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Instantly elevate your interior from drab to fab with a fresh coat of paint! Why do we find one space appealing and others unsettling or mundane? Why are we attracted to one color over another?
 
Whether architectural or in products, color accounts for 60% of our response to an object or a place.
 
Here are a few tips for painting your interior to create a warm and welcoming space everyone is sure to enjoy.

 

 

Color Psychology

 
Wherever we go, we respond to color. It impacts our mood and whether or not we feel at ease in space. Often called “color psychology,” the effects of color range from subtle to significant and are also psychological and physical.
 
Color use is important to us personally in our homes and in the places where we work.

 

Start Small & Think About Your Mood

 
If you’re not sure where to begin with color, experiment in a small space, such as a bathroom, small hall or with an accent wall. Instead of becoming overwhelmed with your interior painting process, think of it as an adventure.
 
To get started, consider selecting a color inspired from your favorite artwork, a rug, dishes, or furniture piece to feature as an accent color or main color.When choosing your color, think about the mood you wish to create for the room.
 
Do you want your bedroom to feel soothing and restful or intimate and dramatic?Soft, pastel colors and cool neutrals create a relaxing atmosphere while powerful colors create a bold and dramatic impact.
 
Be careful not to over stimulate your space with intense bright colors, as some bold colors can lead to unrest and irritability.
 

 
 

Pay Attention to Lighting

 
Have you ever wondered why paint stores have light boxes for you to test paint chips? Light changes the way a color presents itself. Natural daylight reveals color in its truest form.
 
Incandescent lighting is best for yellows and warm tones and fluorescent lighting emits a sharp blue tone.Ultimately, a strong color might be too bright and overpowering when used on walls next to large windows.
 
However, these bright colors may prove effective when used as an accent wall highlighted with indirect light. When choosing your paint color, it’s always best to consider the lighting of your room.
 

 

Learn the Color Terms

 
When painting your interior, it helps to understand the terminology used to describe a color.

• Hue is what we call a color. For example, blue is the hue; yellow is the hue.

• The value of the hue is how dark or light the color is.

• Saturation refers to how dominant the hue is. For example, as we go from pink to red, the red hue becomes more dominant.
 
• Intensity is the brilliance of the color. Pure colors such as red, blue and yellow are more intense than the combined colors such as yellow-green or pinkish-red. An intense stronger color usually has a more dominant hue.
 
If you want to create a more dynamic space, consider including more intense colors. If you want a light-colored room, choose colors that are slightly more saturated than light pastel or off-white.
 
Very light color can feel bright and stark when it appears on all surfaces in a room.However, two or more medium-light, closely related pastel colors could create a glowing effect when added to the same room.
 

 

Play with Different Finishes

 
A single color used on trims and walls takes on new significance when applied in various finishes. For example, trim and wall colors can remain the same hue but use an eggshell (matte and less reflective) finish on walls and a satin or semi-gloss on the trim.
 
The color will appear slightly altered on each surface. This is a perfect way to create a cohesive look in rooms with multiple doors and windows.
 

Test Your Color Choice

 
Whether you are painting an entire room or an accent wall, increase your confidence by testing colors on poster board or large areas of a wall. Don’t be afraid to move beyond your comfort zone.
 
Consider strong, lively colors or soft, intense neutrals like chocolate brown or olive green as main or accent colors.
 
You can also add a dramatic impact with a strong color on the ceiling. A painted ceiling can dramatically change the whole look of a room.
 

 
A few quick changes with paint can transform your space, revitalizing your environment and elevating your mood. What colors do you prefer in your living room or dining room?
 
We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.Not sure where to start? Contact the interior designers at Milestone for a free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!

 
 

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Aside from considering the aesthetics and safety of a space, one must also consider adding eco-friendly accents to their interior design scheme.

 

Decorating a villa while considering the environment and the health and wellness of the people enjoying your space is called sustainable designing. It’s easier that you think. With a few simple changes you can transform your space.

 

The expert interior designers at Milestone have compiled a few tips to get you headed down the path to sustainable interior design.

 

Place Plants as Decorations

 

Placing plants in your home or office instantly adds the soothing element of the great outdoors. Additionally, plants help filter air and aid in removing harmful elements in the room.

 

Peace lilies, Sensevaria, areca palms, Ficus, Boston fern, bamboo palms or gerbera daisies are particularly helpful for purifying the air. Consider adding a vertical living wall or a water wall with plants.

 

Be sure to choose flowers and plants that fit with your home. Indoor custom water features also add the soothing sights and sounds of water, adding to the soothing ambiance of your home.

 

 

 

 

Let the Sunlight In

 

Letting in the sunlight and maximizing the daylight is another way to instantly create an eco-friendly interior. There are many simple ways to add more light to your home. Start by pulling back the curtains and shades during the day.

 

You can even get creative by adding glass prisms to add a whimsical element that catches the light. Avoid placing thick dark furniture near the window.

 

Incorporating light colors in your interior design scheme and white trim around your windows also enhances the natural light in your space. 

 

If you are looking to increase the natural light in a more permanent manner, consider converting solid exterior doors to doors with windows. Adding energy efficient windows to south walls also creates more natural light in your room.

 

You can also add tubular skylights to your ceilings. Unlike traditional skylights, which can be expensive, tubular skylights are budget friendly and are air-tight (to avoid drainage issues).

 

Natural sunlight will make your residence feel healthier, safer and more comfortable. From an interior design standpoint, the lighter and brighter the room is, the more comfortable it is!

 

 

 

 

Use Organic and Natural Materials

 

If you are really aiming to achieve an interior that is good for the environment, you have to do away with plastic, particleboard and chromed metal. Decorating with natural materials is a great way to achieve an eco-friendly home.

 

Replacing manmade materials such as plastic, particleboards and chromed metal with rustic woods, stone, burlap, and cotton instantly create the cozy feeling of the natural environment.

 

Adding furniture crafted from wood or with wood accents also creates a functional and sustainable decorative accent for your space.

 

You can even repurpose old wood items, transforming them into a new bench or storage option. Consider trading out your mattresses, pillows, carpets and beddings for wool options. 

 

Wool is not only durable and comfortable, but it also deters dust mites. Dust mites cause allergies and are not good for your health. These natural materials are better for the environment and they look fantastic!

 

 

 

 

Use Wood or Stone Flooring

 

Aside from decorating your walls with eco-friendly materials, you can also transform your floors. Consider switching out rugs with stone, marble or hardwood flooring like marble.

 

Apart from creating an eco-friendly ambiance, it can also add more appeal to your villa’s interior.

 

 

 

 

Having an eco-friendly interior is ideal for creating a cozy environment while simultaneously protecting the environment and your personal health.

 

Start with a few of the above simple tips, and you’ll be on your way to experiencing the joys of an eco-friendly and sustainable home.

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Installing a pergola is one of the best ways to enhance your landscape design and maximize your functional outdoor space. Your pergola provides a versatile option to elevate your landscape design, creating a separate space to enjoy with family and friends.

 

You can use your pergola as an outdoor dining area, living area, or as a space to seek shade on hot days. The possibilities for this outdoor space is limitless. Aside from looking fantastic, providing shade, and creating a distinct space pergolas add value to your home.

 

Adding a pergola to your villa can increase its value as it is one of the biggest landscape structures that requires developer and Dubai Municipality approvals. As an affordable design option, the benefits are enormous.

 

 

 

 

Benefits of Landscaping with Pergolas

 

• Pergolas provide a cool, shady area where you can enjoy a warm day outside without the worry of becoming overexposed to the sun.

 

• A pergola adds definition to your backyard, creating a space within your backyard with a distinct purpose.

 

• Pergola’s add an attractive addition to any backyard. You can make them even more appealing by adding decorative accessories like hanging pots, lights, curtains, accent pillow and much more.

 

• Pergolas allow you to create an outdoor living space that you love by adding elements that suit your personal tastes and style.

 

• Pergolas create add an element of privacy to your backyard.

 

• And more!

 

 

 

 

Pergola Materials

 

 

Wooden Pergolas: Wood is ideal for building pergolas as it blends beautifully with the natural setting of your backyard. While wood does require regular maintenance to protect it from the elements and to keep it from rotting, the end result it stunning and durable.

 

At Milestone, our carpenters and artisans cut and treat all wood onsite at our joinery and mill. This ensures a one of a kind look that is sure to take your backyard to the next level of functional beauty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aluminum Pergolas: An aluminum pergola is often less expensive than wood. Lightweight and easy to maintain, aluminum pergolas are designed to withstand all of the elements in nature.

 

Aluminum pergolas are waterproof, never rust, and are insect repellant. Additionally, aluminum pergolas can be painted to look like wood. So if you are looking to add a pergola on a tight budget, aluminum may be the choice for you!

 

 

 

 

 

Composite wooden Pergolas:  Sturdy and secure, another alternative for pergola construction is Composite wood. Advantages of Composite wood are:

 

• Combining the warmth of wood with the strength of polymer

 

• Composite products are 100% recyclable and manufactured with reclaimed wood fibers

 

• Virtual maintenance free

 

• Resistant against UV

 

• No rotting

 

• No splintering

 

• 10- 20 years limited warranty

 

Though there are certain restrictions and limitations in design than Solid wood, it is a great option too.

 

 

 

 

Thatched Roof Pergolas: Thatched roof pergolas can bring in a very rustic, country feel to any landscape. Weather it is a Mediterranean, South African, Asian or industrial modern theme, it is a beautiful water proof structure.

 

Cape Reed has introduced a rustic Chic look to properties around the globe. Ref http://capereed.com/

 

 

 

 

Accenting Your Pergola

Once you have decided on the material and design style of your pergola (i.e. a standalone or built on the side of another structure), you can begin to blend it into your landscape.

 

You can personalize this hardscape with decorative accessories like hanging plants, curtains, lights, water features, accent pillows and much more.

 

Pergolas provide an affordable and low maintenance option to create an outdoor living space that you will transform your backyard.

 

Consider adding elements that suit your personal style and function to create an outdoor space where you will entertain friends and family for years to come. Regardless of how you use it, you will surely love your new pergola!

 

 

 

 

At Milestone, we design and build stunning pergolas that are guaranteed to transform your backyards and we’d love to do the same for you! Take a look at some of our recent pergola designs.

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When executed correctly, landscaping projects look fantastic and add value to your villa. With all of the design variables, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, especially when the new villa you are moving into is only a sanded property with just many manholes in Dubai.

 

Don’t get frustrated! All you need is a little support and guidance from a landscape design professional.

 

 

 

 

Whether you’re considering residential landscaping or commercial landscaping, there are a few tricks of the trade to guide you on the path to landscape design success.

 

The professional landscape designers at Milestone have put together ten tips to help you design and create a stunning, functional landscape design.

 

1. Plan the whole garden flow from entrance to the backyard

 

Always remember to include your front yard landscape with your backyard landscape design plan. Depending on what you add to your space, landscaping along the front of your house can increase your villa value between 4% and 10% .

 

Many people prefer to start with the front of their home, as tackling this smaller area provides the confidence to move on to the backyard.

 

 

 

 

2. Pay Attention to the Basics of Sun and Soil

 

Before planting, take time to have your soil assessed. This allows you to choose plants that can work well in your type of soil. It’s also essential that you take into account the amount of sun your plants are likely to receive.

 

If they don’t receive enough sunlight, your plants may not survive. On the other hand, if they receive too much sunlight they’ll dry out and die. You want to plant in areas with optimal sunlight which will help your plants thrive.

 

3. Plant Native & Local Plants

 

It’s always wise to plant plants that are local to your area. This helps to ensure they will thrive in your climate. Additionally, native plants will require less nurturing and will help to keep your watering costs down.

 

 

 

 

4. Purchase High Quality Plants and Outdoor Furnishing

 

The great outdoors is rough on natural and man-made materials alike. It’s important to invest in high-quality furniture pieces and materials to create your outdoor oasis.

 

If you opt for cheaply made materials, you’ll end up buying replacement items every season and spending far more money in the long run.

 

5. Don’t Forget the Hardscaping Materials

 

If you’re looking to maximize function in your backyard landscape design, consider investing in quality hardscaping.

 

Patios, walkways, living walls, outdoor firewalls, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens require little upkeep, and they create additional areas within your outdoor space.

 

 

 

 

6. Don’t Forget the Landscape Lighting

 

When it comes to landscape lighting, remember a little lighting goes a long way, but it’s vital for both safety and aesthetics. The trees, plants, and architecture in your backyard retreat create a stunning visual during the day.

 

However, once the sun sets, your lovely landscape design disappears into the darkness unless you use outdoor lighting.

 

With proper lighting, you can light up just about anything, to include paths, trees, buildings, sculptures, pergolas pools, ponds, and driveways. Learn more about Landscape Lighting Terms.

 

7. Add Plants of Varying Scale

 

The best way to achieve a visually pleasing balanced landscape design is to include plants of many different sizes, shapes and height. Layering trees, shrubs and small flowers to provides your landscape design a variety in height and depth.

 

Use your plants to enhance your hardscaped areas too, such as your gazebo or pergola.

 

 

 

 

8. Limit Straight Lines

 

When overused, straight lines can come across as uninviting, and they are more difficult to maintain. Incorporating curves will make your landscape design appear more welcoming and friendly.

 

However, be sure to include efficient walking paths. Otherwise, guests are likely to take cut across your grass and garden space.

 

9. Plan Your Seasonal Care and Maintenance

 

Once you have your landscape design in place, and you’re sitting back and relaxing in your new outdoor oasis, be sure to keep it maintained. The last thing you want is to be rushing at the end of the season to prepare for the next season.

 

Preparing at least one season in advance will help you minimize damage in the harsher months, allowing your plants to bounce back more quickly in the optimal seasons.

 

 

 

 

10. When in Doubt Hire a Professional

 

When in doubt, hire a landscape design professional. The design professionals at Milestone have the experience, creative eye and knowledge to turn your backyard into the oasis you’ve been dreaming of.

 

From gardens, pools and pergolas to outdoor kitchens and living spaces, we will maximize your space to fit your lifestyle and your budget.