MOOD INTERIORS

2011-12-01T12:43:00.000-08:00

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

2011-09-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-08T06:11:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-31T00:23:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-03-02T06:49:00.000-08:00

Colour Trends 2011

A little late showing the colour trends for 2011, but I’d like to share them with you if you don't know what’s in store for this year.

Purely Refined

Like an impeccably tailored suit, the Purely Refined palette is an elegant take on timeless hues in which every perceived imperfection serves a purpose. Pared down blues, lilacs, greens and grays interweave with understated neutrals to give this palette life.

This palette whispers upscale in an effortless manner and looks chic when paired with layers of chunky organic textiles and subtle details.

Bold Invention

The Bold Invention palette encourages taking a chance with the colors of the streets by looking to anything from graffiti art to 3D animation for inspiration.
Vivid greens and a range of intense turquoises and blues dominate the palette, while a pop of hot red and unexpected neutrals balance it out. Bright as the neon signs that light up city nightlife, this palette’s high-energy colors beckon an invitation into interior designs.

We might refer to this as our rebel palette because it is inspired by the creativity that comes from living on the edge. These colors are inspired by Latin America pop, prompted by the carnival spirit of Rio de Janeiro, host of the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Restless Nomad

Immersing itself in the cultures of the world is Restless Nomad, a palette that lets the wanderer bring an appetite for adventure into a space. A palette that snubs no one, colors wander from dusky darks, to hot vibrant pinks and reds to earthy food-influenced hues that evoke eggplant and cabbage. While inspired by all parts of the world, influences from Morocco and Turkey anchor this gypsy of a palette.

“The virtual world breaks down barriers to experiencing new cultures, and because of that, we see people embracing cultures they might not ever get to experience in person. Ethnic patterns, patchwork and tapestries now reach across the world and enter into our designs.

Gentle Medley

An eclectic mix of maps, vintage florals and butterfly, dragonfly and leaf motifs drives the Gentle Medley palette into a time of modern innocence. Earthy neutral tans combined with freshwater blue, mint green, copper and chartreuse pastels give a space an airy, yet grounded quality. These colors are accented with safari greens and browns for depth.

People are romantic about the simpler times of youth and its refreshing honesty. We are seeing a draw toward hues that are nostalgic, such as the colors of tinted photography and faded maps.

2011-01-11T01:52:00.000-08:00

Amazing Greys

In this blog, I’d like to show you that grey is an extremely versatile and amazing colour when it comes to creating a fantastic looking interior space. It compliments just about any colour it is paired with...and it really isn’t dull.

There is such a range of greys that there’s something for everyone, from pale and silvery to bold, battleship grey.

I’ve picked out some of my favourite examples of the use of grey, from traditional living spaces to contemporary apartments, and from beautiful bedrooms to slightly whacky rooms...

I’ve picked out some of my favourite examples of the use of grey, from traditional living spaces to contemporary apartments, and from beautiful bedrooms to slightly whacky rooms.

This pale silver/grey interior has an amazing capacity to ‘transform’ with the light and blend with the room accessories. It looks simply fantastic.

If you are brave enough to go dark and dramatic you can create a really beautiful effect. I love this interior. It just oozes sophistication.

The next example uses a strong grey to compliment white, black and turquoise. Combined with incredible textures (I’ve talked about textures in a previous blog) it makes the space feel so inviting and warm.

Why not try soothing grey wallpapers? An array of wallpaper retailers will be able to satisfy your grey taste buds. For example, Jocelyn Warner offers wallpapers that have some of the widest range of shades of grey I've seen, combined with beautiful, complex patterns.

You can use grey to add interest and create depth and excitement to any interior. Look at these cool interiors below to see what I mean.

I think these examples demonstrate that, used cleverly, greys can really define a room or living space. They don’t have to be bland and boring you just need to use them imaginatively.

Greys are great!

Floor Show

2010-11-05T02:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-06T04:35:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

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.

Nice & Girly

2010-05-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

In this month’s blog, I want to explore interiors for the softer, feminine folk who like an interior to look somewhat girly.

I imagine many readers instantly think pink when it comes to girly rooms, and there is certainly nothing wrong with that. But what if you were set a challenge to not use pink in an interior? Would the result still be feminine?

I know that if we at Mood applied all our skills and expertise to the task, the answer would be a resounding, “YES!”

Here are some examples of inspirational interiors that are indisputably feminine and should leave you in no doubt that you don’t need pink…unless you really want it!

Crochet, Sheers and Lacy Things

Don’t worry we’re not talking the stuff of granny’s boudoir here. Crochet, lace and sheers are no longer the dowdy items you might imagine them to be. They offer beautifully intricate designs and can be used to great effect to set off soft-furnishings or, in the case of sheers and lace, to soften a look or diffuse light

They really do look exquisite in contemporary interiors. If you haven’t been lucky enough to see the latest designs around, then feast your eyes on the samples below.

The Wallpaper

To create a feminine space, you don’t have to choose flowery wallpapers. A positive mix and match of textures and colours will create the kind of look you’ll love. For example, striped feature wallpaper looks great mixed with delicate floral printed fabrics and furniture. You can even buy lacy wallpaper to compliment the lace you use elsewhere in the room.

I’ve found some truly fantastic, inspirational wallpaper that would make any interior space look amazing and set it apart from the bog-standard design. Here are some examples:

Ok, I know this one is pink, but its very nice if you like shoes.

The Furniture

There are so many pieces of furniture you can use to turn an ordinary room into your own little girly zone. Why not try using replicas of English or French pieces of furniture from between 1700 to 1900 and upholster them with a contemporary 21st Century fabric. It creates a fabulous contrast that really works.

Accessories

And so to the final touches. This is where we ‘glitz and glam’ our space whilst delicately playing with different textures. I love this part of the design process because accessorising is the stage at which you can really individualise an interior so it truly suits the personality of the occupant.