both elegant and inviting … the balance
your personal environment
blending classic and modern elements
the details that transform a house into a home
inspiring and calming surroundings …
Conserving the history and cherishing the detail …
Mount Street, Mayfair is without doubt my favourite street in London. Its architecture sets it apart from the rest of Mayfair … both its homogeneity and distinctive red brick. New and edgy brands like Aesop (the Australian skincare brand), sit beside some of Mayfair’s oldest.
Aesop’s first London outlet, with interior by Ilse Crawford of Studioilse (who I have written about before), is located in a magnificent Victorian Grade II listed mansion block in Mount Street.
Original parquet floors have been left raw, fireplaces reinstated and tall ceilings exposed. The end result has been widely celebrated.
While soaking up the grandeur of Melbourne’s Block Arcade recently, I was similarly impressed … the extent to which period detailing had been incorporated as a design element in shop fitouts, rather than covered up as once would have been the case.
Very simply put … it is the challenge in the juxtapositioning of old and new … and the delicate balance of getting it right.
5 ways with dark colour … timeless
1. dark colours on walls really let the furnishings, artwork and in fact, anything else in the room, shine !!
2. dark colours on walls work particularly well with polished concrete floors and sisal flooring in natural tones
3. dark walls show the richness of timber and leather
4. dark walls are timeless … and classic style
5. dark colours are inviting in winter but equally so in summer, teamed with crisp white and pale timber … enjoy creating your own stylish interior.
images:browndresswithwhitedots
My gorgeous lunch with gervasoni
I am sharing images of my favourite pieces of Gervasoni furniture, above and below. I had the pleasure of meeting Michele Gervasoni last weekend at a gorgeous lunch overlooking Balmoral Beach … a sunny winter’s afternoon … perfection.
It was interesting to hear how he and his brother, the third generation to manage this beautiful Italian furniture company, have expanded their market so enormously … and without any compromise. Their passion for attention to detail and use of natural materials always the hallmark of Gervasoni products.
The fabulous Gervasoni website is a must and their collection extensive. It is available in Sydney through Anibou.
The warmth of wood … now winter is here
Cold, wind and rain abound and we are thinking warm and cosy interiors and all that go with it.
The glow of candles, bamboo lamp light and the warmth of timber.
Earthy tones and rustic settings.
Exposed timber new or old, makes an architectural statement and creates its own warm colour palette.
The appeal of wool and cashmere fabrics no matter what colour palette.
The warmth of rustic materials, fabulous design and clever lighting .. so simple !!
images: tumblr, browndresswithwhitedots
Balmoral boatshed … casual sydney cafe style at its best
As they suggest, pop in with sand between your toes or slip into your Gucci loafers, it doesn’t get much more chilled than this. The setting … divine, and the venue … oh so stylish. This is Sydney living at its best.
Not sure how one would describe the design concept … nautical … beach club with a touch of the luscious tropics … it just works !!
For a similar treat a little further afield visit The Boathouse Palm Beach … same cute concept, same clever operators.
How to do black and white … softly
it is all in the detail …. a predominantly neutral palette with a hint black or charcoal …
or a hint of buttoning, antique stud trim or cushion detail
or a smart contrast … just one
a distinct contrast in style, line and materials … this works
black, white and stone to soften
the detail softens what would otherwise be … just black and white
black, white and shades of grey … always !!
Soane britain … for craftsmanship and colour extraordinaire
I am not sure if it has anything to do with the weather, however we don’t seem to embrace colour quite like the English. Think of those cyclamen pink dining rooms that look so fabulous. I am not even sure it works with our sunnier climate.
Hence, my love for English decorating magazines … probably because ‘the look’, (their look !!) is just so different to anything we do here. There is no right or wrong … it is just different!!
Meanwhile, enjoy looking at Soane Britain … a beautiful website with beautiful products. They do ship to anywhere in the world, if you can bear to wait.
Vivid sydney …. loving the light show
Vivid Sydney … the lights, the colour, the atmosphere and the frivolity … it’s magical !!!
Beautiful bookshelves … working with colour
Since my last post I am noticing bookshelves and bookcases everywhere and the ones that work really leap out. The bookshelves above are my idea of perfection. Such an interesting combination of colours, both books and decorative items.
One could call this styling … the ability to put together bits and pieces that work … and it is all about having an eye for colour. It is the combination of colours that pull it all together … or to be quite specific, always work with a complimentary palette of colours.
Apply this principle to any collection whether it be bookshelves or dressing table. There is nothing as elegant as white or cream with a hint of soft metallic. Have a play and see what you can achieve.
