Thinking Outside the Box (or Basket)
You know, sometimes I find the most inspiration in the most unexpected places. Like the other day, I was wandering through an antique shop and came across this old woven basket – nothing special, really, just a simple, functional basket. But as I studied the intricate weaving patterns, I started to see the potential. What if I could use this basket in a way that was totally outside the box? That’s when the creative juices really started flowing.
As a designer for ABC Home & Renovation in Aberdeen, I’m always on the lookout for unique materials and unconventional ways to incorporate them into my designs. After all, what’s the fun in playing it safe all the time? That’s why I was so excited to dive into the world of basketry and see how we could use these humble, handcrafted vessels to add some serious drama and visual interest to our clients’ spaces.
Baskets Galore
One of my favorite ways to use baskets is in lighting fixtures. Now, I know what you’re thinking – baskets and lighting, really? But hear me out. There’s something about the interplay of light and shadow that happens when you use a woven basket as a lampshade that is simply mesmerizing.
Take for example the basket pendant lights we installed at the Ham Yard Hotel’s Roof Terrace. By hanging a flock of these dangling orbs at varying heights, we were able to create a real sense of drama and visual interest in the space. It’s like a modern take on a classic chandelier, but with a distinctly earthy, organic feel.
And over at The Whitby Bar, we took things to the next level with a stunning basket installation. We hung 52 “Baskets of Britain” from a horizontal ladder above the bar, placing little pendant lights between them so the light could dance through the woven gaps. It’s a powerful celebration of this age-old craft, with each basket rooted in a specific local culture and history. I love the idea of one of our guests enjoying a martini while glancing up and reading about the Northumbrian Fish Wife’s Creel – it just adds this lovely layer of storytelling to the space.
Weaving in Texture
But baskets aren’t just for lighting – they can also be used to add incredible texture and visual interest to your décor in other ways. Take these rattan lampshades I used in a recent project – the woven texture instantly adds a sense of warmth and depth to the space, complementing the sleek, modern lines of the sconce beautifully.
And then there are those incredible PET Lamps designed by Alvaro Catalán de Ocón. As a response to the contamination of the Colombian Amazon, he came up with this genius idea to use recycled plastic bottles as the structural form, then have local artisans weave traditional textiles around them. The result is this stunning, vibrant pendant light that not only looks beautiful, but also carries an important message about sustainability and craftsmanship.
I love how these kinds of unexpected materials can really elevate a space and add an element of surprise. It’s like finding a hidden gem in the middle of an ordinary room – it just makes you stop and take notice.
Tin Ceilings and Beyond
But baskets and woven textures aren’t the only unexpected materials I like to play with. Take, for example, the humble tin ceiling tile. Sure, it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think “dramatic decor,” but hear me out.
These days, tin ceiling tiles are available in all sorts of colors and patterns, from classic white to bold, graphic designs. And the best part is, they’re super easy to install – you can just screw them right into the drywall, no plywood required. It’s a simple way to transform a ho-hum ceiling into a real showstopper.
I’ve used tin tiles to create stunning feature walls in dining rooms, adding instant texture and visual interest. Or, you can go for a more subtle approach and use them to accentuate architectural details, like crown molding or exposed beams. The possibilities are endless!
And let’s not forget about the floor – that’s another often-overlooked canvas for unexpected materials. I’ve seen some incredible dining rooms where the homeowners have used a rug-like painted pattern on the floor to really anchor the space. Or you could go for something more unexpected, like reclaimed wood or even a concrete finish.
Architectural Accents
Speaking of architectural details, those can be another great way to infuse your space with some unexpected drama. Think arched entryways, exposed beams, or even a cozy built-in banquette. These kinds of architectural elements can instantly elevate a room and make it feel so much more intentional and thoughtful.
One of my favorite projects was a dining room where we installed a stunning fireplace – not your typical living room feature, but it totally transformed the space. The homeowners went for a modern, wall-mounted electric fireplace, which added an instant focal point and a cozy, romantic vibe. And the best part? It didn’t require any major construction, so it was a relatively easy and affordable way to make a big impact.
Putting it All Together
At the end of the day, I think the key to creating dramatic decor is being willing to think outside the box and experiment with unexpected materials. Whether it’s baskets, tin tiles, or architectural accents, the goal is to find those hidden gems that can really make a space come alive.
Of course, it’s all about striking the right balance – you don’t want to overwhelm the room with too many bold elements. That’s where my designer’s eye comes in handy, helping to carefully curate the right mix of unexpected materials and classic design principles.
So, the next time you’re looking to add a little extra oomph to your space, don’t be afraid to get creative. Who knows, that old basket or that tin ceiling tile might just be the secret ingredient you’ve been missing. After all, the most dramatic spaces are often the ones that surprise and delight us in the most unexpected ways.
