BREAKING NEWS: Interior Design & More

This Basically Free Activity Is the Dopamine Boost You and Your Friends Need This Weekend

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 17:15:00 +0000

It seems like the perfect thing to try this weekend. READ MORE...

I Finally Found a Small-Space Hamper for My Bathroom

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 17:00:00 +0000

It makes my life so much easier. READ MORE...

I’ll Never Use a Traditional Iron Now That I Have This Innovative Tool

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 17:00:00 +0000

It's so impressive. READ MORE...

The Chic $50 Storage Gem I Use Instead of a Vanity Chair

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 16:45:00 +0000

It's perfect for my tiny bedroom. READ MORE...

This Brooklyn Rental Was Cold and Gray — Now It’s a Cozy, Colorful Retreat

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Full-time food and lifestyle content creator Gwyneth Yuma’s 695-square-foot Brooklyn rental apartment is warm, cozy, and eclectic, and has a little tropical flair. READ MORE...

Chase Away Gloomy Spring Days with This Smart Light from IKEA

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:30:00 +0000

IKEA’s JETSTRÖM LED Wall Light Panel delivers a wide range of color temperatures and brightness in one affordable lamp. READ MORE...

Trader Joe’s Brought Back the $11 Mini Olive Tree Plant

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:15:00 +0000

You have to get your hands on this plant! READ MORE...

Why I Use a Shower Caddy in My Backyard

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000

It’s super-convenient. READ MORE...

“Nice or Twice” Is My New Golden Rule for Buying Things for My Home

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:45:00 +0000

It genuinely brings me so much joy — and saves money in the long run. READ MORE...

I’ve Slept on a Lot of Sheets, and Keep Coming Back to This Cozy Set

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:00:00 +0000

I got you an exclusive code to save on sheets, towels, and more. READ MORE...

The Difference Between a Condo and a Townhouse

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 12:23:06 +0000

A key difference between condos and townhouses lies in ownership: condo owners only own the interior of their unit, while townhouse owners own both the inside and outside of their home, including the land it sits on.

History Of The Condo

Condo is short for “condominium.” The word comes from Latin: “con-” meaning “together” and “dominium” meaning “ownership.” It essentially refers to joint or shared ownership, where individuals own their private units and share ownership of common areas.

Graystone Manor, built in 1960 in Salt Lake City, Utah, is often cited as the first modern condominium in the United States. However, historical records suggest that similar arrangements may have existed earlier — including examples in New York City in the 1800s.

Condos can range from high-rise buildings with many units to low-rise or even one-story row-style homes. They became especially popular in the United States in the 1980s, particularly in urban areas where land is limited and vertical construction makes more sense.

Today, condos are a flexible property type: you can buy and live in a condo, or purchase one as an investment and rent it out. Many investors list condos on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, especially in cities with strong tourism or business travel.

History Of The Townhouse

The townhouse debuted in London and Paris in the 1600s. The word “townhouse” originated in early England, where it referred to a dwelling a family kept “in town” when their main residence was in the country.

Townhomes later emerged in the United States after Europeans immigrated to New York City. Townhomes became a form of middle-class housing. Today, townhouses provide housing to those who want to live in urban areas or large cities. Since these homes share at least one wall with neighboring homes, they maximize acreage, allowing more housing in areas with less space.

A condo, or condominium, is a building that has many different living areas in it. Each area has its own entrance, sometimes through a hallway, and its own amenities, such as a bathroom and kitchen.

The difference between a condo and an apartment is that you can purchase a condo rather than only rent it. Condos and apartments look very similar.

Each unit has an owner, but the building is owned by the condo owners. Contracts ensure equal rights within the community.

Some condos come with amenities like tennis courts, fitness centers, and swimming pools. Owning a condo requires paying a monthly condo fee. These fees pay for the amenities and the maintenance and repair of the building and lawn. Owning a condo also involves paying a mortgage, property taxes, and homeowners insurance.

Difference Between A Condo vs Townhouse

Here’s a look at some of the biggest differences between condos and townhouses.

Responsibilities

A condo owner deals with fewer responsibilities because their property is part of a building. On the other hand, a townhouse owner is typically responsible for the maintenance of the exterior of their home and landscaping. Condo owners don’t need to worry about exterior repairs, mowing, or maintenance of any amenities.

Fees

A townhouse owner might have to pay HOA fees, but a condo owner will always pay condo fees.

Shared Spaces

Condo owners have full ownership of their unit yet share joint ownership of the building. Condo owners have common areas with other building residents. Before you move in, make sure it’s the right fit.

As a condo owner, you own part of the gym, pool, and any other amenities like trash pickup, snow removal, and snow plowing. You even own part of the hallway, yard, and airspace.

In a townhouse, you’ll share a wall with neighboring homes, but there are no shared common areas.

The Right Fit

Condos are great for those who don’t want to perform any maintenance, are looking for amenities, and don’t mind shared common areas. Higher-end condo buildings often provide security as well.

Townhomes are best for people who want their own plot of land and a home setup similar to a detached style. The downside is that townhomes come with more maintenance.

Communities

Even with HOA involved, you’ll have more community living in a condo. On that same note, you’ll have more privacy in a townhouse. Each of these has a list of pros and cons.

If you have children with who you want to interact with other children safely, a condo may be great because you can keep it local. However, forced interaction may happen with a condo which isn’t great if you value privacy.

Yard

If having your own yard is important, don’t even consider a condo. You have a courtyard, but it’s shared with other tenants. If you choose a condo, you won’t have any personal outdoor space. When it comes to townhouses, you can have your own backyard and occasionally a small front yard.

The post The Difference Between a Condo and a Townhouse appeared first on Homedit.

The Difference Between a Kitchen and a Kitchenette

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 12:04:46 +0000

Kitchenettes are compact kitchens designed with minimal equipment and storage, offering just the essentials for cooking and food prep. While they lack the full functionality of a standard kitchen, they can be perfectly suited to small spaces.

Kitchen Vs. Kitchenette

Feature	Kitchens	Kitchenettes
Size	Larger, ample space	Smaller, typically 80 sq ft and under
Equipment	Full-sized appliances, extensive amenities	Limited appliances, basic necessities
Storage	Generous storage space	Limited, less organized
Customization	Unique styles, customization options	Emphasis on space optimization, functional design
Advantages	Versatile, suitable for families	Low maintenance, cost-effective, ideal for specific needs
Disadvantages	More expensive, higher maintenance	Limited for fancy cooking, less storage, main living space
Use Cases	Main living spaces, families	Singles, students, short-term stays, cost-effective option

Sometimes, you can have a large room with a kitchenette and a small room with a kitchen. It is more useful to think about how the space is equipped.

Kitchens

Cottage Home Company

A kitchen is a room equipped for preparing and cooking food. It has cabinets, counters, and full-sized appliances. Most kitchens will have a stove/oven, sink, dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator. Also, kitchens represent our unique styles because there are many options for customization.

Kitchenettes

Martina Williams

Kitchenettes, also called mini kitchens, do not feature generous workspace and standard appliances. Instead, they have items like a small fridge, hot plate, microwave, and sink. Also, a kitchenette is not as well organized as a kitchen because there isn’t space for extra storage. Further, unlike the design styles of many home kitchens, kitchenettes focus on achieving the best use of space rather than style.

Room with Kitchenette

Part of a room with a kitchen is one kitchenette definition. These mini kitchens occupy little space and add value to the rooms in which they are located. They can also add extra prep areas in places where you entertain, like a pool house or basement. They are a great way to add independent living space for an older child or relative.

Magic Projects London Ltd.

70 square feet was the average-sized kitchen before 1900. However, like the size of the average home, the average size of kitchens has increased. Now, a kitchenette is an area of 80 square feet and under.

What is an All-in-One Kitchenette?

All-in-one kitchenettes are one-piece kitchens containing a cabinet, countertop, sink, and appliances. They often feature one cabinet with a built-in mini fridge/freezer and a two-burner cooktop next to the sink. They are space and money-saving solutions for anyone who needs to put a kitchen in their home, apartment, guest house, or room.

The post The Difference Between a Kitchen and a Kitchenette appeared first on Homedit.

I Discovered Just How Gross My Appliances Were (I'm Cleaning Them Now!)

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0000

They really needed it! READ MORE...

20 Artful Ways to Bring Color Into Your Home

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 11:38:31 +0000

Bold wall art does more than brighten a room it adds personality, sparks conversation, and brings your space to life. Here are 20 types of artwork that deliver the perfect colorful touch.

Wall Sculpture

If you only think about paintings and drawings when it comes to wall art, think again. Wall sculptures are created from all sorts of colorful materials so the depth of the dimension and the textures involved will vary, but if you want to add more than just a pop of color, opt for a wall sculpture.

Multidimensional Art

Colorful wall art can be composed of different elements and have several pieces that differ in style and meaning. Artist Russell West created this layered piece that has two parts: The larger component that looks as if is a collection of colorful suspended doors and the board underneath that caught the paint drips from all the doors and wires above it. The two pieces work in tandem to bring forth more thought and contemplation about the meaning.

Small Sculptures

Artworks don’t have to be huge to make a big impact, especially when color is involved. These two red wire sculptures are rather small but their effect is hard to miss, both from the perspective of color as well as the element of shadow play. In fact, the red figures are highlighted to a greater degree by the shadows they cast. This work would have an even great impact used in a room that has a largely neutral décor scheme.

Big Sculptures

Of course, the bigger the colorful sculpture, the more dominant it will be, as is this one by Yinka Shonebare, a London-born Nigerian artist. Named Clementia, the life-size piece is made from fiberglass and hand-painted with a Batik pattern now also known as a wax print.

Shonebare has become well known for “his exploration of colonialism and post-colonialism within the contemporary context of globalization” as well as his use of these prints, which are considered symbols of African diaspora and identity. The printed textiles and their patterns feature prominently in his works.

Modern Neon Colors

Neon colors may go in and out of favor in fashion, but they’re always a great choice for adding a pop of color to a room. This work by Peter Halley is large and has a bold, energizing feeling that emanates from the piece. It’s ideal for a living space but you’ll want to think twice before adding a bold and vibrant piece like this to a bedroom, where serenity and calm are the goals. Its energy and a fabulous array of colors make it a perfect addition to an entryway or living room.

Super Large Artworks

If you have a large, blank wall, it’s the ideal spot for a super large, colorful work of art. Whatever you install there will be the dominant element in the space and draw a lot of attention. Often, a multi-part piece is the best choice, such as this painting by Antonio Sannino. When a work is composed of three panels, it’s called a triptych; if it has two, it’s a diptych.

Picasso-esque

Although artist Molly Goldfarb says that her work has a “pop-meets-punk aesthetic” we’d say that the pieces focusing on figures as a bit of a Picasso-esque vibe. The flat, stylized visages are quite colorful and have plenty of dimension to contemplate. Whether you choose a smaller work or a larger one, these have a pop appeal that really attracts attention.

With an Organic Style

If your style tends to be a little more organic, a colorful artwork that has a more natural flow to may appeal to you. Artist Holton Rower is widely known for his poured paint technique and the colorful work he creates really do have an organic feel. Evoking the interior growth rings of a tree, the layers of color almost pulsate and move in your mind’s eye. The technique may sound simple but its execution is anything but, making Rower’s works all the more stounding.

Shiny

If you prefer your color to come with some bling, pick a really shiny artwork like a sculpture by the famous Jeff Koons. His balloon dog sculpture may be the most widely known, but he created many an everyday object in pop form. His series Inflatables included animals and characters that look like plastic blow-up toys but are actually made from stainless steel. This is his Venus Balloon, crafted from polyurethane resin,.

A Whole Rainbow

We see art installations in museums all the time, but they aren’t something that most people think of when it comes to art for the home. That’s unfortunate because works like this one by Daniele Sigalot add a whole rainbow of colors in a multi-piece wall installation.

The Italian-born artist’s work is made up of painted and manipulated pieces of aluminum arranged in a swirling spectrum of color. This type of work would be a fabulous pop of color in a tall entry way or the main element on a large accent wall.

Light Art

Light art is a modern form that can be very colorful

This piece by light artist Chol-Hyun-Anh is an optical illusion. What looks like a deep window that reaches into infinity is actually a masterful construction of mirrors, light and neon plexiglass. The bright pieces inside are highlighted by the illuminated interior and really makes it stand out, especially in a darker room. This piece of art provides more than just the pop of color too. It can make a space look a little larger because of the depth inside.

Wall Collages

“Inconsistently Logical” is made from varnish on aluminum

A large blank wall is ideal for a sizeable collage like this one by Daniele Sigalot. A full rainbow of colors is used in the symmetrical layout that is created from brightly hues pieces of painted aluminum. At the center, the pieces are folded and each successive round expands as it moves outward, adding a feeling of movement. This type of art is ideal for a neutral space or a modern room where all the colors of the rainbow can be the focal point.

Monochromatic Color

Monochrome works in bright hues do the trick.

Multiple shades of one color can add extra impact when it comes to adding a pop of color. This wall art by David-Rodriguez-Caballero uses two shades of red to create depth and dimension in this sculptural work made from metal. It’s a workable sized piece that can be added to any space that needs an accent.

Multimedia Art

Colorful multimedia artworks can have amplified impact.

Quite obviously this portrait includes a range of bright colors, but the depth that comes from the added dimension really makes them pop. Artworks that use multiple media can have an extra impact because not only do they include painted hues, many of the bright colors come with extra texture or depth. Even the plain silver background, highlighted by textural shapes, makes the rest of the image stand out even more.

Unexpected Shapes

Unconventional canvas shapes add impact.

Besides incorporating bold colors, this work by Kenneth Noland also has an unexpected shape that’s not symmetrical. The unusual outline draws more attention to the piece and the neutrals really make the red and green sections stand out. Noland was known as one of the first practitioners of Color Field painting and a pioneer in using oddly shaped canvases. This style of art adds a huge focal point to a room without overwhelming the space with colors.

Round Pieces

Easy Decor Ideas That Make a Big Difference

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 11:20:37 +0000

Changing seasons can fuel the desire for something new in your environment, from tidying up to freshening the decor in your house. It’s easy to swap out a few pieces or paint a wall to try and make things look different, but making the right impact is important. Here are some inspiring ideas that can refresh your space with style.

Ditch Table Lamps for Bedside Pendants

A smart space-saving idea is to swap bedside lamps for hanging pendant lights. They can be suspended low enough that they provide enough light for bedtime reading. Using pendants instead of bedside table lamps does a few things: It frees up a lot of space on the nightstand and it also pulls the eye upward. These pendants by Casalife are more for ambient light rather than the type that is directed downward.

Add a Flameless Fireplace

Whether or not you live in a cold climate, there are times you want the coy feeling that a fireplace provides. Thanks to new technologies that use LED lights and water vapor or new types of fuel that don’t require the ventilation of traditional gas fires, you can have a fireplace installed anywhere.

From the bathroom to the bedroom or the main living space, a flameless fireplace adds the ambiance without adding heat at the flip of a switch. The best thing may be that you can enjoy it for a few minutes or for hours – whenever you want.

Incorporate Something Humorous

Adding a cheeky element or two somewhere in your home can help lighten the mood and bring some whimsy into everyday life. An easy way to do this is with a light fixture. LZF’s elephant floor lamp is a prime example. Park him in the corner of the living room to keep the family company or install him in the entryway to make guests smile when they enter the home.

Pick Something Colorful

If you tend to stick to neutrals in your interiors, the fastest way to update hour home décor is to add a pop of color. Pick a chair, some cushions or a rug to shake things up without a lot of effort. This chair from Moroso is cheerful and can be used indoors or out. The same indoor décor concepts can be used for your outdoor space: If you have basic, out-of-the-box patio furniture in a neutral color, add a piece that livens things up!

Upgrade Basic Hardware for Artsy Styles

Details make the difference and nowhere is that more evident than when it comes to hardware. It’s rather well known that swapping out the knobs and pulls on any cabinetry in a room can totally change the vibe, but choosing an artsy style can make a spectacular difference.

Look beyond the big box store to find distinctive hardware in designs that express your personality or help highlight a certain aspect of your space. Try this trick for furniture as well as for built-in cabinets to turn a nice piece into a showstopper, just like this cabinet by OakDesign.

Create a Spot Made for Lounging

Especially with an open plan living space, it’s important to create separate seating that feels intimate. And, if you’re lucky enough to have a little-used corner somewhere, it’s the perfect opportunity to design a cozy spot just for lounging. Whether it; used for reading or for sipping tea and enjoying the view, a private little area made for comfort is always a worthy upgrade of your living space.

Turn your Closet into a Showcase

Stop daydreaming about a show-worthy closet and create one to significantly upgrade your bedroom space.. Take a hint from the fashion professionals and pare down your wardrobe to the pieces you really wear and enjoy. Then, give them the care they deserve – with a good dose of design style. Enhance the closet’s design and function with well-placed lighting under the shelves and inside the cubbyholes. The gorgeous closet here is by Former/Bushell.

Strategically Plan Lighting

A well-lighted space is all about more than just stylish fixtures. Where you place the lighting elements and what type of light they provide are key. It’s always best to plan ahead and lay out the types of lighting that you would like to have and where it will go. Just as you layer pieces of clothing to achieve an enviable outfit, you should aim to layer the lighting in any room so that it’s pleasing as well as functional.

Pick a Massive Mirror

An unusual frame is distinctive.

Mirrors are a go-to piece for making a stand-out statement, especially when they are oversized. This is true for small and large spaces alike. Not only is a mirror a large wall decor piece, but it also can make a room feel larger.

The reflective properties make a dark space feel a little brighter too. To make a big impact, a mirror doesn’t have to include a huge expanse of glass. Choosing one that has a hefty, substantial or unusually decorative frame makes it an art piece too.

Try out an unusual placement for big impact.

If the space is more modern and clean-lined, a large mirror with a narrow frame is the best choice. In this setting, the huge round version is ideal for the mid-century modern furnishings. This example is striking also for the mirror’s placement.

The automatic reaction is to center a mirror above the sofa. Here, the massive piece is hung not only off center but partially behind the sofa. This type of placement is not something that automatically comes to mind, but on the list of home decorating ideas, it’s a definite winner.

Choose Unique Lighting

Upcycled pieces have great character.

Lighting doesn’t have to be standard, no matter what the style of the room. Often, mass-produced industrial style lighting fixtures have a rather homogenous look that is meant to go with the overly neutral interiors of recent years.

Instead, try choosing unique pieces that feature upcycled elements and a rougher exterior. This kind of look will make people contemplate what the previous life of the piece might have been. It’s also a far more interesting choice than a standard table lamp.

Try a chandelier over the coffee table.

At the other end of the design spectrum, a more glamorous room needs a really standout lighting fixture to keep pace with the other dramatic elements. The backlit shelving is so striking that a floor lamp or modest ceiling fixture would fade into the background and be lost.

Instead, this room has a very impressive chandelier hung over the coffee table, which is an unexpected place for a big hanging fixture. Together, the distinctive fixture and focal placement give it huge impact.

Create a Collection

Collections of accessories have more impact.

Small accessories are great, but if they are placed individually in random places, they can look cluttered. Instead, create groupings of complementary accessories which will make more of a visual impact. This is a great way to display a collection of favorite items — vases, statues or other accessories that you have gathered over time.

This is one the popular home decorating ideas that don’t even require making a purchase. Just shop your own house to make up a grouping and see how it looks.

Add Something Shiny

One or two pieces with shine elevate a room.

A little bling goes a long way, so a room doesn’t need to look like disco-central for shiny things to have a big impact. This living room is overwhelmingly neutral, except for the subtle pink lampshade. Even though it’s a luxurious space, what really makes it pop is the reflective part of the smaller side table and the lamp base. The pair of side tables themselves have an interesting design that is emphasized by the metallic finish.

Change Up the Bedding

Oversized wall art 3d design — Kids love pint-sized version of adult furniture.