#IBA18; Amara's annual Interior Blog Awards are back - and we're nominated!
Now in its fifth year, Amaras Interior Blog Awards continue to celebrate respected bloggers from across the Industry. This year, we’re proud say that our interior designer journal has been nominated - but we need your help...
Amara's Interior Blog Awards celebrate respected bloggers from across the Industry.
This year, we’re proud say that we are nominated within the ‘Best Interior Design Blog’ category - but we need your help...
After years of working closely with many talented individuals, interiors retailer Amara recognised blogging as an integral part of the interior design industry. Introducing the concept of an Interiors Blog Awards in 2013, the campaign to celebrate and champion bloggers from various backgrounds has since grown tremendously - thanks to the awards philosophy of being open to all, regardless of size or stature within the industry.
Rachel Usher Interior Design Blog
We think past the notion that design is simply about aesthetics and our journal allows us to explore this sentiment with you directly, from ‘Light and it’s Power of Illusion’ to what ‘A New Mood of Exuberance’ means for you. All of our journal entries explore the importance of creating a memorable interior experience and why an emotionally considered approach is, to us, the only way to add meaningful value to a space.
An Emotionally Considered Home
A successful interior scheme enhances the way you experience a space...
A New Mood Of Exuberance
Why Spaces with punch and personality are the future of interior design...
How to vote
Amara have introduced a new system this year for shortlisting each categories entries - combining the judges’ views and the public vote to produce an overall score; culminating in an annual awards ceremony.
If you would like to take part in the preliminary voting stage, we’re delighted to announce our nomination within the ‘Best Interior Design Blog’ category, voting opens from Wednesday 15th August at 10am BST here.
Voting will close on Wednesday19th September at 12pm BST.
The power of plants; why all people, should be plant-people
Indoor botanicals offer us more than a picturesque aesthetic. We explore why embracing plant-pot-parenthood is not only good for a space’s design but also the body and soul.
Indoor botanicals offer us more than a picturesque aesthetic.
They make us feel good, boosting both our mental and physical health whether that be within a residential home or a plant-packed commercial space.
Our human desire to connect with nature is not a ‘trend’, it’s a true biological need . In recent years scientific studies have shown undisputed correlations between the great outdoors and it’s calming effects, even when exposer is only brief. The age-old cure for feeling low has always been to get up and go outside, which most will recall does indeed work wonders, reducing mental fatigue and stress whilst increasing self-esteem. We all seek to connect with botanicals in their natural environments but in our modern lives most of our time is spent indoors and so greenifying interior spaces is undeniably important .
Plants add life to sterile workspaces, reducing noise levels whilst providing privacy. As a result indoor greenery utilized in these spaces has been proven to encourage concentration and creativity. As well-being improves and employees take less days off work due to illness, overall productivity subsequently increases.
The leaves of plants absorb and reflect noise, a benefit which throughout history has been utilised within exterior horticulture design, reducing noise in busy cities from transport and nightlife. More recently this concept has transferred into interior spaces with plants cleverly combined to reduce background level noise, sound-breaking to creating a tranquil environment.
Air pollution is an issue we all face every day and not just outside, we’re surrounded by unclean air in our workplaces and homes too. Sick Building Syndrome is a term often associated to this, used to describe sudden symptoms or illnesses by people who are otherwise healthy yet experience various health disorders when at work in large commercial buildings - symptoms in these cases usually disappear when employees are away from the building and reappear when back at work. It’s not just commercial buildings either, the compounds causing these effects can be found in almost every home.
Plants clean indoor air by absorbing harmful toxins, increasing a spaces humidity and producing the all important lifesource we need; oxygen. Purifying species such as snake plants, pothos, birds nest ferns and philodendrons are all ideal options when utilising plants in the fight against polluted environments.
Considering the power plants have on our daily lives, as well as human existence overall, it's difficult not to embrace them in our homes and social spaces. Keeping plants alive however, we know, can be tricky. Whilst greenery offers substantial health benefits and visual appeal it’s important to remember that plants are a living being, with life sources needed to survive too. Follow us here as we explain how to create an indoor jungle that thrives...
The Simple Life; soothe your senses
In a volatile world our quest for contentment can, at times, feel out of reach. Embracing an ethos of simplicity by acknowledging our needs over our wants, can in many ways counteract this struggle to find peace, soothing the senses for everlasting satisfaction…
Simplicity, as an ethos, has particular resonance within the world of interior design.
Is less more? It’s sentiment that’s often associated with minimalism but leading a simpler life doesn’t necessarily have to involve a barely-there aesthetic. It can be soothing, not sterile, providing a calm canvas that’s curated through mindful choices which acknowledge our needs before our wants.
Not filling our homes with mindless ‘stuff’ provides invaluable benefits, allowing a space to breathe which subsequently highlights the design choices made within it. The average house has 300,000 objects inside, most of which rarely add any value in our day-to-day lives. An appreciation of object’s and their narrative value, whether that be collectables or iconic furniture design, is integral as an approach when crafting a space to leaves us filled with contentment.
Sustainable Style
Our emotive response to the elements used within a space is influenced by how we interact with them, on a functional level and so investing in key, high-quality items is undoubtedly important.
Appreciating the craftsmanship and skill needed to create iconic design and the inevitable cost involved should be viewed as an investment - a word not used lightly. Most noteworthy design brands increase prices year-on-year, allowing the everlasting designs that they produce to retain their value if resold at a later date. Carefully selecting quality elements which provide purpose as well as sustainable style not only last a lifetime but as a result also become part of our lives, our story, and we form a deeper emotional connection to a space overall as a result.
Modern Simplicity
Lighting is particularly significant when creating modern simplicity. Often appearing pared-back, accent and task lighting is in-fact applied with great attention to detail, achieved through mindful decisions with results not dissimilar to statement lighting. Cleverly coupling functional elements with hidden lighting such as mirrors, cabinetry or structural components enhances their purpose elegantly, adding immense value to them and in turn, our lives. Human interaction with directional lighting is equally important. The ability to adjust lighting according to a spaces needs again assists with the functionality of a space whilst reducing the number of individual lighting components needed.
Cohesive Colour
Curating colour that will nourish your soul can too be approached in a simple way by harnessing colours holistically according to the needs of a space. Our minds naturally associate simplicity and balance with stereotypical stark whites but in reality colour and hue selections, if considered, can provide calmness and a feeling of contentment too. Applying single use colour, known as a monochromatic scheme, can be used with great effect to simplify a space, as can picking contrast colours with the same depth or tone; this cohesion providing a sense stability.
Interior symmetry
Symmetrical balance is integral when creating a simple, serene space. Repetition or mirroring along a central axis is often seen in nature, ourselves included, making the process of how we view visuals much simpler and what we see more memorable. We’re able to focus clearly on individual elements with the amount we see kept to a minimum and these measured choices soothe our senses, leaving us with the contentment needed for true happiness...
simplicity inspiration
Browse through our Pinterest boards here.
Milan moments; Our highlights from the world’s most influential design week
Each year the eyes of the design world firmly fix on Milans prestigious Salone del Mobile, the busiest design week on the interiors calendar. This year, we headed over to Milans creative districts ourselves, in search of the latest inspiration from the exhibition itself as well pop-ups, installations and more.
Milan's Salone del Mobile is an unmissable event.
It’s the busiest design week within the interiors calendar, on an international level, showcasing and celebrating creativity, innovation and quality in equal measure. Noting just six top highlights from the world’s most influential design week was, quite frankly, difficult but you will see one common characteristic found throughout this years showcase; the revival of an objects narrative value.
1.
Wallpaper Handmade - a world of wellness
Wallpaper magazine’s iconic installation dedicated itself this year to curating a sanctuary for the self with ‘Wellness and Wonder’; a specially commissioned collection of designs by skilled makers from across the globe.
British design studio Pinch London were a particular highlight, a brand created to enhance our daily lives with a core focus on warmth, substance and most importantly the human experience. Aiming to encourage and enable users to live well through carefully crafted design, Pinch showcased the new ‘Elan Armoire’ cupboard which utilised dynamic marquetry techniques to create a truly considered design inside and out. The British brand are also able to colour match to all Paint & Paper Library colour references for those in favour a monochromatic interior scheme...
2.
Nature invading
Interior botanicals have grown and multiplied - an organic progression for the plant trend that’s become a mainstay in most homes. The use of large-scale tropical plants, grouped and clustered, could be seen almost everywhere with a clear focus towards architectural styles, something previously highlighted during our visit to Tom Dixon’s, The Coal House.
The continued relevance of nature is based on our experience with greenery itself, which is instinctive, garnering dramatic effects on our emotional wellbeing and reducing stress; whether that be at work or in a home environment. We’ve already made a conscious effort to grow our own indoor-jungle at the studio, utilising nature to curate an impactful visual with holistic benefits.
3.
Cos X Phillip K Smith III - Open Sky
The sensory reactions of light, space and colour formed the basis of this years Cos collaboration with artist Phillip K Smith III. The immersive installation mirrored the structures Italian-renaissance surroundings at the Palazzo Isimbardi but also a 360 degree view of the sky; a meditative tribute to the world around us viewed with an ever changing perspective.
As a brand Cos consistently focus on the sensorial elements of tactility, modernity and functionality and these core values were clearly presented within Open Sky, curating a considered and unique experience.
4.
Minimalist lighting
The word ‘minimalism’ denotes a visual mood board of clean lines, monochromatic palettes and brutalist architecture however the true meaning is not an aesthetic…
Do our possessions offer purpose? That’s the question on every minimalists lips, a key sentiment apparent throughout a variety of the brands presentations this year with lighting in particular utilised as a tool rather than as a statement. Hidden LED lights behind mirrors or within cabinetry were cleverly combined with directional lighting, designed with function at its very core. Where pendant-lighting statements were made the forms were large but notably simple, even within British designer Lee Broom's latest product launch - titled 'Observatory'. Presented within an equally pared-back installation, each design played with sculptural and spherical forms, with mirror-polished finishes in modular systems, allowing the lighting sculptures to be built according to a spaces needs.
5.
Vitra - Typecasting
The iconic Vitra, a brand well known for its collaborative design ethos with design greats such as Charles & Ray Eames, George Nelson, Jean Prouve and Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec hosted Typecasting; an assembly of iconic, forgotten and new Vitra classics.
The opening party, held the evening prior to Milan’s Salone Del Mobile official opening, provided an exclusive and expansive view of Vitra's past, present and future. The curator of the exhibition, designer Robert Stadler, emphasised the social role furniture plays in our daily lives, of chairs in particular, exploring why identifying oneself with particular objects is essential for cultivating and projecting an individual self-image. The collection was split into various ‘profiles’, defined by the product’s characteristics and function. The 'Communals' profile was particularly interesting, a collections of objects designed to invite people to gather, share and communicate.
6.
Textual togetherness
Change is underway in global premium-living. In a constantly evolving world our homes social capabilities have become increasingly significant. The current mood of ‘Togetherness’ was consciously considered within the textured elements showcased this year, from modular sofas to silky high-pile rugs; comfort and customisation were consistently key.
Possibly the most refreshing considerations however were made within upholstery. Dining and lounge chairs were presented without the formalities normally associated to them, embracing suedes, finishes loose and gathered, for a more inviting and comforting experience.
The German brand, Rolf Benz, like us believe that a home is not a place, it’s a feeling - which is possibly why they’re contemporary, biomorphic concepts felt so inspiring to us.
The Coal Office; a holistic experience
Against an industrial backdrop, Tom’s Dixons new HQ, The Coal Office, leads the way as a multi-disciplinary space for innovation in design.
A fresh London home for Tom Dixon’s latest experiments, innovations and collaborations.
The Coal office is designed to push the boundaries of contemporary retail as we know it.
Later this month, the internationally renowned brand Tom Dixon opens it's doors to the design brands most ambitious development yet. Located in the heart of London’s Kings Cross, the new hub contributes to an ever-expanding network of creative businesses within the area. We were lucky enough to be invited to a private press-preview this week, for a first look at how the space has been transformed...
“For us it was imperative not just to find a new office or shop. It was vital to find a new home. London isn’t just another city. It is where it all started. We will use these 17,500 square feet in this incredible location as a platform to broadcast our latest ideas in interior design, product innovation and experiments in food, functionality and future living.”
Against an industrial backdrop the Coal Office is set to lead the way as a multi-disciplinary platform for innovation in design. The space will function as a live studio combined with a gift-shop, workshop and office all under one roof, with the culinary delights of a brand-new restaurant and roof terrace - to be launched later in the year, towards the end of June.
The Coal Office will serve as the ultimate centre for interiors, a journey through outstanding details from beginning to end. The lower ground store and showroom is a sensory journey, something which the iconic buildings architecture naturally lends itself to. A series of large archways split the space, allowing each sensory element to shine individually whilst harmoniously flowing into one another through the continued details of exposed brickwork and large-scale hardwood floors.
Each individual archway and the sensory visions of light, colour, tactility and scent within it, are all carefully considered in the new premises which notably isn't named after the Tom Dixon brand itself; a conscious decision to allow each element to breathe with room for creative collaborations from younger craft studios and complementary businesses; hand-selected for cohabitation by Tom Dixon personally.
In celebration of the unique history of the building, which dates back to 1851, edible installations celebrating the power of coal by food concept studio Arabeschi di Latte were served on the day, along with new product presentations and a tour by the designer himself. To preview the emotionally considered space before it opens to the general public at the end of this month, head over to our Instagram account here.
Opening Dates and Times
Shop Opening Date: Friday 20 April, Monday - Saturday 10am – 7pm, Sunday 11am – 4pm.
Restaurant: Opening late June 2018.
Address: Tom Dixon, The Coal Office, 1 Bagley Walk, London N1C 4PQ
Light; the power of life and illusion
Light. It’s a natural life source that we simply can’t live without. Even a house made of glass cannot guarantee sunny weather, which is why this weeks journal explores the importance of carefully considered lighting and its power of illusion...
Lighting paradoxically, defines reality and creates illusion.
When carefully considered, lighting can be used to illuminate our treasured belongings or create spaces which encourage conversation, all whilst improving our mood and nurturing our emotional well-being.
Our eyes, the gateways to our souls - are just that; an external sense tool for understanding and observing, with the ability to teach and develop our internal consciousness. They say ‘seeing is believing’, which as a sentiment is true; sight, of all our senses, contributes the most to our overall awareness. It's the easiest of our senses to understand as we block visual stimuli without conscious thought and so we react much more easily to it than the other senses such as scent or tactility.
Question time
Even a house made of glass cannot guarantee sunny weather which is why our in-house interior design experts, Rachel and Claire, sat down to explain in more detail the importance of carefully considered lighting and the power of illusion...
1.
Lighting within the home is often an afterthought. There’s tendency to think more about colour, furniture and accessories rather than the crucial element of lighting. Why does lighting deserve more attention?
Lighting plays a significant role in how the mood of a room is created. Soft, low-level-lighting creates depth and tranquility within a space whereas high-level, bright, task-lighting would create the opposite effect. Lighting as a stand-alone element can be a form of art whilst defining a space, it can be playful but also sophisticated. The light emitted is undeniably important but so too is the design of the fixture itself. There’s nothing more impressive than walking into a room where stunning lighting designs have been carefully incorporated to enhance the other elements of the scheme, that we perhaps interact with more via our other sensory levels. - Rachel Usher.
2.
Lighting is defined within three different types; AMBIENT, task, and accent. Could you explain the difference between these?
Think of Ambient lighting as a foundation, it creates the overall distribution of illumination within a space. Ambient lighting comes in various guises from contemporary pendant lights to simple downlights but consideration of the spaces size and the influence of natural light within it should always inform how this type of lighting is used. It’s essential that the lighting levels are balanced to create a comfortable environment.
Task lightings purpose is practicality however if harnessed correctly, it can transforms a space into something that’s both beautiful and practical - think lighting under kitchen cabinets or carefully considered pathway lighting.
Accent lighting is the final layer, used to highlight key elements within a space. Up or downlights can be used to showcase a sculpture, a piece of art or a feature wall - the possibilities are endless. - Claire West
3.
What’s more important, utilising light to define reality within a space or creating illusion within it?
It’s dependant on how a client intends to utilise their space but, more often than not, the two should exist in conjunction. A bathroom for example may require crisp, clean lighting for practicality, used as a tool to benefit the function of that room. In most cases the same space is also required for relaxing and to create the required atmosphere different light systems would need to co-exist. Combining both types of lighting allows for flexibility within the space depending on how and why the client is using the room. - Rachel Usher
4.
When an illusion of light is needed how is this achieved?
Light and space are two of the most important things that we look for in a space. As designers we’re often asked to create an ‘illusion' of light and space where the environment naturally lacks this benefit. We consider the various elements that make up a space and carefully introduce different components to enhance it. For example, the scale of a timber floor plank, a light paint colour palette that flows from the walls and ceilings into the woodwork, mirrors and strategically placed furniture and lighting - all of these components lead the eye calmly around a space, creating an illusion. - Claire West
5.
What should be considered when the aim is to create a comforting home environment?
Lighting should exist on different levels. Mostly importantly consideration of how natural light works and feels within a space should be made and used as a starting point. Natural light will, naturally, change depending upon the time of day but also the aspect of the windows and the seasons.
Like the rest of a design scheme, lighting should be considered in layers, it’s more interesting if light derives from different sources whilst also allowing us to customise the light used depending on how the space needs to function at different times.
A light sources colour is really important too as our eyes see colour as a refraction of light. On a personal level, I find warmer lights much more comfortable and natural, it’s the type of light you would find in a south-facing room and makes colours appear more yellow in hue. Creating a comforting environment does however really depend on the individual. - Rachel Usher.
6.
Why is considered lighting within commercial spaces so important?
Regardless of how beautiful an interior scheme is, if lighting has not been carefully considered the space will fail. Just like residential properties there are two fundamentals which need to be considered; form and function. Ambient and task lighting should be used to give an overall, practical illumination, designed to meet the needs of the space from a functional point of view, whether that be a workspace or a restaurant. Accent lighting should also be applied to reinforce the brands identity and to create the desired atmosphere. The style of light, its scale, positioning and the quantity used should all be mindfully considered. - Claire West
7.
Should lighting be harnessed uniquely depending the type of commercial space, for example restaurants and workspaces or should the emotional needs of the space be the main priority?
Lighting design is an art form in itself, on large residential and commercial schemes we would work closely with a lighting consultant to ensure the lighting is designed to meet the project requirements, both from a practical and emotive perspective. All spaces need emotive consideration, creating an atmosphere which relates to the service is paramount to its success, forming a space that people enjoy spending their time. - Claire West
8.
Can you think you of a residential or commercial project where the lighting design has had a significant impact on the emotive experience of the space?
On a recent project we have specified some architectural lighting, hidden into wall recesses and joinery details. The overall flow through the property has been connected with the hidden features and washes of light, emphasising the beauty of the interior architecture and creating a home that feels restful, contemporary and sophisticated. - Rachel Usher.
9.
How should outdoor lighting be approached?
Outside lighting can be considered from a number of perspectives; directional, architectural and accent, all of which require tones of light from multiple sources.
For properties with long sweeping driveways lighting can be utilised practically as a guide towards a property. Architectural lighting can be used to wash areas of a building in light, highlighting architectural features, defining its shape and form. Accent lighting is most often used to bring landscaped areas to life. Low-level lights which bathe trees and external features in a light glow can make the most out of an external space when it would otherwise be under the cover of darkness.
For commercial projects, well specified external lighting can make all the difference in how inviting or dramatic a venue appears and lighting choices should be a key consideration as part of the overall design; holistically considered. - Rachel Usher
10.
Which three lighting brands or designers are you particularly found of and why?
I still love the clean-lines deriving from Scandinavia so Normann Copenhagen and Vita Copenhagen are firm favourites of mine. I also love Northern Lighting’s Acorn Pendant by Atle Tveit - they’re installed in my kitchen at home and I LOVE them.
I will always support British brands where I can, I really respect how the self-taught Tom Dixon is progressing aesthetically; innovative, sculptural and yet always elegant. Another British company I love to work with is CTO, a company that allow us to customise fittings to our clients bespoke requirements. Sorry, I couldn't name just three… - Claire West
An emotionally considered home
A successful interior scheme enhances the way you experience a space whilst reflecting your individuality. We explore the importance of design that’s emotionally considered.
Finding balance in our homes is undoubtedly important.
We’re all susceptible to our surroundings and the choices we make when designing a space do, inevitably, have a direct impact on our overall happiness and well-being.
When designing a space it’s important to look attentively at all the various elements of a room. Practicality is important but consideration of the mood and the various senses that form this are equally significant in the design process; including intangible components such as scent. We are of course, all different. Individuality should direct how each sense is harnessed to form a nurturing, emotional connection; customising the space to create a unique experience. Rachel Usher explains;
“Design affects our senses, whether that be in the way that we interact with light and space, the texture of materials or the furnishings used; all of these elements directly affect the comfort & purpose of a space, relating to how we feel and influencing our emotional wellbeing
”
For most of us, escaping the stresses of daily life is the most important factor we look for in our home environments and understanding the different senses we’re surround by in our dwellings is a good place to start in creating a mindful space.
Our vision senses have the ability to change our behaviour, how we interact with light for instance can dramatically influence our sleeping behaviour; for a relaxing evening it’s best to avoid bright LED lights as the blue wavelengths keeps us alert, confusing our natural body clocks and would be better served in an office space where productivity is key. Lamps or candles that emit a warm glow are more ideal for winding down at night and the spaces we gravitate towards in the evening should take this into consideration.
Colour informs every aspect of our daily lives, our reactions are often emotional but also intuitive, without us even noticing. We’re often drawn to colours we like without considering their impact; where and how colour is used should again be mindfully considered.
“It is the interplay with our senses that creates an experience, for example the use of colour can evoke feelings of warmth and comfort if applied correctly; considering the size and purpose of the space”
Although intangible, our sense of smell has the ability to provoke deep emotions within our brain and likes or dislikes are often based purely on these emotional associations.
Harnessing our sense of smell is incredibly important, scents have an ability quite unlike anything else; to unlock memories and transport us perhaps to a time and place long forgotten.
“The scent of a space’s is as fundamental to the success of a design as the use of colour or texture”
Notably, our sense of touch is the most significant as our entire body is receptive to tactile qualities. We are directly affected by the use of different materials and respond to them, again, in an often personal way. We learn from our sense of touch and make judgments from these, developing deep associations which directly affect our thoughts and feelings.
So when designing a space, whether that be a home or social environment it’s undeniably important that emotional needs are fully considered. Our wants often over-power our needs but by acknowledging these personal feelings and reactions we’re able to ensure that both align; providing balance.
Designing an emotionally considered space is important, after all, you literally have to live with it. If you’re in the need of professional expertise please do get in touch; our interior design services are flexible, allowing us the freedom to cater to projects of various sizes. We work closely with all of our clients to realise imaginative spaces which truly reflect your vision and aspirations to enhance your at-home-experience.
