Robyn's ideas
Colour
Cushion colours
Baking soda cleaning
19. Location: Copenhagen, DenmarkWhy we love it: The alternating opaque and translucent panels appear to glow when the light hits them, creating a striking feature in this Danish kitchen.
16. Location: Bremen, GermanyWhy we love it: Sliding panels allow you to create endless effects at the window, but none more so than in this Bremen home.
1. A colourful rugIf your hallway could use a pick-me-up, add a colourful rug for instant style. The horizontal stripes on this rug help a narrow hallway feel wider. The long rug, which extends from one end of the hallway to the other, has a dramatic impact. BONUS TIP: Can’t find a rug that’s long enough? Try sewing several of the same rugs together to create a faux runner.
5. WainscotingHallway wainscoting is a great decorative design element, but it also helps protect drywall from scrapes, bumps and marks. Traditionally, wainscoting was installed in transitional spaces like this, to protect active rooms from heavy traffic.
2. A picture galleryThis designer took advantage of an extra-long hallway by hanging a row of family photos and art. While identical frames and matting can look graphic and bold, this eclectic mix of colours and sizes adds warmth to the space.Find out how to curate your own art gallery
DINING ROOMSOpen-plan dining spacesEspecially in large open-plan spaces a rug can help define the dining area and separate it from the kitchen and lounge areas around it. Simply pop the rug under the table and chairs, as done in this room. Put the chairs under the table and measure 50cm out from the back of the chairs for the rug size.
Colours
8. Keep a low profileLow-lying pieces of furniture can also help a room feel more spacious. This loft-style living room fills a modest square metreage, but the double-height ceilings bequeath it with a feeling of vastness. The low shelf, coffee table and window sills play up the room’s verticality instead of emphasising its smaller horizontal footprint.Creative Ways to Include an Extra Roomchair and lamp
What about the proportions for colour in a room? When making your selection, consider the 60-30-10 rule, which is a timeless decorating principle that can help you create a balanced colour scheme. Your 60 per cent is the main colour for a room, which anchors a space and provides a backdrop for the other colours. In a living room this would be walls, sofas and rugs. Your 30 per cent is the secondary colour, which would encompass occasional chairs, bedlinen, window furnishings and occasional furniture. It should support the main colour, while being different enough to set it apart and give the room interest. The final 10 per cent is your accent colour. For a living room, this would include scatter cushions, decorative accessories and artwork. For a bedroom, think throw pillows and artwork.
Do the rules of proportion apply to the little details too? Keeping an eye on the proportion of decorative accessories is another important consideration. One large bowl on a dining table might be all you need in that space to create drama. Conversely, combining small objects with other similar objects can create just as much impact. A collection of ceramic pots makes one big statement, whereas a few pots scattered about will look disconnected and out of proportion. Lamps should not overshadow the table on which they are placed. A large lamp on a slender table, for example, would appear top heavy. Too much variety of scale can cause visual chaos in a focused area, such as a bookshelf. Instead, group items of similar type and scale together, and line up like-sized books for a balanced look. love the green chair
Bromeliads
10. Location: Perth, WAKey features: A soothing colour scheme and a green outlook make this kitchen an inviting place to be.
Set the mood with lightingGood lighting is just as important outdoors as it is indoors – not only will it allow your guests to move around safely, but it helps set the mood for cosy entertaining. For Molders, there is nothing more magical than a string of fairy lights arranged in the trees or on the corner of your balcony. She suggests warm white globes over cool white ones as they create a more inviting light. If you’re looking to boost visibility at night without creating glare, consider low-voltage flood lights installed in the eaves or on the walls of your deck. For an environmentally friendly and cost-effective lighting solution, solar lights might just fit the bill.
Flower powerFlowers and candles are a great finishing touch to any alfresco table, says Smith. The more relaxed nature of outdoor entertaining allows you to have a little fun with your styling. “Hide a vase in a basket, a terracotta pot or even an old watering can,” he says. “Candles placed in hurricane vases are another nice way to dress your outdoor table. Or, for a more casual look for a summer barbecue, add in a cluster of old mismatched jars containing tea-light candles.”
Magnifying mirror
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