Urban Style

Hi guys... it has been yet another tedious week *yawn* filled with tests and projects, so please appreciate this one:

Linda Reeves talking to Kelvin Brown at the 2014 IDS

I have been a regular visitor at the Interior Design Show for a few years now. This year's show was great, mainly because I got to see Sarah Richardson. I also really enjoyed the innovative and unexpected designs, especially in the urban living displays. Urban living is about creating harmony between people’s comforts, joys, conveniences, and demands of big-city living. It's also about having a certain attitude and way of living to achieve relaxation and serenity in our homes.

2014 IDS display demonstrating how urban living is about comfort, joy, and personality

Urban design's history goes back to the mid-20th century, but it has been proven that "carefully planned cities" existed in ancient civilizations' designs. In the 18th and 19th century, the term "Urban" related mostly to engineers and architects. Nowadays, Urban architecture features simplicity, functionality, and minimal decoration. Within the city, people live in lofts, apartments, row houses, town houses, or detached houses (like me!!). With population growth, space is constantly in demand, thus our living spaces have become smaller.

2014 IDS shows compact living with this bed that includes storage compartments

In Urban interior design, the space usually has an open concept with lots of lighting throughout. Furniture and their layout are often the best dividers in Urban style homes. The function of the room helps style the space, and some rooms are even multifunctional (guest room/office, Kitchen/office/dining, etc.). The furniture is flexible and multifunctional as well, with lots of storage space. For example, think of an ottoman that can be used as seating and as a coffee table, and also has a storage compartment. Using the same wood colour throughout rooms, lighter coloured fabric for larger furniture, simple classic lines, low or Lucite furniture, and simple window treatments help create the illusion of a more spacious and brighter room. Other staples of Urban design are brick walls, stainless steel appliances, artwork, and photographs. Use of nontraditional materials such as concrete floors, exposed beams, clear glass staircases, industrial materials, etc. are also common in Urban style design.  

Ultimate Urban: stainless steel appliances in my cousin's Hong Kong apartment

Urban style is also about people with various backgrounds that live in different cities and mix modern-day furniture with their favourite cultural objects (such as personal collections or antiques).

2011 IDS Up Country's Urban living display featuring cultural elements

Urban style is an extremely popular style, as it doesn’t dictate any specific rules. It causes people to live in a more clutter-free and comfortable environment. 

Sleep tight! xoxo

Traditional Style

Hello there! How was everyone's week? Mine was crazy! I had tons of homework and assignments due... yet I somehow managed to sneak some time in for this entry, so enjoy!

San Diego, California

I visited my family in San Diego over the Christmas holidays. Walks along the beach, sleeping in, and not needing to wear my jacket was just what I needed. Anyways, during my visit I stayed in my cousin's home. It was beautiful, with large rooms and a gorgeous pool. What I loved most about the house was its traditional architecture and interior design. The décor showed functionality, and reflected the attitude and personality of the homeowners. I grew up living with Traditional style, and the majority of the people around me have also decorated their house in that style. But what is traditional style, you ask? 

Substantial curtains and symmetrical décor are shown in my cousin's living room. The focal point is the grand fireplace.

Traditional style is inspired by old European and early American style. It is a combination of many different eras, which is why some people call it a timeless style. Traditional architecture features use of brick or wood, simple rooflines, symmetrical windows, and details such as a coffered ceiling and a fluted column for the exterior.

Chippendale chairs surround my cousin's mahogany dining table. Symmetry is again shown with the two china cabinets on each side of the curtains.

 Inside the house, it is formal and ornate, yet still comfortable and never cluttered. Traditionally decorated rooms usually have these key elements: crown mouldings,  white trims, classically styled furniture, and some antique pieces. The metals used are bronze or brass, with accents of silver plated accessories. The fabrics are lush, such as velvet, silk and taffeta. They often have solid, floral, striped, or plaid patterns on them. One of the staples is substantial curtains. The colour palette is varied, but mid -tones and rich colours are used often, and one or two colours are repeated to unify everything in the room.

A mix of different periods and styles in a traditional setting

The wood colours used are rich, such as mahogany, cherry, or dark walnut. The style usually features reproductions of furniture and accessories from the Queen Ann period (1 725-1750), Chippendale period (1750-1780), Federal period (1800-1820), Empire period (1810-1840), and even Chinoiserie (a Chinese style, popular for its accessories in the 17^th – 19^th century). The furniture is ornate and elegant with curvy lines. The layout of the furniture in the space is often influenced by classical style’s symmetry (as symmetry between furniture and accessories creates a sense of calm and order). There is a focal point in the room that can either be a fireplace, large piece of art, ornate mirror, etc. Large, plump sofas with lush cushions, candelabras, paintings, statues, china cabinets, commodes, and large carpets are the preferred furniture.  

Chinoiserie in my own home

Traditional style is very popular because one can make it formal or casual. It is one of the most adoptable styles of design and the most frequently seen and used. It is attractive, luxe, and elegant. 

Cheers! xoxo

French Country Style

How is everyone's weekend going? I've been busy catching up on the Olympics... I've also decided it was time to write another post, so without further ado, enjoy!

The very old door of the house

During my visit to France last year, I passed by Provence, an area south of France. In Provence, one would recall the style of French Country the most dominant among  various buildings.

The kitchen 

My parents and I visited our friends in Provence, and I fell in love with their house in the country. It was small but had a gorgeous and large kitchen, and I had especially liked the French Country style of the kitchen. It had been renovated and was decorated with elegant and personal touches. There were ample cabinets and working surfaces, but the organized clutter (a characteristic of French Country kitchens) was obvious. Even though all the appliances were exposed, the style was timeless and comfortable. The homeowners added interest with wall sconces (found at a market in Paris) and antique china-wear. Framed French doors and the antiques inside the cupboards elevated the Kitchen’s feeling of glamour and height.

A glamorous salon in Château de Versailles

The style of French Country is basically the successful pairing of French farmhouses with a Parisian city look. The result is a rustic but comfortable, adoptable, and personal look. Some of French Country's architectural characteristics are asymmetrical floor plans, stone, stucco or brick walls, conspicuous roof, wrought iron balconies, second floor dormers, and window shutters. French Country style and its furniture don’t belong to any specific era of France, such as Empire or Louis XV (something you would see in Château de Versailles), but have evolved over the years and are an eclectic mix of various French styles. You can have a Louis XVI settee with a rustic farm table and a linen table cloth in the same room, and they will all look fabulous and harmonious with one another. 

Very popular French Country pattern and colour combination

French Country style usually uses bright colours; and plaids, floral patterns, animal prints (especially roosters), and toile are all standards. The finishes are elegant, with bright/ pastel colours, and Patina is a commonly used surface. The furniture is large, and is often an antique or flea market find. Pine is a preferred wood choice, and huge fireplaces are also staples.

My own replica of French Country (featuring some key elements of the style)

French Country style is filled with comfort, colour, and natural accessories. Its affordability and casual elegance makes it one of the most popular and lasting styles of design.

Bon Voyage! xoxo