Working With What You Have

Remember this?

I was super inspired and excited about my design proposal for my client's dining room.

Here is what I came up with:

1.Barker & Stonehouse Chair  2.Ikea Stockholm Dining Table  3.Crystal Chandelier - image 17 here

I chose the Saarinen-like uphostered chairs to soften the room, and the Ikea Stockholm table for its warm wood tone and interesting legs. Hanging above the table are two crystal chandeliers, and on the back wall, two framed pieces balance out the off-centre window. I also had big plans for a traditional rug and modern geometric pillows on the bench.

Then I was shot down in flames. Womp womp.

Well, not quite. After much thought and deliberation, my client decided to to redistribute the budget and use his existing dining set. We did get the chandelier, but just one, as the dining table is smaller than the Ikea Stockholm.

I was quite disappointed, but its all a part of the process I suppose.

I read so many great design blogs, but they never seem completely realistic in that they never seem to mention proposals being rejected. In many ways it's like Facebook - people only show you what they want you to see. So I thought I would share this experience anyway, because sometimes you just have to work with what you have.

I will keep you posted on how the room progresses.

Basket Pendant Lust

This image is fast becoming the hussy of the internet.

Photos of this St. Barts home have been doing the rounds for ages now, and I'm pretty sure that somewhere I have the very magazine issue that the shoot features in.

The high contrast colour scheme is balanced by the baskets, a touch of greenery, and of course the over-sized rattan pendants that really just seal the deal for me. They lend the room much needed warmth, and provide texture in the most spectacular way. They are also single-handedly responsible for my 2 day, marathon-like internet search, of all images basket pendant related. Here are my favourites:

IBDB

Residence

Contemporary Living Room by Sydney Home Builders Capital Building

Annaleenas Hem

This then led to me desperately trying to source a similar pair for above the living area and dining area in our new flat . After looking, brainstorming, and then looking some more (and even plotting to have big baskets sent over from Burma to convert to pendants), I found this little beauty - right. under. my. nose. (She can even be stained or painted).

 

Benjamin Dhong

Remodelista

I then crossed my fingers and prayed to the lighting gods that the scale was right for our new space. According to my CAD drawing, the larger size is pretty spot on!

So, I think these may be the ones, or at least are top of the list right now. I tend to change my mind constantly when it comes to designing my own spaces, and with a move in date that is still a vague "between August and September", I'm definitely keeping an eye out.

In the mean time, suggestions are more than welcome. If you see something that you think I would love, send it on over!

Dining in Style

It's ok. Really, I'm alive.

The last few weeks have been loco, with loads going on. I have been working on a freelance project that is moving quite quickly - so quickly in fact that I haven't even had time to do small, necessary tasks, like tweeze my eyebrows. Frida Kahlo, eat your heart out.

My client has just bought a two bedroom flat in the lovely environs of Notting Hill and I have been tasked with designing the living room, bedrooms, and dining room. Work has already begun on site in the living room and bedrooms (ripping out a fireplace and shelves, wiring for wall lights, etc.), but this coming week I will be turning my attention to the dining room.

The built in cupboards provide ample storage, so there is no need for a sideboard, and the walls are to remain neutral. I'm literally just kitting out the space with seating, a table, lighting and accessories.

My client isn't a huge fan of curtains, so ideally I would love add some texture to the space with a banquette under the windows, and an abundance of pillows, like so:

BHG

BHG via Pinterest

LA Design Portfolio

I love that this look is completely versatile - it provides heaps of options, as the banquette looks great with round, square or rectangle tables. Fingers crossed that my client agrees and gives me the go ahead!