Deirdre Brennan

British designer Jasper Conran has more than his share of flair. The son of designer and restaurateur Sir Terence Conran, he last year was appointed chairman of The Conran Shop, the design emporium started by his father in 1973. His aim … to make the stores relevant again and he is already on the move. This is in addition to his existing empire which includes fashion … couture and department store, luggage, spectacles and homewares. Oh yes, and he has created costumes for the Royal Ballet and English National Opera.

Just another string to his bow … his fabric collection for Designers Guild … new interpretations on classic suiting. Flannels and pinstripes in an elegant and restrained colour palette.

Jasper’s background in fashion clearly influencing this collection in terms of both fabric choice, design and detailing.

I love the way these fabrics mix and match so easily … very difficult to go wrong here. These suiting shades of charcoal and navy can be punctuated with a delicious olive spot or paisley silk (cushions at top) … which remind me of a beautiful mens cravat.

It is all about that background in fashion !!!

Photos

My Weekends

Beach House Inspiration … with a touch of black and white 4722

Deirdre Brennan January 6, 2016 1:06 pmFebruary 19, 2019

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With a view like this who needs colour … white highlights the natural tones and nature itself.

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I love black walls with vivid white trim anywhere but particularly in a beach house. It works brilliantly with earthy timber tones.

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You can so easily bring in a smart pattern when you have a colour palette of predominantly white.

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It is all in the detail … black of course !!

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Or the floor … where rugs will become your focal point.

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And just to set the scene ….

images:pinterest

MORE POSTS IN 2016 THAN 2015 I PROMISE !!! BUT IN THE MEANTIME

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My Design World

Latest Stylish Hotel Design in Madrid 18533

Deirdre Brennan July 23, 2015 6:39 amJune 26, 2019

The Principal Madrid,

the latest five star hotel to successfully combine classic architecture with stylish, contemporary interiors … the result being pure luxury.

A club like feel with dark and moody interiors, edgy wing backs and back lit bookcases.

So inviting … so unlike a hotel !!

Fabulous period detailing, high ceilings and large windows contribute to the luxurious ambiance.

Intimate spaces .. far from the madding crowd.

Guestooms are a perfect combination of glamorous Parisian style french doors with iron balustrades, and sleek, contemporary, almost masculine furnishings. The classic butterfly chair in leather and up to the minute designer lighting of course add to the elegance.

So simple yet so right !!

Designer: Pillar Garcia-Nieto and Barcelona based studio Luzio.

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My Design World

Rustic kitchens with style 3342

Deirdre Brennan July 12, 2015 6:25 amJune 26, 2019

I am not sure if it is the marble/stone itself or the soft colour palette of the finishes in these kitchens but they do seem to all have a similar look and feel. It is very much the look and feel that I love.

It is rustic, yet somehow of the moment. It exudes warmth as well as simply loads of style !!!

The brass detail for this suspended shelving compliments the brass tap ware perfectly .. rustic elegance !!

Super rustic .. and super slick. What a fabulous combination. The soft wash of light on the stone above is beautiful. I must say I do love a stylish table lamp in the kitchen. It softens what is often a harshly lit utility area and turns it instead into somewhere that is inviting to spend time in. This works particularly well in an open plan kitchen/family room situation.

Perfect for washing those pots and pans … sheer genius.

images: pinterest. Apologies for lack of photo credit. These were saved as favourites over many months with no intention of reusing.

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My Weekends

Winter in the Highlands 3049

Deirdre Brennan June 20, 2015 12:02 pmJune 26, 2019

While we sit here feeling toasty in front of the fire this freezing cold weekend, I mull over the colours, textures and finishes that exude warmth in a cold climate.

Sometimes it is simply the chosen colour palette of muted hues in greige, string or faded blues and greens.

The warmth of aged timbers, the glow of candle light or an open fire.

Bookshelves filled with books both old and new.

A cosy throw rug or scatter cushion in a velvet or tartan wool

If all else fails, a chunky knit and cashmere bed socks.

Take your cue from nature itself and create a colour palette that makes you want to luxuriate indoors.

My Design Tips

Winter whites .. the warmth of white interiors 4575

Deirdre Brennan June 10, 2015 7:11 amJune 20, 2019

Winter is officially here, the ski season has commenced and we have had our first fall of snow … much to the relief of all.

I may have said this before but … white does work in winter. We have all heard the expression in the fashion world … winter whites !! Well the same can be applied to the world of interiors.

There is nothing quite as warming as white on white with the accent being on texture, line and self pattern. Mixing shades of white and cream adds a richness to the palette.

A white scheme is enhanced by incorporating neutrals such as sisal rugs, hints of gold or other metallics and timber furniture and flooring.

Bedrooms allow you to build upon a predominantly white/cream scheme with layers of bedlinen as we move from Summer to Winter. Don’t feel the need to add colour for warmth. There is nothing quite as cosy as cream mohair blankets, a cream silk eiderdown, cream velvet or quilted scatter cushions or a rich cream flannel bedhead.

The elegance of white is transseasonal !!

images: gabriel flores, this is glamorous

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My Design Travels

le marianne, paris … boutique hotel style 13170

Deirdre Brennan February 1, 2015 12:11 pmFebruary 19, 2019

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Just off the Champs Elysees and Avenue Montaigne, Le Marianne Hotel is more like a very chic pied-à-terre.

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This graceful Haussmann period building sets the scene.

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Bedrooms with stylish dipped dyed curtains and smart colour palette of mustard yellows and charcoal.

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Furniture with elegant lines and the latest in lighting design.

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Like any stylish boutique hotel, it is all in the detail.

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And just so Parisian.

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My Design Travels

Beach houses .. currumbin .. my edit 2014/15 3061

Deirdre Brennan January 18, 2015 5:01 amJune 25, 2019

I love the simplicity of this architectural style .. timeless. Pandanus perfect !!

Always love a skillion roof .. not to mention the frangipani.

Set high on the hill .. the ocean view from this original cottage is breathtaking. The perfect location if you don’t have beach frontage.

This had always been my all time favourite beach house, however sadly the original windows with lattice shutters have been replaced with french doors .. for obvious reasons. Still fabulous however not quite as charming. It does have an exotic coastal garden and beach frontage !!