BOLD INTERIORS
With all the grey skies and monochromatic days I wanted to seek out inspiration in the form of colour and pattern; to shake up the system and discover something new. I returned to photos of a trip I took to Marrakech towards the end of last year. They were full of life, bright colours and innovative design...
The last few months have been cold, gloomy and wet. Spring is a time for light and colour and new beginnings but it’s been difficult to get into the spirit while playing this game of Russian roulette with snow storms and rain. With all the grey skies and monochromatic days I wanted to seek out inspiration in the form of colour and pattern; to shake up the system and discover something new. I returned to photos of a trip I took to Marrakech towards the end of last year. They were full of life, bright colours and innovative design. They reminded me that although making bold choices can often feel daunting, the pay off when done well is the greatest.
STRONG COLOUR
Colour is probably one of the first things I think of in relation to bold interiors. Opting for dramatic colours over relatively safe lighter neutrals can feel like a risk, but a strong wall of colour can be incredibly effective. Darker hues help create a feeling of space while also creating contrast, allowing other colours and textures in the room to pop. Just like a black box theatre, dark walls also allow you to invent a dramatic and impactful space through clever lighting.
Brighter colours with high levels of pigmentation used cleverly alongside more neutral colours can be very exciting to play with. Pairing flashes of zesty limes or tangerines with greys or whites can create an energetic and dynamic environment and of course - intense blues with bright white have always been a winning combination.
TILES
I have been seeing some really interesting use of tiles recently, in kitchens and bathrooms in particular. Tiles are a great way to add some pattern and character to a room. I especially like these examples of more traditional Islamic and Spanish tiles alongside contemporary fittings. The bright colours and graphic patterns paired with simple solids create a look that is bold and unique without being overwhelming.
Image via Tim Barber
Geometric tiling is also a good way to make a statement. Tiling really is an opportunity for artistry. I find mosaics and ceramic work incredibly inspiring. Beyond the skill and craft, I think it is their architectural history that captivates me the most. Hexagon and herringbone tiles are great shapes to add interesting bold lines into a space while maintaining sophistication.
FURNITURE
Being bold with your furniture is all about stepping away from the run of the mill and being brave and unique in your selection of strong statement pieces. Bright sofas or armchairs are are very effective in order to make an impact in a room however colours aren’t the only way. Finding or commissioning items of furniture that are truly individual is another way to achieve a strong look.
Image via Love Your Home
Image via Julian Chichester
ARTWORK
Large scale artwork is a great way to make a statement. Dramatic photography, whether stunning landscapes or beautiful portraits can be very striking. Colour and texture in artwork are also things to consider when selecting bold pieces of art. Splashes of colour attract the eye while textures offer a more visceral experience. Even in small spaces, picking abstract pieces so big that you can see swipe of the paint brush, creates energy.
Photo/Artwork: Marcus Aitken
Artwork by Francoise Nielly
Check out our Pinterest board for more Bold Interiors inspiration!
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
The energy in New York is ferocious and infectious. It is a melting pot of art and design and every time I visit I find myself in a constant state of inspiration. From industrial chic to pure opulence, here are a few of the places that got my creative juices flowing...
Last week I was fortunate enough to accompany a friend of mine to New York for a short break. As my daughter lived in New York for 2 years, I’m quite familiar with the city and have spent many days exploring Manhattan and Brooklyn while she was busy at school. This time, however, with only a few days in the city my main goal was to relax and get inspired.
We arrived late in the evening and went straight to our AirBnB in the beautiful Greenwich Village. I’ve walked passed the stunning brownstone walk-ups in the neighbourhood before and always marveled at the beautiful homes that must lie within. So this time, I thought I’d find out. The studio apartment was stunning and a true example of design efficiency; something that Manhattan has learnt to do very well with its lack of space. With exposed brick, hardwood floors and two airy sash windows revealing the fire escape, we were definitely in New York. It was elegant and minimalist in decor, even a little bit quirky with a novelty crown hung from one of the old wall pins. Coupled with the paradise rooftop garden with views of the Empire State Building, this little studio was the perfect hideaway from the noisy big city. New York is a sensory overload, and as we went out each day to take it all in it was lovely to come back to a space designed to help us relax and clear our heads.
INSPIRATION
The energy in New York is ferocious and infectious. It is a melting pot of art and design and every time I visit I find myself in a constant state of inspiration. From industrial chic to pure opulence, here are a few of the places that got my creative juices flowing:
Meatpacking District
With it’s cobbled streets and converted warehouses it’s hard not to be taken in by the Meatpacking District. Industrial Chic is this area’s MO. I particularly love the polished concrete and iron framed bi-fold doors. There is also the old peeling door of Fort Gansevoort that I always stop and take a photo of for inspiration, I find the textures and colours irresistible.
The High Line
I love the High Line. It is one of my favourite places to walk in New York. The High Line is an old disused elevated subway track that has been converted into a park walkway. So often in NY you’re looking up at towering skyscrapers or looking down from towering skyscrapers. The High Line offers a different perspective as it weaves through the buildings 30 feet above street level. Along the way there is local artwork, sculptures, beautiful greenery and areas to sit and sunbathe. It always reminds me that all spaces, however small or awkward, have the potential to be beautiful.
The Baccarat Hotel
After being told that the Baccarat hotel was a must-see for designers, my friend and I headed over on our last day (there was also a promise of very delicious cocktails). We were not let down. The cocktails were stunning and the surroundings even more so. Baccarat is a legendary French crystal company whose artisans have mastered their craft for over 250 years in a tiny hamlet of the same name. They’ve now branched out into the hotel business and the interiors are incredible. The place is dripping with the most beautiful crystal - our cocktail glasses alone were worthy of wonderment. Having been to NY previously to visit my daughter, a student, this was a side of the city that I hadn’t really seen before. The luxury and opulence is definitely worth paying a visit to see.
ACCESSORIES
While in town there are a couple of shops I like to visit and home accessories I like to stock up on:
Matches from HomArt - Their long colour-tipped matches are great and come in beautifully designed boxes.
Candles from P.F Candle Co - I love their woody scented candles. My favourites are Teakwood & Tobacco and Amber & Moss.
Anything from Whisk in Williamsburg - I bought a bamboo stir-fry spatula for $5 from Whisk about 3 years ago and it’s still one of my favourite kitchen utensils. The ironmongery at the front of their shop is also fun to see!
If you want to get inspired by New York too, check out our Pinterest board for this blog post!
INSPIRATION: ARTWORK
Before establishing Saal Design 29 years ago I studied Fine Art and worked as a watercolour artist and gallery curator. Art has always been my one true passion. However, I found the life of an artist unfulfilling. It was this that motivated my transition into the world of interiors...
Before establishing Saal Design 29 years ago, I studied Fine Art and worked as a watercolour artist and gallery curator. Art has always been my one true passion. However, I found the life of an artist unfulfilling. The hours of solitary studio time day after day were difficult and I craved human interaction and collaboration. It was this that motivated my transition into the world of interiors. As an interior designer I am able to collaborate with every client and create a different kind of art. I can apply all my artistic knowledge of colour psychology, pattern and shape and help someone create a home. This work was fulfilling and realised all of my passions.
Although my role had changed, artwork always remained one of my main sources of inspiration. Seeing a stunning piece of art wakes me up and revitalizes my mind. It feeds my work as an interior designer and encourages me to push the boundaries. I think artwork can do this for anyone, whether they have a creative mind or not.
Paul Gauguin, The Wave, 1888
Frank Auerbach, Head of Gerda Boehm, 1965
Bowie once said that art was “the only thing” he’d ever wanted to own. “It has always been for me a stable nourishment. I use it. It can change the way I feel in the mornings,” he said. “The same work can change me in different ways, depending on what I’m going through.” Art has a powerful ability to effect our subconscious and this makes the task of selecting artwork for the home incredibly important.
ELEMENTS TO CONSIDER
Colour: The colour palette of a piece of art can affect us significantly. If colours contrast heavily with the rest of a room, it can make the viewer feel unsettled. It is important to take the characteristics and psychology of colour into account. Bright colours are generally happy and exciting and work best in rooms with a lot of natural light. Certain tones of blue make us feel more awake. Lighter colours and greens are calming. Dark colours create a more subdued, sultry atmosphere.
Jo Taylor, Blood Horse II
The light colours of this piece, along with the elements of blue and strong lines have a refreshing and energizing effect on the mind.
What does it mean: I find the most interesting pieces of art are ones that mean something to its owner. Whether it is an investment piece or a framed doodle, it is valuable and important. It has been selected with thought or from a gut instinct that couldn’t be ignored - it isn’t simply filling a space on the wall. Psychologist Samuel Gosling did a study that revealed that the space we create for ourselves can tell a stranger more about us in 15 minutes than if we spent quality time socializing with them over the course of weeks. Our homes are an extension of ourselves and what we choose to put on the wall tells a story.
Dame Barbara Hepworth, Sea Form (Porthmeor), 1958
Watercolour of a twig I loved the texture of and couldn't leave behind
Placement: Less is more. Try to give the artwork the wall space it deserves so that the eye can truly take it in. If you have more artwork than wall space then maybe try to rotate what you have on the walls instead of cramming them all on. This is also great even if you only have a few pieces. Seeing the artwork in a new space is exciting and gives the viewer an opportunity to appreciate the piece, quite literally, in a new light.
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Nancy Knight, Abstract Watercolour
Even with this knowledge, the process of finding artwork can be a daunting one. However, art sourcing for my clients is one of my favourite tasks. I love exploring galleries and discovering new artists. It is a great honor to be trusted with something so personal. I also feel very privileged when clients ask me to work with art they have already collected. I love when a piece of art is the source of inspiration for an entire project. I have had clients come to me having invested in their first piece of art and we have gone on to develop a whole scheme and room flow to support it. They loved their artwork and now a had a space that enhanced and elevated it. I feel very lucky when I get to share art with a client and collaborate in this way.
Pablo Picasso, Portrait of Dora Maar, 1937
Kandinsky, Composition VIII, 1923
Pablo Picasso said ‘the purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.’ This is why art is my ultimate inspiration, it exercises my soul and gives me perspective. I believe it is one of the most important tools available to an interior designer and to the world.
If you are seeking any help with artwork or art sourcing, don’t hesitate to get in touch: info@saaldesign.co.uk
Some artwork that has recently inspired me:
INSPIRATION: LIGHT
It can be very easy to underestimate the power of lighting in a design scheme, whether that be from a stunning statement fitting or some subtle downlights. Lighting is closely connected to our emotional and psychological reactions, therefore, if a scheme is wrong many of us will feel it straight away- which will, in turn, impact how the rest of a design is received. I find lighting so inspiring to work with as it is so diverse...
It can be very easy to underestimate the power of lighting in a design scheme, whether that be from a stunning statement fitting or some subtle downlights. Lighting is closely connected to our emotional and psychological reactions, therefore, if a scheme is wrong many of us will feel it straight away- which will, in turn, impact how the rest of a design is received. I find lighting so inspiring to work with as it is so diverse. It can be the spectacle of a room, enhance a design or even give a room an alternative atmosphere at the flick of a switch.
BESPOKE LIGHTING
At Saal Design we have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to design bespoke light fittings for our customers. The fittings have really added an extra special touch to each design and enriched the branding of our commercial projects.
HIGH IMPACT
Stunning light fittings are very much pieces of functional art. They can be mesmerising and intriguing and will add a unique touch to any design. It is very easy to find over indulgent statement pieces that drip in opulence however, I often think that simple elegance is far more dramatic and effective.
INDUSTRIAL
Industrial designs are currently very popular within interiors and especially within lighting design. I like this style as it combines strong design with the raw necessity of light. As I said in my previous post, Old Meets New, I love combining older styles with contemporary ones and I find it very satisfying using industrial fittings as a part of this. There is something very fun about using a product that was originally created for its functionality within an environment of high design.
CONTEMPORARY
Good contemporary lighting design can be timeless. I think contemporary lighting offers a wide range of applications from a bedside or desk light to a pendant fitting and can really add that finishing touch to a space.
HIDDEN LIGHTING
Sometimes the best kind of lighting is when you don’t even notice its source at all. Hidden lighting is a really fun way to subtly decorate and light a room simultaneously.
LIGHT OF THE FUTURE
Lighting design is evolving rapidly and huge steps are constantly being made towards energy efficiency and greater lighting control. I am constantly inspired by the aesthetic and technical developments and always look forward to discovering new pieces of lighting art.
INSPIRATION: WOOD
Wood is definitely one of my favourite materials to work with and something that constantly inspires me. I think that the authentic purity of wood is something that is hard to find in other materials. There is a certain comfort in creating with a material that has been used and been consistently useful for centuries...
Wood is definitely one of my favourite materials to work with and something that constantly inspires me. I think that the authentic purity of wood is something that is hard to find in other materials. There is a certain comfort in creating with a material that has been used and been consistently useful for centuries.
BESPOKE FURNITURE
At Saal Design we have been lucky enough to be able to create some beautiful bespoke furniture and woodwork for our customers. The wood used and crafted has enriched every design, whether it be by giving it a strong foundation, a magical solution or simply that indescribable wow factor.
IN THE BEDROOM
I recently saw these wooden headboards whilst I was searching for some fresh ideas and instantly wanted a willing customer to design one for. In relation to my previous ‘Old Meets New’ post a lot of these are rejuvenated pieces of woodwork which add a beautiful unique quality to each of the rooms.
A GOOD TABLE
I love a good table and I find it hard to beat a well-crafted wooden one. It is something that can make a bold and practical statement.
FLOOR
Of course one of the best features in a house can be the one that everyone walks over. A wooden floor can give so much to a space. I recently had a new wooden floor in my living room and upon completion the whole house felt like it had been transformed. At the moment, I am really liking the wider panels and innovative finishes.
TRUST IN WOOD
Unlike in fashion, when a new trend comes along every 6 months it is not so easy in interiors to simply ‘get a new wardrobe’. The aim is to find those staple items that one will love for years and years. Wood is one of those staples. It is adaptable and reliable and a material that I’m sure will continue to a inspire me as a designer for many years to come.
OTHER POSTS
The bedroom is one of the most important rooms in the house. Recent studies have shown that people are starting to spend more time in their bedrooms than in their living rooms. It is a room that can have a big impact on our physical and mental well-being and it is important that this is taken into account during the design process...