Sleep is such an essential element of our overall well-being; without it we cease to function effectively and can fall prey to illness as our immune system begins to suffer. With this in mind, promoting optimum rest through a calm and relaxing environment is a main priority when considering bedroom design.
Casa Forma London’s international team of interior designers and architects spanning over nine nationalities provides comprehensive design services and interiors for properties both in the UK and abroad. Faiza Seth, founder of Casa Forma London, says,
“One of the first things we always look to address when designing a contemporary bedroom interior is the use of space. Often large properties can be over-filled with furnishings and lose a lot of the space that is needed to give a spacious and luxurious ambience. By keeping to a warm, natural colour palette, using discrete storage such as integrated wardrobes, and ensuring that decorative furnishings and artwork are kept to a few quality pieces; a more spacious and calmer setting is created.”
The Casa Forma London team often uses dark accents in its design schemes such as walnut, black glass and dark silks to create a rich and opulent accent to a neutral timeless interior design. Radhika Seth, the company’s CEO, explains,
“When we start work on a property, in any room, we always look to see if we can increase the ceiling height, thereby naturally lifting the level of ambient light in a room without adding artificial light. If structural limitations mean that this is not possible, we raise the door height to create the illusion of light and space. Similarly, a lot of our properties use bespoke materials that increase the level of light while also adding beautiful and unusual effects to a room such as gilt decorative glass, black mirrors or Tahitian mother of pearl.”
Bedrooms are the inner sanctuary of the house, and so the team likes to build in warm, organic textures with the use of silks, leather, shagreen, wood and cashmere.
“While colour schemes should always be chosen to fit the property,”
advises Faiza,
“lighter tones are often more apt in an older property to make the property look a little lighter and more open and modern. On the other hand new builds allow a greater freedom in choosing colours. In general, natural and neutral colours are good choices for bedrooms and allow for a wide range of colours to be incorporated into the fixtures and furnishings.”
Casa Forma London
+44 (0)20 7292 9900
[email protected]
www.casaforma.co.uk
The Art of Interior Design
Jo Hamilton, who has been running her own highly successful interior design consultancy for more than 20 years, believes that luxury interior design is an art. She is the resident interior designer at Grand Designs, where she is also a key speaker and show ambassador with Kevin McCloud, and also runs one and two-day interior design courses at five-star Central London hotels. Jo takes on residential and commercial interior design commissions both in the UK and abroad and also offers a high-end property search service for London and the wider region. She explains,
“Different elements must be carefully considered and delicately balanced to form a beautiful, cohesive picture to suit the client perfectly.
“The first element to consider is colour and asking, ‘how do I want the space to feel?’ If it’s vibrant and lively then use more colour. Warmer tones such as reds, oranges and yellows give a lovely lift, but don’t go overboard – keep it elegant with a neutral base complemented by lively pops of colour. If, however, you’re going for a calming and restful space, then cooler-toned colours such as blues, greens and violets work well, as do neutral schemes. Be aware though, that neutral schemes need added interest — sculptural shapes and varying textures. Layer linens, velvets, neutral-toned patterns and metallic finishes to set the scheme off.”
Sculptural shape was integral to the success of Jo’s Hampstead scheme (above). The mirror, softly curved deco-shaped furniture and lamps add interest, while the textures of the hand-painted silk wallpaper, shimmery silk rug, cushions and velvet-covered chairs add warmth.
“Don’t be afraid to think outside the box,”
she advises,
“be creative when it comes to the layout element. List what you want to achieve and think back from there. A client in Mayfair (below left) wanted a dressing room and also a seating area in the window. It seemed a crime to chop the space up into two rooms, so I designed a walkaround dressing room. “The pendant lights either side of the bed frame the bed and maximise the usable bedside table space. The colour here really sets the mood. The green brings a wonderful calm, but the pink bench lifts the scheme – it’s unpredictable and playful, and the colour and texture both add warmth.”
Finally, does the building have a story to tell? And does that story work with your personal taste?
“If it’s a yes,”
says Jo,
“then bring out the architectural features and choose furniture to complement the style. Avoid being too contrived because an eclectic, organic feel often works best. My Greenwich Village scheme (below), for example, includes a handmade chandelier, antique glass mirror and recovered antique chairs.
“If it’s a no, then contrast the style. If you have an Edwardian home, for example, but you don’t like the era, contrast with a super-contemporary, sleek interior. The most important element in any home design is you. Be comfortable with your space – make your home right for you.”
Jo Hamilton Interiors
+44 (0)20 7206 7369
[email protected]
www.johamilton.co.uk
Keep it Simple
Barbara Martinuzzi of Martinuzzi Interiors based in Zurich, Switzerland believes that the key to designing a luxury bedroom is ‘attractive simplicity’.
“In a high-end bedroom design the bed should be the focal point of the room,”
she explains,
“leaving the rest of the furniture around at the minimal design, adapting it with neutral colours and essential lines.
“The walls are often left free, except for the one that frames the bed, granting the character and the style of the entire room. The colour palette remains mostly neutral and warm but on a dark tone to create a relaxing atmosphere and a sophisticated feel.”
However, Barbara points out that simplicity is made of complex things.
“My vision of luxury in the bedroom shown includes wood panels with dim lighting, leaning against the wall on top of the bed, on a smoked mirrored niche. As a piece of art this design creates a mysterious impression that enhances the bedroom’s appeal. Natural light is welcomed inside through floor-to-ceiling windows.
“To achieve a dashing luxury vibe, the design concept should take into account to accompany the bedroom with an elegant walk-in closet, making the entire space feel like a presidential suite. In the customised walk-in closet pictured, the geometry of lines meets the texture of fabrics in a contrast that leaves a powerful feeling of elegance and makes it uniquely attractive.”
Barbara says that another important element of a luxury bedroom derives from the quality of our sleep.
“Therefore, top quality bed linen is fundamental as it enhances excellence but mostly well being to our nights. Curtains and carpets with rich and precious fabrics enhance the cocoon feeling with a chic touch.”
She also advises that less is more.
“Few but selected accessories, such as beautiful black and white pictures or a design vase, are some of the details that add an extra luxury note to the entire ambiance.”
Martinuzzi Interiors
+41 (0) 43 317 94 91
[email protected]
www.martinuzzi.ch
