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    The art of entertaining: 3 different dining room designs

    Who doesn’t love hosting their loved ones under their own roof. A gathering that brings everyone together where you can create memories and spend quality time with the people that mean the most to you is part of home life. Everyone’s style of hosting is different and that’s why designing your dining room in a way that supports your hostess style is key. Here are 3 styles of dining room for you to consider.

    The elegant host:
    Incorporating a formal dining table with a luxurious look and attention to detail will create an atmosphere of refined elegance. Choose upholstered chairs for added comfort, encouraging guests to linger around the table during extended dinner conversations will lead you into late nights of conversations and laughter.

    Ambient lighting, such as chandeliers or pendant lights, to enhance the sense of sophistication will add depth and provide an inviting glow.

    cottage dinning room

    The casual gatherer:
    Whether that’s a farmhouse-style, rustic look or urban sense dining table that exudes a relaxed and approachable vibe, this one is for the hosts who invite guests around whenever they like. Mix and match seating with a combination of chairs and benches for a laid-back and inclusive atmosphere will make your guests feel right at home.

    You can integrate versatile storage solutions like sideboards or open shelving to display curated décor items and easy-to-access serving wares too.

    modern yellow dining space

    The modern entertainer:
    Choosing a sleek and minimalist dining table with clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic, reflecting a modern sense of style is for the hosts who want the least maintenance yet impress the guests. Bringing comfortable yet stylish chairs in bold colours or unique shapes to add an element of design intrigue with get your guests talking.

    DSC_6894

    Each design approach caters to different types of hosts, ensuring that the dining room aligns with your entertaining style, capacity required, personality and the overall atmosphere you wish to create for your social gatherings so let’s get it right. After all, the best kinds of people are the ones who enjoy a little wine while they dine.

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  • Blogging

    Which interior design styles are most appealing to home buyers which subsequently pushes the value of the property higher in London.

    In London’s competitive property market, certain interior design styles tend to be more appealing to home buyers and can potentially increase the value of a property and its likability. Here are a few design styles that are popular among London buyers.

    Contemporary/modern:
    A clean and sleek design with open spaces, neutral colours, and minimalist aesthetics is highly appealing to home buyers who project themselves in your house when walking around during a viewing. Contemporary design appeals to buyers seeking a sophisticated and uncluttered living environment.

    bathroom

    Scandinavian:
    The Scandinavian style’s emphasis on light and natural materials resonates well with Londoners. It’s functional and sleek where space might not be abundant. It is cosy and creates an inviting atmosphere, making it appealing to potential buyers, especially the younger generation.

    Living-room

    Industrial:
    The industrial look with exposed brick, metal accents, and vintage furniture has gained popularity. It’s regarded as timeless and a piece of London.
    It can create a trendy and unique living space that attracts buyers looking for character and style.

    Project Industrial Bathroom

    Traditional with a modern twist:
    A blend of classic elements with modern touches appeals to buyers who appreciate the charm of traditional design while seeking modern comforts. Period properties benefit from this design style hugely as new buyers often like to preserve original features but have the freedom to incorporate modern elements.

    bedroom decoration ideas

    Minimalist:
    The focus on simplicity and clutter-free spaces can enhance the perception of spaciousness, which is highly valued in urban settings like London. The busy city we live in often calls for a clear mind.

    Bromley

    Luxury/high-end:
    Luxury design features high-quality materials, elegant furnishings, and attention to detail. It can attract buyers who are looking to upscale their lifestyle and are willing to pay a premium for refined interiors.

    Picture 1

    Art deco:
    The timeless elegance of art deco design can add a touch of glamour and sophistication to a property. This style is often associated with upscale properties and can attract buyers seeking a touch of opulence.

    Project Retro Bathroom

    Classic and timeless:
    Classic design with enduring appeal, characterised by symmetry, rich colours, and ornate details, can attract buyers who appreciate traditional aesthetics. This is timeless and a true gem in the British culture.

    Project Classic Bathroom

    It’s important to note that the appeal of a particular interior design style can vary depending on the specific location, property age, its style and target demographic. When renovating, it’s advisable to work with professionals who understand the local market and can help create a design that resonates with potential buyers.

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  • Blogging, Business

    How we create timeless interiors combining elegance and practicality

    Have you ever walked into a furniture showroom that displays beautiful pieces only to think they don’t tick your practical needs which are unique to your family? Or maybe you are catching a glimpse of the current trends but have a niggling feeling in a year or two they will look dated? 

    Here’s 5 ways we ensure our designs are timeless, elegant and practical all at the same time, standing the test of time. 

    Efficient space planning: We create layouts that utilises the structure of your rooms effectively using our extensive knowledge on the furniture sizes and types available on the market. Designating zones for different activities, if you need your rooms to be multifunctional, ensures that the space is practical for various purposes, maintaining both practicality and aesthetics.

    Streamlined design elements: Focusing on clean lines, clutter-free design and cohesive colour palettes will create an elegant and pleasant environment ensuring timeless rooms you’ll carry on loving. We incorporate smart storage solutions that keep essential items organised and out of sight, preserving the visual serenity of the space without compromising on your daily needs. 

    Purposeful furniture selection: We select furniture pieces that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the space but also serve a functional purpose after speaking to you about your current and future needs. Incorporating multifunctional furniture, such as storage ottomans or bedside tables with storage for example helps maximise utility without compromising on elegance.

    High-quality materials: We look high and low among online and high-street retailers for durable and high-quality products that offer both a luxurious feel and longevity without compromising on the design. We propose items that are not only visually appealing but also easy to maintain, aligned with your practical needs and within your budget. 

    Lighting harmony: We design with a thoughtful lighting scheme that balances ambient, tasks, and accent lighting. Proper lighting enhances the functionality of the space while also highlighting design elements that contribute to the overall elegance. This will support you in setting the mood you want to achieve throughout the day and evening. We do this with flexibility so you can have full control over the tone you want to set for different occasions and use of your rooms. By incorporating these concepts into the design process, we can create interiors that resonate with your sophisticated tastes while also catering to your practical needs, resulting in spaces that effortlessly blend elegance and functionality in a timeless manner. Rooms you will keep falling in love with for the years to come. 

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  • Blogging, Business

    Designing multifunctional spaces for families to balance work and life at home

    Given that work-life balance has become an integral part of our lives in recent years, it is fair to say our homes have a harder job to do in supporting us balance seamlessly whilst providing comfort. 

    Here’s how we create versatile and multipurpose rooms that cater to both work and relaxation, addressing the needs of working families.

    Efficiency in space utilisation: With demanding careers and busy family schedules, everyone needs spaces that can effectively transition between work and personal time with your loved ones. A well-designed multifunctional room optimises every part of the space, ensuring that both work-related tasks and family activities can coexist harmoniously whenever you switch between the two. 

    Maximising productivity: With a somewhat blurred line between working from home and living at home, we now require a dedicated workspace that fosters concentration and productivity. A thoughtfully designed multipurpose room ensures a dedicated area for focused work that’s equipped with the right furniture, storage and lighting to set the work tone, so your efficiency and environment aren’t compromised. 

    Flexible work-life balance: Between juggling meetings, deadlines, and family commitments, you need a thought-through space that can transform to suit your day, evening and weekend needs. A versatile design will allow this to switch from a professional setting for video calls to a cosy atmosphere for spending quality time with family, all within the same room.

    Stress reduction: A carefully crafted design will support a multipurpose room in reducing stress and forging a clear separation between work and relaxation. Having designated zones within the same space will help you mentally shift gears, allowing you to unwind after a demanding day without the constant reminder of pending tasks. 

    Enhancing family togetherness: When you cherish quality time with family, it’s important to get the multifunctional room just right. This can be done by accommodating individual and shared activity needs. Whether it’s a place to read, practice hobbies, or engage in family games, a well-designed space promotes bonding time and enriches the memories you create. The key to designing successful multipurpose spaces lies in understanding your unique needs, the lifestyle you wish to forge and creating an environment that seamlessly supports this, enabling you to balance work, family, and relaxation effortlessly.

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  • Blogging

    How we create a home that’s original and timeless to you rather following trends?

    We encourage our clients to embrace originality and timeless interiors that are true to them rather than following trends. Here is how we do it:

    1. Identify your personal style: We focus on understanding your personal preferences, interests, and lifestyle. What colours, patterns, and textures resonate with you? The way to do this best is by pausing when you see something you like and ask yourself if you like it or love it. Have you always loved it? Has it always sparked something positive inside of you. If the answer is yes, there’s a good chance you will love it for the years to come. We go through a selection of images with you to understand what sparks your joy.

    2. Curate meaningful pieces: We ask if you have any furniture, decor, and art that hold sentimental value or evoke positive emotions. Incorporating pieces that tell your story adds depth and authenticity to your space, making it truly one-of-a-kind. These will also make you smile every time you enter the room.

    3. Invest in quality: We research and find you furniture and décor items that are going to be useful and stand the test of time. This is in the quality of the furniture but also in the use you will get out of it. Other than in a young child’s bedroom, the rest of the house should be a collection of items that works for you for many years.

    4. Prioritise functionality: A timeless home is also a practical one. Designing your space to accommodate your daily routines and needs is a top priority for us. A well-organised and functional layout enhances the longevity of the design while ensuring a seamless flow in your daily life making it a pleasure for you to live in and host your guests. 

    5. Classic foundations: Creating with classic elements such as the walls, floors, window treatments and major furniture pieces can allow you to always keep falling in love with your home. These serve as a versatile backdrop that allows you to change accents and accessories over time without altering the core design.

    6. Timeless Patterns and Textures: Selecting patterns and textures that have stood the test of time, such as herringbone, stripes, and natural weaves can also help. These classic elements add depth and visual interest to your home without becoming dated.

    7. Adapt, don’t adopt: While inspiration from trends is fine, adapting them to your personal style rather than adopting them will serve you well in the long run. Incorporate trendy elements in small, interchangeable ways that can easily evolve over time.

    8. Seek Professional Guidance: Our experience helps us understand your vision so we can create a space that’s both original and timeless to you. Our expertise can help you strike the perfect balance between personal style and enduring design.

    Remember, your home is a canvas for self-expression and sanctuary to help you take on the world. By embracing your individuality and following these principles, you can craft an interior that remains beautiful, functional, and meaningful for years to come.

    Get in touch with us today to discuss how you would like your interiors to support your dream home life. 

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  • Blogging, Business

    3 essential ingredients that are vital for crafting functional and stunning spaces

    For every project we work on, there are 3 essential ingredients that take us to outstanding results, bespoke to our clients and their home. That’s the layout, colour scheme and lighting and last but not least the furniture and décor. We work through these in this particular order so we can lay the foundations that takes our clients to the final and desired results.  

    Layout

    The right layout is crucial for any room because it directly impacts its functionality, aesthetics, flow and overall experience as you use the room on a daily basis. Here are some key reasons why:

     

      1. Optimal space usage: A well-planned layout ensures effective usage of the available space. It considers factors such as the room’s size, shape, and foot traffic flow, allowing for an arrangement that maximises functionality and minimises wasted space. No dead space, no over crowed areas.

      1. Functionality: The layout determines how easily people can move within the room and access its various elements. A thoughtful arrangement takes into account the room’s purpose, the members of the family and their abilities and the activities that will take place within it, ensuring that furniture, lighting, appliances, and other elements are positioned to facilitate a good flow, accessibility, and usability.

      1. Visual balance: The layout plays an important role in achieving visual balance within a room. It considers the placement of furniture, decor, and architectural features to create a pleasing composition. A well-balanced layout can enhance the overall aesthetics of the room, making it appealing, welcoming and cosy.


      1. Mood and atmosphere: The layout influences the mood and atmosphere of a room. By carefully arranging furniture, lighting, and other design elements, a well-designed layout can create a desired ambience, whether it’s cosy and intimate, open and airy, or functional and productive.

      1. Furniture size: The layout will help determine the correct size of furniture you will need for the room so you don’t have to make mistakes in purchasing pieces that are too big or too small. This will save you from regrets and cut back on the overwhelm when looking at all the choices. It will help narrow down the options quickly.   

    Colour scheme and lighting

    Deciding on a colour scheme and the types of lighting you need will help hone into a style that’s cohesive and well brought together. Here are some key aspects as to how:

     

      1. Establishes mood and atmosphere: Colours have the power to evoke emotions and set the mood within a room. They can create various atmospheres, such as calm and serene, vibrant and energetic, or sophisticated and elegant. By carefully selecting a colour scheme that aligns with the desired mood and atmosphere as well as how you want to feel in each space, you can create spaces that evoke specific emotions and enhances the overall experience for you and your guests.

      1. The right lighting for your use: Observing how much natural light you are receiving, and when you are using a room will allow you to decide whether you need additional lighting and most importantly, the type of lighting you’ll need. Think about what’s lacking in order to decide on what needs to be brought in newly. Do you need soft and low lighting for your evening reads? Do you need bright and flooding lighting for craft?

      1. Brings everything together with cohesiveness: A well-thought-out colour scheme helps to create visual cohesion and unity within a space. By coordinating colours throughout different elements such as walls, furniture, window dressings, flooring, and accessories, you can achieve a harmonious and balanced look. A cohesive scheme ties the design elements together creating a well-designed interior.


      1. Defines style and/or themes: Colours play a crucial role in defining the style and theme of an interior design. Whether you aim for a modern, traditional, minimalist, or eclectic style, the colour scheme can reinforce and accentuate that particular aesthetic.

      1. Impacts perception of a space: Colours can visually alter the perception of a space. Lighter colours tend to make a room feel more spacious and airier, while darker colours can create a more intimate and a cosy atmosphere. By understanding the principles of colour psychology and applying them to your scheme, you can manipulate the perception of space and create the desired effect.


      1. Highlights architectural features: A well-chosen scheme can emphasize and enhance the architectural features of a space. By using contrasting or complementary colours, you can draw attention to focal points, highlight interesting details, or create visual depth and dimension.


      1. Personal expression: Your colour scheme can reflect your taste and personality. Colours can communicate specific messages and create a distinct identity for a space or a business premises. Whether it’s a residential project or a commercial space, the scheme can be used to express personality and purpose.

    Furniture and décor

    Last but not least, the furniture and décor. This is what’s going to complete your interiors and give you that sense of home, cosiness and comfort. Here’s how it helps to select the right ones:

     

      1. Functionality and comfort: The right furniture ensures the room serves its purpose effectively and brings great comfort. By selecting furniture that works hand in hand with your layout and scheme, you’ll enhance the usability of the space. Comfortable seating, properly sized tables, and functional storage solutions contribute to a comfortable and inviting environment.

      1. Visual Appeal: Furniture and decor significantly impact the overall aesthetics of a room. The style, design, and materials of furniture and decorative elements can create a specific look and make the space homely making it visually pleasing. They serve as key elements that add character to the space.

      1. Space optimisation: The right furniture and decor choices ensure efficient use of the available space. By selecting appropriately sized furniture and decor items, you can prevent overcrowding or wasted areas. Well-planned placement and arrangement of furniture can create a harmonious flow and make the room feel spacious, open, and inviting all while addressing your practical needs.

      1. Coherence and unity: Good selection of furniture and decor helps establish coherence and unity within the room. By considering the overall design concept, colour palette and style, you can ensure furniture and decor pieces will complement each other, creating a cohesive visual composition. This coherence contributes to a well-designed and harmonious environment.

      1. Personalisation and expression: Furniture and decor choices allow for self-expression. They offer an opportunity to showcase individual style, preferences, and interests. Selecting items that resonate with you and your taste helps create a space that feels uniquely yours and reflects your identity.

      1. Quality and durability: Investing in quality furniture and decor ensures their longevity and durability. Choosing items made from durable materials from reputable retailers means they will withstand daily use and maintain their functionality and aesthetic appeal over time. This will saves money in the long run by avoiding frequent replacements or repairs.

    These really are the fundamental ingredients to a well-designed home that supports your home life. 

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  • Blogging

    How to shop online for furniture with confidence

    I get asked how to shop effectively online for large furniture as we all love (or not) to take a Saturday out of our schedule to walk around a retail park, sit on 20 different sofas and still come home without having placed an order. The thing is, are we taking these trips for the experience or to actually buy something? We have so many more choices online that even after 5 different shops, I know I would find it hard to settle on a sofa before taking a look on the world wide web for a wider range of options and the limitless options. I also appreciate for some, this can be overwhelming. 

    At KaVaRa Interior Design, here is what we look for before proposing any piece of furniture to our clients as we curate their options online with care whether the retailer has and doesn’t have a physical shop: 

    1. Reputation of the seller: Don’t be fooled. Just because they have a huge shop you can popped into, it doesn’t mean the quality nor service is great by default so dig into this at the early stages. Take a look outside of their website to see what previous customers have to say.
    2. Product review: Look at what previous customers who bought that exact product have to say about it. As a rule of thumb, we never propose a product that has less than 4 out of 5 stars to our clients. We read the few negative feedback (if any) attentively before deciding if we should put it forward or not. We are looking for any repetitive complaints.
    3. Product specification: such as dimensions, colour, material, assembling methods… When the product is not in front of you, you are encouraged to read more about this part and make an informed decision on whether this is suitable for your needs rather than take a guess based on its look and feel in a showroom.
    4. Competitors: Many retailers carry different brands which means the exact same product you are looking at can be found elsewhere. Do a quick search on Google to see if it appears elsewhere. Now you might find it for a different price or you might find it with another retailer that has better incentives such as quicker delivery, assembling service etc that might influence your decision. 
    5. Delivery: If you need a fast turnaround, this can be a key deciding factor and most websites will have these details clearly mentioned. If you are ordering multiple items from various retailers, make a note of the expected delivery date at check out so you can be around to receive the item as they don’t always turn up together.
    6. Return policies: how long you do you have to return something? Will you be charged for returns and how much? Are you liable for the physical return of a product and the transportation cost etc.
    7. Warranties: Does the product come with any type of cover or do you need pay extra for this? Often, it is worth paying for this and making use of it when needed.
    8. Photos: on Google Images and Pinterest, search for the product you are looking to buy. You might be able to find pictures of this posted by a previous customer and see how it looks in a real home.

    If you still want to see the item in its flesh, you can always call up the head-office and ask the nearest showroom (if there are any) that display this exact product and take a trip before placing your order. Depending on the product, you can also request samples. 

    I hope this is helpful and has given you confidence to purchase even the largest of items for your home online. It saves heaps of time, shows you many more options and makes it much easier to compare.  

    Feel free to share this with someone who might doing their home up or just moved into a new home. 

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  • Blogging

    5 outdated trends to avoid in your house

    There are some interior design trends that make me cringe. Let me share these with you so you don’t become a victim of something that’s been overly done.

    Painting one wall a different colour to the rest of the room

    This is the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to add interest to a room however it dates back to the 2000s. Take 5mins to get inspired online with the countless other options.

    50 shades of grey

    The grey era is well and truly over. Unless it’s your favourite colour, I would keep away. Injecting some grey into other colours is acceptable. Going grey everywhere isn’t anymore.

    Nautical bathrooms

    Whether you live by the sea or not, this is a look from the history books. Did this trend start because the bathroom is closely related to water? Whatever the reason, it’s not the best. Far from it actually. 

    LED coloured lights

    These coloured lights don’t belong anywhere in the house, I’m sorry.

    Matching bedroom furniture

    This is another throwback to a couple of decades ago. Though lots of shops still sell these types of sets, they are a big design no no. And they never make the most of the space you have.

    I hope this has given you direction in terms of what not to look at for your home. You and your house can do a lot better. 

    Love, 
    Kaya R. 

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