[source :  http://interiorspaces.wordpress.com/2008/03/19/copper-in-your-living-space-sustainable-design/]

Copper is one of the oldest metals used by mankind. In one form or another, its use dates back 10000 years. It has a very long life cycle and its malleability has given us the opportunity to use it in different ways. While its biggest use has been in electricity, power transmission and telecommunications given that is a great conductor and ductile, copper has been used effectively in architecture and interiors over the ages, apart from decorative and artistic applications. It is an integral part of sustainable design because it can be recycled. In fact, all the copper around you has probably been used at one time or another in some form!! Less than fifteen percent of the world reserves have been mined and more than two thirds of the metal that has ever been mined is still used in one form or another today. No other metal is perhaps more environment friendly

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Although it has been used for solar heating for water, the most eco-friendly use of copper that would change the face of architecture and construction is perhaps its use in solar panels. Photovoltaic cells made of copper could convert sunlight into electricity and power homes across the globe. In the near future, this is likely to become more prevalent as will be the introduction of smart wiring in homes.

Its rust resistant properties and ability to be joined easily allowed for application in pipes for plumbing, while its heat conducting properties led to its use in radiators, refrigerators, air conditioners and even cooking pans. In bronze and brass it found artistic expression. Architects have used copper for roofing sheets, tiles,gutters,downspouts and a multitude of other applications not only because of its longevity ( over a hundred years ) but also for its malleability, resistance to fire and water and its appearance—the patina being its most enduring visual feature. Shingles were used extensively for roofing in many parts of the world, not only for its practical properties, but its aesthetic attributes as well.

In modern textiles it has been used innovatively by weaving it with other yarns and creating fabrics that have a luster and interesting detail. Another modern application is using it for wall claddings, panels and furniture. Interior wall cladding is fast becoming a distinctive feature in contemporary interiors, with architects and interior designers using this metal in interesting and innovative ways. In furniture strips and decorative inlays of this metal are being used as design elements. It is also being used in decorative tiles for kitchen backsplashes, bathrooms and panels. Its use in the kitchen has gone far beyond pots and pans and now from the backsplash to the kitchen sink all the way to the hood, copper is becoming a trend .Cooker hoods which were primarily in stainless steel have now made way for their copper brethren, by making a style statement. Copper countertops are attracting a lot of attention in kitchen design as an alternative to corian, marble, granite and stainless steel. Because of its oxidation properties, scratches disappear over time and the colour has its own individuality that is constantly changing. Because of its anti bacterial properties it gets full score on hygiene.

In the world of window treatment hardware, copper has again created a niche in terms of its applications for finials and poles, decorative accessories and tiebacks. Copper leaf is increasingly used in gilding. Gilding itself is making a comeback in the world of interiors and furniture. This beautiful metal is also being used for fountains and waterfalls because of its patinated look. For those that want the copper to retain its original colour and shine, the clear coated option is also available.

Copper as a colour tone has also become a rage; primarily because of the metal mania raging in the world of design– a dash of copper/bronze is a recurring theme in modern palettes. The copper finish and verdigris treatment is finding it way into faux finish walls, lighting fixtures and decorative accessories for the home. Light fixtures are available in copper from extremely contemporary designs to the more traditional variants reminiscent of country cottages. Hammered copper is being used extensively for photo-frames and decorative lamp bases. Copper insets are being used in flooring design as well. It is absolutely everywhere in some form. In all likelihood, the use of metal in interiors will shift from steel and nickel to copper and bronze in the next few years.

An accessory that has become a fashionable trend in recent times is the decorative rain chain in copper, which acquires a patinated finish over time and becomes even more beautiful. It could not perhaps replace downspouts and gutters in areas which have heavy rainfall, but its usage in rainwater harvesting is perhaps not as effective as its appeal for garden enthusiasts. The Japanese combined practical use and inherent beauty to create something that is quite a charming addition to any home. Fireplace screens in copper and bronze are also popular but their use in India is limited.

Because of its excellent properties, this unique metal is an artist’s delight. Coppersmiths use it for interesting light fixtures, furniture and interiors—apart from sculpture and garden accessories which have always been the mainstay of Cu in the arts. In landscape lighting, copper is an ideal choice as a material, because nothing else will give such a range of dimensions and respond so well to climatic conditions over a period of time, in a manner that only serves to accentuate its beauty. Its resistance to corrosion and sunlight couple with a long life cycle are major factors making it suitable for extensive outdoor use. Our increasing ecological awareness and a desire to move towards sustainable design will see copper being used extensively in the architecture and design industry in years to come.

[source: http://interiorspaces.wordpress.com/2008/03/10/using-colour-effectively/]

Have you ever wondered why you never find people using blue in a kitchen? Did you notice that generally people gravitate towards certain colours according to the mood they are in, or would like to be in? We choose the colours in our home based on our notions of the mood that a particular colour combination will create in a room. The more open we are about out own preferences, the more defined the choice of colours in our homes will tend to be.

Colours can affect your mood from the moment you step into your home, so if you attempt to create different spaces you could always find some part of your home that would perfectly complement your mood on any given day.

Getting back to why we rarely see blue in kitchens, especially in India,I think perhaps one of the reasons could be that it is a cold colour and by consequence reduces the appetite. Interestingly, we do not food that is blue—-blue and black are more signs of decay or toxicity in food, which is perhaps why we do not associate this colour with kitchens. But blue is an ideal colour for bedrooms. Especially is you are looking for peace and tranquillity and there is a lot of natural light coming into the room. The colour is believed to increase a person’s level of productivity and perhaps that is why boys tend to be more active in rooms that are blue!!! To keep a room cool and contemporary offset the blue with pale grey, metallic silver and white. To make it warmer bring in tones of gold and beige. The particular shade of blue would affect your mood differently. An aqua is quite a different mood setter from a midnight blue.

Warm colours that suggest cosiness, abundance and comfort and commonly used in dining rooms, kitchens and entrances. Red, the colour of vitality and passion is a great accent and creates an element of drama wherever you find it. Used in the right proportion it brings a surge of energy into a space. It may be too overpowering for a bedroom, but the deeper tones of claret or the softer ones in rose and peach work well for sleeping areas. Pink the colour of femininity and romance is often used in girl’s bedrooms and works well with in all its tones.

Orange,an equally strong colour that requires selective use, is a great pep-up colour and gets you cheerful just by virtue of its psychological effect. In a small area where you could curl up on an armchair and unwind, it can give you that space that recharges your batteries.

Yellows and tones of orange and green work well in almost any space and the only variation that comes in is in terms of tone. Often used in kitchens greens, earth tones and yellows suggest the abundance of earth, and create an inviting atmosphere. Since yellow tends to speed your metabolism and can be overpowering, it is rarely used in bedrooms. In dining, kitchen or even living areas it works beautifully and brings in all the optimism it is associated with. Purple, is the colour of opulence and also peace, depending on how you use it. It heightens your creativity and smoothens frayed nerves if used in a setting appropriately. In depth and liberal use, it creates an aura of luxury and sometimes just the sheer luxurious abandon helps a person relax.

Neutral tones often dominate contemporary living spaces, in stark contrasts or subtle blends and make any space look more open and elegant. They work best in modern settings and complement with glass and steel. In more traditional décor, neutral tones tend to make a living space look bland if the right amount of colour is not introduced in accents.

Pastels are a favourite with most people, especially in tropical climates as they are not overpowering and the statement they make is very subtle. While they are easy on the eye, the warmth of the deeper hues is a far more effective stress buster.

Metallic tones are being increasingly used in homes to create an element of splendour and drama, and used in the right places, they serve as beautiful accents. They work best in ceilings, niches and bathrooms.

Deciding what colour to use in which space will also determine your own psychological response to that space and your comfort levels while being there. So, if you tend to have long lazy baths, make the bathroom and point of focus for colour. If the bedroom is where you spend time to relax, choose a palette that will comfort your senses. Perhaps, you may want to pay attention to the study or entertainment area if that is the place you go to at the end of a long tiring day, seeking to renew your energy. Whatever, the case may be, if you use colour effectively to suit your own temperament, you will find that your home replenishes every molecule of energy the outside world drains out of you. Without you even realising its therapeutic properties.

While colours are used extensively for design purposes and for the visual effects they generate, you need to decide which colours will create an ambiance that will help you unwind and then take it forward from there. Find your colour quotient and use that to evolve the mathematics of a living space.

Author : Rekha Nambiar.

Contemporary design features continue to hold sway, although the move away from minimalism, harsh lines and a clinical ambiance is replaced with a touch of old world warmth. Modern design meets mid-century interior concepts to create spaces that give us the best of both worlds…old and new. Eclecticism is in. This is the time when that colonial/antique piece of furniture can be placed alongside your contemporary straight-line sofas, and not look out of place. Mix and match is the trend as aesthetic independence becomes more pronounced. Ornate fixtures and accessories alongside straight-line minimalist metal furniture would not be incongruous.

Colours are bold. Green is the dominant colour this year. A deeply vibrant green. Followed by pumpkin orange, bright red—in tones from terracotta to cayenne. Orange, Yellow, Gold—dominating the palette. Deep cinnamon, luxurious violets, turquoise and of course the other colour that is hot—Pink—bright and daring.

Metal remains an extensively used feature of design. The only difference is that it is now mixed with other mediums, from wood to leather. Metal laminates are being used on everything from walls to furniture. In tones of bronze, burnished copper, gold frosted, nickel….and many more. There is a lot of development in this particular aspect of interiors and it’s likely to get more and more creative.

Texture. A word to memorize this year. Because it touches every feature of design. On walls, in fabrics, in wood finishes, in flooring concepts….anything and everything defined by texture. Flooring shows increased use of carpet tiles, and carpets that focus on tones and weaves rather than motifs. In tiles, ceramics are out, porcelain is in. Glass continues its reign of supremacy and is being used in a lot of creative ways. Not just for functionality but also for embellishment.

Furnishing fabrics are dominated by textures and weaves that focus on the in-built beauty of natural fibres. Fabrics with metal woven into them, tones and thread work, embroidery and quilting are all making a comeback. Prints are back in action but the motifs are eclectic and the colours very bold. Polka dots have appeared out of nowhere and stripes refuse to go out of fashion. Windows are no longer bare. Colour and embellishment complement modern styles. The emphasis is on creating a fusion between the old world style and the modern look. Roman blinds remain popular as do drapes in contemporary styles. Top treatments bring back a sense of grandeur while retaining the clean lines. Metal,leather,suede are all being used with linen,cotton and silks. Artificial fibres are no longer visible. Sheers are being used extensively. Handwork and detailing bring in the elegance to the earlier minimalist styles. Embroidery, printing and ethnic styles create their space after a long hiatus.

Wall treatments are another force to reckon with this year. Paint finishes, stencilling, the distressed look, faux treatments, colour colour colour. Faux treatments can be used on anything from walls to wood, ceramics to metal/glass. Mouldings are also back in business and ornate cornices happily co-exist with contemporary style.

Lighting…..again, clean lines, simple shapes. A new feature in the lighting market is the use of motion sensors instead of manual light switches. Along with an attempt to focus on subtle glow rather than direct light. Offices still use fluorescent light but the attempt is to soften the edges a bit and create light that is easier on the eye. In terms of the material used, metal still rules the roost. But it is metal that comes in a wide range of finishes from hand painted texture finishes to burnished and oiled tones of copper and bronze. Shiny brass is completely out, although brass may be used and finished in a metallic shade. China is totally passé. Hand painting is welcome, but in a manner that develops tone and texture…not motifs. Glass is used in a wide variety of colours and tones, wrought iron in complemented with traditional embellishments. The biggest surprise is the re-entry of chandeliers. The central light fixture is back with a bang.

If colour and wall finishes are in, could murals be all that far behind? Yes, walls are being decorated with murals. The bolder the better. But only if the room is big enough to handle that kind of drama. Sofas continue with the long silhouettes and remain low and tapered. The emphasis on beige,off-white,ecru and white continues while the colour is brought in using decorative pillows. Leather makes a strong statement this year. It touches most aspects of décor in one way or another. But modern and traditional mingle like two enemies who have just become great friends.

If you figured that trimmings have died, think again. Beads are being used for accessories and draperies. The bullion fringe re-appears with a vengeance on window treatments and upholstery. Fireplaces are in vogue again. Doesn’t matter whether they are functional or not !!! There is a whole range of styles in the market, to cater to almost any budget. The detailing varies from metal accents to texture detailing.

Decoupage is another element of design that makes its presence felt this year. Use it on furniture, or wall art. It is most definitely chic. In terms of motifs, again, contemporary and traditional synthesize to create a new style. Large motifs dominate in the larger interior schemes. The bolder the better.

Kitchens are focusing as much on exteriors as interior accessories. Hardware and fittings acquire much more prominence. Mouldings are more detailed although they are kept reasonably small. Open plan dominance keeps the focus on more natural light. Glass is being used in many innovative ways in interior design. From flooring to walls. Accessories to fittings. Mirrors have rekindled their appeal.

In offices, the focus is on creating low panels, reducing the cubicle environment to incorporate more flexibility. Square foot area is being kept low, and management is contemplating the new mobility and giving up huge private offices in favour of a more open environment. In homes, with the dominance of the open plan, the trend is to remove isolated areas and boundaries and create a place where one area flows into another and there aren’t that many rigid definitions. Essentially, our lifestyle choices are reflecting the way we think.

Article Courtesy: http://www.interiorspaces247.com/