Inspiration this rainy weekend … greige !! These gorgeous shades of warm grey, putty, donkey and taupe combine perfectly with classic creams, inky navy, charcoal and tan.
Just play … your eye will tell you.
images: browndresswithwhitedots;theparisapartment
1. White cane is a beautiful contrast in any tropical garden setting. What could be smarter than navy and white cushions. I imagine frangipani or hibiscus for that splash of exotic colour.
2. Wide verandahs lend themselves to both casual lounge and dining settings depending on your style of entertaining. This reminds me very much of the house my mother grew up in Brisbane, where the verandahs were used extensively as an escape from the summer heat. The groupings of both white and natural cane work so well with the painted white timberwork and cane blinds. Blue and white cushions and chinoiserie lamp bases create an air of elegance.
3. Natural lacquered cane contrasts with all white lattice and painted furniture. Bowls of shells with navy and white chinoiserie and fabrics complete the picture. This colour palette is a signature look for Stuart Membery and also rather ‘Hamptons’.
4. Explore your options with cane … this drinks trolley is a fabulous addition to any entertainment area in summer. Wonderful storage as well as display for your prettiest glasses, decanters, bowls of lemons and limes and silver ice bucket.
5. All white with accents of sea foam green … simply stunning. Collections of shells and coral for warmth. Elegantly framed coral prints, bronze lamp and mirror frame add a certain formality… so chic !! The versatility of cane….
images: stuart membery
1. Using the same floor material or shade of flooring throughout will unify your spaces and create the illusion of space.
2. Keep your colour scheme simple and calm. Again, use of the same colours throughout will unify and magnify the space.
3. Storage is critical in small apartments/rooms. Create additional storage and bookshelves where possible by boxing out recesses. Clutter makes a room appear smaller. Disguise doors to storage cupboards where you can. Split a door into a pair of doors which intrude less into the space.
4. Choose furniture which is both moveable and multi-functional. Combine a couple of feature pieces with other furniture that recedes or blends with the wall colour. Avoid too many contrasts and patterns in a small room. Surprisingly, an oversized picture or piece of furniture can create impact along with the feeling of grandeur.
5. The tried and true use of mirrors and even better mirrored walls, always works a treat in small spaces. Try mirrored splashbacks in the kitchen to introduce light and expand the space. Allow for maximum flexibility with your lighting. Dimmers on all switches will allow for that ever important change of mood and focus.
images: victoriameale
I have such fond memories of my marimekko curtains and bedspread, back in the day … it was the 70’s of course. They were fabulous shades of bright green with large orange tulips. The look extended to green heart sheets and a gorgeous white peacock bedhead … all put together by my very stylish mother.
Brisbane was all the richer for Joy de Gruchy and The Craftsman’s Market, a design studio that stocked Marimekko and put Brisbane on the map. I have adored Marimekko in a nostalgic sort of way ever since.
How exciting to have our own Marimekko in Sydney … looking resplendent in the wonderful store in King Street. The colour is breathtaking and the space full of light !! Bolts of signature marimekko fabric, fashion and homewares.
I couldn’t help but pass on my source for peacock bedheads to complete the picture … The Family Love Tree.
In COUNTRY, Jasper Conran claims that country life is a universal aspiration …the dream … not achieved by spending money or ‘getting the look’, it is about understanding, self expression and getting back to the root of what makes us tick.
This is a book that one savours from beginning to end. One of UK’s leading designers, Jasper Conran spends a year exploring … a journey through landscapes, seasons and homes … an insight into life in the country as it is today. Andrew Montgomery’s stunning photography captures it all.
Each village, building or season with their own story to tell !!! I have to say, the discovery is one thing … however capturing and sharing it all through a designers eye is very special.
‘Remember the simple things the countryside has to offer and treasure them…’
