Inspiration: Living Walls

Living walls or vertical gardens (whichever you prefer to call them) is one of the biggest trends to hit interior landscaping. Besides, lending freshness and vitality to a space, they are very sustainable as they use an automatic irrigation system where the water is stored in a trough or tank below and is re-circulated enabling it not be wasted. Plus they are highly functional especially when placed in kitchens and provide a great space saving solution for those who love gardening but do not have access to a personal patch of grass such as apartment dwellers and so on. Below, are some of my favourite spaces featuring them.

In this dining area, a living wall not only adds warmth to the scheme but an ethnic inspired wall sculpture gives it an added wow factor.

A living wall creates a cocoon like feel to this dining area.

In this contemporary style bathroom, indoor plants combined with a rain shower lends a soothing and energising feel perfect for winding down at the end of a hectic day.

Placed against a staircase, this living wall adds contrast and a nice touch of colour. It also adds great textural interest when combined with the tiled wall and wire banister.

A vertical garden infuses this living room with warmth and colour resulting in space that is cosy and inviting.

A vertical garden turns this nook into reading heaven!!

If you are strapped for space in your terrace or balcony and still wish to add some greenery, a vertical garden would be the ideal solution for you. Check out this patio where a small vertical garden installation instantly lends interest to the design scheme.

A herb vertical garden is a convenient and clever way of getting fresh produce into your meals.

If you are a little apprehensive of having an indoor wall garden as a feature, check out this smaller installation which would be perfect for a kitchen or even displayed as wall art.

So what are your thoughts on living walls? Are you inspired to create one of your own? Share your thoughts below.

Image sources: 1 & 2, Pinterest (3-5), 6 & 7, 8, Pinterest (9 & 10)

 

Kseniya Shapovalova by Nicole P. Malina for Harper’s Bazaar Indonesia September 2014

In Harper’s Bazaar Indonesia September 2014 editorial “Journey to the East” photographed by Nicole P. Malina in Tibet , model Kseniya Shapovalova shows off ethnic looks styled by Michael Pondaag with designs featuring Etro, Fendi, Michael Kors, Chanel and much more which consisted of bold prints, knitwear and chunky jewelry in bright hues. Makeup was done by Qiqi Franky.

Images from Inspiration by Colour

 

Colour Trend: Just Add Mustard

Just Add Mustard by melissa-de-souza featuring a wall lamp

Mustard is trending this Fall, so bring this golden hue into your home with any these accents for an instant update.

Inhabit wall lamp
inhabitliving.com

Woven throw blanket
abchome.com

Xanadu Lacquer Tray
scullyandscully.com

Könitz bone china
bloomingdales.com

Normann Copenhagen kitchen dining
$35 – finnishdesignshop.com

Canvas wall art
afremov.com

Tropical home decor
grandinroad.com

Unison mustard throw pillow
unisonhome.com

Agraria scented candle
$73 – amara.com

Yellow throw pillow
etsy.com

CB2 vase
cb2.com

Lazy Susan glass vase
zincdoor.com

For Your Home: The Tory Burch Look

I’ve always been fascinated with the decor and design of Tory Burch’s boutiques. From bold colours, to fearless patterns, high gloss surfaces and glamorous furnishings, the design concepts reflect a homey residential feel that is both unique and visually stunning. Today, we will check out some key elements in these spaces which can be easily incorporated within your home as well.

1. Mixing Bold Patterns

Tory Burch’s stores combine a variety of bold patterns to create a look that gives maximum visual interest. To make this work, ensure you choose prints with a unifying colour scheme to prevent a visual disaster.

2. Unique Upholstery

When choosing furniture opt for pieces with one-of-a-kind shapes, intricate details, carved legs or unique upholstery. Varying sizes of furniture in different prints also helps create an elegant space.

3. Diverse Accessories

When it comes to accessories, pair vintage pieces with glamorous finishes to create a striking contrast. Display a variety of signature accents for a personal touch. Thus, making the design even more compelling.

4. Reflective Surfaces

From high gloss walls, mirrored surfaces and polished brass Tory Burch’s boutiques use a wide array of reflective surfaces to create a dynamic space filled with light and a glamorous feel. You can achieve a similar effect with your home by opting for mirrored accents or high gloss finishes on furniture and accessories.

5. Statement Lighting

For lighting, opt for large scale tiered chandeliers with sleek modern lines that make create a striking focal point within the space yet lend a timeless traditional feel. In addition, go for over-sized lamps and elegant wall sconces to create a warm ambiance.

6. Mixed Influences

To achieve the glamorous aesthetic that is seen throughout the boutiques, be inspired by travel and don’t be afraid to mix different styles and influences together. For example, in the space above, a Middle Eastern inspired mirror creates a dramatic focal point and hangs above a luxurious teal sofa with a modern feel. While traditional chairs are paired with Moroccan bone in-laid side tables and a Lucite coffee table adds a contemporary feel.

7. Bold Jewel Tones

Vivid jewel tones play a huge role in the Tory Burch boutiques from throw pillows to wall paint and carpets. Be colour confident and bring these rich tones into your home to create a luxurious vibe. If you are a little apprehensive about these rich hues inject a small dose into your space through accents like a teal ottoman or amethyst vase.

Image source: Domaine