DESIGN INTENT
Reusing the past / Welcoming the future
The clients’ brief introduction about the project suggests the creative and interactive environment they would like to create for the kids. The chairs that have been painted by the kids and are to be retained in the revised layout would make for a very warm and inviting environment. All objects tell a story, and the preservation of the past and incorporation into the future should be part of design.
Keeping the same intent in mind, the old cabinet has been utilized to become a central element in the design process. It is a very ornate and beautiful cabinet that has been in the family. It may not generally sit suitably with the contemporary brief of the client. Keeping that in mind, the cabinet is reversed and set into a wall that defines the entrance into the toilet and the two rooms at the back. From the living space, one would see the back of the cabinet. It is suggested that this be covered by cork sheets so that the kids can use it for displaying their craft works. The cabinet is inset into a wall that traces the outline of this beautiful piece of furniture. This wall is then clad with wood. Any time the need for the cabinet is not felt, it should be removed, thus leaving an ornate archway into the rooms and the toilet. This is the memory of the past that is carried into the future.
The activity wall behind the cabinet faces an area for the kids to sit and work on their projects. The furniture chosen itself is a custom made- open source furniture that can be downloaded and made at a local carpenter with a CNC machine. The craft of making is thus extended in the furniture itself.
The living and the dining are along the right wall with modern pieces of furniture with accent colours. The dining table and the chairs are retained. Mood lighting is provided as floor lamps. Wall lights of sufficient illumination should be used around the rest of the space.
The colour palette suggested is subdued (one of the following)- pastel greys, creams, blues that would complement the existing furniture and the floor and the walls.
