Colour

who said ceilings should be white?

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who said ceilings should be white
Styl and Interier

My friend is redecorating her bijou bathroom and would like to introduce the colour gold into the scheme. I suggested she think about painting the ceiling in a metallic gold finish. This will not only help to create the cosy, pampering haven she wants, but also bounce light around the windowless space.

I’ve done something similar in my own bathroom, which also has diminutive floor space but an unusually high ceiling.  By painting the ceiling dark grey, I’ve visually lowered it and so re-proportioned the room. The grey also provides a striking contrast against the white tiles which now sing out and make the room look brighter and bigger.

So often, we overlook the ceiling when planning the décor of our rooms, even though it’s one of the largest surface areas. A dose of colour can not only alter the geometry of a space, but create a sophisticated and polished look by pulling your whole scheme together.

So next time you’re planning a revamp for a room, don’t forget to look up and think of the ceiling as the 5th wall. Here’s a few ideas for inspiration and you can find more on my Pinterest board.

Shelley Johnstone Design
Sara Story Design
Peel Paulson Design Studio
My Plum Design
McGill Design Group
Lilly Bunn Interiors

Follow Samantha’s board Painted Ceilings on Pinterest.

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having a nosey inside other people’s houses

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Last Friday I helped out as a volunteer for Living Etc magazine’s House Tours. If you’ve ever wondered what some of London’s grandest houses might look like behind their elegant façades, then this annual event offers you exclusive access to step inside and have a peek.

In the morning I helped look after a five bedroom family home in Bayswater. Five floors of light filled, pared back, clean lines designed by architect Michela Bertolini. I did my best to answer some of the questions from visitors. I had learned that the flooring was Dinesen oak with a lime wash and most of the large format photography in the house was by French artist Noemie Goudal.

In the afternoon I went off to see the rest of the curated tour of beautifully decorated and renovated homes. From a house filled with a riot of colour and pattern, to another with a calm country cottage feel. All tastes catered for and a great opportunity to find ideas for styling your own home, and indeed, feeling inspired I went straight home and rearranged the ornaments and furniture in my lounge.

Living Etc House Tours
Living Etc House Tour
Living Etc House Tour
Living Etc House Tour
Living Etc House Tour
Living Etc House Tour
Living Etc House Tour

 

getting some design inspiration at Ham House

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Ham House

I visited Ham House over the Easter weekend. Sitting alongside the Thames just outside Richmond, this grand 17th century house is famous for its eclectic collection of well-preserved paintings, furniture and textiles from its 400-year-history. Wandering through the very simple spaces “below stairs”, to the more comfortable living chambers and ostentatious reception rooms upstairs, there is certainly much to see.

In particular, I loved the Green Closet – a rare survival of a Cabinet Room designed for the private display of small pictures and miniatures. Ebony and gilt frames are set against beautiful green silk damask wall coverings and upholstery. A real lesson in the art of display and inspiration to recreate my own gallery wall of memorabilia at home.

Ham House Green Closet

You can find more photos from my visit on my flickr gallery.

totally versatile teal

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Peacock Feathers

Although previously thought to bring bad luck, the peacock feather became an icon of Aesthetic style in the late 1800s and its iridescent Teal hues have provided a source of decorative inspiration ever since. It’s a colour I’m finding myself drawn to more and more of late. Perhaps because we’re seeing the first hints of a warm spring and its richness reminds me of tropical seas.

Dulux named Teal its colour of the year for 2014. It may have taken me a few months to catch up, but I love how Teal pops when teamed with coral or ochre, giving it a mid-century modern edge, or the way it can look opulent and sumptuous when combined with its analogous colours of greens and blues, or the way it can bring Scandinavian freshness when mixed with creams and whites. It’s versatility is endless.

Erin Williamson
bestlivingrooms.com
Elle Decor
Dulux
Houzz.com
House and Garden

introducing red carpet styling to your home

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As the legendary British designer Paul Smith says: You can find inspiration in everything (and if you can’t look again). The trends of the catwalk and latest couture shows often provide inspiration for interior styling and the parade of glitz and glamour rocking the red carpet at this week’s Oscars were no exception. The impeccably dressed Cate Blanchet wears a bold turquoise necklace to lift her slinky black number. Similarly, here in David McCauley’s design, the turquoise velvet chairs and accessories illuminate the black walls, curtains and furniture to stop it looking too dark and gothic, creating a very elegant look.