Quote of the day - author unknown

The world is evolving into a different state where we have a better understanding that the design of a space thoroughly impacts on a human behaviour and attitude.

What defines a "Hampton Style"?

What defines a “Hampton Style”.

North of New York is where you will find the wealthy beach holiday destination of the Hamptons.

Sophisticated, fresh, rustic and up market, the interiors are drenched in plenty of natural daylight and filled with white on white, neutral or light finishes. It is relaxed, casual, comfortable and has a breezy easy feel. Lots of wood finishes preferably bleached, faux furs, touches of beachy ornaments displayed in clear glass jars and bowls, a little wicker, linen and cotton fabrics, big soft couches and then finished with scatter cushions. A perfect recipe.

The psychology of the four primary colours - red, yellow, blue and green

Colour plays an important role in relating to the mind, body and the emotional state of the viewer. The influence of colour has a huge impact on the human behaviour and responses, it drives many factors from personal emotional growth through to latest fashions and primarily sets the schemes for present interiors. Colour responses are subjective and we all relate and gravitate to our favourite hues depending on how it makes us feel. Below are examples of images that I have photoshopped and their meanings.

RED. Physical

Positive: Physical courage, strength, warmth, energy, basic survival, 'fight or flight', stimulation, masculinity, excitement. 
Negative: Defiance, aggression, visual impact, strain.

YELLOW. Emotional

Positive: Optimism, confidence, self-esteem, extraversion, emotional strength, friendliness, creativity. 
Negative: Irrationality, fear, emotional fragility, depression, anxiety, suicide.

BLUE. Intellectual.
Positive: Intelligence, communication, trust, efficiency, serenity, duty, logic, coolness, reflection, calm.
Negative: Coldness, aloofness, lack of emotion, unfriendliness.

GREEN. Balance
Positive: Harmony, balance, refreshment, universal love, rest, restoration, reassurance, environmental awareness, equilibrium, peace. 
Negative: Boredom, stagnation, blandness, enervation.

Blue and grey displays

Purple is trickling back in greyed tones of inky indigos and yellow washes.

Warming up winter with vibrant hues of blues 

What is Unity?

Unity in an interior

Unity creates order by the combination of cohesion, consistency, integrity and wholeness. In other words unity is integrated and supported by all the other design principles.

In the image chosen for unity, the design of the interior blends and sits well with the exterior and in the outside environment. The mission was to take the inside and outside and fuse them together in an easy seamless transition.

Natural materials of stone and wood are important considerations in linking the interior, exterior and nature. Inside, the huge expanse of glass panels blur the lines between the inside and the outside, whilst on the outside, strengthening the emphasis on the landscape the infinity water pool suddenly disappears into the wilderness. The large scale of the buildings sits comfortably in amongst the endless vastness. In total the design makes an obvious reference to nature in use of materials and layout so as to encourage the viewer to look beyond the limitations of the house and journey out into the distance.

Along with the materials, the colours and textures that are used mimic the natural world. Balance is found in an equal distribution of visual weight and shape in two buildings. The large windows allow for plenty of natural light to flood the rooms. The structures are evenly composed taking into account the rule of thirds, with the landscape in the centre being the key focus.

The emotional response here is of casual ease, harmony, tranquillity and oneness. Thought and feelings conjure up a vacation on an opulent resort somewhere in a remote destination far far away from the urban sprawl.

Angel Glass Table

Unlit

Lit

Slumped angel glass table with lighting. This is a hall table I designed and had custom made for a salon 20 years ago. Travertine and slumped glass. Still one of my favourite pieces.

Arranging flowers