Welcome to my second blog!
Thank you so much for sending me loving encouraging messages after my first post.
Starting this post with a subject header as a kiss, its for all of you who are subscribing and those of you who want to be in touch with me.
As a young naïve romantic girl, growing up in this part of the world, kiss was never meant to be a simple act. We have all been subjected to the fairy tale of Prince charming disappearing into the horizon with Snowhite after that famous kiss. You may now be wondering – why is Namrata digressing from design to kiss and not writing this blog as it’s meant to be written?
Hold on I’m getting there!
Kiss I learnt many years later was meant to be just that - simple with no complications. No unnecessary romantic notions.
So is this blog - just that - simple writing and easy reading.
I don’t intend to be a writer! Neither do I intend to use complicated flowery language, (though at times I wish I too could make it a bit more expressive & impressive). My design inputs in the blog are really my observations, my inspirations at some level are to rewire my own brain with design and its use.
Leonardo Da Vinci’s – “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”
KISS Principle
Kiss is a design principle noted by the US Navy in 1960. (Yes it is also keep it simple sweetie!)
The "keep it simple stupid" (KISS) principle is not meant to imply stupidity. On the contrary, it is usually associated with intelligent systems that may be misconstrued as stupid because of their simplistic design.
Albert Einstein: "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler"
Namrata lets get to the point!
Getting there…getting there!
How can we use the KISS principle in interiors?
While simplicity is a great goal for design and interiors,keeping it simple can be challenging when you are a traveller and a collector.
I struggle with that all the time! Don’t mistake this post as me abandoning my love for great collections or a room full of stories. That subject too will appear at some point on this blog.
When I start a project I always want my clients to first feel the love for their space.Styling a space for me is more about the comfort and the interiors my clients want and less about my personal sensibilities.
The rule in the Kiss design for interiors is the same,creating empty spaces for the eyes to gently caress the room. One statement piece or bold/muted colour tones that compliment each other. The right elements can create a balance in the room while giving it that wow factor. Six different styles of living rooms in this post achieve just that. Take your pick for your next makeover.
1.Scandinavian
When we think of simple interior design – we think Nordic,Scandinavian minimalistic design. A blend of styles from Sweden, Norway,Denmark and Finland, the Scandinavian interior design results in spaces filled with light, heavily utilising natural elements, neutral colour palettes, and clean lines.
2.Tropical
Tropical themed homes too bring out simplicity and work best when they compliment the surrounding environment.Materials are locally sourced and as far as possible - natural. The colour palette that works the best are neutrals and greens.
But there are no rules when it comes to getting your green fix. Even a small space with the right colours and few design elements can transport you to another world. Use of wall paper, botanical prints and of course plenty of green plants can do the trick.
I absolutely love the drama of this wall paper!
3.French Chic
If you really want to glam it up, nothing beats the French chic aesthetics. Is it possible to keep it simple? Absolutely. Take one element or two,a mirror and an antique cabinet from this design trend. Keep the walls white and stick to the beauty of grey,black and white for furnishings.
Layering your art, slip covers few accessories are perfect to get it right.The right size of Jute rug in the below picture keeps it chic.
A beautiful blend is created of the past and present with oversized mirrors and accessories with a hint of gold. One chandelier is all that you need with the mirror to give it that final touch.
4. Country
Today this look is no longer considered rustic.With focus on stunning lights,wooden ceilings to linen fabrics with lighter feel and large windows, it easier to get this look even in a home not originally designed for it.
I absolutely love this room by KT Marshall design. Where less is more. Simplicity in a large space at its best.
And this one is about one feature wall.
Pottery, exaggerated flowers randomly arranged and wood elements are my weakness.
5.Bold interiors
But if all this is too muted for you....go ahead be bold, beautiful and adventurous!
Strong on colour this theme needs careful intervention. A strong palette needs utmost attention to colour layering.
The trick is to keep the colours varying in similar shades!
This drop dead gorgeous green is Boom!!
6.Mid century
I personally love this look, it works brilliantly in smaller spaces and the best part,if you happen to inherit some old furniture in all likelihood it would be a rocking chair, a streamlined side cabinet or a classic statement chair.
Who says you cant be bold with colour in this style!
All the images were sourced very carefully to fit the description of adding simplicity to these varied styles. It is possible to achieve the look you want without burning a big hole in your pocket.
Is it time to KISS?
Thank you once again, stay tuned till my next post in a fortnight!
Namrata Datt
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