Using subway tiles in a diffrent way from brick pattern: herringbone, double basket weave, vertical arrangement
Subway tiles otherwise
Archives
Natural stones
Using natural stone in our home results an exclusive and opulent effect. Marble, granite, limestone and other stones can be used for floor and wall covering, fireplace pavement, kitchen countertop, creating architectural elements, window sill, washbasin etc. However, it’s useful to know their features and proper ways of cleaning.
Marble is probably the most popular material. It is solid, resistant and well-carvable. The color range is wide (several shades of white, green, red, pink, black, grey and beige), the veins add classic look to the space. Sensitive to acidic materials, for example wine and coffee that can stain it easily. It can be cleaned with warm, mild soapy water. Strong and corrosive detergents make its surface matte, so avoid using them.
Granite can be used inside and outside also. Its surface is very resistant, no special protection is needed. Its pattern is commonly grainy. The polished surface keeps its shine for a very long time. Hues of brown-beige, black-white-grey, blue and red are among its colors.
Limestone is a more sensitive type of stone. It is porous, so it’s useful to impregnate it for long lasting. It is easily carvable and polishable, that’s why it is desired for in- and outdoor also. It can be purchased in warm colors (hues of beige and reddish and yellowish shades). It perfectly fits for Mediterranean style interiors.
Onyx has unique and strong pattern, for that very reason use it moderately. It is opaque cut in thin plates and can be lighted through from behind. It will be obviously the ornament of the room. Its colors are greenish, pinkish and brown-yellowish hues. Its surface can be cleaned with polishing liquid also.
Quartzite is a wear-proof, non-freezing, acid resistant and fine-grainy rock. This is the basic material of the so-called industrial „quartz”. Mashed natural stones and raisin are added to it for reaching the optimal features. Its surface is shiny, but can be glimmering in grains also. Generally, it is available in white, black, grey and beige hues, but it can be purchased in different shades of blue, red and brown also. It doesn’t need any special maintenance or cleaning.
Of course, there are several more stones that can be used in interior design. All of them have unique features and these have to be concerned for long lasting beauty. Ask for help of an interior designer for choosing the proper stone for the function and style.
Wine storage
Some wine-storage ideas in classic style
Mountain chalet style
Ski season is coming soon and many people travel to the near mountains to enjoy the fun and sport opportunities provided by winter. Rentable mountain chalets are also popular beside hotels. In both cases, we meet with characteristic mood and interior design.
Wood and quarry stone are the most determinative of the materials used. The very knotted pattern of pine planks and beams is highlighted much more by lacquering and burnishing. In the case of other wood types, nervure has bigger role and can be more spectacular by it. The stone fireplace or stone decorated main wall gives the basic mood. Its colors have a wide range from grey to brown. The two extremities can be mixed, so the outcome will be more natural and colorful.
Upholstered furniture provides warmth to the space. This softness is needed beside the wooden walls, beamed roofing and huge windows. The color palette is mostly warm. Fabrics should be thicker but soft. Checkered pattern also fits for mountain chalet style, beside plains. Craftsmanship-like patterns of cushions and blankets add a twist to the total effect. A blanket and a smaller rug made of fur gives us the feel of warmth. The big leather armchair near the fireplace will be a perfect reading nook. (Bio-ethanol fireplace can be placed in any kind of flat/house.) Let’s put characteristic alpine heart-back wooden chairs beside the wooden table in the kitchen/dining area for the desired rustic mood. For more elegant look, upholstered chairs are better. Quarry stone can be used for tiling the bathroom also.
Chandelier and wall scones made of antlers, faux trophies, landscapes, candles, knitted things, antique tools and skis are perfect decoration elements. Use colors specific to the style: browns, warm grays, warm whites, cherry red, darker greens, beige, dark blue, cream. The patchwork blanket and home slippers at the foot of the bed will be an inviting sight.
Ask for help of an interior designer for enjoying the mood of a mountain chalet not only during the ski tour but even in the whole year, in your own home.
Barn doors inside
Nowadays beloved solution to use old barn doors as interior partitioners
Color pairs 8.
Color pairs: grey-red
Useful accessories 5.
Useful accessories in the kitchen
Brick wall inside
The bare brick wall perfectly fits to classic styles
Seaside…
Some seaside dreaming…
Natural textiles
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.
