Mediterranean style is a take on coastal design. The style is exemplified as an understated luxury, embedded in nature.

Decorating with Mediterranean interior design style is like bringing the holiday spirit straight to your home. Who would not like that relaxed and delightful atmosphere all year round? Hence to keep the exuberance rolling, bring home this airy and scenic style.

Evolved through centuries, the style is witnessed in the coastal countries, bordering the sparkling blue Mediterranean sea. Like the dots of a chain, these include South European countries, like Spain, Greece, Italy, and France, along with others, including Morrocco, Israel, and Turkey.

Though the design ethos in each country is founded in its own rich and distinct culture, there exists a consistent, unifying flavor that is inspired by the gorgeous sea and its landscape. Also, the countries borrow various design elements from one another in some ways.

Mediterranean style key words

Romantic, Casual, Rustic, Classic European, Elegant, Traditional materials, Easy-going, Warm, Welcoming, Old-World Charm, Aqua, Earthy, Relaxed, Carefree, Friendly, Outdoors, Rich, Eclectic…

key elements of Mediterranean style

architectural elements – sense of history

In its backdrop, the Mediterranean style holds ornate and shapely architectural features like arches, balconies, columns, niches, and alcoves with smooth edges. So the nostalgic setup is ideal for the expression of this romantic style in its full glory.

However, a more modern take on this design style is to position contemporary and minimalistic furnishings in a shell loaded with ornate architectural elements and details.

wooden beams – hand hewn details

A hallmark feature for Mediterranean style is exposed wooden beams set on high ceilings, drawing the eyes upwards. These beams enhance the perspective feel of a space, rendering a sense of movement. Also, the directional appeal of these beams is ideal to emphasize any focal point in the space.

ceramic tiles – handmade vibe

From pottery of Italy to the tiles of Spain and Morocco, handpainted ceramics have a special place in this style. These artsy tiles are widely used as kitchen backsplash, on staircase risers, in bathrooms, or as flooring. Cheerful patterns add a pop of color and interest to any space. Also, Saltillo tiles in different shapes add a warm and earthy note to the space.

wrought iron – sense of craft

Intricate scrollwork in wrought iron for railings, gates, and grilles are a hallmark of this style. Also, furniture, pendant lights, chandeliers, candelabras, and other accessories and accents of wrought iron help anchor the look. Black metal hardware works very well with Mediterranean style.

Martha O’Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Spacecrafting, Photography | City Homes, Builder

Credit – @interiorfacelift

mediterranean style furniture – casual elegance

Vernacular or regional style, European furniture adorns these warm and rooted spaces. The furniture pieces are classic and generally large in scale. Weighty and well-grounded, sturdy pieces that are comfortable, serve well to entertain people.

Armories, big tables, bookshelves, comfortable sofas, high chairs, poufs, impart a cozy and inviting sense. The style is not about passing, trendy furniture. So it is generally handcrafted, comfortable furniture that suggests having been there for a long time.

In conclusion, unrefined, rustic furniture with sinuous details in carved wood or wrought iron inserts is preferred over austere and starved pieces. Natural materials like wrought iron, wood, wicker, leather are used.

Martha O’Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling |Troy Thies, Photography

mediterranean style color palette – down to earth

The Mediterranean style draws its colors either from the cool, breezy sea or the warm, sun-kissed landscape with vibrant flowers. Color preferences vary with the specific country of the region. Therefore, it is the pristine white that contrasts sharply with lapis or turquoise or cobalt blues, in Greece. Whereas it is the predominance of terracotta and warm clay colors in Spain and Italy.

In either case, the earthy color palette is very soothing and calming for the soul.

Martha O’Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Spacecrafting, Photography | JPC Custom Homes, Builder

In brief, the array of colors seen in Mediterranean style include:

Vivid blue, sea, and sky, tones that impart tranquility. Like seafoam green, turquoise blue, aquamarine, teal, cobalt blue, azure, cerulean…

Warm and earthy tones that are unpretentious and modest. Like yellow ochre, shades of green, red browns, warm greys, olive green, mossy green, burnt orange, clay, brick red, tan, and terracotta…

Light neutral tones form the perfect background. Like sandy beige, stone grey, linen white, chalky white, light straw color…

Bold and rich jewel tones add a pop of color. Like aubergine, emerald green, jade, ruby, lapis…

For instance, consider a neutral background in earthen color and incorporate accent color through hand-painted tiles, rugs, pillows, etc.

weathered look – understated luxury

As if to reveal the effect of nature, the materials and finishes are usually weathered in appearance. The faded and worn character of interiors is easy on the eyes. As a result, even the rich and ornate embellishments are not overbearing for our sensibilities.

Anything that exhibits patina is ideal for the look like driftwood, reclaimed wood, burnished metal, stucco texture, etc. All impart a very natural and endured sense. There is something about this understated and unassuming luxury that appeals to you.

indoor outdoor connection

It is virtually inevitable to have the indoor connected to the mesmerizing outdoors. Windows frame the captivating views enhancing the indoor experience. Outdoor spaces like patios, balconies, and terraces are treated with equal attention and detail. Outdoors are like conforming extensions of the indoors.

The plentiful light and breeze help make the indoors light and bright. Go for plain, breezy, sheer curtains hung on wrought iron rods to nail the look. Olive trees in terracotta pots and bougainvillea blossoms against a Cycladic style, whitewashed, backdrop are a treat for the eyes.

Lighting

Ornate light fixtures with patina, made out of natural materials like wrought iron, wood, or rattan, fit well in this style. Moroccan lanterns in colored glass, fittings with cut stone or metalwork, creating diffused light patterns, are all appropriate for this style. Oversize, classic designs in an antique finish infuse a rustic feel to the space.

Martha O’Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Jason Jones, Photography | Ron McHam Homes, Builder

Accessories – ornate details

The kind of accessories that blend well in Mediterranean style are :

• Nautical accessories inspired by blue sea, driftwood objects, ropes, baskets…

• Handmade ceramic and terracotta pots and vases or vase lamps…

• Vintage accessories like worn out sculptural finds, metal objects, wooden artifacts…

• Moroccon pieces like mirrors, lanterns…

• Accessories out of natural materials like wood, stone, wrought iron, straw, wicker…

• Fresh green plants in terracotta pots…

In Spain, we see more Moroccan and Islamic influences. Consider having some open shelves to display accessories.

Martha O’Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Spacecrafting, Photography | JPC Custom Homes, Builder

Martha O’Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Spacecrafting, Photography | JPC Custom Homes, Builder

Material Palette – Natural appeal

The material palette consists of natural materials like exposed stone and brick walls. Tuff is the local stone available here. It has a very rustic and natural appeal.

Dark and rich walnut texture, unfinished, reclaimed wood, driftwood, etc. add a slow living vibe.

Rich Venetian plaster on walls adds a visual depth and a sense of movement by virtue of its layered character. Stucco textures impart a rough, rugged, and sandy feel to the walls. The random and wavy, stone-like look provides an aged personality to the surfaces.

Reflective white limewash exteriors are perfect to cool off warm weather. Also, it is visually clean, cool, and relaxing. Limewash also has anti-bacterial properties.

Flooring is generally wooden or terracotta tiles. It imparts a pleasant earthy and tactile feel to the spaces.

Metals like wrought iron, copper, bronze, and dull burnished finishes are ideal for the look.

If you love spaces that are reminiscent of seaside living, you are sure to love this style. I hope you get enough inspiration from my blog to go the Mediterranean way.

Also Read:

Wabi-Sabi style interior design- how to get the look

Bohemian decor style – tips to get the look right

Simply Scandinavian Interiors – how to get the decor style right

Mid-century modern style – How to get the look

Till next time…

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Bohemian decor is inconsiderate of the rules but its warmth and richness just melt your heart and invite you into a world that oozes with personality.

Boho is in trend and no not as a DIY fervor but as a very professional assortment of interior elements. Whether you have traveled the world over or not you can still get this global look right if you follow a few tips. Yes, the style is free-spirited and has no respect for the rules but if you want the jaw-dropping vibe, you need to put in that extra effort.

Personally, I am not a big fan of either maximalism or minimalism, as far as interior styling is concerned. I prefer the middle path. If not done right Boho can infuse a sense of clutter and confusion into a space. It is the right balance that fills your space with this warm and inviting style.

For those of you who don’t know anything about Bohemian decor, I am giving a brief introduction first.

The word Boho comes from Bohemian which refers to the gypsies. They are believed to have originated from Bohemia in central Europe. Gypsies are typical of unconventional, nomadic, and artistic lifestyles. The style belongs to the 1970s.

As the name suggests Boho interior styling is all about being creative in an unconventional way. It is a pure reflection of your personality. Your likes and dislikes in a very bold and pompous manner.

Bohemian decor Style has:

Rich colors and patterns

Since this eclectic style is more of an artistic expression, it is bound to be rich in colors and patterns.

You can mix any kind of pattern especially suzani, ikat, tribal, kilim, Moroccan, Indian, Persian, oriental, animal prints, etc given their bold artistic motifs and forms, in rich jewel tones. Patterns are simply mixed together without matching or coordinating. Idea is to create a global, well-traveled vibe.

You see patterns everywhere – throw pillows, upholstery, rugs, drapes, throws, tiles, etc. You can add contrast with bold geometric patterns.

Classic Boho decor style uses vivid and rich colors like purple and gold, red and green, turquoise, and mustard.

Neutral Boho Chic is a more modernized version of this style. Here, the base is of warm neutrals like cream, beige, vanilla, and other earthen tones. Then you can play with various textures and patterns to add visual interest.

plentiful in textures

Bohemian decor shouts out the textures. It shows off the tactile look through natural rugs, knitted throws, cane accessories, plants, and planters, exposed brick walls, macrame wall hangings, or plant holders, woven pillows, baskets, and anything else that you can think of.

These natural and woven materials and textures like sisal, jute, wicker, burlap, linen, cotton, natural wood, add depth, warmth, and a handmade appeal to the interior spaces. They can be contrasted with leather, velvet, silk, sheepskin, wool, etc. The intention is to enhance the demonstrative appeal of this style.

rugs in layers

Rugs don’t just impart pattern and color but also infuse a space with that much-needed warmth. Textured rugs underneath our feet invite us to step and feel the weave.

Layering rugs with a plain jute rug as a base adds another dimension to the room. The rug on top can be something bold in terms of pattern and color.

casual and relaxed feel

Bohemian decor is all about creating a casual, laid-back space that looks lived in and approachable. A place to hang out and chit-chat with your friends, over a cup of coffee. Informal, cozy, and warm.

Just add elements like low seating, floor pillows, Morrocan leather poufs, ottomans, knitted throws to get the signature free and easy feel in a Boho decor space. Also, paintings and mirrors leaning against the wall, piles of books lying on the floor are just a few ways for a relaxed feel.

An armchair with a footstool, to fill up a corner, next to a window with some books casually lying on the floor…

vintage pieces

The idea here is to use what you have. it could be an inherited furniture piece, something you purchased on one of your vacations, or some flea market purchase. Just refurbish and it is good to go. Mid-century pieces also do very well in this style.

The furniture pieces do not need to match with each other or belong to a specific style. A collected and evolved look rather than a curated one is what defines this style. Whatever gives a sense of belonging and personality is good enough to be incorporated here.

What we want is an easy-going, homey feel. The more worn out and rough the corners are, the better it is. Don’t aim for perfection. Something in a bold vivid color also looks spectacular and quirky. Furniture styles that contrast with each other add the unconventional touch here.

lots of plants

Perhaps the free-flowing organic nature of plants resonates so well with this style. The free-spirited, wild jungle feel gives a sense of adventure to the indoors.

The opposite can also create an environment just as magical. That is taking indoors out. Casual seating with linen curtains, fairy lights, and lanterns set in the outdoor landscape can feel so romantic.

The plants that go well are the ones with bold, sculptural, tropical foliage and form like monstera, cacti, fiddle fig, vines, etc.

Place plants creatively around the space, at various levels to allow the movement of the eyes.

rattan and wicker

Rattan and wicker items remind us of the 1970s. The natural woven forms fill the space with both a casual and natural vibe. And that is why they gel so well with this design style.

This furniture and accessories are very textural and the light natural color works well with the Bohemian decor style. The beautiful patterns create an organic and cozy look.

varied light sources

Lighting is a very important aspect of interior design. If you want to know more about interior lighting, click here.

A boho setup aims for a romantic, warm, cozy ambiance by using different light sources like lamps, fairy lights, woven pendants, Moroccan lanterns, even scented candles.

Wicker pendants are also very popular these days.

artsy touch

After all the style is inspired by the Bohemians therefore art has to speak through each element of the space.

Gallery walls work very well when they have an eclectic composition. Anything that confers a well-traveled feel, with a story to tell, works well here. To learn more on gallery walls, click here.

Even baskets displayed on walls look stunning. The idea is to do something unconventional.

What about a combination of all…..

Funky macrame wall hangings, tassel strings, tapestry on walls, granting a handmade and personal feel, all look at home here.

fragrance

Nothing defines personal more than the fragrances we choose and like. In India camphor is a very popular ingredient and is burnt not only for religious significance but also for its medicinal value.

Whatever you like, go for something natural and subtle rather than artificial cocktails of scents.

We identify ourselves with that peculiar smell of our homes that belongs only to us.

But how to handle a style that is so eclectic and vague in its appearance. Fret not for here are a few guidelines and ideas to consider before you go Boho. Do not forget our intention is to make it look unintentional and evolved space.

• Follow a clear color scheme

• Give eyes place to rest

• Incorporate something unique and quirky

• Mix patterns thoughtfully

• Go neutral boho chic for a calmer look

The style is clearly not for someone who aims for a spotless, manicured type of space. Who likes things to be very formal and organized following rules, matching elements. The design language of this style is straight from the heart and believes not to care what others think or the rules say.

You will love this style if you like casual, laid-back vibes in a space. things are not perfect but they exude a sense of warmth and personality. Ther is an artistic flair that belongs to the owner.

The style reminds me of our mothers knitting crochet table cloths and putting them everywhere. Also money plants in spare glass bottles used to adorn the dining tabletops. Well, what matters is the spirit and a home is a place that must reflect you as a person, whatever the style is.

I hope my post awakens the Boho in you and sets your spirits high!!

Till next time

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Picking the right paint color for your home can be an overwhelming experience, especially for the homeowners who work without any professional help. I am starting a new series on paint colors where I shall be giving tips for selecting the right paint color for homes.

Colors are all around us yet when it comes to picking one for our homes it becomes an exhaustive task in itself. There are so many options to choose from and finally, when it is applied on the walls, it looks either too dark or too light. Sometimes we even feel that it is something we never selected!

It is inconceivable to live without colors. Color is the most powerful element of the design process. Colors can make or break any design. What we need for a successful design is the right mix of the right colors. Visualizing a color palette is like making a delicious dish with just the right proportions and mix of ingredients. 

Here are some tricks and tips which you can follow to pick the right paint color for your homes. So next time you have a paint job at your home, feel more confident after grasping these easy guidelines.

#1. Pick a whole house paint color scheme

Always view space as a whole. Especially if you have an open house plan, where one space leads to another and there is a visual connection between them. Figure out all possible sightlines. The colors of one area must work harmoniously with the next area. They must have some commonality. E.g. We can use gradations of the same color. The rooms or areas should appear to flow from one to another. The transition from one area to another should not appear disjointed or drastically different. This also holds for a layout with separate rooms. The variations should provide a sense of belonging together.

#2. Work with a mood board and base it on an inspiration

Colors in any space are not defined by only the wall colors. Although walls contribute to the major part of your color story, they form the backdrop for other decor items. When we select a color palette we must have a cohesive approach. We can coordinate all the colors together by working on a mood board. This is a very helpful tool to understand beforehand, with the help of swatches, how colors of all the components of interior space will work together. As a starting point, you can draw inspiration from a piece of art, a fine painting, a piece of your favorite fabric, or even flowers. Start with an inspiration and then build your own color story over it.

#3. Consider orientation and lighting to select the paint color

It is fascinating to note how light changes the way colors behave. Check the light entering the space.

A north-facing room gets diffused light with no direct and harsh exposure to the sun. The light here remains uniform throughout the day and has a blue hue in it. The light from the north is cooler and therefore enhances the cool colors ( blue, green, purple). So here we should keep the paint colors on the warm side.

A south-facing room receives more intense sunlight which changes in its character throughout the day. It is preferable to go for colors that are cooler or have cool undertones. As thumb-rule warm colors are more suitable for north and cool colors would complement the south orientation.

In rooms with eastern or western exposure, the light quality changes throughout the day. Paint color choice would depend on the part of the day the room is to be used. Neutrals are a good choice for such rooms. Also in rooms with mixed exposures like north-east, south-west, etc. we need to have a  combined approach.

Another important consideration is the interior lighting i.e. the artificial lighting. Again a warm light would make a paint color appear warmer whereas a cool light would make it appear cooler. So choose colors accordingly. A daylight fixture is fairly neutral and illuminates the colors without changing their character considerably. But at times we do need warm lights to create a more cozy and intimate ambiance. There keep your wall paint colors on the cooler side.

#4. Follow the 60: 30: 10 rule

As a rule of thumb, the dominant color in any interior space is kept to about 60%. The secondary color is generally kept to about 30% and the accent color is about 10% of the total scheme. This is a broad thumb rule that you can follow to get a well-composed theme. This keeps the colors in a pleasing proportion.

#5. Use the color wheel to select the paint color

The color wheel is a time tested tool used by designers. There are a set of primary colors, secondary colors, and tertiary colors. It is a useful tool to understand the basics of color theory. There are a set of warm colors and another of cool colors. It gives us an understanding of how colors relate to one another and how to pair them effectively. Colors do not work in isolation and are very interactive by nature. How they appear with one color is completely different from another one. We have some standard color schemes that we can follow –

Complementary color scheme – These are the colors on opposite sides of a color wheel. As the name suggests they complement each other and enhance each other. There is high color contrast being at two opposite ends.

Analogous color scheme – These are the neighbors on a color wheel. They help create a more subtle color scheme since the shift in colors is not so jarring.

Split complementary color scheme –  These include the base color and two opposite colors next to its complementary color. Again it gives a strong visual contrast.

Triad color scheme – These are the colors that are evenly spaced on a color wheel.

Monochromatic color scheme – These include all the shades, tints, and tones of a single color.

#6. Detect the undertones in paint color

Paint colors have undertones i.e. colors that are behind the scene. You must have observed some greys appear green while others appear purple or blueish. This is due to the small doses of underlying colors sneaking out from behind. Few ways to detect the undertone are :

Compare the color with its true or pure color.

Set it on a white background to compare it with true white.

Look at the bottom-most darkest color on the paint swatch strip, which gives a clue to the color undertone.

Compare the color with a complementary color.

#7. Go for test sampling of the paint color

Get the selected paint color sampled at the site. A 2′ x 2′ sample is good enough to give you an idea of the shade you have selected. Also, sampling should be done on walls with different light conditions.

Another important point to note is that within a room a color appears different as per its placement i.e. vertical or horizontal. Even on two adjacent walls, the same color looks different. It looks different on the ceiling. So it all depends on how much light is falling on each surface. Before finalizing a color always check the test sample at the site on all possible surfaces. You get to know how color behaves in changing light conditions of the room.

#8. Pick the right finish or sheen of the paint color

It is very important to select the right paint finish for various applications. An inappropriate paint finish can ruin the look of your interiors. Also, the paint finishes we select would depend on the area and purpose of their application.

As a thumb rule, we use:

Matt finish for the ceilings to hide any imperfections. Flat or matt paints absorb light and hence hide all the undulations and imperfections. They are difficult to clean though.

Satin finish has a medium sheen and is slightly more reflective. It is easier to clean and more durable. This finish is a good option for walls of moderate to high traffic areas. 

Semi-gloss for high traffic areas and humid areas like kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, and utility areas. We can go for semi-gloss for accent walls that make a statement or are the focal points, kids’ rooms, etc. Easy to clean, durable but shows imperfections.

High Gloss is to be used cautiously as it reflects a lot of light and reveals it all. It is a good option for glossy tabletops and some exterior applications.

#9. Keep that wood color in mind

Always coordinate your scheme with the wood color of your interiors. Wood by its inherent nature is warm. The undertones of wood generally range from yellow, orange, red to brown. Wood must be considered as a color in the interiors. Now, we need to decide whether we want to accentuate the wood or blend and merge it with the interiors. Your choice of wall colors will make all the difference.

contrast with color

Warm colors would blend the wood, being neighbors on the color wheel. At the same time, they play up and bring out the warm tones of the wood.

Cool colors on the other hand would accentuate the wood, being opposites or complimentary on the color wheel. They also balance the warmth of the wood.

Neutrals like white, beige, and cream complement the wood tones. They work as neutralizers and work well with all the tones of wood. The space looks light and modern. We can always add color through accessories and accents. But we have those hidden undertones in the neutrals as well. So we have to be careful before choosing a neutral.  

Cooler colors and undertones are preferred for pairing with wood tones since warm colors may play up the warmth a bit too much. The human brain always responds much better to a balanced environment. Even while choosing the warm colors being on the lighter side helps keep things in check. Stick to the top 2 shades on the paint card. This keeps the space light, fresh, and bright.

Natural, organic, and muted shades of blue and green work well with most wood colors. Very bright and warm colors are difficult to handle.

contrast with intensity

Also, to blend a dark wood tone and keep it subtle, go for a dark wall color. But ensure there is sufficient light in the space. To blend a lighter wood tone go for the lighter wall color. Here we need to keep the color intensity as equal. To accentuate a dark wood tone we use high contrast and therefore need a lighter wall color. Whereas to accentuate a lighter wood tone we need a darker wall color. We should aim at keeping the difference in the color intensity to about 3 times for the wood to stand out.

#10. Examine the paint color psychology

The color choices we make greatly depend on the style we are portraying and also the mood we are trying to create. Also, there are choices of colors as per Vastu shastra.

a. Pick paint color as per the style

Every style that we follow in interiors has some color palettes that suit and befit it more than any other. Therefore when selecting a color keep in mind the style that you are projecting. E.g. a minimalistic or contemporary style would feature more of greys, whites, and blacks. Whereas a traditional style would get enhanced with a warmer color palette like beiges, creams, oranges.

b. Pick paint color as per the mood

Color psychology is a science in itself. Each color evokes a particular mood or emotion. Certain colors are more calming like blues and greens while others are more energetic and stimulating like reds and yellows. So choose colors as per the activity or mood required for a particular area.

c. Pick paint color as per Vastu shastra

The ancient Hindu science of Vastu Shastra recommends certain colors that are more suitable for a particular direction. If you believe in Vastu shastra then you can follow these recommendations as well. I have written a post on Vastu shastra. Please click here to read the full article.

I have shared in this post some easy to follow, broad guidelines for color selection. These are like a few jumping-off points to assist you to develop a color scheme on your own. As we go along I shall be posting more to elaborate on each point. But ultimately you have to follow your gut feeling and select what you love. So go ahead and enjoy the process of color selection and come up with a spectacular one!

If you enjoyed reading, please share this post with your friends and do share your thoughts in the comments section below. I would love to get your feedback!

happy painting!

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“Vruksho    rakshati    rakshitah”

Let us protect trees that protect us.

They definitely add much needed warmth to make a space feel more inviting and intimate.Relaxing to the eyes, vegetation is the stress buster that adds tranquil, organic and natural feel. Some plants have aromatherapy benefits as well. 

In today’s age when our urban houses are both, shrinking in size as well as moving farther from the ground, a dose of greenery helps keeping indoors connected to the outdoors. When everybody is going crazy over everything organic, from food to clothes to even pencils, plants are the real things and most obvious choice indeed to create a grounded and green indoor space.

As Hindus, we all know how revered trees are in our culture and belief system. Many trees and plants are of special and auspicious significance in Hindu mythology. Different trees are associated with different deities and are worshiped to appease them. Ayurveda indeed holds the key to the medicinal properties of plants.

As design elements plants are very versatile and offer the flexibility to work with a wide range, waiting to be explored and infused into our design stories.

1.  ADD INDOOR PLANTS FOR TEXTURE,

COLOR AND PATTERN

Plants are a very handy and relatively effortless way to add color, texture and pattern into our design schemes. There is an interesting spectrum of foliage in terms of shape, form and scale. And of course nature is the best at composing flawless color schemes worth getting inspired from.

2.  FILL UP EMPTY CORNERS WITH HOUSEPLANTS

Plants fill up the empty corners and instantly uplift them with their wild, sculptural silhouettes. Spaces which need no extra furniture but are either vast or spare and hence feel cold and frigid, are perfect spots to add a bit of foliage.

3. GO VERTICAL WITH GREENS

Vertically laid out plants transform a dead and star wall into a living wall. Wherever there is a challenge of modest floor space, this is a judicious solution to have some green around.

4. ADD PLANT SCREENS

Plants form wonderful screens and dividers without adding much weight. A relatively easy and airy way to define spaces.

5. INDOOR PLANTS SOFTEN THE EDGES

Plants soften the edges of rectilinear forms and give a biotic touch to our man made spaces. They add a nice contrast especially to industrial or minimalist style of interiors.

6. PLANTS DEFINE FOCAL POINTS

Plant vignettes serve as focal points in a space, grounding it in a manner which is easy on eyes and doesn’t feel fabricated or faux. Rather it feels real, authentic and inexpensive. Assorted with other elements or accessories they add a delightful diversity to the whole composition.

7.  PLANTS ARE NATURE’S AIR PURIFIERS

Plants are of course the best air purifiers provided by nature. Certain plants are especially appropriate for the purpose. Lush greens mitigate stress and infuse a sense of good health and well being.

8. INDOOR PLANTS SET UP THE STYLE

Plants help accentuate the style of a space. Certain plants are more fitting for a particular style than others. Choice of pots and other plant accessories also help enhancing and outlining the style of any space.

Create a verdant atmosphere at your home with indoor plants. It is visually pleasing and soothing for your eyes. Hope this blog encourages you to take a step towards creating a tropical sanctuary with a feeling of wholesomeness. A budget friendly way to infuse zen like ambiance with restful and relaxing vibes.

HAPPY PLANTING !

The post 8 REASONS TO Get INDOOR PLANTS appeared first on INTERIOR DESIGN BLOG.

If done properly, decorating with mirrors is definitely one of those magic tools which designers use to create captivating and charming spaces. Let us explore some spaces and try to figure out how.

mirrors do not lie!  

There is this popular saying – mirrors don’t lie. But it doesn’t hold ground in the world of interior design. On the contrary, mirrors are the biggest tricksters in this sphere of deception. If used at right place, they create an illusion of space and a sense of openness. They possess this reflective quality which bounces light around, increasing the brightness quotient of a space. Mirrors instantly uplift a space and take it to a domain that feels more airy and light. Mirrors can help add depth and dimension to monotonous spaces. They reflect the colors, art, textures in a space.They add a hint of glamour to an otherwise bland and dull space and do much more.

The dark gray color palette of this living room is sufficiently balanced by the ample natural light from a sizable window. The light and view is further enhanced by the elongated mirror on the wall.

Mirrors like other elements can play a vital role in establishing the style of a space with their profile and style. And they do so without adding much visual weight. They can range from very detailed, traditional and intricate, as in picture above or very sleek and contemporary.

The black lines in this space form a sophisticated, graphical look. The round edges of the mirror offsets and softens the straight rectilinear forms.

Mirrors form showy backdrops for artifacts and accessories. Enhancing the rich artistic flavor by reflecting those beautiful forms, textures and colors.

Mirrors enhance this layered vignettes.

Mirrors are fitting elements to juxtapose on expanses of patterns, textures and colors on walls to take the edge off them. Here a mirror with intricate frame holds back a venation of the stone.

A deep color and mirror playing together give a more restrained accent wall.

Decorating with mirrors is a great way to define a focal point in any space. In this living room the eye is automatically drawn to the mantle wall even though its in a neutral white.

Another intrinsic characteristic of mirror is that it contrasts well with most of the other materials. It has a very machine made, reflective, polished feel to it. See how it adds a contrast to the hand laid, earthen feel of the exposed brick wall and uplifts it to another level. The warm tones of the frame bridge the two elements.

Mirrors are perfect additions for blank spaces like entryways, hallways, corridors. Spaces which are otherwise left out or ignored while designing the whole house. They can be beautifully composed with a console or credenza, planters, seating etc.

An example of a well composed seating in a connecting corridor here.

Mirrors add the hint of glamour and drama to a space making it luxe. The dark and moody bathroom gets the right dose of sophistication by this back lit framed mirror.

Mirrors expand a space visually by dissolving those boundaries and creating an illusion of space.

Mirrors can look beautiful in outdoor or semi-outdoor spaces. They reflect the plants and other outdoor feature from various angles and merge so well with the landscape. if you want to know more about how to style with plants in interiors, click here.

A mirror gallery wall is another great way to add these jewels into interiors. Mixing frames of different styles, colors or having all the frames in same color and style, either way they add so much interest and character to any space. They are especially appealing on a dark, moody background.

Mirrors form a nice artwork on this wall with frames of similar shapes and forms. Abstract forms create interest in the whole composition.

Mirror finish furniture is another way to add some sparkle and glitz to the interiors. But restrict to one or two pieces only.

There are many ways of decorating with mirrors – as an accessory or a piece of wall art or as a finish on walls, shutters, ceilings etc. But be mindful of the multiple reflections they can create, if not implemented properly, which is not easy on our eyes. Also be watchful of the views mirrors would reflect from their installed position. Our intention is not to magnify something unpleasant or unsightly. Full height cladding of mirror can sometimes look like a salon, which is not desirable. It instantly reminds me of the last fight scene between Lee and Han in classic movie – Enter the dragon.

Hope these tips serve a helpful guide in including these show stoppers in your spaces.

Happy Decorating with mirrors!

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WHY  YELLOW?

Many people shy away from this bold sunshine yellow color but if incorporated thoughtfully it can bring so much cheer and vibrancy to a lackluster space. There is always an option of those mellower shades of yellow which are soothing and relaxing for those who don’t prefer bold colors. But this zingy hue is so much more fun to have around us in its more saturated and brighter appearance. It has this inherent ability to spread joy, energy and brightness. With this color around us it always feels like having some sunshine around.

Sun is the ultimate representation of this color. Sunshine yellow signifies energy, optimism, vitality, self confidence. Lemons, mangoes, sunflowers,straw, honey,saffron,turmeric – all connote the variations of this hue in nature. A little sunshine brightens and enlivens darkest of corners. It adds that dash of cheerfulness and optimism, brightening up our interiors.

Yellow is the color of rejuvenation and renewal. Turmeric is of great significance in Ayurveda and Hindu traditions and rituals. The golden spice possesses healing and purifying properties. Its used as an offering in worship rituals.

Brighter and bolder versions, of course, are the best to add that zing and pop of color.The hue ranges from being very pale and mellow to lemony and bright and saturated to a more muted mustard and ochre. It works well with any color and style. Works effortlessly with cool colors (green, blue,purple) or warm colors (orange) or neutrals (white, gray).

The lemony hue refreshes and uplifts our moods like no other color. Having a little goes a long way. There are so many ways to incorporate it into our insipid spaces. Sunshine yellow so warm and inviting, best suitable for social, engaging spaces.

Bold and bright yellow has this attitude and confidence to stand on its own alone and grab all the attention.

Art is the most beautiful form of expressing a color in your decor. What else can one ask for when art itself is the focal point and draws the eye in a space. Yellow, teal and burnt orange form a primary color scheme here.

This statement piece of furniture looks so inviting and warm in this otherwise neutral space. Lots of white and natural light freshen up the look. The yellow picks off the honey toned wood in the room.

What about a reading nook to curl on, in this zingy color. This yellow with green undertones is enhancing the sunlight entering in this room. It contrasts well with the black of console, lamp and art.

A clever way to add any bold color, without committing too much, is to play with accessories.We can always swap them later with another color of our choice.

The ocher shade of this accent chair adds the right amount of warmth and sophistication to the grayed background of this space. It adds warmth to the stark white and moody gray color palette.

Doesn’t this vase full of flowers feel like a lit up lamp. Its adding that much needed dash of sparkle and organic feel to this neutral palette .

Yellow is a natural choice for kitchens. It warms up not just traditional but contemporary kitchens as well. The accent wall adds the warm and whimsical color to the neutral color palette. Black stools and floating white shelves contrast well against this bright sunshine hue.

Gray always gets a new lease of life on pairing with yellow. The cool color is nicely balanced by the warm yellow hue in this contemporary bedroom.

For those who prefer paler mellower yellows. This is almost like a soft neutral. Paler versions work well in traditional spaces. Its a soothing and serene palette to relax in a bedroom.

Cheery yellow is an apt choice for kids’ spaces as its gender neutral and also so invigorating for the little ones. Colors always help stimulate their creative abilities.

Notice how yellow is making the frames of these pictures pop on these soft pink walls. Pink and yellow are like natural allies. They always work well together.

Yellow and blue is a classic color combination which can never go wrong. Its is especially appealing when combined with sophisticated navy. It gives the much needed maturity to the vibrant yellow.

Yellow is a nice color choice for exteriors as well. The earthen tone of yellow blends well with the surroundings and is so warm and inviting. Stark white window surrounds provide the contrast. This Spanish style of architecture combines red clay roof tiles, ocher paint finish, wrought iron railings and white bands in an appealing and pleasing manner.

Hope this inspires you to consider this cozy, vibrant and versatile hue in your deco

Happy decorating with sunshine yellow!

The post HOW TO design WITH SUNSHINE YELLOW appeared first on INTERIOR DESIGN BLOG.

Work from home is the new normal. It is the order of the day. Many companies across the globe have asked their employees to work from home. In such a sudden shift of events, everyone is grappling to come to terms with this new idea. Working styles are changing and people are adjusting fast to the new need world over. And this shift in our lifestyle seems to be long term and is here to stay.

But how best can we weave our own little work cocoon which helps us enhance our performance without feeling homely. Relaxed and comfortable enough but not inducing complacency. A well-equipped domain which inspires us to look beyond these times and instills much-needed hope and optimism in us. I am listing here seven broad markers which if incorporated into in-home office interiors can help create an ambiance that is conducive for work.

Though work from home has its share of cons there are pros which are worth considering. I have always felt that it helps increase our productivity due to the flexibility it offers in terms of working hours. You have more work hours at your disposal that too as per your convenient time slots. Its much more efficient as the time lost in travel is saved along with the harassment of traffic jams. One is in better control of both home and office affairs. It is economical for self-employed professionals as many resources get shared. And of course, the best quality home-cooked food and snacks that you get in between is the bonus.

1. LIGHTING

If you are fortunate to have natural light then make maximum out of it. Otherwise, arrange for an apt amount of ambient and task lights by carefully planned downlighters in the ceiling. Good lighting always energizes us and keeps a home office from feeling gloomy. Don’t forget to add some accent lights like a pendant or a lamp, which enhances a space even when they are off.

Especially in a profession like ours where a lot of color matching and sampling is required ample light is a must.

2. SEGREGATION

Select a well-defined area for your home office setup. Make sure it is clearly demarcated from the rest of the house. Choose the size of the area as per your requirements. But go for a separate, spare room or some basement area or a room on a separate floor if possible. If that is not possible then put up some kind of a partition in the area you want to use.

The boundary between your personal and professional domain must not be blurry.

3.ERGONOMICS

An ergonomically designed chair where you can work for long hours is highly recommended. There are many brands available to choose from. These chairs are height adjustable and provide lumbar support, arm support, and back support. Long working hours should not be tiring.

Do check on the height of your workstation with respect to your chair height. The standard height for a workstation is 750 mm or 2′-6″.

Apart from this add some casual seating, maybe in a bold color, for small breaks and some informal conversations over a cup of coffee.

4. TECHNOLOGY

Make your office space tech-savvy. An efficient office automation system can be installed to create a smart office that uses internet-enabled gadgets to create an environment that is secure, comfortable, and energy-efficient. Make a list of what all would be required for you to be well equipped. Smart T.V. for video conferences and presentations, smart LED lights with sensors, security devices, speakers, air purifiers, LAN, hi-speed internet connection, interconnected PCs, printers, etc. What all and how much you need really depends on your professional requirements and your commitment to space but a small investment definitely goes a long way.

5. BOOKS

Display your proud possession in your office. No matter how many books and another material is now available online but nothing like the pleasure of holding and feeling a book in your hands. Books not only add character to a space they are a good way of adding some color and texture. Display them in horizontal and vertical stacks to add some interest.

6.PERSONALIZE

Add some personality to space where you can feel most comfortable. It must have a stamp of you as an individual, reflecting your tastes and choices. Maybe your favorite color or the favorite painting. Paintings also add a lot of color and expression to any space. A painting that has been your company through your journey in time, or a newly acquired piece of art bursting colors, or maybe something like line sketches.

7.INSPIRATIONal AND GREEN

Something Inspiring: Don’t forget to add something that inspires you through the day. Maybe an inspirational quote or maybe a picture reminding you of divine presence.

Greenery always adds life and soul to your space. Consider low maintenance indoor plants like ZZ plant, snake plant, areca palm, etc They relaxing and aesthetic. Add some serenity to space. Plants have air purification quality too. If you want to know more about plant styling tips, click here.

PLANTS MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY

Many self-employed people have always preferred to work from home and with the current situation, the shift towards working from home concept is going to increase. I think if we make this shift in a well-planned and thoughtful manner it is going to be a much more enjoyable experience. Who knows maybe it proves to be a blessing in disguise!

Stay safe ! Stay Home ! and Work from Home !

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`Pantone’ as every year announced the color of the year 2020- Classic Blue 19-4052. Now for those of you who don’t know about Pantone. Well its the standardized color matching system and is hence a standard language of color communication for designers, manufacturers, retailers etc. The company announces annual color to forecast the color trends after understanding how societal changes influence our color selection. To know more about Pantone click here.

Now coming to the color, Pantone Classic blue 19-4052.

As the name suggests, it is a very traditional, deep, fairly saturated blue hue. It has no undertones. The LRV (Light reflective value) is very low.

The hue can be said to be very close to cobalt blue and royal blue. Its definitely not close to navy which is darker in shade and not Indigo either which has very strong purple undertones. It can be easily confused with all its sibling hues though.

The depth of this blue is relatable to the sky at dusk. Time when the skies are preparing to retire into the deep dark night. We look forward to the restful, peaceful time ahead. We are visually more connected and aligned to the restful, cooling celestial bodies above.

All of us are so accustomed to the color blue. It is everywhere around us in abundance. Mother earth is also known as the blue planet. Its the color of nurturing, refreshing waters and expansive, limitless skies. But there is another side of blue which is icy, cold and gloomy. Remember blue color is related to poison as well. Lord Neelkantha is another name of Lord Shiva. As per Hindu mythology, he drank the poison that came out of churning of the ocean. As a result his neck turned blue but he saved the mankind. I would not recommend overdose of blue.

Shiva, The Lord with Blue Neck – Neelkantha.

This particular hue is not evoking those sentiments though. A very grounded and stable color of the spectrum. It is timeless and gender neutral. The hue has something deep and mystical about it. But its not moody or exotic. Its quite relatable and livable.

Most of my clients have preferred blue color over others and are most comfortable or agreeable over it. It is one color where there is least amount of difference of opinion. Most people like the entire spectrum of blue. It almost feels as a neutral. I have always enjoyed working with this palette . Almost every other color works out well with it effortlessly. So the color blue gives no design blues!

Coming back to Classic Blue, I feel it is quite versatile. On one hand it reminds me of the pair of jeans paired with a crisp linen shirt. Its casual and relaxed.

On other hand it reminds of my school uniform or any uniform in general. So it is also a very formal or corporate color. Most of the logos you see around you are blue- facebook, amazon, even wordpress. So its a very business like, official color for me.

The hue strongly reminds me of the ethnic `Ikat’ patterns. The deep traditional patterns which use a lot of blue. I like the wallpapers or fabrics in these patterns. They have a very blurry, earthen, traditional feel to them.Talking about patterns it also reminds of chinoiserie – vivid blue patterns on ceramics. Blue subway backsplash is another thing i can instantly visualize on seeing the color. Also a faded oriental rug with touches of complementary burnt orange.

Chinoiserie

There are innumerable ways to add this hue to your decor. The color is visually heavy, a little dose would be enough to render a space. Add it as an accent against a neutral background. Or If you are bold enough then treat it as a neutral and make another color pop against the backdrop.

A few pictures where the hue has been used in different manners and proportions are shown below. If you don’t want to commit too much to the color just go ahead and add a few throw pillows, a rug, shades,accessories…

or just go ahead and add an accent – a door, a sofa or kitchen cabinets…

or a painting, wallpaper, rug…

If you really like the hue maybe then take a plunge and go all out…

How much and where you want to commit to the color is totally your choice.Go ahead and add it to your decor and share a pic maybe. Hope this post inspires you to do so.

HAPPY DECORATING!

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