2020 started a new decade – and a new way of life for so many people. We were barely three months into the new year when COVID-19 or coronavirus sent many people into quarantine, isolation, and working from home. Yes, it is a whole new world, and today, we find that staying in is the new going out.

For most of the year, many people have stopped dining out, socializing with friends, and doing things we all took for granted. Movies, clubs, bars, live theatre, and vacations are all in the past. While many things, including restaurants and bars, have reopened, COVID numbers are also spiking again.

That leads us to reexamine how to create fun times in our lives without going out.

In this blog, we look at the many ways to make staying in fun. You do not have to put your health at risk to enjoy special evenings and occasions with family and friends.

Setting the Ambiance for Gatherings at Home

Now that we are spending so much of our free time at home, it is time to look at ways to make the home more suitable for enjoyment. Large social gatherings are out; intimate entertaining is in. Setting the right ambiance can take your “event” to the next level. Whether you plan a quiet night for two, or a dinner party for six, here are some suggestions for enhancing your environment.

One of the primary things to consider is social distancing. If your living room only has one couch, that could put people in close contact with one another. Consider adding a few chairs around the room that provide a safe distance while maintaining elegance and comfort. Some of my favorite recommendations from the HK Collection are below.

In the past, the kitchen was “the” gathering place in the home. Now, to help maintain a safe social distance, consider dressing up your kitchen counter or bar area with new seating, such as the barstools below. That way, your guests can still be nearby – but not too close.

Of course, lighting can enhance the feel of a room, providing for romantic evenings when you are staying in. Conversely, ambient lighting can also liven up the room when you want to have a few friends over for a fun evening.

Never underestimate the effect of candles. With so many unique and beautiful candle holders available today, you can cut down on your energy bill and create a warm glow throughout your home.

Since staying is the new going, now may also be the time to turn an extra room into your private screening room. With so many first-run movies going straight to streaming services, creating the cozy media room makes perfect sense.

Taking the Gathering Outdoors

The CDC recommends taking all gatherings and social events outdoors. Backyard entertaining is the way to go in 2020 and into 2021. With coronavirus numbers on the rise, South Floridians are the lucky ones – we have perfect weather year-round for outdoor entertaining.

One of the benefits of more people staying in has been for nature. While not all wildlife may be welcome at your next social gathering (no one wants an alligator to visit), you may want to consider putting in a birdbath to bring some of our local winged friends to your home.

Now is the time to look at your backyard furnishings and perhaps update them for the coming year. Add in a new outdoor rug, some tealight holders to light up the evenings, or choose some decorative lanterns for a modern look.

Staying safe at home does not mean boring. Whether you have a large backyard or a small patio, we can enhance the look and feel to make entertaining safely a breeze.

Staying In, Staying Safe, and Having Fun!

Yes, staying in is the new going out, and we are all adjusting to our current “reality.” That does not mean we cannot have fun at the same time. We do not have to fear the pandemic; we just need to navigate these new waters carefully.

Here are some tips for hosting perfect social gatherings where everyone invited can feel safe:

• Ask guests to continue to wear face masks when not actively eating or drinking
• Position seating 6 feet apart
• Identify one person to be the bartender to limit the physical contact on bottles, glasses, etc.
• Plate items as individual portions and set out on the table or counter – this eliminates the need for people to touch serving utensils (boxed meals or individual trays are fun ideas)
• Place disposable hand towels in the bathroom in place of cloth towels
• Keep hand sanitizer bottles in convenient locations
• Set up a hand-washing station in your backyard
• Post a sign in your bathroom asking guests to close the lid before flushing, wash hands for twenty seconds, and use the disposable towels to dry hands, and then discard in the trashcan
• Play games that naturally encourage social distancing, such as badminton, croquet, and hula hoop contests
• Host a movie night under the stars with cushions for adults and “cardboard box cars” for kids to sit in – hand out individual snack bags of popcorn and candy

If the celebration is for a birthday, have a separate cupcake for the candle, and have the birthday person blow it out away from everyone else. That way, no one has concerns over the spread of germs on the actual cake.

One of the safest social situations to enjoy is the “backyard picnic,” where everyone brings their own food, beverages, and blankets to spread on the lawn. That limits any risk of spreading germs.

As you can see, staying in can be fun with some preplanning. HK Interiors can help you enhance your home’s ambiance for socializing safely. Call us for more information, and all your interior design needs at 954-401-8542.

In our blog, “How to Use Zodiac Signs In Your Home Design,” we looked at the importance of incorporating zodiac designs that would increase your feeling of well-being. There are four elements: earth, water, fire, and air, each containing three of the houses in astrology.

Fire is compatible with air, and earth is compatible with water. If you have any knowledge of the various astrology houses, you probably already know this. But did you also know that each of these houses’ design elements can also make for cohesive interior design?

In this blog, we look at the zodiac designs associated with the earth and water signs to help you create a more enjoyable living space.

Zodiac Design Styles for Water Elements

Some of the most creative zodiac signs are those of the water elements. They are highly intuitive, sensitive, imaginative, compassionate, and love deeply. The water element is soothing and often attracts those in the healing arts. They can also be quite moody at times, so it is crucial to incorporate design elements that soothe and relax.

Pisces

Ever the dreamer, Pisces is imaginative and sensitive, and, as a result, they require a home that allows them to relax and recharge at the end of the day. Incorporating touches of their water element can help them feel at home in their surroundings. Pisces’ favorite color for home design should not surprise anyone, as they often favor earth tones, slate blue, subtle peach, and pink tones. Their love of elegance often translates to a beachy-themed cozy bedroom.

Pisces homes are often described as bohemian, featuring comfortable furnishings and a variety of storage options. If ever there was a person who would adore a hanging chair, it is the Piscean. Since lighting is also crucial, diffused, indirect lighting, and mirrors to catch reflections can help make the Pisces feel truly at home. The string of pearl houseplant is perfect in the Pisces home.

Scorpio

Deep and mysterious, the home of a passionate Scorpio will have a classic, stylish, and refined feel. Scorpio does not like clutter, so minimalism is crucial. Any decorations will have meaning and depth. The home is Scorpio’s place to steel away from the outside world, often highlighted by sensuous furnishings. Blackout curtains and richly colored silk sheets are often found in the Scorpio bedroom.

Although Scorpio is a natural collector, he or she will likely want to do away with the old and begin anew every few years. Colors in the Scorpio home often feature deep, rich jewel tones such as dark blues, purples, and reds, along with accents of black. A Scorpio will thrive with a special reading nook or window seat to escape for that quiet space. Heart-shaped anthuriums are the perfect houseplant for a Scorpio.

Cancer

Deeply emotional and nurturing with a strong sense of family, Cancer is the ultimate homebody. The environment should reflect a harmonious, simple, unpretentious, and cozy style. Hygge style personifies the Cancer at home. Cancer zodiac designs often include gallery walls featuring framed family photos.

Open floorplans create the perfect living space for a Cancer. Expect to find a home filled with fresh flowers and candles. Warm floral colors, silver, blue, charcoal, and cream make the perfect palette for the Cancer home. Furnishings should feature solid wood, natural fabrics, throw pillows, and be ultra-comfortable. Chandeliers and table lamps provide the mood lighting that Cancer craves.

Earth Elements and Zodiac Styles

Those in the zodiac signs that fall under the earth elements are grounded, wise, stable, sensual, practical, and patient. They have a natural love of the physical world that often translates to cooking, gardening, and taking care of the home. They have a love of material possessions, which can sometimes translate to decadent furnishings.

Taurus

Comfort is crucial when selecting décor, as a peaceful, warm environment is essential. A Taurus bedroom will often reflect this zodiac sign’s love of elegance and luxury. You may find elements of gold and copper in their furnishings, chandeliers, and mirrors. A traditional rather than modern look provides the inviting space this sign craves, so avoid synthetics and fill the home with natural materials. Earth tones, greens, light blues, and soft pinks are ideal colors.

Taurus loves to entertain, so the kitchen is an essential room of the home when considering any remodel. Zodiac designs that incorporate light colors and natural wood will have the Taurus cook feeling at home in the kitchen. Incorporate fluffy, natural fiber throws and overstuffed pillows into the living room and surround the home with plants. A sheepskin rug is the perfect accent piece in a room.

Virgo

Always the perfectionist, the home of a Virgo will be neat, orderly, and organized. Virgos also prefer neutral earth tones, with yellows, olive green, peach, and rich blues as accents. They enjoy natural finishes in their furnishings and prefer high-quality pieces. Plenty of kitchen cabinets are crucial for a Virgo who loves to cook but thrives on organization.

Abundant plants, such as the lacy tree philodendron, and even a living wall are excellent options in the home of a Virgo. Herbs are likely growing on the windowsill or hanging from planters amid the pots in the kitchen. Rustic is a term often associated with the Virgo home. Artwork is often themed throughout the home.

Capricorn

Traditional and practical – each piece must have a purpose in the home of a Capricorn, especially a mini-bar. Practicality is so crucial that it is more important than style or comfort. Capricorns thrive if they have well-organized closets. Hard-working and dedicated, Capricorns like to fill their homes with sophisticated furnishings featuring design styles in dark wood, leather, brass, exposed brick, and granite.

Elegance is a term often used to describe their living space. As a result, the Capricorn home may feature colors that include blacks, whites, greens, blues, and dark greys. Do not be surprised to find Scandinavian design elements in the home of a Capricorn. As an earth element, Capricorn enjoys greenery, including succulents and orchids.

As you can see, astrology design can be a lot of fun, and help enrich your home and life. To learn about zodiac style for fire and air signs, check out this blog.

For more information on incorporating zodiac designs into your home, please contact HK Interiors at 954-401-8542 for all your interior design needs.

Our astrology houses do more than tell us who we are compatible with; they also show us our zodiac style, which can help us improve the well-being we feel in our homes. In our blog “How to Use Zodiac Signs In Your Home Design,” we discussed how to incorporate the design styles of the twelve houses in astrology into the home. In this blog, we look specifically at the signs that fall under the fire and air elements.

Three zodiac signs fall into each element category. Fire consists of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Air elements are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Yes, Aquarius is an air sign, not a water sign, as many people naturally expect.

Fire and air are compatible, as fire needs air to thrive. The other two elements – water and earth, also go together. You can learn more about designing a home for them here.

In the sections below, we look at incorporating zodiac designs for the fire and air signs.

Zodiac Style of Air Elements

Your astrology chart tells quite a bit about your personality, likes, dislikes, even gems, and colors. The air element is one of communication, rationality, and logic, rather than emotionality. Air signs make great artists, writers, and communicators. As with the air itself, those ruled by this element are often changing, ready to reach for something new. They love music, reading, and art, so incorporating those zodiac style features into the home can help them flourish.

Libra

Under the ruling eye of Venus, it is no surprise that as the zodiac’s natural born peacemaker, Libras fill their homes with beautiful furnishings and art. Symmetry is crucial for a harmonious feel as Libra can become overwhelmed, and the home can become a bit messy. Avoid garish prints – Libra is not into modern designs. Romance and beautiful things dominate the Libra home, showing up in simple, vintage, well-made wood furnishings.

Libra colors fall into a palette dominated by black, white, lilac, champagne pink, light blue, and light grey. These colors add warmth and serenity Libra craves in the home. Woven baskets and ceramic pottery make the perfect accent pieces. Fresh flowers and eucalyptus are ideal in the Libra home.

Gemini

As with your two personalities, it is no surprise that many Geminis cannot decide what they want from their interior design. They like both modern and traditional interior design, and it is often fun to incorporate both styles into their homes. The latest design trends often sway Geminis, and their homes may be in a constant state of change. However, Gemini loves everything to be in its place so that it does not overwhelm. Geminis do well with bookshelves to display their collections. They also like interactive furnishings, such as recliners, rocking chairs, and hammocks.

Natural materials such as rattan, glass, and light wood, and a neutral palette offset by colors such as bright yellows, oranges, and blues are ideal. Bamboo and cascading philodendrons are excellent house plants for the Gemini home.

Aquarius

Eclectic yet cohesive is what you may find in the home of an Aquarian. This air sign believes in protecting the environment and good causes. Aquarius is unpretentious, somewhat rebellious, and craves freedom – always looking to the future. They love to repurpose whatever they can, and due to their crafty nature, may even create many of the items in their homes.

The Aquarian home is often ultra-modern, featuring spacious windows, wall shelving, and mirrors. When it comes to astrology design, you will likely find large sectionals and funky accent tables in the home. Aqua blue is an excellent color to incorporate into the home, along with oranges, greens, grays, and whites. Ideal plants for the Aquarius home include air plants or even a living wall.

Zodiac Design for Fire Signs

Of all the zodiac signs, it is those of the fire elements that combine passion, warmth, confidence, creativity, charm, and boldness. Fire signs are independent but like to have fun. Because they often desire to be the center of attention, they want their surroundings to reflect their zodiac style.

Sagittarius

Always on the go, bohemian Sagittarians fill their homes with objects collected during their travels, so areas for display are essential. They are the zodiac’s natural-born collectors, so beware of clutter. Since Sagittarius has no time for cleaning, organization is crucial, so they do not become overwhelmed. Open spaces, high ceilings, and natural light are desirable attributes in the home of a Sagittarian.

The fiery Sagittarian home should include rich blues, reds, and greens, offset with accents of brown and neutral whites. A fireplace or fire pit is another highly regarded asset and should be a focal point in the home or backyard. The one place that should not be cluttered is the bedroom, as that is where Sagittarius goes to unwind. Ponytail palms are excellent options for indoor plants.

Leo

Independently blazing their way through life, Leos are natural trend-setters. With love for life’s finer things, Leos are regal and often seek out dramatic pieces, bright colors, and unique, exotic, or lavish furnishings. The more eye-catching, the better, and Leos thrive on patterns and textures. Leos also love monogrammed items, so it is no surprise that their towels and linens reflect this element of design.

The Leo home requires plenty of natural sunlight and an outdoor area to fulfill their love of nature. As one of the fire zodiac signs, expect Leo to want to shine all the time. That means having a bathroom worthy of their grooming style. Leo does well with yellows, reds, oranges, and gold metal. Of course, a fireplace or fire pit is crucial. You will likely find statement artwork adorning their walls. Nesting tables, giant mirrors, and eye-catching chandeliers are dramatic elements that work well in the Leo home. Calatheas and patterned snake plants provide the perfect accents.

Aries

Full of energy and fun, Aries have no problem changing their environments to suit their moods. However, because they thrive on low-maintenance, they require a minimalistic zodiac style – a clutter-free environment with plenty of open space to help them focus. One thing to know about Aries is that they will benefit from having a home gym, pool, or basketball area – someplace where they can let out their energy.

Sleek, contemporary stylings, leather, plenty of textures, and bold, fiery colors such as oranges, reds, and metallics work well in their homes. Balance these with turquoise, cream, and light grey. Aries loves artwork that stands out and, as a fire sign, often seeks a fireplace or a fire pit in the backyard. Palms make a wonderful plant for indoors.

To learn more about incorporating zodiac style into your home, please contact HK Interiors at 954-401-8542 for all your interior design needs.

Our zodiac signs do more than tell us what to expect each day, our best career choices, or who would be our most compatible partner. Incorporating zodiac designs and their qualities into your home’s interior design can help improve the aesthetics and the well-being that you feel there.

The twelve houses in astrology showcase how very different we are from one another and how our design styles reflect our personalities. Many people do not even realize how their astrology houses influence their interior design until they read about it.

When used properly, the four elements can connect you to your home in ways you never imagined.

In the astrology chart, there are four element groups, with three signs per element. Each element influences its corresponding zodiac signs considerably. Compatibility increases within an element, which, as we will discuss in further detail, can also make for harmonious interior design.

Fire is also compatible with air as oxygen is necessary to fuel a flame. Conversely, earth and water go together, as rain helps grow the plants around us. Using their designs together can form a cohesive look throughout the home. However, even when people of differing elements live together, there are cohesive ways to incorporate facets from each sign into the home design. It is crucial to pay attention here, as conflicting design elements can leave one person feeling uneasy in the home.

The zodiac signs and their elements are:

• Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
• Earth: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
• Fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
• Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

As we begin our look into astrology design, we break it down by the four elements listed above. Perhaps you will notice your zodiac style starting to emerge in the descriptions below.

Zodiac Style of Air Elements

The air signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are often seen like the wind – hard to pin down. They are smart, curious, and quick, often flirtatious, and adaptable to change. Do not be surprised if they want to change the look of their surroundings every few years.

With a love of art, music, and reading, those with air as an element in their astrology chart will want to incorporate those features into their homes. A reading nook, music room, library, or art gallery are aspects to consider when designing a room or home. You can read more about the individual zodiac styles for those in the air elements here.

Zodiac Design for Fire Signs

The fire signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are always ready to heat things up with their passion, warmth, and boldness. They are creative, charming, independent, and fun, and want their homes to reflect those qualities.

It should be no surprise that fire signs have zodiac lucky colors that include shades of red, orange, and yellow. We naturally associate these colors with fire and elements to consider when designing a room include a fireplace, or when not possible indoors, a fire pit outside. Find out more about interior design for fire zodiac signs here.

Zodiac Design Styles for Water Elements

The water signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are some of the most creative zodiac signs. They are imaginative, sensitive, highly intuitive, sensuous, and love deeply, but they can also be moody. Because water is a soothing element, it is crucial to incorporate design elements that will soothe and relax.

Water signs yearn to be surrounded by water elements, such as a fountain. They also tend to collect items that have significant meaning to them. Finding the right way to incorporate these items into their home design is crucial. You can learn more about decorating for water signs here.

Earth Elements and Zodiac Styles

The earth signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are grounded, stable, and practical. Earth is the physical world, which makes perfect sense that they often seek out material possessions. Do not be surprised when they yearn for decadent furnishings, plants, and natural materials.

Logically, the earth element zodiac signs have a love of neutral earth tones. Natural woods, light, and plants should fill their homes. Incorporating a garden area, whether indoors or out, can help them thrive. Get more tips on decorating for earth signs here.

Make sure to click the links in the sections above to learn more about decorating according to your sign. One blog contains the earth and water signs, the other the fire and air.

For more information on zodiac style throughout South Florida, please contact HK Interiors at 954-401-8542 for all your interior design needs.

How to Bring Nature Indoors to Improve Your Well-Being

2020 has been a year of change and challenges, much of which has seen us spending even more time in our homes than ever before. For months, parks, beaches, playgrounds, and nature preserves have been closed. That is why it is more important now than ever before to bring nature indoors.

Bringing the outdoors in goes well beyond buying a potted plant that you stick in the corner of a room. In our recent blog about biophilic design, we discussed the importance of incorporating the natural world into our home and even workplace environments. Anywhere that you spend a considerable amount of time can benefit from natural décor.

Biophilia is a desire to interact with nature, and never has it been so critical to our well-being as it is right now. Biophilic design helps us reduce stress, improve our health, creativity, productivity, and emotional well-being.

While the best way to maximize biophilic design elements in your home or workplace is with the help of an interior designer, there are things you can do right now to increase the natural beauty around you.

Physical Ways to Bring Nature Indoors

When you think about the physical ways to bring nature indoors, chances are the first things that come to mind are living things, such as plants. One potted plant will not do the trick – think big and fill your home with nature. Grow herbs on a windowsill, bring in some potted lemon or lime trees, cacti, or create terrariums throughout your home. Incorporate plants in every room of your home. Turn your bathroom into a spa with plants that thrive in humidity.

A vertical garden feature that many people overlook is a green wall – a living wall of plants. Some people even have trees growing inside and up through their homes. Of course, taking it to that large a scale may be best done with the help of an interior designer.

Utilize other aspects of nature in your interior design ideas, such as seashells, twigs, branches, rocks, and gems. There is a reason why so many people have those little Zen gardens on their desks at work. Raking sand and creating designs with rocks and gems is an excellent way to de-stress. You can even create your own with items in your home and a small bottle of sand from a store. (Be careful about removing sand from a beach – many places will fine you for that!)

Nature is also more than plants. It encompasses all living things. A pet is more than your best friend – it is a natural de-stressor. Fish tanks, birdcages, outdoor animal feeders, and butterfly gardens are excellent options for helping you connect with other living things.

Think Outside the Box to Bring Nature Indoors

What does “thinking outside the box” mean when we want to incorporate biophilic design principles in the home or office?

It means incorporating other elements such as light, air, sound, fire, weather, natural materials, and natural landscapes into your home.

Here are some things to consider:

• You can bring nature indoors by adding skylights, reflective materials, and sheer drapes that allow the sun to shine through and illuminate your environment. An added benefit of letting nature shine through is also bringing you closer to the aspects of weather. After all, who does not enjoy sitting in a cozy chair while watching it rain outside?
• One way of incorporating naturalistic interior design is with the sounds of nature. Water elements such as fountains, water walls, and aquariums are not only relaxing to look at, but the sound of the water flowing, or bubbling can improve health and reduce stress.
• Fire pits outdoors do more than provide beauty and warmth. The fire element is also crucial to health. Candles have long been associated with romance and can bring an element of nature into your home.
• Natural materials are some of the best ways to foster biophilic design as you have many options available. Wood, stone, bamboo, leather, wool, hemp, clay, wicker, rattan, granite, and cork are available for various areas of your home or office, including flooring, furnishings, and countertops. The unique textures associated with materials such as cork or bamboo bring you closer to nature.
• Utilize natural landscapes as a way to relax and improve your health. From pictures of nature to nature-identical designs done in patterns on the walls, flooring, and fabrics, these images help to foster improved well-being.

Other Ways of Bringing Nature Into Your Home

The list of modern design elements available to help you bring nature indoors is endless. Here are a few more ideas:

• Incorporate natural design elements that activate the senses, such as varying types of textures.
• Bring in the colors of nature wherever possible. Incorporating the blue sky, green grass, brown earth, and cream sand colors will help you get in touch with the many elements around us.
• Do not stop with the inside of your home. Turn your patio, balcony, or garden into a natural haven with plants, water elements, and more to help you de-stress.

Today’s modern interior design options can help make your home a healthier place to live. There are so many things we can do right now, even if you are still at home all day – every day.

When the time comes to take your environment to the next level, HK Interiors can help. Call 954-401-8542 today for more information.