Creating some outstanding brands took them to a level of refining the new age home, these “women celebrity” interior designers turned out to be some of the elite interior designers of the country. All these interior designers have added a refreshing touch of their own … Continue reading 10 excellent women celebrity interior designers from India!
No doubt that painting gives your home a facelift and regular painting ensures that your house is protected from inclement weather, structural damage and UV light. When you see the signs of fading, peeling and cracking on your walls, it’s high time you think of painting.
Apart from this, you may also think of painting for aesthetic change, to give a brand new identity and even for social reasons like wedding etc. However, painting at times could be a risky game, fraught with too many colors & textures to choose from, confusing neutrals and a keen eye for lighting and seating arrangements.
Before you rush out with visions of your dreamy room in your head, take a step back and really plan well before you touch the brush. Ask these questions in advance so that you can go red & pink when you are done…
How do I want my home to feel like?
Your home reflects YOU. So when walk inside, do you want to have a serene cool environment or vibrant colorful one? Do you want to keep it classic, old fashioned or contemporary, edgy and modern?
First ask yourself and then decide the colors. Shades of blue, pastel greens, neutral shades or monochromatic cool color schemes will help you to build a home reflecting serenity, coolness and simplicity. If you want to keep your rooms as vibrant and colorful, go for bright warmer colors like and complimenting shades like yellow and brown. Similarly you can try new colors and shades if you want to follow modern trends or keep the tried and tested colors to remain classic and old fashioned.
This is very important -to bring the perfect synergy/harmony between your existing décor/furniture and the new color of paint. Having invested a sizeable amount of money and time to get your home décor done, you cannot alter it just because you want to add a new color to your wall. Hence try to bring the perfect harmony of hues with the existing décor and elements. For example, if your furniture has a hue of nice dark brown, you need to pick the color that compliments it. Painting the room with same color may not bring that perfect look you yearn for! Consider a pale yellow to balance it out.
Remember, lighting is very important factor to consider before painting your room. If the room is well ventilated and gets lot of sunlight in the morning, you can consider a deep saturated color depending upon the usage of the room. If a nearby building is blocking the natural sunlight and you have a living room adjacent to the compound, all you have to do is choose bright light colors to make the room brighter. So ask yourself does the room get enough light? Does it get both in the morning and evening? If not, when and how long? Does the neighboring block affect your natural lighting? Find answers and then choose the color as all these factors will change the look of the color on the wall.
Obviously you cannot paint your bathroom green and get a makeup done there. Neither can you keep your work desk corner completely painted in black and have a mood to work! So it is equally important to consider the room’s usage and coordinate appropriate colors that help the purpose.
Today in the market, there are fabulous choices not only for your wall colors but also for the paint finishes. Matt, flat, satin, eggshell oil-glossy touch and the list of it are getting extended. Check it out, consider what works for you and then go for the right color and the finish. Trust us, choosing the right finish can completely transform the look of your walls, so make sure you choose the right sheen for the right color and make the most of your space.
Few things in the home décor realm can be clear as crystal, and rearranging your furniture is one of them. Either you are ‘for’ it or ‘against’ it, period. I fall under the “FOR” group and surprisingly, very vocal about it. Whenever I visit a friend’s or a relative’s house and notice same things lying at the same place for ages, I feel that the dwellers have either gone machines or become alien, otherwise why would they trade the refreshing change, happiness and fun by rearranging their house for some hazy reasons like “No time”, “This fits best here”, “ It’s ok to be this way” etc? Ah people and their answers!
Now, if you are frowning and wondering what’s the point I am trying to make, read further and you would be in surprise.
To begin with, lets define it: Vernacular architecture is a category of architecture based on local needs, construction materials and reflecting local traditions. At least originally, vernacular architecture did not use formally-schooled architects, but relied on the design skills and tradition of local builders.
For a multitude of valid and ridiculous reasons, this kind of architecture is no longer practiced like it used to be (see industrialization and modernisation).
Vernacular architecture is essentially localised and traditional architecture (do not confuse with primitive) and it has a number of merits that are relevant and in some cases badly needed to stabilise the world in which we have found ourselves, present-day.
So let us look at why the vernacular makes more sense and why it should be making a comeback into our fantastical, fast-paced urban fabric.
In reference to the picture on the left; No, it’s not an art installation. It’s a wall of a building in the Centre for Development Studies in Kerala, designed by the champion of vernacular architecture, Laurie Baker. It’s kind of surreal and very exciting. It’s experiential and visual. You don’t really know what you’ll find inside, and that sense of discovery makes it what it is.
From Left to Right: Phillipine wooden carving, Rural Wall Art in India, Carved wooden jali window at Bhaktapur, India
Elements like the ones shown in the pictures above, are products of a highly specialised skill set honed and perfected over many generations. These are unique to a community. Often, these skills are passed on from father to son or teacher to apprentice. Vernacular architecture promotes these community building practices as well as supports the proponents of these arts and crafts. It gives rise to a new fold in the economic structure of that region. It ensure that these skills do not become redundant as they are relevant to who we are as a people.
From Left to Right: Egyptian Vernacular Architecture, Tibetan Vernacular Architecture, Rajasthani Vernacular Architecture
By definition, vernacular architecture is born of a community’s way of living and their social requirements. In addition to this, it develops a specific aesthetic and unique style of building, ornamentation and local material. For example when you say “sandstone jali” the first image that comes to mind is Rajasthan. It builds a sense of identity. A visual connection to a perception of “home”.
From Left to Right: Adobe bricks, Kadappa Stone, Local timber
Vernacular architecture is usually sustainable as well because most of the materials used to make it can be recycled (in today’s day and age, this recycling couldn’t be easier) and used again to build more. Also the materials are naturally sourced, rather than manufactured and are therefore less polluting, less costly and less annoying to look at. Moreover, since it’s not manufactured in a factory and it’s locally available, transportation cost and processing cost are not as much.
Seen in the picture above is a typical, vernacular Malaysian house. The architecture it also the climate control device. Channelling wind throughout the structure to keep the building ventilated and cool in the tropical, island climate. Most vernacular architecture is its own climate control device. This is relevant because of our omnipresent fight against global warming. It is almost an imperative necessity rather than a preference at this point.
Vernacular architecture is underrated, but need not be. If we look inwards to our own communities we will find that there are traditions with solid, logical scientific grounding (amongst the more arbitrary, out dated ones) and these building traditions will become more and more important now.
A good décor is space that will leave a lasting impression. How better to spice up your modern interiors than with some iconic chairs.
Designer – Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich
2. LC2 – Designer – Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand
3. Panton Chair
Designer – Verner Panton
4. The Womb Chair –
Designer – Eero Saarinen
5. Diamond Chair –
Designer – Harry Bertoia
6. Tulip Chair –
Designer – Eero Saarinen
7. La Chaise –
Designer – Charles & Ray Eames
8. The Egg Chair –
Designer – Arne Jacobson
Many of us, at some point or the other would happily take on the prospect of redoing our own interior spaces: be it home or office spaces. This process, though exciting, is one that commands a strong level of commitment and a willingness to learn new things. For those of you who would like to add to this a twist of up-cycling, please read on!
Here is a comprehensive list of things to keep in mind while reworking interiors:
2. Budget yourself out: The market is filled with various options of renovation. However, if you don’t keep track of the path you’re walking on, you might end up shelling out a bucket more than you really need to. Think local, think available, and think creative. Everything can serve a function, based on how you approach it.
Left Image: Soap Stands fixed on the wall as candle holders
Right Image: Graters used as Light bulb holders
3. Think Environmental: Remember that the process of renovation involves a lot of junking. Rather than just throwing away without a thought, try to see where you could reduce your carbon footprint. Right from carefully removing old tiles before placing new ones to thinking twice before wooden flooring, your decisions could go a long way in helping the environment.
4. Step Beyond your comfort zone: You may be used to doing things in a certain way, or even seeing them in a particular way. Change that, allow yourself to experiment and you will land up with the coolest of ideas!
5. Experiment with Colours: Many times, all certain interior spaces need are a refreshing boost of new colours, compared to the pale ones they’ve seen through their lives. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the colour palette, it has a hundred more options than you think!
Wood is a common materials in ones homes, knowing wood can help in choosing and customizing the space. Some common wood used in India are,
2. Deodar
3. Rose Wood
4. Bamboo
5. Mahagony
6. Palm
Architecture and Furniture: How connected are they? Allied enough for many architects to turn to the latter as a way of making a statement? Do read on.
Furniture design is structured much like architecture–only the superstars will get paid well. If you are a big idea guy, then what may be worthwhile for you is design strategy. Architecture graduates are often very well prepared for it because of the heavy design theory taught in school compared to the other design professions.
Take a look at some kinds of architects turned furniture designers.
THE METICULOUS ONE (after a whole life time)
Although very careful with the detailing, looks like Alvar Aalto had a tough time surviving in the architecture field. Aalto did tend to other careers like painting, textile and product design. He once said “God created paper for the purpose of drawing architecture on it. Everything else is at least for me an abuse of paper.” The irony is quite evident. Despite being the romantic one, his works were modest in scale and reflected a mature style of design by using laminated wooden strips
THE BRAVE ONE (for being a furniture designer)
‘After being practically born on the drafting board’, Saarinen did have many options on his plate. The number of competitions he has won is more than the number of projects that are constructed. As an architect, Saarinen is responsible for some of the most potent architectural symbols of America
Young Saarinen took courses in sculpture and furniture design,utilizing a vocabulary of bold colors, curves and cantilevers; many of his pieces have remained in production, becoming twentieth-century furniture icons.
THE ADVENTEROUS ONE (so he claims)
Mies Van der Rohe, in spite of being the adventurous one, he did emphasize his style on a phrase “Less is More.” But Mies soon found ways to marry ‘art and technology.’
Mies’ designs were impeccably manufactured furnishings for the “common man,”
Today his Modern furniture pieces like the Barcelona chair, table, ottoman and day bed and the Bruno chair are acclaimed popular classics.
THE INDEPENDENT ONE ( for a woman in the 19th century)
Eileen Gray is now regarded as one of the most important furniture designers and architects of the early twentieth century. She first worked as an artist, then as a furniture designer and finally as an architect. At a time when other leading designers were almost exclusively male and adherents to one movement or another, Gray remained independent.
Her design style was as distinctive as her way of working; Gray developed a luxuriant take on the geometric forms and industrially produced materials.
The living room is the heart of your house, acting as a congregating space for your family to converge and spend time together. This room, being the area where you will meet and greet guests, hold formal or informal meetings, will leave a lasting impression on any visitor. This article shall show you some DIY living room decorating ideas which will help you turn it into a formal meeting area, an informal hang-out space or a home theatre for the weekends!
There are a few important elements one needs to keep in mind while decorating a living room – walls, openings such as windows and doors, lighting, furniture and accessories.
Before we move on to these, make sure you have a color palette in mind – it could either be a combination of colors that are of the same shade and family or it could be a contrasting palette.
WALLS
Other than the usual treatment of walls which includes wall-paints and finishes in different colors and adding accessories like a painting; you could brighten up by using some of these hacks:
Accentuate one wall with a pattern or a texture treatment, so that it becomes the focus of the room.
From L to R : Try different textures on the wall – first one with paint and plastic sheet, second with natural patterns like leaves.
A typography wall could be a great idea for an informal living space where you could paint out your favorite quotes in beautiful fonts to highlight the wall.
WINDOWS AND DOORS
Windows and doors are usually covered up with curtains so as to not look into our neighbor’s balcony!
Hang mason jars from your window and fill them up with fresh flowers or some potpourri. You can even jazz it up for the evening by adding some lights in the jars.
Mason jars and Planters are excellent window decorating options.
LIGHTING
Always look for form and function when you are choosing lights. A good light will look good when switched on and off too! It is easy to look for something which looks decorative but also gives out ample amount of light. Check out some of these options:
Clockwise from left : A simple but luxury finish chandelier, an industrial-inspired pendant lamp, A cluster pendant lamp, a DIY Inustrial-inspired pendant lamp, a statement floor lamp.
FURNITURE
It is best to give your furniture multiple roles – multifunctional furniture is easily adaptable to changes in your living room setting according to the situation. Also, it doubles up as storage, which is a great plus.
From L to R : Make a coffee table using wooden pallet crates, Use a big upcycled crate as a coffee table with storage, Use old discarded drawers as wall shelves, Use old louvered shutters as a bench-top.
ACCESSORIES
There is a non-exhaustive list of accessories that can be added to your living room to lend it that air of a complete space.
A mirror that is correctly positioned will not only make the space look bigger, but as an accessory itself will act as a sophisticated element.
Upcycled waste like bottles, mason jars etc as vases are great accessories and are easy to make.
From L to R (Clockwise) : Upcycled mason jars which can hold flowers or lights, Upcycle your old china cups into lights, A rustic wooden shim vase, Painted glass bottles that double up as vases,
A simple centerpiece like this one, for your table, will add some green element to your living room.
Architects today have come to be similar to jack of all trades, fairly so, in a sense, because the amount of balancing of various fields required in the construction of one unit is no joke, for any jack!
Thus, architects have been come to be known as ‘consultants’, because while they conduct the orchestra, let us now have a look into the people who help conduct this with them.
Here is a checklist of teams an architect must be in contact with, to be able to provide a full time service to a client. For people building their houses, Take note, these are your guardian angels!
In any project , the important consultants required are :
RCC / Structural Consultants:
Essential for an architect to have plans approved by a structural consultant. It is these guys who literally decide how tall the building will stand!
HVAC Consultants:
For those of you who think the project of construction finishes with an exoskeleton in place, think again! Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning play a huge role in the entire construction process, so this is where they enter the game!
Project managers/Site Engineers:
This is a must for larger constructions. Since the architect cannot be in two places at once, God created site engineers. Their job we hardly need to state!
Landscaping Consultants:
Large projects with an equally large ground cover warrant landscaping consultants knitted into the project. Many times, the architects themselves offer this service.
MEP Consultants:
Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Consultants are the ones who need to ratify a range of important building services including waterproofing etc. Essential to an architect and client’s happiness!
With such a wide range of specialists and an constantly exploding market it is important to keep in mind that an architect has a sound team of these professionals on board/in consultancy, to ensure the best results come out of construction!
Build-Inn 