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Friday, November 20, 2020

Beyond merely a consideration of safety or comfort, lighting fixtures in your garden can have truly inexplicable and magical effects on your outdoor spaces.

Appointing your outdoor spaces with lighting is more than just an affordable way of extending living areas or increasing the sense of security and comfort around the home - intriguing lighting fixtures may become the central component of the décor, serve to distribute attention away from a central feature, or intangibly frame a space for more subtle effects. If you find yourself spoilt for choice with the wide selection of various lighting fixtures available, take a look at the following eight inspiring ways of using lighting in outdoor spaces for some ideas.

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Minimal Demarcation

Design by: GDY Design & Construction

Applied more for decoration, the matching orbs of light pictured here are used to mark out the edges of the seating area without imposing on the view or the simplicity of the arrangement. As the sun disappears over the horizon, the radiating fields of illumination will accentuate the white fabrics of the seating to create an inviting mood that would have been otherwise overwhelmed by an abundance of lighting.

Design by: GDY Design & Construction

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Illuminated Background

Design by: Latitude Design

A wash of light is applied to render this contemporary poolside scene in a monochromatic palette: with a background dominated by an expanse of pale architectural finishes and lined with the dark frames of wood. The simple contrast in shade is complemented by a beach resort ambiance, created with the deliberate placement of lighting to focus attention on the pool and the tropical-style gazebo.

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Central Focus

Design by: Deseo Creativo The modern gazebo occupies the central position of this outdoor space - indicated by an array of hanging pendant lights, while a border of downward-facing lamps illuminate the footpath around it. As the light emitted from the foot lamps rarely comes into direct contact with the eye, these lamps serve to subtly illuminate the background while the pendant lights narrow focus to the seating furniture. Design by: Deseo Creativo

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Indirect Lighting

Design by: ID Industries

The poolside of this tropical home is dotted with lighting fixtures that are intended to frame decorative features rather than putting them in the spotlight. The decorative plaster plaques along the pool’s long edge are framed by modern fixtures that cast the light downward, while the shaded lamps hanging from the poolside canopy add to the serene mood.

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Reflected Light

Design by: Regal Violet

Few fixtures - if any, can reproduce the mystifying effects of light given motion by way of ripples in water. This enigmatic effect is best served with waterproof lights submerged in or around water features, with relatively plain architectural finishes acting as a backdrop to receive the reflected light.

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Luminous Frame

Design by: Space In Design

Lighting fixtures arranged into a regular shape rarely produce a result that fits cohesively with a natural landscape - unless that polygon is used to frame a water feature, in which case the result is an enhanced body of water that invites a closer look. While light applied with deliberate geometry may appear out of place in tropical-themed gardens, the effects of lit right-angles complement the manicured gardens of modern urban homes.

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Cold Fire

Design by: Living Space Design While warm white light is commonly understood as being the most appropriate quality of light for inducing relaxation, the occasional streak of cool white light provides a measure of stark emphasis for dramatic effect. When used in conjunction with a body of water, cool white light creates magical impressions of bluish flames that ripple with the motion of water.

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Resort Ambiance

Design by: IDS Interior

You don’t necessarily have to spend any time lingering on a beachside resort to get some ideas on how to create a resort-like ambiance at home. Having been repeated countless times around the world, the formula for applying lighting to affect a resort-like outdoor space is fairly established: spotlights directed upwards at foliage, vertically-oriented cones of light along walls, and ethereal underwater lights along the edges of a water feature.

   

Friday, November 20, 2020

Some reading this may have experienced this first-hand: you’re up in a rush to get ready for the day - and as much as your heart surges at the sight of your loved one, you find your schedule stalled as your significant other is in the midst of an unreasonably lengthy grooming ritual at the master bathroom’s only sink. In the interest of keeping things cordial in the bathroom, we went ahead and listed five ideas for incorporating a second sink.

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Diverse Influences Interior design by: FIX Design Solutions

Seemingly disparate influences are brought together in this bathroom decorated by FIX Design Solutions, the result is a lightweight and eclectic ensemble suitable for the typical sizes of bathrooms in modern homes. Generous elliptical mirrors hang in a tight formation above a pair of farmhouse-style sinks, while the white aprons contrast against a background of black tile in monochromatic fashion.

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Symbolic Arrangement Interior design by: Latitude Design

Just as two halves make a whole, the double sinks occupy a circular vanity in the centre of this space decorated by Latitude Design, proving that the bathroom counter need not necessarily be along the walls. Acting as both a practical feature and as a visually grounding element in the centre of the space, the accompanying mirrors are embedded into a partition that is held above the counter, resulting in the mirrors appearing to float across the diameter of the round counter.

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Elegantly Unbound Interior design by: Desigva Interior

In this bathroom decorated by Desigva Interior, a protracted length of countertop is used to host twin basins with ample space in between, producing an expansive and luxurious ambiance. The elegantly simplistic space is complemented by an ethereal glow spilling onto the polished stone, the same light from recesses beneath the mirror forming an intangible frame around the vanity.

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Framed in Wood Interior design by: MDS

With wall space at a premium in most bathrooms, countertops may have to be kept in check with the addition of other elements. In this space decorated by MDS Interiors, the vanity is bookended by wooden cabinetry to contain the length of countertop within a frame, and to keep it from overwhelming the rest of the bathroom.

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Composed for Opulence Interior design by: Casa Indah

When ideal proportions and luxurious materials converge, a bathroom evoking imagery of an upscale hotel emerges. The vanity in this bathroom is a relatively simplistic arrangement consisting of a pair of wide basins presented against a backdrop of marbled stone, with a countertop composed of plain black stone and cabinet doors of dark wood providing the necessary contrast.

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Friday, November 20, 2020

Besides the limitless range of artfully hand-drawn or computer-rendered designs, wallpapers are preferred for their ease of replacement - in the event that a particular print gets a little stale, it can be removed and replaced with other wall finishes or a wallpaper bearing an alternative motif. For those who enjoy using colourful prints on their walls, we took stock of how interior designers use wallpapers and narrowed down a range of five inspirational uses here.

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Contrasted Contours Interior design by: Desigva Design

Decorated by Desigva Design, this bedroom utilises a wallpaper that is relatively restrained in terms of colour and motif in order to paint a meditative interior in calming neutral shades. A wallpaper bearing wave-forms is applied above the headboard to mirror the pale shade of wood on the adjoining walls, and to playfully echo the horizontal lines of detail across the bedroom fittings. The selection of wallpaper in a similar shade as the wood in the space imbues the bedroom with a serene ambiance.

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Thematic Emphasis Interior design by: Casa Indah Design

A vivid tropical landscape is painted in this bedroom decorated by Casa Indah Design. On their own: the wooden headboard, the intriguing vintage lamp, and the burlap rope swing posing as a bedside table may represent disparate elements that are only loosely related in terms of the common material used at their bases - but with the addition of a busy jungle scene on wallpaper, the space takes on the tone of an adventurous trek.

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Harvest Motif Interior design by: Design Base

Occasionally, one may find the use of wallpapers bearing complex patterns to be unnecessary - as demonstrated in this bedroom decorated by Design Base. A simplistic repeating pattern is used here to depict leaves in various states of decay, the illustration evoking the colourful months between the end of summer and the advent of winter. The autumn ambiance is punctuated with a throw rug vaguely reminiscent of a ground covered in fallen leaves, while elements of the countryside are invoked with the wicker weave headboard  in addition to the other white finishes and decorations.

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Iconic Representation Interior design by: Design Base

Decorative prints do not necessarily need to be all-encompassing and complete with detail. Another example of a simulated landscape is created by Design Base in this bedroom - but rather than rendering a panorama in full detail, the natural scenery is instead implied with various shades of green and a lone tree represented in caricature.

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Emerald Opulence Interior design by: Regal Violet

An otherwise plain space is transformed into a classically-leaning bedroom with the use of wallpaper bearing an intricate floral motif and saturated in the shade of a clear emerald. While the beryl tone vaguely resembles a swathe of foliage, the borderline-Baroque pattern bestows this bedroom with an underlying layer of elegance to complement the cabriolet legs of the dressing table and the oval back of the accompanying chair.

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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.