“Please contact me if you would like a consultation or further information about any of the products you see here at Decorum.”Fabric
There’s a new kid in town
Alhambra Ribbon
Spanish fabric house Alhambra has finally made it’s way to Australia. I was fortunate enough to view the collections yesterday and they are simply stunning. Such bright colours, exquisite textures and reasonable prices. And they also come in wide widths which is just great for bedheads and larger pieces of furniture.
About Alhambra
Sit back and enjoy the show.
Inside Out Colour and Design can supply these fabrics, now. If you would like assistance with fabric choices for your home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
New fabric collection from Mokum
Mokum has just released an exquisite new fabric collection inspired by the East.
East by Mokum
The challenge was to create a harmonious collection, balancing beauty and function.
My favourite pattern from this fabric collection would have to be the Water Lily. And it looks stunning in the colour Lagoon.
Water Lily fabric in Lagoon
They seem to have captured that simple and peaceful aspect of Asian art and design. There are fabrics suitable for window coverings and upholstery in beautiful colours.
Kabuki fabric by Mokum on chairs and Nami on windows
If you would like to enhance your home with new fabrics, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Console Dilemma
TGIF! It’s been a big week again with lots of things happening on all different levels. I am looking forward to the weekend, which unfortunatley goes all too quickly.
I thought I’d show you the finishing touches I have recently added to a room makeover.
You remember this one, Country to Hamptons.
Orange checks before
We painted the walls, reupholstered the sofas, purchased new coffee and side table, had new cushions made and bought new lamps.
Revamped Lounge Room
The clients had a console table on the wall behind one of the sofas and we now needed to “dress” the table.
Console Table Before
I was inpsired by this image from Taylor Howes and loved the symmetry of the two lamps and two tall ginger jars. Fortuantely, my clients did too.
Decor by Taylor Howes
I set about sourcing the jars and lamps, but wasn’t really happy with anything I could find. Many of the ginger jars were very Asian, with dragons or the longevity character on them.
Chinese Ginger Jar
The lamps weren’t right either.
I then started thinking that we would end up with four lamps in a confined area and the lounge may end up looking like a lamp showroom! I love lamps, but……
We had used this wonderful fabric for cushions on the sofa, so that led me to thinking about coral. Then instead of lamps, maybe we could use candlesticks?
Coral Trellis Fabric in Porcelain
And I found these wonderful, modern ginger jars from OB Collection.
Bamboo Ginger Jars
So that was it, I had all my pieces. Now I needed to work out how to display them. Fortunately I have a console table too, so I set about mocking up a couple of alternatives.
Option 1
I had a large and a small ginger jar but felt the height was wrong for the two of them to sit together.
Option 2
So back to the original symmetrical look.
My clients loved it and I was able to use a couple of their favourite books to prop up the bowl of coral and shells.
Completed Console Table
You too can create this look, as I have a piece of the Coral Trellis fabric for sale in The Store Room as well as the two smaller ginger jars that I didn’t end up using.
Have a fabulous weekend.
If you would like assistance sourcing items for your home, contact us for an on-line or in-person consultation.
Seriously Beautiful Fabrics
Last week I viewed the newly released 2011 Lizzo Collection of fabrics. Did I tell you I LOVE fabrics? I can’t sew to save myself – never had the patience – but there are seriously beautiful fabrics on the market. And the best part about my job, is I get to see them and play with them and find the perfect one for my clients’ homes.
Maharaja
LIZZO is a Spanish brand of fabrics that was started in 2001. LIZZO produces avant-garde textiles inspired by history and the artistic movements that have signalled change. It then reinterprets them to the modern world.
Botanical
This current collection includes beautiful geometric and graphic prints aptly titled Bauhaus.
Bauhaus
It also reflects our multicultural world with Maharaja.
Maharaja
A reinterpretation of retro and vintage with Paisley.
Paisley
And nature with the beautiful sheer curtain fabrics that make up the Forest collection.
Forest
If you would like assistance finding the perfect fabric for your curtain or upholstery requirements, contact us for an on-line or in-person consultation.
Spoilt for choice
Wednesday, half way through the week and time to think about the weekend. And what a weekend it is too. Look at all the events, sales and shows that are on. Great for those planning to renovate or decorate their home.
First, there is the HIA Sydney Home Show at Darling Harbour which starts tomorrow and runs until Sunday. It’s a great place to wander around and gather some ideas and see what products are available.
via www.sydneyhomeshow.com.au
Or if you are in the midst of renovating or building and need some tiles or stone slabs, Aeria Country Floors is holding a Warehouse Sale at their factory in Frenchs Forest. The sale will get under way at 8.30am tomorrow morning at 2 Aquatic Drive, French’s Forest and will be open each day between 8.30 and 3.30 finishing on Sunday.
Stone Basin and Tiles form Aeria Country Floors
Read and Bell are having a Trunk Sale at Newtown. If you are looking for a touch of ethnicism for your wardrobe or decor, you must take a look.
Quilts from recycled saris via Read and Bell
Markets? Finders Keepers is on again in Sydney at Eveleigh on Friday night and all day Saturday.
Click Image for Source
Need new bedding? KAS Australia is holding a Warehouse Sale at their factory, 78 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria from 9 – 5 on Sautrday and Sunday. Items start from $5.
KAS Australia Faraday Bedding
If art is more your thang and you are in Melbourne, head over to the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton for Art Melbourne. Over 80 galleries and 600 artists will be displaying their work and you could pick up a new piece for your home starting from $500.
via Art Melbourne website
And if you’re a US reader and happen to be in New York this weekend, Jonathan Adler is holding a Warehouse Sale at 513 Irving Ave, Bushwick, Brooklyn. You can expect 70% off furniture, rugs, lighting and homewares. Wish I was there. I just love his OTT style.
Jonathan Adler Interior Design
And if you are about to build or renovate but are overwhelmed with all the choices available and decisions to make, contact us for an on-line or in-person consultation.
Top Three Tips on Decorating for Pet Owners
I trust you had an enjoyable weekend. Sunday was perfect weather here in Sydney and we joined the thousands of other pet lovers who took part in this year’s RSPCA Million Paws Walk. It was so much fun seeing so many of the dogs (and their owners) dressed for the occasion!
via Million Paws Website
So today I thought I’d give you my top 3 concerns when decorating with pets in mind and some suggestions to overcome them.
- Flooring – all animals have accidents from time to time so steer away from shag pile rugs or light coloured carpet. When accidents happen, treat stains straight away.
Oops
- Window Coverings – If you have curtains, then I would not recommend you have them “puddling”. That is when they sit in a little puddle on the floor. Your pets will LOVE sitting on this soft spot and could cause damage to the fabric.
Curtains Puddling
There is also the risk of pulling the entire curtains and rod down if they are getting frisky and playing with them. Try to have your curtains “kissing” the floor instead where they sit about 1cm above floor level. Silk and sheer curtain fabrics can be magnets to cats and will rip very easily with sharp claws climbing on it. Choose a flat cotton instead.
via funnycatsnao.blogspot.com
- Upholstery – Fabric choice is paramount here if your pets are allowed on the furniture. Darker colours are better to hide any marks although if you have an animal that sheds then perhaps it would be easier to choose a fabric the same colour as the pet. Leather can be wiped clean and macrosuede is also strong and stain resistant. Upholstery can be treated too, to repel stains. So if you want to keep the furniture in tip top condition, I would recommend treating before you allow the pets in.
via VisualPhotos.com
I don’t believe a home is a home without a pet, so sometimes you just have to embrace the pitfalls and as Interior Designer, Kathryn Ireland says, put them down to “the patina of life”.
Pablo and Coco
Alternatively, put your white shag rug and silk curtains in a room that’s a “no go zone” for your beloved pet.
via Phoenixcarpetcleaner.com
If you would like assistance in decorating your home to suit your pets, contact us for an on-line or in-person consultation.
Moody Blues
Since seeing the cover image on the May issue of Home Beautiful, I’ve been itching to paint a room navy.
I’ve always preferred Navy to Black in my wardrobe and get very excited when the winter clothes start appearing in the stores and there is navy amongst them.
Treena Textured Cardigan from Sportscraft
I think painting the walls a dark colour is a great way to cosy up your decor. The bedroom on the cover of Home Beautiful looks so inviting as does this room from Aura.
Bedlinen from Aura available through Inside Out Colour and Design
Some of the navy blues that would work on the walls in your home include:-
Madison by Resene
Biscay by Resene
Blue Velvet by Dulux
Academic Blue by Dulux
Just remember if you are going to paint your walls a dark colour then most of the furnishings need to be light to balance it up.
Diane Bergeron has chosen off white sofas and window coverings to complement the navy walls.
One of my other favourite combinations is Navy and Taupe and this fabric would look fantastic on a sofa in a navy room.
Zahra from Mokum Textiles
Perhaps if all this navy talk has you hankering for a touch of blue in your home, but you don’t want to go overboard, you might like these beautiful Ginger Jars available from The Store Room.
Blue Ginger Jars from The Store Room
If you would like assistance in creating a cosy and welcoming interior for your home, contact us for an on-line or in-person consultation.
Melbourne Highlights
So after spending a disappointing day at designEX last week, I headed out to explore Prahran, Armadale and Richmond.
I had read the article in the latest issue of Ivy and Piper on Fenton and Fenton, so wanted to check it out. Then I wanted to visit the showroom of Tigger Hall who is the Australian agent for Kathryn Ireland textiles. I was travelling with a girlfriend and fellow designer, so what better place to start our day than with breakfast at the Hopetoun Tea Rooms in the historic Block Arcade.
Hopetoun Tea Rooms
We then jumped a tram (love that mode of transport that the other Eastern capitals have abandoned) and alighted at the corner of St Kilda Road and High Street. Just as well we had good walking shoes as it was a 2km walk to Fenton and Fenton. You see so much more walking and we enjoyed peeking over ivy covered fences into some of the older houses in this area.
School converted to apartment living
We continued our walk along High Street stopping at any store that caught our eye. And there were a few.
One of my favourites was The Colour Lab which seems to be a blend of cafe, corner store, gift shop and artistic space where workshops are held. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING in the store was colourful. You must drop in, if you are in the area.
The Colour Lab Store and Cafe
Another colour overload can be found at Eugenie Cashmere which would appear to have just moved into the area. The beautiful colours of cashmere sweaters, scarves, socks and dresses was a delight to behold on the overcast and drizzly day.
Back to the footpath and we decided to hail a taxi to take us across to Hermon and Hermon at Richmond. About another 2 kms along High Street, just around the corner from Carina Sherlock, we managed to find a cab and headed off to Richmond. After a bite of light lunch in their cafe, we had a walk around the showroom and then another kilometre or 2 to Meizai. I spotted a beautiful looking store called French and English which we oohed and aahed over.
Beautiful ceramics available at Meizai
So there you have it. A Sydney colour and design aficionado’s walking tour (and tram and taxi) of the Melbourne suburbs of Prahran, Armadale and Richmond. If you’re in Melbourne anytime soon, I recommend you take a look at some or all of these places. I’d love to hear what you think of them and if you’ve found any others that are worth a look.
Have a great Easter weekend.
Paper Napkin Decoupage Eggs via Martha Stewart
If you would like assistance with colour and design in your home, contact us for an on-line or in-person consultation.
Before and After
Another week rolls around. I thought I’d start the week with a before and after I’ve recently completed.
Completed Bedroom
My client wanted a fresh look to her bedroom and replace the bedhead and side tables she’d had for many years.
Before
We had new a new linen doona cover custom made as well as padded headboard and matching valance.
After
The buttercup yellow toile cushions were already in the room with co-ordinating roman blinds so that set our colour palette.
Yellow Toile Cushion
Black bedside tables and antique brass lamps were added along with a yellow and linen coloured bed runner to pull the whole scheme together.
Bedside Tables from La Maison
My client is very happy with her new look bedroom, as is her husband, who is pleased that it’s not too feminine!
After
If you would like assistance with your master bedroom, contact us for an on-line or in-person consultation.
A Conversation with Easton Pearson
Last night I attended an event at Designer Rugs showroom in Edgecliffe with fashion designers Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson of Easton Pearson fame.
Lets chat
These girls have been designing fashion for over 20 years and gave us an insight into what inspires and drives them and how they keep on turning out much sought after designs.
Design by Easton Pearson
Both Lydia and Pamela are Brisbane girls and love anything with colour and decoration. Funnily enough, that is who buys their fashions, too. They supply to over 100 stores in 24 countries worldwide.
Pamela and Lydia in the Designer Rugs Showroom
Much of their fabrics are commissioned in India where embroidery is a specialised art and this intricate detail inspires the girls to create wonderful patterns and designs.
Equisite embroideries from Easton Pearson
Pamela and Lydia briefly discussed the shock they felt in seeing their designs on rugs for Designer Rugs. I’ve heard other designers say the same thing, that the scale of floor rugs is so different from working on the scale of fabric, so when they actually see it made up, it is overwhelming. The Easton Pearson range of rugs depicts everything the designers hold close – great colour combinations with intricate design details.
Rug by Easton Pearson
Both Lydia and Pamela were a delight to listen to and made it very obvious that they love what they do.
If you would like assistance with colour and decoration in your home, contact us for an on-line or in-person consultation.
