Rustic kitchens with style

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I am not sure if it is the marble/stone itself or the soft colour palette of the finishes in these kitchens but they do seem to all have a similar look and feel.  It is very much the look and feel that I love.
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It is rustic, yet somehow of the moment. It exudes warmth as well as simply loads of style !!!
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The brass detail for this suspended shelving compliments the brass tap ware perfectly .. rustic elegance !!
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Super rustic .. and super slick.  What a fabulous combination.  The soft wash of light on the stone above is beautiful. I must say I do love a stylish table lamp in the kitchen. It softens what is often a harshly lit utility area and turns it instead into somewhere that is inviting to spend time in. This works particularly well in an open plan kitchen/family room situation.
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Perfect for washing those pots and pans … sheer genius.
images: pinterest. Apologies for lack of photo credit.  These were saved as favourites over many months with no intention of reusing.
 
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When a rustic interior isn’t all rustic

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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.
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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.
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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.
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There is something rather calming in these modern spaces with vintage detail … the sense that we have been there before.
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The new neutral interior … how to create this look

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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. 
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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.
 
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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.
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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. 

Lighting dank street … my edit

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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.
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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.
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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. 

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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.

Weylandts … their autumn lookbook for your interior

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Weylandts, Melbourne … the new go-to store for fabulous homewares from Sth Africa.
Innovative, contemporary design, manufacturing and sourcing.
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My pick for an autumn makeover …
the extremely elegant brass pendant lights … and the sparkling glass horlicks jar pendants, so retro …
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these smart black and white side tables … perfect with your winter white bedding
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and an aviator copper coffee table to warm up your living area and reflect that open fire this autumn … so nice to have an excuse to shop for a new look.

Designex14 … fabulous lighting, brilliant design

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What a surprise packet Designex14 turned out to be.  A new location to navigate (while Darling Harbour Convention Centre is being redeveloped) caused no hardship.  Glebe Island with easy parking and smart temporary buildings was more inviting by far than the tired Darling Harbour venue we were accustomed to.
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The diversity of both exhibitors and products was impressive and all with exciting new products to launch. The latest lighting was exceptional. A clever floorplan enhanced the design experience, with fabulous cafes and pop up bars adding to the buzz !!
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I have come away inspired … as well as having a bag full of new contacts and new product brochures. It is easy to find a reason not to visit Design Fairs however Designex14 with all it had to offer under the one roof, was worth well worth the time.
images: from the top, about space, duncan meerding, porcelain bear

Hotel guestrooms with a difference… the siam, bangkok

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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.

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

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

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

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Always glimpses to the exotic orchid filled gardens …

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

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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.

10 favourites from ‘design and decoration 2013’ sydney

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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.

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

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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 !!

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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.

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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.

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

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

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This very glamorous African tribal look was rather inspirational !!

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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.

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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.

Parterre garden chandeliers and other pretty things for christmas

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Parterre Garden is celebrating 25 years in the business of bringing beautiful pieces large and small for house and garden into our lives.  The shop is exquisite.  Always another shipment arriving … always another piece to fall in love with.

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There is something rather festive about chandeliers. I adore the ones with the small shades and am always drawn to these first. Just when one is giving thought to dressing the house and table for Christmas … oh for a pair of these.  Perfect for the Christmas table … along with your finest silver, glassware and china.

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I imagine garlands and wreaths … white hydrangeas and creamy gardenias.

More of this to come … but we do have our tree up, looking resplendent, so that is a start.

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