For the lover of interior design...

Welcome and thank you for visiting.

To my blog followers, I thank you for your support.

My ‘Design Desire’ blog is aiming to share my interior design knowledge with anyone who is interested in the subject. Also available in Malay translation (2011 – 2015). I hope you will follow my DESIGN DESIRE journey...

If you like to work with me, simply visit my interior design website and please contact me.


DESIGN DESIRE TOPIC OF THE WEEK:


Thursday 31 December 2015

STUDY ABROAD: CAREER PROSPECTS INTERVIEW WITH MALAYSIAN INTERIOR DESIGNER, NIK A RAMLI

It is now December...

Another post for Design Desire. So, this time, I love to share with you an interview between me and Hotcourses Abroad.

So here you are... taken from Hotcourses published article.




CAREER PROSPECTS INTERVIEW WITH MALAYSIAN INTERIOR DESIGNER


We met with interior designer Nik A Ramli, who resides in England and has made a name for himself, both in Malaysia and in the UK. We couldn’t get enough of Nik’s charming personality and his enthusiasm for glamorous designs at affordable prices. If you’d like to find out how a creative interior designer makes a name for himself in this competitive industry, then learn from one of the very best here and take Nik’s advice if you’re thinking of following his footsteps!


Q: What is interior design?

N: Many people including interior designers are confused as to what interior design is. Interior design is all about knowing space, the human being movement, traffic movement and psychology which involves colours and textures. Interior design is also about understanding clients. Some of the other areas that interior designers need to be aware of are safety, rules and regulations of building, and furniture.






Q: Tell us how you got into interior design?

N: After my SPM, I joined a private college in Malaysia and did a Diploma in Interior Design. After graduation, I worked with an interior design and architectural company. After a while, I realised that having a Diploma alone was not enough. I needed to learn more and understand what interior design is all about. I enrolled myself at British Council to brush up my English, and then applied to various universities in the UK. I was offered a place in Bradford University and jumped on the opportunity because it was nice to go to the same place where my father furthered his education. I then went on to Leicester University to continue my degree and Masters. I met loads of friends along the way and of course, had a lot of fun.





Q: Are qualifications important to pursue a career in Interior Design?

N: Yes, they’re very important, but so is experience. You need a combination of both. During job interviews, people take you more seriously if you’ve got the right qualifications. In order to receive a promotion at work, experience helps but then again, qualifications are essential.






Q: What qualifications should students go for then? Diploma? Degree? Masters? Or even a PhD?

N: You only need a PhD if you want to go into education. In most cases, a degree or Masters is good enough. You learn different things on different levels. On a Diploma, you spend a lot of time sitting in the corner, drawing a vase, apple or flowers. It may be boring but you need to master the flow of drawing and seeing things. On a degree level, you’ll learn all about architecture and life figure drawings to get the movement of human figure. For Masters, you’ll do more research and analysis. Say you design a bar, you need to know the location that will sell your bar. Or if you designed an apartment, you need to consider if they’re sellable and take into account budgets and costs.






Q: What makes an interior designer special?

N: Every interior designer must have his own signature style. We’ve seen copy-cat designers, but they won’t go far. My style is laid-back glamour – I use high end furniture at moderate prices. I love using plants in design because they give a smooth feeling and I always go for a little ‘Oompah’. For example, I get inspiration from an existing artwork and use colours from the painting for furniture ideas. So if there’s a bit of yellow on the picture, I’d use that same colour for accessories like cushions or vases. And if the clients listen to Jazz every evening in the room, I’d throw in a little bit of traditional design classics like a Barcelona chair with loads of sophisticated furniture that are tall and streamlined. The older the pieces, the better! There’s inspiration in everything; from album covers to food and wallpaper. A creative interior designer finds inspiration around him.






Q: Your favourite project so far?

N: I designed a famous South Indian actor’s house. When I was first given the brief, my employer said the client will decide on whether to employ us based on my drawings. I thought – ‘The pressure is on!’ I came up with the perspectives, my company went to Mumbai to show them to the client and he fell in love with it straightaway. Another rewarding moment is when I went back to my client’s house in Belsize Park to see all my designs materialise in front of me! It was a lovely feeling when my client opened the door.






Q: Interior design sounds like hard work. What’s the most challenging bit?

N: Bringing out what the client wants is the tricky bit. We need to know clients very well. Whether you’re working with a company or a freelancer, you’re quite likely to compete with other designers for a project. For freelancers like myself, we rely on our website or word of mouth. It’s also important to create a strong rapport with clients so that you develop a closer relationship, allowing you to understand their style a little bit more.






Q: Any advice to students who wish to study interior design or hope to be one?

N: Try not to go freelance yet. First, get a job with a company to gain as much experience as you can, Work for companies or showrooms that represent beautiful products. Increase your product knowledge especially on furniture. Times are tough now. Do work placements on holidays as they’re the best way to learn about the business and a great place to pick the brains of some of the industry’s finest.





Find out if you've got the qualities of an interior designer or check out more of Nik’s works here.

















CAREER PROSPECTS INTERVIEW WITH MALAYSIAN INTERIOR DESIGNER Malay Translation:

Kepada pembaca yang budiman...

Rencana ini tidak di alih bahasa. Harap maaaf.


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Monday 30 November 2015

WHO IS MAMA CELESSE?

Hi everyone...

Check this out. An article Q & A published by Home & Decor. So, enjoy reading everyone.


WHO IS MAMA CELESSE?


MAMA CLESSE READY TO PARTY & MAMA CELESSE AT JAZZ PARTY



What if an interior designer puts his artistic skills onto canvas?

What would the results look like?

Our very own Nik A Ramli creates a bespoke collection of artworks, of the illustration genre. ‘Mama Celesse – Sensual with Hat, ‘Mama Celesse – Ready to Party,’ and ‘Mama Celesse – At Jazz Party,’ are all made using various mediums of hand drawing, computer aided rendering and giclee print on 190g satin.

Using his colour blocking skills, Nik incorporates bright palettes of yellow, orange, black, dark green, pink, navy, red, green and blue into his timeless collection.

Aesthetically fun and playful to look at, these beautiful artworks make perfect home decorations whether in a formal or an informal setting

.

MAMA CELESSE SENSUAL WITH HAT


They make great gifts especially for limited edition collectors.

Why?

We’re letting you in on a secret. There is only one Mama Celesse – Sensual with Hat in yellow, in the entire world.

So, what are you waiting for?

Get your hands on the bespoke limited edition collection before they’re sold out!

Drop an e-mail to Nik for more enquiries, nik@nikaramli.com



Me, with my MAMA CELESSE collection


MAMA CELESSE SENSUAL WITH HAT CUSHION COVER


MAMA CELESSE BEAUTIFUL FACE CUSHION COVER



WHO IS MAMA CELESSE? Malay Translation:


Kepada pembaca yang budiman...

Rencana ini tidak di alih bahasa. Harap maaaf.



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Saturday 31 October 2015

INTERIOR DESIGN 'MAMA CELESSE' CUSHION COVER

Dear wonderful readers...

This is an exciting month for me... 

I'm releasing my first cushion cover collection and guess what? Dunia Magazine, who have always been good to me, is the first to release an article about Mama Celesse collection.

Here you are as taken from the magazine.

Enjoy reading.




Nik A Ramli announces New Collection “Mama Celesse”, discusses inspiration behind cushion covers


PRESS RELEASE

Nik A Ramli is delighted to introduce a new bespoke limited edition collection of illustrated cushion covers printing throughout 2015 – 2016.

The collection comprises two designs simply called ‘Mama Celesse – Sensual with Hat’, ‘Mama Celesse – Beautiful Face’ with three different colours schemes for each range. This is the first new collection by Nik.

The designs and hue have been carefully selected to create a colourful front, which adds a sense of fun and play: A simple idea that creates a smile and a point of conversation.

‘Mama Celesse’ is constructed of linen weight synthetic fabric which is very similar in appearance to a natural linen fabric with its slubbed textured surface, they are printed on one side with a plain cream back. They are finished with envelope fastening with labels to the bottom right hand side. Key colours from the distinctive bright block palette have been used such as yellow, orange, black, dark green, pink, navy, red, bright green and bright blue.

The delightful covers definitely add an artistic individuality for the design conscious and taste makers. ‘Mama Celesse’ can be used independently or in combination, in glamorous or informal interior design schemes. These stylish, eye catching and vibrant cushion covers will keep you company all year round and through all seasons. They are ready for day to day home living and yes, also a perfect gift!

DUNIA MAGAZINE caught up with one of our favorite designers and authors Nik A Ramli on the heels of this announcement for a quick chat:




Why the name ‘Mama Celesse’?

The name has been playing in my mind, believe it or not, since 1987! One evening, I was home alone watching TV, in my own world not really concentrating on the screen and the phrase “MAMA would not like this would she?” came to mind.

To add rhythm and groove I added ‘Celesse’. The name kept on popping up in my conversations when I am having a laugh, whether it’s about a baby’s name, a friend’s outfit, anything light-hearted really.

So when I was creating my first design theme for the cushion cover collection (produced in the United Kingdom), the name was right up there on my list.

So, let me introduce you to ‘Mama Celesse’. Or should I say ‘Mama Celesse – Sensual With Hat’ and ‘Mama Celesse – Beautiful Face’.

What’s the inspiration behind the designs?

I love cushions and there are so many great designs out there but I haven’t always found the right design(s) for every setting so I decided to design produce my own design. 

The inspiration started off with the lips. It had to be attractive and sensual. That’s the key! As it happens, when I was a child my family always made fun of my big lips!

At the beginning of the design I worked with a lot of colour combinations playing with various design themes and sketches. I was aiming for something slightly abstract, not photorealistic. 

I’m very pleased with the final out come. Still, luscious lips alone would not be enough to do justice to ‘Mama Celesse’! She has to be vibrant and cheerful, to attract people’s attention. 

The designs and hues have been carefully selected to create a colourful front, which adds a sense of fun and play: A simple idea that creates a smile and a point of conversation. 

I wanted the cushion covers to look stylish, eye catching and vibrant. ‘Mama Celesse’ will keep you company all year round and through all seasons and they are ready for day to day home living. There are also enough colour accents in the collection that they can be used to accessorise a large number of interior design schemes.

What more can readers expect in the near future?

I hope to continue creating my soft furnishings collection to add fun, style and interest to our homes.

Having said that ‘Mama Celesse – Sensual With Hat’ is also available as a print. The limited edition, one copy only, Giclee Print (frame size 31cm X 31cm) has been chosen for display in this year’s Open Art Exhibition, in Leicester, UK from the 15th October until the end of the month including ‘Mama Celesse – Ready To Party’ and ‘Mama Celesse – At Jazz Party’.

I’m also in the final stages of retouching my interior design manuscript. It has been a long journey, but you’ll see it released in 2016!

Finally, thanks to all our readers, oh and by the way ‘Mama Celesse’ says, “Have a good day everybody”.


COLLECTION


MAMA CELESSE SENSUAL WITH HAT

MAMA CELESSE BEAUTIFUL FACE

Article credit: Dunia Magazine (clink to read the article via Dunia Magazine


MAMA CELESSE PROMO VIDEO 2


MAMA CELESSE PROMO VIDEO 1

YOURS TO OWN: MAMA CELESSE CUSHION COVER (CLICK TO ORDER)

YOURS TO OWN: MAMA CELESSE ARTWORK PRINT (CLICK TO ORDER)

INTERIOR DESIGN 'MAMA CELESSE' CUSHION COVER Malay Translation:

Kepada pembaca yang budiman...

Ini adalah bulan yang paling menyeronok kan... Saya mengeluarkan koleksi sarong kusyen saya yang pertama dan cuba teka? Dunia Magazine, yang selalu baik kepada saya, adalah yang pertaman mengeluarkan rencana mengenai koleksi Mama Celesse.

Ini lah rencana yang di petik dari majalah nya. Selamat menbaca.

Noktah: Rencana ini tidak di alih bahasa. Harap maaaf.

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Wednesday 30 September 2015

WORK SPACE INTERIOR DESIGN IDEAS

Hello there...

This month I like to share with you some of the best ideas for work space within our home. I hope you like it.

Picture credit: The Ultralinx

Picture credit: Decoist

Picture credit: HGTV

Picture credit: The Ultralinx

Picture credit: Dust Jacket

Picture credit: The Ultralinx

Picture credit: Home And Decor

Picture credit: BHG

Picture credit: Remodelista

Picture credit: Home And Decor

Picture credit: Dump A Day

WORK SPACE INTERIOR DESIGN IDEAS Malay Translation:

Helo...

Bulan ini saya ingin kongsi bersama beberapa cadangan yang baik untuk ruang kerja di dalam rumah kita. Saya harap semua akan suka.

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Monday 31 August 2015

KIDS BEDROOM INTERIOR DESIGN

Hello everybody...

It's the holiday season. And some of you with kids will know that it is time for kids to be around more at home. So why not give them a little inspiration to freshen up their bedroom? 

So here you are... Enjoy.


Picture credit: Buzz Feed

Picture credit: Murals Wallpaper

Picture credit: Brit + Co

Picture credit: Home Adore

Picture credit: Pintandouna Mama

Picture credit: Indulgy

Picture credit: Designiz

Picture credit: My Bungalow

Picture credit: Buzz Feed

Picture credit: House To Home

KIDS BEDROOM INTERIOR DESIGN Malay Translation:

Hello semua...

Kini adalah musim cuti. Dan di antara kita pula akan bersama anak-anak dan akan tahu bahawa ia adalah masa untuk kanak-kanak akan meluangkan masa lebih di rumah. Jadi mengapa tidak kita memberi mereka sedikit inspirasi untuk menyegarkan bilik tidur mereka?

Jadi di sinilah sumbernya... Selamat menikmati.

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Friday 31 July 2015

BEST HOTEL INTERIOR DESIGN AND MORE

So many people are going on holiday during the hot season. Some of us have booked our vacation with our family, love ones or by ourselves... 

This month I shall share with you some of the best photos of hotel interior design I found during my stay or Internet research.

Enjoy!

ENTRANCE

Picture credit: Boutique Hotel Calatrava

Picture credit: Double Tree

Picture credit: San Domenico House

LOBBY

Picture credit: Freshome

Picture credit: San Domenico House

Picture credit: Boutique Hotel Calatrava

BEDROOM

Picture credit: San Domenico House

Picture credit: Boutique Hotel Calatrava

Picture credit: Freshome

BATHROOM

Picture credit: Freshome

Picture credit: Cour Des Loges

Picture credit: Refined Guy

EAT AND DRINK 

Picture credit: Cour Des Loges

Picture credit: Design Wagen

Picture credit: Boutique Hotel Calatrava

GARDEN

Picture credit: Telegraph

Picture credit: Red Online

Picture credit: Jardin Del Eden


BEST HOTEL INTERIOR DESIGN AND MORE Malay Translation:

Ramai di antara kita akan pergi bercuti semasa musim panas. Sebahagian dari kita telah membuat tempahan berehat dengan keluarga, yang tersayang atau dengan diri sendiri...

Bulan ini saya akan berkongsi gambar-gambar hotel yang terbaik yang telah di duduki atau di jumpai semasa penyelidikan Internet saya.

Selamat menikmati!  

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