Industrial display … like with like
Faux and fabulous
Making the most of every usable space …
![/images/this_is_glamorous_6.jpg](http://www.mydesignfile.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/this_is_glamorous_6.jpg")
So simple .. so elegant.
Images: thisisglamorous
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Stylish storage in all forms
Stylish Inner City Living with a Smart Studio Apartment Makeover
THE APARTMENT
A 30 square metre studio apartment on the top floor of one of Potts Point, Sydney’s finest Deco buildings.
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
Potts Point, Sydney has the best of both worlds … proximity to the city and the buzz of the best restaurants, bars and cafes on your doorstep combined with the Botanical Gardens and Rushcutters Bay for a breathe of fresh air.
THE INSPIRATION
To transform a tired, cluttered space into a stylish, functional apartment on a shoestring budget and in a limited timeframe. Inspiration for owners wishing to spruce up prior to selling or buyers looking at an investment property with potential.
WHAT I DID
I wanted to create the illusion of space and maximise storage.
This was achieved by choosing a colour scheme of simple black and white. Crisp white walls to lighten and brighten, contrasted with a smart black floor of painted floorboards.
Fortunately, the sliding wardrobe doors were mirrored, reflecting both light and the view. An additional wall was mirrored to further enhance the reflection of light.
To maximise storage and create a decorative element, bookshelves were built in on the wall surrounding the bed.
A range of lighting options and dimmers were installed, allowing for
a change of mood and focus depending on the time of day.
MY ADVICE
Create as much hidden storage as possible.
Disguise doors to storage cupboards where you can and split a door into a pair, so as to limit intrusion into the space.
Apartments in Deco buildings usually still have the wonderful original bathrooms. These can be added to but do not necessarily have to be replaced.
FUTURE PLANS
Unfortunately the tight timeframe did not permit a new kitchen at the time of the original makeover. Three years down the track the next step is to install a new all white kitchen. A simple and stylish design, with mirrored splashback will add even more light and further expand the space.
To provide more flexibility when entertaining, a customised wall bed is an exciting option under consideration.
With a small space, good design does not have to cost a lot of money.
10 iconic objects of desire … my edit
Here is my edit of UK H&G’s 50 Iconic Objects of Desire …. most of which you will know so well. Each is aesthetically beautiful, classic in design and functional.
the diptyque candle
the bialetti moka
the tolix stool
the smeg fridge
the aalto vase
the louis ghost chair
the le creuset
the billy bookcase
the anglepoise 1227
the liberty print ….
and of course the list goes on and on and includes many personal favourites like the barbour jacket, chanel rouge noir nail varnish and the burberry trench. Items one just can’t live without !!
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.
James salmond style
It was with much pleasure that James Salmond launched his latest collection of exquisite furniture pieces this week. Classic and contemporary is his trademark and doesn’t he do it so beautifully. The thought he puts into each piece is very evident……his wonderful style shining!!
He is always on the hunt for original bits and pieces that he can incorporate into his designs or take inspiration from in some fashion. The cabinet above has been designed around his collection of small stone bottles….only James could create such an elegant piece with the choice of timber and design complimenting the warmth and earthy texture of the bottles.
James explains that this classic chair covered in gold with stud trim is the perfect size, height and proportion to have as a pair with side table in any room adjacent to the dining room…..simply add them in to your dining room setting for extra seating. All furniture is custom made to order with of course your favourite fabric.
I do have to say that James has impeccable taste and style when choosing the perfect fabric to suit his pieces of furniture. The fabrics in his showroom currently are particularly fabulous……grey, gunmetal and gold…..the future direction we are told.
images: tess brennan
The tall bookcases above show his fine ability to combine classic elements yet create a contemporary piece…in fact a piece that would be at home in any interior…as long as you had the ceiling height!!
These bookcases were my favourite pieces in the showroom. When I mentioned this to James he replied “you know you have created something special when you want to take it home” …I guess they are a favourite of his too.
Vintage 21 modern classics look good on any bookshelf
In my hunt for weekend reading I discovered the most beautiful collection of books…..21 books in a rainbow of colours by Random House for the 21st birthday of Vintage. Each book is not only a divine shade (with sprayed edges which look so good on a bookshelf) but they have a wonderful tactile quality with a supermatt finish.
The design of these books is quite stunning and titles include….Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Atonement and A Week in December.
The bookstore had done an eye catching window display showing how spectacular these books look when put together. It made me want to go home and re-arrange my bookshelves.
I know there are people who arrange their bookshelves/bookcases by colour……I have to say I have always been quite dismissive of this idea, however having seen the divine shades in this collection of books I am very tempted to either start a display of these alone…. or even use these shades as a start to a whole re-arrange by colour of the bookcase !!!
We all love a good bookshop and can just lose ourselves for hours browsing ….. the glossy and exquisite covers, the smell of the new books and the joy of discovery. Who would have thought that a paperback with no pictures could excite to such an extent.
