“Please contact me if you would like a consultation or further information about any of the products you see here at Decorum.”Lighting
Emerging Trend?
Have you noticed a profusion of African inspired decor lately?
Bold patterns and colours give that African feel
I know, it’s always been around but of late there seems to be a bit more of it and in all sorts of items. I don’t think we’re heading down the path of decorating a complete room in African style but more touches here and there. What do you think?
All the elements that make up African Style decor
Perhaps it’s our climate and love of the outdoors that resonates so well with the African Safari Style which is then translated into our decor. There’s also a big push back to handmade items which any ethnic culture has valued for years. And African style is more simplistic which balances our love of technology and helps create a soothing, relaxing space.
African Style Corner
Much of the strength of African Style emerges through texture. Natural fibres of Jute, sisal and seagrass are used for flooring while banana fibre and papyrus are used in woven baskets.
African Woven Basket
Rapee have recently released a range of cushions in bright colours and rich textures which would give an African lift to your room.
African Inspired cushions and throws from Rapee
Lighting is warm and golden, utilizing rustic iron candelabra and wall sconces. Table lamps incorporate palm or pineapple motifs in their bases, whilst unique shades made from feathers or quills convey the safari ambiance.
Lamp Base with Pineapple Detail
Furniture features rich timbers with stylised accents or folding furniture which would be used on Safari.
Campaign Desk
These gorgeous pieces are based on the campaign furniture used on Safari and are available from one of our suppliers here in Australia.
African Campaign Chest that doubles as a bar
Comfort is foremost in an African decor, with an overall effect of effortless luxury, a sense of adventure, but always relaxed and in harmony with nature.
Brightly Coloured Juju Hats
If African Style would suit your home, you may be interested in reading Safari Style by Natasha Burns or contact us for assistance sourcing your items.
Not the Rough End
Pineapple cushions at Sentosa Designs
Last week I visited one of my suppliers, Sentosa Designs.
Sentosa Designs furniture featuring pineapples
They specialise in colonial style furniture as well as a range of campaign furniture.
Campaign style drinks cabinet
I noticed the profusion of pineapples in their styling so started to hunt around and see what else I could find.
Pineapple Lamp
The pineapple is associated with welcoming and in my mind also says SUMMER!
Wooden Pineapples
I went in search of other pineapple inspired home decor and found cushions, lamps and even ice cube trays.
Pineapple Ice Trays
What do you think? Could you add some pineapple decor to your home?
Pineapple Wall Hooks
If you would like assistance choosing accessories for your home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Recent Projects
Whilst I have been working on my own home renovation, I’ve also been helping a number of clients to achieve their harmonious environment.
We had favourite armchairs reupholstered and placed them in our client’s new bedroom.
Reupholstered chairs
We also sourced an elegant bedroom chandelier and bedside lamps.
New lights and lamps
A client we have been working with for the past 12 months finally moved in to their brand new home.
New home
After assisting with paint colours, floor board selections, generated ideas for the walk in wardrobes, bathroom vanity design, lighting options the clients are now ensconced in their home and look like they have always lived there.
Our kitchen design
The kitchen was designed by us with specifications of door finishes, colours, handles and benchtops.
New kitchen
We also sourced the fabrics for their window coverings and arranged making and installation.
Master Bedroom Curtains
Both clients are absolutely thrilled with their new homes, stamped with their own personalities.
Son #1′s bedroom
Son #2′s bedroom
If you would like assistance with colour and design for your new home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Odds and Ends
And another week begins!
Last week was a busy one as we move closer to Christmas and start to get to the pointy end of our own home renovation.
Lock Up
I spent the week in the car, or so it seemed. Not doing anything terribly exciting and collecting all the necessary bits that are essential for the home. It’s all those things that seem to just appear but are very important and need to be selected, ordered and installed.
Still building
Like window hardware. The windows were all put in at the house over the last two weeks so then I had to choose latches, fitches and lifts.
Teardrop Window Locks
We have a mixture of double hung and casement windows so I had to make sure I had the right hardware for each window. Not very exciting, but very necessary!
Sash Lifts
Door hardware was selected last week too. But door handles are only a minor part of door hardware.
Door Handles
You also need to consider door stops, whether you need privacy locks and roller latches for french doors.
Door Stops
Thank goodness for the knowledgable staff at Mother of Pearl & Sons who know exactly what you need.
Privacy Sets
I took in my list of doors and what I needed on each door and they carefully went through all the components.
Not very exciting essentials
And, I took delivery of taps and other fittings for the bathroom and laundry.
Washing Machine Tap Set
I love the Smart Tile to use in the floor of the bathrooms. The end result is a streamlined floor.
Floor Grate
One exciting trip I did have, was to collect all my pretty light fittings.
Carload of light fittings
We’re using LED downlights throughout the hallways and family living areas but adding a selection of wall lights and feature pendants.
LED Downlights
I just can’t wait to get them all installed.
Ensuite Wall light
Enjoy your week, and remember, if you need assistance selecting all the odds and ends for your home renovation, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Light Up My World
I’ve spent this week looking at lights.
Looking for clients and looking for me. Just like paint colours everyone is different and every person wants something different in their home.
One of the trickiest rooms to light is the bathroom.
Quite often, downlights are placed in grid formation without giving much consideration to optimal locations. Standing under a downlight, without any light around the face creates exaggerated and unflattering shadows. This can also result in insufficient lighting for tasks like shaving, tweezing and applying make-up. More than any other room in the house, it’s important to get the lighting right in the bathroom.
Appropriate facial lighting is key. Ideally, mirrors should have a light source at face height or above that provides both reflected and direct light to the face, minimises shadows and provides even light distribution. These can be wall lights on either side of the mirror or on/above the mirror.
Once you know where you want to place the lights, it’s then a matter of finding the right light that meets your style, task and budget requirements.
If you would like assistance sourcing light fittings for your home renovation, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Designer Trade Only Showroom
There are many reasons people choose to use an Interior Decorator. It might be that they haven’t any time to visit shop after shop after shop to find the illusion piece of furniture they have in their mind.
Lamp by Leather and Lamps
It might be that they have trouble trying to visualise what the piece they love will look like in their own home with the rest of their special pieces surrounding it.
Or maybe they just don’t know what to look for in the first place.
Home Cargo Sofa
From my point of view, I endeavour to push my clients a little out of their comfort zone and suggest things they would never consider. And I am always conscious of the fact that I want to give them something that is a little different to what they will see at retail stores or in their neighbours’ home.
Bedding from Jasmine Hall
Strand Agencies is one of my haunts. Agents to a number of suppliers from outside Sydney, it is a treasure trove of delightful furniture and accessory pieces.
Last week marked the opening of their new showroom at Mascot. It’s a beautiful space styled to the brim with gorgeous pieces of furniture from Cromwell, Globe West and Home Cargo, lighting from Leather and Lamps and H & H Collection and rugs from The Rug Collection.
Constellation Chandelier
The showroom is only open to the trade and their clients. So if you are looking for something a little different but still within your budget seek the assistance of an Interior Decorator.
We would love to assist you with furniture and accessories for your home. Contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Create The Look
As I’ve mentioned previously, when decorating the entry of your home, a table not only creates a welcoming vignette for visitors, but also provides a handy spot for putting keys, mail and other items you need to either bring in or take out.
This lovely image caught my eye with it’s smart black console table, silver lamp and arrangement of family photos in white frames.
via Pinterest
There’s a number of items here in Australia that will help you replicate this look.
Malval Console
The La Maison Console Table can be purchased through us for $690 plus freight.
Austin Lamp with Black Shade
The silver based lamp with black shade unites the black console table and gives a touch of luxe to the vignette. This one is available for $653 plus freight.
White Frames
I love art walls and what better place to hang a cluster of photos than at the front door. Grab a set of white frames from Corban and Blair for your precious memories.
Fresh Flowers from Merci Bouquet
Then you just need to rifle through your books and decorator pieces and place items on the shelves underneath and on top. Remember a vase of fresh flowers is always a lovely welcome at the front door.
Have fun putting your vignette together this weekend!
If you would like assistance with the decor for your home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
How to create an interior scheme from one small piece
I was recently asked if I had designed an entire room around a small piece of artwork or an accessory.
Bedside Lamp bought in Hong Kong
The answers to my questions have appeared on Patricia Davis Browns‘ blog, Dig This Design.
Purple Feature Wall inspired by lamp
You can check it out here.
Mastere Bedroom - not too feminine
Sometimes a piece you love will take you on a fascinating journey and you end up being surrounded by colours and patterns that will appeal for a very long time.
Complementary furniture pieces for the Master Bedroom
If you would like assistance creating an entire room design from one of your treasures, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
Beaded Chandeliers
Turquoise Basket Chandelier via Pinterest
I’ve been Ooohing and Aaahing over the basket chandelier for a while now. I’ve only seen images of them in overseas magazines and online.
Scalloped Wooden Beaded Chandelier via Pinterest
They certainly make a statement.
That Turquoise Beaded Chandelier again, via Pinterest
So I was delighted to find that one of our suppliers has just started stocking a version here in Australia.
Small Green Beaded Chandelier available at Inside Out Colour and Design $605 plus delivery 23cm diam x 36cm height
They would look great in a bedroom, over a dining table or in an entry. I can’t wait to use one in a project.
What do you think? Do you like this look?
Large White Beaded Chandelier available at Inside Out Colour and Design $1150 plus delivery 46cm diam x 59cm height
Contact us if you would like to purchase one of these new light fittings or if you need assistance finding the perfect light fitting for your home.
Dining Room Lights
I am currently working with clients who are renovating their home by adding a new extension. It will be the new hub of the house containing the kitchen, dining and living areas.
Simple drum shade
The electrician has been in this week so our attention has moved to light placement and fittings.
Two lights work beautifully in this dining nook by Windsor Smith
Most of the area will have downlights installed but the dining table deserves a feature light. In a wide open space, it’s always good to define the areas. The kitchen will be a galley style, so a bench will separate it from the rest of the area. Placement of the sofa will define the living area and a large light fixture will define the dining area.
Oversized Ikea Maskros Light
An oversized light fitting creates drama in a dining room. When the table is set ready for a meal, the crockery, cutlery and napery add interest to the room but when the table is not in use, it’s usually the light fitting that becomes the focal point.
via Sherrill Canet Interiors
The light fitting in an open plan dining room doesn’t need to be the sole source of light so it’s not necessary to swamp the room with maximum wattage. Often times, the table will be decorated with candles and there will be lamps on in the adjacent living room and a light on in the kitchen.
Nelson Bubble Light hung low over the dining room table
My advice in choosing a dining room light fitting is to choose more for aesthetics than pracitcalities – form over function!
Gorgeous lantern light
You can find these images and more on my Dining Room Pinterest Board.
Dining Room Pendant with adjacent kitchen downlights
If you require assistance with choosing light fittings for your home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.
