Grain sack fabrics both rustic and elegant

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I first stumbled across these fabrics at the iconic Peppergreen antique emporium in the Southern Highlands…..sadly no longer.  Shelves and even bolts of this vintage linen, cotton and flax grain sack fabric. I think what draws me to it is the subtlety in colour variation.  All very neutral, really only varying in texture from the soft scrubbed finish to a much coarser, almost hessianlike fabric.

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The faded imprint of the logo or manufacturer only adds to the appeal….almost like works of art.

 Also falling into this category of fabrics I feel are the gorgeous antique european mangle cloths.  These are a softer colour palette and finer texture….fabulous for tablecloths and serviettes. I love the subtle stripe to the edge…..always faded red or navy.

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images: homelife

Being so neutral these fabrics combine well with pattern…..however with their subtle shades of cream, putty or taupe are at their most elegant when incorporated into a cream or white interior.   Have fun with scatter cushions and interesting trimming….and think about loose covers !!

The most exciting part is searching for these fabrics at your favourite antique market…..

Carolyn quartermaine fabrics rediscovered

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Featured in countless leading design magazines worldwide Carolyn Quartermaine’s fabrics have always been a favourite.  It is only fairly recently that I noticed that the fabric house Boyac in Sydney were the agent for them.  Carolyn, a London based designer and stylist works on projects both in the design and fashion world.

She is the textile designer who modernised my other favourite fabric….toile de jouy.  Always light, floating designs…ethereal.  ‘Art and inspiration flowing onto fabric’….Vogue Living Australia.

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These fabrics are feminine and pretty yet hold their own in elegant, formal rooms ….. particularly when used as upholstery on french furniture, in fact any antique furniture …..aged, gilt or white washed!!! Her classic designs of lace or script create a formality.

I have on the other hand seen her fabrics used in very formal interiors ….. they seem to provide the whimsical element… it just works.

Since the 90’s Carolyn has always been able to predict and translate trends.

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Interestingly, I noticed that there are parts of her collection that have moved away from the colour pallettes here…..she has a brighter more vibrant range with turquoise, aqua and lime…..just fabulous for beach houses and resorts !!

James salmond style

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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.

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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.

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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.

The sartorialist does navy, black and tan

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Image: The Sartorialist 

Why is my eye always drawn to these colours together.  I think it is just so smart to have the subtle black, navy combination with a luscious tan contrast bringing it all to life.

Tan has been big in Europe this winter but I love it anywhere, anytime.  I was thrilled when I did my dark inky blue woollen armchairs in our sitting room to then find divine tan suede Mulberry cushions to contrast. These, apart from the timber furniture, were the only colour in the room as the walls are the same inky navy blue.

I also love the colour that the natural IL Bisonte leather bags and diaries go after using them lovingly…..tan !!

One of my favourite projects recently was a Polo Clubhouse/Bar Lounge where I did large tan leather armchairs and sofas with brass studded trim ….. and chocolate and cream tartan woollen cushions.  It looked fabulous…..the building itself was spectacular….lots of dark timber rustic panelling, natural stone fireplaces and very large terracotta flagging.

I still miss the greatest source of woollen fabric ever ……. yes mainly shades of tan, coffee and caramel……Fabric Fantasy in Commonwealth Street, Sydney.  Sadly now closed.  It stocked bolts of Italian suiting fabric bought out from the mills at vastly reduced prices.  I couldn’t stop buying it to cover furniture, make bedheads and valances and even tablecloths.  The colours were a dream !!

Where it’s at……hotel 27, copenhagen

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I keep reading about Copenhagen and thinking what a truly stylish city it is. Danish design has always been at the forefront ….fashion, furniture, architecture and interiors not to mention the arts.

Hotel 27 is in the centre of the city…..a heartbeat from where it is all at…..both culture and shopping !!

As you know, I have more than a passing interest in hotel guestrooms having spent a large portion of my life as an interior designer working on their design or redesign.  Hotel 27 has the hotel guestroom sorted.  The timber floors underpin the use of colour in the furniture itself… so different to the standard hotel guestroom. So simple, elegant and so well designed.  The colours are gorgeous…..slick, young and fresh. The attention to detail is brilliant.

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Hotel 27 has the warmth and comfort factor so often missing in a lot of inner city hotels.  Designers put together a lot of hard finishes and think that opulent furnishings will be the icing on the cake…..so often the spaces may have the initial wow factor but are simply not inviting.

The Danes do timber well.  The use of either timber flooring, panelling or furniture (or all three) creates warmth and gives a space a certain character.

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And now for some really vibrant Danish design…..iconic furniture combined with gorgeous fabrics for the Bar….only in Copenhagen !!

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Emma bridgewater hearts on valentines day

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It is worth a trip to London to stock up on Emma Bridgewater hand made pottery ……I spend hours in her shops in London.  Her glass is also particularly beautiful so very difficult to choose.

My friend Annabel in London has absolutely loads of it all which we admire……gorgeous when mixed and matched.  Somehow all the designs and colours do work together.

The clever thing is that the Emma Bridgewater mugs are not too big and still seem elegant…maybe that is an English thing…..all those tea parties etc.

On it goes with bedlinen, fabulous coated fabric, stationary, cutlery and tin…..

and her sales and seconds are amazing !!!

Our only problem is that the cost of freight is prohibitive……so do what I do and load up friends and family on their return to Australia.

Designers guild shop online

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I was thrilled to see that Designers Guild now have a fabulous online store for throw blankets, cushions, candles and floor rugs…..the quality of their fabrics is beautiful which I think you can see even from the photos.  Such a bonus to have the actual Designers Guild ready made cushions as I have spent years buying small metrage to have made into cushions for projects I have been working on.

These cushions, rugs and throws all co-ordinate with the various ranges of fabrics and you will find that Designers Guild will do a whole collection in a particular colour palette which makes it easy to put together a scheme for a room.

I did blog about their fantastic tote bags made out of smart Designers Guild fabrics a while back.

My favourite ever Designers Guild fabrics are their Royal Collection based on archives of fabrics in Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace…..in fact now that I am thinking about it….. I might just follow up with that story and show some of those magnificent fabrics next.

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More trade secrets…..designers little black book!

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Ondene ….. magnificent linen, cashmere, furniture, lighting and on it goes !!!  All so elegant and so beautifully presented. I adore their earthy colour palette… my real passion ….the Society linen. Tucked away in Transvaal Avenue you really need to know it is there.

Ondene   12 Transvaal Avenue, Double Bay 2028 PH: 93621734

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Paper2 is the only place to go for something totally different when it comes to stationary, cards, paper, invitations and much more.  This shop is all about beautiful design !!!  They specialise in personalised stationary and invitations…I have just loved everything they have designed for me.

Paper2  477 Crown Street, Surry Hills 2010 PH: 93181121

Trade secrets……interior designer’s little black book !!!

Artframing Pty Ltd

29 Salisbury Street Botany NSW 2019

PH 93166644 /0418 112 643 (Speak to Darry)

www.artframing.com.au

Corporate and Designer Artwork Specialist…extremely well priced framing !!

 

E&M Greenfield

30-36 Anne St Surry Hills NSW 2010

PH 92121944

www.emgreenfield.com

Fabric and Haberdashery for the fashion and design world….fabulous trims for soft furnishings!!

 

 

To be continued….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More beautiful fabric inspiration

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I fell in love with this range of fabrics from UK designer Mark Alexander……very Hamptons……and the colour palette he works in is just beautiful.  Mainly neutrals but introducing colour in a very subtle way.

The range includes printed linens…..such quality…. textured linens, relaxed linens, artisan dyed, brushed and embroidered both traditional and modern !!!!

These neutral string tones above work so well with white, cream and other sandy tones….sisal matting….all punctuated with the warmth of dark timber.

Below, is the introduction of Indigo.  I have used this inky colour…..with black timber floor boards, white walls and mid tone sisal matting.  It has the same effect as introducing blue and white china…..classic and timeless.

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Mark Alexander fabrics are distributed through Romo Fabrics available at Marco Fabrics in Paddinton, Sydney

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