Residential Development Design Surrounds You with Greenery and Flora

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern residential development design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, ENJOYDESIGN.

What was the client’s brief? 

The theme of client’s brief: The Garden on the Loess.

The city of Yinchuan, where the project is located, is situated in the Ningxia Plain, an arid region in western China. Unlike other arid regions, there are two major wetland parks that are ecological features of the area. In order to protect the precious wetland resources and this important transit point for migrating birds, the city of Yinchuan is also aiming to become a ‘city of lakes’. In addition, the survey shows that there are few commercial forms around the project site, the quality of life is not high and the convenience of living is improving.

Therefore, ENJOYDESIGN, as the interior design for this case, wanted to create a “multi-life experience hall” for the residents with the theme of “The Garden on the Loess”, integrating plants and greenery, floral art, cultural creation, trendy games, reading, beauty, tea and other diversified businesses, and creating a “multi-life experience hall” with both aesthetics and fireworks in the form of a community. A third space outside of work. At the same time, it also serves to promote the ecological characteristics of the area.

What inspired the design of the project?

What inspired the design of this project is the local efforts made over the years to protect the wetland resources. Using flowers and greenery as a medium, nature is allowed to surge like flowing water, irrigating not only the desert sands, but also the hearts of the people of Yinchuan.

We have tried to tell the other side of the city in a lifelike way, leading people to experience the unique face of Yinchuan, not only the yellow earth and barren smoke and ravines, but also the prosperity and vibrancy of The Garden on the Loess.

We hope that community residents will feel the romance of the sun surrounded by flowers and embark on a journey to nature to find the oasis their hearts desire.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

During the project, the toughest hurdles to overcome were the construction of the design facade and the local people’s acceptance of the novel style.

Large curved wood finish walls require a high degree of workmanship and stability in terms of grain and colour. Yinchuan is one of the more remote cities in western China, where finding workers who are skilled in construction and high quality building materials is more difficult than in the metropolis.

Secondly, the style of the scheme is relatively new to the occupants of the area and has undergone a process of trying to tell the concept from scheme to landing and then to pre-acceptance by the general public.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

I think it is: we strive to turn dream gardens into real, functional spaces that are both beautiful and functional, making them a part of the lives of the community.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

First, of course, the professionalism. SBID Awards is a highly professional, fair and influential award in the design industry. Every year, we choose excellent works to compete. For example, last year, we won the only award for interior design in the Asia Pacific region, which was affirmed and recognized by the jury from distant overseas and design countries. The designers were greatly excited and encouraged after winning the award because it proved the design ability of the studio.

Questions answered by Jie Guo, Founder & Creative Director, ENJOYDESIGN.

The architectural base of graphite and beige structures, which existed here before, was complemented by the client’s favourite combination of grant-green-purple-carmine, which introduced a visible boldness of colour, evoking associations and an atmosphere like in the world of Almodovar, whom she has appreciated while inspired this place.

This combination, intense and variable in intensity and proportion, became the main basis for material and colour choices. Thus, within this framework, shades of these colours appear in the form of varied and contrasting textures, shiny blue and green mirrors contrast with silk and velvet wallpapers, furry gradient fabrics are combined with nubuck matte leather, patterned fabric ornaments with an intense, almost ethnic expression are juxtaposed with glossy anthracite wood.

The intensity of the colours is combined with the finesse of the shapes of the sophisticated and designed furniture. As a tribute to the style of the Memphis group, Robert Majkut has designed a dedicated collection of furniture inspired by them, such as a console in the entrance, a TV cabinet and table in the living room and a chest of drawers in the bedroom. This coherent and bold collection of sculptures-objects fulfils its concentrating, colour-sculptural role, giving a distinct character and unambiguity to this effusion of intensity. A number of distinctive forms and juxtapositions were used in the design of the console located in the lobby, including the most popular Memphis pattern – the squiggle, otherwise known as ‘bacterio’. A table and TV cabinet using ornaments typical of the style were also designed in the convention of the Italian group. The collection was created in collaboration with the Dawidczyk Brothers carpentry workshop.

The whole is complemented by the owner’s furniture and meticulously selected additions in the form of Casina armchairs, Minotti sofa, or other furniture from companies such as Porada, Ekstorm, Bosa, Pouenat, Takeushi, Kundalini.

The living room and bedroom interiors are dominated by fleshy fabrics with thick weaves and colours from well-known and respected brands Kirkby Design, Zimmer+Rohde professionally stitched and upholstered to order in collaboration with Ardeco Studio and silk and velour textile wallpapers of high quality by Vescom, Phillip Jeffries, individually selected and made colourful mirrors, shades and carpets made to order by CS rugs factory from the Cameleon Collection. Finally, the highlight of the project is a kitchen ceramic wall made based on inspiration from a selected painting by a Canadian artist, whose transcriptions into the language of ceramics were first precisely designed and then crafted. It is an expressive dominant feature of the interior created by means of traditionally fired, sophisticated colours, realised in collaboration with Ardea.

The hand-formed work has been transferred into the kitchen space providing an artistic respite, but also a backdrop to the urban life of the house, blending in with furnishing details such as the Gessi kitchen tap with its ceramic stem in the colour of carmine certainly.

Robert Majkut appreciates the sensitivity and artistry of other artists and seeks out original and unobvious works that complement his vision of a place, which was the case in his collaboration with the OAK Gallery in Paris. For this project, an Art Object – Mirror by Christophe Gaignon/Signature Collection was created with a special dedication to the owner of the interior.

From the Author:

“This beautiful living space came out as an intense mixture of colors, bold forms, a tribute to the joyful, colorful times of artistic design – it was and it is all about playing with conventions and joy liberated from the obvious. Just like the person who lives here! Thank you, Barbara.”

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In this week’s interview with 2022 SBID Awards winners of the Residential Budget Up To £50,000 category, Co-founder of ID4U Studio, Viktoriya Moshchynska shares the concept and decisions behind the design, approach to enlarging a small space and working within the budget.

This small apartment was made for rent. It was important to create space that would fit a lot of people’s expectations but preferably for a young couple. The building is situated in beautiful place surrounded by nature.

Firstly, tell us a bit about the design of your project. What were the key ideas, concepts and processes behind it?

Because this property was made for renting the main idea was to create a simple design which can easily meet expectations of working singles or a couple. We also wanted to replan the space so it could look bigger and lighter and every inch of it could be functional. Our work started with layouts and constructive documents. Because our budget was limited I had to use some materials that were in stock at that moment. For example, we chose this simple white textile for the kitchen but decided to put it in a chevron way and make the black seams.

What was your biggest takeaway or highlight from completing this project?

We never thought about this project as of a special one. We just tried to create a nice place. Our client gave us full freedom within the budget and this worked out very well. This means that the best result is achieved when your client trusts you.

What has winning an SBID Award meant for you and your business?

We are from Ukraine. We know that there were 16 Ukrainian projects that got into the final in 2022, two of them won a category. I think, it shows that the interior design sphere is well developed in my country, and the work of our architects, designers and manufacturers, as well as my work personally, meets international standards and trends. It’s an important message that we as Ukrainians send to other European countries.

How do you approach design projects with a limited budget? Do you have any tactics you use to get the most out of it?

After 14 years of work I now know exactly which parts of an interior are worth spending on and which are not.

Space changes that require constructive works are worth spending on. I also never use cheap bathroom sets and taps, etc. The rule is simple: you shouldn’t save on things that are in-built within the apartment.

The other important rule is never buy fake. I can always find interior objects within the budget. I like to buy small furniture and decor from mass market producers. At the same time I only use authentic Art for my projects. It’s my favorite mix of something expansive and something cheap. Like when you wear an H&M t-shirt with a GUCCI skirt.

The wall inside the apartment was replaced with a glass one – what was the inspiration behind it and were there any difficulties/considerations that came with that?

In my strong opinion, inner architecture is the main thing of future interior. Standart planning never works. Rooms in this apartment were divided by a wall. It made them small and dark. Decision with a glass wall came to my head the first moment I entered the apartment. I instantly knew that we needed it. The only thing that stopped us was the price. But we assured my client that it was worth it. And she never regretted it. The wall completely changed the space by making it look bigger and lighter.

The space, although small, seems spacious and airy. How did you achieve this effect in this project?

Apartment used to have a covered separated gallery. We decided to add it’s space to the living room. We demolished the wall between the living room and the gallery. The living room became bigger. But the most important thing is that we could now enjoy this wonderful view over the Dnipro river through big windows which we didn’t see before. A lot of natural light now fills the whole apartment through the windows and the glass wall and makes it look airy.

Questions answered by Viktoriya Moshchynska, Co-founder, ID4U Studio.

Whilst the majority of Britain is working from home, it is more important than ever to create a bedroom that is serene and harmonious. Your bedroom is not only where you sleep but where you begin and end the day by reading, meditating or simply unwinding. We have put together this guide on how to create a relaxing and restful bedroom.

Tidy the area

When trying to establish the key elements to change or improve in your bedroom take some time to clear the room by removing items that you no longer want and ensure that everything is put away. This will help you see the room as a blank canvas and make gaps or missing items clear.

Colour

Select a colour that is the most calming for you. A neutral base palette, such as ivory or sand, will open up the space making it feel clean, light and bright. It will also give you maximum flexibility with your space. If you do not like neutral colours then consider muted colours such as sage green or duck egg blue. To give your bedroom a refined and sophisticated finish choose a fabric wallpaper to bring texture and warmth to the space.

Bed

Position your bed against a wall, with space either side, and select an upholstered headboard with piping or studs to add an element of detail. To recreate a 5-star hotel feel at home use a mattress topper and double up your duvet inside the covers for a sumptuous sleeping experience. For maximum comfort, invest in the best bedding you can afford with a high tread count. Add to your bed by selecting some decorative cushions with small scale patterns or textures with a cashmere throw at the end of the bed.

Furniture

It is important that you do not have too much furniture in your bedroom as this will make it feel cramped. Think carefully about what is important to you. If you have limited storage space then choose a beautiful chest of drawers or if you want a space to get ready at then choose a dressing table and chairs. Consider the furniture’s size and shape so that it fits within the proportions of the room. When accessorising your bedside table carefully select some key pieces, such as a jewellery dish and a candle, so that you do not clutter the space.

Scent

Your bedroom should aim to connect all your senses seamlessly to evoke the feelings and emotions you desire. By bringing scent into the bedroom you can set the tone and mood in your bedroom. You should consider picking a scent that is appropriate for the season: light and floral scents of the summer, deep autumnal and forest scents for autumn and spicy, festive scents for the winter.

Lighting

Lighting is important to create a calming ambience in your room. Having a dimmer switch on the main light in your bedroom will help to create softer lighting. If this is not possible, you can create a restful environment by turning off the main light and utilising reading lights on your bedside table for warmth and comfort.

Tips provided by Alexandra Jurkiewicz, Creative Lead, Helen Green Design.

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Consistently expanding on its contemporary custom designed offering sofa.com is delighted to introduce the launch of the SS23 Collection to a trade audience.

Launched on February 7^th, the new season collection at sofa.com is a celebration of bespoke, high-quality comfort and sleek, shapely style. The collection comprises two hero upholstered seating options, new dining and storage furniture, and expansions of best-selling ranges, with a focus on growing bedroom and dining categories as well as presenting range expansions for the residential areas. Catering for a range of design specifications across commercial and residential projects, the collection introduces two main trends, with elements of coastal charm and modern rustic weaved through new product design.

The overarching palette for Spring is one that calms and comforts. Relaxed shaping and minimalist detailing are present throughout. Thirteen additions to the already vast assortment of fabric options include new varieties of velvet, subtly patterned weaves, and trendy tweeds, with a myriad of seascape blues central to the selection. All pieces of the expansion are also available as COM to create bespoke options to allow designers breadth of choice.

• Carmel joins the upholstered furniture family as the all-encompassing comfy sofa choice, with a relaxed slouch and bulbous features. Extra cushioning creates oomph and a welcoming squish. Available as armchair, sofa, chaise and footstool to create a complete and streamlined aesthetic.
• Memphis plays with negative space with shapely open detailing core to the new dining table design. Available as rounded, square or rectangle, with a wooden top – configure to suit varying dining requirements from intimate meals to family gatherings.
• The perfect occasional chair for modern design lovers, the Seattle armchair, with clean lines and a simple silhouette, is a statement seat that epitomises sofa.com’s new contemporary design handwriting and a desire to cater for countless décor schemes.

Speaking on the collection, trade development manager Laura Tarratt comments:

“We have seen a slight uptick in coastal and rustic styling and predict these themes to be the trends for 2023. Our new SS23 collection perfectly caters for these re-emerging themes with relaxed and minimalist shaping present throughout the collection. This season seating is at the core and we wanted to ensure each sofa, dining seat or armchair would stand alone as a beautiful, functional residential piece but also work to create a statement within restaurants, bars, office meeting room or set the scene in a hotel lobby.”

“The overarching palette for spring is one of light tones and natural materials that embody comfort.  Beautifully represented with plush velvets and subtle patterned weaves, we are expecting coastal themes to emerge in hotelier commercial and residential projects. Complementing this neutral colour scheme is the presence of rustic textures and solid fabrics rather than patterns.

Modern rustic radiates a relaxing and comfortable feel, which fits in with people’s desire for cocooning furniture.  Boasting over 75 fabrics and the option to upholster all pieces in COM, our in-house team can fulfil any project brief becoming a one-stop shop for our growing interior designer clientele base.”

Cover image: Sofa.com Seattle accent chair in Oyster boucle £940 each and Alexandria side table in black £310

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern residential development design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Yuan-Art.

What was the client’s brief? 

BBMG Jinchengfu is located in Gaoxin district, the most prosperous zone in Chengdu. It is a high-end residential project in the area. The project occupies the core and surrounding environment of the area, with pleasant ecology and surrounded by parks. The courtyard villas, bungalows and high-rise buildings are planned. The villa adopts the new Chinese style, which perfectly integrates modern elements with traditional architectural styles. The garden is designed and built on the model of the top ten cultural and historical attractions in Chengdu.

What inspired the design of the project?

Due to its unique urban geography, Chengdu has rapidly developed into a bustling Internet celebrity city in China. However, the native people in Chengdu are not happy because of the liveliness. Instead, they hope that life would be more relaxing, that they could experience life more calmly and gently when conditions permit, and build their own homes and lives. They wish to seek a life that truly belongs to them in a more self-directed way in order to fully enjoy and be compatible with the transformation and association between life, work and society, and use another way to coexist harmoniously.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The style of wabi-sabi has a dilapidated beauty, which is not completely in line with people’s understanding of quality life today. Therefore, in the design, we need to reflect a certain sense of value as appropriately as possible, such as expressing through material appeals, furniture, etc., utensils, art, and those products that we use regularly. This value is convenient and comfortable, it is the guarantee and embodiment of quality, and it is also a way to improve the texture and modern atmosphere of the space scene. We want to convey that wabi-sabi brings us a gentle and comfortable life attitude, not extreme restraint.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

In this project, the space is constructed with simplicity and tranquility. The wood, stone, rattan, cotton and linen in the indoor space have a natural symbiotic relationship with outdoor green plants, sunlight, wind and rain. They flow and change due to time, season and climate. As a new enlightenment of nature, they accept the existence of time and curve traces of the passage of time. This harmony with nature and symbiosis with the environment is the biggest highlight of this project.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID International Design Award is the most prestigious award in the interior design industry. The teams that have won this award are outstanding workers and teams who have achieved outstanding results in the field of international interior design. We want to let more people know and recognize us by participating in this SBID competition. At the same time, we can also compete and communicate with outstanding international contestants on the same stage, constantly improve our professional skills and tap into our creative potential.

Questions answered by Zi Peng GUO, Founder and Chief Designer, Yuan-Art.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a glamorous oak home design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Space Studio.

What was the client’s brief? 

Our client loved the hotels that we have designed and wanted the same for the extensive renovation to the home that he had recently purchased. He said he loved raw oak, dark oak, marble and brass and asked us to just go for it!

What inspired the design of the project?

The house is located on the shores of Auckland’s beautiful Waitemata harbour, and sits amongst pohutakawa trees that tangle around the site. The house was quite a traditional brick bungalow, and the street is one of Auckland’s finest, positioned very close to the CBD. We sought to capture our client’s love of luxury hotels and urban glamour, with the raw desaturated colours and textures of the natural surroundings. We then looked to open up the planning of the rather boxed in original home, creating long sight lines across the living spaces.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

There were no hurdles with this project. A clear vision, a motivated and trusting client and passionate builder kept the project running smoothly from start to finish.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The entry screen with the view through to the dining room, is as good as the photography portrays. It was such an effective device to provide a point of welcome at the entry and a filtered view through to the family life within.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

We recognise how lucky we are to live in New Zealand, and we would like to share the work that we do down here more broadly. We also work in an international market, with many offshore clients, and we want to show them that we are leading a broader community of international designers.

Questions answered by David Sweatman, Associate Designer, Space Studio.

At Helen Green Design we believe that beautiful lighting is an integral part of every well curated interior. Every room lends itself to a different lighting style, shape and design and therefore choosing the perfect fixture can be a daunting task.

To achieve a harmonious and considered scheme, it is important to keep lighting throughout the property consistent and connected to each other. This can be achieved by either by specifying similar finishes (aged brass, blown glass, crystal) or a particular style (modern, art deco, traditional). It is possible to mix and match for a more eclectic look, however it is challenging to ensure there is no disconnect between the spaces.

We like to source lighting from a range of suppliers who offer a variety of fixtures suitable for different areas. Here are our simple tips on how to select the perfect light for every room.

Entrance Hall/Stairwell

The entrance hall is an opportunity to make an impact in your home. The lighting in an entrance hall is likely to be one of the first things seen when entering the house so it is important to ensure it encapsulates the identity of the property.

It is an opportunity to make the most of the architectural features and utilise high ceilings or stairwells. An oversized, statement light can span across several floors or a centrepiece light can create an elegant, welcoming lobby area above the entrance table.

Living Room

As the centre of every home, it is crucial that the light fitting chosen for this space does not compete with the rest of the furniture in the room and complements and relates to the design scheme. It doesn’t mean it cannot be striking. The key is to consider the proportions and materials as well as balance textures, colours and patterns used in the room.

It is important to carefully consider the position of the light. Most commonly it is placed in the centre of the room, above the main seating area or by the fireplace. It should not obstruct the view if located near a large window and not to hang too low to allow people to walk underneath it.

Dining Room/Kitchen

The main function purpose is to provide light above the dining table or island. It is good practice to follow the shape of the furniture item directly below the light fixture. For example, a round light for square or round tables and oval or oblong for rectangular or elliptical tables.

An interesting choice of lighting is using clusters of smaller pendants either in regular rows or staggered for dramatic effect.

When the dining area is connected to the kitchen, it is effective to use lights from the same family for a cohesive design.

Bedroom

Being sanctuaries of peace and rest, bedrooms are one of the most important rooms. As strong lighting is not necessarily required, light fittings perform a decorative role and can determine the feeling of ambience in the space.

Simple pendant lights above bedside tables are not only very functional as they leave the surface of the table clean but also are an excellent way to accentuate the main elevation of the room.

Alternatively, a small chandelier can bring elegance and interest to the bedroom scheme making it feel more like a hotel suite.

Bathroom

The clean lines and usually very light tones of natural stone finishes, sanitaryware and mirrors in a bathroom create a fantastic background and opportunity to showcase more sculptural lighting pieces.

From large, elaborate chandeliers above the bath to clusters of interesting pendants, they can transform a simple bathroom into a luxury spa.

It is also important to ensure all lights chose for bathrooms have suitable IP rating.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a contemporary family home design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Designck.

Designck was commissioned to design the interior for this large contemporary new build. Part of this project was the kitchen, wine room and powder room. Robin Caudwell wanted to keep a feeling of warmth throughout the home. His clients have a large extended family and friends and entertain regularly; it was essential to make the home stylish, inviting, and relaxing, that everyone could enjoy. Using a mixture of different textures and tones, with carefully placed statement pieces such as the Titanium Gold Granite Island top, he feels that he has achieved a remarkable outcome for the clients.

What was the client’s brief? 

I was engaged to design several areas of this luxury new build, which included the kitchen, outdoor kitchen, evening room, wine cellar, and powder room. The client is of Asian descent and have regular, large family gatherings, it was important to them that the kitchen was equipped with expansive storage for food, good prep areas and gas in the principal cooking area. Their wine collection needed to be showcased within their evening room. They wanted a warm and inviting powder room for their guests.

What inspired the design of the project?

The anchor for my design was the stunning Titanium Gold granite I chose for the island, and it has become a statement piece within the room. I used Lux board, which I reversed, and utilised the matte side that complements the Laminam in Moro that I picked for the expansive front door and a large fireplace.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

On this particular project, there was a requirement for several air-conditioning return vents of which we didn’t want to put on show. I came up with a solution to conceal the vents above the cabinetry, extending the height of just the doors to  give the kitchen area a cleaner look without showing the numerous vents required.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

For me, it was seeing how the different rooms come together with a common theme whilst keeping their individual identities. And as a bonus, when I told the clients that we have been shortlisted for the SBID Awards, they were over the moon.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards are renowned as the pinnacle of the design industry’s awards. It’s one of the few awards that becoming even a finalist is a mammoth effort, and if I was fortunate enough to win, it reinforces why I love this creative industry being recognised for my passion, and time that I have poured into this project.

Questions answered by Robin Caudwell, Principal Designer, DesignCK.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a dark apartment design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, ID4U studio.

What was the client’s brief? 

Very unusual young woman owns this apartment. She is unique. So her brief was also untypical. She asked us to make her a “stylish and gloomy” apartment only for herself.

What inspired the design of the project?

Our magic client inspired us. We tried to create space which would reflect her a lot. We knew that our client would also appreciate some experiments, so we did it. At the same time we couldn’t ignore our fundamentals – comfort and cosiness. That’s why the interior concept was based on use of rich dark palette and concrete. But wooden walnut floors, different textiles, accents in gold and décor make this space very cozy.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

We started this project before COVID. We created the whole concept. Everything was approved with the client. Covid quarantine came just before construction work started, so the project was paused. After few months we had to redo the whole concept and we had to remotely control the construction work.

The most complicated part of the project was the concrete staircase. We came up with the idea of it’s soft lines and rough material. Five people had been building it for two weeks.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

For a long time we were dreaming to create an interior with dark walls. We were happy that finally we met a client who agreed with that idea. And not only with dark walls but also with dark ceilings! We love this dark green bedroom. It is amazing. Even though the floor is also dark, the room is full off light coming from a giant window.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

By entering SBID Awards we want to share Ukrainian Interiors with the World. We want to show that our quality of work meets international standards and trends.

Questions answered by Viktoriya Moshchynska and Olga Griban, Co-Founders, ID4U Studio.