Posted on

Japanese Interior Design inspiration

The Japanese are well known for incorporating rich cultural traditions into contemporary spaces. Simple lines and muted colours typically characterise their interior design.

Today on the blog, we share two Japanese interior designs which caught our eye. There are some key design elements in the designs to give particular attention to.

Introduce outdoor elements with natural materials and greenery

Low seating with the addition of large floor cushions creates an authentic Japanese feel in this restaurant. It also incorporates furniture made from natural materials which is popular in Japanese interior design. Wood, bamboo, silk are common for creating harmony and bringing in nature. You can’t go wrong with indoor plants too.

blog1_Japanese interior design

Japanese interior design embraces the use of soft lighting. Light is concealed if possible or dimmed. This restaurant design uses lighting which is dimmed or seeps through. We like the use of ambient lighting and task lighting focused on the display of Japanese-style bowls.

blog2_Japanese interior design

Another element of Japanese interior design is creating a sense of privacy even in an open plan space, Without doubt, most of us are familiar with the screens typically seen in traditional Japanese homes.

Say hello to minimalism for clean refreshing spaces

With the belief that all clutter is tossed aside in place of a simple life, Japanese interiors are usually simple and minimalist in nature.  It is refreshing to see how this Tokyo baby café uses this to its advantage.

blog3_Japanese interior design

White minimalism is the key feature in the interior of the cafe. The simplicity of the design provides a tranquil environment. Designed by Japanese designer, Nendo, the café’s absolutely huge and absolutely tiny furnishings give both adults and kids two different perspectives.

blog4_Japanese interior design

blog5_Japanese interior design

What elements of Japanese interior design could you infuse into your interior space?

Sources

Retail Design Blog

Design Boom

Posted on

Design Influence of the week: The Raimond Lamp

Our design influence for today is the Raimond lamp. Think starry skies and constellations and you have the embodiment of the Raimond lamp.  This is our tribute to the award winning designer, Raimond Puts who passed away in 2012. He combined his love for simplicity, mathematical prowess and metalwork expertise to create timeless design.

blog1_lighting designer_Raimond

Hidden beauty of starry nights

Designed as part of a collection for Moooi, this stylish creation is perfect for a contemporary interior setting. The Raymond Lamp has been described by Moooi as “a perfect sphere of mathematical ingredients punctuated by tiny LED lights. Looking at the lamp feels like staring into the soft glow of a starry night.”

blog2_lighting designer_Raimond

Closer to home with our Stellar Collection

We nod our heads in complete agreement here at Moody Monday. Our new collection, STELLAR is inspired by the boundless beauty of the sky and space. No wonder we have a heightened love for all things celestial. You’ll hear more about the launch of the new collection over the next few weeks.

blog3_lighting designer_Raimond

It is not difficult to understand why designers pay attention to beautiful lighting. The variety available in the industry is astounding. Be it over-sized pendant lamps or geometric shaped lamps, the options are limitless.

Share your design influence this week with us.

All images were sourced from www.moooi.com

Related Articles

Influence of the Week – Bauhaus Inspired Ceramics

Inspiring Designer – Marcel Wanders of Moooi

Design in Focus – Lighting Installations

Posted on

New Season Alert: Find your Spring Style

It’s March 1. With a spring in our steps, we bring you style inspiration for the new season.

Without doubt, spring has to be one of our favourite seasons. Days are getting brighter and we have stepped nicely into the month of March. New colours, textures and patterns in the stores show it’s out with the old and in with the new. You might still hold on to your blankets and cosy fluffy robes for a little longer. Give it a few more weeks and the decor swap can begin. From simple pastels to refined neutrals, find inspiration for your spring style in our round up.

Stay trendy with soft pastels

Pastels are probably the most common colours used in springtime. They are the go-to favourites for updating many a décor. We can’t talk of them without mentioning the Pantone colours of the year. Why not incorporate rose quartz and serenity into your home? A good idea is to dress up dining chairs with fabric in these gorgeous hues. Last week, we shared ways to decorate with rose quartz

spring style_soft pastels

Image sources: Binti home blog | Decoholic | Telegraph

Make a statement with bold hues

Don’t be shy to go for an eye-popping colourful look. Go for bright colours like orange, red and magenta for your throws, vases and cushions. A popular combination this season is indigo blue and yellow. Be sure to choose colourful designs like the Aztec Rug in this living room.

blog2_springstyle_boldhues

Image source: Barker and Stonehouse

Classic style with refined neutrals

Not everyone likes lots of colour so neutrals have a special attraction. Be careful though. Neutrals all over can look boring, so create character with patterned textures. The stylish combination of whites and browns has a sophisticated feel for this season with interesting textures and striking patterns.

blog3_springstyle_neutrals

Image source: Decorsalteado

Whatever you do, welcome the fresh feeling of the great outdoors with flowers to amp up your spring style. Enjoy the abundance of pretty colours we get at this time of year.

Which of these three is your preferred style? We would love to know how you decorate this spring.

Related Articles

5 Swoon Worthy Designer Chairs for your spring style

Patterns in Interiors

Posted on

Decorating with Pantone Colour of the year 2016

If you have a keen interest in interior design, you would have seen the Pantone Colour of the year. It was announced last year. For the first time in Pantone’s history, the team decided on two colours – Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue. What a luxury. Instead of popularising one colour, they chose to present them as a combination.

These colours are reminiscent of baby gender reveal parties popular these days. They are soft and very easy on the eye. When paired together, they bring a sense of soothing freshness to an interior space.

blog_moodymonday_pantone 2016

According to Pantone, “Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.”

Today’s feature looks at one half of this beautiful Pantone colour duo – Rose Quartz.

Finding the right colours to allow this soft pink colour shine through is important. In today’s feature, we share two applications in a living room setting.

blog1_pantone colours 2016

For a bright and airy look, paint your walls in white or off-white. Pared back with minimal metallic accessories, the pink sofa pops is the centre of attention in this living room. The herringbone patterned flooring adds that extra touch of texture and interest to the room.

blog2_pantone colours 2016

For a look that is calm and sultry but isn’t too feminine, start off with darker walls. To add to the warm scheme, team with rich browns in the other furniture pieces and accessories. It is both simple and appealing.

If you’ve never decorated with this shade of pink before, this is your time to give it a try.

For more industry commentary on the Pantone Colour of the Year

Colour of the year 2016 – Pantone

The Painted History of Rose Quartz and Serenity – Huffington Post

How to decorate your home with Pantone’s Rose Quartz and Serenity – StyleCaster

Kitchens in Pantone’s Colours of the Year – The Kitchin

Image source: Style and Minimalism

Posted on

5 Swoon Worthy Designer Chairs

Looking for a new chair to breathe life into your home? We’ve found a handful of designer chairs you’ll be rushing to buy. With spring on the way, these finds are on the colourful side.

Maxime Lounge Chair

Meet the luxurious lounge chair designed by Jonathan Adler. The stylish crisscross back and signature sabots on the legs have timelessly chic appeal. Upholstered in rich velvet fabric, it is the perfect chair for the minimalist home.

blog3_designer chairs_moodymonday

Image source: Jonathan Adler

Drop chair

Renowned designer, Arne Jacobsen designed this beauty in 1958. Produced alongside the Swan and the Egg, it was part of the collection he designed for the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel. It is available in six different colours. Add a dose of colour in your home office with this stand out chair.

blog2_designer chairs_moodymonday

Image source: Fritzhansen

Bardi bowl chair

Another favourite of ours is the Bardi bowl chair. It was designed by Italian-Brazilian architect, Lina Bo Bardi in 1951.  Created with function and aesthetics in mind, this chair can be accessorised with seating cushions for maximum comfort.

blog1_designer chairs_moodymonday

Image source: Bardisbowlchair

Knotted chair

Through his ode to handcrafting, Marcel Wanders gained popularity in the design industry with his Knotted chair in 1996. Although it looks like it can’t support much, this lightweight chair has been skilfully designed to have a solid supporting structure. It’s a work of art on its own. We recently featured his interior design at Kameha Grand Zurich.

blog5_designer chairs_moodymonday

Image source: Marcel Wanders

Brigitte lounge chair

Another Jonathan Adler creation, the Brigitte lounge chair is a beauty to behold. The vertical tufting gives it a beautiful scriptural form. The brass legs add a polished look. Go bold and beautiful with this cheerful orange statement piece.

blog4_designer chairs_moodymonday

Image source: Jonathan Adler

Designer chairs can provide more than extra seating, they add that special touch to your home. Which one of our picks is your favourite?

Posted on

New Art themed Restaurant by Damien Hirst

Damien Hirst with some help from English chef Mark Hix has recently opened an art-themed restaurant in his new Newport Street Gallery in Vauxhall, London.

“Pharmacy 2 combines two of my greatest passions: art and food,” says Hirst of the new project.

blog2_damien hirst_pharmacy restaurant

As he did with the previous restaurant, he has fully expressed his love for pharmaceuticals in the design of the restaurant space. The design oozes his reputable creativity and attention to detail.

The multi-millionaire artist, Hirst’s art work decorates the interior walls of the restaurant. The rear wall also houses a large medicine cabinet with real items.

blog3_damien hirst_pharmacy restaurant

Large glass stained windows draw the eye in with a colour explosion of red and blue. We like how skilfully the pill motifs are used throughout.  The bar area, the floors, the chairs enjoy a bit of medicinal therapy. A great example of thoughtful design which is not clinical but uniquely tasteful.

blog1_damien hirst_pharmacy restaurant

His aim to revive the original Notting Hill restaurant, Pharmacy is incredibly commendable.

Story via Dezeen

Photography: Pudence Cuming Associates

Posted on

Easy ways to add texture to your decor

There’s just something about the colder months that makes us want to hibernate at home for months. We don’t have that luxury and need to get out and about to make a living. The least we can do is to make our homes as cosy as possible for those anticipated relaxing days. Adding texture in your décor is one way of doing it. We share three useful tips to get you motivated. They’re super simple.

Create an organic look

It is startling the difference plants and flowers can make to a living space. Perfect for a minimalist or cosy look, you can create a fresh, organic look in your home. Lush greenery teamed with woven textures is a natural combination bound to work. You can even go big and over-sized like this example here. Smaller plants are perfect accents for your coffee table or the top of a chest of drawers.

blog1_adding texture_plants

Add textiles for an instant update

We can’t talk about texture without mentioning our trusted favourites. Cushions, blankets, throws make it so easy to instantly create texture in your décor. Whether it’s a fluffy cushion or a cosy blanket, you can amp the cosy factor. You can introduce them in any room to give a relaxed look. Neutral coloured textiles work very well with most decorating schemes. For those who want added visual interest in a neutral scheme, use textiles with attention-grabbing designs.

blog1_adding texture_textiles

Keep it simple with accessories  

Thanks to the myriad of options available to us, accessorising our homes is so much easier. Providing function and beauty at the same time, wake up your room with textured pieces. Woven storage baskets for your throws in the lounge or towels in the bathroom. Mug warmers in the kitchen. Distressed wooden candle holders, you name it. Accessories are a sure-fire way to inject much needed texture into your home like a professional.

blog3_adding texture_accessories

What will you do to add texture to your home this week? Share your ideas with us.

Image sources

The Everygirl

Brown Design Inc

The Ultralinx

Live Love in the Home

Keep

Nordic House

Funksjonelt

Posted on

Influence of the Week – Denice Bizot’s Creative Reimagining

As featured on mymodernnet , this weeks’ influence is Denice Bizot and her creative reimagining of a long-trusted garden tool – the shovel. Along with Denice, we believe that hidden beauty can be found in the unlikeliest of places. Our recent ‘Secret Music Collection’ was inspired by intricate disused parts of an abandoned musical organ and similarly, Denice has found hidden potential in another neglected object.

She explains that “the idea of reclaiming, deconstructing and transforming ‘so-called junk’ into works of sculpture is fascinating”. Carving detailed designs and silhouettes into discarded shovel heads, the artist manages to breathe new life into objects that would have originally been discarded by many.

 

Denice Bizot: Website | Facebook

Image sources

mymodernnet 

 

 

Posted on

Clever ways to repurpose your old furniture

We all have those items in our homes. The ones we’ve had for donkey years. We don’t want to get rid of them but we don’t know what to do with them. Or sometimes it is furniture we’ve salvaged from a recent home renovation project.

Instead of taking them to the skip, why not give them a new lease of life? We’ve handpicked three clever ways to repurpose your old furniture into a new useful addition to your home.

Windows as a Coffee Table

If you’d love to reuse that old window you removed recently but can’t think of how, try this. Make it the top for a new coffee table. Like this one we found, they’ve upcycled a few pallets to create this industrial-style coffee table. Upcycling is sustainable and also rewarding.

blog1_repurpose_furniture_upcyled window

Repurpose an old credenza

Turn your old mid-century credenza into a new statement piece for your home. Although a bit bulky and definitely requiring knowledge of a thing or two on woodwork, you can breathe new life into your old treasure. This salvaged credenza was stripped, sanded, filled, designed and painted. A good amount of work went into it but it is a beauty to behold. The new designs also add the fun factor.

blog2_repurpose_furniture_upcyled credenza

Step up your décor literally

Not often do you get a ladder take centre stage in the home, talk less of in the bedroom. It can be done with a bit of creativity and vision. Make your bedside more interesting by repurposing an old leaning ladder. This example is perfect for book storage and even holds a spot for the lamp.

blog3_repurpose_furniture_upcyled ladder

When wanting to repurpose furniture, the options are endless. You can turn old furniture into extra seating, new display units and even wall art.  Inject personality and sustainability into your home by taking on a few new projects, or maybe one to start with.

Fill us in on your upcycling projects. We’d love to see your photos.

Image sources

DIY Network

Apartment 34

Dream Home Style

Posted on

Influence of the Week – Bauhaus Inspired Ceramics

It’s early February and we think we’ve just caught the ‘ceramic’ fever. Perfectly timed with the month of love. Just when you think you’ve seen them all, then you stumble on yet another beautiful collection. Maison et Objet 2016 was on last week and has been a fantastic source of inspiration. As always, they showcased a vast array of designers, both upcoming and seasoned veterans.

We made an exciting discovery through Architectural Digest. These beautiful Bauhaus ceramics are the epitome of sophistication. They are influenced by the original works of German artist, Hedwig-Bollhagen Ritz.

blog1_maison-et-objet-ceramics_Hedwig bollhagen

Sometimes it’s the extra details which give a room that extra sense of character. We like the bold and structured use of black and white in the designs. They have a bit of an Art Deco feel to them. Each design seems to work harmoniously with the shape of the vessel.  Whether displayed singly or as a collection, these would look stunning on a coffee table.

blog2_maison-object_ceramics_hedwig bollhagen

Not sure of how to display ceramics at home? Apartment Therapy has some brilliant ideas. We’ll definitely be looking up more of this designer’s work.

Image sources

Maison Objet

Architectural Digest