Thursday, October 14, 2010

Modular Shelves


The décor theme is extremely important for any space. It does not only represent the people who use the space but also contributes to the functionality factor of the space. One of the modern themes for the home décor is the icy mix. This article is aimed to provide information on decorating with the icy mix.

Base for an Icy Décor

The icy décor is mainly inspired by deeply meditative, calm and somewhat pensive moods. Depiction of these moods in the form of décor is impossible to achieve without using the exact color palette for the icy décor. The icy color palette is governed by the shades of violet, grey, and blue. White can be a secondary choice. The complementary colors for this type of décor are lilac, orange-brown, and black.

Unlike many popular decors, the icy décor is about celebrating the contemporary furnishings, fabrics, and accessories while keeping a sharp, crisp, and clean look. The vintage items and antiques do not fit well in an icy décor. In fact, many interior decorators agree that the icy décor is going to mark this era in the coming times.

The purpose of the Icy Décor

One can have icy décor in a space for the following reasons.

-To beat the heat

The icy décor is great for the places experiencing hotter climates. This décor has the quality to mitigate the feelings and effects of the hot weather on an individual almost immediately. This is because the sunlight (or the artificial light) plays on the icy palette just as it does on the snow or the ice.

-To appreciate holistic living

The icy décor does not focus on individual pieces; rather it is about pulling the functionality factor from the overall décor. Therefore, the people who think too many little pieces to contribute to a décor is a lot of fuss can conveniently pull off an icy décor.

-To improve spaces lacking originality

Many popular décor trends encourage showcasing collectibles and vintages. Due to this, many people buy a large number of decorative pieces compulsively rather than buying them due to pure liking or a relation. This creates an artificial space lacking originality. The icy décor is a simple yet effective way to discourage the practice and to encourage people going for things they like and the things they can relate to, no matter how simple these things might be.

-To showcase austere spaces

Some people like and need austere spaces. The icy décor is a great way to highlight austere spaces with confidence, ease, and simplicity.

Elements of an Icy Décor

There are certain types of fabrics, furnishings, lighting, and accessories, which make and complement the icy décor.

Furniture

The furniture of the icy décor should be stark having clean lines. It means that the antique or vintage furniture does not go with the icy décor. The Scandinavian or Danish furnishings are a great choice for this type of décor. Other than these, aim for metallic or faux-wood, angular, and/or modular light weight furniture. In fact, the modern day or futuristic furniture with clean lines is great for the icy décor. A visit to IKEA can be fruitful without stretching the pocket.

Fabrics for furnishings, beddings, and windows

For the chairs and sofas, leather and/or the faux-leather are the best options. For the beddings, invest in translucent, synthetic fabrics. Keep in mind that the fabrics for the icy décor look the best when they are plain or have geometrical prints. (Keep the floral prints at bay if you do not want to spoil the whole look). The icy décor looks better if the windows are adorned with window shades or blinds instead of the conventional fabric drapes.

Accessories and lighting

For an icy décor, the accessories should be very basic and minimal to keep the look crisp and clean. Also, prefer the functional items for accessorize a room rather than only decoration pieces. For example, use cute glass trays to store candies, instead of crystal bowls that sit empty.

If the icy décor has lighter base colors then not much artificial lighting is required. In most of the places, sunlight during the daytime and lamps in the night would be sufficient for keeping everything visible. However, for places in deep blues and violets, invest in overhead spherical lights to keep everything visible without any strain on the eyes.

Some tips with examples on creating Icy Decor compositions

Tip: Do not go for a full renovation if your décor lacks or does not has anything 'icy'. Sometimes a hint of some colors from the icy palette is all you need to change the mood of a space.

Example: A place has red/orange floor hard or expensive to change. Paint the walls and the ceiling in the palest of the icy blue. Introduce stark white furnishings/ fabrics/ accessories.

Tip: Adding the right type of flowers and plants is a great way to highlight the icy décor.

Example: Irises and hyacinths come in shades of blue and white. The good news is that they can be grown in pots and they thrive indoors. Choose the pots in colors and shapes that go with the icy décor.

Tip: Theicy décor is the easiest to attain in the bathroom and the kitchen. Take them as a starting point to practice this type of décor.

Example: Grey or silver metallic hues are great to complement an icy décor and they are already present in most of the kitchens and bathrooms. The kitchens have silver/grey/metallic appliances and/or fixtures. Start by getting the walls and the ceiling painted in any hue from the icy color palette. Complement the base by adding rectangular shelves displaying the metallic cooking utensils, bake trays, baking moulds, knives and cutlery (if they are in blue/grey/silver tones). Finish by adding a big bowl/vase in deep blue/violet to be the focus of the whole look.

The bathrooms that have grey/silver/white fixtures/tiles/sanitary can provide a great base for the icy decor. Complement by painting the mirror trim in deep blue. Finish by adding functional and decorative accents in marble. (For example, invest in a marble statue that doubles as a towel holder.)

Tip: Make the icy décor warmer in mood in the winters by adding purples and magentas with a red base.

Example: A person lives in cooler climates but likes icy décor. Invest in fabrics and/or furnishings that are in shades of magentas, oranges, or reds. The space will instantly get warmer.

Source(s):

The information on 'Icy color palette' is taken from a book called, "Color Harmony for Interior Design' by Martha Gill. The same book serves as an inspiration for some tips.

Personal knowledge (developed from reading different interior décor books over time).


minifig modular display shelf series 1 and 2 by cecilihf


Modular Shelves

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