What Would Coco Do?

This week the V&A opens its fabulous new exhibition, Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto.

Few would argue that Gabrielle Chanel was a true creative visionary, and in many ways she wrote the rulebook for contemporary style. Thinking of some of her most quoted wisdoms - we can't help but notice how relevant they also are for interiors...

"Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off"

This could absolutely apply to the design of your house itself. Gabrielle Chanel always believed it is better to be underdressed. Accessories are key - but it's easy to overdo it. After you've styled your room, think about removing one display item, and see the difference it makes.

"The best things in life are free. The second best are very expensive."

Again, a timeless truth. Surround yourself with the things you love, and beyond that, with very best you can afford.

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."

Just swap out fashion for design and dresses for rooms and you have our approach in a nutshell. Widen your view: your surroundings don't simply define your tastes, they can be an expression of your whole world.

"Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance."

Similar to that often-repeated phrase from Mies Van Der Rohe ‘Less is more’ – but we much prefer Chanel’s take.

"Fashion changes, but style endures."

When it comes to interiors, the distinction between fashion and style is important. As a design practice we seek to make sustainable choices wherever possible, and that means building in longevity.

Do you agree? Remember if you are searching for the perfect accessories for your space do visit Curio for elegant pieces we think she would approve of.

by Shalini Misra

The Art of Curating A Personal Collection At Home

Every detail counts when it comes to designing a home, and this is especially true of the first thing many people notice when they step inside a house: the art. At Shalini Misra we believe it is the art that gives a space its soul, and for this reason our clients’ art collections are often the focal point of our designs. our aim is to create a space that is not only visually pleasing but also emotionally resonant, and while art curation can greatly enhance a space’s ambiance, truly transforming any interior scheme, but is all too often an afterthought. In this article, we will explore five key aspects of art curation in the home that will bring any space to life.

Entrances: first and last impressions

As they say, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and nowhere is this more true than the entrance to a home. The hallway is an opportunity to set the tone for what lies beyond and should reflect the personality of the space. Consider a bold, eye-catching piece that encapsulates the essence of the interior.

Stairways: embrace vertical space

Stairways often offer unique opportunities for art curation. Vertical wall space can create a captivating visual journey, and a curated collection of framed photographs or paintings ascending along the staircase can tell a story.

Gardens: nature and art

Sculptures, fountains, and outdoor art installations can add delight and intrigue to outdoor space, harmonising with nature, and transforming a garden into a place of both beauty and contemplation.

 

Statement Pieces: less is more

Sometimes, one or two statement pieces can speak volumes. When selecting these pieces, consider the emotional resonance they evoke. A striking contemporary painting, an antique sculpture, or a thought-provoking modern installation can be a conversation starter and a focal point in any room.

The Finishing Touch

Well chosen sculptures and art accessories will add layers of depth and character. Opt for pieces whose stories resonate with you personally as well as considering their fit with the overall design theme. For those seeking to explore curated art options, Shalini Misra’s sister platform, Curio, offers an exceptional array of original works to choose from.

by Shalini Misra

Creating the Perfect Home Gym: 7 Design Tips for a Personal Fitness Haven

Designing a home gym that perfectly suits your needs and aesthetic preferences can greatly enhance your fitness journey. In this blog post, we will explore various design elements that can help you create the ultimate workout space. From choosing more muted colors to incorporating must-have equipment, showcasing the space with glass, utilizing mirrors and metallic finishes, ensuring proper airflow and acoustics, and adding essential amenities like a fridge and stereo, we will cover all the essential aspects of designing a home gym that will inspire and motivate you.

Choosing Muted Colors for a Calming Environment

Unlike commercial gyms with their vibrant and energetic color schemes, a home gym can benefit from a more serene and calming atmosphere. Opting for muted colors such as soft greys, earthy tones, or pastel shades can help create a relaxing ambiance that promotes focus and concentration. These colors also provide a neutral backdrop that allows the focus to remain on your workout equipment and personal achievements.

Views and Wall Finishes for Inspiration

If your home gym lacks a picturesque outdoor view, you can still create an inspiring environment by utilizing interesting wall finishes. Consider landscape-inspired wallpapers, motivational quotes, or even large-scale artwork that resonates with your fitness journey. These design elements can provide visual stimulation and keep you motivated during your workouts.

Must-Have Equipment for an Effective Workout

Selecting the right equipment is crucial for a well-rounded home gym. Focus on incorporating versatile pieces that cater to your fitness goals and preferences. Essential items might include a treadmill or elliptical machine, weight bench, dumbbells or kettlebells, resistance bands, and a stability ball. Investing in quality equipment will ensure a safe and effective workout routine.

Showcasing the Space with Glass

To create a sense of openness and connection to the rest of your home, consider incorporating glass elements into your home gym design. Large windows or glass doors not only bring in natural light but also allow you to showcase your fitness haven from outside the room. This can be particularly beneficial if you have a beautiful backyard or garden that can serve as an additional source of inspiration during workouts.

Utilizing Mirrors and Metallic Finishes

Mirrors play a vital role in any gym, as they provide a visual feedback of your form and technique. Consider installing full-length mirrors strategically to create an illusion of a larger space while also reflecting natural light. Additionally, incorporating metallic finishes on the ceiling can add a touch of luxury and elegance to your home gym, making it feel more like a personal retreat.

by Shalini Misra

Open Concept Kitchen: Creating a Seamless Flow between Cooking and Living Spaces

In recent years, the open concept kitchen has become increasingly popular in interior design. This innovative layout not only maximizes space but also fosters a sense of togetherness by eliminating barriers between the cooking and living areas. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and strategies of creating a seamless flow in an open concept kitchen, where cooking and entertaining blend seamlessly.

Enhancing Communication and Social Interaction

One of the main advantages of an open concept kitchen is the improved communication and social interaction it offers. With the absence of walls or doors, family members and guests can easily engage in conversations, whether they are relaxing in the living area or preparing a meal. This layout encourages a sense of togetherness and creates a more inclusive atmosphere for everyone.

Unifying Design Elements

To achieve a seamless flow, it is crucial to ensure that the design elements in both the cooking and living spaces complement each other. This can be achieved through the use of consistent color palettes, materials, and finishes. For example, incorporating similar cabinetry, flooring, or countertops in both areas can create a harmonious visual connection. Additionally, the strategic placement of furniture, lighting fixtures, and accessories can further enhance the cohesive feel of the space.

Thoughtful Space Planning

An open concept kitchen requires careful space planning to optimize functionality and flow. The layout should consider the placement of key elements such as the cooking range, sink, and refrigerator. It is important to ensure there is sufficient counter space and storage within easy reach. By arranging these elements in a logical and efficient manner, the kitchen becomes a practical workspace that seamlessly integrates with the living area.

Creating Zones

While an open concept kitchen connects the cooking and living spaces, it is essential to create distinct zones within the layout. Defining specific areas for cooking, dining, and lounging helps to maintain organization and purpose. This can be achieved through the use of furniture placement, lighting, or even architectural features like half-walls or columns. By clearly delineating these areas, the open concept kitchen becomes a cohesive yet functional space.

Balancing Acoustics

One potential challenge in open concept kitchens is managing sound and noise. The absence of walls can result in increased noise levels and echo. To mitigate this, it is important to consider acoustics when designing the space. Incorporating sound-absorbing materials such as rugs, curtains, or upholstered furniture can help reduce noise reflections and create a more comfortable environment for conversations and relaxation.

Incorporating Multi-functional Furniture

To further enhance the seamless flow between the cooking and living spaces, consider incorporating multi-functional furniture pieces. For example, an island with bar stools can serve as both a preparation area and a casual dining spot. Additionally, a sideboard or console table can provide storage and display space while doubling as a serving station during gatherings. These versatile furniture choices contribute to a flexible and integrated space.

by Shalini Misra

Modern Ceiling Design Ideas For Interior Design

When it comes to interior design, many people focus on the walls, floors, and furniture, but often forget about the ceiling. However, the ceiling is the 5th wall in a room and can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of the space. One way to achieve a modern ceiling design is by using wall coverings.

Which Colour Is Best For Ceiling Design?

Traditionally, white has been the go-to color for ceilings. While white can create a clean and classic look, it's important to remember that it's not your only option. Wall coverings can add a pop of color, pattern, or texture to a room that has plain walls. This can be particularly effective in rooms with high ceilings, where the ceiling can often feel like a large, blank canvas.

How Do You Make An Interesting Ceiling?

Adding a textured wallpaper or paneling to your ceiling can instantly add depth and interest to the space. A textured wallpaper can create the illusion of a coffered or tray ceiling, adding architectural detail to the room. Alternatively, a paneling with a wood or stone texture can create a rustic or natural feel. These options are particularly effective in rooms with minimal decor, where the ceiling can become a focal point.

Define Your Space With Ceiling Coverings

In addition to adding visual interest, ceiling coverings can also help to define a space. For example, a bold geometric pattern on the ceiling in a dining room can help to create a sense of intimacy and make the space feel more inviting. If you have an open-concept living and dining area, using a different pattern or texture on the ceiling in each space can help to visually separate the areas.

Benefits Of Ceiling Coverings

Another benefit of ceiling coverings is that they can help to conceal imperfections. If your ceiling has cracks or stains, a textured wallpaper or paneling can help to disguise them and give the room a polished look. Additionally, a ceiling covering can help to absorb sound and improve the acoustics in a room.

Bold Ceiling Patterns

When choosing a ceiling covering, it's important to consider the overall style and color scheme of the room. A bold pattern or color may work well in a modern or eclectic space, but may clash with a more traditional or neutral room. It's also important to consider the height of the ceiling, as a busy pattern may overwhelm a low ceiling.

How Metallic Wallpapers Transform A Space

Metallic wallpapers have been gaining popularity in recent years as a way to add a touch of glamour to a space. A metallic wallpaper on the ceiling can create a luxurious feel, especially when paired with a chandelier or other statement lighting. This option is particularly effective in bedrooms or bathrooms, where you want to create a spa-like atmosphere.

Why Are Wall Murals A Good Idea?

Wall murals are another way to create a unique and eye-catching ceiling. A mural can add a whimsical or artistic touch to the space, and can be particularly effective in a child's bedroom or playroom. The key to using a wall mural on the ceiling is to ensure that it doesn't overwhelm the space and that it works well with the overall decor.

by Shalini Misra

What To Expect From Your First Interior Design Meeting

Introduction To Your Interior Designer, Team And Project

So, you have engaged an interior designer to design your dream home. Or you are ready to breathe new life into your living space? Maybe you've always had a vision for your home, but you just don't know how to execute it. That's where an interior designer comes in! An interior designer can help you bring your home to life and create a space that you love.

When you first engage with an interior design team, you'll be introduced to the key members who will be working on your project. This team will be your go-to for everything design-related, and they'll be with you every step of the way. They'll be there to answer any questions you may have, and they'll make sure that your project stays on track.

Interior Design Preferences

At your first meeting, you'll be asked about your likes and dislikes and the design aesthetic you prefer. It's important to have an idea of what you want before you meet with your designer. Think about your favorite places, your influences, and the hotels you love. Even things like washrooms with great designs can give you an idea of what you like. What feel do you want for your home, and what journey do you wish to experience when travelling through our home.

Some clients may struggle with expressing their ideas, but don't worry if this is you. Your designer will have ways of extracting this information through time, examples, vision boards, and questionnaires. They'll work with you to create a design that reflects your personality and style.

Your Furniture, Art And Accessory Inventory

Your designer will also take a look at your current inventory of furniture and possessions. They'll meet with you to discuss what items can be kept and which pieces can be "reinvented" by moving them to different locations or by making minor modifications. For example, a sofa may be reupholstered to fit the new design style, or a coffee table may be refinished to match the new colour scheme.

How Your Lifestyle Defines Your Design

During your first meeting, you'll also discuss the aesthetic of the space with your designer. They'll ask you questions about your lifestyle, such as how much entertaining you do and the number of guests you typically host. This information will help the designer determine how much crockery, chairs, tableware, cocktail glasses, and barware will be needed. (This applies to every space of your home)

You can expect to discuss a range of topics that will help them understand your vision and preferences for your home. One of the areas that your designer might look at is how to utilise small areas and unused rooms in your home. For example, they might ask if you want to create a gym, study, reading nook, extra storage, walk-in wardrobe, extra bedroom for guests, kids playroom, prayer room, or extra washroom.

Flexible Spaces

Creating flexible spaces is another topic that your designer might discuss with you. This involves designing spaces that can be used for multiple purposes, such as a living room that can also serve as a home office or a dining room that can be transformed into a space for entertaining guests.

We love using sliding walls and screens to compartmentalize spaces in various ways. They create private spaces within an open floor plan, separate spaces without creating a permanent wall, add texture to space, and enhance natural lighting. However, when using sliding walls and screens in interior design, it is essential to ensure functionality, consider the space, create balance, and choose the right material. By following these rules, interior designers can create unique and functional spaces that meet the needs of their clients.

How To Visualize Interior Design

To help you visualise the design ideas that your designer has in mind, they may use Pinterest boards. This allows you to see images of different design elements, such as furniture, lighting, and decor, and how they might work together in your space.

Your designer may also show you examples of their previous projects and ask you to point out any standout moments or elements that you like. This will help them get a better understanding of your design preferences and style.

If your designer is sourcing pieces, lighting, or art for you, they will spend time finding out any artists, designers, or makers that you love. With their extensive knowledge and relationships in the industry, they can source unique and beautiful pieces that fit your style and budget.

Your first meeting with an interior designer will involve a lot of discussion about your preferences, vision, and goals for your home. By understanding your needs and style, your designer can create a unique and personalised design that reflects your personality and lifestyle.

by Shalini Misra