JOIN USFine living starts with proper conceptualisation. We are very particular about perfect and sophisticated living, but do we also create our homes with such perfection? Are we even germane to the ambience we are living in? Perhaps not. But this can only be achieved, if our home interiors have a certain kind of concept implemented. Concepts are basically abstract ideas which have a certain pattern, story, theme or similarity of items. This might be the designers’ jargon, but should be understood by people implementing it. People tend to avoid this exercise because of two reasons. First is the lack of knowledge or the fundamentals of concepts. Second would be the fear of misspending.
However, there are ways through which a common man can conceptualise in accordance with requirements, without having to burn a hole through his/her pocket. Let us look at some easy ways of achieving the designer look in your home, shall we?
Traditional style
It is the compilation of a certain culture. Given that we all come from a certain culture or background, it’s implementation can become the concept of our beautiful home. For instance, many homes have French windows, trying to emulate the French culture. Many western countries customise their designs with Indian elements in it. To get such
dramatic looks for your home, start with the conceptualisation.
Select a particular tradition, one which you would prefer to live in. Do not put in too many elements, like artefacts, furniture items or farrago. We always tend to overdo the quantity of items, which affects the quality of the outcome. For example, if you are executing the Indian concept, make sure the rooms have earthy tones, fabrics are brightly coloured and the furniture is beautifully carved and has a heavy look. The Indian design does not give a gossamer feel, but a very warm and royal touch.
Contemporary look
Otherwise known as modern design, to implement this concept, use shapes for inspiration, like straight lines, circles and the like. Choose one such shape. You might take your room structure as the inspiration. If the room orientation is rectangle, then let your design concept be based on a rectangle and straight lines. Place your
furniture accordingly. Also while buying your furniture, make sure to buy items, which have very plain designs (straight lines). It’s best if the fabric is also plain; it should not have any intricate works.
‘Simple’ is the mantra for contemporary designs. The artefacts also are very blunt and bare. The colours are not supposed to be too many; the beauty of this concept is such that the whole room can get a very vibrant ambience in just two or three colours. If colours interest you, then make sure to play with bright colours on sober designs or the other way round.
Amalgamated concept
This one is extremely popular because it gives a very colourful and rich feel. If your furniture is contemporary, throw in pillows, which are very traditional and would add colour and depth to the design. In such designs, ratio is very important, that is, the intensity of traditional and contemporary concept shoulds be in the ratio of 2:1 or vice-versa.
You may choose any two concepts; the basics would be the same. If both the
concepts have the same ratio, the room would look very crowded. A better example is you may have draperies, which are traditional and have wall paintings, which are modern. Another way to go about it would be to segregate the items individually and categorise into concepts. The categorisation is very important as it frames the space into the highlighted concept.
Colour codes
Most of us are well aware of colour categories: primary colours and secondary colours. The raw colours, that is, the original colours of nature are primary colours and the colours that are the outcome of mixing two primary colours are secondary colours. It is not strange to have a concept relying just on these colour categories; rather it is much simpler.
You may start with choosing one colour category. Now, let the darker shade be the background and splash some light shades of the same on the loose items. For
example, if you go with primary colours, choose any dark shade of blue for the
furniture, or the wall and colour the cushions and curtains in any light shade of yellow.
If you want to be specific, choose fabrics for your curtains, furniture and cushions with such concept. You can also have a contrasting design that would implement both the colour categories.
It is important to know the balance of the colour intensity, that is, not too much of the dark shade and not much of the light shade; there should be an equal ratio. The same
ratio is applicable for the contrasting concept as well. However, take care to
ensure that this does not hamper the natural light of the room.
And whichever concept you decide, make sure you give it everything it needs to add sophistication and elan to your homes.
(The author is interior designer & partner, Edge Interiors and Architecture)