JACKEY's ideas
RusticNatural and woodsy, those who favour rustic style find inspiration in the outdoors, simple pleasures and the company of cherished friends. If you sit at the rustic end of this style spectrum, you’re probably drawn to raw, unfinished materials and handcrafted items. This style can be expressed in many ways, from the rough-hewn charm of mountain cabins to a more wabi-sabi, Zen-inspired aesthetic.
The spectrum: Urban to rusticUrbanSophisticated and cultured, city lovers want to be in the heart of the action and don’t mind making do with a smaller space if it means being able to walk to a favourite restaurant or museum. If you’re drawn to the urban end of this style spectrum, you may value the arts as well as innovations in design and technology.
RelaxedLaid-back, chilled-out, easygoing – if you lean toward the relaxed end of this style spectrum, you probably like the idea of a “barefoot home.” Low-key and casual, the relaxed home is a place where you want your friends to get that mi casa es su casa feeling. Your version of relaxed style might be ’70s bohemian, breezy beach house or easygoing traditional – no matter which direction you take it, relaxed is all about ease.
MaximalAbundant, dramatic, bold, over-the-top, multilayered and artistic – maximalists think that more is more! The maximal space shown here is also playful and modern, but that’s not the only way – your version of maximalism might be stately and traditional, with floor-to-ceiling books, a salon-style art wall, leather chesterfield sofa and layered Oriental rugs.Here’s all you need to know about maximalism
The spectrum: Minimal to maximalMinimal True minimalists are enamoured (maybe even a tad obsessed?) with simplicity. Focused on the essentials and always editing, those who fall toward this end of the spectrum can’t stand excess and waste. Keeping things clean and clear allows the elegance of beautiful design to come through, and it helps keep the mind clear so creativity can flourish.
The spectrum: Neutral to colourfulNeutralPeople who love neutrals are drawn to warm, rich, earthy tones, natural materials and varied textures. Far from being boring, a well-designed neutral scheme can be sophisticated when layered with a range of tones, from parchment and cream to “greige,” mocha and espresso.
Reflection of the rich culture
Great ambiance
14. Make it easy to get the laundry to the laundry roomLaundry chutes are low tech but require careful planning to locate them well. Bathrooms or halls near bedrooms are both great spots, making it easy for everyone in the family to send dirty clothes straight to the laundry room.
12. Choose furniture with storageWhile built-in storage is wonderful, don’t forget to consider storage when choosing your furnishings. Storage ottomans give you a quick spot for stashing magazines, toys or throw blankets.
11. Plan your storage carefullyMake use of every nook and cranny. I could do several ideabooks just on the topic of storage alone. But these two basic guidelines will help you plan storage that helps you clean up in a hurry.Put storage near the place where the items to be stored are actually used: This window seat storage is handy for holding extra lap blankets for the sofa. If this is a family room, games or toys might go in here. This would be much closer than a hall closet halfway across the house.Locate your most often used storage where it is easy to reach: Although cabinets or closets that run all the way to the ceiling do make use of space, if you have to drag a step stool out to put things away, it will slow you down. Save those high cabinets for items rarely used. Check out these 20 ingenious storage tricks
9. Send in the slipcoversThey’re another good choice for easy-clean upholstery if you make sure they are machine washable. If you’re having custom slipcovers made, be sure to select machine-washable fabric and to have it washed before they are sewn.
7. Consider upholstery choices beyond leatherThese gorgeous and sophisticated dining chairs use faux leather (yes, that is an upscale way of saying vinyl) on their seats. Vinyl upholstery has come a long way from the very plastic-looking white or black we are all used to. Good-quality designer brands have options that really, really look like leather. And if the leather look isn’t for you, they have textures that imitate fabric very convincingly.8. Don’t forget fabric Choose contract-grade fabrics that have been treated to be stain repellant. I’m having some custom-designed dining chairs made and have selected a luscious textured velvet that is treated with a stain repellent. Water runs right off of it so well that it is almost hard to get it wet. And I’ve chosen a deep garnet colour, so it doesn’t show every little smudge. Good-quality fabrics are worth their extra cost.
6. Choose upholstery fabrics that are durable, stain resistant and easy to cleanLeather upholstery is a favourite for people with children because it is easy to wipe off. I would stay away from white or ivory leather if you’re choosing it for ease of cleaning, because things like red wine and yellow mustard can stain the leather. A better choice would be charcoal grey, black, taupe, brandy or chocolate colours.Wondering which upholstery fabric is right for you?
Project: Shell houseArchitect: Dipen Gada and Associates
LobbiesProject: Fragment houseArchitect: Gaurav Roy Choudhury Architects
Project: SC residenceArchitect: Aamir and Hameeda Associates
Staircase designsProject: Shalom – Residential bungalowArchitect: Mansi DesaiSee more images of this Mahabaleshwar home
Project: Apartment at Pebble BayArchitect: Praxis
Puja roomsProject: Chaitra’s residenceArchitect: Design Cafe
Home officesProject: Private residenceArchitect: SAK Designs
Project: House 1058Architect: Khosla Associates
Project: Residence for AnandsArchitect: Group DCAKnow more about this Delhi home
Children’s bedroomsProject: Ghadiali’sArchitect: The Working Ants
Terrarium ideas
CarePlace this terrarium in a shady spot. It likes to be a bit more moist, Chapman says. The wire vine, especially, needs water, so you may need to water it twice a week. Make sure you don’t have any water sitting in the bottom, she says, but it also shouldn’t be dry. As the plants grow, the spider plant and wire vine will start to trail down and out of the terrarium, which is great, but the begonia will get a little too big and eventually will need to be replanted elsewhere. Read more:5 Ways to Recreate the Tropics in Your Home DecorTell us:Have you used terrariums in your home? Share images and your ideas in the Comments below.
Step 2Set the plants inside the moss bed, loosening the roots as you go. Chapman recommends starting with your tallest plant – in this case, the begonia. Continue with the spider plant and wire vine.
3. Lush terrariumSuppliesTerrariumMoss (Chapman uses clumping moss, but sheet moss works too)BegoniaSpider plantCreeping wire vineStep 1In the base of the terrarium, arrange the moss so that the green side is against the side of the terrarium, with the brown side facing inward.
Step 5Make a design in the sand by poking a chopstick down into the sand. Have fun with this, Chapman says, by trying different depths and sizes of poking instruments. Care Hang or sit this terrarium in a window with bright light. You will need to water the succulents, but do so carefully and infrequently, Chapman says. As time goes by, the succulents will start to grow together. You can pull them out when they start to get too big for the space. Here’s how to live and care for plants
Step 3Add another layer of sand to your terrarium. Chapman creates a funnel with paper and string, but you could also use a kitchen funnel. She adds sand until it almost reaches the top of the container. Step 4 Add another layer of sand to cover the top of the container. She uses the same colour of sand as she used for the first layer. Add sand until you cover the succulents’ soil to make it look tidy, she says.
Continue adding succulents to the container, breaking up the soil as you go. Then set the completed pot of succulents in the sand.
Step 2Find a spray-can lid or other small container and tuck in your succulents. Chapman’s lid doesn’t have a drainage hole. This means the sand will stay clean, but she will have to closely monitor the watering. Tip: Use tongs while working with any spiky plants so that you don’t poke your fingers.
2. Desertscape terrariumSuppliesTerrariumSand or rocksSpray-can lid or other small container, such as a cup or tiny pie tinSucculents (Chapman uses a cactus (Cactaceae), lithops (Aizoaceae), Senecio haworthii and Kalanchoe tomentosa, each growing in a container that is 2 inches across or smaller)TongsFunnel (Chapman makes one out of paper and string) ChopstickStep 1In the base of the terrarium, pour in your first layer of sand. Chapman recommends picking two or three colours that work well together. “The layers through the clear glass make it more interesting to view from below or the side,” she says.Want more indoor plants? Here’s how to grow Peace Lily
CareThis type of a terrarium will stay alive for a long time, Chapman says. Hang or place the terrarium in a spot that gets bright light to light shade, but keep it out of direct sunlight, she advises. To water the air plants, you can spritz them or soak them. Chapman prefers soaking them to avoid little water spots on her plants. If you soak them, make sure to shake off the excess water, leaving no water in the crevices.
Step 2Tuck air plants into the rocks slightly to hold them in place. “I like the air plants to hang on and dangle partly out of the vase for a whimsical effect,” she says.
1. Rocky terrariumSuppliesTerrarium (you can find this one on Houzz)Aquarium rocksAir plantsStep 1 In the base of the terrarium, pour in the aquarium rocks. Chapman uses white ones, but you can use any colour you like.Check out these 9 best DIY projects on Houzz
Watch now: 1 Modern Terrarium in 3 Styles For these three arrangements, Chapman uses the same faceted glass terrarium. This one allows users to hang it up or sit it on a tabletop. Terrariums are great for people short on space, Chapman says. She enjoys hanging one from above and watching it dangle. It’s perfect for small homes, hardworking offices or busy kitchens. “The clear base can be a challenge,” Chapman says. To make it pretty, she turns to rocks, sand and moss instead of soil.
8. Play with colour, materials, finishes and placement A light-filled space gives me joy and energy. For others a more cave-like space will have the same effect. It’s all about finding your comfort zone with ambient lighting.Tip: Use a few strategically placed lights to add personality. Think beyond the grid When you develop a lighting plan, look at the features of the room and think in terms of patterns, drawing on the geometry of the room. Colour, materials and finish all play into whether a room is bright and airy or dark and moody. Take all of these into consideration. Lighting can enhance or play down these elements.Lighting is very technical and one of the most complex areas of design. There are so many variables that investing in a great lighting consultant will help you achieve the most comprehensive result best suited to your needs. Read more:10 Ways to Get the Lighting Right in Your HomeTell us:How have you designed the lighting in your home? Share tips in the Comments below.
Australia. Clean lines, arched ceilings, storage-rich, relaxing yet pulsating with a rich vibe – dressing room that checks all boxes. Read more:Accessorising Tips: Learn the Art of Styling Your Dressing TableTell us:Which dressing room/area did you like the most? Tell us in the Comments below.
United Kingdom. A high-street fashion store with a mirrored shell and the most classy, modish furnishings and finishes.
United States. Refined taste – a room resonating with understated glamour where sophisticated colours, seating and lights make home.
United States. Takes you back in time with its Victorian-style, posh design style, doesn’t it?
Denmark. All things white and beautiful. Plus the exquisite in-built units and hanging light … cherry on top for this splendid space.
Singapore. The extravagance of the user’s possessions are given their due – an endless storage and a pretty vanity unit made of dreams.
United States. Industrial yet glam with large murals, unconventional seating all enclosed within a dark, woody dressing area. We are hooked.
The spectrum: Classic to playfulClassic If your tastes run toward the classic side of this style spectrum, you appreciate a sense of history and crave spaces with some gravitas. Classic spaces are serious, elegant and well-thought-out. You appreciate planning, symmetry and tradition and feel inspired by classic garden designs and architecture.See how classic meets contemporary in this Hyderabad home
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