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The positive or negative response we get upon entering a room is nearly instantaneous. We dont need to carefully examine each corner or turn over every pillow to decide if a room makes us feel good or not. But what gives us such a strong first impression? Many of the ways we experience a room have to do with a psychological response that happens behind the scenes. This is why most homebuyers end up choosing a house based on theemotional responsethey get within moments of entering a home”not the detailed list of pros and cons theyve made.

There are various factors that go into how we experience a room, and in fact, many of the principles of feng shui are based on the intangible influences of design. Here are three different ways we shape our impression of a room:

Senses
How we perceive a room with our senses tells us what we know to be true about the room and provides a way of describing it. Through our sense of sight we experience colors, each of which will elicit a different impression. Our eyes also pick up on important details such as patterns, scale and lighting. Our sense of smell is the most tied to memory, so a pleasant one, like scented candles, will connect us with memories that inspire positive emotions, while a foul smell, like garbage, will really turn us off. Textures used to decorate a room should also be taken into consideration. Materials such as silk, wood, linen or wool give satisfaction to our sense of touch.

Emotions
Our personal feelings significantly impact how we experience a room and will usually take precedence over our ability to rationalize. With that in mind, there are many decorating details that can trigger subtle (or not so subtle) emotional responses.

Art is one example. If the subject matter features a depressing scene or sad characters, it’ll definitely bring down the mood of a room. If you had some cut flowers on your coffee table, but they’ve wilted and dried out, thats another detail that’ll put a damper on someone’s emotional response. Its important to think about the kind of symbolism placed in a room and how it might influence our emotions.

Spatial Harmony
If furniture placement and scale is out of sync or doesn’t make sense, it can negatively affect how we experience a room, especially a small one. Chairs that are placed too far away from each other make conversation difficult, while being too close together will make a room feel cramped. It’s important to consider how the furniture, decorations and room are meant to interact with each other.

As you can see, theres a lot more to interior decorating than just picking the right shelf ornament. If you keep these principles in mind, guests won’t be able to quite describe why they feel so good in your home.

Source: Mikkie Mills/RISMedias Housecall

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Create an atmosphere that stimulates the magic and whimsy of childhood.Inspire playful adventures and peaceful nap times with these kids bedroom theme ideas.

Black, White and Green

A modern take on a “boy” theme, this color scheme is perfect for any child who loves sports and wants to bring their joy of the game into their room. Create a sports theme that your all-star will adore for years to come.

Nautical Nods

A nautical theme offers childhood fun with a grown-up approach. Create a nautical beach feel and sail the high seas with deep reds, navy blues and white paired with a dappling of seashells for a whimsical feel.

Jungle Vibes

What is more exciting to a child than the idea of exploring an untouched jungle? Feature an accent wall of banana leaf wallpaper paired with texture, like an animal print area rug, to ensure that your child can enjoy a jungle oasis.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Everyone wants a great kitchen. One of the most enjoyed spaces in the home, the kitchen is used for cooking, gathering and entertaining with family and friends. However, a great kitchen doesn’t necessarily have to be a large one. If you have a tiny kitchen, below are a handful of tips to help you get the most out of it and make it feel larger:

Make use of walls.Instead of hanging pictures on your kitchen walls, hang your pots and pans. You can even find great fixtures to hang your plates and wine glasses from the ceiling or walls.

Add a mirrored backsplash.While you may not want to take up precious wall space with mirrors, a mirrored backsplash can add depth and girth to your room, making use of an area that would otherwise have no purpose.

Build up.Need more cabinet space? Look up! If your existing cabinets don’t extend to the ceiling, you’re wasting precious footage. Consider having additional cabinets built where you can store things you rarely use, like that Crock-Pot that comes out once a year or your holiday china dishes.

Abolish clutter. Nothing cramps an already small space more than clutter, and a clean countertop can do wonders for a small space. Streamline your gadgets, sell or donate what you don’t need and store away what you don’t use every day.

Light it right.A well-lit space can really open up your kitchen and make it seem not only more inviting, but also much larger. For natural light, consider adding a bay window or skylight, if possible. To lighten up your kitchen during the nighttime or gloomy days, install energy-efficient lighting throughout your kitchen to maintain that airy, open feel.

These are just five ways you can maximize your tiny kitchen. There are many other tricks, as well as storage products, that can help you get the most out of your space. Do some research to get inspired, and be creative!

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Are you considering installing new hardwood flooring? Think it over carefully to decide whether it’s right for your home and your family.

Aesthetics

Hardwood flooring can enhance the appearance of your home and impress your guests. You can choose from a wide range of wood species and stain colors.

Longevity

When properly installed and cared for, hardwood flooring may last a lifetime. Save money in the long run and lessen worries about replacing the flooring in the future.

Easy Maintenance

Wood flooring is relatively easy to clean and maintain. You can use a vacuum and dust mop to remove dirt, dust and pet hair.

Health

Wood flooring doesn’t trap allergens and dust mites the way carpet can. For those with allergies or asthma, hardwood may be the best choice to protect your health.

Cost

While the price tag for materials and installation can be high, this worthwhile investment can last so long and can increase value.

Published with permission from RISMedia.