Insights into Interior Design: Designing in Style - Traditional - Georgian
Interior design has always been impacted by fashion trends - both historically and in the modern day. In this article series, "Designing in Style," I explore the meaning of style for interior designers. I draw on my experience working alongside many of London's best-known interior design teams. This third article in my series continues my discussion of traditional/period design, with a focus on the Georgian style.
In terms of dates, the Georgian period is generally considered to have extended from 1714 until 1830. It has since inspired one of the most popular traditional interior design schemes.
London design was considered world-class in Georgian times - UK craftspeople were highly skilled and uniquely specialised. The wealthiest classes insisted on the highest quality, with exacting standards in terms of dimensions and proportions.
A few designers were particularly famous during the Georgian era. Their names, ideas and concepts live on today in the many homes and residences that feature Georgian-inspired interior designs.
William Kent lived from 1684 until 1748 and was an architect/interior designer who is best known for his tables and chairs which featured extravagant gilt decorations and strong connections to Greek and Roman insignia. Today these traditional designs continue to be used by many London Interior Design Consultancies that specialise in the Georgian style.
Thomas Chippendale is a name famous to many discerning Londoners. This cabinet-maker lived from 1718 until 1779 and designed furniture that was less ostentatious than that of William Kent, consistent with British (and London) tastes at the time, and yet exceedingly graceful and refined. Interior designers today will adopt either Chippendale's original designs or re-envisionments/replicas of his originals.
Finally, Robert Adam was an architect and interior designer who dominated the 1770s with his vivacious use of Roman and Greek motifs, including urns, tripods, and mythological iconography.
Today, London interior design consultancies tend to be cautious with Georgian designs, recognising that this style can look pretentious if too pronounced. Larger, more spacious London mansions with tall ceilings are best suited to the Georgian style of interior design.
The next article in my series "Designing in Style" moves away from historic traditions and focuses in on a timeless interior design classic - the rural countryside.
Showing posts with label London interior design consultancies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label London interior design consultancies. Show all posts
Thursday, May 26, 2011
London Interior Design Consultancies
Insights into Interior Design: Designing in Style - Country Styles
Interior design has always been impacted by fashion trends - both historically and in the modern day. In this article series, "Designing in Style," I explore the meaning of style for interior designers. I draw on my experience working alongside many of London's best-known interior design teams. This fourth article in my series moves on from historic traditional/period styles to the country style - a timeless interior design classic.
The country styles are also sometimes known as the pastoral or rustic styles. The most prominent example is the cottage/farmhouse. Ask most interior designers to imagine being far away from London and they will envision an earthy farmhouse kitchen with rustic tones, wooden enclaves, solid and wholesome meals, and a welcoming brick fireplace. Pastoral styles in interior design contexts are as much practical as they are stylish. The restful comfort and lack of ostentation is appreciated not only by country folk but also by city dwellers. London Interior Design Consultancies often work with clients who have large residences with expansive grounds in need of a rustic feel that harks back to quieter times.
The country interior design style relies on sturdy natural materials such as wood, brick, stone and textured or weathered fabrics. Floorboards are often left exposed to wear down over time, before being stained or varnished and softened with mats or rugged coverings. In general, furniture should be plump and inviting, with natural unvarnished wood frames or homely patterned upholstery. The fireplace is often a centrepiece of this interior design style, and hearths of stone or brick are often used together with copper or brass fireplace accessories. In London mansions that incorporate the country style, walls are often left rough and natural in appearance.
The English country house is a variant of the pastoral interior design style that is very English yet still well-known abroad. Interior designers in London will often be called upon to create designs in this style for the very wealthiest clients. The English country house style relies heavily on patterns. Interior design teams will focus on floral, large-scale motifs, perhaps based on historic designs from the eighteenth century. These patterns will be used not only for window treatments, but also on upholstery, loose covers, bedspreads, table frills, etc. Typical English country house interior design schemes use colours such as pink, white, cream, and highlights in green. Other options include yellow and blue, or muted shades of gold and brown.
In the latter half of the twentieth century, British rustic interior design became increasingly influenced by the so-called "American country" style. Although not often a focus of London interior designers, this style can include Shaker furniture and Amish quilts, together with stripped-pine cupboards, dressers and chests. Folk stencils are important to achieve the correct look.
In my next article for this "Designing in Style" series, I will look at something that is a major feature of London's interior design landscape today, namely the modern/contemporary style.
Interior design has always been impacted by fashion trends - both historically and in the modern day. In this article series, "Designing in Style," I explore the meaning of style for interior designers. I draw on my experience working alongside many of London's best-known interior design teams. This fourth article in my series moves on from historic traditional/period styles to the country style - a timeless interior design classic.
The country styles are also sometimes known as the pastoral or rustic styles. The most prominent example is the cottage/farmhouse. Ask most interior designers to imagine being far away from London and they will envision an earthy farmhouse kitchen with rustic tones, wooden enclaves, solid and wholesome meals, and a welcoming brick fireplace. Pastoral styles in interior design contexts are as much practical as they are stylish. The restful comfort and lack of ostentation is appreciated not only by country folk but also by city dwellers. London Interior Design Consultancies often work with clients who have large residences with expansive grounds in need of a rustic feel that harks back to quieter times.
The country interior design style relies on sturdy natural materials such as wood, brick, stone and textured or weathered fabrics. Floorboards are often left exposed to wear down over time, before being stained or varnished and softened with mats or rugged coverings. In general, furniture should be plump and inviting, with natural unvarnished wood frames or homely patterned upholstery. The fireplace is often a centrepiece of this interior design style, and hearths of stone or brick are often used together with copper or brass fireplace accessories. In London mansions that incorporate the country style, walls are often left rough and natural in appearance.
The English country house is a variant of the pastoral interior design style that is very English yet still well-known abroad. Interior designers in London will often be called upon to create designs in this style for the very wealthiest clients. The English country house style relies heavily on patterns. Interior design teams will focus on floral, large-scale motifs, perhaps based on historic designs from the eighteenth century. These patterns will be used not only for window treatments, but also on upholstery, loose covers, bedspreads, table frills, etc. Typical English country house interior design schemes use colours such as pink, white, cream, and highlights in green. Other options include yellow and blue, or muted shades of gold and brown.
In the latter half of the twentieth century, British rustic interior design became increasingly influenced by the so-called "American country" style. Although not often a focus of London interior designers, this style can include Shaker furniture and Amish quilts, together with stripped-pine cupboards, dressers and chests. Folk stencils are important to achieve the correct look.
In my next article for this "Designing in Style" series, I will look at something that is a major feature of London's interior design landscape today, namely the modern/contemporary style.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Introductory Concepts for Interior Design: Understanding Colour Schemes
Introductory Concepts for Interior Design: Understanding Colour Schemes
Colour can be used as the foundation for a comprehensive multi-room interior design theme, or alternatively it can be deployed to either masterfully accentuate or adroitly conceal other elements within a design scheme. The London interior design community is a circle of professionals who are widely regarded as some of the world's greatest thought leaders in colour design. In this article, I will draw on my experience working alongside some of these top interior designers and seeing first-hand their use of colour in everyday projects.
The first and simplest colour schemes are known as the "monochromatics." These are based on a single colour or hue. The interior designer will use this colour as the foundation, and then introduce more or less subtle deviations to bring out tints or create beautiful shadow effects. Many London Interior Design Consultancies specialise in so-called "tonal differences" to create visual interest and generate a distinctive and delightful "designer look" for any project. One of the most prominent trends in London interior design today involves the use of monochromatic colour schemes together with an accent colour that can articulate and better showcase the more subtle adjacent differences in hues and tones.
Colour wheels, swatches and comparison charts are an important component of the interior designer's toolbox. These can be used to create "related colour" schemes. The intention with this approach is to select hues that are adjacent on colour charts or swatch strips. These colour combinations can be used to develop a subtle and sophisticated effect that might be appropriate for high-end or luxury-focused interior design projects. In London, "related colour" schemes are again often used in conjunction with accent colours to appeal to the most demanding clientele.
"Contrasting colour schemes" rely on combinations of colours from opposite sides of the colour spectrum. This is one of the most challenging interior design styles, because it requires the interior designer to carefully avoid creating a "colour clash" effect while unifying hues that have very little in common. However, skilled interior design teams often use this approach to great effect in some of London's most upmarket modern or minimalist residences.
In summary, colour schemes are the foundation of the interior design profession. London's remarkable community of colour innovators is constantly coming up with new ideas and approaches to best showcase some of the world's greatest interiors.
Achromatics in Interior Design: The Hidden Complexity of No-Colour Approaches
The word "achromatic" originated in the late eighteenth century, via French but originally from two Greek words. In Greek, "a" means "without" while "kromatikos" derives from "kroma," meaning "colour." Accordingly, the meaning of "achromatic" is colourless, without colour, or colour free. In recent years, some of London's most famous interior designers have increasingly begun to focus on achromatic design. In this article, I will explain how this seemingly simple approach is actually highly complex. By referencing interviews and my own experience from collaborating with London's Top Interior Design professionals, I will aim to unpack the meaning of this branch of design theory and demonstrate how this challenging approach can lead to amazing results ... and delighted clients!
When most people think of interior design, they often imagine pretty colours, beautiful furniture combinations and enchanting fabrics. So when I tell my interior design students or interns that "no-colour" design is a thriving trend today, they often look at me in amazement. The intention with achromatic colour schemes is to create classy, classical and sometimes dramatic themes that can focus on just one room or extend throughout a flat or house. The only allowable colours are black, white, and any shade of grey that you can imagine. Some less experienced interior designers will tend to stay away from these types of assignment, since they realise that it is all too easy to inadvertently create effects that are overly strident, overpowering or shocking. However, in my experience, the achromatic interior design approach can be perfect for high-wealth London clients who really appreciate modern, abstract art and edgy, minimalist themes.
I am always honoured whenever anyone refers to me as a thought leader in the London interior design community. I was recently asked by a prominent interior design journalist and London socialite about my secrets to "making achromatic work." I replied that it was simple - one must just focus on the minimalist intent behind the interior design project at hand. Minimalism is really all about simple, massive forms and pronounced simplicity. Subtle shadings to accentuate the mystery of minimalist design can really evoke a powerful response for the fashionable London homeowner - and her dinner party guests! Many designers will think of black on white, but what about black on black? Even inexperienced interior design students can come up with a theme that incorporates white on black, but how about white on white? Or even grey on grey? Creativity is key, and with the limited but sophisticated achromatic palette the interior designer's imagination is truly her greatest asset.
Colour can be used as the foundation for a comprehensive multi-room interior design theme, or alternatively it can be deployed to either masterfully accentuate or adroitly conceal other elements within a design scheme. The London interior design community is a circle of professionals who are widely regarded as some of the world's greatest thought leaders in colour design. In this article, I will draw on my experience working alongside some of these top interior designers and seeing first-hand their use of colour in everyday projects.
The first and simplest colour schemes are known as the "monochromatics." These are based on a single colour or hue. The interior designer will use this colour as the foundation, and then introduce more or less subtle deviations to bring out tints or create beautiful shadow effects. Many London Interior Design Consultancies specialise in so-called "tonal differences" to create visual interest and generate a distinctive and delightful "designer look" for any project. One of the most prominent trends in London interior design today involves the use of monochromatic colour schemes together with an accent colour that can articulate and better showcase the more subtle adjacent differences in hues and tones.
Colour wheels, swatches and comparison charts are an important component of the interior designer's toolbox. These can be used to create "related colour" schemes. The intention with this approach is to select hues that are adjacent on colour charts or swatch strips. These colour combinations can be used to develop a subtle and sophisticated effect that might be appropriate for high-end or luxury-focused interior design projects. In London, "related colour" schemes are again often used in conjunction with accent colours to appeal to the most demanding clientele.
"Contrasting colour schemes" rely on combinations of colours from opposite sides of the colour spectrum. This is one of the most challenging interior design styles, because it requires the interior designer to carefully avoid creating a "colour clash" effect while unifying hues that have very little in common. However, skilled interior design teams often use this approach to great effect in some of London's most upmarket modern or minimalist residences.
In summary, colour schemes are the foundation of the interior design profession. London's remarkable community of colour innovators is constantly coming up with new ideas and approaches to best showcase some of the world's greatest interiors.
Achromatics in Interior Design: The Hidden Complexity of No-Colour Approaches
The word "achromatic" originated in the late eighteenth century, via French but originally from two Greek words. In Greek, "a" means "without" while "kromatikos" derives from "kroma," meaning "colour." Accordingly, the meaning of "achromatic" is colourless, without colour, or colour free. In recent years, some of London's most famous interior designers have increasingly begun to focus on achromatic design. In this article, I will explain how this seemingly simple approach is actually highly complex. By referencing interviews and my own experience from collaborating with London's Top Interior Design professionals, I will aim to unpack the meaning of this branch of design theory and demonstrate how this challenging approach can lead to amazing results ... and delighted clients!
When most people think of interior design, they often imagine pretty colours, beautiful furniture combinations and enchanting fabrics. So when I tell my interior design students or interns that "no-colour" design is a thriving trend today, they often look at me in amazement. The intention with achromatic colour schemes is to create classy, classical and sometimes dramatic themes that can focus on just one room or extend throughout a flat or house. The only allowable colours are black, white, and any shade of grey that you can imagine. Some less experienced interior designers will tend to stay away from these types of assignment, since they realise that it is all too easy to inadvertently create effects that are overly strident, overpowering or shocking. However, in my experience, the achromatic interior design approach can be perfect for high-wealth London clients who really appreciate modern, abstract art and edgy, minimalist themes.
I am always honoured whenever anyone refers to me as a thought leader in the London interior design community. I was recently asked by a prominent interior design journalist and London socialite about my secrets to "making achromatic work." I replied that it was simple - one must just focus on the minimalist intent behind the interior design project at hand. Minimalism is really all about simple, massive forms and pronounced simplicity. Subtle shadings to accentuate the mystery of minimalist design can really evoke a powerful response for the fashionable London homeowner - and her dinner party guests! Many designers will think of black on white, but what about black on black? Even inexperienced interior design students can come up with a theme that incorporates white on black, but how about white on white? Or even grey on grey? Creativity is key, and with the limited but sophisticated achromatic palette the interior designer's imagination is truly her greatest asset.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
A London Interior Design Consultancy Goes Exterior - Lighting for Expansive Gardens
A London Interior Design Consultancy Goes Exterior - Lighting for Expansive Gardens
Some London interior design consultancies will focus their design efforts on finding the perfect canopy. Canopies are ideal for shrouded paths, for protection from the sun and for comfort in seating/dining zones. Canopy selection is especially critical given London’s inconsistent weather - rain one minute, sunshine the next! Canopies may additionally contribute to lines of interest, drawing the eye towards a powerful visual centrepiece, perhaps by having the canopy shelter a set of botanical deckchairs or a flame-grill barbeque. Perfect for London’s summer garden parties.
A London Interior Design Consultancy Goes Exterior - Lighting for Expansive Gardens
Some of London’s most celebrated interior design consultancies will work to conceal tiny spotlights within the actual stone exteriors of turrets or castle-like mansions. These design teams will use the spotlights to light up a terrace or special garden feature on the ground. Some expansive gardens feature pergolas, i.e. archways consisting of a framework covered in trained climbing or trailing plants. I am aware of one better-known London interior design consultancy that recently created a stunning design that uses omnidirectional pergola up/downlighters to great effect - lighting up the greenery from below while also brightening the pathway from above.
A London Interior Design Consultancy Goes Exterior - Lighting for Expansive Gardens
The trendiest wave in lighting design for expansive gardens today is an approach known as "countervail illumination". London’s best interior design consultancies will take advantage of the countervail technique to light up a given zone of a garden from quite far away. Countervail can be ideal for more expansive gardens since this technique throws illumination towards the outermost perimeter of the garden, building a focal climax while also preserving feelings of freedom, unfettered access and the great outdoors. Of course, this may not be appropriate (say) in central London, but your interior design consultancy should be able to tell you more about countervail and how to make use of it in urban settings.
A London Interior Design Consultancy Goes Exterior - Lighting for Expansive Gardens
We’ve finally reached springtime here in London, but everyone remembers the cold, snowy winter that has just bid us goodbye. And during those frosty months, lawns are sometimes the only source of colour in an expansive garden! Interior design consultancies need to create lighting schemes that are fabulous for every season. In the wintertime, garden lighting will offer an escape from the uninspired cream and ivory colours of the winter season. The effect can be especially compelling when seen from indoors. In summer, though, when guests are outside for an evening party, it is important that the lighting not cause glare and headaches as dusk sets in. Your London interior design consultancy may insist on the installation of control board that allows the owner/resident to switch off the brightest lights automatically during the London summertime.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Secrets of a London Interior Design Consultancy: Understanding Water Rills
Secrets of a London Interior Design Consultancy: Understanding Water Rills
Water rills are common in Andalusia, Spain, where they connect the famous water terraces within that region. However, today our most detail-oriented London clients are requesting rills for their garden redesign projects! Our interior design consultancy will create shallow step-pools of water that connect one pond to another. We like to use fibre optics at either side to illuminate each step and create the illusion of a tape-band of illumination that can be truly breathtaking. The light can be artificially tinted by choosing a coloured rill base. In common with other luxury-focused London interior design consultancies, we will normally install pebbles and small stones to create a delightful interplay of illumination and shade.
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