Category: Interior Design

TOSCANO INTERIORS

Holistic Design. What is it, and why it's so important?

5/5/2023

What is Holistic Design and Why is it Important?
Designing a space that nurtures our physical and mental wellbeing is crucial in today's fast-paced and stressful world. Holistic design takes into consideration the whole person and their environment, creating a space that promotes health, wellness, and sustainability. Here's everything you need to know about holistic design and why it's essential.

What is Holistic Design?
Holistic design is an approach to interior design that considers the individual's overall wellbeing, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. It encompasses various factors, such as air quality, natural lighting, color psychology, and ergonomics, to create a space that promotes a sense of calm, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Holistic design also takes into account the environment and the impact that design decisions have on sustainability and the planet.

Why is Holistic Design Important?
Holistic design is essential for creating a space that supports our overall health and wellbeing. Studies have shown that our environment affects our mood, energy levels, and productivity. For example, natural light has been linked to improved sleep patterns, while certain colors can evoke specific emotions. In contrast, poor air quality and artificial lighting can lead to health problems such as headaches, eye strain, and respiratory issues.

Holistic design also promotes sustainability and responsible design choices, which are critical in today's world. By choosing eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and using renewable resources, we can create a space that's not only healthy for us but also for the planet.

Creating a healthy and balanced living environment involves more than just interior design. Space clearing, aromatherapy, and other holistic approaches can help to balance the energy in your home, promote relaxation and stress relief, and create a sense of well-being. Here's everything you need to know about incorporating these practices into your living space.

Space Clearing
Space clearing is the process of removing stagnant or negative energy from a space, allowing fresh, positive energy to flow freely. This technique has been used for centuries in various cultures and traditions, including Feng Shui and Native American practices. Space clearing can be achieved through various methods, including burning sage or palo santo, ringing bells, or using essential oils. To incorporate space clearing into your home, begin by decluttering and cleaning your space thoroughly. Then, choose a method that resonates with you and your beliefs, and perform the practice in each room of your home. Be mindful of your intention and visualize the energy shifting as you clear each space.

Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to promote health and well-being. Essential oils are extracted from plants and contain various properties that can have a positive effect on the body and mind. Lavender, for example, is known for its calming properties, while peppermint can help to increase energy and focus. To incorporate aromatherapy into your home, consider using a diffuser or oil burner to disperse the oils throughout your space. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to your bath, use them to make homemade cleaning products, or add them to your laundry.

Other Holistic Approaches
Other holistic approaches that can help to promote a healthy and balanced living environment include:

Crystal healing: Using crystals to balance energy and promote healing. Sound therapy: Using sound waves to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Color therapy: Using color to promote healing and balance. To incorporate these practices into your home, consider adding crystals to your decor, using a sound machine or singing bowl, or choosing colors that promote the desired effect in each room.

Incorporating space clearing, aromatherapy, and other holistic approaches into your living space can help to promote a healthy and balanced environment. By taking a holistic approach to your home's energy and well-being, you can create a space that supports your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Experiment with different methods and practices to find what resonates with you and your lifestyle, and enjoy the benefits of a healthy and balanced living space.

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Toscano Interiors Best Holiday Decor Lineup, $75 or Less!

12/18/2022

* This post contains affiliate links

The best kind of holiday decor not only looks beautiful but it also doesn't break the bank. I've done all the work for you this year with my lineup of beautiful holiday decor that not only looks stunning but is $75 or LESS!! Below are my suggestions for warming up your home with holiday charm this winter — and saving a bundle in the process. These deals are fleeting, so stock up now and get your home ready for Christmas!

1. National Tree Company Pre-Lit 'Feel Real' Artificial Christmas Wreath
This pre-lit artificial Christmas wreath is 24 inches wide and decorated with frosted branches. This wreath features over one hundred individually crafted branch tips, creating a lush and full bodied hanging decoration that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Suitable as an indoor or outdoor Christmas decoration, hang this wreath decoration on any door, window or entryway to add a festive feel to any area of the house.

2. Yinuo Candle Flameless Led Candles Flickering in Gray
Moving Wicks & Dancing Flame: The luminous leaves swinging from side to side are like the real candle flame swaying in the wind. Perfect for your Christmas centerpieces

3. Wellwood 6 ft Silver Tinsel Christmas Tree with 24ct Assorted Ornament Set
If you are wanting a retro style tinsel tree, look no further! This tree is gorgeous and the price makes it even better! An Eye-catching addition to any home during the holidays.

4. 95FT 240 LED String Lights Indoor/Outdoor, Super-Bright Christmas Lights
I LOVE these lights! 8 different modes, these lights create a most spectacular holiday show. Super Bright with Upgraded LED chips, Safer Plug in (UL588 Approved), and Waterproof.

5. 6 ft Artificial Canadian Fir
:Standing at 6 Feet Tall with 1200 tips for fullness, this hinged Christmas tree is an eye-catching addition to your room decoration during the holidays. Easy-to-fluff full branches to create the illusion of a full-bodied genuine Canadian Fir Christmas tree with 1200 tips. Tree dimensions are 6 feet tall and 3.4 feet wide. This does shed a bid, so be prepared, but for the price it's so worth it!

6. National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Garland
This pre-lit artificial Christmas garland is 9 feet long and decorated with pine cones and berry clusters. This garland features over one hundred individually crafted branch tips, creating a lush and full bodied hanging decoration that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Suitable as an indoor or outdoor Christmas decoration, drape this garland over any door, window or entryway to add a festive feel to any area of the house.
Constructed with sturdy, high quality materials and hypo-allergenic, fire-resistant needles

7. National Tree Company Artificial White Tree
Personally, this is probably my favorite tree. It stands 6 feet tall with a 20 inch base diameter. Featuring hundreds of individually crafted branch tips to create full bodied branches, this tree is designed to look and feel lifelike. Designed to look and feel lifelike, this tree is defined by its close attention to detail, featuring hundreds of individually crafted branch tips that make up the wide, full-bodied branches that create space for your lights and ornaments. This tree features pre-attached, hinged branches that drop down for a simple set-up and fold back in for quick and convenient storage. Set aside 45-60 minutes to properly shape the tree by peeling back the branches and pulling the tips apart. Constructed with sturdy, high quality materials, hypo-allergenic, fire-resistant needles, this tree is built to bring holiday cheer for years to come. Includes a durable metal base.

8. Heyhouse Cable Knit Stockings
This is a 4-set pack of beautiful red cable knit stockings. Made of high-quality knit pattern. The cable knit pattern make the stockings shaped beautifully. You can put your gift in or take it out easily; the soft acrylic fabric is elastic and can hold more gifts

9. Christmas Snow Globe String Lights
I am all about battery operated Christmas lights, because you can always reuse them. Each bulb of the Christmas string lights is designed with a miniature Christmas tree and snow, total length is 7FT, with 10 bulbs and 10 warm LED lights, the unique design will surely make you praised in the party. Let this string of lights shine with you. The bulbs lights are made of thick transparent PVC instead of glass, which are durable and reusable enough that you can use them for a long time. Ready to be used for next year.

10. YEAHOME 2FT/24” Lighted Birch Tree
ring the beauty of nature into your home with this versatile lighted tree. Measuring 2 ft. high. Embellished with 24 water-resistant LED lights that lends a hint of brightness indoors and outdoors. Adds a dramatic touch to any room in your home. Also makes a great vision centerpiece and provides beautiful ambient light. What makes this tree great is it can be used year round.

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Antique Rugs...Yes, they are a trend that is here to stay

7/6/2022

Photo Courtesy of Annie Spratt

Photo Courtesy of Maria Orlova

Many designers and design publications are saying antique rugs are the hottest thing right now in the home decor market. Fancy resorts, hotels and other high end destinations are all jumping on the band wagon.

Rugs which many consider a precious investment, due to their age and value, are now found in the hippest interior designs.

Why are they so valuable?

Hand woven carpets such as these are a living history, recording memorable people and events. Passed down from generation to generation as family heirlooms, these antique rugs are an important part of world culture. Some consider them their most prized possessions, since these antique carpets are works of art which have several practical uses. Skilled craftsmen and designers spend hours weaving intricate patterns and images into them. No wonder they have been used like currency for thousands of years. One of our oldest art forms, described in writings of the ancient Egyptians and Marco Polo. Hand woven rugs are made by many different cultures across the globe from South America to Asia. Although, unlike many art forms, they have stood the test of time, with some being over two thousand years old.

A Brief History of Antique Rugs from Europe

During the rule of the Muslim Moors between the 8th and 13th centuries, Europe was introduced to rug weaving primarily through Spain. The travels of Marco Polo and Spanish embassies to Venice were mainly responsible. The two most notable styles to originate from Europe are the French Savonnerie and Aubusson styles of the 17th and 18th centuries.

French Savonnerie, established in Paris(1628), produced ornate rugs primarily for use in palaces, special order and royal request. Traditional artists were overseeing the production of rug orders, so their influence is highly visible. Scenes from the Savonnerie antique rugs depict the glories of the age, floral garlands, naturalistic flowers and ornamental motifs. Antique rugs with romantic scenes of medieval times also are typical of the latter part of this era.

Antique rugs of the Abusson style, rumored to have begun in the 8th century, were formally established in 1743, with the advent of a royal rug and carpet factory. The initial productions from this factory were reproductions of key Turkish and Smyrna rugs. Also, designs were less intricate and expensive than those produced in Savonnerie. Later, a new style was implemented here, based off of Savonnerie, to be less distracting.

A Brief History of Antique Rugs from India

During the 16th century, Humayan, the son of the first Moghul Shah, was exiled to Persia by an Afghan revolt ten years after the death of his father Babur. During his nine year stay he developed a taste for Persian art, and upon his return to India he brought with him two reputable Persian artists. Well known for their paintings, these Persian artists established the Moghul school of painting which blended their styles with that of the Indians.

This was the basis for Humayan’s son Akbar to encourage the development of fine arts and artistic industries. The earliest recorded evidence of rug production came at this time, praising Akbar for nurturing artistic weaving and the arts in general.

Early antique Indian carpets and rugs feature free designs, with little symmetry. Floral and animal designs are a common theme, with some of the animals having several heads and devouring each other. Pictorial realism and Hindu mythology are both major characteristics of antique Indian rugs. Abstract symbols and dense ornamentation also distinguish antique Indian rugs from others.

Antique Indian rugs, known for their vibrant colors, were produced with their famous dyes. All the colors of the rainbow were extracted from their local flora. The local fauna produced the wool primarily used for weaving, although silk was readily available and used often.

In short, it is no wonder these ornate works of art are now on western designers minds. From beauty to usefulness and floor covering to wall decoration, antique rugs are here to stay.

Photo Courtesy of Bradford Zak

#interiordesign #interiordesigntips #Tampa #FloridaDesigners #ClearwaterBeach #Rugs #designtrends #timelessdesign #antique #textiles

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Decorative Outdoor Lighting Tips

5/5/2022

Example of neo-classical outdoor lighting Photo Courtesy of Homesoftherich.net

*This post contains affiliate links
The interior of a house or commercial place should complement the exterior, and vice versa. This can be achieved by creating an artistically balanced ambience by using decorative outdoor lighting fixtures at different angles and points. For example if for a small garden or deck canister sized lighting fixtures create a loud and crass effect. To get the right balance the area should be highlighted by using small lights closer to the ground, on tree trunks or eaves of structures around.

Light designers and manufacturers realizing potential of decorative outdoor lighting introduced shapes, styles and finishes in consonance with changing times. Decorative outdoor lights in neo-classical designs, informal or contemporary and stylistic create harmonious setting matching the interior with the exterior. Purpose also decides design of decorative outdoor lightings. For pathways, lightings with top covers or shades are preferred as light is directed out and down but not on the face. There is nothing worse than to be momentarily blinded by instant glare. One does not need a beacon on private property but a decorative light to focus on special features of the house as well as safeguard it. In commercial places such as malls, hotels, schools, colleges, clubs the decorative outdoor lighting should be artistic as well as utilitarian. Compact fluorescent lights, ground level moon lamps, post lanterns are some of the designs that help control glare and spill.

Another transformation from old to new is the use of decorative outdoor lighting with timers and photo cells. One can visualize the gas-burning lamps of 1800's used to light streets. We have come a long way but nostalgia plays a hand as same idea is incorporated in electricity bulbs available in flame shaped designs. Whatever the design or style from diamond shaped to opal, antique lamp posts and shades, lights with frosted exterior, guests and visitors should not be inconvenienced by faulty placement and design selection. Instead of being influenced by neighbors, store catalogues or particular shape and color consider requirement, budget and appropriate lighting. If pathway is long and dark then hang Chinese lanterns or wanting to create a partition in the lawn then plant tiki torches available in different sizes and color.

Choices are unlimited, requiring a level headed thinking mind to select decorative outdoor lightings.

Photo courtesy of Cast Lighting

Photo Courtesy of Architecture & Design

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How To Decorate Your Bedroom Using The Principles of Feng Shui

4/4/2022

Photo Courtesy of Dreams.co.uk

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese perspective rooted in the belief that everything (including the arrangement of a room, like your bedroom) possesses energy - good chi and bad chi. Whether you believe in it or not, learning its inner workings and understanding how it can impact your everyday life is somewhat fascinating. As it relates to home decorating, the right feng shui is believed to balance the energy that flows into and around your space and can have an impact on everything in our lives from our wellbeing, to our relationships, and even our bank accounts.

The bedroom is one of the most important rooms in the home and is associated with rest, relaxation, and comfort. One needs to be sufficiently rested to perform well during the day.

According to the laws of Feng Shui, If the main door of a home is directly opposite the bedroom door, the occupant of that room will face legal problems. Position a small decoration or a piece of furniture to interrupt the line of passage.

Here are some quick Feng Shui rules to follow when it comes to decorating your bedroom:

Have bunkbeds? One's head should not touch the ceiling or this could result in ill health. The top of the mattress on the bottom bunk should also be at least 16 inches off the ground.

It is not favorable to keep a clock immediately behind or directly in front of a sleeper. Clocks should be placed on either side of the bed. If you have your clock on the headboard it should be placed on a stand beside the bed or on the floor.

A light bulb directly above the head of the bed will turn the sleeper in to a nervous wreck. If hung above the centre of the bed, it will cause stomach disorders. The light should be placed to the side of the bed.

The dressing table should not be placed at the foot of a bed as it adversely affects health. Move the dressing table to any other position.

You can draw on the strengths of the elements by choosing a headboard that corresponds to your element as shown in the paragraphs below.

Square or rectangular shaped headboards are for people who represent wood and earth elements. It is also good for professionals, as it encourages stability and offers support.

Oval or wavy-shaped headboards are ideal for people who belong to the element water and also for artists, musicians and designers.

Angular headboards or those with spiked points, these are not recommended for anyone. It relates to the element fire. It prevents people from getting a good night's sleep.

There's another reason to adopt these feng shui rules in your bedroom. According to feng shui, how you position your furniture can actually impact your sleep—something we could frankly all use a little more of. Not convinced? Try out a few of these feng shui practices, and tell me how you slept!

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Quick Home Painting Tips

3/11/2022

*This post contains affiliate links
A new coat of paint can refresh and revitalize any room in your house. Paint is also a very cost effective way to change the look of a room. The best part about interior painting is that almost anyone can do it all you need is the right material and a little bit of knowledge.

Painting Supplies
Your supply needs will vary depending upon the room that you are painting and the type of paint that you are using, but here is a basic list to get you started:

Paint
After you choose a color, you will also need to choose a finish. The finish determines how shiny the paint will be. Choices include flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Flat finish is hard to wipe clean and should only be used in low traffic areas that will not attract dirt. Satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss finishes are easy to wipe clean and can be used almost anywhere. Gloss finish is very shiny and is best reserved for small areas such as trim or molding.

Paint Applicators
Paint rollers and brushes are necessities. A good paint roller can paint an entire room. Choose one that has a fair amount of nap to it-- the thicker the better. When it comes to brushes, everyone has their own individual preference. A small angle brush works well for trim and corners. A three inch flat brush or a paint pad will work well for the places that a paint roller can not reach.

Miscellaneous Supplies
In addition to paint and paint applicators, you may also need drop cloths, cleaning rags, paint trays, spackle, sandpaper, and a putty knife (if your walls are damaged and need repair), and a ladder or stepladder. The ladder will need to be sturdy and stable to support your movements. Try choosing a ladder with a wide base or a flared bottom like on a Little Giant Ladder.

Painting Tips
When painting, the most important thing you can do is take your time. If you move too fast, things could get sloppy. Also important, is the prep work. Your painting project will go much smoother if you are properly prepared prior to painting. Here are some tips that can help:

1. Make sure that you have everything you need by organizing all of your supplies before you start painting.
2. Protect your furniture from paint splatters by moving it or covering it up.
3. Use low-tack masking tape to tape off baseboards and trim. Remove the tape before the paint dries.
4. Paint the walls before painting trim or woodwork.
5. Do not apply a second coat of paint until the first coat has dried.

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Style the life you want.
The life you deserve.

Holistic Design. What is it, and why it's so important?

Toscano Interiors Best Holiday Decor Lineup, $75 or Less!

Antique Rugs...Yes, they are a trend that is here to stay

Decorative Outdoor Lighting Tips

How To Decorate Your Bedroom Using The Principles of Feng Shui

Quick Home Painting Tips

Designer, Life Coach, + Realtor - Candance Toscano

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Contact Us or visit our boutique

813.539.2085
819 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756

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​​Style the life you want. ​The life you deserve.

Holistic Design. What is it, and why it's so important?

Toscano Interiors Best Holiday Decor Lineup, $75 or Less!

Antique Rugs...Yes, they are a trend that is here to stay

Decorative Outdoor Lighting Tips

How To Decorate Your Bedroom Using The Principles of Feng Shui

Quick Home Painting Tips

Designer, Life Coach, + Realtor - Candance Toscano

Archives

Categories

Contact Us or visit our boutique813.539.2085819 Court Street​Clearwater, FL 33756

Subscribe

Style the life you want.
The life you deserve.

Contact Us or visit our boutique

813.539.2085
819 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756