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Friday, November 20, 2020

Even the outdoor spaces of a modern urban home can be transformed into private retreats with the consideration of this handful of factors.

Design by: SQFT Space Design Management

When the sun takes on a more enjoyable temperament in the evenings - or has yet to get fierce at the start of the day, there is perhaps nothing as enriching or rejuvenating for the soul as a meditative stroll in the sanctuary of one’s own garden. But perhaps your home came with a hardscape instead of a lawn, or your initial reaction to a blank slate devoid of grass cover was to lay your choice of architectural finishes over it instead - either way, you may have a potentially cold expanse of stone to contend with. To help imbue your gardens and balconies with some semblance of intimacy, we took a look at our favourite outdoor spaces and described the ingredients that make for restful retreats here.

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Warm Lighting

Design by: Metrics Global

The subtle effects of light on our behavioural patterns are only just being uncovered presently, with the most recent findings implying that our natural rhythms leading to sleep are interrupted by artificial sources of blue light - which modern urban life seems to be saturated in, due to the prevalence of black mirrors and fluorescent lighting fixtures. One of the easiest ways to go about turning an emotionless outdoor space into one that is more hospitable is to exchange light bulbs of the “cool white” variety with the paradoxically lower temperature “warm white” bulbs. As with stars in the sky, bulbs burning at lower temperatures appear more red than blue - emitting a light that is similar to the quality of sunlight at the start and end of each day, when our natural rhythms are at their most restive.

Image Credit: Nedgis Lighting

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Inviting Furniture

Image Credit: Isofu

Even with a stone patio adequately appointed with warm yellow lighting and vibrant swathes of flora, without some form of seating available, there is not much to do other than to take in the scenery while standing. Adding a single chair provides a platform for a few solitary activities - but adding a table, and a few more chairs, provides opportunities for a gathering of intimate acquaintances in close proximity.

Design by: Nu Infinity   Design by: Nu Infinity

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Facilitated Fun

Design by: Nu Infinity

If you want to provide more than just a place for friends and family to converse while taking in the ambiance, consider incorporating additional features as conversation multipliers to ease restless personalities and fill uncomfortable silences. Talking points spontaneously arise around features such as an intriguing ornament, a potted plant, a rock garden, an artful water feature, or a fish pond; and the merriment of an outdoor soiree can be extended with the addition of a barbeque grill, a beverage bar, or if space permits: a decadent body of water such as a foot bath, a Jacuzzi, or a pool.

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Characteristic Style

Tip: To anchor a strong sense of style in your outdoor space, go for statement-making furniture. This beautiful piece from Les Asia's Skyline range is the perfect example with its sophisticated design and weather-friendly features. Image Credit: Les Asia

The style of décor that is most appropriate for the creation of an intimate outdoor space is largely dependant on personal preferences and where one feels most at home on the continuum of order and chaos. Generally, a home with a large outdoor space would benefit from a strong focal point achieved using a stylish outdoor furniture piece.

   

Friday, November 20, 2020

When we last covered the subject of colour in the kitchen, we outlined a number of other shades that can be used and their subtle effects on your cooking space - but if you decided to stick with a largely white palette in the kitchen, we have some pointers on how that all-white space can be personalised to suit individual tastes.

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Contrasting Arrangements Interior design by: Yong Studio

The overwhelmingly common result of opting for architectural finishes in white is an overly monotonous expanse devoid of detail or depth - Yong Studio counters this expected result with the selection of glossy white tiles to counter the matte finish of the surrounding surfaces, and arranges the tiles in a brick pattern to disrupt the standard grid arrangement of the floor tiles and the right angles of the cabinetry.

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Wooden Accents Image Credit: DMZ Consultancy

While a glossy white expanse may have been considered a characteristic of modern interiors some time in the past, emerging trends reveal the use of wood to be increasing in tandem with the world’s maturing ecological consciousness. Framing glossy white panels in pale wood produces a lightweight décor similar to those observed in the temperate climates of Northern Europe, but this kitchen in the tropics is given a regal streak with panels of dark wood to contain the glossy white.

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Reflective Planes Interior design by: Jashen Interior Design

Smaller kitchens - such as the pictured galley decorated by Jashen Interior Design, stand to gain a visual expansion with the addition of mirrored panels on various surfaces around the countertops. The neutral palette of this diminutive kitchen is reflected in kaleidoscopic fashion, with the incorporation of a mirrored backsplash and splatter screen beside the stovetop to provide an expansion of the space on two different axes.

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Backlit Cabinetry Image Credit: Regal Violet

Decorated by Regal Violet, this kitchen projects a stereotypically clean image with its composition in glossy all-white surfaces and stainless steel fixtures. In an exercise of subtle juxtaposition that is characteristic of their style, Regal Violet incorporates a warm visual element in the form of  dim yellow light spilling out the frosted glass cabinet doors to provide a measure of stimulating contrast against the potentially sterile décor.

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Vivid Highlights Interior design by: Turn Design Interior

Diversions from the neutral palette may require some courage, but the result can be a surprisingly spirited décor. With a simple switch in colour on the backsplash and the front face of the kitchen island, Turn Design Interior enlivens what would otherwise be a relatively plain décor with cheerful dashes of yellow.

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Friday, November 20, 2020

If you’ve come across our guide on the many ways of furnishing outdoor spaces, or our ideas for urban gardens, you may be interested in seeing some of those ideas in practice - so we listed some of the ideal examples of outdoor spaces we have seen to provide you with inspiration.

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Tropical Diversion Design by: Homlux Interior Furnishing

Modern and tropical influences converge in this outdoor space for a warm result: the wood deck of this side yard is appointed with furnishings of rustic design, while the simplistic wood blocks and reinforcing steel bars painted black stand in direct contrast to the distinctly modern character of the architecture.

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Expressions in Stone Design by: Gusto Design & Build

A grassy mesa is painted in miniature, with grey pebble-wash plinths and a swathe of white river pebbles enclosing a patch of lawn. The adjacent raised wood deck hosts an intimate assembly of wicker furniture to facilitate a meditative view of the yard.

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Expansive Vista Design by: Jashen Interior Design

Keeping in mind that an expanse of stone may be overwhelmingly cold, Jashen Interior Design selects floor tiles that bear the shades and grains of wood to create the impression of a deck made from lumber in this section of the patio. Potted plants are used sparingly to line the edge of the hardscape and serve as the points of  transition to the grassy plain and the inviting water feature.

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Transported Greenery Design by: DMZ Consultancy

Instead of opting for the default architectural finishes that came with this patio, DMZ Consultancy installs a layer of artificial grass and lines the diamond mesh railings with planters to bring the lushness of the outdoors even closer to the extents of the home.

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Enigmatic Lighting Design by: Regal Violet

The otherwise dark corners of this side yard are illuminated by glowing orbs and lit ripples of water at night. The motion of water falling over the ridged stone panels creates a hypnotic dance of light and shadow over the neatly contained greenery nearby to evoke imagery of the nocturnal jungle.

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Friday, November 20, 2020

A good-looking kitchen should be hard-working as well. Here are few designer tips to show you how to create an efficiently elegant kitchen.

You may want a large kitchen, thinking that the more spacious it is, the more space you have to work with. That's a misperception because when it comes to efficiency, a high performance kitchen is one that has everything you need within easy reach. So whether you have a big cookspace or a mini open kitchen, the important thing is to have both the task area and storage space at strategic locations.

Image Credit: Rackbuddy

One way to achieve this is to have a well-planned kitchen. Make sure there's comfortable space to move around but ensure appliances are not so far apart, you seem to be running around constantly. Another way to enhance the efficiency of your kitchen space is to incorporate storage spaces that help to keep frequently-used tools at convenient spots while stowing away things that would clutter your countertop.

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Hanging Out

Image Credit: Rackbuddy

Think about using the space between the kitchen counter and the ceiling to keep your cooking tools. Hover a floating shelf to store your saucepans and pots, or even wine glasses, as these usually take up a lot of space to store in the cabinets. The best spot is above a kitchen island over your sink. In this example, the designer has gone for a unique hanging rail with cables and hooks. It's also fitted with little bulbs to give it a functional yet fashionable appeal. Everything else is kept pristinely white to maintain a chic and contemporary look.

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Close Proximity

Interior design by: Casa Indah Design

Plan your cabinets according to how you use them. Tuck appliances neatly into the built-in cabinet and ensure you have optimal countertop space. Situate items that you commonly use together near to each other. Even simple touches such as elevating and organizing your spice collection so that it’s easy to see can improve your experience of using your kitchen.

Interior design by: Casa Indah Design

Thanks to its well-placed elements, this kitchen is clean, minimalist, and has an inviting look. The designer has made good use of the available space, which reduces clutter. The addition of the yellow backsplash is a nice touch to give this kitchen a bright focal point.

Interior design by: Casa Indah Design

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Cabinet Concepts

Interior design by: Architrio Design

When it comes to planning your cabinets, keep in mind the ease of use. Go for cabinets that create a seamless transition. This is highly important if it's an open kitchen that looks out towards the main living area. Ensure the entire theme and palette are cohesive.

White cabinets with wood outlines and sleek accents blend beautifully with the living room of this bungalow. Everything has also been designed for maximum convenience. Note how the ovens and the refrigerator are designed as part of the cabinets, while a breakfast nook helps to demarcate the kitchen area.

Interior design by: Architrio Design. Tip: Linear forms in the kitchen afford a visually clean and sophisticated outlook. These streamlined shapes can also be used as benches and concealed storage units to make the kitchen more efficient.

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Multifunctional Integration

As the hardest working space in the house, the kitchen will clutter easily. Each time you cook, you would need many different tools and gadgets, and these quickly fill up your counter space. One of the best ways to make sure you have all you need yet maintain a clean and clutter-free cookspace is to integrate and conceal different features within your cabinet design.

Interior design by: Hugi-Küchen AG

This kitchen is the perfect example of how an integrated kitchen works. With its high gloss white and black glass, this kitchen features floor to ceiling units that provide plenty of storage spaces while accommodating the sink, ovens, microwave and coffee machine all on one wall. There is an island unit created with black glass units and white Corian top. Special glass fronts reflect the light creating an ambience of lightness and transparency. The sink area is also enhanced with under-mounted lighting.

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Streamline Style

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For smaller kitchens where you don't have the luxury of a lot of countertop space, go for under counter storage spaces and opt for wall cabinets. It's also important not to store too many things on the countertop. If possible, opt for a built-in pantry spaces to store your groceries. Otherwise you may want to consider a second wet kitchen.

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In this condo's open kitchen, a linear kitchen helps to maintain a sense of spaciousness. Cabinets are also kept sleek and clean. The addition of the breakfast table in the centre offers extra work space and adds on a creative touch to the overall setting.

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Article by: Lily Wong

Friday, November 20, 2020

Perhaps you’ve come across our pointers on incorporating artful decorations or storage into living rooms, and now find yourself wondering about how to assemble a décor to impress - if that’s the case, take a look at these five ways to create a stylish living room.

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Asiatic Modernity Interior design by: Design Integra

A neutral palette is applied to the background of this seating lounge, rendered dark with the addition of wood in dusky shades across the wall and ceiling. Appointing the modern furnishings and architectural features are a collection of elements inspired by Oriental aesthetics: an oil-on-canvas depiction of Japanese carp in a feeding frenzy is framed in straight edges and cool white light, a fabric lampshade mimics the furls of the ghost fungi, and a prosperously-bellied laughing Buddha is playfully juxtaposed with the busts of characters conceived on the other side of the planet.

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Studio Vibe Interior design by: Sachi Interior Design

An otherwise ordinary seating lounge furnished with highly versatile modern furnishings is given the personality of an urban art studio with the addition of curated decorations - a cropped reproduction of Audrey Hepburn’s visage, a Warhol-esque array of lips, and a standing light fixture appointed with a light-diffusing parasol speak of the resident’s affinity for photography.

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Transitional Effects Interior design by: Metrics Global

Where other living rooms dressed in modern style may appear nearly indistinguishable from each other, this seating lounge differentiates itself with a length of full-height mirrors that reflect the classical trim on the surrounding walls. Sprinklings of outdoor elements soften the straight-edged architectural finishes and contemporary furnishings to bridge the gap between modernity and the old world.

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Diverse Influences Interior Design by: Nice Style Refurbishment

An escapade from the compact nature of urban homes is constructed with the depictions of wood over a background of brick in an expansive decorative wall feature. Opposing this length of wall is a relatively plain image painted with a monochromatic palette to achieve a décor connecting elements of minimalism with the countryside.

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Eclectic Arrangement Interior design by: Q1 Interior Concept

Looking for something different? Elements of seemingly disparate influences converge on this seating lounge in idiosyncratic fashion. A lone armchair upholstered in a patchwork of patterned fabrics focuses attention on the prevailing theme, with the shades of orange and blue brought to the foreground in the shade of upholstery of the other seating furniture.

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Friday, November 20, 2020

Whether you are decorating for durability or for eye-pleasing aesthetics, there are a multitude of factors to consider when selecting materials and finishes for your kitchen.

Interior design by: Signature Kitchen

At first glance, a kitchen in the making may only evoke concerns over its final appearance, but there's to more to it than meets the eye. Materials and finishes play an important role as well when it comes to the countertops, cabinetry, paint and backsplash features. Whether your style is traditional, transitional, or modern, focus on an overall theme as one of the first steps to selecting your materials. Aside from colour, it's also important to consider tone and texture to create an overall design that does not appear visually flat when the project is completed.

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Laminates

Interior design by: Regal Violet

Being made of highly-compressed layers of wood and fabric soaked in resins, laminates provide a greater range of possible shades - in addition to the aesthetic quality of natural wood, combined with the relative durability of plastic resins. Laminates of the past may have garnered a reputation for being susceptible to high humidity and temperatures, but recent developments in the refinement of plastics have resulted in more accessible and durable laminates that are less likely to peel with moisture and age.

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Natural Stone

Interior design by: IDS Interior

The irreproducible shades and veins of quarried stone panels make for truly unique countertops that project an image of individuality and prosperity - but being a material acquired from natural sources, quarried stones of matching shades are notoriously difficult to acquire in consistent quantities, making planning and acquisition the most crucial stages in the renovation of a kitchen with stone surfaces. The workability of stone does not compare to the ease of working with wood however, as various types of stone have an inherent propensity to chip in response to impact or crack from vibrations - which entails uniform sizes of panels and finishing details such as edge cuts to be affected by an experienced craftsperson.

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Wood

Interior design by: Q1 Interior Concept

Natural wood, especially those selectively harvested from managed plantations, represent an increasingly popular choice among the ecologically conscientious and anyone seeking to recreate a cooking space from a simpler time. Wood is the simplest material to work with, and some of us may be immediately drawn to materials such as reclaimed wood planks to bedeck a kitchen in country style, but the porosity and propensity to absorb water in even the densest of hardwoods is cause for caution. Despite the physical drawbacks, the occasional authentic wooden element makes for a dramatic and nuanced contrast when presented in conjunction with other materials such as stone or steel.

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Tiles

Interior design by: ST Concepts

While cutting, shaping, and polishing natural stone by hand is an art unto itself, the use of ceramic or porcelain tiles, or even pre-cut stone pieces, make the aesthetics of stone more accessible. Modern tiles can be manufactured to mimic the shades and patterns of natural stone, or to introduce designed patterns and colours, often rolling out of industrial ovens with varieties of matte or glossy sheens already baked in. As they are manufactured materials, most tiles composed of ceramic or porcelain require little to no chemical treatment after installation - however, much like pre-cut stone tiles, ceramic and porcelain tiles must be bordered with grout to adhere the tiles and prevent them from impacting each other.

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Stainless Steel

Interior design by: Creative Steel

Any commercial entity with its livelihood based on the preparation of food depends on a kitchen furnished with stainless steel surfaces. The accessibility, durability, and chemical resistance of steel are unmatched by all other materials - with the sole exception of quartz. High-gauge stainless steel is strong, yet thin enough to be easily workable, but countertops will show visible dents without a cushioning layer of hardwood to absorb impacts. Besides providing a reflective sheen that complements modern kitchens and visually expands compact spaces, stainless steel is a practical choice for countertops as it is able to withstand high temperatures without conducting heat away from the source.

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Cement

Interior design by: Homlux Interior Furnishing

Where stone and tiles typically restrict designs to dimensions predetermined by suppliers and manufacturers, the use of cement to render surfaces opens the door on all kinds of creative expressions in post-industrial style. Much like natural stone, cement is susceptible to impact damage and has a porosity that must be addressed by the application of chemical treatments to prevent stains. Without a sealing coat, cement surfaces tend to appear matte when cured, with a tendency towards displaying unpredictable streaking of limescale when fully dried. Aged cement surfaces accumulate an irreproducible polish and characteristic patina over time, a feature that is warming and comforting to those seeking a vintage-industrial décor.

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Engineered Quartz

Interior design by: Turn Design

With engineered stone surfaces such as quartz, the shades and veins of natural stone are made more accessible with recent improvements in adhesives. Unlike naturally quarried stone, engineered quartz is non-porous and much more readily available - being composed of synthetic polymers and otherwise unused flecks from the same quarries supplying the world’s most recognizable types of marble. The majority of the blend being quartz - one of the Earth’s hardest minerals, the finished product is a surface that withstands more physical damage, chemicals, as well as fluctuations between temperature extremes, even when compared with the densest of natural stones. Consequently, it is also one of the most difficult materials to work with, limiting the supply and installation of this material to a select network of manufacturers and applicators.

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Solid Surface

Interior design by: Design Integra

Much like cement, solid surfaces can be seamlessly rendered in curved profiles while the material is still in its uncured slurry state. Unlike cement, solid surfaces are shaped at the point of manufacture much like quartz panels are, but their inherent workability permits shaping during installation and repairs by grinding or polishing. Being manufactured in a similar manner as quartz, the designs and shades of solid surfaces among the world’s various suppliers are highly varied - but while quartz can be identified as being composed of a single type of mineral, solid surfaces may be based on softer minerals, or contain a mixture of minerals to achieve a balance of aesthetics and workability.

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Glass

Interior design by: Homlux Interior Furnishing

If the reflective quality of stainless steel seems to fall short of expectations, consider using glass on the backsplash, or to finish the fronts of cabinets instead. Whether opaque or transparent, glass adds a delicate layer of modern elegance to kitchens - especially when used in conjunction with other disparate materials such as wood, stone, or steel. Glass panes can also be used to protect porous materials such as wood or stone from moisture and stains by being fixed over the more absorbent materials. The aesthetic qualities of glass do come with a rather widely-understood caveat: being a crystalline structure locked in a stable state by heat and pressure, glass is susceptible to impact damage and extreme temperature fluctuations -necessitating caution in its use on surfaces where heavy objects such as pots and pans are likely to land with some force.

   

Friday, November 20, 2020

When thinking on the type of kitchen layout to use, consider the dimensions of the space, the intended formality of your average dining experience, and the number of potential cooks in your home.

Kitchens are perhaps the busiest parts of most households, especially in family homes that serve up three square meals a day to multiple generations of diners. Due to the typically compact floor space of urban homes, and the list of modern appliances required for a convenient and full meal, furnishing a kitchen of any size likely entails a greater degree of forward planning than any other part of the home.

Interior design by: Pedini Cucine

Whether you are renovating your present kitchen, or looking at a fresh slate, deciding on the kind of configuration you want for your cabinetry and countertops would be the first step towards furnishing your kitchen - as these bulky elements will be sheltering your appliances and will represent the metaphorical backbone of your décor.

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Single-Wall

Interior design by: ID Industries

Often used in studios apartments and smaller homes with open layouts, the single-wall configuration is ideal for taking up the least amount of wall space, especially in areas that serve multiple purposes, such as conjoined dining and kitchen spaces. As the refrigerator, sink, and stove top are located in a line, this layout is typically seen as suitable for homes with only one potential cook, but modern examples of the single-wall layout are often seen accompanied by a compact dining surface, or an island for cabinetry, to provide additional workspace, storage, and to serve as a form of separation between the culinary space and the rest of the home.

Interior design by: Surface R

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Galley

Interior design by: Jashen Interior

The standard layout found in commercial kitchens on land, sea, and in the air - the galley layout is preferred for the most economical arrangement of the necessary amenities in the smallest of spaces between two parallel walls. While this layout provides a walkway through the kitchen, and allows one to keep serving ware away from the potential chaos of the work triangle, the galley configuration does not typically leave enough space for a dining nook, and the enclosing walls may represent a distinct barrier to interactions between chef and diner.

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L-Shaped

Interior design by: The Roof Studio

The stereotypical layout of the average kitchen, the L-shaped configuration can be formed out of a single-wall layout with the addition of an island, or with two lengths of countertops joined at a corner. This layout enables the most compact work triangle between the necessary culinary facilities while providing foot traffic space for additional cooks and wandering dinner guests. As the L-shaped layout results in an abundance of leftover floor space, this configuration provides the possibility of adding a sizable dining surface, or additional work space in the centre of the room.

Interior design by: Surface R

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U-Shaped

Tip: A generously sized kitchen is required for a U-shaped configuration to not seem cramped, as the inside corners formed by cabinetry take up significant floor space. Interior design by: Viincology

With the U-shaped layout, the work triangle covers a much greater distance, often negating the possibility of adding dining surfaces to the centre of smaller kitchens. A wide kitchen is needed to accommodate the extra space needed by corner cabinetry, but despite typically requiring spaces of greater dimensions, the U-shaped configuration enables an uninterrupted view of the rest of the home in an open layout. With the addition of a kitchen island either projecting from a wall or located in the centre, the U-shaped layout can be converted into a G-shape for a casual dining surface and additional work space facing the rest of the home.

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L-Shaped with Island

Interior design by: Desigva Interior

In a home with an open layout, the typical L-shaped configuration leaves a cook unceremoniously facing the walls and corners. With the addition of an island projecting from the wall, or positioned in the centre of the room, diners can be accommodated for casual eat-in sessions, and face-to-face conversations can be held while preparing a meal on the extra work surface. Adding a projecting island counter to an L-shaped configuration changes a distinctly open layout to one that separates the kitchen from the rest of the home.

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Tip: The standard L-shaped configuration leaves some room for a projecting island - not just to subdivide and enclose the space, but also to enable the chef to engage in face-to-face conversation with any dinner guests who wander into the kitchen.

   

Friday, November 20, 2020

Minimalist style is a dependable aesthetic to aim for in modern urban homes, but ideas may be limited to Scandinavian furnishings in a neutral palette. To ensure a bit of diversity in everyone's minimalist decor, we took a look at the five most inspirational dining spaces that apply the minimalist aesthetic - and take it for a little walk off the beaten path.

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Sleek Finery

The compact proportions of this dining corner are echoed in the narrow profiles of the furnishings and decorations adorning it. To preserve the sense of spaciousness, Space In Design selects a lightweight modern dining table topped with a glass surface and an accompaniment of six thinly-upholstered chairs framed with reflective metal. The  dividing wall and adjacent shelving is similarly composed in simplistic style, but while the other elements of the space lean heavily towards simplicity, the central lighting fixture here is an intricate array of crystalline forms for luxurious punctuation.

Interior design by: Space In Design

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Subdued in White

Surface R incorporates restaurant-style banquette seating to transform what was once a walkway into a compact dining space. To diminish the intrusion into the reduced walkway, the accompanying chairs are necessarily composed in minimalistic style - with white mould-injected plastic seats held up on legs of pine and simplistic metal webbing in black. The two separate planes of natural wood in the bench seating and adjacent wall exert additional Scandinavian influence onto the space, while beams painted white form the dividing wall and ceiling canopy, enveloping the arrangement and bolstering the simplistic decor with an air of sunlit elegance.

Interior design by: Surface R

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Classical Impressions

Nice Style Refurbishment uses minimalist lines to paint a picture of classical influence in this combined dining and living space. Simplistic moulded panelling line the wall and camouflage the nearby doorway - the distinctly modern cuts of wood taking after the traditional use of wainscoting to frame paintings hung on walls. A country-styled dining table and accompanying chairs create an ambiance of rural luxury in combination with the classical chandelier and the button-back upholstery in the adjacent seating lounge.

Interior design by: Nice Style Refurbishment

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Country Lite

While countryside style may be ordinarily achieved with heavily-adorned furnishings in pastel shades, Nu Infinity demonstrates that minimalist furniture composed of wood can be called upon to create an assembly to seemingly transport a minimalist dining space to a rural setting. In a playful diversion from the expected neutral palette, lime green is used to evoke imagery of nature in the thin padding of the dining chairs.

Interior design by: Nu Infinity

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Rustic Industrial

Yong Studio achieves a decor balanced on a fine point between the lightweight aesthetics of a minimalist dining space, sombre shades of wood, and modern industrial influence in the prevalent use of metal frames in black. While the dining table is a robust slice of a tree trunk held up on thick square pipe legs, the accompanying chairs are kept as thin as possible to reduce the imposition on the the space's central feature.

  Interior design by: Yong Studio

Friday, November 20, 2020

There are not many bathrooms deserving of a long-lasting memory, and while some are easily forgettable spaces, there are bathrooms in existence that remain in mind long after they have been seen. This time around, we take a look at the five most memorable bathrooms we have seen recently, to attempt a breakdown of what makes these largely neutral-coloured spaces spectacular.

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1. Vintage Lines Interior design by: Yong Studio

The windows of a previous era are updated for the present times with the glass panes exchanged for pieces of wood, the horizontal lines repeated in a border that simultaneously serves as the footprint of the shower's partial enclosure and separates the modern freestanding bathtub from the rest of the bathroom. The deliberate selection of fixtures powder coated in carbon is echoed in the architectural considerations: the black pipe window frames and a panel of Nero Marquina providing the basis for the monochromatic palette.

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2. Solemn Grace Interior design by: Fix Interior

The monochrome fixtures and countertop of this bathroom are elegantly framed in grey and cream tiles that have been laid in a standard grid arrangement. The somber ambience is enlivened with gilded portrait frames and warm yellow lighting, contributing to a golden glow that is reflected across the space to bridge the gap between the monochromatic fixtures and neutral architectural finishes.

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3. Sunlit Decadence Interior design by: Nu Infinity

A monochromatic palette is applied to redefine the modern luxury of a sunlit bath - with a freestanding tub resting in the centre of a glass-enclosed air well, framed in black square pipe and smooth matte black tiles. Serving as both a practical consideration and as a tropical element to counter the decidedly modern decor, dark wood is incorporated into a deck floor beneath the tub.

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4. Natural Accents Interior design by: X-Dimension Design

In a space decked with black and grey stone, a few limited flourishes with pale wood serve to alleviate the seriousness of the decor. Wood is utilised in the shelving and mounting background for the mirror to add warming layers to the coldness of a counter tiled in black stone.

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5. Rustic Vibe Interior design by: Yong Studio

With just a few splashes of natural materials, such as the addition of wood and wicker weave, this largely white bathroom is gifted a mature and warm personality that would have been absent in the face of the white walls and grey floor tiles. The modern pendant lights hanging from the ceiling in the corner exude an inviting glow in conjunction with the vertical wood pieces on the wall - the decorative feature  deliberately extended to affect the light on more than one plane.

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Friday, November 20, 2020

Whether you desire a back-to-basics approach, or a something a little dramatic for your bathroom, there are plenty of ways to do so in your bathing spaces.

Bathrooms are no longer spaces that you hide away. While most remain enclosed, what goes on behind closed doors in modern bathrooms today can rival those we see in spas. This said, bathrooms have evolved into rooms that convey comfort, style and luxury. From the utilization of stylish tiles to interesting designs seen on tubs and toilets, these spaces offer plenty of design opportunities.

Image Credit: DelightFULL

To successfully makeover your bathroom, it’s important to know how you would be using the space. Maybe you just need a tub, or you prefer both a tub and shower stall in the same space. To put in a vibrant touch, there are many decorative bathing accessories out there to match the style you are going for.

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Tile Immersion

Tiles are a wonderful way to add colour and depth to your bathroom space. It can also be used to define different spaces. It's best to keep the shower stall area in a clean and simple tone, but you can always play with more colours and patterns at the basin and WC area to draw the eyes away from the toilet.

Image Credit: KSL Living

Encased in glass, this shower enclosure is set in grey tiles against a neutral background, offering a minimalist look. The sink and fittings are complemented by bathroom accessories, creating a well put together look. Form and function complement each other beautifully in the small shower area.

Tip: If you're looking to create a unique tile pattern, stick to no more than three tiles that share the same colour palette. Using too many types of tiles can become a distraction to the eye and also become more difficult to place. Image Credit: KSL Living

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Soak in Style

The bathtub is a defining feature in the bathroom. To set a focal point, you can get a tub that has an ornate quality to it. Consider a standalone tub, perhaps in a different colour to create an attention-grabbing element in your space. Keep the rest of the backdrop clean and neutral so that the tub stands out.

Image Credit: Mylands Paints

For this mid-century styled bathroom, the designer incorporated a tub painted in a dusky pink tone. Set atop elegant claw feet, this beautiful bath adds instant sophistication to the space. The motif of the floor tiles stands out against the dark wood cabinets that line the walls. To put in a feminine touch, floral decoration is used to match the ornate quality in this space.

Tip: If you are painting your bathtub, only use paint intended for bathtubs, tile, and sinks. Under no circumstances should you use regular paint (not made specifically for bathtubs) as they are simply not designed to stand up under constant water conditions. Image Credit: Mylands Paints

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Dip into Details

Image Credit: Bathroom Takeaway

Just because the bathroom has a very utilitarian function, that doesn't mean you can't decorate it. In fact, when you put in little details, you can turn it into more than just a space for your daily washing routine - it can be a space at home you enjoy spending time in. There are actually plenty of opportunities here to transform it into your home spa.

Image Credit: Bathroom Takeaway

This bathroom is a wonderful example of what easy-to-apply decorative details can do. Indoor plants inject a fresh feeling, and the layering of earthy vases and baskets offsets the stark coldness of the wall and floor tiles. Not just merely decorative, these details can be functional too. For instance, little bathing accessories set over the tub or small furniture pieces.

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White Wash

With small bathrooms, it's best to keep things simple and minimal. One of the best ways to do so is to go for an all-white palette. From tile to fixtures to vanities and accessories, a bathroom drenched in white is calm and peaceful, whether it’s steeped in tradition or sleekly modern. No matter the size of your bathroom, white palettes invite in light for a blissful, spa-like atmosphere.

Image Credit: Bathroom Takeaway

White also helps to bounce light in a room which helps with enlarging the space visually. Additionally, this colour gives your a bathroom versatile backdrop where you can add on your favourite accessories to enliven the ambience and give it a unique personality.

Tip: Blend a variety of materials to keep an all-white room from looking sterile. Sleek and shiny white tiles look softer next to a painted wood vanity. Image Credit: Bathroom Takeaway

In this bathroom, the white tub, WC and sink come together beautifully against the white wall and white tiles on the floor. The designer has opted for a light grey concrete-like wall on the left side which adds depth and texture to the overall space. The little niches punctuated into the white wall complemented by decorative features are a nice touch to bring out visual interest.

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Bold Splash

Interior design by: Vitaliy Yorov and Iryna Dzhemesiuk via Maison Valentina

Forget straight lines and boxy features for the bathroom. Tubs don't need to be white and rectangle all the time. You can also go for something less conventional for the sinks and other fittings. It may sound a little risky to take a bold approach for this space, but when done well, it can add on a wonderful wow factor for your home. Take this bathroom for instance. A black tub juxtaposed against a shimmering wall of blue glass elements anchors the space with an eye-catching effect. It is dramatic, yet the choice of solid colours brings the entire composition together to a cohesive whole that's luxurious and glamorous at the same time. The artistic mirror also blends in beautifully with the decor to further enhance the design concept.

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Sensorial Appeal

Image Credit: hansgrohe

A luxurious bathroom should ideally allow for an enjoyable and sensual bathing experience. For instance, the lighting of the bathroom space, the texture of the materials and the fragrance used in the bathroom are important in creating a relaxing atmosphere for some personal me-time.

Image Credit: hansgrohe

Refined finishes bring joy, including fine grains in natural stone, non-slip wood, marbled tiles and the pattern of small mosaics and tiles. These bathroom companions, as featured in the Martin Modern condo, have structures that please the eye and turn the bathroom into a luxurious and inviting space, bringing about a more pleasurable experience and encouraging a longer stay in the bathroom.

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Article by: Lily Wong