Life is just Pattern and Pastels

Interior design and the world of fashion are both closely intertwined, and one can draw upon the other for some serious inspiration. Like with fashion, it’s best to reach into the past for inspiration from styles that are classic and sincere. For both interiors and fashion, these touchstones can provide stability, or a familiar reference, when pulled into modern design. Like the onset of spring, combining the comfort of the past with the excitement of the new can bring hope and a renewal of the spirit.
A favourite way to bring this look together is to use soft pastel neutrals for the background, add a punch of colour in the accessories and mix in some muted metallic accents.  A new room is like a new outfit; remember to pick timeless classics for your space, and dress it up with trendy accessories.  And remember, if you are ever lacking ideas for design, just consult the catwalks for inspiration.

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Design and Dec design ideas.

A new interpretation of the enduring appeal of colour and bold stripes in the home, in this month’s newsletter offers a refreshingly fashionable take on the numerous ways in which you can bring pastel pattern into your living space... view search

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Step into Paris

It's like stepping into another world when you enter into Maria Toft's apartment. At one moment you are filled with images of the historical smells and colours of Paris in the 30s only to realize that you are actually stood in an apartment in Frederiksberg, Denmark. The truth is the apartment with its unique and captivating décor could exist at any time. Maria originally trained as a hairdresser and now runs her own company, Toft & Thürmer, creating and selling jewellery in a vintage style. Maria's love of France is apparent throughout the apartment. Some of the furniture pieces are painted with Maria's creative flair for colour and composition and there are countless things that delight the eye from, mirrors, candlesticks and tableware to heirlooms, gifts and flea market finds... view feature

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Drawing Rooms

It took artist Sue Williams A’Court and her graphic designer husband ten years to remodel their Edwardian house in North London. But now, with its two attic studios, it is both the perfect workplace and a stylish family home. Williams A’Court has effortlessly blended modern and classic styles to create a calm and elegant home... view feature

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Rainbow House

A period property in South London was given an internal make-over to provide an easy to run modern home for a family with three young children. The house retains many original features but by using a range of colours and vibrant patterns it has been given a fresh and contemporary appearance. There are bright, low maintenance child friendly areas and grown up spaces which follow a more subdued and restful palette; the spacious main bedroom has the bed located in the middle of the room with a custom made storage bed head. There may not be a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow but there is a charming family home... view feature

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A Light Touch

A spirit of irreverence reigns in the airy London home of Britcom luminaries Victoria Pile and Rob Harley. They wanted this house because of its large basement dining area, which offered plenty of scope for work and entertaining, and it is around the long dining table that they have brainstorming sessions with friends and colleagues from their production company. Another draw of the house was its elegant proportions and high ceilings, which gave Victoria ample space in which to display her collection of colourful and dramatic lights... view feature

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The Blue Room

The owner of this classically decorated apartment in Oslo, lives for, with and off the arts. Her home has become the essence of style, with the knowledge, experience and fine art she has collected over the years. Besides being a representative for one of the UK's major auction houses in Norway, she has designed everything from cruise ships to hotels chalets and Royal rooms. It's an adventure to go exploring in this art experts’ home. From the elegant hall, open living room with light from two sides and a ringside seat to the Oslo Fjord and the Kiel ferry's approach. But if one takes the opposite way you are in the blue room, suddenly, with little over five meters to the ceiling! The 70 m² room appears as a gallery for fine antiques and art, as well as library and music room, but also as a perfect gathering place for friends and a large family. The mix of old and new, Norwegian, Swedish, French and Asian culture all testify to the owners' interests and travels... view feature

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Off the wall

The Dodd family home is a place of dramatic contrasts. During the day, sun shines through the large front windows of the sitting room and glints on the subtle golden background of the wisteria-printed wallpaper and the raised tufts of the pale silk carpet. At the back of the room, a long dark-wood dining table surrounded by comfortable armchairs hints at sophisticated dinner parties. On the first floor, the silver-grey bedroom, with velvet-upholstered chaise and generous curtains, has a restful elegance. The en suite bathroom, with its double walk-in shower, roll-top bath and mirrored dressing table, hints at a life of pampered indulgence. Giant penguins, burlesque motifs, a woodland glade… Sarah and Andrew let their imaginations run free when it came to doing up their idiosyncratic family home... view feature

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Cool Britannia

Cool Britannia is a media term that was used during the late 20th century to describe the contemporary culture of the United Kingdom. There is something of a parallel between this and the catch-phrase "Swinging London" of which the concept of "Cool Britannia" is a pastiche.  In 2011, we had the Royal wedding, the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain and of course the publicity surrounding the build-up to the Olympic Games and 2012 is the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year.

So as you are not going to get away from the Union Jack this year, how about including it within one of your up and coming articles..? Our newsletter pays homage to Cool Britannia.

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