design

My Design File > All Articles > design
My Week in Sydney

Manuel canovas … my edit for spring 2454

/images/manuel_canovas_9.jpg
This fabric works perfectly in a neutral scheme .. a punch of colour for cushions on string coloured linen sofas … or as lavish curtains.

 

/images/manual_canovas_8.jpg
Note the hint of lime.  Fabulous cushions for a lime sofa !!
/images/manuel_canovas_7.jpg
This elegant paisley is a statement.  Look how well the pattern and stripe work with it.
/images/manuel_canovas_5.jpg
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.
FOLLOW MYDESIGNFILE ON INSTAGRAM
My Design World

When a rustic interior isn’t all rustic 1920

/images/rustic_interior_mydesignfile_4.jpg
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.
/images/rustic_interior_mydesignfile_2.jpg
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.
/images/rustic_interior_mydesignfile_3.jpg
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.
/images/rustic_interior_mydesignfile.jpg
There is something rather calming in these modern spaces with vintage detail … the sense that we have been there before.
FOLLOW MYDESIGNFILE ON INSTAGRAM
images:capecodcollegiate
My Design World

Hotel guest rooms … the latest in layout 5025

/images/9_Mykonos_Luxury_Accommodation.jpg
Many hours have been spent by designers thinking about how to improve .. or even just vary, the layout of a hotel guest room.  Let’s face it .. they are all pretty much the same in layout, everywhere.  There is definitely rationale for the way they are .. and it works.  The only problem is that it is rather boring to walk into a hotel guest room, no matter where in the world and find the same layout .. entry hall, bathroom to the left or right, bed, desk etc
/images/bill_coo_3.jpg
The only variation on the theme appears to be where the constraints of existing architecture (in a building not purpose built for a hotel) dictate a change !!! And how refreshing it is to find a bathroom built where a dressing room may have been.  
/images/12_Luxury_Accommodation.jpg
In defence of the tried and true layout, there has been considerable success with the opening up of the fully enclosed bathroom to capture natural light and possible views. The introduction of a glass panel/sliding glass panels or even shutters to the guest room and view beyond has been fought for by designers, however not always embraced by hotel operators.  
/images/20_Luxury_Hotel_in_Mykonos.jpg
The layout above makes a lot of sense in this environment. It reflects the casual beach holiday lifestyle. The shower cubicle with frosted glass panelling, separate to a freestanding bath and basin .. what better way to capture the amazing light and beautiful view.
Lets hope designers keep thinking of ways to reinvent hotel guest rooms or at least try for a little creativity .. particularly where the geography is conducive.
images: bill & coo hotel, mykonos
FOLLOW MYDESIGNFILE ON INSTAGRAM
 
My Design Tips

The new neutral interior … how to create this look 2229

/images/how_to_create_this_look_mydesignfile.jpg
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.
  
My Design Tips

Stylish Inner City Living with a Smart Studio Apartment Makeover 1774

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. 
/images/potts_point_studio_apartment_1.jpg
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.
 
/images/potts_point-studio__apartment_2.jpg
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.
/images/potts_point_studio_apartment_3.jpg
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 2423

/images/the_wild_rabbit_cotswolds.jpg
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.
/images/greige_1.jpg
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.
/images/greige_dining.jpg
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.
/images/greige_rugs.jpg
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.
/images/greige_bedroom.jpg
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.
/images/white_company_boards.jpg
To complete the picture just add an open fire and a cashmere throw rug …
My Week in Sydney

Lighting dank street … my edit 2308

/images/the_country_trader_light.jpg
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.
/images/parterre_garden_lamp.jpg
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.
/images/parterre_garden_chandelier.jpg

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. 

/images/parterre_garden_lighting_2.jpg
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 Design Tips

My tips for a cosy southern highlands winter 1951

/images/blankets_winter.jpg
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.
/images/southern_highlands_winter.jpg
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 …
/images/southern_highlands_winter_1.jpg
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.
/images/southern_highlands_winter_3.jpg
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.
/images/southern_highlands_winter_curtains.jpg
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.
My Design Travels

Ham Yard Hotel London … modern British style 2722

/images/ham_yard_hotel_soho_london_2.jpg
Firmdale Hotels has opened another hotel in London this month with Kit Kemp the designer working her magic.  She is renowned for her confident play with fabric patterns and bold use of wallpaper and artwork.
/images/ham_hotel_soho_london_9.jpg
Kit Kemp is also incredibly clever with the detail.  I have had the pleasure of visiting a number of her other hotels in London … the Knightsbridge, Number 16 and The Pelham and can say that I have loved all that she has accomplished.  She has a signature style … however each property, very much it’s own look and feel.
/images/ham_hotel_soho_london_5.jpg
At the Ham Yard Hotel in Soho, colour and pattern have been taken to a new level. Even though some of her pattern combinations I find almost too bold, they work and I can only marvel at the attention to detail.
/images/ham_hotel_soho_london_6.jpg
There are areas with schemes such as the Suite above, that for me, don’t work.  There is just one fabric too many !!! and there will be those who think it is fabulous.
/images/ham_yard_hotel_soho_london_8.jpg
The drawing room, for reasons quoted above, falls into the same category.  However, I do feel that this room is probably a lot more appealing in reality, so will put it down to the photograph … I find it difficult to imagine the very clever Kit Kemp getting it wrong … or am I not fully appreciating modern British style.
My Weekends

Bowral weekends … the new design hub 2038

/images/rabbit_trap_timber_bowral.jpg
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.
/images/rabbit_trap_timber_bowral_2.JPG
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.
/images/rabbit_trap_timber_bowral_3.jpg
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 !!!

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks