IH Interior Design Insights - Issue 9

DECEMBER 2019 | ISSUE 09

INTERIOR DESIGN

Insights

INTERIOR DESIGN

Interior design SEC RE TS Project RESIDENTIAL BEDROOM 2020 PREDICTIONS in interior design Cosy REA DING NOOKS ideas Décor ideas for a MERRY C HRISTMAS

TRENDS

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INFLUENC ES

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PROJECTS

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ADVICE

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www.imtiazhussaindesigns.com | imtiaz@imtiazhussaindesigns.com |

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DESIGN TIPS INTERIOR DESIGN SECRETS THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR HOME

PROJECT TRANSFORMING A RESIDENTIAL BEDROOM TO REFLECT THE CLIENT’S PERSONAL STYLE

ON TREND OUR INTERIOR DESIGN PREDICTIONS FOR 2020

GET THE LOOK COSY READING NOOK IDEAS TO SUIT EVERY HOME

SEASON’S TREND 7 CHIC FESTIVE DÉCOR IDEAS FOR A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

© 2019 Copyright Imtiaz Hussain. All rights reserved. Images Pinterest IMTIAZ HUSSAIN INTERIOR DESIGN

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WELCOME

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’m very excited to bring you the December Issue of our IH Magazine, and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed creating it! In

case you’re new to Imtiaz Hussain Designs, I’ll take a moment to introduce myself.

I’m an interior designer with a passion for bringing my clients’ visions to life. I think design is a lot like storytelling: my aim is to create an evocative story from colour, texture, pattern, and form. Every project is a unique exploration of my client’s personality and aspirations. “I love what I do.”

I think any interior can be transformed into a place of beauty and soul.

Luxury design needn’t be exclusive. It’s something everyone has the right to enjoy. And that’s the ethos behind IH Magazine: I wanted to share some insights, products and ideas to help you create a beautiful home whatever your taste and whatever your budget.

So here we have it - I hope you enjoy everything this issue has to offer as we discover the latest trends and style tips. Take a look around the Luxury Serviced Accommodation I’ve recently refurbished.

Please feel free to email me at imtiaz@imtiazhussaindesigns.com with feature ideas, brands you’d like to see, or people you’d like to see interviewed – this, after all, is your magazine, designed to help you. We’ve also created a dedicated Facebook page for the magazine. We’d love you to follow and leave any comments – we’re always happy to hear from you.

Imtiaz

Thank you so much for reading, See you on the 3rd of January.

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DESIGN TIPS

INTERIOR DESIGN SECRETS

THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR HOME Have you ever walked into a room where everything just ‘works’ perfectly?

Sometimes the room has obvious highlights like a lovely piece of furniture. But sometimes what makes the room special is more subtle: the layout, the colours, the details… it’s all oh-so-flawless. And you wonder: how’s it done? ​ You’re about to find out! I’ll share some interior designer’s best-kept secrets so you can create that wow factor in your own home.

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CREATE DEPTH WITH TEXTURE AND LAYERING

Here’s a simple trick for adding interest to a bland room: mixing up your textures. Contrast rough finishes with smooth, especially if you’ve a limited colour scheme, and your room gets a new dimension. Take a look at this matte backdrop paired with satins and a velvet sofa.

​Layering is another great way to give your room depth. The

idea is to arrange furnishings and accessories so they overlap, leaving some items partially hidden. You could drape a throw over a chair for example, or let foliage spill over artwork. This makes the eye work to decipher what’s underneath, and creates intrigue.

Add enough layers to keep things interesting, but not so many that your space becomes cluttered!

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DESIGN TIPS

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SCALE AND PROPORTION CAN MAKE OR BREAK A ROOM

Furniture needs to be the right scale to fit the room. For example, a bulky sofa wedged into a small room will look ungainly and take up valuable space. And while the furniture looks perfectly cosy in this small living room, it would be lost in a more spacious area:

The size of each piece of furniture should be in proportion with the pieces near it, too. Imagine how odd a tall side table would look perched next to a low-slung sofa. You’d be more comfortable with a table that sits close to the arm.

But if everything’s exactly the same height, there’s nothing to catch the eye and you risk a room that’s boring! ​ So it’s a good idea to vary the size of your pieces, especially if your room is large. Generate enough contrast to lead the eye around the room, with nothing so big or small it looks out of place. This above Art Deco inspired room achieves this beautifully.

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APPLY THE RULE OF 3

Things are more pleasing to the eye when grouped in odd numbers, and we like groups of three most of all. It’s just how our brains work – while one is too boring and five too busy, three gives us a centre point and harmony that we love to gaze at.

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You could apply the rule of three to accessories, like a display of three vases or three pieces of wall art. Or you might want to apply it in your choice of furniture, and even the colours and textures in your room.

​our group of three can be identical to Y achieve a pleasing balance. But you can also create an exciting contrast by varying the items, say with different sizes or patterns.

DESIGN TIPS

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USE THE COLOUR RATIO 60–30–10 FOR FLAWLESS RESULTS

If you’re using a colour scheme of three colours, there’s a trick for expressing them flawlessly in your room - apply them in the ratio of 60-30-10. Here’s how: Choose to cover 60% of your room in your main colour – say your walls and larger furniture. This acts as a backdrop for the other colours. Your main colour will often be your lightest colour, or a neutral shade.

Next, add 30% in your secondary colour, perhaps your curtains, a rug, and smaller furniture. This builds another layer.

Now, the fun bit! The final 10%. Add a pop of bold accent colour with your accessories, say on cushions, lamps or wall art.

Rather than piling one colour in a corner, disperse your three colours in this ratio throughout your room, for a balanced look that’s irresistible to the eye. Here’s the rule in action with a white, grey and blue palette: Opt for reflective surfaces: polished wood, chrome or gold accents. Show these off with lamps and mirrors. For extra impact, add animal print to soft furnishings or choose wallpaper with a signature art deco pattern.

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DON’T FORGET YOUR CEILING

So often neglected, the ceiling is actually a key element in your room. Think of it as your fifth wall. It’s especially important if your room has features that draw the eye upwards, like a statement light fixture, a high curtain rail or stairway.

To give your room a funky, modern look, you can contrast pale walls with a bold ceiling.

You can add detail to frame an overhead light fixture, like this Art Deco inspired sunburst (far right).

Or you can even enhance the light in your room by choosing metallic paint. Take a look at how this glamorous foyer has been brightened by a gold ceiling.

If you’d rather avoid the challenge of doing too much with your ceiling, choosing a paler shade than your walls looks much better than leaving it bare white!

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DESIGN TIPS

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MOVE YOUR FURNITURE AWAY FROM THE WALL

It might sound counter-intuitive, but pushing furniture against the wall makes a room seem less spacious. Move it away from the wall, even if it’s only by a few inches, and your room instantly appears more spacious, and more inviting, too:

Living room furniture in particular needs to ‘talk to each other’, for example facing each other across a coffee table.

Giving some thought to how your furniture’s arranged will really pay off. Most rooms benefit from a focal point – something your eye is drawn to when entering a room, with furniture placed around it. And placing your furniture on a diagonal instead of parallel to the wall gives your room an exciting, dynamic feel.

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LIGHTING MATTERS ​

Lighting is often overlooked when decorating. Too often, a room ends up with one harsh overhead light. It’s more flattering (and practical) to choose several light sources at different levels. Not only does this make activities like reading and dining easier, but different light sources will create a brand new mood in your room. For example a pendant light promotes energy, while low level lighting will make your room feel cosier.

Lighting can also be used to enhance your favourite features. A well-placed lamp could bring out metallic surfaces on furniture, while a statement pendant light can emphasise a high ceiling. ​

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DESIGN TIPS

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BUT DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK​

You might be tempted to shy away from dark colours, worrying a room will look smaller or cave-like. But darker shades can really transform the ambience of your room, projecting luxury and sophistication. ​ Dark accents in a bright room can create a contrast that’s edgy and modern.

And if you’re daring enough to paint your walls dark, the dramatic expanse of bold colour can actually give the illusion of more space. To prevent the room looking gloomy, contrast your dark walls with vibrant art and bright furnishings, like this funky living room with vivid jewel tones:

When choosing dark paint, go for something with sheen, like silk or satin, and you can highlight the deep colours lustre with well-placed ambient lighting.

I love to transform a room into something gorgeous with these designer’s secrets, and I hope you will, too! Have fun and experiment with them in your own home to achieve a space that’s stunning, from the texture of your fabrics and the layout of your furniture, to colours that pop in all the right places.

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PROJECT

TRANSFORMING

A RESIDENTIAL BEDROOM WITH EN SUITE TO REFLECT

THE CLIENT’S PERSONAL STYLE

Our client approached us to transform the décor of her master bedroom and en suite. She felt her current décor wasn’t a true reflection of the vision she’d had for the space.

She asked us to create a design that would bring her vision to life, incorporating elements that would convey her personality while also creating a luxurious and relaxing environment.

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PROJECT

We worked closely with our client to make sure our design would perfectly represent her personal tastes and encapsulate her dream for the room.

We chose a very sophisticated neutral colour palette of cool-toned greys and browns. We used modern angular lines, offset with geometric curves for an intriguing contrast.

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PROJECT

To maintain the sophisticated look, we kept pattern minimal and subtle in the luxe damask wallcoverings and the faceted light cast from our statement pendant fixtures.

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PROJECT

The design plays on a variation of smooth and textured finishes to bring the limited palette to life and create visual interest.

Shimmering mirrors, glass and crystal add an exciting contrast and enhance the spacious feel of the room. To give the room personality and flair we added contemporary lamps with warm caramel shades and a stunning mirrored vanity.

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PROJECT

We coordinated with sumptuous soft furnishings to ensure our client’s comfort, and completed the look with luxe crystal accessories.

We hope you’ve enjoyed your peek into our latest project. What do you think of the finished design? Is this something you’d like to try in your own home?

We hope you’ve enjoyed your peek into our latest project. What do you think of the finished design? Is this something you’d like to try in your own home? Head over to our Facebook page and let us know. We’re always pleased to hear from you!

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ON TREND

OUR INTERIOR DESIGN

PREDICTIONS

FOR 2020

Looking to update your home in the New Year? Keen to stay ahead of the curve with fresh new design ideas? We’ve got you covered. We’ve analysed the emerging key trends of the latest design shows to bring you our predictions for 2020. Enjoy!

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ON TREND

All things botanical The botanical theme has been a big trend this year, and it’s set to stay in 2020. Leafy wallpaper and forest green palettes are getting ever more popular.

ON TREND

Indoor gardens

In fact, the trend for plant life and greenery will go a step further for 2020: indoor gardens will take centre stage to evoke a feeling of relaxation and tranquillity. Another new element we’re seeing are vertical gardens – foliage trailing from doorways and dividers.

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ON TREND

Natural materials Another trend that’s set to continue is the love for natural materials.

Wood will be the go-to material, but while 2019 was all about pale unfinished wood, 2020 will also embrace deeper, polished tones like walnut and mahogany.

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ON TREND

Stone, wicker, jute & rattan

Stone, wicker, jute and rattan will be huge too.

Quality handcrafted and upcycled furniture are set to be even more popular in 2020, to complement the rising trend for sustainable living. If you want to invest in quality, check out INDIGO’s range of handcrafted wooden furniture.

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ON TREND

Intimate spaces replace open-plan living We predict 2020 will see a move away from open-plan living spaces.

Instead there will be an emphasis on creating a cosy retreat, with dividers like wooden and bamboo screens, bookcases and curtains zoning off areas in your home and promoting a peaceful, intimate environment.

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ON TREND

Warm neutrals Grey might not be out of favour just yet, but on the horizon for 2020 there’s a move toward warm neutral tones. Creating a calm but uplifting ambience, warm neutrals like Behr’s Charismatic or Earthborn’s Vanilla are the perfect backdrop to showcase the trend for greenery and all things natural. They coordinate beautifully with bold accents, too.

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ON TREND

Team your warm neutrals with magenta or navy for a chic modern look.

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ON TREND

Curved lines This year’s trend for retro interiors will leave a legacy for 2020: curved and wavy lines as an alternative to modern angular ones. Think furniture with rounded corners, and mirrors and accessories in smooth, organic shapes. But if you love the modern look, the good news is you can mix it up. Team geometric lines with curved ones to give your interior visual interest.

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ON TREND

Neo-Mint is the colour of 2020 We’re loving the emerging trend for bright and cheerful pastels, and minty green is the shade to go for if you want to update your home in 2020. WSGN’s colour of 2020 Neo-Mint is tipped to be the year’s top colour. It’s a shade that “harmonises science and technology with nature.” Fresh and reviving, this hue is ideal for your bathroom or kitchen.

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ON TREND

For a warmer pastel green we recommend Dulux’s colour of 2020 Tranquil Dawn, which is ideal for brightening your bedroom or living area.

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GET THE LOOK

COSY READING NOOK IDEAS TO SUIT EVERY HOME

After the hectic build-up to the festive season, you deserve to relax and enjoy the holidays. And what better way to indulge in some much-needed self-care than creating a cosy reading nook?

Curl up with a good book, chat to friends on your phone and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in your new favourite spot.

Here are some easy ways to create a reading nook, no matter what size or shape your home is.

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GET THE LOOK

Optimise natural light A window area, especially one with a nice view, can easily be transformed into a reading nook. Not only will this save space, it will give you a healthy dose of natural light. Finish your page, sit back and enjoy the scenery.

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GET THE LOOK

If you don’t have a wide ledge or banquette, simply position a bench by your view. Add comfy cushions and you’re ready to relax!

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GET THE LOOK

Get creative with your space Even in a small home, there are plenty of options to create a chic and comfortable nook. Under the stairs, an attic or even a closet can be transformed into a cosy hideout with seating, lamp and soft furnishings. And any empty corner can become a reading nook, too.

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GET THE LOOK

Rattan chairs are very popular right now and they’re small enough to fit in even the most awkward spaces.

CULT FURNITURE has a chic range of rattan chairs in different styles and colours.

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GET THE LOOK

Add a bookcase A library of your favourite novels is the perfect accessory for your new reading nook. When you’ve finished a book, you can simply reach for another. Flank your nook with a built-in bookcase, stack books under your seat, or install some floating shelves. Check out TYLKO.COM for funky bookcases and wall storage options.

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GET THE LOOK

Zone it with a new colour If you’ve a large or open-plan room, it’s a good idea to set your reading area apart from the rest of your space by painting it in a different colour. Open-plan spaces tend to have several activities taking place within them, and zoning an area for each one means the space won’t feel confused or cluttered.

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GET THE LOOK

Ramp up the comfort level Your reading nook isn’t just for reading. It can be the place for you to unwind and recharge, and even to sneak in the odd nap! Optimise comfort with an overstuffed chair and an ottoman to rest your feet on, or go for a chaise lounge so you can recline in style.

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GET THE LOOK

Create a cocoon with gauzy curtains, and layer faux fur rugs and plenty of cushions and throws. Take a look at COX & COX’s range of luxe soft furnishings for more inspiration.

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GET THE LOOK

Make it personal Make your nook into your own personal haven with meaningful accessories and treasures.

Create a gallery wall of family photos, your favourite collection or some much-loved souvenirs. Surrounding yourself with your favourite things means when you put down your book, you can let your mind wander and revisit happy memories.

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GET THE LOOK

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SEASON’S TREND

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C HIC FESTIVE DÉCOR IDEAS FOR A VERY

MERRY CHRISTMAS Looking to update your festive décor this season?

These sophisticated Christmas décor ideas will keep your spirits merry, and they look so good you’ll want to leave them up all year round! Read on for the best festive decorations to suit every home, from a paired-down minimal aesthetic to glitzy metallics.

INVEST IN AN AREA RUG Rugs are great for tying a design together, and the style of rug you choose can instantly update the whole aesthetic of your room.

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SEASON’S TREND

WHITE WINTER WONDERLAND Craving a white Christmas? You can have it indoors with icy white décor and a frosted tree. Warm up the look with lanterns and candles, and fake snowfall with cosy sheepskin rugs.

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SEASON’S TREND

For a more dramatic look, contrast your allwhite décor with vibrant red accents. Take a look at AMARA for a great range of white festive décor to suit every taste.

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SEASON’S TREND

MIXED METALLICS Metallics are an easy way to inject some glam into your festive display. Decorating around one metallic tone creates a chic and modern feel, but for added visual interest contrast two metallic tones like silver and gold or copper and pewter. For a sophisticated look, use one metallic as your main colour and one as an accent.

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SEASON’S TREND

FESTIVE FOREST Bringing elements of nature indoors will make your space feel more cosy and inviting, and you don’t have to stop with a real pine tree.

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SEASON’S TREND

Wreaths, natural garlands, and arrangements of branches and winterberries are all great ways to bring the charm of the forest into your home.

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SEASON’S TREND

GO MINIMALIST Does too much sparkle set your teeth on edge? You can create a festive look without swathes of tinsel or twinkling Christmas lights. Team a barely decorated tree with paireddown geometric décor that exudes a festive energy, like paper lanterns and star garlands. NORDIC NEST has a big selection of minimalist Christmas accessories, and some great kitsch pieces, too.

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SEASON’S TREND

BREAK FROM TRADITION Make a statement and give your festive décor a modern edge with a non-traditional palette.

Instead of the typical red, green and gold, add zesty yellow to your greenery or choose contemporary purple and silver.

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SEASON’S TREND

Even a rainbow palette of pretty pastels can be more festive than you think – get the look with playful pompom garlands and an unconventional candy coloured tree.

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SEASON’S TREND

COORDINATE EVERYTHING Spending a lot of time on wrapping gifts? Show them off and make them work as part of your design.

Coordinate your paper, ribbons and bows to complement your colour scheme. Coordinate all your ornaments and accessories too, for a seamless and cohesive look.

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SEASON’S TREND

SCALE DOWN You don’t have to forgo Christmas décor if you’re short on space. A chic mini tree like this angel pine from TROUVA will give your home a festive feel without overwhelming it.

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SEASON’S TREND

Add some unexpected elements that don’t take up square footage, like tree decorations hung from your pendant light or from a display of branches, and the overall effect will be sophisticated instead of cluttered.

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SEASON’S TREND

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