SMOOTH AS VELVET

Nate Berkus dining room. nateberkus.com

I can't walk past velvet without touching it a little. It's one of those textiles that plays on your senses, beckoning you to have a closer look, to touch, to feel. And depending on how you choose to use it, it can look either luxe or boho. I'm dreaming of dressing an entire wall in moody blue tufted velvet. Imagine the drama! But velvet works well in both modern or more traditional settings so try it on a sofa, a club chair, bed head, cushions, dining chairs or curtains. Have fun with it - choose showstopper colours such as peacock blue, teal, emerald green or amber. A floral pattern would also look amazing. But no matter the colour or application, velvet always makes everything feel richer in texture and tone. Perfect for cozying up during winter.

Jo & Graham Atkin-Hughes' London home. milkmagazine.net

Images via Pinterest. 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.

TREND ALERT - OMBRE

Ombré has made quite a mark on fashion, accessories and of course that fabulous hair trend. But the art of gradient colour design has also made a big impact in interiors. I just love it on walls and I even quite like the idea of transforming an old chest of drawers or side tables from "meh" to a little bit of fab. Have a bit of a play. Very on trend. More inspiration below.

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.

TREAT YOUR WINDOWS

Window treatments can send people into a spin - so many options, how do you decide!!! The obvious choices are curtains, blinds and shutters. But even then, the options are almost endless. (See attached pics). I'm partial to a sheer linen or voile curtain that pools on the ground. They're quite ethereal and mesmerizing. But here's a little tip - don't hang your curtains where your window moldings end. Instead, take them right up to the ceiling if possible and frame the window on either side as this will give the illusion that the window and room are larger than they really are. Another option is to customise blinds with artwork or images, similar to what was done on The Block by series winners Steve and Chantelle. Check out Printed Blinds Australia printedblindsaustralia.com.au or Custom Printed Blinds customprintedblinds.com.au. This option essentially transforms your blinds into a piece of art. Of course, some windows are so magnificent, they should just be left alone. But if the temptation is too strong, forget covering them up and consider a window seat or potted greenery along the sill.

Image via @cathy phillips on Pinterest

Image via keelankreations.com on Pinterest

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

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GERTRUDE & PETUNIAS

Photo credit: notquitenigella.com

My amazing friends have opened yet another fabulous patisserie, Gertrude & Petunias, in Todman Ave in Kensington, Sydney. Isn't it just incredible! It is the little sister cafe to their other business, The French House in Danks St Waterloo, which supplies all their pastries. I like a French pastry as much as the next person, but what excites me is the way it's been fitted out. The ceiling and walls are wallpapered, the cornices have been bronzed, the chairs are ornate with gold and velvet, heavy drapes frame the windows and that gorgeous French blue welcomes you in to an old-worldly space. I enjoyed a lovely pot of Early Grey tea ... served with sugar cubes! I know, simple things really do excite me. Pop in if you're in the area.

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