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      Picture for blog post How to Select the Best Dining Table for Your Dining Room

      How to Select the Best Dining Table for Your Dining Room

      Friday, November 20, 2020

      The dining table is most often the central feature of dining spaces, contributing the most towards the décor by virtue of their size - which makes their selection all the more crucial.

      The dining room is probably the one part of a home that sees the most people at any time - and whether people are just passing through or sitting down for meals, the table will have an impact on how diners perceive the space, the home, and the homeowner. As the selection of dining room furniture will likely be an event that does not occur very often, we wanted you to be as informed as possible before you set out on your journey towards your new dining table.


      Material
      Interior design by: Viincology

      The kind of material that your dining table is made out of will have an effect on its lifespan and its appearance. Long-lasting materials such as hardwoods, metals, tempered glass, stone, and even mould-injected plastics are preferred for dining tables that are expected to endure many years of heavy use. Conversely, lightweight or flat-pack furniture composed of veneered wood composites such as plywood or fibreboard are made with mobility and affordability in mind, these materials are preferred for short-term arrangements by virtue of their being easier to pack and transport by design.

      Interior design by: Viincology

      Lightweight composite materials such as plywood or fibreboard are known to be significantly less durable, as they show a tendency to warp when subjected to excessive moisture or heat. Tougher natural materials such as hardwoods and stone tend to be porous, which entail regular maintenance with coats of varnish or sealer to prevent unintended staining from everyday use.

      Interior design by: SNG Conceptwerke

      Due to their being porous and softer than metal, wooden surfaces entail a greater degree of care to ensure their longevity. Oil-based varnishes should be applied to wooden surfaces at the point of manufacture - and periodically afterwards to prevent unintentional staining. Despite the higher level of maintenance required, metal furnishings tend to rust - especially when used outdoors, while wooden furnishings take on a characteristic smoothness and polished sheen as they age.


      Size
      Interior design by: Hoe & Yin Design Studio

      Having too large a table surface will result in a cramped dining space, while restricting diners to a small surface leads to elbows bumping in uncomfortably close quarters. It is the recommendation of most decorators to provide each diner with around 60 to 70 centimetres (or 24 to 28 inches) of space for adequate elbow room, and around 90 centimetres to 1.3 meters (or 36 to 50 inches) between a dining table and the surrounding walls for diners to comfortably get in and out of their seats.


      Shape
      Interior design by: IDS Interior Design

      The shape of your dining table will determine the number of diners you can host and will affect the space it occupies. While round tables are capable of accommodating a greater number of diners, they tend to appear larger in small dining spaces - the conventional rectangular dining table takes up the most space, needing long and narrow spaces to avoid appearing overly large.

      Interior design by: IDS Interior Design

      To calculate the number of diners appropriate for a round table: multiply the diameter of a table by the value of Pi (π: 3.14) and divide the result by the amount of space needed for each diner. Using the previously mentioned minimum of 60 centimetres (or 24 inches) of space needed per diner, a round table with a diameter of 1.5 meters can easily accommodate 7 diners, or up to 8 diners with a negligible reduction in elbow room - while a rectangular table of similar size (at 1.5 meters long) can only seat a total of 6 diners – one at each end and two along each length.

      Picture for blog post Creating a Well-Composed Dining Room

      Creating a Well-Composed Dining Room

      Friday, November 20, 2020

      Whether you have a large formal dining hall or a small area for daily mealtimes next to the living room, here’s how to put together different interior features to ensure your dining room looks and feels good from every angle.

      Interior design by: The Roof Studio

      Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just getting together for a weeknight meal, the dining room is where people come together. From modern to classic, there are many ways to turn this room into a cosy space that is perfect for entertaining your guest in comfort and style. Gone are the days when you need to have matching tables and chairs at your dining table. The trend is to go for features that complement each other. If you are going for a modern look, aim for furniture that has clean lines and sturdy material. Also, make good use of tableware to pull it all together.


      Palette Play

      It's easier to create a well-designed dining room when you have a strong starting point to guide you - this is where having a colour palette in mind can really help you focus on the elements you can use. If you love a certain colour and have a particular hue in mind for your dining room, start with this colour.

      Interior design by: The Roof Studio

      For example, yellows are a great way to create a bright and vibrant dining space. Start with light yellow for the walls, then add on bolder shades of complementary tones like blues. However if you are not confident about using bold colours, go for a neutral and monochrome palette, like the dining room pictured here.


      Accent Pieces

      Don't just stop at tables and chairs in the dining room. If you have space, accent furniture like a console or an armoire can work wonders to help create a focal point and enhance those blank walls that envelope your dining area. However, choose something that blends with your dining table.

      Interior design by: Chaplins Furniture

      In this dining room, a bright blue console works beautifully to bring attention to the table. The decorative accessories and mirror above the console add a lively look to the atmosphere. The bold pendant lamps are also just the perfect features to balance off the the space.


      Material Maneuver
      Interior design by: Mode Interior Style

      Mixing and matching different materials in the dining room can offer a dramatic yet personalised effect to your space. Balance is key, as you don't want a single material to overwhelm the rest. Also offset hard and sturdy surfaces with soft furnishing to give your space a sense of cosy warmth.

      Interior design by: Mode Interior Style

      In this dining room, there is a bold variety of materials ranging from solid wood and faux grass to brick-like finishes on the opposite wall. The addition of the marble-like feature wall balances off the dark-coloured surfaces. The use of wood flooring just around the dining space also helps to demarcate the space clearly.


      Vibrant Variety

      Another way to mix materials is through a variety of different seating and surfaces. Mix-and-match seating works well when each chair or bench is of a similar style and shape. Also think about what you use as centrepieces on your dining table.

      Wood and ratan are making a huge comeback in the dining room, but those from the lighter range are preferred. Go for a Zen effect but break from the monotony with stronger tones and textures. Interior design by: iDecorate

      In this warm and neutral dining room, the woven rattan chairs bring a sense of similarity to the entire set, but if you look closely, every single piece is individual in style. To further enhance the room, a tableware set with a similar look and feel is used.


      Trendy Tableware
      Interior design by: iDecorate

      Finally, complete your dining room with beautiful tableware to bring everything together. When it comes to choosing a dinnerware set, the choice is usually a matter of personal taste. It’s a necessity for any table, but it also sets the mood for a meal. For example, formal china can make a momentous occasion feel even more special, while basic stoneware is a good match for a low-fuss weeknight dinner.

      Colour coordinate your tableware by having a neutral backdrop and then enhancing it with bolder tones through colourful plates, bowls, and mug. Interior design by: Dunelm

      In the example here, a white dinner set complemented by green accents bring out a nature-inspired theme that enhances the wood dining table. To add texture, fabric placemats tone down the hard surfaces and introduce a lush quality to the space.

      Interior design by: Dunelm
      Article by: Lily Wong
      Picture for blog post Home Styles: Modern Classic

      Home Styles: Modern Classic

      Friday, November 20, 2020

      Antithetical yet complementary: modern classic style is a delicate balance struck between timeless features of tradition and the uncomplicated lines of modern design.

      Rare materials transported across great distances, and decorated with finely handcrafted details at incalculable cost – these were the standards of luxury during the immeasurable periods of time that preceded modern mass manufacturing. But as new republics arose from the ashes of old empires, the arrival of the steam engine brought a paradigm shift that led to a global redistribution of wealth and authority – and consequently changed what was considered attractive.

      Tip: Shelves and displays composed from the straight lines of modern design represent an appropriately unobtrusive backdrop for objects of classical antiquity – especially when lit from within hidden recesses. The resulting thematic and visual contrasts of these arrangements make for striking presentations on multiple levels.

      On the rising wave of machine-aided manufacturing, designs for everything from clothing to transportation began to sway towards dependable simplicity and reproducibility, while shying away from the ornate and opulent. Modernism eventually gave rise to minimalism, which sought to strip everything down to its most practical and functional form, but some characteristics of classical luxury endured to the present day – romanticised and emulated either in desperation for emotional expression or admiration for classical antiquity.

      This is the very definition of the modern classic decorative style – a union of traditional and modern sensibilities expressed in the choice of furniture and materials to achieve a décor that is simultaneously elegant, timeless, and comforting. Hue Interiors illustrates the definition of modern classic style with the pictured home, which combines modern characteristics – such as a reliance on straight lines and a neutral colour palette consisting largely of grey, white, cream, and beige – with traditional details such as the capitonné upholstered headboard for the bed, wainscoting to vertical surfaces, Damask wall-coverings, and a herringbone pattern in wood on the floor.

      While the classically inspired components of the pictured décor are intentionally obvious, the modern sensibilities expressed here are less so. Aside from the neutral palette, other more subtle characteristics of modern style are expressed in the manner of composition – namely: the application of symmetry, visual balance, and a stringent emphasis on using clean lines to serve as a backdrop for the array of classical details.

      As Hue Interior demonstrates, the composition of the bedroom in symmetry, the use of neutral shades, in addition to both classical and modern elements presented in harmonious balance help to render the bedroom comforting and unobtrusive – making an ideal backdrop for intricate details drawn from traditional influence. The reliance on straight lines, as portrayed by the bedroom’s fixtures and fittings, provides the very minimum of distinction between objects without detracting from the visual splendour of the classical details.

      Tip: Perhaps due to the paradoxical differences between modernity and classicism, the blending of characteristics from these two decorative styles creates an atmosphere that is at once mystifying and comforting.

      In addition to the lush textures and fine details occupying the walls – which already imply a more prosperous and upwardly mobile ambiance on their own – the positioning of ornate furniture, paintings, or sculptures, under the flattering glow of a feature light create additional elements of luxurious elegance against a clean and uncluttered background of straight lines and neutral shades.

      Tip: As demonstrated in the pictured home, there is no ideal proportion of modernity to classicism set in stone – as the decorative palette can be inverted for contrast between spaces.
      Picture for blog post Step Storage: 7 Creative Under-Stairs Storage

      Step Storage: 7 Creative Under-Stairs Storage

      Friday, November 20, 2020

      The empty space under the stairs sometimes gets a bad rap on account of the many stories depicted in film that paint this potential storage space as a nest of insidious horror - or at the very least, a place of relative obscurity where things go to be forgotten. But in this modern age of urban living - where gratuitous space typically comes at a premium, we felt it be prudent to look at these spaces under the stairs in a new light, in order to discover novel ways of incorporating storage options.


      Climbing Cabinetry Image Credit: Buj+Colón Arquitectos

      In a compact space where a full-fledged staircase would have been overwhelmingly large, a lightweight stairway is formed out of progressively taller cabinets and bookshelves, with an intermediate split-level landing simplistically projecting from the top of the cabinetry. The result is deliberately left without a railing to achieve an unobtrusive stairway that is ingeniously disguised as storage.


      Footwear Hideaway Image Credit: Post Architecture

      The act of removing one’s shoes when entering a home has transitioned from being a distinctly Asiatic custom of tradition to a practical measure in many urban homes around the world - which necessitates considerable storage fixtures to be incorporated at the entryway. The pictured shoe drawers, designed by Toronto-based Post Architecture, enable a sizable family’s worth of shoes to be neatly stowed away in the unassuming space beneath the stairs.


      Stairway Stack Image Credit: Schemaa Architects

      While a stairway with a steep incline may present a formidable barrier to the upper floors, the complete use of extra space for cabinetry helps to disguise the risers and treads of the pictured loft-style staircase. To soften the gradient of the stairway, Schemaa (a Parisian architecture firm) incorporates intermediate blocks of wood to break up the high risers of the steps - resulting in a more graceful incline.


      Aperitif Alcove Image Credit: DIY Network

      An alternative to wholly dedicating the space under the stairs to storage is put forward by the DIY Network’s Watson Hawkins. The idea entails moving beyond pure storage and adding a facet of functionality to the space. In the pictured example, nearby countertops are extended to the space beneath the stairs, with cabinetry truncated at an angle to match the slope of the stairway’s carriage.


      Sequestered Office Image Credit: Translina

      For the majority of those who often find themselves working at a desk while at home, the extra headroom often goes to waste during those hours seated at a desk. Rather than dedicating an entire room to a home office and letting that overhead volume go unused, the pictured staircase incorporates a diminutive office space - where the lower clearance serves to neatly encapsulate the work corner.


      Foyer Fixtures Image Credit: Minimalist Desk

      Walking out of the front door is a ritual that often gets repeated whenever a necessary object gets left behind - with the procedure often followed by dashes up and down the stairs to retrieve some forgotten item. The entryway often gets cluttered with catch-all containers and furniture as a result. The pictured stairway holds an ordered array of wicker baskets in niches beneath the carriage to negate the clutter and hide vital containers from sight.


      Hidden Habitat Image Credit: Basement Remodeling

      Spaces deemed too small for a human to utilise can be handed over to our smaller companions instead. With their uniquely low-lying perspectives, even the smallest of burrows can shelter whole landscapes that are worlds apart from their larger environment. The pictured stairway accommodates a desk just wide enough to be used (by a human) for writing letters - with the extra headroom dedicated to wine storage, while the extra space to the side goes to one lucky quadruped.


      Picture for blog post Choice Cabinetry: 6 Kitchen Cabinet Design Ideas That Totally Transform Your Cookspaces

      Choice Cabinetry: 6 Kitchen Cabinet Design Ideas That Totally Transform Your Cookspaces

      Friday, November 20, 2020

      As we pointed out previously in our guide on colours for the kitchen, it doesn't always have to be in white - although it usually is. This time around we take a look at a range of approaches to cabinets that will not only provide your kitchen with a different shade - but an altogether unique appearance as well.

      1. Wood Wood is coming back to our homes, thanks in part to the shifting mood regarding global climate change, we have been seeing a return of both laminates and hardwood in cabinetry bearing shades of reclaimed or varnished wood to complement rustic and modern kitchens alike. The homage to this natural material does not necessarily need to be overt - even when constructed from completely synthetic materials, cabinets can be decorated with cuts or classically-inspired detailing to imply that some carpentry was involved.

      Designer: Nu Infinity

      2. Concrete Grey Exposed concrete is another material spotted making a resurgence, helping to create a masculine ambiance when paired with minimalist furnishings in post-industrial properties. While the use of actual concrete on cabinet doors would be impractical, the characteristic tone and blemishes of cement can be reproduced with a few coats of thinned grey paint on unvarnished wood to complement an industrial decor.

      Designer: X-Two Concept

      3. Glossy / Reflective Glossy cabinetry is not a new component of 21st century kitchens, having been in heavy use since the processes behind laminates have expanded to produce a wide range of finishes. Give that sheen a purpose by selecting a material with an ultra-glossy or reflective finish for your cabinets, to visually enlarge the space and bestow your kitchen with a palatable elegance.

      Designer: Zanotta Studio Design and Renovation

      4. Transparent Adaptable to a wide range of styles and colours, using completely transparent or frosted glass doors on your cabinets immediately turns your storage into display cases that can be completed with luxurious facility when fitted with internal lighting.

      Designer: Space Living

      5. Metallic We've mentioned before that serious chefs seem to gravitate towards stainless steel countertops, and we are just as certain about their receptiveness to steel cabinetry. The clean and durable look and feel of steel lends itself well to post-industrial interiors, providing a greater measure of modern elegance than cement in the seamless welded joints and folded laps of steel sheeting.

      Designer: Archicentre

      6. Underfoot Lighting We have all probably seen the use of LED strips embedded beneath upper cabinets to illuminate countertops, but you probably have not seen that same form of fixture being used beneath lower cabinets to light the floor. More mood lighting than task lighting, these LED strips introduce a dose of glam into what would be otherwise bland spaces.

      Designer: Jashen Interior Design Click here to see more kitchens!
      Picture for blog post Home Styles: Warm Industrial

      Home Styles: Warm Industrial

      Friday, November 20, 2020

      In contrast to the potentially cold character of industrial décor, there is a friendlier variation with warming shades and a range of textures layered over finishes of urban appeal.

      With sturdy materials in utilitarian designs reminiscent of minimalism, industrial style has been found appealing by urbanites even before the turn of the millennium – but new families living in converted lofts and townhouses often sought a softer ambience not quite so replete with edgy contours and unfinished textures. As the earliest industrial properties evolved, a more nuanced and family friendly variation of industrial style emerged: with contemporary sensibilities portrayed in a blend of neutral colours, a reliance on wooden decorative features, and a purposeful sprinkling of rustic embellishments to turn cold, urban spaces to warm and rural sanctuaries.

      While a neutral palette is likely the single most ubiquitous feature of most modern homes, a warm industrial décor entails raw or lightly treated architectural finishes such as hand-trowelled cement floors and exposed brickwork in place of glossy expanses and bold colours. As demonstrated by ID Industries in the pictured home, reflective surfaces and bold shades are not completely avoided, but are instead relegated to serve as accents alongside repurposed antiques and upcycled materials.

      As the finishes consist largely of materials such as exposed cement, roughly hewn bricks, and carbonised metal, the resulting décor appears aged and definitively industrial. The majority of colours and textures observed in the pictured home are supplied by vintage finds and sturdy materials seemingly appropriated from industrial settings – contributing to an assembly of textures saturated in the faded shades of the neutral palette.

      While the majority of this home relies on a palette of tones softened by age, the furnishings of the pictured seating lounge are upholstered in bright yellow to serve as eye-catching accents against the weathered finishes. The striking contrast of whimsical colour thrown against a sombre background is a novel sensation to most people – though likely a familiar sight to loft-dwelling artisans – and all but guarantees a surge of interest when the gaze first falls to this scene.

      Bolstering the décor of a warm industrial home are structures typically formed out of aged materials such as darkly stained or weathered wood. The pictured television console is constructed from blocks of wood that could have once served as railway sleepers, while the dining arrangement consists of side chairs that put their implied antiquity in direct contrast against a table of modern design.

      In adherence to the larger considerations of industrial style, the open layout is extended to the far end of the home to include the cooking space. Ordinarily set apart from the rest of the home as a practical consideration in modern homes, this pictured kitchen is brought into the fold with the rest of the décor by way of hand-trowelled cement rendering the floor, walls, and an island surface projecting from the wall.

      In a deliberate echoing of the colour contrast observed in the seating lounge, a pair of Eames-inspired bar stools in bright yellow are selected to accompany the kitchen island.

      Tip: As a general guideline, warm industrial style is composed from largely raw materials of minimalist designs – as is the case with postmodern industrial style – albeit with generous doses of dark wood and a few bursts of whimsical colour.


      Comprehensive Practitioners

      A renovation, refurbishment, and contracting company that provides the complete range of services involved in the total transformation of a property. Their services include design conception, architectural planning, documentation, quantity assessments, quotations, through to project implementation and completion.

      From left to right: Cindy Hu, Peggy Yap, Andy Lai, Jessie Tai, and Chew Kok Ming Venue: GoldenHome Kitchen @ Glenmarie Kitchen Appliances: Teka Küchentechnik Malaysia Photographer: Gavin Yam

      ID Industries Sdn. Bhd. A-G-06 & A-3A-06 Block Allamanda 10 Boulevard Lebuhraya Sprint, PJU 6A 47000 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

      Other Outlets +603 6157 3933 +603 6156 7833 www.id-ind.com @idindustries
      Picture for blog post Refined Dining: 8 Dining Room Design Ideas for Small Spaces

      Refined Dining: 8 Dining Room Design Ideas for Small Spaces

      Friday, November 20, 2020

      Space is valuable, but that won't stop some of us filling out our small spaces - and we've all probably experienced regret at one point or another when over-estimating shapes and sizes. To help you plan your ideal dining setting to serve your needs without cramping your style, we gathered the best design ideas for compact dining spaces here.

      1 Against the Wall Probably the first thing you would try with an existing dining set in your small space is to push the table up against a wall. You would be gaining additional space with the sacrifice of seating at one of the heads of the table, but when making do with a small area one must be willing to give up certain formalities in favour of comfortable passageways.

      A dining set in this arrangement also serves as a form of separation between spaces. Designer: Surface R

      2 Bench Seating If setting your dining table against the wall doesn't free up the kind of space you imagined, consider forgoing formality entirely by replacing some or all of your dining chairs with benches instead. Benches make for a more casual setting and do not require as much space as individual dining chairs, however some sideways shimmying and impromptu leg raises would be needed to get diners to slide in and out of position at the table.

      What this arrangement lacks in formality, it more than makes up for in the extra width of the passageway. Designer: Surface R

      3 Restaurant-Style Banquette Seating Instead of setting the short edge of your dining table against the wall, conserve more space by aligning the long edge with a wall or divider and exchanging some dining chairs on the narrower side for a bench. Without the need for additional space for pulling out chairs, this arrangement occupies even less space and can be located in shared spaces such as a dry kitchen or an open layout living space to create a dining nook.

      An intimate space is formed out of a square dining table, a pair of armless dining chairs, and a customised bench occupying the corner. Designer: M Innovative Builders   A variation of the dining nook is held in the centre of this open layout, with a bench formed out of a projection from the dividing wall. Designer: Jashen Interior Design

      4 Conjoined Surfaces In our previous study of kitchen islands, we observed how joining dining tables to kitchen islands can expand your hosting capabilities, and combining them into a Teppanyaki-style setting can save space. If you have a kitchen island, consider having dining and kitchen share surfaces, or join them together to make the most of your small space.

      Combine the dry kitchen with the dining space by joining a table with your island. Designer: Nu Infinity  

      5 Narrow Dining Tables If central placement and more formal settings are required of your dining experience, consider selecting a narrow dining table. As we discovered in our guide on choosing dining tables, surfaces shaped as skinny rectangles are most visually appealing in long and narrow spaces.

      The use of a long and narrow surface in this dining area conserves the sense of space. Designer: Nice-Style Refurbishment

      6 Round Dining Tables As we've pointed out before, circular dining surfaces are a more economical shape when hosting six or more diners with adequate elbow room - any less than that and a round table may seem overly large and imposing in tight quarters. If you forsee only small gatherings at dinners, stick with square tables instead - or sacrifice the extra elbow room for a small pedestal table.

      A dining surface of any other shape and hosting the same number of seats would not be  aesthetically pleasing, if it is at all possible, in a tight corner such as this. Designer: Mode Interior Style   A smaller round table is a viable solution for tight spaces, albeit with fewer seats and the sacrifice of ample elbow room. Designer: Bazarbayu

      7 Unifying Style The decorative approaches that seem to work best in tight quarters - minimalist designs and monochromatic or pale shades should be applied in a cohesive manner to tie distinct spaces together. Especially in open layouts, individual areas will seem less imposing with only the most sutble of distinctions existing between living and dining spaces.

      The minimalist style and monochromatic palette extends beyond the dining space, ensuring that it is subtly integrated with the rest of the home. Designer: The Roof

      8 Transluscent Furniture Instead of falling back on designs in minimalist style, a monochromatic palette, or even pastel shades to make your dining room seem more spacious, consider seeking out transluscent furniture to pair with the reflective finishes of a modern or glam décor. The completely see-through furnishings will help to maintain an illusion of space when combined with wide windows or ample lighting.

      The presence of this dining table is obscured by its transparent form letting light pass through it, rendering the lower half almost invisible. Designer: GDY Design & Construction   These dining chairs are nearly imperceptible, having been formed out of clear plastic and presented under direct light. Designer: Archicentre Read about putting together some delectable centerpiece arrangements on your dining table here.
      Picture for blog post Choosing the Right Decorative Style for You

      Choosing the Right Decorative Style for You

      Friday, November 20, 2020

      We've looked at kitchen countertop materials to describe various materials and how they may be suited to different personalities – but until now, we have not attempted to apply that same perspective to decorative styles. While decorative styles are probably as varied as people, we have been seeing some similar personalities gravitating towards particular aesthetic styles – which we will attempt to describe here for the benefit of anyone who might be in the midst of finding themselves and their preferred decorative style.

      There are innumerable methods for analysing personality, but perhaps the most stringently tested theoretical framework would be that of the Big Five personality traits (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) – which will be the theory we adopt here in order to generally associate a particular decorative style with a dominant personality trait.


      Openness

      One of the first Big Five personality traits to be discussed is usually an individual's "openness to experience" – which roughly translates to a person's imagination and bravery to venture into uncharted waters. A person who is considered high in "openness" is regarded as being receptive to variety – easily gravitating towards learning, art, or other creative pursuits; while a person low in "openness" will display a preference for routine and representational works of art such as classical sculptures rather than abstract or interpretive designs.

      It takes a certain kind of bravery to seek out and incorporate unconventional features — such as the pictured loft space, made accessible with the addition of an industrial attic (loft) ladder. Interior design by: Nice-Style Refurbishment

      Historically accurate decorative styles such as faithful classicism may not be ideal for highly open individuals, who tend to prefer more varied, esoteric, or eccentric blends of styles to reflect their unique tastes. An open person would seek to forge a unique décor wherever possible – perhaps even going as far as rearranging entire floor plans to achieve something different. On the flipside, a less open person may gravitate toward styles that are more commonly represented in today's homes – or even a style representing something from childhood – while adhering to the convention of the day as much as possible.


      Conscientiousness

      Describing how people react to expectations of society at large, a person high in conscientiousness is more likely to consider rules both written and unspoken – such as is required when attempting to pay tribute to classical aesthetics. A highly conscientious person considers the experience of guests and visitors more than their own comfort, and will likely seek out a familiar décor – such as a variation of modern contemporary or classical modern style – to achieve a comforting ambience for the benefit of others while aiming for the hallmarks of luxury.

      A conscientious homeowner seeks to enforce implicit aesthetic rules rather than break them. Designer: Design Integra

      A less conscientious individual may be seen as unpredictable and impulsive – and the right decorative style in this case is more a matter of personal preference than anything else.  A person low in conscientiousness will likely gravitate towards a unique décor to represent their singular personalities, rather than adhering to convention for the satisfaction of guests.


      Extraversion

      The dichotomy of extraversion and introversion is perhaps the most popular of facets in personality research – a person is considered extroverted when they display an innate attraction for social activity, while an introvert is one who values alone-time over a stint of hanging out.

      The home of an extravert will more than likely present bold shades favoured by exuberant personalities. Interior design by: Surface R

      Extroverts plan their home around social events, considering factors like the placement of extra seating and opting for bold colours rather than relying on a neutral palette. Introverts, on the other hand, will prefer to design for personal comfort and use softer colours in the creation of solitary spaces such as the study or the bedroom.


      Agreeableness

      A person is considered agreeable when they display a high sensitivity for the feelings of others – and their decorative choices might closer reflect the norms of modern styling, while less agreeable individuals may be seen as being more concerned with their own avenues of self-expression.

      Individuals high in agreeableness will tend to prioritise the familiarity of the neutral palette and twentieth-century designs over self-expression. Interior design by: Alpex Design

      The most intriguing and awe-inspiring decorative styles are to be found in the homes of less agreeable individuals – while one can expect something more contemporary, less esoteric, and with greater mass-appeal in the home of an agreeable person.


      Neuroticism

      As a measure of emotional stability and how well a person copes with stress, the trait of neuroticism is not as well associated with any particular decorative style as any of the four previously described personality traits – but some conclusions can still be drawn. For instance, a highly neurotic person with a stressful career may have no use or appreciation for a study — the mere sight of a workstation may elicit feelings of frustration in the home.

      A carefree personality, low in neuroticism, lets stress roll right off and wouldn't be the least bit disturbed by clutter or asymmetry. Interior design by: Pins Studio

      Neuroticism also informs how one deals with clutter in the home, a person who is more inclined to keep spaces clean, and is also less willing to cope with the stress of a mess, will likely be on the lookout for storage options – while the messier and less neurotic among us may not have even considered cleaning up at all.

      Picture for blog post The Parenting Personality Palette

      The Parenting Personality Palette

      Friday, November 20, 2020

      Nippon Paint Malaysia uncovers some of the key parenting personality traits based on your most frequented colour!

      Did you know that your favourite colour reveals your dominant parenting style? Certain studies on the psychology of colour that have been carried out indicate that your preferred colour closely reflects some of your most dominant personality traits and strongest characteristics; even down to the various ways in which you behave towards your child (or children!). Take for instance, parents who prefer the blue hues are often regarded as more dependable and calm figures whilst those who gravitate towards brighter shades are known to be more assertive parents with a stronger personality. If you have more than ONE favourite colour, you may not have all the traits from one particular colour, but instead your parenting style comprises of a mixture of the various characteristics. Let’s say if you’re fond of hues such as pink and yellow, you may have a sensitive personality with enthusiastic vibes.

      Read on below to find out if your favourite shade closely reflects your parenting traits.


      The Parenting Personality Palette

      It’s time to reflect upon your true colours and see if your favourite colour resonates closely with your respective parenting traits.

      Nippon Paint Malaysia offers a wide range of colours that matches your parenting personality to the tee, ranging from dark to the lighter spectrum of hues, from warmer to cooler colour shades. There’s mocha brown, khaki green, rose-pink… and the list goes on!

      How about taking inspiration to the next level and reflecting your parenting personality colour(s) on the walls of your home?

      Here are some colours from Nippon Paint to consider for your next redecorating project at home featuring your parenting personality colour complemented with other suitable shades:


      The Calm & Collected (Blue)

      The colour blue is recognised as the most calming shade of the colour spectrum, which makes it one of the top choices of favourite colours around the world. If you find yourself not overreacting to your children most of the time, the colour blue reflects your calm persona best.

      To create overall soothing vibes all around your home, select colours such as light green, or a light peach to fully complement your blue themed walls. If you’re a true-blue fan, you could even opt for pairing the palest blue with navy without overwhelming your entire room.

      True Blue | PB 1534 D | #1886C1
      Mortar Board | N 2040 P | #BDBAB3
      Villa Green | BGG 1682 T | #C8D782

      The Enthusiastic Ones (Red)

      Red is known to be a strong colour that resonates well amongst those that carry a more dominating trait. Parents who favour the colour red are typically strong-willed – and much like the colour, they do not easily give in to a child’s requests.

      However, in a home, everything in the colour red may be too overwhelming… so why not try balance red with softer shades such as light grey or neutral beige tones for a greater contrast?

      Knockout Red | R 1281 A | #BD3543
      Ultra Smooth | OW 1020 P | #F2E6D0
      Quaker Gray| N 2005 P | #AAB5B9

      The Nurturing Couple (Pink)

      Those who like the colour pink often convey a reassuring ear to their children and see things in a positive light in most situations. While light pink is gentler on the eyes; some are a fan of brighter pinks such as fuchsia which also look great on walls if paired with clean colours such as beige or the lightest shade of yellow.

      If you’re a fan of lighter shades of pink, try complementing this with light pink tones for a classy look or opt for striking blue for fun vibes.

      Fast Car | AC 2076 A | #C04363
      Autumn Lights | YO 1213 P | #FEBF96
      Pool Side | BGG 1602T | #5ACDBE

      The Fair Minded (Green)

      A colour that reflects the personality of a calm yet logical and analytical figure who often takes a more supportive and nurturing approach at most instances. If you find yourself reasoning with your child or children over their actions, green is the colour for you. Being a neutral shade, green can be paired with almost any shade on the colour wheel, depending on the desired ambience for your room.

      To fully resonate with your calm personality, go along the lines of a pastel pink with a soft peach shade. Otherwise, for those who prefer strong green undertones, match your green feature wall with a light oak brown shade for a down-to-earth vibe.

      Torrents | BGG 1758D | #7A8066
      Seaside Lodge | BGG 1599D | #BEE9E0
      Lovely Jewels | YO 1216P | #FEC8AE

      The Cool Ones (Yellow)

      Yellow represents the colour of enthusiastic parents who are often easily excitable over most things, their children included. When you think yellow, the first word that comes to mind is ‘bright’! …which makes the colour an easy feat to match with two extremes, either choosing to pair it with a pale colour or opting for colours on the darker end of the spectrum.

      For a dark colour, shades such green or grey makes for a good contrast against any yellow-themed feature wall. For an earthier tone, opt for colours such as brown.

      Silent Bliss | YO 1166P | #F4E0BF
      Sweet Escapade | BGG 1759T | #A9B295
      Genteel | OW 1088P | #D7DCD8

      Here are some top tips to consider when repainting your home!

      1. To ensure a safe environment for your child/children, try a child-safe odorless paint from Nippon Paint’s Child Wellness Range (For more information, log on to: www.nipponpaint.com.my/childwellness)
      1. Opt for colours which are contrasting to your feature wall for a vibrant look

       

      1. Measure the space of each room to get an estimated amount of paint required

       

      1. Care for the walls of your home by ensuring proper preparation is carried out (i.e priming the walls prior to painting)

       

      1. Have a rough idea on your overall colour theme. Fret not if you’re unsure of what colour suits your room best and opt for expert advice from Nippon Paint’s Colour Scheme Professional Services at www.colourscheme.com.my to get the perfect recommended shades for your rooms.

      If you’re looking to repaint the walls of your home but are unsure where to begin, visit www.nipponpaint.com.my to spark some inspiration!

      Text and images by Nippon Paint
      Picture for blog post How to Enhance Your Kitchen With a Breakfast Bar

      How to Enhance Your Kitchen With a Breakfast Bar

      Friday, November 20, 2020

      Cooking spaces are an irresistible draw for some people and a kitchen island will make them feel welcome.

      As noted by televised interior designer Candice Olson, the modern kitchen is less one person’s domain as it is a space for interactive cooking between family and friends — with the modern conventions of open floor plans and relaxed banquet protocol often leading to an accumulation of dinner guests in the kitchen.

      Interior design by: Pins Studio

      The sight of an island counter in the kitchen presents an inviting atmosphere that simultaneously helps to keep the operative area clear of pedestrians and encourages the curious guest to slide in for a respite or lean against it in casual repose. Knowing that everyone would be gravitating towards the kitchen during gatherings, we thought it prudent to review some of the ways you could add an island counter.


      Practical Element

      Instead of having the breakfast bar rise from the centre of the layout like a monolith, you could also merge the island with the rest of the kitchen to minimise its intrusion into a compact space. Pins Studio demonstrates a space-saving configuration in the pictured galley, by extending a counter into the centre of the walkway, effectively turning the two-wall layout into a multi-faceted workspace that simultaneously keeps guests away from exposed heat sources while providing a vantage point from which they can safely observe the proceedings and engage in conversations with the chef.


      Stylish Seats
      Interior design by: Mode Interior Style

      Fashion arbiters are almost uniformly in agreement when it comes to the effect of accessorising—it is often said that the same piece of clothing can be presented in a multitude of different ways when combined with a purposeful selection of decorative accessories.

      Interior design by: Mode Interior Style

      As demonstrated in the pictured kitchen, Mode Interior Style differentiates the neutral coloured space with the addition of wire-framed lighting fixtures and bar stools. Although lightweight and unobtrusive in their design, their presentation in the foreground of this space draws the eye away from a simplistic background of rectangles coloured in the shades of the neutral palette.

      Interior design by: Mode Interior Style
      Twists and Turns
      Interior design by: Alvinterior Concept  

      A kitchen melded with an open floor plan presents an opportunity for creative expression in much the same way as a blank canvas invites an artist’s touch, and an island counter turned into a piece of artistic expression on its own often represents the most defining element of a truly unique kitchen.

      Interior design by: Alvinterior Concept

      Alvinterior Concept sets the pictured cooking space apart from all others by rendering the breakfast bar with novel lines and angles, resulting in a functional sculpture of form and purpose at the edge of the chef ’s domain.

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