Will Prohormones Mess Up Your Testosterone Production Later In Life

Will Prohormones Mess Up Your Testosterone Production Later In Life

Try These Simple Life Hacks to Be More Productive

Photo Courtesy: jeshoots/Unsplash

Technology has made it more complicated than ever to stay focused on your work. Apps, notifications, emails and social media pose constant threats to your productivity.

Instead of trying to multitask or doing a digital detox, there are much simpler ways to be productive. Take a look at some of these simple life hacks to increase your daily productivity.

Kick Multitasking to the Curb

Everyone is constantly bombarded with texts, emails and other distractions during the workday. It's no wonder 20% of full-time employees feel burned out. A common technique to handle the influx of distractions is to multitask, but the human brain can only fully focus on one thing at a time.

Photo Courtesy: marka/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Sure, you can try to text on your phone while you watch the news, but you can't do both together as successfully as you would individually. This is precisely why doing anything else while driving is so frowned upon. So stop trying to do everything at once and allow yourself to focus on one thing at a time.

Listen to White Noise to Concentrate

Music can motivate you in a lot of ways, but it can also be a distraction from getting your work done. The constant influx of words and rhythms into your brain can actually limit your concentration. Not to worry, there are alternatives to your favorite hits.

Photo Courtesy: Relaxing White Noise/YouTube

Try listening to white noise to help you concentrate. White noise can be a great tool to block outside noises while keeping you focused on your work. YouTube has plenty of clips like rain on a tin roof or ocean waves to help you stay focused.

Try Using the Pomodoro Technique

Italian entrepreneur Francesco Cirillo developed The Pomodoro Technique to improve his time management. Named after his tomato-shaped timer, the technique breaks down tasks into 25-minute blocks of time. Between each block, Cirillo allowed himself a five-minute break.

Photo Courtesy: Immo Wegmann/Unsplash

After four Pomodoro blocks, he took a longer break. This system works in theory because you completely focus on one task at a time with no interruptions. The Pomodoro Technique provides the opportunity to give your undivided attention to your tasks while getting time to cool off in between.

Set Specific Times to Check Your Email

It's easy to fall down the email rabbit hole. Opening one email can be a slippery slope that leads to a huge time suck in the middle of your work day. It's great to see an empty inbox, but not if it's at the expense of your more important tasks.

Photo Courtesy: Web Hosting/Unsplash

Try and devote two times a day to responding to emails. For example, checking email once in the morning and once in the afternoon will allow you more time to devote to bigger tasks. If someone requires your attention immediately, they'll find other ways of contacting you.

Get Comfortable Telling Others "No"

Saying no to others can be difficult, but you can't let them interrupt your productivity. Generally speaking, it's okay to let people know that you're busy for the moment. Let them know you will get back to them at a later time so you can stay focused on your work right now.

Photo Courtesy: Horia Varlan/Flickr

Now, if it's your boss who is trying to take up your time, you should use a different tactic. Let your boss know you can handle the new task, but be sure to point out your current task list. Let your boss decide which task you should complete first.

Try the Two-Hour "Hermit Mode"

This doesn't require you to live alone on a mountain top. It's much easier than that. The two-hour hermit mode allows you to isolate yourself from distractions so you can focus. Find somewhere quiet and solitary where you can dive deep into your work.

Photo Courtesy: Tim Gouw/Unsplash

It helps if you're able to turn your phone off and avoid other distractions as well. Be sure to take some water and maybe a snack to keep your stomach happy. Of course, allow yourself to go to the restroom as needed.

Take Cold Showers

Waking up in the morning can be difficult. That groggy feeling doesn't go away easily, but a cold shower can often do the trick. Besides popping your sleepy eyeballs wide open, cold showers provide other perks to help your productivity.

Photo Courtesy: Laura Marques/Unsplash

As the cold water pours over you, your breathing deepens in response to the temperature. Your body tries to keep you warm, which increases your heart rate and activates your immune system. These body boosts can help you stay alert, focused and motivated to get your tasks done.

Detach Yourself from Your Phone

It's time to remove yourself from your phone. This can be super difficult, but it's incredibly beneficial for your productivity. When you're working on something and your phone starts buzzing, it's easy to feel tempted. Don't give in to your phone's temptations.

Photo Courtesy: Viktor Talashuk/Unsplash

Seriously, store it somewhere else. Walk away from your phone to drastically reduce the chance for interruptions. It's too easy to check the notifications and updates on your phone, so keep it at bay and stay focused on the task at hand.

Schedule Your Phone Use into Your Day

We're not suggesting you throw your phone away, of course. If you want to check it from time to time, schedule phone time into your work day. If your phone is something that never leaves your sight, it could be easier to start slow.

Photo Courtesy: Robin Worrall/Unsplash

See if you can pace yourself to check your phone once an hour. If that already feels like an impossible stretch, try once every half-hour. No matter where you start, what's more important is to eventually work your way up. The longer you go without checking your phone, the more time you can spend on your tasks.

Turn Off All Notifications on Your Phone and Computer

We've already covered how important it is to limit your phone use and avoid distractions. Keeping yourself away from your phone is one thing, but there are other distractions on your computer. Those little notifications can be constant interruptions.

Photo Courtesy: Rahul Chakraborty/Unsplash

Pop-ups, alerts and messages of any kind can be hassles that mess with your concentration. Take the time to silence all unnecessary notifications on your devices. One little banner message is all it takes to steer you away from your work.

Restrict Your Visits to Your Favorite Websites

If you're working on your computer, there are ways to block yourself from losing focus. It's too easy to head to your favorite websites, so get ahead of temptation by blocking access to these sites. There are several different web apps you can use to block the sites that cause you to lose precious time.

Photo Courtesy: NESA by Makers/Unsplash

Some apps like SelfControl allow you to set timed blockers on your favorite websites. Once the time passes, you are able to visit the sites again. If you're always tempted to check the news or the weather, it's a small adjustment with a major payoff.

Try to Wake Up Early — Very Early

Okay, this one sounds awful, but it could be the best way to be more productive. No one likes to wake up before they have to, but that early morning time is totally yours. You can get your most challenging tasks taken care of before anyone contacts you for other reasons.

Photo Courtesy: Malvestida Magazine/Unsplash

If a 5:00 a.m. wake up call is too much, start slow and work your way back. Not everyone is a morning person, so pace yourself by setting your alarm back ten minutes at a time.

Limit Your Social Media Use to 15 Minutes a Day

Social media can be the biggest time suck that costs you productivity. On top of that, social media sometimes has a negative effect on your emotional well-being. Luckily for us, there are several apps that specifically track and block social media sites.

Photo Courtesy: geo uc/Unsplash

Apps like Moment track how long you use social media apps throughout the day. Once you know your average use time, try to slowly reduce your time. If that doesn't work, apps like Flipd and AppBlock block social media apps from working entirely.

Smiling Helps with Productivity

A smile can be a lot more helpful than it looks. The act of smiling, whether you're happy or not, can trick your brain into thinking you're happy. That smile causes a chemical reaction in your brain that releases hormones like dopamine and serotonin.

Photo Courtesy: Philip Cavalcante/Unsplash

Serotonin helps reduce stress, and dopamine increases your feelings of happiness. Having a lot of work to do can be stressful, but simply smiling through it can give you a more positive outlook on your workload.

Organize Your Work Space

Distractions can come from anywhere, including your work space. Chefs know this more than anyone else. Their fast-paced jobs call for concentration and precision in a fast-paced work environment. To help them accomplish their work, chefs use a system called "mise en place."

Photo Courtesy: piotr wilk/Unsplash

It's a process that involves arranging their utensils and ingredients before cooking. If you adopt a similar method and organize your workspace to reduce lost time, you can improve your overall workflow.

Write Down Important Things to Remember Immediately

When you let your creative juices flow, it's natural to think of new tasks or remember outstanding tasks you need to complete. But as the mind wanders, some previous thoughts get moved to the back burner.

Photo Courtesy: Brad Neathery/Unsplash

Carry a tiny notepad with you so you can write down your thoughts as you have them. This keeps you from forgetting your idea and helps you begin to address the task subconsciously. You can continue working on your current task and eventually go back and address your idea.

Organize Your Day with a K.I.S.S.

Not that kind of kiss. In fact, this old acronym stands for "keep it simple, stupid," which isn't loving at all, but it can help you get things done fast. Sometimes tasks can feel overwhelming, and you're not sure where to start. Give it a k.i.s.s. and approach it differently.

Photo Courtesy: Tyler Franta/Unsplash

In many cases, this means breaking down your intimidating projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. Streamline your process to take care of one issue at a time, and it's much easier to finish a big project.

Volunteer Your Time to Help Others

Remember how smiling can help with productivity? The same goes for volunteering your time to help others. Research shows that volunteering reduces stress and helps you stay mentally active. Plus, devoting time to helping others also invests in your own personal productivity.

Photo Courtesy: Anna Earl/Unsplash

It's a win/win situation! You're blocking time out of your own schedule to help others, which will ultimately help you feel better. Then, when you go back to work, you return in a better mood and with a better outlook.

Motivate Yourself with Rewards

Do you like going for an afternoon walk? A bite of chocolate? Shopping for another leopard-print article of clothing? No judgment here — go for it! But earn your reward, first. If you need to block out time to focus on a pressing task at hand, then incentivize yourself with a reward afterward.

Photo Courtesy: Analia Baggiano/Unsplash

Delayed gratification is an easy trick to play on yourself to get your work done. A small reward at the end of a difficult work session is a healthy version of working hard and playing hard.

Mid-Day Meditations

Yes, doing "nothing" for 10 minutes a day can improve your productivity. Meditation doesn't require a yoga mat, and you don't have to change your clothes. First, simply go somewhere quiet. Then close your eyes, breath and concentrate on your breath.

Photo Courtesy: Mitchell Griest/Unsplash

Remove yourself from the challenges in your day and float above your tasks, if only for a moment. It can refresh your brain and keep you focused when you get back to work. Plus, it gives you clarity on what's important and what isn't.

Unfollow and Unsubscribe

The more distractions you can remove from your life, the better. So, if a newsletter or a Twitter profile you follow isn't providing any value, just get rid of them. There is nothing more satisfying than bidding farewell to unimportant distractions.

Photo Courtesy: Oli Scarff/Getty Images News/Getty Images

A digital detox includes unfollowing distracting emails and social media accounts that take up time and space. Doing this once a month will reduce the time you dedicate to your inbox. It will also feel better to follow fewer unimportant social media accounts.

Take on Tasks in Two Minutes

It's inevitable that small tasks will pop up throughout your day. When you have bigger projects to tackle, smaller tasks can be bothersome. Instead of putting off a bunch of smaller tasks, ask yourself if one of them can be accomplished in less than two minutes.

Photo Courtesy: Dan Gold/Unsplash

If the answer is yes, stop what you're doing and just get it done. It's only two minutes out of your day. If it will take longer, add it to your list of things to take care of later.

Make Sleep a Priority

If you want to be more productive, focus on your sleep. When you're sleep deprived, you have more trouble concentrating on the task at hand. It's also easier to get distracted, and you have less energy to commit to important tasks.

Photo Courtesy: Julie Johnson/Unsplash

Sleeping can help prevent you from burnout and helps your memory stay strong. At the same time, a good night's rest curbs your chances of making any mistakes. The fewer mistakes you make, the faster your work will get done — and the happier your boss will be!

Give Yourself Some Sunlight

If you're still clinging to the concept of multitasking, do your work near natural light. Studies suggest exposure to sunlight in the morning helps you fall asleep easier at night. That means you can work on your project AND absorb sunlight at the same time. How's that for multitasking?

Photo Courtesy: Volkan Olmez/Unsplash

Sunlight exposure is also associated with increased production of serotonin, which reduces stress, and it also helps the body produce vitamin D, which contributes to a stronger immune system. So, grab your laptop and draw back those curtains!

Start Your Day with Something You Hate

When you have something boring or unpleasant to do, it's natural to brush it off until later. Unfortunately, the more you ignore it, the more it sits in the back of your head, distracting you from finishing your other work.

Photo Courtesy: lucas Favre/Unsplash

If you know you have to get it done that day, try to make it the first thing you do after waking up. Getting it over with at the start of your day makes it much easier to do other, more enjoyable tasks for the rest of the day.

Slack Makes It Easy to Slack Off

If you communicate with coworkers using chat apps like Slack, you may be slowing down your productivity. The app claims it can "make people's working lives simpler and more productive," but beware. Being available on Slack all day makes it easy for others to distract you with comments that aren't important.

Photo Courtesy: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Being "always available" on apps like Slack could also be a main contributor to burnout. If your office requires you to use Slack, switch to its "compact" theme to silence notifications and mute unimportant group chats.

Sing to Yourself — Seriously

Believe it or not, singing provides benefits to your physical and emotional health. A University of Frankfurt study revealed singing boosts the immune system and lowers stress. Reduced stress and a stronger body are both super helpful when it comes to staying productive.

Photo Courtesy: Xevi Casanovas/Unsplash

This doesn't mean you have to start singing in the middle of your office. Serenade yourself in the shower, or sing in your car on the way to work. The effects are long-lasting for your mental alertness, concentration and memory.

Be a Productive Procrastinator

Procrastination is inevitable for most people. The mind wanders from time to time, and that's totally understandable. The key is to learn to benefit from your procrastination. This doesn't include checking Facebook and Twitter every half-hour.

Photo Courtesy: Mohamed MAZOUZ/Unsplash

Instead of procrastinating with something that doesn't benefit you, try something else. Set a goal to learn something beneficial so your brain can feel energized. Scrolling through tweets isn't as stimulating to your brain as reading an article in The New York Times. When you go back to work, your brain will feel refreshed and energized.

Devote a Part of Your Day to Learn Something New

Staying productive at your job means your brain needs to stay alert and energized. If you aren't doing anything outside of your work to keep it engaged, your productivity can lag. Try and learn something new in your downtime to keep your brain energized at work.

Photo Courtesy: annie spratt/Unsplash

This doesn't mean you should reach for Candy Crush or other distracting apps. Try learning a new language with an app like DuoLingo or read new recipes to try at home. Stimulating the brain in creative ways could help you think differently about other tasks.

Stop Making "Perfect" Your Goal

Everyone wants to do well at their job, but don't take it to extremes by always striving for perfection. Being perfect means you can't make any mistakes along the way, and that's way too stressful on your emotional and physical health. People are always going to make mistakes, so doing a perfect job all the time is nearly impossible.

Photo Courtesy: Matthew Hamilton/Unsplash

Any mistakes you make along the way are chances to learn how to do better, and this also applies to productivity. If you try any of these life hacks to be more productive and they don't work for you, try something else! There are many ways to boost your productivity (and your mood!) at the same time, and something is sure to work for you.

Will Prohormones Mess Up Your Testosterone Production Later In Life

Source: https://www.reference.com/world-view/simple-life-hacks-more-productive?utm_content=params%3Ao%3D740005%26ad%3DdirN%26qo%3DserpIndex

Share:

Read More

Bar In Bedroom

Bar In Bedroom

Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

38 Chic Home Bar Ideas That'll Make You Want to Throw a Party

The best martini in town is just a decor update away.

Simon Brown

Going bar hopping is fun and all, but sometimes you just prefer drinking at home in your pajamas, or you simply can't go to your favorite cocktail lounges and dives these days. And honestly, nothing could be more relaxing than a nightcap in your stylish home bar. Or, maybe you still like to go out, but also want the option to entertain and turn your own space into something that rivals the coolest of clubs (or dive bars, if that's more your pace). Since you're going to need a killer set-up that goes beyond a well-stocked cabinet of booze, we're spotlighting 38 chic home bar ideas to inspire you. Whether you want to build out a home bar, or just want to turn part of your kitchen counter into one, we've got ideas to help you make it happen below.

1 of 38

Secure a Library Ladder

Maximize storage by using all your vertical space and then installing a library ladder to reach the items stashed up top. Caren Rideau transformed this kitchen corner into a dedicated home bar by building cabinets all the way to the ceiling.

BUY NOW Rolling Ladder, $697

2 of 38

Provide Seating for Sipping

When designing a wine cellar you can also host guests in, it's best to keep wine behind glass in a climate-controlled zone and then use the rest of the useable space for a lounge area so you can keep both your wine and your guests comfy. Interior designer Suzanne Kasler designed this wine room for clients who love hosting (read: wining and dining) their large extended family.

BUY NOW Upholstered Dining Chair, $257

3 of 38

Stash In a Drawer

Even a well-organized drawer can become a home bar. To prevent all your bottles, cans, and other pantry items from toppling over in their respective drawers, purchase some drawer organizers that help keep them all in place. Heidi Piron Design and Cabinetry installed flexible dividers here to keep liquor bottles from clanking together, but separators will be handy for anything in your pantry drawers, really.

BUY NOW Goodgrips Dresser Dividers, $20

4 of 38

Get Intimate

Make your home bar the perfect place for a nightcap with custom banquette seating, a fireplace, warm tones, and soft lighting. And while you're at it, add a chessboard or some adult-friendly card games. The nature-inspired materials in this sitting area by Romanek Design Studio is the perfect blueprint.

BUY NOW Acrylic Chess Set, $149

5 of 38

Adopt a Kitchen Layout

You don't need to build your home bar and wine cellar in totally separate rooms. But to ensure your wine bottles are still stored in a stylish and climate-optimized space, consider an integrated approach. Take note of this integrated wine cooler in a kitchen island designed by Pembrooke & Ives.

BUY NOW Freestanding Wine Fridge, $410

6 of 38

Convert a Closet

Tuck your little home bar behind a closet door and line the back with a wallpaper that pops or mirrored tiles and colorful cabinets (designed Jean Liu opted for a deep teal). And remember: No space, no matter how small, is too small for a wine fridge.

BUY NOW Red Wine Glass, $9

7 of 38

Use Booze As Inspo

Paint the cabinets a red wine-inspired hue in an adjacent butler's pantry or entertaining space to set the mood for a tasting. We're digging the smokey mirrored tiles in this space by Birgitte Pearce Design—they elevate the entire experience.

BUY NOW Gold Cabinet Pull, $5

8 of 38

Customize Storage Space

Based out of New York City, architecture firm Shapeless Studio is beyond savvy when it comes to creating stylish storage solutions in small spaces. Here, they carved out a little corner nook complete with built-in shelving, a floating shelf, and a hidden mini fridge so the living room and dining area could fit a home bar.

BUY NOW Glass Wall Shelves, $150

9 of 38

Make It Feel Like a Real Bar

Designed by Michelle Nussbaumer, this home bar is as swanky as it gets. Complete with rich textures, vibrant colors, and elaborate patterns, it's the perfect place to perch for a nightcap or when you're hosting parties.

BUY NOW Set of 4 Vintage Floral Bar Stools, $270

10 of 38

Add a Mirror Backsplash

Not only are the symmetrical wine fridges aesthetically pleasing, but they're also conveniently located and such a good use of the little space. The smokey mirrored backsplash brings the right touch of formal style to this space designed by Studio DB, too.

BUY NOW Beveled Antique Mirror Tiles, $55

11 of 38

Separate With a Counter

If you're bisecting one room into separate zones, create an actual dividing line with a counter (plus, it gives you a place to sit during tastings). Here, Reath Designs uses comfy, casual woven bar stools but a more formal red and brass color combo for the home bar so it blends in well with the adjacent family room.

BUY NOW Rattan Bar Stool, $319

12 of 38

Position It Strategically

If you're going to make room for a home bar in the kitchen, make sure to put it in a good spot. In this space designed by Emily Henderson, the home bar zone is close to the dining area, making it easier to run back and forth when you're entertaining.

BUY NOW Moscow Mule Mugs, $62

13 of 38

Turn It Into a Club

This space designed by ETC.etera for Firehouse Hotel is beyond cool. The funky cheetah-print flooring and upholstery set the scene for a good time, while the painted brick adds a gritty warehouse vibe and the striped fabric introduces a touch of traditional, retro-inspired glam. The takeaway? Have fun with it and lean into kitsch.

BUY NOW Animal Print Throw Pillow $249

14 of 38

Dress Up the Butler's Pantry

If your home is blessed with a butler's pantry, use it as a bar. Interior designer Heather Hilliard kept this one light, bright, and classic with a printed wallpaper, fresh white paint, and display cabinets.

BUY NOW Colored Champagne Coupe Glasses, $195

15 of 38

Hide Appliances

Match your mini wine fridge to your cabinets. Michelle Nussbaumer chose her own purple and red ikat print for a romantic pop. Try a removable wallpaper if you don't want to commit just yet and feel like doing a fun DIY craft.

BUY NOW Ikat Removable Wallpaper, $70

16 of 38

Spotlight Statement Materials

It doesn't get any swankier than this home bar by Breegan Jane. The smokey marble slab does the talking for the entire room and makes it feel like a luxe hotel lobby.

BUY NOW ABC Stone Slab

17 of 38

Add a Sink

If you're serious about optimizing a home bar for some serious craft cocktail making and wine tasting, and you want it to be its own little room or area, you'll need a sink. This will prevent you from having to run back and forth to the kitchen. This one in a room by Jae Joo Designs blends right into the counters and isn't large at all.

BUY NOW Black Matte Kitchen Faucet, $389

18 of 38

Use a Cabinet

NICOLEHOLLIS transformed a gold mirrored media cabinet into a surprisingly roomy bar cabinet. When closed, it blends right into the sophisticated living room. But when the clock strikes five and the doors swing open, it feels like a full-fledged bar.

BUY NOW Glass Door Cabinet, $2,199

19 of 38

Add Spare Shelves

Decorate shelves with plants, artwork, and cocktail recipe books to spruce up the area. The sleek, dark barstools here help sharpen up the dreamy marble backdrop.

BUY NOW Black Midcentury Barstool, $299

20 of 38

Go Gold or Go Home

This seriously sexy bar goes all out with gold accents and we are here for it.

BUY NOW Gold Bell Pendant Light, $690

21 of 38

Pick an Intentional Layout

Keep clutter to a minimum and make sure the bar area is exposed to the living space so you can still socialize while entertaining, like Tamsin Johnson did with this layout. The plaster cream walls and texture-rich surfaces create intrigue while the large photograph brings in more personality and contemporary style.

BUY NOW Whiskey Stones, $10

22 of 38

Add a Wine Cellar

Why not build an adjacent wine cellar while you're at it? Designed by Arent & Pyke, this home bar is both traditional and low-key, elegant and modern.

BUY NOW Wine Rack, $90

23 of 38

Show Off Your Collection

"The whole room has a sexy, smokey vibe," says interior designer Michelle Nussbaumer. Literally: "You can have a cigar here if you like to smoke." She designed the grasscloth wallpaper to evoke Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt.

BUY NOW Slim Side Table, $251

24 of 38

Optimize a Dining Area

Transform your basement bar zone into an intimate dining space, à la Catherine Kwong Design. If your basement has a skylight, even more reason to turn into a special occasion room. This one feels formal and romantic thanks to the warm brown tones and gold accents throughout.

BUY NOW Wood Wine Holder, $27

25 of 38

Invest In a Billiard Table

Why force your entertaining into a single cart or side table? Commune Design smartly built this home bar in the billiards room, making it the perfect venue for entertaining and unwinding.

BUY NOW Marble Swirl Billiard Ball Set, $66

26 of 38

Disguise a Console

How clever is this flip-top cabinet-meets-bar? Designed by NICOLEHOLLIS, this modern living room is always ready to party. With a piece like this, you won't have to run back and forth to the kitchen to make cocktails for your guests, but you can also hide the booze when need by.

BUY NOW Record Player, $180

28 of 38

Deck Out a Bar Cart

A rounded rattan bar trolley gets us every time. The colorful accents draw attention to the cool curves of this cart in a parlor by Beata Heuman. Very Mrs. Dalloway meets The Parker Palm Springs.

BUY NOW Bar Tool Set, $69

29 of 38

Make It Moody

Metallic wallpaper is the perfect backdrop for a moody, intimate home bar. Studio DB paired it with black marble surfaces and stained wood cabinets to finish the look.

BUY NOW Colorful Glass Straws, $28

30 of 38

Match It With the Room

In this home designed by Corinne Mathern, the exposed beams and lived-in terra cotta floors tiles set the scene for California and Mediterranean-inspired interiors. The brutalist sconce and gold hardware mixed with the homemade pottery complement that style perfectly.

BUY NOW Petrified Wood Catch-All, $70

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior editor, and when she's not busy obsessing over all things decor-related, you can find her scouring vintage stores, reading, or stumbling about because she probably lost her glasses again.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Bar In Bedroom

Source: https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/g1310/home-bar-design-ideas-1012/

Share:

Read More

Room Interior Design For Small Bedroom

Room Interior Design For Small Bedroom

25 Small Bedroom Ideas for Maximizing Space and Style

SaveComments

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.

(Image credit: Minette Hand)

Living in a small space requires a little bit of extra thinking and creativity. You have to consider things like smart storage solutions, how to arrange a tight space, and how to determine what deserves a spot in your home. This being said, your personal style is easy to unlock when it comes to designing a bedroom, no matter how small it may be. There are plenty of shining examples out there that will provide you with all the inspiration you need when brainstorming your next move or purchase.

When it comes to decorating a small bedroom, first and foremost, it's important to remember that the layout is everything. Once you have your furniture placement down, you can start pulling pieces you really like—soft bed linens, soothing accents, and even artwork. While minimalism and small bedrooms often go hand-in-hand, if you prefer maximalism in all its glory, colorful, patterned styles can work in small spaces, too. Ahead you'll find numerous options for decorating and creating storage opportunities in smalls bedroom that just might convince you bigger isn't always better.

1. Make a Murphy bed chic

Long gone are the days of basic Murphy beds. You can easily make one of these fold-out beds your own by treating the bed's framework like a regular wall. Add artwork, paint it, or drape textiles behind your bed, as seen in this California studio.

2. Get creative with foot-of-the-bed storage

Don't limit yourself to plastic containers and closet storage cubes when there are so many types of storage available, particularly decorative pieces that you can leave out in plain view. Try an end-of-bed trunk or storage bench. You'll be able to find one that suits your decor perfectly, as seen in this this Dutch home. Find one with a tiny footprint, and you're all set. This area can also double as a spot to set out your clothes for the next day or even put on your shoes.

3. Separate space with an accent wall

Even if you're occupying a studio, like this adorable one in the Bronx, you can make the most of your space. A little bit of paint, in the form of an accent wall behind your bed, not only adds a burst of color, but it also provides a strategic, visual separation between your sleeping space and living area.

4. Utilize narrow storage cabinets

Plenty of cute storage options exist for filling awkward spots and tight spaces in your home. The narrow cabinets in this New York bedroom prove how storage pieces painted in the same color as your walls can recede visually, making your space look airy without sacrificing precious storage opportunities.

5. Play with proportions

Layering a simple bed frame on top of an oversized rug can instantly amplify your space and make it appear larger. Take this San Francisco bedroom, for example, and picture it with a lavish headboard or an upholstered bed frame. You can imagine how much more cramped the space would feel if it didn't have simple furniture with streamlined silhouettes.

(Image credit: Katy Cartland)

6. Go with a ghost chair

The greatest thing about Ghost chairs—aka clear acrylic ones—is that visually, they are so light, you barely see them (i.e. less visual clutter). Not only are they super stylish—they won't further cramp up your tiny bedroom.

(Image credit: Joe Tighe)

7. Add floating shelves

8. Work a room divider

Don't technically have a separate bedroom? A bookcase that doubles as a room divider can work wonders for a cramped studio. It'll designate your sleeping space, but also the space between your books and decor is enough to let light stream in.

Buy: Adjustable Bookcase, $38.99 from Amazon

(Image credit: Morgan Schemel)

9. Consider hanging racks

Hanging garment racks are a clever way to score more closet storage (or create a closet out of nowhere) without taking up an inch of floor space. A dresser underneath creates the perfect dressing area.

Buy: Metal Garment Rack, $37.99 from Amazon

(Image credit: Marisa Vitale)

10. Install a swing arm sconce or two

If you've been searching for a stylish way to bring more lighting into your cramped bedroom (without taking up too much space), consider swing-arm wall sconces. Not only are they much less bulky than most table lamps and pendants, these wall-mounted wonders are designed with adjustable arms for a more space-savvy lighting solution.

Buy: Permo Vintage Industrial Wall Sconce, $69.99 from Amazon

(Image credit: Kathryn Bacalis)

11. Leaning layered art looks good

If you're an art lover but lacking the space to show off your treasured works in your bedroom, a shelf or nightstand layered with framed art can make a big impact without wasting any space.

Buy: Mandalay Gold Frame, starting from $39 from Framebridge

(Image credit: Minette Hand)

12. Get creative with shelving

When every bit of wall space counts, why not try shelving that doubles as art? A cool hanging shelf allows you to store (and show off) your favorite trinkets and display your beloved baubles, and won't take up an inch of floor space.

Buy: Rustic Wood Floating Shelf, $37.99 from Amazon

(Image credit: Justice Darragh)

13. Accessorize Away

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

14. Floating desk

Who says you need a big bedroom to create your own workspace? A wall-mounted shelf beautifully doubles as a personal desk and mounts directly to your wall for added efficiency.

Buy: Alise 2-Tier Heavy Duty Floating Shelf, $29.99 from Amazon

15. Consider a modern Murphy bed

(Image credit: Marisa Vitale)

16. Houseplants work wonders

You don't always need two nightstands, especially if you're sleeping alone. Just add plants. It'll bring fast style to your bedroom without the need for a bulky piece of furniture and will help clean your air, too. Win, win!

Buy: Majesty Palm, $31.35 from Home Depot

(Image credit: Minette Hand)

17. Try nesting tables instead of nightstands

Place a pair of nesting tables next to your bed instead of a traditional nightstand and you can instantly create more storage room for when you might need it without bringing in more furniture to do the job (plus, bonus points, you can use the empty space underneath the tables for even more storage in baskets or crates).

Buy: Weathered Oak Nesting Tables, $42.99 from Amazon

18. Daybeds aren't just for kids

If you thought daybeds were just for kids then think again. Along with offering a more compact bed frame, some versions come with built-in drawers for more storage. They're also great for doubling as a sofa.

Buy: Aria Metal Daybed, $209 from Urban Outfitters

19. Don't overlook the foot of your bed

Putting a storage bench, baskets or even crates at the foot of your bed is a smart way to squeeze in more of whatever you need. This typically only takes up about a foot of space but the payoff is invaluable.

Buy: Bamboo Bench, 3-Tier, $45.99 from Amazon

20. Hanging lights

Looking for a stylish way to bring more lighting into your bedroom without further cramping the space? A pendant light, or any hanging light for that matter, instantly brightens up a room and doesn't require an inch of table or floor space.

Buy: Plug-In Pendant, $16.62 from Amazon

(Image credit: Minette Hand)

21. Devise a desk vanity

Dealing with a dreaded small space double whammy (i.e. a tiny bedroom and bathroom)? Turn a super slim desk setup in your bedroom into a vanity with nothing more than a wall mirror.

Buy: Simple Study Desk, $99.99 from Amazon

(Image credit: Brittany Purlee)

22. Create vertical storage

Ask any New Yorker, or small space dweller for that matter, how they pack in more storage room in their tiny apartments and they'll say the same thing: think vertically. Whether with wall-mounted shelves or suspended lights, you can always build up when you run out of eye-level storage room.

Buy: Wooden Floating Wall Shelves, $51.97 from Amazon

23. Open up with bare white walls

You can always count on clean white walls to really brighten and open up a cramped bedroom (particularly one that gets good natural light).

Buy: Behr Ultra Eggshell Enamel, $32.98 from Home Depot

(Image credit: Reagen Taylor)

24. Make it happen with a side table

Sometimes all you need next to your bed is a small table to hold a glass of water and your alarm/cellphone. A thin pedestal table is perfect for placing bedside miscellany without adding more clutter in a room with larger furnishings.

Buy: Poly and Bark Daisy 20" Wood Side Table in Black Base, $158.35 from Amazon

(Image credit: Sandra Rojo)

25. Leaning ladders matter

There is a part of this bedroom that's perfect to borrow inspiration from for a far tighter space: a slim leaning ladder. These clever pieces allow you to hang up your purses and scarves (and other accessories) in style, no hammer and nails necessary.

Buy: 4-Tier Ladder Shelf, $68.99 from Amazon

Caroline Biggs

Contributor

Caroline is a writer living in New York City. When she's not covering art, interiors, and celebrity lifestyles, she's usually buying sneakers, eating cupcakes, or hanging with her rescue bunnies, Daisy and Daffodil.

SaveComments

Room Interior Design For Small Bedroom

Source: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/small-bedroom-ideas-255404

Share:

Read More

Gray And Yellow Bedroom

Gray And Yellow Bedroom

The French Bedroom Company

Thought grey had had its day? Think again, it's become the go-to neutral and is perfect to use in a bedroom due to its calming properties and ability to go with so many other colours.

Grey bedrooms are certainly not waning in popularity, so whether you want to go dark and moody, light and ethereal, patterned or plain, there is something to suit all styles. And don't just think about the walls, you can introduce grey with a bed, blinds and curtains, wardrobes and soft furnishings too.

Check out some of our favourite grey bedroom ideas to inspire your next makeover...

1 of 26

PAINT A FAUX HEADBOARD

A great way to zone a space and create a faux headboard is with paint. To recreate this clever yet simple grey bedroom idea, simply mark out where the bed is going to go and outline with a pencil where you want the 'headboard' to be. Use masking tape to keep the paint from blurring, and just paint in the square. Continue the line down onto the skirting board for a designer finish.

Top Tip: To build up a tonal grey bedroom scheme, choose a paler grey on the rest of the walls.

Pictured: Ceiling: Slate II, Walls: Slate IV, Headboard: Sharkskin, all Pure Matt Emulsion, £51 for 2.5 ltrs, Paint & Paper Library

3 of 26

FROM THE GROUND UP

Introduce grey into your bedroom with carpet. It's a great base for so many colour schemes, either bold or subtle. This colour carpet is durable as it won't show the dirt and it has a textured look that adds another dimension – it's soft underfoot and adds a cosy feel to the room.

'Grey has consistently been one of the most popular home decorating shades over the last decade, and it shows no sign of slowing down any time soon,' says Jemma Dayman, Carpets Buyer at Carpetright. 'Given that the bedroom is our sanctuary, a calm space where we retreat to for rest, recuperation and to recover, it's no surprise that this soothing neutral hue is our go-to colour choice.'

Top tip: Don't forget to invest in good quality underlay, as this will not only increase insulation but also reduce wear over time and create an even softer feel underfoot.

Pictured: Super Sublime Saxony Carpet in Midnight Tonal, House Beautiful collection at Carpetright

4 of 26

PANEL GAME

Pale grey is such a great colour for cupboards as it's calming and softer than stark white. To recreate this grey bedroom idea, add patterned wallpaper in the panels to create interest and give the room a French boudoir look.

Top Tip: An alternative to wallpapering in the panels, is to use a different coloured paint or stencil a design on them.

Pictured: Feather Fan wallpaper in Soft Olive, from Cole & Son. A similar paint colour is Inox from Little Greene.

5 of 26

COORDINATING GREYS

A coordinated, all-grey bedroom scheme can look elegant, cosy and cocooning. This works by focusing on neutral palettes and layering materials and textures (sumptuous velvet works great here) to ensure the bedroom remains inviting. Matching bedside tables and storage benches maintain a cohesive look.

Pictured: Neva Velvet Finish Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frame, Neva Bedside Table with USB, Neva Blanket Box, all from the House Beautiful collection at Dreams

7 of 26

SCANDI GREY

Introduce Scandi vibes into your bedroom by working with a neutral colour palette. Greys and off-whites, alongside wood, will create a restful space. This sleek bed frame is inspired by the Scandi trend with a grey velvet upholstered headboard, dark wood-effect frame and raised, angled feet.

Pictured: Florence Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frame, from the House Beautiful collection at Dreams

8 of 26

PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR

9 of 26

BUILD UP YOUR COLOUR STORY

To introduce grey to a plain bedroom, start with the bed. A tall headboard has impact and immediately anchors the space. Then adding grey prints above create symmetry. Add a bold grey and white patterned curtain, grey cushions and throws, and a black pendant light for a complete look.

Top tip: Siting a bed between two windows gives it a frame and makes it easier to create your look.

Pictured: Lavender double divan, Button & Sprung

10 of 26

LEADING GREY

In a bedroom, go for a strong architectural grey, like Plummett, which offers an industrial, modern feel and intensifies in colour in smaller spaces. White bedding creates a crisp contrast, while yellow accents complements the grey perfectly.

Pictured: Plummett No.272, Farrow & Ball

11 of 26

PINK AND GREY

Soft grey and pink is a winning combination in the bedroom, creating a stylish space that is still calm and inviting. If you have the space, an ottoman like this at the end of the bed is so useful. It's great for storing spare bedding, cushions, or even your nightwear, and it doubles up as a bench, too.

Pictured: Grove Velvet Finish Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frame and Grove Grey Blanket Box, both from the House Beautiful collection at Dreams

12 of 26

GREEN AND GREY

Grey and green is a great combination to bring the colours of nature into the home. The chalky matte green walls contrasts perfectly with this soft grey bed frame. To elevate this grey bedroom idea, add a striking tall houseplant, which will also help to create a calm environment.

Pictured: Dorchester king size bed in Silk Grey, Noa and Nani

13 of 26

MAKE USE OF ALCOVES

Storage is so important in the bedroom and if you have alcoves like this, it's the perfect place for wardrobes. These are fitted but if you have inherited some, why not paint them grey? It will add depth to your colour scheme. Then pick up the colour in the carpet. This also shows how well grey goes with sage green – a hot colour trend this year.

'In the bedroom grey is a particularly versatile shade – something that is especially important if you are investing in larger pieces of bedroom furniture like a bed frame or fitted furniture,' says Megan Baker, Head of Design at My Fitted Bedroom. 'From soft dove to charcoal to granite, grey provides a warming and more modern alternative to white or wood effect furniture.'

Pictured: Sophia fitted wardrobes in Pewter, My Fitted Bedroom

14 of 26

THINK ABOUT THE WINDOWS

Pale grey shutters look so elegant in this bedroom, filtering the light beautifully. They fit neatly into the recess leaving room for a small window seat. Leave the shutters open during the day and close them at night. For this grey bedroom idea, the pearl grey shade of the shutters sits perfectly with the blue and cream colour scheme in the rest of the room.

'Your bedroom is a space you want to feel calm and safe, and grey is a neutral shade which can offer this. Any window covering is an investment, especially shutters, so make the right decision with colour and how it complements your colour scheme,' says Victoria Walker, product manager at Hillarys. 'Grey is a timeless colour but there are many tones to choose from. Lighter shades offer a cooler, fresher space whereas darker greys and charcoal tones can do the opposite. Choosing the right shade also depends if you want your window covering to blend in or become a feature in the room.'

Pictured: Storm Grey full height shutters, House Beautiful collection at Hillarys

15 of 26

PERSONAL TOUCH

This is a great pink and grey bedroom idea, as it still looks stylish and doesn't overwhelm the space. In this predominantly pink room, splodges of dark grey have been painted onto the wall in a random pattern. It's easy to do and adds personality. Buy a grey stool to pull the scheme together.

Pictured: Hare (pink) and City Break (grey) matt emulsion, from Crown

16 of 26

IN THE FRAME

If you want a grey bedroom scheme but you think dark walls aren't for you, why not paint the door and window frames to add a 'frame' to the room and a backdrop to the furniture? Your eye is drawn to it as soon as you walk in the room. Then add plain grey curtains that seem to disappear when they are open, attached to a black pole.

Pictured: Farrah Palm Leaf Ceiling Fitting Gold, Matilda Dove Grey Bed, Amazonia Toile Duvet Cover Set, Farrah Palm Leaf Touch Table Lamp, Hannah Mini Oyster Chest, Medallion Cotton Rug, Grey Isla Chair, all Dunelm

18 of 26

MAKE A STATEMENT

There has been a huge trend in wall murals in recent years and it's easy to see why – they make such an impact in a space. This beautiful design features map references, jungle leaves and peacocks, so there is always something to look at, and the greys blend well with natural and taupe colours.

Top tip: You can wrap a room in a mural, but having it on just one wall makes more of a statement.

Pictured: Peacocks Clan 4 mural, Wallsauce.com

19 of 26

JUST ONE WALL

If you feel grey will dominate your bedroom, just paint one wall and choose a soft, warm charcoal that has a touch of pink in it. Set it off with white painted window frames and a trio of prints, then bring in more grey and pattern with the bedding.

Pictured: Arctic Seal shade with Perspective on the left wall, both flat emulsion, from Benjamin Moore

20 of 26

ADD A RUG

Rather than having everything too matchy matchy, introduce grey as a pale neutral in a bedroom with pink bedlinen. A rug like this one will add texture and warmth just where you need it, and makes getting out of bed a bit more bearable!

Top Tip: If you are laying a rug on bare boards, make sure you put an anti-slip rug gripper underneath it to stop it moving.

Pictured: Wilder bedside rug in grey, Loaf

21 of 26

FAUX PANELLING

Wall panelling is trending right now and adds an interesting element to a room, giving character to plain walls. If you don't have panelling, fake it with wallpaper like this lovely design.

Pictured: Old Gloucester Street – Tome, woodwork and floor both painted in French Grey mid 162, Intelligent Eggshell, Intelligent Floor Paint, all from Little Greene

22 of 26

MADE TO MEASURE

Fitted wardrobes aren't to everyone's taste but they do make the best use of the space available as they are custom-made to fit. They work particularly well in awkward rooms with lots of angles, such as lofts, and offer a huge amount of storage, which can be tailored to individual needs. This design has a simple Shaker look in a soft grey, adding a timeless quality to the bedroom.

Top tip: Grey and pink work particularly well together creating a peaceful haven.

Pictured: Ascot wardrobes in Slate Grey, Sharps

23 of 26

ADD PATTERN

Wallpaper is a great way to add grey to a bedroom, and there are some fantastic designs around. The contrasting lines and colour variations in this geo pattern give an extra dimension to the design, making it look like an optical illusion. It also has a subtle shine which reflects the light. It makes a great backdrop to the bed, and the fur throw and cushions look SO luxurious.

Pictured: Unite 80602 Oculaire wallcovering, Arte

24 of 26

INVEST IN NEW SOFT FURNISHINGS

If you want to introduce grey into your bedroom, why not buy some new accessories? This sumptuous throw and Hummingbird cushions work perfectly with the French-style furniture as they both have a faded, vintage look. And they work perfectly with plain white bedlinen too.

Pictured: Hummingbird boudoir cushion, Peachskin quilted bedspread in French Grey, both from The French Bedroom Company

25 of 26

GALLERY WALL

Use artwork to introduce grey into your bedroom. Use black and white images and place the frames together in a grid above the bed, choose different sizes and you could even mix up the frames – black, white and natural – for an eclectic look. Then build on the look with a grey chunky throw, rug and black and cream cushions.

Top Tip: Make sure the spacing between the frames is even and not too far apart, 4-5cm is a good gap.

Pictured: Walkworth bed, Furniture & Choice. Find prints and frames at Desenio.

26 of 26

LIGHTING MATTERS

Why not use grey lighting as your starting point? Sophisticated grey glass globes add subtle colour in a bedroom and are a classic design. Match the ceiling pendant to a table lamp, then your bedlinen can follow suit.

Pictured: The Montpelier Ceiling pendant, £ 80 and Bishopston table lamp, £30, Mabel Home and Lighting

Gray And Yellow Bedroom

Source: https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/decorate/bedroom/g35432015/grey-bedroom-ideas/

Share:

Read More