Piano nobile is a specificness of baroque architecture. The first floor was architecturally highlighted: representative rooms (e.g. saloon, ballroom) placed there have much higher ceilings than those of the rooms on the ground floor or on upper floors – this is shown by the sizes of the windows. Mostly it has a balcony above the entrance which frequently runs all the length of it.
Displaying goods in a stylish way in a shop is important to urge incoming customers for buying. Antique storages always help with this.
What kind of windows should be chosen: made of wood, metal or plastic?
Navy blue is a really dark shade, which gives elegance and depth for the space. It can be used instead of black if it would be too rigid or sombre. It got its name from the color of clothes worn by officers in the Royal Navy since 1748 and adopted by other navies around the world. It looks best paired with white.
Driftwood is wood that has been soaked by natural waters (river, sea, lake etc.), than washed onto a shore by the action of waves or a storm and dried up there. Its raw and natural beauty can be the ornament of an interior.
Tartan is perfectly fit for autumn palette
The VOC index of the paint shows, how many harmful volatile organic compounds it contains, which vapor from the product even for years after the painting. (Statutory maximum value: 30 g/l) Therefore, a paint with minimal VOC or VOC free should be purchased, especially if it will be used in children’s room.
DIY outdoor autumn decoration ideas
New decoration idea spreads: Autumn Tree on the model of decorated faux-pine tree for Christmas
The invention of Delft pottery in the mid-1600s was a response to the popularity of Chinese porcelain products imported by the Dutch East India Company. The tin-glazed earthenware was a cheaper alternative of the expensive import goods. In the 1640s the Delft potters started to use personal monograms and factory marks, and the tiles became works of art this way.
The white glazing imitated well the whiteness of porcelain. The hand painted pattern has mostly a wonderful shade of blue, but brown is also frequent. Delft products first copied the patterns of Chinese imports, but later motifs of Dutch life appeared, for example tulip, windmill, sailing ship and farming scenes. The pattern featured a merman wearing a top hat is produced since 1650 until today! Large patterns consisting of several pieces are preferred also, mostly as kitchen backsplash.
As wealth spread in the mid-class, tiles were more and more popular in homes. Most of them were around fireplaces and in kitchens because they could be easily cleaned. Delft tiles reached other countries in Europe also. In England, the new technique of transfer printing allowed for Delft-style tiles to be mass produced.
Some Dutch company manufacture these products by the original methods, this way they can be ordered newly, not just antique pieces are left. Really spectacular focal points can be created by using them, almost in any room. Ask for help of an interior designer for this.
