Land Of Contrasts

Set is Vesterbro, Sweden the home of Gitte and Torben Hjorth is a place where opposites coincide. Throughout the home, you’ll find a range of furniture from various eras set next to each other to create unique spaces. These arrangements are further played up by a palette of black, brown, grey and white with hints of red and pink shades. Gitte believes in not going for safe choices and this can be seen it the delicate way in which she has woven different styles together. The result is a home that is delightfully interesting.

Artwork is peppered throughout the home adding a dash of personality and colour to the space.

In the living room, an Ikea sofa sits next to a Rococo chair and a vintage teak table. A graphic rug adds contrast while black accents like the cabinet and chalkboard ground the scheme.

In the dining room, black and white dominates the space with a photograph further enhancing the scheme. Hints of wood add warmth and interest to the space.

In the kitchen, metal adds an industrial touch while pops of chartreuse enliven the palette.

Gitte loves to upcyle/recyle furniture. Here, she has created her own bureau with an old table, cabinet and a stack of bricks.

In the bedroom, a wall of mirrors creates a stunning focal point and brings more light into the space. A set of 3 dressers creates a large sideboard which provides adequate storage while on the bed handmade pillows add a lovely casual yet personal touch.

Images: Bolig Magasinet

Christmas Gift: Scarves

Wondering what to give that very special woman in your life this Christmas? How about a silk scarf. I personally think that this is one accessory that every girl should have in her closet. From making a bold statement to lending a timeless look, scarves can really take your outfit to another level as well as can pull together an ensemble. Plus, they come in a variety of styles, patterns and colourways. So there’s something that everyone can like. Check out these ones which I found on Casasilk.

Opt for this scarf, if you wish to inject colour into your outfit. I think this would look awesome with neutrals.

I absolutely adore this leopard print scarf. The addition of chains in the print adds a modern touch.It’s a great way of giving a luxurious feel to your look.

And if you want to really show off your quirky side, how about this scarf that features racing horses?

Or if that doesn’t take your fancy, then check out this scarf. I love the traditional Hermès style pattern on it. It has such a classic appeal.

And for a more graphic look, check out this daring scarf. It’s sure to make heads turn and would really add interest to your ensemble.

Last but not least, if you wish to soften your look, this pastel hued scarf is definitely the way to go.

So what are your thoughts on scarves as a Christmas gift? I hope I have inspired and shown you all how versatile they are. Maybe, you have one gift crossed off your list.

Find these and more beautiful scarves made from 100% silk at Casasilk.

 

 

Tommy Hilfiger’s Miami Home

Located in Miami, Florida fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger and his wife Dee, collaborate with British interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, to create a family home that is filled with 1960s-70s pop art and a groovy design scheme. The result is a space that is brimming with personality and one that captures the cool vibe of one of the hottest cities on the East Coast.

An Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiet painting sets the tone for the living room colour scheme lending a vibrant and energising feel.

In the entryway, a Mark Sijan sculpture of a security guard lends a quirky feel to the space. While in the kitchen, striped flooring creates a dramatic touch with Lucite bar stools giving a floating and open feel. Wool upholstery and a brass chandelier add a glam feel.

In the dining room, red dining chairs and a chevron rug in a cream and black colourway brings a retro vibe to the space. The monochromatic scheme of the breakfast area showcases Hollywood glamour with an over scaled Elizabeth Taylor print drawing presence to the space. Lucite chairs upholstered in wool and striped flooring echo the scheme of the kitchen for a unified feel.

For the office, a blue, red and white colour scheme captures his brand’s image. Faux suede panels are paired with a work by Jean Dubuffet for a unique and captivating look. A white desk and rug anchors the overall design scheme. While accent pieces in red and blue further balances the look.

In the master bedroom, mirrored surfaces and a neutral colour scheme lends a serene yet luxurious feel. A four poster bed anchors the design scheme while a luscious wool throw and rug just oozes cosiness.

For his bathroom, a monochromatic scheme lends contrast and visual impact. While mixed prints lend interest. Chrome fixtures bring refined elegance to this masculine space.

*Images source: Architectural Digest Magazine (Sept 2014)

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)

 

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

Vitra and Artek’s Current Exhibition

Interior design firm Studioilse transforms the VitraHaus loft in Weil am Rhein, Germany into the home of a fictional couple, Hari (a musician) and Astrid ( a set designer). The concept blends harmoniously the styles of both design brands and is used to showcase their collaboration since last fall.

Inspired by the Finnish designer Alvar Aalto, each space within the design marries German and Finnish heritage beautifully.

If you wish to see more of the loft’s design visit it here.

Photography: Emma Thomas

Today I’ve decided to share some of interior stylist Emma Thomas’ inspiring work. Her clients include Elle Decoration, Homes and Gardens, Fired Earth and French Connection to name a few. What I really admire about her photographs is how she captures the simplicity of every day life with all of its details. It’s truly mesmerizing. Below are some of my favourites.

If you wish to see more of her portfolio visit it here.

 

 

Inspiration: Roll Top Baths

There’s something about a free standing bath tub that just conjures up a relaxing image of shutting out the world, soaking up the suds and even reading a magazine or two. Adding to this, they now come in a variety of colours from dreamy pastels to bold hues, allowing them to be used in any design scheme that you are planning for your space. So without further adieu, here are some bath tubs that will make you wish for some truly “me – time”.

A stunning red bath tub contrasts with a traditional style wallpaper in a sensual grey for a look that is passionately luxurious.

In this country contemporary style bathroom, pops of red add warmth to a calming scheme of greys. The stool is covered in a fabric similar to the blind for a balanced look.

In this predominately white bathroom, a pink bath tub adds a soft feminine touch.

In this monochromatic bathroom, wood accents and flooring ground the scheme by lending warmth and textural interest.

Here, the walls are painted in the same hue as the bath tub for a soothing feel. Hints of white further enhances the look.

A tropical inspired feature wall sets the theme for this bathroom. Paired with a green bath tub, the scheme has a fresh and clean feel.

In this bathroom, a teal claw-foot tub makes a striking focal point as it contrasts with the neutral palette of the space.

Here, zones have been differentiated using different colours – yellow tiles for the shower and lavender for the tub. The resulting design scheme is one that is refreshing and is sure to make one perk up in the mornings.

A copper roll top bath is paired with sultry pink walls for a modern luxe feel. White floor tiles and bleached wood cabinets add contrast and give an intimate feel.

A pastel yellow tub is married with bubblegum pink walls in this bathroom for a girlie but sophisticated look. Retro wall art adds a playful twist.

So what are you thoughts on roll-top baths? Feel free to share your thoughts with me in the comments below.

*Image Source: Red Online (1-7), Pinterest (8-10)

 

 

Inspiration : Blue and White

From bold to timelessly elegant, blue and white has always been one of my favourite colour combinations. So, today I’ve decided to share some truly stunning spaces to inspire you all and as you will see, this colour combination can be used anywhere from dining rooms to bedrooms and even patios for an instant dose of chic.

On this mantlepiece, classic delftware are teamed with an ornate antique mirror for a luxurious feel. The mantle is painted the same colour as the wall allowing them to take center-stage. (designed by Carolyne Roehm)

In this patio, an ikat tablecloth in a blue and white colourway is draped casually over the patio table lending an effortless feel. (designed by Danielle Rollins)

High gloss cobalt blue walls and ceiling give this dining room a bold yet intimate feel. Blue and white accents lend visual interest while a bleached wood floor adds contrast and grounds the scheme. (designed by Kristen Kelli LLC)

Chalky pastels lend a calming note to this space. A silver painted ceiling creates a stunning focal point and adds a touch of restrained glamour. (designed by David Kleinberg and Peter Pennoyer)

In this living room, a mix of patterns in a blue and white colourway lends visual interest and boldness. By varying the scales and dimensions of the patterns, overall balance is maintained. (designed by Kristen Fitzgibbons and Kelli Ford)

In this space, a purple feature wall lends an energetic contrast. Wood accents ground the scheme and lend warmth to the space. (Kristen Fitzgibbons and Kelli Ford)

In this bright and airy kitchen, bamboo bar stools upholstered in a coarse chevron fabric adds a touch of textural and visual interest to the space. (designed by Rod Winterrowd)

In this predominately white entryway, a splash of blue and white creates visual impact and infuses the space with colour. Large scale cherry blossom branches further enhances the dramatic look. (designed by Carolyne Roehm)

In this neutral scheme hallway, porcelain accents in blue and white lend contrast as well as adds a touch of colour to the space. The placement of items creates visual harmony and balance. (designed by John Nicholas Morrison)

In this dining room, blue and white accents are paired with silver grey and British Colonial furniture for a elegant yet exotic feel. (designed by Mary McDonald)

So what you do you think of this colour combination? Are you partial to delftware? Please share your comments with me below. I look forward to seeing them.

*Image Source: Veranda

Rochelle Gores Fredston’s Beverly Hills Home

Philanthropist and board member of the fashion label J. Mendel Rochelle Gores Fredston takes Harper’s Bazaar on a tour of her newly renovated Beverly Hills home. Decorated by Joan Behnke, the space mixes a variety of materials and textures with a sophisticated palette of neutrals for a look that is effortlessly elegant.

Throughout the home, travertine clad walls add a touch of rough luxe to the space. Here metal and glass light fixtures add contrast and create a look that is breathtakingly unique.

In the living room, a palette of grey, navy and cream creates a calming feel. Pops of yellow enliven the space while patterned curtains and a bookcase adds visual interest. Dark stained tiles bring presence to the fireplace.

Travertine soars above a grand dining table that was designed by Behnke. Indoor plants inject the space with a refreshing feel while hints of gold adds a touch of modern glamour to the space.

Curated artwork hangs in an especially designed alcove in a second living room bringing personality to the scheme. Pops of red lend warmth to the space.

In the kitchen, a cool marbled backsplash and island contrasts with dark wood cabinetry. The contemporary design allows the materials to take centerstage within the space.

At the end of this passageway, a geometric inspired console table anchors the space. Dashes of zingy colours adds a dramatic touch and draws your eye to the artwork.

In the patio, again we see a play with materials. Sleek wood furniture in contemporary lines infuses the space with a cosy and welcoming feel. Travertine tiles make an appearance here as well, blending the exterior and interior for a balanced seamless look.

*Image source: Sukio and Harper’s Bazaar