From Design with in Reach, clockwise left to right: Zebra cowhide $2,250.00, Sheep Skin throw $100-250.00, Manuscript rug $3,400.00, Jehs and Laub Ottoman and chair $1,749.00-3,565.00, Malm fireplace $1,500.00, Eames Le Chaise $9,475.00, Taraxacum 88 Suspension light$4,760.00, Alto Credenza $2,900.00. Fabric from Maharam Geometri black/white and Eames dot.
What is contrast? Contrast is the juxtaposition of opposing elements. For example,opposite colours on the colour wheel – red / green, blue / orange etc. Contrast in tone or value, light and dark.
A trend we are beginning to see emerge is the contrast of black and white in interior furnishings and textiles. It is not the first time we’ve seen this heavy contrast over the years but I’m always happy to see it re-surface!
When you apply this remember to keep the prints and patterns in the accessories and your staple pieces in white or black to keep the composition united. Too much pattern and contrast in one room can make the space look disjointed and confusing. The last thing you want to do is give your house guests the head spins when they enter your living room.
(images via, decorpad, houzz, modern house, martha stewart)
Company: Casamania, The Robox, designed by: Fabio Novembre of Italy, 2011 www.casamania.it
Company: Extremis, The Hopper bench designed by Birk Wynants of Belgium www.extremis.be (One of several pieces from the line)
Company: Casamania, The Martime designed by Benjamin Hubert of Great Britain, 2011 www.casamania.it (LOVE This chair)
Company: Vondom The Fiesta Bar www.vondom.com (above two images – indoor outdoor bar)
Company: Established & Sons, The Cape designed by Konstantin Grcic of Germany, 2011 (upholstered sofa with over cover)
Company: Poltrona Frau, The Ginger designed by Roberto Lazzeroni of Italy, 2011
Cyclone lounger in reclaimed Ipê wood and powdercoated steel by Uhuru Design, 718-855-6519; uhurudesign.com. circle 621
Neutrals have their place in every home, the key is layering different shades of white in the same room to give depth and visual interest. If the whites match perfectly the space will just look flat and uninviting.
Looking for Coastal living decor: Think soft shades of blue and turquoise, warm orange and coral accents and rustic weathered wood furniture in teak or natural finishes.
Location: Union Square lower Manhattan
Architect/Owner: David Howell
Use: It was once a Music studio space in 1980′-90′s and then it was used as a photography studio before being converted into a family home.
David transformed this industrial commercial space into a beautiful home for his family of 4. Taking his inspiration from Soho art galleries his colour palette is very minimal, being predominately white with warm black walnut accents and a variety of lighting which showcase his art collection and adds interest throughout the house.
Highlights:
The Lighting in this home is truly inspiring, every room has an unexpected light fixture, placement or detail. The more you look at the images the more creative uses of light you find.
a) In the living room- his (random) grouping and placement of the wall mounted lights is a creative and dynamic way to add some personality into the space.
b) In his daughters room – his playful use of colour on the wall, the sun umbrella pendant lights and the funky art and accessories.
Images via: www.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com
Spring is in the air…. so get outside!
We did it, we made it half way through April and finally the weather is slowly improving to “spring” conditions. What better to get inspired than getting your outdoor space ready for a new season. Whether it is a backyard you’re working on or an urban oasis (aka rented 5′x8′ balcony) there are a ton of design options to you geared up for the summer.
Vintage is everywhere, some of it true vintage, and some new made to look weathered and worn. I love the vintage look true or new because it has so much detail and ornamentation and is typically constructed from good quality materials like solid wood and/or brass, iron and other metals that age in rustic ways. Garage sales and antique stores are great ways to find some good staple pieces for your home…but if you aren’t the garage sale type you can find great products in retail stores too.
For Antique stores in Toronto….
1. Penny Arcade Vintage1177 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X3(647) 346-1386
2. Marty Millionaire 345 Queen St East, Toronto - (416) 366-6433
3. Sam the Chandelier Man 1633 Queen St. W. (at Roncesvalles Ave.)
4. Pickwicks choice 1698 Queen St. W. (at Roncesvalles Ave.)
Happy Hunting!!
(feature image via: www.countryliving.com and www.elledecor.com)
Yellow is a fun colour and always makes an emergence in the spring summer/summer seasons. Make your room or outdoor space pop by adding bright yellow accents to a neutral colour palette.
Some products to inspire you: Coral pendant lamp by David Trubridge, area rug by Anthropologie, accent pillows from West Elm , kitchen towel from West Elm, Industrial lamps by West Elm and trendy Ikat yellow fabric from Pottery Barn.
Images via (Elle decor, Country living, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Anthropolgie, www.davidtrubridge.com)
The bathroom is a great room to renovate. With a smaller square footage you can splurge on great flooring, wall tiles, fixtures and finishes. It can also be that room in your house where you have more fun with design, trying bold wall paper prints, patterned mosaic wall or floor tiles, wall paneling and other design details that make your room pop.
Today’s notebook page focuses on two looks:
1. Calm and serine with soft blue/grey colours accented with white tiles and accessories. Incorporation natural black walnut in the cabinetry and millwork. For the hardware try a mix of pewter pulls and antique glass knobs to give a touch of sophisticated glamor.
2. Warm and welcoming with yellow and orange based neutrals accented with cream tiles. Alabaster and marbles are the perfect flooring option in this look because they the can have a cream base with veins of oranges, browns and yellows. Incorporate reclaimed woods like hickory or pine stained in a dark brown finish. For hardware try black iron knobs and pulls.
