Recently we visited a few local Calgary spa facilities to find interesting design ideas that could be recreated in any bathroom. The interesting factor was that most every spa place we visited had a recurring common theme of being a place of tranquility. Most places focused on soothing tones and colors with texture playing a major role in capturing the senses. For the most part, entering these spa environments was like visiting a relaxing and comfortable retreat where walking around in white bathroom robes felt as fantastic as eating white warm chocolate. The key point was that everyone felt a sense of warmth and pleasure!

After returning to our normal senses from a day of pampering and relaxation, we focused on the core elements for creating a spa-like atmosphere in any bathroom that is either large or small. Our first thought was that a bathroom with a spa feel had to be soothing and inviting. Therefore, the look and flow of a bathroom design was important for making a first spa impression. Not only did we believe that a bathroom design had to combine all bathroom elements, but more importantly we found that accessories and color were visually as important as the design. The objective of creating a spa bathroom was to incorporate colors and accessories that stimulated the senses in a positive way. For this reason we considered the following ideas and objectives for recreating a spa look into any bathroom:

1. Color Combination

Some people automatically think of the color “white” when speaking about spas. However, the truth is that there are many different ways of using color to create a warm and relaxing retreat in any bathroom. There are warmer colors like browns, creams, reds, yellows and greens that can be used to create a place of relaxation. Yet, be careful to implement colors that do not over power a room, especially if it is a smaller bathroom.

2. Theme

Usually spas have an element of incorporating Water, Earth, Fire, and Air. This can be as simple as implementing colors or accessories that symbolize these affects. For example, adding flooring that is warm and rich in earth tones like slate, bamboo, cork or tile can be eye catching. Also, adding appropriate lighting fixtures for soothing and focus effects is important for creating ambiance and mood.

3. Texture

The feel of your bathroom can be easily created with adding texture within your bathroom. These ideas can be simply done with layering bathroom towels on a rack, or placing them inside a large wicker basket. Yet, how about using a bathroom mat that is simple in design, but soft to the feel? Or placing a cotton shower curtain on a simple rod and hanging a soft robe on a delicate hook? These are all ways of creating the layering and texture within a bathroom without doing too much. Also, adding the right mirrors are important for making a focal point as anyone enters.

4. Smell

Creating a sensual and pleasant smell to your bathroom is also an important element in creating a place of relaxation. This can be easily achieved with scented candles or sachets filled with floral ingredients. Yet, do not overwhelm yourself with too much perfumed smells. Instead, add subtle hidden scents that make your mind wonder about where exactly that scent is coming from.

5. Accessories

Like anything else in design, the accessories are the important features of any room. They are like the jewels on a crown because without them it would not be quite the same. As a result, choose accessories that are simple and functional within your bathroom space. Try to select pieces that are useful to your daily bathroom lifestyle, but also pleasing to look at. Do not clutter a bathroom space with too many things. This is why many spa environments like to use glass containers for displaying cotton swabs or cotton balls on countertops, or slender trays for placing soaps and face towels.

What ever choices are made for creating a pleasurable bath experience, remember that a bathroom space can become an oasis by adding simple touches. The look and feel of a bathroom depends mostly on the mood that one wants to create. Therefore, anyone can combine a few basic components to recreate that day at the spa!

Copyright 2008 Home Link Design Inc.

Using distant delivery methods to convey professional advice.

Today there are forever changing service and product trends happening online.   Technological advances within service industries have created inventive ways for delivering information to the general consumer.  So, what is it with the online world that makes most people want even more?  Simply put, as the Internet has evolved, so have companies and the expectations of every day consumers.  For this reason, thinking outside the box has allowed Home Link Design to create unique online services for people looking for home staging and decorating advice.

Initially, the thought of an online décor service company sounds odd and complex to the common person.  Yet simply put, online consultations of any sort make sense today.  With the help of software programs, professionals and mainframe advances, the internet has allowed companies to reach a multitude of people from all over the world.  The wave of the internet has entered most every home and workplace today with an estimated 248,241,969 North American’s having internet usage (Source: Internet World Stats-www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm).  With this in mind, the internet growth rate continues to enhance and influence companies and consumers alike.

The online community is very receptive and adaptive to many innovative online services and products. As the high speed internet use evolves, so does the need for effective internet commodities in the online consumer life.  As a result, the development of online services, like home staging and interior design, has been a result of the incessant advancement of the internet.  Today’s online world has evolved along with the prospects of many internet companies and consumers reaching higher expectations and objectives.

So, how does online home staging differ than the standard services out there?  For the most part, Home Link Design’s online design services help people obtain affordable custom advice without paying for expensively hourly rates.  The effectiveness of receiving custom audio and visual advice via distant delivery is a modern concept that is evolving into the future.  Customers are finding value within Home Link Design’s online services because the affordability and efficiency of receiving information via the net is simply a more convenient factor.

Copyright 2008 Home Link Design Inc.

 Home Link Design

Today we are bombarded with an array of media images about home design and decorating.  At times, the abundance of available home products, decor styles and color combinations can be confusing and mind-boggling!  But, how does one know where to start with home design?  Usually, this question is pondered without little help or guidance because too many of us do not know where to begin.  More often than not, people choose the wrong type of design style and home products that do not fit their daily lifestyles.  For this reason, before starting a future home remodeling or renovation, ask your self this simple question; “Who am I?”

This ”who” in home decor design is an important aspect worth understanding before leaping into any home improvement project because it is this very notion that unknowingly dictates our home decor selection.  This unseeingly simple question plays a major role in our personal home decor because it is our own character that influences the decision making process for making decor choices. Understanding not only ourselves, but our lifestyles, needs, likes and dislikes are important traits to consider before looking at home decor.  Many times people believe that they do not really know what they want in home products and interior design, but the truth of the matter is that the “who” is always apparent within our own personality and character.  In simple terms, our persona is reflected within our own homes if we like it or not!

Design is easily achievable if we understand ourselves.  Try not to reinvent the wheel by going too far out of your own comfort zone!  There are often times when people make decisions on a whim without any self reflection or thought.  Usually making the right decor choices involves time and patience.  More importantly, individuals should take the time to reflect upon one’s own personality and daily life routines to make wiser decisions about home decor.  Usually, the character that is bestowed in a home depends greatly upon a homeowner’s character trait and personality.  The type of ambiance, mood, and flow that is reflected within interior design depends mostly on understanding the ”who” behind the design process. Before getting started on your next project, do not be afraid to look deeper than the apparent design choice.  Consider your home as an extension of yourself in which the simplest method of choosing a design style is to know more about your intuitive personality that will sequentially dictate your own design preference. Some factors to consider before decorating are:

1.  What colors “grab” you?  Determine what color tones and shades you prefer from the color wheel.  Do primary colors or tertiary colors interest you?

2.  What mood do you want to create in a room?  Think about what feeling you want to create within your space.  Is the area to be cozy, casual, formal, sleek or modern?  Determine the type of ambiance that you want to reflect in the room.  The lighting is also a major player in creating this affect.

3.  What is the room size?  Consider the room dimensions as a guideline for choosing the scale of furniture, decor accessories and colors used within the room.  For example, if you want your space to appear larger then try a neutral or lighter color for brightness.  Also, select furniture that fits with the size of the room.

4.  What is the focal point of the room? Determine what area of the room you want to draw attention to.  For example, is there a specific wall, window, fireplace, art piece, furniture, or structural area that you would like to highlight within the space?

5.  What is the natural flow of the room?  Consider the access going in and out of the space before positioning furniture.  Try to create a flow that is fluid to the eye without causing an unnatural break or stop.  For example, if you want to create a conversational area, then try to position your furniture in a manner that is both intimate, but also inviting to your natural traffic area.  Do not clutter your space with unnecessary items that block the natural flow of movement into the room.

Copyright 2008 Home Link Design Inc.

The trend today is not only to remodel, but to renovate some more! Every year people are looking for up-to-date trends that will spur more unique decorating genres within design.  Usually, homeowners find themselves changing colors and home products within a five year period to stay with the times.  However, these renovations sometimes cause more unduly harm to marital relationships than anticipated because of the usual unexpected turmoils that exist within a renovation process.  But, before beginning your next home renovation project, consider these factors below:

1.  Budget:  Be realistic with your budget. A good tip is to browse stores and manufacturers for pricing before committing to anything.  Doing some homework will allow you to budget accordingly.  Also, be sure to allocate 10% more for products, materials and trade work.

2.  Timeframe:  Be sure to know that all renovations can take longer than the expected timeframe.  Do not go into a project believing that it will only take a couple of weeks!

3.  Product Availability:  Choose products that are not only appealing to you, but also available.  There are many times when people choose products that are difficult to find, and/or discontinued.  These types of products should be carefully considered before purchasing since renovations can be more complex than initially thought.  Even if you can get a product, try to be sure that you can reorder more if need be.

4.  Product Installation:  Try to pick products that flow and fit within your home.  Even if the product looks great in a store or warehouse, be sure that it will fit inside your own home. Remember that many times we lose perception of the size of items and products that are seen inside larger store fronts. Be sure to measure dimensions before ordering.

5.  Trade scheduling:  Try to schedule your trades according to the delivery of your products and merchandise.  Do not have trades scheduled to come into your home without the available products on site!

6.  Preparation of  Site:  Try to have your site ready for renovations with a good preparation before demolishment of the site.  This is the time where you can de-clutter your room or home prior to the renovation.  Try to store things in a safe place where trades will not damage them.

7.  Contractors: Try to find the right contractor that understands your needs and timeframe.  This does not necessarily mean that you will find the right fit all the time, but look into references beforehand.

8.  Illness:  Be sure that there is another option if someone were to get sick or injured during the renovation process.  This is sometimes easily overlooked.

9.  Plan:  Be sure to plan your project as much as possible.  There are many details during renovations that can be easily overlooked.  Do not underestimate the complexity of a project.

10. Collaboration:  Try to work with the trades, rather than alienating yourself from them.  This is a group effort…so know that you have to stick with it until the end!  When difficulties arise, try to find a resolutioin together before battling it out!

Copyright 2008 Home Link Design Inc.