Pinterest is an important tool for me and my work, and it's a great source of inspiration. When I come across an image I love, I pin it to one of my boards, and I also often share it on my Facebook page. Today I have chosen a few random, beautiful images with the purpose of explaining to you why I like them, and why they work...
I'm drawn to strong, graphic elements, and this large painted "N" is a fantastic alternative to a smaller wooden or metal letter representing your child's name. If you have a statement piece of furniture, artwork or element in your room, give it maximum impact by keeping the surrounding elements simple and pared-back. Your eye will be drawn to the "hero" piece and will not be fighting with things around it.
Likewise in this room, the colour palette is quiet and subtle, allowing the framed photography to shine. When it comes to artwork, bigger is better, in my eyes.
There are always exceptions to the rule, though. In this image the wall sconce and small framed print work beautifully together. The wall sconce does it's job to light the room, and the artwork helps to anchor the light so it doesn't just 'float' on the wall. As well as lighting the room the sconce also highlights the artwork.
This artwork is anchored by the furniture below. The three pieces enhance each other and work together to form a triangle that keeps your eye moving comfortably around. This is one of my most favourite little settings, I love everything about it from the arrangement, to the pattern and colour, and the pieces themselves. No surprise that I love it when it's from the home of my favourite artist, Miranda Skoczek.
I love to find solutions for decorating small nooks, you can find one each month in Your Home & Garden's "Nook of the Month". This little dining nook is perfect for when you don't have a big space. Having a built-in bench seat means you can push the table up close to the wall, and it also serves as a lovely spot for relaxing. The large mirror is a trusty tool for creating the illusion of more space, and here it also reflects more light into the room providing a lovely airy feel.
It's no secret I love round tables. They're not right for every room, but they are great when your dining area is open plan and a thoroughfare through to other areas of your home. The nature of the circle means it's easier to move around it.
I'll be bringing you more of these "Why It Works" posts. If you have any interior questions feel free to email them to me, and I may be able to address them in one of these posts.
As the school holidays and my beautiful kids encroach into my working day, I hope you forgive me for a simple post today. I wanted to show you a few recent images from my Instagram. This is where I post mostly images 'behind the scenes' of my home, life & work.
If you want to get a really good feel for person's style, check out their Instagram account, especially on your computer rather than in the actual app. My love of colour and pattern, and the sea is quite evident. What does your Instagram say about you?
I came across the Holiday House Hamptons website in the weekend, and was inspired by it's concept. Founder, Iris Dankner, is passionate about interior design, and decided to combine it with her other passion of fundraising for breast cancer research. She created a fundraising event by inviting talented designers from across the US to transform the historic Academy Mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Now an annual event, the 2014 Holiday House Hamptons is being held at Watchcase in Sag Harbor, showcasing stylish summer living and entertaining.
Each space is designed around a holiday or special moment in life that inspires the designer. These are some of my favourite rooms. Tamara Magel was inspired by European culture and the casual style of Sag Harbor. The clean and sophisticated palette reflects the beach and boating lifestyle of the area.
I love the mix of textures - the brick wall, the wooden floor and ceiling, and the sisal rug contrast the smooth marble and brass side table, and the black wall. Even the clever art piece above the bed features subtle texture. The throw and bedding add softness, and it's styled simply but beautifully to let each piece shine.
Campion Platt designed this master bedroom channeling the "straightforward sensual exuberance of a wealthy Hamptonite". They complemented the industrial nature of the room with soft feminine touches and a bold colour palette.
The floral theme carries on into the bathroom, which I adore. The same colours are used to link the two rooms, but in a much more subtle way.
This study/bedroom is the work of Bjørnen Design, and the theme, Seahorse Country, is a playful reference to the surrounding coastal sea life and equestrian culture of East End farms. The beautiful aquatic tones and patterns are quite stunning, and the rustic wooden coffee tables adds some weight and grounds the space.
The fun continues into the bathroom which is a jungle of plants bringing delicious texture, not to mention life!
This would be such a fun project for a designer - creating a space with no client, only unlimited imagination! I would LOVE it! To see more of the rooms pop over here, where Houzz contributor, and photographer, Rikki Snyder, gives us a rundown.
