AZ INTERIORS blog about interior design, art and good style

Office reception area. Original contemporary painting by Alicia Zimnickas

One of AZ Interiors, Cambridge current jobs is designing an office space for Cambridge Intelligence, a company who help organisations uncover new insights into their connected data. Using applications built with KeyLines they offer new ways to join the dots in an organisations data and uncover valuable buried insights.

KeyLines, en inspiration for large, contemporary artworks.

Conference room interior design and original artwork by Alicia Zimnickas

Conference room interior design and original contemporary painting inspired by KeyLines by Alicia Zimnickas

Conference room. Contemporary painting inspired by KeyLines by Alicia Zimnickas

Alicia Zimnickas, founder and lead interior designer of AZ Interiors is designing and project managing the redevelopment and install of their offices in central Cambridge.

This company were looking for more than a standard office space, Alicia has brought function, style, art, nature and technology together to create a well designed, inspiring workspace for their employees.

An accomplished artist, Alicia Zimnickas (owner of AZ Interiors) often incorporates her original pieces within her interior design projects. Alicia has taken images of KeyLines and used them as inspiration for large bespoke artwork.

Having bespoke artwork in a workspace can have more meaning and connection for the viewer. Alicia's Zimnickas unique paintings, influenced by KeyLines not only have relevance for the staff working in this space, they are bright, vibrant and inspiring to look at, qualities which are often forgotten with office interiors.

Made to measure sofas and seating strengthens the bespoke feel about the interior. Foldable and movable tables make the space adaptable to different needs.

Clever aspects where design meets function have been used. A wall of chairs is both a design feature and functional; having the option to take down the chairs, use when required and returned to optimise space and style.

AZ Interiors has used the blue from the company logo and then introduced other natural colours and materials such as greens and plywood panelling. Inspired by nature, it adds an eco friendly and warm feeling to the environment. She has a large vertical garden as a feature wall, perfect for the lower level office with minimal light. The moss wall does not like sunlight nor does it require watering so the perfect fit for this space. A nod to nature and technology continues throughout the kitchen space with geometric natural wooden tiles

AZ Interiors has defined different areas of the space with the clever use of colour, Bolon floor vinyl define different areas such as workspace, kitchen and chill out areas with a focal point in the room where presentations take place. She has used large coloured perspex squares, suspended from the ceiling to define the reception entrance area giving depth and texture to this space.

They taken an uninspiring office space and transformed it into a heaven for inspiration, creativity and productively to thrive. Who knows, with environments like this to work in Monday mornings might be a thing to look forward to from now on…...

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How to Hygge (Hoo-Gah) like the Danes

4/29/2019

Brits rank 19th on the happiness polls with our Scandinavian friends at the very top. How can we improve?

The reason for this could be in part down to Hygge. Originally a Norwegian term for wellbeing, it was developed into a concept and way of living by the Danish in the 18th century and has been infiltrating the lives of Scandinavian countries ever since.
There is no direct translation in English, making it difficult to pinpoint its meaning. Some people describe it as “cosiness” or “togetherness” but its is more than these things, it is a mood or mental state, a concept, a way of life which can traverses all seasons. You can Hygge alone with a good book and coffee, or in the company of loved ones sharing a meal. Even places and surroundings can be Hygge-like which demonstrates how far reaching this concept is.
Hygge really comes alive in the winter months, and even in the coldest months when there is minimal daylight the Danes remain the happiest in the world. Here are a few tips:

Interior designers: AZ Interiors, Cambridge

Lighting
One aspect of Hygge is creating a warm, inviting and relaxing environment to be in. A very easy way of doing this is with candles, lighting is very important to the Danes, with them rumoured to be largest consumer of candles per capita in the world. Candles are an inexpensive way to transform your interior with their flickering glow giving a calm escape from the dreary winter outside. Scented candles add another dimension. Candles with essential oils such as lavender and Eucalyptus and Ylang Ylang which can promote calm and relieve anxiety.

Happiness lamps, or a least thats my name for them are lamps that wake you up slowly and naturally with a light, as the sun would do as it rises. No more blaring alarm clock jolting you from sleep in the dark. You wake up naturally as the light increases, there is a backup sound that gets louder when the alarm is set. The sounds of a forest or birds chirping. I personally was convinced by my friend I needed one of these last winter, I was a sceptic when it came to buying into the whole Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), believing people had just coined another unnecessary term for the sake of it but after my first full winter in Britain I knew better.
The Scandinavians have know this for a long time and have light therapy clinics, with some areas going so far as installing special UV lights at bus stops and other public places to treat SAD.

Interior designers: AZ Interiors, Cambridge

Texture
Adding texture to your home can give it depth and interest, chunky knits and throws, woven rugs and sheepskins all encompass what is is to be Hygge, get the open fire going and pour yourself a glass of glogg (Swedish mulled wine) and thee you have it!

Don't Rush
To truly Hygge you have to slow down, sit and be in the moment while drinking your morning coffee, take time out to sit in the sun, savour in the pleasure of the long relaxed dinner with friends. A growing movement around mindfulness is in keeping with the Hygge philosophy with practices such as yoga and meditation once seen as niche are now commonplace. As indie band Frightened Rabbit wrote “turn off the TV, its killing us, we never speak” Be in the moment, relax with the people around you give them and yourself your full attention.

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Making a mood board. Interior designers tips.

3/22/2019

Creating mood boards help to get your decorating ideas together and work out what your style is. Mood boards can include inspirational photographs, paint sample and material swatches. You can then go back and refer to your mood board when making a decision about a wall colour or rug purchase to see if it fits well with your original plan. This also helps with having a look that runs through your home and protects against each room looking disjointed. Today we have been making mood boards to gather ideas and inspiration for a large house renovation.

Please check our interior designers most recent projects in Cambridge here: https://www.az-interiors.co.uk/residential.html

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AZ INTERIORS, interior designers in Cambridge awarded "BEST OF HOUZZ" for DESIGN and SERVICE in 2019

2/26/2019

We are so excited to be awarded the "Best Of Houzz" 2019 awards.

“Best of Houzz is a true badge of honor as it is awarded by our community of homeowners, those who are hiring design, remodeling and other home improvement professionals for their projects,” says Liza Hausman, vice president of industry marketing for Houzz. “We are excited to celebrate the 2019 winners chosen by our community as their favorites for home design and customer experience, and to highlight those winners on the Houzz website and app.”
The badge is awarded in three categories: design, customer service and photography. Design awards honor professionals whose work was the most popular among the more than 40 million monthly users of Houzz.
Service awards are based on several factors, including a pro’s overall rating on Houzz and client reviews submitted in 2018. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the photography award.

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"Seeing the Light" feature about Alicia's Zimnickas home and her creative journey at Real Home, velvet Magazine, October 2019

11/7/2018

When artist-turned-interior designer Alicia Zimnickas bought her Cambridge home, a 1970s end of terrace, it was gloomy and unloved. Six years on and the house is a light-filled masterclass in contemporary design. Alice Ryan pays a visit

Alicia Zimnickas, Cambridge, 2018

From the curb, it looks much like any other terrace in the row: tiled frontage, flat roof, square bay, gravel drive. But, home to artist-turned-interior designer Alicia Zimnickas, the similarities end the minute you open the door.
Eye drawn by the light, the first thing you see is a far wall of windows onto the garden. Filling the open-plan living space with shades of soft sky-grey and lush tree-green, even on a dull autumn day the effect is delightful.
You barely notice the long, narrow hallway, distracted both by the guiding light from the windows and a stretch of ingenious optical-illusion wallpaper. “That’s what good interior design is all about,” says Alicia. “It’s about taking a space and making the very most of it. . .
“I think that’s the biggest reward of design for me: seeing how you can change a space and, consequently, change the way people live and work within it. Improving a space can honestly improve people’s lives.”
Her Trumpington end of terrace, which dates from 1975, is a case in point. When she and her family moved in – she has two children, 14 and 12 – there was definite room for improvement. Despite the windowed back wall, the ground floor living space was blighted with black spots, namely in the entrance hall and stairwell. Widening a doorway, replacing balustrading with reinforced glass, adding a strategic skylight, and turning walls and woodwork white, worked wonders.
“Light is a big thing for me,” explains Alicia. “I have to have it. Some people crave the sea, some crave the mountains – I crave light.”
A professional artist, as well as an interior designer, Alicia’s studio is on the first floor and her paintings hang on many walls. Large abstract tree and leaf-scapes, they fairly glow with filtered sunlight. “It was an art critic, commenting on one of my exhibitions, that first made the connection with light; he said I painted with it. I’d never realised that before, but he was right.”
Raised on the Polish border with Lithuania, her parents farmers, Alicia grew up “in a very rural place, surrounded by nature. That’s probably why nature is such a big influence in my art; everything we experience in life is an influence.”
Her artistic talent recognised at school, Alicia left home at 15 to take up a place at art college in Lithuania. “My parents weren’t at all happy. I was a bright girl; for them, success meant being a doctor or a lawyer. But I was stubborn.”
The transition was a daunting one, nevertheless: “It was a big border to cross; this was a time when there were tanks on the streets of Lithuania. And I was only 15. Looking back, that seems so young. Yet I was determined never to complain.”
A place at Warsaw’s Academy of Fine Arts followed. Despite doing a post-grad in industrial product design, Alicia continued to paint prolifically and, over a 17-year career in Eastern Europe, found both critical acclaim and a fan following for her work. Among her proudest achievements was a solo show at Arka, the famed gallery in Vilnius.
Then, having married a Brit and had her two children, life brought Alicia to the UK and her second career, in interior design. After doing a course at Chelsea School of Art, she launched her own business, A Z Interiors, four years ago, and has been in demand ever since.
Offering everything from two-hour at-home consultations to whole-house refurbishments – she’s currently working on a £2.5 million renovation project in Oxford – Alicia says she draws inspiration from both the personality of the property (“Is it Victorian, from the Seventies, a new-build?”) and the personality of its owners (“How do they use the space? Do they like colour? And pattern?”).
Again, her own home is a calling card. The interiors scheme doffs its cap to the property’s Sixties/Seventies heritage – take the ochre, grey and green in the palette, the orange glass pendant shade above the master bed, the splay-legged retro dining chairs. But it’s full of Alicia too, from her artwork on the walls to oriental accessories; Japan is her “absolute favourite place”.
Working on corporate as well as domestic schemes, Alicia has just completed a communal office space for Cambridge Intelligence. The walls alone are a triumph, sectioned into tufty living moss tiles, 3D plywood art, and stacks of cute cubbyholes for stools. The office is housed in a windowless basement. From the photos, you’d never know.
Storage is key to a successful interior, adds Alicia, opening a hidden door, camouflaged with wallpaper, to reveal her utility and coat room, and pulling open a plain-fronted kitchen cabinet, concealing the microwave and other sundries, which would otherwise be cluttering the counters.
“I absolutely love what I do,” she adds. “I have a great creative balance between designing interiors for other people and making art with complete freedom. The two go hand in hand, I think: there’s art in interior design, and art is often the finishing touch for a design, too.”
Though leaving Warsaw was an initial wrench, Alicia says Cambridge is now “very much home”. With the city centre mere minutes away, and lovely, leafy Trumpington Meadows behind her house, she’s in the perfect town-meets-country spot. “I live in a beautiful place and I’m able to make my living doing what I love: I think I’m very lucky.”

A two-hour at-home consultation costs £190. For more information about AZ Interiors visit az-interiors.co.uk or call 07963 175508.

Alice Ryan
Senior Editor, Velvet Magazine

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Office space interior design for Cambridge Intelligence

9/18/2018

Enter Alicia Zimnickas, founder and experienced lead interior designer at AZ Interiors.

“Working with Cambridge Intelligence was excellent – super professional and great decision makers. It was nice to work with people who have good taste and appreciate good design.”

Alicia offered something fresh and new compared with other office design experts. She was excited by the design brief: to create somewhere cool for the team to work and relax, not just to impress visitors (although that too).

“This was my biggest office interior design project yet, and definitely the most exciting.”

Her greatest challenge was transforming the dark, L-shaped basement. The team use this space for lots of things – a place to prepare food and eat lunch together, but also hold meetings, run company social events (think movie nights and computer gaming competitions), and host local meetups for up 40 people.
We went for a natural, organic theme, with smooth wood, clean lines and Scandinavian furniture. With a statement light fitting and spotlights to brighten up dark corners, the space now feels light and airy. There’s room for a large group to chat over lunch around a big table (something of a Cambridge Intelligence tradition), but also smaller tables for quiet times.

Extra seating is cleverly stowed away in a storage wall, but the biggest focal point is our moss wall. Inspired by vertical gardens, we’ve brought the outside in with a maintenance-free living green panel.

The office facelift didn’t stop there. Separating reception from the team working areas with large glass panels helps waiting visitors feel welcome but not isolated. It also gives the team a little privacy without losing light.

The other floors benefited from the design treatment too. There are more natural tones in desk areas, and clever pops of colour in comfy, relaxing breakout spaces. We can take time out on a sofa when we feel the need.

Alicia is also a talented artist, so we commissioned her artwork too. We have unique pieces throughout the building, cleverly inspired by the data visualizations our award-winning KeyLines SDK is famous for.
“The large canvasses were a colorful and creative way to say something about what Cambridge Intelligence do.”

Blog written by Cambridge Intelligence
https://cambridge-intelligence.com/weve-had-a-facelift/

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June 13th, 2018

6/13/2018

Meet the Artist; an interview with Alicia Zimnickas, by Claire McMahon-Lee
Cambridge Open Studios brings members of the public into artists studios. It is a great opportunity to for them to pop into the workshops of some of the artists, craftspeople and designer-makers working throughout Cambridgeshire and to see their exhibitions. The artists open their studios to people so that they can see something they don’t see every day. It gives the chance for artists to show their work to the community, whether it be sculpture, jewellery making, glass making or painting. The Open Studios, which run each July every year, provide a wonderful opportunity to for people looking to buy art. You can find you perfect piece without the gallery fees and you can meet the artists that produce the work, it adds meaning to the art that you are buying because you find out what inspires them, you learn about what techniques they use and the process behind creating the work.
There are a whole range of artists of all ages, some are more experienced, some are new. They open up their workshops for the weekends during the month of July. They are based all over Cambridge, just look for the Cambridge Open Studios yellow sign and you will find one close by to you when you are travelling around Cambridge.
One of the artists taking part is Alicia Zimnickas. She began exhibiting her paintings in her own exhibitions the early 1990’s and has shown her work on numerous countries including Canada, UK, France, Sweden, Poland and Lithuania. Her paintings can be found throughout the world in private collections, prestigious hotels (including the Marriott and the Hilton), and on the walls of various companies, such as Novartis, Mastercard, Allianz, the Lithuanian Embassy in Poland and the Presidential Palace in Lithuania. She is also an Interior Designer and runs her own business in Cambridge, she has been running this for 4 years. If you would like to look at her website it is www.az-interiors.co.uk.

I interviewed Alicia to find out what makes her tick when creating her work and she answered me these questions.

Your paintings involve nature, the seasons and how they inspire you. When did you first experience this inspiration and what influenced you to paint topics of nature?
Its nothing really new because I have always been inspired by nature, and this is not something that has appeared recently in my paintings. I look at nature more as a fragmented bit and then put it on a canvas through my filter, just a fragmented part of nature, maybe reeds or leaves or trees. I was thinking by myself once why does nature always hold me or grab me? It ignites something in me. I was trying to find an answer to this very question and then I thought; “its probably because of the place where I used to spend my childhood” which is quite a rural area full of greenery, forests, lakes. It’s in Poland, near the Lithuanian border, where I spent my childhood. It’s one of the first things I experienced in my life. Nature is important to me, but also in a way; light. Because the same tree in a different light is completely transformed, I want to catch that light form. I am an artist who likes to paint light. Nature is the starting point, but light is also my subject. I can put on the canvas the atmosphere that the light provides, its not just putting a tree on a canvas but showing that the sun is shining, or that it’s the evening, you can see what time of day it is, it sets the atmosphere.

How do you use colour, is it to evoke particular atmospheres when looking at nature?
I do it automatically, I know when to use a colour to make it look calming but I don’t have to think about it too much. I don’t look, see something then paint it, I collect those memories of the scene I have looked at as visual images, or I take photos, or I travel somewhere different and collect more colours to paint. The paintings are all about atmosphere, they are very impressionist.

How did you feel letting people into your house to see your work during the open studios? Is it difficult to show your work at that level because sometimes it can be such a personal thing when you put your all into your work?
For me this is very natural and I think, in a way, I need to show my work. This makes sense. I like to hear peoples opinions, it motivates me. Letting people into my house I don’t have a problem with. As also I use my house as my work studio, so I do sometimes have clients and coming to see my work so my mentality is that it’s an open house. I think in general I am a hospitable studio, for instance I run a little café so when people and friends turn up I can make them a coffee. I almost think sometimes it’s the other way round, it’s not difficult for me nut it’s more difficult for members of the public. They can find it difficult going into other peoples houses.

What opportunities do you think Cambridge Open Studios gives to people?
First of all, access to the artists studios and home, and I think artists always have very interesting homes. Meeting the artists so you can understand the work much better. But also, from the artists point of view, you have amazing visitors come and you have some amazing conversations and you bond with the people. Some people come every year and they see new things I have done since their last visit. If those regular people didn’t come I would be thinking to myself “Hmm I wonder where they are? I wonder why they didn’t come?”

When you crate art does the subject dictate what you paint or is there a concept you think of first and before you paint?
There is always a concept first, it would be even some sketches beforehand, or something like a photo. Maybe some colour samples to see what colour to paint, but then I have a vision and an idea before I touch the canvas, but then it’s a question of whether I will get that effect that I want once I start. Maybe not? I may not be very happy about that but, anyway, there is always a concept, yes. It gives a structure to what you want to achieve. It also depends on the day I am having and on the mood I am in as to how the final result turns out. Although I can only paint in a good mood!

How do you feel when you paint?
I love it. I find that everything around me disappears, I get so involved, I have to set an alarm when I paint, if I have to go and pick up the kids, because I get completely involved. My ordinary day has so many constraints, in art I am free.

What would you call your style?
I always really struggle with that, I think it’s some kind of impressionist style, but I can’t say. It’s any kind of landscape that I paint. They are not realistic but not abstract. I don’t have the answer to that I’m afraid.

What is your best work?
There are some paintings I feel that there are some best pieces chosen by the members of the public during open studio, there are two pieces, they got the most votes. They are; ‘The Pine Forest’ this was sold and now has a lovely new home in Cambridge. ‘Up to the Sky’ that was the second favourite.

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AZ INTERIORS - Top 50 UK Interior Design Blogs Winners

3/2/2018

AZ interiors has just been selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 50 UK Interior Design Blogs Winner on the Web! This is the most comprehensive list of best UK Interior Design blogs on the internet and we are honoured to be part of this!
Its great to see people are enjoying reading all about our blog.feedspot.com/uk_interior_design_blogs/ interior design projects, art and style. There are some interesting new projects in the pipeline for this year so check in soon for more updates

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HOUZZ awards for AZ INTERIORS for the best Design and Client Satisfaction

3/2/2018

A big thank you to HOUZZ who have awarded me the best of House Design and Client Satisfaction. AZ interiors portfolio was voted most popular by the HOUZZ community AZ interiors was rated the highest level of client satisfaction.
Its great getting such positive feedback from clients. A big part of my job is siting down with clients to develop an understanding of their personality, style, wants and needs. It is vital that the end result reflects who they are and I take pride in achieving an interior that reflect the clients individual style and personality. You can read reviews and see images from my portfolio at https://www.houzz.co.uk/pro/azinteriors/az-interiors-interior-design

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February 23rd, 2018

2/23/2018

MAKING THE BEST OF COMPACT KITCHEN

Interior design by AZ INTERIORS

If you have a small kitchen that needs revamping and you have limited room, you need to think about two things first. The main appliances you need to fit in; these are the fridge freezer, oven and sink. Whilst you are thinking about fitting these in you also need to think about a theory called “The Perfect Triangle”. This theory was created in the 1940’s and “The Perfect Triangle” is designed to prevent you taking steps more steps that necessary between the cooker, sink and fridge when you are cooking in your kitchen. When planning where to put the cooker, sink and fridge think about where they a placed best to avoid making your kitchen inefficient. It’s probably not often a problem for small kitchens but just think about putting them in as much close a proximity to one another as possible to make cooking easy. It will ensure that the movement between each of these appliances is minimal when cooking.
Next you need to think about the dishwasher – if you have room enough. Slimline dishwasher sizes go from 815-865 height, x 448-450 width, x 550-600 mm depth. If and when you know you can achieve fitting this in, it’s time for the next step.
The kitchen cabinets. You must use every square centimetre of space when planning where to put these. You must use every corner and every nook. Use the full height of the kitchen as well when measuring up for these. It doesn’t matter if you have to use a stool or a small set of fold up steps to reach the top shelves after they are fitted, just keep things that you use the least up on the top shelves, like the turkey roasting dish and your extra wine glasses, for example. You will appreciate having to do this once you get your kitchen fitted and it looks pristine. You will be glad of the tall wall mounted cupboards because they will provide so much shelf space and create a feeling of “a place for everything and everything in it’s place”. It will give an excellent feeling of organisation.
Your cupboards will need to be specially made for this kind of kitchen, so go to a kitchen specialist and ask what they can do for you. You need to use the maximum wall space in a small kitchen so ask them to accommodate for this. Give them your measurements and see what they can do. Think about having two rows of wall mounted cupboards if necessary, one on top of the other (of course, this isn’t including the floor mounted cupboards), to fit as much storage in as you can. For the higher ones at the top (if you have two rows of wall mounted cupboards), you can have shallower cupboards fitted to avoid them protruding out too far and making the upper space look more narrow.
Go for a sleek look to keep the area looking minimal. If the detail and finish on anything in a compact kitchen is too fussy, then it will create too much of a busy look. You want to keep the space looking sleek and stylish. Having simple fronts to the cupboard doors also ensures maximum light flowing through such a small area and it makes the place look bigger.
Finally, hang as many things on the walls and under the cupboards as possible. You can always buy rails and hooks for all utensils, pots and pans, herbs and spices and cups and mugs to keep all surfaces as clear as possible. Don’t have any clutter out on the worktop as it will disturb the sleek look.
Here at AZ INTERIORS, interior designers love taking on a variety of home projects. Don't hesitate on contacting us. More information at www.az-interiors.co.uk

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HOW TO FIND YOUR INDIVIDUAL STYLE. INTERIOR DECORATION TIPS.

11/13/2017

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Finding your individual style can be difficult. In a world when there are so many designer furniture shops, mid-range shops that advertise low price versions of designer based furniture, and low end range furniture shops more readily available on the high street, paint and wallpaper shops that sell both cheap and expensive ranges of paint and wallpaper, DIY stores, home stores that sell ornaments and soft furnishings and home finishing touches, it can be difficult to specifically know what you like with all that range to look at.
The market has so many interior design magazines, home design programmes and adverts for online home wear shops so we are bombarded with all this visual information and we don’t know what to do with it.
So how do you find your style, your individual style of your home? Well the first step is to go through some interior design magazines and find all those images of furniture that you like – there is no limit at the moment of how many you can choose, but go for the ones that really float your boat. Price range is not an issue at this step. This is purely to find out what you like.
There are different priced magazines, they target different audiences. Some of the more expensive ones do have designer furniture in, others at the cheaper end of the scale have topics about people who have decorated their house on a shoe-string budget so the cost of furniture in these magazines reflects what type of audience this it is aimed at. Get one of each magazine on display, this will take you right through the whole price scale.
Then, lets say you are decorating a lounge. Read the magazines and pick out all the sofas you like, the ones that really catch your eye for. Cut them out and keep them to one side. After this, decide what type of sofa out of all the ones you have chosen makes you excited and makes you really want to sit on it. Also think of what would you like to feel texture and fabric wise. Whittle this down to two or three if you need to.
You now have a basis to start on. Go through the magazines again and hold the pictures of the sofas up against other pieces of furniture you want to choose, for instance, coffee tables, TV units, side boards etc. Look at the colour, the shapes and lines in the style of this furniture to see if they compliment the sofa. See if the fabric and shape of the sofa works well with the finish of the bookcase or coffee table you are looking at.
If you have chosen expensive designer furniture, and you have a smaller budget, and you want to find a cheaper alternative then have a look in some of the high street shops on line to see if they have the equivalent style and shape but for a cheaper price. For instance, I would suggest John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser, Next and Ikea. Good online shops are Wayfair.com and Made.com. This will be the basis of the colour paint you will choose to go in your room.
Next you need to choose your colours. Get some paint sample booklets and have a look through them. Exclude the colours you don’t like and focus on the colours that really draw your eye. Do they go with the colour of the sofa and the finish of the bookcase for instance? Once you have found your colour or colours, the only thing you may have to compromise on is the shade chosen. If you have a dark room with minimal light then have a look at some interior design blogs or look at your magazines to find how to incorporate darker colours into a room whilst balancing it with some lighter colours to bring the light in.
You need to accessorise your home, and the easiest place to start is with lighting. What floor and table lamps go well with what you have chosen? Look at the colour, finish and the material of the lamps to see if they look luxurious next to your furniture and if it goes with the shade you have painted the walls. You now have your completed room and you have a style that is yours. Now you just need to accessorise your room, but the same rules apply about choosing mirrors and cushions etc. Does the material, colour, texture and finish go with the room? It is fun filling your room with the finishing touches and you will have luxurious sanctuary to live in afterwards.
www.az-interiors.co.uk

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MY INTERVIEW FOR THE RISING NETWORK ABOUT MY ART AND INTERIOR DESIGN

11/4/2017

Alicia is an artist and interior designer who owns her own business called AZ Interiors. Her treasured bike rides through the scenic backdrop of Cambridge and her positive attitude towards her work and life can be seen reflected in the vibrancy of her acrylic and oil paintings and her dedication in the quality of her designs.
Tell us about AZ Interiors
“AZ Interiors specializes in helping clients to achieve their vision and potential for their living or working space. I am based in Cambridge and work on mostly residential commissions, sometimes cafés and restaurants – from time to time I work in London but I try to keep local. Plenty of interesting houses around Cambridge!”
Is it true you also paint?
“Yes, I studied fine art. I call this my “professional hobby”. It’s kind of my meditation; no client, no budget, no nothing – I just do what I love. I spend a lot of time on the business but often my clients end up buying my art so it combines well. I’m one of the lucky people who absolutely love what I’m doing.”
Elaborate on what moved you onto this career path?
“I was one of those kids who knew from the beginning they were going into art and design. I grew up in a small village where it wasn’t considered a “proper career” – I remember saying to my grandmother, “no, I’ll to prove you – you can be proud.” I did masters, product design before finally deciding I wanted to do interior design and I finished my exams from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, Poland. This was my biggest achievement and from that point I knew I could get anywhere.”
How do you feel your work is important in the grand scheme of things?
“As an art student I recall a gallery owner talking to me about pricing my work. Not my strong point! She said “you have to understand you’re creating culture.” Little picture: I want to do interior design and my painting, I enjoy it. But bigger picture: To open eyes – that’s important. If we don’t have culture what is left?”
If you could speak right now to someone who is affected by the work that you do, what would you say to them?
“I recall one lady saying; “I think I’m addicted to your art. Every time I look it makes me feel better.” So I’d ask; does it make you feel better? Do you enjoy your home more?”
What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
“The biggest challenge was when I moved country. I was a very established designer and artist when I lived in Poland but then I moved to the UK for my ex-husband and children. This meant leaving contacts and stasis behind and when you work on recommendation and client trust it’s difficult to start over. I think for us mums it’s even more difficult; there are kids, school runs, it’s not just concentrating on your career but also family. Finding a balance.”
How do you motivate and organize yourself
“I think I learned what to do when I became a mum while still running my company. I would have the baby sitter in the morning and I knew I couldn’t waste a minute because I’d have to be ready for when they left. When I like projects I don’t need any motivation though, I can’t wait to crack on.”
What advice would you give to any budding artists and designers out there?
“I would advise to do maximum, not minimum. Do extra, go to design shows, go to events in London and find out what’s happening in that world. Try and get an apprenticeship and try all opportunities. “Say yes of course that would be very interesting” even when someone asks you to design or do something you’ve never done before. Ask yourself how you’re going to do this. You have to be bold and brave and try, or someone else will.”
And finally for our readers and potential members; what do you believe The Rising Network can do for you, and people like yourself?
“I like the idea of a network for women in business because only women can understand what it means to be one in business. That said, it’s less about business for me and more about meeting similar minded women and learning something from different areas. Knowing I can call them and ask for advice, and give advice in return. They aren’t just takers, they’re giving too – that’s what I like.”
“When people buy my art I always say it’s the most pleasant way to earn money; I love when I do that, when I put all myself into it. Because when someone buys art it’s not because they have to, or need to; it’s because they want to.”
If you’d like to see Alicia’s interior design business yourself please check out her website:
http://www.az-interiors.co.uk
“Certain encounters with the natural world make a vivid impression on me, and this is where the pictures begin.” To see Alicia’s paintings click on the link below:
http://www.az-interiors.co.uk/art.html

https://therisingnetwork.com/an-interview-with-alicia-zimnickas-the-biggest-challenge-was-when-i-moved-country/

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AZ INTERIORS FEATURED AT CAMBRIDGE EDITION MAGAZINE - STORE OF THE MONTH

10/5/2017

Offering a sleek design service for homes in the Cambridgeshire area, AZ Interiors specialises in a range of interior design services to suit its clients’ varying lifestyles. Established in 2013 by designer and artist Alicia Zimnickas, the company offers a personalised approach for both residential and commercial properties. Having studied Interior Design at the renowned Chelsea College of Art and Design in London, after completing her Master’s degree at the University of Fine Art in Warsaw, Alicia gained first-hand experience by working with a range of noted interior design companies in the capital. “I have always been very creative,” she says. “And I’ve studied all aspects of design from a young age – from art to textiles, products to interiors. Now I have my own company, however, the key to standing apart from others is the ability to balance practicality with creative solutions. The overall aim is to help homeowners achieve the most considered, functional and stylish of homes.” A recent project was a large Victorian villa, which needed complete renovation. “It took more than two years to complete but it now looks stunning,” she says. “Key to its success was maintaining good communication with the owners. It’s very important for customers to feel like they are on the same page as a designer, and a renovation project like this can be a very long process. It goes without saying that great understanding between client and designer is paramount.” “The most rewarding thing about the job is how each project is different,” she reveals. “One minute you could be doing paperwork in the office, next you’ll be working on technical drawings and concepts. I also love going to the build sites and project managing.” Citing her signature style as ‘light, bright and airy’, Alicia also reveals that: “I’m not afraid of using pattern and fabric with dramatic effect. “I’d say that my expertise is threefold,” she continues. “One is adding light to dark rooms – many period houses in the UK are dark by nature so it’s a common problem. Secondly, I specialise in soft furnishings, especially re-upholstering existing pieces of furniture. Finally, I am now offering interior design courses. Homeowners in the UK are really into DIY, so it makes sense for me to help them achieve their dream homes without necessarily having to hire a professional. During the workshops, everyone works on one room project and I teach participants how to manage the design process, find their personal style and ultimately make their house beautiful yet practical.” While Alicia keeps on top of new trends by reading design magazines and visiting design shows, her inspiration also comes from travelling: “I like Italian, sleek design matched with oriental elements. It’s unusual but when done right, it can look really impressive. “In terms of new interior trends: playful colours are in but you have to be careful not to overdo them. I would suggest adding a pop of colour with accessories. We will also see a lot of natural materials, such as cork and marble, wood and stone, and raw concrete, which all give a timeless appeal.” Alicia describes her own house as having lots of natural light – with large windows and skylights. “It is bright and airy, with a contemporary but warm feel. I also paint professionally and so have lots of my pieces dotted around. They are vibrant, nature inspired paintings with splashes of colour and texture. It’s personal, comfortable and usable – which is what I aim to achieve with my clients’ homes.” n For more information on the interior design service, workshops and art, visit az-interiors.co.uk | 07963 175508.

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BE BRAVE, START USING DARK COLOURS IN YOUR ROOMS

9/19/2017

Darker colours can be rich, warm and sophisticated. They don’t always make a room look small, but they can make a room look cozy and comforting. If you use darker colours then it’s a good idea to balance them out a little, for instance, with a lighter coloured floor. This way you get the intensity and the dramatic effect, and you will have the contrast of colour so that you don’t get the feeling of being too closed in. A lighter floor will bounce the light around, illuminating your room.
Accents of cream soften black, and darker colours. This will and a feeling of richness, along with adding textures to soften the feel, you will have a perfect room.
This is an excellent way of making your stylish sanctuary an even more relaxing environment. The term for this concept of using a dark and intense colour palette of opulent and moody hues is called “Hygge” and it is a phrase coined by the Danish.
Add some soft curtains, woolen throws and big cushions and you will make your room feel like a haven. Some accents of natural wood will also really add the finishing touches. And if you can, have a feature wall of exposed brick work to really add that organic feel of natural materials.
If you have darker furniture then dark colours can tie it in to create a beautiful, luxurious theme. If you are adding new furniture to the room consider high gloss finishes, again, to bounce light around and to add that high-end look. And find some bold pieces of art work to add to the wall to create the illusion of a larger space.
If you add lighter coloured ornaments and have natural features like a fire place which are lighter in colour you will draw focus to these to make a feature of them, adding a point of interest to the room.
Have soft lighting, such as floor lamps, and some spot lights with a dimmer switch so that you can create that ambience for evening times. There you will have your perfect room for unwinding and relaxing in.

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HOW TO USE MIRROR AND LIGHTING WHEN DECORATING YOUR HOUSE - CASE STUDY

9/19/2017

Statement lighting can be easily achieved as long as you can identify the darkest areas of the room that need lighting, and the areas that will need task lighting etc. for the functionality of the room. If you have a room with some dark recesses you can use mirrors behind table lamps to achieve the effect of bouncing the light around the room and making the pace look bigger. I effectively visually almost added another room because the mirrors fill the alcoves fully giving an optical illusion of an extra room.

I had these bespoke mirrors made to add a contrasting distressed look and to reflect the light to its maximum capacity to fill a big room with soft lighting in the evening, and natural day light during the day. You can get these mirrors made by a company called Dominic Schuster in London. Check out their website at www.dominic-schuster.com.

The distresses element adds a darker colour so that they bounce the light from the lamps in a softer way. Using lighting and mirrors together is a wonderful way to really brighten up a room in the most eye-catching way possible.

Adding table lamps behind sofas adds the soft light is immediately over your shoulder as you sit down. It will illuminate the seating area and highlight the main part of the room. They are controlled by the main light switch on the wall by the door, this is to ensure they come on in the most convenient way possible. The benefit of this lighting is that it will create ambience for dinner guests when you have them round in the evening, keep the lighting soft and welcoming and create a relaxing atmosphere.

The sofas aren’t against the wall so the lamps plug into some sockets placed in the floor and they are controlled by the main light switch on the wall as you enter the room to ensure the easiest way of switching them on. There are also down lighters in the ceiling with a dimmer switch for extra lighting or you can use the table lamps on their own. The down lighters create very bright lighting for during the evening if you need to see clearly, or again, for more ambient lighting you can dim them.

Mirrors really make all the use of any natural or artificial lighting available. They can really add a different dimension to a room. The can make a room seem so much more open. The more opulent the mirror the more glamorous the effect. A fancy frame can jazz a room up and a natural wooden framed mirror can add warmth by incorporating natural materials. They can all bounce the light around the room enhancing the colour and beauty of a room.

If you think that you would benefit from a professional interior designer, then why not take a look at the best interior designers in Cambridge? With the right expertise and knowledge, you are sure to find the ideal Cambridgeshire based interior designer to match your particular needs. www.az-interiors.co.uk

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INTERIOR DESIGN INTERVIEW WITH AZ INTERIORS FOR CAMBRIDGE EDITION MAGAZINE

9/19/2017

There is an Interior Design term called Hygge. It’s a Danish concept and it means ‘not to little, not too much, just right.’ The traditional colour palette for this concept is having white, black and blue dominate the room. They are the cooler colours. Then you add muted tones of grey, caramel and soft blue through cushions, soft furnishings and rugs to give warmth and luxury. The furniture must have clean lines with a classic design to be minimal, elegant and must be naturally comfortable. Alicia Zimnickas, owner of Cambridge based AZ Interiors, says on the subject; “less is more, but not too little’ is the primary ethos of Scandi cool.” She has designed her lounge/dining room with this Scandinavian style using this classic look of simplicity with clean lines, a soft colour palette and a clean crisp atmosphere. Having the large patio doors lets lots of natural light in keeping it bright and airy. There is a traditional look of cozy and fresh here and has been easily achieved. Alicia’s interior design project in Cambridge was featured in the May 2017 edition of Cambridge Editions Magazine where she talked about this style.
More of here interior design project you can see on www.az-interiors.co.uk

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How to choose statement lighting - Case Study

9/19/2017

Interior design by AZ Interiors, interior design studio in Cambridge. Pendant light by Petite Friture, Vertigo light.

This room I decorated has a beautiful statement ceiling light as a focal point for the room. My client was a lady so I wanted to choose something that was feminine but with bold enough sweeping lines to draw the eye to it and make it the centre piece for the room.
It has soft curves but strong lines to make it girly yet imposing enough to add impact to the room. When choosing statement lighting think about whether you want it to be masculine or feminine, bold or more timid, what kind of space is it going in to and do you want one big statement light or a few smaller, more subtle ones? How will the material it’s made of go with the rest of the fabrics in the room? Will it clash with, or compliment the other pieces of furniture in the room with the statement it will be making?
This statement light goes perfectly with the blue custom-made bookcase because it is bold but more subtle in comparison, so it doesn’t out-do the bookcase. Think about your furniture, is it too bold to have an imposing statement light? If so, go for something more minimal so the room doesn’t look too busy. If you have bold coloured furniture choose something more neutral. If you have one piece of bold furniture as another focal point, and you want a light that is going to make a statement as well, choose something of less or equal colour and intensity. This will create harmony.

Pendant light by Foscarini, Caboche, wall lights as well by Foscarini, model: Caboche
Think of the position of the light, does it hang over a coffee table or will it hang over a sofa? The position is very important for naturally drawing the eye over the furniture and up to the light, or from the light down to the furniture (depending on what you want people to notice first) in a smooth line, so each form follows the previous one in a flowing motion. So the placement of the light is very important, it really adds a finishing touch.

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MEET THE ARTIST ALICIA ZIMNICKAS AT HER CAMBRIDGE OPEN STUDIOS

7/26/2017