The magic of well-designed interiors

Interior design has added a dash of modernity and vibrancy in people’s households, but there are many aspects to dwell on in interior design. In this article, Rajesh Achrekar and Nandita Ghatge, Interior Designers, Kagal Craft give their expert take on wall design & doors and windows.

Hanging wall art and trendy wallpapers
A gallery wall is the best way to create character and interest. Gallery walls give ample opportunities to showcase art collection of old photographs, quirky mirrors, and artworks. They are an easy way to fill a space and create interest in a room.

Wallpapers haven’t really ever got out of style. Everything that’s old is new again and in today’s design, there are no rules anymore. Wallpaper represents the harmonious union between timeless design and new endless innovative designs. Modern, photorealist classic designs, whether botanical prints mixed with organic touches of geometric patterns that can change gradually over the course of a wall. Chintz is an all-time favourite which originated in India is being used by designers. They are now layering traditional schemes, like toile in quirky motifs and electric tones and prints are as whimsical as they are sophisticated.

Wallpapers like these when paired with offbeat architecturally modern furniture and decor pieces can create beautiful decor. That juxtaposition between cutting-edge and tradition is just so fresh. Beige which is so often used by designers does not have to be boring as long as there is real or perceived texture in the pattern. The variety is endless with grasscloths and faux suedes, which are particularly well-suited for the colour-averse. Monochromatic designs of a bolder hue continue to maintain a presence. For those who love colour, an impressionistic take on clouds in the sky, ombré style, marbleised prints, and tonal faux suedes are trends which will rule the wallpapers, water colour inspired designs are also popular. These wall coverings can be works of art with their rich pigments, evocative brush strokes, and whimsical touch.

Wallpapers vs Paints
Even though wallpapers may seem like a relic of the past but wallpaper lasts longer than paint and with new design textures available it is definitely an option to consider. As the paper is more durable than paint and is easier to clean. Wallpapers With their intricate designs, details, and patterns are hard to recreate with paint .Wall painting murals by an artist is an option it would cost considerably more, while boring white and beige walls just aren’t doing anything, it’s time to look for options And designers who are endlessly inspired by colour experimenting with new colours and stencils is always exciting, if one has to change things quickly colour is the easy option otherwise wallpapers is a long term answer.

The rustic charm of the exposed brick wall
Exposed brickwork goes in and out of fashion more than most interior finishes, both in the home and in commercial spaces. Exposed brickwork adds contrast to space and creates a sense of surprise especially when mixed with High-gloss and mirrored sophisticated surfaces. This rustic texture can add warmth and creating a homely feel. We used an Existing exposed brick wall to create a focal point in a 120-year-old heritage home which earlier had a peeling lime plaster problem. Exposed brickwork can be highly durable, and works well in high traffic commercial areas besides creating and rustic ambiance.

Automatic swing doors
An automatic swing door can be used in restaurants, kitchens, clinics and offices. They can be used in all-glass systems in offices. Automatic swing doors are especially useful for passageways in kitchens because they are perfect when you don’t have a free hand to open or close a door.

Usage of glass doors in offices and ventilation
The offices of the past were dark and isolated. Modern offices with internal glass doors and partitions help interactions with one another while feeling energized by the natural light that passes through glass partitions, and walls help not only the looks of the office but also help employee productivity and efficiency. For many offices, letting in more natural light is a great way to quickly bring more modern surroundings. While glass interior barn doors and office dividers offer a stylish and elegant way to make an office appear modern and giving the necessary privacy and protection in Covid-19 health pandemic.

Doors and windows are the lungs of living space, with the new situation of minimizing airconditioned spaces for health reasons, we have to rethink and redesign our spaces to make maximum use of cross-ventilation, fresh air and lighting.

Material choice: uPVC vs Teak
Indian climate which is humid; uPVC door and window frames, aluminium sections, plastic coated and engineered wood, coated steel doors for balconies, etc. seem like a cheap and durable option.

Apart from Burma teak, there are a lot of other options in other woods as Burma teak is very expensive and difficult to source. Some of the alternate woods are Indian teak Red Meranti, White Oak, Sapeli, American Walnut, White Ash, Maple, African Wenge, Mango wood, and Maati.

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