February 26, 2020

Wood is a staple element in modern homes. Warm, timeless and beautiful, wood goes well with any design direction. Equally striking is the use of concrete, another foundation element in homes to create a raw, edgy outlook. When these two elements converge, like in this home, we find ourselves in a modern sensual home that engages on a different level.

In this home, it is important for the designer to foster a sense of visual flow and consistency in line with open floor plans. To do so, materials from the same family are tied together closely to create wondrous effects. Wood, for instance, is applied generously to create a recurring theme in this modish home.

 

 

Here, flawless modern design is sealed using a gradation of wood blended ever so seamlessly. The choice of lighter wood on the floor makes the space appear visually larger, while darker wood is used on wall paneling and custom cabinetry to offer contrast. Focal points are created using laminates laid to position wood grains at invigorating angles for an on-trend look.

What truly stands out is an unfinished concrete wall that brings to mind conservation shophouses, in place of the regular walls. Paired with black-framed glass, these walls add a subtle yet sophisticated touch, demarcating a room to create impact. Cold, grey concrete works well against warm modern wood to create a sensual combination overflowing with history and character.

On the ground that every space could use with a touch of black, light pendants and furniture also reveal black outlines to claim a sophisticated and calm nuance. Against a neutral palette, black catches the eye and sharpens the composition.

 

 

In the kitchen, the tone of the design shifts further as black takes predominance. Here, a black kitchen emerges as a visual anchor in this open floor plan home, unifying the living and dining areas, yet standing out as a social nucleus for better connectivity when entertaining. Black is offset with a glossy white countertop. To lift the monotony of too much bark, colours and patterns are injected using interesting wall and floor tiles. This instantly lends a more amicable, welcoming note to the space.

 

 

In the bedroom, wallpapers in concrete-like greys help create a uniform look that rests well with the eye. Wood is used to frame the bay window and serve as a headboard to align with the design theme in the living room. On the whole, this home appears collected and harmonious.

Wall mouldings are all the rage now as they add an upscale note to your interior. Elegant and classy, wall mouldings blend well with different design styles to transform an otherwise plain room into a masterpiece. They add a touch of traditional charm and architectural character – instantly bringing to mind gorgeous Parisien apartments.

How to use wall mouldings

They can dress any wall in your home, from the living room, bedroom, kitchen and even bathroom. These decorative mouldings instantly infuse a more formal note and can be used throughout to facilitate continuity, or applied to a single wall to create a focal point.

 

 

Opting for picture frame wall moulding, for instance, immediately adds height to your space. With trims that extend from floor to ceiling, the space appears more deliberated and formal. A taller top trim also lends proportion to the room and is often used in areas like living rooms.

 

 

White-on-white wall mouldings are very popular, with white trims set against white walls. This look befits modern contemporary homes that veer towards simplicity and understated beauty. Subtle trims on walls lend interest to the space without disturbing the underlying calm.

 

 

For a more formal or traditional look, two-tone wall mouldings such as white trims placed against darker coloured walls create a more dramatic profile. What is trendy is pairing white with a light grey or pale blue-grey.

 

 

 

Placing dark grey trims against light grey walls is another popular way to bring emphasis to ornate wall accents that lend elegance. In this dining area, crown moulding around the ceiling, as well as an ornamental ceiling medallion and statement pendant complete this evocative look.

 

 

Wallpapers can also be used to accentuate decorous trims on walls. In this living room, geometrical patterns on wallpapers echo the silhouettes of a stylish pendant light to create a cohesive look.

 

 

Instead of applying the style throughout, mix up your style to create a focal point. In this gorgeous bedroom, for instance, a grey wall with white trims add depth and interest to the overall design, offering contrast to a predominant white elsewhere.

 

 

Mouldings placed midway, also known as baseboard moulding serve also as an ornamental trim – albeit a little less prominent. Traditionally, baseboard moulding protects the lower portion of walls from the splash of wet mops. Here, grey baseboard moulding or wainscoting serves almost as a visual anchor with a crisp white on the upper portion of walls.

 

 

True to classic homes, mouldings with deep profiles and elaborate trims add more punch to an interior – which is the case in this bedroom. Here, the use of trims on custom grey wardrobes is a clever way to mirror the trims on walls to facilitate consistency and flow for a harmonious, put-together look.

Love colours but don’t know how to use them in your space? Ditch your fears of colours with these little ways to introduce them in your home to enliven an otherwise lackluster interior, without overwhelming, and watch how you’ll immediately warm up to your improved home.

Paint a wall

Punctuate your space with interest with a wall in a bold, contrasting colour from the rest of the room. Opt for a darker shade on this feature wall to create a focal point where attention gravitates towards. Alternatively, play up a room with wallpapers that make your space pop. Consider dressing your walls with a bold wallpaper to really make a style statement.

Bring in artwork

Colourful artwork is great for adding colour accents to your space. They are also an easy way to showcase your personality. What’s more, they can be replaced at whim to reflect your latest interest.

Use colourful textiles

Brighten up uninspiring sofas with cushions that inject colours, dress up windows with attractive curtains, plush up beds with pillows or throws that exhibit streaks of patterns and colours. You can also contrast colours and prints on rugs to accentuate a colour palette. This instantly lifts your space when the overall scheme is carefully curated.

Veer away from plain tiles

Forget neutral tiles if you want an impressionable space. Visually demarcate your space and add a splash of colour and personality with patterned tiles. If you have an open floor plan, switching up tiles could make a big impact. A different-coloured backsplash in the kitchen is one way to make your space pop.

Dress up furniture

Add a pop of colour with even with single piece of furniture in a totally different colour. And instead of opting for monochromes, jazz up custom cabinetry with expanses of colours. Even a choice like dark blue ­– not too loud or distracting – can be a great option just to add some character and personality.

Using interesting displays

If you have a open-shelf bookcase, consider colour coding the spines of books to create colour blocks that stand out. Arrange decorative pieces like vases and even kitchen peripherals in the same colour to make a cohesive display that stads out with style.

If having too many colours in your space is daunting, choose up to three dominant colours to be applied generously, and then throw in different tones of these colours throughout. Alternatively, use a fourth colour as an accent colour best applied on your peripherals.

Transitional designs are trending in the interior design scene, characterised by home designs that meld interior styles to reflect both modern and traditional elements. For many, transitional homes are refreshing to look at as they offer fresh perspectives on a space.

In this home, modern meets classic in a way that is bold and uplifting. Upon stepping into the home, one is instantly greeted by high ceilings, statement lightings and an inspiring shade of pale blue against light wood flooring. Here, the designer ingeniously puts together striking, whimsical decor with classic solutions to add punch and conjure a look that is sensual and revealing of contemporary interest.

A quaint French window – where it is least expected – pops out as a surprising element, instantly drawing one’s attention upwards to accentuate high ceilings. It also provides a soft, romantic mien. Clusters of low-hanging pendant lights complete this composition, giving the space a nuanced, muted glow that adds to the overall ambience. A loft overlooks the living area, spotting a stunning setup with star-shaped lights and an indoor swing chair.

Furniture is kept clean, almost to offset the details on blue walls clad with beautiful trims. The result is gorgeous and elegant. Since transitional designs converge clean lines and curves, there is also an emphasis on repeated circles to provide a coordinated and playful note against purity of lines.

Wood is an important element in transitional designs. Here, a pale blue is discerning against a gradation of wood, used generously in the bedroom and study. Both rooms are styled immaculately to impress the senses. By paying attention to textures, outlines, lighting and home accents, the designer succeeds in creating tailored rooms that stand out in their own right.

Away in the bedroom, for instance, a galactic theme featuring recurring stars turns the space into a wondrous sanctuary, while an eye-catching bunny-shaped headboard adds to the note of play – creating an informal look that invigorates. Away in the en-suite bathroom, timeless black and white patterns dress the floor. It is details like these that make this home extraordinary, with pockets of surprise everywhere you turn.