design

My Design File > All Articles > design
My Design Tips

How to do white well … 1929

/images/white_1.jpg

Crisp, stark white is not for the faint hearted.  In fact most clients I work with shy away from white, on the basis that it is cold and uninviting !!  I beg to differ …

It is all about using it effectively and achieving the right balance.

/images/white_2.jpg

A white interior looks its absolute best where there are timber floors … of any shade or colour.  It is the perfect balance, with the timber providing the warmth.

/images/white_3.jpg

White on white is the ultimate in elegance … and it is all about the texture.  Try layering  rough and smooth.  I love the combinations of smooth white bedlinen and the texture of an antique marcella quilt or white linen loose covers on a sofa with silk velvet cushions.

/images/white_4.jpg

Of course you can always weaken and do white with a hint of …

/images/white_5.jpg

And for something really luxe … white with that touch of gilt.  Oh so elegant !!

/images/white_6.jpg

Working with white and its varying textures and tones will allow you to create a very sophisticated interior … not always achievable with colour.

images via thisisglamorous
My Design Tips

5 favourite upholstered furniture pieces … and finding interesting homes for them 2401

/images/upholstered_1.jpg

1.  the footstool … the perfect addition to any seating group but extremely practical in a bathroom … as big as will fit the space without cluttering it.

/images/upholstered_2.jpg

2.  this buttoned armchair works well anywhere … lovely in the bedroom or as a pair in a quiet corner of a sitting room or study.  I do love the idea of a pair of these (or one plus ottoman) in the corner of a large country kitchen … for that quick cup of tea.

/images/upholostered_3.jpg

3.  a buttoned chesterfield or even chaise is the ultimate … anywhere, anytime.  Looks fabulous in anything from an exquisite velvet to a vintage linen.

/images/uphoolstered_4.jpg

4.  the rolled back armchair is a classic design that can be positioned in a classic or contemporary setting, depending on fabric … I love the slightly higher version around a dining table.

/images/upholstered_5.jpg

5.  these squishy daybeds as a pair, are perfect for that covered verandah with view of the garden … just curl up with a book and throw rug.
My Design Tips

5 ways with vintage style 2101

/images/vintage_style_1.jpg

The trend toward minimalist interiors is I hope on the wane, with the pendulum swinging back to that of warmth and comfort … rooms that are inviting, lived in and have real character. Let your possessions provide the detail.

/images/vintage_style_2.jpg

1.  Display and use on a daily basis inherited pieces such as pretty porcelain or silver.  Don’t just store it in the attic or at the back of a cupboard.

2.  Visit antique shops and markets to keep your eye out for vintage finds … baskets, picture frames or collections of glass bottles to use as vases.

/images/vintage_style_3.jpg

3.  Collections of new or old books add character to any interior …  either in bookshelves or piles on coffee tables.  You can go a step further by displaying them by colour.

4.  Antique timber furniture of any period will always add warmth and texture. Often only one or two pieces are needed to make the difference in a very modern interior.

/images/vintage_style_4.jpg

5.  Choose a classic piece of antique furniture and recover it in a modern fabric.

It is the combination of old and new that gives character … and it should be constantly evolving not created in a few weeks.
My Week in Sydney

10 favourites from ‘design and decoration 2013’ sydney 1876

/images/dd_1.jpg

I was daunted at the thought of visiting Design and Decoration at Darling Harbour this week.  This is the trade only exhibition which showcases the latest and greatest in design.  One is usually confronted with a lot of not so good, to be sieved through in the hope of finding the gems.  Not so this year … not nearly as many exhibitors but lots of new and fabulous.  I have to say my favourite stand was the one above .. well done Crowley and Grouch.

/images/dd_2.jpg

I fell upon this fabric supplier who exhibited the most beautiful range of linen fabrics, both printed and plains … from Sth. Africa.

/images/dd_3.jpg

This furniture was extremely stylish, the designs just that little bit different … such generous proportions.  I do love stud trim on any piece of furniture !!

/images/dd_4.jpg

Excuse the out of focus images, however I was really on the run.  Love both the ikat cushions, colours and the metal furniture very different to anything I have seen.

/images/dd_5.jpg

I first saw and loved similar lamps at Blakes Hotel in London in the late 80’s. I have been trying to source or have made, this style for years … very difficult to get the proportion just right, but here they are.

/images/dd_6.jpg

Yes, new industrial style furniture is here to stay … and I am dying to use it somewhere.

/images/dd_61.jpg

Loved these lights.  In fact the lighting was the standout of the event this year.

/images/dd_7.jpg

This very glamorous African tribal look was rather inspirational !!

/images/dd_8.jpg

Have wanted groupings of this classic wicker on our verandah (to be moved out into the garden for autumn lunches) for years but never time to make it happen !!  This was so reasonably priced that I wondered why I hadn’t just got on with it.

/images/dd_9.jpg

For those of you who read my blog on peacock bedheads, you will be amused to see that I have found another supplier.  This colourfully painted (to order) cane furniture was divine .. particularly the oriental style bookshelves. I do have a soft spot for the classic cane armchair and ottoman in the foreground.
My Design Tips

5 ways with texture … adding a whole new dimension to your interior 38730

/images/wallpaper_texture_1.jpg

Texture is a very important element in any interior however it is even more relevant when working with a neutral colour palette. The texture becomes the focal point.

/images/wallpaper_texture_2.jpg

When glancing at Wallpaper magazines 2013 High Altitude, the latest in ski resorts, I was struck by the impact of fabulous texture in varying forms. This was the key element in all these interiors … timber, stone, rustic furnishings and fabric in contrast with the icy surround.

/images/wallpaper_texture_3.jpg

There is unlimited scope for the introduction of texture … wall finishes, floor and ceiling finishes, furniture, floor coverings and of course fabrics.

/images/wallpaper_texture_4.jpg

The use of texture or the juxtaposition of different textures will bring a balance to the visual appeal and comfort of an interior … more often than not it brings warmth and sense of wellbeing.

/images/wallpaper_texture_5.jpg

Introducing texture into your rooms can be as simple as:

1.  Roughly textured jute or sisal rugs on smooth polished floors

2.  Velvet and silk cushions on a linen sofa

3.  Cashmere throw rugs draped over crisp cotton bedlinen

4.  A collection of beautiful shells or pebbles in an all white bathroom

5.  Rustic limestone floors with stainless steel slickness in kitchens

and on it goes …
My Design Tips

5 design tips for turning your small spaces into grand spaces 2078

/images/pied_a_terre_1%5B1%5D.jpg

1.  Using the same floor material or shade of flooring throughout will unify your spaces and create the illusion of space.

2.  Keep your colour scheme simple and calm.  Again, use of the same colours throughout will unify and magnify the space.

/images/pied_a_terre_2%5B2%5D.jpg

3.  Storage is critical in small apartments/rooms. Create additional storage and bookshelves where possible by boxing out recesses. Clutter makes a room appear smaller.  Disguise doors to storage cupboards where you can. Split a door into a pair of doors which intrude less into the space.

4. Choose furniture which is both moveable and multi-functional.   Combine a couple of feature pieces with other furniture that recedes or blends with the wall colour. Avoid too many contrasts and patterns in a small room. Surprisingly, an oversized picture or piece of furniture can create impact along with the feeling of grandeur.

/images/pied_a_terre_7%5B1%5D.jpg

5.  The tried and true use of mirrors and even better mirrored walls, always works a treat in small spaces.  Try mirrored splashbacks in the kitchen to introduce light and expand the space. Allow for maximum flexibility with your lighting.  Dimmers on all switches will allow for that ever important change of mood and focus.

images: victoriameale
My Week in Sydney

Marimekko … all the fun and colour of summer 1946

/images/marimekko_1.jpg

I have such fond memories of my marimekko curtains and bedspread, back in the day … it was the 70’s of course.  They were fabulous shades of bright green with large orange tulips.  The look extended  to green heart sheets and a gorgeous white peacock bedhead … all put together by my very stylish mother.

/images/marimekko_2.jpg

Brisbane was all the richer for Joy de Gruchy and The Craftsman’s Market, a design studio that stocked Marimekko and put Brisbane on the map. I have adored Marimekko in a nostalgic sort of way ever since.

/images/marimekko_4.jpg

How exciting to have our own Marimekko in Sydney … looking resplendent in the wonderful store in King Street. The colour is breathtaking and the space full of light !! Bolts of signature marimekko fabric, fashion and homewares.

/images/marimekko_5.jpg

I couldn’t help but pass on my source for peacock bedheads to complete the picture … The Family Love Tree.
My Design Travels

Loving the langham, london 2160

/images/langham_1.jpg

The Langham Hotel, London … just a short stroll from Oxford Street, Regent Street and Marylebone High Street … shops, shops and more shops. This is a very stylish hotel in a fabulous location.

/images/langham_2.jpg

Classic Room

I love the warmth and attention to detail in all the rooms … from the entry level Classic Rooms to Grand Junior Suite.  There are of course larger suites, however I simply can’t imagine needing anything larger than the gorgeous Grand Junior suite … particularly when you are out and about shopping and exploring all day.

/images/langham_3.jpg

Grand Junior Suite

I think what I love most is the interesting use of colour throughout … both elegant and adventurous, to say the least. I don’t know why all hotels don’t do doona’s/duvet’s … they are just so inviting.  Well actually I do know why.  Changing covers still remains a nightmare for housemaids. (Have to say I find it a challenge and only have a couple to do at any one time.)

/images/langham_4.jpg

Artesian

Lovely to know there is the traditional Palm Court to return to for Tea after all that shopping … or the Artesian for a cocktail before dinner.  I do love the exotic Orientalism !!!

A stay at The Langham would not be complete without a stroll through Regent’s Park or a visit to the Wallace Collection (also fabulous Tearoom).

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks