Wallpaper

Jul13

Using wallpaper is popular again in the recent years, thanks to the good quality and exclusive assortment. Designers create their new patterns following the fashion and their color usage adjusts to this also. However, the manufacturing companies still have wide range of wallpapers for the classic style lovers, the truly outstanding companies – in the case of a customer order – reproduce a product from their decades-old books with pleasure also.
Wallpaper can be used on walls or on the ceiling, all over the surface or creating a focal point, or even as decoration on furniture and doors also. It is practical to ask for a sample in the shop before purchasing, this way the effect can be seen in the light of our home. Since the samples are small, in the case of bigger patterns the final effect is upon our imagination. Further showy solutions can be reached by combining painting and wallpapering. Some high-quality manufacturers use their own paints for their wallpapers, this way no need to go from shop to shop with the samples, since the ordered colors will perfectly match.
Always buy the glue recommended by the manufacturer for the wallpaper and strictly follow the instruction manual when applying. If the job is done by a professional, all information should be given to him. The technique to be used depends on the material, thickness and pattern of the wallpaper. If the wall is uneven, it has to be plastered and grinded before wallpapering, only this can provide nice result.
The size of the wallpaper’s pattern is as determining as its color. The scale effects the total result. For example, too large pattern can be easily overwhelming in a small bedroom and can affect a more narrowing feeling, however a small and dense pattern can be lost in a spacious living room and it is enjoyable only at close.
It is also a much simpler process to choose wallpaper with a help of an interior designer, we can trust in his/her skills as to colors and patterns. With his/her 3D visualization we don’t have to rely on our imagination, how the chosen wallpaper will show in our home.

For 4th July

Jul3

Red-white-blue interior ideas for the american Independence Day

Natural textiles

Jun29

When choosing fabrics, besides their colors and patterns, the material should be considered as well. They have to be chosen by the desired function (upholstery, carpet, curtain, decorating fabric). The fabrics made of natural fibers have two groups: animal and floral origin.
Fabrics woven of sheep wool yarn are sturdy, warm, thick and a bit spiky. They can be cleaned only on low temperature and shouldn’t be put to direct sunshine. They are easily colorable, their pattern are commonly woven.
One long silk thread can be gained by unrolling the pod of the silkworm which can be woven to silk fabric. Its coloring is a more complicated procedure. The threads are more knotty in some parts of it, this way a special pattern is formed, typical only to silk. It is light, soft to touch, with high tensile strength and relatively chemical resistant also.
Cashmere wool is made of the soft hair of cashmere goat which is selected by hand first. It is a specially soft, warm but light material.
Further animals which provide natural fibers: vicuna, lama, alpaca, angora rabbit, spider (silk).
Cotton belongs to floral fibers. Cotton thread is made of the fiber covering the seeds of the cotton-plant and this is woven to a fabric. It is easy to bleach and color. Sunlight might quickly damage it. It is cleanable on mid temperature. It can be patterned by weaving, printing and painting.
Linen is made of fibers of flax plant during a long processing. A bit rigid, light beige fabric is given. It is hard to iron, cleanable on high temperature and it is easy to color. It is frequently mixed with cotton for better handling.
Other plants give fibers for making strong fabrics also. For example: see grass (sisal), hemp, jute, coconut.
Ask for help of an interior designer for choosing the proper fabrics.

Bay window

Jun22

When building a new house, there are several opportunities to plan some special features that make our property unique and special. A real classic style marker is the so called „bay window”, which is a protruding, usually curved window niche. It provides not only a spectacular look, but also useful space.
Depending to the size, it can have different functionality. A small breakfast table with two or three chairs can be placed here. At the window side, chairs can be replaced by a bench. A larger bay window can function as a dining room with six-eight chairs.
In case of bedroom or living room, a “conversation corner” can be implemented in a bay window placing two armchairs and a small table. If the size of the couch allows, it also can be placed, thus emphasizing the area.
With a tailor made bench with foam seat and a lot of cushions, a comfortable, quiet and relaxing reading corner can be created. At the bottom, additional storing capacity is provided, and a little table with a lamp is also offered to be able to use the bay window in the evenings.
Bay windows are perfect home offices. An antique style desk looks great there, but such as the bench, a tailor made and built in desk is also a great solution.
Our relatives playing musical instruments will be glad to a practicing place or a stage for home concerts. Piano, harp or also a drum set can be placed in a bay window in harmony with the classic style of the house.
Shading is not a problem, although the unusual shape frightens some people. With curtains, shutters or Roman blinds the outer light can be easily controlled.
If you would like to give character to your new home, consult with your architect at the planning phase to implement a well sized bay window. For optimal use of space, ask an interior designer.

Historical colors

Jun15

In the case of a low-budget renovation, where only a wall painting is possible, or wallpapering, maybe changing one or two furniture, colors have more important role. Their power is frequently underestimated, some people are afraid of them also. They are afraid that a stronger color might be boring soon, so they decide to choose white or pastel shades. The desired style is tried to be reached by excessive amount of decorating objects.
It is quite easy with classic historical styles. Every era had characteristic color hues which determined the mood of interiors of that time. Of course, all the colors of the rainbow were used then also, though there was always a shade of color which was among the most popular in its era. If these colors are used during renovating, a success can be reached with less effort. Although the mixed paint by a color code is more expensive than the ready-made versions, it is worth to spend it for the effect. In the case of wallpaper, pattern can be so important too.
Some extracted examples: using of ebony black, gold and golden yellow was typify Empire style. Vine red, olive green and warm dark browns were common in Victorian style interiors. We associate to bubble gum pink, butter yellow and light turquoise blue from the 50s. Edwardian style is characterized by magnolia, bluish grey and off-white.
Don’t afraid of color painting the ceiling, doors and windows or even moldings, beside the walls. Draw inspiration from the pictures of interiors of the given era. Surviving buildings are commonly restored with using historically accurate colors, so we can see the total effect. Let’s be daring because painting is the easiest and cheapest way of makeover, so even if we make a mistake, it is remediable easily.
Ask for help of a color adviser/interior designer if you have doubts about the proper color-usage.

Color pairs 6.

Jun5

Color pairs: blue-green

Bed frame

Jun1

When choosing a bed, we focus on comfortability and a proper position for our spine. These aspects are regarding only the mat. But how to find the optimal frame, that will hold the mat? Basically, there are two materials used for bed frames: metal and wood. Both fits to classic interiors, so the colour, form, measure and style will determine the choice.
First we have to find out, weather we would like footboard or not, if yes, how tall? Headboard will be fixed to the wall or it will be the part of the frame? How high would be the top of the mat from the ground level? Should the frame have feet or not? Do we need bed storage?
The real traditional versions of metal bed frames are made of copper, with high head- and footboard. Wroughed iron frames are usually painted. Black versions fit well in Mediterranean environments, while white and pastel versions can be characteristic elements of shabby chic and country styles.
Most spectacular examples of the wooden frames are four-poster beds. They provide romantic and elegant feeling to the room. They are space consuming, in addition to, we have to be aware the ceiling height. Wooden frames can be stained, lacquered or painted depending to the style applied. Each has its own charm.
We can buy totally upholstered frame too. Using the colour of the textile, we can reach harmony or even define a focus point in the interior. The upholstering should be easy to clean. Its main advantage the softness, so we will not hit our feet if we have to pass close to it.
When buying a mat, we have to test the samples in the shop. For choosing a bed frame, ask for the help of an interior designer or style advisor.

Ship as home

May29

Comfortable ship apartments in classic style

Variations 5.

May20

Variations for a theme: cities

Shabby chic

Apr27

Shabby chic is an interior design style which is very popular nowadays. It can be relatively easily realized in any home.
A shabby chic interior is feminine, light and has a little bit warn effect, despite of this, still elegant. Dominant colors are white, grey, powder blue, pink, crème, light green and beige. Furnishing is made of wood, chairs are upholstered comfortably soft, or even wicker braided. Basically it has French style characteristics. Although the overall effect is rural, yet it fits well even in an aristocratic environment. The double doored large wardrobe, the Bergére armchair and the great variety of fabrics provide the luxurious, but still muted feeling. Feels like if we spend our holiday in our country castle.
We can produce the furnishing ourselves for this style. Let’s paint the old furnitures purchased at a flea market with off-white and generate the antique feeling using some umbra brown. Another method, if the paint is burnished back at the edges, at the handles and at the bottom of the legs. This simulates the worn effect gained by the heavy years of usage. At accessories, avoid using strong colors. Flower bouquet is always an important decoration element. It can be placed in practically anything, like a watering can, a jar or old cookie box. Select pastel coloured flowers, which fit to the rural atmosphere, like lavender, roses, tulip or wild flowers. Prefer natural materials at fabrics, like cotton or linen. Use patterned material or plain weaved ones occasionally with toile pattern using only two colors. Use them brevely, combine several hues of a given color. For metallic accessories, silver or gold color is the best choice.
If you like shabby chic, but don’t know how to start, ask help from an interior designer.