Autumn's Blown In

After a seemingly never ending summer here in Sydney, Autumn has finally sprung its beautiful coloured head. I barely even noticed it arriving until I was walking on a blustery morning and all around me was orange, maroon and every shade of yellow this side of the (disappearing) sun.

I always find Autumn is the perfect time to 'nest' your home. It creates comfort, warmth and a respite from the increasing chill in the air and the winds that threaten to blow your hair into directions and styles only super glue could usually achieve.

At times like this I search for soft and abundant textures in rugs, pillows and throws; they add a cosiness to the everyday. It certainly helps that this is also preparation for the winter sneaking up just around the corner.

While traditionally the notion of these lovely, warm additions to the home are token creams, beiges and greys, this need not be the case. Geometric and jacquard designs using fluoros and bold hues still remain very much in vogue. As such there are numerous options when it comes to choosing soft furnishings that modernise and update the look of your home without making it seem... snow lodge (not that I have anything against a good snow lodge).

Check out some of these stunning throws and cushions that you can snuggle with in style:

When it comes to gorgeous cushions who can really go past Bonnie and Neil for a splash of colour, a textured print or just for a love of our national flora and fauna. The new range features vibrant designs in all shades. I'm lusting after these red and orange pillows above, for their hint of changing-leaf colour and their delightful fringing on the edges. But there are so many more, head over to Bonnie and Neil here to see for yourself.

Pendleton: Diamond Medallion Throw

Who can go past Pendleton for a classic throw rug... but wait a sec, they've seriously updated their look with the new range that's out now. I particularly love the Diamond Medallion Throw above which seems to bring together all of the colours of Autumn in one geometric beauty. To check out their full range head over at their website here.

If you're much like me and you also have a slight love affair with the fashion label Gorman, from Melbourne, then you will be thanking your lucky stars that this winter they have some of the MOST adorably colourful mohair throws just for you (and me and all other lovers of a great thing). You know I could just cut eye holes in the thing and wear them like that. New winter trend, ghost chic' - hello! Check them out online here or instore.

By Sol Maldonado on Etsy

Now if you're more of a DIY type and want to feel the accomplishment of curling up with a pillow you created all by yourself, then look at this little gem! Bang on trend with pattern and colour, this baby is the perfect Autumn project for those nights when you can't be bothered to rug up and go out. Another bonus is the tiny price tag, from just $7 you can by the pattern off creator Sol Maldonado on Etsy, have a look at this and her other sweet as pie designs here.

And here is just another pretty picture of some Autumn leaves... until next time. 

Six Tips for Studio Spaces

If you live in an inner city studio apartment, chances are you are facing a constant battle to achieve more space, or at least, the illusion of more space. With years worth of furniture, memories and bits and bobs collected from around the globe, this task is not an easy feat. 

Stephen Nicholls, property editor at smh.com.au, has noted the exponential growth and popularity of apartments, especially studios, as both investments and rentals. In his recent article here, he even acknowledges the reversing roles of apartments over houses.

 Image Source: French By Design 

With this in mind, there is a need for intuitive thinking and classic design tricks to turn your little spot of heaven into something that resembles… well, a much larger spot of heaven. Below are six tricks to turn your crowded abode into a calming respite. 

1. Let in the light! The curse of a studio can often be the limit of natural light. To step out of the darkness, apply blinds or curtains that have minimal blockage when they are open. 

2. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall. A tried and tested home decor trick to create more space is the addition of mirrors to accentuate and elongate any room. However, many get the scale wrong. The trick is to add in large, simple and expansive mirrors, rather than small and dainty ones that can often achieve the opposite affect. 

 Image Source: obaz.com 

                                   

3. Possession Purge! Be honest with yourself and throw out any unnecessary items or space stealing (but largely non-functional) furniture. A good tip is the One Year Test. If you haven’t used the item in over a year, chuck it. Come on, do you really need those lecture notebooks from your SCLG101 class 7 years ago? 

4. Organise and Order.  Find a place for EVERYTHING, and I mean every last safety pin and half empty hair spray bottle. When living in a small place, clutter and confusion results from items not having anywhere to ‘go back’ to. Ikea is renown for its space saving organisational designs. Measure your place up and go and grab some. 

5. Swipe the Surfaces. Have clean and uncluttered surfaces on your desks, sideboards and benches to help create the illusion of more space. Leave knick knacks to a minimum by using one or two bold and eye catching pieces. (Also note: in a studio, dust gathers quickly, less clutter equals easier cleaning, yes please!) 

6. Think Smart, Not Small. Today, just a quick search of ‘space saving furniture’ can reveal some truly innovative and functional designs. If you have limited space, try a sideboard that turns into a table, cushioned storage boxes that allow for extra seating or even get creative with how your bed can be transformed from day to night. Seriously, check out this couch-come- dining table below! 

 Image Source: zeutch.com

                       
Do you have any small studio tips for decorating? What is the best storage system you have managed to find? 

Sarah x

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2013 Colour of the Year

It’s with great excitement that I found out about Pantone’s 2013 Colour of the Year being (drum roll please…) EMERALD! 

Pantone, an authority on colour in all things design and interior, polls numerous designers and brands on strong trends for the coming year. This year, the people have spoken and Emerald will be everywhere.

Image Source: plentyofcolour.com

Well, this just happens to be my favourite colour AND my birthstone. I’m not usually a believer of signs, however, I’ve decided that this means 2013 is my year!

I’m also pretty excited that I will be able to feature numerous emerald accented interiors on this here blog. You lucky readers, you! 

Also it may just be a coincidence but I found it funny that Emerald is the colour of the year when ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ is being released…  maybe that’s just my tangential thought patterns though?!  

Head on through to Pantone to see more about the 2013 Colour of the Year!