Sharing with you my passion for life through Food, Travel, Arts and Love. =) A devotee of Ms. Elsie De Wolfe: “I’m going to make everything around me beautiful – that will be my life.”
Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful.
Hazrat Inayat Khan
#beautsinteriors
How great design can make condo living cozy and homey. You have to look twice nowadays to attain quality that won’t hurt your pockets.
One of my client’s property is tucked in the quietness of West Conservation Avenue, NUVALI, Canlubang, Calamba City, Laguna.
Right at the corner of Evolving Parkway and West Conversation Avenue, and is just 500 – meter radius within reach of several equally developed villages, retail and institutional establishments.
Also minutes away from Sta. Rosa Laguna which is also a highly-developed town in the south, Calamba City, Alabang, San Pedro City, just 40 minutes away from Makati City and 20 minutes away from Tagaytay City. What more could we ask to be near these amazing places.
Location of which is certainly convenient and favorable to its’ owners bringing them within reach not only to their needs but also their wants. Work life balance per se can be easily achieved.
What more, within its’ walls, are amenities like: swimming pool, a Clubhouse, a Basketball court, playground and neatly-trimmed landscaped paths and gardens.
And when it comes to safety, all buildings were manned by Security 24/7.
It was a feat that my client and I meet our ends in finalizing the theme for her unit. She wants minimalist, however, I was able to inject some Mediterranean vibes which created balance in the end. And we both loved it.
For our color scheme, we both loved the calmness instilled by the Pantone Classic blue with touches of brown and beige coming from the natural colors of wood. Some splash of teal, lime green and lighter shades of blue to achieve tonal statements. And at the same time, a relaxed ambience.
Our Mood board. =)
My client opted to customized most of the furniture to veer away from pieces that are mass-produced. Hence, the assurance of quality craftsmanship has been carried out.
What’s exciting here is how we utilized a few vintage items (and when it’s vintage, it just doesn’t feel expensive, it is literally expensive too). This move added character and value to the property itself allowing occupants to enjoy some renaissance of sorts.
The careful choices we made for the lighting fixtures achieved our desired result too: Enhanced mood and a relaxed atmosphere.
Let’s take a look inside and let the photos per area speak for themselves. =)
ENTRANCE
KITCHEN
dining
LIVING
bedrooms (master & guest)
Pocket doors are definitely space savers.
The sliding glass doors for the closets are meant to make the rooms a little bigger.
Both ceiling lights of the 2 bedrooms has dimmers up to 3x in brightness control.
toilet & bath
Customized coat hanger following our color scheme.
One of my favorite customized pieces. #elegant #sleek #functional
Vintage mirror for the bathroom.
cove ceiling w/ lights on
cove ceiling w/ lights off
Currently, there are increasing home owners that are consulting the experts because Interior Design is not just choosing the right patterns of fabrics, what furniture to use or what lighting fixtures is best for a specific area.
It is more of a collaboration between two great minds and coming up with what is functional without forgetting the aesthetics. It is realizing the essence of considering your space be taken cared of specialists.
And your wish list materialized. =)
FOR INTERESTED PARTIESto rent
Said unit is fully-furnished: Master’s bedroom has a split-type acu, washing machine for the wash area, and a refrigerator. For further inquiries, You may contact Ms. Lorna Manguerra at 0917-855-8854.
“Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful.”
― Hazrat Inayat Khan
Hi guys! When I saw this console/ foyer table below, my mind wandered and randomly thought of some of my favorite things, it is so beautiful, and as a Designer, it buoyed me to take advantage of my blog site and share with you some tips how I came up with my own version of a dressed-up console table.
So here’s my formula for creating an eye-catching foyer or console table for your home. It is very simple yet dreamy.
During college days, the term “eclectic” refers to a collection of several items (in different themes) collated into just one design. Nowadays, it is referred to as Bohemian.
Since Bohos are innately travelers by nature. They mix and match varying elements that they’ve acquired from their travels and come up with a very unique and beautiful outcome.
And this is how I am going to do it in my own eclectic way. It is very relaxed and carefree.
I must not forget to mention that during my college days (early 1990s). Design principles at that time was a little stricter. You can’t mix something printed with another printed. Or not follow the color wheel in color scheming. While Color blocking since the past years have been widely used already, be it in Interior Designing and/ or Fashion industry.
People are no longer scared to explore and go beyond what is norm.
Now, or few years ago, designing has become more liberating. I can’t help but be soo glad that I can combine a specific print or pattern with another. Whereas, during my younger years, my attention will be called. Now mixing and matching is just so much fun.
Different pattern of wallpaper, different pattern of carpet, different pattern of sofa upholstery and that load of printed throw pillows. Photo source: https://www.paulamills.com/
You see, how we appreciate varieties nowadays. =) It’s so festive and perky. =)
Working on several Designs lately. I thought of translating them here. And I would have to start into creating a really pretty console table. That first thing guests would see, welcome them and where vibe will be extended to all areas of the house. Just like a good introduction when you’re reading a famous book.
Please note that the same principle can also be used on other areas of the house, as long as there is a blank wall. It’ll automatically serve as one of your focal points, catching everyone’s attention. =)
I’ll be limiting my list of requirements to just 10:
The console table itself
Photo source: shadesoflight.com
A painting, a clock or a mirror (I’d choose two – a mirror and a clock in one)
Please remember that above doesn’t need to be brand new, try to check some of your old stuff at home, and I’m sure you’ll find some items to fill them in.
I’ve created below so you can visualize the finished product.
Hurry, give it a try! =)
So what are you waiting for? Be your own Designer now and create an awesome console table for your home. =) You may want to visit my blog from time to time for more Interior design tips! =)
If you love designing, people will love your design. ~ Onur Mustak Cobanli
Coming from 2 blogs on Interior Designing. I thought of sharing with you my ardor in preparing “Mood boards”.
Though for those who haven’t encounter this yet, let me explain first what is a Mood board. A Mood board is very similar to a Vision board or a Dream board. It is like a manifestation tool through a collage or sets of photos of the things you want to happen or see them happening.
Having a dream board and placing it somewhere you can see it all the time allows you to own it. Your thoughts of having them, or imagining yourself with them actually brings them to life. In living colors! =) It’s like a reminder of the things you want to see happening very soon.
The same principle is applied into Mood boards. It is practically your actual recommendation to your clients. An effective way to communicate your thoughts and visions and easier for clients to understand.
It also allows the clients to see right away your exact idea and proposal so immediately from there, you can already discuss whether the client likes it or not.
It enables them to visualize what the place would look like. What specific items to use, what matches their preference, what color fits a particular color, and if what they want is feasible or not, if it’s nice to look at, giving consideration to aesthetics and functionality.
Through this, clients can also anticipate budget to allocate upon seeing the furniture, the accessories and other stuff to complete a space or room as desired.
It is a powerful tool to perform Creative Visualization.
It is an initial presentation to your client, like a first draft to fine-tune and finalize things. First and foremost, it works both ways, it helps you and your client to come up with the final and approved design prior to execution.
Here’s a list of the usual items you should include:
Color palette
Furniture recommended
Accessories
Furnishings
Lighting fixtures
Swatches of window and floor treatments and upholstery
Source of inspiration
Floor plan
Moods the space adheres to create through use of positive adjectives. Example:
cozy
rustic
comfy
glam
happy
10. Short descriptions
11. Don’t forget to tell a story, put titles on your recommendations, below are examples of titles:
A Charming Retreat (for a country-side rustic bedroom for a 30 year old career woman)
A Bachelor’s pad
An Adventurer’s Abode
Purple Royalty
Southern Chill
Timeless Beauty
Please take a look at some of the mood boards I’ve lovingly created in the past:
My Mood board for my parent’s living room.
For a Tea Shop
For a Rustic Store
While here are some of the most creative mood boards I’ve seen online. Try searching for some as your inspiration. =)
Usually, for Mood boards such as this one, there is an attachment that includes detailed list of materials to use.
Mood boards aren’t just for Interior Designers, it is also being utilized by Fashion Designers, Make-up Artists, Event Planners (especially Weddings) even Travellers utilize them too.
Also, there are sites online that can give you pro tips and help you prepare amazing ones (like it isn’t your first time) such as milanote.com, creativebloq.com, gomoodboard.com. There’s a lot out there. Even “apps”. =)
Try one and I’m sure it can only spell happiness as it brings out the creative juices in you. Please remember that there is always an “artist” in all of us. =).
Play around, research, spice it up with things that inspires you, those items you wanted to see at home. It can be outlined properly, or it can be a collage. It’s your call. Don’t limit yourself. It’s like dreaming and it’s okay to dream. Dream big. =) The bigger, the better! =)
P.S.As a reminder, Mood board is also different from Color board or Swatch board. This is where all the materials to use are reflected as your reference of the colors approved by the client.
Oh, another favorite of mine, is that Vintage look. So what differs vintage from antique? The latter must be at least a hundred years old to be considered as antique while items that are preserved for more than 20 years already falls under vintage.
It sounds as easy to collate our grand parents stuff to achieve this look, however, we don’t want our abode to look literally old and gray right? So the tricky part is finding the right balance in combining the past with the present in the most cunning way.
Pulling it off all together requires careful study since we can literally make use of existing items from our parents or grand parents’ house. There are Stores that sell these stuff making it easy to pull it off. You are also the one to decide what decade is closest to your heart, and/ or applicable.
Yes, they are so pretty, but there is no rule that if this is the style that you’ve chosen, everything had to be vintage. It is how the old and new come together in sweet harmony.
It’s a matter of combining pieces from your chosen era, a few perhaps but distinctive enough to create that vintage feel. If I have to choose, I like the early part of 1900s and are considered already an antique. And the 1940s-50s too.=)
For some years, I have been so fascinated with Shabby chic, not only because my first love is pink prior to me being addicted to the color violet, but also because I love pastels, laces, and all those girly, floral, soft and very feminine elements. Parts of me being influenced by my mama who used to be a dressmaker.
Shabby chic style has often been mistaken as Cottage style design, or Farmhouse and sometimes Vintage. It is actually not a mistake as the resemblance is very strong.
From the root word shabby, the pieces being used are distressed [and there is a way to make something new looked distressed too], worn-out and aged. Shabby chic is coming up with something pretty despite of its’ fragmented condition. You will have the impression it is literally casual, yet elegant.
It is so appealing because the set-up is so inviting, comfortable and very light to the feel. It utilizes very light colors like white [specifically dirty white or tea-stained white] and pastels, and when you opted to inject bold colors into it, it’ll automatically be switched to a “Boho Chic” Interior Design style which I will be glad to discuss later.
Shabby chic is usually intertwined with French country decor, specifically the remarkable houses found in Provence. Which is why if you notice, one strong identity of this Interior design are lavenders which can also be found in Provence. A basket of fresh lavenders sitting pretty on a distressed side table, or a bundle of lavenders in a vintage tin can, some dried lavenders inside an old newspaper shaped into a cone, and other similar scenes, lavenders are very visible and is always a sweet sight to behold, it tells a story how it brings its’ relaxing scent to a place, thus, we visualize how relaxed to be in that place.
A designer whose synonymous to this style of Interior Design, is Rachel Ashwell. She have been cascading this Shabby chic inspired interiors for 20 years already and still is very popular.
The nice thing about this is you need not hurt your pocket to achieve this and it surely is so much fun putting all these together since most of these can be “DIY”. So on your next Design project, you can even share the fun doing it with friends and family.
Rustic Interior Design style is getting more famous lately, well, in my observation. I discovered and fell in love with this theme 5 years ago and I still see it anywhere I go. In residences, in offices, in retail shops, in restaurants, even some weddings are inspired by this theme, I see it almost everywhere.
You’ll be surprised that Rustic look doesn’t follow a rule, not even uniformity. It is carefree and eccentric. In fact, it is so carefree it can be mixed and matched with several Interior Design themes like Shabby chic, Nautical, Boho chic, and others.
When it comes to textures or materials, wood is a prominent element, however, metal can be utilized, leather or suede, wrought irons, also rocks, stones, and nature-inspired pieces like indoor plants.
The chief colors used are mostly nature-based hues. When you’re the type who loves neutral colors, this is the theme for you as most elements work well with earthy colors.
A typical rustic interior is surely with beams made sometimes with an untreated or salvaged woods. A rustic themed room can make you wonder and might ask often “Oh, is it really possible?”
As with accessorizing, most pieces that are hand-made emulates this theme. Like you found something from the woods, and an idea popped-up in your mind and before you know it, you already have a planter made of twigs in your living room, branches of woods can be recreated as a door handle/ pull too. Patterns used are usually huge, checkered and plain. Patchworks and quilts are anticipated too.
For actual cabins situated in the mountains, you’ll see inspirations from animals like a taxidermied head of a deer, a faux bear skin rugs [I suggested faux because I do not support products made from executing animals. Unless, it was taken from an already dead animal which cause of death is natural and is allowed by several existing federal or state laws]. While if in the urban areas, and you’d want a rustic feel for your homes, this can be forged too and will instantly remind you of the great outdoors.
To achieve this vibe, you need to consider the following:
woodplanks
beams
a fireplace if applicable (trompe l’oeil will do if not applicable)
massive pieces of furniture
You will not typically find a feminine piece in a Rustic theme, as it might look off or out of place. As one of this theme’s distinct feel is its’ masculinity.
Here is my most favorite style and what I wanted my home to be. I just realized that it is not a “Lalala lala lala” thing, it isn’t that easy. It is the exact opposite of minimalist. There is a lot happening in every corner. A melange of anything beautiful collected through the years.
Originally, Boho chic have been inspired by the Gypsies and their lifestyle. We all know that they travel a lot. This type of designing is the result of an assembly of varying stuff they’ve got from most of their travels. This design is literally full of life.
There are two types of Gypsies – Roma Gypsies and Irish Travellers. Both have a nomadic lifestyle but are separate ethnic groups. There is much debate about their history, however Romany Gypsies are said to have their roots in India and came to Europe in the 13th century, while Travellers are mainly of Irish origin. Source: https://www.lifestyle.com.au/style/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-gypsies-and-travellers.aspx
And why oh why I have this strong penchant for gypsies.
This style has come to be so unique due to the varying origins and culture from the places they have visited. They have an eye for literal beauty, love for splashes of bright colors, varying textures, their artistry to blend one item with another and come up with a place so divine and awe-inspiring. The perfect canvas to paint this style are neutral tones, followed by all those bright hues that you love.
And only a few fell in love with this type of designing, some hurts their eyes, some says it is so chaotic and a mess. However, for some which includes me, I will call it “A very beautiful mess” with so much pride.
There is no rule, as it is the rule. It is how you fused something you found from India with that lantern you found from Vietnam. How you match that pretty rug from Turkey with that salvaged accent table from Waco, in Texas. Where you place a box of teas from Japan to that dainty lace from Belgium.
Actually, it isn’t necessary that one piece match another. Nothing is in order. It is the over-all look that you created and to have that special eye, is all that it takes. Like if it created a clash, it is why it was beautiful. Which is why there is flair. Which is
why as your gaze turns to another, there is a story.
Working on this kind of Interior style is effortless. If there is “Less is more”, for a Boho chic theme, it is “More is better.” It must be heavily adorned, massive in visuals. It’s like if there’s a space, you should be filling them up in no time. And it spells happy.
You’ll see lots of pieces hanging: tassels, beaded curtains, crocheted caravan shawl thrown on a 3 seater, trinkets and laces, indoor hanging plants, name it. And they mesmerize my soul.
Those who’d prefer this style won’t be a fan of uniformity or symmetry, you can even use different chairs for your dining table should you wish so and in different finish and colors. A blank space is no no.
You will be stunned with the result, as it is a reflection of your own persona. Different patterns are of course in prominence. It is as fearless as doing a print on print. As Boho chic is all about liberty. You are free to do anything, if there is a hashtag to it, it is #freespirited
And just like other themes, a focal point is still possible with a Boho chic abode, don’t fret even if there’s a lot to see, A vintage chandelier will still work. A heavily-embellished mirror, or an Accent wall can create a rich statement.
Boho chic considered eclectic, while on top of it, there is more. This diversed style definitely speaks for itself, upon glance, you’ll conclude that the dweller or owner is an artist or a boho, a hippie perhaps. There is an articulated individuality.
Designing or decorating a place is really so much fun. I see myself like a scientist who keeps on experimenting until I get to see what satisfies all of my senses. At the end of the day, designing is like a happy pill for me. =)
It wasn’t easy coming up with this, it took me days to complete my research. I didn’t mind because researching is synonymous to learning and I strongly believe that learning is an everyday thing. One of the articles that helped me a lot to finish this blog is by Maryam Taheri, she is a blogger too. Her blog about the 10 basic elements of design is so rich in information and knowledge which I need to in my content.
When I was in college, there are only 7 elements in Design: line, color, shape, texture, size (or scale), value and space [ Well, as far as I can recall! ahaha!]. Now, there’s 10: Add typography, dominance and/or emphasis, balance and harmony. However, another important thing I kept in my heart are the principles of Design which some are included in Maryam Taheri’s list.
Because Designing is a matter of incorporating things like in cooking, there are ingredients needed to make a perfect dish. And if one or two is missing, the desired result will not materialized. Or over the years, Designing has evolved too. Evolution or Innovation is truly inevitable. I’m in my 40s now, and when I was in my 20s, in principles of Marketing, it is only 4s: Product, Price, Place and Promotion. Now it’s already 8s: Add People, Processes, Physical Evidence and Productivity. So I think, that’s just it, we really need to be resilient to change. =)
Just recently, I took charge of converting this shop somewhere in our town into a Rustic themed shop since it is the owner’s favorite theme and most of the products she’s selling are relevant to it. She sells wooden and carved items from Paete, Laguna.
Paete is known to be the seat of the best wood carvings you’d find in the Philippines. It’s quality just gets better and better through the years. They are open to improvements, are innovative and of course very patient and their attention to details? Is truly unquestionable. There’s a prestige if you have a piece of their artwork in your homes or offices.
My client fell in love with Rustic themed decors at a very young age, and she is just a girl fulfilling her dream. She owns now a Rustic themed shop. I, personally, loved that Rustic charm too. It is ubiquitous enough to be matched with other Interior Design themes like with my first love: the Boho Chic theme.
I am now in this process of converting my living room (and hopefully the rest of the house soon) into a Boho chic abode. And this study made me learn so much. Below is my mood board, which made me come up with the top 10 styles as my favorites! =)
My Dream board! =) <links of photos reflected at the end of this blog.>
So here’s my top 10 favorite styles in Interior Designing. Find out what are they! =)
Moroccan
This style is actually simple if you carefully focused on it. However, the massive use of colorful pieces, as they are fearless in using bold colors even gilded ones.
I love colors so much, in my dresses, in my room, some pieces at home and other stuff. And when it comes to colorful interiors, the first thing that comes to my mind is the Moroccan style. Which is why they are famous for some colors like the Majorelle blue. And Chefchaoen being known as the Blue city.Mastering this style would really require a lot of research and study or better yet, visit one of the most beautiful country there is, to immerse yourself with their culture and colorful way of life.
They utilize lustrous materials too, using precious stones, beads, tassels as embellishments. Lots of pillows, massive curtains, the absence of rugs (kilim is a staple) is something I haven’t witnessed yet. Its’ milieu’s almost like a fairy tale. It is pleasing to the eyes and dreamy.
Theirs is so diversed as rich as their culture being nestled between the Mediterranean and Atlantic. One of the most prevalent element you’d see in Moroccan style is the Archs on windows, hallways and doors. While the drama of their lighting comes from intricately designed lanterns. Their imagination is unlimited, exotic, extravagant and elegant. Take a look at how massive they utilize mosaic tiles. It creates a dramatic repercussion when put together all at once.
Sometimes, it is also known as Asian Style. We know for a fact that Asia is the biggest continent in the world. So when it comes to designing, It depicts the combined cultures of countries from the East: China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Korea and other Eastern countries in Asia.
And to consider that there’s more influences from the South Eastern Asian countries. This design is rooted from numerous regions, colossal and is considered as eclectic too. And so it is grand with different cultures and history.
Asian style can also be categorized since some focuses only on one country. An example is the Zen style of Japan which follows the principle that “Less is more”.
Apparent characteristics of Oriental Interior Design are the attention to details. Cabinets are painted, dividers [usually in fretwork pattern] and rugs are designed intricately. Due to limited space, most furniture are multi-purposed.
It is also packed with the elements of nature: Indoor plants, fountains, wooden furniture from rattan or bamboo, materials that are readily sourced in these countries, patterns are usually evident with animal motifs like birds, dragons, butterflies and flowers.
With respect to history and culture, animal motifs are very evident too. Figures of Buddha are also featured in most times. You’ll see characters in murals.When it comes to color, red is prominent. For the nature inspired, yellows and greens are distinct. Looking at it, it’ll speak for itself that the place was inspired by nature.
I must not forget that most Asian style Interior Design is guided by a Chinese geomancy: Feng shui. It focuses on achieving balance of energies to your abode as it will affect its’ flow in our daily lives, the term “chi” is used in the belief that it is existing in all objects. And so through proper arrangement and placements of all things at home [or office], positive outcomes can be achieved like wealth and health.
Nordic style is inspired by the Nordic countries: Scandinavia, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Faroe islands in which all countries shared the same history and culture. Said design is also known as “Scandinavian”. They are famous for their pared backed style that depicts simplicity and functionality.
Contrasting elements are continually being used in Nordic design. For example, If the chosen color motif of the room is black, there’ll be touches of white. And vice versa. They are not so much a fan of bold and bright colors, they’d rather use soft and subdued tones, whites, grays, neutrals, monochromatic and should they decide to use bright tones, it’s just a slight burst somewhere.
Another prominent element used is texture.
I noticed that they’re fond of using different textures.
You’ll see leather chairs, sheepskin throws, accent pillows in unique fabrics, and rugs.
Combining all these, due to their climate, the intent is to maintain all the hygge. [Hygge: pronounced as hue-guh – a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being – regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture]. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/hygge
Another style I find very interesting is the Nautical, it is the coolest style of design for me. It reminds me of the sea. Like I used to imagine that I’m a mermaid in another life. =) When you check on them, there are very noticeable and recurring elements and it is so easy to be identified as Nautical.
From the root word itself, nautical depicts the life or living with the sea or the coastal life. Symbols of the ship is evident everywhere, like a cardinal rule, the combined shades of blues, whites and wood are a staple. These shades represents the ocean plus the natural colors you’ll see surrounding the shore.
The over all amalgam results into a very unique flair, coastal chic and a relaxed feel. It allows you to hear the sound of the waves by just looking at it.
I have included “Do it yourself” in the keywords since most of the decors you’ll find in the actual setting of these houses in the coastline, are actually designed or done by the dwellers themselves. An example is a hanging lamp tied by a rope, a twig taken from the shore used a a decor by just placing it in a nice vase, or an old wooden anchor mounted on the wall.
And all these can be done even if you’re not living in the coastlines. =) I’ve seen a lot of interiors nowadays using this kind of style, and I really find it beautiful. To achieve that nautical look, you can try the following:
a blue and white striped carpet or rug
a miniature boat as your center piece
use of ropes [for planters, to hang photos on the wall, as a vase
an anchor on your living room wall or bedroom
you can also hang some blinds that are made of ropes
a lighthouse perhaps [my favorite! =)]
symbols of a starfish will be perfect
a framed world map perhaps [for navigation]
wall-mounting an over-sized compass
a telescope is a nautical element too
salvaged woods which can be found from the shore are ideal for a bench, an accent table or a center table
Sometimes, even if I am fan of eclectic schemes, burst of vivid bright colors, I also am inspired by simplicity. I initially get bored with it, but achieving this look and maintaining it is really something great right?
It actually began in the 20th century and is still popular until today. It is considered as contemporary too. A style that only uses what is necessary. Some motto’s like “Less is More” is from this famous minimalist designer/ architect: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
Here is a sample of his furniture that are still being used today. The Barcelona chair is one of my favorite, I have included this if relevant in my designs in the past.
One thing that I like about this style is the open space to move around, there is more room for floor area as clutter is a no no in this kind of style. I also like the way a “focal point” is injected. If an all white room bores me at times, one bright thing that catches my attention is all it takes for me to get rid of the boredom like a surprise coming unexpected. It gives me the jolt.
Since the budget isn’t distributed in too much decors or accessories, one can invest in a very expensive piece for a particular room like the living room or bedroom as your focal point that draws attention. Achieving a look that is simple yet impressive.
Because this doesn’t use a variety of the colors I love, they utilize textures instead. It can be an indoor plant, a mural or an artwork, or a bewitching lamp. The nice thing about minimalist design for me is accentuating. It is really nice to look for pieces that will complement all the elements in a certain space, it gets the attention.
Another Interior design style that I consider masculine is Industrial. It injects clues of pieces from old factories, warehouse stuff, walls are made of bricks and lots of raw materials.
Some thought that Industrial design is all about that unfinished look, however, this style of design is befitting other styles like Rustic and Retro. So mixing and matching can still be so much fun. Note that antique and vintage furniture is a great element to blend to this style too.
When it comes to colors, 50 shades of gray is a favorite. Even grays coming from metals that are steely and shiny. Black, white and browns, coming from different shades of bricks and pieces made of natural wood creates a masculine feel and sexy too.
Before I forget, exposed pipes and ducts is consistent.
I have to share four more of my favorites soon: Vintage, Shabby chic, Rustic and Boho chic styles. Please look out for it! What’s your favorite so far? =)
On Purple Wings 