Floor Show

When an interior is designed and put together, too many people pay too little attention to the floor. That’s my view, anyway. I’ve always felt that the flooring used can make or break a design and I’ve never underestimated its importance to the outcome of any design project.

And I’m not just talking about how it looks either. You really need to give careful consideration to what sort of flooring suits the space; taking into account things like usage and traffic.

I’m always on the lookout for new ideas and I work hard to source the latest products to use in Mood’s design projects. Check out the following interiors. I think you’ll agree that the floors steal the show.

I love everything about this room but, for me, the floor is the real stand out feature.

This floor is a work of art; definitely the star of this space.


Setting the trend with carpet
Patterned and ‘statement’ coloured carpets are all the rage these days, so don’t be afraid to be adventurous to transform a space with a loud look. Just make sure that the carpet and your furnishings compliment each other, or you might end up giving yourself a headache.

Dark purples, blues and black will help to create an opulent, decadent atmosphere, while more adventurous types might want to try bold colours like cerise and orange.





For those who prefer a simpler approach colours like grey, pale pink, beige and muted blues can work really well.

Ceramic and wood – not boring!
Ceramic and wooden floors are always a popular choice, but they don’t have to be staid and boring. There are some stunningly different options available to you, if you take the time to look.

Sometimes it’s our “imperfections” that make us worth knowing, and by the same token, these contemporary “cracked” tiles from Refin are worth a closer look. In the words of the manufacturer, this modern tile’s mark of distinction is the crack down the centre, which signifies “…the passing of time and the traces it leaves on its way.”

It’s a bit of a profound statement to makes about a tile but, nonetheless, I think it looks incredible.





This next flooring is designed by Cifial USA. It features a gorgeous tiled motif that makes its way up onto the walls and is echoed in the stained-glass window behind the toilet - a lovely touch that ties the elements of this slim and sleek space together.







This classic contemporary interior design by Pietro Carlo Pellegrini brings new life to an old attic. The light oak floors and an exposed-beam white-painted ceiling give the space a Nordic feel.



The next floors use a new ceramic tile collection by Italian designer Franco Pecchioli. They provide “…vivid oceanic shades of aquamarine speckled with black and white…and…incorporate organic materials like metals and mosaics for a raw yet refined look.” Stunning!





This deluxe duplex apartment in Tel-Aviv has been designed in very creative and personal way. The interior was designed to express the nature of the owner of the apartment and colourful paving, consisting of random tiles, provides a significant contribution to the design.





What about the rugs?
We can’t forget about rugs. They are an absolute must when it comes to highlighting and accenting particular areas. We all love a good rug to give our home that homely, finished look, don’t we?









This interior by Joey Ho Design is inspired by nature and incorporates its leafy surroundings into living spaces. The apartment is predominately white and an epoxy resin floor reveals reflections like a pond with a Green rug to reinforce the natural setting.


So that’s flooring for you. I hope you found it an interesting read.

Industrial Design

Concrete, a viable interior design material…or am I just talking bollards?

I’ve always thought that people would be averse to using concrete in their homes as most of them immediately think of bollards and perhaps bunkers when you mention it. But it seems evident that there is a craving for something different and alternative; a craving that’s causing people to reassess what is acceptable and making them more open-minded to the use of unconventional materials. There certainly seems to be more of an appetite to experiment with concrete and explore the diverse possibilities it offers.

Versatility

Concrete is so versatile. It can be moulded into all shapes and sizes, with a multitude of textures, effects and a whole range of colours. If you thought concrete came in any colour as long as it was grey then think again!

The ultimate in practical flooring

Concrete is a durable, easy to maintain flooring material and can be used inside and out, perhaps linking a room with an outdoor space. It is also perfect for under-floor heating systems as it has a high thermal mass. This means that whilst tiles get cold very quickly, concrete retains heat for a long time. It’s like having a huge radiator under your feet.

Don’t worry. A concrete floor won’t just make your room feel like an industrial space. Take a look at the following patterned examples. I think you’ll agree they are quite beautiful.



Of course you could opt for simple beauty.



Awe inspiring fireplaces

Mention fireplaces and people will usually picture a standard wooden or stone surround, with a hearth. There might be an open grate or a gas fire but, either way, the fireplace will usually be the focal point of a room.

Concrete is not a material conventionally used for fireplaces but, believe me, professionally designed, combined with other materials and in the right room, concrete can look fantastic.

The following description conjures up an image of something spectacular: The textured blue-grey concrete meets the glossy green marble along a gently sweeping wood line. It curls up like a slender column of smoke rising from the hearth. A large installation, the marble and concrete fireplace is designed to look fabulous even if not lit. The open hearth sits off centre and in an almost demure position. Beneath a warm ruddy mantelpiece that highlights the natural veins in the polished marble, the fireplace indulges in contrasting colours and textures.

Now take a look at the picture. It doesn’t disappoint.


The fireplace is crafted in contemporary marble and concrete and blends classic luxury with sophisticated style. It’s an award winning design by Mark Concrete.

Concrete tiles

Concrete tiles are unique and versatile. They can be crafted in large and unconventional shapes and sizes, with rich and substantial finishes. Wherever they are used they will enhance a room. The examples I’ve found actually show the use of concrete tiles on two more fireplaces.





Give a Kitchen an Industrial Edge

Concrete is an ideal option for kitchen countertops, islands and even furniture because it can be moulded to any desired shape. Modern manufacturing techniques also mean it’s possible to create a concrete shell around a lightweight substructure, so islands like those pictured below can be installed without the need to reinforce the floor.




Experimental furniture

Concrete is not a conventional furnishing material…an understatement…but UK-based Gray Concrete created this concrete Chesterfield sofa for exhibiting at 100% Design London.


They made a mould of a real Chesterfield, which was then used to make a glass textile reinforced casting. The cushions are a part of the casting. Before making the mould, the padding inside the cushions was replaced with rigid foam. The techniques used by Gray Concrete pick up detail so well that the concrete sofa really looks leathery. There’s even a concrete 50p piece stuck down behind one of the cushions to complete the realistic effect. It has been designed for interior and exterior use.

Other designers have also experimented with concrete in their furniture design, with fascinating results.

Create interiors with ‘wow-factor’

This two-bedroom apartment was created in a former goods yard in the King's Cross area of London. The designers created a ‘mysterious urban retreat’, with a series of light wells, internal courtyards, and skylights harnessing diffused daylight. They have used dimmable exposed fluorescents set against intensely coloured walls to provide ‘moody illumination’.

And the material at the heart of their design? Yes, you guessed it. It was concrete.



I’m not suggesting concrete is suitable for all interior spaces, but there’s no denying it’s a robust material with incredible versatility. It presents a designer with an incredible range of options and can have real impact.

I Love 3D Textures

The use of texture in interior design is just as important as the use of patterns. In fact, it could be argued that texture is just another form of pattern…and vice versa! I love to play with textures and I actively seek out new and exciting examples to incorporate into my own designs.

I’ve recently got excited about what I refer to as 3D textures. These aren’t your flock wallpapers or raised pattern wall tiles of old, but they are just as tactile. So much so, you feel compelled to touch. Some of the examples I’ve found are simply stunning and would add interest and excitement to any interior space. In this blog, I take a look at some of my favourites.



Terrific tiles

Tiles have been around since the year dot. In years gone by they were often used for decorative purposes, such as in fireplaces. In more recent times, they seem to have been consigned to the walls and floors of kitchens and bathrooms. But they have so much more to offer.

Why not finish off an amazing feature wall, or make a stunning statement in a stairway with these lovely examples? Just imagine them complimented by dramatic lighting, which would highlight the texture even more!

Wonderful wall panels

Wall panels have most often been used in office environments, but they’re gradually becoming more accepted in the domestic environment. They are extremely versatile and very easy to install.

Some of my particular favourites are the Motivo textured quartz surfaces by Caesarstone - http://www.caesarstone.com/motivo.aspx. They feature relief patterns like pretty white lace, or even black crocodile skin, but the only real limit to what you can have is your own imagination. Just take a look at some of the examples below.

I also love Lamellux’s designer panelling - http://www.lamellux.com/produits/6/. Some of their wood and resin blend panels are just sublime. They vary from the very traditional to the ultra-modern and really do make a bold design statement. Look at these examples.

Fabulous flooring

If you don’t want flooring to be plain and boring, you don’t have to settle for floral designs or loud and brash patterns. More and more manufacturers are offering innovative and eclectic designs that I think are fabulous. Here are some of my favourites.

If you want to make a really bold statement, how about this from an Italian company called QuatroLegno? It has a “leather-like crocodile skin” covering and will certainly vie for position as a room’s focal point. I almost said it’s slightly off-the-wall…I won’t, but you get what I mean!




Fantastic furnishings

Once you’ve designed your space, with all its brilliant 3D textures, why not really finish it off a treat with some amazing furniture and soft-furnishings?
I think this chair with its multi-layered leaf and flower design is just wonderful.




And what about these examples?







I hope I’ve given you some food for thought and that you will consider the use of 3D textures in the future. Whether you go for subtle or really daring, I’m sure you’ll love the space you create with them.