This is a story about warmth, love, children and Sunday breakfasts with coffee and biscuits. Spotted on www.elmueble.com, the family home below gained this friendly welcoming look after the children showed up. Designer Carolina Juanes felt her home needs a lot of changes when her family got bigger and planned to remodel it completely. First of all, she realized that the time spent at home doubled. Thus, a more inviting place was needed. She played with light, colors, materials – the versatile and flexible items in a house. As a result, she now feels the interior reflects profoundly her personality and the kids enjoy a lovely environment at home.
The marine touch
The dining table is the core of a house. The family members gather around and discuss various issues while enjoying a tasty meal. The one above reminds me of the Mediterranean shore and gives you the impression that mornings are an eternal vacation. Would you like to have this at home? Take a square area and integrate an U-shaped bench on three of its sides. Made of wood and painted in white, it pairs beautifully with the overall background. A comfy soft textile with stripes makes the seating more comfortable. Ceramic vases, transparent glass bottles and a large painting depicting a fish complete the Mediterranean look. I also love the two metallic pendants above the table for their rustic, relaxed influence.
The hospitality of the exposed bricks
It does not sound very elegant, but indeed, bricks have a welcoming vibe. I love the living rooms that feature a fireplace covered with bricks because they send you back to essential things. They also reflect strength and make the room feel very imposing. Rocking chairs or wicker armchairs nearby make the corner really tempting. Put a wool blanket or one made of synthetic fur and you will have a comfortable reading corner.
The wooden countertop of the table is simple, yet very elegant. Don’t forget about flowers and greenery – they have the power to change the atmosphere immediately and enliven our spirits. Here, they beautify the table and the niches near the windows.
Do it yourself: carve a cylindric piece of wood and put a little candle inside. The lamps add charm to the living room or to your garden.
Shared spaces: kid’s room for two
Designing a room for two kids might be very challenging. You have to provide space for everything that is necessary, but also to help them communicate with each other. If the space is tiny, gain extra building up. In this case, one bed was installed right near the window while the other was fixed above. Using white as a dominant color, the space feels brighter and wider. Creative and practical, the room offers space for playing, working and sleeping.
A rustic carpet and an old cabinet feel at home in the hallway.
The working area of the kitchen hides in the back. However, the place is open and very accessible. I love the creamy palette of this interior – it makes you feel loved and inspire tranquility. Designer Carolina Juanes succeeded in combining traditional elements – pieces of furniture, benches, textiles – with contemporary items. For example, the Eames inspired chairs and the modern kitchen.
A quite small matrimonial room with a king size bed. Although the space is not very generous, it feels welcoming. Two lamps were fixed symmetrically, at both sides of the bed, above a wooden niche. A rustic bench completes the décor.
Exposed beams
I love the ceilings with exposed beams; they have a natural, rustic look and remind me of my grandparents’ house. The ones above were painted in white and go vey well with the built-in closets. I also recommend the exposed beams in bathrooms with romantic bathtubs, flowers and candles.
Fireplace with transparent glass door
Indeed, a fireplace in the living room is the trade mark of a family home. Symbol of the late night discussions with friends, the fireplace was incorporated in the wall covered with thin, elegant bricks. A transparent glass door allows us to admire the fire and dream of winter holidays. Two comfy sofas invite the guests to gather around to enjoy the benefits of spending time together.