Oana Singa - Interior Design and Personal Style Blog

Living room in bright yellow with sunken area

2013-05-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on this space - a sunken living room in Fukuoka, Japan.

What I like:
- I like the idea of creating different floor levels in the same room.
I like the idea of creating a cushioning feeling that comes with a step down area.

Living room; Fukuoka, Japan. Nano Architects. Interior photo via Dezeen.

- I like the idea of playing contrasts: soft versus rough, cheery versus industrial.
Soft, string panels forming the see-through partition are mixed with concrete floor in the central hollow, cheery acidic yellow covers the two panels encircling the sunken area and the ceiling while the minimalist ceiling pendants lights are connected via a grid of black visible cables and hanging from an industrial-style ceiling.

However, as much as I like the ideas that this space is trying to reflect, and as interesting as this space is visually, here is What I don't like:
- I don't like the feeling of this space, and I don't like the end result.
This space has an awkward cold confinement feeling concealed beneath the presence of a sunny color and breezy elements.
This space looks like a confused project that unsuccessfully tries to soften and to give a twist to an industrial minimalism by merging contrasting ingredients.

Living room: Fukuoka, Japan. Nano Architects. Interior photo via Dezeen.

What do you think about this space? And Why?

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My Style - Combining salmon pink and yellow-green

2013-05-23T10:35:00.005-07:00

Combining salmon pink and yellow-green for an evening outfit.

Layers of pearls - a pearl choker, and two pearl rope necklaces that I wear long at their entire length, and on which a pinned a large yellow-green flower brooch, a pink and yellow-green beaded clutch, silver nail polish, and nude pointed toe pumps (not seen in the photo) finish my outfit.

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Living room with yellow walls in Manhattan

2013-05-22T10:12:00.000-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on this space - a living room in Manhattan, New York, USA.

What I don't like:
- I don't like this yellow color choice for such an expansive surface. This hue is very demanding, and on a large surface becomes visually aggressive, and it looks very cheap.

Living room; Manhattan, USA. Nick Olsen. Interior photo via Veranda.

- I don't like the color scheme. The yellow - brown - purple combination with yellow-brown, gold, and red accents, all in saturated hues, is very harsh, and kitsch.

Besides the yellow color that aims for shocking the subsequent decor choices are equally unappealing: the presence of leopard-print carpet, and more print and pattern in the decorative pillows create a jarring result leaning to the vulgar side.

Not to mention that more color seems to be added to this already challenging amalgam: is seems that the two chairs behind the sofa have a blue upholstery.

I don't know, the intention might have been to twist a folksy color scheme by mixing in contemporary elements - like the large artwork over the mirror, and glamorous elements - like the leopard-print carpet but the result is a failure.

And, as a detail: I have never seen so far a reading lamp placed in a reversed position, meaning having the back showing in the view - notice how the reading lamp is placed with the leg/tube in front and with the bulb/shade towards the back.

What do you think about this space? And Why?

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My Style - Wearing gold during daytime

2013-05-20T10:59:00.003-07:00

Wearing gold in a casual way, during daytime.

I combined a gold pleated skirt and gold beaded mules with casual pieces: a straw bag (in gold) and an orange shirt.

An animal print belt and scarf, and a leather and Swarovski crystal beads bracelet finish my outfit.

If you go through my past looks and outfits you'll see me wearing the same skirt in a different combination.

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Things that caught my attention ...

2013-05-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

A random selection of things, objects, designs that caught my attention.

Happy Weekend!

'Racket' Chair, by The Campana Brothers

Photo via Mocoloco

'Tete-a-Tete' Rocker, by Laurie Beckerman

Photo via Interior Design

Wooden Bike, by Jan Gunneweg

Photo via Design Boom

Dress, 1950's, by Mademoiselle, Nassau Bahamas

Photo via 1stdibs

Bronze sculpture, Cubism style, by Mariko

Photo via 1stdibs

'Shell' Chair, 1963, by Hans Wegner

Photo via Design Milk

'Slinky' Pendant Lamp, 1960's, by Gerald Thurston

Photo via 1stdibs

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Free standing bed in a yellow-green bedroom

2013-05-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on this space - a yellow-green bedroom with a free standing bed.

Bedroom; USA. Interior photo via Traditional Home.

What I don't like:

The (potential) good start - the elegant wall paneling and molding, the very large windows, and what looks like a nice dark wood flooring - are completely ruined by the subsequent choices.
First,
- a free-standing bed,
then
- fussy drapes hanging above,
then
- those sticking-out-in-all-the-directions drapes holders,
and then
- the strong flower pattern on the rug - constitute a sum of gaudy choices, and a sum of visually competing elements that totally spoil the initial elegance of the space.

This looks like a girl's room (I mean, I hope) yet this is not sweet or girly but plain shoddy and ridiculous. And perhaps even dangerous - those sticking out holders can easily get in your eyes, etc.

What do you think about this space? And Why?

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Blue Living room in Arkansas, USA

2013-05-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on this space - a living room in Arkansas, USA.

What I don't like:

- There is very little variety, and no contrast in this very blue room.

Living room; Arkansas, USA. Tobi Fairley. Interior photo via House Beautiful.

With the exception of the two throw pillows in a different, fluffy, texture and slightly different blue hue almost everything else (all the seating pieces, the walls, the rug) seem to have the same texture and color.

And although there is some pattern on the rug that brings some variety, this pattern is so subtle and has too little visible presence.

And the perfectly symmetrical furniture arrangement, and the blue artwork create and contribute more to a static, inert feeling.

Blue is or suppose to be calming but this room is actually flat, very monotonous and tiresome.

What do you think about this room? And Why?

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Our Own House - The Courtyard, as work in progress (V)

2013-05-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

This is our courtyard, the way it looks at the moment - as work in progress.

The courtyard in our own house as work in progress.

Since my previous post last week I introduced some strong vertical elements: in each corner of the courtyard I placed a 7 ft tall white trellis.
The trellises are leaning against the walls.
I wanted to soften the strict geometric pattern of the trellises, and also I wanted to create dimension in the corners so I added flowing lines via white fluid sheers that I wrapped around the trellises.

The color palette has become a white-beige-brown combination with silver, black, green, and yellow-green as accents.

You can see here how the courtyard has evolved.

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Things that caught my attention ...

2013-05-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

A random selection of things, objects, designs, images that caught my attention.

Happy Weekend!

Swing by Patricia Urquiola

Photo via Interior Design

Coffee tables made from tires by Tavomatico

Photo via Trendir

'Capsule' sofa referencing the solar system by Deadgood

Photo via Design Milk

Antique mercury mirror console, Italy cca 1880

Photo via 1stdibs

Faux fur 'Cipria' Sofa by The Brothers Campana

Photo via 1stdibs

Trompe l'oeil pattern Dress by Alexander McQueen

Photo via 1stdibs

Nature-scape temporary installation in Milan, interpretation of a traditional Japanese Zen garden by Kengo Kuma

Photos via Dezeen

'Good morning Maddie' photo by Theron Humphrey

Photo via Yatzer

***

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Our Own House - The Courtyard, as work in progress (IV)

2013-05-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

This is our courtyard, the way it looks at the moment - as work in progress.

The courtyard in our own house as work in progress.

I did a few small changes since my previous post:
- I brought in two black-and-white pattern cushions for the swivel chairs;
- I took out the colored seat cushions from the metal chairs and replaced them with simple white ones;
- I replaced the green-and-yellow plant on the coffee table with a dramatic, white, dry branches arrangement;
- I replaced the four green-and-yellow plants in the four corners with black lanterns.

You can see here how the courtyard has evolved.

The courtyard in our own house as work in progress.

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Yellow-Green Treillage in a Garden room in New Orleans

2013-05-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on this space - a garden room in New Orleans, USA.

What I like:

- The trellis work is beautiful.

Garden room; New Orleans, USA. Peter Rogers, Carl Palasota. Interior photo via Architectural Digest.

- I like the 'reversed' color palette: yellow-green is used as the dominant color while the neutral black and white are used as accent colors.

The treillage together with the yellow-green color make a big statement while the black-and-white floor tiles, the white sofa, the black stair rail and the collection of black-and-white portrait photographs along the staircase, and the black lantern are very good color choices to balance out the amount of color on the walls.

What I don't like:

- Although I like the idea of using a daring color, and I also like the idea of a color choice that is related to the room's destination - a garden room, this yellow-green hue on such an expansive surface feels too much.

- Although I like animal prints a lot, in this context, next to such an attention grabbing and demanding element - the bold color on all the walls, the two animal print floor coverings (the leopard-print runner on the staircase and the zebra hide) look rather tacky.

But, on the other hand, this decor went for daring and for more is more from one end to the other, and from this point of view I have to admit that the color on the walls together with the animal print pieces are great choices that complement each other.

In other word, mixed feelings ... And perhaps, colorwise this room looks better in person.

What do you think about this interior? And Why?

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My Style - Mixing whimsical and business pieces

2013-05-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

Wearing / mixing whimsical and business pieces - I combined a vibrant blue polka-dot silk skirt, a gold leather fringed handbag, and a structured brown velvet jacket.

A brown-and-gold wide leather belt, sling-back black-and-brown shoes, sleek hair, and a brown-and-silver necklace of my own design finish my outfit and my look.

My own necklace design - using fashion buttons & beads

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Vintage Folk Contemporary Blend in Southampton, USA

2013-05-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on this space - a sitting room in Southampton, USA.

What I like:

- I like the rug layering - the thick, textured, neutral, natural carpet-rug topped with a small rug with a geometric folk pattern in the primary colors (red, yellow, blue) set the tone for a relaxed decor.

Sitting room; Southampton, USA. Cynthia Frank, Timothy Haynes, Kevin Roberts. Interior photo via Elle Decor.

- I like the painting choice - the same primary colors like in the rug but in more saturated and vivid hues create a nice repetition and unity.

- I like the rug-chairs-painting - the triangle these pieces form creates a great focal point.
The variety in this very eclectic mix of ethnic (rug), vintage (chairs), and contemporary (art) is excellently united by the use/repetition of the same colors.

- I like the white sofa, white table lamps, and white walls choice.
The white color acts as a great background for the colorful pieces.
The white sofa and table lamps blend into the white walls allowing the colorful rug-chairs-painting triangle to stand out, and to become a focal point.
The wall paneling adds subtle detail, and brings refinement and elegance to the relaxed interior.

What do you think about this interior? And Why?

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Traditional Contemporary Bedroom in Sao Paulo, Brazil

2013-04-30T10:59:00.001-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on this space - a bedroom in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

What I like:
- I like the yellow artwork choice - the color adds a welcome invigorating touch to this brown and blue decor.

Bedroom; Sao Paulo, Brazil. Sig Bergamin. Interior photo via Architectural Digest.

- I like the artwork choices - I like the visual hierarchy the artworks create through their color, position, size, subject.

The graphic yellow silkscreen placed above the headboard captures the attention first due to the vibrant contrasting yellow color and central position.
I also like the contrast created by layering the bold graphic contemporary art on a classic wallpaper pattern.

The interesting black-and-white action shot type photo placed between the windows, although almost identical in size with the artwork above the headboard, has its secondary level of importance due to the blending-in colors and side position.

The smaller, mostly white, artworks flanking the bed come to complete and support the other artwork choices in this interior - due to their color, size, and detailed subject that requires you to get closer in order to see it they are noticed as details.
Also, I like the symmetry these two artworks create.

- I like the stripe sheets choice - they 'go' very well with the masculine feeling of the sofa at the foot of the bed.

- I like the variety in texture introduced by the leather sofa.

What I don't like:
- the sofa seems too big.
Although the four-poster bed has a big presence it feels that its airy design doesn't visually compensate enough for the proximity of the massive, dark sofa.
And although I like how the tiny tripod table in front of the large sofa creates size contrast and punctuates the design, the bed - sofa - accent table combination seems off-balance.

What do you think about this space? And Why?

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My Style - Wearing a Maxi skirt

2013-04-29T10:12:00.001-07:00

Wearing a maxi skirt in a small navy-blue and white pattern.

Hair done in a retro style, and layered necklaces - I combined a short silver metal necklace with a long pearl strand knotted at the front - finish my outfit and my look.

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Things that caught my attention ...

2013-04-26T11:17:00.001-07:00

A random selection of things, objects, designs that caught my attention.

Happy Weekend!

Blouse and Skirt by Yvonne Poei-Yie Kwok

Photo via Yatzer

'Synapse' Storage Cabinet by Alexandra Denton

Photo via Design Milk

'Scales' Patterned Pillow by Steven Womack

Photo via Design Milk

Olympic Rings Table by Phillips Collection

Photo via Interior Design

Moroccan Screen by Moroccan Prestige

Photo via Moroccan Prestige

'Padaung' Stool by Brabbu

Photo via Brabbu

Daybed by Jules Leleu, cca 1930

Photo via 1stdibs

'Liquid Gold' Cabinet by Mattia Bonetti, 1953

Photo via 1stdibs

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Blend of country and refined - Living room in France

2013-04-25T11:43:00.001-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on this space - a living room on the French countryside.

What I like:
- I like how this interior manages very well to bring together a mix of opposites.
Rustic elements - floor tiles, rug, coffee table topped with artisan accessories, ceiling beams and contemporary furniture pieces are united by the use of a restrained and neutral color palette.
This brown-cream-grey color palette also gives the interior a sophisticated note creating a not too common, rustic - contemporary - sophisticated, blend.

Living room; Loire Valley, France. Jean Louis Deniot. Interior photo via Architectural Digest.

- I like the rug choice - the stripes mimic the presence of the above ceiling beams running in the same direction creating a pleasant rhythm and cohesiveness.

What I don't like:
- I don't like the (existence of the) large beam crossing the room - it feels very odd to have such a heavy element on top of an already solid beams ceiling treatment.
Also, the fact that this massive beam comes in a contrasting color makes it stand out even more.
The beam becomes a focal point in the room which is very strange - I don't see any merits for which this beam should be made noticeable.
The beam seems to visually crush the things underneath which spoils the nice equilibrium this room otherwise has.

What do you think about this space? And Why?

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White and Brown Rustic Bedroom

2013-04-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on this space - a bedroom in the USA.

What I like:

- I like the window treatment combination - simple panels on the left wall and a different combination on the windows flanking the bed play well with the casual, relaxed, rustic airy feeling of the room;

Bedroom; USA. Interior photo via Traditional Home.

- I like a few individual pieces and elements - the tall chair at the wall, the stool in front of the bed, the spirals on the posters of the bed.
Their details in design add variety and interest to what would otherwise be a quite plain white decor, while their brown color creates unity and continuity, helping the eyes to move easily around.

- I like the bed's posters are not of equal height.
This detail makes the bed looking less imposing and formal, and again, appropriate with the feeling of the room.

What I don't like:
- I don't like and I find it very odd to have the floor painted in a stripe pattern that runs in two different directions.
While the wide stripes bring subtle pattern to the decor and they are great in themselves, switching the pattern direction just like that is totally strange.
You might want to create a visual separation / to create two separate areas if you have a large room, but this is not a way to do it.

- I don't like the ceiling fixture choice.
Although I like the ceiling fixture as an individual element - branches that relate to the rustic feeling of the room - this fixture is not a good choice for this interior.
This fixture creates confusion and adds clutter at the ceiling level.
This fixture is distracting, it competes visually with the four poster canopy bed.
This fixture weighs down the presence of the four poster canopy bed.

What do you think about this space? And Why?

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Our Own House - The Courtyard, as work in progress (III)

2013-04-22T11:35:00.001-07:00

This is our courtyard, the way it looks at the moment - as work in progress.

You can see here how the courtyard has evolved.

The courtyard in our own house as work in progress.

The Courtyard opens on four sides: to the Entry hall, to the Master bedroom, to the Breakfast area, and to the Library / Tea room.

This view is from the breakfast area toward the entry hall.

- The entire courtyard area is now filled with pebbles;
- I brought in two (very comfortable) swivel chairs;
- I brought in a lot of new and varied plants (all in bloom at the moment). I grouped them in four identical arrangements. I choose identical silver pots for all the plants - in order to create unity and a visual flow.

The courtyard in our own house as work in progress.

This view is from the entry hall towards the breakfast area.

The courtyard in our own house as work in progress.

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My Style - Wearing a bubble dress

2013-04-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

Wearing a grey-green bubble dress with a pink detail in front.

I finished my outfit with a narrow bright orange belt, and a pair of light pink shoes.

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Traditional Blue and White Living Room

2013-04-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on this space - a living room in the USA.

What I like:
- It's a pleasant, calming blue-white-grey color scheme with yellow, gold, and brown color accents, and with blue-and-yellow floral and stripe pattern accents in the window treatment and the decorative pillows.

Living Room; USA. Kevin Isbell. Interior photo via House Beautiful.

What I don't like:
- A big, loud 'I can't believe it' is for the placement of a sofa in front of a door.

It looks like the designer had an explanation for this choice: 'The room beyond is the family room, and we thought, 'Why do we need two entries with this compact floor plan?'

So: Is blocking a doorway in this way a sound design decision?

Placing a sofa in front of a doorway is plain ridiculous, and it makes the space looking like a cheap improvisation in a dormitory-type of place.

But the designer didn't stop here.
He went even further and in addition to blocking the door he added a huge mirror in front of the doorway, with the naive intention and hope of 'creating the feeling of a solid wall'.

The result turns out to be the exact opposite: the eyes are attracted immediately by the weird, tacky arrangement, and 'solution', and the mistake is only emphasized.

And you know what?
This problem - of concealing an unnecessary door - actually could have been so elegantly solved: HANG A BEAUTIFUL TAPESTRY / RUG / TEXTILE in front of the doorway (the piece should be large enough to cover the door entirely).
No one would ever guess that there is a door behind the piece.
And the eyes would be drawn to admire a beautiful piece and not to laugh at how silly the method of solving a problem is.

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White Sitting Room in Italy

2013-04-16T10:35:00.001-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on this space - a sitting room in Italy.

What I like & What I don't like:
The few beautiful pieces / elements - the wall candelabra, the sofa, the flooring - cannot save this space from looking like a mess.
Most elements are out of place in this interior.

Sitting room; Italy. Alberta Ferretti. Interior photo via Harper's Bazaar

First: What is (with) that wall opening containing an unappealing radiator?
The focal point of the room, created by the sofa-candelabra composition, is completely spoiled by the sight of that radiator.
This could be easily concealed, especially the radiator is already in a niche.

And then:
- What is (with) that dark arched doorway on the right? With a spiked fence in front?

- What is that thing (which I cannot identify) hovering above the flower arrangement on the right? The protruding shape looks very weird.

- One floral arrangement on a tall table, while the other is on the floor emphasize an awkward asymmetry and casualness ...

In other words: I don't understand what's going on in this sitting room. Nothing comes together.
And, shall I mention that I don't understand why a magazine would publish this type of truncated image?

What do you feel about this space? And Why?

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My Style - Mixing Patterns

2013-04-15T10:10:00.001-07:00

Wearing / combining patterns:
- multi-color floral pattern on a black background - on top,
- black-and-white houndstooth pattern - on the bottom.

The Victorian-style black velvet choker is my finishing detail.

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Things that caught my attention ...

2013-04-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

A random selection of things, objects, designs that caught my attention.

Happy Weekend!

Urban Bench by Zaha Hadid

Photo via Dezeen

Whisk Lamp, Natalie Sampson

Photo via Inhabitat

Stick Lamp, Matali Crasset

Photo via Mocoloco

Chest of Suitcases, De Ceulaer

Photo via Mocoloco

Gown, Valentino

Photo via Yatzer

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White living room in Houston, USA

2013-04-11T12:53:00.002-07:00

Here are my observations, thoughts, comments on this space - a living room in Houston, USA.

What I like:
- I like the floor. The wide rustic wood planks give a strong start, and a wonderful warm feeling to this white space. And the rustic floor - tall, elegant arched windows combination creates a great contrast.

Living room; Houston, USA. Pamela Pierce. Interior photo via Veranda. (MZYMNJGY8MXA)

- I like the neutral color scheme that allows for the excellent display (and play) of shapes:
- I like the windows. The curved shapes of the windows that are continued with more curved shapes - the arched doorways on both sides of the room - bring interest and variety to the plain walls and to the neighboring surface, the ceiling.
- I like the Wiggle Chair choice (a Frank Gehry design). I have to say that yes, this is an unexpected choice. And yes, its sculptural design creates a strong contrast and a certain tension.
But at the same time both the color and the robust shape of the chair integrate with the other accent pieces - the organic wood and rustic design accent table, the rustic coffee table - and they all provide excellent visual interest and variety.

What I don't like:
- The room has the feeling of an unfinished space.

This interior is about the white canvas that allows a few pieces to stand out, so these pieces have to be interesting enough to support the entire design, and yes, they are exciting pieces.
But although the room is rich in interesting shapes via these eye-catching pieces, this aspect doesn't seem to compensate for the elements that are missing in this decor: lack of color, not enough variety in texture, and lack of pattern.

The room feels rather sterile than serene, and incomplete.

What do you feel about this space? And Why?

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