Multi-use living spaces

The word on the block is that the balancing of life with other different aspects such as work, relaxing and entertaining is becoming easier by the day. It is now fully recognised that this is a very important deciding factor in interior design.

Image courtesy of TuoManDuo.com

It is designing for the future. Adapting for the future. Easy living for the future.

It is the new way of living. It is about making lifestyles easier.

Living spaces, work spaces, eat spaces etc The list goes on & on ..................

Forever changing lifestyles now need to accommodate flexible living. Instead of single purpose traditional rooms – we are now seeing large multi-purpose family spaces. One space can now be adapted to suit a variety of uses and also at different times of the day with minimal change to the original style.

image courtesy of www.formaonline.com

Relaxing, working, dining and entertaining are all the basic zoning elements. Most spaces kind of do-it-all nowadays.

image courtsey of charlesandhudson.com

A lot of living rooms now have a space or corner for a mini “home-office”. Or work area. As the trend of working from home becomes more and more the in-thing to do, interior designers have to take into account this growing need.

Image courtesy of tuman duo.com

Studio apartments are quite on-ball when it comes to multi-functional living spaces since the “one-room” is the cum living room cum bedroom cum kitchenette. Very, very practical!!!

Image courtesy of www.tuamanduo.com

}My Take on Multi Use Living - I think Multi-Use (Hub) Living Spaces are dead cool !!!! ~  

© Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved. Dezine Konnections 

Oriental influences ....2011 Chinese New Year of the Rabbit

wallpapers.dgreetings.com

The Year of the Rabbit (4^th animal in the Chinese Zodiac – there are 12 in total). The Rabbit is believed to be calm, sensitive, compassionate, affectionate, a peacemaker and family-oriented. The Rabbit for 2011 is the metal rabbit aka the “White Rabbit”. Celebrations take the form of traditional dragon or lion dances and is also known as the Spring Festival. Children carry red lanterns during the parade. The New Year is seen as a time for family, thanksgiving and reunions.

We all experience Oriental influences in our lives, one way or the other! Every major city in the world has a “Chinatown” in it’s city centre or downtown. Chinese restaurants and takeaways dot every corner of the world.

 www.freedigitalphotos.net

The Chinese introduced Oriental themes to interior design with the most popular being the use of the “fiery” red colour which stands for “Goodluck” in Chinese culture.  Let’s not forget the ancient art of Feng Shui and fabulous wooden furniture with fantastic hand-painted details and lacquer.

There’s also Chinoiserie - a French term which translates to "Chinese-esque". Or simply when broken down loosely means Chinese art and design interpreted by Europeans - Westernised Chinese styles and design. It dates back to the 17^th and 18^th Century.

Below is my very own lovely piece of Chinoiserie – Mother of Pearl Chinese Mirror (minus the elephant of course !!!). See the beautiful Chinese detail and Mother of Pearl Chinese women. And let's not forget the all-too-familiar "Black Lacquer" background. I think it's awesome!!!!

 

“ The Oxford Dictionary defines Chinoiserie noun (plural chinoiseries)

1) a decorative style in Western art, furniture, and architecture, especially in the 18th century, characterized by the use of Chinese motifs and techniques:[as modifier] :hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper

 2) chinoiserie objects or decorations: his apartment was filled with chinoiserie ”

Happy Chinese New Year to everyone all over the world.

Tola Laseinde

© Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved. Dezine Konnections 

Hot Honeysuckle - The Colour of 2011

The word on the design block is “Honeysuckle”. It’s been declared and is now out there. It is so unavoidable.


According to PANTONE {world authority on colour}, the Colour of the Year for 2011 is "PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle". 
Pantone describes it is a colour for all seasons. Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new colour, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a colour for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it.

Past Pantone Colours of the year are:

·         Pantone 15-5519 Turquoise {2010}

·         Pantone 14-0848 Mimosa {2009}

·         Pantone 18-3943 Blue Iris {2008}

·         Pantone 19-1557 Chili Pepper {2007}

·         Pantone 13-1106 Sand Dollar {2006}

·         Pantone 15-5217 Blue Turquoise {2005}

·         Pantone 17-1456 Tigerlily {2004}

·         Pantone 14-4811 Aqua Sky {2003}

·         Pantone 19-1664 True Red {2002}

·         Pantone 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose {2001}

·         Pantone 15-4020 Cerulean {2000}

For more information about Pantone Colour of the Year, please visit: http://www.pantone.co.uk/pages/pantone/Pantone.aspx?pg=20821&ca=4

So what exactly IS Honeysuckle?

It is the flower of quite a common garden plant which produces a highly perfumed scent which is sometimes described as heaven “scent”. And I so second that. The flower looks like a cart-wheel and is delicately pretty.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary’s also defines it as follows: “honeysuckle noun is a climbing plant with flowers that smell sweet”


Honeysuckle is described by some experts as a “reddish” pink, very vibrant and warm.I can't wait to start blending this absolutely fab colour into my interior design themes. Reminds me of sweets in a candy store.

My very own nickname for Honeysuckle is "CANDY PINK". The best eye candy around!


Here are a few of my favourite Honeysuckle inspirations

"My take on Honeysuckle – very vibrant, undeniably uplifting and it is definitely one colour that suits all"

Honeysuckle is HOT!!!!!

Tola Laseinde

© Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved. Dezine Konnections 

My first EVER Blog post.......... YAAY!!!!

Hi everyone. Finally I have gotten my act together in creating and introducing my first ever blog and blog post. The “EVE”  before Christmas 2010. Just in the nick of time. I know I will have to get used to blogging like learning the lingo and knowing how to tweak my blogs to ensure that my readers and followers always come back for more. I just wanted to get this show on the road before 2011 begins and New Year "Resolutions" kick in. Phew!!!!

Introductions first. My name is Tola Laseinde and I run an Interior Design business in Hertfordshire, UK called “DEZINE KONNECTIONS INTERIOR DESIGN”. I provide full interior design services as well as sell Gifts (original african paintings, african art & objects, scented candles, scented soaps to name a few). My background had always been Accounting and Finance after graduating with a B.Sc (Hons) in Economics from university. But I could never get rid of my inner desire of rejigging colours , fabrics, furniture, storage, window dressings, flooring and space to create stunning interiors . I have always been interested in  Interior Design from a very early age and am fascinated immensely by architecture, buildings, inner spaces, focal points - you name it!!! I have a great passion for African, Art Deco, Oriental, Contemporary, Ecclectic and Traditional Styles (but not limiting myself – I deliver what the client wants)

As expressed on my website (www.dezinekonnecions.com), I will be updating you frequently on various topics and issues that are of interest to me and, hopefully, my readers all over the globe. That's the plan.

Topics will include things like

• Current  & Future Trends
• Colour & Mix
• African Art & tradition

....... just to name a few!!!!!

Also check my website from time to time for new products and updates. I am on Facebook and LinkedIn.

I WISH Y’ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR IN 2011