Most of the time, people don't realise that their interiors are a reflection of their thoughts, character & ... a part of themselves!!
A minor yet intellectual change in the interiors can sometimes create that kind of beauty which can actually be felt...!
Let me put up some pictures here, where a change in the interiors did a transformation one wouldn't give up for anything!

Note that here, a simple change of cabinet colour, & an additional shelf (with creative patterns), etc  are the minor changes done, creating a unique, elegant touch to the otherwise boring design.

 

The whole fire place area is made vibrant by that simple addition of a lively painting!

 

 Here, a change in the colours, has made

a huge difference!

 A designer is not a mere decorator. After the thoughtful execution, we see more than a designer's work... a creation so unique & special!!
This season, let's brighten up our interiors & post the pics here.... mail it to me. Want any help? ... I'll be more than happy to help!!  Enjoy!!!

Centre piece for Banquets!

Centre pieces are always a mystery! How do we get them simple yet elegant? These are some ideas one can easily do with the regular water glasses. Filling them up with beans & adjusting a small flower like that: (4 in a row makes it perfect)

Fill them up with cold water & light some candles for the evening, warm banquet ... a mirror below is a stunning addition.


Cluster some glasses- big & small, fill em up with water half way & dip in them lemons - green & yellow! You can cut some & drop it in the water as well...for that extra fragrance...hmmm!


...or just fill some desert glasses with berries in different colours!


Other options are flower petals, beads, feathers, leaves, pebbles, sand, candles and even toffees!!

Who is an interior designer? How do you select a good interior designer?

This is an era where anybody on the street calls himself an "interior designer". In fact, people everywhere often think they are all "interior designers" since they buy their own furniture, curios, flowers, curtains, etc and arrange it in a way they think is right. True...they are all decorating their space...so, if they are doing it good, they can be called interior "decorators".

So then who is an interior "designer"?
A qualified person, who can

• identify & creatively solve problems pertaining to the function & quality of the interior;
• programme, analyse & plan using specialized knowledge of interior construction, building codes, etc.
• prepare drawings & documents w.r.t interior spaces to enhance & protect the health, safety & welfare of the public;

An interior designer is not a mere decorator, but a professional- as interior designing is not only an art...it involves science & technology. He or she has to possess a wide range of abilities including artistic talent, appreciation of beauty (so as to use inexpensive materials & innovative ideas), psychological insight (understanding client needs, work according to their capacity & go beyond the requirements...see the soul rather than the body), Problem analysis (consider requirements, background & budget of client, materials & labour available, discarding useless concepts, etc.), flexibility (according to the client's view & needs), dependable & trustworthy, working with diverse personalities, business acumen, love for detail & accuracy, enthusiasm, etc.

Choose a designer keeping all these in mind...someone who can co-ordinate everything together in a way which is functional as well as aesthetic. What good is a chair that looks good but is not comfortable to sit on?

It is a misconception that you can save money by hiring a non-professional. People who think so often end up losing out on a lot- valuable resources such as money, time, energy, comfort, aesthetics, functionality, and above all else, peace of mind. Hiring a professional could actually help you save a substantial sum of money.

Why think you are saving money by hiring a non-professional when you can actually save a lot by hiring a professional!

Small Spaces??

Small spaces can be made more beautiful than a comparatively large space. Infact, small spaces will have a more "done up" look, even though very little is done. Careful analysis & execution can do wonders.
Listing out the activities carried out in the space, the amount of storage required,etc will help determine the furniture & layout.
Storage spaces are very important for small spaces. Since the space is small, the ability of the designer to find spaces for storage is what will give her the credits. Convertibles & dual-purpose furniture will be good options. Every corner has to be taken advantage of. Sofas that can be used as pull out beds or storage spaces, under-bed storage drawers, niches in walls for displays, etc can make huge difference. Knocking off a wall, clubbing adjoining spaces, using glass as separators, etc. will not only give a bigger impression, but will also add to the aesthetics as well as function of the space. To give an illusion of spaciousness, focus lights, mirrors & light coloured paints, etc can be used.
Remember always... making a space beautiful is only secondary to making it functional!

The Principles of Design

Design has its basics in nature. If you look around, almost everything was derived from something similar in nature. For example, the helicopter is similar to a dragon fly, buildings to shell, etc. Study and analyse any design from nature and you will know how many factors come into play for a good, functional and aesthetic design. Take for instance the human NOSE -

1. The hair & mucus -prevents dust & dirt ------> Functional (protection)
   
2. Close to the mouth - to smell the food ---------> Functional (placement)
3. If upside-down - will collect dirt, rain water, etc. ------> Problem analysis (position)
4. Shape - to blend with the rest of the body --------> Aesthetic (proportion)
5. Cartilage - flexibility ----------> Functional (building material)
6. Symmetry - to blend with the rest of the body-------> Aesthetic (balance)
   
7. Slope - to let water, etc slope away --------> Functional, Aesthetic (solution)
8. Colour - to blend with the rest of the body ------> Aesthetic (unity, uniformity)
   

There are many basic concepts in the field of design. We can group all of the basic tenets of design into two categories: principles & elements. The principles of design represent the basic assumptions that guide the design practice, and affect the arrangement of objects within a composition. By comparison, the elements of design are the components of design themselves, i.e., the objects to be arranged.

Let’s begin by focusing on the principles of design. In the coming days we will be understanding the basics of each of the following principles:

• Balance
• Rhythm
• Proportion
• Dominance
• Unity

Build a strong theme

A theme is not just going with the different styles of architecture like the Mughal, the Japanese, the Victorian, the E, etc. Though they are options, there is a wide range of themes from where you can develop one for your own space.

• One option is definitely the look- Traditional, Trendy, classical, contemporary, modern,etc.
• Style - Indian, English, Chinese,... or even localised like Rajasthani, Kerala, Victorian, etc.
  
• Colour- single colours (monochromatic), contrasts (like red & green), related (like blue & green), etc.
• Material - like wood, metal, glass, ceramic, jute, etc. or a combination.
• Pattern - linear, radial, etc.
• Type of accessories
• Method of displaying the same
  

The picture shows a modern yet casual style, colour theme is puprle & yellow (complimentary colour scheme), which is followed even for the accessories -like lampshades, carpets, cushions & seats.

It's a good habit to be organised, but this doesn't work for many people and how they'd wish there was someone who could help them with that! Well, when you find your space messed up, get help ASAP!!

Need help in redesigning, organising or changing the look of your space, or even creating a special space for you? ...let me know.

Radial Pattern & a Focal point

One of the many interesting patterns is the 'Radial' pattern. As the name suggests, it radiates from some central piece of interest. Usually this central piece is made the 'focal point'. A focal point is something which the eye sees first on entering the space. It could be an artifact, a flower arrangement, a painting, a wall or a television.
Select your focal point wisely. Since it is the first thing that catches the eye, it makes a statement. Remember, as they say, "first impression is the best impression". Highlight whatever you want as the focal point using colours, lights, or just by placing it in the centre (in this case).
Now that your focal point is established, arrange the furniture as if radiating from it.
The same principle can be followed with wall hangings, plants, etc.
The picture alongside is an example of a radial pattern where, the combination of the tepoy with artifacts and a rug beneath it as it's focal point. The picture on the top shows the evolution of a typical radial pattern.
A radial type of arrangement is casual yet due to the focal point, makes a strong statement.
Why wait? ...Change the same old monotonous arrangement of your room today and be in love with your "new" room!