INSIDE SCOOP: October 2014

Friday, 17 October 2014

JUST HANG!

There's something about hammocks and hanging chairs that entice you to chill out, relax and just hang about with not a care in the world. They can magically transport you to a place of complete serenity. With all the stresses in our lives, it's important to factor in chill-out zones in our homes. And while you'd expect to see a hammock or hanging chair out on the deck or by the pool, have you thought about placing one indoors? Pretty freakin' awesome, if you ask me! That's not to say you shouldn't have them outdoors. Go for it! Of course, they're a little trickier to install than opting for a simple armchair - you need to ensure you bolt them to support beams in the ceiling or wall. This is important so you and your ceilings don't come crashing down! But once installed properly, they can provide a fun and playful element to your home. And that can't be a bad thing in my book. There's also a childlike quality to things that hang and swing in the air, encouraging squeals of delight. Coupled with a cocktail in hand, they're the perfect recipe for total bliss.

simplyfabulouschic.com

Image via @byronbayhangingchairs

Styling Cleo Scheulderman, Photography Jeroen van der Spek Hier. vtwonen.nl

All images are credited where possible. Please feel free to share information on any where a source could not be located.

Inside Scoop. Interior Design Blog.

Wednesday, 15 October 2014

PRETTY IN PINK

With Spring in the air, everything just looks so damn pretty, doesn't it? And a colour that seems to be popping up a lot lately is pink. I'm not a big fan of "pretty", however pink has been on my radar for a little while now. I like the unexpected pop on surfaces and designs you wouldn't normally associate with pink, such as concrete and warm metals like copper and bronze. And check out those pink doors! I'm especially loving it in pale blushes on walls and paired with either navy/indigo or with ecru and blonde timbers. I think the trick with pink is to avoid the bubblegum tones and either go with a loud, bold pop like a watermelon or hot pink or choose a softer, "dirtier" shade with a hint of black. Check out Dulux's Pink Marble for a soft muted salmon pink that would suit a Scandi style interior. Try to avoid the sugary pinks that can make a room look like a little girl's nursery. In fact, I'd avoid those even for a nursery! Choosing just the right tone can make a space look either soft and feminine or cool and edgy.

vtwonen.nl

Betsey Johnson's house

Nord Autumn Winter 2012 catalogue

Vtwonen April 2012, styling Marianne Luning, photography Anne de Leeuw vtwonen.nl

Interior photography by Derek Swalwell

House tour of artist Kirra Jamison featured in Jan/Feb 2013 Inside Out magazine. Styled by Jason Grant, photographed by Derek Swalwell.

Arne Jacobsen egg chair. Photo source unknown.

Vtwonen April 2012

Dulux paint, Pink Marble. Also try in half or quarter strength.

All images are credited where possible. Please feel free to share information on any where a source could not be located.

Inside Scoop. Interior Design Blog.

Friday, 10 October 2014

CACTUS LOVE

I'm a big fan of greenery and I particularly love it indoors. Plants soften a space and create interest in an otherwise stark environment. I'm a sucker for a good fern but the cactus is nudging just ahead lately. You'd probably associate it with the desert, but I think it's uber cool. The only thing I don't like about the cactus is the word "cacti". I know it's a correct term, but it has an ew factor similar to the word "surreal". I'll be calling them cactuses, if that's ok. So as I was saying, super cool plants! Cactuses are sculptural and dramatic and command attention. They come in such a large range of shapes and sizes - prickly, smooth, long and thin, wide and flat, flowering, leafy. They offer endless possibilities to create an amazing layered look. And best of all, because they're all mostly succulents, cactuses need little watering and are really difficult to kill! Use them as you would any ornamental piece for colour, shape and texture. They won't only look freakishly awesome, they'll put the finishing touches to any style room or space.