New Interiors: New Start

It's that time of year, when all the Christmas decorations are down and as you sit down from putting everything away for next year, you come to realise how empty the rooms are looking. I'm definitely not one for clutter, but a new year starts and what better way to start the year with a simple yet effective revamp of our interiors.

As the dark nights draw in ever faster with the coldness running through to our bones, we are all inclined to want to stay in more. So there's no better time to start re-decorating our interiors, as to pick us all up from the grey exterior we are all faced with for the next couple of months. By the time Spring comes in we would like to spend more time outdoors and  have less time indoors, so if you would like decorate, now is the time.

Not only will this be a good course to take so we can all enjoy the milder weather to come- Hopefully, but will brighten up our moods during the winter months. Let's all face it nothing beats a welcoming home when we turn that key and leave behind the blustery wind and darkness.

Here a few simple steps to get you on you're way:

FURNITURE:

When choosing an occasional chair for a room, think Colour! When choosing your main pieces of furniture try to always stick to a neutral palette. So if a client wants to renovate minimally, we could still work on a different scheme once they need a change at a minimal cost.

Armchair by Tecni Nova

So making a feature of an occasional chair to change the mood of a room can be all that's needed with a fresh lick of paint and a few accessories. As this beautiful patchwork wingback chair from Liberty's London illustrates.

LIGHTING:

I can't stress how important lighting is to us emotionally and mentally. We in Western Europe have less sun exposure than anywhere else in the world. This has had an impact on our wellbeing during the winter months, where sunlight is at a minimal. 

This beautifully crafted chandelier by Serip, with its vivid colour of red and white Murano glass is breathtaking and will have all your guests eating no matter what you have served them.

So choosing the right lighting is essential all year round but especially vital during winter.

A few up lighters on a textured wall or exposed walls can create a beautiful feature as well as given the room or hallway warmth.

WINDOW TREATMENTS:

As the curtains, blinds are drawn earlier at this part of the year, why not brighten your room with something a bit m ore fancy than the usual. The vertical blinds below are functional yet bright and contemporary.

Or if you are feeling a little brave, why not opt for a colourful pole by Byron and Byron form the Neon collection:

WALLPAPER:

Wallpaper can make a big impact to any room, but choosing the right one is the secret to any successful interior. One rule of thumb is that if you're scheme is busy keep to a simple but effective wallpaper and vice versa. However for complete simplicity just a bit of glamour on a wallpaper an also be effective.

The wallpaper below by Zoffany adds sparkle and drama to any room be it simple or busy. An effective yet affordable option.

ACCESSORIES:

Finally but definitely not least are accessories, we as designers know too well that by using the right type and amount of accessories is how a design scheme is tied together. One simple rule is to not go overboard and take it easy as beware the room has to be dressed to a level whereby it's just right.

Bling bin anyone?

Sound absorbing footstool

With just the right approach any interior can be transformed into an inviting and stylish room to make the long nights a bit more bearable.

Hanworth Park House

On a recent family outing, I was fortunate enough to have full access to Hanworth Park House, which is a grade II listed building in Hounslow, Greater London. The building has 2 storeys and tall basement.

Once an impressive building set as the crewel crown of Middlesex, is unfortunately now in battle between developers and the local council.

Built by Duke of St Albans as a replacement for the manor house that had served as hunting lodge for, among others, Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I which had been burnt down in 1797.

The feeling standing by the walls of the building is just tremendous and overwhelming as 

every corner is enriched by history.

  11 French casements to both floors opening on to balcony of the well type with cast iron balusters and with square central glazed lantern over

It was used as a military hospital during the First World War, as a flying club between the wars, a hotel from 1936 to 1953 and an old people's home from 1953 to 1992.

The nursing home shut in 1992 and planning permission was granted in 2003 for the building to be converted into an 84-room hotel. This development never got off the ground and a further bid to open a 166-room hotel and if it is to be successful (according to plans by architect firm Upchurch Associates) will bring this abandoned building (which has been subject to green belt, heritage red tape obstacles for over the past decade) will finally have its rightful place to regain its former glory and for all to visit. 

Moss encases the gutters decoratively

The interior of Hanworth Park House consists of simple Greek design. The photos below are a few pictures I could capture safely.

Wood Panelling

The picture below is of clock tower which was added circa 1860 on the west wing.

Clock Tower

I hope Hanworth Park House will be able to be given the attention it deserves, as this remarkably beautifully built building would be a gem to all Londoners.

 

Decorex 2012

I ventured through the blustery showers to another trade show today. Must say Decorex was not as impressive this year 100% Design which is saying a lot.
However, Andrew Martin as with every year pushed the boundaries on his exhibit stand with a out of space theme. The collection as always was a delight to browse through.

Byron and Byron have launched this new collection for a more colourful approach to curtain poles.

I was blown away as always by Sharon Marston's optic fibre lighting.... Which is just beautiful!

Simpsons of Chelsea went for an Art Deco theme this year..... Whereby the staff had gone full throttle with the stand.

All in all it was an interesting day, but this year 100% Design had to win my vote in terms of inspiration, layout and creativity

Are we YO! Home ready?

September is a hectic month for interior designers with London design week and all the inspiring trade shows.
The one thing that stood out in 100% design was the YO! Home City centre studio by the British entrepreneur and inventor Simon Woodroofe.
Could this be the trend in our future homes?

The enclosed vanity unit as seen in the far left is rotated manually to reveal storage as seen below

Te bedroom area is transformed into the living area at a flick of a switch

The cupboards opposite the bedroom/living area are pulled out and then in to reveal the kitchen area with an island if needed as demonstrated by Simon Woodroofe

Whilst the dining area pops in right under where we standing to a dining area

Where Simon finds himself seated 

The one bathroom is beautifully presented with a step in bath or can be transformed into a shower with the wooden slats pushed in to form a platform. If this is practical in the long run, time will only tell.

Taking mechanism off the stage and putting them in our homes may work for some but is not going to be everyones cup of tea. As in all cities space is an issue and maybe like we have multiple parking garage systems in place due to lack of space the Yo! home city centre can be adapted into our homes.

Do I need an interior designer?

Perhaps your thinking of redecorating a room or overwhelmed by your new home. We have all seen the home decorating programs and heard that "I wouldn't have been able to choose that". That's when the extensive knowledge and years of experience of an interior designer comes in.

Clients living room- Before 

The misconception is that by employing an interior designer it's going to be an expensive ordeal, or that using such a service is an extravagant luxury. Interior design services can help anybody on any budget. An interior designer can save you money by avoiding expensive mistakes.  They are there to guide and assist you and help you make the right choices, on your budget and on time. 

You may think you would be seen as a failure, if you couldn’t decorate or style your own home.Then there’s always the possibility they may think an interior designer will impose their own taste on their property and they won’t like the result. A designer's job is to understand and extract their clients needs and wishes, then to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together and create a space which is consistent and harmonious with their clients wishes. 

Clients living room- After

A designer can be employed in different ways, from supply or consultation only, through to project management of a whole scheme. The above project was to design and supply all FF&E.

If you’re not sure how a fabric or wallpaper will look in your room, an interior designer will bring samples to you, so that you can see the effect in situ and it is always a good idea to have large, returnable samples to look at, to get a better idea. When wallpaper is used correctly, can create a big impact on a room, as seen below.

Beware of using ‘in-house’ interior design services, which some high street shops offer, as these services will steer you into using their own products only and you will not get a truly bespoke look. 


There are so many valid reasons to use a professional designer when building or remodeling, and this holds true even when it comes to window coverings or reupholstering a sofa. Designers save clients money. They help resist problems from arising, not just because they have extensive trade accounts to suppliers but because of their experience they are able to troubleshoot through a lot of very difficult and emotional situations.

So how does this "trade accounts' work? you may be asking, well if we buy a product from our normal suppliers, the discount can be as much as 50% off of the suggested retail price. Most of the time, we do the purchasing for our clients, and we charge them our cost, plus a percentage.


Almost always, that cost is less than it would be, if the client was to buy it without our being involved. Hence, the venture of involving an interior designer not only will save you money on the supply of goods but you will achieve a look that you have envisaged. It's a win win situation for both parties. Hence, a beautiful cohesive space as well as saving money when interior design practices are involved.

Above all, the experience of working with an interior designer should be an enjoyable one for both parties, with the client getting what they want at the end of the day and the interior designer having the satisfaction of seeing a happy customer!

To find a good Interior Designer, it is always a good idea to check with some friends that have completed a similar project, to the one that you are about to undertake. Reputably Architects and/or Builder's are also a very good source to get referrals. And, lastly, the BIID (British Institute of Interior design) office can direct consumer's to licensed professionals in you area.

If you're having any interior design issues feel free to contact Amy Zubi Interior Design:

info@amyzubi.com

www.amyzubi.com

5 simple storage solutions for small spaces

5 Simple storage solutions 

1. LIVING AREA

If your living room is in an open living space, whereby the kitchen and dining room are all  in the same space, use block furniture and handy storage to divide the space. Fitting units around the sides of a sofa is a genius way to maximize your storage without taking up wall space, and helps to define the separate areas further. 

Storage can double up as a solution and as a design solution for open plan living

2. HALLWAYS

Hallways are subjected to the highest traffic area in the home, whereby the residents would come through and lighten their loads. So storage is key to deal with the clutter and usually space is extremely limited. Here I suggest storage benches or cupboards, which are made in various different widths and heights. Coats can be catered for by the use of hooks to make use of the wall space.

3. Media storage system

TVs are taking focal points in many homes and take up valuable spaces in our living areas. As we are relying on and buying electrical gadgets (e.g. Xbox, Blu ray DVDs, sky boxes etc.) we need to find storage which is not only practical but aesthetically appealing. 

Simple shelving and movable TV units, like this one on wheels, offer flexible solutions. Or, for something tailored to your needs, try fitting a bespoke design.

This can be catered for in all budgets, just mix in imagination and Voila!! A Perfect solution.

Simple clean lines with abundance in storage

4. Every inch counts

Small kitchens can make life hell for a cook, so organization is key for the sanity for you cooks out there. Every inch needs to be looked at as a potential storage space. My hot favourite is to incorporate pull out cupboards in my kitchen designs. Food supplies are always in easy reach and view due to the multiple shelving systems.

Simple and easy solution for food supply organisation

5. Think walls

When space is a premium, always think walls as a solution rather than floors. Make use of walls in corners. Bespoke compartments in awkward eaves allow for the utilization of otherwise wasted spaces. Storage above the sink are for all those everyday hygiene necessities is a must in every bathroom.