Elaborate, timeless, dramatic, stylish and unique — are just a few words to describe parquet flooring.
Constructed in small wood blocks pieced together to create different geometric patterns, this type of flooring adds character and depth to both residential and commercial environments.
If you’re considering making a bold statement with your next purchase, there are few things you should know and understand about the famous parquet flooring.

What does parquet flooring offer?

Depending on your taste and style, parquet flooring showcases simple and intricate patterns that complement just about any interior setting; from classic and contemporary, to transitional and modern aesthetics.
For this reason, it has been crafting its way back into the spotlight courtesy of improved manufacturing methods which offer consumers a wider range of wood species.

What type of wood is best for parquet?

There are many wood options available including oak, chestnut, walnut and ash. All with their unique characteristics in terms of availability, natural colour, as well as durability.
Without a doubt, oak is the most commonly used parquet flooring material due to its hardwearing properties and its ability to be stained with a host of colours thanks to its natural light tone and pores.
These advantages play an essential role in bringing out the beauty and character of the wood to give a room a visually exciting atmosphere

Solid or engineered parquet flooring: what’s the difference?

Solid wood, as the name suggests is made up of a single plank of natural hardwood, and as such expand and contract with fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Because of this, you will notice that the previously smooth surface cracks between the planks when exposed to high levels of humidity and moisture.
On the other hand, engineered flooring is made up of multiple layers of plywood and topped with a layer of real hardwood.
In appearance, both will look and feel the same, but the engineered will have a much stable structure against atmospheric changes.
Engineered parquet boards can be used where solid strips often can’t go, like over radiant heat and below grade (in the basement or room below ground).

Choosing your parquet design style

Parquet flooring can be laid in a variety of patterns, both simple and complex. These include brick, Versailles, basketweave, hexagon, mosaic, Chantilly, chevron and herringbone.
From this list, herringbone and chevron patterns are arguably the most popular choice for anyone looking to install this intriguing floor.
Chevron features a parallelogram shape which produces a strong striping effect. Each plank is installed in such a way that it meets the end of another.

Herringbone, like the chevron pattern, features equally-sized boards that are installed to form a zig-zag pattern. The difference between the two is that herringbone planks are cut into rectangles rather than at an angle, and come in several variations such as single, square and double form.

Surface treatments for parquet flooring

Like every regular flooring, parquet has a variety of treatments to give it different looks. It is therefore important to think about the overall aesthetic of your interior space before making your pick.
The heat-treating technique to darken the wood to any colour will give it a rustic look too.
Staining your floor is yet another way to treat parquet. This can be done to any colour; from dark to light, yellowish to reddish, and even an orangish tone. The colour selected will depend largely on personal taste.
To keep flooring in tip-top condition and looking great, use oil for oil parquet at least every three years. This will retrain and enhance the natural beauty of your floors.

Lacquered or oiled floor?

It’s worth knowing the options available when it comes to parquet flooring finish. Two most commonly selected are lacquered and oil finishes.
Lacquered is arguably the toughest and durable of all (often last 10-20 years). On the other hand, oiled floors can be refinished easily.
What’s more, for a natural-looking finish that enables the colour of the wood to deepen over the years, oiled finish is your best bet.
In the Reclaimed Flooring Company, we suggest our customers to use Hard Wax Oils made from a combination of natural oils & waxes offering exceptional durability and resistance on wood flooring, wooden kitchen worktops, staircases, mouldings and areas subjected to high traffic.

Pros and cons of prefinished and unfinished boards

Similar to conventional flooring, parquet comes prefinished (factory-finished with a stain and a protective layer) or unfinished, which is wood that has to be sealed and finished in situ.
Prefinished floors tend to have more durability, and the colour and staining are more uniform and consistent. You also have the option to have access to colours that are not available anywhere else.

Where can you lay parquet flooring?

Parquet floors can be installed anywhere in the house, however, because of its elegant appeal, it has become a popularly choice for formal settings such as living rooms, dining rooms and foyer. Engineered parquet is suitable for humid areas such as the basement and bathroom.

How parquet floors are protected

Wood is a living material, so you need to protect it from any damage. From the outset, it’s important to remove everyday dirt with the right cleaning material and products.
If installed in the kitchen, a high-quality rug or runner with a soft or felt backing can be placed in front of the sink to protect against spills and splashes. Be sure not to slide heavy furniture and fit felt pads on the bottom of furniture legs.

Parquet floor refinishing

A flooring professional can brighten dull surfaces with a light sanding and fresh coats of polyurethane to retain the floor’s gleaming look.
This is a tedious and long task that requires patience, but when done right, you may never need to refinish.

Conclusion

Parquet flooring has long been a coveted interior design feature for hundreds of years.
The quality that makes it different from normal boards is its impressive variety of unique patterns and style.
No matter if you’re going for a contemporary appearance or rather modern look, it’s important to get key details right in order to choose the highest quality parquet that will make the floor a focal point of your space.

With the influx of all sorts of products trying to mimic the look of real wood floors, solid hardwood and engineered wood flooring remain an undisputed choice for residential and commercial projects alike.

Pattern parquet flooring

Over the years, parquet flooring has proved that classic can also be trendy. Showing an increase of 177.42% in homes around the UK (according to a statistic taken from Country Living), parquet, particularly herringbone and chevron pattern, add both sophisticated and timeless flair. An alternative to straight hardwood installation, longer herringbone and chevron planks are all the rage this season.

Herringbone involves connecting two planks at a 90-degree angle. This flooring style gives any room a focal point, whilst giving an illusion of a larger space. Whether it’s a small hallway or a common area like the kitchen, you can be sure to elevate the overall look and feel of your space into something far from basic.

As far as chevron wood flooring is concerned, it makes it possible to install flooring easier and quicker. It can be laid parallel to the walls or diagonally to create a “V” form. Because this patterned flooring style can create an optical illusion that space is bigger, wider or longer, it has become popular among homeowners with smaller houses, or rooms where a change in proportion is needed to make the room seem more spacious.

Long, wide plank floors

Elongated, wide wood boards are one trend we keep seeing year after year, and this season it’s no different. Their presence lends a casual yet sophisticated design statement wherever they’re installed. Even better, they make compact spaces seem bigger, more open, more cohesive, more expensive and less chaotic.

This is a trend you can expect to maintain its longevity in the marketplace. For this reason, wood flooring manufacturers are trending towards even wider and longer boards that continue to create a stable visual foundation.

High-end market:

custom-made specifications, prime grade, Antique French Oak

While there have been few changes within the timber industry in the last 2-3 years, there has been an incredibly high demand for genuine 18th and 19th century French oak for full home renovations including custom-made stair pieces.

Due to the specialised nature and bespoke requirements for such projects, high-end wood flooring companies normally provide a complete supply and installation services.

With regards to wood grading, the high-end of the market is drawn towards specifying the higher grade of flooring such as Prime Grade and Select Grade, rather than a rustic or character grade. Opting for a cleaner grade of oak means each board is more uniform and grain patterns are generally less varied — and once installed, the overall appearance offers a sense of calmness because there is less visual “noise”.

When selecting either new wood, reclaimed or antique flooring, designers are in the search for new concepts rather than a standard format. Custom-made wood floor requires that you carefully evaluate each room shape, light source, and often times the building’s history.

To get the specifications right, it’s not uncommon for manufacturers to create custom-made pdf templates on-site prior to the production of wood boards in the workshop. With all custom work, it’s best that the manufacturer offer a complete package that includes supply and installation.

Middle market:

natural finishes and natural colours

With regards to the middle and middle-upper market sectors, we have seen a shift in design trends throughout the years. In 2021, there will be an increased demand for environmentally friendly flooring and a higher grade of engineered oak.

For this reason, engineered boards are now FSC certified as standard, and character grade flooring is now a higher grade; which means the boards are considered to be more elegant and there is less floor filler required within each board.

There is an obvious decrease in requests for cool, grey wood floor colours and an increase for warmer grey tones, blended with brown undertones. The current most popular colours include Eames, Highland Manor, Cabin Wood, Regency Grey, Tobacco Cove, Traditional White.

Something of interest in 2021 and beyond, and perhaps a shift that has been in motion the past 6 months is the growing demand for 18th and 19th century French Oak but without the hefty price tag.

Award-winning interiors have in the past few years exhibited such an antique French oak floor, and this influence is seeping its way into the middle market sector — with a great appreciation towards the beauty of such a product and the overall style just not the price tag.

For this reason, there are two alternative products in solid oak, and 2021 sees a high demand for a similar product as an engineered platform that is less expensive than a genuine product.

Reclaimed wood floors

Salvaged from a variety of places including aging barns, wine barrels, old farmhouses, factories and farmhouses, reclaimed wood flooring kills two beds with one stone — it offers something original that’s also environmentally responsible.

This recycled building material carry a distinctive and charming distressed look; and this year, this aesthetic happens to be in style in flooring, wall surfaces, door, and staircase design. Introducing this honest and hard-wearing material that proudly displays the marks it’s acquired during its lifetime adds so much character and warmth that will last a lifetime.

Team reclaimed flooring with tactile elements like wool, leather and rattan to conceive an industrial or country-style scheme, or pair with modern and contemporary smooth, glossy furnishings for a stunning and striking contrast.

Natural, grain wood floors

It seems as though 2021 will see homeowners moving towards natural, grained flooring that add a sense of character and texture to elevate the status of any room decor. To achieve this look, wood boards are finished by scarping a wire brush across the surface, giving them a look that undulates slightly and appears like it was finished by hand with an old-fashioned wood scraper.

The easy-going look is ideal for homeowners seeking a natural appearance that effortlessly complements the now-trending farmhouse style, particularly in kitchens. In addition, it can also add a distinctive touch to upscale contemporary settings, or offer a beautiful contrast to modern décor.

Brown wood tones

Prominent grey and white coloured wood planks have been strong the last 6-7 years; however, as homeowners embrace the light, airy feel in their homes, we’ll see warmer brown tones sneaking in this year. The simplicity and cosiness of brown create a luxury look that still feels timeless.

Light brown is an excellent colour base that offers endless decorating possibilities — effortlessly finding its place in rustic, modern, contemporary, Scandinavian and even traditional interior schemes. What’s more, lighter wood colours tend to hide scuff marks better than darker wood shades.

Onsite wood finishing

Because of the wealth of customisation offered, finishing wood boards in situ is a preferred choice for more and more people. Onsite finishing involves purchasing raw wood flooring and have it sanded, stained, sealed and finished with a protective layer after installation. Most high-end wood flooring companies provide full onsite installation service in order to ensure the best result.

Furthermore, on-site finishing allows you to blend new flooring into existing floors, or finish to your specific taste by taking natural and artificial lighting, furniture and overall décor into consideration. Unlike pre-finished boards, the end result of a site-finished floor is smooth with no obvious lippage between the boards if the subfloor is not completely flat.

Conclusion

Whether you are trying to nail a modern, contemporary, Scandinavian, coastal or even a traditional look, wood flooring offers a stylish, warm, and natural look that lasts a lifetime. With a lot going on in the wood flooring industry, there is plenty of different possibilities that trends this year offer to turn your house into a home.

Advanced manufacturing technics make wood flooring a leading choice, and more species, colours and finishes to choose from mean that some of these trends will likely stick around for years to come….and then some. Investing in brand new high-quality wood flooring can add so much value and timeless style to an interior environment.

Flooring will always remain an essential part of any interior design. When working on the blueprints of any building, every architect or interior designer considers the flooring as one of the significant aspects that he will specify. Flooring is your first physical contact with space. Be it a resident commercial or an industrial building, beauty, elegance, and the overall personality are mainly dependent on it. Then cost-effectiveness of the flooring is another vital feature that everyone considers. Apart from this, you will like to combine grace and grandeur with wear resistance and functionality.

Therefore, it is advisable to take extra time when deciding on the flooring such that you end up picking a beautiful, durable, and cost-effective solution. You have floorings available in many different profile types, finishes, and structures. You all know how disappointing it can be to walk into a well-designed space and to have to walk with extra care as the flooring might not be suitable for formal footwear. Hence, selecting the right type of flooring as per the requirements of the area in question is essential.

There will be a number of things to consider when deciding between the flooring options for your residence, office, or industrial space. It would be best if you choose keeping in mind your décor and style, and knowing the pros and cons of each flooring type will be handy here. Furthermore, it has to match your needs and fit your budget too.

 We will floor you with our flooring tips for the different available options. Here is what you need to know about the different flooring alternatives.

Rubber Flooring

Affordable, durable, and easy to install; these rubber flooring tiles work well for a wide variety of purposes and fit every type of environment. In this flooring, you have the option of interlocking tiles and basic rolls. Ideal for high traffic environment, you have a good choice of colors, patterns, and textures. These are available in 12 inch, 23 inch, and 36-inch squares, however, customized sizes you also be available. 

Consider rubber flooring a niche, and at times you may not find many variants here. It is a soft underfoot and is ideal for gyms, exercise rooms, and playrooms. Unlike wooden floors, on rubber flooring, heels won’t click, and dropped objects won’t clatter. However, these can get slippery when wet, and if the floor is waxed or polished, things may get a little more uncomfortable. 

When it comes to installation, these are on the most sensitive flooring materials, provided you are working with a team. However, it is not suggested for DIYers. The repair and maintenance are hassle-free, and a damp mop is sufficient. You should avoid using harsh detergents as it may affect the color of your flooring. Furthermore, grease and oil may leave an irreparable stain on these. 

Pros

• It’s stable and quiet. Therefore, high traffic areas are perfect for this flooring type. 
• This flooring is adhesive-free, i.e., you need to use glue to the subfloor in most applications. 
• It is a natural material with almost no or little carbon emissions in comparison to other alternatives. 
• Rubber flooring is a low maintenance option. The smooth surface of this flooring is easy and quick to clean. 

Cons

• The installation is not as easy as the rolls or the tiles; it is going to be heavy. It is never a single person’s job to install rubber flooring. 
• It is a costlier option when compared with other flooring types like foam. 
• It has limited usability when it comes to installation spaces. 

Laminate Flooring

It is a multilayer synthetic flooring product brought together by a sophisticated lamination process. It simulates wood and has a protective layer to it. Look at it as an attractive option that falls well within your budget. This flooring has layers of compressed plywood or fiber, and that makes it durable. In manufacturing it, photo-realism technology is used to create a texture similar to wood, ceramic tile, stone, stained concrete, or others covered in a plastic coating. 

The technology used in its manufacturing is so advanced that the laminate version looks identical to the real thing, and that too at a fraction of the cost. This flooring type is ideal for living rooms, studies and playrooms. Some variants come with waterproof care, and you can use those in your kitchens and bathrooms. 

The installation of the laminate flooring is easy, and you may think why you hired a professional service to do this. It is a dry installation that requires no adhesives, mortar, or grout. 

Pros

• With this flooring, you get a floor that appeals to all aesthetic tastes. It is without any hassle of maintenance and is economical in all aspects as well. 
• The installation of this flooring type is effortless and takes little time. 
• The surface is long-lasting and durable, and there will be almost no scuffs and scratches. 
• You can have a good choice as a wide variety of imitations are available that look as good as natural. 

Cons

• Even with the best quality, it is never going to look and feel like a real thing. 
• If the installation is not perfect, it will look shabby. 
• If the surface gets damaged, it isn’t easy to fix. 
• It absorbs moisture, and the damage cannot be repaired. 

Wood Flooring

If you are looking for class and elegance, then there is no other alternative that beats wood flooring, the beauty is so fascinating that it is natural to gravitate towards it. The pricing is on a slightly higher side, but that should not deter you. With regular maintenance and cleaning, it can well last for a lifetime and beyond. It is just that the initial investment is on the higher side; the look and durability of this flooring make it up. 

These come in two types: one is solid hardwood floors, and the other is engineered wood flooring. The first type is made from solid wood that comes from a single piece of hardwood. Fitting is a tongue and groove process. On the other hand, engineered wood flooring is a comparatively versatile and robust flooring alternative. Each board has three to four layers of wood glued and pressed together to create a plank. 

There is a variety when it comes to installation types as well. You have the bare strip, which is narrow tongue and groove boards that are cut in random lengths. Next are the planks that come in various widths as well as random sizes. The third one is the wood tile, which is beautifully patterned and laid in aesthetic patterns in a carpet style. 

 

Another type is the floating floor systems, which have several veneered strips over the tongue and groove backing board. Your wood flooring can come to you in refinished form or unfinished. If unfinished, it is sanded and given a proper finishing before installation. Woods of a different kind comes with a hardness score, which indicates how easily it gets damaged, worn, or dented by the traffic on the floor. 

You need to be a little aware of where you can get the wood flooring done in your space. Hallways suit the best and will be a proper display of your décor and taste. You can install it anywhere that is not exposed to water or humidity. The stairs can be one place where you will have difficulty in installation and maintenance. 

Pros

• The benefits of wood flooring of all types are numerous. The biggest one is its long-lasting beauty. It brings enormous value to your property. 
• You can get it refinished whenever you feel like getting it done. You can get it done even after years of installation. The original look can be easily restored, erasing all the scrapes and scratches.
• This flooring type can well outlive all other flooring options. 

Cons

• You need to take care of moisture and water seepages on this flooring. 
• The initial costs are on the higher side.

Vinyl Flooring

This flooring has been a popular option since the 1950s. It is best when you are looking for low cost and durability. Being water-resistant, you can use it for kitchens and bathrooms as well. Use it as a quick fix answer to those old floors or sensitive carpets; what’s more, it will be an alternative that is easy on your pocket as well. This flooring option is flexible, resilient, and has just the right hardness. 

Vinyl flooring has a wear layer on the top, and it works well as a protective coating. It gives you the choice of getting the installation done directly on your existing floor without the hassle of dismantling it. The durability and versatility feature makes it the right choice for both commercial and home interiors. Be it living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, and these complement every space. 

Pros

• No other type beats it in durability, and it can bear ordinary wear and tear with ease.
• An economical choice, it is no doubt the preferred choice for many homeowners. 
• It has a fast installation, and there are no complicated procedures involved. 
• It comes in a variety of design options to fit any design style. Moreover, it is easy to maintain and is slip-resistant. 

Cons

• These floorings are just not meant for heavy loads making it unsuitable for industrial spaces. 
• Sharp objects can easily wear it down. 
• The colors tend to fade over time when exposed to sunlight is there. Therefore, it won’t work in an outdoor space. 

Bamboo Flooring

This flooring has emerged as one of the favorite segments in the flooring industry for the last decade. The main reason being it is economical and high on durability when compared to other wood options. Many of us may not know that bamboo is a grass and not a wood. It is, in fact, the biggest grass in the world and has a dozen of varieties. The ones used for flooring is called the Moso bamboo that comes from China and other parts of Asia.

It makes an attractive flooring option that is entirely made of natural material. The good thing is that it will add immense value to your real estate property. In looks and functionality, the bamboo flooring remains much similar to its wood counterpart. It is slightly more water-resistant; however, it is prone to scratches and cracks, and higher humidity levels can be harmful to this flooring.

Bamboo is light in color, and to bring a dark shade to it, and it is carbonized. In the process, it tends to get softer than natural bamboo. Bamboo flooring is engineered by slicing and shredding the strands of the grass. Once done, it is pressed together with adhesives and heat to form flooring boards.

Pros

• Bamboo flooring is a natural and renewable material. It is entirely environmentally friendly.
• The maintenance of these floorings is easy and quick.
• Even after years of installation, it can be refinished, and it will again look new as ever.
• It will significantly increase the financial worth of your real estate.

Cons

• Can easily get scratches and cracks
• There are several harmful toxins present in the adhesives used to make the flooring.

Carpet Flooring

Carpets have a striking uniqueness that they bring to the interiors of the space. It is fantastic in many ways and makes a tremendous addition to your home. However, if you were too cautious, it would be best to know when and where to use the carpet to make all the difference. These will be best when added to the living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and playrooms.

For decades it has remained as the most popular flooring choice across all the cultures. Carpet flooring has its own set of advantages provided you get it right and provide regular maintenance. It makes your space comfortable and cozy and transforms the whole look and feel of the area. It comes in an exciting range of styles, textures, and designs. It offers homogeneous versatility wherever it gets installed. You can lay it anywhere; it will leave everyone impressed.

Wall to wall carpeting completes the looks of the room and enhances the entire décor. When you cover the floor with carpets, your house looks more inviting and grand for the visitors. However, it would help if you through these pros and cons briefly.

Pros

• It enhances the décor of your house and is ideal for giving your home a much-needed makeover.
• It gives warmth in winters and remains soft for your feet around the year.
• Carpet flooring works as a good sound insulator.

Cons

• It may not be as hygienic as other flooring options. It can easily become a breeding place for dust mites.
• It retains all the moisture, stains, and odors.
• Overall this flooring type requires high and regular maintenance.

Epoxy Flooring

It can be used to give a new and distinct look to kitchens, bathrooms, floors, patios, terraces, and even basement floors. For years, it has been a popular flooring style for workshops and garages. It can easily bear grease, dirt, oil, scratches, and other types of wear and tear typical to an industrial environment. Overall, consider it economical, durable, and attractive flooring solutions for commercial and residential applications.

However, this flooring will not work if the environment has dampness or has a high level of UV rays exposure regularly. Moreover, the installation of this low maintenance and durable flooring option is challenging. However, the advantages of the epoxy flooring option outweigh the drawbacks associated with it.

It is water-resistant to a higher extent, can bear all stains, and withstand all sorts of chemicals. One can clean these quickly with a moist mop, and if you add a mild cleaning solution, it will be better. This low maintenance flooring option works well for showrooms, warehouses as well as residential homes.

Here are the most important pros and cons of epoxy flooring that you should consider.

Pros

• It is durable and long-lasting in all kinds of environments.
• Epoxy flooring is one of the most hygienic flooring options available.
• It remains one of the most economical flooring options for you in the present day.

Cons

• Heavy objects on the surface can cause the epoxy coating to chip over time.
• It can be excessively slippery, especially in moist environments.

The Bottom Line

The flooring options listed in the article are the most popular choices these days; however, you have to choose only one for your space. At one end, you will like your flooring to look unique and alluring, and on the other hand, it should fit your budget as well. In such a situation, it is always best to prefer an option that has grace, attractiveness, easy maintenance and lasts for a long time. Our vote obviously goes for wood flooring.

Dorothée Meilichzon has gained a reputation in the French capital’s hospitality industry — embracing rich, bold textures, colours, and prints in the rooms she designs. A true perfectionist with a researcher’s mind, at just 27 she decided to set up her Paris-based studio, CHZON — now a global agency specialising in hotel, bar, and restaurant design projects.

Since then, her name is linked to some of France buzzworthy addresses, including Grand Pigalle Hotel, Hotel Panache, Hotel Paradis, Hôtel des Grands Boulevards, and so many more must-see destinations.

The award-winning Parisian designer is also responsible for conceiving London’s playful yet sophisticated Henrietta Hotel — as well as a list of exquisite projects in Ibiza, Basel, Venice, Cannes, Monaco, and New York.

Her intentions for the spaces she design is finding the right intrepid mix of textures, patterns and a pastiche of shapes in a way that creates a warm and unpretentious atmosphere. In fact, these peculiar details find their way onto her floors, walls and furnishings.

Rather than subscribing only to the traditional French aesthetic, Meilichzon designs exude genuine personality and an incredibly welcoming appeal that invites people to exchange, share, and make discoveries.

Each project she touches ensure that the interior exist in harmony with its environment. This, for example, is evident in the Hotel des Grands Boulevards — set in an 18^th century building erected during the French Revolution years. The interior presents a rustic-chic style, featuring whitewashed walls, reclaimed timber beams and Versailles parquet flooring — a clever nod to the Petit Trianon château at Versailles.

For a traveller that’s seeking distinctive Parisian experience, Hotel Bachaumont is a worthy choice that will live up to your expectations. And if you’re a lover of glam retro, you’ll truly be mesmerised by its individual architectural characteristics.

The hotel’s lounge boasts a colour scheme of navy blue, beige and white, bevelled mirrors, fabric chairs in playful prints, backgammon-inspired table-tops, handsome detailing of dark wood and black marble at the bar, and medium-light brown floorboards.

The hotels brightly lit 49 rooms, four of which are apartment-sized suites, house a palette of deep blues, teals and greys, large beds with Pierre Frey fabric headboards, slender pieces made out of marble and wood, Stilnovo brass-accented globe lights and dark herringbone wood flooring to balance out the aesthetics.

Meilichzon is a designer who never repeats herself, perhaps this is what differentiates each of her projects. Her works offer an individual spirit and a unique adventure. On the island of Menorca, Menorca Experimental Hotel sits on 30 hectares of green, tranquil land, within a revamped 19th century country estate.

The 43-room agritourism surrounded by pine groves, juniper shrubs and wildflowers offer an all-encompassing experience. The retreat maintains as many of its remaining original architectural structure: exposed wood beams, roof tiles and timber shutters.

Custom furniture built by local artisans, rough-hewn local timber floorboards, glazed terracotta tiles, waxed concrete, and a palette of pastels and rustic tones are just the few characteristic features that accent the space throughout.

What’s truly impressive is how historic buildings are eclectically transposed into a perfect blend of contemporary elegance and understated bohemian aesthetic. Embracing existing, original elements seem to be a common thread. Materials from nature, particularly wood and stone are favoured in most of her hospitality projects.

A simple understanding of how we connect to the materials that we employ is crucial when designing restorative environments meant for a positive dining experience.

The growing interest associated with the use of wood lies in how naturally habitable the interior feels thereafter. Wood feels instantly familiar and can lend a sense of warm ambience to any built environment. In addition, it can bring an abundance of texture and character with weathered and distressed patina, whilst also delivering a more chic aesthetic.

Conclusion

Dorothée Meilichzon execute interiors with dramatic character — infusing classic, contemporary and retro elements, with a slight chic Parisian aesthetic. Each of her projects are different, offering a unique experience by bringing in a burst of excitement and vibrancy through contrasting colours, patterns, and playful shapes.

The designer’s sophisticated design sensibility is highlighted through the way she utilised different materials to create a harmonious atmosphere — for instance, the way she teams natural wood and stone to create a welcoming and memorable experience in each room. This mix-match of materials encapsulates the theatricality and status of the interior environment, resulting in a distinct visual identity.

Formafantasma, an Italian design duo based in Amsterdam presented an ongoing investigation that plunges deep into the evolution of the timber industry, commissioned by London’s Serpentine Sackler Gallery.

Curated by Rebecca Lewin, the exhibition presented work from the Cambio project, drawing from disciplines of science, conservation, engineering and policymaking — focusing on the governance of the extraction of timber from forests, its expansion across the world and the negative impact it has had on the planet’s biosphere since the 19th century.

Designers Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin, who make up the Formafantasma team, seek to highlight how design should, and can, shape a better and more sustainable future — and raises awareness around climate change and ecological issues.

Through their holistic approach, the duo reaches back into the history of extraction, production and distribution of particular materials used by humans to find the patterns of supply chains, as well as looking at the future of that material’s survival in relation to human consumption.

Cambio (from the medieval Latin cambium, meaning “exchange” or “change”) references the cambial layer, a cellular membrane that runs around tree trunks. The function of which is to produce wood on the inside (a record of the tree’s past) and the bark on the outside (which enables it to keep grow).

The exhibition’s layout followed a concentric structure, much like the rings of a tree, to bring together an analysis-based series of films, objects, artefacts and samples aimed to poke viewers to reevaluate their relationship with trees.

The duo explained, “The exhibition aims to put into question the role that design can play in translating emerging environmental awareness into informed, collaborative responses.”

In response to interviews with specialists along with research data, Formafantasma created two films which were showcased in the central spaces of the Serpentine Sackler Gallery. Highlighted in the same area were a series of case studies that educated visitors about wood sourcing and usage — offering a better understanding of the philosophy and politics of plants.

Meanwhile, visitors were allowed to enjoy displayed objects from historical collections of wood samples and contemporary products in the north gallery, all of which were sourced from the Economic Botany Collection in Kew Gardens and V&A’s storage spaces.

Interestingly, the earliest samples of rare hardwoods from Kew were first displayed in The Great Exhibition of 1851, the purpose of which was to incite desire and inspire new products to be made from rare and — probably now — endangered tree species.

The newest display of furniture and seating comes from the Formafantasma collection, all of which are crafted from a single tree blown over in a storm in northern Italy in 2018.

In the south gallery, the exhibition opened with two wooden pieces that draw attention to the physicality of wood and its possible uses, with a two-screen projection and two sections of a tree trunk. This took place in an ambience that evokes the wet earth and flora of a forest, developed by Norwegian smell researcher and artist Sissel Tolaas.

The east section of the exhibition was home to forensic research undertaken by Formafantasma together with several scientific institutions. Here, viewers got the chance to learn more about wood as a biological archive that stores data and narratives within its tissues, even while it undergoes carving, pulping (for paper) or fire (for charcoal).

Lastly, a combination of images, text and film found in the west gallery “takes a view of forestry that moves beyond the extraction of resources and attempts to understand the complex ecosystems that forested regions contain.”

The Italian design duo explained, “Cambio is an attempt to expand our understanding of what design can be, going beyond the finished object in order to include its disciplinary boundaries; forestry techniques and timber legislations then become tools for designing a better future for our forests; scientific knowledge goes hand in hand with environmental activism in fighting illegal logging, and the equilibrium of trans-national geopolitics is redefined in the struggle between conservation and consumption.”

Conclusion

As designers, the Amsterdam-based team brings awareness to the depletion of natural resources a lot closer to home. Wood, being a natural material used for everyday objects and yet taken for granted, makes up one the largest industries in the world.

A series of films, workshops, talks and samples displayed during the exhibition will hopefully broaden and deepen debates surrounding sustainability. The consistent devotion put forward by Formafantasma to investigate and reveal the scale of the problem surrounding global wood consumption and how we can improve the timber industry is to be applauded.

As one of the great designers and craftsmen of the twentieth century, George Nakashima is noted for his fundamental belief that every tree deserved a second chance at life.

Since inception, much of his craftmanship had always maintained a sacred relationship with trees, resulting in the production of some of the finest wood furniture of his time. His designs, which often incorporated slabs of wood from his own property and local areas, is highly recognizable and appreciated.

Born in 1905 in Spokane, Washington, to parents who recently immigrated from Japan — Nakashima’s hiking and camping trips as a young Eagle Scout instilled in him a love of trees and nature — a love that, undoubtedly, became a part of his life.

In school at the University of Washington, he first studied forestry and after two years switched to architecture. He went on to earn a masters degree in architecture from MIT.

Upon graduating, he moved to Tokyo in 1934 and started work at an architecture firm of Antonin Raymond, who combined Japanese building techniques with innovative Western practices. There, he was part of a team that designed interiors for the firm’s various projects.

He was later sent to India in 1939 to oversee the country’s first reinforced concrete structures. During his stay, he became a follower of an ashram’s guru Sri Aurobindo’s spiritual teachings.

Upon his return to the United States, he was disappointed by the architectural world and decided to pursue a new career as a furniture designer — a new chapter in his life that will have a lasting impact.

With his first workshop established in 1943, in New Hope, Nakashima’s discipleship in the ashram ignited his innate skills and aesthetic to create a style of functional beauty.

His earliest works showcased the wood’s purity and natural character, particularly its gnarled imperfections. His furniture making process rarely used the free-edge technique. Rather, he began producing custom-made pieces that were free of ornamentation, and focused on simple lines in order to show off the natural beauty and contour of each wood plank.

Within two years of setting up his studio, he entered into a working relationship with manufacturer Knoll, which brought his creations to a wider audience and into contact with other like-minded designers. He produced two original furniture pieces that served as early examples for Knoll, which began production in 1949 — the Splay-leg Table and Straight Chair.

Throughout the years working with large-scale retailers, his name became more established and respected as a maker of fine wood furniture.

George Nakashima’s elegant and thought-provoking furniture collection continues to enthral collectors. His work graces the homes of affluent individuals seeking something distinctive, including Steven Spielberg, Brad Pitt, Julianne Moore and many others. His most popular pieces: A Nakashima Conoid Bench, Conoid Chair, Lounge Chair and Minguren II Coffee Table are preserved for history in the Smithsonian.

Nakashima was mindful of choosing his clients — he found friendship with each one them to be vital and instrumental to the development of each final piece. The more he resonated with a client, the more likely it was that they were given top priority of the finest lumber, such as exotic varieties of Rosewood or English Oak.

While most woodworkers preferred furniture making with smooth and straight-edged lumber from the inner parts of a tree, he took pleasure in finding an ideal use for every part of the tree. Largely influenced by the Japanese belief of wabi-sabi, Nakashima revered in seeking beauty in imperfection — and had an uncanny ability and an almost psychic connection to the wood.

In his memoir The Soul of a Tree: A Master Woodworker’s Reflections, Nakashima wrote: “There is drama in the opening of a log to uncover for the first time the beauty in the bole, or trunk, of a tree hidden for centuries, waiting to be given this second life.”

In making furniture from slabs of wood, instead of hiding deep cracks and large gabs, he utilised the butterfly joint to hold pieces together. Although the butterfly joint was used by others before him, it became part of his craftmanship, and many referred to it as the Nakashima’s joint.

The final touches included using oil finish instead of veneers or lacquers so as to highlight the natural grain of the wood.

His craftsmanship captivates people “because it is different. My father integrated life and work by not tying into the big-corporation mindset of mass production and making money. To him, it was more important to make beautiful furniture; money would come later. He combined utilitarianism with beauty,” his daughter Mira Nakashima recounted.

“Dad always felt he was giving trees new life, and life continues. Not everybody understands this; it’s not for everyone, but if you are sensitive to it, you will sense life in each item we make. People realize this when they have sold their Nakashimas. It’s like selling a part of themselves.”

After his passing in 1990, Mira took over as the Creative Director of Nakashima Woodworkers — producing her father’s classic pieces that pay tribute to his legacy while simultaneously developing her own novel ones. She has also written a book about her father called “Nature, Form and Spirit: The Life and Legacy of George Nakashima.”

Of her father’s influence, she said, “Today, there is a strong legacy that lives all over the world in using the natural form of wood. The architecture he created on the property here (in Bucks County, PA) is now a Historic National Landmark. Another landmark in his life was to leave the camp in the desert and start a legacy here in New Hope.”

Conclusion
George Nakashima initially wanted to be an architect but instead became one of the world’s renowned woodworkers… shaping each piece of wood and fashioning it into a useful object for human consumption. In his eyes, the tree was always where everything began and it was up to the tree to dictate the form to follow.

In 2020 unique trend narratives will unfold and begin to influence how we live and work.

In today’s fast-paced, scattered, multi-tasking culture; many of us are stressed and stretched. As a result, we’re looking for ways to gain balance in our lives — it’s, therefore, no surprise that wellness continues to be a huge area of focus in the interior design industry.

Below we’ve put together design trends predicted to transfuse into the new season and beyond.

Biophilia — connecting with nature

Architects and interior designers are realising just how crucial it is to design spaces with people’s wellbeing in mind.

This design ethos realises that both where we live and work can significantly influence our physical health as well as our emotional state of mind.

Therefore, it’s essential to create environments that positively stimulate our senses, that enhance productivity, creativity or relaxation, and that have health and wellness benefits to the people using them.

The positive benefits of biophilic design and its approach to our health and overall productivity are well documented and backed by science, too.

We live in a tech-centric age where we spend most of our time looking at screens, and less being surrounded by nature.

Biophilia aims to address this issue in urban environments by bringing elements of the outdoors into the interior environment. Research carried out by Human Spaces has found that workers reported feeling 15% more creative and 15% more productive when their workspaces made use of biophilic elements.

In 2020 we continue to witness the biophilic interior design trend becoming more and more of a necessity in the building of interior spaces, with both residential and corporate design moving towards introducing natural light, greenery, water features, natural materials such as wood and stone, and open spaces for quiet working.

Not only is biophilic design beneficial holistically for the home and workplace, it can also help to increase sales in retail spaces. Recent research indicates that customers judged that goods sold by businesses whose design was surrounded by nature were worth up to 25% more than those that were not.

Evidently, the hype surrounding biophilic design is not an empty one. It’s about more than just putting an indoor plant in your office or home — but rather, about weaving our ecosystem into our surroundings. After all, bioophilia covers wellness, productivity, and profitability in one, so expect this design trend to stick around throughout 2020 and beyond.

Environmentally-conscious and sustainable design

Essentially, the rapid growth in wellness building transpires partly from “consumer demand and lifestyle” and partly due to the swift environmental crises around the world.

Many businesses are moving towards ‘greener’ branding — and we can all do our part and invest in products, material and designs that won’t cost us the planet.

Sustainable design in 2020 will be more than just aesthetics and natural-effect surfaces.

The industry will see the rise of biodegradable materials and technologies being rolled out onto residential and commercial spaces.

Colours inspired by nature

Previous years have seen pared-back, minimalist designs and colours being extremely in vogue.

The Scandinavian approach often makes use of muted neutral tones: think grey, navy and beige to name just a few.

However, taking insights from this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week in London, one would see that “soft neutrals are slowly stepping aside”.

Although colours are such a personal thing, many interior designers suggest that restorative and earthy tones will remain big news in 2020.

It’s safe to say we will be swooning over hues such as forest green, ripe olive green, bronze, earth yellow and ochre to cohesively create inspired spaces that ooze calm and tonal balance, and yet maintain a luxurious feel.

Keep the look modern and fresh by incorporating an unexpected accent hue.

This could be any balanced pairings such as taupe with periwinkle blue, rust and pink or lilac, and mustard with dusty pink.

Reclaimed furniture, fixtures and materials

It’s going to be all about keeping a strong connection with the natural world via our interiors in 2020, and this means recycle, reuse, repurpose.

Natural materials and organic forms are already well and truly entrenched in our interior loving hearts and we can look forward to more of this next year and beyond.

This is a trend you can embrace wholeheartedly: think reclaimed wood not just on floors but on walls and ceilings too.

The power of patterns and fractals

Understanding of the natural world has moved far away from rosebud patterns plastered all over walls and furniture… Nature and organic life are visually a lot more geometric than we thought before.

If you zoom in or zoom out a thousand times, you get a pretty good view of the true beauty of nature’s intelligence.

One of the preferred ways to introduce patterns in interior design is taking inspiration from fractals in nature.

In 2020, we’ll see décor elements and fixtures that resemble patterns found in nature; from leaf veins and pinecones, to tree branches.

This is a significant trend as several studies suggest that the ordered complexity of fractals in nature can reduce stress and promote an overall sense of relaxation.

Open concept floor plan

Another significant trend in home design vernacular is the integrated living space that embraces large, open spaces and minimises small, enclosed rooms.

An open floor plan of kitchen, dining and living room (also referred to as “great room” combination) is a new must for modern life’s dynamic.

Such a distribution of living space works best in small footage homes but also lend an appealing layout for larger residential spaces.

Open concept layouts offer generous entrances and hallways that open onto courtyards or gardens and create a feeling of serenity from the moment you step inside the front door — and can enhance wider-than-average hallways that borrow light, air and floor area from adjoining rooms.

This spatial sharing visually eliminates interior barriers that can sometimes be conceived as dark, compact and unattractive.

Fascinating glass lighting

Light is increasingly becoming one of the most important elements in design — modern spaces are now designed around natural light sources, smart lighting systems to better match our natural rhythm, and artificial light that mimics daylight…

For 2020, the hottest trend is all things glass lighting.

What makes glass lighting fabulous is its ability to be incorporated into a range of interior aesthetics due to its multi-faceted design flexibility.

From a perfect trio of geometric shaped mid-century statement lights with stunning glass features (to bring back the mod look of the 60’s), to boho-chic chandeliers that give the style a modern flair, there isn’t an interior trend that glass lighting can not surpass.

Conclusion

The interior design world is dynamic and forever evolving — and whilst trends can be a big thing for a pretty short season, some stay with us for years and continue to surprise and delight. In 2020, wellness focused interior design will continue to take centre stage and offer new ways to update and transform our indoor environment. From the use of sustainable materials to incorporating colours that encourage us to relax. All upcoming wellness trends realise that good design can greatly influence our physical and mental well-being.

The Significance of Interior Designers

Interior designers are the curators of the old and the creators of new. They innovate to make our spaces functional, safe, and beautiful, relieving us of this arduous task. Simply by implementing the right colors, lighting, and materials, interior designers refashion our homes and elevate the appeal that they have on our emotions. In fact, their actions often subconsciously affect various aspects such as our lifestyle, work satisfaction, time spent with our families, and our wellness. 

Interior Designers And The Internet

The rise of blogging and social media allowed interior designers to connect with people far and wide, and thereby build quite an audience for themselves. In fact, you might be following an interior designer yourself. And there could be various reasons for this.

Perhaps, their designs appeal to your tastes and preferences. Perhaps, you might have worked closely with them in the past and would like to work again in the future. Or perhaps, you might simply like the interior design ideas that they provide via their blogs.

If, by any chance, the third reason is your motivation for following a particular interior designer, you will be elated. For we have a treasure trove of such notable blogs from the greatest interior designers providing ideas, news, insights into events, etc. Check them out, if you want. Who knows, you might find your preferred interior designer on this list. Or even better, you might find another blog to resonate with.

Alexander James Interior Design

Alexander James Interior Design is one of the most influential names in interior design. Now, this blog isn’t actually owned by an individual designer. Rather, it is maintained by the Alexander Group of Companies, a company that has been catering to the needs of property developers, private clients, and hotel groups, present all around the world.

Over the years, the group of companies has worked tirelessly to create an impressive list of clientele – Millgate Homes, Octagon Developments, and Berkley Homes being some of them. Alexander James Interior Design provides interior designing services for numerous fields, such as private residences, show homes, hotels, leisure locations, project management, interior architecture, and floor coverings.

Check out their blog, at: https://www.aji.co.uk/interior-design-blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Kia Designs

Kia Designs is a leading interior design firm established in the creative streets of London by Kia Stanford, a hugely-ambitious designer in her own right. The firm manages an interior design blog, set-up in the same name. Their blog showcases numerous effective and enchanting solutions, hinting their innovative nature.

Kia Designs primarily focused on providing designing and redesigning services to residential clients. With an ever-growing team, of the most innovative designers, coordinators, and installation crew, the team provides a bag full of exemplary services, such as planning, architecture design, furniture design, styling, product procurement, online project management, etc.

Check out their blog at: http://www.kiadesigns.co.uk/kia-designs-blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

René Dekker Design

René Dekker Design is one of the leading design studios, set-up in London by the eminent René Dekker. The business flourished owing to the philosophy and experience of the founder. Their high-quality work has enabled them to build long-term relationships with numerous clients, including prominent developers for buildings, workspaces, luxury homes, apartments, yachts, and hotels.

To showcase its excellence, the company launched a blog on its website documenting numerous aspects in its line of work. Not only are these blogs pleasant to read, but they also easily one can improve their home architecture. Moreover, with blogs showing how lighting and certain materials can innovatively enhance your designs, they certainly take interior designing a step ahead.

Check out their blog at: https://www.renedekker.co.uk/blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Rockwell Group

The Rockwell Group, in their own words, is an interdisciplinary firm, focusing on innovating and creating thought-provoking solutions in each and every project that they undertake. Started way back in 1984, this firm was founded by David Rockwell and led by partners, Shawn Sullivan and Greg Keffer.

The first distinguishable aspect that you notice upon arriving at the Rockwell Group blog, is the aesthetically-pleasing interface. Created quite deftly, the blog serves as a perfect holster for the articles meant to be published. With their blog, the group perfectly showcases their numerous achievements over the years. Furthermore, it also contains leisurely articles, such as 11 Most Stylish New Restaurants in New York City, that are sure to please you immensely.

Check out their blog at: https://www.rockwellgroup.com/blogs

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Rachel Laxer Interiors

Rachel Laxer Interiors’ specialty lies in the art and post-war functional art in interior design. This London and New York-based firm focuses its magic primarily on high-end luxury residential homes, hospitality, and corporate spaces to deliver exclusive results.

Coming to the blog, the Rachel Laxer Interiors blog is quite mentally-pleasing due to its minimalist nature. All articles provided are neatly arranged in columns. However, that’s not even the best part, the blog contains the sharpest batch of articles that you could come across.

Ranging from simple designs for homes to vintage design ideas to create the ultimate luxury spa, this blog has all that you could ever ask for. Furthermore, it also contains interviews with eminent individuals in the field of interior design, something that is quite missing in other blogs.

Check out their blog at: http://rlaxerinteriors.com/category/blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Sue_Timney

When talking about eminent interior designers, there is no scope of ignoring the name Sue Timney. It has been over 30 years since Sue started working, and yet she is relentless. The widely-acclaimed designer has been working extensively on projects that celebrate her brand of exotic classicism under Timney Fowler and Sue_Timney brands.

When we said that Sue Timney works extensively on projects concerning exotic classicism, we weren’t joking. And the Sue_Timney blog is a testament to this. The blog is packed with articles that guide you through the wonders of classic interior designing. With articles focusing primarily on architectural spaces such as Sir John Soane’s Museum, its Decorex, its Postmodernism, 1980s Fashion Print, Living in Style in London, the Arkitextiles series, and so much more. All-in-all, this blog should be your one-stop-shop for exploring our elegant past.

Check out their blog at: https://suetimney.wordpress.com/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

TH2 Designs

TH2 Designs is another interior design firm, acclaimed for delivering spaces that stand out from the crowd. Started more than 20 years ago, TH2 Designs is hugely reputed for fiercely working on projects for private clients, while magnifying their effect on the landowners. And it was this ferocity that elevated them into a leader of the interior design industry.

Upon arriving at the TH2 Designs blog, the first aspect that catches your attention is the meticulousness observed detail while writing these blogs. Even the smallest things affecting the interior design, such as placing your wallpaper correctly, optimum bed suppliers, simple aspects for creating calm interiors, etc. And that’s not all. The blog also contains in-depth articles such as case studies, interviews, reflecting on the past designs that went viral, etc.

Check out their blog at: https://www.th2designs.co.uk/blog

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Vorbild Architecture

Vorbild Architecture is a registered Chartered Practice in the United Kingdom. Their practice focuses on bettering clients’ lives by complementing the small things surrounding their lives. Moreover, they provide consistent results, irrespective of your involvement with the project, that appeal to you at the best they can.

The Vorbild Architecture blog is another ingenious addition to this list. For their blog takes you on a graphic journey through the streets of the United Kingdom with blogs such as Visiting Salone di Mobile 2019 Milan, Neoclassical Architecture in Nice, France, Haussmannian Style Architecture in France, etc. Moreover, educational articles seal the deal with offerings such as Where to Find an Architect, Choosing a Plot of Land in France, Living Room Design, and much more!

Check out their blog at: https://vorbild.co.uk/articles-vorbild-architecture/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Cato Creative

Humility is a word that best defines Cato Creative. In their own words, they are a small London-based architectural practice, focused on creating homes for comfortable living. They practice produces beautifully-designed homes, that transform their clients’ imagination to reality. And with their diverse experience, they effortlessly tackle projects irrespective of their complexity or the individuality.

Social media might be an optimum means for connecting with the Cato Creative family. However, it is seldom as effective as their blog. With a diverse range of articles, the blog keeps you constantly updated about their work. Be it about tackling fresh projects or about introducing new members, or even their television appearances, the blog has it all. And, you also get to know about design ideas, newly-launched services, and their case studies.

Check out their blog at: https://www.catocreative.com/cato-creative-blog

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Ensoul

Based in a bustling corner near Wandsworth Common, South West London, is the award-winning architectural and interior design practice named as Ensoul. The practice delivers house renovation services, primarily to experienced clients including project managers or procurement specialists. Ensoul innovates like none other. By innovating every step that they take, the practice transforms their clients’ expectations into tangible results.

The Ensoul blog should be your foremost destination for last-minute designing or long-term implementations. Be it for transforming your homes before Christmas to tips for managing your home projects, to designing media rooms in your home this blog has it all. And unlike any other blog on this list, the blog also caters to the needs of your children ensuring that they get the best living experience as well.

Check out their blog at: https://ensoul.co.uk/blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Opun

Simplicity, straightforwardness, and transparency. This is the motto that Opun adheres to and abides by while working on their projects. The practice was set-up in 2014 by Rod Brown and John Cushing with one particular aim in mind – to improve homes simply, yet elegantly. And by minding these principles, the practice has successfully created innumerous revolutionary ways for improving homes across the entirety of the UK.

If you’re a novice in the field of interior designing, then the Opun blog should be your only stop for information. The blog covers articles from every aspect of interior designing, be it redoing bathroom architecture, or creating a cosy home office, or even designs for inflating your home value in the long run. Furthermore, this blog also dexterously informs you of factors to be considered in interior designing with creatively-written articles.

Check out their blog at: https://opun.co.uk/blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Studio G

To say that Studio G is a master at creating elegant, timeless, and unique interior designs would be a huge understatement. For this group of architectural designers, originating from Surrey, work their magic to guarantee the best experience that a client could ever ask for. Equipped with their vision to create unique and functional design solutions, Studio G combines expertise and discipline to provide you with the best solution for your needs.

Their creative flair is hugely visible on their blogs. Whether you need a solution to enhance your development needs or you just want to spend some leisure time reading, rest assured, their blogs are what you want. With blogs such as Rainy Day Brainstorming, A Fabulous Power Room!, Modern Living, Be My Guest! An much more, Studio G shows how easy it is to turn any architecture into an impressive and elegant design project.

Check out their blog at: https://www.studioginteriordesign.com/studioginteriordesign-blog

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Jackson and Co.

Jackson and Co. is an interior design firm which stems from a British and Ghanian heritage. Set-up back in 2016, the firm is widely popular for its ability to meet the needs of their clients, irrespective of what it is. In fact, the company is widely known for its ability to redesign the most dreary of spaces and convert them into an area brimming with life.

Unlike the other blogs on this website, the Jackson and Co. blog is quite new. In fact, it is surprising to find relatively fewer blogs on this page. Regardless, the few blogs present are quite interesting in their might. For one, these blogs beautifully explore the interior designing ideas originating from the African continent. Besides, it also explores various other forms of designing, both basic and luxury.

Check out their blog at: https://www.jacksonandcodesigns.com/blog

Or, shoot them a mail at:  [email protected]

Maurizio Pellizzoni

Any interior designer, irrespective of where he lives, has to have heard about Maurizio Pellizzoni. This interior designer was born to be inducted into this exact field. Maurizio grew up near Lake Como, in an affluent family of the interior designing business. After establishing his consultancy in 2007, he embedded his Italian roots into his projects, giving an unrivaled superiority in his range of residential and commercial projects.

Although Maurizio has been working extensively in numerous avenues, the one area garnering most of his attention is yachts. His blog is a testament to this. For his blog is superbly adorned with interior yacht designs, segregated as per your needs and wants. As you dive deeper into the blog, you will find articles on other topics as well, including imperial bathrooms, interviews, residential projects, and much more!

Check out their blog at: http://www.mauriziopellizzoni.co.uk/blog

Or, shoot them a mail at: [email protected]

Casa Forma

Casa Forma might appear to be just another website on this list, but you would be wrong in assuming that. The firm specializes in providing services associated with decorative and structural design. Having worked numerous projects, the firm has received immense clarity regarding client needs. This has enabled them to provide meticulous services that accord with uncompromisable standards.

Elegance and simplicity. These two words perfectly define the Casa Forma blog. Defined in a manner where you can preview all topics, this blog enables you to read through these topics without actually opening them. Moreover, the blog features several topics of articles, comprising of trends, designs, tips, and tricks, etc. that are sure to engross you in no time.

Check out their blog at: https://www.casaforma.co.uk/blog-pages/page-1/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Catherine Wilman

Catherine Wilman is another interior design firm set-up back in 2000 in the bustling city of London. Since then, they have been actively tackling projects concerning contemporary homes for residential clients and property developers in the city of London. With their experience in interior design, architectural drawings, and project management, the firm has delivered numerous projects providing significant experience increase in the lives of their customers.

The Catherine Wilman blog is, by far, one of the most active blogs that we have ever seen. For one, the blog actively propagates simple design ideas, easily enforceable by anyone. Be it planning in your kitchen, fitted wardrobes, luxury bathrooms, bedrooms, and so much more! The content present on the blogs is quite engrossing to the point where you might even keep them.

Check out their blog at: https://www.catherinewilman.com/interior-design-ideas

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Roselind Wilson Design

Started back in 2010, Roselind Wilson Design is an interior design firm led by the Wilson sisters – Roselind and Geraldine. Started primarily by Roselind Wilson, the firm witnessed Geraldine joining the firm six years later as the Chief Marketing Officer. Today, these sisters, and best friends use their unshakable bond to tackle exciting and unique ventures in the UK as well as on the international marketplace.

If you are a fan of ongoing trends, awards, and tips and tricks, then the Roselind Wilson Design blog is bound to appeal to you. With trends that comprise articles from prominent magazines such as, the Interior Design Magazine, the Irish Times, the Homestead Magazine, etc. And that’s not all. The blog actively features a section dedicated specially for notable design awards as well as simple guides that you can implement in your home environments.

Check out their blog at: https://www.roselindwilsondesign.com/blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

The Open Plan

A massively-affluent designer, Lisa Roberts-Goldner had worked with numerous glorious interior design companies. However, there came a time in her life when she felt it was time to showcase her skills and shine as one of the greats. And that’s exactly what she did after the launch of The Open Place in 2008. For, she brought forward a wave of fresh designs that completely dominated the market. In fact, it was due to the efforts of her and her team that she won numerous accolades.

However, the firm didn’t just win accolades for their designing efforts. In fact, their blog is so magnanimously creative that it has won numerous awards on its own, the most recent one being nominated for the Best Interior Designer Blog by the Amara Interior Blog Awards. A few most notable articles greet on you here include interior design guides, using eco-friendly materials, ongoing trends, design news, and such.

Check out their blog at: http://www.theopenplan.com/blog

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Owl Design

Founded by Simone Gordon and Sophie van Winden, Owl Design focuses its services on clients present both in the residential and commercial sectors, all ranging from homeowners to businesses and even developers. The firm specializes in creating spaces and experiences, something that you will never want to leave behind. Moreover, their timeless and unique interiors not only extend a warm welcome but also help the inhabitants to function properly as well as enjoy the aesthetics.

However, being timeless and unique aren’t the only prominent factors of this firm. Their blog also plays a wide role in the lives of their clients. For this blog is a boon for people who like blogs focusing on a particular series. The blog contains numerous series including the Evolving Home series, the Own Design Trails, the Insta-Interior Series, and much more. Each of these series focuses on a particular theme and investigate its entire composition.

Check out their blog at: https://www.owldesign.co.uk/blog

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Pia Design

Pia Design is all about sustainability in design. Started by Pia Pelkonen, Pia Design uses the power of sustainability in their services while working their magic on their clients’ spaces. Furthermore, Pia Design focuses exclusively on a green approach, by working on projects involving paperless and plastic-free initiatives. Such an initiative has long-since been helping them to provide better, authentic interiors for their clients.

The blog for Pia Design shows how the firm has been using green initiatives and staying true to their word. However, you might also be taken by surprise when you arrive at it. For one, this blog has relatively few articles focusing on interior design. Rather, they give insights on the life of the owner, Pia Pelkonen. Furthermore, the blog also imparts wisdom regarding various philosophies such as soft skills, using the power of self-confidence, and such, etc.

Check out their blog at: https://www.piapelkonen.co.uk/journal

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Casa Botelho

Casa Botelho was established by João Botelho. Before establishing his firm, João worked in the global luxury retail for more than 22 years. However, João wanted to do more. And this pushed him to move to London where he began to work under prestigious interior designers. After working with such designers, there came a point where João gained enough experience, inspiring him to explore the undiscovered areas of interior designing through his creations.

Titles are the one thing that will attract you to the Casa Botelho blog. The titles present with the blog articles are so good that they are bound to compel you to read through one article, then another, and then another, before you realize the sheer number of articles that you read. Written crisply, these articles mesmerize you to point where you don’t want to put them down until the end.

Check out their blog at: https://www.casabotelho.com/blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Topology

Topology is completely in contrast to the other websites present on this list. For this blog deals with providing design services via the means of their blog. Set-up by the design duo Athina Bluff and Amy Brandhorst, the blog propagates knowledge primarily revolving around the theme of affordability. To ensure this, they share the top tips and secrets that you can use to enhance your living environment, irrespective of the space.

Focusing primarily on providing services in the form of ideas, the blog provides a few of the most top-grade articles that you might have ever come across. They provide everything that you need to know to keep up with the trends, new and improved materials, project reveals, decor for outdoor, and much more. Moreover, they also take you through the journey of exploring homes through some of the most eminent celebrities.

Check out their blog at: https://www.topologyinteriors.com/topology-blog

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

AB Design and Interiors

AB Design and Interiors focus massively on minimalism. This is made well-aware when you approach their blog, the first quote that you notice is, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know how to be useful to believe to be beautiful.” Born out of a collaboration between two childhood friends Annie and Anna, the firm is led by two strong individuals with a background of art and antiques respectively.

The AB Design and Interiors is another blog that focuses hugely on providing articles in the form of series. They provide articles with comprised festivals, interviews, introducing new art styles and so much more.

Check out their blog at: http://abdesignandinteriors.co.uk/index.php/blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Cherie Lee Interiors

Based in cities of Hertfordshire and London, Cherie Lee Interiors specializes in blending classic features with the contemporary to create diverse forms of modern stylings. As a result of such efforts, the firm worked an impressive number of projects, adding up to form an extraordinary portfolio. Simply by understanding the personality of the client, the firm redesigns properties that exactly meet the needs of the clients.

The Cherie Lee Interiors blog focuses on a diverse range of topics that include styles, trends, must-have products, home comfort products, how to welcome the holidays and so much more. Spend some time and you will find yourself in the midst of some of the greatest articles ever written.

Check out their blog at: https://www.cherieleeinteriors.co.uk/blog/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Martin Brudnizki Design Studio

Founded in 2000 by Martin Brudnizki, the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio has a team comprising of more than 70 interior designers, architects, lighting designers, product designers, and much more. The studio exhibits extraordinary levels of commitment to provide out-of-the-world experiences for their customers, simply by carefully studying the project context, client lifestyle, and much more.

The blog contains a few of the most profound articles that you will find which are created in a classic design and bestowed with more contemporary content. The crisp language, elegant design, clutter-free environment is sure to consume a beautiful afternoon of yours as you continue reading through the blogs.

Check out their blog at: https://mbds.com/journal/

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Rose Uniacke

Rose Uniacke is an interior designer, a designer of furniture and lighting, and a dealer in antiques. She is truly a high-performance person who has been catering to numerous clients along the length and breadth of the UK. The designer has been extensively implementing her skills to combine the old and the new, creating a style that is well-revered by designers all around.

And upon her blogs, you will find solutions relating to exactly this. With articles on antiques, trends, lighting and such, the Rose Uniacke blog is certainly one for you if you’re hugely a fan of the skills provided by the owner.

Check out their blog at: https://www.roseuniacke.com/magazine

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Bergman & Mar

Bergman & Mar was started and is led by Petra Arko, the founder and creative director. Born in Slovenia, Petra studied economics and international business in Slovenia and Australia. And it was after working with a business consultancy and with human resources, that she finally worked on pursuing her lifelong passion for interiors.

The Bergman & Mar blog, too, contains a multi-varied list of articles that you can go through. Multi-varied, because there is no limit to the types of articles that you will find here. A few include; discussing important topics, such as real estate, talking about their new projects, interviews about notable celebrities and much more!

Check out their blog at: https://bergmanandmar.com/new-blog

Or, shoot them an email at: [email protected]

Conclusion

And there you go. Those are some of the most profound, thought-provoking, mesmerizing, and interesting blogs that you will ever need for your interior design needs. Do you want to get a more minimalistic approach, or do you want your space to be adorned with the best antiques placed from around the world? Regardless of either, these blogs will quench your needs for all that you need. Moreover, they will also keep you updated with the trends, the news, and the other happenings in the world of interior design.

A walk in a forest full of trees can be rejuvenating and healing.
Each tree stands tall and solitary, yet there is so much going on in the forest that a naked eye can’t see.
Imagine a chitter-chatter between a collection of trees.
Is it possible that trees actually do talk to each other?

Just two decades ago, forest ecologist Suzanne Simard from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, found out that trees are immersed in deep relationships with each other, communicate often and over a vast distance.
This astonishing discovery came about while researching her doctoral thesis.
And if trees do talk to each other, how do they do it? Simard suggests that trees communicate their needs and send each other nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen via a complex network of fungal filigrees hidden underground.
This sophisticated and interconnected social network of latticed fungal filigrees has been nicknamed the “internet of fungus” or “Wood Wide Web”.
Simard compares these symbiotic networks to neural networks in human brains…

And it is through this elaborate system that trees are able to send warning signals about environmental change, search for kin, share resources and nutrients with neighbouring plants before they die, and, surprisingly, use their leaves to sabotage unwelcome plant-eating animals and insects by spreading toxic chemicals that repel the intruders.
Simard, together with her research team has helped change scientists’ attitude towards the interactions between plants. “A forest is a cooperative system,” she said in an interview with Yale Environment 360.
“To me, using the language of “communication” made more sense because we were looking at not just resource transfers, but things like defence signalling and kin recognition signalling. We as human beings can relate to this better. If we can relate to it, then we’re going to care about it more. If we care about it more, then we’re going to do a better job of stewarding our landscapes.”

And now, an international team of scientists believe almost all plant species worldwide are in relationships with fungi living in the soil.
These fungi can connect one tree root system to another tree root system to create what’s known as a mycorrhizal network.
Some of the important things that the mycorrhizal network can influence include survival, growth, health, and behaviour of the trees linked within it.
Simply plugging into mycelial networks makes a plants’ internal core respond quicker and more efficient, a phenomenon called “priming”.
How trees naturally communicate, even if quietly, above and underground using sound, scents and signals have been an amazingly fascinating topic for years.
In his book, The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben, a German forester and author, came to a similar realisation and uses a human family analogy to describe how adult trees, dubbed “mother trees”, play a key role in supporting other neighbouring trees as well as “suckle their offsprings”.

Trees are interconnected, supporting each other as they grow, sharing nutrients with those fighting diseases or struggling.
The key aspect of this interconnectedness is to create an ecosystem that mitigates the impact of extremes of heat and cold for the whole group.
As a result of such interactions, trees among the same family or between species are protected and can live to be very old. In contrast, solitary trees have a tough time of it and in most cases die much earlier than those in a group.
Wohlleben views the forest as a sophisticated, superorganism of unique individuals — and spends his time managing an ancient beech forest reserve in Germany’s Eifel region.
In his interview with The Guardian, he explains that after stumbling upon an old stump still living after about 400-500 years, without any green leaves: “Every living being needs nutrition. The only explanation was that it was supported by the neighbour trees via the roots with a sugar solution.”

It was at this moment and many more after that he opened his mind to the trees.
He further states that “As a forester, I learned that trees are competitors that struggle against each other, for light, for space, and there I saw that it’s just the opposite. Trees are very interested in keeping every member of this community alive.”
Wohlleben talks about trees admiringly and in a way that makes them seem quite human — describing them as “plant elephants” — and wood as “tree bones”. He believes that human connection with the natural world isn’t lost, but perhaps distant because for the last 20 decades, scientists have taught us that nature works without a soul.

Both Simard and Wohlleben alike, would no doubt agree that conservation is key. Understanding that trees are masters of connection and quiet wisdom could be what leads to a more sustainable commercial-wood industry.
Because when it’s all said and done, the influence of our natural forests to the well-being and survival of humankind are extraordinarily vast and far-reaching.

Conclusion
There is an incredible body of research conducted in North America and Europe which indicate that trees are “sentient beings” — with the ability to transmit information and communicate among each other in ways that enable a beneficial tree-to-tree sharing system and aid in their collective survival.
When we recognise that there’s a lot happening under the surface of the forest floor, perhaps we can then begin to have a broader understanding on the significance of worldwide forest conservation, and how this phenomenon is crucial even to our own survival.
The evidence pointing to how these mysterious gigantic beings communicate and defend themselves against imminent attacks can also inform smart ways to preserve and replenish our greenspace respectfully in years to come.

From a purely aesthetic perspective, solid and engineered hardwood are indistinguishable when installed properly — however, in the end, there are several reasons why architects and interior designers lean towards engineered flooring.

Versatile style to suit every need

Flooring is often the most dominant aspect of a room — it gives an aura of timelessness, comfort and warmth. It can also define the room and pull every element together. One of the reasons why engineered wood flooring has swiftly emerged a preferred choice for many interior designers is its ability to perfectly complement a wide range of interior styles and atmospheres.
From a selection of darker colours and cooler tones to complement sleek, modern aesthetics; to warm tones and natural grain patterns to create a unique and forgiving rustic appearance. No matter how unique the design project is, there’s always a variety of styles, colours, widths and finishes available to create a really interesting effect in both residential and commercial buildings.

All prepped and ready for use

The nicest thing about engineered wood flooring lies in the fact that it has been fine-tuned for custom needs, and can be used right after the installation process is complete. Prefinished boards with factory-applied coating by the manufacturer are generally tougher and last longer than those applied on-site by the installer, which increases the long-term durability of the floor.

Flooring that last

Because of its multi-directional bonded and layered synthetic core, engineered wood floor delivers more dimensional stability and is less prone to swelling or warping due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. For this reason, it gives architects and designers a far greater range of installation locations, including bathrooms, kitchens, basement and even over underfloor heating. No grade level is off-limits.
The benefit of increased moisture resistance means this type of flooring has a better capability to hold its shape better in the case of flooding or other water damage. With little care and effort, it further makes a great candidate for high traffic areas due to this strong lattice structure.

Conclusion

The fact that engineered wood flooring provides versatility in design, more sustainable manufacturing process, greater substantial structural stability and better resistance to variations in temperature and moisture — often at a better value — explains why it has become a reliable and better-performing choice for informed homeowners, architects, as well as interior designers.
Whether upgrading an existing residential or commercial interior space or building a new one, opting for engineered floorboards is a fantastic way to bring in a classic, elegant and long-lasting natural appeal.