Tips on Interior Style - think space

Designing a house is all about space. Firstly, you need to figure out how much of it you need; secondly, how much you can afford; and thirdly how you will use it. But actual size doesn’t always have a direct bearing on a home’s sense of space.

In fact ‘spaciousness’ has more to do with factors such as flow, light, colour, ceiling height, consistency, and storage, rather than anything that can be quantified with a tape measure.

Over the last quarter century there has been a definite trend towards the ‘open-plan’ home. This has seen a move away from separate lounge, dining room, and kitchen towards a multi-purpose cooking, dining and living space. In principle, the idea is that you get more usable space from one big room than you do from a series of smaller rooms. In practice, that’s fine until you try living in a space that pits the TV against the stereo or food processor.

More recently families (and designers) are recognising the need to separate noise producing activities in the interests of family harmony. This doesn’t mean a return to the Victorian approach of a separate room for every activity (tea in the parlour anyone?), but it does mean that designers are becoming more inventive with creating spatial flexibility, finding new ways to allow spaces to be opened up to create room, or shut down into discrete areas.

Cavity sliders are the easiest way to create flexible spaces. A solid timber slider becomes a moveable wall, containing noise, and allowing a smaller, more intimate space to be created. This also has the advantage in winter of being easier to heat.

Moveable translucent glass panels create a sense of separation, without the solidity of a solid timber slider.

Moveable shuttered panels are another way to create a flexible separate space with the option to open up the shutter to allow ventilation and light through.

Large pivoting doors that sit back against the wall are another great option, and can create a dramatic effect if you have the wall-space to accommodate one.

When designing a room that opens up and shuts down, be aware that the spaces need to work in both configurations. This may have an impact on the way you arrange furniture. It is also important to consider how you will light and heat each space.

Use flooring to create integration or separation of spaces. Using the same flooring throughout will help create a visual flow, when the room is opened up, but by using a different flooring you can create a different mood. For example, carpeting will help to create a more cosy ambiance in a smaller area off a larger room with hard flooring.

If you don’t want to divide the room physically, there are many other ways to create a sense of separate spaces within a larger area:

Columns or timber or metal posts can used to ‘contain’ a dining area. James Hardie columns have been used in this way in the David Reid Show Home in Christchurch.

Raising or lowering ceiling heights within one space will create different ‘zones’. A lower ceiling will create a more intimate dining space for example. A double-height ceiling will create a sense of space even in a small area.

Change the floor level. A couple of steps up or down makes a big difference to the way we perceive the space.

Partially partition a room with a large built-in book or display shelf. By displaying well-lit objects on one side and books on the other, you will create two very different moods.

A change of wall colour can be used to define a separate area. For example, a darker, warmer colour in the dining area will help to create a sense of intimacy.

Lighting can also be used to create different zones. Make sure your lighting plan gives you flexibility to define individual areas and create different moods within the same room.

from:http://www.lookhome.com.au/GetIntoIt/GetIdeas/InteriorStyle/ThinkingAboutSpace.htm

water on the wall - Rumah Mode, Bandung

toilet - Rumah Mode, Bandung

Rumah Mode is the biggest factory outlet in Bandung and has various type of branded clothes. It gets very crowded on weekends especially with patrons from Jakarta.

Its a nice boutique type factory outlet with nice deco, even in the toilet. Click on the photo for a larger image

renovation tips

#1 The RM $$ Rule

It really will take longer and cost more than you expect. Don't fool yourself into thinking otherwise!

#2 Reuse What You Can

Recycle.. recycle.. recycle.

#3 To DIY or Hire Out?

Do a cost benefit analysis when you're deciding whether to learn a new skill or hire out. In fact, this may not be the time to learn a new skill! Let me rephrase, you need to have a really good handle on your skill level. It depends too, on the level of renovation you are undertaking; if you're redoing a second bathroom—take your time and learn how to tile. If you've just gutted an entire house and don't want to live with your in-laws for the next five years, you may want to hire out for any tasks with which you don't have some experience and/or expertise.

#4 Do it Almost Yourself

You can save a lot of money by doing almost all of the work and having a professional finish up. However, you'll have to find someone who is comfortable with this proposition.

#5 Look for a "Re-Use-It Center"

Check your area for a centre that accepts donations of building materials and resell it to others. Since we were designing our own plan we can save ourselves a good bit of $$.

#6 Oops! Paint

You'll save time and money if you paint your house one color. Yeah, I know, pretty boring! But keep in mind that it's a lot easier to keep going with a nice cream color in every room than to change colors repeatedly. However, if you'd rather go with different colors—check out your paint supplier's returned. These are custom mixed colors that have been returned to the store. You may not find anything that you like, but if you do, you'll pay half as much for the "oops" paint.

#7 Low Hide Paint Colors

Have you ever seen the notation "low hide" on a paint sample and not understood what it meant? You'll find this on dark yellow, orange, and red colors. Quite literally, it means that the paint does a rotten job of covering the walls. Expect to apply 5-6 coats before you have a solid color. Do yourselves a favor and splurge on tinted primer; this will give you a head start and reduce the number of coats needed!

Did I mention it will take longer and be more expensive than you planned for?

#8 Will You Still Like Each Other When It's Done?

No matter the scope of your project, make sure your relationships can withstand the project! Where will you live while the renovation is underway? If you bunk with your parents or in-laws, be careful of your relationships. It's tough to live with anyone, but the stress of a big project like this and the inability to "get away from each other" will make it particularly challenging. If you're going to live in the house while renovating, think three times.

from http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~cnw52/tips.html