This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a modern-day luxury home that manages to combine both old-school opulence and contemporary cosiness under the same roof. Superior air ventilation incorporated into the interior of this property allows it to feel larger and more spacious. A stark contrast to the dark and cramped image of a pre-war house. The house is equipped with three bedrooms, which are hosted on the upper levels. Sticking to the modern European theme, the first bedroom features a soft, neutral palette, enhanced with soft blue furnishing & a semi open wardrobe. The second bedroom comes with a softer, baby blue accent, a sleek, custom-made wardrobe / dressing table as a nifty space saving highlight, as well as a hotel-like bathroom with arabescato marble feature wall. Warm, earthy tones blanketed the final bedroom with a restful atmosphere, a clear glass door wardrobe and an en-suite bathroom.
Company: NEVERMORE
Project: The Irrawady House
Project Location: Penang, Malaysia
What was the client's brief?
For this project, our objective is very clear, we wanted to make the 15 foot wide pre-war terrace house open plan, to break away from the traditional pre-war house layout. Therefore we divided the space into 2 zones; the common area for the ground level and then personal and private spaces for the first floor. With this chosen layout we were able to maximise the usage and fulfil all the needs and requirements of the clients.
On the ground floor, as we enter from the main entrance, we are greeted with the pantry and bar counter clad in beautiful Italian marble, complete with a pair of Reza Feiz's Bride's Veil bar stool; the space serves as a pantry / bar to offer space for storage and entertainment as one of the client’s needs and requirements for the design.
The living space is housed further in the middle of the house; to be some distance away off the main road. The dining is located beside the living space right under the skylight; where ample day light is cast into the interior; perfect for energy saving through-out the day. As for the kitchen, all necessary facilities of a fully equipped kitchen are held within the smallest possible footprint at the end of the open layout. A hidden door leads towards the back yard which consist of the laundry and powder room. The room also features a sculpture-like spiral staircase fabricated in mild steel and finished with special rust.
On the first floor, with the chosen layout, we are able to maximise the bedroom sizes, equip with bathroom for each room which typical pre-war houses do not have. Generous panes of glass are utilised to turn ordinarily opaque walls transparent, providing generous views in some surprising places. In one of the bedrooms, the bath is rendered in the manner of a boutique showcase, with generous stretch of windows putting the freestanding tub on display in the air-well with a fully imported Italian arabescato marble feature wall as the backdrop. For the guest bedroom, we wanted created a sense of privacy, it is located 10 feet away from the other bedroom and can only be access via the spiral staircase located at the far end of the house. The monochromatic basis of this bedroom is enhanced for eye pleasing variety with the introduction of greater range of wood tones in fabrics and architectural finishes.
What inspired the interior design of the project?
The elongated living room is connected with the kitchen, dining area and open bar area as the decor features a modern twist to classical European designs. Fitted with a daring open staircase, this bold design is further enhanced with the selection of large circular pendants & imported Italian marble counter. Gold finishes are thrown in to the interior design to elevate the overall look with a hint of glitz. Meanwhile, the living room, dining area and kitchen enjoy the warm glow derived from the skylight feature, giving the space a natural comfort, bathed in natural light.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
Dealing with structural issues which related to the creation of the column-less, open plan interior within a typical pre-war terrace house; to resolve this, we came up with an "i" beam steel support to withstand the weight of the cast concrete flooring on the first floor. Also, the spiral staircase was not installed without difficulty as it had to be pre-fabricated at the workshop and then reinstalled at site.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
For me this is definitely the results of the open plan layout! Also other elements of the interior design like the cantilever bath tub, the use of skylights throughout, the spiral staircase finished in rust paint, and a gorgeous moooi smoke chair!
Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?
We wanted to see where would stand on an international level and thought the SBID Awards would be the best platform for this!
Questions answered by Chuah Say Yang, Creative Director and Chong Su Min, Design Director of NEVERMORE
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a unique and inspiring home that pushes boundaries with a sophisticated balance of layers, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
NEVERMORE | SBID International Design Awards 2018
2019 is well under way as we enter into February, so make sure you check out the latest products, collections or innovations on the market from the past month. From new textured wall coverings and distinctive ombre painted radiators, to bespoke boiling water taps and contemporary but functional furniture designs.
Bisque, the London-based pioneer of luxurious radiators for stylish interiors, has introduced its latest new finish; a distinctive, ‘dip-dyed’ ombre style. As a brand already widely recognised for offering the widest selection of colours and finishes around, this latest new style only further strengthens Bisque’s colour portfolio. The new ombre finish invites Bisque customers to choose between 4-6 shades. These are carefully applied from light to dark to each Classic during a special application process. This new finish also takes advantage of Bisque’s colour-matching service, where it can cater to popular paint brands such as Farrow & Ball and Little Greene.
Available in both horizontal and vertical models, the Classic is by far Bisque’s most versatile design. Fondly referred to as the old school-style radiator, the Classic has an enduring appeal and a fantastic heat output, and suits a wide range of interiors, from cosy cottage to contemporary townhouse. In addition to thirty-eight stock sizes, it can even be made-to-order when only a particular size will do.
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Arper Collections furnish the new library, Oodi, recently inaugurated in the heart of Helsinki and designed by the Finnish firm ALA Architects. Among the bookshelves, the trees and the break rooms, Arper collections interact with the surrounding architecture and blend in seamlessly with the different areas. This ever-changing space develops underneath the undulated ceiling on an equally irregular wooden surface, lit by skylights and the surrounding glass walls. Positioned along the whole library area, the Saari and Catifa 80 sofa and armchair collections create cosy urban living rooms where people can sit down and read. The Catifa Sensit seats, arranged alongside the glass walls, invite people to unwind and enjoy the views, while young readers can take a seat on the colourful Pix ottomans in the children’s area.
Heikki Ruoho, Designer at ALA Architects describes their choice of Arper collections as follows: "These functional products can bear the intense use they are meant for; they are extremely versatile for the comfort of guests of all ages with varied needs. Flexible products that cater to the wishes that rapidly change over the day and depending on the areas; they are light and jolly to express the playful side of this project".
Newmor introduced three new designs to their collection. Woven, terrazzo and textured backgrounds with on-trend prints and smart tailored embosses in contemporary colourways. All are available in commercial quality wide-width fabric backed vinyl, suitable for high traffic areas.
Seminato is Newmor’s take on the terrazzo look. Twelve matt backgrounds and one shimmering copper are embellished with a pared-back flecked metallic print, enhancing the quartz effect. A soft-hued mineral palette is both on-trend and classic. The result is a clean, elegant surface with enduring appeal.
In the shade of the familiar foliage in lush exotic gardens that filter the sun, the Yves Delorme 2019 Summer Collection offers a rich palette of organic colours, evoking the summer’s atmospheres. From seasonal heat to cooler temperatures, the designs transport us from familiar places to faraway lands, from leaves to flowers, between dreams and reality. The designs highlight the colour green in all its variants... mint, lime, sage, emerald. Associated with white, these designs enhance the coolness of long summer nights, and married with a fruity peach colour, they integrate the most fashion-forward interiors of the season.
Featuring Quooker’s Nordic square boiling water tap finished in Jaguar Blackberry; design inspiration taken from the Clients car! You can bring a unique experience to your projects with the beautifully-crafted bespoke Quooker Hot Tap with Kuche and Bagno. They can tailor any Quooker tap model including the new Flex model and offer an array of finishes to create a unique focal point within your designs.
It is no coincidence that Fashion Designers eventually, once recognised as a ‘Designer Luxury Brand’, merge into interior design beginning with stylising and décor products. The super luxury homes of London will be adorned with the most exquisite bed throws of mink, backed onto richly woven Burberry fabric and wallcoverings in a heavily damask print from Roberto Cavalli.
These luxurious items are décor, they are not interior design although some fashion models have also added their names to design properties such as ‘Kate Moss in the Cotswolds for Yoo Developments’ and even Bulgari in Knightsbridge adding the jewellers name to the five-star hotel; The Bulgari. Where does this leave interior design? It demonstrates how much value society at the luxury end of the market place on a designer of interiors. I have been looking around the super apartments in London and seeing the names of well-known manufacturers to the design profession internally, but perhaps less so to buyers.
Interior design companies are also a luxury, those that are best-known have clients who don’t want to share them, so the cream of interior design quality is less known than perhaps they could be. This year I want to focus on the designs of some of the best at the top end, as well as featuring some fast and simple ways to achieve a ‘designer quick fix’ if you are preparing to sell your property so that you can show the potential of a property in need of refurbishment to potential buyers looking for a challenge which can be easily moulded for personal tastes.
The benefit of interior design is that it travels well, it lasts a long time and it is nimble enough to address all budgets, just like fashion! London is the city of design, it is where everyone wants to be so, watch this space for the year ahead as we bring you ideas, trends, products and tips for London property design.
Forget the one colour emulsion throughout the property, it’s time to be bold. Make a statement with colour. Warmth works. Knowing which colours will work in a small space as well as a large area is essential – the SBID Colour Council will be revealing its diverse and adaptable colour pallet for 2019 within the coming month to give you industry-informed and expertly-selected colour recommendations to achieve versatility in your upcoming projects.
Written by Dr Vanessa Brady OBE. Award-winning Interior Designer, CEO & Founder of the Society of British and International Design
Click here to discover more about the SBID Colour Council
(Images by Design Studio of Yuriy Zimenko)
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a unique and inspiring home that pushes the boundaries with a sophisticated balance of layers. The interior design introduced exciting layering, intriguing textures, contrasting materials as well as sophisticated finishes and fine detailing. Each space features bespoke furniture pieces, designed and finished in luxurious velvets, flocked velvets, fine wools and antiqued leather. These were complemented with timber and high gloss tables, European rugs, mirrors and accessories. The use of beautiful exquisite chandeliers in various rooms is prominent, along with accent tables and floor lamps. The careful and experimental layering of this projects injects the home with interest, detail and timeless elegance.
Company: Trenzseater
Project: Prosser Residence
Project Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Our brief for this prestigious project was to present something that was new and exciting, something that had not been seen before or expected. To bring intriguing layers of texture and design to all elements of the interior whilst creating a space that was useable, not precious and could easily be lived in by the clients. As part of our brief we were to present a full interior design package which included some architectural elements with a marble entrance wall, we were to offer design on the kitchens and bathrooms, door hardware, lighting, flooring, window furnishings, wallcoverings and obviously the furniture and interior furnishings.
We delivered an interior which was inspiring, it was layered with intriguing textures & materials, sophisticated finishes and details which offered the client something personal and curated. To achieve this, we featured throughout our design the use of natural stones in flooring, bathrooms and kitchen, brushed brass tapware and door hardware, Oak parquet flooring and the use of dark chocolate American oak timbers were used in the joinery, doors and furniture. We also featured a lot of natural seagrass wallpapers from Ralph Lauren with metallic backgrounds along with flocked velvet and glass beading details. In all spaces we designed bespoke furniture pieces for, finished in luxurious velvets, flocked velvets, fine wools and antiqued leather, complimented with our timber and high gloss tables which all were then finished with our extensive use of European rugs, mirrors and accessories. The use beautiful exquisite chandeliers in various rooms is prominent, along with accent table and floor lamps.
With all our projects we ensure we have a sophisticated balance of layers to give interest, detail and timeless elegance. We believe it’s the details which offer refinement, personality, balance, character and luxury.
I am continuously inspired each day by design, through architecture, interior design and classic furniture design where there classic detailing provided a signature style. I also enjoy, and are inspired by fashion, art and antiques. Natural materials inspire me for their uniqueness. The classic qualities of marbles and stone and the character you get from solid timbers. All of which contribute to this projects inspiration.
The most challenging part of the project was pushing the boundaries for the client to challenge them to do something unique and different.
Presenting to the client our proposal as a full presentation and watching each step evolve on site to the finished result which the client absolutely loved!
I believe such a competition as prestigious as this is, celebrates those who excel in interior design and gives inspiration to those who are new to the industry, a competition like this fosters growth and excitement.
Questions answered by Ben Lewis, Interior Designer and General Manager of TRENZSEATER
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a contemporary three-bedroom home with an idiosyncratic style, click here to see more.
Trenzseater | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a bespoke contemporary three-bedroom home, which replaced a double garage on an 80 square-metre site. The idiosyncratic style serves to enhance the context of the street-scene with a bold architectural statement, contrasting with the context of traditional Victorian houses. Filling the footprint of the site and set over three floors, the project was delivered on a limited budget but exceeding the client’s brief. The three-bedroom home, bathed in natural light, uses a minimal palette of materials to unify the design language internally and externally. The materials used include dark brickwork, externally and internally, dark burnt larch cladding and birch-faced plywood throughout the interior for bespoke kitchen, bathroom and stair joinery elements. The result is a bright, bold comfortable design, confidently articulating a contemporary language of architecture used to transform the site into a unique new family home.
Company: Crawford Partnership
Project: Darling House
Project Location: London, United Kingdom
To design a new build contemporary three-bedroom family home on a small constrained urban infill site, formerly a double lockup garage purchased at auction, with high-quality bespoke architecture and interior design that would feel spacious and bright and would incorporate sustainable construction technologies and renewable energy installations, and all a limited budget.
Our design inspiration comes from many sources, however, having an engaged client with enlightened ambitions was our main inspiration on the project. This resulted in many productive discussions about their aspirations and style preferences for the new home, which sought to challenge conventional ideas to address the many constraints of the existing Victorian surroundings and create a home suitable for 21st century lifestyle. The practice’s design approach is unapologetically contemporary; providing bold and ambitious design solutions particularly when working in a sensitive Conservation Area context.
Achieving planning consent for a contemporary design within a Conservation Area is a major hurdle, as is working constantly to ensure that all neighbours whose homes adjoin the boundaries of urban infill sites do not experience any loss of their existing amenity during the construction works, however, the main hurdle for a designer to overcome is often providing a Rolls Royce for the price of a Mini, especially when working with a shoestring budget.
For us, it is paramount to completely understand the cost implications of every decision in order to not only achieve but to elevate the client’s aspirations for their project without compromising their budget. Continued collaboration and communication throughout the initial design stages between the designers and the client, and thereafter with the contractor and sub-contractors during the detailed design stages and works on site has made it possible to attain the quality of finish and fitting out we desired, whilst adhering to the client’s budget.
Maximising the feel of space and light within this very compact three-storey home has been the rewarding highlight for us, and was achieved by careful studies of the internal volumes and limited scope for placing windows, and then by simplifying the main backdrop of finishes, both externally and internally, which are uniform and monolithic and provided at minimal cost, allowing us to then spend more of the construction budget on interior features that elevate and focus the attention on the ambiance of spaces, such as the slender, curved glulam timber roof beam structure, the sculptured open riser staircase, the bespoke kitchen and bathrooms designed by us, the geometric and monochromatic lighting fittings, and especially the variety of glazing elements incorporated that contribute to the surprising levels of natural light and sunlight that filters within all levels of the interior, providing kinetic patterns of light and shade throughout the day on the canvas of walls, floors and ceilings.
As a ‘boutique’ architecture and interior design practice, we relish the challenge of working on these extremely constrained projects, and we are constantly pushing to achieve more with less, applying the knowledge and expertise gained from smaller projects into larger commissions. The SBID Awards are recognised globally as a benchmark for the highest quality in interior design and architecture, and having been shortlisted as finalists in the Awards in four of the last five years, we are very proud of this accolade which continues to inspire our efforts on every new project.
Questions answered by Alan Crawford, Founder and Managing Director of Crawford Partnership
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a modern and fashionable family home which serves as a place to escape from the city bustle, click here to see more.
Crawford Partnership | SBID International Design Awards 2018
Little over three months remain until Article 50 meets its deadline. Yet with Parliament in consistent dispute over the finalities of the UK leaving the EU, businesses up and down the country have been waiting anxiously for clarity over the UK’s future trade deal and immigration policies. The months leading up this pivotal moment have seen many recruiters fearful over their already shrinking talent pools. Architects have been at the forefront of this concern since a ‘no deal’ Brexit would mean the mutual recognition of qualifications across the Channel would no longer apply. Many firms have been encouraging staff to register with the Architects Registration Board in a bid to curb the 60% of working EU architects that claimed they have considered leaving the UK. . .
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This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a modern and fashionable family home which serves as a place to escape from the city bustle and be immersed in a harmonious, relaxed lifestyle; offering a sense of protection. The interior design is rooted in the exquisite simplicity, elegance and the beauty of everyday life. The creation of clean shapes has been a guiding principle while the presence of natural wood also influenced the design style. The designer, Danhor, has created a house made of eco-materials, surrounded by genuine nature and a river – a home that is alive, breathing and free. The interior is unified by clear, modern, minimalist shapes and clean lines and colours; there is a gentle colour spectrum for walls and furniture in neutral beige and greys. The space is not overloaded with furniture and the bespoke furniture harnesses textures such stone and concrete which complement the wooden elements.
Company: Danhor
Project: River Side
Project Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Determining this project was its location. When I first got into the Family Club River Side, I realised that I was not just in a beautiful cottage town on the banks of the Dnipro. This place captivated me with its atmosphere and the architecture of the houses - for me, as a designer, this is very important, because it immediately inspires me and helps to shape the style of the future interior. This is a place of relaxation in which I wanted to create a harmonious homely atmosphere, a sense of security and peace, a home in which I want to live, a place where I can escape from the city bustle, from the cramped and stuffy environments and plunge into the calm routine of being. This was the main idea of the project. I am lucky that the clients are also good friends of mine. So first of all, I wanted to display their inner world: a love of travel, jazz music, literature, gourmet food, working in a creative profession with a wonderful sense of humour. In short, I wanted to capture their taste for life. Also, because the client is a well-known person in our country of Ukraine, who works in television, I did not want to declare her famous lifestyle but rather try to make her life at home as quiet as possible and closed to society. The home will inhabit a family with two children, which immediately gave me the idea to make the interior delicate, calming and neutral, whilst adapted to life with children. I wanted to avoid pretentiousness, and focus on a dominant position in the surrounding environment in which I saw serenity, comfort and warmth.
The presence of natural wood certainly influenced the design style. A house of ecological materials, surrounded by living, real nature and the river, could not be plastic and artificial inside. At first, we gathered together pictures and objects seen in cinema, magazines or in some interesting places, put everything together - and the story began to develop by itself. We talked a lot, then paused, tried to hear each other and persuade each other on certain things; I, from a professional standpoint, and Lena (the client) from the viewpoint of the customer who will live there and wants to rejoice in every corner of her house. For me, the most inspirational element in this house is the overall holistic concept of the entire interior design concept. This is when, step by step, a new picture opens up for you, a new premise, but also a continuation of the previous one. The style of this house is difficult to determine. The approach to design was a lot of intuition, based on the knowledge and the wishes of the client. This interior combines clear, modern, minimalist forms and clean lines with calm colours of neutral beige and grey shades throughout the walls and furniture. This is the interior for life! And the value is in the emotions and the story, which became an integral part of life for Lena and her family.
Difficulties are always present... In this project it was a time frame. The clients were so eager to call in as quickly as possible and tell us they were keen and ready to sleep on their new mattresses, and to feel themselves their new, beautiful sanctuary.
The highlight for me is just in the tranquillity and simplicity of this interior. “Simplicity is the essence of elegance” - in this I agree with Coco Chanel. The most interesting in this interior design are the individual wallpapers that reflect this family; the wall mural of their children in the nursery or even their Georgian ornament in the living room, which the client brought back from Georgia, reminding her of fond memories of travelling. I wanted to create a basis for this family, which they could then fill with their favourite objects, paintings, photographs and decor, which they bring back from different countries.
For me personally, this is an opportunity to discover a new look for myself against the level of design in Europe and the world; to meet new specialists and professionals. I worked for an international company and for me it was the best experience. The experience to see and learn from people from other countries, discover something new, imbued with their culture and technology, as well as their views, thoughts and ideas. Design has such a broad outlook and worldview that we simply cannot stand still and not evolve, not look ahead and not try to make our design in Ukraine more successful, more accessible and understandable to the masses. SBID and the SBID Awards is a step towards this and the door to the future.
Questions answered by Tatiana Danilevych, Lead Designer at Danhor
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a waterfront home with manor-esque proportions and contemporary lines, click here to see more.
Danhor | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a waterfront home with manor-esque proportions and contemporary lines which guides one through classically-framed openings and clear sight lines. Representing a 2.5-year, from-the-ground-up project, this luxury-driven family residence accumulated its intuitive layers over time. A comprehensive scope of work included planning, architectural detailing, custom features, and millwork concepts. Together with all the finer points in interior design and decor, it marked a holistic approach where architecture and art would connect. Upon entering the home, there is an immediate sense of quiet luxury that may best be defined through the subtleties in beautiful materials, classical order and a clean-lined sensibility.
Company: Regina Sturrock Design
Project: Contemporary Manor
Project Location: Mississauga, Canada
As a builder, the Client offered us a clear vision towards realising their dream home. Some key objectives in the project brief included; an unencumbered and light-filled home that embraces its remarkable lake setting; a well-defined, classical home with a relatable and clean-lined modernity; a home that performs for large family gatherings and that entertains in high style; and solutions for integration to conceal function and reveal form.
What inspired the design of the project?
The interior design narrative was guided by the architecture and its setting; two grounding components around which all other elements made intuitive connections. The home expresses robust manor-esque proportions and clean contemporary lines. It’s positioned on a priceless parcel of land that enjoys exceptionally beautiful views of the lake; a scene that is mesmerising from outside to inside. At any given time of the day, the surrounding waters bring life, mood, and a palpable energy informing the interior spaces on a primal level.
From this perspective, linking with the roots was a fundamental directive in our design.
Classical order in symmetry, and clear sight lines through well-defined panelled openings allowed us to bring all into alignment and to pay homage to the character of the building and its surroundings. The first-impressions great hall, a cocooned inner hall, and the commanding two-storey great room represent an enfilade of harmonic spaces that each play with the sparkling waters of the lake beyond. Together, they provide a successive scene of reflection and undeniable beauty.
Large classic volumes were given a crisp, gallery-white wrap turning architectural detail into sculpture. This pristine envelope enabled a dynamic colour palette inspired by the day’s shifting lake views that would reveal soft watery hues and intense jewel-toned versions.
Majestic two-storey spaces with window walls that embrace infinite lake views are exceptional features, but they can challenge the connection of human scale and with that risk overall well-being. Our approach was to bring focus and tangibility through symmetry, proportion, and a harmonic layering of monochromatic and tactile materials. Each component performed as a visual liaison to the next and together they presented a relatable space where one could feel comfortable and ‘at home’. Defining elements include the striking two-tiered pendant with cascading crystal spheres, a clean-lined vertical fireplace surrounded by classic Statuario marble, and tailored wool drapery panels that elegantly frame the window wall from floor to ceiling. There a no interruptions here; just a rich and holistic environment where the interior details play an integrated role with the architecture and its surroundings.
The project was a 2 ½ year venture, with many milestones and highlights along the way. It was exciting to see the special details jump off the page and form into reality. These were stream-lined and classic touches such as one-off ceiling designs in plasterwork, the feature staircase that required unique engineering to achieve its fluid geometry and many exceptional furniture pieces that were tailor-made for the home. One after the other, they would merge into the unified big vision for the home; a scheme the team conceptualised and nurtured every step of the way. The behind-the-scenes work in the procurement process can be challenging at times but this is all part of what make us tick; to passionately achieve a fine-tuned and beautiful design that we can all be proud of and that the client can enjoy for many years to come.
A personal highlight was the art that gradually filled in to grace the walls and to sit as sculpture within the clean spaces. Although these were among the final layers, they each took on the character of the home in a completely intuitive way. The home truly came to life at this point and it filled my heart with joy to know that we had created a ‘whole’ environment that is both beautiful and meaningful to our clients.
The SBID is a highly respected organisation representing and supporting the interior design industry and its professional standards on a global level. I value that the annual SBID Awards is driven by their desire to recognise talent and creativity and that entries are fairly assessed by leaders in the industry on both technical and aesthetic merit. An SBID Award has come to be known as one of the highest accolades showcasing design excellence from over 42 countries. Our projects have been recognised as finalists at both the 2014 and 2015 ceremonies. Each time, it has been an honour to be part but being a winner at this year’s SBID Awards 2018 is an absolute dream come true and a highlight in my career!
Questions answered by Regina Sturrock, Principal Designer at Regina Sturrock Design
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring the feminine yet contemporary take on a fairytale-themed wedding boutique in China, click here to see more.
Regina Sturrock Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a feminine yet contemporary take on a fairytale-themed wedding dress boutique in Kunming, China. Designed to epitomise the culmination of every girl's childhood fantasy, swathed in a beautiful gown at a magical wedding, dancing with a prince. To assist in a bride's quest for the most dream-like wedding dress, the space evokes a romantic, dreamy atmosphere whilst incorporating the brand's image with an inherent black and gold tonal theme, diamond detailed elements to create a feature motif and a stunning white marble flooring.
Company: F Space Design
Project: W.Dresses
Project Location: Kunming, China
First of all, the overall design needed to be consistent with the black and gold colour theme to compliment the company's branding. Secondly, as the fifth shop of W. Dresses, the design needed to upgrade the brand presence and enhance the brand image, requiring more of a fashion focus and a higher level of synergy with the wedding dresses stocked in the shop.
Every girl who grew up reading fairytales has fantasied about the idea of being a princess in a mythical world, dressed in beautifully feminine dresses and dancing with the prince. Envisioning a beautiful ending to their imaginary love story with a whimsical fairytale-inspired wedding, with a wedding dress that would realise the dream of every girl's childhood. Therefore, within the interior design of this project, the designer incorporated black and gold as the main tone throughout; using delicate diamond details and glamorous elements as the design concept throughout the space to showcase this idea of a romantic, dream-like atmosphere.
The main difficulty which arose throughout the project was the integral design process combining thoughtful interior design with the brand's branding scheme. In the case of a very short time limit, the primary problem to be solved in the design was how to improve the brand image in limited space and solve the problem of product display to effectively display the wedding dresses.
Another painful fact was that the building process had not always ran smoothly or as perfectly as planned according to drawings and models. This can be due to the lacking of skilful people or inaccurate readings of the plans. And time is always short. Sometimes we have to accept some of the problems which have generated on-site during construction, whilst other times we need to respond quickly to change the design and subsequently reflect this on drawings to counteract further issues and take the opportunity to resolve them almost as soon as they arise.
The shop comprised of three different styles of dressing rooms, not only to give the bride the different experience of testing, but also for each wedding dress to receive unique treatment, and increase the fun and excitement of the in-store experience. The ubiquity of the details allowed us to intuitively feel the designer's pursuit of achieving noble quality and to therefore create the most comfortable testing environment for each couple.
Entering the SBID International Design Awards was a fortuitous opportunity. One day, my PR company recommended this competition to me. I think it is a good platform for creative communication with excellent designers from all over the world, and also provides a valuable channel to promote my works overseas.
Questions answered by Fei Fang, Design Director and Xuewan Yang, Executive Designer at F Space Design
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a quirky holiday home set on the Mediterranean Sea, click here to see more.
F Space Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018
Whether you want to ensure your client's showers are safe and stylish with innovative design and anti-slip surfaces; make your colour selections easier with the newest Colour Atlas on the market; or even design a bespoke, statement finish for your glass projects - browse our December edit of newly released products and developments to upgrade your designs for the year ahead.
The new RAL DESIGN SYSTEM is based on a 3D MODEL. It arranges the colours in three dimensions, according to hue, lightness and saturation. The Colour Atlas makes the system available in a handier binder and thus presents a swift, systematic overview of the over 1,825 current colour nuances with colour codes and additional colour information, which, for example, helps trend consultants in the development of collections.
Imagine a shower area where quality and harmony merges with form and functionality, providing users with the utmost comfort. The new RAK Ceramics shower tray, RAK-Feeling, with elegant and contemporary lines will give bathroom designs unique character and enhance those essential moments of relaxation. A luxurious finish with stone effect adds a distinctive feel to the shower area, as well as being pleasant to the touch.
RAK-Feeling is also made of RAKSOLID, a durable material composed of a mixture of natural minerals and resins with anti-slip safety. RAKSOLID meets the highest safety standards, classified in DIN 51097 Class C (the highest achievable level of slip resistance). With a surface that prohibits the growth of bacteria and fungi, alongside an excellent resistance to chemical products, the design ensures greater safety and hygiene. This is confirmed by the strictest chemical resistance tests required by the EN 14527 Standard. Additionally, the shower trays are not affected by exposure to light, proven by xenon arc lamp tests, which simulate sunlight on shower trays and verify the effects of ageing (EN ISO 4892 Standard).
Sandy Bay London was borne from my love of interiors and home décor. With the desire of providing an accessible luxury, for both male and female customers which can be used every day. So this is where the new range comes in; the Gentlemen’s Club Collection is designed for men, but the ladies love it too. The range is presented in impressive black and gold glassware, with stylish branding featured on both the candle and packaging. The Gentlemen’s Club comprises of 7 on-trend Fine Fragrance Blends which have been given catchy names such as City Boy, Forever Man, The Charmer, True Gentleman, Countryman, The Boss and Oudh Enigma.
Franklite announced the launch of their latest products for the 2018/2019 season. With the new Supplement showcasing over 80 new product lines, from traditional to contemporary, Franklite provide products to meet all a designer’s lighting needs. Featuring the Centrix 14 light fitting in a classic old gold finish, this light was designed to add contemporary focal point to any design scheme and even comes with fully adjustable arms which can be manoeuvred to fit and suit any space.
For the latest edition please email [email protected] quoting the reference: SBID1825
Since 1986, Daedalian Glass Studios have successfully completed hundreds of glass design projects in the UK and overseas. Their unique glass designs have featured in five star hotels, foreign embassies, public buildings, commercial properties, places of worship, luxury private residencies, super-yachts and royal palaces. While all of their designs are completely distinct, they all share the same passion, creativity, hard-work and commitment to quality take it takes to produce them.
While no two projects are alike with their bespoke offering, they have developed a tried and tested process for managing glass design projects based on decades of service to the industry. Building up a reputation as experts in delivering both unique architectural features and artworks that add real value to a project, their clients range from interior designers and architects to procurement agents, contractors, property managers, artists, and private individuals.
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The international boutique art consultancy and concierge, Velvenoir offer SBID members complimentary art consultancy services and access to a curated, in-house art inventory with expert guidance as well as exclusive trade offer of 10% off any piece of art within their December selection.
Browse the selection and quote your SBID membership number to claim your discount
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