August 26th, 2006
STYLE
This is the area that is mostly associated with interior design. However, without taking into consideration the previous two factors - space & self - an interior design cannot be successful. As I said before, a successful interior is not about installing expensive gadgets, designer furniture and trendy finishes. It’s about balance - a conscious and subconscious harmony between elements - shapes, lines, colours, materials & textures. You know, when you’re in it, because it just looks and feels right. 
Most people think styling a space is the creative process of interior design. Actually, it is the practical stage. Having read the previous articles about designing an interior, you should now have a clear idea about what you want - you analysed the building, the space, the way you live and the way you inhabit your home. You have collected images and samples of things you like or remind you of places. You are ready to put these together. 
First, think about an expression that connects your images and samples in your scrapbook. This could be a funny, abstract or specific line. This will be the title of your design - what we call the “design concept“. A concept is not a “theme “- so don’t come up with something like Swedish country, or art deco, or Victoriana - but something more broad and conceptual such as modern rustic, timeless elegance, urban opulence, new vintage, east meets west, minimalist grandeur and so on… the right concept should just shout out of your scrapbook!
From now on everything you’ll select for your space will be driven by this concept. Remember, you don’t want to dress your room to mimic a certain interior style - you’ll create your own - something that fits within your chosen concept (which is based on your space and yourself). I reiterate, you must forget current design trends, TV & magazine shoots or copying rooms that you liked somewhere else. These should just subtlety influence your design and decor - but not imitated. 
Consider your present furniture and stuff - will these fit within your concept? If not, do you need them; can you adjust them; do they need storage /space? If necessary, choose appropriate new or complementary furniture that will fulfil all your practical requirements. Mix cheap-and-cheerful things with designer items - they will balance each other out. You can also mix new and old, straight and curvy, rough & smooth - but this is only successful if it’s done well and if you’ve thought about every detail carefully. 
Now choose colours, textures, textiles and materials that will complement your existing or new furniture. The basic rule of interior decorating is not to use more than three colours, materials, and textures. As far as colours are concerned, two are used on walls, floors furniture and furnishings, the third one (called the accent colour) is for details and accessories. This accent colour should be something contrasting to your main colours. You can use different shades of these colours - but try to keep the palette simple and make sure that the tones across the palette are harmonious. In fact, the tones are more important than the hues themselves - read more about decorating with colour. The same rule applies to materials and textures - too many of them will create a claustrophobic feel or a mish-mash of styles, so it’s important to select these carefully. Having said this, do not make things look bland - use contrasting textures and materials, combine different style furniture and furnishing to give your space some oomph. Matchy-matchy furniture and soft furnishings look just dull or contrived - your aim is to make an interior appear relaxed - as if it was thrown together effortlessly. 
A space needs to have its own personality, which can be achieved based on your previous analysis. You can create your own artwork or add some unique furniture pieces and ornaments - these need to be carefully positioned. You’ll need to create a focal point - this shouldn’t really be a TV or gadget and not necessarily the fireplace either - it could be the window, an outside view, some funky light, a piece of furniture, an installation or artwork. It could even be a stunning floor or ceiling! 
Lighting is a vital element that many people don’t consider till the end. Think about the functions you’ll be carrying out in the space and design several lighting systems around these activities. Hide lighting behind pictures, above/below furniture, have low lights as well as ceiling lights and makes sure all systems are dimmable and controllable remotely.
Finally the final details. They can bring together all the other elements, freshen up a space or add the woow factor - but they can also ruin a design. Don’t try too hard: simple accessories such as some flowers, a candlestick, a cushion or a book can do the trick. Be selective - but not contrived. Be eclectic -but don’t mismatch everything. Be creative - but don’t go wild.
Anyway, hopefully these articles will enable you to create a successful interior, and help you circumvent the classic design mistakes most people make when they redecorate or remodel their homes. Good luck and all the best!
If you need any design consultation, please contact us - we’ll be happy to look over your ideas and design.