~ a word on curtains ~

Like all aspects of interiors design, curtains play their part in the overall aesthetics of a given room, and the underlying feel of your home in general.

Too often a poor choice of curtain can make a huge difference to the ambience and energy of your room. And too often, a technical decision like design detail and type of fabric, if executed poorly can undermine all other decor aspects in the space. Window treatments (blinds, shutters, curtains), when done well, have the amazing ability to complete and uplift a space, and make a home feel like a home.

Deciding on what type of window treatment to do can be a daunting task. There are technical considerations and measurements, the task the curtain needs to fill, and the specifications of the fabric, as well as how it marries with the other design aspects of the room. For example, is the curtain's task primarily utilitarian, or is it simply to adda decorative element to the room?

All of these considerations need to be included when deciding what to dress your window in. Equally important is knowing when a room should not have them.

In general, window treatments should be viewed as a lifetime investment, well worth the initial layout and as important to your home as the flooring.

          

i recently went to the Homes and Interiors Scotland Exhibition, here in Glasgow, and was not surprised, albeit disappointed, that the Scots have the same sense of aesthetic that is currently mainstream in South Africa. The decorators rooms on view section looked like the majority of the rooms displayed in all the exhibitions in Durban.
Why is no-one taking a chance with a fresh and new aesthetic? Why does the space not read like an individual's, with elements of design and scale cleverly mimicking each other, rather than it all obviously matching, with layers and layers of fabrics and textures? Is this so the decorator can make more money on selling textiles? i don't mean to be offensive, or controversial. i just think its time for a change.

There was one stand at the exhibition that stood out: Fun Makes Good
Her work is beautiful and fresh - reupholstered and restored furniture, with a quirky style element:

Right on trend with both the bird motif and the origami shapes.

Reminiscent of South Africa's own Casamento :

the baby room

at last i have a chance to post the pics of the nursery. i was happy with the way it turned out, especially given that red is not a usual colour choice for me. maybe there is something to be said for breaking out of your comfort zone.
*the little one responded well to the room too.

time is ticking..

I have so much work to get through over the next two days, and have a deadline for today that i don't think i am going to make - eek!

and all i want to do is design some new lights and finish the design for the nursery. i am starting to like the bold colour choice in there, and am feeling a bit happier about the room in general.

this rug from Nettle Green in the uk would be so perfect in it:

simple and bold

Can a nursery for a baby be too bold in design and colour? I spent the long weekend painting and pulling some ideas together for that room, and wow is it bright, and maybe too out there for a baby's room? You see it is so great when I can work on my own interior projects, without restrictions. But now i am doubting my boldness. I will post some pics as soon as its done and would love some feedback, so keep visiting please. I will let the colour be a surprise for the big reveal.

These little houses from My House Party remind me of the strong and clean lines that seem to be dominating my design style at the moment. Imagine how great it must be to make these houses - so satisfying.

a loveseat to love for a loveless day

Jonathan Adler Philippe Loveseat - Starting At in Sofas And Loveseats

i love this seat by jonathan adler. it makes me feel in control and on top of things - it is just so together.

the perfect antidote to an awful day. one of those days when you don't have a chance to recover from the one wrong thing before the next hits; when you think surely no-one else can rip you off financially (not again, surely!); when you are left perplexed by the work ethic of others when you only ever give your all, and then some; and when you actually find yourself asking that question you have always forbidden yourself the luxury of asking: why, oh why, me?

for now, i will look at this love seat, and look forward to a new day, hoping to be surrounded by love and good intentions.

maybe grey...

Am still thinking about the baby's room, and found this perfect grey wall (above) via Living etc gallery. i also love the feel of this calm room. so maybe grey?

i love love love the grown up feel of the other kid's rooms - the retro appeal and the sophisticated simplicity make my heart pitter patter. so these images will guide the look and feel i think.

wallpaper for nursery

am thinking of using this wallpaper in the nursery, as a panel directly behind the cot. what do you think?

we don't know if its a boy or a girl so the feel has to be unisex, but i don't want to do neutrals. was thinking of either hot pink and bright blue, or hot pink and red. i love pink and red.

a publication!

Hello the world!

am delighted to report that the lights i design and manufacture have been featured in the Conde Naste House and Garden magazine. it really is a wonderful publication and i am hugely honoured. this was made possible by my friend Lar, of Lar Leslie photography. i am a huge fan. thank you again Lar.

a publication!

The stand I did for the corner cafe at the good food and wine show was really a lot of fun. I loved that project.

I was delighted to see it in the October 2009 issue of the b e a u t i f u l House & Leisure magazine, as part of the promotion for the show (bottom left of page). I love this magazine, and now am so happy to have one of my designs appear in its pages.

To see more of the c o r n e r c a f e exhibition stand go to this link on my website.

Breakfast anyone?

This is what hotels should be about: old school decadence; over the top opulence and thorough beauty. And an unlimited budget of course.

The terrace with its white lattice work where we had breakfast is my favourite area - take note of the colourful tiled ceiling..

When we left after a feast of a breakfast it felt like I had been on holiday in an exotic location - what a wonderful way to recharge.

i heart the corner cafe

some shots from the exhibition stand i did for the corner cafe. environmentally conscious design. everything was recycled / reinvented.

busy day today. have loads of admin to do. want to be creative though. i want to paint - maybe i will have some time this afternoon.

this is the kind of space i wish i could put my name to. this is exactly why i love commercial interiors. Take a look here for more. (B3 interior designers)

making light

my mood has been a bit up and down lately, which is why i have been trying to spend a good portion of my day laughing; or feasting my eyes on some lovely objects, like these lights, to make light.

first can be found on etsy (at Jeanpelle's shop)

second is from Living etc gallery

hotel interiors

hotel interiors have got to be my favourite, and this hotel in Germany (Hotel Uberfluss) is no exception. it is bold, it is design conscious, and it is unashamedly masculine. what a wow space!

the show must go on

Wow. Decorex was fun. Setting up the stand was a lot of work, but it was well worth it.

I was so happy with all the positive responses. Although I am also aware that some people just don't like anything retro.

And I am so happy that some of my furniture and accessories have sold.