Maison&Objet Paris

In January I had the pleasure of attending Maison&Objet, the massive Interior Design and Decorating exhibition which is held twice a year in Paris.  

I was completely overwhelmed by the scale of the exhibition.  Three days was just not enough to cover all 7 halls which were crammed with Design and Decor concepts and products from around the world.  The wallpapers and fabrics on display made for fantastic viewing.  It was often overwhelming with so many colours, textures, patterns and concepts on display that I found it difficult to spot a real trend.  With such varied suppliers exhibiting, the designs ranged from very conservative to ultra modern and there was truly something for everyone.

The chandeliers and pendants on display were mind blowing, with many of the chandeliers being so large that I could not begin to imagine the scale of the interior space where they could actually be used.

On the accessories side I was very impressed by Amadeus, Korb and Lou de Castellane. Their stand was divided up into different "rooms" and each one felt like I was entering a different world each time.  The stand was simple and understated, however full of little bits and pieces that just worked together to create a unique room each time.  For a stand displaying small objet it was not cluttered but a real visual indulgence which I greatly enjoyed.

The incredibly funky world of Kare Design caught my eye.  Their over-sized stand was a fantastic experience with the most exciting and eccentric furniture concepts that kept me inspired.

The amount of money that gets spent on these stands is incredible.  Those stands that were taken by designers and the larger furniture suppliers were astounding, I would be happy to live in one of those stands with the designer recreating a house with individual rooms.  You would actually enter the stand through "a front door" and walk from the entrance hall through to the dining room, lounge, study and bar area.  The lighting within these spaces was incredible and the amount of space that each stand comprised of was something I have not seen before.

Unfortunately taking photos was forbidden!  But this was an amazing experience which I thoroughly enjoyed and now that I know what it is all about I am looking forward to my next visit.

For more information visit http://www.maison-objet.com/en/paris

Limco Blankets Offices

A few years ago Craig and Jocelyn worked on this client's apartment on the Durban Beach front with fantastic results.  The client therefore approached Jossi Design when they were planning to relocate their offices to an existing warehouse.  This was a huge undertaking as the warehouse was in a rather bad state and as the offices were to be the new Headquarters where the client could meet and entertain their big corporate and retail clients.

But we were up to the task and set about measuring up the existing warehouse and documenting all the plumbing, electrical and sprinkler systems.  

The Reception, Boardroom and showroom were to be the most important visual spaces.  Therefore a 3D feature wall has been used in the reception area as well as glassguard marmoran on the column.  The signage has been placed on the column in stainless steel with a spotlight above for maximum impact.

Glass partitions have been used to define spaces but still visually allow you to see into the next space.  This opens up what would otherwise be a series of enclosed spaces.

Plasterboard ceilings were added to hide the beams and services running along the existing slab.  The lighting was specifically planned to be functional as well as to highlight the products on display in the showroom room and boardroom.

Finally there is the Ceo's office with soft carpeting, dark wooden desk and leather chairs as well as his own bathroom complete with shower.  

The transformation of this space from a warehouse into these modern offices is truely remarkable and the client is able to proudly show off their new Headquarters to their customers.

Jocelyn Jones Elected President of the South African Institute of the Interior Design Professions

Use Rugs To Complete The Room

Bringing colour into a room as an essential part of Interior Decorating, however when you mention colour most people think about paint.  Obsessing too much on the colour of the room can also mean you end up with everything in the same colour and no variety or depth, leading to either a dull or overbearing interior.   There are many different elements to consider in design and decorating such as texture, light and shade, contrast, focal point, pattern and finishes (such as wood, stainless steel, glass) to name a few.   

One item I love to add to a room are rugs, see below of a formal lounge where the rug brought together all the blues used in the room.

In the past I have found it difficult to find an interesting rug other than the obvious Persian rugs which have been around for years, and will be around for years to come.  I have no problem with Persian rugs as these definitely have their place and there are some amazing examples of Persians around.  I do, however, prefer the more contemporary rugs and suddenly there are more and more suppliers popping up all over the place… and it is about time.

  

images of rugs from Designers Guild

Home Fabrics recently launched their new range of rugs from Designers Guild and I cannot wait to use these in an interior.  The patterns are not just your standard stripes and dots that we have seen so many times before (although I do love the stripes I have seen in this Designers Guild Range due to the fantastic use of colour), but the florals are elegant and not too old fashioned, the geometrics are bold and graphic, but not overdone.

   

image from Designers Guild

I love to use a rug that makes the other colours and accessories in the room "pop".  In rooms that have been tiled or where wooden floors dominate it is great to break up the floor with something soft and warm, creating a more comfortable and intimate setting. 

image from Designers Guild

It is with a sigh of relief that I am seeing more and more designer rugs become readily available without spending a fortune or having to arrange importing them ourselves. A rug warms the room visually and can anchor the furniture within that space, furniture which would otherwise look like it was "floating" in the room.  So do not underestimate the statement a rug can make and have fun.

Beware of Short Courses in Interior Design

It seems that there has always been this misconception that Interior Design is nothing more than a hobby, or a "fun career choice".  There are numerous short, part time and online courses being advertised to the general public as "Interior Design Courses" giving the impression that, on completion of one of these courses, you would be considered an Interior Designer and could set about starting your career. This however is a far cry from the facts, Interior Design is not only an extremely technical and challenging career choice, it is also officially recognised as a profession.

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has recognized the South African Institute of the Interior Design Professions (The IID) as the professional body for Interior Designers, Interior Decorators and Interior Architects.  IID Members are now able to call themselves Professionals, with the following designations registered on the National Qualifications Framework:

Professional Interior Decorator

Professional Interior Designer

Professional Senior Interior Designer

Professional Interior Architect

If we look at the IID Professional Interior Design membership, for example, each member has obtained a minimum 3 year full time degree or diploma in Interior Design.  Furthermore an application to the IID will not be considered without a minimum 3 years of experience in the Interior Design field, therefore ensuring that all IID members are not only qualified but have the experience and expertise to meet the standards of the IID.   In turn Interior Decorator and Interior Architect members have their own set of requirements in order to be registered with the IID.

The IID is determined to accurately represent its professional members and to inform the public of the importance of hiring a qualified, experienced and professional Interior Decorator, Interior Designer or Interior Architect.  For those who are interested in redecorating their own homes the IID encourages those individuals to take advantage of these short courses in home décor, as they would provide some interesting insight into the decision making and coordinating required to help you with your renovations.  For those looking to make a career in the Field of Interior Design however, the IID cannot over-emphasizes the importance of investigating the course on offer and ensuring it is accredited by the relevant authorities and registered with the IID in order to avoid later disappointment.   In short, beware short of these short courses when making your career decision.  The IID would like to encourage those companies and organisations using the words “Interior Design”, “Interior Decorating” or “Interior Architecture” in their advertising to rather choose a more accurate description of the course in order to avoid any confusion.

For those who are interested in this field of study the IID has a list of registered educational institutions in your region.  Furthermore the IID is always available to give advice for those looking to hire a Designer or Decorator for a particular project.

For more information, contact the IID on national@iidprofessions.com or 0114860450 – www.iidprofessions.com