This is too nice not to share, Unique fabrics newly release Avalon Flamingos
Beautiful styling – so appealing for winter, just add a good book and a glass of Red.
Unique Fabrics wallpaper by Arte
Category: All blog posts
traditional plain interiors transformed into modern contemporary spaces
I recently completed a Perfect Combination Project – A blank canvas spec home + existing clients on their second project = boundaries pushed with amazing results!
The newly constructed spec home was beautifully proportioned but super plain – so plain it made you sleepy!! Client brief was to add some personality, warmth and interest so we set to work……..
The Master bedroom was spacious opening out onto a sunny courtyard but lacked any redeeming features so we added Harlequin wallpaper, Hemptech fabric and Bianca Lorenne Bed linen.
Feature wallpaper was repeated in the Lounge with dramatic effect, an existing David Shaw Chair was revitalized with new Harlequin fabric.
Another stunning Harlequin wallpaper in the entrance added drama
These simple additions change the house to a home.
A space well and truly stamped with the clients personality.
Elegant Country house renovated to its inspirational former glory
I know my work has been completed on a project when it’s time to put a call out to Amanda – my trusted photographer. It’s exciting and kind of sad in a way too as it can be a long process getting to this point. On a large complex project it’s not unusual for many months to pass working alongside clients getting to know the in’s and out’s of the family’s life, visualizing each part of the home always with the ultimate vision in mind.
The images below are testament to this very process. I had the privilege to began work on this project 2 years ago – no that’s not a typo it really did take 2 years to ensure we left no stone unturned. When we began renovating, the home was terribly neglected it was shocking to see a magnificent home so ruined by weather, fortunately the beautiful bones where in tact although in serious need of TLC!!
Bridge beams were originally white washed, Jarrah flooring water damaged, structural features were hidden, some rooms had never been completed and that was just the tip of the iceberg!
My brief was to create an elegant but comfortable country home – take a look at the results
The clients had quality furniture that was also worth renovating, couches were re upholstered, family pieces were unearthed from storage and reinvented, notably the elegant arm chair in JD Madagascar Paradise. Bespoke pieces were locally sourced, the Ottoman in Harlequin Purple Snakeskin and Button Backed dining chairs in matching colored pairs.
We altered the layout of the kitchen to become open plan incorporating the bridge beam into the Stone Island bench top.
Bathrooms were elegantly restyled to fit seamlessly with the essence of the grand country home.
A combination of wonderful clients with open minds, a team of brilliant local tradesmen made the project an absolute pleasure ….. A good job well done I think!
Practical kitchens
As we gallop towards the festive season time spent dreaming of the perfect kitchen seems to increase, all the little niggles that you’ve had over the year seem to amplify, the drawer runners are sticker, the cupboards don’t cope with the mountain of food you brought back from the supermarket and the rubbish seems to multiply as soon as you turn your back!
So while you dice, season and stir hold those thoughts and make a list of all the things that don’t function in your kitchen then make a wish list, start a scrap-book of styles you like, remember the new kitchen needs to sit well within the architecture of your home, when its finished it should look like it belongs.
How the kitchen looks is important but beyond that is how functions, it must be a practical space with careful planning storage can be optimised even within the smallest of spaces. The clever folk at Blum have a fantastic range of products that do just that, hardware that transforms the space under your sink
SPACE TOWER larder units, customised to any width and configuration make easy access pantry storage. ORGA-LINE cutlery and utensil divisions provide a place for everything. Soft-close BLUMOTION allows drawers and doors to close softly and effortlessly.
Blum have two inspiring showrooms, locations here, that are well worth a visit. It’s a opportunity for a try before you buy experience of their practical DYNAMIC SPACE systems. Believe me there is no going back once you have seen whats on offer.
colour me green
Response to our bold choice of colour for Ultimate Homes show home at The Lakes subdivision in Tauranga has been nothing but positive!
The show home boasts a stunning cliff top location with an unexpected panoramic view. The decision to use Dulux Wright Hill was a simple case of bringing the outside in.
Wright Hill is a soft shade of green with a slight yellow base so the effect is both soft and refreshing at the same time, the walls have become a back drop to the view and the home has buckets of personality!
I always encourage my clients to be bold with colour, don’t be afraid to stamp your home with YOUR personality after all at the end of the day it’s just a pot of paint!
Go on …. do it!
My new blog
I have created this blog so I can share with you my inspirations, knowledge and favourite products, all of which are a constantly evolving part of my daily work as an Interior Designer.
“Don’t make something unless it is both necessary and useful… and if it’s both necessary and useful then don’t hesitate to make it beautiful”
I love to live and work by this Danish Design Institute quote; I hope I can inspire you to live by this idea as well!
I am blessed to have such a wonderful career, I love working with people helping them to create homes that are uniquely theirs, join me on a bloggers journey of design and don’t forget to remind yourself of the quote as you surround yourself with the things you love.