10 tips for creating a black and white interior !!

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image: likainen parketti

There is nothing as smart as black and white !! And you don’t need another colour at all if you are clever with texture and pattern.  How inviting is the grey woollen blanket above, not to mention the rustic trunk …. the juxtaposition of the contemporary slick white walls with lots of texture, pattern and vintage !!

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Again, a simple white interior contrasted with the warmth and texture of the linen sofa and timber table.  Interestingly, it is the definite contrast of the black shade, television and other smaller pieces that create the statement.

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images:jakob nylund

This is an example of pure white on white with not a lot of black …… however you don’t need a lot to make the statement.

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image: apartmentsilike

In contrast, the black in this interior is strong and bold and looks fabulous !!

The combination of the very definite black and white stripes with the softer lines of the sofa and armchair works beautifully. The detailed window architrave and rustic side tables soften the linear effect of the rug.

So be bold ….. go forth and embrace black and white for its simplicity, its inherent style and its flexibility.

Some black and white suggestions ……

almost black walls with white ceiling, doors, windows, skirting and architraves, floors pale bleached timber

white walls, ceiling and trims with black gloss timber floor

bathrooms with white wall tiles, predominantly white tiled floor with small black tile in check pattern, black vanity as a contrast with white bath and basin

all white kitchens with a very thick black benchtop … particularly good with black timber floor or even grey bleached timber

staircases in white with black handrail and tread only

charcoal to black painted exterior for timber houses or sheds with white trim on windows, doors and shutters

black and white photographs framed in black on a white wall or framed in white on a black wall

a soft black fringed throw rug on a bed made with crisp white bedlinen and doona

thick black bath towels hanging or folded in an all white bathroom

a large vase full of fully blown pink roses in any black and white interior ….

Grain sack fabrics both rustic and elegant

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I first stumbled across these fabrics at the iconic Peppergreen antique emporium in the Southern Highlands…..sadly no longer.  Shelves and even bolts of this vintage linen, cotton and flax grain sack fabric. I think what draws me to it is the subtlety in colour variation.  All very neutral, really only varying in texture from the soft scrubbed finish to a much coarser, almost hessianlike fabric.

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The faded imprint of the logo or manufacturer only adds to the appeal….almost like works of art.

 Also falling into this category of fabrics I feel are the gorgeous antique european mangle cloths.  These are a softer colour palette and finer texture….fabulous for tablecloths and serviettes. I love the subtle stripe to the edge…..always faded red or navy.

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images: homelife

Being so neutral these fabrics combine well with pattern…..however with their subtle shades of cream, putty or taupe are at their most elegant when incorporated into a cream or white interior.   Have fun with scatter cushions and interesting trimming….and think about loose covers !!

The most exciting part is searching for these fabrics at your favourite antique market…..

A touch of autumn in the highlands

 

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I am not sure if it is psychological or not but as soon as those clocks get put back ….. the days seem to close in all too quickly and autumn is here !!! In fact autumn on a cool day in the highlands can seem awfully wintery.  The leaves have turned and already falling….the memory of all that raking comes flooding back.

We do have a good while yet to admire the colour on most of our trees.  I am not sure where the falling leaves are actually coming from except the Silver Birch which is always the first….and the messiest due to its huge height.  I seem to remember our garden being at its most colourful by Mothers Day. We often have lunch outdoors so that we can enjoy the garden and fruits of our labour before the chillier days arrive.

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I have to say I have been a little disappointed by our Virginia Creeper which I planted for its autumn colour.  We have watched it rampantly climb up our north facing wall for two seasons…. looking forward to the turning of the leaves.  Of the two vines, one has turned vibrant red in the space of a week and is now dropping leaves profusely !!! Way too quickly for us to have time to admire it….. the second vine quite lacklustre in the colour stakes.  Just as well we have the Japanese Maples to look forward to.

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Rather than post photos of autumn gardens just yet…. I thought I would get you in the moods for autumn with the thought of snuggly throw rugs, checking your supply of firewood for those cooler autumn evenings, quaint cosy cottages for weekends away and anything in those gorgeous warm earthy tones!!!

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Images: dave coote/pale and interesting

The elegance of neutral bathrooms

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The simplicity of this bathroom is very appealing.  I am loving the neutral tones and finishes…..classic and elegant.

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Let the accessories tell the story and create the feel and mood…..what ever that may be.  Bring in texture, warmth and contrast.

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Natural materials have a natural warmth and texture and require little else. They provide their own contrast and variation within the material itself.

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Slick and contemporary or rustic and earthy …. neutral works best.

The White Company London stocks the most fabulous range of everything one needs for the bathroom….online.

images: the style files

French antiques to share

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I enjoyed receiving notification of the shipment of gorgeous french antiques from Architectural and Antique Elements in Sydney. It is definitely worth browsing amongst their new collection either for fun or if in search of a specific piece.

My favourite pieces are the french oak haberdashery table above, console and chest of drawers with marble tops, french oak buffet and metal trough.

I do love the scrubbed lighter oak finish and am always drawn to it……it reminds me of Appley Hoare’s heavenly french antique shop in Woollahra….sadly for us, long gone. Since then she has run a very successful antique business in Pimlico Road in London.

For those who are interested Appley Hoare is currently based in the south of France still sourcing unique french antiques which can be viewed online.  Of even greater interest is the beautiful house she rents in the south of France.

Daughter Zoe Hoare is now in the USA living and sourcing gorgeous bits and pieces as well. Her beautiful taste can be seen in the Oct/Nov 2011 Vogue Living.

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The unique interior and setting of petersham nurseries cafe, london

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A lot has been written about Skye Gyngell and even more about Petersham Nurseries Cafe including the article last weekend in the Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Weekend…..however I have always been more interested in exactly how they marry the plants and the food under the one roof!!

I love the idea of the greenhouses with earth floors….and yes I am sure the heating costs are enormous.  Mismatched tables and chairs, rustic urns with large potted plants or at Christmas time….Christmas trees decorated with their beautiful shiny baubles from India.  All very rustic….stylishly rustic but so atmospheric !!

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My photo source……daughter in London recently (hence grey skies)…..shows the very cute Christmas decorations strung throughout the greenhouse. You must look at the professional web site photos taken at their amazing candlelit Christmas Market and Carol Service.  A must for next year. It isn’t the first time I have mentioned that for me the best time to be in London is the lead up to Christmas…..London does Christmas so well!!

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Apart from fabulous food in this wonderful greenhouse setting, there is the shop selling pots, tools,  antiques and all things garden related…. of course.  Wander around the nursery for inspiration or visit the magnificent garden attached to Petersham House….described as a mad flowering hedgerow !! Not far away is Richmond Park where one can head for a brisk walk….to walk off lunch!!

PS.  As of yesterdays Good Living (Sydney Morning Herald) Skye Gyngell has departed Petersham Nurseries Cafe to be replaced by Melbourne’s high profile chef Greg Malouf !!

Rustic twig furniture by Joe Vinks to suit any design style

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I had the pleasure of meeting Joe Vinks and browsing amongst his beautiful pieces some time ago…..in a rustic tin shed in the Southern Highlands…..much to my surprise…..a very stylish setting as I recall.  I have since seen his pieces looking magnificent in a number of different interiors…..some rustic others rather more formal.

These pieces seem to work anywhere …. in edgy inner city apartments, English country house interiors or beachhouses !!!

I think what makes this furniture so versatile is that it can be stained, waxed or painted to achieve the desired look or fit in with the overall feel of the interior.

I love the silhouette of the twigs against a backdrop when painted white or black but equally there is something just so soft about the aged patina of the natural wood…..some of it the bleached colour of driftwood.

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A new shipment at Parterre Garden

I was very excited to receive news from Parterre of the new shipment from France and Belgium.

The showroom/shop has been completely refitted to showcase all the new pieces and I can’t wait to see it all !!! Always looking magnificent….and such a temptation.

I love the mix of larger, serious pieces of furniture and mirrors with small decorative vases and other exquisite collectables.

Belgian furniture at parterre garden

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Having time to kill between appointments I thought I would have a quick look at Parterre Garden in Woollahra…always such a beautiful and inspiring showroom.

It does help having such fabulous pieces to style.  Their lighting and lamps I feel underpin the entire look….so unique.  The glassware, mirrors and candles are heavenly !!!

What makes the showroom such a delight are the fresh flowers…today mainly roses….spilling out of sparkling glass urns.  I never quite manage to achieve such a lavish look but after a visit to Parterre….full of inspiration…. I do try to raise the bar somewhat.

My very exciting find today was their elegant range of Belgian outdoor furniture(below)……looking far too divine to possibly put outside….Massant…..specialialising in French chairs of the 18th century.

Parterre have a brilliant web site with the beautiful Massant furniture, other pieces seen in the showroom….and much more!!!!

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Northern Winter Retreat vs Summer Beach House

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via myparadissi

I have to say that I am currently bombarded online with winter images as all my favourite suppliers, blogs and stores abroad, whether it be London or New York are featuring their winter collections on sale. It is quite bazaar given that we are lapping up the sun, surf and sand here or on holiday.

Yes the weather has been, for the most part dismal but we are trying to be in beach mode.  I always look longingly over the summer at images in Design Magazines featuring ‘the beach house’ look, thinking how I can incorporate just a little touch of this into Home.  Maybe it is just the token bowl of shells or piece of coral.  I yearn for the actual beachhouse where you could do the whole ‘look’ with a palette of driftwood and azure blue, turquoise or inky navy.

However….. it always amuses me just how quickly Autumn creeps up on us and by Easter there is that chill in the air.  I always feel a little cheated and that the summer has been all too short.

Having had a taste of the beach while the sun has shone briefly during the last week I am not ready for anything resembling Autumn.

There are of course those who choose to travel to London, Paris, New York or even ski in the Northern Hemisphere, forgoing the summer holiday altogether.

I have to say I do love this interior shot of the mountain lodge…..the ski lodge with plaid sofas, leather and rustic timber finishes. Tartan is divine anywhere, anytime….Ralph Lauren does it best along with Mulberry!!!!!

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