Textured Walls: Why and How?

Are you looking for an inexpensive way to decorate your walls, but don’t want to invest in wallpaper or panelling? Textured walls are hugely popular in residential, commercial and hospitality projects alike, due to their aesthetic and functional advantages. Trending in the 1970s, people have welcomed back the textured walls due to its cost and time-effective factors. Durable and stylish, they add character to boring walls with patterns created by intelligent use of light and shadows – think ‘orange peel’, ‘knockdown’, ‘popcorn’, ‘cat’s paw’ and ‘swirl’, to name a few. Read on to know more about textured walls and their benefits:

•  Adds an aesthetic value

Textured walls can be a creative process to work with, as you can experiment with different colors, patterns, and styles. Apart from adding a unique texture, they can be a great focal point if combined with other interesting elements. If textured walls seem too much hard work, you can work on ceilings as well. If you’re looking at a single wall, chances are that textured walls give a finished look to your rooms.

• Creates dimension

Textured walls give depth and dimension to your rooms, which enhances the aesthetic element over a regular wall.

• Covers minor imperfections

Textured walls are perfect to conceal any flaws, such as nail holes and sellotape marks. They are created using drywall sheets that are installed on the walls in sections, and the contractor seals and sands the gaps to even out the surface. Smooth patches in an otherwise textured wall are highly visible, but evenly textured walls hide repair giveaways.

• Colors For Textured Walls

If adding texture to your walls seems like the next big adventure, it’s important to choose the right color for the best effect. Right out of an architecture magazine subscription, here’s how you can choose the perfect textured walls for yourself:

• Regular light colors

Ideal for textured surfaces, paler shades gives a visually expanding effect to the room yet doesn’t compromise on the texture. Colors such as yellows, browns, and greens can be perfectly complemented with brightly-colored furnishings and accessories.

• Regular dark colors

Darker colors are the perfect options to create a small and comfortable space, but be careful when going for textured walls. Apply a primer for darker colors, and use colors such as reds, navy blues, and burgundy for an impactful look.

• Mosaic textures

Mosaic textures give a playful yet aesthetic touch to regular walls, where you can create checkerboards, swirls, zigzags and wavy lines to create a certain effect.

• Marble textures

Marble textures present a calm, clean and glamorous effect to the walls, which complements contrasting fabrics and furnishings as well.

•  Smokey textures

Velvety textures can be easily applied using simple tools, and the results can be amazing. They work particularly well for living rooms, bedrooms and other living spaces.

• Wood textures

Wooden designs are a classic staple in every interior design handbook, and wooden textures are no different. Usually used for bedrooms, it adds a rustic depth and beauty that looks exactly like faux wood.

• Brick textures

Perfect for a focal wall, brick-textured walls are a good background for a living room. They can be worked with deep-colored furnishings for an elegant look.

Classic Blue: The Pantone Colour 2020

The decade has just begun and interior designers have already devised ways to use the Pantone Colour of the Year 2020 – Classic Blue. For those who don’t know, it is a dark hue of azure. Psychologically speaking, blue represents reliability, staidness and the world’s rapid advancement in technology. Apart from interior design, the color has been extensively used in space, technology, art, automotive manufacturing, and even the beauty industry.

To supplement its marketing campaign, Pantone collaborated with diverse brands to create a multi-sensory experience for Classic Blue – smell, taste, sound, auditory and texture.  Though painting one’s walls are the mainstream way to do it, there are other ways how you can incorporate this rich shade into your surroundings. Let’s find out what makes it an unforgettable shade in a top interior design magazine subscription.

Accentuate the room with an accent wall

Classic Blue is overpowering if used on all four walls, thanks to its dark shade. Designers suggest keeping an accent wall that can complement the other colors in the room. It lends a luxurious touch to an office space due to its calm, confident and deep thinking qualities. The color imbibes introspection, clarity, and concentration, which works perfectly for a workspace.

Paint your front doors to welcome your guests in

Doors are an important part of any space, and coloring them Classic Blue promotes an open flow of communication, perspective, and expansive thinking. The color radiates a dependable elegance, and painting your front doors in blue would certainly make you feel relaxed and comforted. A classic blue door would make a statement in an otherwise traditional office or home setting.

Use statement furniture to mark your comfort zone

Think furniture pieces around the room such as sofas, beds, tables, and chairs. Classic Blue denotes a velvety-soft texture and a familiar sound. Furniture should express a reassuring presence along with the return of a new day, and that can be achieved by using cabinets, bathroom fixtures and vanity sinks against a neutral-colored background.

Create relaxation spots away from the noise

The Pantone color is based on a highlight in the global culture at a particular moment. Classic Blue symbolizes technology as a source of stress, which can be countered by offering a sense of refuge to the human spirit. Blue has been traditionally known as emanating peace and tranquillity. Play around with different shades and textures of the same color with cheerful hallways, textured rugs, soft carpets, and lampshades. Comfort is usually associated with bedrooms, and blankets, throw cushions and pillows would be a perfect addition to a basic-colored room.

Accompany green components along with blue walls

Classic Blue is one of those colors that look gorgeous with spots of greenery, so add a few potted plants here and there to create a comfortable space. If you like something more refined, break the blocks of dark color with hanging plants. Other accessories such as blue vases and light shades break the monotony as well, especially in a pale-colored setting.

Matte Black Bathroom Fixtures: Why Are They So Popular?

Black is an interesting color as it symbolizes mystery, elegance, power, and authority. Though painting our walls would be too overpowering for most tastes, what do you think about having matte black fixtures black in your service areas? One of the bathroom and kitchen fixture trends of the year, it instantly adds glamour and appeal to the entire space. They enhance most design trends and enable you to be at the top of trending interior design styles. So, is there more to the mighty black than what meets the eye?

Benefits of Matte Black Bathroom & Kitchen Fixtures

•  They complement most colors and design trends

With a dark color palette, matte black looks beautiful with the classic white marble. However, it adds an aesthetic touch to neutral and bold colors. It works equally well with wood, grey and eye-popping shades such as deep green, mustard yellow, chocolate brown and purple. Moreover, they can be paired with either a classic or contemporary look, which can be in turn either minimalistic or bold. Each of the pairing colors offers a different angle: black paired with wood gives out a warm and cozy feeling, while grey is perfect for modern homes offering a calm and collected atmosphere.

•  They pair with most materials and finishes

Black is a versatile color and is a perfect partner to Carrara marble due to its aesthetic combination and durability. On the other hand, copper’s metallic hues soften the somewhat harsh color and give an earthy look. The entire setting would look beautiful with matching bath-ware, towels, soap dishes, curtains, and mats. When paired well with other service area furnishings, they can radiate minimalistic yet bold vibes top much seen in top interior design magazines.

•   They are extremely low-maintenance, fingerprint-proof and scratch-proof

Matte black fixtures come with modern electroplating for a sleek and corrosion-free finish. Thus, they catch on fewer fingerprint marks than on chrome and stainless steel. Thus, it takes nothing more than a wet rag to clean them. However, they are extremely prone to dust, toothpaste and soap scum. Also, cheap-quality fixtures can get scratched easily as well. They are extremely easy to install and add a touch of luxury without unwanted flashiness.

• They are available in different materials

If pure black is just not your style, you can mix black with gold or bronze finishes. Moreover, you can use pewter and gunmetal fixtures as well that add a warm texture to space. They are equally good for industrial kitchens, washrooms alike and look great with neutral-colored subway tiles.

• Matte black can be incorporated into other fittings

If you’ve fallen totally in love with this dark-as-night shade, you can easily incorporate black into other fittings as well. Move beyond the regular faucets and bathtubs; think cabinet pulls, shower frames, walls, tiles, vanity sets and even other statement pieces in different shades of black. The more, the merrier! Thus, matte black fixtures are something that you definitely should experiment with. Though a simple change at hand, this is the latest bathroom and kitchen trend that can entirely transform your spaces from dull and boring to absolutely stunning.

Faux-Wood: More Than Just A Fad

Thanks to advanced technology, numerous options, and innovative thinking, flooring options have gone way beyond the plain and simple. Customers now want something sustainable, luxurious and durable yet within a reasonable rate – and that’s where faux-wood tiles come in. Though they have made their appearance way back in 2014, they have certainly made a powerful comeback.  Faux-wood tiles have always been favored due to their contemporary look and several advantages, and here we are to tell you all about them.

Since the traditional times, hardwood flooring has always been featured in the best home decorating magazines. Faux-wood tiles are porcelain or ceramic tiles that resemble real wood from a visual aspect. Reclaimed wood is a trending alternative to real wood as it is readily available in various forms and dimensions. Not just that, they offer several advantages over hardwood flooring, which is indeed a blessing in the urban consumer market.

Benefits of Faux-Wood Tiles

•      They provide innumerable design possibilities

Unlike hardwood flooring that is quite specific in form, faux-wood tiles come in a variety of colors and textures. The availability of inkjet technology enables several finishes on a piece of reclaimed wood to create different tones and textures. Thus, you can pride yourselves on installing tile flooring that emulates your much-coveted Brazilian walnut flooring.

• They are maintenance-free

Faux-wood tiles are water-resistant and can be used in labor-intensive spaces of the house, such as kitchens and bathrooms. They can be easily cleaned with soap and water, while hardwood flooring requires refinishing, resealing, and re-staining. They can withstand scratches from pets and younger children, and resist accidental spills. However, they are not termite-proof so it would be a good idea to use wood-resistant wood or plain faux tile.

•          They are affordable and eco-friendly

Unlike hardwood floors, faux-wood tiles don’t have chemical compounds (mainly VOCs) and are recyclable enough to be paved into roads and driveways. Since there are no hidden costs related to maintenance, the prices go down quite a bit. Moreover, you don’t pay according to your choice of wood finish: you shall pay the same price for cherry wood as you would for pine.

•         They are versatile flooring options and are allergy-friendly

Tiles are resistant to humidity due to their smoother surfaces, and require no wooden subfloor and easily adhere to cement. Nevertheless, the subfloor should be even, waterproof, grout-sealed and free of cracks. Apart from regular living spaces, they can be installed in mudrooms and basements as well. As wood grain tile doesn’t collect dirt, pollen, dust mites and dander, they are safe for allergy-prone customers.

•          They add a warm character to the room

Are you looking for a sustainable flooring option that provides the same comfort and visual appeal as wood does? Faux-wood tiles offer you the best of both worlds with their affordability, durability, resistance along with a cheerful texture. For a seamless flooring look, customers should buy enough material to finish the entire space as matching the floors and shades later could get difficult.

Therefore, faux-wood tiles have all the reasons to be trending in the flooring market. Though it does not add to your home’s value in any way and is uncomfortable for cooler climates, there are ways to combat the situations. Install radiant heat under the tiles to stay warm, and rubber mats to counter the cold touch in the kitchens and bathrooms. Area rugs will alleviate the sound of echoing sounds and add an aesthetic touch to the room. Thus, faux-wood tiles are a good option for every kind of home out there.

The Recent Scene in the Indian Carpet Export Industry

The carpeting industry first made its appearance in the sixteenth century, and today it has become the largest producer and exporter of handmade carpets in both value and volume. Approximately, 90 percent of such handmade carpets are exported to other countries due to their magnificent designs, brilliant colors and excellent quality. That’s not all; Indian handwoven carpets are featured in the best home decorating magazines all over the world as well. India is home to a rich testimony of craftsmanship and cultural diversity in the variety of carpets that produced on an annual basis, as follows:

•        Indo-Persian: Produced in Varanasi, Shahjahanpur, Agra, and Jodhpur
•          Silk: Produced in Kashmir
•         Wool and Silk: Produced in Jaipur and Agra
•         Handtufted: Produced in Panipat and Bhadohi
•         Ziegler: Produced in Agra
•          Kilim: Produced in Panipat, Mirzapur, and Rajasthan

Apart from the types of carpets mentioned, the industry includes Chindi (recycled) and contemporary carpets as well. These carpets are exported to the United States of America, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. Though Denmark and Sweden comprise a very small market, they are in turn connected to large retail chains such as IKEA. All the exports are handled by the apex body Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) that identifies new markets, sponsors participation in international events, provides financial aid, resolves trade disputes and arranges buyer-seller gatherings.

Though Indian carpets are revered for their assortment in design and colors, the export industry has slumped in the last five years. Traditionally, carpet trade was separated from other home textile products but has been recently integrated into the same channel. They are now readily available in mainstream retail chains and departmental stores at the expense of the wholesalers and importers. In other words, customers have resorted to buying from the suppliers due to larger quantities at a reasonable cost. Customers now lean towards sustainable products using natural wood and recycled yarns with natural dyes.

Mahavir Pratap Sharma (Immediate Past Chairman of the CEPC) has been quoted as saying, exporters need constant funding at an international interest rate and the retraction of state taxes and duty at par with international competitors. However,Sanjay Kumar (Director of the CEPC) is more hopeful as he aims to goal a 50 percent share in the global carpet export. On the other hand, India’s import and export chart has remained unchanged in 2018-2019 as per the Economic Survey of India (2019).

As per the current insights, the carpet industry is dominated by the mid-end segment due to the increasing demand for high quality and attractive designs yet at a reasonable price. Yet, the growth in the real estate sector and product quality is likely to impact the carpet market in the USA as well. Since most carpet business owners are seasoned individuals, they prefer upfront payment over online medium due to better checking of quality, color, and design.

Coming to future trends of the carpet export industry, buyers now demand mid-segment carpets while the demand for high-end products is expected to rise only marginally. However, there are vendor challenges such as delayed delivery, and disparities regarding sample and product at hand. Thus, the Indian government is expected to ensure improved quality and online payment options, online and social media marketing along with participation in international trade fairs to promote the handwoven carpet business.

Interior design spreads its wings to office spaces

The 2019 offices take most of our time, so much so that we easily end up spending more than half of a day at work. When the workplace becomes more than just a place to work, the need for happy and creative vibes arises. And that is why we see interior designing not just limited to homes anymore. Scrolling through top interior design magazines will give an idea of how the present-day workspaces are being done to take care of employee health.

The idea of a workspace can no longer be constrained to the binomial chair-desk archetype. Most offices are divided into a mix of spaces allowing for one or other or a mix of these: private offices, open plan seating, and collaborative spaces. While private offices are sanctuaries providing scope for heightened concentration, open-plan offices, and collaborative spaces are ideal spaces to explore ideas and synergies. The solution thus lies in combination with the above-mentioned spaces.

The ideal office

The homo sapiens frame isn’t meant to sit on chairs and in cubicles all day. The remedy is to use meaningful design interventions. An ideal work environment is a space like home yet not the same as home; without rigid spaces or clearly marked hierarchies, but a balance between comfort and discipline.

The de-stress fundamentals of light and color

Natural light is essential, it being the most evenly balanced source of white light and because of the beauty in its capacity to change through the day. Spaces that receive minimum sunlight should have a combination of general, task, and daylight-replicating lighting. Experts say, yellow-cast illumination is the most-effective lighting and placement angles between computer screens and light are important to avoid glare and eyestrain.

A no-tech zone is a must in the present-day workspace where all we see is a lot of wires, cables and chargers, personal computers and laptops, and multiple gadgets. A space to unwind would only gear up an employee and increase efficiency.

Green mind-set

                                                                 

While offering comfort, a workplace must consider sustainability. Items such as recycled glass countertops, use of woods from sustainable forestry and products that are recyclable are steps towards a lower carbon footprint.

Also, at the pace urban spaces are growing, suffocation levels are increasing, and it certainly makes sense to incorporate greenery at workplaces. This is where interior designing and architecture steps in, as bringing the outdoors inside should not only be about flair but functionality as well.

In the end, to think that workspaces follow a trend would be naïve, they evolve with the need of the user. The office of the future could be several styles mixed together or follow no pattern at all but it will definitely offer sovereignty.

Go ahead with an interior design magazinesubscription and you will see where the office design is headed in the future. Architects have been reshaping the office for decades now, and the current layout points towards flexibility and multipurpose spaces.

Green work places with biophilic design

As we become more commercial and prone to spending less time with nature, our physiological and psychological health tends to suffer. As a result, architecture has now evolved to bring us closer to nature. Biophilic design aims to increase one’s primal connectivity to nature which provides health, environmental and economic advantages even for an artificial environment. One of the latest trends of this last year, this is a successful strategy combining outdoor and indoor spaces. The use of scattered vegetation, dynamic lighting, natural scents, local materials, and shelter brings nature itself into our workplaces.

Often misconceived as a ‘trend of adding plants everywhere’, it is often more complex than that. ‘Biophilic’ involves strategic planning to create a green environment of rejuvenation, mindfulness and emotional well-being. This enables staff to work, revitalize and collaborate to enjoy a more productive atmosphere. The elements of the natural environment include natural light, plants, animals, air, fire, moss, seashells, rocks, and landscape – all of which can be converted into beautiful office designs.

What are the latest trends in biophilic designs in 2019?

Though biophilia is a trend in itself, there are several ways to execute one’s love for nature in the workspace. Greenery and natural patterns can easily be integrated into architecture as has been done by some of the biggest names in today’s world – namely, Google, OVH and Dropbox, to name a few. All you have to do is get yourself the best interior designmagazine subscription to be looped into these trends.

·         Green installations

Symbolizing harmony, growth, fertility, and freshness, the right use of green can truly replenish tired energy levels. Unlike the past as a secondary aesthetic choice, green walls and dividers now participate in pre-construction discussions as well. Common examples include the construction of artificial and natural green walls, planters and hanging plants to promote productivity, oxygen and concentration levels in the environment. Plant partitions can be transformed to create private or collaborative spaces at minimal cost and intrusion.

Example: Fosbury& Sons, a leading office workspace solutions sector, lives up to its love for the green. Otherwise, minimalist design features, such as potted plants placed near lobbies and desks, cheer up the atmosphere and motivate people to perform their best.

·         Flooring

The trend in modern flowing is to recreate the qualities of the natural environment through the use of wood, natural stone, and forest floors. As with any architectural trend, the ultimate goal is to bring in functionality, sustainability, and visual appeal through the right blend of material and color. Arrange for comfortable seating and table arrangements in outdoor spaces such as balconies, verandas, and gardens to bring in the fresh air and light. As a result, your staff enjoys greater productivity, creativity, and well-being.

·         Natural lighting

Natural lighting and landscapes have a tremendously positive impact on employees, and architects have tried to incorporate the same as much as possible. The use of large windows, circadian lighting and skylights are a great way to welcome the sunshine, while biodynamic artificial lighting does a great job of imitating the same. It impersonates natural sunlight conditions, which helps in regulating the human body’s inherent circadian rhythm. Humans have evolved to process light that falls from above, which stimulates our non-visual light sense. Last but not least, natural light leads to better stress management and higher sleep levels. Outdoor spaces can have designated seating areas where employees can work in fresh light and air, promoting creativity.

Example: Drop box’s lounge area features a blend of monochromatic gray and pops of greenery through shadows, plants, and fireplaces to create a minimalist and stimulating atmosphere.

·         Water

Water is one of those elements that infuse life into an architectural structure through its rhythmic sound. Medical studies have discovered that proximity to water can lower the heart rate and blood pressure, and improve memory retention and stress. Due to its tranquil properties, water can instill a sense of balance and renewal in one’s mind. The most common uses of water in architecture can be seen in decorative ponds, water walls, and fountains.

·         Wood

One of the most versatile and biophilically-designed construction elements, wood is the perfect choice of material when it comes to wall coverings, structural elements or flooring. The natural texture of wood brings in a calming and motivating effect, and you have several options to choose from. Reclaimed timber tends to give a more homely feeling to office spaces, yet cutting back on the environmental damage. Inclusion of other natural elements such as nature paintings and biomorphic patterns can relieve stress, instills order and enhances our connection with nature even when it is not possible to renovate.

Example: The cloud computing big shot OVH uses lighter-colored wood to complement the natural sunlight and plants here and there. It provides an invigorating space for both working and collaborating due to its modern yet cozy appeal.

·         Technology in biophilic design

Though the biophilic design has always been kept strictly unadulterated, technology does have its contribution to share. Thus, the use of technological advancement is a combination of nature’s random diversity and human beings’ angular rigidity yet a desire to adapt according to modern times. Dynamic glass gradually changes from transparent to opaque to bring in natural light, yet protect people against bright glare, heat and UV rays. It boosts the staff’s mood to a great extent and promotes productivity, and reduces costs and energy consumption as a bonus.

As a conclusion, it’s safe to say that biophilic design has won over several people’s hearts due to its ‘back-to-nature’ concept. Take a leaf (pun intended) out of your favorite interior designer’s book and liven up your office spaces, your staff will thank you for it!