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Orange
Orange is derived from mixing two primary colors, red and yellow. By this, we call it a secondary color. This is considered to be the funniest color. It has no cold hue. Blue is its complementary.
At physiologic effect, orange is relaxing and irritant at the same time. Increases appetite and creativity, it has positive effect on sexuality and human relations. In symbolism, orange is associated to strength, endurance, happiness and youth. We associate to fire, sunset, autumn, fruits by it.
It replaces red perfectly. Energizing without increasing blood pressure. While striking color, doesn’t dominate fully its surroundings and not so provocatively irritating than red. It includes the fun of yellow and the feeling of sunshine also. A soil color, frequently used in interior design for vitalizing spaces decorated with other soil colors. We can use it bravely in living room, dining room, duller shades in child room or bedroom. Combining with crème and brown, it can be weakened, resulting and elegant interior. As warm colors generally, it also narrows the space feeling. Vivid hues are perfect for tropical or Mediterranean interiors.
In feng-shui, orange is the color of the male side (Jang). Assigned to the 2nd chakra (sex).
In business world, many designers chose this color for catching attention or highlighting, since it is not aggressive. Used frequently for advertising of food and toy manufacturers.
Using too much of orange can also be depressing. For implementing a cozy, classic interior in orange, ask help from an interior designer.
Carpet
Carpet has an important role in interior design. It gives warmth to the room, defines areas, can be a focal point and mutes sounds.
Wooden floor or a floor paved with showy stones are beautiful, however they are cold for the feet and it can be tiring standing or walking on them for a long time.
The main role of the carpet in a living room is defining the area. Furniture almost floats in the room if not connected to each other by something. When choosing a carpet, pay attention to the size. It is an elegant and classic solution if at least the front legs of the chairs, armchairs and sofas are on the carpet. When gathering for watching TV or around the fireplace, the carpet gives the frame for this. We can seat there comfortably even without slippers because of the warm and soft textile, or we can even sit on the floor.
Let’s choose a carpet in the dining room with a size that the legs of the chairs shouldn’t slip down even if the guest stands up and pushes it back.
Wall to wall carpet is quite good in a bedroom, however not everyone likes it. It can be a good solution if the carpet is placed only under the bed or at least smaller rugs on both sides of it, this way the feet don’t touch the cool floor when getting out of bed. This provides a more comfortable feeling and the day begins better.
It is worth to place a smaller rug on the kitchen stone floor where we walk or stand the most, for example at the front of the sink. It should be made of an easily cleanable material with looped and not cut threads, as far as possible.
In the hallway, through the corridors, we can guide our guests with the carpet.. Let’s put it inside from the entrance door to draw attention to the shoes should be taken off. Since these are the most frequently used areas of the house/flat, it is practical to buy one here which bears well the harder usage.
Don’t place rugs in bathroom and toilet. Let’s use here a so-called bathmat designed right for this purpose or lay down a towel.
Looking for a warm, welcoming and comfortable space? Ask for help of an interior designer for choosing the proper carpet for your home.
Basement
The basement is usually an unused space. With clever transformation, we can increase the value of our estate implementing comfortable and useful living space from it. Some aspects should be considered anyhow:
Most simple mode of usage that needs the less transformation efforts is moving the garage, wine cellar or store here. If we need much more, it can be playing room, guest room, workroom, DIY workshop, laundry room, gym, etc. In case of greater area, more of them can be realized simultaneously.
Since great part of the basement are located underground, the isolation should be excellent. Not only the temperature is the main issue, but the soil moisture protection. Let it be done by experienced professionals. Second important issue is light. Let’s implement more windows to provide natural light. Parallel we may need a great amount of artificial lighting. Probably the ceiling height is lower then the average, so the most practical solutions are spot and LED lights. Heating appliances should be planned at the very beginning of the project. In case of more separate rooms, the heating appliances should be placed properly. The stairs leading to the basement should be as safety as any other stairs in the house. For flooring, let’s choose materials that can bear the mist well. Walls and ceiling should have been painted with light colours and low furniture has to be applied to increase the sense of space.
If you have a reasonable space in the basement waiting for be transformed, but you don’t know how to use it the most advantageous way? Ask for help from an interior designer for planning and arranging.
Black
Black means the lack of colors and light, so technically it cannot be considered as color. Anyhow, it has an important role in interior design and fashion.
In the symbolism, black is usually associated with death, evil, darkness and fear. In western cultures, black is obituary color. At the same time, it is also prestigious and powerful. Black increases the intensity of other colors. Combined with yellow, it means danger at different signs, just as originally in the nature.
In interior design, we use it for emphasizing. With a black curtain, we can turn the lines of the window more definite. A black outline of a wallpaper motif strengthens the effect. In light interiors we can focus the view by creating focus points with black decoration items. Therefore it’s advisable to hide the black TV screen, so not to be in the focus. Using black provides the feeling of elegance, luxury and formality. Ideal background for paintings.
If we are brave enough, we can create definitely black interior also! With proper lighting it won’t be depressing at all, even all the walls are painted black. The most elegant result can be achieved if combined with white or cream. But we can also emphasize only one wall with wallpaper printed with black motif, selecting similarly upholstered heavy furniture. The contrast of glossy and matte surfaces should be considered all the time. Using different textures of black, the view can be even more exciting. Black is often used in different styles such as e.g.: art deco, chinoiserie and empire. Excellent choice for flooring, it gives stability, practically anchors the furniture. In bedroom a moderate use is recommended, only at feminine accessories, such as lace edging or sexy lampshade. Combined with silver, gold or crystals, the result will be really luxurious.
Feng shui connects black with water element, the color of Jin, the female side.
In business world, black expresses elegance and monetary value. Just think about black suites, tuxedos, luxury cars or gala dresses.
People usually afraid of this color when it comes to interior design. Anyhow, really spectacular and classy life area can be implemented using black. For achieving the desired effect, ask for help from an interior designer/color expert.
Water tower as home
Special and cosy apartment can be conjured also in a water tower
Level-offset
Don’t be afraid to furnish level-offset spaces
Pink
The shades of pink are from mixing red and white. All of its tones are popular in interior design. Commonly pastel or more subdued pinks fit for classic style.
This color is connected firstly with feminity, romance, flowers and girls. Strong shades (e.g. pink, purple) heighten pulse rate and blood pressure, have exciter effect. Soft tones (e.g. pearl pink, powder) are rather calming, inviting and have protecting effect.
There is a perfect shade for almost all of the interior design styles. The lighters can be used in nurseries, children’s rooms, bedroom and bathroom. Brighter tones are better to use only on accessories or maybe on bigger furniture as pop-color or focal point. They look good in living room, dining room and home office. If we are braver, walls can be painted pink also. Its sweetness or vibration can be blunted with white, beige, green, grey, brown or even black.
It was one of the favorite color of Madame Pompadour in the 18th century Rococo France, that’s why it was frequently used on Sévres porcelains, wallpapers and upholsteries. Rather pastel shades are beloved in English styles. It is connected to the feast of cherry tree blooming in Japan.
Business companies that choose pink or magenta for their logos are growing. They want to highlight their specialty, ability to develop and influence with this. Toy manufacturing, cosmetic and sweets manufacturing companies use its paler shades also.
Pinks can easily dominate the space, they might create depressing or sugary mood, so ask for help of a color advisor-interior designer for creating a subdued and tasty pink interior.
Four poster bed
What can be more romantic than a four poster bed?
Louis-styles
The interior design styles of the era between 1610 and 1793 in France are called Louis-styles after the four reigning kings.
Baroque was half-baked and the effect of Renaissance was strong under Louis XIII. (1601-1643). That’s why the interiors were moderately decorated. Although furniture was richly carved, they were natural in color and large-scaled. Their architectural elements were determining. Chairs are upholstered, most of them are not folding. Louvre was the seat of the king by this time. Impact of Baroque began at the end of his reign.
Louis XIV., the Sun-king (1638-1715) was the lover of pomp. Baroque reached its peak under his reign. The aim was using the more decorating motifs, gildings and exotic materials in every fine arts. He had the castle of Versailles rebuilt to a world famous palace of the king. Boulle is the most known name in the field of furniture, he became famous by his marquetry. He used ormolu, tortoise shells, brass, noble woods by chance. Mansart created lasting in architecture. He is known by the roof type named after him. The beauty of the gardens were the works of Le Nôtre. The geometrically arranged flower beds, fountains, long promenades are spectacular even nowadays. The colorful frescos and murals of Versailles are the works of Le Brun.
Louis XV. (1710-1774) was the great-grandson of the Sun-king. Rococo is the style of his era which was marked by over-decorating, shell motifs, chinoiserie and feminine interior details. The fashion was dictated by his two famous lovers, Madame Pompadour and Madame Du Barry. Porcelain manufacturing started, the lace-manufactures and silk-weavers were sponsored for the most splendid fabrics which were matched with goods from abroad. The walls were covered by fabrics or wallpapers, furniture were lacquered and painted, the decorating C and S pieces were used inordinately.
The reign of Louis XVI. (1754-1793) was the era of Classicism. The ancient Roman buildings, sculptures and household objects found in excavation of Pompei had a big influence on the people of the age. The stifling over-decoration was followed by a more moderated style: the decoration elements of ancient times were used again, the shapes of furniture became clear, the lines straightened. Even dressing fashion turned to a more comfortable direction. Patterns and decorations of idealized country life were used on fabrics, porcelains and other household objects.
The revolution terminated Louis-styles and the ancient régime also. Several buildings, paintings, valuable statues, porcelains etc. were perished during the huddle and terror of years because of the intentional vandalism and fire-raising of the mob. These are lost forever for posterity.
Fortunately, enough sources and pictures remained for falling in love with any of the Louis-styles and for desiring to implement them at home. A good interior designer can help to realize this dream by refreshing and fitting it to the sizes of present flats/houses.
