House of Grey: How We Design
As 2019 draws to a close, we at House of Grey wanted to look back at the year to date and also share an insight into how we approach our interior design projects. This year we have had the pleasure of working with innovative and inspirational designers. Here is an insight into our most recent collaborations. Frama x House of Grey ‘Senses’ Exhibition at 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen, the Philip Mould & Company Stand at Masterpiece Art Fair and styling for Cereal Magazine. We look forward to seeing what 2020 brings.
We’re also pleased to announce that 2019 is closing with one of our press highlights of the year, a feature giving an insight into the Studio’s ethos and philosophy in The Telegraph. The piece examines our design ethics and processes used to create harmonious spaces, looking at the key components we adopt to ensure our projects encourage healthy, sustainable lifestyles throughout the day. We consider everything from the production of materials, through to the impact the physical space has.
Innovative Materials for Interior Design
We’re always drawn to natural, non-synthetic choices. It’s well known that many household paints, flooring and carpets contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can have side effects such as headaches, skin irritation and fatigue. For this reason, we choose Bauwerk paints, which are low VOC, or Airlite paints, which are produced using renewable energy and strive for low CO2 emissions, while the paints themselves are designed to purify the air in the home. For floors, we favour the Eco Pro Tec finishes.
Let There be Natural Light
A simple thing that can often be overlooked and should never be underestimated is light. Light has the power to change our mood and even our perception of spaces and it’s so important to maximise it throughout the home. Where possible we create open-plan spaces and give focus to large windows, always looking for ways to encourage a flow of light throughout a building.
Image via lenamaria.s
Biophilic Interior Design
Biophilic interior design is the idea of connecting our need to affiliate with nature, with the modern designed structures where we spend our days. By bringing the natural inside, we lower the ‘artificial’ element of our lifestyles, which has been proven to have many health benefits including lowering stress levels. More than just introducing plants into interiors, we give focus to views of the outside and seek out plant-based fibres. Linen is one of our favourite natural fibres, made from the flax-plant, linen can be used for curtains to sheets - it’s hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and it even helps to regulate body temperature.
Linen Curtains from by möle and photography by Jitzke Grijpstra
Decluttering
It’s not just the objects we buy for our spaces that are important, it’s also how they are arranged. The importance of organising our belongings is fundamental to our mental wellbeing and the organising process itself can be almost therapeutic. Decluttering and organising, help to remove distractions, quieten the noise of our busy lives and allow us to enjoy our space more freely. Where to start decluttering can often be the hardest part of the process but a ‘visual detox’ will help to turn a home into an instantly calm space, which consequently creates a calm mind. We recommend well-designed storage which helps to hide those necessary life objects which aren’t so visually appealing and instantly frees space in your home.
The New Year is the perfect excuse to re-order a home and look at what items are truly necessary. With a clear home comes a clear mind.
“Enjoy the peace of Nature and declutter your inner world.” Amit Ray.