traditional chic Archives - Designbx Online interior design Sat, 28 Aug 2021 11:09:14 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://designbx.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cropped-Designbx-Logo-512px-1-32x32.png traditional chic Archives - Designbx 32 32 How to give your home “new life” with artwork https://designbx.com/blog/how-to-give-your-home-new-life-with-artwork/ https://designbx.com/blog/how-to-give-your-home-new-life-with-artwork/#respond Thu, 10 Oct 2019 23:03:26 +0000 https://designbx.com/?p=18106 Artwork will absolutely define a room. Considering colours, framing and the scale of a piece are just as important as choosing the subject matter or something you love. Designbx works closely with artists both locally and world-wide to ensure we are able to offer truly personalised art solutions for our clients, at a budget that…

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Artwork will absolutely define a room. Considering colours, framing and the scale of a piece are just as important as choosing the subject matter or something you love.
Designbx works closely with artists both locally and world-wide to ensure we are able to offer truly personalised art solutions for our clients, at a budget that suits.

We also partner with art curators across many of our projects to ensure we have another expert across the vision. Often clients are really unsure of what they like, or we find ourselves navigating multiple views when it comes to art – so having another professional opinion in the mix is really helpful for both us and our clients to make the right decision.
Designbx’s Refresh package gives you access to an expert Interior Designer reviewing your home, existing furniture and architecture to curate multiple options that will enhance your room.

 

 

We are passionate about art here at Designbx and what it brings to a space. As part of your Refresh Package we can provide:

  • A personally curated collection.
  • Access to trade savings.
  • Access to an array of artist’s and brands.
  • Design a custom brief for a specific artist
  • A streamlined process which includes sourcing, coordination and installation

We love art and love helping add those treasured items into homes across Australia.
How are your walls looking? White, bare, nothing works together, struggling to find art that works for everyone in the home. Let us take the guesswork out of your art selection headaches. For $199 per room your Room could go from plain Jane to the talk of the town…

 


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Vintage interior design: without the op shop look https://designbx.com/blog/vintage-interior-design/ https://designbx.com/blog/vintage-interior-design/#respond Mon, 02 Jul 2018 02:56:23 +0000 https://designbx.com/?p=6887 So you want to go antique without the price tag of an old, historic castle? Vintage interior design is all about colour, floral prints, patterned rugs and functional decorations. Even though it was known as a simpler time, the interior design says otherwise. Be prepared to go bold and keep it simple at the same…

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So you want to go antique without the price tag of an old, historic castle? Vintage interior design is all about colour, floral prints, patterned rugs and functional decorations. Even though it was known as a simpler time, the interior design says otherwise. Be prepared to go bold and keep it simple at the same time. You don’t have to put a dent in your savings just to create a vintage inspired home. All you need to do is get creative and follow our top tips.

Vintage living room furnishings

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1. New colours for an old look

Let’s start with the colour scheme. Just about anything can be used for your antique style. Some suggestions are: aqua blues, sunshine yellows, creamy whites and leather browns. Also incorporate floral prints as this was the trending design of the time. To save money, instead of buying new furniture just because the colours don’t match, simply give your cupboards, tables and cabinets a coat of fresh but old looking paint.

  1. Roughly coat chalk paint onto the furniture, creating an uneven surface.
  2. Use graphite and water to darken edges and legs, where wear and tare would have occurred
  3. Use coarse sandpaper and paint scrapers to distress the furniture for a worn look
  4. Use clear chalk paint wax to finish

Vintage interior design green distressed cupboard

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2. Fancy fabrics for less

Many antique styles incorporate expensive fabrics such as large velvet couches and silk curtains, but often there is a cheaper alternative that looks just as effective. Instead of using velvet, opt for felt which has a similar texture and no one will be able to tell from afar. As for those luscious silk curtains, synthetic satins shimmer just as well and your bank account will thank you for it. When choosing furniture in these materials, a blend of yellow and blue will give a vintage look and can also be styled with just about anything. You could also go traditional brown leather but make sure it is a weathered look and not a ‘straight-out-of-the-shop’ appearance as it will stick out like a sore thumb.

Vintage style living room with red velvet couch

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3. The traditional home library

It wouldn’t be an antique theme without a home library. Grab the oldest looking bookshelf you can find and fill it with the oldest books you can find. Books with a little ware and tare are ideal as it gives the impression that they were actually read once-upon-a-time. This is where the op-shop actually does come in handy. Many outlets sell books for next to nothing and they are generally used books which is perfect for the look you’re going for. Place a velvet couch in the room and you have yourself a traditional antique library.

Vintage interior design dining room

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4. In the kitchen

The kitchen is by far the easiest room to transform into a antique masterpiece. Vintage inspired kitchens are on trend and it’s relatively cheap and easy to transform a modern kitchen into an antique one. Start by removing cupboard doors. Yes you heard right, there was no place for cupboard doors back in the day. Everything on shelves and in cupboards were celebrated as part of the design of the room. Open shelving or glass cabinet doors are the perfect addition to a antique kitchen. If this move is a bit too bold, simply replace doors with vintage curtains in cute floral or stripe patterns. Another antique addition to the kitchen can include replacing cabinet knobs. These days, knobs are often shiny and simplistic but the antique style calls for something with pattern and elegance. Try brass or iron handles that can often be found at the local hardware shop.

Vintage kitchen

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5. Time to decorate

Vintage interior design is all about having functional decorating items such as those decorative plates hanging on the wall, that may come in handy when people are over for dinner (even though they are rarely used, the thought is there). First let’s turn your lighting into an artwork. Paint your old lamp shades with floral patterns for a unique touch. Don’t stress if you don’t have an artistic side, simply grab leaves and paint them in various colours, to then press into the shade. Rugs are the next big necessity. Colourful Chinese art deco rugs are perfect for a vintage touch. The more pattern and colour the better. Rugs can be a big investment, so instead grab a few metres of fabric, such as Ikea’s ikat fabric, and head to a dressmaker to sew the seams. Although this may not be the centre piece of the room, it’s a perfect base for furniture. As for the walls, create an eclectic mix of various frames. Grab old wooden frames from and op-shop or repaint frames in gold and brass colours.

Vintage interior design gallery wall and vintage rug

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6. Storage

When thinking about storage, think of all the possible uses for one item. Such as a small bowl can be used for jewelry storage, to hold a candle or to hold keys. Vintage silver, brass or copper bowls, vases and plates are ideal for storage in every room. Expensive looking pieces can be found at op-shops for inexpensive prices, or you could raid your grandmother’s house for timeless pieces. Bowls can be used for plants such as succulents, or hanging plants. Antique vases can be used for makeup brushes and toothbrushes. Vintage plates can be used for wall decoration or can be made into a multitiered jewelry holder.

Vintage teapot make-up storage

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Vintage china set storage

7. Hang your memories

Hanging photos doesn’t have to be done in the traditional framed way. This idea lends itself more to the country vintage look but is also perfectly suited for a home in the city. Use wire or an old fence gate to peg photos onto. Painted wire is often worn and this means it will fit in perfectly with your worn painted furniture.

vintage interior design farmhouse fence photo board

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As you can see, vintage interior design does not have to send you bank into the negatives. By getting creative, you can bring your antique inspired designs to life for less.

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The Luxe Laundry– Designbx’ ready-made style boards take the bore out of your chores https://designbx.com/blog/the-luxe-laundry-designbx-ready-made-style-boards-take-the-bore-out-of-your-chores/ https://designbx.com/blog/the-luxe-laundry-designbx-ready-made-style-boards-take-the-bore-out-of-your-chores/#respond Tue, 18 Jul 2017 06:38:35 +0000 https://designbx.com/blog/?p=3980 Nothing makes you slump, sigh or roll your eyes more than the realisation that it’s time to lug that full basket of dirty clothes into the most boring space in the house. But why is it the most boring space in the house? Does it need to be ‘the space style forgot’? Here at Designbx…

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Nothing makes you slump, sigh or roll your eyes more than the realisation that it’s time to lug that full basket of dirty clothes into the most boring space in the house.

But why is it the most boring space in the house? Does it need to be ‘the space style forgot’? Here at Designbx we’ve decided to think about the humble laundry more laterally. Given the time we spend in that small room, shouldn’t we be making it as visually pleasing and functional as possible? Maybe all this time we’ve been torturing ourselves unnecessarily. Is it possible to actually want to spend time in the laundry? This was a challenge we had to accept!

Firstly, laundry fittings, plumbing and appliances have come a long way. Pull-down mixer taps, deep laundry sink bowls, mould-resistant wall finishes, and custom storage solutions are a few of the modern laundry items that are becoming the norm rather than the exceptions. Combine them with a fresh take on aesthetics, and suddenly you’ve got some unexpected bling that might make chores a little less challenging.

1. Modern laundry

Rather than distracting the eye from equipment, it’s the more functional items in this striking design that provide the pop and dazzle. The quality of curved chrome tapware, especially the pull-down tap, draw the eye and make a real impression while adding convenience. Custom cabinetry provides concealed storage, and the monochromatic colour scheme becomes a canvas where you can add your own bling courtesy of a floating shelf dressed with ornaments or plants.

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2. Scandi laundry

Everyone’s mad about Scandi this year and the interior design style’s love of minimalism is perfect for the laundry. The brushed rose tapware contrasts beautifully with matte black and chrome while the oak timber mirror, floating shelves and tough bench tops deliver the raw finishes that are a trademark element of the Scandi look. Last but not least, how about those geometric splashback tiles? Stone, timber and ceramic finishes, brought to life by a natural palette – that’s why we love Scandi.

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3. Traditional Chic laundry

You may not associate a laundry with elegance but this design is about to change your opinion. In fact, this space is about to become a real show-off and start demanding attention. Classic European décor and well-detailed pops of luxe combine to add an air of refinement. The sophisticated tapware goes beyond function to become a chic feature. Brushed rose, the patterned floor tiles and curved tapware become the focus. But it’s hard not to fall in love with that free-standing bath.

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4. Shop the Look Laundries – from bland to grand

Using the three styles above, it’s possible to take a room that begs you to close the door, and make it a dazzling space that you’ll gladly include in the tour when friends visit. From ugly duckling to beautiful swan, it’s time to stop hiding the laundry and give it the same design love applied to the rest of your home.
Visit Shop the Look for more ideas on pre-fabulous interior designs!

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Small bedroom decorating ideas fit for a Princess! https://designbx.com/blog/small-kids-bedroom-decorating-princess/ https://designbx.com/blog/small-kids-bedroom-decorating-princess/#respond Mon, 05 Jun 2017 01:55:39 +0000 https://designbx.com/blog/?p=3650 Decorating a kid’s bedroom doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style. In fact, it opens up a whole new world of exciting design possibilities, even for small spaces. It’s the perfect excuse to be as bold, brave or as magical as you want. Whether designing for a little girl or teenager, Designbx interior designer, Elise Finnerty, shares…

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Decorating a kid’s bedroom doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style. In fact, it opens up a whole new world of exciting design possibilities, even for small spaces. It’s the perfect excuse to be as bold, brave or as magical as you want. Whether designing for a little girl or teenager, Designbx interior designer, Elise Finnerty, shares top tips on retaining the right interior design style while spoiling your favourite girl… Let the fun begin!

Small bedroom decorating ideas - girl's pink and white bedroom

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1… Planning and zoning.

 Decorating an amazing room that grows with your child calls for creativity and clever planning. When you begin designing your child’s bedroom, it’s important to balance function, safety and style.
Consider all the activities that are likely to happen in the room. Will it also serve as a playroom or study? Is there a chance it may eventually become a room for two? Let the activities, items and colours your child loves the most be your guide when you choose furnishings and accessories. After all, it is a room for your little princess and you want them to really enjoy and utilise the space.
Will they need a chair for reading? Plenty of open floor space for blocks and games? Factor in how their interests may change and grow as they get older. Toddlers often need a play table for arts and crafts while a school-age kid may require a desk.

Small bedroom decorating ideas - girl's pink and natural desk

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Make sure your plan allows for plenty of room to grow, change and evolve. For example, using a full-sized desk can work for a young child while supervised but they will also be able to use it at an older age; or you could use a shelf and adjust the height as they grow up.
I like to use timeless pieces for the functional parts of the room, and then add personality with decorative elements so you can easily switch the old for new and change the overall theme of the room to suit your child.
Plan and divide the room into activity based zones for easy flow and function.

Small bedroom decorating ideas - mint vintage cupboard

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2… Storage.

Planning adequate storage for the room is so important, not just for aesthetics but for functionality as well. You want the room to be used as efficiently as possible so let’s make it easy for your child to put things away and ensure the room is inviting, for them and you. Using appropriate storage for each zone also makes it easy for your child to find things and put them all away. Shelves, bins and baskets should be easy to access. Choose storage boxes with a lid to hide any clutter or mess. This will also eliminate distractions  when your child is using the room for homework.

Small bedroom decorating ideas - kid's basket storage shelf

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Wall hooks are also a great addition for storage as they won’t take up much space. And they also offer a massive bonus by assisting your child if they like to play dress-ups.
A storage box or ottoman is great for cushions and blankets as well as toys, and it doubles as a seat too!

Famous interior designers - Elise Finnerty style board

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3… Texture, pattern and personalisation.

Whether it be a bedhead, cushion, wallpaper or bedspread, using different textures and patterns will make your little girl’s room ultra-personal and fun. Also, by keeping other décor items simple, the patterns will not only shine, they’ll also last your daughter from childhood through to her teens.

Small bedroom decorating ideas - textured and patterned girl's room

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Small bedroom decorating ideas - blue wall reading corner

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Self-expression is a part of your little one’s life, so why hide important personal items that you really like? Display a few items for further personalisation on shelving, bedsides or desks.
Try adding some fluffy and flowy elements like curtains, throws, faux hides, rugs and even canopies, to soften the room and create a luxurious ambience for your princess.  

Small bedroom decorating ideas - pink canopy and fuzzy rug

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Be sure to refer to the SIDS guidelines when planning your child’s rooms, and remember: safety first.

If you are looking for help with small bedroom decorating ideas our design team are ready and waiting to create the perfect hideaway!

 

scandi shop the look

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Domestic bliss – the return of the dome chair https://designbx.com/blog/domestic-bliss-return-dome-chair/ https://designbx.com/blog/domestic-bliss-return-dome-chair/#respond Thu, 17 Nov 2016 14:51:15 +0000 https://designbx.com/blog/?p=1709   Also known as canopy chairs, porters chairs, balloon chairs or Versailles chairs, this mainstay of traditional design is finding a home in unexpected spaces. Let’s take a look at the reinvention of a striking style of furniture that can adapt to any space. There are a number a different methods for making the most…

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Also known as canopy chairs, porters chairs, balloon chairs or Versailles chairs, this mainstay of traditional design is finding a home in unexpected spaces. Let’s take a look at the reinvention of a striking style of furniture that can adapt to any space. There are a number a different methods for making the most of dome chairs in a room. Probably the most subtle and inclusive approach is to upholster in the lighter shade within your colour scheme. This will allow the dome chair to blend in and be seen as an interesting addition rather than the key focal piece.

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Marrying the framework colour of your dome chair to your surrounding furniture may be a more traditional approach, but who said traditional needs to be bland? Select a pattern from your room’s Style Board and feature on the rear of your chair. It’s a subtle and personal way to include your dome chairs, while having the added benefit of drawing attention to lines and colours of your room’s framework.

 

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Of course, you can throw the whole idea of subtlety out the window by creating the most plush and ornate incarnation of the dome chair – a cozy yet flamboyant feature that would look at home in any palace. Adding butting and stud work creates a real eye catcher! Buttoning works in almost every style. It’s all about the fabric finish, colour and pattern that will bring your style to life.

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The addition of another material such as rattan and the use of ornate craftsmanship in the wood framework turns your dome chair into a perfect addition to a French Accent or Traditional Chic space. In an environment that draws the eye to fine detail rather than bold palettes and patterns, focusing on shape and texture is key.

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If the last thing on your mind is allowing your beautiful dome chair to become a seamless part of the background, there are many ways to make a huge impact. Using block colour fabrics in brighter tones really adds some punch to this design. Pull a colour from your palette to create a more traditional and harmonised space, or select a completely juxtaposed colour to your palette for a more modern feel.

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Pattern is a very personal preference but when done right can truly show your personality and wild side. This chair has spunk! While the dome chair certainly adds flair, it’s not exclusive to feminine spaces. Notice how using leather on the external shell creates a more masculine feel.

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In fact, with the right materials and simplified colour scheme, the dome chair makes the short jump from ‘ornate’ to ‘stately’. Another benefit to leather is its durability, but remember comfort when it comes to internal surfaces. If you need more durability, opt for commercial grade fabrics and an aptly simplified pattern.

There’s no doubting the dome chair’s lasting appeal, and as you can see from the examples, it has a talent for being a chameleon or a showstopper, depending on your use of this boldly shaped furniture.

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How to make your feature walls a work of art https://designbx.com/blog/wall-canvas-make-feature-walls-work-art/ https://designbx.com/blog/wall-canvas-make-feature-walls-work-art/#respond Thu, 06 Oct 2016 05:37:41 +0000 https://designbx.com/blog/?p=1585   While we all recognise how important interior design is when communicating our sense of style and expressing our personality, the choice and placement of wall art is possibly the most personal statement we can make. Visitors are magnetically drawn to these windows to our past and interpretations of our world. But wall art isn’t…

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While we all recognise how important interior design is when communicating our sense of style and expressing our personality, the choice and placement of wall art is possibly the most personal statement we can make. Visitors are magnetically drawn to these windows to our past and interpretations of our world.

But wall art isn’t just a matter of placing an aesthetically appealing item on each surface. In 2016 we’re going far beyond the basics to create beautiful feature walls with starkly different elements. In this handy guide, Designbx experts show you the tricks of the trade and ensure your wall art enhances your interior design.

Complimenting your space

Art is subjective and personal, which means your choices are bound to make a statement, but make sure that statement doesn’t argue with your space’s style. You don’t have to be too strict, but when a canvas catches your eye, ensure you imagine the design of your room. An elaborate splash of colour could enhance your Boho living room but completely contradict the feel of your Industrial home office. Create a happy marriage between your wall art and style.

living room with greenery and artwork

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Canvas

Think big with canvas! This is a great way to make broad, sweeping statements using colours and shapes that compliment your décor. Use large blocks of colour and abstract shapes to highlight your existing palette. Rather than a focal point that draws the eye with detail, this technique is more of an integral part of your interior design, like another layer of your expression. If you really want to take this approach to extremes, consider literally using materials from furnishings, covers, curtains or rugs and getting a professional to stretch the materials, ready to mount on your walls and create an undeniable wow factor.

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Prints

It may be a little beyond our budget to add an original Monet to our Modern Eclectic dining room or priceless watercolour to our Scandi sitting room, so prints are a popular and well accepted way to add a true artistic flavour to our spaces. In stark contrast to the bold use of canvas and materials, a deft touch and apt choice of print can create a more eye-catching statement while still seamlessly adding to your design choice. Even when the art is well known, and obviously not an original (most of us don’t have a spare $151 million for a Pollack or Picasso) our love of art still makes a huge statement about our personality.

penguin books print artwork above fireplace

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modern living room with staircase

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Mirrors

Mirrors are one of the big game changers in modern interior design, reaching far beyond their practical use to become art. Never underestimate the power of a mirror. It brightens a room by reflecting natural light and adds the illusion of extra dimensions, opening up the space. Often being more cost effective than artwork, you can go oversized without breaking the budget. Mirrors now come in varied shapes and coloured glass so they become interesting pieces of puzzles that join to make artworks of a new kind.

round mirror above bench with plant

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distressed mirror above fireplace bookshelf

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Vintage posters

There was a time when most posters were originals, and nearly as hard to come by as original paintings. Thanks to the convenience of the interweb, you can reproduce some of the most exhilarating images designed throughout history, and in large formats that are bound to dazzle your visitors. Best of all, iconic posters express our personal loves, from film noir and classic concerts to exotic locations and retro advertisements.

 

James Bond wall print hallway wall

Wood carvings and hanging textiles

It’s not always about colours and shapes. Texture is just as powerful as the more obvious visual elements, especially when you’ve chosen interior design styles that rely heavily on layering of textiles, providing a feel rather than a look. Wood carvings and hangings are great solutions for homes that want less colour and punch but are after warmth. Boho and Scandi lovers are often drawn to these options.

tassel wall hanging

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Neon signs

This is definitely a growing trend in interior design, and can include the humble retro sign (unfortunately not so humble in price), or custom-made signs that fit perfectly with your style and colour scheme. Be on the lookout at garage sales or invest in a piece by a recognised artist in the neon sign world, like Tracey Emin. Remember to carefully consider the relationship between the neon sign (often a central feature) and surrounding artwork.

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Colouring in

Give your wonderfully subdued palette a voice and personality by matching the tone of your room with artworks that harness your well-applied mood. Using deep blues and velvet? Match that sultry and refined look by choosing similarly moody artworks that enhance the atmosphere.

deep green traditional chic living room

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Eclectic

Some of the most effective wall treatments are elaborately constructed, using varied styles and sizes. Think of the New York style loft with one wall absolutely teeming with starkly differing images, from photos to original paintings, creating a vibrant atmosphere and somehow drawing cohesion from mayhem. It’s a lot of fun to create a busier feature wall, and an individual, couple or family’s entire life can be expressed by breaking all the rules and combining any type of mounted art. In most cases it can all work in unison; it’s a matter of finding the right layout and order.

 

eclectic home gallery wall

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eclectic blue wall gallery wall

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Whether you opt for a subtle approach or create walls that are just as creative as the works mounted on them, there have never been so many techniques and so few rules. As long as you compliment your interior design style, the many materials we’ve featured show how much variety now exists for homeowners who are looking to go one step further to express themselves and reveal their personal aesthetic.


 

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Cool bedrooms: From Bedroom to Boudoirs https://designbx.com/blog/from-bedroom-to-boudoir/ https://designbx.com/blog/from-bedroom-to-boudoir/#respond Tue, 16 Feb 2016 21:13:44 +0000 https://designbx.com/blog/?p=1300 Comfort and opulence make interesting bedfellows in the rising trend to create cool bedrooms. A bedroom could simply be a place where you happen to be while you’re unconscious, or it could be luxurious haven where you feel like royalty. You work and play hard, so you deserve a quiet sanctuary where you can enjoy…

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Comfort and opulence make interesting bedfellows in the rising trend to create cool bedrooms. A bedroom could simply be a place where you happen to be while you’re unconscious, or it could be luxurious haven where you feel like royalty. You work and play hard, so you deserve a quiet sanctuary where you can enjoy the glory of doing absolutely nothing, or engage in more rigorous activities (I’m referring to Scrabble of course). ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ are words that don’t have to be limited to bed sizes.

The cool bedrooms of famous monarchs are well within reach. To turn your drab bedroom into a boudoir starts with the essentials—those images that come to mind when you remember period pieces or the art of antiquity: the majestic four-poster with a large, extravagant bedhead that adds scale.

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Peach and plump!

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bedroom boudoir feature wall

Buttons, studs, leather, mirror, this is pure Luxe!

blue bedroom boudoir bedhead

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Come on folks; we’re spoiling ourselves here, so let’s do it properly. Can you ever have enough cushions? That’s a trick question of course. No self-respecting member of the nobility would settle for less than a small mountain of them, filled to excess with feathers.

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dark bedroom boudoir

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Cool bedrooms include layers of breathable bed linen. From the interior design styles of Coastal to Luxe, there’s a wonderfully excessive boudoir to fit most styles. The softness of Coastal is an obvious way to guarantee comfort (cotton, hemp and bamboo) while Luxe fabrics for cushions, bedheads, ottomans and window treatments offer a truly stately appeal.

Why not mix and match your linens to create depth…

flowers artwork bedroom boudoir

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scandi bedroom boudoir

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In all cases, start by being bold, and that includes artwork, with special attention to frames. Similarly, the use of ornately framed mirrors helps to enlarge the space. As you decorate, treat each item like art, including a signature item of furniture—perhaps a large, luxurious armchair in a corner.

Bold in size and colour

In stark contrast, colour is the one factor that requires a more subdued approach. Make your bold statements with pattern, texture and scale instead. While classic boudoirs were lavish, they were not loud. Remember that this is a space where you need to truly feel relaxed. Lighting is crucial. Like your choices of colour, avoid anything that has a jarring or abrasive effect. Stylish pendent lights are an effective way of adding a Luxe interior design feel.

rose gold finishings bedroom boudoir

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dark bedroom boudoir

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Organise the bits and bobs of your vanity area in crystal boxes and place creams in glass bottles. Along with Lucite make-up organisers, these garnishes add opulence while removing clutter. Having pampered your senses of touch and sight, don’t forget to add the right scents.

Flowers ignite the senses

hotel bedroom boudoir

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bedside flowering bedroom boudoir

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Fresh flowers provide the final touch, and give your boudoir a unique and changeable flourish that makes your bedroom feel like a hotel get-away. Why escape when you can spoil yourself at home?

 

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Designing with Pantone Rose Quartz & Serenity https://designbx.com/blog/pantone-2016/ https://designbx.com/blog/pantone-2016/#respond Tue, 02 Feb 2016 10:00:29 +0000 https://designbx.com/blog/?p=1266     Designing with Pantone 2016 colours- Serenity and Rose quartz Pantone’s colour of the year is remarkable for a number of reasons, the most obvious being the fact that, for the first time, two hues have been selected: Serenity and Rose quartz.    Image reference  This makes sense to any designer, of course, because…

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Designing with Pantone 2016 colours- Serenity and Rose quartz Pantone’s colour of the year is remarkable for a number of reasons, the most obvious being the fact that, for the first time, two hues have been selected: Serenity and Rose quartz.

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 This makes sense to any designer, of course, because the selection of colour combinations is probably one of the most wonderfully agonising processes when planning interiors. While environments or personalities may inspire us, triggering design epiphanies, it’s a critical decision never made without careful and long deliberation. Thankfully Pantone’s unprecedented announcement offers a ready-made palette that achieves unusual duality: a visually bold statement that also has an undeniably calming effect. 

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 “Calming tones”

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Let’s face it; our lives have become increasingly frantic. Thanks to social media, even our private lives can seem demanding at times. The arrival of these brave yet soothing tones is a tonic. This combination also continues to break down stigmas associated with gender. Since the 80s, similar combinations have helped men use fashion to rebel against tradition. These harmonious tones have a magical quality that allows them to sit well with most colours and appear natural in almost any landscape.

 

“Feminine touch”

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“Sharper edges with a masculine accent”

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Each established interior design style gains a unique effect. Serenity and Rose quartz offer an obvious opportunity for Modern in the form of bold colour blocking while Modern Eclectic will see these tones paired with metallics, rich fig and green tones.

“Vivid colour blocking”

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“A modern twist”

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Traditional styles will see a flirtatious use of pattern and colour. The impact of this serene pairing of colours can easily be softened or amplified when combined with complimenting tones like black, neutrals or yellows, and they have the unusual distinction of perfectly suiting sharp block shapes or fluid, loose fabrics.

 

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As examples clearly illustrate, whether you limit a space to these colour(s) of the year or adventurously add bold but complimenting hues, Pantone’s inspired choice seems to be at home (pardon the pun) in most settings.

 

“Room to be you”


 

Designbx “Designing with Pantones 2016 colours- Rose quartz and Serenity” designbx.com

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Colour Crush “Christmas colours that sing to your style” https://designbx.com/blog/christmas-colours/ https://designbx.com/blog/christmas-colours/#respond Mon, 07 Dec 2015 23:36:02 +0000 http://designbx.com/blog/?p=1184   Hosting Christmas this year? Let’s ensure not only a delicious family feast, but a beautiful and colourful one as well! When thinking of Christmas palettes, we typically think of traditional colours like reds and greens, but with Australians embracing their own personal style and reflecting that in their home, why not sing to the same…

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Hosting Christmas this year? Let’s ensure not only a delicious family feast, but a beautiful and colourful one as well! When thinking of Christmas palettes, we typically think of traditional colours like reds and greens, but with Australians embracing their own personal style and reflecting that in their home, why not sing to the same tune for your Christmas theme. Here are five of our favourite colour schemes that will be sure to strike a cord with your own personal style.

All in Grey


 A muted yet fresh feel for Christmas.  Grey has become very popular as it forms a neutral backdrop for any interior style. The tone can range from a soft pale grey to a dark warm charcoal. This would work within an industrial, coastal, scandi and even traditional interior. Stand out elements include; oversized linen ribbon bows on the tree (be bold and opt for a white tree over the traditional green), dark grey linen tablecloths overlaid with hessian table runners, eclectic tableware, bowls and glasses paired with wooden chopping boards as serving plates.  Be sure to play with texture and tone.

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Grey Sofa Wooden Coffee Table Cool Christmas Decorating Ideas
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Pastels


 

A pop of pastel…fresh, fun and stylish.  Pairing soft pinks, corals and creams with a touch of gold gives a feminine and modern feel.  Think modern shapes – diamonds, hexagons or layer square and circles to create contrast.  Play with your finishes using paper pom poms, glittery gold balls, and fine delicate cotton ribbons on the tree.  Pastels also pair beautifully with intricate glass finishes like glass cut decorations, chandeliers as the table centerpiece, Diamante encrusted candle  and napkin holders –  whitewash timber and concrete surface could be perfect to complete this look.  Be adventurous with wrapping paper.  Use hessian fabrics and knot like a sack. Use old book pages and accent with a big pastel bow, or buy plain boxes and cover in glitter for some wow factor!

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What a great way to bring the table to life.  Focus on the ceiling, more space for food! x10

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Black, White and Gold


 

Give the table a dose of holiday glam by pairing black and gold together. This is a wow colour combination but equally elegant and festive. Introduce black and white combinations through patterns – stripes, tartan,and polka dots. Mix your shades of gold –  champagne through to rich gold. Black, especially high gloss Christmas ornaments are a fantastic choice for a white Christmas tree.  Introduce natural twine around your wrapping paper to give a more scandi rather than luxe feel. Gold spray painted leaves make a stunning runner down the centre of the table.  For evening ambience add a piece of mirror on top and adorn with tea light candles.

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Dress to impress…

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Burgundy, Green and Gold


 

Tradition still has its place, and what  better way to bring it to life than with this rich opulent palette. Opt to replace reds with a rich burgundy this season. Burgundy has swooped the design industry this year it’s warm, inviting and intriguing.  This sensual colour will work best with generous amounts of natural foliage or sitting amongst silks, velvets and lace with warm lighting.

A rich burgundy cotton tablecloth layered with the same toned lace cloth will add immediate warmth and texture.  Use an abundance of pine greenery down the centre littered with intimate little gold touches  and candles. Gold cutlery and dark green dinnerware equals perfection! Gifts are all about repetition of these colours.  Wrap in butcher paper and then burgundy cellophane for a wet look wrap.  Layer a thick burgundy silk ribbon around and complete with a sprig of rosemary inside your bow

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The perfect outfit for the day…dapper!

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Let the flowers do the talking

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And for the ladies…

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Mint and Red


 

This colour combination puts a new spin on the classic red by using a cool shade of mint. Mint and red are contrasting colours that work well together to give a summer feel.  Maintain traditional patterns and motifs like reindeers, gingham, spots and stripes. Pair with white wash or bleached timbers, drift wood and raw linens to give that Scandi look.  Opt for the revival of the metal dinnerware to give the table a more relaxed feel.  Fill a tin red bucket with nude branches from the garden or a local walk.  Tie little cotton mint ribbons on all the branches for a simple yet striking table centerpiece.  

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Celebrity Style https://designbx.com/blog/celebrity-style-youll-be-surprised/ https://designbx.com/blog/celebrity-style-youll-be-surprised/#respond Mon, 23 Nov 2015 23:27:16 +0000 http://designbx.com/blog/?p=1129   It is almost impossible to say that we aren’t intrigued to see how the celebrities live and that we don’t want to follow celebrity style.  A celebrities fashion sense often rings true to the style of their home but also not.  Lets take a peek in some homes… Cameron Diaz This Manhattan apartment is modern…

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It is almost impossible to say that we aren’t intrigued to see how the celebrities live and that we don’t want to follow celebrity style.  A celebrities fashion sense often rings true to the style of their home but also not.  Lets take a peek in some homes…

Cameron Diaz


This Manhattan apartment is modern eclectic in every way. This opulent and glamorous oasis was designed by “it” designer Kelly Wearstler, need we say more.

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Julia Roberts


 

This Greenwich village apartment shares a neutral blend of coastal and traditional chic
elements.  It’s understated colour palette allows the truly amazing views remain the focal point.


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Johna Hill


 

 

One of Johna’s many properties, this 1950’s casual beauty in the Hollywood hills is an eclectic blend of coastal, modern eclectic, and vintage overtones. A fun and bright approach.


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Tyra Banks


This Beverley Hills mansion is Traditional Chic perfection.  The soft and neutral palette lends itself to the rustic architectural features.  Airy, fresh, and beautifully detailed.

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What’s your style? Just remember a space should bring happiness, select pieces, colours and finishes that brighten your day.


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