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Another year has ended for the A’ Design Award & Competition. With sooooo many categories to apply for this is the world’s largest design competition. But it is not just an award. It is an indicator of quality and perfection in design, recognized worldwide, bringing your design front and centre before design companies and professionals. Categories such as Interior Space and Exhibition Design; Architecture, Building and Structure Design; Furniture, Decorative Items and Homeware Design; Lighting Products and Lighting Projects Design; Arts, Crafts and Ready-Made Design; Landscape Planning and Garden Design and so many more. (You can find all the design categories here.)

Entries have been judged by an international jury panel of scholars, professionals and media members. The prize? The trophy, of course, a certificate of quality, inclusion in the prestigious A’ Design Award and Competition exhibition and the yearly ResultBook but even more importantly press, PR, introduction to industry professionals and companies and international exposure. The fame, the prestige, the recognition and so much more. Yes finally the winners have been announced! Can you imagine the scale of this competition? Winners from over 100 countries in over 100 different design disciplines!

Here are some of my favourite winners for 2023-2024 Furniture Design category.

Tau Murano Small Table by Tulczinsky – love the jewel tones!

Hone Shelf by Pablo Vidiella – slim so perfect for a small space

Hanoi Detachable Sofa by Yuqi Wang – this would be amazing for tight spaces and it comes flat packed

Alskar Lounge Chair by Danwei Zhao – this is like a modern take on a wingback chair. Cocooning!

Calligraphy Study Desk by Bai Xiangyu – a great desk for post-pandemic work life as it raises so you can use it standing

Accent Item Lighting Furniture by Yu Ren – double-duty furniture and lighting! Handy in a space that is small or for minimalists

Cenear Bench by Christine Xiang – I’d 100% buy this. One of my favourite winners in this category over all the years we’ve been sharing this competition

Luar Armchair by Lattoog – beautiful! Like a piece of art for a corner of any room

Ariu Armchair by Research and Development Design Italia Srl – so sculptural and fun! I bet my cats would love this too (maybe not the ones with claws though)

Oco Armchair by Mauricio Coelho – I would LOVE to curl up with a book on this chair

Caterpillar Bar Unit by Priyam Doshi – the most unique bar I have a ever seen! Perfect for vertical storage if space is limited

Morfius Modular Furniture by Arman Farahmand – I would have SOOOO much fun playing with different configurations of this

The Power Nap Chair by Martin Tsankov – I’m sold on the name alone! If anyone can make use of this chair, it’s me 🙂

Hot Hot Sofa by Jun Wang – another fun configurable piece that would be perfect in the middle of a room so you can easily sit on both sides

4×4 Bench by Shayan Ramesht – I really dig this one. Would be so fun in a mudroom/foyer

Queen Bench by Pinar Eren – this is sophisticated and super sexy

Fuyao Chair by Shanghai Mlesun Furniture Technology Co. – another perfect napping chair. This looks incredibly comfy

Umma Swing by Ariane Rosa – soooo cozy (most swings don’t look it)… I just need a big porch for this and I’d be SET

Paula Storage Rack by Bingyue Zhu – multi-functional depending on how you place it. I really like if horizontal as a media cabinet

Snapfit Detachable Trash Can by Weiwen Xiong – another item I would totally buy. A garbage with legs so you’re not bending down so much is brilliant

Rin Display Shelf by Misaki Kiyuna – raw edge wood is forever a classic so this shelving with the modern legs is a cool and timeless approach

Brera Modular Sofa by Dima Loginov – another fun modular sofa! This one is so versatile and suitable for typical daily use

So there are just a few of the winners. If you head here you can explore so many more categories and their winners.

A’ Design Award and Competitions are organized and awarded annually and internationally in a wide range of categories. Every year projects that focus on innovation, technology, design and creativity are awarded with the A’ Award. While realized projects find opportunities to get published, reach new markets and meet a wide range of buyers for their existing products, the organization also helps the creative minds and startups to meet with the business people to realize their product ideas. Early Registrations to A’ Design Award are now open, enter your works for fame, prestige and international publicity. To register for next year’s competition you can do so here.

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This post is brought to you in collaboration with A’ Design Award and Competition.

I have been a fan of photographer Henry Bourne’s work for many MANY years so I was soooo excited to get my hands on his new book Turn of the Century: Portraits of Creative Interiors (it was gifted but I would absolutely have forked over the $ for this one). I love that it is a range of styles so you don’t really know what to expect from one page to the next. Published by Rizzoli, his own photos of course, text by Robin Muir and Pilar Viladas and Jane Withers.
For nearly thirty years, Bourne has been photographing the residences and studios of, or those designed by, some of the world’s most important artists, architects, designers, and innovators. Spaces and portraits in this volume range from the Upstate New York studio of artist Richard Prince, Vincent Van Duysen’s early apartment in Antwerp, and Marc Newson’s residences (his modern former bachelor pad as well as the more textured apartment he shares with Charlotte Stockdale today) to the joyfully chaotic London atelier of artist Paula Rego, the Villa Volpi by architect Tomaso Buzzi near Rome, the London studio of artists Tim Noble and Sue Webster—before and after its sleek renovation, designed by architect David Adjaye.

Next is City of Dreams: Los Angeles Interiors: Inspiring Homes of Architects, Designers, and Artists By decorator and writer Annie Kelly with photographs by her husband Tim Street-Porter and published by Rizzoli. This one is also a book I would have added to my Amazon cart in a heartbeat had it not appeared in my mailbox. Sooooo much eye candy!!!
Los Angeles’s Street-Porter has been chronicling this metropolis’s architecture and interiors for over twenty-five years.This stunning collection of inspiring homes begins with a look back, which includes examples of iconic houses inspired by Hollywood film fantasies, Modernist residences by such luminaries as John Lautner, and Frank Gehry’s Deconstructivism-style home. The heart of the book features today’s forward-looking homes, divided into two sections: Living with Art and Design and Los Angeles Modern. Antiquarian Joel Chen artfully blends an eye-catching collection of period furniture and Chinese objets while interior designer Jean-Louis Denoit’s house sparkles with a Tony Duquette gilded mirror and an abalone shell chandelier. Another trend is the renovation of modernist houses with a personal touch. Artist Mary Weatherford’s reworking of her A. Quincy Jones–designed home, in collaboration with designer Oliver Furth, has a striking orange bedroom.

The third book that arrived was Alyssa Kapito: Interiors, published by Rizzoli. If classic, elegant spaces with a modern approach and really exquisite vintage furnishings are up your alley then this book is for you. My only critique is I find Alyssa’s style to be very one-noted and each project so similar to the last.
With bespoke interiors that merge contemporary touches with time-honored sophistication—think luxurious textures, neutral tones, crisp whites, and sleek lines—she has become one of the most exciting names working in design today. In this beautiful volume, Kapito shares her unique design philosophy and ten of her most outstanding projects. An Upper East Side town house is punctuated with modern design pieces and warm beige hues. A medley of natural materials offset with bold artworks define a sleek duplex in SoHo. Clean lines and a soft palette of blues, yellows, and mauve breathe new life into a grand countryside estate. 

Have you ever scrolled through Instagram or Pinterest and wished your bedroom could look like the ones on your feed? The perfectly styled beds, the gorgeous colour schemes, the tasteful decor. The good news is, you don’t need to be a professional interior designer to create a bedroom that exudes style, comfort, and a touch of luxury. With a few design ideas, you can create a beautiful space that also feels uniquely yours. From choosing the right colours to furniture arrangement and lighting, here are some top tips to transform your bedroom. 

1. Start by defining your style

Having a clear vision for your space can help guide your design decisions, creating a cohesive and well-curated look. Before you dive into making over your space, start by doing some research. Explore different interior design styles, including colour schemes and other design features. From the clean lines of modern design to the cosy appeal of farmhouse style, there are countless styles to draw inspiration from. Remember, your bedroom should be a reflection of you, so choose a design or elements from multiple designs that you love!

2. Focus on the centrepiece: the bed

The style, size, and functionality of your bed can impact the overall look and feel of your bedroom. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern bed frame or a classic, upholstered one, the choice can set the tone for your entire room. Decide what works for your space and style and make it the focal point of your room, drawing the eye as you enter. Remember, while your bed design is important, so is your bedding. Layer with sheets, quilts, and decorative pillows to create a bed that invites relaxation.

3. Play with textures to add depth and interest

Incorporating various textures is an essential aspect of interior design, which can transform your bedroom into a cosy and inviting sanctuary. Here are some ways you can use texture in your space: 

• Soft fabrics: Add velvet cushions, silk curtains, or a plush throw blanket to your bed to create a luxurious touch and add a sense of comfort to the room.
  
• Woven rugs: Whether it’s a soft shag rug or a natural jute rug, the tactile sensation underfoot can help add an extra layer of cosiness.
  
• Mixing textures: A wooden bed paired with soft linen bedding, a glass vase on a dark nightstand, or a metal mirror frame against a textured wallpaper can create a beautiful contrast.
  
• Consider the overall style: Make sure the textures you choose align with your overall style. If you’re going for a modern look, sleek and smooth textures are your best friend. If you prefer a rustic or bohemian vibe, more natural and rugged textures could be a better fit.

4. Embrace statement furniture 

Every bedroom needs a focal point – a piece that draws the eye, adds personality, and sets the tone for the rest of the room. Whether it’s an eye-catching headboard, a unique dresser, or an elegant accent chair, a statement piece can give it a designer touch.

Once you’ve chosen your statement piece, design the rest of the room around it. This doesn’t mean that everything else has to be understated, but the other elements in the room should complement, not compete with your statement piece. Pull colours from it for your bedding, curtains, or accessories to create a cohesive look.

5. Personalise your space with meaningful pieces

To make the space truly yours, it’s time to add some personal touches. Consider creating a gallery wall with a mix of family photos, cherished artwork, and sentimental objects. You may even want to display your collection of beloved books, or even ornaments from travels. Whatever you choose to display, don’t be afraid to mix different types of art and decor. A mix of photographs, paintings, prints, and three-dimensional objects can create a dynamic and interesting display.

6. Set the mood with lighting 

While we often think of our furniture and decorations, another design element is our lighting. The right lighting can help set the mood for relaxation, creating a cosy vibe.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind: 

• Use dimmers: Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the brightness of your lights, giving you control over the mood of your room. Want to create a relaxing ambiance for unwinding before bed? Dim the lights. Need to find an outfit in the morning? Turn them up.
• Consider fairy lights: Fairy lights aren’t just for the holidays or kids’ bedrooms. Draped over a headboard or around a window, they can add a magical feel to your bedroom.
• Choose elegant fixtures: An elegant chandelier, a sleek modern floor lamp, or a vintage bedside lamp can serve as a design feature as well as a light source.

7. Add the final touches with greenery and scents 

With the major design elements covered, it’s time to focus on the finishing touches. 

Greenery can bring a breath of fresh air to your bedroom, both literally and figuratively. Indoor plants are a great way to add a touch of nature and a pop of colour to your space. Whether it’s a large, leafy monstera, a low-maintenance snake plant, or a collection of cute succulents on your windowsill, adding greenery can bring life and freshness to your bedroom.

Scents, on the other hand, can create a soothing and inviting ambiance. Consider incorporating scented candles or essential oil diffusers into your bedroom decor. Choose scents that you love and that promote relaxation, such as lavender, chamomile, or vanilla.

From defining your personal style to adding the final touches with greenery and delightful scents, each styling step brings you closer to achieving a bedroom that reflects your personality and meets your needs. Remember, the goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, relaxed, and at home. Don’t be afraid to break the rules, mix styles, or incorporate elements that bring you joy. After all, the most important aspect of any bedroom design is that it feels like you.

Navigating the world of interior design can be a balancing act between the latest design trends and the practical needs of everyday life. However, a well-designed home isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about creating a space that works for you and the rhythms of your life. 

So, how do you get the right balance between visual appeal and practicality? From smart furniture solutions to making the most of your space, here are a few practical tips that will help transform your space.

Identify what’s important for your space

There are unique challenges that come with any space, with everyone using their spaces in different ways. The different needs of you and your family will dictate the type of elements you add to your space. Whether it’s durable flooring that will stand up against pets and children, or versatile furniture that transforms your space, there are plenty of things you’ll need to consider. 

For example, if you have young children, anything fragile will need to be out of reach or put away. You’ll also need to incorporate their essential things like high chairs and toys into your space. Then, there’s the baby-proofing to consider! If you’re a student, or work from home, then your needs will be different. If your space allows for it, then you might want a dedicated office space. If you don’t, then you’ll need to find room for a desk somewhere like your living room or bedroom. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

• How big is your space? Let’s say you’ve been dreaming of an oversized, rectangular dining table. If you only have a small nook, a round table may be more functional. 
• What are your storage needs? Does your house come with built in storage, or do you need to consider smart storage solutions?
• Are there features to your home that you need to consider? Older homes come with character such as high ceilings, fireplaces and rustic fittings. Even if you love modern or industrial design, it may not suit the existing bones of your house.

Are you renting? A lease may restrict the type of renovations you can do like painting your walls or installing permanent fixtures.

Embrace the space and your style 

Unless a full renovation is on the cards, then it’s likely you’ll need to work with what you have. Understand how you need your space to work for you by making a list of the must-haves. Do you need more storage? Or perhaps a dedicated guest bedroom? It’s important to keep those practical needs in mind as you begin to consider the design elements you want to incorporate.

Then, create a mood board to decide which colours, textures and styles you want to include. Remember that design trends can change quickly, so focus on colours and styles that you love. There’s no hard and fast rules when it comes to mixing colours and different styles, so feel free to showcase your unique style. You can also add personal touches with key decor items like artwork, a collection of books or albums or photos from a treasured vacation. 

Furniture that works double time

With your practical needs in mind and the style chosen, it’s time to focus on functional pieces that fit both criteria. Your home decor should go beyond aesthetics, it should also add an element of practical design to your space. 

Modular furniture is ideal for a range of spaces and needs because the components can be mixed and matched. This means you can move it around to suit the space you have. Another great couch option is fold-out sofas. Both stylish and comfortable, these couches can be a great solution for guests – especially if you don’t have a spare room. 

Another great idea is furnishings that are multi-purpose. Think coffee tables that have drawers for extra storage or ottomans that can be used as storage for blankets or toys. For the kitchen, there’s plenty of smart solutions like multi-functional kitchen islands, modular cabinets or tables that fold up and pull out into a larger size. 

Think about how it will age

Trends come and go and what is “in” today may be out of style tomorrow. Then there’s also your own needs. Over time, your lifestyle will change, with new demands being placed on your space. 

When it comes to your design elements, opt for furniture that has a classic appeal, steering away from trendy pieces that can lose their charm quickly. Neutral walls and warm flooring is always a great canvas. Then you can change out your decor items as your interests and style changes. 

As for your lifestyle, recognise that as it changes, so will the needs of your living space. By embracing flexible layouts and multifunctional furniture, you can effortlessly change and adapt your space to suit. 

Remember that your home should be as unique as you are. After all, everyone’s needs and tastes are different! By getting the balance right between practicality and design elements, you can create a space that will continue to age with you. 

It is the last call for entries for the A’ Design Award and Competition! The deadline for entries is fast approaching and now is the time to submit your best work. You can nominate your design here. With over 100 categories the A’ Design Award and Competition is the world’s largest design competition. But it is not just an award. It is an indicator of quality and perfection in design, recognized worldwide, your design front and centre before design companies and professionals.

From the Good Industrial Design Award to the Good Architecture Design Award. The Good Product Design Award to the Good Communication Design Award. The Good Service Design Award to the Good Fashion Design Award and soooo many more! (You can find all the design categories listed here.) Winning A’ Design Award & Competition, which is an independent and expert appraisal for design, contributes to corporate reputation and brand image. Taking part in the A’ Design Award & Competition provides valuable feedback and experience. With the competition highlighting, advertising & advocating good design, taking part will provide recognition, publicity and international peer review. Entries will be judged by an international jury panel of scholars, professionals and media members. The benefits to the winners are really inspiring. The trophy, of course, an invitation to the gala night, a certificate of quality, inclusion in the prestigious A’ Design Award and Competition exhibition and the yearly ResultBook but even more importantly press, PR, introduction to industry professionals and companies and international exposure. The fame, the prestige, the recognition and so much more.

Are you inspired? Excited? Believe you’ve got what it takes to take on the best of the best design from around the world? You can register for the A’ Design Award and Competition 2023 – 2024 here. But you better be quick. The deadline for submission is on February 28. Results will be announced to the public on April 15 and you will find full coverage of the results here on Desire to Inspire. We can’t wait!

In the meantime here are some inspiring past winners from the A’ Furniture Design Award 2022 – 2023 Period Winners …

Eureka Lounge Chair by Beijing Yeak Tech Co. Ltd.

Mass Series Sumi Limited Furniture by Canuch Inc.

Stoniture Sofa by Abbas Sufi Nejad

Jaipur Furniture Collection by Sonal Tuli

Spark Sofa by Wang Jun

Liyue New Furniture by Haonan Zhang and Bo Xu

Moose Multifunctional Cabinet by Priyam Doshi

Cross Furniture Removable Coffee Table by Le Xu

Merete Lounge and Console Table Collection by Matthew Arquette

Water Ripples Chair by Kuo-Hsiang Kuo

Mua Lau Lounge Chair by Ching Cheng Chang and Xu Da Zzan

Sketch Shelf by Zhejiang Sci-Tech University

Sertao Side Table by Gabriela Campos

Kozo Bookshelf by Jihad Khairallah

Relax Chaise Lounge by Charlotte Abrahamsson Kwetczer

Lens Series Furniture by Eva Liu

Herringbone Dining Table by Alexandre Caldas

Lavvu Small Tables by Dorian Asscherick

Hotaru Stool by Misaki Kiyuna

Erhu Chair by Han Mei

Don’t forget to nominate your designs for award consideration here. We would love to showcase your work amongst the winners. The submission deadline is 28 February 2021.

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This post is brought to you in collaboration with A’ Design Award and Competition