Archive | December 2014

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.

Phones

Dec19

Make the land line phone part of the design

Blondel frame

Dec17

Blondel: gilt, carved, rocaille wooden picture frame

Basement

Dec16

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.

Pergolas

Dec15

We can configure a cool resting place or a shady esplanade in the garden with a plant covered pergola

Bioethanol fireplaces

Dec14

Bioethanol fireplaces: no chimney, no pipes, no ash – only the magic of fire

Black

Dec13

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

Dec12

Special and cosy apartment can be conjured also in a water tower

Outdoor stairs

Dec11

Steps leading to the house must be not only nice but also safe

Curtaining

Dec10

Curtain is practically the clothes of the window. It can highlight or hide the forms the same way as our clothing. Beyond this, it has important role in shading and closing out the outside world. In case of bedrooms, alcoves or storing facilities, it can take over the role of the door also.
When designing curtains, not only the color and fabric should be carefully considered, but also the style of the room, the amount of incoming light and the size and shape of the window. By using a curtain, we can apply visual tricks by which the rate of the room and window can be improved. If the window is too narrow, a cornice overhanging both sides with a curtain hanging on it can result the feeling if the window behind the fabric would be much wider. If the window is located too low, the cornice has to be placed much higher and the wall should be hidden by a lambrequin, generating a feeling of a high window.
In case of special shaped windows (e.g.: semi-circular, diamond-shaped or round) the unusual form can be highlighted or hidden by the curtain. The fabric can follow the lines of the window frame and the curtain wings as they reach the floor near the window can show the beauty of the window itself. For this, more fabric is required, but in case of classic interiors this elements should be emphasized anyway.
Most important role of the curtain is to block sunlight. In case of a bedroom, black-out fabric is advised – which provides total elimination of light during sleeping even daylight. Transparent fabrics (e.g.: voile, organza or lace) can prevent people watching our life from out the street in daylight, but in the evening, when interior lights are turned on, they can easily look inside. These should be paired with non-transparent curtains, which provide a decorative living side view.
Cornice can be part of the view or can be hidden behind a decoration element or the drapery. The method of hanging the curtain itself can be also different: rings, hidden clamps, sewing, textile tabs, etc.
Curtains have to be organic part of the room in harmony with the style and mood. If there is a problem choosing the optimal solution or design, ask help from an interior designer.