Monochromatic Matters

Colour is a great asset to use in any home, whether you’re pulling in bold accents into a room, pairing two colours to make an unusual combination, or even going for a daring monochromatic look. A monochromatic scheme can create a strong, bold look in a room, really giving it some presence. Here’s a few beautiful monochrome rooms to give you some inspiration.

Blue Monochromatic Room from Domino via Pinterest

This dark blue room is a feast for the eyes; everything is soft, deep and dramatic whilst the blue makes it feel sophisticated and contemporary. The key with monochromatic rooms is to make sure you have enough texture in the space to give it depth, like the velvet sofa and of hint of purple from the plant. For a beautiful navy paint colour, Fired Earth’s Carbon Blue is a lovely true blue and would have a dramatic impact on the walls. For a sumptuous navy velvet, take a peek at Osborne & Little’s Mikado Velvet collection, they have a whole range of shades but a perfect one for this look is number 6990-08.

Pink is a great colour to use in a monochromatic look and creating the perfect sophisticated setting is all about finding the right shades of pink. Heavily playing on light and dark tones will help add a contemporary element to the space, too much of one pink and it might become a little marshmallow-y. Below they’ve used a dusky pink for the wall and a maroon-pink for the ceiling and for the furniture which really holds the space together.

Pink Monochromatic Room from Domino via Pinterst

There is a huge range of pink or pink-toned paints around at the moment, just make sure you stick to the same type of pink, for example finding a dark and light blush pink. A beautiful pink is Tuscan Pink from Zoffany, with lovely earthy tones to it. To add a spark of interest to the pink scheme, this Atlas fabric from Zimmer + Rohde has beautiful pink tones as well as an abstract landscape-style pattern that would make a stunning pair of curtains in an all pink look.

Atlas Fabric from Zimmer + Rohde

This beautiful green room creates its depth with the use of white to add structure to the space; the sharp white picture frames pop against the green wall, and the off-white rug has different green embroidery to give floor a strong sense of personality. Green makes a great monochromatic room colour choice as it can be naturally given texture and depth with the use of plants, like below different cacti have been added for points of interest and richer impact.

Green Monochromatic Room from Domino via Pinterest

I love De le Cuona and all their pieces, but they have some beautiful fabrics that would really work with a mossy green monochromatic room, take a look at Mistral in Drizzle and Primitive Linen in Fennel. For a similar green grey paint colour, Farrow & Ball’s Blue Gray and Cromarty would complete the look.

Grey seems to be a never-ending popular colour, so if you love it take it one step further by using deep dark hues in a room, from the paint to the furniture and adding in interesting juxtapositions of light hues against the dark.

Dark Grey Monochromatic Room from Apartment Therapy via Pinterest

When using such a dark colour for a monochromatic space, make sure to select materials that’ll allow light to bounce of them, therefore avoiding a black hole effect. This Cascade wallpaper from Zoffany has an amazing ribbon effect, which will not only add a strong design element but pick up the light as well.

Cascade Wallpaper from Zoffany

For a really luxurious looking monochrome room, you can’t go wrong with an all Teal room. The peacock colour makes a strong statement, and if you love glamorous interiors, it’s perfect for you. Below they used gold accessories to draw out the richness of the teal; with such a strong colour like teal, just using at as feature wall in an attempt to ‘tone it down’ can sometimes have the reserve effect, and actually making the bold move and painting the entire space in the colour will create a simpler, sophisticated look. For a triumphant teal, Farrow & Ball’s Vardo has the impact you’re looking for, and for a beautiful fabric to go alongside, the teal version of Anthology’s Vivid fabric will make the perfect pair.

Teal Monochromatic Room from Apartment Therapy

A monochromatic room can be an amazing, stylish and unexpected way to decorate a room; so you want to create an impactful space, have a think about trying out a monochromatic room using your favourite shade.

 

 

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Hodsoll McKenzie – Discovery Collection

Hodsoll McKenzie is one of my favourite fabric companies, every collection is filled with glorious colours, embroidery work, textures and of course wonderful designs. So it comes as no surprise that their new collection Discovery is just as lovely as ever. The collection has new design techniques and ideas that introduce “an unexpected twist to natural fibres and inventive interpretations of classic and ethnic designs”. Discovery is full of soft and sumptuous designs that have the perfect combination colour, subtly and romance. So take a look at the latest instalment from Hodsoll McKenzie.

‘Cushions in Turlington fabric’ from Hodsoll McKenzie

The beautiful Turlington fabric has a Tuscan antique sensibility to it. The faded glamour of the pattern gives off a relaxed and calming presence; you’d be able to have this look in a contemporary bohemian setting and have it feel just as at home as in an older, more traditionally styled home.

The embroidery on this Gabon fabric designs is absolutely stunning, creating patterns that take their influence from African design. The strong sharpness of the indigo background allows the pattern to pop, while still keeping a natural and organic feel to the cloth.

‘Bedspread in Gabon Embroidery fabric’ from Hodsoll McKenzie

The drapery in this next photo is a lovely fabric that hangs beautiful. The Quincey Floral pattern was taken from an 18^th century design, so it perfect if you want to create an inviting, classic setting in your home. Also featured is the Donnelley fabric on the central cushions. A rustic design taken from the Scottish Highlands; which could be a fun alternative to tartan if you want to evoke that heritage feel in a different way.

‘Drapery in Quincey Floral fabric and central cushions in Donnelley fabric’ from Hodsoll McKenzie

The upholstery on this chair is the Malindi fabric, named after the city in Kenya. The intricate pattern has both a softness and a richness to it, making it feel like it would be comfortable both in your home and a hotel.

‘Chairs upholstered in Malindi fabric’ from Hodsoll McKenzie

If you’re more inclined to opt for a plain upholstery fabric, something textural like this Collins design from the collection is a gorgeous way to have the best of both worlds. There’s an interesting effect on the fabric that’ll give your sofa a bit of life. Also in the image is the Chloe braid on the cushions, which is a great idea to dress up the piece in a glamorous way.

‘Cushions embroidered with Chloe Braid and Sofa upholstered in Collins fabric’ from Hodsoll McKenzie

‘Chair upholstered in Caswell Velvet fabric’ from Hodsoll McKenzie

I absolutely love this velvety patterned fabric, it has a distinct Renaissance feel to it, whilst the use of the denim colour gives it a modern feel as well. It looks beautiful on chair above, but I can also see this looking lovely on a headboard, really creating a statement in a room.

‘Sofa upholstered in Serengenti Stripe fabric, central cushion covered in Gabon Embroidery fabric and center back cushions covered in Zambezi fabric’ from Hodsoll McKenzie

The stripe of the Serengeti fabric gives the sofa above a beautifully elegant feel. It’s a perfect example of how you can have a patterned sofa and still have a collection of vibrant and busy cushions on top of it without them clashing. The centre cushion shows the Gabon fabric in a smaller way, for a more intimate approach to the pattern; great for using in any room of the house.

It’s always lovely to see a collection like this where you can imagine using every fabric, from stripes to patterns to plains, there’s a whole array of exciting pieces to choose from, the only trouble now is picking a favourite.

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Travers: ‘Love Letters’ Spring Collection

Although it may not feel like it with all this icy weather, the warm weather is just a few months away, and the spring collections are beginning to roll in. The new collection from Travers, ‘Love Letters’ is a wonderful array of fresh and light patterns and colours, and couldn’t be more perfect for spring.

The collection as a whole pays homage to original Travers brand and style, as well as classic American design. The bright and snappy colours are met with elegance to create a truly wonderful assortment to fill your home with.

‘Beaumont Indienne’ for the Blind and Tablecloth and ‘Sausalito’ for the Chairs

This vivacious Beaumont Indienne fabric is the definition of an eye-catcher. The vivid colours and lines give a modern twist on an iconic style, which make the fabric ideal if you like to add a little of the old and the new to an interior. Here it is matched with the fantastic Sausalito pattern, which is used as a more neutral canvas to house the punchy Beaumont Indienne design, but its mid-scale pattern still manages to hold its own, without the whole look being too overdone.

‘Emperor’s Seal’ for the Armchair and Ottoman and ‘Temple Lattice’ for the Curtains

The nature of Emperor’s Seal reminds me of the laid-back, open plan room decorated in a low-key, comfy minimalist style that you  might have seen in a design magazine from the nineties. The Chinese calligraphy, just a few shades darker than their background, are an interesting touch to neutral fabric, and is the sort of detail that adds a distinct sense of luxury. Paired perfectly with the Temple Lattice curtains, the burnt orange gives the whole look a sophisticated pop of colour.

‘St. Croix’ for the Headboard and the Armchair, ‘Catalina Stripe’ for the Curtains, ‘Sausalito’ for the Cushion and Footstool, and ‘Mason Diamond’ for the Throw

The glorious St. Croix fabric adorns this headboard to create a bold, feminine look in a bedroom, the birds and florals bursts out against the pink, and with a little additional piping the whole ensemble is really superb. A hint of texture is provided by the Mason Diamond fabric used for the throw and the crisp white teamed up with the array of pinks give the room a sweet and charming look.

‘Vermicelli Velvet’ for the Chair and ‘Belle Meade Stripe’ for the Curtains

The rich and textural Vermicelli fabric has a wonderful mixture of both contemporary and traditional aspects. The pattern is modern way of presenting a regal style, and the velvet and interesting colourways means that the fabric can be used in a contemporary setting, or used to update a traditional piece of furniture like the chair above. You may think using an intricate design like the Vermicelli with another pattern may make the fabric lose a touch of its elegance, but the royal stripe of the Belle Meade creates a perfectly curated look.

‘Lamour’ for the Curtains and ‘Astor Velvet’ for the Chair

The snappy green colourways from this photograph show how to do classic styles in an unexpected shade. The textural Astor Velvet used on the seat of this antique chair gives an idea of how to keep a harmonious look throughout a room whilst still including antique pieces. There’s an Art Deco touch to the Lamour curtains, the sultry gold intertwines wonderfully with the mossy green, making a glamourous display, proving that you needn’t just use dark hues to create a rich and romantic interior.

‘Beverly Velvet’ for the Sofa

The Beverley Velvet has a touch of retro style to it, the wavy pattern almost melts onto the sofa,  giving it a laid-back seventies vibe, which is perfect for adding some relaxed but smart style into a room. This fabric is perfect for giving a little flavour into a modern, contemporary space.

‘Cloisonné Embroidery’ for the Curtains

Another absolutely charming design from the collection is this rich but sweet pattern, Cloisonné Embroidery. It’s a rather special deign and if you like to go bold with your interior choices, this should certainly be up for consideration. The vibrant pattern maintains a feminine and soothing tone about it, which means the large pattern isn’t too overbearing for a room and instead will settle into a scheme in a natural fashion.

Next up is a playful take on traditional Chinoiserie, Happy Dragons is a fantastic pattern if you want to have a little fun with your style. The design has the perfect combination of whimsy and elegance, and mixed together with some fabulous colourways, the design is a must-have for contemporary schemes, or traditional ones that are in need of a bit of an edge.

‘Happy Dragons’ for the Blind, and ‘Temple Lattice’ for the Cushions

Finally, for hint of vintage Miami, this look is fabulous. From the limey greens of the Catalina Stripe to the limber paisley style of the Balboa Paisley, which could almost be mistaken for palm leaves, everything about these fabrics gives off a laid-back American coastal feeling.

‘Catalina Stripe’ for the Sofa, ‘Sausalito’ for the Chair and ‘Balboa Paisley’ for the Curtains and Cushions

Everything about this collection is calm, cool and collected glamour, in this vibrant array of designs there’s something for everyone, the only problem you’ll have is choosing your favourite!

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Travers Spring Collection – New Classics

There’s a simple beauty to all of Travers’ collections, as a brand they perfectly create a blend of laid-back elegance without being either too casual or ostentatious. Travers’ latest collection ‘New Classics’ brings modern, romantic patterns in bright refreshing colours making it the ideal collection for a home that needs to maintain a high level of functionality but also prides itself in its appearance.

Curtains and chair, ‘Merabu’

The Merabu design is a lovely floral pattern with hints of both the contemporary and the traditional. The pattern itself comes from an antique Indian block and is full of fantastical motifs that give the design an extra zing over designs that follow a realistic floral interpretation.

The five colourways of ‘Merabu’

Curtains, ‘Floral Trellis’, Armchair and footstool ‘Brione’

The floral trellis pattern that makes up the curtains in the photograph above is a traditional ogee pattern, which is influence from Gothic architecture. The fabric is a beautifully embroidered design that creates a wonderful, feminine floating atmosphere and is perfect for a relaxed setting.

Brione is a charming modern interpretation of a typical traditional coral design, the delicate nature of the pattern means it will add an interesting touch to a sofa or armchair without being too bold and overwhelming.

Sofa ‘Regency Stripe’

The regency Stripe is a fantastic elegant fabric, its textual nature gives it a luxurious, modern feel with the cut and uncut pile effect. It’s perfect for giving a regal edge to a worn out sofa.

Cushions, headboard and bedspread, ‘Carson Tile’, curtains, ‘Beaded Damask’

The Carson Tile is a stunning contemporary fabric that is suitable for dozens of different designs schemes. The modern geometric pattern creates long lasting style and is perfect for a guest bedroom or using in a quiet sitting area. It’s a light and breezy pattern that will immediately uplift any room. Another pattern that is just the trick for creating a light and fun atmosphere is the Beaded Damask, it takes the traditional damask pattern and gives it a playful edge with the innovative use of beads, and the two styles unexpectedly work perfectly in sync together.

Curtains, ‘Beaded Damask’

And finally another playful dose of fun and quirkiness from the collection, the safari skin combines three animal prints to create a subtle, contemporary take on the classic animal print craze.

Tablecloth, ‘Safari Skin’

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New Collection from Hodsoll McKenzie

Zimmer and Rohde have done it again! Congrats to their very clever design director Robin Klingensmith who has created a wonderful new Hodsoll McKenzie collection that as ever embodies a stylish and tasteful lifestyle. There is no brashness amongst the soft colours and textures but an understated luxury that is highly desirable. Here are just a few of their delicious lifestyle images to whet your appetite – you can find more information at http://www.zimmer-rohde.com

   

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Classy new collection from Hodsoll McKenzie

The new collection from Hodsoll McKenzie, entitled Evolution and launched this Autumn, is a wonderful study in elegance, luxury and restrained glamour. Subtle colours mix with delicious textures resulting in very grown up fabrics that work perfectly in both contemporary or traditional interiors. This collection is really worth a look.

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New collection from Travers

We caught sight of the fab new collection, Stanmore, from Travers today (thank you to Emma and Christian for coming to see us) and it really is a winner on many fronts. It is inspired by the designer’s trip to India and the exhibition by Norman Parkinson called ‘Pink is the Navy Blue of India’. There are some wonderful patterns, textures and colours in the collection which managed to feel very fresh and innovative, but still with a heartening nod to tradition.

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Hodsoll McKenzie

We have always loved the fabrics from Zimmer and Rohde but we have been particularly impressed this week with the new collection that they have created under their Hodsoll McKenzie brand. The fabrics are elegant and luxurious with restrained use of colour and lots and lots of texture. We thought the images that they use to illustrate the collection were a triumph too and here are just a few of them.

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Frame your view – as featured in Cambridge News

The nights are drawing in and we all want to make our homes as cosy as possible.  Victoria Harrison of Angel + Blume talks you through different window treatments and shows you how to make the most of your view this winter.

(This blog post first featured in Cambridge News)

The first thing to consider when choosing your window treatment is what your windows look out on – do you want to frame or hide this view? Shutters are a great option if you want to hide some of the view from your window, as you can open them in sections. So if you want to hide the view from the road, but want to let some light in you could just close the lower section and keep the top open during the day for light and privacy.

If you have a beautiful view that you want to show off, sheer blinds are a good option as they can be pulled down to shade some of the sunshine but without obscuring the view. If your main priority is to maintain heat then these might not be the best option but they can always be layered up with thicker curtains during the winter months which can be drawn across at night.

Roller blinds are great for kitchens and bathrooms as they are simple to clean and maintain. If you have a dark, gloomy room that needs cheering up, a roller blind in a bright shade or cheerful print will instantly lighten up the space – perfect for beating the winter blues.

Curtains are a traditional choice and some people like to change their curtains in the colder months to increase the level of warmth they provide. Winter curtains can  be interlined to create a really thick finish and this fabric by Zimmer and Rohde adds a rich shot of colour and a tactile warmth to see you through the winter months.

Venetian blinds a good option for a contemporary scheme as the  neat and simple design works well with a pared back interior. They offer a good level of privacy in a built up area but when opened they still allow winter sunshine to filter through.

Image credits: The New England Shutter Company, Zimmer + Rohde, Eclectics, Mark Box

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Don’t be scared by orange this Halloween

It’s nearly Halloween, but don’t be frightened, we’re here to help guide you through this aesthetically challenging holiday. If cobwebs, pumpkins and bats aren’t your thing (they’re not ours either) we show you how to add a seasonal shot of orange to your home without scaring yourself silly.

The simple trick with orange, as with all things, is moderation. This vase by Designers Guild shows you how to add the perfect little burst of seasonal colour; mixed in with the blues and pinks of the other accessories it’s bold but not too intimidating.

Better still, introduce it slowly as part of a pattern. This floral wallpaper uses a small percentage of orange mixed in with with all the other shades which adds a lovely fresh, contemporary feel to the design.

If you’re feeling brave, hot pink is a natural partner to orange, and combining really strong shades of each can create a lovely ‘Indian Summer’ feel to a room scheme. Go easy on how much you add though, you want to evoke a late summer glow with your accessories, rather than bonfire night.

Ok, so this isn’t strictly orange, but this beautiful copper light shade by Tom Dixon has a lovely warm glow when lit and due to its pumpkin shape it’s made it onto my halloween list –  it’s the perfect way to introduce a coppery orange tone to a minimal scheme.

And finally Zimmer and Rohde show how a little can go a long way when it comes to orange. This single orange silk cushion packs a powerful punch and more than holds its own in the image above; as an accent colour it’s perfect for cutting through dark shades and adding a zingy little burst of sunshine.

Happy Halloween!

Images: Designers Guild, Osborne and Little, Dreams of Home, Zimmer and Rohde

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