Copper it up – Interiors with a metallic twist

There are a couple of themes which are running through the world of interiors (and fashion come to think of it!) for 2013, one being the colour of emerald green which was crowned Pantone colour of the year for 2013.  Another being pastels with a modern geometric twist …oh …and a little bit of floral!!  We could be forgiven for thinking it has all gone back to the eighties…fortunately not!!

One of the other trends for the year has to be the perfect compliment to these, being the metallic allure of copper… Whether you are looking for a luxurious accent, or something with a bit of industrial edge, then copper may be the perfect solution.  Unfortunately, in it’s raw form it is a pretty scarce commodity and has a pretty high cost to it, but there are plenty of products on the market which mimic the copper allure…. or if you are lucky enough to have some old disused piping lying around then there are some great ideas below.

Going all out copper

If a hint of copper is not your thing then you could go all out with some of the veneers and metal effects on the market to create something a little like the kitchen below…. or if money is no object for your opulent mansion then how about a copper bath to soak away your worries!

Subtle touch

If the all out copper bling is not your thing then bring forth the trusty accent, which lets face it is easily updated when….. well copper is no longer the latest thing……

And if Repurpose is your thing….

Source elledecoration.com

Just mixing it up with colour…..

Complimenting blues

…or giving drama to the darks…..

Where would you use copper?….meanwhile I am going to get on my little copper bike and carry on with the colourful adventure……

Bike by Van Heesh Design

all pictures sourced from Pinterest unless otherwise stated

 

Spice of Life – Indian Interior Influence

Source anindiansummer.com

India is synonymous as the country of colours. whether it be the colourful culture, the streets, the tales that you hear told, the religious symbolism or the sari’s and jewels. From the deep reds of a wedding dress, the orange marigolds displayed in celebrations, or the spices and dyes that laden the markets.

Source – Open Travel

Source roughdreams.com (Calcutta Holi Best)

One commentator on colour has suggested that;

“a country as diverse and culturally vibrant as India, it is perhaps the common, simple expressions of colour that hold together the multitudes of outlooks, lifestyles, and traditions. The symbolism of colour stands out and controls every aspect of life in India, be it religion, politics, festivals, or celebrations. In India, be it the north, south, west, or east, colour and culture go hand in hand.”

So in honour of this vibrance, and perhaps because I am writing this on a very grey day in Sydney, I thought I would showcase a few interiors and accessories which take inspiration from this celebration of colour and culture.

From using a dash of celebration to bring to life a predominantly white space.

Source ElleDecor

I love this idea to make a small child’s room seem spacious, it certainly beats a racing car bed or an over explosion of pink! New york based interior Photographer Pieter Estersohn has created a little palace for his son by creating a wallpaper from one of his photographs….

Source Elle Decor – Photograph Pieter Estersohn

Source http://www.jcodecorating.com

Maison Coloniale

Spicy Accessories

From these unique and whimsical blinds by Sydney designer Kerrie Brown.

To recycled vintage Sari Quilt covers from Niki Jones

Vintage Kantha Quilts – Niki Jones

My favourite has to be this light shade from Kerrie Brown…..

Kerrie Brown Indian Princess with Lute Lampshade

Hand blown glass pendants from Rockett St George are the perfect way to add a subtle flavour of indian colour to your home.

Or on a cold day snuggle up in these kantha quilts from Be-still.com.au

Which is your favourite?…. mean while on with the colourful adventure..

 

Industrial Lace

I have posted on the use of lace in interior design previously, but far from the doily or net curtain style, I am loving the fusion of lace with an industrial look, using materials such as concrete, metal and more textural materials which take it away from it’s more delicate stereotype…. Here are a few of my favourites…

Jo Gibbs – etching onto slate and wood

Lace Lighting – which casts a beautiful shadow around your room…

Source – Rockett St George

Source – Rockett St George

Wallpaper – Young &Battaglia Lace iron fence

Something for the bedroom………………….

Hand screen painting cushions from Rockett St George

…and I love this find on Pinterest for the Lace headboard….. not sure where you would find lace on this scale….

And finally a felt rug by Polish designer Agnieszka Czop which plays on the polish tradition of the doily.

Feeling a little inspired to raid the linen cupboard now!…Meanwhile on with the colourful adventure……

 

Danish Style – Bringing Warmth a Cool Colour Palette

The grey palette is ever increasing in popularity as the colour scheme of the moment, however it is tricky to make greys, which can be quite “cold”, invite you with warmth.  I am loving the Danish restaurant “Host” which was designed by Danish interior design company Norm.  They describe their style so eloquently

“Norm was responsible for the interior design of Höst. [Norm] has created an organic environment in an urban setting. Guests enter into a warm and inviting space and are met with the unmistakable sense of Scandinavian cosiness, while everything is also a bit weathered. Materials that age gracefully are in focus – recycled wood that has washed up on the west coast, granite in uneven pieces, concrete with clear structures and deviations, old cast iron and dented zinc. All of this is offset by a warm trickling light, soft wool rugs and lambskin.”

I just want to get there and snuggle right in!  I am also in love with their collection of dinnerware which was designed in collaboration with Danish design house Menu.  The following photos are a collaboration of Danish design blogger Emma Fexeus and Norm architect / photographer Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen.

Let me know what you think….meanwhile on with the colourful adventure…..

 

Flag Lighting – Moya Delany Style

Moya and her Nato shades – Source Design Files

Melbourne based artist, designer and creator Moya Delany certainly has a very creative eye, and her background is just as colourful and diverse as her creations.  From a student of fine art, through to jewellery and accessory design which saw her in top fashion magazines in the UK, US and Australia… you know Vogue, Harpers Bizarre, Elle….. pretty impressive.

She also had a chance encounter with Debbie Harry ( Blondie) and a NY fashion buyer which got her style noticed by some equally high profile stockists such as Barneys no less.  Moya’s website is well worth a look as is a recent interview on Design Files with Lucy Feagins, which talks about her dream to design Richard Branson’s galactic space lounge…..now there is a dream.  ( I am quite happy to make the sandwiches if you succeed and need a caterer!!)

Whilst Moya still dabbles in her costume jewellery, I am loving her new focus which is creating architectural objects for interiors and custom lighting, especially her oversized NATO lampshades which are made from vintage NATO and US flags….Some of the flags date back to 1895…. so a real vintage repurpose.  The shades are available through Melbourne store Safari Living.

 

Let me know what you think… meanwhile on with the colourful adventure……..

 

Expressions of Interest – Scandinavian wallpaper with a little difference

Sydney is pretty famous for the lavish New Years spectacular of fire works exploding from the bridge and various vantage points in the famous Harbour itself.  Perhaps with this still in my thoughts I was drawn to a mural from the new “Expressions” range called “Fireworks”.  I think their is because it was full of colour, a little unusual and also has the capacity to sit well with the old as well as modern furniture. Certainly more interesting than a plain wall.

The “Expressions range”, released by Scandinavian Wallpaper & Decor, is based on the philosophy that there is a need to express ourselves, or tell our story visually;

“The need to express ourselves and tell our story visually is as old as mankind itself. It lies there deeply imbedded in our DNA – the urge to share our experiences, opinions and thoughts. And all the time art by nature is constantly changing, always adapting its expressions as history unfolds. New styles of art are invented every single day and it is our inherent willpower to experiment that is taking us forward. From cave drawings to the renaissance genius and today’s street artists.” (SW&D)

Here are a few more of my favourites from the range. Let me know what you think….

On with the colourful adventure…..

 

Creatively Speaking – Tam Turnbull “I Like Birds”

One of my favourite streets in Sydney is William Street, in the suburb of Paddington.  It has lots of gorgeous boutique shops, a little Italian Cafe and cute pubs which nestle on the corner to cosy up with a few friends for an after work drink.  One shop which has caught my eye on numerous occasions, probably because of my business name, is “I Like Birds”.  For those of you who love vintage, or like that little nostalgic trip back in time then you will “Like Birds” too.

Tam kindly agreed for me to intrude into her store and answer a few questions for my little Friday spot.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my shop and style both as an ever changing curation of lovely things.

What / Where / Who inspires you?

I find inspiration everywhere. I love magazines, antique centres, flea markets, architecture, gardens, the TV show “American Pickers.”

Where did your love of vintage come from and what makes your style unique to you?

I’ve always been a collector of found objects and second-hand things. Trawling through second-hand markets is my ‘happy place’. I guess my style is unique in that I collect with emotion. I surround myself with things that make me happy, regardless of their practicality. I read a quote recently that said “objects matter beyond their utility”. I couldn’t agree more.

 Which is your favorite piece or pieces and why?

Its impossible for me to pick a favourite piece. There would be at least 20 things that would come equal first on a favourites list.

 What has been the most exciting point in your career so far?

The most exciting point so far in my career would be being featured in Inside Out Magazine earlier this year. Inside Out has been been my design & style bible for many, many years and to be supported by them was a thrill.

If you could commission anyone to make something to sell in your shop who and what would it be?

I would commission Florence Broadhurst to create a signature print for me, for curtains , cushions and wallpaper.

Florence Broadhurst – source Signature Prints

Where would you recommend someone coming to visit your home town visit….where would be the must stop place or places to see

Sydney has so much to see. A ferry tour of the Harbour is a must. And a shop down William Street, Paddington.

Describe your perfect day

My perfect day would be an early visit to my favourite flea market, followed by coffee and the Sunday paper, then a lie down on the sand at Bondi Beach, and cocktails at sunset on my balcony.

Now as much as I love your shop, I love cooking and am always eager to find out a new recipe… what is your favorite dish to cook??

I am a DISASTER in the kitchen. I always joke that paramedics should be on standby when I attempt to cook anything.

 

Creatively Speaking – Adam Jones – Quercus and Co

I have posted a couple of posts on Quercus & Co which is a newly established wallpaper company in Sydney.  Adam Jones the founder and creative talent behind the beautiful wallpaper has kindly agreed for me to interview him and, well time to grab a cuppa, sit back and relax and read on……

How would you describe your work and style?

“I started Quercus & Co earlier this year to design and print wallpaper. I love pattern in general but it’s the all-surrounding eye bending nature of pattern on walls that specifically interests me. I also have a penchant for paper and the quality of marks on paper – inky washes, scratchy charcoal, soft pencil, painterly blobs –it’s these qualities I like to bring to wallpaper. I print with the latest professional inkjet technology onto premium non-woven wallpaper. The digital revolution is incredibly exciting and of course in all honesty, I do love the old school techniques… but a hand-painted watercolour over an entire wall …this is easily done with digital printing.”

What, where and/or who inspires you?

“There are so many things… I’ve devoured magazines like World of Interiors for years – I love the eccentric aristocratic interiors; early/mid 20^th artists, both their work and their homes – check out Edward Bawdens house  - just delightful!

Edward Bawden’s House

The V & A museum and its textile collection and now Pinterest – it’s brilliant how you can follow through links and find the original images, great for research.”

Where did your love of wallpaper design come from and what makes your style unique to you and Quercus & Co?

“I grew up in the 70s in the UK and like many families our house was covered from top to toe in colour and pattern. Even our ceilings had painted polystyrene patterned tiles (I don’t think these would get past fire regulations anymore let alone the style police). I became short-sighted in my teens and was convinced it was because I had stared at the wallpaper for too long – my eyes would go blurry trying to figure out the pattern and how it had been put together. My grandfather was a jigsaw puzzle fanatic and customized his kitchen table with layers of shallow shelves so that he could work on several pictures at a time. Designing wallpaper is like solving a puzzle, moving the motifs around until they slot into place.  As you get older different influences in life pop into your mind and you think ‘ah, that’s where that came from’. I went on to art school and completed a degree at Goldsmiths College, London.

The ‘Quercus style’ is hand-drawn or painted, or hand-crafted, very ‘wabi-sabi’. The designs are printed with a professional inkjet printer in our Redfern studio. I’m very excited about digital printing technology, the possibilities are endless and as with all technology it’s changing at a fast and fabulous pace but at the end of the day it’s basically ink on paper.”

Where did the name Quercus & Co originate from?

“Quercus is the botanical name for Oak Tree, a genus of tree found all over the world and loaded with history and superstition.”

Which is your favorite personal project and why?

“It’s always the next one. My head is constantly swimming with ideas, the hardest thing is staying focused – and completing – what I’m working on.”

What has been the most exciting point in your career to date and why?

“Having only started this new venture less than a year ago the exciting points are still the small things – each time I see the printer churning out my designs I feel thrilled, and again when I see the wallpaper installed in a room, which can be kind of weird, it has a very different energy than when it’s in the production process – soft and gracious, it feels like someone else made it!”

Do you have any major projects in the pipeline at the moment? Can you share these with us???

“The latest collection Caravan is inspired by vintage textiles. I ran out of time to explore ‘Shibori’, so this is on the list to finish very soon.

I designed a 4m high scenic-chinoiserie style gold wallpaper for Fat Noodle in the Treasury, Brisbane. It’s being installed this month, I’m excited and nervous!”

Preparation work for the Brisbane Restaurant – Work In progress

If you could have your wallpaper displayed anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be displayed?

“I love wallpaper in people’s homes and personally prefer it on all walls not just as a feature. It would be lovely to see it in a grand historic home.”

What would be your dream commission?

“A beautiful, boutique hotel – patterned entirely throughout! It would be great to explore the shift in mood and colour from the reception area to the dining room, the hallways and bedrooms.”

For someone coming to visit your home town where would be the must stop place or places be for them to visit ?

“I take new visitors on a drive along the coast from Clovelly to Watsons Bay. The Gap is one of my favourite places in Sydney, dramatic and sublime no matter what the weather.  Lunch at Kitchen By Mike

Kitchen By Mike

Bourke St Bakery

or coffee and cake at Bourke St bakery – easy, low key and very much what locals like to do. White Rabbit Gallery always has something amazing on show.”

Describe your perfect day

“A perfect work day is when I’m drawing or painting a new design, usually on the weekend when I can legitimately shut off all other aspects of the business. Firstly pottering around at home, watering the plants, eating a relaxed breakfast and then later in the day my partner will pick me up from the studio and we to go the beach – Little Congwong on Botany Bay. Just an hour or so of late afternoon Sydney sun is enough to feel like you live on permanent holiday.”

Now as much as I love your work, I love cooking and am always eager to find out a new recipe… what is your favorite dish to cook?

I’m not a great cook but do enjoy experimenting, even unsuccessfully! This is a fool-proof modest dish and very easy to modify depending on what you have in the fridge.

Vine ripened cherry tomatoes

Kalamata olives

A few cloves of garlic

Torn pieces of proscuitto

Fresh or dried oregano

Liberal amounts of extra virgin olive oil

Fettucine

Crumbled feta

Basil leaves

Pop all the first ingredients onto a baking tray in the oven and roast until the tomatoes are browned and the prosciutto crispy. Toss with the fettucine and sprinkle with feta, basil and a dash more olive oil.

Variations can include added eggplant, zucchini, capsicum, chilli or swap the prosciutto for  anchovy or pepperoni or chorizo! The better quality the ingredients, the tastier the flavour.

 

Designer Man Cave – A night with Timothy Oulton

Being a Brit I was a little bit excited when I heard that Timothy Oulton was coming to launch his range of furniture and accessories in Sydney – it seems that the Aussies are secretly embracing that Union Jack flag… (although I suspect it is more the embrace of the old school charm)….

….and even more excited last week when I received a very posh invite in the post to the launch!!!!

Tim has been given the chance to show case his range as part of the designers collections at Coco Republic.  The London connection was evident from the moment you walked in the door, with a London black cab and red telephone box poised by the red carpet (for a quick photo shoot…..yes maybe I should have sorted my hair out!)…..

Waiters then greeted you in bowler hats and black waste coats and a glass of Veuve (Oh if I must!) and hidden in the vintage circus themed corner was a british pick and mix!  With sherbet flying saucers, swizzle sticks and Maynards wine gums…..

(I had to adopt the position of sweet translator to the guests, as these apparently cannot be purchased in Oz, but I loved the excuse of being able to transport myself back to the days of Woolworths pick and mix!!)… anyway I digress…. Lets get back to the man of the night…..

Tim hales from a family of antique dealers, and from that morphed into reproduction furniture.  Tim was introduced as someone who very rarely does interviews, but given the night was about his products, he could not escape a couple of questions being thrown at him. Tim explained that his furniture pulls in his knowledge from his family antique connections, but stated that antiques are not really in trend, as such he has pulled in the ideas and inspirations of antiques to create furniture which brings the past into the future.

I perhaps am not so convinced that antiques are dead, I think most would prefer the original to a reproduction.  Where Tim succeeds is that he takes the inspiration and mixes it up a little to create something which is not an exact reproduction, bringing it up to date.  For example old chests becoming writing desks, or mixing up the delicacy and grandeur of a chandelier with the industrial / medieval textures of wrought iron which add a little romance to the masculinity. ( apologies for the wobbly photo’s – probably too many wine gums!!!)

Aviator Chair – Inspired by the Spitfire

The designs are very masculine and as such would be great for the more flamboyant (money not too much of an object) man cave or batchelor pad.  Although that said, I could quite happily go couple of the spitfire inspired aviator chairs in my girl cave!!!  I also loved the whole set design around the furniture…. Yep could get used to this idea of a girl cave…. with lashings of verve and sherbet flying saucers!!

Tim has been opening stores all over the globe from Dallas to Hong Kong.  Admitting that he managed to get the Coco Republic Australia gig by sending his young son to sweet talk the representative in the Subway sandwich shop. When asked what his son got for pulling in the gig, he responded a “Subway Sandwich”….Hopefully he will take him home a couple of swizzle sticks and sherbet flying saucers as well!!!

How would you do up your man / girl cave?…. meanwhile on with the colourful journey ( and my bag of goodies!)……

 

Beware the Moon – Wallpaper with Attitude

UK based “Beware the Moon” is a wallpaper company with a difference.  It is a collaboration made up of father and daughter John and Louise Wakefield, who have combined their skills of design, renovation and photography, with a dash of their experiences from vast travel and sprinkled this with their, perhaps more obscure, interests from atomic energy, lucite guitars and microlights, to sharks, perfumery and herbal medicine.

Beware the Moon is an expression of their creative collaboration and mutual will to produce wallpaper that pushes the industry’s boundaries and catches the imaginative eye – from intriguing motifs to unusual pigments.  The brand’s foundations are in time-honoured craftsmanship rather than new-fangled fad.  The aim is to keep the British wallpaper trade with its feet firmly on the ground…but its head in the clouds.”

The recipe starts off with a traditional, non-digital approach. Hand drawings, cut outs and good old fashion pencils and erasers.  You almost imagine a little elf like production line as they joke about (well I think they are joking… maybe not!) taking their designs to various specialists who “are squeezed and pressed until techniques are perfected and delicious wallpaper emerges”.

I love their mission statement which simply says they are”…taking over the world one downstairs loo at a time…”

They have been the pioneers of using glitter in wallpaper, iridescent inks that change colour as you move past and a new holographic undercoat.

The first three designs the company launched with form a loose theme of denial (Ostrich), desire (She) and death/rebirth (Skulls).  The 3D Foils – Jam Jars and Quantum Foam – were launched in December 2010 for the sheer fascination they arouse.

Ostrich

Skulls

She

3D Holographic

If you are looking for something a little different, whether it be for a downstairs loo or a out their club Beware the Moon may well be a good starting point. Admittedly not for everyone, but hey you only live once!

Meanwhile on with the colourful journey……