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.

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.

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!