SampleBoard joins the V&A celebration party for British Design

It really is a great year for the British. The Victoria and Albert museum is celebrating with an exhibition of British Design 1948 to 2012. With over 300 designs on show I thought I would join the party and do my own little salute to British design in this blog.

Concept board created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

Robin Day an industrial and furniture designer is best known for his 1960s Hille Polypropylene chairs which went on to be named a British design classic in 2009. He was married to the award winning British textile designer Lucienne Day. Her fabric designs were bright abstracts. One of her most famous prints was ‘Calyx’

The designer Tom Dixon started experimenting with metal in the 1980s. In 2002 the Tom Dixon British design and manufacturing lighting and Furniture Company was established with the aim of reviving British furniture design. Just love Dixon lights. In the board above I have featured a Robin Day chair, Lucienne Day fabric and Tom Dixon light fittings.

Board inspired by English Country Style created by Rosena on SampleBoard

After the war British homes became more open plan and casual; British designers were influenced by Scandinavian furniture designers. Also emerging at that time was a new English country house style influenced by Georgian and Regency styles a forte of interior designer John Fowler. He used luxurious swag and tails curtain designs and modern fabrics based on traditional patterns with a contemporary slant. The Architectural Digest refers to him as ‘Master of sublime comforts of the English country house’.

If you go to the Victoria and Albert Museum website you can download information on the exhibition. It is well worth a visit.

Author: Rosena MacFadzean for SampleBoard.com – concept creation online

How 2 create a funky violet bedroom retreat

Violet (purple) tends to be a color people either love or hate. In recent times many young ladies have told me purple is their favorite color. When questioned you quickly find out it is usually the lighter tints of violet they prefer. However in this bedroom design I have developed a funky color scheme using violet, red violet, tawny dark yellow brown, silver and grey with touches of yellow and white.

Concept board created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

Deep purple can appear dark and dull however when used with white and yellow (its contrasting color) it comes into its own. Light violet has been a popular color for bedrooms in the past. Perkin’s mauve the first synthetic dye (which became the in color of the Victorian era) was discovered by chance in 1856. William Perkin an assistant at the Royal College of Chemistry was working on synthesizing quinine. He patented and then produced the first synthetic dye a rich purple he called mauveine in 1857. So really purple can be considered the leader of synthetic colors.

Purple is a color synonymous with sensuality making it a great fit for a bedroom. Historically purple was a rare color and considered the color of royalty. Purple is also ecclesiastical expressing the mystery of the Lord’s passion. It was a popular color in the 1930s, 1950s and 1960s. Most of the purples represented in nature are flowers which lend their names to many purple hues; lavender, violet and, lilac. The purple palette consists of light lilac, bluish pinks, deep purple, lavenders, cool blue violets, reddish mauve and shades of bluish rose and red violet magenta.

Concept board created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

A purple color scheme needs to be handled with care. Mishandled they can be unsettling yet handled well they can have a richness, sense of luxury or heavenly delicacy. If a bedroom is also to be used as a study violet could be a problem as it can disturb the eye focus.

Concept board created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

In the schemes I have created for the concept boards in this blog I have selected fabrics and items to create textural variation for example velvet chairs, drape fabric and cushions, fluffy throw rugs and smooth shiny vases. They work well with the shiny mirrored set of drawers. I have created a sample board without the addition of yellow to show how flat and dull the room would be without the addition of this color. However too much yellow is not recommended for a bedroom as it can be over stimulating; therefore making it unsuitable for a place of rest.

The beauty of a bedroom created using deep purples; it is more likely to appeal to both men and women. Delicate violet colored bedrooms can appear too delicate and feminine. The star of the show in the bedroom featured above is the magnificent purple wardrobe which started me on the journey of creating a funky purple bedroom retreat.

Author: Rosena MacFadzean for SampleBoard.com – concept creation online

How to create an on trend British style living room

Have you noticed the Union Jack is everywhere? From cushion covers to trunk decoration the British flag is being celebrated. I’m usually not too fond of this sort of décor but there is a warmth and whimsical sentimentally to rooms decorated in this British style. So I thought I would write a blog featuring this hot trend.

It has certainly been a great year for the British, what with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Olympic Games about to start and let’s not forget Andy Murray the first British (although my husband would insist he is Scottish just like he is) tennis player to reach a Wimbledon final since 1936.

Interior design concept board created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

Last year here in Aussie land I enjoyed the TV show The Renovators. Once a week the contestants were given mini seminars on how to create different interior design styles. One such style created was for a British Lounge Room. I unfortunately did not see the whole program but I have been checking the style out since.

In essence the rooms decorated in this style have a kind of hunting lodge feel. This is achieved with items such as Deer heads and shield bases with antlers. Leather upholstery, cow hide cushion covers, Chesterfield sofas, old suitcases, English roll top desks, Victorian swivel chairs, brass oil lamps, vintage books and old trunks are some of the items selected. And the star of the rooms is; the union jack flag design.

Interior design concept board created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

Some of the colors used with the red, white and blue of the flag are warm beiges, brown, rust and greens. The rooms could be described as masculine with a lived in rustic country vibe. The style would certainly be comfortable and easy to live with. I have created some interior design mood boards inspired by this British style. Once again I have used some pins from Pinterest. A British styled interior could work well as a study, rumpus, den, boy’s room or even a nursery.

Author: Rosena MacFadzean for SampleBoard.com – concept creation online

SampleBoard & Pinterest

Sample board created by Rosena on Sampleboard.com using Pinterest pins

Have you joined the craze for Pinterest? Do love Pinterest? Did you know you can combine all your Pinterest pins onto a board using SampleBoard.com? You can import pins and create collages. They work really well together.

Sample board created by Rosena on Sampleboard.com using Pinterest pins

The advantage of uploading pins from Pinterest into your SampleBoard.com library; they can then be easily transferred to any sample board you are creating. There are a number of things you can do with the images to enhance your mood board design. For example you can copy them, crop the image to remove part of the image, flip the image or move the image behind or in front of other items.

Board created on by Rosena on SampleBoard.com using Pinterest pins

You can also remove the background from the image and one of my favorite edit tools is the text tool which enables you to write on your board. And there’s much more the edits I have mentioned are only some of the basic tools available on SampleBoard.com.

Sample Board created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com using Pinterest pins

Combining the brilliance of Pinterest with the diversity of the SampleBoard editor is not only fun but enables you to create professional looking concept and mood boards. Why not give it a try it is only a button away. Also note if you click on any of the boards in this blog you will find a list of suppliers and the link to the Pinterest pins.

Follow us on Pinterest for inspirational pins & great interior ideas!

  Concept board created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com using Pinterest pins

Author: Rosena MacFadzean for SampleBoard.com – concept creation online

Update on how 2012 is trending according to international trend forecaster?

According to Milou Ket a highly regarded international trend forecaster in a recent furnitureonline.com.au post we are looking for comfort, homeliness, cheer and warmth in our interior spaces. In a previous blog I mentioned interior design and happiness and how the newlyweds Dale and Sophie on the TV series The Block 2012 appear to have captured this in the rooms they have created.

Sample board created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

This week the couple won the room reveal for their funky playful design. The child’s bedroom they created for the challenge house achieved a perfect 10 from every judge. I must admit this week I would have given first place to Dan and Dani for their bathroom and courtyard projects. Dale and Sophie’s room would make an ideal room for small children. They have placed synthetic grass and tables and chairs on the ceiling but how long would the novelty last? It could be a real problem when you want to change the design of the room. Dan and Dani’s bathroom and courtyards are up to date and unlikely to date quickly.

Sampleboard created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

We finally watched the last of the block when it was repeated the next day. Wow what a result. It is amazing all the houses sold for such good prices at auction in this property climate. I have heard some homes in Melbourne are selling for less than they were purchased.

To continue some of Milou’s forecasts

Bright

• Almost neon and fluorescent colours particularly in accessories (Example 1st sample board above)
• The trend for recycled, retro and reclaimed will continue
• Ethic design products will continue to be popular with warm colours dominating

Sensual

• Shades of red like: old rose, blush, lilac, raspberry fuchsia, red wine used with white or beige
• Feminine, romantic, refined (Example 2nd Sample Board above)
• Floral and lace
• Classic French
• Vintage, secondhand

Sample board created by Rosena  on SampleBoard.com

Nature

• Botanical images
• Homely products
• Improvise, rethink and recycle (like Dale and Sophie)
• New ways of growing plants in bags, bottles, pillows
• Different shades of green, light lime, light olive, moss green, sea green, peacock, blue green, blue, midnight blue (Example 3rd sample board above)
• Casual look

Light Neutrals

• White, off white, soft yellow, beige, dusty rose, soft grey blue (Example 4th sample board below)
• Small touches of dark brown, grey or black
• Textural variation
• Natural materials bamboo, cork, fur hide, leather

Sample board created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

Milou Ket has a lot more to share she will be speaking at the International Industry Seminar Series at Decoration + Design in Melbourne on 19^th July 2012. I hope to get there.

Author: Rosena MacFadzean for SampleBoard.com – concept creation online

Eco-Friendly Flooring can be Sophisticated and Elegant

Home renovation can be a costly investment. When it comes to floor renovations, ‘going green’ is a brilliant idea as more and more people are becoming responsible enough to shift from yesterday’s flooring options to the present-day green alternatives using environment-friendly materials such as bamboo, cork, wool or recycled carpeting, reclaimed wood, and natural linoleum. It is important for designers to encourage the move toward eco friendly design.

Top 5 eco friendly flooring options

• Bamboo
• Cork
• Sustainable Timber
• Linoleum (not synthetic vinyl)
• Wool Carpets

Sample board featuring bamboo and recycled glass flooring created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

Bamboo floors are the ‘green’ replacements for hardwood floors. Bamboo, which grows faster than wood, is a highly renewable material and hence, it can be considered as eco-friendly. The material is not only known for its strength, durability, and resistance to moisture and insects, but it also does wonders for the indoor space by bestowing a sophisticated look. Consider substituting vinyl linoleum with 100 percent biodegradable natural linoleum. This green linoleum comprises of renewable materials such as calcium carbonate, pine resin, solidified linseed oil, cork, and wood dust. Natural linoleum floors last for 25 to 40 years and this implies a lower long-term cost for your client.

Sample board featuring Marmoleum (linoleum) created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

Regular carpets or synthetic carpets, made up of PVC, polyester, nylon, and synthetic latex, are toxic. Consider introducing wool carpets, seagrass carpets, and carpets made out of plant fibers. You can give a dynamic look to the floor with the recycled wood flooring option. This might also be an essential part of your effort to reduce waste in the flooring industry! Apart from being environment friendly and highly durable, recycled and reclaimed timber will earn you the opportunity to explore multiple design possibilities.

Sample board featuring Cork and Wool carpet created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

Cork floors are made up of a renewable resource – the bark of a cork oak tree! Available in a range of colors, from black, red, chocolate, and green to natural honey tones, cork floors will add a sophisticated look to the interior space. The look of cork flooring has come a long way. I remember renting a home with cork floors. I loved the soft feel, easy clean features of the cork floors but disliked the old fashioned square design and color. There are now some really up to date colors and designs available. I have created a sample board featuring a cork floor. If you click on the board you will find details of all the products featured.

Glass bottles certainly do not deserve to be disposed off or used in a use-and-throw way! Rather, they can create a gorgeous flooring option for the modern bathroom and kitchen. Recycled glass tiles are not only beautiful to step on, but they are economical and durable as well. I have again featured examples of recycled glass floors.

Sample board featuring recycled glass & wool carpets created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

Looks do matter! Explaining eco-friendly concepts in words is all very well but a picture can speak a thousand words. One of the best way to sell your design ideas is with sample boards. Carrying boards and samples of flooring is not always viable, but carrying a laptop will definitely help! You can use our online, concept board creator www.sampleboard.com to create professional looking boards for client presentations. Just like I have in this blog you can research eco friendly products, upload images of your selections to your library and then create concept boards to express your eco friendly design ideas.

Interior Design and Happiness: Can interior design make you happier?

How important is happiness in architecture and design?

Recently in Sydney the design critic of the International Herald Alice Rawsthorn stated “Design and Happiness have always been interlinked – and bad design leads to unhappiness”. It reminded me of a book I read a few years ago. The book by Alain De Botton: ‘The Architecture of Happiness’. Alan believes the buildings and objects we live with affect us more profoundly than we think. I love the fact he suggests that it is architecture’s task to render vivid to us who we might ideally be.

Sample Board created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com featuring Polder Sofa

Rawsthorn points out many designers of the past focused on practicality with the form must follow function as the catch cry. But did the modern minimalist styles of recent years make us happy? Alice suggests we require more from design as well as being practical and functional it should call to our sensual side.

Successful design needs to be functional, be created with a conscience, be beautiful and have integrity according to Rathsthorn. She goes on to explain; a design is useless if it does not meet the function for which it was designed. Ethical and environmental issues need to be considered throughout the design project.

Hella Jongeriu a Dutch designer is considered one of the most important designers of the last few decades. Her designs feature imperfection and are individualistic. For example her Polder Sofa has mismatched buttons and fabrics. Hella believes this sort of design adds a real human element and sense of happiness.

Sophie and Dale’s Kitchen image via homes.ninemsn.com.au

I have been watching some of the episodes of The Block 2012. The young newlyweds Sophie and Dale have created some nifty retro rooms with a real sense of fun. Have they captured the essence of design to create happiness? They have selected unusual items for example pressed metal (used originally for ceilings in the 1800s) for a splash back in the kitchen. In the guest bedroom Sophie found old suitcases, she removed the lids and used the body of the cases for storage.

Sophie and Dale’s Guest Bedroom image via homes.ninemsn.com.au

The rooms Sophie and Dale have created are quirky, individualistic and make you smile and sometimes laugh out loud. Creating interior spaces to make people happy is not a simple task. If you have an understanding of the different personality styles you realize different people require different environments to make them feel happy.

Sophie and Dale’s Kitchen image via homes.ninemsn.com.au

My favorite kitchen design on the block is Mike and Andrew’s. It is smart, sophisticated and harmonious. I must admit I’m not too fond of Dani so this may influence my critique of the rooms she and her partner Dan have created. Dan and Dani’s rooms are beautifully trendy but do they lack personality?

Mike and Andrew’s Kitchen image via homes.ninemsn.com.au

Could the key to designing spaces and objects to create happiness be more connected to personality than trend following? Being aware of current trends and design developments is vital for designers but it could be unhealthy to be totally dictated to by what is fashionable and popular. Are successful designers able to interpret new ideas in a way to suit their clients and in so doing make them happier?

To quote Rawsthron once again “However playful, joyful and stylish projects are, unless they work and are efficient, organized and environmentally responsible, they can lead to unhappiness”

Author: Rosena MacFadzean for SampleBoard.com – concept creation online

Update a room with some fashionable geometric patterns

Geometric patterns are highly fashionable on the world stage in 2012; trendy in fashion and interiors.

Mood board created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

Add a brightly colored floor rug with a geometric pattern team it with some decorative items such as cushions and bowls in geometric patterns and you are on your way to updating a room.

A glass coffee table will ensure the pattern of the floor rug is not lost. Geometric, striped or dotted wallpaper will add some zing.

To soften the straight lines select other items in organic, curved or rounded shapes. This will make the room appear more comfortable. Using warm colors will also make sure the room does not appear clinical.    

Author: Rosena MacFadzean for SampleBoard.com – concept creation online

How 2 update a room following the new 2012 floral pattern trend

Floral patterns are right on trend in 2012. One nifty way to follow the trend is to use bold floral wallpaper as a feature wall. In a bedroom select floral wallpaper as a feature wall behind the bed. Very bold floral patterns on all walls could be overwhelming. But using it as feature can really add drama and impact to a room.

Mood board created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

The wallpaper can be used as a starting point for the whole scheme. This is an easy way to update a room. The floral pattern can be traditional, modern, retro or contemporary in style depending on taste.  Any room can be decorated with trendy floral wallpaper.

Mood board created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

Examples of what can be done are shown in the two mood boards featured in this blog. Sample Board has a large number of wallpapers you can play around with to come up with an on trend scheme. All you need to do is follow the link on the right.

Author: Rosena MacFadzean for SampleBoard.com – concept creation online

Kitchens: Where “Life” Exists

Kitchens are the busiest or the most active hubs of the household. So you need to inject that active spirit in the kitchen and the use of colors, definitely, has a role to play in this regard. The trendy color combinations for the kitchen should necessarily have to be practical in nature. Stark whites are no longer a “style statement” as the trend is gradually drifting towards warmer shades. Creams, neutrals, and warmer greys can instill a feeling of warmth in the liveliest part of a home. Shades like New Look Balzac and New Look Paradiso, manufactured by Wattyl, are worth giving a try!

Sample Board created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

A burst of vibrant color, when used against a palette of natural neutrals or black and white, can really go a long way to infuse life into the kitchen. If the kitchen and living areas lie next to each other, then you may need to choose a common color that suits the themes of both the areas. In case there is a common wall, you may want to highlight it! We leave the color choice to you! And of course, .. to your client!

Sample board created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

You can bestow a sophisticated look to café-style kitchens by using whites or neutrals on the cabinets. An industrial metal or a stone bench top is likely to pose as a concept within the kitchen space and you can introduce the necessary color inputs by the use of accessories. If your client wants the kitchen to look sophisticated, try dark accent colors. Use deep charcoal or warm brown shades for the walls and create a striking contrast with light cabinets and metallic finishes.

Sample board created by Rosena on SampleBoard.com

Moving from “physical” to “digital” has never been that easy! Use our moodboards at www.sampleboard.com to put your ideas together. Sell your ideas to clients and define your own concept of time management. Creation is just a few clicks away!