Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.

As it slowly warms up, and the thought of leaving work in daylight becomes an actual possibility (rather than a far-fetched dream), my interior design musings have undoubtedly taken on a spring-like flavour.

The concept of florals for spring is certainly predictable, and possibly even yawn inducing, however the floral wall coverings I've been day dreaming about lately are bold and impactful. I'm talking large scale, unapologetic, not so dainty wall coverings. These are not your nan's wall covering. These would leave even Miranda Priestly inspired.

via Ellie Cashman

via Amber Interiors

The wallpapers above (both by Ellie Cashman) are artistic masterpieces. The rich dark colours are bang on whatever the season.

via Poppytalk and Murals Your Way

via Oly Studio

via Surface View

These wall mural and sticker examples are lighter and brighter, but still pack a visual punch.

Here's what I what I would do (Dried Roses wall mural by Photowall):

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

So Long Summer: Trends for the Season

My love affair with Jaeger began a year or so ago, when one morning I woke up and suddenly realised I was a grown up.

Don't get me wrong, I still have a soft spot for Topshop and the like, but I love Jaeger's well made, tailored pieces, and I love the effortlessly stylish look that those pieces create. What I don't love is the price tag, but luckily they have great sales!

So as you can imagine, I did a little happy dance when the invite below popped up in my inbox.

Shopping, pampering, and free booze? Yup, count me in.

The show was an introduction to the new collection and latest autumn trends. Apologies for the fuzzy mobile photos, there was wine involved. 

As I watched, I began to think about fashion trends, and how they relate to interior design.

More often than not, trends between the two are similar if not interchangeable. For instance, just look at the prevalence of mint green and neon this summer in both fashion and interiors.

This contemplation inspired me to translate Jaeger's autumn looks into the sphere of interior design.

Jaeger Floral Dress £199, Scott Wilson for Jaeger Gold Collar Necklace £120 - £220, H&M Home Cushion Cover £9.99, Ikea Oval Bowl £15

Usually a mention of floral will evoke thoughts of spring and sunshine, so this trend is quite an unexpected one. Pair floral prints with rich dark hues for a current aesthetic (a touch of gold adds even more drama).

via Lonny

via Design*Sponge

 
Jaeger Leather Biker Jacket £399, Made Canape Leather Sofa £1,199, Zazzle Striped Lumbar Pillow $49.95, Z Gallerie Alston Pillow $99.95

Classic and practical, leather is a must have for autumn and winter (just don't over due it - a little goes a long way). Whether manifested in the form of a sofa or jacket, leather is like a dependable friend who never lets you down, even long after the "of the moment" dresses and tops disappear.

via Lonny

via Stylistic Kosilala

Jaeger Fuchsia Dress £199, John Lewis Lainie Armchair £699, Land of the Nod Kids' Floor Lamp £92

An injection of colour is the perfect remedy for the cold dark evenings of autumn and winter. A bit of fuchsia is a great way to brighten up a space - try an upholstered armchair, painted dresser, or wool throw.

via Design Manifest

via Apartment Therapy

Jaeger Velvet Dress £260, Iggy by Sofa.com £1,160, Habitat Phantom Footstool £350

Probably the perfect autumn fabric, velvet is soft, warm, and very trendy right now. On furniture, adding button tufting takes it up a notch (see green sofa below).

via Rue

via Lonny

Can you think of more autumn fashion trends that are relevant to the interior design world?

Trending in Design: #Literary Furniture

How I relish that moment every month, when I walk into my building and I see my fresh new issue of Elle Decoration waiting for me, wrapped in shiny plastic. Having subscribed for almost 3 years now, to say that I have a large catalogue of back issues would be an understatement. I even have a drawer full of old issues at work that I sometimes flip through on my lunch break. (Obsessed? Why yes, just a little.)

Have I brainstormed about ways to store them creatively? Yes. The best I came up with was a magazine rack. Riveting, I know.

Have I ever thought about using them as furniture? Heck no.

via Design*Sponge

I'm in two minds about this development. On one hand, I would like to give the person who started this a solid smack on the back of the legs. But at the same time, isn't this what being creative is all about - form, function and thinking outside the box?

via Design*Sponge

Yet, somehow I can't erase the images in my mind of attempting to retrieve a magazine from the middle of the pile and chaos ensuing.

Oh yeah, books too -

via Apartment Therapy

via Real Simple

 Note the fiddle leaf fig in the background.

via The Design Files

Interesting in a bookstore of course, but how can you be sure you will never need any of those books again?

via Improvised Life

Belted? Ouch.

There is one way I could get on board with this, and now that Ive thought of it, I just may try it.

Yup. I'm a pioneer.

What do you think of this trend? Yay or Nay?

Trending in Design: #Fiddle Leaf Fig

You have seen them everywhere. They bring life to a room like nobody's business, and demand attention like a piece of sculptural art.

via Small Shop Studio

I give you, the fiddle leaf fig. Try saying that 3 times fast.

The above bathroom photo, which lives happily in my inspiration file, gives me heart palpitations. Only a fiddle leaf fig is capable of holding it's own in a space with THAT chandy, THAT bathtub and all that amazing marble.

via Elle Decor

Again, take the above room with it's high ceilings and fabulous view - the plant still manages to make a statement.

And as it grows, it creates a beautiful vignette, as in the image below.

via Elle Decor

 

 

 

 

 

via Elle Decor

via Elle Decor

I love how the broad leaves deliver a punch of colour in a neutral setting.

Shall we all just take a moment to devour it's goodness?

via Lonny

via David Mitchell Interior Design  |  Domino Magazine

 

 

 

via House and Home

To be honest I'm not sure when I started noticing these plants - probably a little over a year ago when I looked into buying one.

I have always believed that a room without a (preferably large) plant is an unfinished room. Unfortunately though, I'm highly skilled in the art of killing plants. Seriously.

I have managed to even kill a cactus. And in the world of plants, the fiddle leaf fig is like one of those "ladies who lunch". Glamourous, but high maintenance and expensive.

via Emily Henderson

via Cozy Bliss  |  Grant K. Gibson

Still, I definitely see one of these babies in my (very) distant future, as I have a feeling this trend, like so many (white floors anyone?) has the potential to become classic. But for now, I will focus on the two unidentifiable plants that I currently own, and hope that they don't become victims of my infamous black thumb.

via Amber Interior Design

Trending in Design : #Wood Paneling

I would hardly be surprised if the first thing you thought of when I mentioned "wood paneling" was -

a. A winter cabin
b. Knotty pine
c. Your nan's house

Much like it's compatriots from the 80's, brass and neon, wood paneling has made a huge resurgence lately. It's like there's been a reunion and they're all hanging out again.

But don't be fooled, this is hardly your nan's paneling.

Photo | House to Home

Photo | House to Home

Photo | Merrypad

Photo | Freshome

Photo | Regines Kreativiteter

You can pull this off on the cheap as well, using salvaged wood (tutorial here).

Photos | The Lettered Cottage

Photo | Design Sponge

Photo | Sasufi

I think this trend works best when combined with clean lines - teaming with furniture too fussy or traditional makes the danger of veering back to an 80's aesthetic all too real.

If you do want to try this, why not...

 
Also, if you're thinking of installing paneling, be mindful of the tone of the wood. If the colour reads as too yellowy-orangey (yes, that is a technical term), once again, it can look dated.

Heed my warning...or you may just end up with a room resembling this one -

Photos | Ugly House Photos

2004?! Wait, what?  Whoa.