interior design

I am not sure if it has anything to do with the weather, however we don’t seem to embrace colour quite like the English. Think of those cyclamen pink dining rooms that look so fabulous. I am not even sure it works with our sunnier climate.

Hence, my love for English decorating magazines … probably because ‘the look’, (their look !!) is just so different to anything we do here. There is no right or wrong … it is just different!!

Meanwhile, enjoy looking at Soane Britain … a beautiful website with beautiful products. They do ship to anywhere in the world, if you can bear to wait.

My Design Tips

Beautiful bookshelves … working with colour 3357

Deirdre Brennan May 27, 2013 4:56 amJune 21, 2019

Since my last post I am noticing bookshelves and bookcases everywhere and the ones that work really leap out. The bookshelves above are my idea of perfection. Such an interesting combination of colours, both books and decorative items.

One could call this styling … the ability to put together bits and pieces that work … and it is all about having an eye for colour. It is the combination of colours that pull it all together … or to be quite specific, always work with a complimentary palette of colours.

Apply this principle to any collection whether it be bookshelves or dressing table. There is nothing as elegant as white or cream with a hint of soft metallic. Have a play and see what you can achieve.

My Design Tips

Neutral palette with a splash of colour 3059

Deirdre Brennan May 8, 2013 5:06 amJune 21, 2019

Any neutral palette will come alive with the introduction of a little colour !

It could be anything from muted dusty shades to vibrant colour !

A black and white scheme looks sensational with a splash of … well, any colour really … hot pink, soft pink, bright orange, brilliant yellow or cobalt blue …

Refer to previous posts for tips on how to introduce colour into a neutral palette but it can be as simple as fresh flowers or a bookcase full of books.

My Design Tips

5 sleep essentials 2997

Deirdre Brennan May 2, 2013 5:12 amJune 21, 2019

Of all the rooms in a house the bedroom is possibly the most important … it is where we spend half our life !!!

1. A good mattress is essential to ensure a restful night’s sleep. The very best mattresses support our spines in their natural, neutral position. The latest technology allows the mattress springs to mould to the shape of our body.

2. Mattress toppers are becoming extremely popular … they add an additional layer of padding and comfort, particularly good where the mattress itself is too firm. Reversible toppers with wool fleece for autumn and winter … and cotton percale to keep you cool in spring and summer, are the ultimate.

3. Choice of pillow is critical to a good night’s sleep. The right choice depends on a number of factors including neck problems, allergies (non allergenic filling choices)and preference for firm or soft, one or two pillows. How soft or firm your pillow feels is determined by the ratio of feather to down used … feather being firm and down being soft.

4. Beautiful bedlinen is a luxury and you really do get what you pay for. Thread count (number of threads in a square inch of fabric) isn’t everything and other factors such as the quality of the raw cotton (firmness of yarn) and the way threads are woven comes into play. I love the softness and elegance of Cotton Sateen without the expense of Egyptian Cotton.

5. Your choice of Doona/Duvet is all to do with weight and seasons/climate, however your first choice is natural or non allergenic filling. The right choice of doona weight for your particular climate is essential to a good nights sleep. The weight of doona for a cool climate will be vastly different to that where winters are mild. Down doonas trap more air between clusters than feather fillings and are therefore warmer and incredibly light. The greater the percentage of down and the higher the quality of the down, the more you pay.

Yes, lots to think about … however worth spending a little time to get it right.

My Design Travels

Hotel guestrooms with a difference… the siam, bangkok 2641

Deirdre Brennan April 20, 2013 6:16 amJune 25, 2019

Without doubt it is the individuality of The Siam that sets it apart. Renowned hotel designer Bill Bensley has incorporated the old with the new and created a unique 5 star hotel, full of charm.

This is not your typical hotel guestroom … with Thai Colonial influences, lamps hanging on black silk ribbons, travel collections … all so very personal.

The elegance of suites with sumptuous furnishings, exquisite detailing and such interesting memorabilia.

Memorabilia that has been collected and sourced for each of the individually themed suites.

Always glimpses to the exotic orchid filled gardens …

Black and white and distinctly Art Deco. Such attention to detail.

I ask the question again, why can’t your average hotel guestroom, or even just the expensive ones, be that little bit more exciting or individual. It isn’t only about the finishes and furnishings … it is about creating spaces that make patrons feel at home or somewhere better than home.

My Design Tips

A hint of gold … 2888

Deirdre Brennan April 8, 2013 5:18 amJune 21, 2019

A touch of gold or gilt adds an element of warmth and style to any interior. It looks best I believe, where the palette of colours used is minimal or neutral.

There are no hard and fast rules for the placement of gilt mirrors except to say, the larger the better.

This palette of colours and textures works like a dream. Gilt … furniture or mirrors, adds a touch of elegance … or even faded glory !!

For all your restoration requirements … whether it be regilding mirrors and picture frames or conserving your Old Masters, it is worth speaking to International Conservation Services who have a very impressive portfolio.

Images: tumblr

My Design World

My mood board …. autumn tones 2660

Deirdre Brennan April 2, 2013 7:26 amJune 20, 2019

cappuccino comfort ..

the golden glow of candlelight ..

the warmth of timber and ruby red autumn fruits ..

the feel and smell of new leather ..

vintage linen and brown bunnies ..

scrubbed oak ..

fireside knitting ..

new season knits in navy and tan ..

and again, the stylish charcoal and greige ..

images: tumblr

My Design Tips

How to do white well … 2896

Deirdre Brennan March 26, 2013 5:23 amJune 21, 2019

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 3252

Deirdre Brennan March 15, 2013 5:29 amJune 21, 2019

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.

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.

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

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.