Who said fashion and decor did not blend! Thanks to Lynda Quintero-Davids we can view these fabulous fashion and interior design pairings. We just wonder which is your favourite x
Cozy Drama
Cozy drama isn’t an oxymoron: A dozen beautiful dark living rooms
In a fascinating article she wrote for Apartment Therapy, Carolyn explains why dark interiors, which used to be the norm, were eventually superseded in popularity by light, bright ones. But for a few of us dark, cozy spaces will always be the ideal. While these 12 living rooms may have dark walls, they are anything but dreary.
Above: A velvet sofa almost glows in a dark-walled room from Felix Forest.
This post would be incomplete without at least one photo of the home of Abigail Ahern, the master of dark, moody interiors. Spotted on The Selby
Black and pink is a sophisticated combo in this room from Farrow & Ball.
Dark walls cozify a space from Country Living.
In this living room from Trendland, hunter green walls make a lovely contrast with a light wood floor.
A dark-walled living room from Mad & Bolig.
I wish I were curled up in this living room right this very moment. From House and Garden via Habitually Chic.
Dark walls aren’t dreary when there’s lots of light. Image from Daily Dream Decor.
Dark plaid walls make for a cozy space. Image from Sharyn Cairns.
I love all of this — dark paneling, dark grey walls, gold accents. From news.com.au.
And finally, a dark living room from Eye Swoon.
Source: apartment therapy
(Image credits: Felix Forest; The Selby; Farrow & Ball; Country Living; Trendland; Mad & Bolig; Habitually Chic; Daily Dream Decor; Sharyn Cairns; news.com.au; Eye Swoon)
The magic of a stylist
One of the most common questions we get asked is “What is the difference between an ‘Interior Designer’ and an ‘Interior Stylist’? This answer was elequently provided by Vanessa Colyer Tay for Inside Out Magazine. She said “Designers were scientists and Stylists were magicians”!
So with this in mind, here are some magical tips from our head stylist Lucy Miles.
What colours were popular in 2014 and what are your colour predictions for the year ahead?
In 2014 we saw a big emphasis on blues, yellows, lime green, pinks, rose gold…. A lot of zingy colours. They are still coming through this season but with a different tone; oranges are more burnt, blues are deeper. I think everything has softened slightly… Navy is still strong. Neutrals are taking on more texture with what they are made of – it was linen, now it’s hessian. A lot more emphasis on the finishings and trimmings. Woods are still strong – maple in more mid-century style pieces; Oaks and elms with a natural finish and organic texture – they are softer than industrial or rustic.
Having recently returned from an overseas buying trip, we saw next seasons ranges and colours. Pastels were very strong, with an almost ‘dusted’ effect. Khaki and soft olive greens… The flanged hem finish was a detail that continued to pop up as well.
And tartan. A lot of tartan.
Are there any key décor trends that you think we’ll see more of in 2015?
In 2015, we will continue to ride the Scandinavian train! It has been a popular trend for the last year or so in the shops and interiors and doesn’t look much like it is going anywhere. We have certainly put lot of time and effort into building up that area of our range as it is becoming a more requested look in staging – it has gone from the magazines to the homes of New Zealanders. Our customers are far more educated and aware of what trends are out there now a days. They have moved away from apartment-type furniture with mass-produced art and generic dressing – they want something a little different, special.
Replica and iconic pieces will continue too but we are moving on a bit from just the DSW chairs, Tolix stools and Barcelona chairs. There is more Wegner, Larsen, Herman, Bertolli coming through.
Matching or eclectic? What’s the secret to successfully combining non-matching furniture?
Matching on eclectic depends on what, as a Stylist, you are trying to achieve within the space. You can match or mix across different elements, from keeping the hard furniture in the same range and bringing your ‘mix’ through in the soft furnishings and accessories or going all out mixed, but keeping the palette of colour the same. Over all, the ‘matched’ look will result in a more tailored look whereas mixing your products can allow for a more ‘collected’ or bohemian feel. By mixing your product, it does allow for greater opportunities too. Regardless of whether you are going to mix or match, every story needs a thread that will tie the whole look together at the end. A blend across all products used, through the furniture, upholstery, accessories and art. In saying that, there is nothing to say you could not go with super neutral and then through in a real statement item!
Are there any interior design elements that stand the test of time?
Interior design is as varied and seasonal as fashion – they run along side of each other. Concepts continue to carry on rather than specific elements; it’s like the old blue jeans, white shirt and blazer – the style may vary somewhat from time to time however the idea stays the same. Some concepts that we build on are:
- Basic neutrals as your base
- Monochrome – black and white will always work.
- Traditional or classical style is one that is cemented through out interiors across the world, and is probably the most recognizable ‘style’ through it’s furnishings – rolled arm, deep button etc.
- Similarly iconic styles as well – Cape cod, retro, gothic…. these are very clearly defined looks.
- ‘Tricks of the trade’ continue to be used as well – mirrors for added light or space, bigger pieces in smaller spaces etc
Auckland has a variety of different housing styles – Villas, Bungalows, 60’s and 70’s houses, art deco, modern, apartments, etc. Do you approach each style differently? Are there any styles that are easier or harder to decorate?
Auckland has the luxury of having such a wide variety of property types which, for a Stylist or Home Stager, allows us to constantly hone in on our skills and ability to produce the appropriate ‘look’. Every home that we stage is approached individually. There is no ‘pre-determined’ package that is installed into a property that a vendor has brought to us to be staged. Properties are as individual as it’s owner and future-owner. We take into consideration the style of home, the owners style, the target demographic that the agent is aiming for. We are conscious that each property has it’s own set of needs and requirements. It is about doing what is best for that property.
Some times you may happen across a property that is right up your alley, which is always really fun and rewarding to dress, or a style that you have been dying to work on. On other occasions you may be completely dumb-founded at the beginning of the creative process but walk away from the completed job with such satisfaction – being creatively stretched by an ‘odd’ space can really make you feel as though you have conquered a mountain!
What’s the first thing you think about when you arrive at a home that you’re going to stage?
The leading factors to consider when walking into a property for staging are:
- What is the surrounding area like? Dressing a property in Ponsonby requires a totally different approach to dressing one in Remuera.
- What is the owner or agent like? How do they dress, or talk? What is their circumstance? You can gain great insight of how to approach the property from understanding your customer and nurturing the relationship you are building with them.
- What will be the ‘makers & breakers’? With staging, you don’t have the option of shopping specifically, or an endless supply of custom product as perhaps an independent Interior Designer might. However, we do have an exceptionally large and varied catalogue of product that has been collected over the years and continues to grow. We know our products and ranges inside-out, which helps with determining exactly what you need to achieve the desired look; I know I need the Kansas buffet or the Kelly Hoppen chair, the antique butcher block…. the key pieces. We can supply statement items that will take the staging from average to WOW!
Are there any big no-no’s when it comes to staging a house for sale?
The biggest no-no would be to completely disregard the requirements of the property in lieu of your own – we are not here to impose our own personal style. As a Stylist you need to be sympathetic to the properties personality, style, weaknesses and strengths.
If you had one decorating tip or secret that you’re willing to share, what would it be?
There are few ‘tips’ that we use on a daily basis, but none of them are particularly secret…
- Go with your gut. Nine times out of ten, your first thought is what you should run with.
- It may be cliché, but as Chanel said, take one accessory off before leaving the house! It is easy to ‘over dress’ a property. We are past the stuffy look of times gone by with flowers in every vessel, items on every surface, 12 cushions squished onto a 3 seater and 19 candles spread out in only one room. Think about what and how you are using it – place things with consideration.
- Read magazines. Get on the internet. Look at your colleagues work. Go to the interior shops in your area… What are people exposed to? What’s the current trend? Get inspiration from as many avenues as possible.
And when all else fails – call a stylist 🙂
Author: Lucy Miles Head Stylist Living Edge Interiors
Decorate my Bedroom
12 Stylish Bedroom Decorating Ideas – that also make for a better night’s sleep!
1. KEEP BEDSIDE TABLES CLEAN “Keep clutter off of your bedside table,” says Brad Ford of Brad Ford ID Inc.. “It’s a forever now reminder of things you need to do, take care of, and it’s not relaxing at all. It’s the first place you look at every night and every morning. It’s almost like a metaphor for how you’re living your life.”Photography by Eric Striffler
2. CONSIDER AN UPHOLSTERED WALL
“If you’re trying to cocoon your room and keep it as quiet as possible, upholstering an entire wall behind the bed helps,” says Jeff Andrews of Jeff Andrews-Design “It also creates a comfortable surface to lean back on when you’re in bed too.”
Photography by Grey Crawford
3. GET BEDDING RIGHT
“Cotton breathes and that’s important when you’re talking about bedding,” says Elaine Griffin of Elaine Griffin Interior Design. “A cool environment is ideal for sleeping, to help achieve that you need 100 percent natural fibers, and for crisp cool sheets cotton is king. For extra comfort, press and starch your sheets, they’ll feel amazing.”
Photography by Laura Moss
4. KEEP IT SIMPLE
“I like to dress my bed simply so it’s manageable. I think the best way to start your day is by making your bed. It’s a way to honor yourself and give yourself a sense of ritual, and there is nothing like getting into a made bed at the end of the day,” says Jon Call of Mr Call Designs. Mr Call Designs. “Your bed is your refuge. You can’t control the world, but you can control your bedroom.”
5. CHOOSE ART CAREFULLY
“Most people only think about the room color, but you need to think about the artwork in your bedroom too,” says Ford. “For a relaxing environment, choose artwork that isn’t too busy or jarring and is easy on the eye. That even extends to how it’s displayed.”
Photography by Eric Striffler
6. TRY A SEATING ZONE
“If you like hanging out in your bedroom create a separate seating zone,” says Andrews. “That way your brain associates your bed with sleep, instead of reading, work, or watching TV.”
Photography by Grey Crawford
7. DOUBLE UP ON WINDOW TREATMENTS
“Keeping light out is necessary for a good nights sleep for most people,” says Griffin. “It’s best if window treatments are two-layered. You have the curtains, and then you have something inside the window box that helps regulates light and privacy.”
Photography by William Waldron
8. SET YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE THE NIGHT BEFORE
“Corral all of your media, like iPads, phones, and remotes in a drawer with the wires concealed. On the top of the bedside table, a piece of glass will protect the surface from spills if you keep a glass of water next to the bed. You’ll sleep soundly knowing you wont’ have to wake up in the middle of the night to get up and get a drink or deal with water rings in the morning,” says Andrews.
9. FIGHT NOISE WITH DESIGN
“If you’re super sensitive to outside noise waking you up, try noise reduction windows, it’s almost like a screen you would place over the outside window. They really cut down on street sounds,” says Ford.
Photography by Scott Francis
10. MAKE USE OF A DIMMER
“The bedside table should be dressed with proper reading lights. I like a wall mounted version or a sconce because it gives you more real estate on the bedside table. I also put bedside lamps on a dimmer, being able to adjust to lower lighting helps get your body ready for sleep,” says Call.
Photography by Philip Ficks
11. PREP YOUR TECH
“If you want to use your cell phone as an alarm, dim the display,” says Griffin. “Same with your digital alarm clock. If you have a TV in your room that has little lights on it, they can keep you up too. Cover offending digital lights with black electrical tape because the light, whether you know it or not will keep you awake.”
Photography by Jeff McNamara
12. BE MINDFUL OF POSITION
“Position the bed in a way that it makes the most sense, not just visually but how you feel when you’re in it,” says Ford. “I always say that I like to be able to see the foot of the bed when you walk into the room. If the position of the bed isn’t right or you have a bed shoved in a corner, it won’t be comfortable when someone needs to get in and out of bed.”
Photography by Scott Francis
Source: housebeautiful.com
Cleaning your chandelier
Doing some renovations? Though precautions can be taken to keep your chandelier safe while working, wallpaper particles and plaster dust can find there way to the fixture, leaving the prisms dusty and in need of a good clean.
There are two common methods used for cleaning chandeliers: Glass on, or Glass off. The first method is to spray your cleaning solution on a damp cloth and use the cloth to wipe down all hanging decorative elements while leaving them attached to the frame. The second is to remove all hanging elements from the fixture and clean each piece separately, attaching them after each piece has been cleaned and polished. It is not recommended to ever spray solution directly onto your chandelier because your cleaning solution could damage any non-crystal elements on the frame.
We choose to clean chandeliers using the second method (glass off) after first attempting to clean it with the glass on. It can be difficult to keep your chandelier still, and since we were working pretty high up we decided it would be best to do the majority of the work safely at the dining room table. If you are resurrecting an old vintage or antique fixture, or anything that requires a 7′ ladder, we highly recommend the second method.
Instructions
1. If possible, turn the circuit breaker off in the room where you are working. If this is not possible, turn the light off at the switch and cover over the switch with a large piece of tape as an added precaution.
2. Inspect your chandelier. This is helpful so that if you choose to remove any hanging elements you’ll know where to replace everything once you’ve finished cleaning. Ours had three sections of prisms so we removed each section together and laid them in groups so we would know how to re-hang them when we were finished cleaning. Its also a good idea to take a photo of your chandelier from a few different sides for reference.
2. Get all the excess dust and debris off the fixture with a dry cloth or duster. We use a ceiling fan duster specifically for our light fixtures.
3. Lay out a blanket under your chandelier. In the unfortunate case you should drop something, the blanket will help break the fall and hopefully keep the piece from breaking.
4. Spray a lint-free cloth with a solution of 1 part vinegar, 3 parts warm water and wipe down the spindle and arms of the chandelier. Buff dry with a lint-free cloth. Some folks recommend cleaning your crystal with detergent to really make it sparkle and shine, but we felt a little uneasy about using anything other than vinegar on ours.
5. If you’ve decided to take the prisms down from the frame for cleaning, now is a good opportunity to check out the prism pins and make any repairs necessary. Grab your needle nose pliers and make any adjustments needed.
6. Clean the prisms by using a cloth dampened with the vinegar/water solution then buff dry with a lint free cloth. For this step we put on the white gloves to keep fingerprints from leaving smudges. You can find cotton gloves online, or you can hop on over to your local thrift shop and pick up a cute pair of vintage gloves like we did for next to nothing.
7. Hang the prisms according to your reference photo, step back, and try not to be blinded by your bright and shiny chandelier!
Source: apartmenttherapy.com
Image credits: Ashley Poskin
Bedroom Bliss
Colour introduces character, quality, and ambiance to any area and the bedroom is no exception. Brighten your bedroom with fresh colour to give it a décor boost. Below are 22 bedroom colour schemes that will sooth, uplift, and give your bedroom added style.
1. Chocolate, gray, teal bedroom color scheme
Dark colours won’t necessarily make a room smaller. This colour scheme creates a dark, moody, sensual ambiance.
2. Mustard, black, cream and gray
This unique colour scheme can be used in a number of combinations. For example, one bedroom wall can include all four hues in stripes or huge circles.
3. Navy with coral
These two colours balance out each other and will give your bedroom a chic, stylish tone.
4. Gray with white
This classic combo would look great in stripes on one wall or throughout the room.
5. Gray, cream and purple
The most versatile shade in this group is purple. Purple can be lavender, plum, mauve, or lilac.
6. Gray, white, and tan
This somewhat muted, neutral colour combination is ideal for bedrooms with casual, classic décor.
7. Pastel hues
A pastel colour scheme is soothing and creates a restful, tranquil ambiance in any bedroom.
8. Mustard with purple
This bright colour bedroom scheme is not for the fainthearted. It works best in accent pieces like pillows, throws, and area rug. It’s great for a kids’ room too.
9. Indigo with white
Indigo is a mystifying hue. It works beautifully with white but is best used as the accent color. However, if you can stand dark walls, paint your bedroom walls in indigo and wrap your bed in indigo/white linens.
10. Black with white
No two colours are as famous together as black and white. If you love timeless decor, this is the color scheme to use.
11. Black white and yellow-lime
Black and white on its own is classic. Adding a yellow-lime hue creates an art deco feel. If you want your bedroom to look posh, choose this colour combination.
12. Dark gray with brown
Tempered with decorative linen or the right wall decorations, this bedroom colour scheme can be easily brightened up. Image: alise o’brien photography
13. Gray with orange
Orange completely dominates grey in any colour scheme. light grey walls with grey and orange linen and other accents looks fantastic.
14. Red, pink and gray
This romantic colour scheme creates a sensual ambiance.
15. Turquoise with purple
This combination look fab. Why not give it a go?
16. White sand with silver
A beautiful combination that works wonderfully as a bedroom scheme for an older or younger couple.
17. Gray, black, white and yellow
All of these colours work well together or in combination of two. For example, gray and black works well together, and so does white and yellow.
18. Tiffany blue, black and white
This luscious colour scheme is as chic as it gets with a bit of sophistication thrown in as well.
19. White, gold and beige
A perfect bedroom colour scheme that is majestic and elegant. Works great as a guest room colour combo.
20. Black, brown, white and green
If you own a beach house or a log-cabin styled home, this combination would be splendid as a bedroom colour scheme.
This master bedroom—designed by graduate student George Marrone for the Better Homes and Gardens Home Improvement Challenge contest.
21. White bedroom with pops of aqua, fushcia and lime
A bright, welcoming fun colour combination. It’s great for a beach house or kids’ bedroom.
22. Yellow with orange
I love this colour scheme for bedroom. There’s something inherently happy about the combination of orange and yellow. Image: ‘Titian’ Quilt
Source: decoholic
