DON'T BE SQUARE! IT'S HIP TO BE ROUND.

@studioolivergustav olivergustav.com

When designing a space, it's important to create some sort of balance. That doesn't mean creating boring spaces by following some sort of set formula. It's about seeing what you have and ensuring there's interest and flow. The spaces we live in tend to come with ready made square lines - walls, ceilings, doors, windows, floorboards, tiles ... We then often add pieces with more square lines, in the form of rectangular or square dining tables, sofas, consoles, cabinets, rugs, beds etc. It all ends up looking harsh and angular. Incorporating circular or curved shapes can soften a space and make it visually interesting. In fact, a study conducted a couple of years ago by a team of researchers and led by psychologist Oshin Vartanian, found that most people are more likely to consider a room beautiful when it features curves. And here's the heavy stuff - it appears we're hard-wired to do so. Yup! The researchers at the University of Colorado found that our emotional responses change based on the shapes and formations of rooms and buildings. Curved designs stimulate the part of our brain linked to emotion. Put simply, curves appeal to the eye and heart more so than straight lines and angles. So here's where the balancing act is important. If you're not lucky enough to have circular architectural elements such as rounded windows or domed ceilings, try layering in circular shapes in your fixtures and decor. Think about adding rounded lighting, a circle rug, an oval dining table, a round bathtub,  mosaic tiles, or perhaps even a round sofa (gasp!!).  Curves are back, baby, and they look damn fine! 

Source: @pocodesigns

Damien Langlois-Meurinne

Kelly Wearstler via @pocodesigns

apartmenttherapy.com

Source: Marine Longuemart via Pinterest

Hotel San Giorgio, Mykonos

bloglovin.com

Photograph & styling by Paulina Arcklin

dustjacket-attic.com

Kilgore's Nocturnal Exposition ebaumsworld.com

remodelista.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 by Christina Anasta Design.

AFRO CHIC

South African photographer David Ross

I have a sneaking suspicion a trend is upon us. This disappoints me a little because I don't like trends and I really quite like this look. It's a subtle tribal/African influence in either a simple neutral setting or boho space. The idea is not to go crazy with too many tribal pieces but just a hint to create some interest. Think about layering mud cloth textiles in tribal patterns, or using a simple hide rug, hang some African photography artwork, or use a Malawi occasional chair or Bamileke drum stool. Other more daring but equally fabulous pieces with African flair would be some buffalo horns, a Cameroon or Ju Ju headdress on the wall, or a mounted skull. Spaces styled properly with this Afro chic look give you the sense that the owner is well travelled and worldly - a little adventurous perhaps. But don't get carried away because too much of a good thing can look tacky. 

Manyara Home, Newport, Sydney manyarahome.com.au

Styled for Couleur Locale Concept Store in Belgium

elramlahamra.nl

Portait of Kate Moss by Wolfgang Tillmans

Gwynn Griffith's home in San Antonio, Texas. elledecor.com

A Dulux paints fashion-inspired room, styled by Dulux stylist Bree Leech

Les Interieurs, Paddington, Sydney. The retail store of interior designer Pamela Makin

Lumu Interiors, Rozelle, Sydney

Les Interieurs, Paddington, Sydney. Photo: Vogue Living magazine

Lumu Interiors, Rozelle, Sydney

homebytribal.com.au

Fenton and Fenton fentonandfenton.com.au

Photo: Travel Plus Style travelplusstyle.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.

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.