lounge4design

Role of the Interior Design for your Home!

2012-02-04T12:44:00.000+03:00

The role of the interior designer when designing the interiors for your home.

It may seem deceptively easy to design your own interior and come up with a beautiful and harmonious interior. If you are one of those people who has a flare for decorating, perhaps you can pull it off. All you need to do is put together “matching” pieces of furniture, furnishing and accessories. But does this make you an interior designer? Definitely not!

The interior designer’s role is quite complex. An interior designer is a trained professional whose job is to produce interiors that are aesthetically pleasing as well as functional, to say the least. When a designer takes on a project, they are actually tackling a problem. The interior designer researches the space, collects information from the client, analyzes the information and then synthesizes it all in order to produce a work of art.

How the Interior Designer works with you.

Let us consider a domestic interior design project for Mr. & Mrs. Smith and their family – the project being to design the interior for the whole house. Each member of the family becomes an important source of information to the interior designer. Collecting information is vital. Quite a task! The interior designer will listen to each member, pick up on their likes and dislikes, how they go about their daily lives, their favourite colours and items, and the list goes on……….. it should also be noted that it is always better to get the information from each member individually; instead of getting it only through the parents. Listening is an important tool that designers develop for collecting information to help assess how the family uses the spaces in their home. It is thus very important for the client to open up to their interior designer because every little bit of information counts. In the end the designer will know each of his clients very closely and often becomes a close friend of the family once the work is complete. This trust is a key element for a successful interior design project.

How Interior Design Disasters happen! They can be quite expensive mistakes!

What usually happens, when one takes it upon themselves to design their own interiors without the guidance of an interior designer; people go window shopping and consult magazines in search of inspiration and ideas. It often happens, in such cases, that certain criteria is overlooked such as the architectural space itself, the size, proportion, orientation, fenestration, lighting ..etc. Another majore aspect one may overlook is that the different family members will have different tastes, individual to their personalities and lifestyle. The result will be an interior that is neither balanced nor in harmony. The colours may not match, the furniture may be too big or too small for the height and size of a room. Often people go out and buy curtains, for example, only to discover after hanging them that they don’t match the colour of the flower in the sofa as they had thought. They may buy a light fitting not calculating the extra length of wire that needs to be installed, ending up in a tangle of visible and ugly wiring. They may choose lighting that does not accentuate the colour scheme. It is, thus, by trial and error that one may learn and this does prove to be expensive and time consuming. In addition to that there will always be a feeling of unease around the home because even when one may know the interior they want, they may not possess the skill to achieve it. It is here that the role of the interior designer becomes very vital.

It is the interior designer’s role to put together bits and pieces of apparently fragmented information and produce an interior that satisfies all the users. Designers will observe and ask the right questions. Applying their knowledge of history of art, styles, function of spaces, human proportions, technical data ..etc, the trained mind of the interior designer will find solutions to producing a beautiful and well balanced interior that will please the client.

Simply Said!

In a nutshell, a domestic project can be a very challenging one, the larger the family, the more so because every member needs to be satisfied. The designer’s role is basically collecting information and producing a design that fulfils the requirements, taking in all aspects of functionality, practicality, aesthetics and budget. The designer will many times have to educate their client in order to convince them to accept or reject an idea. The saying goes that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” so an interior is only beautiful and successful when the client is happy and satisfied that their needs are met.

Every home is as unique as its users, and coupled with the interior designers own style, this just adds spice to its uniqueness.

Introduction to general scope of interior design services for a project:

1. SKETCH DESIGNS: after receiving the client’s requirements, the interior designer will prepare initial sketch designs and prepare a schedule to indicate scope of work and an approximate estimate of the total cost of the scheme.

2. PLANNING DRAWINGS: this stage involves preparation of drawings sufficient for building permit or for nomination and instruction of consultants and specialists if any. Building permits are only required for a special category of projects.

3. DETAILED DRAWINGS: this stage entails the preparation of detailed plans, working drawings & specifications, sufficient for obtaining competitive tenders for carrying out construction work, plumbing, electrical installation, painting & decorating, supplying and making of furniture and soft furnishings.

What the interior designer does:

1. COLOR CONSULTATION: Selecting the colour palette and creating a color scheme for each space – walls, ceiling, soft furnishings and furniture – selecting the appropriate lighting to suit the colour tones.

2. REMODELING: the designer will assist in the decision making regarding the colour scheme, finishes and soft and hard furnishings in the style of choice.

3. FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS & UPHOLSTERY: the designer could design custom pieces of furniture and furnishings to suit specific interior requirements and will guide the client as to the furniture styles suitable to a particular style of interiors; as well as guide in choosing the fabrics, wallpapers and accessories.

4. ACCESSORIES: The secret is not just in purchasing accessories but in placing them.

What to prepare when you meet your interior designer for the first time:

· You should know what interior style you want – simply bring along magazines, photos, items you like as well as list things you like. This will help the designer know your taste. Feel free to discuss anything.

· * Be ready with our budget.

· * Be prepared to work on a time schedule – so the project does not extend forever.

· * Be prepared to answer questions that may not appear relevant, but the designer will ask in order to get relevant information. Example: after a shower, do you use a towel or prefer a bathrobe? Some clients may say they hate bath-robes. Some may say, they use towels but would like to have the option of a bathrobe. This bit of information, seems trivial, but it will help the designer decide on the type of accessories to use in the bathroom (a bathrobe is longer and will need a special hook and perhaps the closet will need a special storage area to hand these bathrobes).

Innovations

2012-02-04T09:34:00.000+03:00

INTERESTING INNOVATIONS - another refreshing email sent to be by my friends! Enjoy!!

Mosque designed by a lady architect, Zeinab Fadli Oglu, in Istanbul, Turkey.

2012-01-25T19:16:00.000+03:00

Mosque designed by a lady architect, Zeinab Fadli Oglu, in Istanbul, Turkey.

افتتاح أول مسجد من تصميم امرأة في اسطنبول
افتتح في اسطنبول أول مسجد في تركيا أشرفت على تصميمه امرأة زينب فضللي أوغلو.
وقال مفتي اسطنبول: مصطفى شاغريجي في تصريحات لوكالة الأنباء الألمانية:
"إن هذا المسجد يحافظ على المعمار التقليدي ولكنه يتسم بالحداثة في الوقت نفسه ".
وأشار إلى أنه كثيرا ما يتم تشيد بنايات ليست أكثر من مجرد تقليد لأشكال البناء العثمانية القديمة وهو ما يضر بالثقافة.
وأشرفت المصممة التركية زينب فاضل أوغلو على بناء المسجد مستعينة بتصميم للمهندس المعماري التركي المعروف هوسريف تايلا الذي صمم العديد من المساجد في تركيا.

Marine Video....simply SUPERB!!!

2012-01-23T08:56:00.003+03:00

Another beautiful email through a friend that I would like to share - the Beauty of God's Creation! Enjoy!

Beautiful and Relaxing

Magnificent!
Click the link below and see your computer being transformed into a huge aquarium under the sea, as if you were a member of the film unit! You will make surprising discoveries. It is a magnificent video HD, and should be seen in full screen.

شيء رائع

أضغط عالرابط أدناه وسترى شاشتك تتحول الى حوض أسماك تحت البحر وكأنك جزء من كادر التصوير

ستكتشف أشياء كثيره رائعه.

انه فيلم عالي الجوده ويجب رؤيته بكامل حجم الشاشة

Magnifique!

Cliquez sur le lien ci-dessous et voyez votre ordinateur se transformer en un
aquarium géant !
Sous la mer comme si vous faisiez partie de l'équipe de tournage vous ferez d'étonnantes
découvertes c'est un superbe HD vidéo à voir plein écran

tp://www.youtube.com/embed/mcbHKAWIk3I

Solar lights out of emply soda bottles - Amazing!!

2012-01-23T08:54:00.002+03:00

Subject: Solar bottle lights in the Philippines

طريقة ذكية ومجانية لانارة البيوت في الفلبين

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBWi3NtND68

Unique Photos - truly a pleasure to behold!

2012-01-19T18:42:00.001+03:00

HOME Security-South African style

2011-12-09T20:11:00.000+03:00

How's this for a total HOME Security peace of mind-South Africa. THIS IS AN EMAIL I RECEIVED FROM A FRIEND THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE!

OK lock-up time

King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC)

2011-07-26T14:10:00.004+03:00

A MUST SEE!!. Very interesting video of the Design by Zaha Hadid.

Visualize Your Interiors

2011-05-24T09:14:00.001+03:00

Renovating your Interiors?
If you are about to embark on serious interior renovation and don't know how or where to start - this is a good website to help you on the way and with professional advice all the way.

Visualize Your Interiors offers you your very own Interior Design Consultant to work with you as you make your choices and design your Interiors to suit your lifestyle.

Visualize Your Interiors works on the idea that a well designed Interior will definitely enhance the quality of your life.

What is really a novel experience is that you get to design your interiors completely online and at your own pace. An added bonus is that it is really affordable. The website uses the available free internet resources to avail this professional service at very affordable rates - I am sure you will find it very handy. Try it out!

Visualize Your Interiors Website

New Jedda Airport

2011-03-28T11:38:00.001+03:00

مشروع مطار الملك عبدالعزيز الدولي في جدة

King Abdulaziz International Airport

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1ykZsH59ec

Candle Carving Art!

2010-12-18T16:34:00.000+03:00

Decorative Candle Art - How it is done - see the YouTube link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7OjRYQAm64&feature=player_embedded%C2%A0

Qatar Metro & Railways station - a peek into the near future!

2010-12-16T21:32:00.000+03:00

Take a sneak peak inside the Qatar Metro & Railways 3D animation.

Maha Alusi - an artist on TIME!

2010-12-11T18:57:00.005+03:00

I would like to share with you an email I got from a friend;

Maha is an architect and artist, living in Berlin - This is a link to her inspirational TEDx segment in Berlin, where she is living now. Very enlightening. Please do listen in - just click on the title.

International Colour Authority

2010-11-20T09:29:00.000+03:00

Keeping up to date with the colour forecasting and trends; this is an invaluable website to keep you abreast. Just follow this link: International Colour Authority

Peek at a Day in Your Life in 2014!

2010-11-05T09:40:00.001+03:00

My brother sent me this link to youtube - a peek at a typical day in your life in the near future; 2014. Take a peek and enjoy - or freak out just a bit. This is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=c0jpzzbuML0

Lead free paint - is your home built before 1978?

2010-10-22T11:20:00.000+03:00

Lead is highly toxic. Exposure to it can be dangerous, especially for children who are 6 or younger. It is important that every parent know about where lead can be found, and how to protect your children from exposure to lead. It is also important to know what to do if you or a member of your family is exposed to lead.

taken from the website: Lead-free kids.

Principles and Characteristics of Colour - Learn the Language of Colour and How to Start an Interior Colour Scheme.

2010-06-04T08:05:00.000+03:00

Principles and Characteristics of Colour

Learn the Language of Colour and How to Start an Interior Colour Scheme.

Preparing a colour scheme for a space could be a daunting exercise. Knowing some of the characteristics of colours will help in making the appropriate choices to achieve the desired effect.

The Primary and Secondary Colours
The three primary colours (yellow, red and blue) cannot be created by combining any other colours. Mixing these primaries together results in the secondary colours, orange (yellow + red), green (yellow + blue) and purple (red +blue). Tertiary colours are the result of mixing the primaries with secondaries and forms a twelve segment colour wheel. Further colour combinations lead to an even larger range of colours.

The Natural Order of Colour
The natural order of colour describes the tonal quality of each colour and refers to their logical sequence from lightest to darkest; yellow being the lightest and purple the darkest. All the other colours fall inbetween in their natural tonal order. This principle is clearly seen in the six-segment colour wheel referred to earlier.

Contrast of Temperature – Warm and Cool Colours
This is the relationship between colour and temperature. We often describe colours as being warm or cool. If we were to divide the 12 segment colour circle in two halves vertically, the colours on the left are the warm ones and those on the right are the cool hues. So all hues starting at the yellow/orange and going anti-clockwise down to the red purple are warm, while those on the second half ranging from the yellow/green to the blue/purple are cool. It is also true that objects actual temperature is affected by their colour depending on the amount of energy absorbed by the surface when light falls on it. This light energy is converted to heat. A black surface would absorb all the light energy falling on it while a white surface would reflect it; thus the black object would actually be hotter when gauged with a thermometer.

Receding and Advancing Colours
Generally warm colours advance and cool colour recede. Thus in small or tight spaces one would use cool colours to make the space seem larger. In a narrow long room using a warm colour, such as red, on the end wall and white on the longer side walls would make the room appear wider and less narrow. However this rule of thumb can be reversed, because using a strong rich cool colour on a wall would make it advance and thus seem closer. The challenge would be in using different colour hues together in one scheme and attaining harmony between their chromas, hues and values.

Shades and Tints,
A tint is a pure colour to which only white has been added (hue + white). Shades are colour to which only black has been added (hue + black). Mixing in black or white in varying relative quanties gives the different shades or tints. So it is incorrect to refer to pink as a shade.

Pastel Colours
Colours to which equal amounts of black and white have been added are called pastels (hue + black +white). This gives the hues their characteristic greyed appearance. Pastel shades have a greater proportion of black, while pastel tints have a greater proportion of white.

Contrast of Extension

This refers to the visual balance of colours. It is readily observed in nature; a vast country side would be swathed in green with bits of colour here and there in the form of flowers or fruits. The feeling of visual comfort one feels is a direct result of the natural harmony. From this we learn that to balance colours in an interior there is certain proportion to maintain and to show off strong colours one would need a much larger area of background colour.

Goethe
The eminent colourist, Goethe, calculated values proportioning colours so that a balance is obtained when two or more colours are used. He gave each colour a value; Yellow 9, Orange 8, Red 6, Purple 3, Blue 4 and Green 6. Thus if we want to use purple and yellow we would use them in the ratio of 3:6 respectively (purple being taking up the larger area). This is really helpful as a general guideline.

Interior Design Colour Schemes
As a rule of thumb, one should consider one colour for the main theme, and then other colours to complement that theme. Balancing the

The Pschycology of Colour

2010-06-04T08:04:00.000+03:00

The Pschycology of Colour

We are perhaps all aware of the theory that relates our perception of colours to our moods and emotions. This is affected by factors such as cultures and personal experiences.

When contemplating decorating one’s interior, personal preferences almost always lead in making choices. However it is a good idea to be aware of how some colours are thought to affect our feelings and level of activity.

Colour Symbolism
It is believed that every colour carries images and symbols that are influenced by culture, history and circumstances. More reading? here.

Red (primary colour)
A warm colour – even hot. Stimulating to the senses. Red is for intense emotions of romance or anger and aggression. Red is for stop at the traffic lights. Red for royalty as in the red carpet treatment. Red makes a bold statement.

Yellow (primary colour)
Another warm colour related to the sun. Engergetic and bright. Encourages positive action. Yellow is used in morning rooms as it is a wake-up colour. It can be playful and when combined with white stripes or dots can even be cool.

Orange (secondary colour, red + yellow)
Also a warm colour, however is not as bold as red nor as bright as yellow, the two colours that it is made of. Orange calls attention and has high visual impact.

Green (secondary colour blue + yellow)
A cool colour. Peaceful and restful. Tinted green is very cool. Green with higher proportion of yellow takes on warm characteristics and becomes strong and stimulating, even uncomfortable.

Blue (primary colour)
A cool colour, it invokes feelings of serenity and peace. The skies and oceans. Dark blue stands for authority.

Purple (secondary colour, blue + red)
A warm colour – can be cool with a higher proportion of blue. Expresses rich opulence and sophisticated presence. Powerful. Sensuous and deeply romantic.

Choosing the Colour Palette of your home.
What would be the best colours to use in your living spaces? Using the characteristics attributed to colours, the function of the spaces would then guide one towards the choice of the interior theme. Yellow is suitable for the entrance lobby and morning or breakfast room. Red would go well in the dining area as it is thought to enhance and stimulate the appetite. Purple or dark red would go well in the bedroom. A child’s nursery can combine greens, blues and tinted purple.

All in all, colours can be adapted to suit any environment by tinting, shading and mixing to appropriate values.

How We Perceive Colour The Relationship Between Colour and Light

2010-06-04T08:01:00.000+03:00

How We Perceive Colour
The Relationship Between Colour and Light

Colour is a sensation in the brain and the ability to see colour is only possible in the presence of light. Quality of colour perception depends on the lighting solutions offered in interior design schemes and can make of break the project.

Sir Issac Newton discovered that white daylight is actually made up of a spectrum of colours, namely; Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue and Violet. It is only when light falls on an object that it’s characteristic colour is seen and there are only three ways that an object interacts with light rays. When all the rays of light are absorbed we see the colour black; when all are reflected we see white and when all but one are absorbed, we see the colour that is reflected. In other words a red object would absorb all the rays of light but the red and that is why we are able to see it. Thus when we paint an object in green, it is the physical property of the pigment ingredients of the paint to reflect the green contained in white light and to absorb the other colours that dictates the apparent colour of the object.

Each colour has a unique wavelength that is processed and recongnized in the eye and then transmitted to the brain. The rods and cones of the retina of the eye recognize the tonal quality (degree of black and white) and colours of light thus making it possible to perceive the colour characterstics of objects. It is the brain that then translates this information for us to perceive. Hence, seeing is actually a function of the brain, as it is known that one can have perfectly healthy eyes but still be totally blind if the vision part of the brain is damaged.

Daylight is best for seeing the real colour qualities of objects. Colours in nature are the most beautiful and inspiring. Harmony and balance of colours in nature is perfection in itself. It is a good exercise to observe colours in nature and to use these observations in creative design as one is almost always guaranteed to produce a scheme that is aesthetically pleasing.

A factor that affects the quality of perception of colour is Illumination, or the level of light. Light that is too strong or too dim distorts and stresses vision and thus inhibits the ability to appreciate the true colour characteristics of objects. Achieving the appropriate level of visual comfort is thus of paramount importance and is affected by the colour scheme as well as the function of the space and the tasks performed in it, e.g. reading, watching television, eating…etc.

With this very basic bit of information linking colour directly to light, one is able to appreciate the significance of light in Interior Design Colour Schematics. In order to bring out the colours in an interior the appropriate type of lighting and level of illumination is needed for one to be able to experience the feel and beauty of the space.

Characterstics of colours and how they can be used in interior design schemes, is the next logical subject to read about and will enlighten one’s mind to the wonders of the world of colour.

More reading? click here.

Rugs and Carpets A general introduction to synthetic and natural fibre carpets and rugs.

2010-06-04T07:56:00.000+03:00

Rugs and Carpets

A general introduction to synthetic and natural fibre carpets and rugs.

When going shopping for soft floor coverings, it is handy to know a bit more about the difference between rugs and carpets, how they are made, what they are made of and how they are classified.

What is the difference between a rug and a carpet.
Rugs and Carpets are fabrics used mainly as floor coverings. Rugs come in pieces and cover only part of the floor, while carpets cover the entire floor and are fixed down by nailing, tacking or by adhesives.

Hand-woven and machine made carpets and rugs
Most commercial rugs and carpets nowadays are mass produced on machines and are thus cheaper and affordable. Some rugs are hand-woven on looms and tend to be expensive. Machine made carpets and rugs have pile that is fixed on the backing and can be easily pulled out by tweezers. Handwoven rugs have pile that is knotted firmly and pulling at it only makes it tighter. The pile of hand-woven rugs usually lies at an angle.

How Carpets and Rugs are Made
Apart from weaving, which is relatively expensive, carpets and rugs are machine produced by tufting, where needles insert pile through the primary backing and a layer of synthetic latex is applied to the backing to set the tufts in place. A secondary backing of jute, synthetic material or just plastic foam is then applied.

What are Carpets and Rugs Made from
The synthetic materials most commonly used in mass production are polyester, olefin, nylon and acrylic. Natural fibres include silk, wool, cotton, jute, sisal and coir. Synthetics are generally more resilient, need less maintenance, are moisture resistant and colour fast, however the artificial look is very clearly distinguishable and not often desired. Wool is still considered by most to be the best material as it produces rugs that are beautiful, soft, durable and live long while maintaining their original colour and texture. Natural fibres, as is the case with the infamous Oriental Carpets, are perishable materials that will inevitably suffer some kind of deterioration over time no matter how well maintained. Oriental rugs are the most expensive because they are hand-woven and have unique designs and textures and are made of the finest natural fibres. They are basically purely ornamental pieces and are usually hung on walls or laid on areas with low traffic.

General Classification of Carpets and Rugs
Classification is based usually according to pile:
• Level loop – have smooth tight texture with low pile all cut at the same level.
• Multi-level loop: have different height pile giving a textured pattern.
• Plush pile: have thick, short loosely twisted pile that is usually cut and gives a lush and wavy appearance.
• Saxony (Wilton): are very durable, do not show foot prints – they resemble plush pile except that each individual yarn stands straight and is clearly distinguishable, whereas plush pile yarns tend to merge together.
• Frieze pile: have cut pile that is rought and curled.
• Cut & Looped pile: have yarns that are of different heights and combines cut and looped pile to give a texture and pattern.

For more information on carpets visit the Carpet Information Centre.
For tips on how to choose your own carpets click here.

Selecting the Right Carpet for your Floors Factors to Consider when Choosing Carpets for your Project

2010-06-04T07:52:00.000+03:00

Selecting the Right Carpet for your Floors

Factors to Consider when Choosing Carpets for your Project

Buying a fitted carpet for your floors means you need to know which type is suitable for your space and how to install and maintain your new flooring for best results and longevity.

General Criteria for Purchasing the Carpet Suitable for your Room
Choosing the appropriate carpet for your floors is affected by factors such as the function of the space, wear and tear, traffic, warmth, sound insulation and safety. The resilience and quality of the carpet are determined by the fibre quality, the weave, twist and closeness of pile (the tighter the weave and closer the pile the more resilient the carpet). It is very important to deal with reputable companies. Assurance of quality means money well spent. Information of quality and grade, maintenance, suitable underlay and so on are provided by the manufacturer. Special carpet requirements can also be discussed with the manufacturer who will then give relevant advice and even produce a made to order carpet to suit your requirements. Carpet specifications have to conform to approved standards in construction, fibre, fire resistance, hygiene, health and safety and so on. For natural fibre, insect proofing is recommended.

A Guide to Choosing the Colour of the Carpet
The ICA, International Colour Authority, is an international forecastor of colour trends in carpets, clothing, interior paints, decorative effects, leather, plastics and automobile and industrial design. It is a good idea to check with the ICA forecasts to keep up with current fashions as these predictions extend up to two years ahead.

Carpet Installation tips
Installing fitted carpets should always done by professionals and be according to manufacturer’s specifications. Where applicable, local regulations and codes should be consulted. The fixing system depends very much on the type of carpet and the size of the area to be covered. Underlay should be used where needed and is especially useful in single backed carpets and flat/low weaves as it does lengthen the life of the pile. The dimensional stability and life-span of a carpet depends to a great extent on the methods of installation and the type of underlay (if used) used.

Maintenance of and the Most Used Methods for Cleaning Carpets
For effective cleaning and maintenance of the carpet, it’s suitability to the activities and function of the space is imperative. The manufactures maintenance instructions should be followed religiously and a strict schedule for regular cleaning maintained. Carpets should be vacuum cleaned daily. There are five main methods for cleaning:

Dry Compound Method: where a dry compound is sprinked over the pile and then vacuumed off.

Dry Foam Method: entails massaging a pre-generated foam into the pile before vacuuming.

Wet Shampoo Method: detergent in water is worked into the carpet pile and then removed by wet vacuuming. This method needs caution as over-wetting will ruin the floor covering. It is more effective in small localized soiled areas.

Hot Water Extraction Method: this method involves injecting the carpet pile with water and cleaning fuid under high pressure and temperature to loosen the dirt before vacuuming it almost immediately afterwards.

Carbonated Cleaning Method: uses a fine spray of carbonated water and chemicals that penetrate the pile bringing the dirt to the surface prior to vacuuming.

For more reading you could visit Carpet Information Centre

Interior Design Tips for Open Plan Living. How to accommodate all the functions of an apartment in one large open plan space.

2010-05-29T17:48:00.001+03:00

Interior Design Tips for Open Plan Living

How to accommodate all the functions of an apartment in one large open plan space.

The design brief
Consider the scenario of an open plan apartment. The functional areas to consider may be as follows:
• Entrance foyer,
• Study area
• Living room
• Sleeping area
• Kitchen
• Bathroom/toilet

Deciding on the General Layout of spaces
Where there are design constraints such as in an existing building, the kitchen and bathroom would be located near existing water supply and drainage services or ducts. These two spaces would be the starting point around which to distribute the other functions considering logical circulation and relationship of functions. Circulation is a very important part of open plan design and one should study logical sequence of movement throughout the whole space. This would make it easy to circulate through the area with out making shortcuts that may compromise the layout of furniture compositions. One could also force circulation is certain directions to suit the design.

Give each space a definite design identity
Different floor finishes can be used to define the spaces. Hard flooring, like tiles, can be put on the main circulation areas. In very large rooms, furniture layouts are concentrated in central positions leaving the main circulation on the outside and along the boundary of the whole floor. For the living area, one could put a floor rug and arrange the sofas, chairs, ottomans and cushions around it. The dining table would logically be near the kitchen area and may share the same theme

The Role of the Interior Designer in a Residential Project

2010-05-18T10:09:00.001+03:00

What is the Role of the Interior Designer?
The Interior Designer is a trained professional whose mission is to produce interiors that are functional, practical and aesthetically pleasing.

The importance of Interior Design
The role of the interior designer is often undermined. Interior Design is not only about matching colours, bits of furniture and accessories – it is about applying skill and knowledge in finding solutions to design problems.

Designing One’s Own Interior without Expert Knowledge or Support
Often people go to shops and showrooms or consult magazines for inspiration before setting off to purchase their furniture and accessories. Certain criteria may be overlooked, like the size of the rooms, height of walls, fenestration and orientation (sun, wind and light) and so on. Quite commonly after making a huge effort and undergoing great expenses for an interior scheme, the end result is still not fulfilling. It does not necessarily have to cost one a fortune to live in a well designed, comfortable and beautiful space. All one has to do is to take a closer look at one’s own needs and to learn some of the tools trained interior designers use.

How the mind of the Interior Designer Works
The mind of the designer is trained to observe, to automatically collect relevant data and use information to effect. Professional training, experience and knowledge of history of art, styles, function of spaces, human proportions, technical data and so on, give the interior designer the unique ability to process information. The ability to observe, listen and ask the right questions are just some of the qualities of a good designer.

Three Basic Stages in the Preparing the Interior Design Brief
1. Collection of information – this is when the designer interacts with his clients, listens and chats to them and finds out about their personalities, life styles, ambitions and aspirations.
2. Analysis is the next step when all information is studied closely and filtered.
3. Synthesis comes last and at this stage all the information needed to determine the project requirements is prepared. The design brief is now ready.

The Design Brief
This describes the project in full; it summarizes and sums up all information collected. It describes the spaces, their function, the furniture/furnishings and fittings to be installed, the colour scheme, the style and so on. The brief defines the scope of work.

Mood Boards
One exercise that would really help is make a mood board. This is a visual representation of bits and pieces of colours, photos, materials, textures ..etc that you like. When they are put together, one is able to appreciate which items to keep and which to exclude. Thus collection, analysis and synthesis can be done easily. Now one can go shopping knowing what to look for instead of going without direction and depending on external inspiration which may not be synchronized well enough to product a balanced and designed space.

Hotel Experiences with a Twist

2010-03-24T19:06:00.003+03:00

I am sure we all have our own hotel experiences - I would like to share with you an email I received from a dear friend on her hotel experience. I found myself nodding in agreement and laughing at her expressions! Mind you she is an interior designer and her attention to detail is acute - so read on and enjoy!

" Be warned I am now going to sound totally crazy, but these are issues that I have thought about re: hotel use and have noted over the years, I even keep a list about good and bad points of the hotel (+rooms) I have stayed in, in recent years - helps me to think what is important in hotel design and the little details that can make and break a stay.

I have stayed in my share of dirty old hotel rooms. I have an almost phobia about dark, highly patterned, polyester bed covers that top every cheap hotel bed - can't touch them!?

But then when I stay in quality hotels I find that the crisp white linens are washed/bleached within an inch of their life! and being a delicate little flower I can't stop itching! & I gave up using hotel towels on my face years ago!

My bed peeve (especially in Europe) are rubber backed mattress protectors that make you sweat through the night; I have to put a towel under the sheet! I look totally crazy to the maids (and I can't believe that 5 * hotels use these but many do!).

Also, if I stay somewhere nice and they have pleasant, light shade soft furnishings I am very aware of the use and people before me and I especially don't like the obligatory decorative cushion leaning against my pillow because I think who has been doing what with it before it is now sharing with the pillow I put my face on!?

Other "me" issues include, bathroom lights on one, very bright circuit - I don't think many people want their bathing experience to remind them of a scarily lit store changing room! and bins without recycling options. There are many more, but I will accept that these are some of the 'special things' that make me me! and as a person I'm not that fussy - so go figure!?

So, I can totally understand the feeling you experienced checking into a used room and how that spoils the experience. I once checked into a 5* hotel room that had been cleaned, beds made etc... but someone hadn't even checked the toilet!? - needless to say I was less than impressed with what I found! It's the basics that count.

It is funny actually because recently I watched a really interesting TV series about people setting up in the hotel business; various size properties, design and quality but the underlying issue from the advisor was always the most important decision you will ever make in the hotel business is who you hire as head housekeeper. They said that they are responsible for how your guests encounter your hotel and cleanliness is a huge factor.

Anyway, I am getting into full flow, so I will save some, next email a project update; juggling a few at the moment."

Apartment for Student

2009-12-28T09:32:00.007+03:00

gh from Qatar Living inquired:
I'm interested in decorating a small apartment with 3 rooms in all...How could I manage the space permanently for my son, who is studying... & for us (Husband & wife) for short term stay annually there?

My Proposal:
Generally it is better to furnish the apartment only minimally - for easy maintenance and up-keep; especially for a student, your son, and for your use only during holidays. You will need well organized storage with labels for household items that you will use during your stay. This could include rugs, kitchen items, clothing, linen store etc. Linen and pillows have special long term storage bags that can be bought in stores. You, the parents, will be like guests during your stay! So keep things simple and practical.

Since the apartment will be used by your son, consider the spaces he will be using on a daily basis: his bedroom, his study area, his lounge and the kitchen + laundry + toilet. These spaces you could equip well for continued use and easy maintenance. As young students do not have the time for maintenance, washing , cleaning ..etc; I have some tips:
- use fitted sheets for the beds (aviod the hassle of flat sheets and having to make the bed every time it is used).
- clothes storage; large wall built unit with lots of space for just hanging clothes and storing items - with a hamper for laundry. Compartments for socks, T-shirts, underwear, belts, shoes (to make it easy for him just to throw things in and not have to spend time to fold and organize). All behind closed doors to avoid cluttering the room.
- The study: is better in its own space away from the lounge or the bedroom - to encourage positive attitude for study and learning. If not, his bedroom could house the study but try to seperate the activities in the room ..e.g sleeping quarter & study quarter using. This can be done with colours, seperation techniques (paravans) and most important of all - minimal furnishings - just for function. Keep the TV out of the room!
- Lounge: have a comfortable heavy duty couch - avoid cushions and fancy throws and accessories. Keep everything minimum.
- Kitchen: minimal equipment & kitchenware to make it easy to clean and so he will have to wahs his cup to use it - otherwise he will just take out from the cupboard instead of washing ending up with piles of dirty dishes and a mess (that will lead to dirt, smell, pests ..). Just for his daily use. If he wants to throw a party then he can use disposables for that one day.
- The rest of the apartment: one bedroom to be the master bedroom for the parents. If possible avoid carpets as they need frequent cleaning and airing otherwise willl accumulate dust and start to smell. for the same reasons, avoid fabric curtains - use louvres that can be easily cleaned with water solution and cloth. Hard flooring for the whole apartment is better - cleans quickly and keeps the interior environment fresh. The other bedroom can be used as a guest room or kept totally empty or for temporary storage of items you will purchase or use if you intend to move intor the apartment permanently soon.
TIP: do consult with your son, see how he intends to use the apartment and what he likes for a comfortable stay.