Design Folder: Your Online Design and Decorating Resource

space matters: black walls

I find it funny that most of us are scared of using two particular colors (or technically, non-colors) liberally: white and black. With regards to white, I understand that maintenance issues keep us from using it all the way, with the dust and pollution that may turn our white rooms into gray. Apart from that, there’s the Filipino’s horror vacui, fearing that an all white room may just look too empty, boring and clinical. I guess Ana’s post of on white rooms sort of debunked that claim.

How about black?

In my five years of writing for three of mega’s design/decorating magazines, I have never encountered an interior where black was used generously, especially for the walls. Maybe it’s a cultural thing–that black for us is just too depressing, negative, and even devilish.

I find black to be an interesting color for interior spaces. Like white, it’s versatile. It can be ultra modern, contemporary, and even traditional. Plus, it adds a certain mysterious character to the room.

Just make sure that when you use black for your walls, you use a paint with a satin or eggshell finish. Semi-gloss paint still has some sheen that will make your black wall look dirty instead of the bold, solid appearance that you’re aiming for.

So, how about we give black a chance? -ardel

*images via little.green (top & bottom) and xJavierx

sale alert!: the room upstairs

q&a: dealing with a high ceiling

Last week, we got an email from our reader, Kathy, asking for advice on how to deal with decorating their living room with a high ceiling.

Given our hot and humid climate, a high ceiling is always a desirable feature in a house as it provides room for warm air to rise. However, it can be quite a challenge to fill up the additional vertical space to make everything look balanced and proportioned.

Here are three things that you might want to consider to achieve a cozier space in spite of the height.

1)  LOWER THE CEILING

It’s difficult to achieve an intimate and cozy atmosphere in a room that has a high ceiling. To scale down the height, incorporate false beams and trusses  (top photo, via elements of style) into the design if you have the budget for the additional interior work.

For a quick fix, use drop/pendant lamps instead of ceiling-mounted lamps. Pendant lamps lower the light source, darkening the upper half of the room to downplay the height.

2)  HIGH CEILING = TALL FURNISHINGS

A high ceiling naturally calls for tall interior furnishings to create a balanced composition. Furnishing it with mainly low or short items will only create contrast, highlighting the height of the space.

Install longer curtains by hanging them a few more inches above the window. Add vertical items like a tall plant (photo above, via brown design), tall twigs on a vase, and a few tall furniture pieces such as an armoire or an upright bookcase. Like pendant lamps, these pieces create a middle or transition point between the floor and the ceiling above.

3)  FILL YOUR WALLS

A high ceiling also means more wall space. Avoid hanging a single row of small to medium-sized frames. They will just look tiny and lonely against the tall wall. To minimize the appearance of bare, boring surfaces, fill up at least one wall with an assortment of framed photos or artworks (see ana’s post on photo walls). This strategy minimizes the height of the room by visually dividing the height into several horizontal sections created by the display. (photo above via housetohome)

conscious living: the power of the hand

Making things by hand is probably one of the greenest yet most under-estimated efforts that we can do to help our environment. One, we save on energy. Two, we get a sense of fulfillment and self-worth after completing a project. Three, because handmade stuff are invested with a kind of sentimental value, we are encouraged to use them over and over again (unlike those disposable, mass-produced items that add to the growing amount of solid waste).

Start relearning those home economics skills in sewing, paper crafts, and carpentry one project at a time. Check our diy category for possible projects and ideas. For the guys, you can also browse through Dude Craft for some “manly” projects. For the girls, Martha Stewart and Design Sponge are two other great sources for tutorials on handmade gifts and home essentials.

*paul overton posters via design bees

i saw design: happy fourth of july!

To our dear df readers and friends in the U.S., Happy Independence Day!

*photos via marthastewart and veranda

objects of design: photo walls

Here’s another way to spruce up your space: create photo walls.

Photo walls make a good focal point and can immediately add character to your room.

You can opt to mix and match different materials to make it more interesting.

Make use of panoramic photos and create a completely different effect.

Or add accessories and display the frames like art pieces for an instant art gallery. -ana

*photos via fffound, design sponge and domino

objects of design: ambiance manille wall stickers

Wall stickers are really popular these days. We see them everywhere – probably because they’re a quick and easy remedy to a dull and lifeless space. We like these wall stickers from Ambiance Manille. I especially like their floral and nature-themed stickers. They’re cute but not saccharine. Check out their complete collection at their multiply site here (http://ambiancemanille.multiply.com/).

*Photos courtesy of Ambiance Manille. The images in this post may not be distributed, modified or reproduced in whole or in part without permission from Ambiance Manille.