Lee Caroline - A World of Inspiration

Contemporary/Classic Interior

2020-02-02T17:42:00.000+13:00

I've had quite a break over Christmas and New Year but back now and kicking the year off with a project from one of my favourite designers...

Mixing pattern, textures and materials are the key to Studio McGee's designs, for example juxtaposing a leather sofa next to a linen sofa. A dark almost black buttoned leather coffee table next to a tan leather sofa works wonderfully. Gone are the days of matchy, matchy, it's all about being able to pull together pieces you love to create a beautiful but harmonious space which this McGee project certainly is. From the bolder, more masculine living areas to the softer feminine bedrooms, this home is a very special place.

If you love what you see here, you may want to pop over to Studio McGee's Houzz profile to view more projects.

Contemporary Meets Traditional in a Fabulous Living Room

2019-12-07T17:20:00.001+13:00

Another fabulous project from Studio Mcgee, contemporary meets traditional...

What's not to love about this space, a mix of contemporary pieces and traditional give it a modern look with a heritage nod. Textures are big with Studio McGee and if you look closely at the coffee table in image 5 you will see it has a reed like look which I have not seen before. The leather sofa has clean lines and is a contemporary style that works beautifully with the more traditional chair. Pairing contemporary pieces with traditional can really vamp up a space. Mixing up cushions can also give a more modern look. Layering is the key to tying a space together and this can be seen perfectly executed in image 2 on the bureau top. This bureau would have looked more traditional without the graphic painted effect but the geometric shapes really work giving it a contemporary feel. As far as art is concerned, this space has it all from the abstract landscape above the baby grand piano to the traditional pieces above a printers cabinet. These artworks could easily swap places and would look just as fabulous.

All Images via Studio McGee

I hope you have enjoyed this lovely living space, maybe it has given you a few ideas or maybe you might like to approach Studio McGee for a project you may have on the horizon.

Entryway Inspiration

2019-10-23T16:34:00.001+13:00

Crib Creative

If we want to make a personal good impression we will want to dress our best, this can also be said of the first impression one receives as they step inside our home...

When someone visits our home for the first time, it gives them an impression of the person we are, it also gives a sense of whether a visitor might feel warmly welcomed, not just by the inhabitant but by the home itself. A tidy, welcoming entrance with style will make the visitor want to step further into your home and be more curious about it. If you are selling a house, this is especially important as you want your prospective buyer to walk beyond the entrance itself and not loose them at the door. It is not about being better than the next person or trying to keep up with the neighbours, whether you live in a mansion, a small cottage or an apartment, the way your home is decorated can have a huge impact on the way you and your guests feel and the entrance is your starting point.

We are not all lucky enough to possess grand entrance spaces where one can use large pieces but even the smallest entrance way can be made welcoming and it begins with a place to hide that clutter, remember clutter the home, clutter the mind. People expect most artists paint in a messy environment but believe me, myself included, many cannot be creative unless their space is clean and uncluttered this is especially true of realist artists. This can also be said of our homes, so here are a few important things to remember when decorating your entryway.

No clutter (ban shoes or find an appropriate way of hiding them)
A console or table with a drawer is a great place to keep keys or a large bowl could be used to hide keys if you don't have a drawer
Choose a console that fits in with the decorative style of your house. I don't mean match it with other furniture but if your home is French style, rustic, Hamptons, classic etc, choose a piece to fit in with your style
A rug is great if you have space, it can add a design feature and warm up the entry
A piece of art can lift an entrance way and is a great way of making a statement
A mirror in a small entrance way can make the space feel more spacious, a designers trick that is often used

So, without further ado, let's see how the professionals might tackle an entrance...

Duet Design Group

Emma & Eve Interior Design Limited

Buckingham Interiors + Design LTD

Photo by Forté - Timber Flooring - Look for entryway design inspiration

Crane General Contractors

Photo by Marek Sikora Photography

Photo by Andy Ryan Photographer

Brooke Wagner Design

I hope you have felt inspired by these entryways, if you have taken a shine to a particular style, use the link on the designers name to check out further images of their projects.

Have a great week

Cape Cod Meets West Indies

2019-10-11T12:41:00.004+13:00

Described as "Cape Cod meets West Indies", another fabulous project by one of my favourite design companies.

The exterior architecture of this new build leans towards Hamptons, however Black Band Design have also injected a tropical feel inspired by quote, the "vibrant waters of the Caribbean". When planning a new build by oneself with no interior designer often the interior colour palette is left until last. However, it is important to let your architect know your colour palette from the start as it may have an impact on the architecture. For example Black Band chose the beautiful waters of the Caribbean as their inspiration for turquoise to be "woven throughout the home" and that Caribbean feel also reflects in the architecture of the building such as the bedroom ceilings and vaulted stairwell. Every colour has a wide variation of tones within that colour, this means a bright turquoise could be used in a playful area such as an outdoor patio, whereas softer shades of turquoise can be used in bedroom or living area. Lighter shades again can be used on tiles or walls...colour can be played with in so many ways. In this project greens and blues have been accented with bright reds and corals, perfect shades for a tropical feel. Black Band however have balanced the more colourful rooms with some neutral spaces.

In this beach side home colour has been infused with texture such as wicker, rattan and jute also stone and wood (as seen in one of the vanity basins). Texture and colour are the signature touches of Black Band, however, they never overdo these textures as they always balance their designs with simple pieces.

Build: Patterson Custom Homes

Architecture: Andrade Architects

Photography: Ryan Garvin

If you would like to see more panoramic shots of these spaces, hop over to Black Bands Houzz site, I have placed a link at the beginning of this post.

Have a wonderful week wherever you are in the world.

Boho Chic

2019-09-10T10:01:00.004+12:00

1. Image via Mercer Interior

The word, 'boho' may conjure up a riotous mix of colours and patterns, muddle these together in a messy but creative way and throw in some greenery and you may have the boho of the past. However, today boho can be far more chic, in fact.....'boho chic'.

'Boho' stems from the word 'Bohemian' which was a much used term of the 60's and 70's reflecting people passionate about life and culture and who wanted their homes to reflect their eclectic style. Travellers, writers and actors, were many that adopted a bohemian way of living. Today boho is a more modern eclectic, not as loud as in the past, an orderly confusion and definitely more relaxed. I call this style 'Boho chic', a little eclectic, however with use of a calming colour palette. Pattern and texture is still important but not in contradictory way and small prints work best. It could be as simple as a hanging macrame planter or using a boho style fabric such as the shower curtain in image (2) or mixing some patterns on a bed as in image (3). Plants and rustic wood can also add a boho feel to a space but to keep it chic you don't want to over do it. It is important to make sure you have various patterns in a room but choose lighter tones and patterns that may compliment each other. When it comes to textures feel free to go wild, and don't forget those interesting collectibles you may have picked up on your travels.

Each of these spaces below have what I call a 'boho chic' feel, almost verging on 'organic' which is a part of the original boho style. I have chosen these particular spaces for their minimalist feel which in turn makes them chicer than the boho of the 60's and 70's, I hope you enjoy them and find some inspiration.

2. Image via mango design co

3. Image via Design Manifest

4. Image via Stafford Bensen

5. Image via Refuge Studio

6. Image via Renata Ku

7. Image via Ashley Camper Photography

8. Image via: Design Fixation [Faith Provencher]

9. Image via MURdesign

Have a wonderful week wherever you are in the world and if you spot a room space you really love, use the links to hop over to their Houzz profile to see more.

Coastal Sophistication in South Carolina

2019-08-18T12:51:00.002+12:00

"Casual and sophisticated, modern and timeless, serene but colourful" is how the designer describes this relaxed, South Carolina home.

The designers, Guest House Studio, have used varying shades of blue for this project, with paint, soft furnishing and artwork. Blue is 'cool' on the colour charts but can evoke a moody or calming affect when you select the right blue, such as navy blue, bright, electric blues will have an opposite effect. Deep navy looks wonderful on accent walls such as behind a bed (see bedroom below). Another way to use an accent colour such as navy is to paint the back of a white book shelf or fireplace, this can look especially nice in a coastal or Hamptons style home. Don't overdo blue, keep the spaces light by painting the surrounding walls in a soft white. Accent colours can be used to warm up a space such as the soft pink in the bedroom below. Peach/pink looks beautiful with navy and will warm up a space, baby pink has a cooler effect. White walls allow you to go crazy with artwork but too many colours can affect the overall calmness of a space, for the hallway and living area, the designers have chosen art with predominantly blue shades.

When it comes to furniture the most expensive item for a living room is going to be your sofas, by selecting sofas with loose covers, it will create a relaxed, less formal atmosphere. The great thing about loose covers is being able to clean them, especially if you are opting for white.

Overall this home is airy and serene with a coastal feel, decorative items have been kept to a minimum but there is plenty of textures used so the home feels far from empty. I am very impressed with the designers in creating some beautiful spaces for this lucky family.

If you love these spaces, you may want to check out Guest House Studio's profile on Houzz (link above).

Have a wonderful weekend, wherever you are in the world.

A Cottage Interior Perfect for Coast or Country

2019-07-23T14:17:00.004+12:00

Peek inside a gorgeous cottage of blue and white with the addition of a few surprising colours.

Designed by award winning interior designers and home builders, Cottage Company of Harbor Springs, this sweet home has the perfect balance of style for coast or country. Specialising in creating "beautiful, classic cottages where generations of families can gather, relax and enjoy time together", this company have chosen to call the homes they build 'cottages' and no matter where they build, beside the sea or in the country, their homes have a definite cottage feel.

This particular project is a holiday home in Michigan and won the best vacation home in the 2018 Detroit Home Magazine. Most designers if they are decorating in blue and white will carry this theme throughout a project, however, I love how the Cottage Company of Harbor Springs have added some pops of red and even green which all add to the cottage feel of this home. One of the double bedrooms, possibly the master has more subtle beige and grey tones which are perfect for relaxing. On the other hand, crisp blue and white in another bedroom (above) has a nautical look and feel about it. The children's bunk room is fabulous with pops of red and blue used in the bed linen but balanced by a gorgeous chunky sisal rug in more neutral tones. This entire home exudes a place to relax and escape from the hub of the city. I am not going to describe the home any more, a picture paints a thousand words and there are many beautiful rooms to share with you.

If you love this home or the designers style, Cottage Company of Harbor Springs serve these areas, Bay View, Cross Village, Good Hart, Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Bay Harbor and Mackinac Island.

Designer, Breeze Giannasio's Take on a Honeymoon House

2019-06-24T14:04:00.001+12:00

Breeze Giannasio is an interior designer to the stars and I literally have stars in my eyes when I see the transformations she makes to these Hollywood homes.

I've been in love with the distinctive style of designer, Breeze Giannasio since I viewed a video of her transformation of Mila Kunis parents condo on Houzz. Breeze takes rooms and transforms them with patterns, texture and beautiful furniture into the most gorgeous, livable spaces I've seen for a long time. Described as "Drew's honeymoon house", which Drew, will leave us guessing, is just one of Breeze's projects which I want to share with you today. A house full of her distinctive take on pattern, textures and colour. Here, formal and casual areas juxtapose with a touch of glamour which is a part of Breeze's style. It takes an expert designer to pull off a design like this and Breeze gets top marks.

Photography by Meghan Bob Photography

I hope you have enjoyed looking through this gorgeous home, there were far too many photos for me to include in this post so I encourage you to pop over to Breeze's website to see more. If you love Breeze's work then feel free to contact her as she is not just a designer to the stars having branches in Washington, Honolulu and Los Angeles.

Ode to Blue - Interior Designer, Lauren Leonard

2019-06-02T17:53:00.000+12:00

Lauren Leonard Interiors

This week I'm sharing my love of blue and white from, interior designer, Lauren Leonard...

Blue and white are a match made in heaven, they add freshness and a coastal vibe, so a beautiful combination for a seaside home. It is important not to overdo blue and white, subtle hints of blues in different shades and patterns work amazingly such as cushions on crisp white or neutral linen sofas or chairs. Deeper blues are wonderful for feature walls, such as a textured grass weave wallpaper. Alternatively you could opt for a piece of artwork (image below). Blue and white is the theme of this home by interior designer Lauren Leonard and it has just the right combination of colour and pattern for a fresh but relaxed look.

I can never get enough blue and white and hope you have enjoyed this gorgeous home. You can hop over to Lauren Leonard's Houzz profile to see more of her work using the link above.

Casual Elegance from a Melbourne Interior Designer

2019-05-24T09:49:00.001+12:00

Today's blog post features an Australian designer who is sharing one of her recent projects, with her take on 'casual elegance'.

Jemden Interiors is run by Andrea Davison and based in Eltham, Victoria. Andrea is mainly hands on visiting clients in their homes in and around Donvale, Kangaroo Ground, Plenty, Lower Plenty etc but also works on the Mornington Peninsula on clients beach homes.

Today's blog post features one of Andrea's recent projects in Essendon. Andrea said "the client was a dream, which always means the end result is good" although personally I would say this project goes beyond good. The project was the renovation and total decoration of an older house in Essendon. The renovation was already under control when they hired Andrea who oversaw the kitchen/family area and total decoration. Items like mirrors and wall lights in the bathrooms were also chosen by Andrea, alongside furniture and soft furnishings. The only item the family chose to retain was their dining room table so everything else was completely new and as they are a busy family they allowed Andrea to choose everything, right down to tea towels and cutlery.

The client's brief was for a beautiful but comfortable family home with casual elegance. They also required plenty of storage which Andrea loves to provide. For example, in the kitchen/family area a rustic but elegant console was chosen with plenty of drawers for storing all the smaller items needed for a busy family. The blue and white lamps on the console add that touch of elegance. The entrance was another place that Andrea chose to provide more storage selecting a console with drawers and a wicker trunk that can store shoes, keeping the entrance tidy. I love this idea as shoes all over the floor really detracts from a welcoming but smart, entrance.

Andrea says she "wanted to create a family home that is not only beautiful but an absolute pleasure to live in so it also needed to be comfortable and durable." Being a family home, Andrea wanted to make sure it was also child proof and she felt that she has achieved this without compromising this beautiful home.

Andrea describes the style of this particular project as "casual elegance", she says it is not a "particular style but definitely shows her signature style which she describes as timeless, elegant and comfortable." I feel Andrea has a fresh approach to a classic look which incorporates timeless pieces with a touch of country and Hamptons.

If you would like to contact Andrea about a particular project, I have placed a link to her website (above). Also if you are out of her locale, there is the possibility of on-line consultations via email:

Email: jemdeninteriors@bigpond.com

An Elegant New York Apartment

2019-04-18T16:40:00.000+12:00

Joshua Smith is a designer with a deep connection to his work, he strongly believes that "beauty is a spiritual principle and that the home and spirit are deeply connected".

Reading Joshua's philosophy on design, I totally agree, as how can one feel truly at home unless the spaces reflects their lives as a whole. Every piece in my own home is deeply rooted to me as a person, from my collection of blue and white ginger jars purchased while living in SE Asia to the antique rugs collected while living in Middle East, I even brought back a huge Korean wedding cabinet which took 4 men to lift into my current little cottage. However all these pieces are important memories of my years living overseas and I feel spiritually connected to each piece.

When I visualise a New York apartment, big, bold and contemporary springs to mind not so much classic, Joshua Smith however has created elegant and intimate spaces in this beautiful NY apartment. Abstract artworks and graphic pattern's definitely have an NY feel, juxtaposed with traditional furniture and interesting collectables gives the term 'traditional' a fresh new look.

I love everything about this apartment, the mix of patterns, collections of porcelain, especially the curved shapes Joshua has chosen such as the lamp below. In fact, curves and circles can be seen throughout the apartment but at the same time Joshua has chosen a bold, contemporary artwork of squares which mimics the square glass panels in the doors leading to the kitchen and it is the juxtaposed pieces that takes this design to another level.

All images by Peter Murdock Photography

If you love Peter's style and live in the locale's of NY, you might want to hop over to his Houzz profile to see more of his projects including a gorgeous Hamptons home.

A Colonial Bungalow in Singapore

2019-04-09T18:25:00.002+12:00

Today we're visiting a restored colonial bungalow in Singapore by London designer's, Paper+White.

Paper+White are award winning interior designers and art consultants based in London and Cambridgeshire. The company are well known for creating fresh, stylish spaces and that is exactly how I would describe this relaxed bungalow. When I first spotted it. I thought of the Mediterranean then perusing the images I thought, no the East and I was not far off being right. I would describe this home as a fusion of Mediterranean meets Eastern and it works perfectly.

I hope you've enjoyed looking through this wonderful home, if so you might want to hop over to Paper+White's Houzz profile to view more of their fab projects.

A Tiny Home Speaks Volumes

2019-03-26T19:00:00.005+13:00

It might be tiny but this little home it is mighty on style...

This tiny Maine, waterfront house may be small but thanks to Tyler Karu Designs it is "big" on style. The living area spans one end of the house and the bedroom the other end. Placing the kitchen along the wall gives a galley style work area and makes the entire space feel larger than it would if you were to partition off areas. Continuing the colour of the wood floors to the kitchen cabinets is a clever idea in a small space. It is important when planning to build something as small as this, that you have plenty of natural light in all areas.

Above: Don't be afraid to use pops of colour in small spaces, bland is boring

Space has to be used wisely in small homes so making the living area adjacent to the kitchen in this space works well

Placing the bed at one end of the home gives each area a designated use

A shelf above the toilet in this tiny bathroom doubles as extra space for items you might usually place on a bathroom vanity

Open shelving doubles as a display/storage space. Using the same wood as seen in the kitchen makes the space streamlined

Vaulted ceilings in a small space will make it feel larger than it is

If you are using pops of colour, use the same colour in each designated space

A feature wallpaper at the bedroom end acts like a piece of artwork and this one has that perfect holiday feel

Images above by James R Salomon

It's All About the Detail With Studio McGee - Part 2

2019-02-25T11:15:00.006+13:00

Last week I featured the living, kitchen, dining and study of this beautiful home, today features the bedrooms and bathrooms.

If I you look back over the past 30 years you will see big changes to bedroom spaces, they are no longer a place simply to rest your head, people want more out of a bedroom space and this means not only walk in robes but seating areas and for some homeowners an office nook. The bedroom today is now a private escape to be able to do a lot of the things you normally do in other areas of a home.

When a bedroom is more than just a sleeping space, little details are what bring it together, so let's look at these bedrooms and note how the designers, Studio McGee have used detail to create these serene spaces. If you missed the previous post you may want to catch up first.... It's All About the Detail With Studio McGee - Part 1.

Above: When placing a desk in a bedroom, you want it to blend in and not appear office like, so the choice of desk is important. Think about the style of the room, your bed and existing furniture and keep the desk small. The pin board in this corner has interesting shaped corners it and works perfectly in this bedroom. The stacked baskets soften the straight lines of the desks legs. A few little details on the desk top plus fresh flowers finish this look.

Above: A couch is almost a done thing in a bedroom these days, one always needs somewhere to place their clothes or sit to put their shoes on and a small buttoned back sofa placed at the bottom of the bed completes the look. Other details such as the rug and artwork tie this space together.

Above: Don't be afraid to layer a rug over carpet to add some interest, all the designers do it these days

Above: A bench seat and cushions placed below a piece of art, make a cosy space

Above: What a beautiful space this child's room is with no detail spared

Above: Detail may be the simplest item such as a beautiful shaped vase or a more intricate pendant light

Above: It is important not to clutter a space a few items on this bookshelf is all it needs in this child's room and you can add a few grown up pieces such as the ginger jar and boxes if you like.

Above: Every bedroom should have a chair and in this child's room is a beautifully detailed buttoned back wing chair with finishing touches of a cushion and soft toy

Above: Simple freestanding shelving units such as this one are easily purchased and add extra storage space to a bathroom. If you want your piece to be unique you can always give it a coat of chalk paint and add a basket or two to hide items on the shelves.

I hope you have enjoyed this beautiful home and as I said earlier, if you missed the previous post, there is a link above. I have also placed a link to Studio McGee in case you want to check out more of their wonderful projects.

Have a great week.

It's All About the Detail With Studio McGee - Part 1

2019-02-18T11:29:00.005+13:00

Image via Studio McGee

Designers know all the tricks when it comes to a beautiful space and one of those tricks is 'detail' as can be seen in this beautiful home.

Designers, Studio McGee stated that previously this interior had a few rustic details, rustic can feel somewhat heavy, so it has been re-designed with a light Hamptons feel.

To create a bright, airy atmosphere it is important to keep wall colours neutral, warm whites, soft greys and clean beige's work well. Be careful when selecting the right shade of white, a great "go to" white from Resene is Half Bianca. In this case McGee have chosen a palette of white with a tint of taupe to warm it up.

Furniture has been kept light using whites and beige, however, when you use a lot of white furniture, you need to make sure it doesn't look clinical, and that is where details are important. When I say "detail's", it may mean the addition of a feature wall using patterned wallpaper or the use of decorative items that will pull the overall look together. Colour and pattern will break up an expanse of white and the simplest way to do this is by the addition of cushions and some decorative items.

The choice of lighting is important too, this is where you can introduce variation with materials such as the use of rattan or different metallics. A selection of lights can be used for an interesting effect, but remember to look at the overall space and adjacent spaces so that the effect remains cohesive.

I recently purchased some gorgeous cushions to refresh my blue and white living room, they had the addition of some coral in them and at the moment they are not quite working, however should I add some detail in the room such as a coral chinoiserie jar to compliment the Pagoda pattern on the cushions it will unite the look. Once I get the perfect detail piece I will take some shots to show you what I mean. Meanwhile lets explore how the professionals do it...

Above: The dark floors in this room have been broken up by a beautiful rug. The rug is subtly patterned in a way as to not draw the eye immediately,so when you look at this space your eye moves around the room from artwork to cushions to rug and then you notice the brass legs on the coffee table which work with the lamp to the right.

Above: It is important in a neutral space to have a mix of textiles, here McGee have introduced a silver velvet on the occasional chair.

Above: As the owners previously had a rustic look, the look has been retained in some areas, however in this case, softened by the use of the mercury glass lamps and upholstered/buttoned stool.

Above: It's all about detail and just look how clever McGee have been with the choice of mirror and lighting. The bamboo mirror almost mimics the light reflecting into it. Interesting shaped vases in a pastel blue green, contrast to the stronger blue of the rug and cushions yet work beautifully.

Above: The right choice of rug will immediately impact a space, lightening it and sometimes making it appear larger, especially with dark wooden floors.

Above: Little details such as a simple glass vase of flowers on the island bench can make a world of difference.

Above: Detail can be seen in choice of tiles on the splash back. Choosing a herringbone , marble tile adds much detail to the white kitchen. Selecting the right tap can also be added detail.

Above: Detail can be seen in the decorative items on the shelves

I suggest you analyse the following images to see how McGee have used detail to make the following spaces special...

Next week I will feature part two of this beautiful home where you can explore the bedrooms and bathrooms and the lovely details to be found there.

Cape Cod, the Perfect Style for a Beach Location

2019-02-06T11:31:00.000+13:00

Cape Cod is a fabulous look for a coastal home and although this home may not be big in size it definitely makes up for it in style.

Pastiche of Cape Cod are the team behind this beautiful beach-side retreat. The overall look is light and airy with touches of Navy blue, the perfect look for a seaside holiday home. Pastiche have not overdone the nautical theme, there are just enough decorative pieces to make it feel like you are in a seaside location, balanced with a traditional style.

I hope you have enjoyed this beautiful home, if you love this style, visit Pastiche of Cape Cod's Houzz page, you will find a link above.

Pantone Colour of the Year 2019 - Living Coral

2019-01-14T14:48:00.002+13:00

Image via Paintalifestyle

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and New Year, I have had a wee break from blogging and painting but returned to start the New Year off with Pantone's Colour of the year 2019 Living Coral.

Pantone's Living Coral has undertones of peach and works beautifully with soft greys but as you can see from the following designers, it also works with many other colours. Whether you make a feature of the colour or add snippets via wallpaper, cushions, a piece of furniture, or some simple hand towels, you're sure to have fun.

Photo by Coral Interiors - Look for bedroom design inspiration

Above: Design by Megan Leith-Menard Interior Design

Above: Design by Design Loves Detail

Above: Image via The Gentle Bath & Company

Above: Design by CM Natural Designs

Above: Design by Tina Marie Interior Design

Above: Design by Arlo & Jacob

Above: Interior by Marcelle Guilbeau

Above: redhead design

I hope you feel inspired by Living Coral and maybe find a spot for it in your home. I for one am thinking about some coral patterned cushions on my bed and possibly a throw to brighten up my dove grey, linen duvet cover.

A Festive Home of Swags and Wreaths

2018-12-15T10:25:00.001+13:00

Christmas is upon us so I wanted to share a beautiful home with just the right amount of festive feel.

This stunning home is designed home by Gardner Architects. The exterior depicts a strong house with traditional design both inside and out. There are a few traditional fireplaces where the owners have taken advantage to decorate with wreaths and flowers. Fireplaces are a go to for Christmas decor as they are usually the main feature of a living room. Wreaths are the main Christmas theme of this home and their simplicity and classic design are the perfect accents for simple Christmas decorating.

Of course every house has to have a tree big or small but keep it simple by decorating with similar objects and colours in this case gold and bronze, glass baubles add glamour...

Above: Fresh Magnolia leaves are perfect for a wreath. The simplest way is to buy a foam circle and poke the leaves into it. Keep them very close together to cover the foam. I usually spray paint my foam first so that any small gaps are hidden. You can use a dark green or brown spray paint.

Above: A simple swag of dried leaves is all this lovely mantel needs. You can pick Magnolia leaves a few days before and wire them onto a long piece of cord or sisal rope for a fabulous swag

Above: Mantels are where you can have fun with wreaths of fresh flowers or swags

Above: Even the bathroom has a festive touch with a simple wreath

I hope you've enjoyed this beautiful home and if you're running late with your Christmas decorations, that you can find some last minute inspiration from these lovely images.

Have a wonderful week.

Pantone Colour Trends, Spring/Summer 2019 - Home Decor

2018-12-04T10:18:00.001+13:00

Design by Borden Interiors & Associates

Each year Pantone select a seasonal palette of colours, so let's explore spring/summer 2019 and see how they can be incorporated into our homes.

Spring is a joyous time, the bursting forth of daffodils, hyacinths and other flowers in a myriad colours. As an artist who paints flowers this is my favourite time of year, a time not only when flowers are abundant but also a time that lifts our spirits after a long cold or wet winter. Spring flows into summer, a joyous time of warmth, sunshine, beaches and embracing nature, these seasons are happy times. This year Pantone have thought about how these two seasons make us feel and created four colour palettes around these moods:

Embracing Nature
Joyful
Colour Play
Innocence

A common denomination among the four palettes is a bluish purple called 'Blueberry Pancake', a muddy mauve in a warmer hue seen in 3 of the four palettes with a slightly warmer version (Blueberry Pie), in the Innocence palette. The rich colour of Blueberry Pancake harmonises beautifully with deep, warm yellows (Fall Fantasy and Iced Mango), light pinks (Little Piglet), palest aqua (Carnival Glass) and the lightest baby blue (Quietude). Carefully coordinated and balanced these colours can harmonise beautifully and bring a room to life. If you are not into bold colours, don't forget you can vary the tone within the palette such as using a lighter version of the same colour palette or use colours in the innocence range. Let's explore the palettes and then see how a few designers have created rooms with similar palettes.

Above: Palette via Pantone

Design Via

Design by Rikki Snyder

Design by Emery & Associates Interior Design

Above: Palette via Pantone

Designer - In the Deets

Design by Camilla Kelly

Design by Alexander White

Design by Tobi Fairley Interior Design

Photo by Alair Homes Decatur

Above: Palette via Pantone

Designing Solutions

Design by Royal Interior Design Limited

Design by W Design Interiors

Above: Palette via Pantone

Design by by Johnston Home LLC

Design by Bennett Lerner Interiors

Photo by Regina Tamburro Photography

The new season colour palettes are stunning and can be used to create a bold or subtle look. Beautiful rich colours can be offset by pastels to achieve balance. It has certainly got me thinking about being a little bit more adventurous with colour in my home and maybe paint Blueberry Pancake at the back of my bookshelves or use it in our entrance way, what ideas does it conjure up for you?

Decorating with Grey

2018-11-21T09:23:00.000+13:00

Grey is often thought of as drab and unwelcoming but selecting the right shades of grey and complimenting them with the perfect choice of furniture and artwork and you can go from drab to totally divine.

Greys are not an easy option for decorating, it takes skill to achieve a relaxed atmosphere that doesn't feel cold or dull. For example deep, dark greys are moody and can feel imposing in a living room plus if you throw in a little red which I have seen many home stagers do, then you have a recipe for disaster. However, layer grey on grey in varied tones from light to dark with a background of white and you can have a beautifully relaxed look. Alternatively deep blue/grey paired with light coloured furnishing and statement art can make a beautiful but dramatic statement, such as in a study or library.

The room above is total drama, from the stand out artwork to the geometric cushions. The lamps have been cleverly chosen to compliment the cushions reflecting the dramatic lines in their design. It is important when planning a space, that everything is taken into consideration and repeating lines can make a room look seamless whether soft and curved or in this case sharp and angular. When creating a space like this you need to balance it and this has been cleverly done by the choice of artwork. The soft grey of the horse compliments the colours of this space and its pose softens the overall look. The designers, 'Creative Group Interiors' have been extremely witty with the placement of the artwork and the choice of a decorative bowl of apples beneath and have totally outdone themselves not only in this room but this entire project.

The living room is a balance of light and dark with light being the main focus, keeping this room airy and fresh. It is important to bring some contrast of colour and the brown leather chairs are perfect for this. Roman blinds and cushions in varying shades of blue/grey tie this space together.

The study area is a perfect example of co-coordinating light and dark. The dark grey bookshelves are dramatic paired with contrasting white decorative pieces and a mix of textures.

The two bedrooms are in total contrast to each other yet the same colour palette, this is made obvious by the dramatic floral, wallpaper seen in the second bedroom. The first bedroom has soft shades of blue/grey and stone, whereas the second bedroom opts for a dark, bold floral wallpaper offset by the brass bed. Should the designer have chosen a dark bed such as black, then it would have felt cold, the brass is a perfect choice for this space. It is important when introducing a colour that is not normally paired with grey that you use it elsewhere in the room and lighting is a good choice such as seen in the brass bedside lamps. The mink coloured throw adds softness, it is important when using deep, dark colours, especially greys that there is some softness too. I think this home is a perfect example of how to decorate with blue/greys successfully, don't you.

I hope this post has given you some ideas of how to decorate with blue toned greys, it is a beautiful colour and as you can see by these spaces, balanced out it can make the most beautiful space.

Outdoor Living - Awning Love

2018-11-15T11:39:00.001+13:00

Photo by Frank de Biasi Interiors

If you view your outdoor dining area as an extension of your house you can create inspiring spaces for summer entertaining, but what if you don't have anywhere to escape from the sun, in this case an awning can be the most economical option.

I wouldn't say I've neglected my outdoor dining space but it isn't exactly working for our unpredictable summers, no overhead shelter from sun or light rain apart from an umbrella doesn't work. However, looking ahead to summer, I've decided to invest some money on a retractable style canopy so I can entertain more. Ideally I would like a pergola with open and close shutters, however these can run into the 10's of thousands so the most simplest option is a retractable awning.

The great thing about retractable awnings/canopies is that they can also prevent your indoor furniture from sun damage and fading to wood floors from our harsh Australasian sun. When you want the sun pouring in, such as winter, you can always retract the awning. Awnings also allow for a clear space beneath, there is no need for supporting posts which makes it easier to place outdoor furniture. Below are some great ideas for outdoor entertaining from covered extensions to simple awnings..

Image via J Cohler Mason Design

Image via

Image via Buchanan Photography

Image via: Frank de Biasi Interiors

Image via: SHED Architecture & Design

Image via: Go Green Construction - A narrow alley is perfect for entertaining and this area has been given a somewhat Oriental touch

Image via: Breeze Giannasio Interiors - This retractable awning also has sides that close for shelter from wind, making the area feel more like a room. The tiles co-ordinate with awning

Image via - If you can't afford a more permanent structure, this is simple way to add shade and atmosphere

As an economical option retractable shades can be versatile and smart, especially the striped ones if your home has some Hamptons or cottage appeal.

How Coastal is done in Florida

2018-11-06T13:27:00.001+13:00

When I think of Florida, I can't help but think "Miami 5-O" and slick apartments but Florida also has traditional homes and cottages such as this beach front cottage in Boca Raton.

Lisa Michael Interiors is the designer behind this Florida interior, coastal but definitely not cliche, not a grand ocean side apartment but a delightful traditional beach front cottage. It is clear that Lisa is attentive to detail, items such as the uniquely painted sideboard above, not to mention the wonderful trio of shell lamps suspended above the dining table both show this detail. Blue and white features throughout the home but Lisa has also used unexpected pops of colour in some of the bedrooms such as the coral painted chest. I believe it is important to work with the architecture of a home and Lisa has most definitely honoured the tradition of this lovely cottage inside and out.

If you love Lisa's work, you can view more of her projects on her Houzz site, link above.

A Designer's Magic Touch For a New England Coastal Home - Part 1

2018-10-26T11:30:00.002+13:00

Today's blog post features another Lisa Tharp design, showcasing a beautifully renovated salt box home. Lisa believes, "the quality of our surroundings and our actual quality of life are inextricably linked", I myself am a huge believer in this and one of the main reasons I am so passionate about design.

With this project, Lisa drew on the New England boat-building traditions, elegant yet simple. Lisa wanted to connect each room to take in the beauty of the surrounding salt marsh, but at the same time maintaining the simple traditions of this home. I love how Lisa often incorporates window seats in her designs, they make you want to cosy up with a good book and are definitely one of my favourite features. Lisa makes each space feel individual yet cohesive. Her design for this home reflect its coastal location yet includes some unexpected elegance paired with industrial style which extends beyond the typical interpretation of coastal.

Photography by Michael J Lee

Next week I will share part two of this post with more beautiful images, meanwhile, if you missed the previous post on the Governer's home, you can catch up here, or view more of Lisa's work at Lisatharp.com.

An Ex Governer's Home Gets a Fresh New Look

2018-10-14T13:20:00.004+13:00

This weeks tour features a US stately national treasure revived for a young family.

I love a home with history and very much believe in keeping heritage homes as they are, however we live in the 20th Century and we want our homes to reflect this especially when it comes to warmth and comfort which older homes were not built for. As I look around my own suburb, many character homes are being shifted off sections or demolished to make way for new town houses and apartment blocks. If you live in a heritage home and want to bring it up to the 20th Century, insulating walls, floors and ceilings, try to keep its charm and character intact, don't go overboard and modernise it until its unrecognisable, move house if that is your aim or we will have none of these charming homes left.

Lisa Tharp the designer behind the new interior of this ex State Governer's home has respected the importance of keeping the home's character yet understood it needs to reflect the young family that now reside there. Small windows can often make these homes seem dark and dingy, however by using a white palette for the walls, it can dramatically lighten up a space. Lisa has combined antique and modern furniture in her makeover, honouring the homes history, yet creating a charming, casual, comfortable home for its current young family.These lovely images are by photographer Michael J Lee.

Above: Painting the floorboards in a diamond effect retains the original floorboards, yet makes a statement in the hall/entranceway

Above: Marble as a splash back in a kitchen can look amazing, if you can't afford the real thing there are some very convincing porcelain marble tiles around. Open shelving adds charm and is a current trend

Above: Take advantage of high stud ceilings and hang a chandelier above a dining table

Above: Keeping the blinds/curtains the same colour as the walls will make the space appear bigger and prevent it being broken up

Above: The perfect reading nook

Above: Don't shy away from modern artwork, it can make a wonderful impact on an older home especially bold pieces

Above: I love the mix of old and new, this military style
chest of drawers pays homage to this home's history

Above: It is important to retain original features such as fireplaces. In this instance the designer has picked out the black of the marble and used this colour for the bold wall lights above

Above: Original sash style windows have been retained yet because of the white palette used throughout, the rooms appear light filled

Above: Window seats retain character, however the bamboo Roman blinds and use of contemporary textiles give this corner a fresh, modern look

Above: A modern take on furnishing the bedroom, however character has been retained by the panelled walls behind the bed

Photos by Michael J Lee images via Houzz

I hope you have enjoyed this charming home, I for one am in love with it and it has most definitely inspired me. I intend to refresh my home this summer and I am going to have the entire interior painted white and replace my curtains and blinds with white, breezy linen. I have white walls at the moment but it's Resene Rice Cake which has a yellow/grey tint to it and no longer does it for me so looking at Resene White or Resene one eighth black white.

Have a wonderful week, wherever you are in the world.

A Traditional Sag Harbour Cottage

2018-10-01T12:35:00.004+13:00

Mention the Hamptons to a designer and it not only identifies an area it conjures up an image of a specific style of decorating that has become extremely popular throughout the world.

My home is worlds away from the Hamptons, in fact it's located in a suburb of Auckland, However, due to its proximity to our harbour, I have adopted the popular Hamptons style which totally suits my relaxed way of living. "Relaxed living" is the first words that spring to mind when I think of Hamptons, other descriptive words would be "light filled spaces and white walls". Within the foundation of Hamptons one can add colour, a popular combination being blue and white. Touches of green also work well and if you want to play it safe, soft greys and beige tones are fitting, especially if you include subtle pattern and texture.

Hamptons style can be traditional or modern but today's home is most definitely traditional in style. This small, original two story cottage located in popular Sag Harbour has a re-invented interior by Lee H. Skolnick Architecture & Design Partnership. The cottage is typical of its period with sash windows and a pillared portico, a popular architectural feature of its time. Most of the original architecture both inside and out of this charming home has been retained. Downstairs the original floorboards have been restored with a patina that reproduction floorboards could never achieve. Upstairs, however, narrower boards are painted white, lightening up the smaller spaces. The colour palette throughout is light and neutral, the perfect foil for antique pieces. This home is full of character, from the moment you step through the split, stable door to the second you walk into the master bedroom. Everything works wonderfully together and although it has been brought into the millennium it exudes so much original charm.

Above: Rustic, original floorboards greet you at the entrance. An antique or reproduction bamboo desk works wonderfully as a hall table

Above: Shaker style balustrade's on the staircase have been picked out in black. The little decorative panels on the stairwell have been retained

Above: A small pair of artworks depicting the ocean work perfectly on an end wall. A cross between traditional and modern lighting has been used in this space. A pair of chairs form a symmetrical entrance to another space

Above: I am unsure if the beams are original in the kitchen, however they could easily be mistaken for original

Above: A contemporary artwork livens up this space with its colour

Above: Laden bookshelves make the dining room feel homely and interesting. Another modern artwork features above the fireplace

Above: White painted floorboards lighten the upstairs bedroom which has a simple four poster bed. I truly love everything about this room

Above: A freestanding bath in a traditional style works perfectly in the bathroom

Above: An antique bureau is the perfect base for a vanity

I do hope you have enjoyed this gorgeous cottage and now filled with ideas for a makeover of your own.

Wherever you are in the world, have a wonderful week.