A growing movement worldwide sees architects and designers choosing a more environmentally aware and responsible approach to building and interior design. Sustainability and significant reduction of carbon footprint are as important as aesthetics and budgets. Focus is still on comfortable, streamlined living, while at the same time there is emphasis on reducing negative impact on the environment as much as possible.

Design is always a matter of style and economy of line, with an edgy mix of art and convenience, but basic aspects such as volume, comfort, light, colour and use of materials are now tempered with a green eye; elements previously ignored have become prime focus in fresh designs gracing offices, art galleries, homes, theatres, malls, restaurants and just about everywhere that requires a motivating mix of urban elegance and earthy care.

The inclusion of natural elements in all our building designs should be focused on maintaining the natural connections that humans experience when outdoors – and there’s no better way to do that than include plants in the design. Plants are probably the best way to bring the outdoors indoors. Not only do plants have a beneficial impact on mood and air quality, they are calming, refreshing, and create an uplifting green focus in a room.

Udumo’s Mission: The combined energy of empowerment and aesthetic design

Udumo Group delivers interior décor and design services by empowering unemployed people with skills development initiatives. We believe in investing in the individual, nurturing inherent skills, and uplifting communities. Our interior design philosophy is to design beautiful spaces that are both functional and timelessly pleasing. We believe that through promoting the values of creative excellence, discipline and commitment, we are able to bring out the best in people, motivating positive surroundings and the value of living and working in such spaces. For information on Udumo Group, visit: www.udumogroup.co.za            

For some people the idea of clearing up a room is the worst punishment that can befall them; others however, understand not only the satisfaction of this exercise, but also the extraordinary difference it can make to the appearance of your home. That’s without going to the extreme of minimalism or measuring every cushion; a cleared space can give a different view of your furniture and furnishings, and actually clear your head.

But never mind opening up your mind, just think of the effects of cluttered space on the décor of your home. To be blunt, a cluttered home often means you have no décor. Well, it might be there under all the mess – but if nobody can see it, then seriously why did you bother?

The psychology of clutter

The thing with clutter is that it is as negative psychologically as it is aesthetically. The great benefit to clearing out is that you have to make decisions. Sometimes this entails staring at great-granny’s china budgie for ages while you decide on its sentimental value and how it would ever enhance your modern space. So clearing out takes time, effort and thought. When you clear out, you are essentially working to keep only what you will need. Everything else should go – leaving you with a freedom of spirit and a fresh, airy look to your home.

While clutter might hide your décor, it reveals quite a bit about your character – perhaps some aspects you would prefer people not to know. When a visitor walks into your cluttered home be assured they will have a good sense of: 

Procrastination – they will guess that you might be slow in getting things done, a fence-sitter, unlikely to keep yourself busy, somewhat unreliable, perhaps even lazy. 

Poor decision-making – living in a mess may mean you are scatterbrained, forgetful, insecure, and unable to move forward, always in I’ll get this done tomorrow mode. 

Lack of energy – being unaware of the mess around you may be an indication of lack of motivation, or even a more serious underlying health problem such as a heart issue. 

Stress and depression – if you are overwhelmed by emotional issues, the likelihood of you paying attention to your surroundings diminishes. You forget how pretty your cushions look because they’re buried under a pile of newspapers or untidy throws. Letting clutter hide your home can be a form of depression, and you should pay a visit to your doctor. 

Isolation and loneliness – sometimes clutter in the home means you are really trying to hide away. Revealing the true décor of the house would be like opening up to the truth about yourself or your situation. Lonely, insecure people often take refuge in a messy home that for them feels comfortable, familiar, reassured – it’s their stuff – but in reality this attitude can perpetuate a rut and discourage visitors. 

Career productivity – even your work can suffer even though you may be miles from your home. Unfortunately, people often take a cluttered mindset with them wherever they go, and when your company seeks a decisive, adaptable person with leadership qualities, they may not pick you – especially if you’ve had your boss to supper… 

Concern for your safety – a house with too many objects is hard to clean and as a result there may be an inordinate amount of dust lurking about, which is so often the catalyst for allergies. It’s also important to note that clutter can be a fire hazard because the more paper, magazines and general paraphernalia are lying about, the quicker flames can travel through your home.

The benefits of decluttering to décor

Light: The first thing you might notice once you have cleared your home, is that there appears to be more light. Windows may have opened up with less furniture stacked around them, and less furniture and clutter in the room allows more light to penetrate – possibly in corners where it’s never been before! Light provides a greater sense of space and lifts the mood. It highlights and complements the new order you have created, and lifts your décor into focus, adding colour and greater harmony to the layout of your room. 

Repurpose: There’s no need to throw everything away. Indeed, you might find objects you had forgotten and be able to put them to good use. An old gramophone player might find new pride of place in your living-room, intriguing visitors. Or an old bookcase can be repainted and add a new corner of interest in any room. An old lampstand with a new shade can be very effective. 

Replace: Decluttering gives you a view of what is holding back the look of your home, and lets you sift through ideas of change and updating. Is your coffee table too small or broken? Are your kitchen cupboards looking grubby? Is your doormat in tatters? Do you need a couch recovered? Very often it’s the simple things that won’t cost a fortune that can revolutionise the look of your home. Decluttering produces clarity and vision, and lets you quickly see where an improvement can be usefully effected. 

See the real value of your home: If you’re wanting to sell, the first thing you might be advised to do, is clear the clutter. There are vital selling points in every home which, if hidden by too much mess and furniture, fade from effect through poor lighting and visibility. Decluttering allows you to make those valuable décor points such as fireplaces, shelving, the spaciousness of a room, access points and good design more evident and pleasing. 

Clearing the chief culprits of clutter: The decluttering process itself need not be too traumatic – unless of course, the situation is dire. Often a simple clean out and upgrading can make the whole house shine up. There are just five key areas to tackle that can make a big difference in your life and the general feel of your home: 

Kitchen – all you have to do in essence, is tidy this space. A cluttered kitchen is just plain messy. Clear up space in cupboards and put things away. If cupboards need fixing, get that done. Maybe repaint the room in a new colour or change handles on cupboard doors. The kitchen is probably the most important space in your house. 

Bookcases – resort your books, throw away old ones that you will never read again, and repack in order of size. A tidy bookcase is always an unobtrusive but effective décor tool. 

Hallway – it’s any visitor’s first impression, so if you don’t declutter anywhere else, this is it. Hang up coats, remove piles of old post, take out as much furniture as possible. Let in the light, find a place for a bowl of flowers, and space for a new picture or two. A simple transformation! 

Cupboards – clearing out cupboards can give great satisfaction. It gives you more space to find things, and to put things away so that you don’t have half your belongings lying about. Another simple and effective measure for clarity and order. 

Garage – probably the worst culprit for clutter. Everything you want to clear out of the house invariably goes in the garage. So this is a biggie for most people. Get it done! You may not be living in the garage, but it’s one of the chief giveaways of how you live!

Udumo’s Mission: The combined energy of empowerment and aesthetic design

Udumo Group delivers interior décor and design services by empowering unemployed people with skills development initiatives. We believe in investing in the individual, nurturing inherent skills, and uplifting communities. Our interior design philosophy is to design beautiful spaces that are both functional and timelessly pleasing. We believe that through promoting the values of creative excellence, discipline and commitment, we are able to bring out the best in people, motivating positive surroundings and the value of living and working in such spaces.

In the old days, the local pub was the traditional haunt for social engagement, relaxation, and entertainment. But in the last couple of decades, the rise in the popularity of coffee shops has shouldered pubs aside, replacing smoky dimness with bright and cosy intimacy. As an arena for business and employment opportunities, coffee shops are booming – and the Barista – the coffee signature designer – presents a bold new venture in careers.

Coffee has been popular for a long time, and there have been coffee houses as far back as the 1800s – but today’s booming trade in the ubiquitous bean has truly moved the coffee shop to preferred choice for a meeting place, both for unwinding and for business. Young professionals prefer the ambience of the coffee shop to the dreary environment of a boardroom or office. Taking meetings out of the formal arena and into the relaxed, social environment of the coffee shop helps to foster more creativity and engagement from a business perspective. It seems that business and the bean are best buddies!

But how does the coffee shop polish its brand in a city bursting with competitive spaces? The variety of coffees offered is one thing, the good food additions are another – but the most important key to these popular gathering points is the ambience created by the décor.

The scope of décor

There is no one décor that fits all coffee shops. No, their attraction lies in the different experience provided by individual coffee shops. Décor falls into three major areas, with many variations on a theme

Shabby Chic: Women particularly love this one. There is a mish-mash of seating arrangements from antique-looking couches to small, wrought iron tables and chairs, a deli area full of delightful packets and tins to take home, and old pictures and touches of lace and pearls. This is a place to linger, relax and connect with old friends. 

Metal and mood: Modern, utility look with strategic lighting. Everything is textured – from the walls to the metal-topped tables. Shiny, edgy, industrial. The feeling is modern, purposeful, high quality, and focused engagement. This is truly the place of the young professional or the freelancer looking for stimulation and the confident injection of other sharp minds. 

Fresh and green: Open, clear, clean-cut spaces with comfortable wooden seating, plenty of plants around, elegance and art in a discreet mix of textures and pale colours. There is business to discuss here but the clarity of lighting exudes quality, freshness and most importantly, good health. 

The importance of décor

• Cosy is key. Ambience is everything. The way people feel within the confines of the shop is as important as the taste of the coffee. Let’s face it: coffee in the right décor can lift the spirits and send you out feeling way more positive than you might have been going in. The interior creates a visual impact, an identity portrayed in such a way that people feel immediately comfortable and encouraged to return again and again.
• Decoration of these spaces is a work of art. A mood mover. The type of furniture and its specific placing, together with lighting, walls, textures and colours, creates a feeling that should relax and enhance perceptions and connections, both to the surroundings and the social engagement taking place.
• In fact, creating these interiors is so important that there are interior designers in the market who offer designing cafes as their speciality. They understand the menu, mood, the expectations, and the trends; and they design effectively according to the desired look and the budget, always remembering that everything in the café affects the perception of the customer.
• Interior design is not limited solely to the décor, but also includes crockery, food presentation, table settings, and even the costumes of the staff. Everything has a different effect on the customer’s mind. Coffee shops have become almost an entertainment in themselves, vying for attention it seems with startlingly different décor and experiences, exploring themes to constantly attract attention and create feelings of comfort.
  
   

• Good design is the secret to attracting attention, flaunting a different approach, maintaining interest, and giving the customer feelings of motivation, clarity and connection. An interesting menu will complement the décor: smart, elegant, heavenly tasting with a fresh effect. The décor entices, but should not be let down by the food or the service.
• Décor in any coffee shop should present: individuality; personal attention; a relaxed, informal space; sociability; flexibility; a sense of global camaraderie; variety; friendliness; an upmarket vibe.
  
  

 Udumo Group delivers interior décor and design services by empowering unemployed people with skills development initiatives. We believe in investing in the individual, nurturing inherent skills, and uplifting communities. Our interior design philosophy is to design beautiful spaces that are both functional and timelessly pleasing. We believe that through promoting the values of creative excellence, discipline and commitment, we are able to bring out the best in people, motivating positive surroundings and the value of living and working in such spaces. For information on Udumo Group, visit: www.udumogroup.co.za    

“Mall operators must expand their horizons of what a mall can be. They must envision themselves no longer as real estate brokers, but instead as customer-facing providers of shoppable entertainment.” ~ Roberto Fantoni – The Future of the Shopping Mall

Initially, shopping centres were merely a matter of convenience: a number of shops together under cover for convenient shopping. But things have moved on, and today when consumers visit malls, they are looking for experiences that go well beyond traditional shopping – they expect a mix of leisure and entertainment designed to delight and appeal through a host of activities other than shopping.

The new colosseum

Apart from the inclusion of cinemas, skating rinks, restaurants, children’s play areas, art galleries, concerts, spas, fitness clubs, digital workspaces, etc – the environmental décor has become an important feature of the attraction. There are a number of techniques at play from the moment you step through those glass doors into a world of sumptuous possibility – techniques designed to specifically enthral and engage.

 
Colour and texture: The first is colour, the gleam and shiny intrigue of diverse shopfronts vying for attention. While the theme throughout the centre blends to give visitors a sense of seamless design, each shop maintains its own look and feel. The smooth textures of chrome, brass, glass and marble combine to give any centre a glamourous look, intensifying the desire to buy…well, something.

Colour is used to intrigue and beguile – from bright expressions between and around shopfronts to the cool and shiny, light-reflecting floor tiles. Colour can both calm and energise, warm and comfort – and focus attention. It’s a magic tool in any designer’s vision. 

  

Space, size and volume: A modern shopping centre is designed to impress – and to do so on a large scale. There must be space for the easy flow of large numbers of people browsing from shop to shop, and window shopping. More than one floor is helpful in creating a feeling of space, along with escalators, lifts, walkways, kiosks, fountains, plants, stairs and balconies. Soaring ceilings with broad skylights give a further sense of volume.    

  

The larger the centre the more exciting the exploration becomes, providing a feeling of adventure and the unexpected; every new shop offers a treasure trove of interesting possibility. The purpose of the grandiose shopping centre is to make the visit worthwhile and to present the shopper with every convenience, while at the same time ensuring the visit is both enjoyable and unforgettable. 

Lighting: This is a formidable tool in the décor designer’s box of tricks. Lighting adds a glow, an energy, an iridescent gleam to the array of textures carefully juxtaposed to attract shoppers to linger, mesmerised by the colours and bright lights. Lighting adds warmth, welcome and good cheer, leading the eye and lifting the mood.

Security: Going shopping today is a whole different experience to 30 years ago. Shopping centres provide security in the form of crowds, guards, and cameras and alarms. You can be robbed anywhere, but it is much less likely in a shopping centre with lots of people around. People enjoy the gathering, the camaraderie and the endless options to purchase in safety.

Udumo’s Mission: The combined energy of empowerment and aesthetic design

Udumo Group delivers interior décor and design services by empowering unemployed people with skills development initiatives. We believe in investing in the individual, nurturing inherent skills, and uplifting communities. Our interior design philosophy is to design beautiful spaces that are both functional and timelessly pleasing. We believe that through promoting the values of creative excellence, discipline and commitment, we are able to bring out the best in people, motivating positive surroundings and the value of living and working in such spaces.

For information on Udumo Group, visit: www.udumogroup.co.za 

Light up the Stage

Begin with the centre of attention – and that’s the stage. Lighting plays a major role here. You can transform mood and meaning with lighting. And in this way, the stage is your first tool in conveying your message. So use it to mesmerise with colour and the unexpected. With modern technology, you can introduce the ‘wow’ factor with pictures, film, sound and 3D projection. You can immerse your audience in drama or beauty or a sense of exhilaration. 2019 trends sees the stage being used to achieve your message through full engagement of the audience, and also their participation. And therefore the design is key to your goal. 

Keynote Speakers

The days when a speaker stood at a podium and doled out a prepared speech are long gone. Today you need to bring in speakers who will engage on a personal note with the audience, and who will deliver fresh perspectives. Speakers who can entertain while they also inform are crucial to motivating and encouraging creative thinking in the audience. Be bold, be controversial, drive diverse opinion and intelligent argument – but use speakers that fire up the audience to participate.

Part of the Furniture

A real trend in 2019 is the use of creative seating solutions. Instead of the usual rows and rows of straight-backed chairs, rather use couch settings and coffee tables to create intimate spaces, ‘rooms’ where people can experience a more friendly and informal vibe while enjoying the show or the speakers. Different types of seating from high cocktail tables and stools, to armchairs, to benches and large cushions – all create a more comfortable environment; and the more relaxed an audience might be, the more they pay attention. 

Personalised Experience

Customising the experience is going to be a big trend in 2019. And this means more than just printing an attendee’s name on a tag. There will be much more interaction in the communications, and attendees will be able to participate in activities, voice their opinions, test speakers and other attendees with pertinent questions. Even before the event attendees will be shown the schedule and asked for feedback, bringing in any personal elements to the fore. Even more impressively, you can prepare a list of restaurants close to the conference centre specifically chosen to suit a questionnaire the attendee has answered before the event. Every bit of personal information gleaned before the attendee arrives at the event, can be used in a way that will resonate individually.

Hands-on Experience

This year be sure to cut down the length of speeches. Shorter talks interspersed with participatory activities will keep the audience engaged and lively. It’s time to form teams and test each other, put into practice what has been learned, and truly experience the value of the event.

Leisure

It’s not all work and no play. People perform better when there are breaks for relaxation and a change of scene. Sometimes this can be just entertainment – or a luncheon, or a bus trip to see the local sites. Time to connect with other attendees is good, and some ‘touristy’ options are becoming more popular, and helping to imprint the impact of the event.

The Invitations

Sending an invitation that presents a visual entertainment is another popular trend. With some clever tech magic, you can light up the invitation on the recipient’s screen and play out the invite as a colourful foretaste of the event itself. The use of colour, design and words create a mini-effect of what lies in wait at the event itself. 

Cool Swag

Swag is always popular, but make sure your attendees leave with truly useful items other than a branded pen and notebook. For instance, a small booklet detailing highlights of the event for quick review, will serve as a valuable takeaway. Swag should work, just like every other aspect of the event, to imprint your message in memory and emotion. The idea is always to leave a lasting impact on personal learning and growth – and swag should be a condensed version of the event and the message; not just a couple of small gifts, but a revitalising and motivating reminder.

Udumo’s Mission: The combined energy of empowerment and aesthetic design

Udumo Group delivers interior décor and design services by empowering unemployed people with skills development initiatives. We believe in investing in the individual, nurturing inherent skills, and uplifting communities. Our interior design philosophy is to design beautiful spaces that are both functional and timelessly pleasing. We believe that through promoting the values of creative excellence, discipline and commitment, we are able to bring out the best in people, motivating positive surroundings and the value of living and working in such spaces. For information on Udumo Group, visit: www.udumogroup.co.za ###

You know that feeling that you get when you walk into a house? That sense of personality that a space can affect depending on the choice of décor? There’s either a sense of stability, grace and settled comfort – or a more modern, edgy engagement where the statement is clearly ‘now’ or even futuristic; an exciting, motivating undercurrent of imminent change.

Sometimes the choice between classic and updated can reflect your personality – but it is personal. How you like to feel in your environment is paramount to how you will choose space, colour, design and functionality. Sometimes, however, there’s a lovely blend where classic lines meet stylish innovation. Timeless is just that – and its effect can underpin more trendy applications with subtle influence, bringing a sense of continuance to the  sharper, quirkier designs of immediate fashion.

Timeless

The Victorian Bathtub: Well, who would credit that after all these years, these bathtubs would still be considered the height of luxury and chic? Often made with cast iron and lined with porcelain, they began to grace homes in the early 18 ^th century. For a while they fell out of favour in the sixties and seventies, but made a remarkable comeback and now steadily remain an elegant and comfortable choice – both the originals which are considered more valuable than gold, and their more modern counterparts in splendidly innovative design. 

Fireplaces: They will never lose their charm. Whether functional or decorative, fireplaces are always a focal point of a room, especially when there’s the warming light of a roaring fire. Old fireplaces are refurbished and cherished by those who know their value as a décor item. Timeless and trendy, fireplaces afford a sense of luxury in any room, whether old-fashioned or lit with the magic dance of biofuel behind glass. 

Area rugs: We will never give these up. They add colour and pattern and a focal point to any room. They define the shape of the room and are often the basis for décor. Rugs provide warmth, comfort and a sense of luxury to any space. They are the cosy element which, like a fireplace, blends with any trendy update you may have in mind.

Colour: Colour is a mood mover. White remains cool and relaxing, as do softer pastels. Neutrals can only be timeless. There’s safety in the simplicity of off-white in a host of delicate shades from pinks to greys. The sense of calm created by softer colours will never go out of fashion; they provide classic décor opportunities and are easily blended with trendy upgrades like cushions and throws, making it easier to change a look than an expensive paint job. 

Mirrors: These are the light reflectors that open a room, enhance space and give a sense of a wider view. Mirrors just never go out of style. You can put them anywhere to capture and return images of light and life. Whether ornate or jazzily disconnected in patterns, leaning or mounted, large or small, they add points of scintillating beauty to any room. 

Built-in bookcases: These are an enduring favourite. They add value to a home. A built-in bookcase provides ‘lived-in’ homeliness, a sense of style and old-fashioned comfort intermixed. You can have them in any room; they offer functionality and convenience, orderliness and character. And none of that goes out of style. 

White kitchens: Kitchens are sensitive places. They are the heart of any house – but also a benchmark of change. A dated kitchen can reduce the value of your house. But whatever the style, the usefulness of white kitchens never loses appeal because there is so much opportunity to adapt and innovate any time the mood takes you. Apart from looking refreshingly clean and efficient, there is a brightness and lightness that is attractive in a working environment. Your colour scheme can revolve as fashions come and go – and simply changing the handles on drawers and cupboards can create a new look – from timeless to modern. 

Artwork: Your choice can range from classic to modern art. It doesn’t matter. Art can find itself a fit in almost any décor. Sometimes it can become an individual focal point, a disruption that holds the eye, and adds boldness to an otherwise conventional surround. Art is personal – but the right pieces, situated advantageously – can make timelessness new and trendy in subtlety and canny juxtaposition.

Trending

Neutrality: This is still hugely popular: plain colours, understated hues, low-key designs. A wall with a wash of grey, a couch perhaps as a focal point, blending with pillows and throws, a splash of colour here and there, more for effect than function. The current trend is all about sophistication and power, emphasizing fresh and new but exuding a strong sense of solidity. Neutral blends easily with modern aspects, offering a background you can brighten up without losing that feeling of modernity and plush comfort. Neutrality is timeless, but new colour innovations are always trending. 

Picture frames: The plainer the better. The new chic is large white frames. Clean-cut against a pale shaded wall, the frames enhance the picture but also the style of the room in general. It’s a ‘boxed’ look that draws the attention to the inner depths of the art. The effect is deceptively intrusive, quietly bold. 

Hand-crafting: This is popular from fittings to coffee tables, to lamps and cushions. People are enjoying more customised pieces in their homes, commissioning tiled artwork, personal embroidered cushion covers, unique lighting solutions, etc. Personalise your home for individual satisfaction, celebrate the art of handicrafts, and make your home truly unique. 

Natural: Stone, copper, wood, concrete, brass, granite are definitely the new trends. Organic is the feeling, natural is the experience, elegance is the look. These finishes help to create a softer, warm feeling that is less sharp and clinical than stainless steel and chrome. Brass is now leading the field, adding subtle warmth and old-world charm in a modern twist. 

Velvet: A marvellous return of a superbly textured fabric! Both luxurious and beautiful, It offers comfort and colour – and a scintillating lift to any room. Whether for couches or cushions, velvet offers a level of sophistication that is going to wow us through 2019, and is set to be the most sought-after interior design decorating trend. 

Bolder colour: Though neutrality rules, bolder colours in accessories are becoming more evident. Smack that muted grey with pink or red! Richer hues through your home can uplift the moods of rooms, and people. Brighter colours also serve to highlight your quieter shades, bringing in opportunities to be both jazzy and tasteful – a balance that helps to avoid the heaviness of bright colours and the boredom of too much neutrality. Changing colours lets you up the tempo whenever you feel like it.

Florals: An old style revamped to fresh approach in colour and format. Whereas before flowers were kept to natural sizes in intricate patterns, modern flowers are large and bold. You can have one wall entirely covered by one massive flower. The effect is fantastic and playful. Flowers never go out of fashion, but modern décor makes them powerful and trendy in all locations, from private homes, to retail stores, to offices. Artwork and fabrics filled with their bright and complex designs hold attention and exude beauty, tranquillity, and the power of nature. Big flowers are the bold trend of 2019. 

Udumo’s Mission: The combined energy of empowerment and aesthetic design

Udumo Group delivers interior décor and design services by empowering unemployed people with skills development initiatives. We believe in investing in the individual, nurturing inherent skills, and uplifting communities. Our interior design philosophy is to design beautiful spaces that are both functional and timelessly pleasing. We believe that through promoting the values of creative excellence, discipline and commitment, we are able to bring out the best in people, motivating positive surroundings and the value of living and working in such spaces. For information on Udumo Group, visit: www.udumogroup.co.za  

The juxtaposition of mind and surroundings is ever with us. We are continually influenced by the way an exterior experience makes us feel – and that includes the way we perceive simple things around us such as furniture, lighting, colour.

To focus on that interaction between our thoughts and our surroundings takes some concentration – a clear, deliberate moment when we stop our hurried thoughts, our busy brains, and say: Look! Look and feel the moment. See the bed, the blanket, the untidy row of shoes. See it! And confront it in the moment – and analyse how you feel. And how you can put it right, make it better. That is mindfulness coming into action in décor.

The meaning of mindfulness

Mindfulness means experiencing with full awareness and heart our feelings in a moment-by-moment view, our bodily sensations, our surroundings. Mindfulness means looking at things in a way that is unjudgmental and critical. Mindfulness quietens the soul, and focuses on the present fully so that issues of the past, or fear of the fear, slip away and leave us with a clear, calm vision of what we are experiencing in a current moment. It gives us the ability to make more rational decisions.

Naturally it requires practice. It isn’t the easiest thing to do. Our minds are often dominated by worry of what ‘has’ to be done and what ‘might’ happen. Busyness can be both detrimental and beneficial; but bringing your conscious mind into focus in moments of anxiety can be extremely relaxing. In a moment, you can stop, look, and feel. Mindfulness and the environment means bringing a host of elements into balance, streamlining shapes, colours and combinations. When there is space in a home for a mind to relax, then mindfulness becomes easier.

Ways to streamline, relax and really see and feel your surroundings

One: Your house as a whole. Firstly, look at your home as one entity, flowing from room to room, and creating its character from the way space has been used, and the way one item of furniture works with another, or how a set of cushions or a picture carry a sense of continuity through the house. Nothing garish that suddenly clashes with the mood of each room.

Two: Colours. Probably one of the most important exterior aspects to affect the senses and bring the mind into focus is colour. For a sensation of relaxation, you need to avoid bright, vibrating colours like red and yellow. Instead, choose tranquil shades like pale calico, dove greys, blue and green, stone colours, and shades reminiscent of the sea. Even gentle pastels like lavender and pink could work, mixed in with white. Matte is better than high gloss. Furnishings should follow a quieter flow of colour, including artwork and pictures. When there is a blend of colour rather than a clash, even if that might seem trendy and effective, the mind will feel less pressure and greater clarity.

Three: Texture. Bringing in different materials, juxtaposed for light and shade is enormously stimulating for the mind, giving an extra dimension in sharpness and comprehension, which is important to mindfulness. Use beading, wallpaper, wood, alternate rough furnishings with smooth. The desire to touch is important and adds another aspect to the atmosphere of mindfulness you’re trying to create.

Four: Declutter. Nothing benefits mindfulness than less stuff. Get rid of anything that has no purpose and is really just in the way. Too much busyness in your surroundings can cause subtle agitation – which certainly unproductive in the mindfulness book. Minimalist is of course the perfect way to go, but you don’t really need to live in a naked house – you can balance and match furniture and objects by colour and style, have enough to please the eye and comfort the soul. It’s not always the amount of stuff, but the way you arrange it. Low furniture for instance, always gives a sense of more space.

Five: Windows. Let there be light – the more the better. If you have small windows use blinds instead of curtains. This opens up the window area and lets in more light. Wider windows can be framed by curtains, but keep to paler shades to complement the light coming through. Light is important to enhancing mindfulness, it makes you more aware of objects and surroundings. It channels your attention to hues and shapes. Natural light is always a good feeling.

Six: Natural materials. The warmth of wood, the security of stone, the shine of silk, the rough comfort of pure wool – all these materials will add a sense of permanence and reality to every moment. Surrounding yourself with the touch of natural energy is helpful to bringing the mind into harmony with the environment.

Seven: Plants. Greenery and life growing in strategic places brings you into closer touch with nature even in the confines of a home. Plants give a greater sense of air, bring the breath of life from the outside to the inside. And plants pulse and grow in their own moment; non-judgemental they simply exist and let you be, enhancing mindfulness.

Eight: Tidiness. Keeping things in place and neatly stored is hugely conducive to keeping the mind clear. If your surroundings are clear of clutter and things lying about, you will find it easier to focus your mind on clear moments, challenge yourself to feel time shrinking to highlight a moment of pure enjoyment, of satisfaction, of simply being without worry or harassment.

Nine: Scent. This is important. Scent will lead the senses every time. If you have soft scents of lavender or geranium in your home, you will feel a heady sense of relaxation. Scent, soft and calming or aromatic and uplifting, acts as a reminder of that floating feeling every time it pervades your home, keeping the mind both relaxed and energised.

Ten: Old and loved. Keep it real. If you have an environment that is starkly minimal or furniture that is just for show and you’re worried something may leave a mark, then you will never learn to relax. Keep order, but make a home where you can wrap into your own thoughts. Choose finishes and materials that get better with age: Persian carpets, leather chairs, some loved antique pieces, pillows that give real comfort. A lived-in home with some old-worldly charm and vintage pieces will never lose its appeal. Love for these things is not materialism but rather love in the moment, for all the memories they evoke in a quietened mind and a grateful heart.

Udumo’s Mission: The combined energy of empowerment and aesthetic design

Udumo Group delivers interior décor and design services by empowering unemployed people with skills development initiatives. We believe in investing in the individual, nurturing inherent skills, and uplifting communities. Our interior design philosophy is to design beautiful spaces that are both functional and timelessly pleasing. We believe that through promoting the values of creative excellence, discipline and commitment, we are able to bring out the best in people, motivating positive surroundings and the value of living and working in such spaces.

For information on Udumo Group, visit: www.udumogroup.co.za  

Bringing any house into the light in order to present it at its best may not necessarily prove to be an expensive exercise. What you really need is vision and imagination – and a canny knowledge of light and perspective. Here are some tips and tricks to assure that any house on display will show its best features and highlight every advantage:

A range of tips

Airy, open space
Making the interior of the house appear larger is key. And one of the biggest factors affecting space can be doors. They take up a large amount of space without us realising it. Put in sliding doors if you must have a door – but where you can, take the doors away entirely. Archways are a good way to go to create division, yet leave space.

The furniture fix
Keeping the rooms minimally decorated is the best way to show off the potential of a showhouse. With less furniture in each room, you again create a feeling of space and calm. It also makes it easier for buyers to mentally envision their own furniture in those spaces, immediately giving a powerful sense of home creation.

Multi-function space
It is becoming more common to have a kitchen, dining and living all in one open plan. This may be costly to effect in a home that does not have this feature, but sometimes it can be more easily effected that one realises. Open plan does tend to enhance the home because it saves space that would normally be taken up by walls and doors. It gives the viewer a sweeping, quick overview of a home’s potential, which is always more easily represented in the living areas.

Keep to the light
There’s nothing worse than walking into a dimly lit house. One gets the impression of pokiness and dusty shadows. So, light up the house – pale walls, light curtains or shutters. In any well-designed house, windows should be strategically placed so that light shines through and is reflected off the walls. Even if the house is compact, there will be an illusion of space.

Glass and chrome
Whatever the fashion, the use of glass and chrome does add the light in a room and also gives greater sense of space. A glass-topped dining table looks as though it is hardly there and there is no ‘broken’ view of the room. With the shine of chrome there is always the feeling that the furniture is brand new.

Carpet uniformity
The flooring is as crucial as the wall for ensuring light and spaciousness. It’s best to use the same plain, light coloured carpets or tiles throughout the house to give the impression of space. Patterns should preferably be muted or avoided.

Quality of finish
Show houses have to display the best in finishes. There are many people examining a showhouse at any one time, and you will have to appeal to the most discerning. Finishes should give the impression of the latest fashion, style and of durability. Good finishes give a house a look of elegance and sophistication.

Landscaping
Paying attention to opening up space in the garden is just as important as creating space in the house. Landscaping is a good way to set up flower beds, lawns and features that enhance a feeling of openness and orderliness. This can be done over a few months and need not cost a fortune, but can hugely improve the look of the house.