Gold and silver leaf are two types of metal leaf which are used for a range of different applications. They are basically made from the metal itself (gold or silver) being hammered into extremely thin sheets. Gold and silver leaf are available in various qualities and purities, with the better quality leaf being the most expensive. (more…)

Modern designs and styles are becoming increasingly popular amongst homeowners and developers. One of the most popular and best looking of these is the art deco look. People throughout the world are starting to adopt this style when designing their homes. It is now easier than ever to design your home to look however you want it to: if you are in doubt, then talk to a local interior design company today. (more…)

What is a smart home?

A smart home, or one with home automation, is a home which can be fully or partly controlled using WIFI and remote monitoring. Most components of the home can be controlled via apps or software on the homeowner’s smart device, making life simple and easy. Some of the things which can be controlled at the touch of a button include: (more…)

Antique mirrors come in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Some are wooden, some are metallic, and some are even framed in gold plated materials. Choosing an antique mirror can be harder than choosing a new mirror due to the huge range of options out there. Antique mirrors can usually be identified as belonging to a distinct class of design or art, or as coming from a specific culture. (more…)

Organic Architecture is the idea of blending human function with natural beauty in a harmonic outcome. Imagine all of the waterfalls, koi fishponds, and even rock gardens that we have seen come into popularity for the last 20 years or so, and you will have a pretty good idea of what organic architecture is. People are becoming more and more aware of their global ecological impact and this style of interior design reflects this mindset shift beautifully. They want to feel closer to nature rather than locking themselves away in concrete boxes. (more…)

Details can make or break your interior design project. The right painting, poster, or knick knack can create an amazing flow, which will make every person feel like they have entered an extravagant palace, or a beautiful cozy cabin. Then the question turns into; how to create what you imagine and how do you ensure that your details work to create the perfect interior? (more…)

What are Warm and Cool Colors?

Warm colors are stimulating reds, oranges, yellows, beiges and whites. When you walk into a room incorporating these colors you feel higher energy that just makes you want to do something. They are great for larger rooms because these colors can make a space feel cozier.  (more…)

The past is coming back with a vengeance for interior design. This fluctuating and fluid industry always seems to follow the most novel trends to the group with the greatest buying power. Our current industry driving group is young people 21 to 28. These young movers and shakers are renting apartments, moving into dorms, and buying houses. Once the new home owners have moved in they are going to want to create a unique space unlike what their parents had.

Each generation’s rebellion against the previous, leads them to choose a style that is easily bought, yet is unique and new. The easiest way to do this is to make the past (2 or 3 generations) new and cool again. We have started to see this increase in popularity of home pieces like record players, reclaimed wood pieces, and the repurposing of old properties to fit new and chic uses.

The rough and unique look of antique pieces seems to be a hot commodity with the emerging interior style. People don’t want the sparse and overly symmetrical interiors that were popular during the 1990s. The clean white walls with carpet, mirrors, and tile floors have made way for “warmer” designs focusing on wood, warm colors, and “retro” shapes. New home owners are choosing to find their new pieces in second hand shops that help these smart shoppers find amazing deals on antiques that you can’t easily find on their neighbor’s mantle.

Mainstream companies are picking up on this new trend and are trying to get on the ground floor of this growing market. You can walk through Pier 1, Meijer, Hobby Lobby or Wal-Mart and find “antique” birdcages, posters, signs, etc… meant to copy the 40 or 50 year patina or character that has been collected by the genuine article over its lifetime.

We have seen this type of bubble before; build until it pops. Usually the design market will continue to draw on this era and create chic collections to satisfy our desire until the market becomes saturated. Once the cool factor starts to wear off, we will see the rise of the next trend. I believe that what we will see next will be a push towards geometric shapes and a reemergence of the sparse utilitarian design. Already we can see certain groups pushing towards smaller and smaller spaces that are more creatively designed to use the space as economically as possible.

If you have a beautiful new white bathroom, keeping it that way is sometimes a losing battle. Dust and soap can gather and grout often discolours, but these inventive tips will make your bathroom as sparkly as a luxury hotel. After all the work is done from a professional interior designer, it’s inevitable that you’ll want to keep it in tip-top shape in the long run. To do this, it’s critical that you maintain the space with care and persistence, utilising some of the below aspects to keep it looking fresh.

Apply a Sealer

Certain types of surfaces, such as marble, can be so nonporous that they may not need a sealer at first inspection, but they will need one to protect against stains and chips. This can also prevent water marks and keep the shine locked in for much longer.

Use a Sponge

Whilst it may be tempting to dab a bit of paint over a wall mark, it may not be the best solution, as often the paint becomes discoloured and will no longer match 100%. A sponge is non-abrasive and can be used to wipe the surfaces of most painted walls.

Don’t Bleach It

Over time, bleach can be extremely harmful to delicate surfaces and if you do not completely rinse it off, the fierce chemicals it contains can make young children and older people have bad health reactions. Many alternative products kill almost all bacteria, but are less abrasive to people and your surfaces and do not leave behind the same harmful chemicals as bleach.

Keep your Grout Protected

A toothbrush just won’t cut the mustard when it comes to seriously removing mould and other irritating mess from your grouting. There are “grout-cleaning rakes” or similar tools available, which get into the grouting much deeper than a toothbrush to scrape out the grime. Once cleaned out a silicone paste should be applied, protecting against future mould and scrapes.

Replace your Towels Regularly

Go for nice large white fluffy towels. These give your bathroom the luxurious look of a high end hotel, but do remember to rotate them regularly. When you see some wear and tear on them, replace them as early as possible to keep up the pristine look you have strived to provide your family and friends.

There is More to it than Just a Quick Vacuum

Often the vacuum or mop doesn’t pick up every little bit of fluff or stray hair. Give it a good vacuum to start with and then apply a cloth sweeper to the floor. This will give a nice professional and clean finish and leave your bathroom looking a million dollars.

Stop moisture in its Tracks

Keep your shower and bath dry! Make it a family rule that the last person to have a shower or bath is responsible for drying the walls, edges, and bath with a dry soft cloth. This will not only look fantastic, but it will save on hard cleaning in the long run.

Use the exhaust fan if you have one and open a window if possible when showering. By stretching the shower curtain open after you wash, you will not only find that it will dry quickly, but it will help with preventing mildew and mould. Give this a quick wash with the laundry when possible to keep it fresh and hygienic.

When it comes to budgeting, we can all experience and even suffer a bit from anxiety. Will there be an over-run? How much money is actually enough? What if we run out of funds before completion?  You will be tempted and heavily influenced to go for extra add-ons and the best way to shield yourself from ending up with a monster financial burden is to give yourself a budget, and stick to it. This secures the boundaries and helps your team perform and focus on what is important.

Set your budget as a first priority

When you are engaging a professional to plan your interior design, you need to let them know your realistic budget. (And be honest with it!) Otherwise it’s a bit like having a personal trainer and not letting them know what your physical limitations are.

Identify what you are comfortable with and allow a slush fund for those extra tap fittings that caught your eyes along the way, but had not factored in, or the electrical wiring that you didn’t realize you had to redo. Consider the value you will be adding, but be careful not to over capitalize. Factor in things like the sort of neighborhood you live in, complexity of the job, and the level of finishing and workmanship you wish to achieve.

Be honest with your interior designer so that they can get you the most value for your cash. Remember they want to have the best results to add to their own portfolio, so it is in everybody’s best interests to end up with something that you are happy with. Ask for their advice and guidance for your particular needs as they have the experience and trade knowledge of past projects to base pricing on.

Set Yourself a Realistic Budget

TV shows and glossy magazines can give us a false sense of what things actually cost. As much as we love to get ideas from them, their budgets in reality are a far cry from the real deal as they have special rates and often offer product exposure as payment for services and products. By keeping level-headed on price, speed, and quality you will find that you have far more control with outcomes.

Once your budget is agreed on, subtract 10% and mark this aside as your slush fund. Pricing varies in construction and depending on the amount of people you have involved, communication can breakdown at times and a 10% contingency will help avoid a shortfall for unforeseen expenses. Just remember, as tempting as it will be, this should not be used to go into your main budget, it is there for emergencies and as a safety net.

Educate Yourself on Costings

There are hard costs and soft costs with construction. A hard cost includes the cost of materials and fixtures which are actually required. A soft cost includes fees for permits, designers, and any additional consultants such as a project manager that might need to be commissioned for the job.

If you gain a good solid understanding of what you are in for from the beginning, you will avoid the need for potentially uncomfortable conversations. Set out your financial plan early and sit back and enjoy your project.