Jacques' Archive

The Mediterranean style has moved beyond its regional bases to become an architectural and interior design admired by many leading interior designers and those wishing to create a relaxed, romantic design space that has an apparently rustic but sophisticated essence. More so, this is a style that combines comfort with luxury, European elegance with bucolic charm, and colour schemes that range from aqua blues to earthy shades of terracotta. This mode has a variety of influences. The Mediterranean trend is common to vast areas around the Mediterranean Sea, incorporating Portugal, Spain, parts of France, Greece, Italy, and even Morocco. Furthermore, each of these areas has its own design language, such as the Tuscan style in Italy, and the blue-and-white schemes so ubiquitous in Greece. To transfer this style to a modern Malaysian bedroom may be tricky, particularly if you don’t wish to create an amateur theme more aligned to an amusement park. Luckily, you can create a highly succe...

Even in Malaysia, the classical, relaxed Mediterranean style so favoured globally, may be felt. This comes about partly in response to the romance of the architectural elements of the homes around the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean style blends the design traditions of the many countries that border the Mediterranean waters. Countries such as Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece, together with the southern part of France, as well as Morocco on the northern edge of Africa, all convey the various aspects of Mediterranean style. This mix of architectural styles has a unique, modulated character inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape and the sea. The eclectic style is enhanced by the vivid designs of Moroccan-type tiles, from the splashes of bright blue against the stark white walls in Santorini and Mykonos, echoing the hues of the Mediterranean sea and sky, to the naturally fading terracotta floors that speak of the fertile soil of Tuscany or southern France. Still, while...

Spa conjurers up hedonistic visions of ancient Rome, right through to modern-day spas offering reflexology treatments, full-body massages, the sound of water, and subdued aromatherapy – a luxuriant place to relax and recharge. However, a trend similar to having a media room or viewing room in your home is having a home spa in your house. This is pure luxury: although not affordable to all, it is a growing lifestyle trend. Research studies have shown that being close to water or simply hearing the sound of water could lower your stress levels and heart rate. It is not difficult to design your own indulgent home spa. All that you need to do is plan carefully. Ideally, you should make use of professional interior designers that have the knowledge to produce a space you wish to relax in. Install a large bathtub A large free-standing bath-sized L1700 x W795 x H720mm will not only allow you to lie down and have a long soak, but it will also give you that lavish spa feeling. However...