Forgotton Classics

 

One of the things I like to do when designing is to bring back past classics.

At long last venetian blinds with wide tape (usually a gross grain ribbon) are now available again in a variety of colour combinations. 

 

I had always admired them in my grandmothers 1950's kitchen and pictured above they are a lovely compliment to Svetlana Silverman's English style kitchen.  When used with wide blades they make a stylish and affordable alternative to plantation shutters.   I look forward to using them in my projects, in fact I will be running the idea by a client this week.

 

Image sourced from: Traditional Home Magazine

http://www.traditionalhome.com/design_decorating/kitchens/englishloveaffair_ss1.html

Budget break down on an Art Decor Inspired Bedroom

 Art Deco Inspired Bedroom Suite

 When clients ask for "Classic Modern" the above is a style that comes to mind. 

To take these stylish transitional pieces from this studio photograph to a stunning real life master bedroom I would choose a warmer tone for timber or carpet flooring and use a larger rug.

Items pictured above are:

Stacked chest of drawers with textured fronts and loop handles.

Bedside cabinets with textured fronts and loop handles.

Queen size upholstered bed head in textured duck egg blue & sage fabric

Carver chair

Rug -which I recommend in the larger size of 243 x 305cm 

Solid crystal based lamps

Empire style Swarovski Crystal Austrian Chandelier - this piece is one of a kind in Australia.

Other items I would recommend to complete this setting are:

•  This elegant bed end stool (space permitting) which would be upholstered in a luxurious feeling fabric

• Beaded Mirror

• Decadent bed linen 




Queen size quilted duvet and pillow case set +
Queen size sheets and pillow case set with silver grey embroidery.

• A very plush queen size ensemble at the top end of commercial bedding featuring a 10 year warranty and all the creature comforts.  

• Window furnishings - For this setting I would specify both sheer and block out curtains in a simple elegant style like this...

Beautifully made curtains are an essential Bedroom component.

     

What is the cost to decorate and furnish a main bedroom to a high standard?

As a designer we can work to almost any reasonable budget but to give clients an idea of what they can expect to pay to completely furnish a bedroom to a high standard with quality furniture and accessories such as the ones shown above,  here is a break down of the costing.

 Room Item Break down:

	Cost	Qty
Bed head	$       1,499	1	$       1,499
Bed	$       1,500	1	$       1,500
Bedside Cabinets	$          999	2	$       1,998
Chest of drawers	$       2,799	1	$       2,799
Mirror	$          800	1	$          800
Bed end stool	$       1,200	1	$       1,200
Chair	$          800	1	$          800
Chandelier	$       8,000	1	$       8,000
Bedside Lamps	$          700	2	$       1,400
Large Rug	$       2,060	1	$       2,060
Bed linen Set	$          950	1	$          950
Window Furnishings	$       1,000	2	$       2,000
			$     25,006
OR: With a mid priced light fitting in lieu of chandelier			$     19,906
Budget Includes: Interior Design advice and administration, delivery and installation.  Budget does not include: Paint / wall paper, flooring or trades.

For further information on why and designers need to know your project budget and how they use it have a look at this blog entry by Pure Style Home (USA)

http://purestylehome.blogspot.com.au/2010/12/reality-check-what-does-it-cost-to.html 

 

All of the above items pictured are available for purchase through Journey Home, or call for a bedroom design tailored uniquely to you (02) 6156 2379.

 

French Provincial Bedtime Stories

French Provincial in Antique White




Black glamour & distressed finishes




Deep buttoned upholstered bed head in natural linen


 

Journey Home can create your own personalised bedroom collection.
Contact Nadine on 02 6156 2379 or nadine@journeyhomeonline.com.au

Windsor Chairs and Modern Family Dining



The room image in Journey Home's recent advertisement in the Reid Residents Association newsletter didn't print too well, so I am posting the picture here on the blog.

 

This transitional family dining room, caters to today's modern lifestyle and fashionable elements using traditional design elements.  In fact I would like to create our own family dining room with similar architectural design features and Windsor chairs.

More about Windsor Chairs

Originally of English design, they were evolved by furniture makers in the early years of European settlement of the USA and are still a design staple for American designers today.  Black was a popular choice both then and now.  A well made Windsor chair is highly comfortable and will last for generations. 

Windsor Chairs are again highly fashionable in the traditional genre of design so about two years ago  I developed two lines of Windsor chairs for my old furniture manufacturing business.   They are manufactured using traditional hand made techniques and feature comfortable contoured seats.

Journey Home can supply them with both the square and round design, either with or without arms. A selection of finishes is available including custom painting in bright colours.

Windsor Square - Mahogany

 

Windsor Classic in Mahogany

Mid 20th Centry danish furniture classics by HAY, produced in solid Oak tree in colours: black, white, grey and coral red.

Cullman & Kravis Design USA

USA

Australia

USA

 

Ethan Allen - USA

 



A favourite with Interior Designers since 500BC

The Klismos Dining chair is based on the ancient Greek chair, which can be seen in stone carvings dating back to 500BC, the Klismos is characterised by its splayed legs and curved back rail.

The design was resurrected in the 18th century and remains a design classic.

As an Interior designer I have no hesitation in recommending this comfortable chair for an unfussy traditional formal dining room with a modern edge.   This elegant chair (above left)can be custom finished and upholstered in a modern fabric.  The curve back offers wonderful support and fits well with round dining tables.

Room Photo credit: blog.damasketdentelle.com & Google

Vive La France Part deux!

Sorry I've been away.  I've been busy working on a designs for a hotel room refurbishment and a new bathroom, both for heritage listed buildings.

Here is an update on my planter box and awning. 

My black and white awning is up.  Just waiting on the plants to grow a little more before doing professional photos.  My Big Red Geraniums are thriving, thanks to the irrigation and drainage that I included in the design of the window box.   I also get a lot of enjoyment as I dead head them every weekend to promote new flowers. 
Thanks for all the positive feedback.

French Style Guest Room - Furniture Installation day

If you have an interior designer that turns up on installation day wearing heels, then you should be worried.

 

Because I work on project basis we have an installation day where the Journey Home team delivers, unpacks, assembles and installs all the new furniture and window coverings, under my onsite supervsion to transform the room.  Just like on TV.

 

 

Mirrored furniture - you have to be careful , very carefull, my

eight years as a furniture wholesaler are paying off.

Dean installs the Bed crown.

The little things are done so that everything is perfect

AND now and please take note of this  because this is important!,  we remove all the packaging so you are not left with this.

 

 

 

 

French Style Guest Room - Furniture Mood Board

Apologies if my last two posts lacked the excitement that comes with  new products, colour and inspirational images but sometimes renovation is about getting through the hard yards to arrive at a point where design flair beings.....



French Style Guest Room Mood Board

Click image for larger view

As a starting point to the room furnishings it is a good idea to see what you already have.  I had the large ceramic bedside lamps which I've been moving around the house to find a home for and I pulled the chandelier and bed crown out of storage , lucky for me  it is the perfect proportions for this small  room and it's crystals compliment the mirrored bedside cabinets.  Large bedsides are great for keeping harmonious balance with proportion to beds.

 

The French sleigh bed is mahogany finished in a golden oak stain that will age beutifully over time and I've upholstered it in an off white velvet with antique brass studs.  Yes,  I am using white upholstery, its been scotchguarded and I am prepared to be careful.

 

I've chosen to use a fully upholstered chair instead of a timber framed chair to avoid adding another different furniture finish to the room and to help keep it relaxed which is aided by the slip cover.  I will be custom  making a diminutive version because the room can't fit a full size arm chair.

This hall table is suitable as a place for guests to put their nick nacks and do their hair etc  it also has a  shelf for guest luggage and the contrasting timber work provides unity with the  bed frame.

 In addition to mirrored bedsides I have used two large mirrors to bounce light around the dark space, their  white frames contrast beautifully against the olive walls.

It is important to have something soft underfoot as you get out of the bed especially in the cold Canberra climate so a cosy rug is essential.   The room is nearly a square shape so standard rug sizes will leave large gaps on the floor this will be resolved using a custom made rug.  Journey Home can supply custom size  Sisal rugs in a variety of colours and weaves within 3 weeks, Wool and Art silk rugs take about 12 weeks.  Sisal can be made with built in underlay for added softness.

 

The hall table's  lamp has teal glass balls  - I will have to physically check the colour of the glass before it is purchased but so far it's looking perfect and after many moons of research I am very happy with my selections. 

Forgive me if I've raved on, I am so passionate about furnishings.