A Scandinavian Delight

Comfort and function are the most critical ingredients to a beautiful room.

Scandinavian interior has quickly become a passion of mine. Renowned for their simplicity, utility and beauty, I cannot express to you how much Scandinavian homes have caught my eye. They have a warm, cosy feel but are able to portray clean lines, functionality and an element of understated elegance. This design can be characterised by the wonderful use of light, muted tones, natural materials and minimalist ornamentation. I wanted to dedicate this blog to help you visualise and perhaps re-create the Scandinavian style in your own home. 

First lets begin with the unique lighting concepts Scandinavian interior has to offer. 

Perhaps some of the most unusual lighting displays encapsulating the contemporary, clean yet original decor this interior theme has to offer. I absolutely love the exclusive chandelier design on the left incorporating dark grey fish bowl shaped glass. It would look fabulous as a statement piece in a bright living room, reflecting the light to all corners. 

This simple yet thoroughly effective loft style lighting draws the eye across the room and creates a utility feel that is perfect for a functional room such as a kitchen. What is so great about Scandinavian style decor is the rustic yet fresh atmosphere the interior can generate. It's masculine aura makes this an interior theme that can be perfect for most couples.

A dining space can be a focal point of any home. Whether it is used as much as other rooms, it can certainly bring a family together by the simple composition of it's furniture. Scandinavian design often incorporates round tables suggesting an informal and liveable area. The use of wood is one of the most widely used materials within Scandinavian interior adding texture and warmth. These classic nordic style chairs combine the traditional elements of clean lines but stand out continue to look current.

Quirky breakfast bar dining suits this practical interior decor and adds a youthful dimension to the look. The high shine chrome pendant lights add depth to this muted colour palette and finish the space perfectly.

This room embodies some of the more traditional features of Scandinavian style living. White washed wooden floors and walls give a relaxed and peaceful ambiance contrasted with the rustic metal loft style chairs. The use of furs throughout a home is in keeping with original Scandinavian interiors. It brings warmth and texture to the room which emulates the cold climate of the nordic countries. I love the combination of romance and simplicity using this delicate chandelier as a focal point to the space.

Cow hide rugs, ultra modern chair designs and a wintery landscape - a gorgeous interpretation of Scandinavian interior design.

What I love about this room the most is the tree trunk inspired coffee tables. The differing heights and natural wood pattern add a different dimension to the room along with a connection to the outdoors. 

As a kitchen is a room already characterised as functional and practical - it can be one of the most exciting spaces to decorate when choosing Scandinavian style decor. The fabulous grey marble stone chosen for this kitchen adds a lovely rustic texture to the room. Complimented by the country style chalk board and classically nordic antler feature, I would love to create this kitchen in my home!

Go and buy some fur, splash some white paint on the walls and you're already half way there.

I hope you are left feeling inspired.

Room of the Week #1

A house is much more than a mere shelter, it should lift us emotionally and spiritually.

I've decided to introduce a Room of the Week blog post so that I'm able to show you the beautiful world of interiors one intriguing step at a time. I thought I would begin with a space not every house needs, but it is a room that can have endless design opportunities. The nursery - a space that can only too often be stereotyped and perhaps lack inspiration. I have dedicated this post to opening your eyes and broadening your creative senses to some of the more original nursery design ideas that can be incorporated into your home. 

First let me begin with modern gender neutral interior decor. There are so many gorgeous fabrics and colours that effortlessly work together in order to create the perfect space for a new born baby. 

I absolutely love this gorgeous nature inspired nursery. The soft green and grey hues are perfectly complimented by the pale cow hide rug. The white wall art brings a delicate and fresh element to the room along with the ultra modern furniture pieces. Such a wonderful creation.

Interior design is not only about the colours of a wall, it can be represented in so many ways. The accessories within a room are able to enhance the original design vision and create a personal touch to any home. I feel this beautiful dove grey silhouette of a child would add a sense of mystery and sophistication to a nursery. The neutral tones and elephant picture design on the left bring a calming, youthful look to the room and are complimented so well by the soft beech wood chest of drawers.

This picture represents one of my favourite interior design trends - texture. Patterned wallpaper, soft curtains, a beautiful ivory fur rug, satin cushions and flat white furniture - what more could you ask for? I feel this room epitomises the comfortable and cosy outlook that a nursery should convey, along with bringing a contemporary element to the room. After researching modern gender neutral nurseries, they are quickly becoming one of my favourite decors.

A grey colour palette is more than just a dull array of earthly hues, it can portray a soft and delicate aura  that can be so calming for any room. I love the dark wood used in these nurseries - it gives a real contrast to the pale decoration. The second picture offers a mature design using glass and chrome ornaments. Perhaps not the most child friendly decor, but effortlessly chic nonetheless. The differing tones of grey in the left picture portrayed by the charcoal ceiling light, striped rug and knitted circular cushion add depth and character to the room.

Many people prefer to design a gender specific nursery for their baby, however it can be rather difficult to steer away from the traditional blue and pink themes. I aim to inspire you with beautiful, original and authentic creations for baby boys and girls.

This beautiful, glamourous nursery is able to show the world of interior design that a baby girl's room does not have to be pink, patterned and all about colour. The sumptuous design and french style furniture is what makes this nursery so pleasing to the eye. It feels fresh and chic with a hint of vintage styling that creates an elegant touch.

When you are faced with four walls that suddenly need to come to life it can feel quite daunting for anyone. This classic idea of wall art can look so pretty when choosing the right frames especially as a focal point within a nursery. The mauve, peachy tones combined with an antique design show a refined alternative colour palette and style.

This nursery is one of my all time favourites. I love the regal feel of the satin tufted cot and the dusky mauve wall colour. It works so well with the sheer layered curtains creating a soft and sophisticated balance. The modern star mirror attracts the eye across the room to the quirky mix and match frames placed above the cot. 

Boy nurseries are often loud and colourful with a certain theme such as animals or cars. Here are a few selected nurseries which are able to be themed for a baby boy but are original with their designs.

 

The muted tones and natural decor in these rooms give such an earthly and raw tone to the nurseries. You can immediately categorise the pictures as a boy's nursery but there are no garish colours or prints to be seen. I absolutely love the pale zebra lamp shade as it shows a hint of animal print without being over powering. Subtlety is key when creating a theme.

 An accent colour can be the perfect way to bring some life into your baby's nursery. I love the combination of orange and grey for a little boy. Orange has never really been a colour I've focused on, but it looks absolutely fabulous here and such a contrast. The colourful objects shown in the left picture are able to lift the all white room. I feel that in the design process of a new nursery the aim is to create a calm and positive space. With my interest primarily in neutral decor - this can be achieved very successfully.  

Please have fun reading this post even if you don't have the need to create a nursery. What is so great about interior design is that you can be inspired by the smallest detail. Every little thing counts. 

I hope you are left feeling inspired.

My Personal Style

You must always be faithful to your own taste because nothing you really love can ever go out of style.

I thought I would begin this blog by giving you a broad insight into my favourite interior styles, which I know will forever continue to entwine themselves between the walls of my future homes. Most are classic with an element of simplicity and a subtle edge of glamour. It is this timeless design that I hope will open your eyes and perhaps inspire you to create some magic in your own home. 

First we begin with the ever intriguing colour palette of muted tones. Those soft hues that are supposed to represent a dull Spring morning, a bland skyline or a landscape that shows no intent of blossoming into flower. However - to me they epitomise much more. Tranquility, mystery and serenity are just a few words that spring to mind when working with a neutral colour palette. The delight I feel when walking into a room that does not bare someone's distinctive perhaps loud personality is some what comparable to viewing a favourite piece of art. A blank canvas is more than just blank - it can hold a subtle mystification which to me, portrays more depth than all the colours of the rainbow put together.

A gorgeous, peaceful bedroom decorated using only white and beige tones. Who wouldn't want to unwind in this room after a long day?

Simple yet so clean and chic. Kitchenware with a sophisticated twist.

 This living room is clean cut and gentleman friendly using different textures such as marble and tweed to create depth and intrigue.

Another personal interior passion of mine has to be mirrored furniture. Whether it be Venetian, French style or the sharp lines of a modern piece - I love the character it can bring to a room. In bedrooms it can with no doubt add an aspect of glamour and luxury. Bathrooms can look chic and perhaps regal, whilst using mirrored furniture in other rooms such as a nursery can bring a unique and mature dimension to a room with decor that is only too often described as predictable and traditional.

These bedrooms portray a sense of allure and beauty.

The calming tones used are complimented by extravagant pieces of furniture that are able create a wonderful atmosphere in any room.  

One of my all time favourite uses for mirrored furniture is in bathrooms. It has the effortless ability to depict a clean and fresh space along with creating something fantastically unique at the same time. The second bathroom as been decorated with dark charcoal walls yet the use of mirror still introduces a bright and graceful finish to the room.

These nurseries are a selection of my most treasured interior decorations. The beautiful representation of sophisticated yet natural decor has been captured so perfectly using mirrored furniture here. I particularly love the use of the mirrored chest of drawers as a substitute for a changing table. It works so well at bringing a taste of elegance into the home.  

If you are enthusiastic about using a neutral colour palette in your home, I find that mirrored furniture is the perfect compliment and can save a room from looking flat and one dimensional. They can direct certain shapes and colours across a space bringing light and a feeling of expanse to the area. Free standing large mirrors can also be a delicacy within a room in my eyes. Lent against a corner or flat wall, over sized mirrors bring a sumptuous, lavish feel to a space. Perhaps it's the nostalgic feeling of playing dress up when you were young, or just out shopping using dressing rooms that brings an element of excitement to me when featured in a room. 

Beautiful ornate mirrors used in a bedroom and bathroom to show that a charm and elegance can be brought into any space with the use of grand mirrors.

The art of dressing a bed and placing it's cushions can only be described as a simple pleasure of mine. There are so many ways in which linen can be draped, so many textures that can be layered - it can change the theme of a room in an instant. Whether you want an inviting, cosy bed to snuggle down in, or a sleek design that is in keeping with the most modern interior - a dressed bed can project so many different looks. Here are some of my favourite linens that I feel do justice to the world of home interiors.

These linens can convey a sense of comfort, enjoyment, happiness, relaxation and much more. These ever changing feelings and perceptions that continue to arise from the soft furnishings of a bedroom are what makes this interior style so appealing to me. 

I hope you are left feeling inspired.