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Friday, November 20, 2020

We know it has been a tough period amid the Covid-19 global pandemic, and an ongoing month-long MCO. Do not worry as Cosentino Malaysia would like to offer you 3 simple solutions to how you can spend your time wisely. 1. Online shopping We know you’ve missed going to malls, but we can offer you the next best thing! Our website (www.cosentino.com) is filled with an array of surfaces you can choose or get inspiration from for your next home project. If not, just check out our new collection, we promise it’s worth a scroll! 2. Design your own kitchen With Cosentino Kitchen 3D (http://kitchen3d.cosentino.com/), you can make your dream kitchen come come alive with the creation of 3D images where you can configure the colour, the edge and the sink! 3. #wearehygiene Share your tips/ habits of safety and hygiene in the kitchen/bathroom on FB and IG. Do tag @CosentinoAsia and hashtag #wearehygiene and #cosentinoMY, we would love to see your beautiful stories!

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www.cosentino.com

Friday, November 20, 2020

An island counter often ends up seeing more use than a dining room, with the casual setting and proximity to the kitchen - and in urban homes, island counters are usually the de facto dining space. Since you would be having most of your meals there, we thought it prudent to assemble the most inspiring island counters we have seen recently to give you some ideas.

1. Minimalist Monolith Interior design by: Nu Infinity

To frame the projecting dining surface, a faux archway is integrated over this island counter and laminated in a dull shade of greyish brown to complement the neutral palette of the décor. Besides being a purely aesthetic feature, this framing structure provides a point from which other decorative features such as pendant lights can be hung to personalise and illuminate the space.

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2. Country Kitchen Interior design by: Yong Studio

With an abundance of space to spare, this centrally positioned island counter is given a countryside treatment - with its sides panelled in vertical wood planks and whitewashed to mirror the decorative faces of the cabinetry and the backsplash of glossy white tiles. The panelling on the sides of the island counter is echoed in dark brown with the addition of a pair of matching bar stools, while lighting is provided by a pair of simplistic shaded lamps in white to adhere to the prevailing palette.

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3. Drop-Down Dining Interior design by: Design Spirits

So as not to interrupt the visual expansion of the kitchen by way of the reflective wall, this island counter is supported by a converging pair of steel box pipe legs and kept slim with a simplistic panel of wood laminated in matte white to match the surrounding cabinetry. The implied mobility of this design reduces the visual weight of the island counter, rendering it as a diminutive and centrally located fixture in this compact kitchen.

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4. Natural Flavour Interior design by: Homlux Interior Furnishing

The conventional design of this island counter is given a twist to fall in line with the use of natural materials in this conjoined dining and kitchen space. While the island counter’s functional surface is formed out of engineered stone in plain white to contrast against the natural shades and lines in the surrounding surfaces, the decorative face is rendered in bare cement to catch the array of shadows thrown by the legs of the accompanying stools.

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5. Transported Shades Interior design by: SQFT Space Design Management

Even with an island counter of conventional design, it is possible to apply the simple repetition of colour to achieve a cohesive décor imbued with meaning. The decorative face of this island counter repeats the pale green of the backsplash, producing a swathe of greenery that appears as foliage when viewed in combination with the minimalistic bar stools in dark wood. The message is punctuated with an assortment of floral decorations situated at the base of the island counter's projection.

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6. Levitating Surface Interior design by: Casa Indah Design The centrally located island counter appears to float in a sea of reflective surfaces - a slab of engineered stone in white projects from the end of a false wall, with a sleek triangular foot covered in mirrored panes acting as support. The opaque and black accompanying stools serve as the visual foot of the island counter in bold contrast with the reflective surroundings and the white countertop.

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7. Lightweight Design Interior design by: Yong Studio

The minimalist nature of this island counter can be spotted in the use of a single narrow length of wood plank to serve as the functional surface and black pipes in the wine rack and stool legs. The location of this island counter - in what was apparently once a doorway, adds to its minimalist personality.

Friday, November 20, 2020

Here are the decorative styles and features you can expect in the coming year.

At the start of every year, we take a look back across the entire breadth of imagery we have collected over the last 12 months, to find the decorative features with the staying power to make it into the next year and onward. After considerable analysis and critiquing, we believe we have arrived at a guide for what to expect in 2018 - at least in the realm of interior design.

1 Classical Features We expect to see a continuation of classical features such as shaded chandeliers and plaster wall moulding adorning luxurious spaces in the coming year. While the world's burgeoning economies have been experimenting with regionally-relevant styles, neoclassicism of European influence has proven to be a dependable approach to fall back on - especially when overt opulence is the intended image.

A number of discrete details have been incorporated into this dining space in order to bring the classic style to modern times: reflective trim around the dining table, metallic picture frames, and recessed area lighting hidden in the crevices of the ceiling. Designer: IDS Interior Design

2 Dark Wood With natural materials such as wood and stone seeing greater use in our homes this past year, we expect to see a continuation of wooden decorative features and furnishings in dark shades to appeal to modern sensibilities - especially when paired with an immaculate expanse of white.

This bar exudes luxury with dark wood laminate, white stone, and golden reflective accents serving as trim on the cabinetry. Designer: Metrics Global

3 Indoor Greenery Keeping in tune with our collective ambitions for ecological stability, another decorative feature gaining in rapid popularity is the humble indoor plant. Although previously spotted in vases or pots, really turning that dial labelled "Plants" all the way up and letting nature into your home does more than add some colour to the interior - you get higher quality air too.

While the wall creepers in this case may not be living - on account of the wood floor presenting a practical problem in plant care, the mimicry serves to amplify the few green accents in this space. Designer: Nu Infinity

4 Industrial Influence With the large swathes of formerly industrial properties being converted into homes and centres of commerce around the world, we foresee a resurgence of post-industrial style represented by bare concrete and re-purposed wood or metal. Even in modern structures, we believe that materials that would have previously gone to waste are increasingly being given new life as decorative and functional features.

Bare ceilings and a majority of concrete surfaces create a hard, sombre look that is cool yet fashionable. Designer: X-Two Concept

5 Metallic Accents With the global consciousness finally sliding into a restorative mode at the tail end of 2017, we foresee a declining dependence on heavily processed materials such as gilded metals. Despite that potentially inflammatory forecast, metallic components will continue to surpass other materials such as wood in terms of the physical and aesthetic properties (such as damage resistance and translucence) that make them indispensable in particular furnishings and fixtures.

Metal is used to keep the profiles of furnishings and light fixtures minimal, providing the interior with a greater sense of space. Designer: Humbert & Poyet

Wondering what colours to expect in the coming year? Get it direct from some of the people who make your paint.

Friday, November 20, 2020

Decorating with your amore in mind? We combed through bedrooms throughout the country - and abroad, to rank the five coziest bedsteads for eliciting feelings of romance. Before the evening's events draw to a close and things inevitably lead back to the bedroom, be sure to have these decorative features in place to help your amorous ambitions along.

5. Monochromatic Simplicity

Making the most out of a few select trappings in their signature brand of monochromatic minimalism, Nu Infinity's arrangement speaks of wild passions: reflective panels frame a print of a zebra's patterns - strategically situated on the walls above the bed; a deep pile carpet in grey provides a comforting layer for bare feet to linger on; and a diminutive clutter tray adorned with the tools of aromatherapy provides the clearest signal of romantic intentions.

Designer: Nu Infinity   4. Classically Feminine

Crisp, classically appointed architectural finishes and furnishings saturated in pale shades lend this bedroom a delicate and decidedly feminine elegance. The combination of daylight, or soft yellow lighting at night, help to bring out the tones of peaches and cream provided by the decorative wall treatments and fabrics. Amorous intentions are made clearer with the placement of a circular tub in view of the bed.

Designer: S/Lab 10   3. Thoughtful Transition

The classical furnishings, intricate patterns in wallpaper, and exquisite lighting fixtures are the key elements in this bedroom helping to create an amorous vibe. A functional feature of special note is the thoughtful arrangement of seating around a coffee table equipped with refreshments to create an intimate space for romantic interludes.

Designer: Hue Art Design   2. Exotic Excursion

Conceived by interior designer, Nikki B, and situated within a gated community in Dubai, this bedroom exudes an exotic allure without resorting to the archetypal shades of romance. This intimate bedchamber in the desert presents decorative stone accents and elaborate fabrics in alternating swathes of blue and gold - the regional palette associated with luxury.

Designer: Da Fonesca Design   1. Glamorous Detail

This bedroom hits all the checkpoints in our list of things that make a bedroom exude romance: warm wood flooring contrasting against reflective accents on the walls, a circular bedstead displaying classical tendencies in the button-back upholstery, and just the right amount of shimmer in the materials.

Designer: Gusto Design

Friday, November 20, 2020

The volume of air that comes with double-height ceilings typically calls for the use of impressive lighting fixtures that do more than just provide illumination - they inevitably become one of the focal points of attraction in living spaces. We combed through some delectable mansions, bungalows, duplexes, and penthouses to put this guide together and help you pick out the ideal chandelier (or other lighting fixture) to suit the extra-high ceiling of your décor.

Classical Chandeliers Equally appropriate in classical interiors as for lending an eccentric streak to modern settings, the many variations of glass or crystalline, and shaded or bare chandeliers are a requisite feature for anyone wanting a dependable style choice that can add a layer of elegance to a wide range of interiors.

A classically inspired chandelier is a safe option to lend an aura of elegance to transitional or eclectic décors. Designer: The Roof

Curved Chandeliers A more common type of modern chandelier spotted in transitional and minimalist settings, the curved surfaces make for lower profile fixtures that do not intrude into the airspace. By virtue of their curved profiles and small size, many identical pieces can be hung together in staggered lines to depict heavenly bodies.

Occupying less space than a conventional chandelier, the relatively small size of these metallic orbs enables the arrangement of multiple pieces in an array. Designer: Turn Design Interior

Large-Scale Floor Lamps Take advantage of the abundance in ceiling space by incorporating an extra tall, floor-mounted lighting fixture. An imposing floor lamp represents an alternative focal point on an unanticipated plane and helps to preserve the volume of air provided by the high ceiling.

The abundance of airspace in double-height spaces invites the use of over-sized floor mounted lighting fixtures. Designer: Turn Design Interior

Wall-Mounted Lights Maximize the conservation of airspace in your living room with low-profile lights mounted to walls. This arrangement can be used to highlight decorative walls higher up in the void while providing adequate task lighting and without hampering the intimate mood.

Instead of an intrusive lighting fixture hanging in mid-air, this space presents discrete wall-mounted lights to produce an intimate atmosphere. Designer: IDS Interior

Slim Spotlights If the dim illumination provided by wall-mounted lights is inadequate, or if you just want to highlight decorative furnishings nearer to the floor, consider using simple down-lights to obscure ceiling features in favour of highlighting furnishings on the ground.

Pursuing a recording studio motif, this living room features utilitarian and low-profile down-lights to retain the sense of volume in this space. Designer: Motto Designs

Friday, November 20, 2020

While white is a commonly used colour in kitchen spaces to maintain a clean atmosphere, some may want a little bit of a divergence with other colours from a neutral pallette to suit the rest of their home, or get a little bit creative with other colours to add some vibrance to their décor. Here, we take a look at the Top 5 colours for your kitchen.

Designer: Yong Studio

White Likely the most common pallete used for kitchens, the absence of colour contributes towards an immaculate atmosphere in kitchens with either modern or traditional stylings. The uniformity of white - stretching from ceilings, walls, backsplashes, countertops, cabinetry, and down to flooring makes these typically small areas of the home seem more spacious.

Designer: Pocket Square

Grey

The popularity of a using grey in kitchens emerged with the rise of the modern palette and granite countertops. The colour grey is most effective in a kitchen appointed with steel fixtures and reflective accents. Designer: GDY Design & Construction

Black Although typically confined to decorative accents, a kitchen is transformed into an inviting and elegant space when black is used as the base colour.

Designer: Nu Infinity

Brown The natural shades of wood are ideal for both modern and country-styled kitchens, with darker shades creating a majestic effect and pale tones exuding a rustic flavour.

Designer: Nu Infinity

Blue While pastel shades are associated with rustic interiors, modern kitchens can also benefit from the bespoke factor provided by saturation in a surprising hue of blue.

Designer: Viincology

Friday, November 20, 2020

Enhance the Christmas mood at home with these beautiful lighting ideas that add a spark of joy in every corner.

Create a focal point at your dining table by using an attractive pendant light accompanied by festive centrepieces beneath it. Choose a colour theme - for instance gold to bring on a touch of elegance. (Image credit: Luxxu)

Minimalist-looking lighting works well when paired with festive decoration. (Image credit: Boca do Lobo)

Whether you pop one up in your porch, on feature walls or at entryways, mounted wall lights with a festive theme easily infuse homes with a Christmas ambience. (Image credit: Lights4fun)

Decorate a corner with Xmas features. To enhance the look, hang fairy lights across the wall and brighten the space up with candlelight. (Image credit: Lights4fun)

More Christmas decorating tips here. 

Friday, November 20, 2020

If you find yourself wondering how to make your spaces more festive this Christmas, consider using centrepieces to enliven your dining table. Here are a few simple ways to whip up a good-looking decor piece for your tables.

Fabrics A decorative tapestry such as oriental table runners or a simple cloth serves to underscore centrepiece arrangements with a layer of texture and to protect dining surfaces from scratches. Anything as overt as plain fabrics dyed in red or green to tartan and plaid textiles in subtle colours will evoke the Christmas spirit in varying degrees.

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Thematic Decorations As with fabrics, decorative objects can be as obvious as cut branches of red European holly (Ilex aquifolium), snowflakes in crystal, and figurines depicting the requisite characters of the season - or as understated as pine cones and a variety of edible berries.

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Silverware Associated with prosperous clan gatherings during the holiday season, the reflective sheen of silverware conjures impressions of snow-covered landscapes. As food will inevitably be found scattered over dining surfaces - often before the whole family even sits down for dinner, consider integrating silver-gilded containers of edibles or beverages into centrepiece arrangements.

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Glassware Glassware and other crystalline decorations can be used as an alternative to silver containers to add some shine to centrepieces. Glassware such as snack bowls and beverage pitchers, or thematic crystalline decorative objects are best appreciated in direct light to add a measure of intricate elegance to the centrepiece.

Lighting Candles and accent lighting can applied adequate lighting for diners as well as be part of your centrepiece arrangements while maintaining an intimate mood. Turn up narrow downlights directly over centrepieces to heighten metallic and crystalline decorations and improve task lighting with a scattering of tea candles or paraffin lamps.

More Xmas decor tips for every room in the house here. For timeless centrepiece decor for dining tables, check out this article.

Friday, November 20, 2020

If you have just finished adjusting your dining table and meticulously arranging it in place in your home, only to have that nagging feeling that the décor is somehow incomplete, it is because the space needs a centrepiece.

You could do as one does and just let clutter accumulate just to see what happens, the random assortment of items will eventually speak of your personality and lifestyle, but it may not blend well with the rest of the space - that and most would regard that as an unintended mess. We let our panel of decorators into our homes to help us figure out centrepieces, and arrived at the following Top 7 ideas that will help you get ahead of the curve by tailoring your dining table decorations to suit your interior and to project the ambiance you design.

Designer: Konan Design

7. Classic Candlelight The original dining table centrepiece - the archetypal candle and candle-holder combination has been a pervasive decorative element, providing a form of lighting especially suited for intimate moods, and appearing in everything from classical art to modern fine dining experiences. Candle-holders serve as pieces of art in themselves, ranging from ostentatious candelabra gilded in precious metals to utilitarian glassware.

Designer: SQFT Space Design Management

6. Edible Art Food invariably gets left on the dining table in some way or another - especially with large households in constant flux, where mealtimes tend to overlap. Embrace the familial chaos while encouraging healthy eating by displaying brightly coloured fruit or snacks in attractive containers to provide an additional decorative element. To take it a step further, unleash the inner epicurean and artist by experimenting with pickled or dried edibles in jars to produce a few splashes of colour.

Designer: Surface R Interior Design

5. Rotating Trays A mainstay of oriental-styled interiors, the turntable - known in some circles as the "Lazy Susan", is a rotating tray made of wood or stone. Typically found in the centre of large Chinese dinners, the turntable adds a functional and elegant layer to round dining tables that serves equally well as a pedestal for art or dining accessories - while providing diners with Arthurian access to the dishes placed on it.

Designer: Jashen Interior Design

4. Sculptures On the other end of the function-form spectrum are gratuitous objects of art to inject some glam and glitter into a scene and turn a dining table into a display space. A curated sculpture with interesting reliefs on all sides provides luxurious views from any angle in combination with a rotating tray.

Designer: Gusto Design

3. Literary Pursuits In lieu of spending the time combing galleries and markets for "that ideal piece", go the way of the literary artist by shaping an impromptu sculpture out of books to accent a loft-like décor. Especially in small spaces where coffee table space is scarce, books that were intended for the seating lounge can be piled up on the dining table instead, freeing up living room space and providing a set of spontaneous talking points while dining.

Designer: M Innovative Builders

2. Living Embellishments A simple and immediately rewarding centrepiece element comes from our own lush backyards. All that is needed is a few stalks of freshly-cut flowers, or sprigs of herbs, thrown into a container - anything from an old tea tin to an intricate glass vase would do the job. While these living centrepieces can only be expected to last little more than a few days, an extra "wow" could be elicited with a contained ecosystem of live fish and water plants in the centre of the dining table.

Designer: Q1 Interior

1. Clutter Trays To keep that assortment of decorative and functional items in check, consider using a tray in wood or metal to neatly present dining table accessories, and to add another layer of texture to dining surfaces. Aside from the obvious practical application, clutter trays can also be used to frame other decorative elements, or even create a mini Zen garden with appropriately deep trays filled with sand.

Designer: X-Two Concept If you haven't already, click here to take a look at our definitive guide for selecting the right kind of dining table to suit your interior.  

Friday, November 20, 2020

If you've read our previous article describing how one goes about decorating for children, and you are now wondering how to design a bedroom for your little girl, look no further. We assembled our panel of decorators to formulate the following list of definitive elements to include when putting together an inspirational bedspace for your little princess(es).

Floral Print There are few other print styles that are as quintessentially feminine as floral print. Perhaps as synonymous with little girls as glitter and ponies, floral print can be injected into a space by way of bedspreads or decorative features such as headboards to affect a themed bedroom for girls.

Nothing says "this is a girl's room" like floral print. Designer: We Interior

Pastel Pink Pinstripes An alternative to floral print and other patterned prints is the pinstripe, a vintage element that can be turned into a more subtle indication of feminine tastes by applying the element to walls in shades of pink, magenta, or fuchsia.

Instead of floral print, take the route less travelled with some vintage pinstripes in shades of pink. Designer: Gusto Design

Upholstered Walls Padding the walls in upholstery softens the space, and when the upholstery is coloured in feminine shades, it provides comfort and elegance in equal measure. Classical upholstery, such as button-back or diamond-shaped designs saturated in shades of pink serve to fill a girl's bedroom with a timeless and feminine ambiance.

The range of patterns on the upholstered walls in this bedroom suggests a girl with a mature personality sleeps here. Designer: Gusto Design

All-White Furniture As white pairs well with shades of pink, consider selecting furniture that is completely white to add a clean and modern dimension to feminine spaces. Classically inspired furnishings in white are also appropriate for a girl's bedroom if the intended décor is more vintage leaning than modern.

Classical furnishings in white are a simple way to lend a bedroom a feminine vibe. Designer: DMZ Consultancy

Play House The pièce de résistance of any young child's bedroom is the play corner, but the girl with a fully appointed play house and the requisite tea set will likely ascend to the role of princess of the block - as little girls apparently adhere to a pecking order based on who can host the most lavish imaginary tea parties.

The girl who has a tea set like this one is destined to become a little Miss Popular. Designer: Regal Violet Looking for ways to affect a themed bedroom for boys? Read about it here.