What size rug should you choose?

Rugs can make a room.  They bring warmth and comfort.  Often we find people choose too small a rug.  We have some tips for you.

Living Room

- If its a small room choose a rug that fits between the furniture and is a little bit longer and wider than the furniture. 

- Make sure there is a gap between the seating and the rug.  This arrangement makes the room look a little larger.

- For a larger living area choose a larger rug so that all the seating sits on the rug.  The rug acts as an anchor unifying the room.  Sit the furniture around 20-30cm in from the edge of the rug. 

- Another option is to sit the front legs of a sofa and chairs on the rug so that it still gives that unifying feel.

- Keep a gap between the walls and the rug

Dining Room

- Choose a rug size so that the chairs also sit on the rug and you can pull each chair out and sit down without the back legs coming off the rug. The rug should be approximately 120cm wider than the table to allow an extra 60cm width on each side for chairs to be pulled back.

Bedroom

- Choose a size that sits underneath the bed either with all legs on the rug or sits under 2/3rds of the bed stopping just before the side tables. 

- Leave around 45-60cm of rug around each side of the bed and this allows for rug underfoot when you hop out of bed.

Measure your room.  A great idea is to place masking tape on the floor to work out how large a rug you require.

Have a look at the diagrams below and some images that show the different layouts.

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How to get the most out of your initial consultation with an Interior Decorator

You may have a vision for your home, but an interior decorator can help you bring it to life, taking into consideration space planning, furniture placement and colour.

A trained eye and a creative mind-set allow for developing solutions that you might never have imagined, and attention to detail will transform your space into a home that looks pulled together and works for you.

Tips on how to get the most out of your time with an interior decorator:

·       Keep a record of all the things you love – create a folder of tear sheets and photos of items and styles that appeal to you or create a Pinterest page / Houzz Ideasbook. All these things that you love will form a basis for the Decorator to build around.

·       Rather any information about your property, floor plans or drawings

·       Think about your budget and timings - this is important as it gives the Decorator a good understanding of what is required, possible and achievable.

·       Create a brief – make a list of your “must haves” and “nice to haves”, identify the functional things that are important to your home and family, and identify what your objectives are for undertaking the project.

Once you have met the Interior Decorator in your home, and you have provided them with a brief, the Decorator can go away and build a concept and scope of works.

Start the process now.

Colour blocking Walls

This is a great idea and so effective.  It is the use of contrasting blocks or panels of colours on walls.  It was popular in the 70’s and is back in fashion.  Its an alternative to using wall paper and it’s a great way to add interest to a room with colour and pattern.  The possibilities are endless.  Geometric patterns are very popular.  You can make it as bold or as subtle as you like.  It is a great way to add interest to a room without chewing into that budget. 

Here are some ideas.

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Peg Boards - Wall storage systems

We have fallen in love with peg boards after seeing Peggie at Denfair a few weeks ago.   Previously you would have found pegs boards in sheds with tools hanging from them.    Very practical but that was it.  Now they have come out of hiding.  You will find them in bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens used for both practical and aesthetic reasons adding character and interest to a room.  They are a great idea for small spaces.  Use them for hanging kitchen utensils, a bike, art work, clothes and plants or not.... they look great just on their own too. 

They can be as big and small as you like.  We like the full wall look.  

Here are some ideas

Source         Image by Derek Sewell

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Black steel frame window crush

We have a thing for black steel window frames.  You might think they only suit an industrial look but they work with a variety of styles including the more traditional.  They work with most colours and the thin black frame does not compete but rather complements so that when you look at the windows your eye is taken through to the view beyond.  They are also now being used internally as room dividers, shower screens and in walk in wardrobes.

They have such character and look great.  Here are some ideas.

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Image by heidi lerkenfledt photography

Round coffee tables

When you are next considering a coffee table purchase don’t rule out a round or oval one.  Their curves can soften a room and create a contrast against the rigid and linear angles of the room and other furniture pieces and as they have no edges they are great for homes with young kids. There are many around and not hard to find in all different sizes and to suit many styles.  

Here are some pics

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Source  Interior Minotti Anderso Line designed by Rodolfo Dordoni

 

Wall units as room dividers

The use of shelving or wall units as room dividers as opposed to a full height partition wall is a great idea.  In small spaces they create a separation of living areas while still giving the feeling of a sense of space as they don’t block out the light or encroach on the space.  They are also great for large open plan layouts to create different zones while still maintaining that open plan feeling.  They don’t have to be high.  A low level cabinet can be enough to create a separate living zone and maintain the open plan feeling.

They are an attractive decorative feature displaying books and other special pieces and functional by providing storage as well.

Below are some we like.

Source  Poliform interior 

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Casa Lopez Lujano by Oficina 3 Estudio de Arquitectura   Source

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Casa Alto de Pinheiros by Marilia Veiga     Source

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Sleek & stylish floating cabinets

Floating cabinets work well not just in bathrooms but living areas as well.  They are sleek and stylish and create the illusion of space as you can see underneath.  They are perfect for small rooms.  On the other hand they can fill an empty wall in a large space.  They are great for storage and showcasing your special pieces and popular for home media centres with the TV placed on the wall above and the cabinet below housing all the technical gadgets one must have these days. 

Whilst they are a more contemporary look they can also be given a more period appearance so they cater for all design tastes. 

There are so many ideas out there for floating cabinets. They can incorporate cupboards, drawers and open shelving and can form part of a more extensive wall unit.  They also work well using a combination of finishes and colours. 

Here are some favourites.

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Copper Love

Its been "in" for a while but we still have a thing for copper. It has been around forever used mainly for practical purposes including plumbing pipes and fittings, electrical parts and architecturally for items such as roof caps on cathedral spires.  Now designers are being a bit more creative and cutting edge with their use of copper and rather than being hidden away and out of sight it is now a design feature.  We are seeing it wrapped around buildings, used in flooring and staircases, in kitchens and bars, for lighting and the list goes on.........  A lot or a little, it makes for a striking interior and exterior feature and exudes such warmth with its natural colouring.

 Have a look at the photos below for some great design ideas for copper.

Rogers Sellers Arq Rose Copper Basin Mixer

Astra Walker A69.08.V2

Dedece, Light by Tom Dixon

Interiors by Fiona Lynch, Image Brooke Holm

From Copper By Design

Source : http://www.designcladding.com.au/gallery

http://www.yellowtrace.com.au/la-hache-restaurant-strasbourg/

Beauty of concrete

My latest passion is concrete - concrete floors, concrete walls, concrete bench tops, concrete sinks and concrete stairs. These possibilities mean that concrete is no longer just for the outdoors or hidden behind plasterboard on your walls.

For me, the look works best when combined with other materials such as natural timber, ply or steel.  The juxtaposition of the raw, industrial concrete aesthetic against the warm, organic vibe of wood is so beautiful - that's difficult to match.  

The techniques and treatments used in today’s concrete have come a long way. Everyone has heard about or seen concrete countertops, and concrete sinks are becoming commonplace. But there are so many more ways in which concrete can be used in your home that won’t leave you with that cold feeling. Concrete interiors can be combined with textured soft furnishings, rugs and artwork to give it a beautiful look and create a warm and inviting space.

I love how the versatile material of concrete can be cast in unexpected and unusual ways to create almost any shape and item. And lately I’m seeing more and more home accessories made of concrete which are great to add a little bit of an industrial look to your interior.

Auhaus Architects & Interiors Photography: Derek Swalwell

Auhaus Architects & Interiors Photography: Derek Swalwell