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.