Get in a good mood…

A good-mood home…

Got the autumn/winter blues? Everyone knows that the summer sunshine is a brilliant way to cheer yourself up and beat the blues. Scientific research states that the effect of sunshine is more than psychological: Light actually helps us produce a hormone called ´serotonin´ and this can positively effect your mood. So increase the flow of natural light into your home.

A few suggestions:

Optimise natural light by replacing those heavy drapes with nice bright fabrics or blinds. Colours too affect the illusion of space so brighten up those walls and ceilings. A monochromatic colour scheme, which is one similar colour with different shades, like off whites for example or creams, beiges and minks will give you an appearance of more space while warm autumn colours like red and yellow will give an impression of a smaller space. If you have a very big room then the autumn palette will work. On the other hand, cool colours like blue and green will give an openness appearance. Be careful though, when choosing a new color for a wall, paint a section of the wall and observe it for a few days at different times. It is a good idea to paint one shade lighter than your sample swatch. Sometimes the colour on your sample will look brighter on a big wall than on a small swatch.You have to consider the natural light in your room.This is important.

Loose those dark carpets and replace them with clean neutral floor coverings such as wood, marble or stone tiles. Wood plays a crucial role in the home. It can strengthen the structure and it´s clean and does not harbour dust and mites which can cause allergies. Stone floors are stable and particularly useful in kitchens, while marble on the other hand, is smooth, hard and polished and looks very good.

Some more points to consider:

When designing your home, the overall look is very important. That basically means your furniture, wall colours, lighting fixtures, everything should be proportional, balanced and harmonious. A small and beautifully designed side table is perhaps beautiful but alongside a bulky and oversized sofa and armchair it will not achieve the ideal look. Always consider other elements in your room when choosing furniture or drapes etc. Ask yourself is it the right size , the right scale, the right colour and style?
Finally…

Your home should always reflect your personality. I cannot stress this enough. You can hire an interior designer, but in the end it should be you and your family’s character that is reflected in your home, not the designers. You can go along with recommendations that are pleasing to you. But you have to live in it. Not the designer!

So to sum up: review your colour scheme, all the natural light to shine through…..all to fight the autumn blues. I hope these few tips help you keep the sunshine in your home and……

remember, a beautiful home is a home that is beautiful to it’s owner.

Lilly Lauterborn, Interior Designer, Cologne/Galway

COLOUR-SPACE-CONCEPT WEBSITE

Popularity: 23% [?]

New Furniture Trends

Passion for Fashion….Are you Trendy?

These are just some of the headlines that captured the International Furniture Fair of 2009 in Cologne.
With a headline like ´passion for fashion´ one would think of the catwalks in Paris, Milan and New York, but no, this is truly a passion for new trends in interior design through a magnificent adventure with shape, dimension and texture.

Walking through the endless halls, I was increasingly aware that
interior design has evolved enormously with almost 3 dimensional
aspects in rugs & carpets. Occasional furniture pieces that were
once cubic are gone, floating curves enter a new period, and yet
the designers are borrowing some hints from the past.

The Art Deco period is still an inspiration to all.  Amongst the new
trends that caught my eye were a ´Schaukelbett´ or ´Rocking Bed´.  You
can rock yourself to sleep in a wonderful creation from the company
´Private Cloud´who presented a bed to impress:  Made from an aluminium
frame with wicker mocca and attached wheels and feet, this rocking bed
can also be fixed with four foldout legs  (www.privatecloud.de)

For those looking for new concepts in floor and wall coverings
with a lasting appeal then look no further than the company ´Apavisa´.
Apavisa porcelanico, is a manufacturer in the production of
high-tech porcelain. Their panels come in a wide range of
finishes, from marble to granite and in a wide variety of colours. The
product is made up of metallic particles recreating the authenticity
of natural steel, that due to external factors can display progressive
aging. The material offers a steel look in finishes such as copper,
silver, patina white to name but a few.  An interesting product with
huge potential and a ´must have´ for designers and architects working on
the commercial front with an interesting appeal that can be worked into
a scheme in the private home.

Another product which caught my eye was ´Gube´ instant furniture. Based
on the simple principle of outer and inner form, they say, not unlike
the human body, the Gube bones are locked through the Gube skin and
combined via plugs and connectors. No tools are necessary for this
system. It is very flexible and made from translucid synthetic with inner parts made from MDF which can be white or black-coated.
The end result is a basic cube which can be transformed into a variety
of furniture assortments. You can make up TV units, coffee tables, book
shelves…..the choice is endless….very practical, transportable and a
system which you can build on and develop as your needs require. Check
it out for yourself. (www.gube-system.com)

Lilly Lauterborn, Interior Designer, Cologne/Galway

Popularity: 24% [?]

How to Use Colour and Pattern

Have you noticed how flexible the rules
have become with colour and pattern these days? It seems like anything goes
now. There was a time when matching colours operated only by working with
opposite sides of the colour-wheel. Although the borders have been stretched
out a little, it is still important to follow some basic rules. Let´s have a
look.

 

v    
Don´t
overdo it.! Less is more as they say. Balance areas of strong bold colour with
plain ones

 

v    
Be
a little adventurous! If you are the type of person who always plays it safe
with the traditional white or cream (once called magnolia but now considered
and old-fashioned term), then why not try a splash of colour. Go for one wall
and make it a feature! Try a nice rich red or burnt orange

 

v    
You
don´t have to spend a lot of money! Colour can be splashed about with simple
vibrant cushions in assorted sizes and patterns.

 

Some questions that I have received
from readers

 

Colour
issues: ´I would like to use plain colours in
my home but I´d also like to introduce a block of pattern to give a more modern
look. What is the easiest way to do this by myself?´

 

I would
suggest to start in a simple way. If your walls are painted in a neutral white
or cream, introduce your pattern by using some nice new colourful cushions,
maybe a new lampshade or perhaps a nice throw. Pick patterns you like in just
one colour, then as you build up your confidence you can slowly add to the
look.

 

Flowers
and stripes: ´Is it ok to mix florals and
stripes?´

 

Absolutely!
This is a hot new look. The key to success is to maintain all the colours
within the same palatte.There is so much to choose from in the shops, you can
have great fun doing this.

 

Wallpaper
big and bold: ´I love the new collections of big
bold printed wallpaper. I would love to use it in my bedroom, but my room is a
bit on the small side. Any ideas?´

 

Wallpaper is
back with a bang in strong vibrant colours as well as soft pastel blocks. You
can make a huge impact on a room by investing a small amount of money and time
wallpapering one wall. But the secret to using it in a small room is to only
use it on one wall. Depending on how small your room is, you can try using a
block wide enough to expand to the width of your bedhead. If your room can take
it, then  why not cover the entire wall.
But choose your colours carefully. Go for soft colours, they will give the
illusion of a bigger space. Go for it!

 

If you have any questions
you would like to ask, please feel free to email me at:

lilly.lauterborn@O2.ie

 

 

www.colour-space-concept.com

Lilly Lauterborn R.I. Dipl.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Changing Rooms

 

It's that time of year when the days are lighter, and so are the rooms in your house.  Now you can see how untidy everything is too!  But nature is on hand to help.  As the days become longer so to does the time to do something about it.  But what to do?  Lilly Lauterborn from 'Colour-Space-Concept'  has some ideas to share…

 

 

The interior designer in you! 

 

What is the first thing that you think of when you want to change a room in your home and give it a whole new look? The colour of your walls? Correct! Certainly, colour is an inexpensive way to create a fresh new look, but have you ever thought beyond that? How about changing the layout of your rooms? This is not so easy and it’s where many people get stuck.  Optimising every inch of space you have without having to knock down walls, put in false ceilings or embark on any other major structural upheavals is really not so difficult, but before you crack open your piggy-bank, buy ten tins of paint and order a new sofa, a few basic questions need to be asked: 

·        What are the rooms functions?  

·        How many people will use the room and for what purposes?  

·        What furniture do you have that you want to use here and do you need any new pieces?  

·        How do you want the room to feel – open, airy & spacious, cozy, minimal or multi-functional?  

·        How much natural light is available and what kinds of lighting do you have? Is it effective? Is it suited to the tasks undertaken in the room? 

·        What are the focal points of the room and how can you take advantage of them? Or, do you need to create  focal points?  

 

Once you've considered all these points, you can start on the actual plan. Make a list of everything you'd ideally want in this room. Measure all your furniture and decide what else is needed to fulfill the requirements you have identified for the room.  Begin by playing on paper. It's much easier to draw or move pieces of paper around than large pieces of furniture. The layout should be easy on the eye with a natural flow and create the right ambience.  

 

Make sure everything is planned to scale and proportion. With a carefully thought-out layout on paper you are already well on the way to creating your new room. Now you can check out the catalogues and the shops – selecting and coordinating all the furnishings needed to make your pencil sketch come alive. The right furniture, flooring or rugs, colours, fabrics, patterns and textures, window and wall treatments, accessories and art. You can have fun doing it all, Or, if you're one of the many people who don't have the time, energy, or creativity yourself to put everything together – but you appreciate beautiful interiors – then consider hiring a professional interior designer to help.  

http://www.colour-space-concept.com/ 

Popularity: 17% [?]

The Interior Designer in You

What is the first thing that you think of when you want to change a room in your home and give it a whole new look? The colour of your walls? Correct! Colour always creates a fresh new look that´s true and it´s not so expensive. But have you ever thought beyond that? How about changing the layout. This is where many people get stuck. Optimising every inch of space that you have without having to knock down walls or put in false ceilings or anything near to as dramatic as that and it´s not so difficult. Using your hard earned cash on new fabrics, accessories or how about a nice new sofa. Let´s look at the basics:

·        Consider what are the functions of this room?  ·        How many people use the space and for what purposes?  ·        What furniture do you have that you want to use here and do you need any new pieces?  ·        How do you want the room to feel – open, airy & spacious, cozy, minimal or multi-functional?  ·        How much natural light is available and what kinds of lighting do you have? Is it effective? Does it suit to the task? ·        What are the focal points of the room and how can you take advantage of them? Or, do you need to create focal points?  Once you've considered all these points, you can start on the actual plan. Make a list of everything you'd ideally want in this room. Measure all your furniture and decide what else is needed to fulfill your desired functions.  Begin by playing on paper. It's much easier to draw or move pieces of paper around than large pieces of furniture. The layout should be easy on the eye with a natural flow and create the right ambience.  After this work to create a new layout is finished, then you've just completed the first step in designing your new room. Make sure everything is planned to scale and proportion. The next step is selecting and coordinating all the furnishings that make your new room come alive – the right furniture, flooring or rugs, colours, fabrics, patterns and textures, window and wall treatments, accessories and art. You can have fun doing it all yourself. Or, if you're one of the many people who don't have the time, energy, or creativity yourself to put everything together – but you appreciate beautiful interiors – then consider hiring a professional interior designer to help.  www.colour-space-concept.com

Popularity: 16% [?]

Deutsch Britische Gesellschaft Working Group Bonn

The Deutsch-Britische Gesellschaft aims to encourage and support
German-British exchange on a social, political and business level, achieved  through the organisation of the high-profile annual conferences in Königswinter for decision-makers from both countries.

Furthermore, the Society invites British speakers to take part in our nationwide lecture
programme based around our local chapters in Germany.

Members and supporters of the DBG are those who are interested in:

• informing
  themselves about current political, social and economic debates in the
  United Kingdom by attending lectures and other events at their local
  branches and by receiving the reports of our bilateral conferences,
• creating a network of individuals interested in German-British Affairs, either for professional or personal reasons.

Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Berlin headoffice. headoffice@debrige.de

The dates for the next series of talks arranged by the Deutsch-Britische Gesellschaft (Working Group Bonn) together with the University Club Bonn e.V. have  been published on their website. If you think you would like to be invited to one of the talks in Bonn then please contact their main Berlin head office.

The Deutsch-Britische Gesellschaft aims to encourage and support German-British exchange on a social, political and business level, achieved  through the organisation of the high-profile annual conferences in Königswinter for decision-makers from both countries.

Furthermore, the Society invites British speakers to take part in our nationwide lecture programme based around our local chapters in Germany.

Popularity: 18% [?]

One room living

Living in a box?

If that's how you feel then the next instalment of 'Lily's Interiors' is just what you need to check out  

One Room Living

 

A multi-purpose room is a real challenge when it comes to planning. The person in it, whether you are a student or working away from your home base and renting simple weekly accomodation, you want to sleep, study, cook, wash, work or just hang out. In a large room you can divide it with the use of open book shelves, dividers etc but in a small room (as most of the rooms to rent  now are!) it is best to make the most out of the space, otherwise it will  become cramped. Find the simplest best-looking furniture and equipment you can afford to give everything a co-ordinated and well-designed quality. The more ´purpose-designed´the room is the better.

 

Let´s look at the priorities:

There must be space for a bed and at least one comfortable chair and a table, however small for eating or working at, storage for clothes and cooking facilities. Fitting an entire life into one small space can present some serious planning problems. How do you combine work and relaxing, cooking and sleeping?

 

 

 

 

 

Sleeping: A good sofa bed is always the best option where space is limited. Choose one with good storage facilities for bedclothes underneath. Position is important. Place it where it can comfortably fit among any other comfortable chairs you may have, facing the television and near a low coffee table. A sofa bed must have enough space to unfold without having to move too many things out of the way.

 

Relaxing, reading and writing: You will need a comfortable upright seat for working and eating. Folding chairs are a good space saver idea. As for the table, you many want to use the same table for working as well as eating. However, if you work long hours in the room, it would be better to have a small work station where everything can remain undisturbed while you eat. 

 

Cooking: This need not be a conventional cooker, you can choose  a microwave oven or a simple desktop electric hotplate.

 

Washing: There should be a sink in the room, however small, especially if there are cooking facilities. A small one with a draining board will be necessary. A few shelves will provide space for everything you need.

 

Storage: Clothes, shoes, books and folders all take up a lot of space. You will also need to consider storage for tableware, cutlery and toiletries. Open shelves are a good option for  a small room because they can be as deep as you want them to be and don´t bring the wall further into the room. Use the space above and around the windows for shelving and the space under the window is ideal for a window seat which can also act as a storage box.

 

Refugium Interiors

Lilly Lauterborn R.I.Dipl.

Tel: 0049 221 68009028

eMail: lilly@refugium-interiors.com

www.refugium-interiors.com

 

Popularity: 21% [?]

Interior Design

An Englishman's home is his castle.

How interior design can make you feel at home in your 'Castle'.

What an Interior Designer can do for you!

 

Interior design services are in high demand. In the last twenty years it has been an ever-increasing market. But it always amazes me how many people are unsure as to what an interior designer actually is and what they can do for you?  So, let us look at the official definition.

 

“The professional Interior Designer is a person, qualified by education, experience and recognised skills, who

 

<!–[if !supportLists]–>      <!–[endif]–>identifies, researches and creatively solves problems pertaining to the function and quality of the interior environment;

<!–[if !supportLists]–>      <!–[endif]–>performs services relative to interior spaces including design analysis, space planning, aesthetics and inspection of work on site, using specialised knowledge of interior construction, building systems and components, building regulations, equipment, materials and furnishings;

<!–[if !supportLists]–>      <!–[endif]–>prepares drawings and documents relative to the design of interior spaces

 

In order to enhance the quality of life and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public”

 

Source: International Federation of Interior Designers 1983

 

 

How does it work and what can we do for you?

It begins with one to one consultation. It is important to gather as much information as possible. Whether it is one room or an entire house/apartment you would like to have designed. Personal likes and dislikes. The time spent on the initial consultation is very important for the designer and for you. It is essential for the Interior Designer to get to know you, your personality, feelings and emotions. All these things are important and should be reflected in your home.

 

The extent of our services is entirely your decision. What do you want?

 

<!–[if !supportLists]–>      <!–[endif]–>colour consultation

<!–[if !supportLists]–>      <!–[endif]–>room layout plans & space management

<!–[if !supportLists]–>      <!–[endif]–>or simply advice and recommendations only

<!–[if !supportLists]–>      <!–[endif]–>a full interior fit-out service (including sourcing, purchasing, positioning of furniture, decoration etc)

<!–[if !supportLists]–>      <!–[endif]–>on-site inspections

 

Finally the decision is always yours.

The Interior Designer is there to guide and to advise!

 

 

lilly@refugium-interiors.com

Popularity: 17% [?]

One Room Living

Remember the old song 'Living in a box'?

Lily's Interiors has some advice if your apartment is, indeed, one room and box-shaped…

One Room Living A multi-purpose room is a real challenge when it comes to planning. The person in it, whether you are a student or working away from your home base and renting simple weekly accomodation, you want to sleep, study, cook, wash, work or just hang out. In a large room you can divide it with the use of open book shelves, dividers etc but in a small room (as most of the rooms to rent  now are!) it is best to make the most out of the space, otherwise it will  become cramped. Find the simplest best-looking furniture and equipment you can afford to give everything a co-ordinated and well-designed quality. The more ´purpose-designed´the room is the better.

Let´s look at the priorities:

There must be space for a bed and at least one comfortable chair and a table, however small for eating or working at, storage for clothes and cooking facilities. Fitting an entire life into one small space can present some serious planning problems. How do you combine work and relaxing, cooking and sleeping? 

Sleeping: A good sofa bed is always the best option where space is limited. Choose one with good storage facilities for bedclothes underneath. Position is important. Place it where it can comfortably fit among any other comfortable chairs you may have, facing the television and near a low coffee table. A sofa bed must have enough space to unfold without having to move too many things out of the way.  Relaxing, reading and writing: You will need a comfortable upright seat for working and eating. Folding chairs are a good space saver idea. As for the table, you many want to use the same table for working as well as eating. However, if you work long hours in the room, it would be better to have a small work station where everything can remain undisturbed while you eat.   Cooking: This need not be a conventional cooker, you can choose  a microwave oven or a simple desktop electric hotplate.  Washing: There should be a sink in the room, however small, especially if there are cooking facilities. A small one with a draining board will be necessary. A few shelves will provide space for everything you need.  Storage: Clothes, shoes, books and folders all take up a lot of space. You will also need to consider storage for tableware, cutlery and toiletries. Open shelves are a good option for  a small room because they can be as deep as you want them to be and don´t bring the wall further into the room. Use the space above and around the windows for shelving and the space under the window is ideal for a window seat which can also act as a storage box.  Refugium InteriorsLilly Lauterborn R.I.Dipl.Tel: 0049 221 68009028eMail: lilly@refugium-interiors.com

www.refugium-interiors.com

 

Popularity: 11% [?]

What about your bedroom?

Refugium Interiors. Meaning place of refuge, a place to resort to, your hideaway. That´s my business name. It´s what I believe your home should be and certainly when it comes to your bedroom, this needs to be a nurturing retreat. In todays world, people are becoming increasingly aware of how important it is to relax and find inner peace. My favourite room in the house is the bedroom. It´s where you spend most of your time. The average adult spends a third of their lives in this room. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is to design your bedroom in a way that promotes relaxation, calms the mind and stimulates distraction from the daily stresses of life.

Meaning place of refuge, a place to resort to, your hideaway. That´s my business name. It´s what I believe your home should be and certainly when it comes to your bedroom, this needs to be a nurturing retreat. In todays world, people are becoming increasingly aware of how important it is to relax and find inner peace. My favourite room in the house is the bedroom. It´s where you spend most of your time. The average adult spends a third of their lives in this room. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is to design your bedroom in a way that promotes relaxation, calms the mind and stimulates distraction from the daily stresses of life.

 

 

Where to begin?

When it comes to interior design, one of my favourite tasks is space management. The location and arrangement of your room can make a huge impact on your health. If your moving into a new house you should try (where possible) to sleep in all of the rooms first and feel the energy in each before you finally decide which one you would like for your bedroom. I also advice you not to be in a hurry when it comes to decorating. Take time to settle in first and get used to the house. Your choice of room should be determined by comfort rather than size. Try to avoid rooms what are close to busy streets and public areas.

 

Whether it is a new house or you´d just like to re-decorate, choosing the right colour is very important when it comes to bedrooms. Choose a colour that is not too vibrant. Strong bold colours disturb your sleeping patterns and deny you of relaxation. Soft delicate creams and golds make a wonderful combination. You can add colour by your choice of bed linen, scatter cushions or throws. If you are lucky enough to have a big bedroom, try not to be tempted to fill it with lots of furniture. Space inspires tranquillity.

 

The main requirement for a bedroom is a comfortable bed. It is undoubtedly the most important piece of furniture that you´ll buy. Buy the best you can. It should be convenient to get in and out of with good ventilation, and ample space for bedclothes. Bedside tables should be designed for convenience. They should be large enough to hold items such as an alarm clock, reading lamps, a book or glass of water.

 

Mirrors should be placed so that you can stand back and get a complete picture of your appearance from top to toe. The light should fall on you and not be reflected in the mirror. Speaking of lighting, getting the lights right can be complicated. You need a lighting system that can be adjusted easily and controlled by switches, preferably dimmers. Soft romantic lighting promotes relaxation and romance and at the same time you also need a system that will provide you with adequate lighting for dressing, putting on your make-up or reading. Natural light should also be taken into consideration. If you like to wake up in the morning with the sunlight shining through the windows, choose nice soft muslin curtains or light blinds. On the other hand, if you´re a person who likes to sleep in a darkened room, outside shutters are a good choice for you.

 

As for storage, most of us have far too many clothes. This is where you need disciplined planning to avoid chaos. If you are not one of the lucky ones and you don´t have a walk-in wardrobe then you need to get yourself organised. A visit to Ikea is probably a good idea. They have excellent hanging systems and storage boxes to help you. Divide your wardrobe in separate compartments, allowing space for the sort of garment that you wear.

 

Floors can take either carpet or wood. My personal favourite is wide-board oak flooring. Don´t use ceramic tiles, marble or granite on bedroom floors. It is not pleasant to get out of bed in the morning and step on a cold floor. If a cold material is already installed, choose a nice rug beside your bed.

 

Your bedroom is your private space, among all the rooms in your house. The bedroom´s look and atmosphere should be the most relaxing and reflective of your personal taste and style.

 

Popularity: 16% [?]

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