Electricblue

Aqua

Green

Honey

Ruby

              Also in Red, Black and even their new hand applied gold leaf finishes, Vapeur, Cubiste and Graphique. So stunning! A look that will give that WOW! factor to any bathroom

Black and Cristal

 ANDREAFAY INTERIOR DESIGN Ltd. is based in North London, England and writes on new HOT designs.

Please feel free to leave a comment and to follow her blogs.

The Hyacinth Lamp

This is a lamp I came across on my project in Atlanta, GA. for a new Show Home I am designing for my clients in the USA.

It is the new design by Bunny Williams for her BeeLine Home collection. I really like them as they are elegant and also quite simple.

Made of wood embossed to look like shagreen or searay’s skin, with small nickle feet to rest on.

ANDREAFAY INTERIOR DESIGN Ltd. is based in North London, England and writes abouts what’s HOT in interior design and her travels in order to find new and exciting ideas and products.

Beautiful Yellow Tulips

 A Very Happy Easter To All!

Andreafay is an Interior Designer  based in North London. She writes about what’s hot in design.

Please feel free to leave a comment.

THE PERFECT HOME SHOULD BE AN INTIMATE SPACE in which to relax, unwind and entertain guest, surrounded by beautiful 

objects and designs.

With this in mind, designing furniture for discerning clientele should combine not just comfort and functionality, but also beauty, sensuality and sophistication over short lived trends.

It is always my aim to create pieces based around these qualities, but it seems more important to do so now than ever before. In the context of the current economic crisis and as a response in general to the mass-production and run-of-the-mill of design styles we have seen over recent years. I feel that we need to elevate the quality of products and make them special and unique. We should treat them as if they were jewels or artworks. A single piece of furniture should be designed with the highest criteria of charm, versatility and individuality, they should evoke a sensory and emotional response from both it’s designer and owner.

Because of this, I believe we will see a renaissance of traditional craftsmanship, sophisticated research and creativity this year. This philosophy can be expressed through the finest attention to detail using timeless materials, fabrics and finishes.

There will be a re-emergence of the use of natural materials; but this time, they will be treated with sophisticated techniques, such as varnishing and lacquering, to boost longevity and their natural beauty. Sumptuous materials such as leathers and precious woods can enrich ssurfaces with their attractive polished grains, especially if combined with metal or upholstered details.

Precious metallics such as gold and liquid silver will also be popular for their muted sophistication and natural radiance.

This quest for uniqueness and preciousness will also be reflected in fabric styles. Natural fibres such as silks, velvets and luxurious linens are both timeless and sumptuous; they have an instantly beautiful sheen, very different from the cold shine of synthetic yarns, and provide grater warmth as well as interesting natural characteristics.

Fabric pattern will also be inspired by nature, decorative designs such as stylised plant motifs, animal prints and sinuous shapes provide harmony and elegance, especially if complemented with strict geometrics, linear and checkerboard designs. The dimensions of pattern can create an optical effect on a piece of furniture; larger pieces, such as chaise longues and sofas suit more compact designs, while cushions and chairs look particularly striking with larger patterns. Mix dark with light and texture with soft weaves for a multi-faceted canvas that will appeal to our senses.

Combine this rich scean with earthy-inspired colour combinations of dark green, charcoal grey and tobacco, with highlights of bright fuchsia, red and sky blue. A natural palette brings an aesthetic, sophisticated coherence to a room, defying age and transient trends.

 The element of exclusivity can also be achieved through the creation of limited edition pieces. Like artwork,  people dream of owning an antique of tomorrow, especially if these ’special furnishings’ are highly sought after for their limited quantity, timeless materials and priceless craftsmanship.

I would love to have your questions and/or comments.

This blog is from ANDREAFAY INTERIOR DESIGN Ltd.

ANDREAFAY is a writer on design trends and travel, she lives in Muswell Hill, North London.

Sharm El Sheikh is the simplicity of sun, sea and sand. The luxury of five-star hotels, water sports, shopping and entertainment. Sharm el-Sheikh in on southern tip of the Sinai peninsula on the Red Sea. All around are Bedouins, colourful tents, mountains and sea. There are small, intimate hotels with modern designs, as well as larger hotel complexes belonging to International chains, a tourist center, casinos, discos and nightclubs, golf courses and health facilities. In fact, with diving and snorkeling, windsurfing and other water sports, horses and camel riding, desert safaris, and great nearby antiquities attractions, it is almost impossible for a visitor to be bored there.

Na’ama Beach is in the centre of Sharm el Sheikh, located just north of Sharm, this area is developing into a resort town of its own.  Most hotels at Na’ama Bay have their own, private beaches with comfortable amenities such as chairs, shades and even bars.

 Sharm el-Moiya is located next to the civil harbour, has accommodations for boats, and includes a Yacht Club with rooms.

For those who live to shop, the Sharm El-Sheikh mall provides shops with both foreign and local products, including  jewelry, leather goods, clothing, pottery, perfum oils, glassware, herbs and books.

The hotel we stayed in was a comfortable, clean, friendly and attentive, right on the beach hotel and I would recommend it to anyone.

I can hardly wait to visit Egypt again, I really had a wonderful week there and wish my stay was longer.

Please enjoy these photos.

Relaxing by the pool and my cocktail is on the way.

           

Candles have come a long way and is getting more and more popular in the UK , US and around the world. I have just spent a week in New York and visited department stores like Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Barney’s, Saks and so on, and the beautiful display of scented candles in these stores really convinced me that there is a need for luxury scented eco-friendly candles.

Candles are  are used for many reasons like religious or romantic celebrations. 

Here is a brief  history of candles to share with you before I display some wonderful images of  luxury candles that are in the stores today. . .

Please enjoy!

Early Wicked Candles

The Egyptians were using wicked candles in 3,000 B.C., but the ancient Romans are generally credited with developing the wicked candle before that time by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax. The resulting candles were used to light their homes, to aid travelers at night, and in religious ceremonies.

Historians have found evidence that many other early civilizations developed wicked candles using waxes made from available plants and insects. Early Chinese candles are said to have been molded in paper tubes, using rolled rice paper for the wick, and wax from an indigenous insect that was combined with seeds. In Japan, candles were made of wax extracted from tree nuts, while in India, candle wax was made by boiling the fruit of the cinnamon tree. ‘ Mmmmm’ I can just smell that now!

It is also known that candles played an important role in early religious ceremonies. Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights which centers on the lighting of candles, dates back to 165 B.C. There are several Biblical references to candles, and the Emperor Constantine is reported to have called for the use of candles during an Easter service in the 4th Century.                                                 

Let's stay in tonight and light a candle!

Very elegant jars you will want to keep.

These days we don’t have to wait for a festive or religion reason or season to enjoy candles.  Luxury scented candles are very romantic and also very comforting.

Those are just a few that are out there in the market today. Candles have come a long way and will continue to grace our homes with their beautiful flames for many years to come.

Go ahead and get yourself some. . .

 You deserve it!

Thanks once more for reading my blog. Your interior designer from North London.

Andrea,

ANDREAFAY INTERIOR DESIGN Ltd.

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I just received the run down on the 2010 colour trends from Farrow & Ball. They are all fresh and exciting combinations. I like the earthy shades in the Industrial colour trends palette.  The subtle, natural colours in the Aquatic colour trends palette would be dreamy in a bedroom. I especially like the dark and dramatic colors in the Urban Decay colour trends palette (Pitch Black No.256 is one of my all time favourite accent colors). And how can you top the Glitz & Glamour colour trends palette for adding a bit of pizzazz to a room. I would stick with the neutrals for the largest areas (Cat’s Paw No.240, Savage Ground No.213, Ringwold Ground No.208) and use the brighter accent colours sparingly, maybe incorporating them in artwork and accessories.

1. Industrial 2010 Colour Trends: A strong but fragile fusion of colour.

Inspired by industrial architecture, this look is all about modernity mixed with tradition. Old and new are combined in an urban palette of muted tones that mimic the earthy shades of natural materials such as stone, clay, chalk and brick. Team soft grey based neutrals such as Cornforth White No.228 and Pavilion Gray No.242 with intense and inky darks such as Off-Black No.57 and Down Pipe No.26 to create a contemporary scheme. The deep, dramatic hues are accented and uplifted by splashes of vibrant, zestful colour with citrus shades such as Babouche No.223 or Orangery No.70.

The key  colours for the Farrow & Ball Industrial 2010 Colour Trends :
Farrow & Ball Down Pipe No.26
Farrow & Ball Off-Black No.57
Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray No.242
Farrow & Ball Cornforth White No.228
Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster No.231
Farrow & Ball Orangery No.70
Farrow & Ball Babouche No.223
Farrow & Ball Blackened No.2011

2. Aquatic 2010 Colour Trends: A soft, watery palette defined by the elements.

This is a gentle, tranquil scheme. Subtle, natural colours are starkly contrasted with strong inky blues and combined with the reflective qualities of light, glass and mirrors for a diluted, watery look featuring freshwater tones. Try Strong White No.2001 or James White No.2010 teamed with the soft Pavilion Blue No.252 or Tunsgate Green No.250, and underpinned by Blue Ground No.210, Drawing Room Blue No.253 or Hague Blue No.30.

2010 Colour Trends
Key colours for the Farrow & Ball Aquatic 2010 Colour Trends:
Farrow & Ball Pavilion Blue No.252
Farrow & Ball Tunsgate Green No.250
Farrow & Ball Blue Ground No.210

Farrow & Ball James White No.2010
Farrow & Ball Hague Blue No.30
Farrow & Ball Strong White No.2001
Farrow & Ball Drawing Room Blue No.253

3. Urban Decay 2010 Colour Trends: A vibrant scheme with an unpredictable twist.

Bold and graphic, this look is heavily influenced by the global economic meltdown and features the strong use of vibrant colours, but with an urban edge. Team dark and dramatic colours such as Pelt No.254 and Pitch Black No.256 together in a scheme for a theatrical look and experiment with paint finish as well as colour to make a real statement. Use Eco Full Gloss to create a high shine surface and inject with zingy, bright colours such as Arsenic No.214 and Dayroom Yellow No.233 for added impact and the ultimate visual scheme!

2010 Colour Trends
Key colours for the Farrow & Ball Urban Decay 2010 Colour Trends :
Farrow & Ball Pelt No.254
Farrow & Ball Pitch Black No.256
Farrow & Ball Oval Room Blue® No.85
Farrow & Ball Parma Gray® No.27
Farrow & Ball Dayroom Yellow No.233
Farrow & Ball Arsenic No.214
Farrow & Ball Great White No.2006

4.  Glitz & Glamour 2010 Colour Trends: A decadent look that celebrates excess.

In complete contrast to Urban Decay, this look is all about wealth and indulgence. Use rich and opulent shades like Brinjal No.222, Pitch Blue No.220 and Churlish Green No.251, alongside shimmering gold and metallics for an extravagant feel. This glamorous, glitzy look has a Middle Eastern influence, so colours include exotic shades which combine and collide in a celebration of colour and excess. Try Porphyry Pink No.49, Brinjal No.222 and Churlish Green No.251; a riot of colour with an adventurous twist. Key to this look is the myriad of colours – definitely not for the faint-hearted!

2010 Colour Trends
Key colours for the Farrow & Ball Glitz & Glamour 2010 Colour Trends :
Farrow & Ball Brinjal No.222
Farrow & Ball Cat’s Paw No.240
Farrow & Ball Churlish Green No.251
Farrow & Ball Savage Ground No.213
Farrow & Ball Pitch Blue No.220
Farrow & Ball Porphyry Pink No.49
Farrow & Ball Cinder Rose No.246
Farrow & Ball Ringwold Ground No.208

I really have a passion for room dividers and think it brings warmth, comfort and functionality in the home,

Hand-painted decorative dividers can act as beautiful pieces of art and turn your home into warm and peaceful place.

People always had a need to separate their living space into functional parts. Today we have a place for cooking, place for resting, place for bathing… Regardless of that, almost every part in our home can be warmer and more elegant with simply use of forgotten room dividers. Their unique designs, colours, famous master techniques and, of course, functionality, can enrich the space and give it the character you want.

History of room dividers started in China in 7th century where the most popular were dividers with six or eight panels. The most common Chinese motif was dragon that in Chinese mythology represents prosperity, happiness and peace, the three most important things in Chinese life.

The most romantic room screens are those with large white birds, usually swans. There are stories in Chinese mythology about swans that had a reputation of being able to travel between Heaven and Earth. Who wouldn’t sit in a room with those beautiful long-winged birds on their way to heaven? A picture of some beautiful landscapes, the most common motive on room screens, can bring joy and sun to your home. One century later, room dividers went to Japan and became the most important thing in Japanese home. Japanese character and feeling for the art resulted in different motifs, sometimes very dramatic, under strong influence of Japanese theatre. And while Chinese liked white birds and dragons, Japanese enjoyed pictures of pine trees because they represent wealth and power.

First European room dividers were built from oak planks and they where extremely heavy. Because of their weight and height they looked more like walls than something that divides. However, they became very popular with time, probably because of their Oriental roots. They were very expensive and only the wealthiest people could afford to own one. The most expensive were Coromandel screens which found a way to royal palaces. Regardless of that, room dividers found their way through the whole Europe, to Russia, France, from England to Holland and became a “must have” piece. Very soon room dividers conquered America and number of manufactures were established in Europe. Art deco era touched dividers and inspired artist like Degas and Van Gogh that looked at them as an empty canvas that should be painted with love.

Today, room dividers or screens are just as wonderful to have. If you have one or see  one bring it to your home. Turn on the light behind divider and the corner of your living room or bedroom will look very warm and romantic. In cold winter nights light up a few small eco-friendly sented candles or put a few drops of aromatic oil in a lamp, and put a CD into play. One glass of  wine and you’ll need nothing more.

Relax and enjoy life. . .  you deserve it!

Here at ANDREAFAY INTERIOR DESIGN we believe in the art of Feng Shui as the Chinese do,  and at our studio in Muswell Hill, North London we can source any bespoke items you desire so please call us as you wish for your one of a kind designer room divider.

Would be great hearing from you,

Andrea 

Welcome to my blog on room dividers,

Room dividers perform many functions in the home or office environment.  First and foremost, they are most often used for privacy and then for decorative purposes.  They are great in the bedroom to create a dressing area or in the master bathroom for privacy around the bathtub when the master bath and bedroom are connected without a door.  Another function they perform is to define a large (or small) area.  For example, in a large open style home living area, a room divider can be placed in between the dining room and living room to create a nice sitting area.  In smaller areas, like flats and show homes, you may need to create an office, but you don’t have a separate room devoted to this.  A simple way to achieve a small home office in a small home is with a room / space divider.  But, a third function is becoming more and more important to home decorators:  room dividers as focal points in the home decor.  For one thing, room dividers themselves are getting fancier and more bolder.  You can now find them in very bold colours and styles, from bright red modern art styled room dividers to heavy folding screens made of all kinds of materials from bamboo to metal to plastic to ceramic, you name it you can get a room divider in that material.  A room divider can create an instant face-lift for your living room, bedroom or dining room or office decor.  To get this effect, use the room divider away from the walls, and complement it with another large piece, like a large house plant set in a pot on the floor.  Wow visitors with your great sense of style by using a room divider as your center focal piece in any room of the home!

Here are a few I have chosen to show you and all can be ordered through our office in Muswell Hill, North London.

A screen room divider in a little girl’s Princess room

This is a fab idea. . . A room divider and a light in one

Very contemporary

A wonderful wooden room divider that gives a retro look

This room divider is for the eco-friendly sustainable conscious and it looks great also.

Very light and delicate, this would be suitable for any girls bedroom or living space.

A hanging room divider made of ceramic. I thing hanging room dividers are so cool and very retro. I have a passion for them!

This sheer look has a very soft look and creates a serene look that separates the dining are from the living area. It’s inexpensive,  easy to make and looks good.

The list of room dividers are almost endless. . .  I could go on and on and show you many more in all kinds of fabrics and style but I will leave at this and continue another time.

Once more thank you for tuning in and reading my blog and please do look out for more of  ANDREAFAY INTERIOR DESIGN blog. I will be posting more on room dividers and many more topics.

A great day to you!

Andrea

A monochrome bedroom with hints of contrast

Thank you for looking in on my blog. I will be showing Room Dividers next. Please do join me!

Andrea

ANDREAFAY INTERIOR DESIGN