White Paint and Other White Necessities

I have to admit a secret of mine...I am a white SNOB - okay now you know my innermost secret. I use only white candles, white dishes, white towels, white flowers (although I have been known to buy colored tulips), and white sheets. Nothing is more classic than white. White dishes set off the food on them perfectly. I cannot have a good sleep on anything other than white sheets, and white candles and white towels are absolute.

In interiors I love how white highlights good architecture, and any object in the room that has "good bones." White walls are a good backdrop for objects d' art and paintings that are placed in the room - white walls give focus to the lines of the items that are juxtaposed in front of them. 

Painting a room white can make it have surprising depth. When I design an all-white room I use several different shades of white to bring out the architectural details, or I layer the space with strong forms in different tones and textures of white and then use some strong color contrasts to outline and bring the white into focus. My all time favorite white color is - Benjamin Moore paint Cloud White. It is a very soft white and easy to live with. It has a chameleon effect - taking on the colors of what is set next to it and changing in tone at various times of the day. Not every white is snow white. Try using whites tinted with: ivory, cream, antique white, and palest beige, blue and yellow. An interesting fact on the popularity of white is that Benjamin Moore has over 140 whites to choose from. 

To maximize the light in a room I chose a paint with a semigloss finish rather than the latex matte finish more usual on walls. The "chalkier" matte finish absorbs light; the semi-gloss is more reflective.

Some of my favorite whites I use are are from Benjamin Moore: Cloud White, Simply White, Ballet White, White Dove, White Linen and Designer White.

 
 
   
  
  
Photo Credits

1, 2 MLK Studio via All the Best 3 JK Hotel Milan 4 David Schefer 5 Helen Hennie 6 Trevor Tondro 7 ,8,9 Jennifer Post 10 Ptithabibi Morocco, Towels

PATRICIA GRAY INC is an award winning interior design firm writing about lifestyle and
WHAT'S HOT in the world of interior design, architecture, art and travel.
2011 © Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™

Green Living With "INDAWO KITCHEN"

Green Living With "INDAWO KITCHEN". Environmentally friendly products (green products), today more and more in demand by industries and consumers. PT. Charisma Indawo Internusa is a company engaged dibidng interior one of its products in the form of a kitchen (kitchen set) which apply the materials to the products environmentally friendly.

This is because Indawo concern for the environment in harmony with its commitment to the customers to always provide a healthy and safe products. As a member of the Green Building Council of Indonesia (GBCI), Indawo only use environmentally friendly materials and also minimize carbon emissions in each production process.

In this sophisticated age, product design is not only supported by the latest technology that can accommodate the desires and lifestyle of consumers but also be environmentally friendly (green products). For that Indawo applying it into a kitchen concept system that uses 100% chemical-free of urea formaldehyde and using paints, adhesives and coatings which contain low or no VOC (volatile organic compounds). For that Indawo choose MDF (Medium Density Fiber) as the basic material products made from wood fibers that are 100% recyclable, comes from the forest industry and does not contain the chemical urea formaldehyde. MDF is an environmentally friendly product certified by SFC (Forest Stewardship Council). This option means reducing consumption of tropical rain forest wood which is currently the 'bald'. In addition, trees in the forest industry is more efficient because the wood from each part can be processed into pulp and then molded into sheets. Another advantage of the MDF is a high population density so that termite resistant and has a smooth and solid surfaces for finishing coated by the prevention of any kind. This material does not contain formaldehyde which normally causes sore eyes.

For countertop, choose Solid Surface Indawo trademark SUNRAY, made of modified acrylic which is not toxic. SUNRAY Solid Surface is not porous, making it unable to be contaminated with household chemicals and the smell is not good and certainly protected from bacteria and fungi as well as easy to look like new after the use of a specific period only with re-polished. Applications solid surface is also practical and flexible to follow any desired shape in kitchen design. Indawo also wear impragnated melamine paper as lining the inside of his kitchen cabinet.

For finishing materials, Indawo choose high-quality materials, such as Hight Pressure Laminate (HPL) is made from layers of kraft paper impregnated with phenolic resin and with a decorative paper impregnated with melamine resin. Made with high pressure and temperature, this material has high durability against shock, water and heat and is very easy for maintenance. Available with a wide selection of colors, both solid colors, wood pattern, and various textures.

Also Indawo have a superior product finishing with a very high level of gloss. The term used is finishing High-Gloss. Finishing Indawo polymer is a synthetic compound that has been through many years of research to create a panel with the coated side is perfect. With a smooth surface and high gloss, High-Gloss gives a modern touch to the furniture. because the surface of the flat / flat surfaces such as glass and thickness up to 19mm, finishing High-Gloss Indawo have a high resistance to water, which dipped into the water no matter how long it will not damage the panel was finishing High-Gloss. The possibility of unlimited color choices, you can choose from a variety of standard colors are available, or also can create their own colors to your liking.

Not only that, Indawo also use the Open-Pore Finishing in its application, the Open Pore Indawo is attached with a sheet of MDF wood veneer on the slice is called later in finishing with a specific technique with a touch of unfinished.

By finishing in the top end Indawo customers who will enjoy it all. This is the convenience, comfort, security and luxury provided by us to be more satisfied Indawo nenikmati life.

Source                       : ASRI Magazine
Company Address : PT. INDAWO KHARISMA INTERNUSA
                                    1. Jalan Raya No. In Radio. 15
                                        South Jakarta 12140
                                    2. Showcase
                                        Sogo (Home Furnishing)
                                        Central Park 2nd Floor Jakarta

Ottomans, Benches, Foot Stools

Ottomans have become a favourite of mine to use in family/media rooms and dens. I like using them for several reasons. First and foremost they serve as the indispensable coffee table. I like to make mine with tight tops and rather flat as opposed to padded with a pillow effect. This way you can set things on top of them without worrying about them toppling over. Secondly you can comfortably set your feet on them and be in a semi-reclining position to watch TV, read or maybe even fall asleep. Thirdly I can have them made any size to fit the requirements of the room. This is a real benefit because large coffee tables are hard to find. In the space below the ottoman is made out of deep chocolate brown faux Ostrich. This family has two young daughters and they use the ottoman to color on and do their craft projects and have snacks. Spills can be wiped up easily, and the deep brown faux ostrich adds and a nice textural interest and makes a dramatic center focal point for the room.   

This ottoman is large by ottoman standards 5 feet by 3 1/2 feet. It is covered in Holly Hunt, Hair on Hide Leather, in a creamy butterscotch color. It was made long so 3 people sitting on the sofa could all put their feet up on it, and I made it deep enough to that there was still room at the back for the inevitable books, magazines, remote controls and trays for snacks and drinks. It also doubles as extra seating for parties. What coffee table has that much versatility?

 
The Ottoman in this penthouse I had made in charcoal gray Beacon Hill "Pashmina". It is soft and luxurious like a Cashmere blanket and makes a nice warming contrast to the leather sofa. It sits on top of the same color of Belgium wool area carpet. Facing the sofa is the view with the TV hung and framed between the windows. Where else do you put the TV in a room that is all windows & view.

 

PATRICIA GRAY INC is an award winning interior design firm writing about lifestyle and
WHAT'S HOT in the world of interior design, architecture, art and travel.
2011 © Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™

My Vision of Heaven

A beautiful door, sunshine, a pea gravel garden path! 

Photo Credit
PATRICIA GRAY INC is an award winning interior design firm writing about the world of interior design, architecture, lifestyle, and travel.
2011 © Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™

A Glimmer of Hope

When I opened the blinds in my office this morning this is what I saw….could you hear me clapping my hands? I even did a little dance around my desk……. so happy, so happy. For those of you who live in Vancouver, you will understand. For those of you who live in more southern locations, you will think I have totally gone crazy. Yesterday I found myself on the internet looking up SAD to see if this was my problem, but today I know that I am just missing the sunshine. These beautiful crocuses that I planted last fall are my reminder that spring it is just around the corner! How strong and hardy they are pushing their way up and through the rocks. A testament to our northern spirit.

A view of the crocuses from my office window.

PATRICIA GRAY INC is an award winning interior design firm writing about lifestyle and
WHAT'S HOT in the world of interior design, architecture, art and travel.
2011 © Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™

Steve Jobs on Design

 

I love this quote by Steve Jobs.
What do you think? Is good design more than just looking pretty?

Join the discussion by leaving a comment.

Photo Credit

PATRICIA GRAY INC is an award winning interior design firm writing about lifestyle and
WHAT'S HOT in the world of interior design, architecture, art and travel.
2011 © Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™

Vicente Wolf and Inuit Art in Vancouver

I had the pleasure of spending time with Vicente Wolf on his trip to Vancouver where he spoke at the Buildex convention. Albarosa Simonetti had put together an itinerary of Native Art Galleries and we spent the afternoon looking for Inuit dolls made of Caribou antler for Vicente’s private collection. As well as showing Vicente the sights of Vancouver we had lots of time to talk about design, travel, photography and share stories.

Patricia Gray, Vicente Wolfe, Albarosa Simonetti at Buildex Vancouver

Patricia Gray, Vicente Wolf at Inuit Gallery Vancouver

Inuit Caribou Antler Dolls

These Inuit dolls carved from Caribou antler which is a renewable resource, shed by the animal annually, have the arms and legs attached with sinew. Their antecedence is in ancient Inuit history, and were often the only toy that a small girl would have. They are absolutely charming in their simplicity. I would not have known about them were it not for Vicente’s passion for collecting.

Vicente Wolfe Collection of Inuit Dolls in his Montauk home

Top 2 photos: Albarosa Simonetti
Photo 3 Photo Credit
Bottom Photo Credit