We are down to our last couple of boxes of Adore books. Once they’re gone, they’re gone, we won’t be printing any more. And to give you one more good reason to buy our book, we’re giving you ONE FREE MAGAZINE of your choice! Yep you can choose from our back issues or our current Autumn edition or Planted Magazine. When you purchase the Adore book in our online shop, simply let us know which magazine issue you’d like in the notes section at the checkout.
HURRY THIS OFFER ENDS TUESDAY 2 MAY, 2017 (AT 11PM AEST). SHIPPING TO AUSTRALIA ONLY.
TREND: JUST PEACHY
SHEEPSKIN / VASES / SIDE TABLE / FRAMED PRINT / LAMP / CABINET / THROW
HOOK / BED / CANDLE / GREEN CUSHION / CLOCK / CUSHION / RUG / CHAIR
MY TOP 5 FAVOURITE ABSTRACT ARTISTS
Michael Bond's artwork pictured Photography James Geer for Rebecca Judd Loves blog / Styling Aimee Tarulli
Everyone loves a great abstract painting or print right? Today I’ve rounded up my top five Australian abstract artists. It was definitely hard to stop at five, there are so many talented artists out there.
1 MICHAEL BOND
Photography Armelle Habib / Styling Heather Nette King
Michael Bond - a Sunshine Coast-based artist, produces some heavenly abstract art. I see his work popping up in all of the most gorgeous homes. If you’re looking to own one of his coveted pieces you should check out Fenton & Fenton’s upcoming Autumn group show, opening on Thursday 4th May at 6pm.
Photography Tarina Lyell / Interior Jenni Farr
2 LOUISE DE WEGER
Photography James Geer for Rebecca Judd Loves blog / Styling Aimee Tarulli
Brisbane-based artist Louise De Weger is a firm favourite amongst interior designers, stylists and home-owners. She has a fan-base all across the globe, not just here in Australia and it’s not hard to see why. Her happy geometric prints and original artworks delight with their punchy colour schemes and fit well in most contemporary homes.
The fact that Louise also takes on a lot of commission, made-to-order work, means you can get the perfect colour palette to suit your style. Plus she ships internationally!
Photography James Geer / Styling Aimee Tarulli for Thomas Archer Homes
Photography Hannah Blackmore / Styling Aimee Tarulli / Interior design Little Liberty Interiors
3 KERRY ARMSTRONG
Photography James Geer / Styling Aimee Tarulli for Thomas Archer Homes
Kerry Armstrong’s bold and striking abstract artworks certainly add a sense of drama and sophistication to any home. Featured regularly in high-end magazines like Belle and Vogue Living, Kerry’s works fit perfectly in luxe, Scandi and contemporary styles of homes, where the artwork is the true hero of the room. Her original black and white and blush pink works are among my personal favourites, however I do love her more affordable range of prints available through Studio Gallery. The Share a Sky print that was featured in Rebecca Judd’s latest home renovation project is totally swoon-worthy with its pale blue and pink colours (pictured below).
"My work allows me to capture and document on linen intersecting moments of raw emotional honesty."
- Kerry Armstrong
Photography James Geer for Rebecca Judd Loves blog / Styling Aimee Tarulli
Photography James Geer / Styling Aimee Tarulli for Thomas Archer Homes
4 PRUDENCE CAROLINE
Photography Armelle Habib / Styling Julia Green
I love the fluidity of Prudence Caroline’s artworks. Each feels very organic, and the colour combinations are oh-so-magical. Anyone looking to inject some serious colour in their home should definitely look to Prudence’s eye-catching prints. She has a huge selection of artworks available at Greenhouse Interiors. They’re totally dreamy right?
5 ANNIE EVERINGHAM
I’m also a big fan of Annie Everingham’s happy, abstract artworks and prints. Each of her works contains so many layers of paint, I’m sure everytime you look at one her pieces you’ll see something new. And I guess that’s what I love about abstract art – it’s completely open to interpretation and meaning. You’ll find Annie’s range of prints on her website (click here) and her original artworks through Fenton & Fenton and Jumbled.
HONORABLE MENTIONS...
Ok I couldn’t finish this blog post without mentioning a few extra abstract artists that I think you’ll also love. Belinda Marshall, Kate Fisher, Marnie McKnight, Ruchi Rai, Jasmin Zara, and Antoinette Ferwerda just to name a few.
Colour Trend: Pink, Ochre & Khaki
Our obsession with blush pink continues, lately we’re loving it teamed with khaki greens and ochre yellows to create a more edgier look.
Compiled by Rose Polglase and Loni Parker
SOURCES (PICTURED ABOVE)
BEDHEAD / ABSTRACT ART / SNEAKER / JACKET / PRINT / VASE / SIDE TABLE / CUSHION / ARMCHAIR
Photography Lisa Cohen / Styling Louella Tuckey for Castle
Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of this colour combination - from interiors to fashion to accessories – heck, even product styling! Case in point: Sly’s new campaign imagery of their new botanical soaps pictured opposite and The Daily Edited’s leather accessories pictured below. I don’t know why it works so damn well, but it just does. I think blush and mustard have always worked together, but it’s that added hit of rust and khaki colours that really gives this colour palette a more contemporary edge.
When it comes to bed linen, Rachel Castle serves up the most scrumptious colour combos. Blush pink and mustard yellow are in abundance in her new range (pictured above), and with all of the different plain colours and prints, it makes it super easy to inject this edgy colour palette into your home, without it feeling too matchy-matchy.
More of this delightful colour combo below, you’re welcome. Go on, give it a try at home or in the wardrobe.
SOURCES (PICTURED ABOVE)
PENDANT LIGHT / KITCHEN / ABSTRACT ART / SOFA / THROW
DRESS / BOOK / GREEN CUSHION / PINK CUSHION / DINING SETTING
Beds with Hidden Storage
Whilst I love my bed, my biggest regret was not purchasing one with inbuilt storage underneath. Here are some great choices for those of you on the hunt for a bed with hidden storage.
If my budget were a little more robust, this Symphony storage bed from King Living (pictured above and right) would be at the very top of my wish list. The bedhead wraps around creating an incredibly cozy and lavish look. The timber frame hides a deep storage compartment – ideal for blankets, extra pillows, and seasonal items that get stored for half the year (like winter clothes). The one pictured was styled by Darren Palmer and I just adore everything pictured with it. If you feel like seeing more, click here to see the blog post with more pics.
Something a little more in my price range would be this elegant Eleanor gas lift bed (pictured below) from Brosa. I like the horizontal upholstered panelling on the bedhead and the fact that you can store items underneath with its easy-to-use gas lift function. They have lots of different styles of bedheads available which include storage bases, and plenty of colours to choose from too, so I’d recommend you take a look (by clicking here).
Another worthy contender – the Halo bed from Domayne (pictured above). Twin drawers fitted in the foot of the bed feature full extension drawer runners that allow you to discretely store pillows, cushions and blankets.
Trend: Tropical Oasis
THROW / PLANT HANGER / PENDANT LIGHT / PRINT / BEDHEAD / LAMP / MIRROR
BEDSIDE TABLE / CREAM CUSHION / PALM CUSHION / CHAIR / RUG / QUILT COVER
A LIFE IN COLOUR
We recently caught up with Coco Republic Design School colour consultant Sharon Gage. She opens up about her impressive 25 year career as a colour specialist.
What drew you to the world of colour?
Colour has been, and always will be, the anchoring feature in my life. My earliest and most fondest memories of colour are from my childhood – watching my mother sew and bring home wonderful coloured fabrics to make clothes for me and my siblings. I was always mesmorised by the colour combinations, patterns and beautiful textiles that lay before me. This firstly drew me to the world of fashion design and then ultimately to the wonderful world of colour and interior design, where I now play. Today there is nothing more I long to do, than to teach in this field and to share my colour knowledge to the next generation… in the hope that I will eventually tell the whole world about colour.
Why is it important to study colour theory?
It is so important to study colour theory as it ensures you gain a solid understanding of the basics in relation to colour. Understanding the theory of colour is like learning to read a new language.
What is the best thing about being a colour specialist?
The best thing is having a vision for someone’s residential home or commercial space and being able to enhance its appearance by providing a contemporary colour scheme that you know will look amazing. To be able to transform a space and make it even more magical, just by waving a paint brush of colours to the walls and providing a final colour scheme and story for my clients, is a hugely powerful thing.
Another wonderful thing about being a colour specialist is understanding the power of colour to control human emotions. Learning to understand how colour can literally change people’s lives just by the impact it provides is so rewarding.
Another wonderful thing about being a colour specialist is understanding the power of colour to control human emotions. Learning to understand how colour can literally change people’s lives just by the impact it provides is so rewarding.
What would your number one piece of advice for someone wanting to embark on a career as a colour consultant?
Just go for it. To be able to offer colour advice to my residential, commercial and overseas clients and to help them enhance their interior and/or exterior spaces is a wonderful privilege.
What is your favourite colour and why?
My favourite colour has always been green. It is my happy, go-to colour. It has of course, evolved over time. As I have matured, so too has the colour green. The green hue I once loved years ago is now not as bright or as intensely mid green as it used to be. These days my favourite green hue is more of an aqua/blue based colour. The psychology of colour comes into play here with this colour now depicting a more cooler, calmer, contemporary green hue, more in keeping with the freshness of the ocean and the green/blue hues found in nature.
If you’re interested in studying colour or another aspect of interior decorating - you may want to check out the courses on offer from Coco Republic’s Design School. They have various courses on offer - some lasting a few weeks, others just a few days, and covering a variety of topics. Click here to check out the courses. And if you’re interested in winning a course of your choice - check out our Instagram competition on right now.
NATHAN + JAC'S two hot NEW RANGES
Nathan + Jac’s savvy stylists take the hard work out of curating your home decor by providing pre-styled room packages, homewares, artwork and cushions. Here’s a look at their two new collections Provocateur and Cumulus.
If you struggle to decorate a room, you’re not alone. To make it pain-free, Nathan + Jac have several pre-styled room packages to help you add the finishing touches to your home decor and achieve the style you desire without having to hire an interior designer. Every piece has been chosen by their interior designers and stylists, ensuring every piece works together to create a look that is both cohesive and contemporary. Their two latest collections for Autumn/Winter are both moody and sophisticated. Click here to shop the Provocateur range.
The first look is Provocateur, sultry and provocative – this look is underpinned by bold, luscious lips, red wine tones, a hint of rouge and sleek, sophisticated lines.
The other collection - Cumulus - draws inspiration from the team’s adventures to New Zealand, the land of the long white cloud.
Lush green pastures, towering sand dunes and a sense of engulfment of untouched beauty. The collection has a hint of masculinity, and a palette as natural as the landscape – green grass, muted blues, charcoal and sandy beige leathers.
Click here to shop the Cumulus collection.
If you don’t need a whole room package, each of the items can also be bought separately.
Within each collection they release a range of cushions that have been designed by their team and made in Melbourne. You’ll find predominantly a variety of plain coloured, textured cushions – think rich velvets, linens, quilted fabrics and leather. And because they’ve been designed to sit within their collections, you can guarantee they’ll go together perfectly.
Freedom Kitchens’ Top Design Tips
We’ve sought the design advice from the experts at Freedom Kitchens, on how to achieve your dream kitchen. Here’s their top 4 top tips.
All images are of Freedom Kitchens installed on The Block, 2016
1 CONSIDER YOUR STYLE
One of the most important questions to consider when designing your kitchen is: what does your home and lifestyle need from this space? The traditional kitchen style continues to be very popular in 2017 – as it doesn’t date and can be easily updated with accessories, such as handles. For a true traditional style, think white routed cabinetry, detailed handles and glass or subway tiled splashbacks paired with luxe benchtops from Caesarstone’s stunning marble effect tops or timber-look laminates. If you want to push the design envelope, consider matte black cabinetry for a dramatic and modern effect.
2 PLAY WITH COLOUR
Colour is back in a big way. You can use it in a variety of ways – from a pop of colour in a bank of cabinetry or splashback – through to layering different shades of one colour across various surfaces. Colour trends that were prominent at last year’s EuroCucina kitchen fair in Milan were shades of blue (navy is a great alternative to black and pairs beautifully with gold accents), green, teal and pastel.
Balance a splash of colour with Caesarstone marble or concrete-inspired benchtops, coupled with white-toned cabinetry and integrated appliances. This creates a thoughtful and modern take on colour in the kitchen.
3 IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
Renowned interior designer and judge on The Block, Darren Palmer, describes handles in the kitchen as ‘jewellery’. The humble handle has the power to inject instant glamour, interest and complete the kitchen style you wish to achieve. Be sure to select timber handles to complement a Scandi look, while ornate or chrome cup handles enhance the Hamptons style. Or, if the modern kitchen is more to your fancy, use handleless and touch-catch cabinetry to complete the look.
Another trend that featured heavily in the stunning kitchens on The Block last year, was display enclaves and breakfast tables incorporated into benchtops. Breakfast bars designed into or extended from an island bench, are a winning feature for any entertainer or family kitchen. Display enclaves within an island bench allow you to showcase your personal style and display décor.
4 STORAGE IS KING
Smart storage solutions can transform how you use your kitchen space. Adjustable drawer dividers for cutlery and kitchen utensils, mean that these essential items can be easily stored and found. Furthermore, spice drawers, knife holders, towel rails and base units built into drawers or cupboards allow you to optimise your kitchen space.
Make every corner of your kitchen work hard for you – from small accessories, such as corner carousels to transform those pesky corner cupboards, all the way to pantries. Space permitting, a walk-in or butler’s pantry concealed from the main kitchen will also provide extra storage space – helping to hide mess when entertaining. If space is tight, opt for a pull-out pantry with adjustable shelving to store all your necessities – or customise your own by adding drawers inside the cupboards.
By integrating your appliances and accessories, you’ll enhance your kitchen design in 2017. It’s these hidden gems within the design that transform your space from ordinary to extraordinary.
Begin your kitchen journey, with Freedom Kitchens’ image gallery – or download their new autumn catalogue by clicking here. Book a free in-home design appointment with Freedom Kitchens today: www.freedomkitchens.com.au
SHAKIRAAZ HOMEWARES’ BEAUTIFUL BEDSPREADS
Feminine floral prints, shibori indigos, and Mughal art were the inspiration behind Shakiraaz Homewares’ stunning new bedspread designs. We take a look at some of our faves from the new collection and chat to owner Shakira Lima.
Photography + styling The Design Villa
Shakiraaz Homewares owner, Shakira Lima has always had a love affair with florals and Mughal art and architecture. “I wanted to bring these two concepts together in one range,” explains Shakira. “My floral range is a combination of some of my designs as well as some block prints sourced and combined together. A lot of product development and colour matching to Pantone shades has been done to get the desired effect.”
With an Indian heritage, it’s no surprise that Shakira travels to India every 1-2 years to visit the textile fairs and markets to seek out talented artisans to bring her visions to life. “Currently we are working on a range of laundry baskets all handwoven by artisans of South India with the proceeds going directly to them through not-for-profit organisations,” says Shakira.
Combining the traditional look of Indian designs with English style florals gives the collection its broad and unique appeal – suiting coastal, hamptons, country or modern eclectic homes. The colours are also swoon worthy – as you can see these vintage style bedspreads can be styled beautifully in the bedroom with the addition of linen and textured accent cushions and pillows.
The Indigo range is equally stunning, each one entirely handmade by artisans in India. Meaning no two pieces are exactly alike. “Our brand stands for handmade and handcrafted goodness with small runs of products,” says Shakira. “We don’t do mass produced.”
Shakiraaz Homewares are offering an exclusive discount for our readers – 10% off storewide (including items on sale), just use the code ADORESALE at the checkout. But you’d better be quick as this offer ends 31 March, 2017. Click here to shop.