Japandi interior design orgins

Scandinavian interior design (Scandi) has been developed on the principles of simplicity, minimalism and functionality. It continues to be popular in Australia, aligning with our relaxed lifestyle, connection to nature and beautiful, diverse landscape. The main characteristics of Scandinavian interiors include clean lines and the use of natural materials such as oak, leather and hemp.

Japandi is a new trend that is taking the interior design world by storm. It draws on the Japanese ‘wabi-sabi’ principle of finding beauty in the imperfect and incomplete, and it blends perfectly with the simplicity of Scandinavian design.

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1. Colour

To achieve a Scandinavian look, focus on featuring a muted, neutral colour palette throughout your home. White is commonly used on the walls to make a room appear bright and spacious. Inject life into your room and make your home reflect your personality by incorporating accent pieces. Try rugs, cushions and artworks in muted colours, such as pastel pink and grey.

To create a Japandi feel, incorporate accent colours with a cool undertone, such as green and navy. Dramatic contrast (a key element of Asian design) can also be created by using a black frame for your artworks or photographs. Next, hang them above the light oak furniture pieces.

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2. Texture

Scandinavian inspired interiors usually have light coloured wooden flooring as opposed to carpet, as wood is closer to nature. Pine, beech and ash wood are the most common, with light stain finishes, to preserve a feeling of spaciousness.

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3. Simple contrast

Ornate and excessive details in furniture are not common in Scandinavian interior design. The style favours clean lined, modern and solid pieces. In the new Japandi style, statement furniture in dark tones such as charcoal, black or dark oak stained tones are used with light Scandinavian furniture. To achieve this look in your home, you could use a light oak dining table with black wooden dining chairs. This creates the dramatic contrast that is the hallmark of the Japandi style.

Introducing simple contrast between key furniture pieces maintains simplicity, while still expressing your personal design style.

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To create visual interest and rhythm, layer different muted natural textures such as a small rectangle hemp cushion with a square, pale pink cushion. To add an eclectic Japandi feel, find a unique statement piece. We love an asymmetric plant or sculpture that embraces the idea of ‘beauty in the imperfect’. By using greenery and plants, the connection to nature is reinforced.

These tips will help you to create the basis of your Japandi interior design. Express your own style and personality throughout your home interior by adding your own unique, personal touches to the ever-popular Scandi look.

The post Interior Design Trends of 2017 – Japanese and Scandi = Japandi appeared first on Designbx.

Modern and minimal bathrooms are still the design styles of choice. As we head further into the new year, design trends will become playful and the home’s decorative décor will spill into your bathroom.

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2017 and 2018 will bring loads of personality with texture, colour and quirky accessories. Wall mounted book stacks, ottomans, built-in modular shelving and quirky towel hangers are just a few of the ways bathrooms will reach beyond their functional role to become eye-catching spaces.

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Bring an element of playfulness to your bathroom by mismatching the tiles, using dark and bright colours together, and a collision of colour in similar hues. Combining multiple types of tiles is a simple way to get a totally customised bathroom. Pair a monochromatic palette for striking visual impact, and play around with layers of subway, hex and square tiles for a cool bathroom makeover.

Don’t be afraid to use darker tiles in your small bathroom, especially if you paint the cabinets to match. Contrast with natural textures, like a jute rug and a wood-framed mirror. This is the Boho style at it’s best!

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Also, be brave and wallpaper your entire bathroom. Yes you heard it right! It’s never been more on-trend than this year. It will bring instant character into the room. Just make sure to use proper damp area wallpaper, and of course, have it professionally applied.

With bold tile patterns, colourful wallpaper and quirky light fixtures playing a key role in bathroom decor, it’s important to keep things in balance with minimalist cabinet shapes. Clean white cabinets with simple handles and tapware ensure the space won’t feel too crowded, no matter how small your bathroom is.

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If you wish to have a more tranquil vibe, try matte black showerhead and taps. It looks stunning paired with pastel walls, modern cabinetry and vintage accents.

Last but not least, don’t forget to include green, living plants into your bathroom ambiance. Plants are not only a fashionable garnish but also enhance the atmosphere, freshen the space and appeal to your sense of smell. As we always say, bring the outside in!

So there you have it – a few innovative bathroom design trends that will help you create a space with a definite wow factor. Of course, this does create one issue: now it will be even harder to get people out of there!

The post 2017 Interior design trends – Contemporary bathroom design leading the way for home interiors appeared first on Designbx.

Rug materials

There is a lot of uncertainty in the world today and this has marked a move towards increased social responsibility. This year will see more and more rugs woven from sustainable and natural yarns. Jute, Hemp and Linen will remain popular, whilst the use of fabric remnants from other industries, such as denim and tee-shirt fabrics, will become more and more commonplace.

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Layering rugs in different combinations of these materials is an easy way to add texture, depth and warmth to your space.

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There has also been a move away from the mass produced – we are once again embracing bespoke and hand made items, lending support to artisan makers. Handwoven rugs with chunky large loop piles will become more and more common.

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Rug colours

In terms of colour, monochrome, naturals and tone on tone styles continues to be popular choices, with the introduction of jewel colours, earthy tones, and of course lots of green (thanks to Pantone naming Greenery their colour of the year!) Again, layering different sized rugs in a variety of tones and textures will add instant warmth and depth.

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Rug patterns

The Oriental rug has enjoyed regular resurgences in popularity, and will continue to be popular the coming year, as will the tribal style, vintage distressed-look rugs that look so great in boho style spaces. Classic patterns will be re-imagined in modern ways, with the use of material and colour.

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There is a move away from the geo patterns we have seen everywhere in the last few years, towards natural organic shapes and lines. Increasingly, we will see rugs as pieces of art, woven in ways that emulate artistic techniques – think brush strokes, watercolour, and re-creating actual images such as portraits and landscapes.Image Reference

Rug sizes

Rug size is entirely dependent on the room, and as such there are no clear trends for this – however it has become increasingly common to find rooms with several smaller and medium sized rugs, in varying sizes, tones, patterns and weaves, layered to add depth and texture. When opting for just one rug, however, it is important to consider the size of the rug in relation to furniture size and placement. Below is an easy guide for your information.

^{How to style rugs}

Despite how minor it seems, rug placement does accentuate a room when it is the right size and placement in accordance with furniture. It has the ability to make a room feel spacious, and inviting no matter the occasion or type of room. An aesthetically pleasing space aids in achieving a flowing design. Here are some tips and images to aid in your own rug placement.

Living Room

In a living area, size matters with rugs; it can overcrowd a room or even make it too spacious. A rug has to be large enough to cover all ground with couches sitting fully on it, or partially, as displayed above. In the case of smaller rugs, seating needs to be at an even distance. That principle also applies to circular rugs, as displayed below.

Dining Room

Rugs under dining tables are best around 60 to 70cm wider in dimensions in proportion to the table and chairs. This will enhance the shape of the table, ensuring the rug complements perfectly.

How to style rugs can be easily mastered following these guidelines, however as with all interior design trends there’s always room to experiment. Try partnering with a colour stained dressed timber for a unique look.    

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Each fruit usually offers more than one colour that we can incorporate in interior design. Thanks to mother nature (the design O.G.), we can take our cues from the colour combinations of a fruit’s protective outer skin and the juicy flesh. Let’s not forget the many shades of green that accompany or nourish these fruits in the wild.

For those that are excited about a more literal take on a fruit salad theme, there are breathtaking selections of fruit salad inspired  furnishings that are fun additions to any space.

1. Wallpaper

Not only limited to a kid’s room, fruit-inspired wallpaper is suitable to adding that pop of colour to a neutral-toned room. Following the colour trends seen in Miami-style and retro interior design, this pineapple wallpaper is tangy and stylish to suit everyone’s tastes. Bright, pastel colours work brilliantly when championed with a neutral backdrop.

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2. Linen

It’s hard to say that many kid’s don’t enjoy fruit. Including fruit prints in your kid’s linen will create a timeless look they’ll take a while to outgrow. Feminine looks include strawberry and cherry designs, where as masculine looks can be anything from bananas to oranges. Fruit prints are a great way to complement colour schemes and add a quirky spin on bedroom interior design. 

3. Soft furnishings

Whether you’re styling a themed party or kid’s play room, fruit by design furnishings are a sure fire hit. Multicolours that are beautifully balanced together are fun and vibrant, perfect for a child’s bedroom. Matched with deep and dark greens, fruity coloured tones pair perfectly with the outdoors and darker settings. If you’re seeking a fun twist to an outdoor design, fruit cushions are proof that our love of fruit-inspired palettes doesn’t wane after our childhoods are over. 

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4. Wall Prints

Even though most fruits are bright and bold, when the colours are toned down, they can still be just as beautiful. Mature colours of the fruit rainbow, such as berry reds, apple greens and tangerines, can complement a space perfectly and even add a sense of sophistication!  Try using lemon yellows for that adventurous and energetic burst of colour into a room. 

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As far as we’re concerned, if it’s good enough for nature, it’s good enough for us. If you want a space that feels fresh and vibrant, look no further than the sweetest things growing on our planet. Keep your interiors healthy this season with some lively, fruity patterns and colour trends found on inspirational fruit by design style boards.

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From the moment we picked up our crayons as toddlers and began to imitate nature, our connection to colour has been enduring. The feelings each hue evokes are permanently etched on our subconscious minds, and whether wittingly or automatically, we use these preferences in any environment we control.

In our home or office space, colour is crucial, whether we require motivation, inspiration or calm, so let’s focus on the use of hues in interior design to boost mood and atmosphere.

White

Representing clarity, peacefulness and cleanliness, white is usually the primary palette in bathrooms. As a blank canvas, white can also promote creativity and inspiration for children.

However when used in excess, white can be stale and remove vivacity from a room. Using white as a base with pops of contrasting colours and natural textures is a great way to change the mood of a room.

Natural materials like wood, marble and plants will bring warmth and comfort to a white space while maintaining a neutral palette.

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Blue

Evoking calmness and tranquillity, blue is often the top choice for workspaces. It stimulates focus and productivity. It may be a blue wall, touches of blue in interior furnishings like chairs, carpet, tiles or light fixtures, or used within branding elements logos and marketing media.

Representing the sea and the sky, blue also brings us to the solitude of the coastline, inspiring relaxation and reflection, so can also work well in a light hue within a bathroom space.

Dark blue on mass can be cold so is best mixed with a range of blue hues or as a focus colour amongst a lighter colour scheme.

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Green

Usually associated with health and well being, green can be a good colour to use in bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens. It’s considered the easiest colour for the human eye to process and therefore not overly stimulating. For this reason, using a light green hue in a nursery is a great gender-neutral palette to work with.

Dark green is also associated with wealth and prosperity, a strong and confident choice. When paired with blue it remains striking but with a calm overtone. Introducing green colours into a space using plants is an excellent way to bring the outdoors in, and freshen the air of your interiors.

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Yellow

Bright and sunny, yellow is fun and uplifting. Using highlights of yellow in spaces like the kitchen, dining room and living areas promotes positive energy and a social atmosphere.

For a more subtle approach, opt for a muted or deeper yellow. This is commonly used in a bedroom space to enhance warmth, comfort and security.

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Orange

As a colour of fire, orange makes us feel warm and alive. These sensations stimulate our brains with a boost of oxygen and can result in sociability and increased appetite. Orange is therefore a great colour to use in spaces where entertaining happens like dining areas or outdoor settings.

As a block colour, orange can become quite overwhelming so is best used sparingly and alongside contrasting colours like green, or complimentary colours like yellow or red.

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Red

Most commonly known as the dynamic colour of passion, red excites and stimulates the eye. It’s a powerful colour that is associated with love and sensuality.

As a pure hue, it can create anxiety and stress so it’s important that it’s knocked back and earthy in tone when used in bedroom spaces or areas meant for relaxing and socialising.

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Purple

Often used in realms of spirituality, purple is the colour of calmness and reflection. Purple also has been affiliated with nobility and royalty and can give the impression of abundance and luxury. As purple is a secondary colour, combining blue and red (depending on the hue of purple used) can dramatically change the feel of a space.

Light purples (blue based) can be calming and intimate, most effectively used in bedrooms and nurseries. Dark purples (red based) are much more intense, evoking prosperity and the illusion of expensive taste and luxury. However when used in excess, dark purple can create a heavy and negative vibe, so balance of hue and tone is crucial to maintain a positive sensation.

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Black

Often used best as an accent colour, black represents sophistication and power. Having a strong association to status, it can be effective in office spaces. When used in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens or bathrooms, it does emit luxury but can be off-putting and mournful if used in heavy proportions.

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 As you can see, some colours are more adaptable, easily applied to a number spaces and safer to use as base or block colours. Others have a potency that can bring a space to life when used with subtlety, but can be dangerous when overused.

When it comes to deciding on a suitable colour scheme for your space, use your instinct and go for colours that you love to ensure that the space represents you and your personality. But use our guide to make sure your choices don’t result in interiors that contradict the intended mood.

Every hue on the colour wheel evokes mood and emotion, so never underestimate the positive and negative impacts of colour in interior design.  

Kerena Berry is co-founder and Head of Interior Design at Designbx.com, Australia’s first complete online interior design solution, home to over 12,000 home décor products, and a personal shopper service that coordinates the supply and delivery of furniture and
homewares.

The post Using Colour to Boost your Mood appeared first on Designbx.

Brave, innovative and stylised creations are Designbx’s passion, and today we highlight some stunning projects by top designers worthy of the applause of our design community. Charged with personality, these bold plans have become beautiful realities, thanks to some of Australia’s standout talents.

Poppy Lane and Scott Gibson, Eltham Victoria – Photos by Annette O’Brien

As designers of their own range of indoor and outdoor furniture and homewares, under the Pop and Scott Workshop Cooperative , it’s no surprise that when Poppy Lane and Scott Gibson created interior designs for their own home in Eltham, Victoria, the result was bound to turn heads.

Showcasing pieces ‘rich with life, colour and texture, yet simple and timeless’, a warm and eclectic interior is created with textile styling, the strategic layering of rugs, linens, patchworks and a side of pom poms. In The Design Files, Poppy says, ‘only use furniture and objects that you love,’ as this allows the home to be warm and welcoming.

Anna Spiro, Stradbroke Island –Photos by Jared Fowler

Anna Spiro collaborates with her brother Sam Spiro on Anna Spiro Textiles, which was born from a passion of textiles, patterns and colour. This is evident throughout her Stradbroke Island home, not far from Brisbane, which features some beautiful examples of her exclusive range, handmade using fine Belgian linen.

Sleek white walls complemented by crisp, colourful home decorations make the space feel fresh, yet modern. It’s a perfect combination of her island environment and the stunning items created by her textile design business.

Jeff Swinyard and Kimberley Tan, Perth – Photos by Jody Darcy

Jeff and Kimberley run Studio Atelier, a Perth interior design business that brings architecture and interiors together to achieve the visions of clients. Their practice provides conceptual home design and development, perfectly illustrated in the duo’s transformation of a dilapidated Victorian terrace.

Creating a vintage yet modern space through the use of Victorian furniture, and artworks found in local thrift shops, Studio Atelier complemented the design with a mix of timber and iron furnishings, and modern trimmings to the decor. This pays homage to the historical aspect of the house while creating a modern home.

Pop and Scott Workshop Cooperative, Anna Spiro Textiles, and Studio Atelier’s refreshing creations show the depth of talent in Australian interior design. The boldness of vision and varied styles display the diverse aesthetics we love here at Designbx where we encourage our community of specialists to design with passion.

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Without lowering ourselves to the use of terms like nudge nudge, wink wink (oh dear, too late), it’s obvious the master bedroom is the setting for decadence whether it be intimate moments, post party lock-ins (drawn curtains and movie marathons) or pure unadulterated laziness (mmm, laziness). As long as the kids don’t invade your lair, you can enjoy some deserved self-indulgence.

After completing your hectic schedule, the bedroom is your ultimate escape. It only needs to be relevant to you and your partner, which gives you the freedom to express who you are and reflect the room’s primary use. We won’t speculate as to goings on in your room (we don’t judge here at Designbx) but we suggest you select colours, pattern and textures that appeal to your senses.

With that in mind, here are some of our fave brands. What tickles your fancy?

Hunting for George is an adaptable choice that suits most styles, with throws and accessories completing the look. Brand Director Lucy Glade-Wright believes the key to the perfect choice of linen is a style that has longevity. “Choose something that you love and will continue to love years later,” Lucy suggests.

The other key factor is colour selection, which is a key consideration for the company’s designers. “Colour is like music. It can trigger an emotional response that prompts memories and ideas. Colour is often the first thing we look towards for inspiration,” says Lucy.

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As for the kids, getting linen selection right can create a captivating world that is comfortable yet stimulating. Be daring, have fun and tap into your child’s imagination. You’re not the only one who should have a haven that expresses your personality.

Top kids’ linen brand, Little Ones, recognises the fact that children are developing their own styles from a young age. The designers specialise in Retro and Modern Eclectic styles with explosive colours and energetic patterns. The wonder of a fair can be enjoyed in the safety of a kid’s hideaway.

Cleverly relevant to both genders, Little Ones delivers escapism while optimistic colours create a reassuring environment. A key to the brand’s success is meticulous attention to the most important details, ensuring materials are of the highest standards of quality and safety, including being Oeko-Tex certified.

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Looking to cut down on shopping time? Kip & Co.’s Boho, Modern Eclectic and Coast styles are designed for everyone in the family. Their bright boutique bedding offers dazzling choices for folks with their eyes on bold choices, and the brand’s styles encourage customers to layer and mix patterns.

“The Stardust collection has something a bit fantastical and magical about it,” says Hayley Pannekoecke, of Kip & Co. “It’s also got a very feminine soft colour palette that works with the season’s stone fruit, soft rose, burnt brandy, grape and silver.”

They even do bassinet sheets, pyjamas and overnight bags, so Kip & Co. can be on the go with you! For adults and kids alike, it’s comforting to connect bedroom styles and adventures in the wide world, especially with beautiful leather or canvas bags. According to Hayley, “They’re the perfect accessory for the memory-making wanderer.”

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Probably the most exciting new arrival to the Kip & Co. range is velvet. Hearing Hayley explain the sensation of sleeping on velvet makes it an easy sell. “Velvet pillows have basically changed my life!” she insists. “There’s something about the depth of colour and texture of velvet. As we move into winter, it’s the ultimate friend to keep you snug at night.”

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A ‘forward-looking approach’ gives the designers an edge, and while they are capable of extravagance and daring colours, customers can also enjoy subtle, muted textures. Experienced globetrotters but proud of their hometown, Aura insists ‘yes, it’s little bit Scandinavian, a little bit Indian, but it’s also a whole lot of Melbourne.’

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Specialising in Coast and Industrial styles, Sheets on the Line probably wins the prize for best brand name. The idea for the business was hatched over a cup of coffee in Steve & Deb Clifford-Ames’ favourite café. Remarkably, by the end of the day, the light bulb moment had expanded to become a grand scale and vision.
Filling a void left by traditional manufacturers’ failure to deliver daring, affordable products, the couple not only provided a vibrant array of alternatives but also provided a more environmentally friendly option.

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Like Designbx, these brave businesses are part of the design revolution that gives every Australian an opportunity to express their personality through design. Whether you’re creating a stylish boudoir or creating a fun world for the kids, there’s no shortage of quality bed linen.

Designbx  |  Between the sheets- choosing the right bed linen  |  designbx.com

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Santa is checking his list of naughty and nice, rounding up the reindeers and preparing the sleigh.  All the children busily writing their Christmas wish lists ready for the big day!

Families are getting in the festive spirit, putting up trees, decorating houses, and laying out the treasured sacks and stockings for the jolly man in red ready to fill.

Christmas sacks and stockings are as fun and trendy as ever, there is a design and style just for you are your little person’s personality.  

Here are some of our faves!

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Let’s get fun and jolly with Sack Me and their brilliantly bright and fun collection… a truly coastal vibe From $79.90 a set.

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Giant pom poms and luscious velvet…a luxe Christmas Kip & Co Santa sacks ($59).

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Sweet and simple, a more traditional chic approach Cabin & Co gold tree santa sacks ($49) A timeless piece!

These beautiful heirloom-quality Santa sacks by Down to the Woods ($69.95) are designed to be family keepsakes for many years to come.

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Go Scandi this year with these bold stripe and geometric designs from Cotton On Kids santa sacks.

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Black and white…why not!  monochrome stockings by Liewood ($59.95) are for those cool cats!  

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Pretty and pastel these thoughtful designs by Scandi brand Fabelab ($55) come in a range of earthy colours and critters.

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Designbx | Santa stockings and socks with sass! | designbx.com

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Once the domain of bars and saloons which played both types of music–country and western–neon lights have broken free from the shackles of cliches to invade our residential spaces.

Like a slogan for a room, they can be sweet, playful, provocative or reinforce a space’s identity. Whether used for a little humour or to bring your attention to the room’s interior design style, neon is becoming an increasingly popular device and certainly one of the emerging trends of the season.

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Now that homeowners are feeling free to play with neon, we’re seeing subtle nuances, especially the relationship with artwork, with the size of mounted art determining the impact of neon signs. Similarly, the style of typography is varying and becoming more sophisticated. A far cry from the old red neon ‘beer’ sign in the man cave, these signs can be brazen or add finesse, depending on fonts, hues and the relationship with features in the room.

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Today the options are endless with neon lighting, but before you get excited about creating a feature, remember that your choice ultimately dictates the price. You can order a bespoke sign online, salvage a vintage piece or invest in a Tracey Emin (she made neon lights chic).

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Our tips are to use neon in an unexpected places like the bathroom or above a doorway, and be creative with placement, running the lettering vertically instead or horizontally. For maximum effect, give your neon artwork space, or if you’re aiming for a more subtle and cohesive result, build into a collage artwork.

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Always consider painting wiring so your cord blends with the wall, and while on the subject of colour, remember that if you want your sign to make an impact, choose a hue that pops. Another great effect can be created by layering neon signs on wallpaper.

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Neon lighting is yet another example of interior design is evolving and breaking rules. What was once a corny device is now being utilised effectively to further express the personality of homeowners, not only bold and brazenly but also with subtlety and even elegance.

Designbx   |   “A glowing future- using neon lights to add personality to interior designs”  |  www.designbx.com

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