When working with interior spaces there are lots of ways to define spaces and create focal areas. Rugs are one of the simplest and most effective ways to do this.
In the picture below, the white table and chairs could easily be lost against the white walls and soft grey floor, but the rug anchors and highlights the furniture. The repeat circles in the light, table and rug soften the sharp lines of the walls and pictures.
Many of us live in open plan homes these days, where it's important to create different living area within one large space. The use of two rugs clearly defines the dining and living areas.
Even a small rug can be effective. This sheepskin layered over the large floor rug forms a cosy spot, while also linking it to the rest of the living area.
Where rugs work on floors, you can be equally clever with paint on the walls. By painting a rectangle behind this long desk it, once again, anchors and defines the area.
The cushions and the skull direct your eye to the bedhead, creating the focal point of the bedroom. The dark green half painted wall is a gorgeous contrast to the pink. It also helps create that focal point, while adding a cosy, enclosed feeling.
Lastly, can you imagine this hallway without the hot pink stripe? It adds interest to what could easily be an uneventful space. The addition of the art and the large white vessel draws your eye up and around the corner. So clever, don't you think?!
You may already know that I'm a huge fan of The Novogratz - the husband and wife designing duo that is Robert and Cortney Novogratz - I've featured them before here and here. I love their bold, quirky style with an abundance of colour, massive personality, and always the most incredible art.
I recently came across the amazing work of photographer, Francesco Lagnese, and found some gorgeous photos he'd taken of Robert, Cortney and their kids (all seven of them!) in their New York home. I can tell by the age of the kids that these are older photos, but the house is so cool I had to share it with you.
You've probably noticed the resurgence of pastel colours, both in fashion and our homes. Personally, if I'm going to use pastels, I prefer to team them with something with a bit of oomph to add some depth. In this first photo the neon legs are that 'something' that gives the bedroom some edge and bring a contemporary feel. The expansive use of white is refreshing, with just the right amount of pastel...
A shot of vibrant yellow compliments these pretty pastels...
And this soft duck egg lampshade by Rebecca Snelling for Kate Sylvester, looks stunning against the rich oak timber base and racy red stripes...
You may remember last Friday I featured, among other things, a print of a leopard holding an umbrella. It's a favourite of mine, but I never knew who the artist was. Until yesterday, when Stefanie, one of my lovely readers, emailed to let me know the artist is the lovely and, obviously talented, Gitte Brandt.
Gitte is a self-taught painter with a MA in French and philosophy, and has worked as a cultural journalist. She lives in Copenhagen with her art-dealer husband, Thomas Brandt, and their two daughters. When she's not painting by the lakes of her home, you'll find her painting in Perigord in France. Sounds like a charmed existence! Her work is sold all over the world, and you can see why... it's delightful and whimsical, I love it.
I recognised another of her paintings from a stunningly simple bedroom I featured here.
And although the one I remembered from here is not exactly the same, it must be Gitte's work. I know she does custom orders, creating paintings specifically for the purchaser if wanted. What do you think - are you a fan, like me?
Jonas Ingerstedt is an advertising photographer based in Stockholm. He has 30 years experience in fashion, beauty and lifestyle photography, now specialising in interiors with national and international clients. I've been on several interior shoots and I know how tricky they can be working with the natural light. But Jonas manages to capture the essence of a space beautifully, and translate it on to film.
This first home is typical of many in Scandinavia with it's black, white and wood. The addition of burnt orange and warm red throughout brings warmth and a common thread.
These advertising photographs show Jonas' skill in capturing the detail as well as the big picture. Make sure you check out his website for more beautiful examples of his work.
We are all very aware these days of our planet, and the need to take care of it. Being the mum of three young girls, it's really important to me that this world is safe and healthy for them in the future. So I was thrilled to receive a parcel full of natural New Zealand products last week from The Green House.
All of The Green House products are plant-based, free of harmful chemicals, and their packaging is 100% biodegradable. The are designed to be gentle on you, your home, and the environment. What more could you ask for?!
I started using the All Purpose Cleaner straight away, and I love it. In fact, I got into a bit of a cleaning frenzy, wiping down just about every surface in sight - benches, cupboard doors, the stovetop, even the windows. It smells divine - citrusy and clean with a hint of lavender. The Refreshing Room Spray and the Hand & Body Lotion are equally as beautiful to use, and I'm saving the Soap (the packaging is too pretty to rip open just yet!) for a special occasion.
I'm so impressed with all the products that I look forward to trying more. In particular, the First Aid Balm, and Aches & Pains Balm would both be really handy for our busy family. And the Dreamy Coconut Soy Candle sounds delicious!
Feeling inspired by The Green House's natural philosophies, I looked into some other companies who live by a similar motto. Matt & Nat (short for material & nature) make the most beautiful bags using eco/recycled/upcycled materials wherever possible, including recycled plastic bottles for linings. They don't like hurting animals and they care about the welfare of our planet, so that means no leather, and lots of vegan cupcakes for smoko.
They have even designed a range of bags exclusively for Apple, that are only sold in the Online Apple store.
And because we have to look after ourselves as well as the planet you should definitely check out Move Nourish Believe, a site by Lorna Jane, my favourite sport and activewear company. Lorna Jane believes in a three pillared philosophy of move your body, nourish from the inside out, and believe anything is possible. The new website provides daily motivation and inspiration, healthy recipes, interviews, videos and much more. Make it a daily read, right after you read my blog :)
I know I'm a bit behind the 8 ball when it comes to this revamp on a well known clothing store in Auckland, but when I came across it recently I knew I wanted to blog about it - not only to share it with those of you who haven't seen it either, but also to have it in my archives for easy future access. I just love it!
Glassons is a New Zealand fashion chain store. It's priced to be accessible to all women,
but it's marketing has always been pretty slick. Not all the stores look as cool as this one in Auckland's Queen Street, however. The team responsible for the revamp is Studio Gascoigne, a multi-talented group who work across architecture, interior design, branding and identity.
The 57m long shop features a series of different zones or 'rooms' that enable the customer to experience the spaces as if they're walking through a villa. At the front is the spacious salon, the library is in the centre, and towards the rear is the conservatory complete with a 'green' wall of pot plants and a sky blue ceiling. A central catwalk and tall glass pivot doors lead to a luxurious fitting room.
Unashamedly girly, the shop features button-backed sofas, balloons and a giant unicorn.
The architectural details are gorgeous - beautiful ceiling roses and ornate Victorian verandah fretwork. Teamed with contemporary lighting and mounted animal heads the shop is fun and quirky with the element of surprise to make you smile.
Closing the gap between the on-line and off-line shopping experience, a designated web lounge consists of interactive built-in iPad stations and free Wi-Fi. It's easy to see why this is an award-winning space. To me, retail shopping is not just about the products, it's the experience. Creating an atmosphere that draws people in, delights them, and makes them want to come back. Studio Gascoigne have definitely achieved that, don't you think?!
