Style

My Design File > All Articles > Style
My Design World

Rustic kitchens with style 3255

/images/rustic_kitchens_1.jpg
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.
/images/rustic_kitchens_2.jpg
It is rustic, yet somehow of the moment. It exudes warmth as well as simply loads of style !!!
/images/rustic_kitchens_3.jpg
The brass detail for this suspended shelving compliments the brass tap ware perfectly .. rustic elegance !!
/images/rustic_kitchens_4.jpg
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.
/images/rustic_kitchens_5.jpg
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.
 
FOLLOW MYDESIGNFILE ON INSTAGRAM
 
 
My Design Travels

Beach houses .. currumbin .. my edit 2014/15 2982

/images/currumbin_beach_house_4.jpg
I love the simplicity of this architectural style .. timeless. Pandanus perfect !!
/images/currumbin_beach_house_1.jpg
Always love a skillion roof .. not to mention the frangipani.
/images/currumbin_beach_house_3.jpg
Set high on the hill .. the ocean view from this original cottage is breathtaking. The perfect location if you don’t have beach frontage.
/images/currumbin_beach_house_6.jpg
This had always been my all time favourite beach house, however sadly the original windows with lattice shutters have been replaced with french doors .. for obvious reasons.  Still fabulous however not quite as charming. It does have an exotic coastal garden and beach frontage !!
My Design Travels

Liberty of London … Christmas windows 2014 5038

 

/images/liberty_christmas_2014_windows_10.jpg
I am spending far too much time reminiscing about this time last year in London … the Christmas windows, the shopping, the Christmas lights and catching up with friends !!  I couldn’t help but take a peek at Liberty’s windows this year.
/images/liberty_christmas_2014_windows_4.jpg
Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Fortnum and Mason and Liberty excel with their window display and they simply must be seen to be believed.  In Paris it is without doubt Hermes who win the prize.
/images/liberty_christmas_2014_windows_6.jpg
They sparkle like jewels and are surrounded by crowds of admirers and adoring children, all rugged up against the winter chill.
/images/liberty_christmas_2014_windows_8.jpg
All this is made that much more atmospheric with the shorter days … the evening closing in by around 3.30pm.  This is the cue to head to somewhere smart like Claridges or Browns for High Tea or .. simply champagne.
/images/liberty_christmas_2014_windows_11.jpg
This is without doubt my favourite time of year to be in London … they do Christmas like nowhere else and I can’t wait to give you a glimpse of London this time last year.
Christmas 2014 is the beach for us … and I can’t wait but am reminiscing !!
Follow Mydesignfile on Instagram
My Design Travels

London’s boutique hotel style 2413

/images/san_domenico_hotel_london.jpg

 

San Domenico House,

 

in my very favourite part of London, was a great find recently.
Both the architecture and orange brick are synonymous with certain areas of London and I have always loved both. This boutique hotel is tucked in behind Kings Road and Sloane Street and only a short walk to Sloane Square.
/images/san_domenico_house_london_2.jpg
There is probably no further criteria for me on my hunt for accommodation in London, apart from of course, the style and ambiance of the interior.  I have discovered that I can really only relate to classic cosy English town or country house style.  Not contemporary minimalist which is prevalent and extremely uninviting !!
/images/san_domenico_house_london_3.jpg
Even Kit Kemp with her Firmdale Hotels of which there are many in London, does classic English style with a modern edge, to perfection. If I am in London I like to feel that I am living there, not staying in a hotel .. if you know what I mean !!
/images/san_domenico_house_london_4.jpg
The first of the boutique hotels in London to make one feel as if you were actually staying with friends was Blake’s and it remains an icon.
FOLLOW MYDESIGNFILE ON INSTAGRAM
My Week in Sydney

Manuel canovas … my edit for spring 2456

/images/manuel_canovas_9.jpg
This fabric works perfectly in a neutral scheme .. a punch of colour for cushions on string coloured linen sofas … or as lavish curtains.

 

/images/manual_canovas_8.jpg
Note the hint of lime.  Fabulous cushions for a lime sofa !!
/images/manuel_canovas_7.jpg
This elegant paisley is a statement.  Look how well the pattern and stripe work with it.
/images/manuel_canovas_5.jpg
A fabric which works beautifully on a feature piece of furniture or on mass as upholstered wall fabric.  Perfect in a charcoal room or with pristine white.
The supplier of Manuel Canovas fabric is Colefax and Fowler.
FOLLOW MYDESIGNFILE ON INSTAGRAM
My Design World

Hotel guest rooms … the latest in layout 5032

/images/9_Mykonos_Luxury_Accommodation.jpg
Many hours have been spent by designers thinking about how to improve .. or even just vary, the layout of a hotel guest room.  Let’s face it .. they are all pretty much the same in layout, everywhere.  There is definitely rationale for the way they are .. and it works.  The only problem is that it is rather boring to walk into a hotel guest room, no matter where in the world and find the same layout .. entry hall, bathroom to the left or right, bed, desk etc
/images/bill_coo_3.jpg
The only variation on the theme appears to be where the constraints of existing architecture (in a building not purpose built for a hotel) dictate a change !!! And how refreshing it is to find a bathroom built where a dressing room may have been.  
/images/12_Luxury_Accommodation.jpg
In defence of the tried and true layout, there has been considerable success with the opening up of the fully enclosed bathroom to capture natural light and possible views. The introduction of a glass panel/sliding glass panels or even shutters to the guest room and view beyond has been fought for by designers, however not always embraced by hotel operators.  
/images/20_Luxury_Hotel_in_Mykonos.jpg
The layout above makes a lot of sense in this environment. It reflects the casual beach holiday lifestyle. The shower cubicle with frosted glass panelling, separate to a freestanding bath and basin .. what better way to capture the amazing light and beautiful view.
Lets hope designers keep thinking of ways to reinvent hotel guest rooms or at least try for a little creativity .. particularly where the geography is conducive.
images: bill & coo hotel, mykonos
FOLLOW MYDESIGNFILE ON INSTAGRAM
 
My Design Tips

Winter greige … your warm colour palette 2427

/images/the_wild_rabbit_cotswolds.jpg
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.
/images/greige_1.jpg
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.
/images/greige_dining.jpg
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.
/images/greige_rugs.jpg
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.
/images/greige_bedroom.jpg
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.
/images/white_company_boards.jpg
To complete the picture just add an open fire and a cashmere throw rug …

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks