rustic

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My Design World

Rustic kitchens with style 3247

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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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My Weekends

Bowral weekends … the new design hub 2038

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Bowral in the Southern Highlands now has its very own ‘design hub’. The once neglected bottom end of town is becoming ever so fashionable. My favourite … rabbit trap timber, has a new, larger home that shows off their gorgeous rustic yet contemporary style to perfection.
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Full of recycled and environmentally friendly pieces, the design aesthetic is very much of the moment but with its own unique stamp. Such an interesting mix of beautifully designed furniture and homewares … and found objects.
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I feel I need to keep an eye on the changing scene at rabbit trap timber but look forward to exploring this end of town further next weekend.  In the meantime … back to Sydney !!!
My Design Tips

The warmth of wood … now winter is here 2366

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Cold, wind and rain abound and we are thinking warm and cosy interiors and all that go with it.

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The glow of candles, bamboo lamp light and the warmth of timber.

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Earthy tones and rustic settings.

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Exposed timber new or old, makes an architectural statement and creates its own warm colour palette.

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The appeal of wool and cashmere fabrics no matter what colour palette.

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The warmth of rustic materials, fabulous design and clever lighting .. so simple !!

images: tumblr, browndresswithwhitedots
My Design Travels

5 ways with the warmth of wood 2371

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Images: wiesergut hotel, hinterglemm, austria
My Week in Sydney

Discover hidden treasures at seasonal concepts 1850

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Seasonal Concepts … a treasure trove of antiques and old wares for the home, garden and garage … whether decorative or industrial. You just never know what you will find … no wonder it is so popular as a source for film shoots, fashion shoots, window displays and film productions.

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Buckets and jugs of fresh and exotic flowers are for sale daily, somehow bringing this wonderful old building to life.

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Browse the Seasonal Concepts website for images of fabulously stylish events and weddings put together by this talented team.

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My Weekends

Container homes are all style 2463

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I first heard about container homes and the creative things people were doing with them, a few years ago.  I listened with great interest … fascinated to think of the challenge and the potential !!

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All they require are windows and doors…of any size or proportion and a coat of paint.

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They can be joined together side by side or on top of each other ….

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Somehow they suddenly become a design statement ….. minimalist and state of the art.  I just love the way they seem to nestle into their environment.
My Week in Sydney

French and belgian homewares at la croix 2595

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I am always searching for new and interesting homewares and decorative items as the finishing touch to interior projects I am working on …. the pieces that really bring a room to life.

Often it is the antique or rustic elements that will create the warmth and soften the most contemporary interior…. the juxtaposition of old and new.

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La Croix in Potts Point is one of those places that you do need to pop into reasonably regularly. Browse amongst their collection sourced from Belgium and France …. furniture, lighting, mirrors, glassware and porcelain …. not a chore given that the shop and cafe are intertwined.

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I have found they always have a lovely range of interesting platters, bowls and jugs …. from the very fine to a heavy marble …. and all in white and neutral tones, so easy to work with.

Without doubt my favourite find this week are the rustic timber lamps above with smart canvas shades.  The pair of differing height will look fabulous on a sideboard or console.  Probably no two bases are the same shape, which gives it a more eclectic feel.

The palette at La Croix is wonderfully neutral …. the space so glamorous with their use of antique mirrors and chandeliers. Just think …. you can ponder your purchases over a coffee and french pastry or even tartine.
My Weekends

Stone houses and a weekend in the southern highlands 1942

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Yes another wet weekend in the highlands but it doesn’t seem to have deterred the holiday makers and visitors ….. people everywhere …. impossible to even get a seat in a cafe.

Out of town, however, it is all very atmospheric …. misty rain and wintry landscape …. this is why people come to the highlands !!!

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Driving through the countryside the many dry stone walls that this area is known for, are now more visible …. and seem to go on for miles.

I have always been drawn to houses made of stone …. and there are quite a few in the highlands. They just seem to nestle into the landscape.

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On the inside, exposed stone works best with a soft neutral palette of creams, caramel and greys.

The use of timber whether it be natural, limed or painted ….. compliments or can contrast with the stone beautifully.

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Apart from its beautiful texture, exposed stone has a warmth that brings an interior to life. If a whole house made of stone isn’t possible …. maybe a stone fireplace and hearth is !!

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images: at home
My Week in Sydney

Pure and general ….. from travels far and wide 1832

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This was not my first trip to Pure and General, however as it turned out, it was their first birthday.  The store looked as fabulous as I had remembered …. I think it just keeps getting better and better !! These shelves are constantly changing.

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It truly is a visual delight …. however, what sets this store apart is not just the totally unique product but the merchandising !! I was on a mission to find the perfect wedding present …. the choice was endless (and I kept getting distracted by what I personally just couldn’t live without).

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It was terrific to cross paths with the owner, Linda Gregoriou who can tell you the source, the story behind each piece …. and of her travels !! We are talking Cypress, Turkey, Greece, Denmark, Spain, Morocco, Belgium, France, Finland, Japan and the list goes on ……

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There is such joy in discovering something new and something totally unique …. ‘homewares with enduring quality, physically sourced’. (There does seem to be a sameness amongst homeware stores where product is sourced from Gift Fairs.) When Pure and General have sold out of a product, it won’t be replaced …. something even better will probably arrive instead !!

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Pure and General is a favourite with Interior Designers and Architects who are always on the lookout for different and one-off pieces of furniture, lighting or rugs for projects. The secret is to pop in regularly to keep an eye on the latest in store. By the way …. their very smart little cafe is very close to opening ….think Victoria Room delicacies !!

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