Inside, Outside Interior Spaces

In recent years, there has been a great shift in the way interiors and houses have been built. Walls have been coming down to give us that flowing interior space, and now the outside walls are opening up to bring natures landscape to form part of our interior space within its natural flow from the inside to the outside.

I can only imagine that Architects absolutely love this found freedom to create a living space that is architecturally pleasing on the eye as well as bathing the interior space in light and space.

This also changes the perspective design on the interior space too. Take a look at the following inspiration.

Ceiling Show

When it comes to showing off our interiors, the ceiling is not always the place that we usually think of to make an impact. You might even be forgiven, if there isn’t that height there to do something with it.

So are we missing a trick, if we want to make that massive impact up above to steel the show….

As trends change and the contemporary minimal look is here to stay, I certainly think that the ceiling should be blessed with some kind of art show. I’ve certainly noticed that more and more designers are using this space to impress that almost gives an interior a gold medal or a standing-ovation.

Take a look at these lovely interiors that will inspire your imagination to explore for yourself like these designers have, and have proved that it really does work well.

Antonio Di Oronzo, principal of bluarch architecture + interiors + lighting, designed the interior of the Omonia Bakery in New York City.



Zebar in Shanghai, China.



Japanese designer Takeshi Sano has created a ceiling design, using thousands of wooden sticks, in the Tsujita restaurant in Los Angeles, California.



Restaurant in Singapore.



Tree Restaurant in Sydney, Australia.



Tang Palace restaurant in Hangzhou, China.



Penthouse residence in Las Vegas, Nevada.



Cienna Ultralounge in New York.



Optician/eyewear company in The Hague, Netherlands.











Bank headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany.



Club in Bucharest, Romania.



Highest spa in the world on the 116th and 118th floors of the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong.



Biggin Hill airport near London.



Taiwan Noodle House restaurant interior, Beijing, China

Mix and Match the Retro Way

Mixing styles from different eras is definitely a real trend of today, especially when it comes to the retro style of the Fifties and Sixties.

We say that less is really more when you are designing your space. If the '50s is your era, don't get an old radio, a jukebox a Formica table and lots of other things. Instead, choose one or two of the absolutely best pieces that evoke the era without overwhelming your space.

Always choose outstanding pieces of Retro art or furniture that will lift the room and create energy and exchange from the contemporary to the past.

Here’s some show stoppers that we like.

Enjoy…..

COLOUR THERAPY

We react to colour both consciously and subconsciously, and most of us are quite clear about the colours we like – those that make us respond positively. But what about the colours we dislike? Do colours subconsciously influence our state-of-mind and our emotions or is it just a taste issue? Are the connotations and interpretations of colour deeply rooted in history and superstition?

Colour Therapy

Let’s take a look at some examples:

RED

Positive: Love, passion, daring, strong, aggressive, independent courageous, energetic and warm

Negative: Danger, insulting, blood-like, intensity, pressure.

Whatever you think about red, I’m sure you’ll agree this kitchen makes a really bold statement.


This bedroom is similarly striking but manages to present a warm and welcome impression.


YELLOW

Positive: Optimism, confidence, self-recognition, and creativity.

Negative: Frightening. Brings about depression, anxiety and despair.

A clever offset of strong yellow against this primary white really works.




GREEN

Positive: Symbolises health, balance, relaxation, and youthfulness. In certain cultures it symbolises peace, and for Muslim’s it is a sacred colour.

Negative: Jealousy and scheming.

Green is certainly a brave colour to use, especially dark green. The strong pattern somehow mutes the effect of the green on white.

For a more subtle use of green, take a look at this study. It has a far more subdued and relaxing feel to it.


BLUE

Positive: Intellect, confidence, peace, justice, devotion, thought and consistency.

Negative: Cold and uninviting; lacking in emotion and ambition. It can trigger feelings of depression and doubt.

Dark blue can help people to think more clearly, whilst light blue can be calming and help you to concentrate in peace.

This blue interior is complimented by fabrics and ornaments, and offset by the use of white, light browns and cream. Because the room is light and airy the bold blue really works.

WHITE

Positive: Pure, sterile, clean, perfect, honest, simple, good, and neutral.

Negative: Symbolises death because of the connotation of emptiness, ghosts, and shrouds.

I really like the clean, fresh feel of this room, with its minimal use of bold colours.


GREY

Positive: Wise, mature, unselfish, calm, and balanced.

Negative: Slow, old, weak, exhausted, and even dirty.

Greys are very in trend at the moment and can be used with a variety of colours to spark them off. This colour used wisely can look very classical.

BLACK

Positive: Memorable, elegant, charming, strong, majestic, humble.

Negative: Empty, sad, threatening, oppressive, despair, death.

Unlike reflective white, black absorbs all colours. With black, all the energy that comes will be absorbed.

Black has a certain atmosphere to it when it is worn - like a little black dress. Used wisely in an interior it will create the wow factor that you desire.