'Mod' or what?

Times in Vogue Mumbai | Saturday Oct 07, 2006 By Savia Rajagopal

Has the word ‘modernistic’ confused you? Take a look at this style of interiors. By Pushkar Pingle, architect, Ideas and Infinity

What is it: The modernistic set up incorporates ‘minimalism’, straight lines, a lot of open space and contrasting colours.

The essentials: These designs involve the use of materials that lend a lot of visual space like glass, mirrors and reflective surfaces. Dark-coloured veneer like wenge can be used in contrast with whites and off-whites. Straight lines and squared corners give a neat look.

Have a seat: Low seating occupies less space and gives an open appearance. Seating also needs to be simple-for example, a mattress spread over a very low wooden platform placed against a wall or a low couch.

Lights on: Allow for maximum natural light as it is most important. This can be achieved by using glass and mirrors near windows. Artificial lighting has to be diffused. White (fluorescent) light can be used for all diffused lighting and each room can have jute or paper floor lamps, ceiling pendants or table lamps with yellow (incandescent) light. These lamps define the space by being focal points.

Upholstery: The entire look depends on the upholstery. So the colours have to be chosen carefully. The upholstery can be in total contrast with the rest of the elements. Intricate fabric designs or bold colours like gold and silvers, bright blues, reds or warm colours work well. The best idea for selecting upholstery is to mix but not match! The curtains can be made sheer with more or less white and linear checked patterns.

Hues: Adopt different colour themes in different rooms. Although most of the walls are painted white, a part of a wall or corner can be painted in a bright colour just to give an identity to each room. Living rooms, study areas and dining rooms can have warm colour themes while bedrooms should have cool colour themes.