Poweranne's Decoration
5. Reboot fitted wardrobes A bank of boring pine or even plain white wardrobes isn’t going to get anyone’s heart racing, so consider livening up the doors with wallpaper or removable decals. There are lots of online tutorials that offer advice on how to achieve the best results. Finally, finish off the transformation with some smart new handles. Wallpaper 101: Pro Tips for Picking It, Putting It Up and More
A piece by noted English sculptor and land artist Richard Long dominates the living room. Crafted in a single afternoon for this apartment, the work uses colour and materials to develop perfectly one of the artist’s favourite shapes: the circle. This living area features upholstered furniture from Poltrona Frau. For the centre of the conversation area, Pizzi chose a classic: the Table With Wheels from FontanaArte, designed by Gae Aulenti in 1980.
Artwork on the wall The pros at Transom Design Build used a sandblasted manzanita branch to create a work of art in this living room. They anchored it to the wall with a decorative chain and used fishing wire to fasten the smaller branches. Placing it on a charcoal grey wall and illuminating it with track lights shows off the branch’s beautiful structure and casts interesting shadows. By the way, these are easy to find online. Just search ‘sandblasted manzanita’.
In a very dark space, hits of white become especially important to help reflect light. (Notice how the white elements here appear even brighter than the mirror.) White furniture in this case also helps draw the eye into the centre of the room, which can visually shrink the space. But if the intention is a moody effect, a dash of clean white will amp up the sophistication and make the look feel self-assured.
Make an impact with modern art Large-scale artworks help keep walls visually clean, while creating an impressive backdrop for your furniture and homewares. Look for abstract works to bring colour and interest into the room without being too literal. TIP: If you’re on a budget, why not create your own oversized artwork? Buy a giant canvas and get to work, or get the whole family involved to make it a group effort.
Pare back display items When displaying your homewares on open shelving, less is more, so exercise restraint! Be selective and keep it to your absolute favourite objects, then arrange to your heart’s desire! TIP: Think of open spaces as your own personal art gallery, and change it up when you get bored.
Artistic display Displaying artwork in the hallway adds warmth and personality to the area. The trick, of course, is deciding how to position your collection. It’s best to lay the works out along the floor, trying different combinations and different spacing. When hanging a single piece on a wall, the centre of the work should be eye level, about 140-152cm off the ground. When hanging a pair of works, one above the other, treat them as one large picture. Find the centre point between them and use the same 152cm rule.
Max Your Property SaveEmail Television If you are wanting to mount your television on the wall, a good rule of thumb for the height of your powerpoint is 1.2 metres. Then, whatever height you decide to hang your TV, it will cover the powerpoint. Consider installing more than a double socket, as you may want to use a separate DVD player and separate speakers.
Sculptural Make a style statement Even with a small budget, there are ways to draw attention to your front door and create memorable street appeal. These round, sculptural pots have been positioned in an asymmetrical layout, offering a contrast to the square entry space and leading your attention straight to the front door… and enticing you inside.
Scrims The more open the fabric patterning, the more subtle the space-defining effects will be. I like how this fabric very minimally defines an entry and circulation space without the need for a partition wall. Very open wire fabric such as this requires special detailing to maintain tension and prevent sagging. The rod at the base accomplishes this in a visually minimal way.
Like the temporary nature of this: It looks as if wall could be easily moved around or taken away leaving a larger space. Concrete Plasterboard, o universal means of cladding the inside of your home, which is then used as a backdrop to highlight your furnishings, personal belongings or even your artwork. However, if you want the space to shine, then limiting your furnishings and letting the textural qualities of the space set the mood will allow you to create a particular style of architecture.r drywall as it is also commonly referred to overseas, is a
Consider chandeliers Imagine this hallway with bold, modern lighting. Still fabulous, but nowhere near as grand.
Delicious. Dorya decided to try out navy blue — a new color for the company. Even the lacquer frame on these chairs is a deep, rich navy. When the color is paired with cream and blended with a medium walnut-brown wood tone, the look is very sophisticated.
Set your sights high A simple trick that will make your small apartment feel taller and impossibly airy is to introduce elements that draw the eye upwards to the ceiling and amplify the height of any tight space. Here, a tall floor lamp and a cluster of framed art and decorative accents that sit high on the wall elevate the look of this cosy living zone and make it feel more open and spacious. Curtains that drop from the ceiling to the floor, towering storage units, striking pendant lights and tall bedheads
There are many Australian textile designers using eco-friendly materials and inks in their processes including Ink and Spindle and Studio Bonnie. You can find these second hand, or try fair trade via Recycled Interiors, The Dharma Door or Upcycle Studio.
The fabric is Grand Blotch Damask by Glaswegian company Timorous Beasties.
Floating black cabinets For many, black can be too strong – too overpowering. It can also darken a room and make it look smaller than what it is. To avoid this, opt for a minimalist look with floating cabinets. A light-coloured wall will act as a backdrop for your black cabinetry, making it stand out without cramping the room. The result will be sleek and very elegant.
Fancy free. Floor-to-ceiling curtains in a light and floaty fabric bring the breeze into a space and won’t trap the light, helping to make your space feel larger.
Seamless transition This beautiful finish manages to achieve a seamless look with the exterior, blurring the lines between outdoors and in.
For something more personal or budget friendly, I always look towards Etsy or eBay. Never underestimate these sites. There is a great range of fabric sellers specialising in anything from African waxed cottons to Japanese Echino design and authentic Ikat and Batik textiles. For fashion-forward and flamboyant designs, I always love to pop over to Chee Soon & Fitzgerald.
The coolness of this space is enhanced by the painting hung above the side table. The painting has a peaceful, yet mysterious presence. The branches, glass chandelier and cloches have an icy appearance that is befitting of the environment suggested by the painting.
Schoolhouse Electric Matte Gold Serving Utensils - $28 Reminiscent of brass ship hardware, these matte gold serving utensils will add subtle glamour to your tabletop.
Ming Green Thassos White Polished Marble Art Border
Covered in silver leaf, in which thin sheets of silver are applied by hand, the technique provides a rich touch to the elegant room. The process is time consuming — and thus expensive — but as designer The Interior Edge points out, “There are metallic paints by Benjamin Moore if this is out of reach.”
Very interesting: “Muddied” hues and layered textures. For a sophisticated urban look, try mixing a range of textures like leather, hide and velvet in soft, muddied hues— think gray, ‘greige,’ taupe and sage. For furniture go with dark woods and natural steel.
Paulina Reyes Silk Bird Pillow Cover, Yellow - $39 West Elm has done an excellent job of partnering with artisans to create unique collections with hand-crafted appeal. I love these silk pillows, which remind me of traditional Otomi textiles.
Hygiene considerations Furniture and cabinetry should be raised off the floor to make it easier to clean underneath and therefore meet better hygiene needs.
There’s a notable, intentionally designed family of details at work in this photo. The repeating L shapes of the timber shelves and the handle speak the same language while being made of different materials. There’s a functional directness to the design, which proudly displays its assembly while still deferring to the books. The very uniqueness and care with which this bookcase has been treated suggests a certain importance in the owner’s life.
Craft is unique To the situation, location, fabricator, installer and user, craft is unique. It reflects the precise intersection between function and beauty. It carefully measures and customises, allowing things to work exactly as intended.
Color Napkin, Gray - $58 Fresh and clean linen napkins are informal (and playful) enough for hotdogs, but are stylish enough for more sophisticated candlelight suppers too.
ris Speckled Planter, Natural - $89 I really love the cool serenity of these Iris planters from West Elm. They remind me of eggshells. I think they would look lovely with a little Blue Fescue.
Cloak clean lines in crushed velvet. While furniture upholstered in crushed velvet may seem like a statement, choosing a neutral color and using it on classic, midcentury-inspired pieces creates richness in a modern space. Here crushed velvet furnishings help create an opulent, library-like feel in this artistic interior.
EtsySave to IdeabookEmail Photo Personalized Trash Can by Make it My Design - $28 I love almost anything with a monogram. I may need to nab one of these for myself.
A lamp with a base made to look like the long legs of a water bird is a whimsical touch.
Blue and gold
Shown: Reversible Throw, Alicia Adams Alpaca, $585.00
Do I like this wood paneling?Project designer John Springer of GKW Working Design designed the birch display casework in the living room. Ciambra re-covered the sofa in a pet-friendly orange suede fabric that's easy to clean. The painting above the fireplace is by Barcelona painter Regina
Scissor-arm lamps also fall into the pharmacy lamp camp. In this room a sleek contemporary shade pairs with a retro mechanism, resulting in a wall-mounted lamp that's so sculptural, it can take the place of wall art.
If I had to choose just one pharmacy floor lamp, it would be this one with a triangular domed hood and retractable arm. Its retro look is endearing, and yet it feels so very contemporary and sophisticated, especially combined with black and white decorative accents on white walls,
Save to IdeabookEmail Photo Pharmacy floor lamps are the perfect solution to small-space lighting needs. They can be tucked into a corner and are ideal for reading. Additionally, they are easily wiped down, making them great for a large, moist bathroom where you might want a little task lighting. The brass finish is contemporary and at the same time has a timeless elegance.
For the garage walls: NORTHERN TOOL + EQUIPMENTSave to IdeabookEmail Photo Wall Control Industrial Metal Pegboard, White - $169.99 I must have this white peg board for storage on one of the doors. Peg boards let you configure any arrangement for hanging things.
Referencing:Laura U, Inc.Save to IdeabookEmail Photo "While there were no specific Moroccan interiors that we referenced, we did incorporate Moroccan motifs, textiles and materials throughout," Umansky says. She bought some special pieces through importers, while her clients provided some of their own furniture and accessories.
Painting on the wall and colour;
Curtains also help define an outdoor space, making it cozier while affording shade and a buffer against breezes. Add a hammock and you've got the perfect setting for a nap.
Here are a few simple steps to make your home more welcoming. Turn off harsh overhead lights and use table lamps or candles. Make sure there’s a place to rest a book and a cup by every chair in your house. Light some candles. Have extra blankets.
Elegant
Lovely idea: Dress up casualness with elegance. An elegant brass wall lamp brings a modern feel to the casual bohemian vibe of this space.
Repeat finishes. The brass stem of this desk lamp is repeated in the painted trim of the antique desk; the lamp is a modern yet classic sculptural accent in this vignette.
Flora Roller Blind - GBP 119 What could be nicer than watercolor flowers to block out a less-than-summery view? I love the idea of this burst of color in an all-white room.
Tsé-Tsé D'avril Vase, Medium - GBP 156 A pretty vase is a must-have during the winter months, and this one is particularly beautiful. The 21 glass tubes can be assembled in different ways and are perfect for fresh or faux flowers.
Pleating Pleated lampshades tend to look more traditional; they are most appropriate in rooms furnished with antiques or that have a lot of pattern and detail. If the room is contemporary, go with a nonpleated shade. If you have a contemporary room and really want to use a pleated lampshade, try a box pleat — its geometric design tends to look fresher and more modern than that of its conventional counterpart.
If you're using the lamp only as an accent light and don't need it to illuminate the room or to shed light on a task, an opaque shade can be a good choice.
Translucency If you need the lamp to read by or to shed ambient light, go with a translucent shade.
The same holds true for a lamp on a hall table: Don't let it stick out so far that you bang into it when you walk by. (And yes, this lamp has a round base and a squarish shade. But the exception makes sense here, because the shade can sit flush against the wall, minimizing collisions in a high-traffic area.)
Width The widest part of the shade should be at least a half inch wider on each side than the widest point of the base.
A panel of white hexagons on the headboard is an interesting accent. It might look like a honeycomb at first glance, but the designers deliberately created an irregular composition, avoiding symmetry and repetition. The panel was first designed on a computer and then cut from an enamelled MDF board.
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