Posts

Which Kitchen Is Yours

/0 Comments/in , , /by

 

When making a choice on a brand new kitchen or undergoing a kitchen remodeling, it’s important to know which kitchen is right for you. Not every design that looks good in a catalogue may necessarily match your home or style. Here are a few tips to help you make an informed decision.

 

  1. Take time with your kitchen.Test and retest all the possible permutations to find the kitchen style that suits your home and also reflects your personality. Don’t just pick the most attractive looking kitchen out of a catalogue or worse yet, copy a friend’s kitchen design.

 

  1. Never accept second best. The kitchen is the most lived-in part of the home, but also the most risky, prone to clumsiness and common accidents. So never accept second best. You need a safe environment for you and your family, and also one which will last. When you are designing it, remember that you will spend a large part of your day there.

 

  1. Avoid beautiful but impossible kitchen designs. Never choose an attractive kitchen that does not suit the space you have. We would all love to have massive, Hollywood-style kitchens, with large islands or peninsulas for family dinners, but we need to focus on ergonomics and functionality and use the space we have as best we can. Choose comfortable and functional units and avoid creating narrow spaces.

 

  1. Do not underestimate small spaces. There are numerous solutions for making the most of the space you have. Kitchens for small spaces must be attractive but functional. You can choose between the various modular kitchens with internal equipment and accessories so that you can easily optimise the space available.

 

 

 

 

  1.  Trust your instinct. Choose your own kitchen design.Advice is always welcome, but the choice is yours. Your mother wants a classic kitchen, your sister-in-law prefers a super-modern and sterile one, but you? Accept advice but remember that the great thing about designing a modular kitchen is that it is made to measure. It is a garment tailored to your need for space and the use you make of it. You can choose between a thousand different combinations. So be bold, think about what you like and choose the kitchen design that suits you best.

 

 

At The Platinum House we work with several international kitchen manufacturing companies that offer a range of designs. Our team of professional designers will consult with you, hear your ideas and help you pick the most apt kitchen for your home and budget. So drop us a line at design@platinumhouse.ae and let’s talk ‘Kitchens’.

 

The Best in Outdoor Living

/0 Comments/in , , /by

When it comes to outdoor living, most people want to extend their indoor style, outdoors. But how about trying something entirely different?

One important consideration, no matter your style, is how well your furniture will cope in extreme weather conditions. Moisture, intense sun and strong winds are all major factors to be considered.

Sometimes high priced items can be of better quality and longer-lasting. But don’t use that as your only guide when making a choice. Luckily, The Platinum House carries a range of furniture from international brands, made from various materials and fabrics. Thus offering your home the very best solution.

Hydra Armchair

Powder coated aluminium armchair with polyester woven belt cover, removable seat, back and armrests cushions.

 

Outdoor chaise longue

Enjoy a lazy afternoon sunbathing or a light evening breeze in this comfortable and unconventional designed chaise longue.

 

Casablanca Floor lamp

This Politech floor lamp with polished aluminium details stands out among garden accessories. Thanks to its refined shape, it is a chic lantern with innate elegance. In addition, the politech is a very special material. Due to its notable resistance, it provides extreme durability, season after season. For such reasons, Casablanca withstands bad weather conditions. Thus maintaining its distinguished refinement.

This lamp plays a double role. Whether it is in the garden of a villa or in the border of a hotel swimming pool. It plays its primary function of lighting the outdoor area, but it also adds aesthetic value with its exclusive and elegant design.

Amalfi Sunbed

Canopy with teak structure, Politech and polished steel details, mattress divided in two parts, pillows with edge sewing, curtains on both sides and top, and 4 fabric embraces.

This canopy is ideal for exclusive retreats and luxury homes.

The Amalfi sunbed is special because it matches with outdoor garden furniture that combines classic and modern style. The warm tones of the strong teak perfectly match with the neutral light of the white Politech, another very resistant material. And as if this wasn’t enough, the fabrics of the pillows too can be customised to give the canopy your personal style.

How To Roll With Wallpaper

/0 Comments/in , , /by

A lot of people have apprehensions about wallpaper. Some wonder if it’s too old fashioned while others worry about its maintenance. In reality wallpaper is actually just the opposite. Wallpaper is very much in fashion, and probably always will be. Additionally, in most cases it’s easier to clean than painted walls. Proper installation by a professional and high-quality paper are key.

Wallpaper is a wonderful design tool. It can be used in bathrooms, bedrooms, stairs, kitchens and cabinets. Here are some creative applications of wallpaper that’ll get you hooked.

In the bath. If you have tile wainscoting in a bathroom, consider wallpaper above the tile line, or the top two thirds of the wall. Wallpaper that is installed properly can withstand the damp environment of bathrooms.

As an accent wall. Wallpaper one accent wall and use a coordinating paint color for the remaining walls. Select a pattern you like such as geometric, floral or abstract and pair neutral furniture pieces with the wall. Hang art right on the wallpapered wall. A wallpapered accent wall in a room with multiple pitches looks great. The wallpaper creates contrast and highlights the architecture of the room.

At the entrance. Wallpaper works great in an entry and a stairwell. A bold wallpaper pattern can really bring life to this first-impression space.

Behind shelves. Create interest in a room by wallpapering the backs of bookshelves. Highlighting bookshelves in this way makes a special display space for treasured accessories and family photos.

In the kitchen. Install paper in the back of kitchen cabinets. This works particularly well with painted cabinets. A splash of bright wallpaper looks great with white cups and plates, and makes things easier to find.

Within a frame. Apply wallpaper within a frame to give your room an artistic hue. There are several wallpaper and wallcovering options available in the market with various textures that serve just like pieces of art.

As a cabinet detail. Wallpaper also goes really well with Shaker-style cabinet doors. When applied to the recessed portion of the door, wallpaper adds contrast and depth to the painted built-in.

On the stairs. Spruce up your stairwell with wallpaper. Stairwells are high-traffic areas in most homes; kick up your walk upstairs a notch with a fun pattern.

Wallpaper the ceiling! If you have a recessed ceiling detail from a cove or another architectural detail, consider wallpaper with a coordinating wall color. The right placement of the ceiling fixture can create a great focal point against the pattern.

The Platinum House carries an extensive and exuberant range of colourful wallpaper and artistic wallcoverings. Out team of designers can help you select the right option for your home or office, irrespective of the size of the room.

5 Common Mistakes Made While Furnishing A Home

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Everyone wants a picture perfect home where everything is in harmony, coordinated, styled and beautifully furnished. Having a home that you love and that other people admire comes down to having the right furniture in the right place. But furnishing a home can be a more difficult task than given credit to. Most houses don’t come with the perfect combination of furniture like in the catalogues. And if you choose to style your own home, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the entire process.

 

To help you out during this time of need, here are a few tips and tricks so you don’t make these common mistakes when furnishing your home:

 

Missing Pieces: Filling In The Void

 

One of the most unpleasant situations when visiting someone’s home is not being sure where to sit. It’s obvious that the sofa is the protagonist of the living room, but if you like to host friends and relatives, do not forget to strengthen its presence with armchairs and ottomans giving people plenty of options to sit comfortably.

 

It’s also not only about seating, make sure that you aren’t missing the basics like a nice coffee table or side tables so people can put their drinks or plates down if you are entertaining. These will not only allow your guests to be more comfortable but it will also serve as a decorating piece for flower arrangements and accessories. Think about the usage of the space and pick pieces that fulfill your needs and the needs of those who will be using the space. If you don’t have people over often, opt for seating that is comfortable for your family. Also keep your options open with stools or small ottomans that can be moved around easily or tucked away when not in use.

 

The Importance Of Natural Light

 

Light is such an important part of a room: particularly in small houses, natural lighting is a strength that should be enhanced. If you have a smaller space, more natural light will make the room feel bigger and more spacious.

 

If, for whatever reason, there is little natural light in your home, use materials and colors to bring out the limited light. Use polished finishes and bright colors, or accent pieces with mirrors or metallic finishes that will bounce the light around. Try not to block windows with heavy drapes or furniture, choose sheer curtains or thin paper blinds that will diffuse the light all through the space, making it feel airy and idealistic.

 

Layout: A Place For Everything

 

Picking the wrong furniture for the layout of your space is a very common mistake. It can happen to the best of us, especially if you are working with an unusual shape, like a long and narrow space.

When faced with these types of challenges, try to use the furniture to allocate the available space into usable sections and avoid blockages or dead spaces. This will help give a defined purpose to each space and will allow for a natural flow between them.

 

Misfits: Square Peg, Round Hole

 

Arranging your furniture in a non-functional way will make even the best furniture look off and unappealing. The only way to really avoid this error is to plan in advance how your furniture will be distributed in the space and the dimensions of the furniture itself before putting it in the room.

 

You want to make sure that there is enough space to walk around each element and for there to be a harmonious balance between them. We recommend the use of a blue print to help you plan in advance and to make sure you use the correct measurements. If things don’t fit, there’s no way they will work!

 

Know Your Style, Don’t Just Copy

 

Of course, aesthetically speaking, you want your furniture to reflect your style and also to be in harmony with everything else in your home.

 

Be sure to be clear of what style you are going for before going out and buying furniture. Don’t be rigid about it, give yourself room to explore and change your mind, but stick to one thing so it all looks put together once it’s in the space.

 

In conclusion, think about what the space will be used for, let the light in and plan ahead! These are our tips to help you furnish your home in the best way possible so you will enjoy your home for years to come.

 

For more ideas and furnishing options, please feel free to get in touch with one of our talented interior designers on design@platinumhouse.ae who will make you decorating project a dream come true.

 

Why Choose Personalised Luxury Home Décor?

/0 Comments/in , , /by

What does “luxury” mean? What style is best suited to your home and why should you personalise it? We identify the following reasons why you should choose to furnish your home with personalised luxury décor.

 

Many luxury furniture brands exist in the world and sorting through them is difficult, but it is even more difficult to create a unique and personalised style in your home. For many designers and architects the main challenge when designing the interiors of a luxury residence is that of selecting furniture which is not only luxurious, but also full of personality and reflects the tastes of their clients. If they do not succeed, then their clients may find themselves in a home that is extremely luxurious, but that lacks character. How does one avoid falling into this trap and why should one choose personalised luxury home décor?

 

Luxury Décor: What is changing?

 

Luxury is one of those ephemeral terms, like happiness, beauty, and style, that are rather difficult to explain and even more difficult to define. We often read and hear terms like “luxury lifestyle”, “luxury design”, and “luxury home”, but what exactly do they mean? How is luxury interpreted these days and what has changed as compared to the past?

 

Years ago “luxury” may have meant gold faucets, marble-covered surfaces, and lavish accessories, but today furnishing a luxury home isn’t so predictable. In examining how the perception of luxury has changed in recent years, here is a list of several guidelines to keep in mind.

 

Living a Designer Experience

 

In the past people tended to purchase tangible valuable objects to show off their wealth. These days people would rather purchase unique experiences that can be enjoyed in their private spaces, and luxury decor has adapted to this trend.

 

Purchasing Unique Objects

 

The current trend in luxury décor is that of purchasing from local artisans and small boutiques rather than from large brands. People want unique objects that no one else has. If you walk into a large store that sells luxury furniture, you will find the same pieces no matter what city you are in. How can an object be considered luxurious if anyone can purchase it? Luxury is, therefore, synonymous with rare and precious. It’s no coincidence that vintage pieces have become so popular.

 

Decorating According to One’s Tastes

 

Another change that has affected luxury décor is the fact that people are unlikely to be influenced by the styles and trends of the moment. They will not purchase a piece of furniture or a designer object just because it is extremely popular, but rather want their homes to be furnished and decorated according to their personal tastes and needs. In this sense, luxury has come to mean personalisation and functionality: from custom built furniture to lighting and outdoor spaces, everything must be characterised by the individuality of the people who live there and must perform a very specific function for them.

 

So Why Personalise Luxury Décor?

 

  1. The Human Touch

 

An entirely handcrafted piece of furniture will never be perfectly symmetrical, but it is this kind of imperfection that makes it authentic. If you are working on a luxury design project, selecting furniture crafted by artisans, in keeping with the tastes and desires of your client, is a must. This, in turn, will make the home one-of-a-kind and will provide the human touch that is missing from mass produced furniture.

 

  1. A Piece of Furniture is Forever

 

One of the undisputed advantages of personalising luxury décor is that of creating a unique style and environment that will last throughout the years and won’t get redundant over time. A home that is furnished specifically for those who live in it is much less likely to end up boring its owners, who will be able to add or replace objects over the years without completely changing the décor. A style that reflects the tastes of the owner, not only in terms of the aesthetics but also in terms of the functionality of the various pieces, will be eternal.

 

  1. Luxury Equals Comfort

 

Forget about homes bathed in gold and marble, which are tidy and symmetrical to the point of exhaustion. Luxury does not mean furniture that is unapproachable, uncomfortable, or that gets ruined at the slightest touch. Luxury décor has come to be synonymous with comfort. So please choose furniture that reflects the tastes and desires of the client, that is comfortable, and that makes the home feel welcoming.

 

  1. Vintage is Beautiful

 

Not “old”, but “vintage”. It was personalisation, taken to the extreme in the luxury interior design sector, that helped open the door to furniture and objects with a story. Pieces that are unique because of the way that they have been used, the people who have, and the details of their manufacture. Such pieces have become extremely sought after and have come to be considered luxury items.

 

  1. Client Satisfaction

 

Being able to reflect the tastes and expectations of a client in an interior design project is not easy. But a plus of personalised décor, created after careful study of the needs and requirements of the client, is his or her satisfaction. And of course nothing is better for building a positive reputation as an interior designer!

 

  1. Appreciation of the Final Result

 

We live in a world of social media and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing your work being propagated and shared with the world. What could be more satisfying that receiving compliments and referrals from people who have viewed your previous works and are recommending it.

 

  1. To Each Object Its Own Function

 

Personalisation also means combining aesthetics and functionality in a single object. It makes no sense to include a wine cellar in the spacial design when the owners are not connoisseurs of wine, or a studio or a gym in a home where no one will use them. We seek, therefore, to give each room and each piece of furniture a specific function.

 

  1. Feel Like Home

 

A home must, first of all, be comfortable to those who live in it and to their loved ones. Personalising every tiny detail according to the chosen style will make the final effect more hospitable. Curtains, rugs, works of art, decorative objects, pillows, throws and so on; everything must be carefully considered in order to achieve the perfect result.

 

  1. Be a Trendsetter

 

For an architect, an interior designer, or a decorator creating projects that stand out in the sector is fundamental. It is not easy to launch a new style or a new trend, but the more personalised your creations are, the greater chance you will have of being followed and imitated by the industry.

 

  1. Astound Guests

 

When an interior design boasts unique pieces and has a well-defined character, your client will not only be able to relish the final result, but also astound his or her guests. This will give your design an extra edge and will increase the likelihood that other people come to you.

 

In Conclusion

 

Returning to our initial point, you now possess the tools you need in order to avoid coming up with a design that is aseptic and that lacks personality, as well as the lever for offering your clients a décor made up of brands that may be lesser known, but that are much more valuable, rare and personal.

5 Benefits of An Outdoor Kitchen

/0 Comments/in , , /by

More and more clients these days are considering adding an outdoor kitchen in the construction or renovation of their villa. And most of the time their motivation to do so comes from the desire to spend more time in the open air and enjoy their outdoor area as much as possible.

So, if you are having questions about that vacant space in your backyard or garden and considering using it to build an outdoor kitchen, here are some points to meditate upon that will surely convince you.

1. A new room

It may be construed that remodeling the existing internal kitchen could be a more viable option than constructing a brand new kitchen outdoors. But having an entirely separate kitchen is actually a more functional option. In fact, one of the many reasons why outdoor kitchens are becoming more and more popular is because their creation expands the size of the house and essentially duplicates the size of the kitchen. It gives the family an additional room to cook, eat, relax and entertain in.

2. More livable space

The fact that an outdoor kitchen represents a real new room means expanding the livable space of your home. Building a space organised around a cooking area means giving one’s family an extra area to spend time together. Moreover, if an outdoor kitchen is created under an already existing veranda and there is the possibility of having sliding windows that define the space, it will be possible to use it even when the weather is less pleasant.

3. A meeting place

Among the advantages of having an outdoor kitchen, no doubt having a real meeting area is one of them. Modern technologies make many accessories available such as heating or cooling systems, fans, lighting and even outdoor TV’s to create a real paradise outdoors with all the comforts. The outdoor kitchen turns into an excellent accomplice for creating memories and emotional bonds. Birthdays, holidays and family gatherings can be even more memorable if it is possible to bring together family and friends in a particular setting different from the usual living room.

4. An investment that you can see

The construction of an outdoor kitchen has a high rate of return on investment compared to other home renovation projects. Regardless of dimensions and accessories, it is necessary to use materials of high quality that satisfy various requirements, among which the most important regards resistance to extreme weather conditions. Among the most used materials stainless steel undoubtedly stands out, which, together with the design of various other elements made for outdoor use, ensures maximum resistance and durability.

5. A custom-made design

It is well known that one of the peculiarities of outdoor kitchens is the ability to customise almost every single component. In addition to size and layout, you can choose from a variety of appliances that can also be adapted to specific spaces.

In the same way, it is possible to customise the structure by enriching it with a wood-burning oven, a barbeque or a fireplace which may not be adaptable to an indoor kitchen.

One can choose from countless materials for outdoor kitchens also in terms of surface finish. Customisation embraces not only the space intended for the kitchen but the whole living area created outdoors. The development made in terms of research today allows us to use various materials far from the classic idea of the built-in kitchen, making the space luxurious and consistent with the surrounding property.

All in all, one of the best reasons to embrace the idea of building an outdoor kitchen is that ultimately it is an investment in your own well-being and family. There are several scientific studies that show how staying outdoors improves memory and concentration, facilitates mental rest, reduces stress levels and stimulates creativity. Building an outdoor kitchen in your home means creating an opportunity to spend time outdoors.

5 Questions To Ask About Lighting Your Home

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Before you upgrade your furniture, replace floors or remodel a kitchen or bathroom, consider whether your lighting works. Lighting is a significant sign of design quality and one of the most affordable ways to refresh the look of your home. It sets a mood and helps define a style. Without it, important architectural details, artwork and focal points fall flat and go unnoticed. When done right, lighting functions as a carefully tuned orchestra, creating a pitch-perfect composition of light, layers, direction and flow.

If your lighting choreography consists of a single flip of the switch, then perhaps it’s time to illuminate your mind.
Lighting placement, fixtures and functions are the three main ingredients to think about when giving your living space a light makeover. So if you’re wondering if it’s time for an update, ask yourself these questions.

  1. Am I Lighting Unexpected Areas?

    As you evaluate the status of your lighting style, keep in mind that lighting also functions as art that helps define your style, set the mood and perform practical tasks. Think of adding light in unexpected places, such as a chandelier in the master bathroom. And consider using light in unconventional ways — such as using hanging pendant lights as reading lamps.

Painting with light is another way to add surprise. Colored LED lighting underneath the kitchen island and cabinets creates dramatic appeal. Highlight the silhouette of a cabinet with under cabinet and in-cabinet lighting.
One can also use tape lighting to achieve a subtle illuminated line of sight.

 

  1. Does My Lighting Have Layers?

    A perfectly lit room has three basic layers: overhead lighting, task lighting and accent lighting. In the bedroom one can pull all these options together; with a chandelier overhead, bedside reading lamps as task lighting, and accent lights above the headboard. Think of the functional and decorative purpose of each light source.

 

  1. Do My Lights Dim?

    Good lighting should multitask and set the mood. A dimmer is an inexpensive and essential tool that puts you in control of the quality and quantity of light. With a home automation system you can install dimming controls for a single room or the entire house and control lighting though one smart device.

 

Think of lighting like a radio. You don’t want to have just one volume. Lighting should have the opportunity to be task lighting and ambient lighting. Dimmers give the light multitasking capabilities.

To make the most of your lighting, install the highest wattage light bulb possible, then dim it down to accommodate the mood and lighting needs. Consider putting dimmers on both overhead lighting and lamp lighting.

As another bonus, dimming your lights 50 percent can save approximately 40 percent in electricity and increase the life of your bulb.

 

  1. Are My Fixtures In Line With Current Style Trends?

    One of the quickest ways to update the look of a living space is to swap decorative lighting fixtures for more up-to-date styles.

Use an attractive aye catching chandelier for the center of the ceiling. Keep the overhead light at 150 to 300 watts for optimum illumination. Mix and match your lighting fixtures. They don’t have to be from the same lighting family or design.

Crystal remains a popular choice for lighting fixtures and is used across the style spectrum.

Lighting choices can also take cues from transitional style, defined by clean lines and lighter finishes. A trend in light fixtures right now is mixed metal, dulled gold, and foiled silver over gold. The finish is popular with the transitional style because it has an antique yet contemporary look.

 

  1. Is My Lighting Focused?

    Lighting design is all about the strategic placement of light and matching the perfect light source to its intended function. Indirect lighting pulls focus, adds texture and layers the sight line.

Pick focal points that you want to highlight, then direct a light source toward them. Wall lamps are great accent lighting fixtures to highlight artwork and bring light to a space at eye level.

A chandelier in the dining room should hang 30 to 36 inches above the dining table. The width of the chandelier should be at least one half the width of the table.

Recessed lights and track lights are ideal for low-voltage direct lighting.

Translucent glass shades on pendant fixtures will reduce glare in the kitchen. Hanging overhead lighting fixtures such as pendants should sit 30 to 36 inches above the island work surface.

So finally, when was the last time you upgraded the lighting of your home? Is it time perhaps?