By their very names, we are given a clear picture of what reception rooms and lounges set out to achieve. While being welcoming and inviting to receive guests, they should also suit the needs of the family.
“Today’s lounges and reception rooms are not only an expression of oneself but an extension of group and family activities in sharing their affluence,”
explains Flora Di Menna. As president and principal designer of Toronto-based Flora Di Menna Designs, she has been involved in the creation of multi-award winning interior design projects.
“The layout, function and location of the room in the house is the first and foremost important part of the planning,”
states Flora.
“During this process we consider various factors such as where the entry point into the room is situated, and whether the space is mainly utilised in the daytime, evening or both. This information establishes the room facing setting within the property (ie north, south, east or west facing). Hence assisting in some of the design decisions to be made regarding colour and lighting.
“The reception room (a modern version of the parlour) is located in close vicinity to the front foyer or entrance to the home. This is your greeting lounge for guests and friends, without interfering with the remaining spaces of the home. Some of the more exclusive lounges are now accommodating a gender type environment where there would be a more masculine and feminine ambiance to the space; this is not to say that they are strictly gender specific. Or there may be more than one lounge; each accommodating daytime and nighttime functions.”
Themes are created for the space and then carried throughout the millwork, furnishings, artwork and accessories.
“As in the photograph of the daytime ‘Nature Theme’ lounge,”
says Flora,
“the environment projects a light, airy look in fabrics, furniture, colours and artwork. White lacquered millwork panels are designed with a bird branch design and placed over silver metallic back painted panels creating an ‘in relief’ artwork. The lattice entry panels to the room simulate the airy exterior playfulness to the space. Furniture is not only kept light and airy in design, style and colour; but also is functional to the daytime activities of the room.”
Original canvas paintings of wild, galloping horses, a colourful modern landscape scene over the fireplace and polished chrome, nickel and black marble lamps continue the theme with the leafy branch design.
“Accessories enhance the theme,”
explains Flora,
“such as the artist’s originally designed black lacquer box topped with a large coral and crowned with jewelled butterflies seated on the tips, to the area rug with the light vine subtle design.”
The picture of the ‘Evening Lounge’ portrays how the colours and materials are kept more robust to accent the activities of the room; yet kept simplistic in design.
“Custom designed millwork cabinet in zebrano wood houses the exclusive brandy, cognac and cigar collection along with other collectables,”
says Flora.
“A full height book-matched Calcutta marble fireplace enhances the strength and focal point of the room.
“The furniture is selected and situated in the room for both group conversation and chess playing on the Ferrari carbon fibre chess set. The piano is situated for both evening playing and group activities along with sculptures and art collectables strategically placed along the perimeter of the room.”
Flora Di Menna Designs +905 709 2077
flora@fdmdesigns.com
www.fdmdesigns.com
Parisian Elegance
The award-winning and internationally renowned designer, Christopher Guy Harrison is the founder and CEO of luxury furnishings brand Christopher Guy. Evocative of Parisian elegance, Christopher Guy’s decorative furnishings capture the refinement, elegance and sophistication of designers such as Coco Chanel, the muse behind Christopher Guy’s ‘Mademoiselle’ collection.
“It is imperative to maintain a balance when it comes to interior design,”
he explains.
“The key to a good design lies in its visual balance, and I strongly believe that the finest and most enduring designs tend to be pure rather than complicated. That translates into elegance, which is what inspires me to continue to design – something that French furniture designers back in the 30s and 40s understood well. Balance is also what clients tend to look for in decorating their spaces and this is something we constantly strive for.”
Christopher says that lighting is an important consideration for any room, as it creates ambience and can set the tone of the room.
“It is important to choose lighting that suits a variety of uses. Create a focal point with a stunning chandelier, which looks impressive when hung above a dining table. A single-tier pendant made from glass will reflect the light beautifully. For a more subtle look, table lamps on lighting circuits create moods.”
Simplicity is key when trying to achieve a Parisian chic look.
“For upholstery, opt for lavish materials such as rich velvets and sumptuous silks – layering decadent fabrics was typical of Chanel’s designs and resonates strongly with the art deco movement. To achieve an opulent look, pair rich fabrics with polished, lacquered hardwoods and plush buttoned details.
“Precision and symmetry were key design components of Jazz Age style so when buying mirrors, lighting and occasional tables always buy a pair to keep your room scheme well balanced. The sunburst mirror was an iconic motif of art deco style and makes a striking focal point of any living area or bedroom. For a dramatic look, choose an oversized mirror to hang over a mantelpiece or in the hallway.”
Christopher Guy +44 (0) 20 3397 2410
uk@christopherguy.com
www.christopherguy.com
Perfect the Palette
Yevette Kiah is creative head of Urban Design, a Singapore-based company specialising in interior design, concept consultancy, space planning and renovation projects. She advises those selecting furniture and furnishings to start by establishing the colour palette and overall design concept to determine the direction of each room.
“In our project at Hougang Capeview,”
she says,
“the clients had chosen a nautical theme and had a collection of nautical themed memorabilia that they wished to display in their home. With the walls painted a soothing colour of light blue, reminiscent of calm seawaters, the furnishings and furniture were kept to a soft and neutral palette to act as backdrop to the family’s valued collection that dramatically bring out the theme.”
Notice how the cabinet has a dual purpose of creating a booth area for the dining area.
“It is decked in a laminate of rustic wood design that immediately draws your attention the moment you step into the home,”
explains Yevette.
“With the dining space tucked away neatly, the rest of the living area is spacious with circulation space maximised.
“In another project in Bishan where the clients are avid collectors of various novelties, the colour palette is kept monochromatic. This allows the colours of their collections to pop, while retaining layering elements of design that go in line with the atmosphere of whimsy evoked by the collections. The furniture is kept neutral and minimalist so that accent furniture such as the designer coffee table can stand out.”
Urban Design +65 6251 7323
sales@urbandesign.com.sg
www.urbandesign.com.sg
