Whenever I make a new acquaintance and they discover my profession, an immediate inquiry is made after an easy fix -it solution, over the numerous amount of interior design issues. Our team here at Top Interiors would like to put this unsettling uproar at ease and help you build, furnish or even renovate your ideal space to provide you with the “bel espace ». We strive to provide a variety of design solutions to serve those creating spaces under various scales and budgets. I wish to inspire you to think creatively and would like to offer our teams professional assistance to anyone that requires contemporary and high end design solutions. With the right direction any space can live to its full potential.
Q. After completing the entire interior setup for our new home we find that this certain “spot” has not been catered to. We tried finding a use for it; even filling it with furniture. This only resulted in cluttering the area. How do we successfully tackle the “spot”?
A. This is a frequently asked question and has many avenues of address. Almost everyone has an identical « spot » in their homes; One that is devoid of function. Since this “spot” has no apparent role or usage treat it just as accordingly. Find something that is clever and fun, in the correct scale to fit the area. Don’t try to hide the emptiness of it by cluttering the space with multiple decorative elements. Many times while you are out hunting for accent pieces for you interiors you will come across one or two rare beauties; you love the piece but wonder where you would place it, boom!!! The “spot” is usually perfect for this piece. This being the high road to take, most of the time homemakers substitute the accent piece with a rare form of greenery in small scale. This has its pros and cons, while it provides the interior with natural elements and balances the indoor outdoor aspect, it can be tiresome to maintain. Remember artificial plants are a definite no!!! So choose wisely.
Q. Our new house is currently under refurbishment. It’s a Colonial Building and we wish to convert the interior into something very contemporary while leaving the exterior intact. We are trying to preserve as much it as possible. Any tips?
A. Firstly and most importantly you need to confirm with the Urban Development Authority whether your building is under any specific heritage lists and acquire a sheet containing the construction and demolition rules of your site. With a clear idea of exactly what you are allowed to do it will make design choices more solid and effective. The General rule among many in the field is to preserve as much as possible, however if the building is just another one built in the same era that is of no significant value then it is understandable that the client wishes to take the space in a modern direction. With spaces like this it’s always best to go for subtle changes first, they pave way for bigger and bolder choices. Have a Structural engineer with adequate experience do a site visit and confirm the possibility of all the design changes you wish to make, because in structures that old one can never tell what is behind walls!!! That’s just the construction side of it, the creative element of this is much more interesting; combining beauty, delicacy, and exquisite design of the exterior façade into the interior can be a lot of fun.
A. Firstly and most importantly you need to confirm with the Urban Development Authority whether your building is under any specific heritage lists and acquire a sheet containing the construction and demolition rules of your site. With a clear idea of exactly what you are allowed to do it will make design choices more solid and effective. The General rule among many in the field is to preserve as much as possible, however if the building is just another one built in the same era that is of no significant value then it is understandable that the client wishes to take the space in a modern direction. With spaces like this it’s always best to go for subtle changes first, they pave way for bigger and bolder choices. Have a Structural engineer with adequate experience do a site visit and confirm the possibility of all the design changes you wish to make, because in structures that old one can never tell what is behind walls!!! That’s just the construction side of it, the creative element of this is much more interesting; combining beauty, delicacy, and exquisite design of the exterior façade into the interior can be a lot of fun.
For example Material such as dark stained wood and plexiglass are representative of both your design objectives and will bring balance to the complete structure. Steer clear of stainless steel and yellow brass work; these materials somehow never manage to bring in the high end contemporary look you desire. Carpeting is a possible flooring solution, but be mindful of what the current flooring material is and program your installation schedule to meet with any challenges this might provide. When accessorizing consult a decorator and be very selective of your feature pieces; it would not do to have such a detailed and beautiful façade give way to a house with random frames and ornamentation. The pieces could have a possible connection to the colonial era but seen in the eyes of a modernist. In this instance the mixing of other civilizations and their particular design motifs and crafts is not advisable. Remember you are building a home not an artifact museum!!! Many clients come to us with this issue; they have beautiful homes with a clutter of an art collection. By sticking to one theme and understanding it well you will be able to put together a space that is artistic as well as functional. Recently I came across a interior space that had dealt with the same issues you spoke of, to get a further idea of what you could possibly do have a glance at: ‘55 Blair Road’ by Ong&Ong.
Q. Can I use carpet underlayment under laminate flooring?
A. Laminate flooring can be laid on any clean, dry and firm surface, so you may be able to use your existing carpet underlay. However, you will need to decide if it is the right type of underlay for your needs. You can use various types of underlay for laminate floors, such as acoustic, fiber and foil backed. If your floor is uneven, then a thick fiber or foam underlay is advisable. If noise is a problem then acoustic underlay will help to reduce sound travel, whereas foil-backed underlay will help to contain heat.
A. Laminate flooring can be laid on any clean, dry and firm surface, so you may be able to use your existing carpet underlay. However, you will need to decide if it is the right type of underlay for your needs. You can use various types of underlay for laminate floors, such as acoustic, fiber and foil backed. If your floor is uneven, then a thick fiber or foam underlay is advisable. If noise is a problem then acoustic underlay will help to reduce sound travel, whereas foil-backed underlay will help to contain heat.
Q. How can you put hardwood floors on a concrete slab foundation? What options do I have?
A. It is possible to install hardwood flooring over on-grade or above-grade concrete slabs that are not prone to excessive moisture. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use proper substrate materials to prevent moisture from damaging the wood. Engineered wood flooring is more suitable for below-grade slabs.
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