair for less than $1,000. Plus, with new upholstery, you can choose a new fabric that helps to update the look and feel of your home. In fact, even if you choose the exact same color, the new fabric will still help your room feel just as new. Be sure to ask your chosen upholsterer what the exact costs will be, as it is easy to overstep your $1,000 budget if you’re not careful.

Can’t afford the cost of reupholstering furnitures? Consider using slip covers instead. You can purchase one in the store or sew your own with your chosen fabric.

New Curtains and Window Treatments

Another easy and inexpensive way to update the look of a room is through new window treatments. Perhaps you’ve been eyeing a set of bamboo blinds or you’ve found these beautiful new curtains and they’re on sale next week at your favorite store. Whatever the case may be, new curtains or new window treatments are an inexpensive and easy way to update the look and feel of any room in your home.

Paint

Another easy way to update the look of your home decor is through a fresh coat of paint. You’ll find that you can repaint an entire room for less than $100 in new paint.

Home Accessories

You’ll find that you can get a great deal of new home accessories for under $1,000. In fact, you can probably buy all new accessories for a room in your home for less than $500 if you’re truly thrifty. Whether you choose a new oval mirror, new wall art, wall clocks, table decor, candles or vases, you’ll be overwhelmed at all the choices. Just be sure to keep the overall look of your room into account.

New Lighting

You’d be surprised at how much of a difference that lighting can really make in your home. Purchasing a few new table lamps or a floor lamp can really brighten up a space and help you to see things in a whole new light, literally and figuratively.

Whatever you decide to do, just remember, a $1,000 can go a long way if you let it. Think outside the box and find creative ways to stretch your budget. If you’re really creative, you may find that you can redecorate an entire room with a budget of $1,000.

What do you think of these inexpensive ways to give new life to your home decor? Visit Arcadian Home Decor for even more ideas, not to mention a vast array of home accessories to choose from!

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Redesigning or redecorating a room can be a blast. From bathrooms to the kitchen to the whole house, redecorating is not only fun, but it also increases the value of your home. For those of us on a tight budget, it can be a battle to just get paint on the walls. But it doesn’t have to be hard to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to redecorating with home decor. Use these tips and techniques for decorating on a budget and you’ll be sure to get a look you’ll love, with a price to match.

Wall Coverings

Kerrie Kelly Design Lab (via)

Many people who are decorating on a budget dip right into their redecorating and go for a paint color of their choice. While paint is okay, it’s just that—okay. Get the most out of your painting project by using a painting technique to create a fluffy, soft, or edgy feel to any color in the rainbow. Strie, sea sponge dappling, and crosshatching glaze are just a few of the many painting techniques that cost only a small amount more than a bucket of paint, yet create a look that shouts opulence. With the addition of cheap chic wall art, vinyl graphics, or garage sale treasures like wall tapestries or paintings, you can finish your wall coverings with a cheap but elegant style.

Refurnishing Furniture

Michelle Workman Interiors (via)

You don’t have to be a master woodworker or reupholstery expert to repair used or neglected furniture. The dreary dresser, hopeless side table, or expired accent chair can all be easily and cheaply repaired to create a new and beautiful piece of furniture for any room in the house. Combined with the paint and supplies you used for redecorating the walls, a new coat of paint on your used and abused furniture can turn it into brand new once again. Simple reupholstery can be performed on most chairs and couches with ease. Just buy a premade cover and slip it over your old couch or loveseat for the perfect new furniture set at the perfect price.

Lighting

Arcadian Lighting (via)

Sometimes light can make all of the difference in your new design. For just a few bucks, you can easily refurnish a used antique light fixture that would cost a fortune to reproduce. Basic lights like track lighting or task lighting can add to your design and they are perfect for accenting pictures, artwork, or oval mirrors for the ultimate in cheap design. Wall sconces create a unique lighting display along hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms. Ceiling lights add the perfect touch to bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms with minimal renovation or rewiring required. LED lights add to the savings for the perfect budget lighting design.

ArcadianHomeDecor.com has got you covered on all your home decor needs for any budget. Your perfect project starts here.

A bathroom without house décor is like a bathroom without water—it’s not going to go well. That’s why it’s important to come up with a good design plan before you begin any home improvement projects. Spice up your bathroom design with these basics of bathroom décor and you’ll be sure to get a great design that you’ll love for years to come.

It’s in your best interest as with any home improvement project to create a list of your needs and wants. This can help you get a functional set of good looking décor items that pulls double duty in your bathroom design. A simple blueprint sketch up can be a good idea for larger bathroom spaces.

Miami, Modern Bathroom Design by Pepe Calderin Design (via)

Display

Your décor isn’t going to show off itself. You’ll need to create a unique and eye catching display to showcase your décor in the bathroom. While items like wall art easily displays itself, table decorations need a good out of the way place to rest. Small benches, stools and ottomans with a flat wood or stone surface are the perfect out of the way space in the bathroom for your table top décor.

When you get hooked on LaylaGrayce.com, you’ll just keep going back to browse some more. Known for beautiful clothing, gifts and home décor, Layla Grayce has lots of lighting, rugs and decorative accessories that will fit most any style. See for yourself.

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Arteriors Cooper Silver Leaf Iron Floor Lamp – $588 – This stylish floor lamp is a little bit whimsical and a whole lot modern. It’s done in painted iron and topped off with a pure white shade.

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Jamie Young Lighting Pendant Extra Large Drum – $263 – Doesn’t this drum pendant just shout modern? This Taupe Lattice is one of the many fabrics that you can choose from.

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Currey & Company Moonlight Pendant – $280 – Its name really suits this amazing contemporary pendant light. The Moonlight is so light and airy, almost ethereal, you just have to love it. Who knew curvy steel wires could be so beautiful?

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Company C Pillow Deco Peacock – $130 – So what could be more gorgeous than a decorative pillow done up in peacock blues and greens? Maybe one like this that uses those colors in silk appliquéd on velvet embroidered all over.

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Company C Pillow Gabriella Kiwi – $110 – This great silk pillow would be so beautiful paired with the Deco Peacock above. For a perfect touch of whimsy, tiny pleats surround the edges give the pillow a little kick.

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Mirror Magnet Board Bird White – $150 – This is the most fanciful magnet board ever! With an unexpected mirrored surface and strewn with a “birds on branches” motif, you may not want to cover it with notes held in place by the brass magnets that are included with the board.

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Clairebella Personalized Melamine Plate Zebra – $33 – Whimsical to the maximum, these zebra melamine plates are personalized with one initial in the center. Check out all the fun font choices that even includes Greek letters.

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Amy butler Hand Tufted Wool Rug Coventry – $126 (2′ by 3′) – With a beautiful contemporary pattern in gorgeous shades of blue and green, the Coventry is easy on the eyes and luxurious underfoot. This great rug comes in three sizes.

Strictly white interiors have gotten a bad rap for being stark, cold and unwelcoming. We say forget about that train of thought and discover white designs that are fresh, fun and friendly. Mixing whites is truly effective for creating warmth as is adding in accents of patinaed white painted woods, whitewashed floors and white lighting fixtures with creative designs. Jordi Sarra published, White Rooms, a beautiful and enchanting book about all white interiors. Her book jacket reads: “The most used color in interior design, white can open up a space, add dimension, and invoke a sense of romance, elegance, peace, and possibility. White Rooms is devoted entirely to decorating with this versatile color, offering inspiration and options for every room in the house—from bedrooms to bathrooms to living and eating areas and beyond. Featuring houses from around the world, it offers advice on all aspects of decorating with white and its various shades, including furniture, structural elements, objects d’art, wall coloring, and more.” To prove the point, the rooms below will show white is wonderful all by itself. Enjoy!

‘Digital Dollhouse’ (via)

‘Luphia Loves’ (via)

‘Apartment Therapy’ (via)

‘Censational Girl’ (via)

‘Chic Beautiful Life’ (via)

‘Chic Beautiful Life’ (via)

‘A Billion Tastes and Tunes’ (via)