




it is all in the detail …. a predominantly neutral palette with a hint black or charcoal …
or a hint of buttoning, antique stud trim or cushion detail
or a smart contrast … just one
a distinct contrast in style, line and materials … this works
black, white and stone to soften
the detail softens what would otherwise be … just black and white
black, white and shades of grey … always !!
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.
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
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
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
1. Timber floors, walls and ceiling create a warm palette, all complimented by the stone clad wall in similar hues.
2. The balance between the texture of timber and stone, and the crispness of the minimal white wall, porcelain freestanding bath and bedlinen, is perfect. Note the contrasting timber shades of the furniture.
3. Beautifully designed timber furniture provides the warmth, texture and perfect scale in this otherwise simple white interior.
4. The contrast between the smoothness of the timber floor and the rustic nature of the timber furniture gives this room another dimension.
5. If you can be bold enough to follow the warm tones of the timber and stone with soft furnishings (rather than contrast with additional colour) the end result will be extremely elegant.
Images: wiesergut hotel, hinterglemm, austria