Monday 24 October 2011

Flooring obsession: Polished concrete

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I am obsessed with polished concrete flooring. I don't understand why it isn't used in homes more often. From what I have researched so far, it is reasonably priced, durable and available in a variety of colours.

Look how pretty it is....

Via Art School Vets

via House to Home

via Trendir

via ARH Decoration

It can work in all areas of the home and I especially love this inside to out effect...

via White and Reid
What's not to love?!

Sunday 16 October 2011

Window shopping: ABC Carpet & Home

You may have remembered from a couple of posts ago that I went to New York last month. Whilst I was there I visited a few home interior stores (naturally!) and my favourite by far was ABC Carpet & Home.


Located in the Flatiron district, the store is in a beautiful building and has the most amazing and inspiring displays of furniture, accessories and soft furnishings spread over its six floors. There is no set style, they sell modern, retro and antique from shabby chic to minimalist. If you ever visit New York, this is a must for interior design fans. In case you don't get to go any time soon, here are some pics for you to enjoy.


















The attention to detail with the presentation was amazing, displaying an eclectic mix of furniture in stunning surroundings that included antique wooden floors, exposed brick and bare plaster.



I can't wait to go back again! In the mean time, I will have to make do with browsing their website.

Until next time x

Wednesday 5 October 2011

Getting creative: Home made whiteboard

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From this
To this....

Like this (with some help of some white spray paint)....


Just use a whiteboard marker on the glass and you have yourself a bespoke, attractive, whiteboard!

Sunday 2 October 2011

Jewel tones jewel tones everywhere


It may be the glorious sunshine we have been having in London this autumn, but this week I have noticed a lot of chat around jewel tones, not just interiors chat but clothing retailers too. At a time of year when the darker, more wintery colours start to appear it seems that the fashion and interiors industry knew that we would be having an Indian summer and have come prepared!



The October issue of Elle Decoration is where I first noticed this opulent contrasting palette
These rich brights have come straight out of a jewellery box - sapphire, ruby, amethyst, emerald. Altogether in a room they produce a feeling of luxury, without feeling stuffy or overpowering. In this room below (courtesy of 10 Rooms) the deep blue is complimented and made more vibrant by the contrasting pinks and yellows. The white, along with the reflective surfaces balances out the darkness.


Re-balancing the palette to make the red tones a focus, gives this next room a completely different feel.
via Little Blue Deer
This feels really fresh, I love the turquoise lamp which looks cool and refreshing against the warm reds, purples and pinks. White is used again here to add a lightness to the room.

It is a brave move to go crazy with these colours in your home in such large proportion, but never fear - they will work in small doses too. Some chairs and a lamp brighten up this otherwise fairly rustic room.
via Interiors Porn
And Designer's Guild new Amrapali range brings us bursts of jewel tones, balances with that all important white



Whilst they may be the trend du jour, their richness means they work all year round and so when used thoughtfully, they have the staying power to be more than just a seasonal trend.