Puzzles have long been a part of many of our childhoods, and as the seasons change and we dust them off, it’s the perfect time to explore their deeper meaning and role in design. In the world of design, assembling a space is much like solving a puzzle—combining fabrics, woods, and other elements into a cohesive whole. A well-designed room can be seen as a puzzle, where every piece plays an integral role. On today’s blog we are looking at a few creative ways to introduce this playful concept into your space.
Built-in Pieces: Puzzling with Details
Built-in elements such as bars, counters, millwork, and islands offer a fantastic opportunity to experiment with design. At Warren Street Hotel, our team had fun designing the custom wooden slats for the bar, varying their colours along its length. This thoughtful sequencing not only makes the bar more playful but also highlights the beauty of meticulous detailing. Each colour and arrangement was carefully pre-planned, ensuring a harmonious final result.
Millwork: Layers of Creativity
In millwork, playing with different levels, lighting, and depth can turn an ordinary built-in piece into something extraordinary. By layering objects and books, you can transform a functional unit into a visually intriguing focal point. Take, for example, the shelving unit at The Soho Hotel in London, which features a built-in fireplace, overhead lighting, and a decorative ladder. The playful millwork, combined with artwork and accessories, brings the space to life, proving that thoughtful design is a puzzle worth solving.
Fabrics: Patchworking for Depth
Puzzling with fabrics is another exciting way to inject creativity into your design. At our Design Studio, we love to mix and match fabrics on a single piece, layering additional details to create visual interest. Whether it’s a patchworked fabric or the combination of various textiles on one object, the possibilities are endless. The sofa below brings together multiple fabrics to create a cohesive yet dynamic piece. Paired with the striking Raoul Textiles fabric on the headboard, these two elements communicate beautifully, despite their distinct origins and styles, creating a space that feels both complex and complete.
We hope this autumn encourages you to have fun puzzling over your spaces and experimenting with all the creative solutions you can find!