PUSHING THE LIMIT
After stumbling across a TED talk, ‘The Art Of The Imperfect’ by artist Phil Hansen (watch here), we at Saal Design started thinking about the limitations that many people face when trying to decorate and design their homes...
After stumbling across a TED talk, ‘The Art Of The Imperfect’ by artist Phil Hansen (watch here), we at Saal Design started thinking about the limitations that many people face when trying to decorate and design their homes. Money, space and lack of functionality can seem to limit style and creativity and push you to the point of giving up. We’ve all been there…hair scruffed up, hands on hips and looking at the seemingly impossible space that you’re simply trying to make ‘work’. Hansen looks at these limitations and sees them as an opportunity to be innovative and we’ve decided to adopt this philosophy (or at least try to, hair will still get scruffy I’m sure).
So, with this inspiration, we thought we would share with you some clever, cost effective design solutions that will hopefully spark your imaginations and encourage you to look at the space and objects around you in a new light. Afterall, ‘Our only limitations are those we set up in our own minds’.
SIMPLE & SWEET
These days it can often be hard to decorate a space with original items and ideas without having to pay a premium. We all want our homes to be unique to us however this can sometimes be hard when everyone shops at the same home-ware store. My advice would be to actively add that personal twist by making items yourself (and this doesn’t have to be ‘craftsy’ or look like something your niece made you at school which is often the risk with DIY decor). There are plenty of sophisticated ideas out there with great tutorials so there really is no excuse not to join in if you want to make your home one of a kind without the hefty price tag.
This is a fun way to create an original and inventive cork board with a photo frame and lots of wine corks. Best get drinking!
SPACE SAVING
Lack of space doesn’t have to mean lack of design or functionality. It just means that we have to work harder and get clever with our creativity. I’m constantly amazed with space saving design solutions, from the simple to the spectacular. Here are some designs and ideas that have inspired me:
THE LIMITLESS ITEM
During our research for this post we carried on coming across one item time and time again. It’s cheap, easy to find, functional and can adapt to most styles and designs. What is this incredible item? The wooden pallet. We were amazed at how this industrial throw away item could transform itself to create cost effective and innovative spaces and furniture. Take a look at some of our favourite finds whilst we run down to the tip to salvage some for ourselves!
This idea to use wooden pallets to create a cinema room at home is no doubt our favourite. With a bit of paint and some beautiful cushions they can look really sophisticated and create a unique and relatively inexpensive space. Plus, you’re recycling so you can feel good about that too!
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...