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The design of your home is essential for improving and maintaining your mental health and productivity. 

With the Coronavirus pandemic affecting people all over the world, quarantine and stay at homes orders were a major concern. The feeling of being outdoors with nature, and having human interaction in larger social settings was truly missed. Quarantine made people realize what interior designers have known to be true for a long time: The importance of being inside an environment that makes you feel good. 

We have all experienced heading home from work after a stressful day and finally getting to the comfort of our living room. Encountering a cluttered kitchen, an office full of files and laptops, or decoration that you cannot stand to look at anymore does not contribute to relaxation. 

The pandemic lifestyle required people to rethink the spaces in their homes, when more than ever a functional space to work or study at was necessary. Organization is often looked over when it comes to interior design. The truth is that the organization of your space is just as important as the looks, and they often come hand in hand. An organized space plays a great role in your mood, productivity, and well-being. Designing a space that allows you to functionally maintain the space organized is essential. 

Lighting and colors can also have an impact on your mental health and productivity. 

The right palette choice is individual to every person’s taste. However, it is important to choose colors that resemble peace and calm, and that you will not get tired of it over time. The psychology of colors is very effective and should be followed for optimal relaxation results. If you want to have a space that transmits a sense of peace and simplicity, then a blue and white color palette is your go-to. 

Having the right amount of windows in a room is also a must. It is proven that sunlight can reduce depression and increase productivity levels. More natural light in a room can boost your mood and happiness, while a dark room can trigger sadness and anxiety. 

It is important to think strategically about how space is used every day and how you want the space to feel. If you have kids and pets, it is worth investing in furniture that can handle frequent wear and tear. If you have a big family, having a big couch and seating spaces for every family member can avoid stressful situations. 

After taking care of organization, the next step is to choose objects and pieces for the design that makes you feel good, and that really connects to you every time you look at it. 

When so much in our life is out of control, our home is a place we have total authority over. Our homes should be our sanctuaries and happy places. Investing in a design that makes you feel good is crucial for your well-being. 

The post How Interior Design Can Improve Your Mental Health And Productivity appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

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Remodeling or building a house or a workspace is not an easy task. Hiring the right people to help you is the key to making your vision become a reality. It is a common misconception to use the terms interior designer and interior decorator interchangeably. There are major differences that make each qualified for specific functions. 

While designers create functional spaces within a building, decorators embellish the space with decorative pieces, such as furniture, rugs, and accessories. 

An Interior decorator garnishes spaces that already exist by helping their clients make decisions about best fitting style, color palettes, furniture, art, and accessories. If your space does not require structural changes such as adding new walls and electrical wiring, then an interior decorator is the best fit for you. They are the correct choice if your space simply needs visual updates. 

Unlike an interior decorator, an interior designer works with creating new interior spaces. A designer creates an appealing space and strategically studies how to create a functional and methodical environment to satisfy their clients’ needs. They use technology to carefully create virtual plans to work hand in hand with construction teams who carry out the design. If you want your space to be a reflection of your personality and style while also functioning in a way that corresponds to your lifestyle, then hiring a designer is the right fit for you. 

When it comes to hiring a designer or a decorator, one of the main concerns is the cost. Contrary to what most think, hiring a designer can help you understand exactly where your money is going, as well as help you work your space with items that best fit your budget. You will indeed have an additional cost of a designer's fee, but you will avoid spending money on a piece of furniture that looked amazing in the store but did not fit your living room, or painting your walls five times because you cannot find the right color palette. A designer or decorator will not only benefit you financially but also save you time by using their experience and expertise to anticipate obstacles that might come up along the way. 

Haute design has a wonderful network of interior designers who can help you make your space perfectly fitted for your lifestyle and your needs. You can find these top designers  at https://dev.hauteresidence.com/designer/

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Meet the new trending style which is taking over our Instagram pages with a flavor of its own. Combining originality and the space millennials felt the safest at is the concept behind the Grandmillenial decor style.

This unexpected style comeback, which was initiated by writer Emma Bazilian in a trend piece, brings homey and nostalgic pieces featuring ruffles, frilly pillows, white and blue china, skirts on furniture, drapery, and a lot of needlepoint.

The combination of furniture created from dark stained wood and abstract art creates a vintage with a modern look. Patterns are foremost when it comes to Grandmillenial decor, highlighting classic prints such as chintz, toile, and plaid.

In a time when being different and original is so valued, Millennials, which range from the mid-20s to late 30s, have favoritism with design trends that are considered by most old and outdated. Grandmillenials are trend-averse, and very attracted to entertaining, a major aspect of the decor style. The popularity of the trend was furthered thanks to shared images on social media displaying fancy dinner parties and exuberant tablescapes.

With the Grandmillenial decor style, there is the risk of making the space too cluttered, excessive, and too granny-like. The purpose of the decor style is to have an antique feel that is layered and classic at the same time. The thoughtful use of colors, patterns, and items is critical. The key to success with Grandmillenial style is to keep the color palette uniform, so the environment feels consistent and cozy instead of tumultuous. This granny-chic style shows off millennials' individuality while bringing them a sense of nostalgia.

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Minimalism in interior design is about clarity and a sense of zen, but all too often we get hung up on minimal texture and minimal color. The best spaces are the ones that take risks and in this living room, we dared to let a few knockout pieces stand for themselves. We grounded the space with natural elements while infusing a rich color palette with soft, luxurious texture.

This one-of-a-kind sofa was found in a warehouse buried under bolts of fabric and lovingly named, Giuseppe. Covered in a Ralph Lauren crushed velvet, its chesterfield style paired with mid-century modern legs is the epitome of luxe and sophistication. It softens the cold stone of the magnum fireplace yet stands strong on its own. No throw pillows necessary.

Photo Credit: John Friedrich

The unique tree sculpture next to the sofa was actually a fallen tree at one point that was stripped and charred and now repurposed as natural art, adding intrigue, texture, and warmth. The way it stands formidable and opposite the fireplace is an irony that deepens the character of the space.

We wanted textural window treatments, but for this application, we chose to think outside the box. Whenever you do something unexpected in interior design you breathe life into the space, giving it a pulse as this creates a sense of safety and desire. We cut thousands of strips of carpet binding and knotted them onto a galvanized pipe that acted as our curtain rod. The result is a stellar covering that filters the light and blends with the walls so naturally, you get the feeling you’re under a weeping willow tree. Pair that with the silk rug and oversized art and you are left with a calming, luxurious space evoking a personality all its own.

Photo Credit: John Friedrich

The post A Luxe Minimalism Living Room By FATHOM Design Company appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The video app, Tik Tok, swept the nation last year when everyone was on lockdown with nothing else to do. This app is an evolution of the Musical.ly app, that allowed users to create lipsync videos, and has now become Tik Tok, a 60-second video platform with endless creative possibilities. The app is reminiscent of the defunct app Vine which ended in early 2017 and was known for short videos that creators used mostly for comedy sketches. This app gave a lot of young influencers fame and most made their way to Youtube from the app. Now, Tik Tok has taken the Vine idea even further and created a space for all types of creators whether that be in comedy, horror, books, or even design. 

Design Tok is the name for the corner of Tik Tok all about interior design. Users can utilize hashtags such as #designtok, #interiordesign, #designers, to have their content featured on that part of the app. It is here that creators show all different sides of the design world. The creators range from someone with good taste simply showing off their house, to professional designers who share their tips and tricks with users. 

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

In the design niche, there is much informative content. There are DIY tips, thrifting projects, advice on how to create a classier environment, guides on how to describe your personal design style, as well as information on what design trends they think need to end. These design tok-ers have built their own followings on the app as well as amassed influencer-type fame. 

Whether design is your passion or just a hobby, there’s a place on Design Tok for you. So next time you’re searching for inspiration, give Tik Tok a try, as it may give you new and unique ideas! 

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Imagine this: you have an apartment or house that has plain white walls. You wish to give it life and an identity but do not have the time to either paint the different walls with different colors or to go shopping for colorful furniture and decorative items.

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By using them effectively, the strong contrast between the black and white tones in a space will give it equilibrium and style at the same time.

Splashes of color from greenery also help to accentuate the vibrant and chic mood.

Lighting fixtures can be the standout item in a black and white space. You may have a eye-catching item tucked away in a closet that will be the star of the room if placed correctly.

Photo Credit: www.shutterstock.com

A small wood coffee table like below features great with the basic colors around the living room, leading to a look that feels both cozy and modern.

Photo Credit: www.shutterstock.com

But as always, the plain look is one you cannot go wrong with at all. Anything you put in it will attract the eyes of your guests. And if you leave it as is, a cleaner look will not be found anywhere else. Remember, clean is always in style.

Photo Credit: www.shutterstock.com

Items like cushions, candle holders, coffee table books, blankets, and your favorite floral arrangement are some of the choices to bring color to a black and white room.

The post Black And White Decor Is Chic And In Style appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Amy Merrick

The tulip show really starts around day six.

A post shared by Amy Merrick (@amy_merrick) on Jan 20, 2018 at 7:54am PST

This New York-based florist now travels the world, and has captivated her Instagram audience with her designs as well as her travel photography. Follow her page for gorgeous floral designs, still life photography, travel content and faraway landscapes.

Jeff Haynes-Leatham

First Day of Spring baby - ?????????- #TeamLeatham - @fsparis - ?@guillermo_aq A post shared by Jeff Haynes-Leatham (@jeffleatham) on Mar 20, 2018 at 2:26pm PDT

The artistic director of Four Seasons Hotels is followed by more than 831,000 people, including Khloe and Kim Kardashian. But his popularity isn't the best reason to follow his account; more impressive are the stunning and artistic floral designs he showcases on the regular (celebrity weddings, lush hotel lobbies... It's all there!).

Philippa Craddock

Celebrating Lunar New Year in-store at @theofficialselfridges @selfridgesfood, thank you @polychromaticlife for the image xx

A post shared by Philippa Craddock (@philippacraddock) on Feb 16, 2018 at 8:59am PST

Yes, this is the florist who has been hired to handle the floral decor for the upcoming Royal Wedding! Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose the London-based floral designer to decorate the most talked-about wedding of the year. Not only are you sure to see the royals' chosen designs on Craddock's feed, you'll also be treated to breathtaking designs straight from some of the biggest events in the world.  

Ariella Chezar

A post shared by Ariella Chezar (@ariellachezardesign) on Mar 8, 2018 at 9:56am PST

Ariella Chezar is known for — in her own words — a "lush, whimsical and garden-inspired style." Her Instagram feed showcases these aesthetics and more. The New York-based florist's choice of color and form makes her work playful and unique... And her Instagram page showcases it to dramatic effect.

Tin Can Studios

Deck the halls, but hold the holly… #entrywayflowers #happyholidays

A post shared by Tin Can Studios (@tincanstudios) on Dec 21, 2017 at 10:07am PST

If your taste is more eclectic and artistic, you need to follow Brooklyn-based Tin Can Studios. With floral arrangements that wouldn't be ill at ease in an impressionist art piece, Tin Can Studios is pulls off a soft yet dramatic aesthetic in all of their work.

The post 5 Celebrity Florists You Should Follow On Instagram appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

For all those looking for the sleek, modern kitchen that still has the charm and finishing of the classic French colonial design, look no farther. Dacor, a leader in innovations, recently unveiled their new model at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Showcase in Orlando last week to lauded reviews. The design, a sleek composite of stainless steel exterior keeps the unit blending perfectly into modern looking kitchen designs while offering the same charm and compartmentalized organization for any practical homeowner looking to build a luxury kitchen for the modern era.

Dacor’s four-french-door unit is bringing a new concept to modern luxury kitchens with compartments constructed for different uses from freezers to FreshZones for entertainment needs, and the ability for the whole unit to be built-in without obstructing the valuable space needed while cooking or entertaining in the area.

“Versatility helps ensure luxury kitchens are not only custom from a design standpoint, but from an entertaining perspective as well,” said Michael Magnani, Director Product Marketing, Dacor. “We’re proud to bring Dacor’s latest cooling solution to KBIS to highlight its beautiful exterior aesthetics, precise high-end food preservation qualities and high-tech enhancements. As the most versatile built-in refrigerator on the market, the Four-Door FreshZone Plus French Door Refrigerator is an ideal solution for replacement or new construction scenarios.”

The refrigerator’s FreshZone Plus capabilities provide flexible storage options that can regulate accordingly to the section’s contents. Meaning they can either expand sections to accommodate a watermelon, or change temperatures if you’re chilling wine or steaks in the compartment.

In addition to its cooling capabilities, the refrigerator also features triple-door mounted Wi-Fi enabled cameras in the FreshZone. Through a smartphone, the cameras display the refrigerator’s contents so there’s never a need to forget to pick something up at the grocery store.

For all those looking for a practical kitchen that also boosts extreme luxury vibes, this refrigerator is the perfect way to show off the high-tech capabilities of modern design with a charming aesthetic that still feels useful in a home.

The post Dacor Unveils New Four-Door French Door Refrigerator appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Stop making the same mistakes every holiday party and get a wine decanter. This one, from British designer Tom Dixon, is a sleek, modern model that aerates and decants wine to its perfect taste. Not to mention, having a modern looking decanter is a great conversation piece, and looks great with anything in it year round. For the gift set of the decanter, that comes with the two glasses, is only $180. The smoky silhouettes in the design and gradient of color from black to clear glass also give a uniquely organic vibe to such a modern looking design, making it perfect for any home. Not to mention, wine bottles are always hard to pour with the weight unevenly distributed throughout the bottle. With the decanters even handle and wide spout on top, it's perfect to grip at the head and pour without worrying about splattering the rug.

While the holiday season may be filled with cozy sweaters, and organic, warm, traditional design pieces, this decanter can cut through it all and be the conversation piece of the night, while still blending into the holiday spirit.

Check out more at tomdixon.net.

The post Lust Have: This Wine Decanter Makes Every Holiday Party Better appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Haute Residence: What are some of your favorite design trends you’re seeing now?

Nate Berkus: I don’t believe in trends. They are designed to make people feel bad about what they don’t have. The best interiors are ones where people have taken risks, and chosen to live with what they truly love. You want your home to feel layered, like it’s evolved over time – mix metals, textures and periods. Your home should say something about who you are, and what you care about.

What are some techniques you use in your own home?

One of the best parts of designing today is that there is no shortage of inspiration or access to resources. As the world leans more and more into technology, we’re seeing this appreciation for wellness in the home – and there are so many ways to define that.

For those looking to downsize space, like when moving into a city, how do you recommend keeping design in mind?

You need to be a ruthless editor in your home. Only live with what you truly love. That, and clean your homes. Seriously, sometimes it’s as simple as that.

What are some of your favorite pieces you have in your home?

Everything I have in my home, that I share with my husband Jeremiah Brent, has meaning. Whether it’s a piece of art that a friend created for our daughter, or a piece of pottery from a trip we have taken. I love that everything has a story about our family, and what we care about.

When working with clients, how do you help tailor their personality to the design of their home?

When working with a client, it’s all about understanding who they are and how they like to live. Choosing a wall color is about considering the furniture choices, the textiles, etc. Sometimes white paint is the bold choice.

Who is a furniture or décor designer/maker we should be keeping our eye on and why?

I love the work being created by Dimore Studio in Milan. And my husband, Jeremiah.

How do you find fashion relates to design of a home?

I always take inspiration from someone’s closet. If they gravitate towards color in their fashion choices, that’s a good indication of what will resonate in their home. Likewise, if they only dress in neutrals with gold accessories. It’s a great place to start.

A lot of our readers are travelers. What’s your advice on bringing souvenirs back from trips to include in a home without looking too tacky?

There is a fine line between hoarding and collecting, and finding the marriage between the two is very important. Only include items that you truly love, and find interesting ways to live with them. Whether it’s a framed souvenir, or turning a textile into a wall hanging or pillow. You want to always be mindful of what you let in.

The post Nate Berkus Talks Decor, Design, And Making The Most Of Any Space appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Find the right cart.

A good bar cart should be a focal point, that draws people together. It doesn’t need to be a big piece, but rather a small, portable table, preferably tiered, that can hold everything the home bartender may need at his or her disposal, glasses, booze, cordials, tumblers, even garnishes. A bar cart should be an elegant piece to compliment any home. Here, two different bar carts offer the same refined, though practical approach, for two very different aesthetics.

Ethan Allen, $1,699

Not all bottles are created equal.

Bar carts are not infinite spaces. The curating of bottles should be those that have a great finish to the glass and a well-designed label on the front. Even ones with an interesting glass bottle like Crystal Head vodka can make great additions to classic shapes like Bombay Sapphire gin's look. That said, there’s no need to have bottles on their that will never be touched. If you don’t care for a certain spirit, don’t keep it on there. Though for staple spirits, it’s always a generous gesture to guests to keep some in the cupboard as a back up. As you plan which bottles make it onto your personal top-shelf selections, consider the following elements when designing the look of your cart: bottle shape and size, interesting labels, and the color of the spirit inside. It’s nice to always have a mix of whiskies, gins, rums, vodkas, and cordials. Above all else though, include spirits you will enjoy drinking, because no bottle looks worse than with a layer of dust on it.

Decant tell you enough.

While top shelf booze at the ready is great, there are always the labels and spirits that may not be so high-class, but hold a special, sentimental place in our hearts. If there’s a bottom shelf whisky or flavored vodka your significant other may enjoy (but be a little embarrassed by) there’s no need to get rid of it all together. Having a glass decanter can be a great way to hide that bottle of Sailor Jerry Rum while still having it on hand.

Those in glass houses…

Finding the right glassware is important to completing any cocktail. Having a good mix of highball glasses, old fashioned glasses, and champagne glasses and flutes are important to matching the right cocktail to the right drink. Glasses should also go on the middle or lower tier of any bar cart, away from the bottles and covered from any spills or drippings from the flight above.

A little extra.

Cordials, or liqueurs, are an important fixture in any bar cart. With hundreds of different options, one more specific than the next, stocking a bar with cordials means knowing one’s own tastes enough to not oversaturate the bar. Like White Russians? Be sure to have Kahlua. Cosmopolitans? Have some triple sec ready to go. These bottles are also filled with sugar though, and a little goes a long way. Be sure to be careful when pouring unless you’re ready to unload everything to wipe the cart down.

…and Jack came tumbling after.

The final, and most important piece to a bar cart, is having a solid tumbler or two at the station. For any cocktails that require a good shaking, having a few metal tumbler is important to not need to be running back and forth to rinse out.

The post Build The Perfect Home Bar Cart With These Tips appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

HearthCabinet has created a “ventless fireplace”. An actual flame that requires no flume, gas, chimney, or even electricity, and without having to succumb to those twist on colored flames or, heaven forbid, the TV fireplace. The product works by burning through alcohol gel cartridges, similar to those of a Sterno under a chaffing dish. Each unit is single use and burn out rather than growing into too big a flame, meaning there’s no plume of smoke to fill the living room when shifting the logs. Each cartridge of the alcohol gel burns for about two to three hours and doesn’t need to be vented.

Each fireplace is also about the size of a paper box, and therefore customizable to any home or setting since they don’t need a whole chimney built into them, making them perfect for apartment buildings. The trend is also taking off with some of New York’s biggest names with fashion icons like Diana Berkeley of Alice and Olivia recently installing one in her home. The fireplaces are the perfect thing to add the right amount of heat to your apartment this winter.

The post This Fireplace Is Perfect For The City appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Let’s all just face it, water isn’t fun. It never was, and anyone that told you otherwise was lying. That’s not saying that drinking water isn’t important, and a necessary life function, but its just not a fun thing to do. Luckily, there’s an answer—Soda Stream’s Aqua Fizz.

Seltzer is fun, bubbly, and the healthiest alternative possible to soda while still having the carbonated bubbling. This machine is simple, easy to use, and sized perfectly. For all those living in cities like New York or Los Angeles, where counter space and kitchen sizes come at a heavy premium, buying a new countertop appliance can mean facing an irksome reality, turning most things down because they just can’t fit no matter how practical they are. (Looking at you, mixers and food processors.) The Soda Stream though stands at just over 17 inches high, well within the height of most cabinets, and only 6 inches wide.

The product comes with a CO2 can, where the bubbles are coming from, two glass carafes, and caps for both bottles.

The machine is also ridiculously easy to use. The space for the bottle opens with a latch for easy access to lock things in, and the boring water turns into brilliant seltzer with a simple touch of a button.

Whether you like seltzer really bubbly like Polar or less carbonated like Perrier is up to you, and the longer the hold on the button, the bubblier the bottle will be.

This is a perfect product for any home. Between the stainless steel finish, black liner, and compact design, it’s the perfect fit for any seltzer-lover to have their fix on demand.

The post This Is The Answer To Making Water Fun Again appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

This mattress has the plush feeling of a warm hug, like tea on a rainy day, like not remembering if you need milk when you’re at the supermarket, and getting home to find just enough left. It’s so restorative and calming after a long day, there’s a chance it’ll do your taxes if you asked it to.

Yes, the DreamCloud has a lot of science behind it. Plenty of mattresses offer a bullet-pointed list on the tag of the tech that goes into sleeping. It would be simple to talk about the DreamCloud’s gel-infused memory foam, or patent-pending  “best rest” coils. That’s not what makes it the best mattress though. This is a mattress built for luxury lifestyle. From the cashmere top, to the tufted pillow-like upper layer, it’s a mattress that lives by and for those who prioritize comfort. 

Unlike most mattresses though, it’s a cost effective price for the level of luxury. Ranging from $1,075 for the full size to $1,499 for the California King, it’s a mattress that’s actually worth the money and that will last a lifetime. Yes, the purchase does come with a 1-year free trial, but if you need to return this mattress I’d assume its only because you refused to get up and go to work in the morning, choosing to stay in bed more. Hell, the company is so sure you’ll love this mattress, they’ve added handles to the sides so you can take it with you wherever you want a quick nap.

The post The Mattress So Good, You’ll Be Late To Work appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.