Interior Design - Minimalist Trend

Minimalism is a trend that has been used in interior design and architecture. Minimalist design has been highly influenced by Japanese traditional design and architecture. The trend somehow helps you to create a smart, relaxing, clutter-free look in your home. Thus, modern minimalist pictured softer, more personal and easier to live with. 

To create the minimalist style you need to consider about some important part before proceeding to this simple and clean home arrangement. These aesthetic tactics of arranging serve an impression of extreme simplicity, by enlisting every element and detail to serve multiple visual and functional purposes. 

Walls and Color

• White is the ultimate color for a minimalist interior design gaze. White should form the origin of your minimalist decorating scheme to enlighten the smooth walls, floor and furniture. 
• For a modern and softer substitute to white, try neutral colors or colors found in nature such as pale beige, taupe, stone or flush green. 

• Stick to pale and neutral colors for the whole of your color scheme but don’t forget to add some accent colors. These accent colors can be as much or as little as you like – from a couple of cushions or a vase, to a whole wall, or even a piece of furniture, like a sofa. 
• Bright red is always a great accent color but other bright colors are also acceptable. 

• An alternative is to continue on the ‘natural neutrals' path is by picking a deeper brown or olive green for your accent color. 
• Don’t pick patterns or anything too fancy. 

Furniture

• Your furniture should be classy-looking but streamlined and modern, rather than decorative or traditional in style.
• Choose simple furniture in natural woods and leather, or go for bright colors and ultra-modern chrome, glass and stainless steel. 

• Glossy textures and straight lines are a great look for the minimalist interior design style.
• Low level furniture looks less bulky, and that really enhances the minimalist sense in your room. 

Flooring

• Go for clean lines and hard surfaces for minimalist flooring. 
• For instance - concrete, tiles or wood. You can also go for that really natural feel with sisal matting.
• Add a little texture to your flooring. A modern rug styles can help to give warmth and ‘live-ability’ mood.

10 Kitchen Trends

Trends in kitchen design are sometimes considered temporary popular, appearing one day, and passing the next. However, if you look deeper, there are trends that are consistent, quite some of them are here to stay. Kitchens are once or twice in a lifetime projects are opens to new ideas, absolutely, but seek longevity in design and materials as well. 

1. Kitchens Become Family Rooms 

Nowadays, kitchens are incorporating dining rooms and sitting rooms into unified space. Kitchen cabinets are looking more like excellent furniture, while counters and islands are becoming dining tables. Thus, banquette seating can offer comfortable seating for people who mass in the kitchen for more food. These few combinations can bring along family member to seat together in kitchen to have little chat while enjoying their foods. 

2. White Cabinetry 

Beautiful and timeless, white cabinets are a versatile choice for any kitchen. The desirability of white cabinetry is that it works with multiple architectural styles; from traditional to country chic and minimalism to contemporary style. White cabinetry opens a room to a number of decor choices and color palettes that have no boundaries and turns the kitchen into a environment that can embellished as much or as little as you like.

3. Stainless Steel Appliances 

Stainless Steel Appliances bring a sophisticated and rich feeling to the kitchen and work with variety of kitchen styles. The sleek silver lines bring a polished look to refrigerators, stoves, and even trash compactors and waste bins. Plus, there will no more worrying about fingerprints smudging the surface of stainless steel. Manufactures now had offering fingerprint-resistant steel that eliminates this issue. 

4. Work Zones 

Special workstations are cropping up in kitchens across the country and range from expansion to practical. Each zone indicates different type of task that will be held in the kitchen. Popular examples include baking centers, coffee bars, wine-tasting nooks and pizza making stations. 

5. Walk-in Pantries 

A walk-in pantry is the perfect solution for families who require must-have kitchen items in quantity. All necessities such as snacks, canned goods, backing supplies and even additional goods such as paper towels and aluminum foil are hidden behind closed doors. It is also functioned as a space to keep items used on a daily basis such as silverware, dishes, glassware, and cooking gadgets as it is reserved in kitchen drawers and cupboards.

6. Save and Splurge Strategy 

By choosing to splurge or overdo on one item to one another to decorate kitchen, consumers are sticking to their remodeling budgets and saving money. This mentality has always been considered by remodelers, but when the state of economy is shaky, this trend rises to top of mind. For instance, while choosing the best kitchen countertops, go for solid surface instead of granites if you are out of budgets. 

7. Technology in Kitchen 

As people become increasingly tech savvy, kitchens and bathrooms are being accessorized with electronics rather than traditional decor. Popular electronics items such as wall-mounted televisions, sound systems and computers, are showing up in all rooms at home. Another hot trend is making the home "wireless". 

8. Eco-Friendly Products 

Products made from sustainable materials are increasingly popular. Eco-friendly cabinetry made from bamboo or wheat board, are often manufactured with low-or no formaldehyde glues, which protect the home's indoor air quality. Water conserving faucets and Energy Star rated appliances help homeowners save money on energy bills and reduce the use of natural resources. 

9. Integrated Appliances 

Refrigerators have become ever larger, but new technology and techniques make them virtually invisible, a big leap forward in built-in refrigeration. Cabinetry panels discreetly hide these appliances, allowing the room's style to take center stage.

10. Layered Kitchens Lighting 

Many functional and comfortable kitchens have layered lighting approach. A series of recessed fixtures provide ambient light. Chandeliers and pendants are popular products for task lighting over an island or seating area. Accent lighting above and below cabinets or in a glass-front cabinet are used to highlight special areas of the kitchen. Having a variety of lighting options lets you instantly convert your kitchen from a functional work space to an intimate dining space. 

In addition, the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are available now for the home. These low-voltage lamps consume less than half as much electricity as fluorescents and can last 10 times longer. One of the practical uses for LEDs right now is under cabinet lighting. 

These kitchen’s trends however may change from time to time. It is likely before we design our kitchen, we consider about the function of kitchen that suits with our working environment. Remember, kitchen refurbishment is the most popular form of home improvement, and one which will add value to your property when the time does come to sell up. 


Original Article:
ids Magazine June/July Issue 18


Edited by:

Ezdiani

Interior Designer

AVL Living Concept

012-2878767

The Meaning of Colors For Rooms

The biggest influence on the human state of mind with the possible exception of the weather is color. The psychology of color and how color affects human behavior influence the behaviour and mood of the people who use these spaces. We should use color in our home environments but the first step is we need to understand the psychological effects the color to us.

Blue 

Blue color is said to be very calming, relaxing and refreshing. It also makes a room look bigger than it is. Blue is best used in case of bedrooms. Since it acts as an appetite represent, it should not be used in the dining room. At the same time, it is a cold color and should always be balanced with warm colors like yellow and orange. 

Green 

Green color has a soothing effect on the mind and thus, is associated with relaxation of nervous system and lowering of blood pressure. Being a cold color, it should be always be balanced with red. Green is also considered to be the color of luck and makes a small room appear bigger. 

Red

Red color has been known to stimulate mind and nervous system and thus, is regarded as conversation stimulant. At the same time, it also arouses appetite. These are the reason why the color will be suitable in drawing as well as dining room. Red makes objects appear smaller, so avoid it in rooms that are already small. Being a warm color, it should be used in association with green. 

Yellow 

Yellow is a warm color that is associated with power and helps in spreading about a bright, happy and cheerful atmosphere. It is best used in rooms that do not get adequate sunlight. Yellow also makes a room appear smaller and can be balanced by using violet color. 

Pink

Pink is a very soft color and is best used in bedrooms of little girls. Since it has been associated with weakness, it should not be used in excess and should always be used with a bold color. 

Orange

Orange, being the combination of red and yellow, has all the traits that those two colors have. It exudes warmth, acts as an appetite stimulant and spreads exuberance. Orange should be used in dining room and can be balanced by using blue color. Since it gives an emotional uplift, those suffering from depression would benefit if surrounded by this color. 

Purple (Violet) 

Purple has been known to be the color of royalty and is also associated with spirituality. The color is said to promote creativity, but only if used in moderation. It is a cold color and is never advised to be used in excess; otherwise it might lead to depression and moodiness. You can moderate the color’s effect by using it with yellow. Purple also helps in making small room appear larger. 

Brown

Brown is an earthy color that is believed to create the feeling of intimacy. It also spreads calm and serenity and is good for those who suffer from anxiety or nervousness. However, since it is so subdued, it should always be used with bold colors like green. You can also go for different tones in brown, like beige and tan. 

Black

The color black can convey a lot, depending upon how it is used. On one hand, it can make a room look elegant, suave and chic. On the other, it can impart a depressed feel to the room. This is the reason why it should not be used alone and in a wide area. It is best complimented with white. 

White 

White color signifies purity, freshness, peace and kindness. Rather than using on the surface as a whole, white should be used as an accent or background color. The best combination of white is formed with black.

We all want to make our rooms interior design perfectly so make sure we choose the best color to suits with our mood and psychology. 

Najwa Talib

Designer

AVL Living Concept

012-2878767

Interior Design Tips: Kitchen Worktops

Kitchen worktop is one of the most important elements that will make or break your kitchen, and we are talking about both aesthetically and functionality. Thus it’s of upmost importance that you make the right decision.

Don’t sweat it though as we are here to help you make the best choice according to your needs among the most popular worktop materials here in the Malaysian market.

High Pressure Laminate Worktop

High Pressure Laminate Worktop or you might hear it being called the mieco top. HPL top is a material you can pick for if you have a tight budget. It is also scratch and heat resistant but the downside is that you will have a visible joining if you are having an L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen. Note also that its core is made of chipboard, it may not be very durable in the long run.

Granite

Granite is natural stone and still stands proudly as one of the most durable, heatproof, scratch and stain resistant and maintenance-friendly worktop material in the market. It is more costly but it is the most advisable choice for wet kitchen use.

Marble

Marble. Yes we know that some marble are too beautiful to resist. Though it is also a type or natural stone, it is porous and therefore stains easily if it’s not well taken care of or professionally sealed. Yet, you can still use it as worktop for your dry kitchen for aesthetic purpose.

Tiles

Tiles, whether it is ceramic or porcelain has a wide variety of colours and choices yet it is very prone to crack and the grout will easily be dirty if it is not well maintained.

Solid Surface

Solid surface has emerged to be one of the superstars of kitchen worktop material. This is because it matches really well with high gloss material for kitchen cabinet doors to create the modern and contemporary look. Thus, solid surfaces also has wide range of colours and patterns and also can be molded to various shapes without leaving behind any joining. The price can go very high though depending on the brand and colour that you choose. It is stain resistant but will be scratched and sometimes not very heat resistant.

Quartz

Quartz. This up-and-coming material is said to be “bulletproof” as it is very hard and durable. An engineered stone, it is made of more than 90% of quartz particles. Its appearance is similar to that of solid surface, with many choices of colours and patterns. Yet, it is heat and scratch resistant. High quality quartz is non-porous and therefore stain resistant. It is very expensive but you can choose for cheaper alternatives from China now.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is not a common worktop material in the residential setting but it’s effective in creating a modern and seamless look in the kitchen. It is easily cleaned, stain and heat resistant but is vulnerable to scratch and also finger marks. 

In all the excitement of planning a layout and choosing designs for a new kitchen, the worktop can often seem an afterthought. Yet, with a bewildering choice of different surfaces available, choose the best for your particular kitchen and something that will help enhance the overall look of your kitchen. 

Lew Shu Ni

Interior Designer

AVL Living Concept

012-2878767

AVL Living Concept

We are pleased to introduce our company, AVL Living Concept and our reputation as specialist in cabinetry, carpentry, home furnishing and Interior design industry.

AVL is able to provide excellent personalized service and attention to all our customer. Armed with common drive to excel in this industry, the AVL team is ready to showcase its high quality kitchen cabinet, wardrobe, tv cabinet, and cabinetry accessories system by combining the principles of fine design and cost effective manufacturing practices.

As a consultants , we thought our clients might be interested in knowing that our company offers them free interior design consultation along with the finest selection of kitchen cabinet, wardrobe, kitchen and accessories to choose from.

In addition, just launched our new Show House located at The Peak area, Bukit Prima, Cheras last December 2010. The Show house are presenting our capability in designing a home which suits with every standards of client's need. 

Please feel free to either drop in or make an appointment with us at anytime. Thank you for being a customer of AVL Living Concept.

Thank you & best regards

Margrita Tan.

012-4093866/012-3408787

AVL Living Concept.

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