Showing posts with label Interior Design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interior Design. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Interior: Nautical-style waterfront cottage
Inspired by the sea, sand and sky, Style at Home's design editor, Jessica Waks, transforms a tired cottage into a delightful retreat.
Beachy inspiration
The cottage’s design was inspired by its picturesque beachy setting.
The great room
Walking in, the biggest question was how to place the furniture in this huge, hexagonal great room,” says Style at Home design editor Jessica Waks. She created two separate conversation areas around matching rugs, with a Shaker-style coffee table centred under a custom iron chandelier for the main one. The result is both beautifully symmetrical and relaxed.
Beautifully symmetrical
Sheer drapery panels soften the great room’s hard angles, while a careful mix of painted-wood furniture (in both black and white), solid and patterned upholstery and sculptural pieces, like the spool armchairs, keeps the eye moving around the room.
Family room
Jessica chose to leave the family room’s wooden trim and wainscotting exposed to create a rustic look. Woven textures, painted-wood furniture and a pair of patterned swivel chairs keep the space from feeling too heavy.
Seaside aesthetic
The family room is a study in crisp contrasts, from the blue grosgrain trim on the Roman shades to the contrast piping on the wingback chair, which is upholstered in indoor-outdoor fabric for maximum durability. Natural touches like the woven side table and tray play up the seaside aesthetic.
Kitchen design
To keep reno costs down, Jessica kept the kitchen’s existing footprint intact, bringing in beadboard cabinet fronts and honed granite countertops.
Spacious dining room
Open to the adjacent kitchen, the spacious dining room seats 10 to 12 people. Classic Windsor dining chairs allow for elbow room around the 10-foot-long table. The blue and white tablescape lends a summer-fresh feel.
Custom corner hutch
The homeowners kept the custom corner hutch in the kitchen from the previous owners and painted it black to showcase their collection of white dishes.
Powder room
The powder room wows with its blue and black wallpaper design, herringbone marble floors, statement pendant light and decorative trays mounted as art. The stool was an antiques store find.
Outdoor terrace
On the terrace, grey-washed teak furniture blends in with the home’s grey exterior and weathered pavers, while blue and white ikat toss cushions bring the indoor scheme outside for continuity.
Beachy inspiration
The cottage’s design was inspired by its picturesque beachy setting.
The great room
Walking in, the biggest question was how to place the furniture in this huge, hexagonal great room,” says Style at Home design editor Jessica Waks. She created two separate conversation areas around matching rugs, with a Shaker-style coffee table centred under a custom iron chandelier for the main one. The result is both beautifully symmetrical and relaxed.
Beautifully symmetrical
Sheer drapery panels soften the great room’s hard angles, while a careful mix of painted-wood furniture (in both black and white), solid and patterned upholstery and sculptural pieces, like the spool armchairs, keeps the eye moving around the room.
Family room
Jessica chose to leave the family room’s wooden trim and wainscotting exposed to create a rustic look. Woven textures, painted-wood furniture and a pair of patterned swivel chairs keep the space from feeling too heavy.
Seaside aesthetic
The family room is a study in crisp contrasts, from the blue grosgrain trim on the Roman shades to the contrast piping on the wingback chair, which is upholstered in indoor-outdoor fabric for maximum durability. Natural touches like the woven side table and tray play up the seaside aesthetic.
Kitchen design
To keep reno costs down, Jessica kept the kitchen’s existing footprint intact, bringing in beadboard cabinet fronts and honed granite countertops.
Spacious dining room
Open to the adjacent kitchen, the spacious dining room seats 10 to 12 people. Classic Windsor dining chairs allow for elbow room around the 10-foot-long table. The blue and white tablescape lends a summer-fresh feel.
Custom corner hutch
The homeowners kept the custom corner hutch in the kitchen from the previous owners and painted it black to showcase their collection of white dishes.
Powder room
The powder room wows with its blue and black wallpaper design, herringbone marble floors, statement pendant light and decorative trays mounted as art. The stool was an antiques store find.
Outdoor terrace
On the terrace, grey-washed teak furniture blends in with the home’s grey exterior and weathered pavers, while blue and white ikat toss cushions bring the indoor scheme outside for continuity.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Design Lesson: Playing with pattern
How to use pattern in a small space without being overwhelmed
Drapery, cushions, upholstery and bedding -- we surround ourselves with fabric. It's how we soften the hard edges of the world. Although the textures and patterns you choose depend on personal taste, awareness of their impact allows you to make selections that will contribute to overall harmony. That's especially important in small spaces, where an abundance of pattern contributes to visual clutter. So, consider these strategies for incorporating pattern into your home.
How to choose pattern
Living room
To allow for visual breathing room, it's best to use simple designs and combine them with solid fabrics. Robust patterns can be distracting, shifting attention from focal points, and creating a confusing backdrop for works of art.
How to choose pattern
Living room
To allow for visual breathing room, it's best to use simple designs and combine them with solid fabrics. Robust patterns can be distracting, shifting attention from focal points, and creating a confusing backdrop for works of art.
Dining room
Frequently more dramatic than other public rooms, this room is used mostly in the evening. For that reason, it's perfectly warranted to choose bolder patterns. In addition, patterned upholstery and carpets are highly practical.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, where most of the available wall space is devoted to cabinetry, pattern can be a welcome relief. A pictorial wallpaper or scenic drapery fabric can create interest and set the tone for other decorating in the room.
Bedroom
The pattern you pick is dictated by the mood you want to create. If the bedroom is used only at nighttime, consider a minimum of pattern in a restful palette. For those who use the room during the day, a more adventurous mix of pattern may appeal.
Powder room
The powder room provides a real opportunity to enjoy high-impact pattern, as it's a transitional space used for short periods of time. Choose a scenic or geometric design, classic floral or large abstract pattern, and use it abundantly.
Frequently more dramatic than other public rooms, this room is used mostly in the evening. For that reason, it's perfectly warranted to choose bolder patterns. In addition, patterned upholstery and carpets are highly practical.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, where most of the available wall space is devoted to cabinetry, pattern can be a welcome relief. A pictorial wallpaper or scenic drapery fabric can create interest and set the tone for other decorating in the room.
Bedroom
The pattern you pick is dictated by the mood you want to create. If the bedroom is used only at nighttime, consider a minimum of pattern in a restful palette. For those who use the room during the day, a more adventurous mix of pattern may appeal.
Powder room
The powder room provides a real opportunity to enjoy high-impact pattern, as it's a transitional space used for short periods of time. Choose a scenic or geometric design, classic floral or large abstract pattern, and use it abundantly.
Dos and Don'ts
DO evaluate the scale of furniture before choosing a pattern for upholstery. A dining room chair seat can't handle a large pattern. In contrast, a three-seater sofa doesn't suit a tiny motif.
DO review the existing patterns in the room's background. For example, a herringbone floor adds energy, while a coffered ceiling brings order to a space. The crisp, heavy lines of shutters contrast with the minigrid of a mosaic backsplash. These architectural cues may influence the selection of other patterns.
DO combine patterns that share a similar feeling or expression. For example, an exotic paisley blends easily with florals or stripes if they have an exotic feel as well. Formal damask works with shimmering silk, but may clash with rugged leather.
DO review the existing patterns in the room's background. For example, a herringbone floor adds energy, while a coffered ceiling brings order to a space. The crisp, heavy lines of shutters contrast with the minigrid of a mosaic backsplash. These architectural cues may influence the selection of other patterns.
DO combine patterns that share a similar feeling or expression. For example, an exotic paisley blends easily with florals or stripes if they have an exotic feel as well. Formal damask works with shimmering silk, but may clash with rugged leather.
DO use vertical stripes, like those provided by floor-to-ceiling wallpaper or drapes, to emphasize the height of a room. To accentuate a room's width, opt for horizontal stripes, using wallpaper or artwork hung in a row as a frieze.
DON'T ignore the rug, since it's one of the most influential patterns in any room. Because it's a major purchase, many designers begin with it when building a design scheme.
DON'T use more than one large-scale design in a small interior, as it can overwhelm. However, you can use several small or medium patterns if they are varied in scale. Layering patterns lends a sense of depth, vital to a small room.
DON'T overdo vivid pattern in small spaces. Remember, a fabric with pattern has more visual weight than a solid one.To include a variety of patterns, stick to a colour palette with tone-on-tone or two-tone fabrics.
DON'T ignore the rug, since it's one of the most influential patterns in any room. Because it's a major purchase, many designers begin with it when building a design scheme.
DON'T use more than one large-scale design in a small interior, as it can overwhelm. However, you can use several small or medium patterns if they are varied in scale. Layering patterns lends a sense of depth, vital to a small room.
DON'T overdo vivid pattern in small spaces. Remember, a fabric with pattern has more visual weight than a solid one.To include a variety of patterns, stick to a colour palette with tone-on-tone or two-tone fabrics.
Decorating & Design - Styling Secrets
Decorating with pattern can increase the drama in any room
We’ve all heard the saying less is more. But sometimes the opposite is true. While simple solids can be quite chic, decorating with pattern throughout your home can ramp up the style factor dramatically. Add sophistication to every room by playing with pattern you love and then building around it. Don’t be afraid of patterns – take inspiration from them. Mix and match them or pull accent ideas from them. Either way, decorating with pattern is a license to play! Here are 7 pretty patterns we love!
1. Bativia dove duvet set
We’re drawn to this pattern for its soft round forms. Clean, but bold, set against a neutral background, it’s an eye-catching detail for your bedroom, but maintains the zen feeling of a sanctuary.
Make this ottoman the centrepiece of your room. The sophisticated pattern, soft colour and gorgeous legs make it striking, yet understated. Whether you match the colour, surround it with a soft palette or accent it with strong, bold darks, it will draw a lot of attention.
3. Darcy: White & silver wallpaper
The quintessential way to decorating with patterns in your home is to put them on the wall. And nowadays, there are numerous wallpaper patterns, both old-world and modern chic. We love this pattern for its size and simplicity. The pattern is big enough to capture the eye, but not overwhelm it.
The quintessential way to decorating with patterns in your home is to put them on the wall. And nowadays, there are numerous wallpaper patterns, both old-world and modern chic. We love this pattern for its size and simplicity. The pattern is big enough to capture the eye, but not overwhelm it.
If you like to change up the look of your bathroom decor, the snowy motif makes great seasonal decor. But this pretty pattern isn’t just for winter; the soothing colour works well year round. For added options, the colours are reversed on the back.
5. Floral Boutis tablecloth
Bring a little Provence into your home with this pretty floral tablecloth, inspired by 17th-century Indian textiles. Surrounded by a soft palette of colour, it will instantly lighten your room, making it feel sunny inside, even when it’s not outside!
6. Ralph Lauren Mandarin blue salad plate
Kick your tabletop style up a notch with this traditionally rich pattern in gorgeous Mandarin blue. It makes every dinner a swank affair. Use it as a complete table setting – or mix it with classic white dishes as an accent. Either way, wow your dinner guests by decorating with blue pattern!
7. Berry hamper
This berry-patterned basket is perfect for any room thanks to its neutral colours and versatility. Use it to carry laundry or as a stylish storage solution for towels or toys – or even as a magazine holder. It will help keep you organized and looking chic at the same time.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
10 GEOMETRIC PATTERNS WE LOVE "Give your home a graphic punch with these 10 inspiring geometric looks"
Making their definitive mark on the design world during the mod years of the 1960s, geometric shapes and patterns have since been a staple of many decorated spaces around the world. From basic triangles, squares and rectangles to more interesting shapes like hexagons, octagons and diamonds, geometrics have the ability to add a punch of personality to any room. Here are 10 of our favourite ways to decorate with geometrics, whether it’s a bold wallpapaer pattern in a small room or a diamond-patterned headboard commanding attention in a master bedroom.
1. Area rug
Keep it fun underfoot with an area rug that ties the room together and adds a soft graphic element to your space. The geometric patterns on Madeline Weinrib rugs play on Moroccan architecture and fretwork.
2. Shower curtain
Update your bathroom with a cool new shower curtain. This organic cotton curtain combines a number of geometric shapes for a modern chic look.
3. Fretwork
Don’t forget about the many decorating options that windows offer when putting your space together! Introduce a subtle geometric touch to your bedroom decor with a delicate oriental fretwork in the windowpane.
4. Wallpaper
For ultimate impact, try covering the walls in a small space like a powder room or mudroom with a bold geometric wallpaper. The daring paper shown here adds the perfect modern touch to otherwise traditional pieces and complements the floor’s hexagonal tiles.
5. Throw pillow
The most cost effective way to introduce a trend into your decorating scheme? Toss a couple of throw pillows on your sofa, like this black and white geometric herringbone beauty.
6. Artwork
An all-white workspace doesn’t have to feel bare and stark. Incorporate a simple, colourful art print like this geometric triangle for a bit of character.
7. Headboard
If you’re drawn to crisp white bed linens, you can still incorporate geometrics with a fabric headboard. The tall red and white diamond headboard here creates a bold focal point in the bedroom.
8. Bathmat
Add a graphic element to your bathroom decor with geometric accessories. Try a bold pattern on your shower curtain, hand towels or bathmat.
9. Throw blanket
Give a cream living room sofa a facelift by draping a vibrant, patterned throw blanket over the back. The geometric shapes on the throw above add a punch of personality to an otherwise fairly neutral space.
10. Mousepad
From colourful notebooks to vintage paperweights, desk accessories are no longer content with being boring. This geometric peach and black mousepad is a fun way to spice up any home office.
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