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!

LUXURY FOR EVERYONE

Every house has a furniture set that makes it feel like home. Wouldn’t it be nice, though, if a piece of luxury could be incorporated into this? The popular definition of luxury goods is elements that are made of the best quality material by skilled craftsmen. In addition, luxury goods in many European countries are also defined by their sustainability and environmental friendliness. This makes them more valuable and hence they become the choice of a certain class. They are exclusively bought by those who have a status symbol to flaunt and those who have a taste for aestheticism and durability. Symbolizing the rapidly-improving standards of urban living, they add that lavish touch to both residential and commercial establishments as is obvious to anyone leafing through the top 10 home decormagazines.

The major factors behind the sale of luxury furniture can be linked to the branding and positioning of such products internationally, along with the impact of globalization and expanding infrastructural investments, which makes it attractive to import them for Indian buyers. Chosen carefully, they can last for years and offer great conversation starting points. However, when it comes down to the furniture market in India in general, most of the sector is unorganized. This may change with the middle-class segment upgrading the overall quality of its consumption.

The emergence of middle-class buyers

Though luxury furniture has traditionally been associated with the affluent, the middle-class sector is ready to improve their living standards as well. Thanks to safe online bill payment and EMI alternatives, a large number of consumers can thus pay for their products in installments. Buyers are aware of the traps posed by “cheaper” alternatives and are willing to pay a little more to buy something that lasts.

Eco-friendly choices

In terms of the current trends in luxury furniture, it is commonly seen that eco-friendly options are preferred among the young urban generation. The biggest reason behind this could be its organic nature. People are sensitive to the cost the environment pays for their lifestyle and often opt for materials accordingly. Common examples may include luxury furniture using North American hardwood and bamboo that emit fewer toxins and promote a cleaner environment.

Multi-purpose furniture

Luxury furniture is not just limited to dense, space-devouring sofas anymore. Buyers these days are increasingly choosing multipurpose furniture made of wood, metal, glass, leather or even plastic to maximize utility. Perfect for small spaces, modular furniture that can be easily folded up and put away is gaining traction. These are quite useful in today’s world with an increasing number of single-person or two-people households.

Modern furniture

Keeping in with the demand for technologically-advanced models, contemporary furniture has been in vogue. Freestanding desks, console tables, director’s chairs, coffee table, and ready-to-assemble furniture give a chic and fun look to every space. They work well for both residential and commercial sectors, inviting sleek modernity to the area.

Thus, these are the current trends in the luxury furniture space. Have a look at the best home decorating magazines, choose your pieces wisely, and start a furniture collection that will add to your living style and become an expression of you.

Play with your home

We live in a continuously changing world, where one of the shortest-lived entities is “trends”. With home decor and interiors, these are so short-lived and evolving that it becomes a task to do up space. But with a little bit of information and by making a few small changes, one can do a lot to update one’s home. If we stick to the rule of minuscule changes, we don’t have to worry about trends, their seasons and comebacks.

When you open some of the best home decorating magazines, you will realize that the temptation of these trends is too strong to overlook. Let’s find out some of the trending styles.

The art of abstract

From geometric shapes to lines and random patterns to blocks, the abstract look in the modern age is all about being brave enough to experiment and being lively. Choosing this form on cushions, rugs, wallpapers, tiles, furnishings, will yield an instant pop to a setting. And, because of this trend, Terrazzo is back with its marble-granite-quartz abstract look. Used as flooring or upon décor items, the material is gaining maximum eyeballs.

Go Indigo

Beloved of fusionist as this color is getting all the attention in the interior design segment too. Again, right from bedding to curtains to wallpaper to sofas to lamps and rugs, use this color in different shades and patterns and create a highly-stylized sense of chic.

The organic streak   

                                    

Furniture and décor made out of natural wood, coconut shells, shells, cane, jute, straw, and other natural material give an earthy and raw look to space. Not only is that interiors with such materials also light and minimalistic.

High ceilings

If you have a high ceiling, forget about stunting it with a false ceiling. For a room to look spacious, and for space to look spectacular, and for the trendiest look, go for high ceilings. Explore from a range of options like wood-paneled, exposed wooden beams, wallpapered or bold tiles and there you go, you have a ceiling that will make a statement and compliment all the time you spend doing up the rest of your home.

Do it with mirrors

Decorative mirrors are another way of making a small area look spacious. Not only that, but they also add brightness to a setting. And, since the major portion of the mirror will reflect the décor of a room, the placement of the mirror becomes crucial. This is worth paying a little extra attention to.

Add warmth with rugs

On the floor, as throws over a bed or a sofa, as a wall piece on the wall, the ways one can use a rug are endless if one is creative. Available in different sizes, materials, patterns, and designs, these are amongst the easiest ways to style a home.

All you have to do is scroll through the top 10 home decor magazines, you will be able to read and see things that are trending and apply them to some classic pieces in your home.