colours

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 !!!

My Design Travels

le marianne, paris … boutique hotel style 13016

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 Tips

Stylish storage in all forms 1854

Deirdre Brennan November 23, 2014 11:05 amJune 26, 2019

Industrial display … like with like

Faux and fabulous

Making the most of every usable space …

So simple .. so elegant.

Images: thisisglamorous

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My Design World

A taste of summer style 2565

Deirdre Brennan November 11, 2014 6:49 amJune 25, 2019

Spring/Summer 2015 by Chanel … soft colour, soft fabrics.

Summer details … vibrant colour … just a splash.

Summer styling … crisp white, pastels and a hint of gold.

Spring/Summer Chanel 2015 … the glamour of white linen and gold accessories.

Summer wardrobe … elegance and organisation on a small scale.

My Design World

When a rustic interior isn’t all rustic 1925

Deirdre Brennan September 2, 2014 7:01 amJune 25, 2019

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There continues the trend for the earthy and rustic, natural materials, texture and a predominantly monochrome colour palette. On closer inspection it is really contemporary with an industrial edge.

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There is a strong emphasis on collections and the owners possessions playing an integral part in the softening of the hard edges. Ones books, paintings and photographs, the decoration and character, without which would be minimalist.

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A timeless monochrome palette with the addition and warmth of subtle shades of taupe, faded washed out grey, blue and green linens, leather, worn wood and stone.

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There is something rather calming in these modern spaces with vintage detail … the sense that we have been there before.

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My Design Tips

Stylish Inner City Living with a Smart Studio Apartment Makeover 1778

Deirdre Brennan August 2, 2014 11:16 amFebruary 19, 2019

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

My Design Tips

Winter greige … your warm colour palette 2427

Deirdre Brennan July 23, 2014 5:17 amJune 20, 2019

I am taking my winter inspiration from The Wild Rabbit in the Cotswolds. This is yet another stylish project by Carole Bamford of the Daylesford Organic empire.

The classic English Country House style that we have loved for so long has come of age. Still deliciously warm and inviting, the colour palette has changed and is very much of the moment … stone, putty, greige, khaki and cocoa … just perfect for a cold climate or in fact, our winter.

We do a cooler version of it here with our warmer climate, however in winter it is all about replacing the crisp white with softer hues of rich cream, biscuit tones and greige.

Stone flooring in warm tones (see The Wild Rabbit above) can underpin the overall feeling of warmth and can be layered with wonderfully textured rugs in a similar colour palette.

The introduction of soft bleached timbers works well with this colour palette as does a fabric choice of stone washed linens or aged leather in faded shades.

To complete the picture just add an open fire and a cashmere throw rug …

My Week in Sydney

Indigo … the colour everyone is talking about 2659

Deirdre Brennan June 12, 2014 12:41 pmJune 25, 2019

The colour indigo conjures up images of either the night sky or deepest ocean.

Indigo is a colour that is tranquil. It is not just blue … indigo is a particular shade of blue … it is sophisticated.

The most exciting thing about this colour is how easy it is to work with. Indigo brings to life any shade of timber from the rich and golden tones to the bleached and lime washed.

Indigo is at its most sophisticated when paired with chocolate brown, tan or bronze.

It goes without saying that the combination of Indigo with .. crisp white .. rich cream .. soft dove grey or cappuccino shades, is perfect no matter what the season.

Introduce indigo into any room that takes your fancy. Pottery Barn have embraced indigo this season as has William Yeoward with his latest furnishing collection.