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
Manuel canovas … my edit for spring
This fabric works perfectly in a neutral scheme .. a punch of colour for cushions on string coloured linen sofas … or as lavish curtains.
Note the hint of lime. Fabulous cushions for a lime sofa !!
This elegant paisley is a statement. Look how well the pattern and stripe work with it.
A fabric which works beautifully on a feature piece of furniture or on mass as upholstered wall fabric. Perfect in a charcoal room or with pristine white.
The supplier of Manuel Canovas fabric is Colefax and Fowler.
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The new neutral interior … how to create this look
The new neutral is really just a combination of black and white, grey and timber … think Scandinavian and pared back design.
It is natural, organic and calming.
The perfect backdrop for vibrant colour, should you desire it.
To achieve this look, your first stop should be Ikea for wall hung storage in all shapes and sizes. This helps create a sense of space and clean lines.
For ‘modern classic’ timber and painted furniture, visit Thonet. Bentwood always works and you can customise your colours.
The choice in pendant lighting is endless however Huset will give you an overview of the different styles. Once you have decided on your look … and budget, you can start shopping.
Koskela is all about thoughtful design … rugs, fabric and homewares, followed by lunch at Kitchen by Mike, under the same roof.
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.
Winter greige … your warm colour palette
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 …
Lighting dank street … my edit
So exciting to receive news of the arrival of Parterre Garden to Dank Street. Such an appropriate addition to this well known strip in Sydney’s Waterloo.
Over the years I have made a practice of visiting Parterre Garden regularly to keep up with new shipments. Almost always it is the lighting that I fall in love with … either a stunning table lamp or chandelier. This is some of my favourite lighting from Parterre at the moment.
I feel each works equally well in either a contemporary or classic setting. The gorgeous french wool basket lampshade at top, is from The Country Trader just around the corner. Parterre is in very good company.
Such are the advantages of owners who travel, source and choose the very best on offer… these gems often requiring extensive refurbishment/reconfiguration to bring them to their finest.
My tips for a cosy southern highlands winter
Winter in the Southern Highlands .. an easy 90 minutes south west of Sydney (out of peak hour) … is my favourite time of year. More akin to a northern hemisphere winter and every bit as enjoyable, once you have geared up for it. I have to admit that I did freeze during my first couple of winters.
The first step is to invest in good quality blankets .. and I don’t think you can go past beautiful Waverley blankets. They are always coming up with a new collection and the latest colours to feature rather than hide under a bedspread.
My very favourite thing to do when returning home to the Highlands after a trip to Sydney is to make sure that the wood basket is full to overflowing .. even if it means many trips to the wood pile .. quite a pleasurable task. You never know what you will discover in the garden along the way .. so much can change from week to week. This week it was the snowdrops …
Of course a stylish wood basket is a must. Dirty Janes is a your first stop for a traditional basket or Cloth and General for a more contemporary version. Koskela in Sydney would offer something creative.
It goes without saying that an inviting ambience is essential and this is all about cosy furnishings, the right fabrics and of course an open fire. Don’t be afraid of a little glamour … a chandelier is never out of place.
And I will end on a practical note .. always have curtains made with a bumph lining (layers of flannelette will do the job). This will guarantee that the winter chills are kept firmly at bay.
There is nothing like a true winter in our beautiful Southern Highlands.
Indigo … the colour everyone is talking about
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.
Bowral weekends … the new design hub
Bowral in the Southern Highlands now has its very own ‘design hub’. The once neglected bottom end of town is becoming ever so fashionable. My favourite … rabbit trap timber, has a new, larger home that shows off their gorgeous rustic yet contemporary style to perfection.
Full of recycled and environmentally friendly pieces, the design aesthetic is very much of the moment but with its own unique stamp. Such an interesting mix of beautifully designed furniture and homewares … and found objects.
I feel I need to keep an eye on the changing scene at rabbit trap timber but look forward to exploring this end of town further next weekend. In the meantime … back to Sydney !!!
Is there an art to hanging art ?
I am not sure there is any right or wrong when hanging art. What I do know however is that it either works or it doesn’t and only your eye will tell you that. It must be visually or aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
And of course what is pleasing to the eye for one is not so for another. I personally love the order and symmetry above, however aspire to the eclectic and seemingly effortless style below.
Take time to think about the space you are working with … sometimes it is obvious which way you should head. The size, proportion and colour of frame and artwork all come into play. I find laying it all out on the floor to organise groupings first is a great start.
Lastly, a professional hanger will take the angst out of the equation … all you have to do is stand back and admire.
http://www.thehangman.com.au
