"Count-down to Christmas"

"Christmas is my Favourite time of the Year"

I love Christmas time and I always plan way in advance so that I don't get caught up with the hussle and bussle of the Season. We sometimes find ourselves so caught up with what to do and so little time to do it in-we often forget the "True meaning" of the Celebration. For me - Christmas is a time for "family and friends". It's a time to think of others before yourself - those less fortunate.It's a time of Rest and Enjoyment. But most of all it is a time of Peace...to commemorate the Birth of our Lord and Saviour - Jesus Christ.

With taking all of the above into consideration - I often do a "Spring Clean" so that I can get rid of all the unnecessary clutter - I donate all my un-used stuff to Charity. This also prepares you for all your guests you expecting during this time. We find ourselves wanting to Re-paint; Add extra scatters here and there; do up the Guest Room; maybe some wallpaper and so on and so on...This is when the panic sets in - We don't take it easy...and Relax. We want everything to be Perfect. We can also loose focus and this can be a very stressful time for many.

"Traditional Christmas Table-setting"

"Everything must have a Flow and co-ordinate with the rest of the Room"

I try and focus on the "Day" - like presents, dinner preparations etc...I love table settings so this is were all my attention goes. From the table decor-centre-pieces to the tree and presents everything must co-ordinate and flow with the rest of the room.

I love wrapping presents - I always add something extra on the tags - like a candy stick or treat and the kids look so forward to that more so than the gift inside.

"Lovely Gift Wrap"

"Christmas Crafy Ideas"
(Check out: blog.stylizimo.com)

"Co-ordinating Red and White Christmas Gift Wrap"

"Great Idea: Christmas Boots instead of Stockings"

Seasons Greetings to you all...:-) "Til next time.FK.

"Finding your Style in Decor"

It is so easy to determine ones "Style" in Fashion...yet the things you necessary wear as an Item of Clothing does not necessary distinguish your taste in Interiors.

That is why we are here to help you - an Interior Decorator / Designer is someone who uses the "Elements of Design" such as Colour; Space; Texture etc...to decorate or design a Room. She is one who Optimises the "Function" and "Potential" of the area of discussion...
With all that said - none of this can be achieved without the consent / brief from the Client. This is whereby she combines the "Style" of choice together with her expertise into incorporating a unique blend of finishes that not only look good but "feels" good to the inhabitor's of that Space.


But what if you are uncertain of your Style? Then where to from here? Often Interior Decorators have an occupational habit of "forcefully" trying to influence you on things that don't necessary appeal to you - I feel this is wrong - We can advise on the benefits of the Item - But one thing I always remind myself is that..." I am not going to live here "...This is your "Space" and you need to be comfortable in your Surroundings.


So I have laid out a Few Pictures of Interiors and short Briefs determining various "Styles". Remember these are just Guide-lines - Your "Home/Space" should feel comfortable to "You" - You could even cross-over Styles and do a bit of a mix - There are NO RULES!!


Enjoy Finding Your Style:-) "Til next time...FK.

Herewith is a list of various Styles which we are Familiar with: 
                                                                
1)Periodic Styles

Classic / Timeless    

This style never dates. Furniture pieces are solid – often “heirlooms” passed down from generation to generation. Clean design lines and very little Contrast in Colour is used. Fabrics and Textures used all Blend in well together. The room should be visually balance with "Focal Points" used to highlight certain features.

                                                                      

Victorian Era

Lots of Antique Pieces / Furniture that resembles pieces of this time. Very “over the top” with lots of Trims and Passementrie. Gilded Furniture pieces as well as mouldings and frames with the same effect. Fabrics are layered with lots of Tapestry-type Prints.

Traditional/ Formal

Often using symmetrical arrangements; rich colour schemes; elaborate carvings; dark wood furniture; abundance of detail; opulent and luxurious finishes.The area should be elegant and inviting with emphasis on the various details. Fabrics used are beautiful patternned prints;tone on tone stripes; textural patterns...as well as self-embossed damasks and fleur de lis prints.

 French / Romantic   

Very soft, feminine and dainty Printed Floral co-ordinated with fine ticking stripes and gingham checks. Lots of Roses and Fresh Foliage. Pastel Paint Colours with Techniqued Furniture Pieces.                                                      

 Modern

Low sleek furnishings with gleaming surfaces (Glass and Stainless steel) Clean lines with accents of Bold colours / textures. Open spaces create a minimalistic look.

Contemporary

Current/ up-to-date style; Clean lines with simple shapes; Standard Palettes with Clear Colours; Space is the showcase to create a clean, fresh look.The room should focus on Function and avoid excessive accessorising and clutter.

Colonial

Large, Bold leave-type sketched out Prints. A bit of Rusticity in Basket ware. Over-head ceiling fans and Large Palms resemble hot dry lands. Skulls and Horns are very "African Colonial" but depending on which era you following be it British / French Colonial  a bit of research into these need to be investigated to ensure the right look is achieved.

Eclectic

This Style is when two or more styles are blended in creating a completely different look. You often find a blend of antique pieces mixed with a modern design - sometimes it works very well...and sometimes it can be a disaster.

"An Interior showing an intergration of many Styles namely Colonial; French; Contemporary and Classic"

Today we fond of mixing "Contemporary / Modern" as these lie very closely on the "Design Line". French / Romantic / Shabby Chic are also very closely linked. 

A Traditional Fabric upholstered on a Modern Sofa creates a bit of a Stir - but that is why it is different because it almost seems like the Decorators' are defying the "Laws of Design"...but like in Fashion same with Interiors - if you like it "Wear it" - if you want it " Buy it"...just remember to check with your Decorator first....;-)LOL.

The next category is: 2)"Themed" namely:

1.Ethnic

2.Nautical

3.Shabby Chic

4.Eastern / Oriental

5.Feng Shui

6.Country Cottage

7.Corporate

"Ethnic"

"Country Cottage"

"Feng Shui"

"Nautical"

"Shabby Chic"

"Look to Nature for Inspiration"

In my last post I chatted about PINTEREST - This is whereby I stumbled upon this fantastic "Colour Inspiration" site called design-seed. The endless amount of Colour Co-ordinating tips...the list goes on. Here are a few to get you Inspired.

Check out the website:www.design-seed.com.

"Carrot Strips"

Using lovely tones of Orange and Coral mixed with a weathered Grey tone and even adding a touch of Pink.

"Pink Flower

Pinks and Mauve's are always a favourite teamed up with Olive or Lime Greens.

"Pearliest Shell"

Ocean inspired Blues echoing shades of Grey and Foamy White.

"Worn Wood"

Neutrals are always a favourite backing for a Monochromatic Colour Scheme

"A basket of Eggs"



A Lovely Palette of French Blues with Light Peachy undertones.



"Worn-out Colour"



This is one of my favorite Colour Scheme - love these sorbet colours.

"Sugar Coated"



Next time you look at a Vegetable or a Flower or a Even a piece of Wood - Look at it in it's Colour Intensity. Take all the shades,tones and tints and echo these out into a Colour Scheme. It is not only great fun but it also allows you to explore different options when using Colour.

'Til next time...Happy Colouring:-)FK.

PINTEREST

I have been hooked on PINTEREST. So I just had to dedicate this next Post to it. It's amazing what you find on here. People from all over the world pinning and re-pinning various images from Food to Fashion to Decor...the list is endless. So much Inspiration. I just had to share a few of my Pins from my Boards. Please go and check it out and you might just need this sign :

"Quotes"



"Colour Inspiration"



"Fashion Inspiration"



"Pink Cocktail Recipes"



"Story-boards"



"Hammock - Must have"



"D.I.Y. Side and Coffee Tables"



"Get Organized-Home Office"



"Paris in Winter"



http://www.pinterest.com/


Happy Pinning...'til next time:-)FK.

"Paint Colour-Card"

"Pillars imitating Paint Striker Cards"

I just had to share this Project - I recently helped a good friend and Interior Decorator with some Colour Advice...Look how beautiful this "Vibrant Palette"-of Lime Greens;Orange;Reds and Rusts turned out.

It creates a warm, inviting and yet comfortable atmosphere in this beautiful Family Restaurant....Love, Love,Love...

The Yellow up-lighting also creates a cosy and intimate feel to this Space. These are all Colours which are not only fun and vibrant but also work very well together. The Pillars almost imitate a "Paint Colour-Card" with the white stripe in-between each band....very cleverly done...

Well Done-BEYOND THE HOME AND OFFICE
http://www.beyondthehome.co.za/

Credits:Thanks Andrew Home for the Image.

"Til the next time...Happy painting...:-)FK