All of these dreams can be realised…until children become part of the family. From this point on, most of us can say goodbye to the grown-up, spacious, clutter-free tidy home, which will no doubt be replaced by scattered toys (suddenly it’s a hazard to walk around barefoot in your own home!), walls used for a variety of ‘artworks’, stained carpets, and scratched/bashed/broken items that you used to recognise as your favourite pieces of furniture. 

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But what can you do? No one wants their children to grow up living in a museum – that is no fun at all! But must you simply accept that this is your home for the next 16+ years? Absolutely not…who said it’s only kids who should have their dedicated play areas, full of their things and catering to their needs?? Hello parents retreat! 

Yes, a parents retreat has become an actual thing over the last few years, and can come in many shapes, sizes and styles. But the one simple rule is this – no kids allowed! No toys, no pets, no drawing on walls or wrecking expensive carpets and furniture. Everything else is entirely up to you – it’s your space! Your sanctuary, your escape zone. However, here are some of the things to consider.

Decor Style

This is entirely up to you, everyone’s preferences are different, as we talked about previously. You might be close to the ocean and opt for a coastal theme or love the country french look. We have opted for a bit of a luxe interior style – it’s adults only so why not! 

Colour

Think about the vibe you want to create in your retreat…do you want it to be light, bright and invigorating? Go for whites and neutrals with pops of bright colour.  Or cosy, romantic and feminine? Pastel colours with touches of white and soft pale grey will work. Working towards creating a specific mood will help you determine which colours are best. Or build your palette around a favourite artwork.  We went for a contemporary palette of soft pastels teamed with jewel shades, with hints of gold and navy, which reinforces the grown up luxe feel. 

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Furnishings

Well…what are the main requirements of this space? Sleep? Escape? Work? Relax? Eat? Again, these factors will guide you in choosing the perfect items of furniture for your retreat. At the minimum, try to go for an amazing comfortable bed (as large as will fit!), a comfortable sofa for 2 (movie screen optional!), and a large luxurious bathtub if you have an en-suite. Comfortable luxurious bedding, textured throw cushions and a large area rug will add to the luxury decor feel whilst creating warmth and character. If you plan to escape here to work at times, find yourself a stylish desk and comfortable chair. Or maybe you have other interests and passions – avid reader? Make yourself a reading nook complete with huge armchair or chaise. Love arts and crafts? Build yourself a corner workspace. Anything that makes you love being in this space should be included. 

Other things that could be included are plants, amazing ornate mirrors, artworks and personal photos, a drinks trolley and walk in wardrobe…but again, it is entirely down to you and what you love – it is your retreat so you better enjoy it!

Shop the Look

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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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Pendant lights are an elegant way to achieve an enjoyable decorative experience. This lighting should be the focal point and fit properly into the space in terms of shape, size and style. Pendant lights come in a wide variety of designs, elegantly hanging above a kitchen table or taking center stage in the dining room. Check out our favourite samples and some useful tips for you.

Kitchen

Pendants in the kitchen area are mood-setters. Consider a pendant with a light diffuser, or use semi-opaque bulbs. Pendants should hang 12-20 inches below an 8-foot ceiling. For each additional foot of ceiling height, add 3 inches. For example, for a 9-foot ceiling, the pendant should hang 15-23 inches below. Pendants should be hung over work surfaces at a height that doesn’t block views across the kitchen.

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Dining Room

A dining room pendant lighting gives atmosphere. The light should flatter the décor and make the best of it. It will take center stage and it must be updated and beautiful. It’s the perfect opportunity be bold and dare with colour and shape.

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Living Room

Pendant lights can make a room feel cozy, romantic or energetic with the twist or hit of a switch. The main light, should be set in such a way as not to create too much shadow. Use more than one pendant to divide the light and enhance a pleasant atmosphere.

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Home office

With more and more people opting to work from home nowadays, there are a few integral things to consider when creating the layout – including your pendant lighting options. Hung from the ceiling, they can provide light just where you want it: on the desk and your paperwork, not on your screen.

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30th October 2015 | The Designbx Team | Interiors- Pendant Perfection

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