Design Predictions 2011 for Architecture

These are design predictions for this year for Architecture, compiled from all over the net, that are too good to just pass-up and not take notice:

• The whole Home space will continue to incorporate work activity, satisfying family and work associates, architecturally, as a 'hub'. Unlike before that each room was separated with an enclosing wall, there will be less walls this time. Large multi-purpose rooms, rather than divided ones will be the trend. This trend also goes with the concept of incorporating work and family activities, creating a one, open, common area.

• Economically speaking, another important aspect of the open area trend is: fewer walls, less construction, less materials, less expenses. 

• Kitchens will combine eating and meeting spaces - bringing dining, cooking, meeting, and recreation all together in one large space - kind of like a home rendition of Google's office environment.

• Kitchens will combine eating and meeting spaces - bringing dining, cooking, meeting, and recreation all together in one large space - kind of like a home rendition of Google's office environment.
• The kitchen is the place to be in 2011. No longer does cooking, the chef, or whoever is doing the cooking remain isolated from the guests while meals are prepared. Family, guests, and business associates can feel right at home while they visit or brainstorm!

• With the concept of Going Green, large or even huge windows will be very popular as the prime, natural source of day lighting. Artificial lighting will be recessed, hidden, or camouflaged into the lighting design.

•  Still on the Going Green concept, another trend is more use of Solar energy. And Solar panels beautification. There will be more emphasis on creating new sustainable forms of energy, but in the design world, there will be an emphasis on beautification as well.

• Who says solar panels have to be ugly just because they are? Now those seriously involved in sustainable design are thinking: make the panels pretty, that which can be incorporated in the overall aesthetics of the design, and more of it will be used..

• Materials for building are going basic too - various kinds of cement, easily stampable with patterns, will be seen more interiorly.

• Sustainable woods that are easily replaceable will be popular for walls, flooring and other uses, giving a more sensual look to geometrical shapes and minimalist design.

Feng Shui 2011

Feng Shui... What is it?

This is a very simple question that can be difficult to answer. Feng shui is an ancient art and science developed over 3,000 years ago in China. And it is a complex body of knowledge and tells how to balance the energies of any given space to ensure the health and good fortune of the people inhabiting it.

Feng means wind and shui means water. In Chinese culture, wind and water are associated with good health.

I am far from being an expert nor a deep understanding of Feng Shui but if you are an Architect or Interior Designer  here in Southeast Asia, more often than not, clients will ask for some practical advices. For example, in designing a house, again if required by the client, the floor plan starts with the "direction" of the house. A compass of course would give the designer the orientation of the lot where the house will be constructed. This orientation will then tell the designer where the main door of the house should face, followed by the other rooms of the house. A lot of other practical things are involved in it like: the number of steps (for a multi-story house) should not end with a "third" step. So we go counting: Oro, Plata, Mata.. steps should not end in "Mata".. Although strictly speaking, this is not Feng Shui anymore but still, some clients would want the designer to observe it.

A good book that simplified all these steps is: Feng Shui Today by Terri Rew. As some people say, there is no harm in observing these things as long as it will not totally dictate the way one lives.

Below are some very practical, not hard to follow Feng Shui tips:

1.  De-clutter your home

The most practical way to have a good feng shui is to de-clutter your home. Ideally, the home should undergo a thorough cleaning and letting go process (clutter clearing).  In feng shui, clearing up clutter and freeing up space helps to let go of any low and negative energy residues and brightens your home for better things to come.

2.  Oil Burners

Another easy way to space clear a home is by smudging, burning incense or diffusing essential oils into the air. Essential oils can create good feng shui energy simply by its soothing aroma. Be mindful though about distinguishing essential oils from perfumed or fragrant oils, which do not have the same healing properties because of the synthetic, artificial oil content. Essential oils are those that came from plant extracts only. 

3.  Wind Chimes

Wind chimes can be decorative, they can be musical and in Feng Shui, they can also be powerful tools. By using them properly, it is believed you can attract money and friends and promote health and harmony within your family.

For the best effect, choose a size suitable to the space. Very large chimes might be overwhelming indoors, but very small chimes might not be potent enough outside or in a large room. As for sound, the most important aspect to consider is how pleasing they are to the people occupying the space. Metal chimes usually work best, because their sound is the most penetrating.

4.  Clocks

Large clocks should not be displayed or used in bedrooms, specially the Master's Bedroom. For children's rooms though, large clocks are okay. If you are fond of large clocks, they should be used on the Living and Dining Rooms or the Kitchen. Metal clocks should not displayed near the main entrance. They should only be displayed in busy areas of the house like the Dining Room and Kitchen. 

If there are some clocks that are broken or not working, or simply run out of batteries, get them repaired, buy them new batteries or simply throw them out if already broken.

In summary, good Feng Shui means a clean, organized, clutter-free home. If there's some nice sound coming from metal-tubed wind chimes and nice smell from an oil burner, so much the better.

Let's all have good Feng Shui.!! :)

2011 Color of the Year

Much had been said about Pantone's revelation of the color of the year, which is Honeysuckle. Simply put, it is Pink. In a professional designer's world, it's technical Pantone number is 18-2120.

There is a designer in everyone of us, and this is applied with our everyday life: how we dress up ourselves, accessorizing the look, beautifying our homes and a lot of other ways and means.

From here onwards, 11eleven will have a say in what's hot, what's new and what's there to know. To make things simpler and easier to understand specially for people who wants to have a better look in life.

This is the 2011 Color of the Year - Honeysuckle Pantone, by the way is the world-renowned authority in color.

Honeysuckle is described as: "A color for All Seasons. Courageous. Vital. A brave new colors, for a brave new world.

It's a color for every day - with nothing "everyday" about it".

Oh well, such a nice description for the color Pink.. :)

Honeysuckles are arching shrubs or twining vines, with about 180 species. Many of the species have sweetly-scented, bell-shaped flowers that produce a sweet, edible nectar.

From Wikipedia, these are some Pink variations. Personally, I am not so much into pink or pinkish hues, shades or flavors. In whatever way it's called: Honeysuckle, Pink or Barbie (okay, I made up the last one).

Referring to my comment on the Honeysuckle's (or Pink's) variations, I would suggest that this will only be used as a tocuh, accent or accessory. Just like on this picture..

 And this is how a very pinkish room will look like.. To me, it's so "Barbie'ish".. What do you think?

This is more like it..!! Nicer to look at as am upholstery to armchairs used to accent a window or a corner.. Take note that the draperies are of a totally different color. But notice further that its color is captured on the throw pillows, completing a nice look..

Honeysuckle here is used to accentuate the wall, matching the style of the Dining Table and Chairs.

This pinkish room is tempered with other fabric colors and textures, made to complement each other.

Honeysuckle table setting, made to highlight the cream colored dish wares (plates).

 The room is high-ceilinged hence it can afford to have a floor-to-ceiling pink walls. Still it is balanced off with neutral colored Sofas, Armchairs, Center Table and accessories.

Just like on photo 6, the pink Armchairs are used with a complementary green color shade. And again, the throw pillows covers are colored with both colors to complete the look.

Unlike if used in Interior Design, honeysuckle is easier on the eyes if used in fashion. My personal opinion :)

A very "playful" room! Almost everything is of different color: Sofas, Armchairs, Accent Chairs, Coffee Tables and the carpeting. What brought it all together is the wall treatment, capturing all the colors of the furniture.

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