Cannot wait to see it go in the entrance hall, it is going to be amazing!

Console Tables – Villiers Brothers.

Glimpse in to a current project is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

Just look at the detailing on that “handle”

Just beautiful

 Would you be daring enough to have this in your dressing room?

Boca do Lobo | Marie Antoinette | Giant Wall Gilded Mirror.

Giant Wall Gilded Mirror from Boca do Lobo is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

Described by the architects:

“The form of the residence is reminiscent of the movement patterns of a mop, from which flexible volumes are organized diagonally around a central axis. This axis twists upwards to generate spaces that are channeling the vision in different directions: the front side of the house, side gardens and angles of the back street.

The circulation surrounding the patio on the first floor contrives of a succession of living spaces, which not only communicate to one another, but also relate visually the interior of the patio to the exterior. The first floor overhangs to shade the rooms on the ground floor, and the patio is designed to define a break in between the volumes of the house, which subtly reveals a side garden.”

via Mop House by AGI Architects | HomeDSGN, a daily source for inspiration and fresh ideas on interior design and home decoration. via DwellingGawker

Stunning home by AGI Architects is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

I had it at late 1950s at the earliest (although if it had been designed last week I would not have be overly surprised) but, in fact, it was designed in around 1913.  The vibrancy of the colours and the outlandish and unpredictable design are not something that I would associated with that time-frame.  I am also very fond of the purple option which has a real art-deco feel to it in my opinion:

This goes to show how so many artists are ahead of their time – perhaps that is ultimately how one defines genius …

Christopher Farr Rugs is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

This union of ‘home and pool’ makes not only looks stunning but also adds a more social aspect to the pool area as those who do not wish to partake in the usual swimming pool horseplay can sit in (dry) comfort without being completely detached from the rest of the group.  This undoubtedly lends a more homely feel to an already stunning pool area:

With any design of this nature it is vital that a degree of practicality is adhered to.  In the case of a pool area being merged with the ‘home’ area it is vital that the home does not get soaked (especially in the case of an expensive sofa) and this area gives any guests ample opportunity and space to get dry before lazing on the owner’s sofa!

Credit: Freshome

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Beautifully streamlined South African Home is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

I guess there is little mystery as to why!  The brilliant yellow gleamed like gold on coal and simply refused to be ignored.  It is often shocking to me how many ‘designer bags’ do so little to differentiate themselves from their cheaper counterparts: obviously such a charge cannot be levied at this bag (not many bags can boast yellow python as a highlight!).  What can be learned from this bag is that even the most unbelievably vibrant colour can work amazingly as a highlight colour.  People are often afraid of using really vibrant colours as they feel that they can hijack an entire room but the trick is to offset such vibrant colours with more earthy tones (as the designer has done in the case of this bag).  In terms of a room this is an example of using vibrant colours to good affect:

Note how the vibrant yellow and greens are offset by the earthy nature of the wood – the moral of the story is that you can get away with a lot of flash as long as you employ it upon the correct backdrop!

Why is a bag like a room? is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

I just love so many of their products, am really hoping to be able to use them in an upcoming project that i think they are perfect for!

Walter Knoll

http://www.walterknoll.de

Gorgeous products from new supplier – Walter Knoll is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

This is a fine example of the ‘less is more’ principle: you don’t always need a really cultivated garden to to bring out the best in a property – this ‘un-kept’ look really highlights the angular nature of the house and creates an enviable contrast.  The below picture gives you a better idea of the quirky nature of the property:

This walkway leads to the Atlantic Ocean and it is apt that the greenery here is rugged to match the ruggedness of the sea.  In stark contrast, to the North of the property lies the serene Mecox Bay and its serenity is matched cleverly by the garden to the north of the property which is far more cultivated than its southern counterpart:

This architect clearly understand the importance of variation within a large residence and has done an outstanding job of implementing such variation in a logical and coherent manner.

Credit: Freshome

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Rustic meets modern in upstate New York is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

Okay, so here is the thing, when ever you are really deep in to something it can be difficult to see the woods from the trees.  For me I can find hundreds of inspirational pieces of architecture that I look at and just swoon over, however as soon as we get inside I am very often disappointed – sometimes I even get downright mad about how little the interiors have been thought of.  So today I am taking a page out of the glass half full approach and have decided to show you some interior designs that I absolutely love.

First up a bit of summer love – I just can’t help wishing summer was here already and this home in Australia is the essence of summer.[via Freshome]

Then we have this little gem designed by Baroness Bruno de Pampelonne, I love the textures,  I think the artwork makes the whole room rock and the light fixtures are cool.  [via Design Crisis]

I adore mezzanie’s and double height ceilings so this design had me at hello. [via contemporist]

There is something about the understated glam in this photo that I just love even though I know that I would have never designed that island unit like that I still feel that it works [via Eye Spy]

 Another dark and devious room (are we noticing a theme?) [via Contemporist]

Everything gets a lot brighter and a bit more Scandinavian in this next picture.  The main things that drew me to this image were the statement light and the gorgeous warm colours, I also love the texture of that dining table! [via Contemporist]

 And last but by no means least is this amazing dining area… yes again with the statement lighting and I think the mirror wall is just amazing! [via Contemporist]

So there we have it, a few of the images that just make me smile at the moment!

Images that are inspiring me is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

This desk compliments the stunning floor perfectly: it has a classy, professional look which has an obvious modern edge but without looking out of place in a more classic setting.  Another fantastic thing to note about these desks is the sheer number of options that it is available in – like this for example:

I love this deep purple and it is a great indicator of the enormity of exciting options that this company offers.  When using a desk such as this in the center of a room one must be extremely careful to not compromise the overall look by allowing any ill-placed plug sockets to take the shine off the design (such a problem does not exist with bespoke pieces which are attached to a wall obviously).  Notice how in this office no plugs are visible:

This helps to maintain the beauty of the room and, in particular, its streamlined look.

View this product here!

Excellent versatile desks is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

via Impeccable Modern Home Design: Villa VH en T in Belgium | Freshome.

Beautiful White Home Design in Belgium is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

As I often say, the easiest way to give a home a small lift is to identify a dull item within the home and to replace it with a more funky version.  Coat hooks, I think we can all agree, serve a very specific purpose but rarely get anyone’s blood rate raising unless they happen to be these one!

These coat hooks provide an instant talking point and make a feature of that which is usually purely functional.  I think that these would best work within a more industrial looking setting as can be seen below:

If you want to view these items click here!

Adding a small feature into a home can be so easy! is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

Not only is this chair outstandingly comfortable but it also has a classiness to it that really befits an office/study.  The worn leather also gives a rustic slant but without compromising any type of professional working environment that one may be trying to capture.  A truly beautiful piece of furniture.

Credit: Andrew Martin

Andrew Martin ‘Garcia Chair’ is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

In order to merge the backdrop with the property the architect has brought some greenery onto the front porch.  Looking at this picture you might feel that the property is a little on the small side but, as with everything in life, it is a matter of perspective!

This picture gives you a good example of how the architect had the desire to create a house that shuns symmetry and creates lots of ‘shelves and levels’.  I particularly like how the porch almost feels like it is part of the interior due to clever design.  It is also worth noting how important it is to have the correct plot of land with which to work and, judging from this view, it is clear that the owner got a pretty good deal!

Credit: Freshome

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You have got to see this house!!! is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

First up the splat rug from Plantation Rugs, the name really does say it all ~ you never know we might get lucky and the stains just add to the pattern and if not at only £150 it’s a great steal!

Maybe something a little more girly might appeal, I really like this round dotty rug [from £75 from Plantation Rugs]

Last but by no means least is this gorgeous nomadic rug, it might be a bit too busy for the rest of the house’s design but in a girls bedroom where the floor will most likely be “decorated” with clothes I think it could fit right in! [from £100 from Plantation Rugs]

I think that the round one ~yes Charlie for once I actually like the round rug! ~ might be the best one for the design and the colours are perfect – here’s hoping it will survive!

On the search for…wreckable rugs is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

In my search for a dining table recently I found this beauty:

This table has the added advantage of the fact that it can be used within a number of different schemes and the combination of beech wood and cherry wood makes for an eye-turning contrast.  Although I am not a fan of all of ‘ikandi’s’ dining tables there are a number of unique designs that they offer and it will, as a result, be a place that I look in the future whilst searching for dining tables!

To view Ikandi’s dining table collection please click here!

Beautiful ‘ikandi’ dining table is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

First off here is a better look at the room in all it’s glory, as the master bathroom this was one of the 4 new bathrooms we created. (The property was a 4 bed, 1 bath and we converted it in to a 4 bed, 4 bath when doing the refurbishment – we even managed to sneak in a study/gym)

The key to the design in all the bathrooms of this property was to not treat them too much like a bathroom! The needed to be rooms that lead on from each of the main rooms and that were not cold in any way. The may way we did this was to 1. not over due the tiling and used warm paint colours 2. inserting items that are not usually seen in bathroom designs like the over-sized mirror and the beautiful chandelier

I love the ornate finishing on the mirror – it adds such a wow factor to the whole design and the chandelier is beyond stunning!

Just look what the pattern does on the walls and ceiling! It’s so glam!

Pretty daring for a bathroom but we were extremely happy with the end results!

Luxury Bathroom is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

So we are always very careful when picking new suppliers, however this supplier I am about to introduce just instantly took my breath away! I just LOVE the way that they have advertised their silk collection – it is like looking at pieces of art rather than simple fabric swatches (and I LOVE looking at fabric swatches so this is a real complement!)

Which of these is your favourite? Wouldn’t they just be amazing blown up super size and used as art?

Biddle Sawyer Silks – The Silk Source That Expands Creative Expression – Plains.

Biddle Sawyer Silks – The most amazing advertising! is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

The giant stable doors (that have been refinished quite expertly) allow one to not only to get fresh air and a gently breeze pumping through the property but also give one the opportunity to either eat a meal or lie in bed whilst having the sensation of being outside.  In this way the architect has made the most of what are superb surroundings and has resisted the temptation of over complicating the design.  A fine example of this can be seen with the water feature: an example of over design in this instance would have been to create a perfect grassed area around it but the architect/designer declined: why?

The answer is that, in order for a design like this to be truly successful it is necessary to merge the surroundings with the property.  The surroundings are rugged and untamed in their beauty and so this theme must be continued within the confines of property itself:

Credit: Freshome

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Old meets new in spectacular fashion is a post from: Kia Designs Blog

1. not too chunky

2. look good paired up

3. hopefully have a love seat version that can go in another area of the room

So our first option… The tweed from Beautiful modern thing. I like it, its got a nice look too it – not too large or chunky and the price is amazing

Next up is a little more masculine, again from Beautiful Modern Thing-  The Tullio.

Next up something a larger but still not considered chunky. I like it in this gorgeous velvet. Sennen from Sofas and Stuff

Okay so all of these are great on points 1 and 2 but they all fail miserably at point 3 – guess I am going to have to look for a separate snuggler chair!

On the search for… armchairs is a post from: Kia Designs Blog