Interior design trends 2010

Friday, April 30th, 2010
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's German Pavilion for...
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Sophisticated details, exotic cultures influence and optimistic, rejuvenated mix of intensive colors – these are the general trends of the current season.

Color

When you wish to refresh your flat or house, you can choose one of many new styles. What marks out in this season is extended palette of colors. After  the domination of minimalism, gray and beige colors for last years, it is time for saturated tones. Universal black and white are still trendy, but new tones (purple, raspberry) and  refreshing compositions like: orange-green or red-rouge, are in. Very important are graphic elements. Stylists say, that in a „crisis-dominated” world, colors of our walls, couches, pillows, lamps and accessories become an important, optimistic accent in our life.

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Glass interior decorations

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010
National Arts Center spiral crystal DNA sculpt...
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Glass can be used in interior design to brighten up rooms. It is also perfect material for modeling the shape of the space. The subtle features of glass work perfectly in combination with all of other materials, such as wood or metal. Moreover, it is very practical and easy in cleaning. When you choose the color, texture, an appropriate form of glass, suitable to your style, you can create the unique space character and enhance its atmosphere. It is worth to notice that glass is long-lived material. Unlike wallpapers or courtains, glass decorations are durable and expensive so its location, colors and forms should be carefully considered and discussed with an expert – interior designer. What should be considered? (more…)

Creating Minimalist Styles with Contemporary Furniture

Friday, October 23rd, 2009
BERLIN - JULY 22:  A visitor looks at furnitur...
Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Contemporary furniture compliments the minimalist style very well. They are both interested in taking the world of design in a new direction, and they play well off each other. No matter whether your style is strictly minimalistic or only has touches of minimalist style mixed in, contemporary furniture offers choices that fit all these styles and everything in between.

As with any design project, you should start with the furniture. Consider what each piece will be used for and narrow your selection down to the pieces that will work the best for you. In your kitchen, for example, you may need two tables or you may that find only one will suffice.

Contemporary furniture can be simple with smooth textures and solid colors. An excellent table choice might consist of a solid glass top with a large, black column as the only support underneath. It is a powerful image without ever using any detailing or extravagant decorations.

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Choosing Mirrors: Framed or Unframed

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009
{{en}}: A mirror, reflecting a vase. {{es}}: U...
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Mirrors are a popular accessory for the home and the office. When choosing a mirror there are a variety of options, from what shape to what size to get. Another important choice is whether your mirror should have a frame or not. Some mirrors have quite elaborate frames while others have no frame surrounding them at all.

Before comparing mirrors, take another look at the room where the mirror will hang. How complex is the room? Is it full of elaborate designs or does it follow a more minimalistic style and use simple patterns? This will be important to keep in mind when choosing your mirror.

Those who want a simplistic design should look for a smooth mirror with either a simple frame or no frame at all. Square and circular mirrors without frames are very simple and still add light to a room. A square mirror with a square black frame and few details will match a simple style without appearing too boring.

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Buying Glass Accessories

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
Roman glass beaker from second half of the 4th...
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Glass is a beautiful material that works well in both furniture and accessories. Glass accessories work well with any decor. They can create a calm tranquil feeling or they can liven up a room. Their reflective quality helps lighten a dark room and make it truly shine. Glass may seem simple at first, but there are several aspects to consider before buying new glass accessories for your home.

First the shape of the piece should be chosen. This is the easiest step in the process. Examine the room the accessories will be used in and determine whether there is a more peaceful, curved flow or a lively, angular flow. Choose an angled or curved shape for your accessories based on this.

Next the design is important. Some glass accessories are smooth and clear while others have designs etched into the surface. Do not use too many accessories with complex designs. While one or two can create a focal point, too many create chaos and unease in the atmosphere.

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Making Metal and Glass Work Together

Friday, July 24th, 2009
nystate01k027 Glass Furniture, Corning Glass, ...
Image by CanadaGood via Flickr

Two common materials found in the contemporary design of today’s furniture are metal and glass. When choosing a new piece of furniture or an accessory for your home, you may wonder how to use these two materials together. Metal and glass compliment each other nicely, providing a variety of choices for your rooms.

The materials can be combined to balance each other out. A dark metal frame in a table with a glass top keeps the piece from becoming too dark and overbearing. If a room has a large amount of glass or metal, find accessories made from the other material to create harmony. A glass picture frame in a room with dark metals adds a sparkling touch of beauty.

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How Glass Can Improve Your Furniture and Home

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009
Cool glasses at EQ3
Image by roland via Flickr

Glass is often taken for granted in the world of home decor. It appears in every aspect of our lives, from the glass panes in our doors to the glass in our windows. This important material has special design advantages that make it an excellent choice for both the home and furniture.

One of the more useful traits of glass is its transparency. The clear glass allows the home owner to show off the style of their room. It creates a peaceful atmosphere without taking too much attention away from the other features of the room. A rug or hardwood floor can be seen through a glass coffee table, along with the decorative patterns on dining room chairs. Glass is also slightly reflective, allowing light to travel through it as it reflects back designs from the walls, ceiling, and furniture.

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