Archive | December 2014

Neutral colors

Natural, neutral colors are considered as the base elements of interior design. Many people think they are dull and impersonal, although they can be used versatile – resulting really wonderful interiors.
Some of the most well known natural colors are beige, taupe, creme, light hues of grey, egg shell, sand, ecru, lightest hues of brown, etc. Both cold and warm tones. Nature provides them ready-made. Let’s think about different stones, raw linen, wooden materials and sizal.
Nature colors are excellent background for vivid colors. They weaken strong, warm hues and strengthen the cold ones. If we are uncertain, which colors we would like to see in our home, let’s paint the walls first with the colors mentioned above and apply neutral fabric for larger furniture. After it, this base can be decorated with more intensive colors we like, e.g. on cushions, curtains, accessories. If we don’t like the result, the color of the decoration can be changed easily until we find the proper ones.
Neutral colors have calming, eye-relaxing effect. They fit to almost every interior design styles, we can use this palette bravely. They are perfect choice for French country style, Gustav style, or seashore style. Even the warm hues widen the space, since they are regularly light hues. For a more characteristic effect, darker tones also can be selected. Combining different textures, the view can be even more exciting.
Although using natural colors is considered to be a safe solution, it’s not easy to select them properly to get a really nice result. Ask help from an interior designer for reaching the optimal.

Halloween

Dec29

Halloween is originated from an ancient Celtic tradition. It is believed that on this night the spirits are able to cross the frontier between the world of the living and the dead. This religious belief turned to the fooling fun known today. It has a long tradition mainly in Anglo-Saxon countries, but by now it has spread almost all over the world.
Most emblematic signs of Halloween are the engraved pumpkin lamp, the black cat, the witch, the bat, the ghost and practically anything that can be frightening. The main colors are orange, black and white. In Hungary, the children’s bagging for candy is not usual, but there are several costume parties for this season and the houses, flats are being decorated.
There are Halloween decorations available for our classic style home as well. Instead of laughing face, let’s carve geometric signs or traditional motifs. Placing in a candle, it projects nice patterns on the wall. Bouquets made of orange and white flowers can be inserted in a vase covered by black paper or fabric. Let’s place a flat dish on the table full of small pumpkins and some glass dishes filled with orange and black candies. By applying candle holders on the mantel, at the steps edge and the top of the commode etc, the whole apartment can be filled by mood lighting. (Always be aware of safety!) Cut out some Halloween motifs from the proper colored cardboard and fix them with plasticine glue on the corner of mirrors, windows, cabinet doors. If we call guests for dinner, the tableware can be also special: choose plates with the colors of Halloween, even combined. A plain, white dish can be decorated with orange napkins and black napkin rings. Instead of sitting cards, small flags displaying the names of the guests can be inserted into an apple and placed on the plate. The door decoration also should be changed to the season.
If you have no idea for classy Halloween decoration, ask help from an interior designer.

Black and white

Dec28

The black-and-white interior is not only elegant but also exciting

Victorian houses

Dec27

Representative victorian houses

Victorian style

Dec26

Victorian style was named after Queen Victoria (1819-1901) reigning for 64 years. Her happy marriage with Prince Albert and her strong personality determined the whole British society of the time.
The most characteristic features of Victorian style are family-centeredness, morals and home comfort. The wealth of the middle class became better, this way not only the nobility could afford to have a big house or buy expensive goods. Mass production appeared also which provided the purchasing of cheaper but quality materials and accessories (e.g. porcelain, upholstery fabrics).
Homes were transferred for protection of private life. Bedroom became a private area. The guests were received in the saloon, library or boudoir. Richly patterned curtains and carpets decorated the rooms, seating furniture had soft upholsteries and were comfortable. Women liked to make decorating objects by their own hands (e.g. bird nest and flower compositions, water-color paintings, needle-works, silhouettes), what’s more, decoupage, namely covering furniture and household objects with color pieces of papers, became fashionable also. The rooms were cluttered with furniture for providing to all the members of the family to find the favorite place. Fireplace provided the heating, gas lamps were used for lighting. Children commonly had a separated floor (mostly in the attic) where they could sleep and play. Family portraiture appeared in painting. Employing servants wasn’t the privilege of the nobility anymore. The servants had their place in a separate wing or in the basement, far from the life of the house, just as the serving rooms (kitchen, pantry, laundry). Hygiene became important also, although only a few houses had separate bathrooms but there was a washing cabinet with bowl and jug in every bedroom. The bathtub was also placed in the bedroom at the front of the fireplace for bathing. At this time the English flush toilet was widespread.
The World Exhibition in 1851 helped a lot to the trade of the country. People could meet the household and decorating objects and habits of remote lands. Later the Arts and Crafts movement brought back the golden age of handmade and unique products. Garden and gardening got an important role which was used for showing the wealth also. In terms of this, exotic plants and rare fruits were grown (e.g. pineapple, rhododendron). A kitchen garden was a must. Gothic had a revival in architecture and architectural elements.
This era has many beautiful features in style which create classic values and beauty in the modern society also. Use the help of an interior designer for creating a unique Victorian effect interior.

Cigar room

Dec25

Cigar room: where the bad habit turns to a stylish pastime

Headboard

Dec24

Instead of everyday headboards

Orange

Dec23

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.