God is in Details
This famous quote by Mies Van de Rohe stands by the design principles that true design sensibilities are discovered only when there is attention to detail. Small elements to a larger design can further enhance the holistic visual appearance and also improve functionality.
In the given image, the small lamp close to the bed is in the shape of a sea shell, this side lamp is made in consideration of the translucent quality of the shell. The lamp supports are added in a way that adds to its function as a lamp. Such tiny attention to detail in projects can speak thousands of words at once.
Sustainability is a need, not a choice.
Everyone is particular when it comes to the layout, colour coordination, and presence of design elements in an interior design project because they visually affect our experience inside a space. At the same time, it is very important to understand the material production, and the components of a material to understand its life and its effect on our lives.
Every material that makes up our space starting from plaster and paint that cover our walls, furniture that adds to the functionality and design of our interiors each element needs to be thoroughly examined before it occupies a space. This helps us make not only sustainable design choices but also choose materials that take care of our health.
Wiser material options include :
- Airlite : The paint is completely sustainable, being 100% made of minerals and ships in powder form, with no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). When on-site, water can be added and then the paint is ready to be applied.
- Malai : A biocomposite obtained from organic and bacterial cellulose sourced from agricultural waste in the coconut industry in Southern India. Malai can be produced with varying thicknesses and is even shaped into 3D objects through a moulding process. It is flexible and depending on the use can be a substitute for leather or paper.
- Foresso : Foresso uses of timber offcuts and leftovers, and mixed planning wastes that are the ones giving the final terrazzo look to the finished material.The material is finished with mineral powders to give durability and a matte finish to the surface, and natural oils and waxes to make it safe for use in contact with food, such as tables and worktops.
Less is More.
This famous quote by Ar. Ludwig Mies Van De Rohe, tells us that when the number of design objects and elements in a space is restricted to a certain number, each of them gets a unique place in the setting. This in turn allows them to tell a story of their own to the spectator making their presence alive in a space.
When aiming for a luxury experience, it is important to select a few statement pieces in a space that can narrate a harmonious and continuous story for the user of the space to appreciate. This also allows the eye to look and notice smaller details. A clean and clutter-free space keeps the mind stable and focused. This style of design can bring significant changes to the daily functioning of the body and the mind.
Handmade is conversational.
India’s rich culture holds a massive craft heritage that we owe our pride to. The crafts continuously add to a part of our identity, livelihood and culture. Each piece of handmade art, tells a new story every time and leads to conversations.
However, with the current growing technology and modern inventions, the very art of craftsmanship has dwindled. Slow workmanship is taken over by machinery, replacing humans. However, the artworks created by craftsmen are individualistic and can never be replicated by machinery.
This makes each piece of craftsmanship, a piece of art which will only be unique to one. This uniqueness makes handmade works of art- an exclusive and interesting element to interior design projects.
Jaya Jaitly, who is a politician and Indian handicrafts curator in India, says, “Since the inception of Indian civilization, the pinnacle of crafts had started—superior techniques, natural materials, impeccable craftsmanship and unmissable applications. Today, it is important to focus on sustainability, upliftment and progress of artisans as well as their skills. This will make Indian crafts sustain and foster over time. The future, not only for crafts, but also for design should not be an afterthought, but a part of its DNA.
Colours speak all languages.
Colour schemes for each area of an interior design project form an important contributing factor to the overall design. Colours can change how a person feels inside a space. Along with this, colours can also be used to create illusions of different spaces. Colours designated to different areas of a space like walls, ceiling, and flooring can make an area look bigger or intimate, royal and composed or free-spirited and bohemian.
An Interior Designer at Abstract House, England talks about the idea of Colour Drenching to give a luxurious look to a space.
“Colour drenching is a current contemporary trend especially popular with those who enjoy rich jewel tones, colour drenching involves painting your walls a darker and moodier shade – think deeper blues, greens and purples. When it comes to creating a luxurious space that still feels like home, colour drenching is a great way to do this easily. Rather than leaving window frames and skirting boards a neutral shade, colour drenching encourages these to be painted the same colour as your walls, turning your living room into an elegant and aesthetic space. It is an excellent way to make larger living rooms feel a little cosier and can be complemented with matching accessories or flourishes of gold and silver.”
Retracing History
Being able to acquire long-lost crafts and design elements made from materials created with long-lost techniques can be another way to add exclusivity to one’s space. Artefacts belonging to previous generations have a great design sensibility and skill which can be difficult to find today. This difficulty to acquire historical gems can itself be a way to add charm, status and warmth to the house.
Moreover, when we use vintage objects, artefacts or even structural materials we choose to lessen our usage of current resources. This in turn uses lesser energy and as a result, becomes a sustainable choice. One also gets the opportunity to educate themselves and learn from India’s heritage and craftsmanship and develop sensitivity to preserve them.
Nature has a rhythm.
The use of natural materials creates a distinctive rhythm in space. As each natural material is naturally created, it is different from one another. This gives each space to stand out on its own and let the materials tell the story. This story is narrated through combinations of different colours, textures and compositions. This beauty of natural materials can create exclusivity in a space.
Some design materials that can be used to add richness to a space are :
Mineral
The above images are alabaster sculptures of Septimius Severus busto from Rome and a vase from King Tutankhamun treasures in Egypt.
Alabaster : Alabaster is a mineral that has been used for carving into sculptures, statues, interior lamps, vases and design elements for centuries. This craft of using alabaster was used for the royals in European countries, Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and England. The white and transculent nature of alabaster can add neutrality to a space.
Agate : Agate is a mixture of different minerals, including quartz and chalcedony is found in volcanic rocks or lava. It comes in a variety of colours such as white, green, red, black. The Agate’s natural formation is in such a way that gives it natural stripes of colour. This makes this mineral an interesting element to add movement to a space.
Wood
Wood with Live Edges : Reclaimed live edges are pieces of wood that retain the original lines of a tree trunk, usually on one or two of its edges. These live edges are sourced from from popular walnuts to gnarly trees like mesquite. And, depending on its size, it can be used as a table top, headboard or even shelving piece.
Woods like Walnut, Oak, Teak, Mahogany, create a high-end effect on the interiors with their exposed grainy textured pattern and warmth .
Natural Fibres
Use of Natural fibres in interiors can give a rich feeling to the tapestry of interiors. Materials like silk, linen, leather are some indulgent options to try.
Metals
Metals like Gold, Silver can add a glamourising effect to the interiors of the space. Further surface treatments can create different textures and patterns adding to the charm of the interiors.
Metal Patinas : These are oxidised metals are tempered with acids to create an aged effect, then sealed with layers of oil and wax to keep destructive rust from progressing. They give a utilitarian, natural beauty in its worn-in textures.
