When designing a new project, an interior designer will always plan through to completion. We see the bigger picture and all of our design decisions are based on the end look. Unfortunately, something that I see quite often is clients stopping short of following through with accessories because either they have spent all their money, or else they have run out of steam with the project The result is a design that is 98% there, but just not quite – which can be disappointing for both the designer and the client.
Getting the right paint colour for your walls is really important, but without artwork, the walls can be left looking a bit bare…The type of flooring you use and way it is laid is really important in defining spaces and the flow of the room, but without a great rug the seating arrangement just isn't grounded and the room lacks colour, personality and spatial definition. (I do believe rugs are deal breakers - read more about it here). Having furniture adds functionality and style to a space, but without beautiful objet' on top of it, or table lamps providing balance (and some mood lighting) it is just an item in a space that looks hanging…..
What is really important to remember, is that we don't just accessorize for the sake of adding elements. The art of accessorizing is a well thought out process where the room is not cluttered with "stuff", but is decorated for interest, texture, balance and function. This is often the part of the project where a client's personality is brought through.
The best way to ensure that this part of the project gets done is to plan on it from the beginning and set aside the budget for it. Sometimes there are special family items to take into consideration or memorable items collected on travels. It doesn't all need to be new, and most times the best accessories are those ones that have a story. When there are special décor items that you have and would like to use in a new space, the sooner you tell your designer or decorator about them the better as then they will be planned with the whole 'bigger' picture.
Even the most minimalist of interiors are designed with accessorizing in mind as instead of adorning walls or surfaces with 'things', visual interest is made up of special details like interesting ceiling details, the lighting layout or the materials have interest. So again, it is crucial to plan with the end goal in mind right from the get go.
So just as a great pair of shoes or beautiful necklace can complete an outfit, remember that accessories play a very important role in completing and finishing off the design.
2 weeks ago I attended the PG Bison Road Show where they unveiled new products and colours for 2018. I must say, I was blown away by the colours, textures and quality of the products. A new world of possibilities has opened up for me using Melawood (PG Bison's Melamine product) and I can't wait to share it with you.
I will be the first to admit that I have often overlooked using Melawood in projects I have worked on, mostly because the product didn't appear to look ''authentic" or "exclusive" enough. The colour range was limited and there was just so much more I could do with staining timber veneers. Well PG Bison has had a complete style overhaul and the colours and textures which they are now offering are right on trend and suitable for a style-savvy market and consumer. And did I mention it is very budget friendly?! High fives all 'round!
So to get back to basics, what is Melawood? And how does it differ from veneer?
Melamine and veneer are both made of a thin layer that is applied to a core panel such as Supawood (MDF) or chipboard.
The difference between both products actually lies in that thin layer that is applied to the core panel. Melawood is a man-made product where a decor paper is bonded to the board's surfaces under heat and pressure. The décor paper is printed with a pattern or colour, thus every melamine board has a consistent colouring and grain pattern. Melawood is moisture and stain resistant and very easy to clean.
Wood veneers on the other hand, are made from cutting a very fine layer of timber which is then applied to a core panel. Just as each tree is unique, so are the colours and grain structures of each piece of veneer. Because this material is natural, it can change due to environmental conditions and with age.
I MEAN, HOW GOOD DOES THIS KITCHEN LOOK?!
In terms of application, Melawood can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and offices in both residential and commercial interiors. Some things that I will be looking at using Melawood for include bulkheads, wall paneling (fabulous cost effective alternative) and furniture items….headboards, tables, even nightstands.
Here are some images from PG Bison showing the versatility of their product. I really encourage you not to look past it next time you are wanting something made, as I certainty wont.
Also take a look at my Instagram page where I have shared some photos I took at the Roadshow, along with my favourite colours.
What's the big difference between modern and contemporary design? Aren't they just different words that basically mean the same thing…?
I don't want to give you a whole history lesson here but this period of time is very iconic in Art, Architecture and Design. Briefly, this was the peak of art and design informed by " Scandi and German Bauhaus" design, creating a distinct style focused on simple form and function. It is also the era where the iconic furniture which we call the "Modern Classics" (Barcelona Chair, Eames chair, Panton chair) were born. We see replicas of these all the time in contemporary design.
It borrows qualities from modernism (the reason why this is all very grey), minimalism, and other global styles (right now Boho, Scandi etc), without hyper-focusing on any one in particular. I would say open plan spaces, large amounts of glazing (windows, stacker doors etc) double volume areas and clean lines are all hallmarks of contemporary design. Comfort and sustainability are key values that are important in a contemporary home.
"Less is more" could easily be the motto for both contemporary and modern design. Each style of space is typically simple and uncluttered, opting for smooth lines – you can forget about seeing anything heavy or ornate in either. Both styles are calming and neutral with a focus on textures. Think reflective surfaces, exposed woods, metals, and glass.
So the main differences between modern and contemporary design?
Contemporary is by definition what's going on in design at this very moment in time, which makes it more fluid and hard to pin down. In ten years from now, something else will be considered "contemporary".
Modern design, on the other hand, has a very distinguishable aesthetic that emphasizes crisp lines, warm neutrals, warm timbers.
I think part of the confusion is that right now, many elements of mid-century modern design (Like the light fittings – which I just L-O-V-E!) are very popular and are being incorporated into contemporary designs.
I think key to achieving an interesting and inviting bathroom space is to think beyond just plain polished porcelain tiles. Introducing texture to the bathroom via other interesting wall or floor finishes such as natural stone whether polished or honed, wallpaper, fabrics, and furniture really will take your bathroom from average to amazing!
I love to add a recess in the shower or above a bath if construction allows us too (you need to be able to have a 230 wall to cut into, or else the space to add another skin of brickwork on) Not only is a recess very practical as it stores all your bath products neatly, but it also opens the up the opportunity to add detail, by breaking an expanse of tile or maybe even introducing another finish in the actual recess itself.
What really makes quite a statement is to use pendant lights or wall lights in your bathroom space. I have written lots about feature lighting in the past (read here) and how it completely transforms an interior, not just as a wow factor but an alternative light quality too. Just watch what the light fitting is made from as you wouldn't want to use anything that would be compromised from steam or difficult to wipe down.
It doesn't matter if your bathroom is big or small, I think it always important to think about WHAT and HOW you are going to store items in your bathroom. Often things like where the laundry will go are afterthoughts and a random basket gets purchased with no space for it as it wasn't thought through. With proper planning everything can be accommodated for. If space allows, I love doing shallow wall units for hiding tons of beauty products and medication, as well as an integrated laundry basket- those are the best!