Interior Design Encyclopedia

Exploring the Secrets of Color: Teaching You How to Master Colors in Interior Design (2) In the previous episode, we talked a lot about the feelings colors evoke and basic knowledge. Do you feel like you haven’t had enough? Don’t worry, because we aren’t finished yet—we haven’t taught you how to actually use them. Color coordination is a major field of study in interior design; if colors are mismatched, proportions are off, or the palette is chaotic, it can be dizzying and uncomfortable. This episode will cover how colors are applied in interior design and the principles of coordination, continuing to teach you how to master color! Determining Colors Based on Style Renovation style and color must be coordinated. Different styles require different color pairings. For example, Muji style is primarily based on brown and white; you wouldn’t see bright red or purple walls. Meanwhile, the main palette for Industrial style consists of black, white, and grey. If you long for a vibrant, colorful home, this style might not be for you. Choose your home colors and furniture pieces based on the specific style to achieve a sense of harmony in the indoor environment. Interior Design Palettes Should Not Exceed Three Colors Generally speaking, an interior design color scheme should not exceed three colors. White and black are not included in this count, while gold and silver can be used as accent pairings. Usually, you first select one primary tone, then use analogous or neutral colors for coordination and accents. If you love a colorful home, be careful not to throw colors randomly into your renovation. Unless you have an experienced interior designer overseeing the process—someone familiar with color combinations who can ensure the space and style remain harmonious—it is difficult to manage more than three colors. Additionally, if you want the home’s atmosphere to be more lively, you don’t necessarily have to paint the walls different colors. Paint isn’t the only way to add color; using small home decors like pillows and towels is also a great way to fill your living space with vitality!   Determining Colors According to Space Function Home colors don’t necessarily have to be uniform throughout; you can pick colors for separate rooms to help partition the space. For example, bedrooms are suitable for light blue or white wall colors, giving off a calming and stress-relieving feel. Since the bedroom is a space for us to rest and sleep, using energetic or stimulating colors like orange or red might keep you too awake to fall asleep. If the living room space isn’t large, it’s recommended to use white or low-saturation colors, as lighter colors enhance the sense of space and improve natural lighting, making the home brighter. Conversely, deep colors closer to black will make a space feel narrower. Usually, these colors are only used locally on feature walls or as accents, rather than on every wall. This is both to prevent the space from feeling cramped and because dark colors have low light reflectance, requiring very sufficient lighting fixtures. A Tip for the Indecisive: Pick Colors Based on Furniture Although we’ve discussed many color-matching techniques, when it comes to renovating, people often choose furniture and decorations quickly but feel lost when staring at a color palette with so many options. Which wall color should you pick? Here is a tip: look at the color of your largest piece of furniture among your chosen items. For example, if you’ve picked a blue sofa, the walls can be chosen in a matching blue; if you have mostly wooden furniture, the walls can be white or earth tones to complement them. If people of different age groups live together, choosing low-saturation colors can help integrate the different personalities and traits of the household. Facebook WhatsApp Threads

Exploring the Secrets of Color: Teaching You How to Master Colors in Interior Design (1)

Color can be described as one of the core elements in interior design, as different colors represent different moods and feelings. What colors should you use if you want to focus on work or spark creativity at home? Which colors never go out of style? What colors can increase the natural lighting of an indoor environment? Our editor will answer all these questions, leading you into a world of vibrant hues to take a deep look into the secrets of color and teach you how to play with them.

【Material Guide】Introduction to Glass Types In interior renovation, besides major materials like wood and tiles, glass is a primary material widely used in both architecture and homes. Glass isn’t just for windows; it can also be used throughout interior design to expand the sense of space, increase natural light, and add a touch of design flair. There are numerous types of glass on the market. Most people are familiar with clear window glass but may be less acquainted with other varieties. If you’ve ever seen a unique glass pattern in a restaurant but didn’t know what it was called, this guide is for you. Consider incorporating these glass types into your next renovation! 1. Clear Glass The most well-known and commonly used type is “Clear Glass.” It is the most standard and affordable option. Clear glass is non-processed flat glass characterized by being colorless and fully transparent. Because it offers zero privacy, it isn’t suitable for areas like bathrooms. It is ideal for cabinet doors or partitions, where its high transparency can significantly enhance the sense of space. 2. Frosted Glass / Sandblasted Glass Frosted or sandblasted glass has a matte, misty texture. While it has lower transparency than clear glass, it still allows ample light to filter through while providing a degree of privacy. It offers a soft, hazy aesthetic at an affordable price, making it suitable for areas requiring some privacy, such as sliding doors for private rooms or shower screens. 3. Patterned Glass (Textured Glass As the name suggests, patterned glass is transparent glass with decorative designs on a non-smooth surface. It allows light to pass through but obscures the view, creating various blur and light-shadow effects for excellent privacy. Various patterns, such as “Begonia” or “Water Ripple,” can enhance interior design. Among these, Fluted Glass (reeded glass) is the most popular in modern renovations like Light Luxury, Modern, or Minimalist styles due to its clean, vertical linear patterns. 4. Art Glass Art glass uses glass as a medium, employing techniques like carving or thermal fusing to add patterns, colors, and textures, merging art with functionality. Beyond being a piece of craftsmanship, it is often found in high-end interior design. It is relatively more expensive and is perfect for those looking to add a unique artistic touch to their indoor space. 5. Back-Painted Glass (Lacquered Glass) Back-painted glass is made by printing ceramic paint onto clear glass, which is then baked at high temperatures in a tempering furnace and air-dried. With a rich selection of colors, it can match any interior style and can even be used as a whiteboard. While common in living rooms and bedrooms, it is increasingly popular for kitchen backsplashes. Unlike traditional tiles where grease gets stuck in grout lines, back-painted glass is smooth, flat, and very easy to clean. 6. Laminated Decorative Glass (Fabric-Interlayer Glass) This type of glass consists of two layers of glass with a decorative material—such as linen, cotton, silk mesh, or rice paper—sandwiched in between. By utilizing different colors and textures of the interlayer, unique visual effects are created. It is highly versatile and frequently used for partitions or doors in various design styles. 7. Mirrored Glass Mirrored glass refers to glass with a bright coating containing silver or aluminum particles. When applied to black glass, it is called “Black Mirror”; on brown glass, it is known as “Bronze Mirror.” Because of its high luster and reflective properties, it creates a sense of visual extension, making spaces look much more spacious. It is commonly used in entryways or as a feature wall in dining rooms. Facebook WhatsApp Threads

Teach You the Art of Soft Furnishing: Change Your Space’s Style with Ease! Have you ever finished a renovation and bought all your furniture, only to find that no matter how you arrange things, you can’t seem to recreate that stylish flair seen in magazines or home decor showrooms? Why is that? The answer likely lies in the lack of “soft furnishing” (interior styling). What is soft furnishing? It is a magical way to transform the atmosphere of a space without making structural changes. Since it sounds so incredible, let’s explain what soft furnishing is in this episode and learn how to present an interior style for a total space makeover! What is Soft Furnishing? In broad terms, soft furnishing refers to all movable items, such as curtains, potted plants, paintings, lighting, and accessories. Simply put, it’s about “dressing” the space. It focuses on the coordination of colors and materials to showcase a lifestyle and create a space full of personal character, all without touching the structural renovation. How to Choose Decorative Items? Soft furnishing highlights the style of a space, so the first step is to match the style chosen during the renovation. For instance, if you have an industrial-style cement wall, you’ll want consistent industrial elements throughout. In this case, you could pick lighting fixtures shaped like metal water pipes or iron hardware pieces. What if you don’t have a specific renovation style and only have simple walls and floors? First, observe your own lifestyle, clothing style, interests, and tastes. Start from yourself to decide on items. For example, if a homeowner loves painting and has an artistic flair, they can display their own paintings or artworks. The home’s decor should reflect the owner’s taste and hobbies. The Order of Selection  The sequence of selection is actually very important—just as we wouldn’t buy cushions before buying a sofa. Because a sofa is a large piece of furniture and the visual center of the living room, it is a priority item. You should select furniture and items in order from largest to smallest. Once the renovation is complete, look for items that can make the space more stylish; you can even add them one by one over time. When adding items, choose decorations with different shapes, sizes, and patterns to add visual freshness and variety, ensuring the space never feels dull. Recommended Order: Primary & Secondary Furniture: Curtains, sofas, tables, chairs. Lighting: Wall lamps, desk lamps, chandeliers. Small Accessories: Textiles, ornaments, paintings, plants, etc. Common Beginner Mistake 1: Deciding on Items Too Quickly Most beginners buy a decoration simply because it looks nice online or in a store without considering if it matches their home’s renovation style. An inconsistent style makes the overall feeling quite strange. Therefore, when you start decorating, take your time to pick items one by one and imagine if the item fits your home’s style to avoid mistakes. Common Beginner Mistake 2: Overcrowding with Too Many Items Hearing about “decorating” might lead beginners to mistakenly believe they need to buy many ornaments. However, if the space is small and filled with too many decorations, it will feel even narrower. Don’t display things just for the sake of it; you don’t need to fill every corner. Leave appropriate “white space” and choose furniture and decor of the right size. Common Beginner Mistake 3: Too Many Colors Creating Visual Chaos When choosing items, some think that more colors will result in a richer visual effect, but this is incorrect. Too many colors can be uncomfortable and confusing to the eye. You must consider both unity and variation in color. Try to limit the space to three primary colors, with a few other colors used as accents. Pay attention to the color palettes in magazines and showrooms to decide on your main theme. Facebook WhatsApp Threads

【Material Guide】Wood Pairing for Various Interior Design Styles In the previous part, we introduced different types of wood, but with so many options, it can be overwhelming—which one should you choose when ordering custom solid wood furniture? What wood is best for Nordic or Muji styles? You’ll find the answers in this article! This episode explains the specific wood selections for each major design style. Each type of wood has its own unique grain and color, ranging from light to dark and warm to cool tones, with textures varying from fine straight lines to water ripples. Light-colored wood creates a clean, tidy feel, while dark wood offers a classical, steady atmosphere. Pairing techniques generally involve interlacing light and dark wood tones or mixing in other materials. Muji Style Muji style advocates for “simple and stainless” aesthetics, where a sense of openness and ample natural light are essential. Light-colored wood mixed with white walls is the core of this style. For wood selection, it is recommended to use light-toned species such as Pine, Oak, or Manchurian Ash. These woods have clear textures and elegant lusters, creating a crisp and clean feeling with their natural tones. To add layers, you can incorporate a small amount of dark Walnutfurniture or Sophora tableware with varied tones to enrich the space’s color palette. Scandinavian Style Scandinavian Style simplicity and nature. Due to the colder northern climate, a large amount of wood is used in home renovations, making wooden furniture a core element. For wood selection, it is recommended to use light-colored, minimally processed woods such as White Oak, Pine, Beech, and Birch. Presenting the raw appearance of timber creates a simple, natural feel and fosters a harmonious, comfortable home atmosphere. Industrial Style Industrial style showcases the original architectural features. For wood selection, it is recommended to choose woods with a rugged texture and darker tones, such as Black Walnut, though a small amount of light wood can be added for balance. The preference is toward wood that hasn’t been over-polished or overly beautified—non-glossy finishes are key. You can also opt for recycled wood, as older timber carries traces of use that provide a vintage feel, emphasizing the rugged and casual nature of the Industrial style. American Style American style admires classical temperament and focuses on the beauty of lines. For wood selection, species with heavier tones and prominent grain are used, such as Cherry, Catalpa, Mahogany, and Red Oak, to highlight a classical and steady prestige. Among these, Red Oak has high workability, allowing for complex shaping and carved craftsmanship, which adds a sense of nobility and elegance to the American style. Chinese Style Chinese style leans toward classical elegance, often incorporating ethnic decorations like screens and traditional motifs. The main color palette usually consists of vermillion and coffee tones, which are relatively deep. The wood often features carvings and is polished to a high-gloss finish. Therefore, for wood selection, warm-toned and brownish-red woods are used, such as Rosewood, Teak, Red Sandalwood, and Pearwood, to highlight the magnificence and nobility of the Chinese style. Facebook WhatsApp Threads

【Material Guide】Types of Wood for Renovation Wood is one of the most critical materials in construction and interior design. Whether you are aiming for an Industrial or Nordic style, wood is essential for flooring and furniture. It comes in various species, shades, and price points. Every design style pairs differently with certain woods; in this first part of our series, I’ll introduce the common types of wood used in renovations, and in the next part, we’ll discuss which woods best suit specific styles. 常見既木板種類包括實木板、夾板、纖維板。簡單少少講，實木板係以原木做裁切後拼接組合成家具；夾板係以幾層木片加入膠水壓製而成，從木板切割面可以睇到一層一層既木材；纖維板就主要將木碎、樹脂和黏合劑以高溫壓製而成；原木板係直接將樹木剖片，無添加其他木材或增加膠合物，而係直接以原木裁切加工定型成家具。通常大面積原木較稀有而且價格較貴，而家較少裝修會用到原木，多數會用實木板或夾板為主要室內設計裝修。 木材價錢方面，松木、杉木、橡膠木屬於平價木材；榆木、橡木、櫸木、梣木屬於中價木材；胡桃木、櫻桃木、柚木屬於昂貴木材。 松木 松木係一種針葉植物，木紋比較顯眼，木色偏白淡黃，而且有獨特嘅松香香氣。由於木質較軟，所以比較易加工處理，加上松木生長速度快，價錢宜人，呢種木材都被廣泛使用於傢俬、裝修板材。佢嘅缺點係易變形同易有蟲蛀問題，承拓力低，唔適合用於大型傢俬，否則會易斷裂，通常用於實木家具既輔材，如抽屜板、後背板。 橡木 橡木木種高達幾百種，建材業中常見係來自北美既白橡木同紅橡木。紋理細緻呈直紋狀，最大優點係有良好加工性。無論白橡、黃橡或紅橡都容易上色，可以染成唔同顏色，係裝修設計入面可塑性高，同時深受設計師喜愛。 梣木 梣木木種眾多，市面上常見既北美梣木、水曲柳、歐洲梣。梣木通常呈淺黃色，木紋筆直，有山形紋或水波紋，易上色，常被用於染色加工，創造唔同視覺效果。木質堅硬而且韌性強，係歐美家具經常使用嘅木材，另外亦用於製作結他、木球棒等等。 橡膠木 橡膠木係生產唔到橡膠嘅木頭加工而成，亦都係環保木材。由於擁有象牙白既木色，又稱為象牙木。質地均勻唔容易斷裂，可塑性强，但係橡膠木本身會有雜斑同黑點，而且表面比較粗糙，木質較軟，所以容易留劃痕。 杉木 主要生長喺中國、東南亞地區。杉木種類多，如雲杉、冷杉、台灣杉。杉木顏色偏紅，木理筆直，唔易變形彎曲，易於上漆、染色，加上價格實惠，所以大量運用於室內裝修。 榆木 榆木有直而粗獷嘅紋理，硬度、強度適中，一般常用作透雕、浮雕。早期榆木家具多用作供俸用既家具，所以常見於寺廟建築。 櫸木 櫸木係江南特有嘅木材，木質堅固，抗衝擊，蒸汽下易於彎曲，可以制作造型。紋理清晰，色調柔和，喺木材硬度排行榜屬於中高級別。適用於木門、地板、工藝品等。 胡桃木 胡桃木分黑胡桃木及黃金胡桃木兩種。主要產自北美、歐洲、東南亞。表面光澤，色彩豐富飽滿，木紋呈拋物線，富層次感。由於生長週期長，胡桃木需幾十年甚至百年先能夠成材，木質堅硬細密，抗腐唔易受蟲蛀，花紋特殊等優點，令胡桃木被視為高檔木材。 櫻桃木 天生含有棕色樹心斑點同細小嘅樹膠窩。木色鮮艷，紋理清晰細緻，容易鋸切、雕刻、彎曲，而且易染色。由於裝飾效果高貴以及上手舒適，所以多用於高檔家具、櫥櫃等等。 柚木 柚木含油脂量高，表面有一層特殊嘅光亮滑潤質感，木紋筆直，帶有深色木紋。木質堅硬強韌，易加工，唔易發霉，對蟲蛀既抵抗力高。因為生長速度緩慢要50年先成材，所以被視為高價木材之一，更加係緬甸、印尼被稱為「國寶」。 Facebook WhatsApp Threads