The Neutral Charm

Neutral colours are sometimes associated with minimalism. To some degree, minimalism helped promote use of neutral colours by  reducing  use of bold popping colours. There has been a development of colour trends throughout the century as published countless times  in design blogs and magazines. However, there is a general colour palette that is observed around  different regions and countries in the world. This palette is picked from  the culture of the people; artifacts, fabrics, dyes etc, the flora and fauna, food, spices and colour of the landscapes. 

Southern parts of America have warm wet climates and  rich cultures. This translates to their designs which are colourful, bold, exciting and vibrant. Antarctica is characterised by snow with cold weather and no sun. Design therefore have taken up a calm look and feel with greys, whites and stone as the main colours. African designs and colours richly borrow from from the savanna landscape . Deep oranges, browns, greens,maroons and yellows are a main characteristic.  In France, natural neutral colours are a common factor borrowed from their love of bread, cheese and  coffee.

Neutral colours can be used in any style of design.

1.The Modern Neutral Charm

In this day and age where countless colours have been invented, bright colours may be too much. In study of colour psychology, different colours create different moods. Orange for instance denotes energy and warmth. After a while, this may start feeling overwhelming.  White creates a mood of calm and therefore works well in homes located in busy environments.  White also denotes elegance and sophistication and therefore is a good colour to use in luxury apartments. It s a common colour in modern style of design

2. The Boho Chic  Neutral Charm

Boho chic is a melting pot of colour, texture and pattern. Boho is denoted from Bohemian style which emerged from Central and Eastern European decent. This style generated from people who lived unconventional lives, richly artistic and nomadic. They travelled a lot taking with them collectibles and souvenirs which they used as art and decor in their home. This style became common in 1960’s and 1970s. Boho style has variants based on where items were collected from

3. The Beach Neutral Charm

Beach style interior design colours, patterns , prints and textures are adapted from the beach environment. Sand, water, stones, shells, and flora are some of the elements that influence these colours and therefore Beige, white and grey become colours mostly used. Sometimes, surrounding communities contribute to some of the elements used in different areas. Swahili community around the Kenyan-Tanzanian coast influence the coastal design in this area. Marsala and  maroon colours with brass/bronze metal therefore become part of the coastal design in these areas.

4. The Farmhouse Neutral Charm

Farmhouse Interior design is characterised by use of wicker and rattan for the furniture, slip cover on the couch and armchairs as is casual and practical, vintage furniture pieces, Belfast sink in white ceramic or copper, butcher block counters on dining tables or island, exposed wood beams, reclaimed barn wood and pellets. One of the most important element is the weathered look on wood ; floor wall and ceiling finishes or on furniture. Farmhouse colours are subtle with minimal pattern.

5. The Scandinavian Neutral Charm

Scandinavian style as per the name originated from  Scandinavia by the Nordic people . This style leans towards the contemporary style of designs with a minimalist characteristic. In this style of design, light wood finishes are used on floors and furniture,  wall to wall carpets are replaced with simple rugs, light muted colours on walls and fabrics, clean lines, de-cluttered spaces ,  simple decor and art and lots of natural light. Black White and Grey hues are quite common .

Inspiration pour le Journee

Margie wanted the aesthetic to reflect her client’s personality so she went for a fresh, playful look. She chose pinks, greys and taupe's that all have the same undertone to achieve an airy feel, and layered on quiet patterns and texture for visual interest. The kitchen is made for entertaining with a large island that divides it from the adjacent family room. A large, comfortable sofa adds a relaxed vibe to the space, while built-ins showcase thoughtful accessories. Moldings detailed with cashmere grass cloth wallpaper add depth to the dining room.

Check out video below by House and Home for inspiration.

Styling with rugs.

Rug  making dates back to the 13th century. People then began making rugs for a very simple reason; to keep their feet warm. Back then, rugs were all hand made and were made from the available materials then which was mostly wool. Wool would be harvested from sheep and would be used for different purposes such as making clothes, covers and rugs. Wool was very expensive and  therefore with time, people sought alternative materials .With invention of industries, synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester and  polypropylene began to be manufactured and hence used in rug making. These were obviously cheaper than wool. In the modern day, wool is only used to make luxury rugs.

Rugs come in different types; Woven, Needle felt, Knotted and Tufted. Others include flat weave, hooked  rug, and embroidery. These types are differentiated by how they are produced. Different countries such as Turkey, Persia, Scandinavia e.t.c have gained recognition for their rugs due to the techniques used to make them and their character.  

One can use rugs to style different parts of the home.

1.Entry hall

Entry halls are not the easiest to style. Reason being, most are narrow and are just passages from the entry to the lounge. Entry halls however are one of the most  important because they are the face of the home. As the decor is minimal, one can get away with selecting a rug with large patterns or a pop of colour. One can match the colours with prints on the ottoman, wall art or light fitting. One can also select a totally different style and colour to create a contrast.  These areas also get dirty quickly and therefore a synthetic material would be the best to use for this rug for ease in cleaning.

2.Dining

Dining areas are some of places where many people do not think of having a rugs. Mainly because the dining table is the center of focus and most of the time people concentrate on the table decor or wall art. Rugs however in this area soften the space. Depending on the number of finishes in the room i.e wood on the table, fabric on chairs and wall paper or textured paints, one can decide to have a rug that blends harmoniously with these elements. The choice of pattern size is important in order not to make the space feel too busy.

3. Kitchen

People began using rugs in the kitchen for function purposes. Kitchens are wet areas and  when water spills, tiles become quite slippery. Rugs help reduce hazards by providing a grip.  Rugs with felts underneath work well in this room. Oriental, geometric, or Persian patterns bring character as most cabinets are plain . Rugs also help create appeal  in large open plan kitchens with no island.

4.Home Office

Home offices are designed to be cosy and comfortable. People want to escape the hard, plain , boring and rigid office environment into a warm homely space. Wall to wall carpets are most ideal in this space however, rugs are as well used to create this comfort. Rugs are flexible in that one can  move them around as they like. They are also easy to clean in comparison to wall to wall carpets as they are light and washable.

5.Patio

Covered patios provide that extra space where one can create a lounge or dining area. Having this space covered  makes it possible to use the space adequately all year round. With design nowadays, one can install sliding panels that one can draw during the cold weather. Due to the adequate ventilation, wood or charcoal fireplaces can also be installed. This place therefore needs to be as comfortable as possible. Outdoor rugs can be used as they are easy to clean and do not stain when in contact with soil.  

Inspiration pour le Journee

Maia Roffey of Black Sheep Interior Design shares expert tips on finding the perfect rug. Hint: it’s not just about the style! Get Maia’s advice on purchasing the right rug for your budget — one that suits your space and meets your functional needs. Plus, get her ideas on rug placement and how to select the best size for your living room, dining room and bedroom.

Creating Impact with details.

“Design is in the details.” You have probably heard this saying countless times, and yes many designers use this as a guide. There is nothing outstanding about a plain flat surface. The details make the design. Interior design is interesting in the fact that small details can bring a big change in a space. Many a times, we always think about the furniture,paint colors, drapery, light fittings e.t.c and forget the little details that complete the space. With every style of design, there are design details that can be used. Styles such as Traditional, Victorian and Gothic have more elaborate forms while Contemporary, Modern and Japandi have it simple. Going through design magazines and books can guide more on the difference. Changing these details alone can create a whole new look to the home without even changing the bigger elements.

 1.Skirting

This sometimes is referred to as the “base”. The joint between the floor and the wall is always awkward and uneven to joining the reinforced concrete slab with masonry or gypsum walling. This then brings about the need for a skirting. In 19th century, skirtings were made of a small piece of timber about 50mm wide. Towards the 20th century, the size of this increased to 75mm or 100mm. In the 21st century, this sizes have increased to 150mm. The width of skirting is dependent on the floor to ceiling height. The higher the ceiling, wider the skirting.

2.Cornices/shadow gaps

Just like skirtings, cornices work under the same principles. Sometimes, manufacturers design matching skirtings and cornices. But again, you can always mix and match. In modern design, cornices are not used ; shadow gaps have become more and more common. One can play around with them by installing LED strip lights to create an effect.

3.Trims

Trims are the edge details seen around windows, doors and door openings. These elements are sometimes omitted when a project has budget constraints. They are mostly made of wood or MDF. These elements are by far the most important. They can be painted a different color to create contrast. Just like skirting, trims come in different widths.

4.Wainscot

Wainscot is the timber molding found on walls in mostly Traditional and Victorian styles of design. The initial use of a wainscot was to protect the wall from damage by furniture when moving around and therefore, the height was about 1m-1.2m from the floor level. Designers have come up with different designs for this making it a decorative element. Wainscot can be used in the entire wall as an accent.

5.Pelmet box

Pelmet boxes are sometimes referred to as curtain boxes. They are ideally for that purpose. Pelmets have had different variations in design and size through the decades. They boxes are made of timber or MDF. The Timber can be grouved or different pieces fixed together to create different designs. They can also be covered in fabric to match the curtains or other fabrics around the house.

6.Balustrade

Staircase balustrades are elements that designers can get creative in. There are various materials that can be used for this ; Wrought iron, stainless steel, Toughened glass, timber or RHS. The choice of material to be used is purely based on the style adopted in the house and the designers intent.

7.Accent wall

Every room must have an accent wall. This usually is the centre of focus. Accent walls can be created by use of a different plain paint colour , textured paint or wall paper. One can also use cladding materials such as brick,  natural stone, laminates, MDF, Timber or Vinyl to create a different effect. The limit is in your imagination.

Inspiration pour le Journee

Today's inspiration is on basement conversion. Check out the House & Home video inspiration below by Designer Trish Johnston.

Closet types and ideas

There are many types of closets that can be incorporated in a home. Back in 19th and early 20th centuries, homes were generally bigger and could accomodate the different closets. Luxury homes still have some of these spaces however, with the concept of simple living being adoped, these spaces are getting converted to larger multi-use closets with most items being accomodated in wardrobes/ walk-in closets and pantries. These then become custom closets incorporating the specific items required.

The different types of closets include:

1.Airing Cupboard – This is a closet that accomodates the water heater. Nowadays, this closet is not necessary due to new designs of other heating solutions such as instant showers, under counter heaters and solar panels.

2. Broom /Janitors closet – This closet is used for storage of cleaning items such as vacuum cleaners, buckets and mops, brooms and cleaning supplies. The function for this room has been extended to accomodate all items intended to be stored in a Utility closet.

3. Linen closet – These closets were designed to accomodate linen such as bedding, towels and washcloths. They are located near bathrooms/bedrooms along corridors as they are intended to serve all bedrooms. This closet is one that can be retained if there is space.

4. Coat closet – This is a closet located near the door used to store coats and hats. This closet is mostly common in areas with extreme weather such as snow or rain. It is used to store raincoats or heavy warm coats that one can easily pick on the way out.

5. Pantry – Pantries are storages in kitchens used to store food, dishes and linen. Based on the design, pantries can also be used to store kitchen electronics such as blenders, friers etc.

6. Custom closet – This is the most common type of closet, mostly multi-functional. It accomodates more functions than one.

 7.Clothes closet – This is a closet found in every home and is used to store clothes.

Depending on the size and type of home, there are four types of closets one can have: compact, medium, large and expansive.

COMPACT

A compact wardrobe is generally what is refered to as a “Wardrobe/Armoire”. The earliest type of a wardrobe was a chest. Chests would have drawers and all clothes would be folded. Low height chests would be used to store shoes while taller chests with drawers would be used to store clothes. These were maintained until some form of luxury was acquired in castles and palaces where wardrobes with a place to hang clothes were developed. Wardrobes are more common because they can be bought as loose items from furniture shops or can be built in.

MEDIUM

Medium closets are larger than wardrobes and  are built into the wall. They are largely refered to as “reach-in” closets. These closets are one walled and length is dependent on space available. Shelves, drawers and hanging rods are incorporated to accomodate a variety of clothes. In some cases, dressing tables can also be included with a passport and long mirror. Sliding doors fitting in pockets or sliding on wall are installed to enclose the closet when not in use. Curtains can also be used for this purpose.

LARGE

“Walk-in-closets” are classified as large closets. They are a small room fitted with shelves used to accomodate clothes, shoes and bags. Depending on the size of space, shelving can be created on one wall hence refered to as “One-walled closet”, on the two walls facing each other referred to as a “Galley closet”, on the side and front wall and hence refered to as “L-shaped closet” or on all the 3 walls and hence refered to as “U shaped closet”. The size and location of the shelves and drawers is based on the user.

EXPANSIVE

Expansive closets are luxurious walk in closets. These type of closets consits of anything that the user may want like a couch/sitting bench, an island, safe etc. A wash hand basin with hot water connection may also be included to be used to freshen up or to clean hands/face.  A laundry basket and built in ironing board are common elements that ensure all functions are accomodated within the closet. The design for this is purely based on the clients taste and budget.

Inspiration pour le Journee

The greatest challenge with closets is how to keep it neat and organised. Nikki Boyd in her HOME ORGANISATION video shares tips on how to organise a master closet. See video below for inspiration. 

Bathroom guide

Bathrooms, Kitchens and Laundry areas are some of the spaces in the house that are refurbished a number of times within the life cycle of the home. These are wet areas which over a period of time become damaged by water and need a remodel. Back in the 1950s, the convention way of constructing bathrooms (well at least here in Kenya) was by separating the bathroom and the toilet. The reasoning then was homes were generally small and could afford 1 bathroom and toilet per home. This then would make it easier for the whole family (which was also large) to use these facilities at all times. Bathrooms were also expensive to construct due to the amount of sanitary ware that would be used which was also expensive. As we moved towards the 21st Century, designers came up with a proposal where a standard cloakroom would be constructed in an area where guests can also access and bathrooms were included in the bedrooms (Commonly referred to as en-suite); either shared or one for each bedroom. The standard practice now is to have a cloakroom, a minimum of 1 medium bathroom which is shared by the kids and a master bathroom. The master bathroom can be quite elaborate. All elements in this room are based on the clients likes.

When designing bathrooms, there are four generalized sizes one can adopt:

a.Compact

b.Medium

c.Large

d.Expansive

COMPACT

A compact bathroom is the smallest of them all. This ideally is a cloakroom which sometimes is also referred to as a powder room. This room is approximately between 1.1 sqm -1.6 sqm. Sometime people design it as a universal bathroom but that is not always necessary. As this room is small, one needs to make use of natural light. The size of the window can be as large as 750mmx1200mm. With a frosted glass on it, one will not need to worry about  privacy. Bright colours also help make the room look and feel bigger. Light sanitary ware would be preferred and in cases where the client would like a concealed cistern, wall hang WC works well and is easy to clean underneath. A storage cabinet is necessary as one can store spare toiletries to be used in that bathroom. With modern design, one has an option of using either a built in vanity top or a wall hang cabinet vanity.

MEDIUM

A medium bathroom is the most common one mostly used when one intends to design all bedrooms ensuite. This bathroom has a  WC (Water closet), shower and a WHB (Wash hand basin). The size for these sanitaryware can be small or medium depending on the size of the bathroom. A medium bathroom is approximately 2.8 sqm - 3.4 sqm. The shower cubicle in this bathroom layout needs to be glass. Glass is a good material when used in bathrooms because it is thin; one can make use of the space well. Most bathrooms always have one window and therefore with glass, light is able to filter through the entire bathroom . Towel rail /shelf, rob hooks and shower baskets are necessary accessories to make the bathroom more comfortable to use.

LARGE

This type of bathroom is mainy used for  master bathrooms. A large bathroom has all sanitary elements inclusive i.e separate shower and bathtub,  WHB, WC and  bidet and/or Urinal (this is not necessary though). It is approximately 4.5 – 6.0 sqm.  Other additional items can be bathroom furniture, dressing table , relaxation bench etc.  Separate his and hers shower and WHB can also be used to make it elaborate. With a larger bathroom, one cane use more than one type of tile. Hexagon type, Italian design and patterned tiles can be used without making it look overdesigned. This type of bathroom generally is expensive and therefore most of the time, only one is done in a home.

EXPANSIVE

This is a luxury bathroom. It is mostly found in luxury homes as it does not consider space and cost. This type of bathroom quite elaborate with more additional features such as steam bath, Sauna, fireplace, jacuzzi, massage room etc. Some even have a relaxation lounge within the bathroom with a music and TV system installed. Sanitary ware used is top of the notch with automated shower systems.Bagnodesign, Kohler, Keramag and even Duravit have come up with sanitary ranges that satisfy this client. This bathroom gives an effect of  a healthclub within the home.

Inspiration pour le Journee

Want to update your bathroom without commiting to a complete redesign? Reiko Caron shares quick and easy ways to add style and functionality to your space. Watch the House and Home video below for Inspiration.

Understanding styles 04) Modern

Modern style of design most of the times confused with contemporary design. These are two diverse styles.  Modern style was derived from the Modern art movement which became very popular in 1920. The Impressionists began adopting abstraction in the art hence influencing interior elements. They also used a variety of materials making art different. Modern style has its roots in German and Scandinavian architecture and design with elements being simple and unembellished.  It is in fact connected to the age of machination where patterns and prints generated were those that machines could easily bring out.

Characteristics

Shapes: One of the most important elements in modern interior design is form. Modern design uses geometric shapes, including rigid squares and rectangles along with smooth curves.  Perfect circles and ovals are also common. Modern interior design is also generally very simple and even minimal with few ornamental flourishes to interrupt the even unbroken lines and flat surfaces.

Materials: Modern interior design makes use of many materials. Wood and plastic are common, though designers often paint over wood with an opaque finish to cover the natural wood grain. Some designers do use natural wood as an organic contrast to more artificial shapes and materials. Glossy metals, such as stainless steel, are among the signature materials in modern interior spaces. The metal may be used for anything from the legs of a chair to the body of a lamp. Modern interior designers also make use of glass and plastic for their smooth, even surfaces.

Modern vs Contemporary

There are quite a few differences between these two design styles. A modern space tends to follow a strict style format while contemporary has many variations in its interiors. Contemporary style keeps changing bases on new upcoming styles therefore, what is contemporary now will not be in the next 10 years.

1. Modern in its true form is rarely viewed as stark or cold, while some contemporary interiors, including those that follow minimalist trends, celebrate a bold starkness.

2. Modern pieces of decor tend to have a function, whereas contemporary pieces may concentrate more on the form itself.

3. The color palette of modern design leans toward naturals or neutrals that have a warm, inviting feel. Contemporary often enjoys stark contrast with plenty of blacks and whites, though it has no problems swinging from one extreme to the other on the color scale.

Modern design favors strong lines, while the contemporary style loves curves.

Since the contemporary design style is forever adapting to the latest trends, it picks up many elements that may not be found in modern design. This includes things like expansive windows and morphing the natural world into the interior space.

Additionally, both modern and contemporary styles do enjoy geometric elements, but they tend to go about it in different ways. It may be a geometric light fixture in brilliant gold hanging from the ceiling in a modern room. Whereas in a contemporary one, it would be more large-scale sculptural features, such as a series of showstopping exposed beams against a stark white ceiling.

Inspiration pour le Journee

Modern design in a way is minimalistic. Minimalism is an adaptation less items and fewer details to create more functional space. Architect Darcie Watson transforms a former Bed and Breakfast into a striking modern home in the video below by House and Home. Check out video for inspiration.