There are two kinds of decorating. There’s the kind that happens to most of us just a few times in our life, when we move into a new space and get the chance to start from scratch — and then there’s the kind that happens when you have already been living in your space for a while. Either way, both have the tendency to be tricky which is why stores like Edge Makers at Bhanimandal in Lalitpur are proving to be quite a boon.
Prabina Shrestha from Edge Makers calls their store an interior solution. They have a remedy for all of your interior problems. Further, they also seem eager to expand the horizons of interior designing with some of their really inventive and unique designs. The Week brings to you some of their offerings.
Immersed in the era
Just like the trends on the streets, trends in decor tend to come and go as well. Every now and then, there is a palpable shift among the general mood of the interior styles and as we speak, they seem to have their heart set on retro and vintage pieces. Shrestha explains, “Rather than modern style furniture, we are noticing people going for more vintage pieces. These are recycled and up-scaled designs of the furniture from the 60s and 70s. Though the pieces don’t look like what they did in that era, it’s apparent that they have been heavily inspired from them.”
Tips
If you are looking to redecorate, a little bit of research always comes in handy. Retro furniture is all about digging into the past eras of design styles and choosing the ones that you loved the best. A quick google search should show you the differences in the designs from different years. The furniture of each era have their share of patterns, colors, finishes and pop culture appeal. Decide what characteristics you enjoy and that fit your design style.
In recent years, there has been a reemergence of retro television, movie, fashion, automobile and all design industry fields have seen vintage charm. If you are stumped on how to choose retro furniture and inspiration, surf the internet for your favorite pop culture icons. Everyone especially celebrities are bringing out vintage finds and changing the world with them.
Designs that inspire
Usher in the change
Another habit that could very well be hampering your interior design dreams, and is particularly Nepali-esque, is hoarding. Shrestha apparently sees it all the time. “We don’t have the habit of recycling our furniture,” she explains, “Once we buy a decorative piece it stays there, sometimes in the same spot for generations. A concept may be working for your house, however, it is refreshing to have some change once in a while.” And these changes don’t have to be big ones. Even small decor pieces like photo frames or a potted plant have the power to bring significant transformation in a room.
Tips
Accessories are a great way to tie in all decor together. They can pull all the pieces together to give your space a finished look. Accessorizing is another way to add a personal touch to your space as they often tell a story of where you have been and where your interests lie. If you are too timid to go for large amounts of bold color, patterns or decor in your house, you can still create a colorful atmosphere with the accessories you choose.
Don’t decorate everything at once. One of the biggest interior design mistakes you can make, especially when dealing with small decor items or trying to save money, is to take on too many redesigning projects at once. New homeowners, in particular, tend to fall into the trap of wanting to redo the décor of every room from top to bottom. While it may be tempting to be able to feel like you’ve completely finished decorating, your taste will be better reflected if you go at a slower pace.
Storage solutions
It seems the only thing that comes to many minds when asking for someone’s opinion on furniture are its price and material. But at Edge Makers, there is another very important aspect that they always take into consideration. Shortage of space is one of those key things you need to keep in mind when buying furniture because not everyone has big homes. Your furniture needs to be adjustable according to all sorts of homes, especially if you’re dealing with a common small-space problem — a bedroom scarcely large enough for a bed, much less anything else situations. Thankfully there are some very clever space saving solutions.
Tips
Space saving furniture is becoming more of a necessity than fad as home sizes continue to shrink with every passing year. This entails coming up with innovative space saving ideas to make the best of small space living. If you are falling short in your space saving ideas, start by looking for the right space. The trick is to always make the most of corners.
The next step here is to get creative, think outside the box. You have no room for a nightstand beside the bed? Well, hang shelves on the wall instead. Wall shelves provide a catch-all for books and other sundries in a super-narrow sleeping space. And this is just one of the many brilliantly sneaky ideas of space saving furniture. Their designs provide functionality and always serve a purpose. Though just in case, you feel like you could use more guidance on the matter, there are many DIY websites littered with such creative designs as well.
Taking shape
When asked what is the most common mistake that Nepalis tend to make while decorating their homes, Shrestha doesn’t hesitate. In her experience, most Nepalis fear experimentation. “Sticking to the basics and the traditional designs are perhaps the most common mistakes most of our clientele make. There is a lot of emphasis on functionality. But the fact is dramatic, experimental designs too can be very practical.”
Tips
Geometric shapes cultivate a comforting sense of completion in a home with their grid-like precision and repeating patterns into modern, modern industrial or ultramodern design themes. Some of the most versatile geometric prints and shapes include diamonds, hexagons and stripes. The geometric look can be incorporated in small doses through unassuming fabric patterns as well.
Another incredibly easy way to incorporate geometric elements in your home is through shelving. This book case draws the eye through both its own form and the assorted treasures it holds. You can finish off a geometric design with multi-faceted lamp bases and vases, geometric-print throw pillows and even paperweights and candlesticks.
