Ally Interiors

Cool Designs on Heating

2012-11-28T19:24:00.001Z

There are so many stylish alternatives to the flat white panel radiator or the electric/ gas fire found in many homes.

Here are a few of my favourites.

1. UNDERFLOOR HEATING

Underfloor heating has been around since the Romans popularised it some 2,500 years ago.

Now available as either a pipe or mat depending on your floor composition, it is an excellent choice in large open plan areas and where the wall space for traditional radiators is limited. This type of flooring functions best with ceramic tile or other hard flooring materials. The heat is transferred through the floor material and retains its heat on the flooring surface. It is less effective with carpet and underlay as they tend to insulate the heat and can be downright dangerous by allowing heat to build up underneath. Technical bit if using with carpets – check your TOG levels against what your underflooring supplier suggests.

Piped underfloor heating is suitable for subfloors which are accessible. The use of electric mats are popular on concrete floors. Electric mats can be “zone controlled”. This means you can switch certain areas off and on depending on your lifestyle.

Karndean Flooring is a popular choice as shown above.

2. WALL MOUNTED PANELS

Wall mounted radiators have come a long way from the white panel or electric storage heaters we have become used to seeing. Some are quite simply works of art.

Italian design Cordivari have an unbelievable range of tubular and flat radiators that are available in a multitude of stylish designs and colours. And if you can’t find the colour you like, well you can add your own

image.

3. BIO ETHANOL

Bioethanol fuel is made from common crops. It is intended to reduce or be carbon neutral.

There is some debate as to whether farmers will stop growing other food to produce “fuel” crops. It is an early debate.

Bio ethanol fire places do not require any flue or chimney. They are portable and are designed in a wide range of stylish wall mounted and portable free standing designs. They can even be used outside.

White Clouds Turn to Grey

2012-11-05T16:45:00.002Z

Dulux have announced the colour of 2013 is Indigo .
They got it wrong Summer 2012 with Firecracker.

I am going Grey. Darker shades of grey.

Interior Design

2012-10-18T16:58:00.000+01:00

You will know if read my posts I am as much as an interior designer as I am a town planner and certainly my life work has all been about creating environments in which people can thrive. Being supported helps good environments happen.

Robert Owen an amazing person. Creating work, housing and education.

This from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:New_Lanark_buildings_2009.jpg

Radiators

2012-10-08T11:57:00.005+01:00

This is a radiator

Urban Farming

2012-09-21T16:31:00.001+01:00

As a conceptual idea to feed yourself I am really impressed. Let's take a flat roof on a private house or block of apartments and feed ourselves.

No garden, no space - no problem!

Utilise the space you do have to create a sustainable source of food.

So how does this all work? Sometimes diagrams speak volumes over words.

Only thing I would say is that the fish are also a source of nutrition.

So, no, not a tank of goldfish.

In reality in your own home this is what it could look like. A never ending stream of fresh fish and fresh vegetables.

There is also hydroponics, essentially without the fish and nutrients travelling from soil through water and pumped back into plants.
At some point this concept will become an everyday green reality.

I am totally in support.

Go see and support a totally dedicated architect that I have great admiration for .
http://www.conceptualdevices.com/2012/09/eliooo-grow-your-food-or-how-to-go-to-ikea%C2%AE-and-build-a-device-to-grow-salad-in-your-apartment/

What's New 2012- 2013

2012-09-17T16:17:00.000+01:00

Some familiar and some new - showing at Decorex.

Clarke and Clarke. 6 designs including a plain. Colourways from mauves and teal through to sky blues with some neutral mineral shades.

This purple and lime green interior design scheme works well. A colourway that has been around for sometime but still looks remarkably fresh.

100% cotton prints with some viscose linen in the range.

Ochre Lighting . Not so much a lightfitting as a "light installation".

Weighing in at a hefty 42 kg, this work of art houses no less than 112 LED lamps and is 2.58 metres long.

They do smaller versions and will custom make at your request, but this one is pretty impressive.

We first previewed these taps by THG last year on this website. Still worth another mention.

More bathroom fixtures by THG. Lovely

Linwood Fabrics are also showing at Decorex.

Looks like fun! Of course their traditional velvets and fantastic weight upholstery plains are excellent too.

Pebble coffee table by Ochre. Yes, they do a range of furniture as well as fantastic lighting.

Byrony Alexander poles.

MissPrint wallpaper.

If interested in any of the above, do email me for best price.

Tackling Storage

2012-09-05T17:15:00.000+01:00

Having had many years working with some major housebuilders and some inept developers - there is quite a bit I know about small spaces.

Picture a showhome where there are no internal doors. Took my tape measure with me when my brother was looking to purchase a new house, and realised that with a king size bed in the main bedroom, the door wouldnt open wide enough to allow anyone to get out of the room.

I was also asked to plan and install furniture into a redevelopment being sold as 2 bedroom flats. The investors were buying "off plan". Plan looked odd, so I went and checked measured. No way a bed whether it was single or futon design could fit into the "second" bedroom. Also the window was to high - that is another blog!

So never overestimate, nor underestimate your space.

Don't buy small furniture. Buy what you need in the room. Most people walk into a room and sit down. You don't need small furniture. It won't make the room look bigger.

Living in a small space with children can be difficult. I am afraid I was ruthless, in the " you take it out, you put it away". A toybox in the livingroom worked for all things used. My mum still has one of those box style footstools- opens to store toys. Many times I walk into a customer's home and they are apologetic about the mess. So do something about it! You are the adult. Children only need a certain amount of stimulus to be entertained. Clutter drives everyone mad.

Storage is key.
Use every inch of space. This idea is brilliant. On rollers. Perfect. Can be used to fill an odd space by wardrobes and adapted.

But look at wasted space above fridge? One of those wardrobe drop down cupboards would be perfect here.

Our wall. No need to hide or find alternative space when a wall is good enough.

This is clever.
Sometimes the best answer is to custom make to fit the space. Built in shelves in alcoves will store more books than a badly fitted shop bought bookcase.

Ikea sell a cheap and cheerful storage coffee table. Before you assemble it, paint to fit in with your own colour scheme.

Bathrooms

2012-07-18T17:40:00.002+01:00

There are so many exciting new designs that can transform a bathroom into a room of sheer indulgence.
Bathroom suites, showers, furniture, mirrors, radiators, taps, lighting, flooring can all be fantastic and creative looking.

Feature baths and wall mounted furniture certainly add interest and practicality here. If you are adding bold splashes of colour keep the units simple. Image via Posh Bathing .

A little different from the plain white wall mounted radiator, this Lego design by Scirocco is pretty hot!

Having said that, Radiating Interiors have some fantastic designs in all sorts of finishes and colours. There is even a facility to add your own image to the front! Spectacular.

Wall mounted wood with elegant shaped bowl and fantastic mirror. Sleek! A steamproof mirror with good lighting is a must in a well planned bathroom.

Waterfall taps look amazing and add that little bit of luxury.

When buying taps consider whether you want a separate hot and cold tap, a mixer or a dual flow.

Last 2 images via Bathroom Origins

This steam shower is a fantastic addition to a contemporary bathroom. It is available in a range of finishes and styles, including storage. Steam showers are becoming more and more popular. Not only are they hygenic , but also appear to stimulate blood circulation.

Lastly, don't ignore your lighting. Just because it is a bathroom doesen't mean it has to be all about recessed spotlights.

Do check that the lighting you do buy is appropriate for the correct "zone". But even this crystal chandelier by Franklite is suitable for a bathroom.

As with all of the products listed here, do contact me for prices.

Peach and Tan

2012-06-08T19:23:00.001+01:00

There are some colours we haven't seen working together much recently. Peach and tan is much warmer than the hyped yellow and grey at Decorex.

These two shades are perfect colours to live with over a long time. Soft, earthy, subtle. There is nothing manufactured about these tones.

Dark wood furniture works better than lighter woods in this colour scheme.

A more subtle, tending towards a pinky hue, is this scheme. The deeper coral throw and cushions blend perfectly with the tan/ light taupe bedding.

Again older and darker furniture works better.

There is a lot I like about both schemes. Classic, timeless, warm and very tactile.

Interior Design for Dementia

2012-05-05T13:44:00.001+01:00

There are 800,000 people in the UK with some form of alzheimers /dementia- and this number is increasing.
Creating a safe environment for them in which they can also feel comfortable is a challenge.

In a home environment with 24 hour support, keeping the surroundings the same is relatively easy. There is no desire to leave and life goes on- albeit with some changes. Their nearest and dearest are around and you know what they mean when they talk about "Joan" or "William" or their money going missing. You can reassure them they have had breakfast and because you are maybe familiar they will believe you.

I have recently been doing some work within a residential care home with a dementia unit on the Wirral that also offers daily care to people living in their own homes. So many people with so many challenges in their lives, it is a terrible disease. There is tons I could write about , having spent a lot of time interacting with them all.
But I will write about interior design.

I say interior design, but really it is about planning an environment.

As people get older their vision worsens. It is not just a case of getting stronger glasses. Colour contrasts, depth of field, colour blindness all occur. Crucially for dementia sufferers this will make them feel more lost. There are lots of ways to decorate appropriately. Older people need 3 times more contrast than everyone else. Chairs can be invisible against carpets and walls. Shiny laminate floors look wet. Smooth floor might be easier to keep clean, but with unsteady residents walking around in maybe nothing but socks- a proper impervious backed carpet is the best solution to avoid slips, trips and falls.

The desire to want to go home can be strong. Some people are happy to have a safe environment and do not want to leave. As dementia takes hold, the past memories take over and the place they are in now has no memory for them. Putting a familiar painting on the wall can hinder or help- but the environment and their accommodation needs to feel comforting. Taking into consideration each individuals care plan allows for familiar items to be present and activities to be properly co- ordinated to help them feel calm in strange surroundings.

Doors are a problem. They are a way in, but also a way out. There are solutions to this.

Outdoor spaces does not mean just an occasional walk or taken out in a chair. If you sit in a drab, dark space with heating on max, the slightest breeze hurts. The need for access to outside space and some view, is important.

Let's get this environment right.

In this time I am sure that families, friends, and local authorities like Wirral Council will try to help people to have an independent life in their own home.

I am looking at the people who require and need some form of respite or residential care. Attention span from a second to maybe a few hours, then you start again. They all deserve quality of life. I can help plan that environment. Do contact me.

Remember the person

Your New Kitchen

2012-04-18T15:22:00.001+01:00

Planning a new kitchen should be an enjoyable experience. We spend a lot of time in there, cooking, chatting, eating, partying - if it is the same size as mine, maybe not all at once!

Not everyone can have a massive open plan kitchen. Sometimes that isn't what the family needs. Open plan apartments with the living/ dining/cooking space in one area can be incredibly noisy- especially if the washing machine is plumbed in there too.

All good designers will suggest drawing a plan first. Being practical at this stage will help the kitchen to function properly. Use the triangle theory, no cook wants be running miles between fridge, sink and cooker.

Radiators don't have to be boring , or is underfloor heating a possibility?

There are many different finishes and materials available for kitchen units, work surfaces and floors.

Ask for samples, consider how practical they might be. Do you plan on putting hot pans direct on the work surface? Do you want the work surface to become part of the sink or splashback? Darker surfaces show up crumbs more than light surfaces.

If you long for painted kitchen units make sure you can wipe them down without the paint coming off. If you are repainting your existing units take time to prepare the surfaces before painting.

Lighting is crucial. Spot lights in the ceiling might look great, but you will need some directional or task lighting when chopping and cooking. A dimmer switch can help create that party atmosphere.

Under My Feet

2012-04-11T14:11:00.002+01:00

Jab rugs, Jab carpets- you name it, they will make it. Just love, love their designs, colours and textures.

Harvey Maria- excellent company with great innovative hard flooring designs.
Leather look anyone? I really like this!

Follow me on Pinterest to see what else I like. http://pinterest.com/allyinteriors/

Bank Holiday DIY

2012-04-03T14:35:00.001+01:00

Just when you thought a Bank Holiday was all about having fun ,think again.

For many it is the weekend to "get things done".

That shelf, the leaky tap, the gutters, mould in bathroom, wallpaper bedroom- you name it, there is always something to do.

So, how can you achieve so much in such a short time and hardly knowing where to start?

Set yourself 1 job that you can complete - then prepare. Make notes, write measurements.
Discuss colour schemes in advance.
Have a budget. Don't get carried away; and always stick to written plan.

Wallpapering? Read this http://www.property118.com/index.php/the-art-of-wallpapering/17794/

Buying carpet? Read this http://allyinteriors.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/buying-carpets.html

Gardening? Read this http://allyinteriors.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/gardens.html

Seek advice. It will not only save you time but also money.
If in any doubt, my online interior design service might help save you money, sanity and that awful dilemma while standing in a B&Q aisle Saturday morning!

Primary Goal

2012-03-30T14:29:00.001+01:00

Using strong colours can look amazing!

Some simple rules have got to apply to make it work.

Keep the design simple.

No clutter.

Clean/ sharp lines.

Blocks of colour work brilliantly here.

Make sure the colours work together. No point adding purple or lime green here.

Where the kitchen had a white background, this room relies on black to "fix" the colours.

If working with square shapes, don't add rounded unless you really know it will work.

Keep to a theme, and you will get away with anything.

Be experimental. Not much point using bold colours if you aren't going to be bold with it.

Your home isn't a showhome- so balance the needs of the house, but be brave.

Mies van der Rohe inspired, great use of colour and texture.

Decorating by the Seaside

2012-03-27T08:40:00.001+01:00

It is easy enough to create a Seaside look using pale blues and sand colours - Romo Stratton range has some great co-ordinating colourways.

The really tricky thing is getting it right for actual living by the sea.

If you are lucky to own a property by the beach, you will know that underneath your floorboards there is also likely to be a mountain of sand.

Even on a relatively mild breezy day, the sand will blow through any open windows causing havoc.

Strong sun is also a design headache. As much as you may have set your heart on that fine stripe wallpaper, you might have to consider reselecting if it is not lightfast. By that I mean, won't fade within a matter of weeks with direct sunlight. Also a very subtle design which looks perfect in the book under shop lighting conditions, will have its pattern all but disappear in bright sunlight once hung on your wall.

Using the correct paste to fix wallpaper to the walls is essential too. Many coastal homes retain moisture in the walls, and often a secondary paste is advisable rather than relying on a prepasted paper. Likewise check that your chosen paint colour won't discolour due to moisture in the walls.

Fabrics also can have a tendency to fade, particularly on the edges that close together- the "leading edge". Again check for colour fastness of the fabric. There are many options here, including also adding a voile or other type of blind.

Not all carpets or hard flooring react in the same way. Some will fade in direct sunlight, and others such as polypropylene carpets will keep their colour. Darker carpets will fade more noticeably than pale options.
Amtico is a little more lightfast than Karndene.

Compromises can be made to ensure pattern, colour and budget all meet your expectations. A good interior designer can assist here.

Mellow Yellow, with a slice of Green

2012-03-19T21:11:00.001Z

I was bought a lovely Mothers Day card, Mellow Yellow by Alaya Gadeh. Go see.

Not only is it a beautiful image, but the paper is made from responsible sources, a tree is planted for every 2500 cards sold, the ink is vegetable based and the card is fully recyclable- yes, like I would EVER throw away any of my Mothers Day cards.

Springtime does makes many people think green. Gardens and Easter, seedlings breaking through soil. After being enclosed within 4 walls for months through the winter the prospect of picnics outdoors and time spent enjoying parks and gardens can be a lovely welcome.

For the last 3 years I have been trying to plant things that not only look beautiful but are edible too. Herbs on window sills or sheltered spots are easy to grow.

Hardy plants like thyme, oregano and rosemary will survive frosts too.

I currently have tomatoes, onions, cauliflower, spinach, lettuce and more growing from seed. Will keep you posted!

This kitchen cupboard looks fabulous painted green.

Earthenware jars, yellow tones, spring hedgerow flowers...lovely country style in an old garden flat or manor house.

Don't be afraid to paint over wood, if you don't like it you can paint over it again.

I mentioned New Life Paints in my last post.In the interim I have been able to test drive this recycled paint.

My verdict? Very good indeed! Low odour, good coverage, clean and chalky finish ( this was their Brilliant White emulsion). I had some spare Crown Ultimate white so did a test. Where the Crown appeared to be thicker when applied, once dried the results were the same.

But the selling point is the fact that this company have invested time and energy to find a way to save paint from ending up as landfill by processing it to make it like new. No one needed to do this. An estimated 50 million litres of paint end up as landfill each year. In this company's first year they reprocessed about 100 tonnes of waste paint.

Thoroughly recommend you visit New Life Paints website and ask your local council how they recycle paint.

Eco Friendly Interior Design

2012-03-12T10:16:00.010Z

It is great to see more people investing in good materials that not only last longer but are also less wasteful. LED lighting, stone and concrete surfaces, solid wood floors, linoleum and well crafted furniture - these are some of the more expanding areas that prove that our throw away mentality is shifting. Where once interior design was almost of a disposable nature- people are taking a good look at better materials and spending more. Sustainability in Design

It's no secret I am a lover of Farrow and Ball paints. The intensity of colour and the coverage of their paints is excellent.

But I have just been introduced to New Life Paints . This relatively new and progressive company reprocess waste water based paints back to a high quality grade emulsion which is suitable for interior and exterior use.

Using anywhere between 50 -90% of waste paint, they are currently saving around 100 tonnes of waste paint from ending up as landfill each year.
With 32 colours and a full colour matching service, they are definitely worth checking out. Matt, vinyl, exterior and also specialist paints available. These guys have really got your walls covered!

Certainly it makes sense not to throw out a sofa or chair you like, but whose fabric could do with a change. However it isn't true that all sofa frames are worth reupholstering. Many of the cheaper models might as well be chopped up. But if you are happy with your solid piece then A Little Furniture Shop based in Shropshire will refurbish it. I know for a fact this little Art Deco sofa nearly ended up as landfill till it was lovingly restored using a Romo fabric.

FearsandKahn have for sale this pair of matching 1960's teak cabinets.

Vintage furniture, modern classics- call it what you will. Their site hosts an array of furniture and accessories that are fun and stylish.

Best of all, a new generation of people are able to enjoy them.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle- anyone want to gold paint their old toys into a lamp base?

WebEcoist have some tremendous ideas, including a plastic spoon chandelier.

So apart from investing in good materials that will last longer and be energy efficient, being creative with what you already own, rather than throwing things out is positive for the environment too.

http://www.phillipscollection.com/

Recycled galvanised plates.

Loving the Mason Jar lights too...link via Patti Carden.

Outdoor Space

2012-03-06T14:53:00.009Z

Whether you have a balcony, a yard or a garden -it is rather lovely to have some personal outside space. Having lived and visited some major cities, I am aware of the planning that is required to achieve the beautiful public garden spaces found in Hong Kong, New York and London among many others.

As much as the planting is important, so too is the design and the flow of space. Do you want to have a barbecue, somewhere to dine, somewhere to gaze at the stars or to grow your own vegetables or herbs?

There is no doubt that some of the Feng Shui or Greek Classical elements are often included in great gardens: Wood, Fire, Earth and Water.

Many gardens or balconies either have an open Chimnea or are partial to a barbecue or two. There are now many very attractive Biofuel fires that are suitable for indoor or outdoor use- require no chimney and run off bioethanol fuel. This blog previewed the one shown here from Indian Ocean back in 2010.

Water whether still as in a pond or birdbath, or running as a fountain or waterfall is also hugely popular.

There is something rather soothing about the sound of running water, and without going all Feng Shui, you can kind of feel the flow of energy that the representation here brings.

There are many water features suitable for small areas available, or why not consider a natural pond?

Lighting is as crucial as warmth if spending time outside. As much as moonlight or candles may be all the low level lighting required for a small area, larger areas may need more illumination.

This fabulous lamp is available on import from the USA.
I don't think I have ever seen anything that comes close to this in the UK.

There is the Levada patio lamp which is good value at under £150 and quite a neat size.

I rather like this quirky outdoor chandelier. I have seen many similar styles using coloured glass too. This is from Etsy

Tea lights in jam jars hung from branches, outside fairy lights, garden or patio LED lights, pool lights...the choice is improving all the time.

Working with Trades

2012-02-22T12:58:00.001Z

As soon as a client says their "interior designer" is on site the trades all yawn and think "yeah right".

The one thing I have learned working on site and on building sites over the last 20 years, is that I am confident and knowledgeable about what I know and do to earn some equal respect.

I know electrics, plumbing, decorating, payment systems, health and safety- enough to know to help questions re selections. I can wire a plug and choose a shower. But I can also tell if the distance, pipework and electrics will support that funky shower 50 metres away from water source.

I have built up some really very great relationships with trades over the years, in the South East and in Wirral.

So if need a project manager/ interior designer to work and plan your scheme, get someone who knows their stuff. It's wonderful helping to choose flooring and fabrics, but you need to know it is going to work and fit when it is actually installed.

Black and White- and shades of Grey

2012-02-14T14:58:00.007Z

A very clean predominately white scheme, with the feature items highlighted in black.

The built in furniture blends with the walls, whilst the freestanding cupboard and couch are accentuated.

By painting the floor, wall and ceiling all in the same pure white shade- opens up the corridor like space, giving an airy feel.

Here the vastness of the space is anchored by the
low level darker items including the dark wood floor.

Instead of having a colour contrast feature item, the white chair is used.

With so much higly polished and reflective materials- the textured curtains add some softness.

A very dramatic, and highly personal bedroom.

Eclectic furniture, contrasting greens with grey,a mix of patterns.

This is a bedroom lovingly crafted with favourite furnishings- and not bought from a catalogue.

The polished wood floor here feels like a yellow brick road- leading you through the black and white rooms to a wealth of colour at the far end.

This is maybe not too dissimilar to the first image on this page, but the effect of the darker wood floor certainly focuses the eye.

The contrast woods on lamp and chairs adds warmth and a more cosy feel where metal would not succeed.

This show bathroom again shows how the element of wood adds detail, contrast and warmth to a predominately black and white scheme.

There is a very balanced feel to the use of vertical and horizontal elements.

This bathroom via Posh Bathing

Lego

2012-02-06T12:06:00.017Z

A bit of fun, and I love creative minds!

Greatest ipad stand ever!

Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece, complete with falling water.

Mind boggling breakfast bar.
How many bricks would that take?

Like the boardroom table - link via DesignMilk
Very effective with acrylic chairs, though think moulded and less fussy better.

Scirocco radiator- just love it.
Now to find a client brave enough

Sushi anyone?

Artist repairs New York with lego

http://inhabitat.com/artist-uses-legos-to-rebuild-new-york-city/jan-vormann-columbia/?extend=1

Who can not remember the famous telling off of Rupert Murdoch by Jonnie Marbles.

More here too

http://www.suchablog.com/lannee-2011-resumee-en-lego

Textures

2012-02-04T19:03:00.002Z

This opulent linen velvet is very hardwearing with a luxurious deep pile finish.

Available in 24 fantastic colours by Romo

Linwood's Bohemia range has been one of my all time favourites.

Eclectic printed velvets in a mix of viscose/ linen and viscose/ polyester- this range has 6 different designs.

If looking at the patterns on the company's own website- do look at the pattern repeat. These are large scale designs.

Villa Nova have some exceptional silks.

The Yoshino range shown here has a mix of colours and styles that are all very complimentary- as seen by this fabulous style shot.

Heathfields produce a wide variety of mid range lamps and shades.

This textural "volcanic" finish is available in nickel and bronze and is particulary striking.

Available in 2 heights, the large lamp is 800mm tall including the beautifully made lampshade. The medium is 600mm tall.

Interiors UK - or not

2012-01-25T14:51:00.008Z

I didn't go this year, sprained ankle from November meant I was unlikely to enjoy the day walking acres of halls, losing my way- not getting somewhere in time to enjoy the champagne bar or fresh sandwiches.( you need to get to those stands first)

If you are on twitter you can see what people have been really excited about at #interiorsuk

Thankfully over the last 25 years I have got to know a lot of people and their products/ ethos, so I see them and get samples/ books :)) I am also a sourcer, so I do hunt things out.

There is a revival with good solid UK furniture- not cheap Chinese imports so expect to pay a bit more.

Some Meccano style colour lighting, colour flexes- punkish looking cushions.

Not everyone, dare I say anyone, does these shows now.

Ercol were there.

Ercol Furniture is a great UK solid wood furniture manufacturer.
Went on one of their inhouse courses on their business site in High Wycombe over 20 years ago, was impressed then- impressed still.

Standing joke was where did all the dust from the sanding of furniture go. G-Plan was across the road.

There is quite a lot of this pattern around, in wallpaper and textiles.

I think I may have seen enough of it already, but appears to be a highlight.

And where some magazines have been going on for ages about zingy orange being "in" this year- I don't think so.

Grey/ clay/ yellow anyone?

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-latest-from-paris-maison-objet-highlights-

Wallpapers

2012-01-23T18:47:00.003Z

I do blog a lot of wallpapers, these are some more from not widely available suppliers.
Expect to pay around £100 a roll, and as always with anything you see on my site, do ask me for a price.

Monochrome

2012-01-17T21:00:00.004Z

Black, white and shades of grey are as popular now as they ever have been.

This geometric wallpaper is by Cole and Son. Released late in 2011, it is sure to be popular.

3- dimensional effects have been around for a while, and you would have to be brave to use on all walls, but as a feature wallpaper this is sure to create a high level of interest.

Romo Fabrics Marenka range is not new.

I used the cushion fabric here for curtains and pelmet in an Art Deco style diningroom back late 2008.

It is still a great range, and the style shot shows it is possible to successfully team patterns to great effect

"Amaya" is a fabulous new collection by Linwood Fabrics.

The range comprises a mix of curtain and upholstery weight fabrics.

Stunning and luxurious are the words that spring to mind.

Carlucci di Chivasso have introduced a wild range for 2012.

"Exposure" teams animal prints with skull motifs and some really innovative designs.

As usual with Carlucci, the byword is "sumptuous".

Bold, dramatic- elegant and utterly workable.

Byron & Byron "polmets" are elegant and decorative.

Perfect for a minimalist window treatment without being plain.