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7 Essential Items for a Cozy and Safe Baby Nursery

When designing a dream baby nursery for your little one, here are 7 must-have items you should include:

1. A Crib With a Comfy Mattress That Can Grow With Your Baby

When it comes to baby nurseries, a quality crib and mattress are must-haves. To make things easier, you may want to get an adjustable convertible crib that can grow with your child from infancy through toddlerhood—a bassinet near the bed is also convenient for frequent nighttime feedings. A good quality mattress ensures both safety and comfort for your little one!

2. A Nursing or Feeding Chair

A comfortable, supportive nursing or feeding chair is an important item to have in any baby nursery. Having a dedicated spot to nurse or bottle-feed your little one can help create a relaxed and soothing environment while providing physical comfort for both you and your baby. You may want to look for a chair with adjustable heights and armrests, as well as plenty of back support.

3. Easy-to-Clean Floors

If you are looking for a flooring option in your baby’s nursery, then something that is easy to clean should be at the top of your list. A carpet is an inviting and comfortable surface for those tiny feet; however, if you do go with a carpet make sure it has anti-allergen features and low VOCs. A washable play mat will also provide a fantastic soft space where babies can explore without any worries.

4. A Closet, Dresser, or Changing Table

A dedicated changing table is an essential item in any nursery and you should look for one that has plenty of drawer space and adjustable shelves. That way, it can hold all the items you need while keeping everything organized. A closet is also a great item to include, as it will provide you with plenty of room for storage.

A closet, dresser and changing table that can grow with your baby is an invaluable item for any nursery. Look for one that has several adjustable shelves and drawers so you can easily store diapers, wipes, and other items you need as your baby grows.

5. Paint, Wallpaper, Wall Art

When considering paint, wallpaper, or wall art for a baby nursery, it’s important to choose colors and designs that create a calm and soothing environment. Soft pastel tones such as light blue, pink and yellow are often popular choices as they can evoke peacefulness and tranquility. Additionally, look for non-toxic paints that are low in VOC, which will help keep your baby’s air clean. When it comes to wall art, you may want to look for pieces with soft colors and abstract designs that can complement the overall decor of the room.

6. White Noise Machine, Speakers, or Something to Soothe Baby

If you’re looking for a way to help your little one sleep peacefully, consider investing in white noise machines or speakers. White noise machines can provide an array of relaxing sounds that will ensure baby gets quality rest, while speakers are ideal for playing lullabies and other calming tunes. Either option can be very helpful in creating a peaceful atmosphere within the nursery.

7. Baby Monitor

As a parent, you want to make sure your baby is safe and secure at all times. Investing in a reliable baby monitor can provide both safety and peace of mind for the whole family. When shopping for one, look for features like two-way audio, night vision capabilities and temperature sensors: perfect additions if you’d like to keep an eye on your little one from any area in the house!

3 Extra Optional Items

1. An Extra Pullout Bed

Transform your baby’s nursery into a multi-functional wonderland by adding an extra pull-out bed. Having family and friends stay over is much simpler when you can combine convenience with style; giving them their own sleeping area while also allowing the space to be used as a playroom.

2. A Shelf for Books, Toys, Montessori Style

Having a shelf for books and toys in the baby’s nursery is a great way to encourage imaginative play. You may want to look for shelves that are low to the ground, as this will help ensure your baby’s safety. Additionally, you could opt for more Montessori-style wooden shelves, which can provide an aesthetically pleasing and practical solution.

3. An Air Purifier or IQ Air Monitor to Check PM 2.5

If you live in a location with poor air quality, you may want to consider investing in an air purifier or IQ air monitor for your baby’s nursery. This can help ensure that the air is free of pollutants such as dust, pollen, and smoke. An IQ air monitor is especially helpful as it can detect the levels of PM 2.5 in the air, so you can be sure your baby is breathing clean air.

Conclusion

From a crib with a good mattress to an air purifier, these items will help ensure your baby has everything they need for a safe and comfortable space. And if you have the extra space and budget, these three optional items can add even more comfort and convenience for you and your little one.

OPENUU provides a full range of baby nursery design services, helping you create the perfect room for your little one. Contact us to find out more today.

Six Factors to Consider When Buying Throw Pillows

interior home decor

We all crave to change the look of our living space from time to time. People think it’s expensive, but sometimes low-key modifications, such as updating with throw pillows, can come in handy when you want to spruce up your space. If you want to give your home a facelift, throw pillows are the easiest, most affordable way for instant results. They can give you a luxurious look without spending a lot of money, and if you don’t like the results, you can easily modify them.

Getting a different color of throw pillows with different fabrics can make your home seem different and give it a different feel. Throw pillows provide more color and softness to your living room and are home accessories that never go out of fashion.

Choosing throw pillows that best suit your home can be confusing, so hopefully, this guide will make it easier. When it comes to throw pillows, don’t act on impulse. Every detail matters, and even a pretty fabric may not go well with the rest of the décor.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Throw Pillows

interior home decor

There are many considerations when choosing throw pillows. You must consider colors, size, shape, patterns, number of pillows, and the style you aim to achieve. Your choice of throw pillows depends on many factors, including;

1. Color and patterns

Use your living area color scheme as a guide for picking colors for your throw pillow. It’s important to note that the colors don’t have to match. You can mix and match colors, textures, and even patterns.

You can work with a color wheel to choose colors that go together. If you prefer a minimal vibe, you can go for solid colors. Also, another interesting variation is playing around with patterns. You can mix two to three patterns and vary the scale of your designs.

2. Size and Shape

There are endless throw pillow options available in varying shapes and sizes, plus you can mix the sizes and shapes of your throw pillows for a dynamic look. Size is the most important thing when shopping for throw pillows. Use couch dimensions to pick pillows that compliment it and do not overpower it. When arranging, start from the largest to the smallest.

Mixing the shapes of throw pillows adds visual interest. Throw pillows come in different shapes like:

  • Square It is the most popular throw pillow with dimensions ranging from 16*16 inches, 18*18 inches, 20*20 inches, or 22*22 inches.
  • Round pillows
  • Lumbar pillows; support the lower back when sitting or sleeping.
  • Bolster pillows; are cylindrical and vary in size.

3. Furniture and number of throw pillows

The size and style of your couch are also factors to consider when adding throw pillows. A small sofa may need only one or two throw pillows, while on a big couch, four or five pillows will do the trick.

4. Layering

Deciding whether you will go for one throw pillow or multiple will depend on the space. If you choose multiple, the number one rule to follow is the more the pillows, the smaller the sizes. You can also mix sizes, shapes, and colors if you intend to use multiple.

5. Purpose

Choosing throw pillows also depends on the purpose of buying them. Throw pillows can support the back, prop up someone when seated on the chair, or for aesthetics. They can also serve all these purposes.

6. Your style

The best way to design throw pillows is to match your style. Your room decor will determine the fabric you choose, colors, pattern, and texture of the throw pillows you choose.

Conclusion

Decorating your home can be fun, and you can personalize it to your taste. You also don’t have to worry about getting what suits you, as these pillows come in different sizes and shapes that will fit your home aesthetic regardless of what you are looking to achieve.

Visit our website to learn more or, better still, if you plan to give your home a facelift, shop today from our premium cushion collection.

Creating a Soft Ambiance with Decorative Lighting

One of the most relaxing ways to light your home is with a soft ambient glow. In the evening, when you’re winding down for bed or with the curtains drawn for an afternoon movie with friends, having soft lighting in your home allows you to set the mood without stumbling over furniture. Lighting doesn’t always have to be brilliant and illuminating. Lighting can be soft and relaxing instead. In fact, with smart lights, they can be both.

The best ambient lighting comes from thoughtful interior design. Which light fixtures you choose and where you place them will shape your soft-glow environment when you dim the lights at home for rest, movies, or romance.

Diffused Light Strips Along the Ceiling

One of the greatest innovations in recent lighting has been LED strips. These are strips of tiny LED diodes that you can mount anywhere in your home. They illuminate countertops when attached below upper cabinets; they can line your television in a soft glow, or provide gentle overhead light when mounted along the ceiling.

Highlight the lines of your room and beautiful architectural features with the ambient glow of overhead light strips. If you want to soften the twinkle of individual diodes, seek a light rope or use a milky diffuser strip.

Candle Glow Wall Sconces

Wall sconces are a classic way to achieve romantic soft lighting. We have been hanging candles and lanterns on the walls as lighting for many hundreds of years. Wall sconces are reminiscent of candle sconces and hurricane lanterns from our design styles just before electricity was introduced to the modern home. Today, frosted glass or artfully sculptural sconces are a great way to provide soft lighting around the room.

Luminescent Sculpture

There are few things more mesmerizing than a glowing sculpture. Today, you can find dozens of designs in LED sculptures for coffee tables or to mount on your wall. Some are prebuilt to glow and some can even be built into a new glowing sculpture each week using fit-together pieces and your own creative inspiration.

A glowing sculpture is always a conversation piece when friends visit and can add a beautifully futuristic element to your interior design.

Glowing Wall Panels

Wall panels are the new innovation of interior lighting. These diffused LED panels glow in elegant shapes and patterns mounted on your wall. At full brightness, they can illuminate a room and when turned down low they add color-changing ambiance to your space. You choose the design and the light level by putting the panel shapes together in your own unique way.

Pro tip: Use a mounting board so it is easy to rebuild the sculpture if you want to change the style or arrangement of the panels at any time.

Smart Bulb Chandeliers

Today, even your glowing chandeliers can adapt to the mood of the room – and we don’t mean a dimmer knob. Smart bulbs installed into a pendant light array or even a twinkling crystal chandelier give you full illumination and color control of your overhead light fixtures. Smart bulbs are voice-activated or can be controlled silently through a few taps of a mobile app.

In fact, glowing sculptures, wall panels, and light strips can all be found in smart, color-controlled, and voice-activated varieties.

Cafe Style Table Lamps

Table lamps have been a warm and inviting addition to ambient lighting since before the days of electricity. Today, you can find table lamp styles in book shops, cafes, and cozy clubhouses where each cluster of comfortable chairs is softly illuminated by it’s own shaded lamp. Choose your time period and your style or go eclectic because there are hundreds of design varieties of table lamp to choose from.

Soft ambient lighting at home is a relaxing and versatile option. With smart RBG control and an elegant choice of fixtures, you can set the mood easily or bring up the lights for clear illumination when it’s time to clean or find the remote. For more elegant and practical home decor ideas, contact us today.

5 Reasons To Incorporate Wall Clocks Into Your Wall Decor

When it comes to decorating the walls of your home, you have so many great options. These options help you to avoid having bare walls, and they really help you to complete the look with the rest of your decor. One excellent piece of decor to add to your walls is a wall clock. There are so many awesome reasons why wall clocks can really level up your wall game and make your walls looking amazing! Here are three great reasons to incorporate them into your wall decor. 

They Serve A Purpose 

One excellent reason to incorporate wall clocks into your wall decor is because they are highly functional, and they serve a purpose in your home. You need to be able to tell the time, and having one or more wall clocks in your home makes this much easier for you. You can place a clock in an area where you need to be able to tell the time easily, or in a room where you don’t have any other clocks. 

There Are So Many Styles

Another awesome reason to hang a wall clock on your wall is because you have so many styles to choose from. There are modern styles, classic styles, industrial styles, and everything in between. There are also styles that are more themed and others that are neutral. When it comes to colors, you are really only limited to your imagination. The clocks are made to be both digital and analog, which gives you even more options. You may want a digital clock for your children’s room and an analog clock for your kitchen.  This allows you to easily find a wall clock to go in any room in your home. 

They Come In Different Sizes And Shapes

Wall clocks also come in several sizes as well. These sizes allow you to have a wall clock as a centerpiece on your wall, as well as a small accent piece to fill in a smaller area. There are different shapes as well, such as circular, rectangle, square, oval, heart, and many other solid and more abstract shapes as well. You can even find customized sizes and shapes to fit in extra large, small, or oddly shaped spaces. 

They Are Affordable

Unlike other kinds of wall decor, such as paintings and other artistic pieces, wall clocks are comparatively affordable. This allows you to decorate your walls, even if you are on a budget and would otherwise have to leave your walls bare. This also makes it possible for you to purchase multiple wall clocks when you would only be able to afford one artistic piece. 

They Create An Accent Or Focal Point In The Room  

Lastly, when you choose to purchase a wall clock, you have the benefit of knowing that they will be a great accent or focal point in the room. You can choose a character themed, digital clock to be the focal point in your child’s room, a large farmhouse clock for your kitchen, a gorgeous, detailed clock for your entryway, and the list goes on. This really helps you to make a statement in whatever room you place your wall clock, and also allows you to have a functional piece. 

You really can’t go wrong when you choose to purchase a wall clock to incorporate into your decor because they serve an important purpose by showing you what time it is, they come in several styles, they are available in different sizes and shapes, they’re affordable, and they are a great accent or focal point in any room. 

To learn more great reasons to incorporate wall clocks into your wall decor, or to shop our store to find a great wall decor clock for your home today!

How Lighting Enhances Your Space: Lighting Design and Ideas to Transform Your Space

Consider this. When you enter a room enhanced with friendly, inviting light, you’ll instantly feel at ease. But if you enter the same room with harsh or insufficient lighting, your mood flips completely. Why?

Lighting has biological and psychological effects that can affect the health and well-being of humans. Biologically, good lighting designs help stabilize your circadian rhythm, which boosts your overall mood and contributes to a better night’s sleep.  

On the psychological part, good lighting can help reduce depression and increase cognitive performance such as reaction time and productivity.

Let’s Shed Some Light:
How to Enhance Your Space Using Lighting

Indeed, lighting is so much more than a nighttime tool. You can spice it with a bit of creativity to make it double as a work of art and enhance your space in so many ways. In this interest, we have made you a brief rundown on how you can use lighting design and ideas to transform your (living, office, or restaurant) space

1. Change the Color Palette of Your Space

Among a variety of choices, adding color is a wise alternative if you need to breathe some life into your space. And don’t shy from the painting costs—a paint job will not be necessary.

You can change your room’s color scheme by introducing pops of brightness with superior lighting fixtures and accessories. 

For instance, if you need a bright, playful look in your rooms, you can go for a pendant light or a table lamp. If sleek colors are too extreme for your taste, terrazzo wall sconces are a great way to warm up your rooms without the dramatic hues.

2. Upgrade Your Aesthetics

In this social media era, you can easily get lost in the design trends bandwagon and feel as if your space is outdated and behind time. On the brighter side of things, decorative light fixtures can help you make an excellent comeback and transform your home or office into a beautiful and elegant space.

Consider replacing old lighting fixtures with current lighting design trends that you love. For example, you can add a modern floor lamp or crescent pendants to refresh and awaken your rooms. However, you may want to be careful to select fixtures that complement your current color palette and the overall design sensibility of your space.

3. Establish Flow in Your Space

When you want to divide an open area into distinct “rooms,” you can use decorative lighting to create distinct spatial divides. The open floor plans of new houses have a modern feel, but it can be difficult to distinguish dining, living, or working areas without the walls.

You can add pendant lighting overhead to divide areas; center the lights over each area you want separate. Consider using flush mount lighting in your living space to make it feel more open and relaxing and long hanging pendants over a dining area to create an intimate feel.

4. Add a Personality Statement

Sometimes all your space needs is an extra dose of fun. Does your life or room feel dull and serious? You can add whimsical pieces such as a statement table lamp to add interest. A subtle, modern lighting fixture or accessory will help break up a more traditionally styled space.

You can bring cheer into a serious or dark-toned room using unique accessories such as the LED tree branches decoration.

5. Smart Lighting to Enhance Your Space

With the increasing advancements in technology and lighting control, setting the perfect mood for your space is now easier than ever. Smart lighting and lighting controls are becoming more popular, especially in the hospitality industry, due to their ability to enhance customer experiences. 

The ability to control the mood and intensity of lighting is a great milestone for your restaurants. For instance, you can set a brighter atmosphere in the morning to wake customers and an intimate and relaxing mood to calm them in the evening. And what’s more on smart lights and lighting technology…

It’s the geometric assembly smart night light. The geometric night light enhances your rooms with style and accent and is easy to control. Some notable features of the geometric night light include:

  • Geometric shape- create superior aesthetics for your room by combining multiple panels
  • Sound and light Interaction- let your lights dance to the tune of the music in your space
  • Voice control- connect the geometric night light to Amazon or Google Home and control the lights hands-free
  • Customized color selection: Customize the color of the light to your mood by using an App or manually by sliding your fingertips along each panel

How We Can Help

Whatever your budget, style, or objective, lighting is an excellent way to transform how your space feels when a person walks through the door. At OPENUU, we are an award-winning design studio and believe that beautifully curated objects have the power to enrich and enhance even the gloomiest spaces.

Try something new from our contemporary lighting design selections and feel the difference each time you flip the switch. And for every purchase you make, we donate ten hot and nutritious meals to someone in need. 

For more information on how lighting can enhance your space (whether office, home, or restaurant), feel free to Contact Us today, and we will be more than willing to assist.

Renovation Time: How to Plan the Duration of Your Home Improvement Project

How much time should you allocate for a new home renovation?

Home renovations are each a unique project to the space and the changes you want to make. Naturally, renovating a small bathroom will take less time than the same depth of renovations in the kitchen. Repainting your cabinetry will take less time than rebuilding the whole cabinet set.  No matter how big or small your renovations, it is vital to know the real time estimate for the duration

Time Your Renovation in Stages

How long will your renovation take? This is easiest to answer in stages. Consider each state necessary, from ripping out the old features to building brand new features – each stage takes time. Roughly, you can allot 2 hours of time per day per team reliably and up to 6 hours of rotating shifts. The number of tasks, in total, that make up your renovation project will determine how long it will take to complete. 

You can also look up each type of renovation task to determine how much must be built before other features are built around it.

Example Renovation Stages 8-20 weeks

  • Planning & Design Stage – 2-4 weeks
  • Supply Delivery – 2-8 weeks
  • Tear-Out Stage – 1-2 weeks
  • Utility Line Stage – 1-2 weeks
  • Fixtures and Features – 1 week
  • Structures, Cabinets, and Countertops – 1-4 weeks
  • Paints, Finishes, and Sealcoat – 2-5 days

It can be as small as a quick bathroom renovation, to the whole gut renovation, which could be 6 months long!

Make Plans to Stay Somewhere Else

Most home renovations are less than enjoyable to live next to. Homes are often open with sheets of plastic and privacy is not guaranteed. Once you have determined how long your home renovation is likely to be, you can make plans to safely stay elsewhere. Pack up the family and catch a stay-cation at a local resort, visit relatives, or stay with a nearby friend. You can also book a vacation rental – temporarily renting a vacation-style home in the suburbs for comfort and convenience without the complexity of living in a hotel for a few weeks or months.

Causes for Home Renovation Delays

  • Design changes
  • Supplier shortages
  • Shipping delays
  • Poor weather (outdoor work)

Another serious consideration is that delays happen. Most contractors will advise you to add a few extra days to your schedule to account for delays.  Project delays can come from a variety of sources. If you have a project exposed to the outside, then weather plays a role. Lately, we’ve faced widespread manufacturing and transport shortages, leading to supply and shipping delays. If the homeowner makes a design change, this can also result in a delay as plans change.

Calculate and plan for delays so that a late shipment or poor weather doesn’t throw off your entire estimated schedule for completion.

Ordering Furniture for Your Renovated Home

When your work experiences no delays and contractors can arrive throughout the week, often deliveries are the one thing you have to plan furthest ahead. Special ordered building materials can take weeks or months to arrive.

Home renovations also tend to pair with redecoration and new furniture. Ordering new furniture for your home can take 6-8 weeks for delivery. This is part of the reason why it’s important to have a complete design plan before you begin. By ordering your furniture and building materials early, you can optimize their delivery time for when your renovation project is ready to put them to use. Ordering furniture early ensures the furniture is available when the work on your house is done and you’re ready to redecorate.

How long does a home improvement project take? It depends on the stages of home improvement and the shipment times for the materials, fixtures, and furniture your project needs. Work with your contractors (or DIY your plan) to order your goods early. You can choose to start work when your materials arrive or time their arrival as you move through the stages of your home renovation project.

Looking for trendy, beautiful furniture for your new home design? Contact us today.

4 Home Interior Design Tips for Cozy Living

Nothing is as inviting, heavenly, and comfortable as a well-decorated home with a cozy living area. Maybe it’s how the furniture is arranged or how the lighting casts a warm and welcoming glow. Whatever it is, there’s just something about a perfectly decorated home that makes you want to curl up with a good book and never leave. 

Picking a home interior design style is your thin line between an inviting and comfortable home and a cold, sterile one. It’s essential to choose a style that reflects your personality and allows you to feel comfortable in your home. 

While the process can be daunting, we’ve compiled a few tips to help you smoothen your interior design process for your home.

What to Prepare Before Meeting with Your Interior Designer

Like any other important meeting in your life, there are a few things you should do before meeting with your interior designer for the first time. Prior preparation will make the session more productive and allow you to get to know your designer and see if they’re a good fit for your project. Here are a few key things you should do before meeting with your interior designer.

1. Define your project scope

The first step is to define the scope of your project clearly. Are you renovating your whole home or just one room? What is your budget? When do you need the project to be completed? These are all important questions that need to be answered before meeting with your designer.

2. Gather inspiration boards

Inspiration boards are an excellent way to communicate your design preferences to your designer. Collect images of rooms or designs you like and compile them into a board. 

This will give your designer a better understanding of your style and help them to better cater to your needs. Pinterest is a great place to start when looking for inspiration images. Create a board and start saving images that inspire you.

3. Know your design style and aesthetic preferences

Design styles vary significantly from one person to the next. What kind of look are you going for? Classic, modern, or eclectic? Be sure to have a good understanding of your design style before meeting with your designer. 

Your aesthetic preference is also an important factor to consider. Do you prefer a minimalist look, or are you more drawn to traditional designs? Be detailed in your descriptions to ensure that your designer knows exactly what you’re looking for.

4. What’s Your Budget

How much are you willing to spend on your home interior design project? This is an important question to ask before meeting with your designer. They will be able to give you a better idea of what is possible within your budget and help you to make the most of your money. Be realistic in your expectations, and don’t be afraid to ask for discounts.

What Files and Documents Do You Need?  

You’ll need to have a few key documents and files before your interior designer can start working on your project. These include:

  • A floor plan of your home (or the room you’re renovating)
  • Measurements of all the rooms in your home
  • Photos of your home (or the room you’re renovating)
  • Samples of materials you’d like to use in your project (e.g., paint, flooring, color scheme, furniture, etc.)
  • Any design preferences or inspiration boards you’ve created
  • Any sketches or ideas you have for the project

Ensure to have all of these documents ready and organized before meeting with your designer. This will help them better understand your project and make the design process much smoother.

The Value of Good Interior Design

A well-designed home looks good and reflects your personality, allowing you to feel comfortable in your home. Investing in quality interior design can also increase the value of your home, making it a wise investment for the future. 

While choosing an interior designer can be daunting, it’s important to remember that their job is to make your dreams a reality. You can rest assured that they will deliver a stunning finished product by providing them with a clear vision and all the necessary information.

How Working with a Designer will Save You Money

Interior design can be a costly affair – especially if you’re not familiar with the process. Besides the many benefits of working with an experienced interior designer, they can help you save money in the long run. How do they do this? You may ask.

  • They will help you avoid bad contractors who can do more harm than good, resulting in more costs for repairing and fixing stuff.
  • Interior designers know where to find quality materials at a fraction price as they are well connected with suppliers.
  • An interior designer can also be a great asset in helping you stay on budget. They will work with you to choose finishes and materials that fit your budget and meet your needs.
  • Designers also have a keen eye for detail and can spot potential problems before they become costly.

Let OPENUU Help You Design Your Next Project

Partnering with a reliable and experienced interior designer will help you create a beautiful and functional space that you will love for years to come. They will help you stay on budget, navigate the design process, and avoid costly mistakes. 

At OPENUU, we understand that each project is unique and take the time to get to know our clients so that we can create a space that reflects their individual styles. With us, you’re guaranteed a finished product that is stylish and practical.

Contact us for a free consultation today to learn more about how we can help you with your next project!