Alternative Wall Covering

A good alternative wall covering to paint or paper is polished plaster or as it is also known Marmarino. Icon Interiors recently used this product to good effect on a clients country residence. One of the leading companies in this field is Calfe Crimmings (www.calfecrimmings.co.uk) who uses traditional Venetian Polished Plaster stucco systems such as Marmarino combined with modern specialist decorating techniques to provide contemporary wall finishes. These polished plaster wall finishes provide faux stones and marble like surface finishes, the technique can also be used to create interesting plaster murals in outside areas and swimming pool rooms.

Polished plasters have been used since Classical times. The technique became know as Venetian plaster and was widely used in Europe into the 19th century.In the mid 20th century the Italian designer Carlo Scarpa revitalised stucco veneziano polished plaster techniques using them to high acclaim amongst architectural circles. Demand has since then driven research into the use of this type of contemporary finish which can be used in a variety of ways in domestic or commercial buildings.

Although only a thin layer of material is used in actuality the effect of plaster adds to the feeling of substantiality. Interest is provided through diversity of tone,patina and colouration. It can be used across the whole desing spectrum from orante classicism to morder minimalist.

Sourcing

One of the most underestimated roles for a designer is product sourcing. This is a task that we at Icon Interiors take very seriously so that we can ensure that our clients get the best deals both in terms of value and product selection.

We recently went on an intensive whistle stop tour of Milan with our agent there. He had arranged for us to meet a selection of manufacturers that specialise in lighting made from beautiful crystal glass and furniture from wood that has been nurtured and where “Made in Italy” really means what it says. The factories that we toured have been privately owned & run by families for generations and it seems that each generation is more passionate about the design & quality of their products than the one before.
As one owner explained to us – a record on each piece of the furniture is kept from the moment the tree is cut down to the last person packing the finished article – each piece is that special.
Watch this space for more on the Milan trip.....

Refurbishments

There was a time when it was considered that all that was necessary to update a home was to replace the kitchen or the bathroom. Now with fewer good properties coming onto the market more home owners are prepared to reduce the interiors of their existing home to a rubble and start over.
At Icon Interiors we are finding that increasingly our clients want a more turnkey service and that is why we work closely with a carefully chosen group of Architects, builders, and other craftsmen.
There is a constant need for the design team to be part of a building strategy especially as there will be significant sums of money involved. Having one point of contact is cost-effective as the designer can then often achieve greater discounts.

Home owners today put a premium on the look of their homes, demanding more creature comforts and up to date gadgetry. To be taken seriously in this business you have to be able to deliver.

Thinking of renovating your basement?

Continuing our theme of Renovated Basements, at Icon Interiors we are seeing increased interest from our clients to maximise this often unused space. We recently completed this light filled basement in rural Hampshire. Our clients are busy professionals, with a young family, and both parents need to be able to work from home in a calm and relaxing space. We also included an area that could also accommodate the children when they were home as a place to study, relax and meet friends.

The painted floor-to-ceiling bookcases are accessorised with beautiful oak veneer and back lit to give it a soft ambient glow. The shelving has been arranged with various sizing options to accommodate a variety of books, DVD’s, CD’s and personal memorabilia. This means that everything can be organised and accessible. The Oak desk has been positioned to blend in discreetly rather than dominate the space. The Barcelona chairs add a fun design element.

Damp Basement ?

At Icon Interiors we were recently given a brief by our client in Somerset to turn their damp and unused basement into a home cinema and gym area.
Over recent years we are seeing an ever increasing demand for more useable space in our homes.

Often the costs of extending your home are prohibitive, time consuming and undoubtedly at some point will require planning permission.

The result of the need for more space has created an extensive and widespread demand for the conversion of damp basement or cellar areas into dry usable rooms using the ever increasing variety
of basement water proofing techniques.

For one of the leading companies in this field see www.timberwise.co.uk
As a result we now see more demand for the conversion of damp basements or cellars into dry usable rooms. These have varied depending on the need from areas for the kids to play in, guest bedrooms , gyms and ever increasingly cinema room

Don’t let your basement or cellar remain a damp un-useable space.

The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

Icon Interiors recently completed a project for a professional couple in a quiet West London mews apartment.

A sense of harmony runs through the interior as you step through the front door, enhanced by the Lutron lighting system by John Cullen

A bespoke Shoji door entices you into the elegant dining room adorned with a silk wall covering in taupe by Stereo.

A bespoke circular dining table in highly polished walnut dominates this space overhung by a Plafonniere in White Murano Glass chandelier by Bella Figura
.
The silk wall covering continues into the main living room which is luxurious throughout with bamboo carpets, a beautiful Helix sideboard by David Linley and a Canaletto sofa by Armani Casa covered in Cleveland fabric by Rubelli.

The silk wall covering theme was continued throughout the master bedroom in calming sage. The bespoke wardrobes in dark mahoganyhave mirroed glass doors that reflect the light around the room

Just as much thought went into the guest bedroom with navy silk wall covering and furniture by Armani Casa

Each bedroom has its own bathroom with glass mosaic tiles by Surface Tiles and fittings by Hansgrohe.

Multi room entertainment

Home Automation Systems – Total home automation means fingertip remote wireless control over your lighting, curtains and blinds, room temperature and air conditioning, security, WiFi, telephones, garage doors and gates.

Gone are the days when you need a different remote control to work the televisions and radios in every room. Today you can have the same flexibility with more choice and crystal clear sound and picture quality. Unobtrusive speakers and TV screens in every room. It is called a Multi-Room Entertainment system.

At Icon Interiors we are finding more and more of our clients converting basements into home cinema rooms thats when we bring in companies like SK Vision http://www.skvision.co.uk.

SK vision then totally integrate and test all the elements ensuring the controls are child’s play in the hands of the new owners.