This week

So much inspiration...here's what's on my board this week

maggi hambling - wave

the socialite family

the socialite family

wishflowers.tumblr.com

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Can you guess what I'm working on...?
Giving you little hint...I'm shopping for art and windows for one client hence images #1 and #4 (amazing inspiration from the talented Maggi Hambling and stunning industrial style windows add character to this great living area with a lovely view over the courtyard).
Also buying an AJ's floor lamp for another client (I definitely have a crush on these beautiful lamps)
Finally, I'm currently stalking all things velvet (don't know why-are you obsessed with velevet too? - image 3) and loving deep, earthy colours (using them in a beautiful newly refurbished apartment - inspired by image 2)
What about you? What are you up to this week?

CLx

Shopping for artwork

It's not easy. It can be difficult, even frustrating - especially if it's your first time. Where should you start and what should you do? Before you go to a dealer, you should look around, do some research, google the artists and styles that you like, then contact a few dealers and/or consultants in your area and ask as many questions as possible about both emerging and established artists, their type of work, their styles, size of their work etc - it is an investment after all. At home you should make a note of the aspect of the room, the decor, favourite objects, colours, the  size you have in mind for the artwork, the style (is it going to be a painting, canvas or photograph or...?) plus the style and size of your frame if applicable. If it becomes too stressful (perhaps you have too much to choose from, or there's a budget issue, or not enough time to shop around) you are indecisive and need some guidance you can hire a consultant - art consultants will charge an hourly rate and will help you select some beautiful artwork for your home - most dealers offer this type of service, just phone your local gallery or check online. If you are unsure about colours and styles and perhaps you do not want to visit an art dealer you could hire an interior designer or a colour consultant - most designers have plenty of contacts and will help you find the right piece of art at the right price in no time. Another great (and inexpensive) way to own art is to visit local markets and second-hand shops, they can be filled with the most amazing treasures. Or you might like to support a local artist (which is a great way to start an art collection) - there are a lot of talented emerging artists out there, you could start by ringing your local council - they'll have a list of upcoming exhibitions mainly run by the local art society (a group of very talented and enthusiastic local artists) - the exhibitions are a great way to meet the artists in person, have a chat with them about their art and media and get to know their styles.  

Finally if you do not want to fully commit to one piece of art and would like some flexibility remember that you can hire artwork too (yes!) it's a great way to rotate styles, size etc. and instantly refresh the look of your home.

Important #1 rule - only buy it if you love it.

images 2,3,4,5 caldesign; 1, the block sky high (matt and kim - foyer)

CLx

Monday inspiration / neon

I'm working on a new project this week (am creating some colourful artwork) 

The image below inspired me (it's on my mood board right now)

I love the look of neon and grey together - I think it's super cool, don't you?

Why does it work?

In this case the splashes of neon are balanced by the grey background wall and the pale timber floorboards which create a much needed 'rest area' for the eye and add a subtle warmth to the room without being overpowering - it's perfection if you ask me.

I think this would make a great studio or 'chill out zone' for teenagers and/or grown-ups.

What would you add? What would you take away?

Would you live with neon?

CLx

image via here

White + gold + black

When you spend all day, everyday thinking colour combos, interiors, art and furniture like me, you might (only occasionally) feel a tiny bit tired of bright colours and busy rooms -  thats when your inspiration board might start to look a little like mine (lots of white and neutrals including shells, pebbles and twigs). White (the right shade of white - see my post here) instantly injects peace and tranquility into a space especially when paired with neutrals...I like it with splashes of gold and black, it's elegant and warm - I've used white + gold + black in my latest scheme/project, for a beautiful new, open, airy and bright living room. Here's what inspired my colour scheme

CLx

images the glossier nerd

Monday inspiration / a splash of colour

I am a great supporter of neutral walls and floors, a blank canvas is in my opinion a great way to showcase colourful art, furniture, accessories and beautiful objects. 

A wonderful example of the above theory is the stunning home below (via the design files) sporting gorgeous neutral walls and floors...who said neutral interiors had to be boring? On the contrary they can be very exciting indeed - just judge for yourself.

colourful art can look incredible

quirky and gorgeous lemon stand

a splash of colour outdoors, gorgeous!

a photo mural...stunning choice, don't you think?

red stools...yes please!

CLx

images via the design files

Selecting natural stone for your home

The process can be daunting due to the great variety of styles, cuts and finishes that are available on the market today but it can be simplified by observing a few simple rules.
1) Style - it's very important to know where you are heading with your design/look, collect as many pictures as possible, pick a couple of styles that you really like, make sure you know what 'final look' you are after;
2) Do some research - look for a supplier online, read a few articles, find out more about the stone you are thinking of using;
3) Get familiar with some of the terminology - honed, filled, unfilled, etc.;
4) Visit a supplier to make sure that you know what the product looks like + ask as many questions as possible (now is the time) and make sure that the stone you choose is the right one for the job/area.

A favourite of mine is Carrara marble, I like to use it in kitchens and bathrooms, for it has a timeless appeal and once treated it is very easy to maintain; it can suit different styles too which is fantastic and marries well with numerous paint colours and styles of cabinetry; it also looks great used as a detail (see here)

via here

via here

via here

Another favourite of mine is travertine, I love the variation of colour and texture plus it looks great both inside and out, the larger tiles look particularly striking outdoors (see link to project below)

caldesign

more pictures here.

CLx

A vision in white

My current project has been inspired by this Swedish apartment seen here. It's going to be an 'all white interiors' and am in the process of selecting colours for the walls, skirting + materials - an easy task for a colour consultant you may think but that's not always the case. 

So what is the process I go through when selecting a colour? (in this particular case the right shade of white)

First of all I take a couple of elements into consideration, those elements being:

1) The style (of the house) - cool shades of white are better suited to contemporary homes while creamier/yellower shades look great in more traditional/older style homes;

2) Light - very important element when painting a room - the position needs to be taken into consideration (north facing rooms are brighter, warmer and therefore can afford a cooler and/or darker shade, while south facing rooms will need a warmer/lighter shade depending on the look one is trying to achieve). It's important to observe how the light changes during the day - this can be achieved by painting a few shades of white on reasonable size boards and have them placed in the room/s for a couple of days.

I'll also have to consider:

3) The mood/feeling the client wants to achieve in the room - it's important to establish/learn what the space will be used for;

4) The furniture and art they'd like to include in the scheme - often a rug or a collection of artwork are a great starting point for a colour consultant.

After the initial consultation with the client (where I collect all the relevant information, including the elements above) I return to my office and start to put a mood/presentation board together. I usually return to my client a few days later, with ideas, colours, pictures and sketches (when applicable).

More white inspired pictures (on my inspiration board atm)

images via here

CLx