A Touch of Brass

There was a time in the not so distant past, that I associated all things brass with an antiquated 80's aesthetic (complete with oppressive wood paneling and floral sofas).

However, over the past few years, not only has brass enjoyed a sort of renaissance, but I have also made a complete u-turn and fallen head over heels for the warm metal - particularly the brushed variety.

Brass accents have the ability to warm up even the most arctic rooms, and stand out against rich dark shades. What more could one ask for?

Source: interiorsbystudiom.com via Michelle Jennings Wiebe on Pinterest

There is something so grown up and sophisticated about the brass staircase above, and I just couldn't imagine it making the same impact if it were, for example, made of stainless steel.

Here are more of my favourite rooms, touched by brass.

Source: goldandgray.blogspot.com via Caribbean on Pinterest

  

Eclectic Bedroom design by Dc Metro Interior Designer Lauren Liess Interiors

Eclectic Bathroom design by New York Architect Ken Levenson Architect P.C.

Source: deringhall.com via Lou on Pinterest

Contemporary Bathroom design by San Francisco Interior Designer Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

Contemporary Dining Room design by San Francisco Interior Designer Niche Interiors

Eclectic Kitchen design by Other Metro Architect elegueller arquitetos

Contemporary Living Room design by San Francisco Interior Designer Cheryl Burke Interior Design

Pssst...there will be no post next week as I'm off on a weekend jolly to Copenhagen - but do follow me on instagram @designgratis

Modern Style

I have had the kind of weekend where every single minute is devoted to something or another.

I have brought work home from the office, resulting in dreams about retail space planning (scintillating), and a hand which seems to be permanently stuck in the "pencil holding" position. On the other hand, I have also partaken in a slow indulgent lunch which involved a sushi buffet and unlimited champagne...my idea of heaven.

With that said, I will leave you with eye candy from The Library - a light, bright, inspiration filled boutique hotel in Koh Samui. Remember when you're done to pick your jaw up off the floor.

Yeah, that's a red pool.

More here.

Making a Statement in the Bedroom

Much like an "it" handbag or perfect pair of heels to an outfit, the bed can make all the difference to a bedroom and is the simplest way to create a focal point.

Here are my top 3 picks for statement beds.

-   Four-Poster   -

via Design Stiles

via La Dolce Vita

via Katiedid

via Raft Furniture

via Design Heaven

Sculptural and commanding, the posts draw the eye up... but probably not the best idea if your room is on the smaller side. If you want four poster drama without the commitment, the faux four poster (last photo above) could an good option.

-   Upholstered with Nail Head Trim   -

via Decorpad

via La Dolce Vita

via Splendid Sass

via Decor Arts Now

via 6th Street Design School

The nail head detailing creates a tailored aesthetic, and makes for a great DIY project. Go the whole hog and build the headboard from scratch, or simply just add nail head trimming to an existing headboard.

-   Tufted   -

via Nuevo Estilo

via Simply Seductive

via La Dolce Vita

 

Credit Unknown

via Dust Jacket Attic

I'm sure I've mentioned before my obsession with all things button tufted - it is the absolute bees knees in my book. Classic yet trendy, I would pair this bed with simple white bedding. Brass touches and a printed cushions for the win.

Architecturally Interesting: Wainscoting

I was reminded of my huge crush on wainscoting a few days ago, when a friend sent me a link of a house she had viewed. Foyer envy? I have it.

You see, I didn't see the oppressive oak paneling, nor did I acknowledge the dated brass chandelier or dark red carpet, because all I could see was this:

Traditional Staircase design by San Francisco Architect FGY Architects

Bright and inviting, traditional, yet current - the above image proves that wainscoting doesn't have to be old fashioned or fuddy duddy.

There's something about the crisp detailing that adds impact to a space, and creates a finished aesthetic - in addition to drawing the eye up.

Originally used as insulation and a way of protecting walls from damp, the architectural element has existed for centuries. Wainscoting is mostly decorative now, and is a great way to add dimension to any space.

Here are more of my favourite examples:

Modern Living Room design by Nashville Interior Designer Beckwith Interiors

Contemporary Home Office design by Los Angeles Photographer Erika Bierman Photography

Traditional Kids design by Chicago Architect SPACE Architects + Planners

Contemporary Dining Room design by Austin Architect Tim Cuppett Architects

Traditional Bedroom design by Cincinnati Interior Designer Karen Spiritoso Home Designs By Karen

via Homestork

via Homestork

Traditional Hall design by Austin Architect Tim Cuppett Architects

Add a dose of strong colour - either on or above the wainscot, and a more modern look is achieved.

Traditional Staircase design by Austin Architect Tim Cuppett Architects

Contemporary Dining Room design by Dallas Interior Designer Beth Dotolo, RID, ASID

via Apartment Therapy

Surprisingly, wainscoting is relatively simple and inexpensive to add to walls. So if you're inspired and would like to add a bit of architectural interest to one of your rooms, this tutorial is a great place to start.

Winter White Rooms

Waking up in London this morning, one could be forgiven for thinking it was Narnia, thanks to the steady snowfall and wintery blanket it created overnight.

Despite my many years in London, I remain an island girl at heart, and the novelty of snow has never quite worn off.

Peering out of the window behind my bed this morning, I was met with the view of swirling flakes and a distinct feeling of being trapped in a snow globe - understandable, given that I was still half asleep. Within seconds though, I was in the lounge, torso hanging out of our large sash window snapping photos, much to the dismay of my boyfriend.

Inspired by this ethereal environment, I began to imagine the setting as a living room, and then a bedroom, and soon my thoughts snowballed (see what I did there?) into this very post.

Here is a compilation of some of my favourite white spaces, as well as tips to keep in mind when creating a winter wonderland room of your own.

1. Mix your whites. Pairing cool bright whites with warm beige shades creates variation, and prevents the space feeling flat.

via Lonny

via Busy Being Fabulous

2. Add a little black for contrast and depth.

via Apartment Therapy

via Obsessions of a Dangerous Mind

via Lonny

3. Touches of texture in the form of baskets, wood grain, or fur lend a huge hand in warming up the space.

via Heart Home

via House to Home

via 0509 Ravenous

 Here's what I would do, if we lived in a budget free world:

Tripod Floor Lamp, West Elm £182.26. Lampert Tufted Sofa, Jonathon Adler £2,195. Meurice Chandelier, YLiving $894.30. Dalton Coffee Table, Arhaus $799. RAR Rocker, Haus £275.60. Shag Pouf, Calypso St. Barth $425. Cow Hide Rug, Toast £265. Tarnby Rug, Ikea, £80