The Aesthetic Shift
(Light, Color and Texture. The trio that defines modern interior designing)
The dawn of Human Civilization bought with it the need for decoration of interior spaces. The need to plan and design man-made spaces for a pleasant environment is far greater than what it was in the 20th century. Interior design has now become a serious and full-time profession which is well established as a different trade in Architecture. It basically means the shaping of one’s environment to better suit the needs of the occupant. It is principally concerned about minimizing the disparity between the building, the individual and the interiors. As with most delicate & intimate processes it is featured around finding a balance between functional, aesthetic or psychologically pleasing by using a mix of design techniques (modern, contemporary, minimalistic or natural.)
Architects agree that space has a very deep impact on how we feel. It can lift the mood of a person or a disharmonious cacophony of elements can be an uncomfortable motivation to avoid the space altogether. From this feeling originate various trends, some fleeting, others long-lasting. For this the designers make aesthetic decisions about the balance between momentary consumer needs or lasting needs of society.
With the advent of technology, a shift towards simplistic modifications in the personal space of an individual to avoid technology’s pervasive, impersonal influence or its emotionless aesthetic. Alain De Botton in the ‘Architecture of Happiness’ compares a retail Fast-Food store’s ‘anxious and hurried effect (harsh Lights and hard colors ) to the tranquil, reverent and solemn feel of a cathedral. This is, in truth, an unavoidable circumstance as both have essentially the same architecture, the difference being in the interior design.
The conscious manipulation of aesthetic elements to motivate and encourage more meaningful, satisfying and a joyful experience is needed. This led to the identification of the basic elements for a well-balanced modern décor as lighting, colors and textures of the surfacing of interiors. The demand for ‘the look and feel of things of the past with new technology fitted into it’ has led to innovation in the production process. Alex joseph, VP (marketing) for Greenlam Laminates, says “with various creative minds and technical ideas stepping-in, there has been a constant advancement in terms of both products and concepts.
The lighting in a home changes the mood of a room just as it does the perceived size (illusion of space). The reflection of light through the surfaces of furnishings is also important as the right amount does wonders for the decorator saving energy and space as it can make natural lighting (daylight) significantly enhanced in our homes. The functional, aesthetical and health aspects of lighting play an important part in the design of space. Greenlam’s latest range of laminates includes a Pearlescent Collection to increase the reflected light by adding sparkly nature and with over 7 different shades to choose from.
Another element for modern décor is that of color of the furnishings that are employed by a designer to adorn their space. The use of colors in interior spaces as the translation of abstract color schemes, theories and meanings into real materials, surfaces etc. Is achieved with organized planning. The mix ’n’ match amongst different color schemes allow the consumer to stay true to their inspiration and procure a precise symbolism for ideas. India’s Largest Brand for laminates (Greenlam) offers the best solutions in terms of choice and installation. The widest Selection of custom/pre-made laminates provides the much searched simplistic answer.
Amongst the three, texture is of utmost importance, quite basically it is “the sensation caused by the external surface of objects received through the sense of touch”. The addition of visual weight can only be achieved (subtly) by using textures. An intimate or an aloof and sleeker tone can be bought only by using textured décor. Even for the requisite attention concentration on certain walls/rooms, textures provide the much needed solution. This balanced relationship between color, pattern, lighting, symmetry and repetition can be achieved with relative ease using laminates, as they have such a wide selection which can cater to every demand, real or perpetual with only a moderate increase in cost.
