DON'T BE SQUARE! IT'S HIP TO BE ROUND.

@studioolivergustav olivergustav.com

When designing a space, it's important to create some sort of balance. That doesn't mean creating boring spaces by following some sort of set formula. It's about seeing what you have and ensuring there's interest and flow. The spaces we live in tend to come with ready made square lines - walls, ceilings, doors, windows, floorboards, tiles ... We then often add pieces with more square lines, in the form of rectangular or square dining tables, sofas, consoles, cabinets, rugs, beds etc. It all ends up looking harsh and angular. Incorporating circular or curved shapes can soften a space and make it visually interesting. In fact, a study conducted a couple of years ago by a team of researchers and led by psychologist Oshin Vartanian, found that most people are more likely to consider a room beautiful when it features curves. And here's the heavy stuff - it appears we're hard-wired to do so. Yup! The researchers at the University of Colorado found that our emotional responses change based on the shapes and formations of rooms and buildings. Curved designs stimulate the part of our brain linked to emotion. Put simply, curves appeal to the eye and heart more so than straight lines and angles. So here's where the balancing act is important. If you're not lucky enough to have circular architectural elements such as rounded windows or domed ceilings, try layering in circular shapes in your fixtures and decor. Think about adding rounded lighting, a circle rug, an oval dining table, a round bathtub,  mosaic tiles, or perhaps even a round sofa (gasp!!).  Curves are back, baby, and they look damn fine! 

Source: @pocodesigns

Damien Langlois-Meurinne

Kelly Wearstler via @pocodesigns

apartmenttherapy.com

Source: Marine Longuemart via Pinterest

Hotel San Giorgio, Mykonos

bloglovin.com

Photograph & styling by Paulina Arcklin

dustjacket-attic.com

Kilgore's Nocturnal Exposition ebaumsworld.com

remodelista.com

All images are credited where possible. Please feel free to share information on any where a source could not be located.

Inside Scoop.

Interior design blog by Christina Anasta Design.

WHITE FLOORS

Styling & photo Paulina Arcklin for Coleur Locale. Source: lovewarriors.se

I'm about to embark on the daunting task of painting my floorboards white. I say daunting because it's something I've wanted to do for a loooong time but I've somehow let other people's opinions question my decision. "You can't do that to perfectly good floorboards!" "They'll be soooo hard to keep clean." "You'll regret it!!" "You can't beat natural timber."

All good points. BUT it doesn't change the fact that I no longer like my floorboards. In fact, I hate them. Heavy stuff, I know. They throw off way too much red for my liking (the nature of the hardwood timber that they are), they are affecting my design choices as the colour clashes with most things and they just dominate the entire space. They're just too "heavy". It's surprising how much they affect the mood of the house, which in turn affects my mood.

We've toyed with the idea of moving house for over a year now and this has certainly impacted on my decision to hold off from painting them. What if it puts off potential buyers? That's a real possibility. But it dawned on me only a couple of weeks ago that I can't live in a house that will please others at the expense of what I want and like. Why do we do that? We play it safe because we think safe is best for resale. Blah! Life's too short for that. I'm a true believer that we should live in spaces that make US happy. You're never going to please everyone, so why bother? Everyone is going to have an opinion but you have to do what's right for you. Hell, I don't like half the houses I walk into! But the people that live there do and that's all that matters. So wish me luck and let's hope I don't give those naysayers the opportunity to say "told you so!"

domainehome.com

Source: trendenser.se

Source: designsponge.com

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milkmagazine.net

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style-files.net

Source: style-files.com

Source: indulgy.com

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Inside Scoop.

Interior Design Blog.

MARSALA - PANTONE COLOUR OF 2015

By HAO Design - Taiwan part hair salon and part home (via +yellowtrace )

This is a post I've wanted to feature for a little while but I've been MIA lately dealing with some personal issues. Back in full swing now, though, so better a little late than never, I suppose. For those of you in the know, Pantone, the international authority on colour, recently announced its choice for 2015. Marsala is just as the name suggests - a robust and earthy wine red, and I'm right on board! I absolutely love it on lips and in fashion but I'll admit I was initially a little worried about its use in interiors. It probably didn't help that it was announced during our Summer and I just couldn't connect with it at the time. It's such a warming and earthy tone, I remember feeling a little weighed down by it. But I must say, those initial reservations were short-lived and I'm absolutely loving it now! It's so damn rich and sexy - that's right, I said sexy! It certainly has the grrrr factor. I particularly like the idea of it in velvet and leather (again, very sexy) and paired with deep blues and greys. I think I might have written about my aversion to red in a previous post, but this is a sophisticated red that I definitely approve of. Deep and a little dirty - just up my alley! Can you see it in your space?

Vincenzo De Cotiis, apartment in a 19th century building in Milan (via domainehome.com) 

Hans Agne Jacobsen, glass ceiling light, 1950s (via Pinterest) 

via domainehome.com

Edgy by Kaza Concrete | Hexagonal concrete tiles Designed by Patrycja Domanska and Tanja Lightfoot

Paris Door Photograph via etsy.com

via sadecor.co.za

All images are credited where possible. Please feel free to share information on any where a source could not be located.

Inside Scoop. Interior Design Blog