Does A Beautiful Office Make You Think Better?

I'm certain no one could deny this. Imagine a place like this waiting for you every Monday morning:)
(Office of Orla Kiely, found via Uppercase Tumblr)

Choosing Colours For Your Interiors!

One of the greatest things about interior design is that you can opt for any style you like, it's your home and you should feel comfortable in it! You do not have to keep up with the very latest design trends to have an interior which is stunning.

If you can't decide on which colour you like best or simply have to have them all then simple aspects such as painting your cupboard doors all a different colour can look striking and very stylish! In order that the look is not overwhelmed opt for plain white blinds which enable you to control how much light and privacy you want or need.

Using Venetian styled blinds in a kitchen is ideal, particularly if they are made from metal which has been coated to help reduce dust build up as well as being very easy to keep clean, as they allow plenty of natural light to flood into the room creating a homely, bright and airy space when stacked at the top of the window or when the louvres are tilted open. If you have small windows you can further maximise the use of natural light up slightly tilting the louvres upwards which enables the light to bounce off a white ceiling.

Keep things natural in the kitchen by having easy to clean flooring around the working areas. If you have a table in your kitchen you can opt for a rug made from natural materials to keep the theme coordinated and bring a sense of homeliness as well as cohesion to the room.

Image: Avant-garde Design

Delicious Pattern.

Pattern on pattern and texture upon texture! Wow!!!!
(From The Sartorialist, of course)

Protect Your Flooring From Fading With Venetian or Vertical Blinds

Wooden flooring has been popular for many years, either original stripped floor boards in older styles of homes, parquet flooring in the 1960s along with the influx of laminate style flooring which is being used throughout modern homes.

Interior designers have created beautiful wooden floors which have patterns set within them providing the best of both worlds in terms of both innovation and chic style! The patterns are made from using different coloured wood in the same way as marquetry is used on furniture. Wood inlay coloured patterns can be selected to blend effortlessly with your interior design colour scheme, offering a truly remarkable floor with maximum effect.

However, anyone with a natural floor needs to take care and reduce the risk of staining by mopping up spills as quickly as possible before it has time to penetrate into the wood and also by ensuring the window dressing they choose offers flexibility and practicality in helping to reduce the floor from fading in harsh sunlight. This is of particular importance if you have south facing windows as even in the UK where people may not think there is sufficient or intense sunlight which will damage floors will be astounded to know that the UV rays can cause as much harm to your floor as they can to your skin even on the dullest of days!

Venetain or vertical blinds are the ideal solution as they can look stunning when used as the sole window treatment and equally as striking when teamed with curtains. The great advantage over having either of these styles of blinds is the amount of control you have in diffusing the light or blocking it out completely. Adjusting the louvres correctly will also help furniture and soft furnishings from fading, as well as providing privacy when needed.

Image: Freshome

What A Tease!

This morning I was scrolling through my phone and found a note I made for myself. All it said was Guy Matthews, Australia. I had no idea what that meant nor when I typed it. So, I went to trusty Google and found photos of an amazing vintage store in Melbourne. Now the frustrating thing is that there doesn't seem to be a website for the place. So I'm left with a few photos that lure me in and leave wanting more!

(Top Photos via Jesterhoax)
(Bottom Photos via The Design Files)

Intriguing, right? Any Australian readers care to fill me in a bit more? I would love that:)

Break The 'Rules' With Bold Curtains And Fabrics

Finding new and innovative ways to dress your windows has never been easier with the vast range of colours and styles of fabric which are widely available both on the high street and online.

Go for something daring and bold which brings nature into your home by selecting fabric which has a bold floral print in this season's in-trend colour of gorgeous lime green and white. To add further individuality and chic style to your home rather then opt for a classical curtain at each side of the window, use one wide curtain or length of fabric and sweep it from the top of the window to one side and hold in place with a tie back.

This enables the beauty of the pattern and the fabric to be seen at all times not just when the curtains are drawn together in the evenings. If floral patterns are not to your taste this style of window dressing works equally as effectively with any bold print as well as plain fabric. Keep the weight of the fabric in mind when making your choice as the lighter the weight the more fluidity it will provide.

Coordinate the colour with the rest of your interior design colour scheme or alternatively opt for a deliberate clash of colours to inject vibrancy and a sense of fun into a room. The latest colour clashing is in-vogue in a big way at present which enables you to opt for your favourite colours and do away with the usual 'rules' of interior design, which is an absolute joy for those who can never seem to get their colours coordinated correctly!

However, although colour clashing is in-vogue you do need to be a little careful otherwise you can end up with a miss-mash of colours which look more like an interior design nightmare than chic style!

Image: Avant-Garde

A Little Confession

From Domino and Sarahleeab

Those of you who read regularly know how I love to go on and on about simplicity and minimalism. Well, all that is true; but I do have a confession to make. I love, LOVE paisley patterns! Yeah! I mean paisley is about as opposite from minimalism as one can get, right? Just the word brings up images of stuffy British libraries or something. I know, but I still love it. The intricate patterns and color combinations have always intrigued me. They are sort of an optical illusion. Some of you are probably skeptical, so I found a few examples of modern ways to use such a traditional pattern. With large scale and modern colors, these paisleys are anything but stuffy:)

From Becky Barreto

Don't you just love this chair? I mean no one can object to paisley, when its coming from Anthropologie! This is just so yummy!

Cost Effective Patchwork Revival

Patchwork has been around for hundreds of years and has always been used as an effective way of recycling old or left over pieces of fabric and materials. With recession affecting people's spending power, having or using patchwork to create stunning bed covers and even curtains is back in-vogue as an effective way of recycling and making things for 'free'!

Mixing different textures of fabrics brings patchwork right up to date, as in the past it was typically only cotton fabrics which were used. Today you can make patchwork out of any type of material, including lightweight voiles and organza to create sheer curtains which let an abundance of light flood into a room in a soft and somewhat dreamy fashion making this style perfect for bedrooms!

Those who don't feel inclined of have the aptitude to make patchwork, but still adore the country cottage interior design themes and styles, will be pleased to know that it is possible to buy fabric which has the appearance of patchwork! This may be defeating the object somewhat of recycling, but it is a great way to achieve this type of interior style at affordable costs without having to wait for a patchwork to be made!

Next time you have a clear out in your wardrobe why not put the fabric to good use? Or on second thoughts look for lovely cottage style ready made curtains which can simply be hung from wooden curtain poles to achieve the same look in a fraction of the time!

Image:Freshome

Tips For Achieving Trendy Teenage Bedrooms

Decorating a teenage girl's bedroom can be extremely difficult to achieve due to the ever changing fashions in colours and interior design trends. Making a striking yet simple, practical and very functional bedroom can be achieve with a little ingenuity even on a limited budget!

Those who are handy with a sewing machine can choose fabric to suit the colour trends and transform bedrooms into chic places with coordinating bed covers, curtains and blinds which also offer a different stance on a typical bedroom design by having curtains which close across the bed!

In the past curtains were used to provide extra warmth in cold houses and much needed privacy in days when rooms were shared by the entire family! Modern homes no longer to use bed curtains for either of these functions and yet providing a 'private place' for teenagers is essential in today's modern world!

Opt for a robust fabric for the bed cover to transform the bed into a settee style seating place which can be used during the day. Scatter cushions add the all essential finishing touches which also can be used to inject further colours and texture, combine these with this year's trend of chandelier style lighting to achieve a stunning look which will be envied by friends! Just the type of personal space a young person needs!

Of course the colour combinations can be anything your teenager likes, this style of bedroom design works well with both plain or patterned fabrics, whether the room is left uncluttered is of course down to the young person, however by giving them a space they really love you may be surprised how neat and tidy it will be!

Image: Habitually Chic

Vogue Living Australia: Diane Bergeron's home

From Vogue Living Australia's September/October issue: Melbourne interior designer Diane Bergeron's home. Notice the use of black and white and bold patterns in each room? Love her use of luxurious fabric on the walls- something I've always wanted to try but didn't know how to carry out. The last photo is of her inspiration board.

By the way, the same issue features the home of another talented Australian, Anna Spiro, of the fabulous blog which most of you probably know, Absolutely Beautiful Things. I'm sure her home photos will be posted far & near, so I won't post them again here, but do take a look- gorgeous!

Too Cool For School

This article from the New York Times, caught my eye today. Two New York designers decided to take a simple and clean approach to designing their East Hampton home. Their inspiration was the practical decor of a school building. I love this concept because it combines minimalism, modernism, and practicality. Of course, I never went to a school that looked this fabulous...but you get the picture;)

Blinds Are A Cost Effective Window Dressing

Interior design has not only gone 'green' by using the different colour shades of green, the use of natural materials from sustainable sources is also high on many people's design agendas.

Natural cotton fabrics, Hessian and wood are among the most popular choices, combined with colour schemes which are derived from nature. Creating stunning interiors using natural materials has never been more fashionable or more affordable!

One of the most cost effective window treatments are blinds made from bamboo or wood weave materials. These have been on the market for many years as a cheap, yet effective way of covering windows. Without sounding too philosophical bamboo is one of the oldest know methods of covering openings/windows to reduce heat and stop prying eyes from looking inside people's homes.

In the 'seventies' bamboo blinds were in-vogue and where used to create natural looking interiors at affordable prices. The return to being 'closer to nature' and being 'green' has once again seen this type of blind to regain popularity as a cost effective method of providing window dressings either on their own or used in combination with curtains as no longer are they seen as a cheap and only used by students they have become common place in traditional and modern homes.

Nowadays, wood weave or bamboo blinds are used in conservatories and summer houses as an effective way to help reduce heat build-up, along with bringing nature inside the home.

Image: A Life's Design

A Word Of Thanks

If you're wondering, yes; this is a re-post. I've never done this before, but I just wanted thank all of you for your comments. It reminds me of one my favorite things about blogging, kinship. So many of you mentioned cutting out pictures and ideas and then cataloging them in some manner. I didn't mention this in my original article (See Below), but that is something I do too. Now I say I do it for "my work", but lets face it. I also do it for fun, just like I have been doing since I was 10 or 11 years old. Sometimes I think I should outgrow that habit but haven't yet. I just love hearing from all of you who love saving all those pretty pictures for as long as possible. So again, thanks everyone:)

XO

Carolina

As I continue my efforts to renew inspiration, I decided to clear out mental and physical clutter. Last week, I attacked my closet and this weekend I attacked my magazine stash (gasp!)
I clear out old issues once or twice a year, but its usually only a handful. This time, I decided to be ruthless!! It wasn't easy, but I made a big dent. Now, I would like to say I got rid of half of my magazines, but that would be exaggerating. I can say I cleared out about 1/3 of the stash. I'm quite proud of myself! Now don't worry, I did drag all the mags to recycling. Lucky for me I had a very strong assistant:)

(Note: No back issues of Domino were harmed during this process)

Roller Blinds Remain Popular Window Dressings

The humble roller blind has seen some dramatic changes in recent years. The main focus of interior design trends is to use blinds which are made from wonderful fabrics which coordinate beautifully with the colour scheme and design style of your rooms.

The kitchen has always been a popular room to fit roller blinds due to their versatility and ease of use. To ensure you have the right colour and pattern it is even possible to make your roller blinds from kit form. The suppliers provide all of the necessary equipment such as control mechanisms and pulleys all you have to do is select the fabric!

However, with the wide range of ready made roller blinds currently available there is little need to spend time making your own! Opt for colours which create the desired effect, such as light natural colours and gingham patterns for a country cottage kitchen or a bright bold colour to team with work tops and cupboards in modern and contemporary kitchens.

The humble roller blind is not only ideal for use in kitchens, they are ideal to team with swag and tails window treatments to create a stunning and professional look to a lounge or dining area. In the bedroom opt for roller blinds which also have black out properties, particularly if you live in large towns where light pollution is a problem!

As roller blinds are available in a vast number of different widths and lengths even the smallest windows can benefit from having a blind fitted. For those who want to achieve the latest looks roller blinds which have an complete image on them such as forests, flowers or under water scenes create wonderful window treatments which transform into wall style art when pulled down.

Image: Habitually Chic

Outdoor Living, Down Under

Bringing the outdoors, in. I love that phrase, because it conjures up wonderful images in my mind. Images like this Australian home. Having easier access to the nature seems like the only way to live!

This kitchen is KILLER! The lines and those stairs...ahhh!!

Now, I do have to admit that I'm not really sold on the red bath. In concept, its cool but I don't know. That color is kind of throwing me off. How do you guys feel about it?

Despite the bath, I still want this home! Check out more pictures here.

Green With Envy

Happy Monday, everyone! Mine was brightened by an early morning email from Joni. A quick glimpse into a fantastic home that makes me feel, oh so envious. Especially this kitchen! I can honestly say, this is the first time I've seen a kitchen so perfect for me, that I would not want to change a detail. I LOVE it! Sadly, some other lucky person will be enjoying it, since it recently sold. Whoever you are, if you are reading this; please don't change that kitchen!

The rest of the house's color scheme is beautiful too! I love the earthy neautrals with an occasional bright, bright color. So exciting:) Also, check out the black stained concrete floors. Ahhh, I'm so smitten.

This house is located behind one of our favorite family restaurants, so I have been admiring it's exterior for a couple of years now. Mark and I always said we would want a house that looks just like this, who knew I would feel the same way about the interior too!

Party It Up!

Last night I sat down to enjoy one of the best movies ever made, Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Everything about it is so perfect, and I think the party scene is my favorite part. Of course, that includes
the crazy woman in the mirror!

Friday Favorite

Hello all! Sorry for the lack of posts this week. Still struggling to be inspired.
I did want to share these beautiful photos I found today. So much beauty in such simplicity. I can't tell you where they came from, but I can tell you that I found them on a blog I am really loving right now. Its called Either the Drapes Go Or I Do. I couldn't resist that name and I'm so glad I found it. Perhaps for now I will enjoy other people's inspiration.
Have A Great Weekend!!

White Out: A Light Filled House in France

A few weeks ago, I wrote about my current love of blue. I also asked what colors some of you were inspired by and got several great responses. Ms. Joni of Cote de Texas mentioned loving white, and I got to thinking about how much I love white too. Years ago, I wouldn't be caught dead with almost anything white; but now I can't get enough!
I find as my life gets more hectic and with more demands placed on me, I love the quietness and simplicity of white. When used in decor, white offers room to breathe. It lightens up any space.

Here is a wonderful example! White stones, stucco, and whitewashed woods blend beautifully with soft paint and floor colors. Its like a little piece of heaven:)

I'm not certain if this floor is slate or stained concrete, but I love its warm depth and patina. Pairing it with white walls and furniture shows that white can be warm, exciting, and beautiful.