In smaller spaces, you need to be much more selective about what you choose to display if your aim is to make the proportions feel bigger. Walls, shelves, dressers, countertops and computer desks can all benefit from a critical “do I need this?” scan.

Modular and prefabricated construction are innovative building methods revolutionizing traditional construction by offering faster timelines, cost savings, and a more sustainable approach. As urbanization and housing demand rise globally, these trends are gaining significant traction among developers, architects, and builders.

One of the key hurdles is regulatory compliance, as building codes were written before many of the modern forms of modular construction were developed. Prefabricated components often require adjustments to meet local standards, leading to increased costs and delays.

Another challenge is the perception of quality, with modular construction sometimes viewed as less durable or aesthetically pleasing. Logistics also pose a problem, as transporting large modules can be costly and complex, particularly in urban or remote areas.

Additionally, the industry faces a shortage of construction workers in general, let alone a workforce trained in modular production and assembly. Lastly, upfront costs for manufacturing facilities and technology are often higher than traditional construction, making financing difficult for some developers.

Despite these challenges, modular construction offers significant opportunities. Its ability to reduce construction timelines is a game-changer, enabling projects to be completed in half the time of traditional methods.

Sustainability is another major advantage, with controlled factory environments minimizing waste and promoting the use of eco-friendly materials. Modular construction also leads to cost savings through mass production and economies of scale, making it an attractive option for developers.

Additionally , advancements in technology are enhancing precision and efficiency.

By overcoming its challenges, modular construction can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable, scalable, and efficient building practices. It’s a trend to keep an eye on.

We’ve already taken a look at some tips for styling your bed in Part 1, including the use of quality bedding, layers and patterns. There’s plenty more tips to come!

Colour Coordination

Choose a colour scheme that complements the overall decor of the bedroom for a cohesive look. Whether you prefer calming neutrals, vibrant hues, or subtle pastels, coordinating your bedding colours will create a stylish and inviting look.

Mixing Textures

Mixing different textures adds visual interest to your bed. Combine smooth cotton sheets with a textured duvet cover. Try adding a throw blanket at the foot of the bed for warmth and style. Choose a blanket in a complementary colour or texture to tie the look of your bed together. Or add a faux fur throw for a luxurious touch.

Valance

If your bed frame is exposed, consider adding a bed skirt or valance to conceal the base of the bed and create a more polished look.

Use these tips to help create a comfortable, visually appealing environment in the bedroom

A classic colour combination found everywhere from Cape Cod homes to beach California bungalows, a pairing of blue and white is a great idea.

Opt for white light fixtures to maintain brightness, and add metallic finishes like silver or chrome for a contemporary feel. Blue glass accents or white ceramic pieces complete the look with elegance.

This colour scheme creates a serene, sophisticated space perfect for relaxation or entertaining.

Adding colour through a single, thoughtfully chosen textile can make a significant impact on a room’s aesthetic, providing style and personality without overwhelming the space.

A single textile in a striking colour can also enhance the room’s character and establish a focal point that draws the eye.

By using just one vibrant textile, you can create a room with both energy and balance. This approach lets you experiment with colour and style without the commitment of repainting or extensive decorating, making it a versatile, low-maintenance solution for elevating any space.

Using a single textile in a bright, intentional colour also allows for both flexibility and control over the room’s aesthetic. It’s ideal for those who prefer a minimalistic style but still want to incorporate personality and vibrancy, as it keeps the decor simple yet stylish with just one statement-making piece.

Ultimately, adding colour through textiles is an accessible way to infuse personality, warmth, and vibrancy into a home, allowing you to experiment with style without making permanent changes.

When it comes to making a small space look bigger, you’d be forgiven for assuming that using smaller furniture pieces is the key.

But you’d be wrong. Okay, you don’t want super-sized furniture, but surprisingly enough, using a few bigger furniture pieces can help make a space feel larger.

One of the tricks is to use a few key, simple statement pieces in plain fabrics, rather than multiples. And if a piece of furniture can have more than one purpose, that’s even better. For example, a coffee table with storage drawers.

Furniture with an open design is also helpful. A sofa that’s elevated off the ground, or dining chairs with an open frame, for example. Round pieces rather than rectangular is another trick.

Low furniture can be a good choice as well. Simply by being lower it opens up more space above the item.

Also think about positioning. Spreading things out makes thing look more spacious, and keep things away from the walls where you can. Two small side tables rather than one big coffee table can open up space in the middle of the room.

And finally, furniture should never block pathways or light sources.

Green roofs, also known as living roofs, are a sustainable urban solution that integrate vegetation into building architecture. These roofs, covered with plant layers, offer numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits.

Environmentally, green roofs help mitigate the urban heat island effect, where city areas become significantly warmer than their rural surroundings. By providing insulation and reducing the amount of heat absorbed by buildings, they lower the demand for air conditioning, which in turn reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, green roofs enhance stormwater management by absorbing and filtering rainwater, which reduces runoff and decreases the risk of flooding and water pollution.

Green roofs contribute to urban aesthetics and provide green spaces in densely built environments. They create habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife, fostering biodiversity in cities.

They can improve the quality of life for residents by offering recreational areas and reducing noise pollution. Additionally, they contribute to mental well-being by providing a connection to nature amidst the urban landscape.

From a monetary perspective, a green roof can increase property values and extend the lifespan of roofing materials. In addition, the insulation provided by the vegetation leads to lower heating and cooling costs, offering long-term savings.

Overall, green roofs represent a practical and multifunctional approach to urban development, combining ecological benefits with economic and social gains. As cities continue to grow, incorporating green roofs into building designs will be a key strategy for creating more sustainable and livable urban environments.

Sustainable design is more than just buzzwords; it’s a move towards creating environments and products that minimize environmental impact while enhancing our quality of life.

There are lots of way you can incorporate sustainability into your renovation and design, with longevity being one of the keys.

When you choose products, look for products designed to last longer. Durable materials reduce the need for replacements and minimize waste.

Also, invest in timeless, classic pieces that don’t go out of fashion quickly, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

By thinking about the durability and timelessness of your choices, your resulting design will have a lower environmental impact over time.

If you’ve either been to the Palace of Versailles or seen photos of it, then you’re probably already aware of how multiple large mirrors can make a small space look dramatically bigger.

It’s a long held rule in decorating that white is a great choice when you’re trying to create the illusion of space.

But that raises a rather important question – which white? There have been plenty of jokes told where one person says white, and the other immediately starts listing out all sorts of names for white – pearl, alabaster, snow, cotton, lace… you get the idea.

Here’s the catch though – not all whites are the same. Crazy, right? In fact shades of white fall roughly into two groups – those with warm undertones, and those with cool undertones. And that’s when it becomes clear that not all whites are the same.

Whites with a warm (yellow) undertone actually do what all warm colours do – they make a space feel warmer and cosier. So they don’t achieve the object of expanding the space.

Cool whites, usually with a crisp grey or blue undertone, are the ones you need if you’re trying to create the feeling of space.

Daisy, powder, bone, ivory, linen… 122 shades? Wow.