BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS

I fear that technology has taken over our lives, which is why I love the idea and look of bookshelves in homes. They're a great way to store and showcase your book collection, but they can also provide an insight to your life and personality. Storing your books can be as simple as installing some floating shelves on a wall or as dramatic as some built-in floor to ceiling units. No matter what the option, they can create interest and offer a sense of warmth to an otherwise stark and empty wall. I also like the idea of using them as room dividers. Stack them with great books but don't forget to add special objects and artwork in and amongst all of your fave reads. I love the inclusion of quirky pieces in bookshelves. They draw you in, entice you to touch, make you think. And best of all, it might prompt you to down the iPad and read a good ol' fashioned book.

Kelly Wearstler design

13th Avenue loft by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

Bookshelves by Diane Bergeron dianebergeron.com

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.

EXPOSE YOUR BRICKWORK

When building or renovating, we tend to finish our walls with either render or plasterboard. And there's nothing wrong with that. But have you considered leaving a few walls with the exposed brickwork? The grittier the finish the better, I say. And if you can manage to leave behind a bit of the old render or traces of paint, well you have a cracker finish! It can instantly transform your space into a cool New York loft vibe. I love the idea of pairing the raw look of exposed bricks with crisp white walls and black metal. But there really are no rules. If bare brick is a step too much for you, try painting the brickwork. You'll get a gorgeous textural finish and it's far more interesting than a smooth rendered finish. If your space doesn't offer any opportunities to have the real deal, there are some great wallpaper options that can look quite convincing.

anthropologie.com

Amsterdam loft. Interior designer: Marius Haverkamp

Designed by architect Terra E Tuma

Madelynn Furlong's apartment. Photo by Wing Ta via The Everygirl

White bricks wallpaper by wowwallpaperhanging.com.au 

Scandinavian bedroom by Pikcells Visualisation Studio

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.

PRESSED METAL

If you're a fan of reality renovation shows, you'll have noticed a mad love for the good ol' pressed metal or tin. Once found only in period homes, it's become quite the popular finish in any style interior. I'm a big fan. But like with most things, if not used properly it can look ghastly. I'm not particularly fond of the stark silver mirror finish, but when painted, gee it looks damn fine! And if you're really awesome, you'll rust it up and leave it just like that. The beauty of pressed tin is that it is lightweight so can be used just about anywhere. You've probably seen pressed metal ceilings and hallways in period homes (which always excite me). But it also looks amazing as a kitchen splash back or as an entire featured wall. It gives you a great textural finish and you're guaranteed a wow factor. The look is so fabulous, there is even a range of fantastic wallpaper on the market that looks just like the real stuff. Can you pick the wallpaper in the attached images?

Image via the Style Files

Mark Douglass Design & Art markdouglassdesign.com

Brooklyn Tins Wallpaper

Images via Pinterest and Instagram. 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.