“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.
