paint colours

Photos

Beach House Inspiration … with a touch of black and white 4592

Deirdre Brennan January 6, 2016 1:06 pmFebruary 19, 2019

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With a view like this who needs colour … white highlights the natural tones and nature itself.

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I love black walls with vivid white trim anywhere but particularly in a beach house. It works brilliantly with earthy timber tones.

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You can so easily bring in a smart pattern when you have a colour palette of predominantly white.

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It is all in the detail … black of course !!

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Or the floor … where rugs will become your focal point.

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And just to set the scene ….

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MORE POSTS IN 2016 THAN 2015 I PROMISE !!! BUT IN THE MEANTIME

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My Design World

Latest Stylish Hotel Design in Madrid 18320

Deirdre Brennan July 23, 2015 6:39 amJune 26, 2019

The Principal Madrid,

the latest five star hotel to successfully combine classic architecture with stylish, contemporary interiors … the result being pure luxury.

A club like feel with dark and moody interiors, edgy wing backs and back lit bookcases.

So inviting … so unlike a hotel !!

Fabulous period detailing, high ceilings and large windows contribute to the luxurious ambiance.

Intimate spaces .. far from the madding crowd.

Guestooms are a perfect combination of glamorous Parisian style french doors with iron balustrades, and sleek, contemporary, almost masculine furnishings. The classic butterfly chair in leather and up to the minute designer lighting of course add to the elegance.

So simple yet so right !!

Designer: Pillar Garcia-Nieto and Barcelona based studio Luzio.

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My Design World

When a rustic interior isn’t all rustic 1920

Deirdre Brennan September 2, 2014 7:01 amJune 25, 2019

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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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My Design Tips

Stylish Inner City Living with a Smart Studio Apartment Makeover 1774

Deirdre Brennan August 2, 2014 11:16 amFebruary 19, 2019

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.

My Design Tips

Winter greige … your warm colour palette 2423

Deirdre Brennan July 23, 2014 5:17 amJune 20, 2019

I am taking my winter inspiration from The Wild Rabbit in the Cotswolds. This is yet another stylish project by Carole Bamford of the Daylesford Organic empire.

The classic English Country House style that we have loved for so long has come of age. Still deliciously warm and inviting, the colour palette has changed and is very much of the moment … stone, putty, greige, khaki and cocoa … just perfect for a cold climate or in fact, our winter.

We do a cooler version of it here with our warmer climate, however in winter it is all about replacing the crisp white with softer hues of rich cream, biscuit tones and greige.

Stone flooring in warm tones (see The Wild Rabbit above) can underpin the overall feeling of warmth and can be layered with wonderfully textured rugs in a similar colour palette.

The introduction of soft bleached timbers works well with this colour palette as does a fabric choice of stone washed linens or aged leather in faded shades.

To complete the picture just add an open fire and a cashmere throw rug …

My Design Tips

5 ways with dark colour … timeless 2919

Deirdre Brennan August 10, 2013 6:11 amJune 20, 2019

1. dark colours on walls really let the furnishings, artwork and in fact, anything else in the room, shine !!

2. dark colours on walls work particularly well with polished concrete floors and sisal flooring in natural tones

3. dark walls show the richness of timber and leather

4. dark walls are timeless … and classic style

5. dark colours are inviting in winter but equally so in summer, teamed with crisp white and pale timber … enjoy creating your own stylish interior.

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My Design Tips

How to do black and white … softly 2581

Deirdre Brennan June 5, 2013 6:22 amJune 20, 2019

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 !!

My Design Tips

How to do white well … 1929

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.