Like all things, there are just so many choices and it really depends on the homeowner as to what they like and what function the rooms will have.

However, I do have a couple of guidelines that make choosing a little easier.

Roller Blinds have been around for years. You can choose your own fabric and have it bonded onto a backing fabric to create a roller blind. That way you can match your décor and personalize the blind.

Bonded Roller Blinds by Inside Out Colour and Design

Ready-made roller blinds can be purchased from hardware stores and fabric stores like Lincraft or Spotlight. These are usually plain white or off white. The blind mechanism is at the top and when the blind is up you still see the mechanism but get left with a thin roll. They are usually spring loaded so no need for cords or chains. You will need a base bar or a ring pull to raise the blind.

Ready Made roller blinds

I usually recommend a roller blind for a kitchen, bathroom or laundry. They are cost effective, so if you are wanting a covering but don’t want to spend a lot of money, roller blinds could be the answer. If you are using a decorative fabric, make sure the roller is made with a reverse roll so when raised the fabric shows into the room.

Roller Blind with Reverse Roll

Sunscreen roller blinds have become popular lately. This fabric is a PVC or fiberglass coated mesh and allows the light in but still provides thermal qualities as well as the ability to reduce glare. It gives privacy and is a very streamlined look. My preferred area for installing sunscreen roller blinds is in the family living areas as usually these rooms are open to the outdoor living areas and as much light as possible is required.

Sunscreen Roller Blinds by Inside Out Colour and Design

For children’s bedrooms, I usually recommend roman blinds. They sit in the window reveal or just on the outside of the architrave so do not fall to the floor which is ideal if a bed or other furniture sits under the window.

Roman Blinds via Pottery Barn Kids

Any fabric can be made into a roman blind which means the blind will add a splash of colour or texture to the room. Blockout lining can be added to create maximum light control however light will still enter down the sides of the blind between the blind and the architrave.

Roman Blinds by Inside Out Colour and Design

They usually have a side cord that wraps around a cleat (gold or silver), which is screwed into the architrave or onto the wall. Australia safety standards dictate the cleat must be at least 150cm above the ground so the cord does not become a hazard to children.

Roman Blind Cleat

Curtains provide the best insulation as well as the best light control capabilities when blockout lining is added. The styles are endless but the most important aspect is to not be stingy with the amount of fabric used.It will make a big difference to the way the curtain hangs and looks.

Curtains just "kissing" the floor by Inside Out Colour and Design

Consider the style of heading of the curtain as well as the length. Personally, I prefer curtains that hang to the floor as short curtains don’t look right. If there is furniture in the way, then usually I would recommend a blind rather than a curtain but of course all rules are meant to be broken.

Interiors by Sherrill Canet

Curtains that puddle can harbour dust and bugs as well as become tripping hazards for pets and children. My preference is curtains that “kiss” the floor i.e. they sit just above the floor. Curtains are a more formal look so suit formal lounge rooms, dining rooms and master bedrooms.

Puddling via Country Living

Shutters are a smart, streamlined, option which are custom made to suit the window. They can be painted in any colour, however most companies provide a standard range of colours with custom colours incurring a surcharge. Where possible we try and choose a colour from the standard range to help control costs.

Shutters by Inside Out Colour and Design

Shutters can make a room look clinical especially if there are limited soft surfaces in the room so soften the look with fabric sofas, rugs or carpet and textured cushions.

Interior Decor by Inside Out Colour and Design

Each panel is usually split horizontally so if privacy is an issue, the bottom section can be closed while the top section can be tilted to allow light and air to enter the room. Shutters are a good option if occupants have allergies.

Coddington Design via VT Interiors

There are many other alternatives but these are the ones I usually have clients requesting.

If you would like assistance choosing window coverings for your home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.

Don’t forget, all these images and more can be found on my Pinterest boards.

Jennifer

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This weekend they are clearing out all their discontinued fabrics and you can grab yourself a bargain.

Linens are under $30 per metre and Silks under $20!

Head over to their Sydney Showroom at 15 Boundary Street, Rushcutters Bay on Saturday and Sunday.

***Sorry, I’m having a few technical difficulties and can’t upload any of the pretty pictures.***

If you would like assistance choosing fabrics for your soft furnishings or upholstery, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.

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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.

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Wavetable

The pieces are all hand crafted from various plant materials seet into resin. It looks very effective.

Low Seat

The shapes are sensuous and organic which marry well with the organic materials and would suit all types of decor.

Coffee Table

It’s great to see new ways to use natural materials and still create something beautiful.

If you would like assistance sourcing eco friendly furniture for your home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.

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Gav and Waz via Novafm.com.au

They were great fun on the show and went on to become highly sought after interior designers.

Message Sticks from The Signature Collection $545

I’ve mentioned before that they then went on to develop an artwork collection which is timeless and elegant.

Elder from The Raffles Collection $895

The boys have just released a new website and more gorgeous artworks.

Stratum 1 from The Print Collection $255

If you would like to purchase these artworks, or need assistance in selecting artworks for your home, contact us for an online or in-person consultation.

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Armadillo Pebble Floor Rug

So I was very pleased to visit the Armadillo&Co showroom yesterday and view their brand new rug range called Designer Collection.

Designer Collection by Armadillo&Co

Armadillo&Co combine aesthetics with ethics. Every rug embraces Fair Trade practices, is crafted from sustainable natural fibres and all purchases benefit local schools in the villages of the weavers in India.

Armadillo Artisans

With a great range of standard rugs available for homeowners, Armadillo&Co decided it was time to launch a collection specifically for the Interior Design industury. That way we get to choose a pattern and colour that will enhance the interiors of the homes we are decorating.

Every colour of the rainbow

With seven patterns and twenty three colours to select from, there’s no problem in creating the perfect rug for your home.

Some of the seven patterns

The rugs are soft underfoot so ideal for sitting on in the family room or to add some colour to the kids’ bedrooms. They are hardwearing and crafted from 100% New Zealand wool.

Masai Pattern in Crimson and White

Apart from this exciting new collection, I also couldn’t take my eyes off the Papyrus weave rug that was on the showroom floor. The movement of colour in the rug was gorgeous.

Papyrus Rug

If you would like assistance choosing the perfect rug for your family home, contact us to arrange an in-person or online consultation. Inside Out Colour and Design can supply all the Armadillo&Co range of rugs.

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Autumn Winter Shoes form Sambag

Within an hour, I received an email from another of my favourite shoe shops, Wittner which featured these shoes.

Shoes from Wittner

Then yesterday I was walking past a Sportscraft store and they had this outfit in the window.

Autumn Fashion from Sportscraft

So it looks like Animal Print fabrics are on trend for Autumn Winter here in Australia.

It made me think of this room, which I cut from a Queensland Homes magazine many years ago.

from Queensland Homes Magazine

I have used this image to inspire a client (who had a wood panelled sun room) to go with the architecture and create a room that enhances the panelling (which she hated) rather than covering it over with plasterboard.

Sun room by Inside Out Colour and Design

Vicki Archer of French Essence has also been on the hunt. She spotted these stairs in a shop in Melbourne.

via French Essence

If you would like to introduce a little animal into your home, you could add these scatter cushions and throws.

Masi Cushion and Throw from Rapee

Or contact us for some assistance.

I’m off to the Furniture Fair today, so I’ve packed my pith helmet and stun gun in case the place is swarming with animals. I’ll be back on Friday to show you my catch.

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Elliott Clarke Sydney Showroom

I have been out and about today looking at the new range of fabrics from GP & J Baker that have just arrived at the Elliott Clarke showroom. They put on a little morning tea just for the occasion.

The chocolate caramel slice was delicious!

To say that these new fabrics are exquisite would be an understatement. Beautiful embroideries inspired by the charming domestic embroidery of the 18th Century but given a contemporary edge with gorgeous colour combinations.

Oleander Fabric by GP & J Baker

I fell in love with Tulip Tree Linen in the colourway of oranges and soft mauves.

Tulip Tree Linen by GP & J Baker

Baker have also released a revamped range called Baker Lifestyle. This was formerly the Parkertex range but I think Baker Lifestyle sounds much better. Look at this beautiful patchwork fabric. Fabulous for a beach house or a boys room.

Beachcomber Weaves by Baker Lifestyle

GP and J Baker has been producing textiles for over 125 years with the most popular designs showing English garden flowers. These designs have now been recreated with embroidery on fabrics such as linen and silk and even wallpaper.

Giant Peony by GP & J Baker

One such wallpaper is Voysey Leaf which has been adapted from the original design by C F A Voysey called “Hedgerow” and was originally printed in 1906.

Voysey Leaf Wallpaper by GP & J Baker

If you would like assistance to create your harmonious environment with the use of fabrics and wallpaper, contact me by email for on-line rates or call to make an appointment.

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Flickr from {{{tara}}}'s photostream

But even I can’t stop the seasons.

Flickr from Pisces {away}'s photostream

Some of my clients are starting to think about their winter rooms and what can be done to make their homes warm and cosy.

Flickr from jogroman's photostream

I am looking at putting a stacked-stone fireplace in one house and have been searching for some images to inspire me and convey to the client what can be done.

From Australian House and Garden Photogrpaher Dan Magree

This might be a little too Alpine for a house in the suburbs.

From Australian House and Garden Photographer David Morcombe

And this is a little too neat for my client.

from Australian House and Garden Photogrpaher Steve Ryan

Getting warmer (sorry, bad pun). But the texture is good. (The view’s not bad either)

Not sure where this one came from. I had ripped it out of a magazine.

This could be a very real possibility. I like the colour of the stone and the pieces are not too little and not too big.

I’ll be sure to post the end result in a couple of months. Almost makes me want the weather to turn!

Well almost.

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Cadbury Crunchie

Do you remember the ad for this chocolate bar? Change the colour of your day with a Cadbury Crunchie. It’s still one of my favourite chocolates for a mid-afternoon energy boost. Soft honeycomb covered in chocolate.

I have been spying honeycomb inspired patterns everywhere lately.

Warwick Xenon Fabric

Etsy Stationery Set

Cushions by KAS Australia

David Hicks Hexagonal Wallpaper

Cushions by Madras Link

Floor Tiles from Onsite Design Studio

More cushions by KAS Australia

Drum Stools by Moriarty and Co

It’s a simple pattern but very effective when repeated. I like the way it all fits together.

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