Lighting

Lighting in the home can contribute massively to the feel, mood and design of a room, from minimalistic LED down lights in a kitchen to grand traditional hand blown glass chandeliers in dining rooms.  Lighting has the ability to create a feel good setting and is one of the most dynamic elements when looking at the design of a room.  Homes wouldn’t be complete without the energy of lighting; they would feel bare, cold and unwelcoming.

When pulling a scheme together, the lighting is often the finishing touch.  Like adding the final sparkle to an outfit, lighting can make as much or as little of a statement as you want it to.

Different lighting can suit different situations, for example, the above light is a gorgeous statement piece, covered in dangling crystals, for a hallway or a stairwell.  Something like this would allow for maximum impact and would enhance the space with as much style and glamour as you wish.

In 2012, one of the most popular mediums of lighting is without a doubt crystal.  Crystal has always been a source of fascination and popularity because of its beautiful, magical look.  Its ability to be incorporated into not only contemporary spaces but traditional ones too has meant that its variety has expanded to coloured crystal which we tend to find in chandeliers, using an array of colours such as, pink, blood orange red and ice blue.


 If current ranges or standard sizes aren’t fulfilling what our clients want then we look at commissioning a bespoke piece to be made.  This bespoke piece can suit any dimension, style or finish that our clients desire.  We can specify all properties of the light from the shape to the colour. 

This is becoming increasingly popular as customers want a one off piece that they know no one else in the world will have.  They want their friends and family to be wowed, so we have to be sure that we design a piece that will always ensure we achieve the statement our clients are seeking.

If you are thinking of changing the lighting either throughout your home or even in one specific room, with the high standard of advice that the design team at Concept Interiors can deliver you will not only be able to explore what is on offer from the newest ranges to exclusive pieces but also select something that is not only right for you but right for your space.

Our New Development

Concept Developments and Interiors of Weybridge, have, for the first time, teamed up together using a design and build approach to create their own charming new residential development.

Our young and fast growing company has had great input into this exciting project from the very beginning. This has involved everything from sourcing the land, bringing sharp and enthusiastic design ideas to the table by our experienced design team, through to sourcing and managing the bricks and mortar laid on site.

There are 13 houses currently under construction with phase 1 close to completion. We have designed them with open plan modern living, which proves very popular, attracting young professionals that wish to live in the trendy suburbs of Surrey

The show home that we will be launching in August will give any viewers an insight to the potential of how their home could function and look. All houses will be installed with the latest technology for everyday living and they will even be future proof! A well designed kitchen in wenge and gloss alabaster, with integrated appliances, keeping the Italian inspired design clean and fresh. A bespoke sound system has been integrated within both the kitchen area and living space keeping the modern open plan living clutter free. These are just a couple of luxury installations found within our new homes. Our interior designers have specified all of the furniture and accessories to go into our show home giving you a realistic idea of space and proportions when inside the dwelling.

As a designer, I feel that natural light has a major effect on the design of a building. When designing each house this was an objective that we felt we needed to achieve within these new 2 bed homes by introducing bi-fold doors bringing the outside in and a pitched glazed roof over part of the living space.

This new venture has not only been very successful for Concept, but we have been able to learn from this new niche market. We are very excited to carry on and produce more luxury homes for young professionals in Surrey and the surrounding areas of London.

Showroom

At Concept we are constantly researching the most recent and fashionable trends for interiors, to provide our clients with the highest standard in every aspect of their design.  We often have clients approach us to find out what is new and what can they incorporate into their schemes to wow their friends at their next dinner party. 

Our showroom in Weybridge has been open now for just over a year and has allowed us to showcase our most favourite fabrics and furniture to the public.  Our displays of furniture have changed from concentrating on the indulgent velvets and subtly glamorous gold tones to incorporating funkier, more eye catching stylish items while exploring the realms of bolder patterns along with subtly toned crocodile and shagreen prints to keep up with this summer’s ever growing trends.  We have just experienced our first furniture turnaround of the year and have been delighted with the response.  Not only from existing clients, but by customers having to come in to see why they are being distracted when driving or walking past.  

 

The image above showcases a beautiful statement end of bed bench featured in a stunning, thick patterned taupe and black zebra print fabric with black velvet scatter cushions, which we have in the showroom at the moment.  This tribal piece would add style and glamour to any bedroom setting.  For some, the fabric choice may be bold, but as is common knowledge, fashion runs directly alongside interiors and with the catwalks filling up with bold prints, we felt it only necessary to add some sort of tribute to this.  

With the likes of D&G, Peter Pilotto & Mary Katrantzou offering mismatched prints, we have tried to stay more along the lines of DVF, Anna Sui & Erdem, which is a more uniformed look.  The idea was more to have a statement piece to give just a small pop of this fashion trend.

We all know that this year was the Diamond Jubilee, which is an excuse for celebration across the nation.  Everywhere we can see shop widows flooded by union jack bunting and token British accessories, but here at Concept Interiors, we have tried to incorporate this fabulous theme through the medium of lighting, to add that diamond sparkle into our showroom.

When looking at this theme we have tried to incorporate a variety of lighting pieces to reflect this design.  From wall lights, to ceiling lights to down light covers, everything must be sparkly!  With a long list of lighting suppliers, we have carefully chosen the most striking and eye catching pieces we could find to fit our space.

(

This sophisticated table lamp would suit even a more masculine setting like a study or a formal dining room, but still has that hint of sparkle to bring in the Jubilee style.

With future 2013 seasons already being previewed from the likes of Chanel, Christian Dior and Jason Wu, it is evident that the future showroom furniture and fabric choices will reflect that of colour, style and clean cut lines, as we progressively look to create new and inspiring environments whilst moving onwards and upwards to achieve the highest and best results we can.  As the American philosopher Henry David Thoreau once said, ‘Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new.’ 

Accessorising

Do not underestimate the power of accessories. It is true to say that accessories are not clutter. They are specifically chosen items placed carefully and considerately within a room. Also known as ‘final details’ or ‘finishing touches’, accessories anchor a scheme, unite everything together and can turn a house into a home. Carefully chosen pieces can give your home a fresh look on any budget. Lamps, rugs, sculptures, artwork, mirrors, cushions, throws, candles, vases, flowers and more can be used to add drama and impact and inject colour, light and texture. Zingy hues, reflective metallics and sparkling crystals can bring any room to life.

 

Just as the various rooms in a home all serve a purpose; so must each of the accessories serve a purpose. As Le Corbusier said, “a house is a machine for living”. Therefore, keep in mind the practicalities of your chosen items and their location. Form and function must be intertwined in order to maintain balance. A lamp is an accessory and its function is obvious, whereas a sculpture naturally has form and its purpose should be to fill a void, to draw the eye and to ensure equal distribution of weight within the space.

Following, is a list of some of the purposes an accessory may have. Whilst the list is certainly not exhaustive it does provide a number of suggestions worth considering.

1.       Support the function of the room:Firstly, give thought to what the rooms function is and select only accessories that will strengthen and support that.

2.       Add colour: This is especially important in neutral coloured rooms. Adding colour through well-chosen accessories can help create interest and inject personality and life.

3.                Draw the eye: You may find this especially useful for diverting attention from less aesthetically pleasing areas of a room. Conversely, you may like to use this technique to ensure a particularly favoured area is highlighted.

4.       Add warmth: Throws and cushions are a lovely addition to living areas and bedrooms. Not only do they function to add comfort they also add colour and texture.

5.       Balance a room:  Accessories can be used to inject an accent colour, add weight, anchor a scheme or fill a void but composition must be considered to maintain the equilibrium.

6.       Create textural interest: If your room is predominantly one texture, use accessories to add depth and interest. This is especially useful if you are not too keen on colour.

7.       Tie together a grouping: Carefully considered placement is vital and composition is everything when you are using multiple items in any one space. Also bear in mind that odd numbers are generally more aesthetically pleasing than evens.

Almost nothing will kill the appealing qualities of a room faster than clutter. Carefully scrutinize each and every accessory before you include it in your scheme. Simply put, designing your home whilst considering both form and function, will see that you are left with a well-considered, balanced and beautiful space.

                                                                     

Top 3 Home & Fashion Trends This Summer

This week has been the hottest of the year so far and a multitude of women have stepped out in bright dresses with various bold prints. Just like we are getting our wardrobes ready for Summer and the seasonal trends, we should get our homes ready too! After all the fashion and home trends are often very much in line with each other – so we can match our handbags with our curtains! 

Being in line with ‘what is in’ does not necessarily mean spending a fortune. Trends change so regularly that it is extremely expensive to change the whole of your house accordingly. It can be merely changing the decorative accessories or fabric of your cushions. Similar to when there is a new fashion trend – you simply coordinate it with what you’ve got.

In both the fashion and home industry, the Aztec trend is very much in at the moment. Big bold patterns and jaggered lines and shapes are making a statement on everything! People are often put off bringing bold patterns in their home as they think it can be too overpowering or that it won’t integrate well with what else is in their home. However, if you combine bold patterns with things which are fairly plain and neutral – it can really showcase something. For example, if you were going to wear a really patterned and detailed top you would most probably match it with leggings or jeans – something which won’t detract from the top. Similarly, a neutral sofa looks great with patterned cushions and achieves a look which is stylish and powerful but not at all overwhelming. 

A Similar trend which is very much in at the moment is that of the Tribal theme. Lots of black and gold and beautiful animal prints are on trend this season! Our new Showroom furniture features gorgeous animal prints and looks extremely beautiful with simple, bold colours – blacks, browns and gold’s are often favourites. Be careful not to create a room which is too dark by using too many browns and blacks. Use this theme in a room with lots of natural light to help avoid creating too a dark an atmosphere. The key to this trend, both in fashion and home, is lots of accessories! Tribal jewelry and shoes can make any black dress look tribal! Similarly, lots of gold and bronze sculptures and patterned fabrics can give a tribal feel to a room.

Bright Colours are always a Summer Seasonal must! Use big, bold and bright colours to bring a sense of summer in to your home and wardrobe! You don’t have to paint your room bright orange to achieve this look, simply add colourful accessories and fabrics to create a summer feel. Bright colours work well with contrasting colours and also with neutral colours so it is a fairly easy trend to incorporate into your home and wardrobe. But remember not to go too over the top – minimal splashes of bright colours often look better than excessive amounts. For example, if you were going to paint a room red, depending on the size of the room, it often looks better having a feature wall painted red i.e. one wall. If you have a fairly neutral room, perhaps use bright curtains, blinds and cushions to brighten up your room or alternatively a bold rug. Just ensure you don’t overdo and make sure there is lots of neutral colours around - otherwise it can be too overwhelming!

 

Following these 3 trends, you can ensure you’ll be on trend in your home and in your fashion this summer. You can make your house beautiful for all the barbecues and summer festivities you’ll be hosting and look gorgeous whilst doing it! Remember you don't necessarily have to spend a fortune to keep on trend - just spend wisely! If you’d like any more inspiration and ideas for your home, please come and look at our beautiful showroom in Weybridge or give us a call on 01932 241380.