Subscribe to RSS
Subscribe
My Bookstore
My Work
“Please contact me if you would like a consultation or further information about any of the products you see here at Decorum.”

Posts Tagged ‘Art’

Designer Boys Collections

Remember those lovable larrikins from The Block, the first time around – Gav and Waz?

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.

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.

Crimson Stripes

I’m loving the new red rugs from Armadillo & Co.

Band Stripe Rug

Sally Potharst and Jodie Fried founded rug company Armadillo & Co when they were working together on a rug for Jodie’s Bholu collection.

Sas Lena from Bholu

Made by artisans who are cared for under the Fair Trade practices, these rugs are Armadillo’s first adventure into colour.

I love the combination of strong stripes and bold colour and made from 100% wool, they are soft underfoot. Perfect for winter.

Ribbon Stripe Rug

What about you? Would you like some colour on your floor?

Contact us for pricing and delivery.

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder

Art is such a subjective piece of decor. Hold up an artwork and everyone has an opinion. And those opinions are very rarely those of the artist or the art owner.

Interior Decorating by Inside Out Colour and Design

I believe the art you have in your home should be a true reflection of you – your style, your history or your emotions.

My advice to clients, is to always buy something that YOU like. Don’t buy it because it is the same colour as the cushions or it is supposedly going to increase in value. If it does, then that’s a bonus but first and foremost it should tug at your heartstrings.

Brett Hayes via Gallery Oscar

Canadian Interior Decorator and Colourist, Maria Killam is currently in the market for art for her new home and has asked the blogging world to jump on board with some advice on what to choose. It’s an interesting discussion with loads of great advice. You can check it out here.

In the meantime, if you are looking for some artworks for your walls, Art Sydney is being held this weekend.

Vencent Ko via Sydney Galleries

The show used to be called Affordable Art but was renamed Art Sydney and showcases artists from around Australia.

It was at last year’s show that I first met Chris Chun. His almost naive paintings of food really tugged at my hearstrings! I don’t think Chris will be there this year as he is touring the globe and is currently in Malaysia.

Chris Chun

Another favourite artist of mine will be exhibiting this year. Robyn Kennedy creates amazing artworks from textiles. I first saw Robyn’s work about 5 years ago and bought a piece for my collection. She uses antique Asian textiles and other fabrics to create stunning collages.

Robyn Kennedy

So think about what you have on your walls. Does it tell a story? Does it transport you to another time or place?

Enjoy a walk around Art Sydney but only buy what you truly love.

If you would like assistance in creating your harmonious environment, contact us to enquire about our design services.

My Makeover

Whilst I’ve been away enjoying myself, the fairies have been giving my blog a makeover.

Firstly, I decided after blogging for 18 months and writing some 170 plus posts, the name Inside Out Colour and Design Blog was a bit cumbersome. You see that is my business name and at them time I couldn’t think of anything better. So after having time to reflect I have decided to be henceforth known as Decorum!

Choosing names is so much harder than choosing paint colours, I think. When I started my business I wanted a name that didn’t need an explanation. As I am both an Interior Decorator AND a Colour Consultant and I choose colours for both inside and outside, I needed something that said as much. It’s a bit of a mouthful, and many people get writer’s cramp when I tell them my email address but I figure it works as a descriptive title.

I also wanted to add a little of me to the header I wanted it to reflect my personal style so I engaged the very talented Caitlin McGauley to design an artwork that typifies me and what I’m about. A couple of emails later and this is the fabulous painting that now sits at the top of my blog.

Web Chameleon is my online marketing guru and Belinda and her team are hard at work revamping the layout to include easy links and navigation so we can all stay connected and find out more about each other. I also wanted to use bigger images. For me it’s all about the images as I am a very visual person and think most people that read a design blog also want to see more images than text. Do you agree?

Blogs are not the only string to Web Chameleon’s bow. Belinda designed my email newsletter that I send out each month. If you don’t receive one, you can sign up here.

So a million thank yous to the ladies behind my makoever and also to you my readers for dropping by and leaving comments.

Strike me Pink……and Aqua

I wanted to share with you a new piece of art we have hanging in our home.

As you know, it was my daughter’s birthday recently and she has aspirations of being a fashion designer. She is also ready to redecorate her bedroom and has decided that her new colour scheme will be pink and aqua.

We found this image at Better Homes and Gardens and will be taking our colour inspiration from it.

via Better Homes and Gardens

So when I came across the works of Laura Trevey I knew it would be a welcome addition to the room – aqua, pink and fashion.

Chic in Pink by Laura Trevey

Girlie Girl by Laura Trevey

I bought four prints the same size and had them all framed together in one large white frame.I must admit I was a little worried the colours wouldn’t be as bright in the flesh as they were on my computer screen. But I had no cause for concern as they were exactly as I had expected.

Framed artwork

I love all of Laura’s watercolours for their bright colours and her whimsical style. She writes a fabulous blog on art, photography, fashion, design and entertainment.

Chesapeake Bay Crab by Laura Trevey

They would look great in any room in any home.

Caribbean Time by Laura Trevey

What do you think?

Dresses on the Rack by Laura Trevey

If you would like assistance sourcing the perfect artwork for your home, contact us to arrange an appointment either online or in person.

To become a fan of Inside Out Colour and Design on Facebook, click here.

My Top 3 from Designex

Last week, Designex was held here in Sydney. It is the premier “trade only” show for interior designers, architects and decorators. The location of the show alternates between Melbourne and Sydney each year.

There were loads of things to look at from both existing suppliers as well as some new ones. So I’ve picked out my favourite three to share with you.

The first stand I was excited about actually won the New Product Award at the show. Katsu Glass Design have just released Designer ArtGlass.

ArtGlass Splashback from Katsu Glass Design

You can choose from a wide range of designs and photographs to place behind toughened glass for feature walls and splashbacks. The images can be printed, painted or etched onto the glass to create something unique. Julie Patterson from Cloth has provided 11 designs from her range to be reproduced onto glass. It’s a great way to add a feature to your kitchen or bathroom.

Cloth Designs for Katsu Glass Design

The next “Oh wow” moment I had was at the stand “Designer Boys”.

Tribal Rhythm from Designer Boys Collections

Now Aussies who have had an interest in home decorating and renovating for the last few years will know these boys as Gavin and Warren from the original series of “The Block.” The boys moved to Byron Bay a few years ago and continue to provide interior decorating and styling services for clients on the Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales.

Red Fan Coral from Designer Boys Collections

They have also released a collection of fabulous art. Each piece evokes many feelings with strong lines, global textures and exquisite treasures all beautifully framed and ready to hang on your wall.

Tribeca I from Designer Boys Collections

There is also a collection of Giclee Prints which have beautiful colours.

Valentino I from Designer Boys Collections

And the third stand that caught my eye was the new range of rugs from The Rug Collection. Australia’s home-grown gardening guru, Jamie Durie, has assisted with the development of this range called Garden Room.

Summer Beauty from The Rug Collection

The bold use of colour, whimsical design exploration and a modern edge work in harmony to bring life to this new collection.

Flannel Flower from The Rug Collection

I had timed my visit to Designex well and was fortunate enough to hear Jamie speak at The Outdoor Room on what he believes will be the trend for indoor/outdoor living. Pop back on Friday to read what he said.

The Outdoor Room

If you are interested in adding any of the above products to your interior, Inside Out Colour and Design would be pleased to source them for you as the rugs and artworks are only available through architects and interior decorators.

Send us an email or call 0401440088 if you would like more information.

I Like Chinese

Just a quickie today, I’m afraid. Short week, school holidays and family house-guests are my excuses.

We decided to meet my husband in the city today for lunch. I chose a restaurant that was easy to get to and wouldn’t entail a mile long walk for us or him. Din Tai Fung fitted the bill. We all like Chinese food and as he was on limited time, we wanted something that was quick. You can’t go past the Chinese for quick, tasty food.

Anyway, that’s not what I wanted to tell you about. Look at this screen.

It’s the wall between the dining area and bar. There is perspex sheets between two columns and all these bamboo steamers have been glued to it. Don’t they form an eye-catching feature?

Underneath the counter is this artistic display of rice bowls.

And further along they have used Chinese Soup spoons.

A group of items certainly has more impact than one or two and it made me think yet again, that you don’t have to just hang art or photographs.

What interesting things have you seen grouped together and hung on a wall?

On The Floor

One of the jobs I have been working on for the past 4 years is revamping a family home. The lovely couple have pretty much moved into the “empty nester” category with their youngest heading off to university, outside Sydney, at the beginning of last year.

We’ve transformed the house in every way, except structurally and are now up to the fun part of putting in the new furnishings.

Family Room before

The new leather lounge has gone in and we have bought some new artwork.

This oil painting by Velia Newman will sit on the family room wall

Last week we looked at some rugs and chose the following three from Designer Rugs.

Floral Sketch

Floral Sketch

This is the right size – 2m x 3m.

Flame Tree

The pattern will get lost once we put a coffee table on top.

Atoms

The background colour could be changed to a warmer off white to blend in better with the tiles and sofa.

We don’t want the rug to detract from the artwork but it must complement it.

Which one do you like?

What to do this weekend?

It’s Thursday and time to think about the weekend. There are a few things on this weekend that may be of interest to you.

Art SydneyFirst up is Art Sydney 2009 which is being held at the Royal Hall of Industries, Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park. The official opening is tonight with a special preview party from 5pm – 9pm. You can book tickets here. The show continues on Friday from midday – 9pm, Saturday 10am – 6pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm. There will be lots to look at including artworks from over 100 galleries all under the one roof. You might like to take an Art Walk and Talk or take the kids to a free workshop or spot fresh talent at the Off The Wall exhibit where 12 of the best up-and -coming artists from across Australia are exhibiting with works from as little as $250.

On Sunday head to the Danks St Festival which will showcase the art galleries and gourmet food that have made Danks Street, Waterloo a drawcard for people from all over Sydney. Crowds can expect culinary delights from Danks Street Depot, Wah Wah Lounge, Grosvenor Hotel, Thai Pie, Red Star Pizza and Mason Rose, The French House and Patisse.

Making its first appearance at the Festival this year is the Live Green Kitchen hosted by Lyndey Milan, with leading local chefs including Jared Ingersoll, Kylie Kwong, Alex Herbert, Dave Campbell and Ashley Hughes demonstrating cooking techniques that focus on sustainable food.

PYD Market

Also new for 2009 is a “Handmade Market” selling all the things you love about your local fete – everything from handcrafts to sweet treats, supporting local artists and charities. There will be more performers than ever before in some surprise shows you’ll never forget and a great music line up that is guaranteed to have you cruising on a Sunday afternoon.

PYD Building

Festival favourites return such as the Produce Market, bar and “Arty Pants” – interactive art for kids. The PYD Building (so named because it sits on the corner of Philip, Danks and Young Streets) has the Vogue Living designer markets running over both Saturday and Sunday in the car park.

Anzac Bridge

Anzac Bridge

Sunday is also the Seven Bridges Walk which is a 25 Km course that takes in Sydney Harbour Bridge, Pyrmont Bridge, ANZAC Bridge, Iron Cove Bridge, Gladesville Bridge, Tarban Creek Bridge and the Fig Tree Bridge.

Gladesville Bridge

Gladesville Bridge

Join the fun and see this beautiful city while helping to raise money for beyondblue: the national depression initiative, The Cancer Council NSW, Diabetes Australia – NSW and The Heart Foundation NSW.

Iron Cove Bridge

Iron Cove Bridge

What would you choose?

Jennifer French
Find Me On