My Design File

Beach House Inspiration ... with a touch of black and white

Tue, 05 Jan 2016 13:00:00 GMT

With a view like this who needs colour … white highlights the natural tones and nature itself.

I love black walls with vivid white trim anywhere but particularly in a beach house. It works brilliantly with earthy timber tones.

You can so easily bring in a smart pattern when you have a colour palette of predominantly white.

It is all in the detail … black of course !!

Or the floor … where rugs will become your focal point.

And just to set the scene ….

images:pinterest

MORE POSTS IN 2016 THAN 2015 I PROMISE !!! BUT IN THE MEANTIME

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rustic kitchens with style

Sun, 12 Jul 2015 09:55:00 GMT

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.

It is rustic, yet somehow of the moment. It exudes warmth as well as simply loads of style !!!

The brass detail for this suspended shelving compliments the brass tap ware perfectly .. rustic elegance !!

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.

Perfect for washing those pots and pans ... sheer genius.

images: pinterest. Apologies for lack of photo credit. These were saved as favourites over many months with no intention of reusing.

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Latest Stylish Hotel Design in Madrid

Mon, 22 Jun 2015 14:00:00 GMT

The Principal Madrid,

the latest five star hotel to successfully combine classic architecture with stylish, contemporary interiors ... the result being pure luxury.

A club like feel with dark and moody interiors, edgy wing backs and back lit bookcases.

So inviting ... so unlike a hotel !!

Fabulous period detailing, high ceilings and large windows contribute to the luxurious ambiance.

Intimate spaces .. far from the madding crowd.

Guestooms are a perfect combination of glamorous Parisian style french doors with iron balustrades, and sleek, contemporary, almost masculine furnishings. The classic butterfly chair in leather and up to the minute designer lighting of course add to the elegance.

So simple yet so right !!

Designer: Pillar Garcia-Nieto and Barcelona based studio Luzio.

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winter whites .. the warmth of white interiors

Tue, 09 Jun 2015 22:56:00 GMT

Winter is officially here, the ski season has commenced and we have had our first fall of snow ... much to the relief of all.

I may have said this before but ... white does work in winter. We have all heard the expression in the fashion world ... winter whites !! Well the same can be applied to the world of interiors.

There is nothing quite as warming as white on white with the accent being on texture, line and self pattern. Mixing shades of white and cream adds a richness to the palette.

A white scheme is enhanced by incorporating neutrals such as sisal rugs, hints of gold or other metallics and timber furniture and flooring.

Bedrooms allow you to build upon a predominantly white/cream scheme with layers of bedlinen as we move from Summer to Winter. Don't feel the need to add colour for warmth. There is nothing quite as cosy as cream mohair blankets, a cream silk eiderdown, cream velvet or quilted scatter cushions or a rich cream flannel bedhead.

The elegance of white is transseasonal !!

images: gabriel flores, this is glamorous

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le marianne, paris ... boutique hotel style

Sat, 31 Jan 2015 13:00:00 GMT

Just off the Champs Elysees and Avenue Montaigne, Le Marianne Hotel is more like a very chic pied-à-terre.

This graceful Haussmann period building sets the scene.

Bedrooms with stylish dipped dyed curtains and smart colour palette of mustard yellows and charcoal.

Furniture with elegant lines and the latest in lighting design.

Like any stylish boutique hotel, it is all in the detail.

And just so Parisian.

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beach houses .. currumbin .. my edit 2014/15

Sun, 18 Jan 2015 10:22:00 GMT

I love the simplicity of this architectural style .. timeless. Pandanus perfect !!

Always love a skillion roof .. not to mention the frangipani.

Set high on the hill .. the ocean view from this original cottage is breathtaking. The perfect location if you don't have beach frontage.

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 !!

christmas in paris ..

Mon, 22 Dec 2014 09:13:00 GMT

Christmas in Paris .. understated elegance but somehow underwhelming after London. Then again, Paris is beautiful without the decorations.

London Christmas .. a glimpse .. No 4

Sat, 20 Dec 2014 13:00:00 GMT

Tiffany .. Old Bond Street, London

Christmas in London .. a glimpse .. No 3

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 21:48:00 GMT

Our Christmas Wreath .. SW3 London

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Christmas in London .. a glimpse .. No 2

Tue, 16 Dec 2014 19:32:00 GMT

Christmas Windows ... Cartier New Bond Street, London

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Christmas in London .. a glimpse .. No1

Sun, 14 Dec 2014 20:32:00 GMT

Christmas in London .. the shop windows !!

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Liberty of London ... Christmas windows 2014

Thu, 11 Dec 2014 20:37:00 GMT

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.

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.

They sparkle like jewels and are surrounded by crowds of admirers and adoring children, all rugged up against the winter chill.

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.

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 !!

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hotel lancaster paris, still my favourite ... for the moment

Thu, 27 Nov 2014 11:06:00 GMT

My favourite hotel in Paris has always been the very stylish Hotel Lancaster. Interestingly, at the moment, two of the most iconic and glamorous hotels in Paris, The Ritz and Hotel de Crillon, are closed for renovation.

The Hotel Lancaster is all about pared back elegance ..

a sophisticated, muted colour palette ..

its artwork, chandeliers and Louis XV and XVI furniture ..

and of course .. has something for everyone.

Beautiful hotels in Paris, particularly at this time of the year, are for slipping into for a hot chocolate and luxuriating. If you are checking in .. all the better. I can't wait for the grand openings of The Ritz and Hotel de Crillon.

stylish storage in all forms

Sun, 23 Nov 2014 10:11:00 GMT

Industrial display ... like with like

Faux and fabulous

Making the most of every usable space ...

So simple .. so elegant.

Images: thisisglamorous

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a taste of summer style

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 11:01:00 GMT

Spring/Summer 2015 by Chanel ... soft colour, soft fabrics.

Summer details ... vibrant colour ... just a splash.

Summer styling ... crisp white, pastels and a hint of gold.

Spring/Summer Chanel 2015 ... the glamour of white linen and gold accessories.

Summer wardrobe ... elegance and organisation on a small scale.

london's boutique hotel style

Mon, 13 Oct 2014 13:00:00 GMT

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.

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 !!

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 !!

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.

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manuel canovas ... my edit for spring

Wed, 24 Sep 2014 03:13:00 GMT

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

Note the hint of lime. Fabulous cushions for a lime sofa !!

This elegant paisley is a statement. Look how well the pattern and stripe work with it.

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.

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when a rustic interior isn't all rustic

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 07:56:00 GMT

There continues the trend for the earthy and rustic, natural materials, texture and a predominantly monochrome colour palette. On closer inspection it is really contemporary with an industrial edge.

There is a strong emphasis on collections and the owners possessions playing an integral part in the softening of the hard edges. Ones books, paintings and photographs, the decoration and character, without which would be minimalist.

A timeless monochrome palette with the addition and warmth of subtle shades of taupe, faded washed out grey, blue and green linens, leather, worn wood and stone.

There is something rather calming in these modern spaces with vintage detail ... the sense that we have been there before.

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images:capecodcollegiate

hotel guest rooms ... the latest in layout

Sun, 24 Aug 2014 14:00:00 GMT

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

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.

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.

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

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the new neutral interior ... how to create this look

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 04:20:00 GMT

The new neutral is really just a combination of black and white, grey and timber ... think Scandinavian and pared back design.

It is natural, organic and calming.

The perfect backdrop for vibrant colour, should you desire it.

To achieve this look, your first stop should be Ikea for wall hung storage in all shapes and sizes. This helps create a sense of space and clean lines.

For 'modern classic' timber and painted furniture, visit Thonet. Bentwood always works and you can customise your colours.

The choice in pendant lighting is endless however Huset will give you an overview of the different styles. Once you have decided on your look ... and budget, you can start shopping.

Koskela is all about thoughtful design ... rugs, fabric and homewares, followed by lunch at Kitchen by Mike, under the same roof.

Stylish Inner City Living with a Smart Studio Apartment Makeover

Fri, 01 Aug 2014 14:00:00 GMT

THE APARTMENT

A 30 square metre studio apartment on the top floor of one of Potts Point, Sydney's finest Deco buildings.

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Potts Point, Sydney has the best of both worlds ... proximity to the city and the buzz of the best restaurants, bars and cafes on your doorstep combined with the Botanical Gardens and Rushcutters Bay for a breathe of fresh air.

THE INSPIRATION

To transform a tired, cluttered space into a stylish, functional apartment on a shoestring budget and in a limited timeframe. Inspiration for owners wishing to spruce up prior to selling or buyers looking at an investment property with potential.

WHAT I DID

I wanted to create the illusion of space and maximise storage.

This was achieved by choosing a colour scheme of simple black and white. Crisp white walls to lighten and brighten, contrasted with a smart black floor of painted floorboards.

Fortunately, the sliding wardrobe doors were mirrored, reflecting both light and the view. An additional wall was mirrored to further enhance the reflection of light.

To maximise storage and create a decorative element, bookshelves were built in on the wall surrounding the bed.

A range of lighting options and dimmers were installed, allowing for

a change of mood and focus depending on the time of day.

MY ADVICE

Create as much hidden storage as possible.

Disguise doors to storage cupboards where you can and split a door into a pair, so as to limit intrusion into the space.

Apartments in Deco buildings usually still have the wonderful original bathrooms. These can be added to but do not necessarily have to be replaced.

FUTURE PLANS

Unfortunately the tight timeframe did not permit a new kitchen at the time of the original makeover. Three years down the track the next step is to install a new all white kitchen. A simple and stylish design, with mirrored splashback will add even more light and further expand the space.

To provide more flexibility when entertaining, a customised wall bed is an exciting option under consideration.

With a small space, good design does not have to cost a lot of money.

winter greige ... your warm colour palette

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 14:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

To complete the picture just add an open fire and a cashmere throw rug ...

lighting dank street ... my edit

Sun, 29 Jun 2014 07:52:00 GMT

So exciting to receive news of the arrival of Parterre Garden to Dank Street. Such an appropriate addition to this well known strip in Sydney's Waterloo.

Over the years I have made a practice of visiting Parterre Garden regularly to keep up with new shipments. Almost always it is the lighting that I fall in love with ... either a stunning table lamp or chandelier. This is some of my favourite lighting from Parterre at the moment.

I feel each works equally well in either a contemporary or classic setting. The gorgeous french wool basket lampshade at top, is from The Country Trader just around the corner. Parterre is in very good company.

Such are the advantages of owners who travel, source and choose the very best on offer... these gems often requiring extensive refurbishment/reconfiguration to bring them to their finest.

my tips for a cosy southern highlands winter

Mon, 23 Jun 2014 11:55:00 GMT

Winter in the Southern Highlands .. an easy 90 minutes south west of Sydney (out of peak hour) ... is my favourite time of year. More akin to a northern hemisphere winter and every bit as enjoyable, once you have geared up for it. I have to admit that I did freeze during my first couple of winters.

The first step is to invest in good quality blankets .. and I don't think you can go past beautiful Waverley blankets. They are always coming up with a new collection and the latest colours to feature rather than hide under a bedspread.

My very favourite thing to do when returning home to the Highlands after a trip to Sydney is to make sure that the wood basket is full to overflowing .. even if it means many trips to the wood pile .. quite a pleasurable task. You never know what you will discover in the garden along the way .. so much can change from week to week. This week it was the snowdrops ...

Of course a stylish wood basket is a must. Dirty Janes is a your first stop for a traditional basket or Cloth and General for a more contemporary version. Koskela in Sydney would offer something creative.

It goes without saying that an inviting ambience is essential and this is all about cosy furnishings, the right fabrics and of course an open fire. Don't be afraid of a little glamour ... a chandelier is never out of place.

And I will end on a practical note .. always have curtains made with a bumph lining (layers of flannelette will do the job). This will guarantee that the winter chills are kept firmly at bay.

There is nothing like a true winter in our beautiful Southern Highlands.

Ham Yard Hotel London ... modern British style

Mon, 16 Jun 2014 06:15:00 GMT

Firmdale Hotels has opened another hotel in London this month with Kit Kemp the designer working her magic. She is renowned for her confident play with fabric patterns and bold use of wallpaper and artwork.

Kit Kemp is also incredibly clever with the detail. I have had the pleasure of visiting a number of her other hotels in London ... the Knightsbridge, Number 16 and The Pelham and can say that I have loved all that she has accomplished. She has a signature style ... however each property, very much it's own look and feel.

At the Ham Yard Hotel in Soho, colour and pattern have been taken to a new level. Even though some of her pattern combinations I find almost too bold, they work and I can only marvel at the attention to detail.

There are areas with schemes such as the Suite above, that for me, don't work. There is just one fabric too many !!! and there will be those who think it is fabulous.

The drawing room, for reasons quoted above, falls into the same category. However, I do feel that this room is probably a lot more appealing in reality, so will put it down to the photograph ... I find it difficult to imagine the very clever Kit Kemp getting it wrong ... or am I not fully appreciating modern British style.

indigo ... the colour everyone is talking about

Thu, 12 Jun 2014 06:14:00 GMT

The colour indigo conjures up images of either the night sky or deepest ocean.

Indigo is a colour that is tranquil. It is not just blue ... indigo is a particular shade of blue ... it is sophisticated.

The most exciting thing about this colour is how easy it is to work with. Indigo brings to life any shade of timber from the rich and golden tones to the bleached and lime washed.

Indigo is at its most sophisticated when paired with chocolate brown, tan or bronze.

It goes without saying that the combination of Indigo with .. crisp white .. rich cream .. soft dove grey or cappuccino shades, is perfect no matter what the season.

Introduce indigo into any room that takes your fancy. Pottery Barn have embraced indigo this season as has William Yeoward with his latest furnishing collection.

designex14 ... fabulous lighting, brilliant design

Thu, 29 May 2014 14:00:00 GMT

What a surprise packet Designex14 turned out to be. A new location to navigate (while Darling Harbour Convention Centre is being redeveloped) caused no hardship. Glebe Island with easy parking and smart temporary buildings was more inviting by far than the tired Darling Harbour venue we were accustomed to.

The diversity of both exhibitors and products was impressive and all with exciting new products to launch. The latest lighting was exceptional. A clever floorplan enhanced the design experience, with fabulous cafes and pop up bars adding to the buzz !!

I have come away inspired ... as well as having a bag full of new contacts and new product brochures. It is easy to find a reason not to visit Design Fairs however Designex14 with all it had to offer under the one roof, was worth well worth the time.

images: from the top, about space, duncan meerding, porcelain bear

bowral weekends ... the new design hub

Tue, 27 May 2014 07:44:00 GMT

Bowral in the Southern Highlands now has its very own 'design hub'. The once neglected bottom end of town is becoming ever so fashionable. My favourite ... rabbit trap timber, has a new, larger home that shows off their gorgeous rustic yet contemporary style to perfection.

Full of recycled and environmentally friendly pieces, the design aesthetic is very much of the moment but with its own unique stamp. Such an interesting mix of beautifully designed furniture and homewares ... and found objects.

I feel I need to keep an eye on the changing scene at rabbit trap timber but look forward to exploring this end of town further next weekend. In the meantime ... back to Sydney !!!

Is there an art to hanging art ?

Mon, 19 May 2014 23:25:00 GMT

I am not sure there is any right or wrong when hanging art. What I do know however is that it either works or it doesn't and only your eye will tell you that. It must be visually or aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

And of course what is pleasing to the eye for one is not so for another. I personally love the order and symmetry above, however aspire to the eclectic and seemingly effortless style below.

Take time to think about the space you are working with ... sometimes it is obvious which way you should head. The size, proportion and colour of frame and artwork all come into play. I find laying it all out on the floor to organise groupings first is a great start.

Lastly, a professional hanger will take the angst out of the equation ... all you have to do is stand back and admire.

http://www.thehangman.com.au

salone del mobile 2014 ... the very best of

Thu, 08 May 2014 08:54:00 GMT

Detail Hermes Silk Fabric

As you can imagine, everyone is talking Milan and the Salone del Mobile Furniture Fair at this time of year. My inbox is flooded with many versions of the pieces and the designers that have supposedly stolen the show. These are the pieces that stood out for me.

Hermes Club Bar

The glamour of this drinks cabinet defies belief.

Alexander McQueen Rug by the Rug Co

Wonderfully over the top ... as one would expect.

Hermes Lighting

Never before have Hermes ventured into lighting but here it is, a small and perfect collection.

Philippe Starck Folding Chair

I simply love this chair for it's extremely slick take on a very casual piece of furniture ... not to mention the unimaginable quality of the tan leather.

Brunello Cucinelli

So interesting, the number of fashion houses doing furniture and homewares.

Images: Wallpaper