Smart Interior Design

UMNO BOOTH IN PWTC

2011-08-03T01:12:00.000-07:00

I had presented 2 proposals for UMNO. 1 is for the Historical Gallery for PWTC. It was a lot of work, with multiple red tapes to cross over. In the end the job was given to their 'crony' as we refer to nowadays.

It was given to another contractor and they used my design to implement it. To make it worse, they didn't know how to construct the design properly and the circulation was a disaster!..Its such a shame..
I mean,why can't they just tell me that I have to lower the quote to get the job?I could have change the materials or construction method to save cost. It was my design after all and who would know the best way to execute the design other than the creator?

Anyway,this was the last proposal from RA Interiors for UMNO Information Booth in PWTC. In the end, it was rejected (obviously).

But I am proud of this design because it came from the 'essence' of me.

This is a simple information booth. My objective is to create an impact so that visitors will come and inquire more information about PWTC and its activities.

Colours complements the sorroundings & the logo of the party,laminated ply in wood grain is widely used to create a modest, yet modern feel to it.

The shape is curved in as a 'welcoming' effect. It seats 4 for visitors inquiring,4 for visitors waiting, 4 for staffs & 3 for pantry area. Lighting plays an important role for it is a 'cubicle'. Other than the source of natural light from the sorrounding (hence the glass door) interior lights is a must for effective working.

All in all..I am happy with the design,even though getting paid for my work would be better! I haven't been to PWTC ever since. So if you happened to see this similar design somewhere in there..imagine - 'designed by RA Interiors' across it ;)

MR LEE

2011-05-26T02:27:00.000-07:00

I knew Mr Lee for as old as my youngest daughter because he gave me a design & built job while I was carrying the babygirl in my tummy. Since then he has been giving me a few jobs and attached is one of them, and I am grateful for his trust for me.

   This is a high end condominium unit in Ampang, near KLCC. It was a simple modern concept we came up with. It was an investment for him and its for rent. So, basic facilities was installed with a twist of modern aesthetics.
   Mirrors are utilised in most feature walls for double image,so space will appear bigger considering its around 1620sft.
Colour scheme : Black,grey & white. Style : Sleek, polished & practical. Good for yuppies, expatriates & the professionals or small families.
   Call me for ideas, interior design concept & style, & built ins. Farah 0193351855

Glass shower cubicles for baths

Wallpaper in between full height mirrors c/w lightings

Mirrored sliding door wardrobe & suspended side table c/w drawer with vertical mirror on top

L-Kitchen cabinet in white with frosted doors

DESIGN & COLOR IN CONTRAST

2011-05-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

Choosing colour & style for most things is crucial. It can confuse you, manipulate your mind even have you make the imperfect decision, which can lead to unpleasant result. Colour doesn't have to complement, it can be in contrast to create interest.

Blue & dark brown

Green,yellow,blue

Blue,Orange,Cream

Many new residences nowadays have corner windows in L shape for a better exterior facade. It looks great,but most of us are constantly searching for ideas on how to do up the interior-especially window coverings.

These are some perfect examples of how to dress your window at a corner L shape glass window. Combination of roman blind & curtain + sheer.

Since the curtain is of two different styles, colour of curtains was chosen in contrast too. But somehow the result turned out great.

Festive season is coming, and having a new style in your residence especially CURTAINS is always great for a fresh new look. Combine it with the WALLPAPER POSTER and it will be awesome! Call me for advice or orders - Farah 0193351855

WALL PAPER POSTERS

2011-05-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

Wallpaper posters are 'in' nowadays. To date, I believe it is the most interesting element to transform you space effectively. Having the posters as reference, a drastic change of interior revamp can be done.The mood, colour scheme & concept can be derived almost automatically by installing the poster as the 1st step.Its just an amazing way to hip up your interior!

1)Blooming dale

b) Seaside Serenity

c) Funky 3d

d) New York

e) Thumbelina

Call me for orders - Farah 0193351855.

I guarantee you won't regreat having these posters in. There are a lot more beautiful choices you can choose from. We can meet at my office for a cuppa coffee, relax & talk wall art.

LGM CAFE

2011-04-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

What would be saner than to feed your soul by having a good meal on an island surrounded by water followed by a trickling sound of waterfall, cool air circulation & perfect lighting. Sounds like a photo shoot set ey?Well, not quite. If you want to experience this scene go to LGM Café located in Jalan Ampang.

I recently was given the opportunity by LGMPC(Lembaga Getah Malaysia Properties Corporation) to design an uplift for thier worn down Café. I work according to the requirements and budget by LGMPC. Of course along the way there are some changes and we meet half way to have a mutual understanding of the final outcome.
The construction was done by an appointed contractor and I must admit,its no easy task to be managing Malaysian contractors,but it all boils down to commitment and responsibilities of the person.
These are the ‘before’ & ‘after’ images on the Cafe. The ‘eat on island’ concept was implemented for the café.

Notice the colours are of sun and earth were excessively implied through out the Cafe. Water surrounds the eatery to cool the place down, potted plants to complement the water element, not compromising on lighting (which was really an issue before the upgrade was done)

These glass panels were just plain before and only pasted with posters and advertisement, which is not very pleasing to the eyes. I hipped up the mood by having stickers design on it.

This is the interior of the café. It is air-conditioned so, customers have a choice to be eating inside or outside. Before, there were mobile type cart stalls. I allocate permanent type kiosks for easy access for loading/unloading purposes.It also provides easy maintenance,cleanliness and tenancy by the management.

Any interior upgrade will automatically lift the mood of the person experiencing the space. There are many ways to revamp you interior including paint, curtains, accessories even wallpapers.Maybe you too should try creating an 'eat on island mood' at home.Easiest way? Seaside poster by RA Interiors,next on my blog.

DESIGN & SELL

2011-02-07T02:22:00.000-08:00

As said before soft furnishings is my expertise. But being able to think of ways to design and sell is another matter altogether.

This client has existing rods and railing she wants to re-use. But she prefers a new style of curtain for her bedroom.
I make use of the rod for head curtain. The railing for day curtain. And i added a roman blind track for the night curtain.
Of course it takes a little knowledge in design & some technicalities to execute this, but as a designer who wants to sell my products, i managed.

This is a girl's room curtain. The client wanted a set of curtain that can save cost & still reflect a girl's room.

Since she is a really nice lady & a regular customer of mine, I asked her if she doesn't mind curtain materials from previous clients i had. She said ok.(By the way, she owns a bungalow sized terrace in Putera Heights!)
I did this this set for her and added a twist at the bottom in maroon for contrast. I complement it with plain white sheer curtain for simplicity & class.
It worked.
I get to propose the design, convinced my idea to the client, think of the execution, do it successfully & get paid.

I love my job.

SHORT TERM VICTORY

2010-11-14T07:26:00.000-08:00

I never knew gardening would be such an interesting activity prior to present. My dad planted 5 mango trees around our house in Kuantan,and each one of them bear fruits of different kind of mangoes. And my mother just can't do without her gardening every morning. Maybe its in my blood.
I seriously think EVERYONE MUST make time for gardening. It embeds strong characteristics in your personality & inner self. It can change the way you perceive an opinion you don't quite agree in the past. And I do believe that it certainly can improve your working attitude in the office.
How?
The responsibility of watering them,looking at their changes everyday.The petunia blooms a new flower or that bud over that jasmine tree is a new one.And the bougainvillaea is not bearing enough flowers due to lack of fertilizer. It automatically increases your sensitivity towards your environment. Then, after some time you might get bored of the same arrangement of the pots,you can have a brainstorm session with yourself in identifying a better setting; or you realize the garden needs more variety. Automatically your creativity increases on how you want your garden to look as you make an entrance to your home.

While arranging, the whole process makes you want to think that flowers which need more sun should be placed appropriately,that it shouldn't be blocked by that wall..and those which needs less sun should be place deeper near the door,under the shade. This embeds your logic and common sense.
All these boil down to the end product. Wallah! Look at what you managed to achieve in such a short period of time. An hour on Sunday mornings and you managed to create & complete a task. I call that short term victory. And it seriously can make you feel good.
So for you workaholics out there...give it a try.Soil your hands but you don't need to hide it.Go Green! and yellow,red,purple & orange. Spark up your life with mother earth.

FEATURE WALL

2010-11-09T03:09:00.000-08:00

According to Webster's Dictionary Feature means 'A prominent aspect of something'. Wikipedia Dictionary says Feature is 'One's structure or make-up; form, shape, bodily'.
But both dictionary describes more of the obvious expression of one's face, an outstanding article in a magazines or newspaper and the main actor/actress in a movie.
So the key words I've highlighted shows the meaning of 'Feature' literally', which are Obvious, Outstanding & Main.
I personally believe each space MUST have a feature. It can be an interesting painting, an authentic sculpture, a detailed glasswork accessory or a feature wall.
From my experience as an interior designer, a feature wall is the most inexpensive,effective way to create interest in your space.
This is an example of the 'before' &'after' transformation of a wall,which is identified to be the perfect feature wall. In this case, the objective is to cover the existing openings and create an irresistible wall.
Frankly, I can't resist to look at this wall each time I pass by it.
Mission accomplished.

W.C DESIGNER

2010-08-02T23:59:00.000-07:00

I remembered an incident when I was in Architecture, ITM. My friend Jerry was staring at me,and he said
'Farah,you really look like a true designer. A w.c designer lah! Hahahaha'....he laughed...I was hurt! My ego bruised. But looking back at it now made me smile, you know why? The toilet job I accepted a month back brought me 2 other referrals.

Well this was the project I did on one of my client's toilet.He was happy that I transformed his toilet to a 'tropical resort' style bathing experience, so he claimed.

So Jerry,this one's for you.Cheers!

AFTER SALES

2010-07-30T00:29:00.000-07:00

How would you know if the act you're about to take is the right move? I am not sure of it most of the time. But what I do know is when the time comes,my gut feeling will tell me to do it in a certain manner which, when its done...I know it was the right thing to do.

If it was not the right move,I will always learn from it, and know I could've done better. I should've said this or that and do this instead of that. But I won't analyze too long as it isn't worth my time. Next occasion,improvise.

This cafe was done with much MIND effort and multiple rectification works. Even though it was a fast track job, I learned a lot from it.

a) ALWAYS insist on client to be firm on what they want FIRST before proceeding with the rest of the work.

b) Have all verbal conversations documented as detail as possible.

c) Always call it when your gut feeling tells you that things are not done right OR up to your satisfaction.

d) Finish what you start

e) DO NOT let ANYONE walk all over you.

f) Protect your pride. At least to a reasonable humanity level

g) Benefit the after sales,any way you can.

AND, don't stop believing that you can.

I NEED OXYGEN

2010-07-28T01:13:00.000-07:00

What's the difference between drowning and suffocating? Drowning is related to water. Suffocating is related to air. Drowning is when water is forced into you. Suffocation is when air is taken away from you.

The similarities would be both can cause you to die. And both is implied by force or unwillingness.

Its amazing how 1 consequence can occur due to 2 different elements which:

1) Is taken away from you (air)
2) Is being forced into you (water)

That consequence is death.

Positively,if both elements are not forced into or out of you, and being taken as how it should be...it can cause you to live.

So don't die. Live. Positively.

LITTLE MIND MASTERY

2010-07-28T01:08:00.000-07:00

Its amazing how one can be a slave to the mind.It is a powerful tool to live effectively,no doubt but it can also damage your souls when it influences you in making decisions in life..I'm just wondering if conscience is part of your mind OR soul...

I tried Horace's quote recently as I find my mind keeps playing tricks on me. Each night before I go to sleep I reminded myself of his quote - Rule your mind or it will rule you-..bit by bit all the damages done flashes through my brain like sparks of lights in the twilight zone...and i realized how i have ignored my soul for quite a while now.I knew then i needed to reconnect.
The tricky part is when your soul can't control your mind..

So the next time you say_'hey..its only mind over matter'..think again..

SADEADU

2010-07-28T00:54:00.000-07:00

Sade Adu is one of my favourite singer of all times. I read about her saying Sade is NOT a brand. She will only produce her album when she has something to say...

We talk about re-branding all the time.To renew. To make it fresh because people tend to get tired of the old stuff. To sell, and make more money.

The fact is,the content is still the same. You can change your skin but you can't change your bones. So, is re-branding an act of deceiving? If it is..who is being deceived? Your sorroundings? or yourself?

Nevertheless,it works to have an impact and to sell most of the time. A famous brand usually speaks for themselves.

If I want to re-brand, my product name would be FarahRazak. But I am not a brand am I? Or I will be soon.

friends in need

2008-07-28T02:25:00.000-07:00

the wise one
won't always win the war
the wise one
will have enemies and sorroundings expects more
from you
and as wise as it gets,weakness peeps
there they are
almost waiting for you to stumble and fall
and when you do
there is always a tinge of tingling sense..
like a drip of water on to the desert sand..refreshing!
to know that wise one is not so wise after all..
so wise one...
be wiser!
go on,
stumble..fall..get up again..stumble again.. roll down the hill..
get up again!
essence of a friend is no near prediction
but your soul is and will save you
in the end.

CAD vs Carbon

2008-06-19T22:40:00.000-07:00

I left my pencil case at home today. I wanted to do my work,open my handbag and wallah- its not there. I have my laptop, printer,fax but not my pencilcase. Hmm..at first i though its ok ..i can use whatever I have and make do. But I can't. I need my pen!, pencil or any form of mark i can scribble on paper for calculating,reminders and sketches. So which is more important to you in this millenium era? Technology or Basics?

I am not a true fan of technology. I've always let technology be the support of whatever i do, but not have it rule my activities and work. Paperless era as how they put it. Is it true? Well, calculating can be done using calculator. What about the sum? Ok now we proceed to Excel programme..It can be done but I am a practical person...having two kind of electronic items (calculator & Excel) just to sum up a simple equation? Too complicated for me.I might as well have it all done on that paper!

Reminders? That notebook I have which contains everything from appointments to my to-do list is more than convenient. Flip to the date and there it is. It won't hang, nor it will run out of battery. And i am talking about the notebook made from paper-mind you..

And sketches...well that one goes without saying...

Imagine this :
Brain - pencil - paper

compared to

Brain - mouse - line - offset - copy - rotate - print

So much of having paperless without soul...

I went to a presentation yesterday. The objective of it is to have a modern hi-technology gallery with interactive images, activities, computerized and god knows gadgets among others. I was keen to have to research and learn. Its kinda cool all these new inventions.But to what extend is it viable and effective? Effective,yes. The after thought? Maintenance? Cost? I could just say that when the design is done, its up to the client to have it updated and maintained. But then again, is that the kind of service I would want to provide my clients? Especially for long term bussiness.

The earlier or latter - balance is key. Never forget carbon but CAD has to assist it in achieving the optimum result. When its blackout and there's no electricity in the middle of the night, use candle.And never forget your roots.

Cheap trick

2008-05-22T00:58:00.000-07:00

Its subject. Tough i love for it to be art, its definitely subject in this material world. I got turned down by a customer today. As frustrated as I am , for the work I have conveyed quarter way- which means time and efforts are involved on appointments, brainstorm, drawings, electricity & mileage, (this happened 10 hours ago) i still feel sore about it. Why? The client text messaged me declining the deal! I mean how cheap is that?Anyway...positively - How do i close the deal each time? I don't think there is an answer to that. Not each and every time. But it should be 3/4 time to sustain. Andy Warhol help me!!!! Maybe i should analyze deeply his secret this time round..manipulation is vital.

Click, Read, Listen & Analyze

2008-05-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

The Art of Psychology

2008-05-07T23:36:00.000-07:00

Hai everyone..its been a looooong time since i've updated my blog. Duty calls, customers call,suppliers call. I'm tied up at four ends. Everything comes at the same time charging at me like patriots at war.Until one day i found myself stuck by doing nothing when there are actually a zillion things to do. So i know i have reach the optimum point and i am just a half inch away from walking away from it all.So what do i do now? I do what i love most-art.

Art is a big contribution to the effectiveness of my job delivery. You know why? I pour my heart and soul out when I am art-ing. Its a form of relieve and an escape from a busy and hectic material life. Its a soul attending session-almost like a mind vacation,really!But isn't that what good vacations should do you? To give you a relaxation of mind...

So i will go on designing earrings for a change, play or listen to a new kind of music (I bought Katie Melua recently...she's unique),try painting that cherry tree reflection on the lake photograph i snapped, have experimental cooking sessions, or writing (my blog) or poetry. But the problem of being immerse in art is that you are happy but penniless most of the time. You take your mind vacation,but when you are on vacation too long, your boss at work may sack you! Take Van Gogh for instance. He has millions 6 feet under and his heir is not even related to him! Sad but true.

But when Andy Warhol came to the picture, he changed the fate of the late and future painters and artists by making it able for them to sell their work and change the 'its only on canvas' perception on everybody. But again, the eccentricness of an artist is just too complicated for anyone to comprehend. Their views are from Mars if not Pluto. But this lad Andy merges his art with commercials. He twisted that well known subject (like Marilyn Monroe) he chose for his canvas and use his art techniques to convey his message. So is he selling his art or his subject? If focus is the subject,is his work legit as art,then? Does an interior designer sells his design or manages her customer appropriately to close that deal? Art or Subject? Hmm...something for us to think about ey?

By the way...as an interior design marketeer I do carry a few paintings from various local artists. Have controversial,healthy debate with your love ones on art. It never fail to work each time...

JOHN MAYER

2008-03-25T20:58:00.000-07:00

"NO I'M NOT COLOUR BLIND, I KNOW THE WORLD IS BLACK AND WHITE"
- JOHN MAYER

Now, if you are not colour blind, then how can you say this wonderful world is black and white?

John Mayer's music has always been inspirational to me. His tales in his songs emphasizes true meaning of life's facts of reality we wouldn't want to admit sometimes, embedded deep down our souls. But listening to him, makes me want to be true to myself. He reveals my true colours. Not my PRIMARY colours or SECONDARY colours. Just my true ones. He also teaches me in decision making on colours in my interior! Now how amazing is that? Good job Mr. Mayer!

"No I am not colour blind" means - he is aware of the options he has in his hands. Sooo many colours and options in life. Knowing your options is always good. Out of the thousands of colours I am looking at the colour chart, mine has always been Red, Olive and hues of earth tones(ranging from yellow to brown). Red is my nature, Olive is my subtle & responsible side and the earth tones are my sorroundings. By now, you might just be thinking what colour you are. What colour are you?

Black and White he refers to I think is - making decisions in life. Yes or No. This or That. Black or White? We are spoilt for choice and selection on various aspects in our lives, but at the end of the day decisions must be made. The question is now, how do you derive to that decision? Hmmm....tough questions demands simple answers most of the time...

In any interior space Colour Scheme maybe one of the most important aspect you have to decide on. Colour determines the impact, mood even the effectiveness of the activities you are about to carry out in that space. How do you decide on a good and suitable colour scheme for your home interior?

Look at the colour chart above and decide.

1) Decide which season you want your room in

a) Warm (yellows & reds)

b) Cool (blues and greens)

2) Now the colour you have decided on must be a solid colour (primary), ok. Then, choose another primary colour and mix it together with the first colour you have chosen. The second colour must also be a solid colour.

E.g I chose Red. I mix it with Yellow. It gives me Orange. Now, decide between Red and Orange-which do you want to have as your MAIN scheme. I choose Red. So, Orange must be 'diluted' so it won't be competing with each other. 'Diluted ' Orange can be light orange,peach or any colour at the paint shop that has an Orange hue.

The 'Accessories' colour that won't go wrong to incorporate with the above method are earth tones-wood colours, which you can splash some into your interior to add a tinge of class. This includes Black & White.

So I decide to have Red as my couch. I will have a light Khakis colour walls,zesty orange as my throw cushions and dark wood for the side and coffee table. The peaches/light orange can be seen on a Wing chair or a stylish rug.

Alternatively, if I want a Red wall (adventurous a bit la...). So, instead of mixing Red & Yellow, I have Yellow as the contrasting colour. When you take a risk like this, the other part of the wall should tone down using the 'Accessories' colours.

To add interest you must have at least one conversational piece to the canvas-it can be an abstract, a croocked stand lamp, even an interesting framed mirror on your wall.

Well,guys...this is just one of the many, many methods on how to conclude your interior space's colour scheme. It worked for me. It might too, for you. You have any other methods? Comment me.

WINDOWS

2008-03-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

Imagine you're in a box. Then imagine you're in it with a square feet of opening at the bottom. It immediately creates a sense of welcoming of something outside to the inside which is light - a form of life, they say. It gives you a feeling of freedom, a sneak peek of what is outside.' I can see the light '...Well, that a new phase of life! Nevertheless, light does create a lot of positive impact to a human being. That is why windows are very important elements in a building. Particularly it benefits the people living inside the building.

I started this bussiness doing window coverings. This includes all type of blinds - roman blinds, timber blinds, venetian blinds, roller blinds and also curtains. At some point I had them calling me 'the curtain lady'.
Once a customer called for confirmation and said - 'Hello, I have your bussiness card right here and...you're the 'blind' girl right? And I said - 'Err... yes sir, but I can assure you that I am not blind!'
As funny as it is, it paid my bills. It still does because I make sure that part of the bussiness is always ongoing. Here I will give you tips on how to treat windows acoordingly. Treat them nice and your good deed will pay off (wink)

I created this warm atmosphere of a cliental's family area to have an ambience of calm,relaxation & serenity for the family to spend some quality time. I suggested to add two layers of very traslucent material with two diffent colours. When both sheers are closed, they can have maximum privacy. When only the orange sheer is closed (as above) the light brings in the warm orangy hue to the space .They can draw both curtain completely when its family day (this area leads direct to the pool)

High celings has their advantages and disadvantages. In terms of window coverings, I personally would like to have it high from the floor level as it will have that grandeur impact on the space. Above is a window treatment of a 'double volume' living area. The colour scheme in that room are of earth tone, so I added a 'silver-ish olive' silk border at the bottom of the curtain to create a 'playful' effect in the room, and some colour. Secondly the border cuts the length of the curtain,as the height might be out of proportion with the furniture. As I still want to mantain that factor, the border did the job well.

This is roman blind. This is at a dining area. It uses an unusual material which it weaved to create that unique look. Plus the view is breathtaking that it is such a waste to be covering it. The advantage of roman blind is when it is placed beside each other, it look systematic and neat. It requires less fabric & somewhat creates a modernized look. It can be adjusted at any height you want. In the picture I have it staggered-(for portfolio impact).The mechanism might be a little tricky but, I usually provide after sales servis (Call me..).hahaha

Timber blinds is one of my favourite look. Its easy to mantain and clean, it gives a 'contemporary' or 'asian resort' style to your interior,it comes in various wood colours, such as mahogany,pine,walnut and can even be sprayed on according to your preferred colour. Rainbow is not advisable la, but white still can do. I implemented here a timber blind to the clientale's bath. The blades open up to an indoor garden...sublime....

There are a lot more window treatments that can be done to spark up your interior. Its one of the cost effective ways to transform a room (other than paint) , which is a lot less messier. I hope I have been of help. Next week a new topic will be revealed.

Tunggu...

SMART INTERIOR DESIGN

2008-03-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

Hi all....this is my first time blogging and to be frank I am freaking out to know that millions of people around the world do have a % of reading my blog. Its big...to be voicing out your opinion and let the whole world know about it..and judge how you think-in a click. Technology does wonders these days.

Designing has been a big part of my life. But when we talk about designers, most people will usually get a) Intimidated by them and b) Wow-ed by them.
Intimidated for their unique and peculiar way of analyzing a fact, situation or an object, even. Intimidated on how clever they are on predicting the end product of what starts off from sand to a distinctive intriquite glass vase. Intimidated by their eccentric behaviour (their mind gets to their attitude , I guess) on conveying their minds's content. Intimidated by the fact of how expensive it is to hire a designer or to buy a designer's product. Now, all the WOW's will come after the intimidation process which is-end product. A PRADA handbag-WOW...A Volkswagen Beetle-WOW. You hired an interior designer for your house? -WOW..Frankly, I like the wow part better than the intimidation.

As an interior designer, I would love to have my customers be wow-ed by my design minus the intimidation. I want to have people to enjoy their spaces without having to spend a bomb for it. I want them to enjoy the journey of creating a blank space to a meaningful one just by blogging me. I want them to have a SMART INTERIOR DESIGN solution so they can benefit with minimal cost.So, RA INTERIORS is going to lessen that gap between end users and designers. I am going to make that change and let people enjoy their space I am going to create for them within their expectation on all aspects.

I am going to be updating my blog from time to time,for discussion. Check it out and tell me what you think.