WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH SHEEP SKINS?

I keep seeing them everywhere! Do you? And I have to say I have a bit of a love hate relationship with it. I find that it is more appropriate for creating a really lovely winter look but more so over the last year it has become the 'it' thing to have in styling your room. I have decided mid sentence while writing this blogpost that I would much prefer to focus on the positive aspects of the trending "sheep skin," so here goes! 

They are versatile and can be added to any room or colour palette especially if you are looking to create a real bohemian look. The contrast in materials against leather or plastic occasional or dining chairs is a winning combination. They allow for something that is not so comfortable, warm and inviting. 

It also allows you to create that picture perfect style and I feel they especially look inviting as a rug layered on the floor or in a nursery. 

What do you think about the trending sheep skin? Would you love one in your home? 

Photos are sourced from Pinterest. 

CHANGING SPACES

This week I had a more conscious thought about how objects really change the way spaces are used. Recently we acquired a brand new modular sofa which obviously has changed the entire orientation of our living room, but more importantly how we as a family and or guests interact and experience the space.

Funny story actually, I was forced out of my bedroom one work night last week. I was not happy about it at all, it was on that really muggy night after a massive down pour. We do not normally get spiders in our home and on this unusually late night, I was up and chatting to my best friend in London. I am so grateful I made the decision to speak with her for an extended period of time because if I didn't, I would not have ever been aware of what was crawling behind me on the wall.

I was far from impressed and it was very late. I had no one to save me but a can of inset spray and I had no idea where the furry ugly, dangerous ( yes it was ) spider disappeared too after I drowned it in half a can of spray. There was absolutely no way I could sleep in the bedroom so I had to set up camp on the new modular sofa. Comfortable and interesting as I lie there, I really got to thinking how I have never experienced this actual side of our living room, as it has never been orientated this way before. It has changed my behaviour in the living room completely. I hardly ever venture to the other side of the room. I kind of feel bad for it!

My point in revealing this really lame story to you is that it is really important to understand how we need and must use spaces. Objects, furniture, different shapes and sizing allows you to experience your walls in a very different way if you decide to challenge them. Now I have all this new found space on the left side of the room, there are endless things that I can think of and do to allow for a much more flowing and beautiful use of the space. It has changed the way we interact as a family and the needs of other pieces of furniture in the room. It creates a sense of more space, more depth without needing any more other seating area.

It is a truly fascinating discovery and why I love Interior Designing, because it allows me to explore this deeper level of understanding in human behaviour, psychology and manipulation of human behaviour. ( Not in a bad way I promise. )

Have you just recently found a new piece of furniture that has changed the way you appreciate and experience your space? Share with me your story by contacting me! I'd love to hear from you.


By the way if you are wondering, the spider is no longer. He was found and now the room is spider free and whole lot more spacious.

Image sourced from Jardan Furniture.Check out their website and their 0 carbon footprint! 

PRETTY IN PINK

Pink is not my favourite colour at all and I always think of it in terms of being really girly and not really one that you want to find in your interior, other than a little girls room. However, it is making a really large appearance on the colour front at the moment and is being seen increasingly in homewares throughout summer. Especially as it is great colour to contrast with botanical greens.

It allows for a really soft and feminine feel to a colour palette, especially contrasted with a grey neutral palette. It works well against light timber and metal finishes that allow for a really subtle sophisticated look.
Another colour that is directly related to pink but heading more into the orange zone is coral. It is softer than a bright orange but also a little bolder than a soft pink. Ideally coral works well for accents around the home where as I feel the soft pink allows for one to explore colour in a really bold yet safe way. A contradiction I know!

It also works well with a great scandinavian look for a home and I think we will be seeing a lot more of it in the coming months as summer comes to an end.

You can find these images via my Pinterest. 

Make sure to follow me here.

I FOUND, I SOURCED, I CONQUERED!

I did not get a chance to share last weeks Friday Fav on the blog but only on our Facebook page. Did you see? 

I want to share with you a little behind the scenes of the setting that is coming together in one of my clients home. I have been looking and looking for the best occasional chair for probably over 6 months. Truth be told, I actually had the perfect one in mind but one of the constant challenges I face especially when designing with a couple is having both their tastes and expectations met. We had the perfect occasional chair but alas it was not ticking one half of the parties boxes so no matter how I pushed it just was not going to happen. So what does one do? I get stubborn and begin a new search for what is going to be the perfect occasional chair. I will find it! I never give up! Winner never quit and quitters never win, I say! 

So where did I find it? In the Kmart new season catalogue! Hilarious but the more hilarious thing is that my client saw it too and we have the exact same thought. Such a special thing having great clients to work with who understand your thought process and design aesthetic. I search and searched and finally found it with a bit of social media assistance, we locked it in and then completed the look with the last copper pipe floor lamp from Freedom Furniture and a colourful cushion. 

Here is a behind the scenes look! Full reveal will come in the middle of year when I do a proper photo shoot to capture the beauty of the space. 

Featured items: Armchair: Zanui 

Floor lamp: Freedom

Cushion: Urban Road

Knitted Ottoman: Kmart

Styling: JDZ

THE TRIPLE THREAT

Are you loving the new Block Triple Threat? I am and I have to say I am already a lot more emotionally and creatively invested and into it then the Glasshouse version. I am really liking all the teams especially my favourites, Char + Josho. I am going to play favourites this year as they are the ones to watch, not only because of their design choices and fab styling but their genuine personalities and relaxed attitude is going to get them far in the competition. That is not to say that I don't love the other couples because I do! I believe they all bring a great level of contrast in personality and styles, which is going to make for a very entertaining and interesting Block.

Ps: So excited Bec + George are back! Another Blocktastic couple, so looking forward to the Triple Threat and how much is Aidan exactly like the comedian Zach Gilan( insert long Greek last name here)

Image sourced from The Block Website. 

2015 COLOUR OF THE YEAR

This week is focusing on the new year and it cannot be a new creative year without the announcement of the Pantone Colour Of The Year. There has been a lot of speculation around this colour, which I feel pretty much happens every year, as the colours have not been as conventional or easy on the "palette" per say than most other years. I have to say though, I very much love the colour prediction for this year, Marsala. When I think of Marsala or I hear the word I instantly think of my dad cooking and making his famous marsala stake sauce, the sweet and musty smell of a really dark red almost brown glistening au ju ( french for sauce made with it's own juices ) ... I am getting hungry just talking about this. I also love the colour red, it is my favourite colour... I know, slightly shocking, it is a horrible colour for anything in an interior, except for accents and it has to be treated very carefully. Which is why I think I really love this year's prediction, it is such a deep rich colour that I think will be great for winter 2015. You read it hear first! My prediction for winter 2015 will be very earthy and a testament to Marsala.

What do you think about Marsala? Do you like? Do you not? Why? Share with me all your thoughts!!

Look out for the next post on Marsala where I will be highlighting my favourite stylish items in the colour.

Images sourced from Pinterest. Follow me here! 

Lots of love,

JDZ x

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM US IN 2015

2015 has not exactly started with the bang I would have hoped for, but I guess that is what life is all about, ups, downs and all the little in betweens. It has reminded me with a very hard hitting smack in the face that you lose your health very very quickly and that it should always be your number one priority. I did not actually know how badly I needed some rest until I was hit with the sick stick and right on new years day of all times. It is so funny, well, not in your 'hahaha' rolling on the floor kind of way, but more the "told you so" kinda way that of course when I get a sick and I mean any type of your typical sickness, common cold, you name it, I don't just get it and it goes away in two days, I REALLY get it and it wipes me out. It takes me forever to get back to myself, an even bigger incentive to continually strive to be at the top of my game. I knew I was letting the ball drop as the end of 2014 rolled around. It was crazy busy and even though it was my healthiest year yet, I was reminded the importance of slowing down and taking time out.

 It just goes to show that even though we are all made up the same way, each and every body is actually really different, reacts to things differently and feels pain in an entire different manner. It is very subjective at times just like anything creative, how you like your home and interior. The way one person may feel it, interact with it or like it is completely different to your neighbour, sister, brother or lover. This is why compassion and understanding are qualities that are very important to me and why I strive to show these qualities when I enter into someone's scarred space, especially when it is their home. It is a little different in commercial environments but I believe having that kind of sensibility in your work, knowing how to listen and relate to people on a compassionate level and translating it, is what makes you a great designer. It is in no way an easy task... trust me on that one.

So what can you expect form us in 2015? 

A whole heap of compassion, sensibility with a side of fun and innovative interiors, residential and commercial. Also, a whole heap of free resources for my readers to learn how to unlock the love for their spaces and lots and lots of more attention and focus back on this amazing blog. Then there is a whole heap of stuff I have no idea about... honestly, I have no idea what could be happening tomorrow, which is half the fun. That is something that really excites me at the start of every new year, you have no idea what is lying ahead of you, so I very much hope 2015 is full of GOOD surprises and great clients just like 2014.

We're back in full swing and ready for all the amazing projects that are waiting for us!

Ps: is 2015 the year of our online store? Let's hope so!! Stay tuned!

DO YOU LIKE SYMMETRY?

Today's post is an extension of last weeks popular blog on "How To Think Like An Interior Designer." I am going to be blogging about each individual tip I mentioned for the next couple of weeks to bring to you an extended understanding and inspiration on how to manage your renovation and spatial planning more effectively.

The first point I made, which is something that I consistently think about, but mainly when looking at a blank canvas is... symmetry. So, if you are right in the middle of sitting down with an architect or designer to sort out the bones of the new space you are renovating, make sure to think about it's composition. Now not all compositions are symmetrical, but what I mean when it comes to symmetry is attempting to achieve a sense of "even-ness" ( yes I just made up a word ) within certain elements in that space.  Think about windows, heights of windows, lines matching up with other lines, walls matching up or in line with other walls, entry spaces opening up into symmetrically placed windows or positioned centrally looking onto a whole set of bifold doors. Think about how the lines will impact the space visually when it is complete... which by the way is NOT an easy task to achieve, but if you flex that imagination like a muscle it begins to grow and grow. These are all very important things and details that often get missed, which can often take your space from "oh it's lovely" to "wow." Spatial planning is all about experience as well as functionality so having these points in the back of your mind will assist in creating a very unique but functional experience for those who occupy the space.

The thing is, space is all about YOU, which is a core belief of my business by the way, YOU have to love your space, YOU have to understand your space and YOU have to live in your space, so symmetry and things being consistant in a home is very important wether you realise it or not. People love things being symmetrical, it is aesthetically pleasing and it allows you to feel comfortable. It is almost like a little obsessive compulsive disorder in having everything in its rightful place and positioned correctly. This is why for me and someone who is quite compulsive about the details, symmetry in spatial planning is essential, even if it is just as simple as having the windows symmetrically next to each other in a wall or even in lighting or a simple pattern.

That does not have to say that things cannot be a little uneven. Compositions come into play a lot more when it comes down to styling, which is a whole other blogpost for another day.

Hope you are inspired to be a little more even and symmetrical in your day today. Images in todays post are sourced from my Pinterest so make sure to follow me.

THINK LIKE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER

I cannot help but examine whenever I walk into a space, it can be any space, a new hotel, restaurant I am eating at, home etc. I love taking in all of the different elements and I always ALWAYS look up, which by the way not many people do… really there is a ceiling? Lots can be

achieved when it comes to a ceiling. I love touching walls and often feel like a bit of an odd ball when I secretly try and feel the wall to see what kind of finish it is, especially if it is a wallpaper, 

material, metal or timber… I cannot help it, it is built in.

When it comes to renovating and designing a home, these are kind of details that we as interior designer think about when planning. We also very much consider how the space is going to be used and experienced. It is a pretty difficult skill but if you can get it right and nurture it, you can 

become a real pro at understanding how to best use a space and how to make the most of what 

you have.

Here are my top five favourite things to look and how to think like an Interior Designer when you are knee deep in your next renovation.

1. Symmetry 

2. Zoning 

3. Light 

4. Scale 

5. Little Details 

WHEN PALETTES RETURN

Since getting back from my recent trip, which completely inspired me in all aspects of my work ( Yes you are thinking correctly, there are big changes coming AGAIN to JDZ Designs, including a whole lot more of me... i'll explain closer to reveal date ) I have been in an absolute funk and everything I see reminds me of where I have been and what I was doing. The great thing about this however is that it has really opened my eyes to the emerging pastel palette that is making a come back this spring and summer.

How is it making a come back might you ask? Well, I keep seeing it teamed with lots of metals including the very popular copper. So if you have been seeing these tones around in your favourite homewares shops lately then you are not imagining it. It also makes sense when I was talking about my aqua colour palette merely two weeks ago.

The colours are fresh as well as warm and playful when teamed with copper.

I do have to say you will see some images of my favourite place Santorini as I am still in post holiday funk.

Take a look through my Pinterest for more inspiration, including the images I am sharing today.
These images demonstrate exactly the new season colour trends that are ever emerging and expanding so make sure to keep your eye out.

THE WONDERS OF CONCRETE

Image sourced from Hard Goods

Have you been noticing it everywhere too? Well, if you have not, start paying attention because concrete is a material which is used almost everywhere, foot paths, buildings, roads, homes .... did I mention it is everywhere? Well, now concrete is becoming the latest and hottest trend right now in furniture and decoration. I know what you are thinking... really? Yes, really it is and trust me, it works so well and can really look fantastic.

I think it is very interesting how this new trend is being approach and it is quite refreshing to see how many can adapt the use of a material that is primarily used in major construction, break it down and turn it into something really stylish that can be used around the home. It is literally popping up in everything, pendant lights, pot plants and even furniture.

Those who have been following my posts for a while now will know how much I love mixing textures and how that is such a great way to create a layered interior, so it really wont be coming as shock when you hear me say that, concrete in your home, kitchen bench tops and bathrooms is seriously awesome.

Some may think that it is cold and would make a space quite harsh, but like anything treated in the right way, textured and layered with other materials such as timber, copper, gold, brass, warm lighting and other stones it will be anything but. One of the other great techniques we are seeing coming through with the concrete is the rendering inside the home. Usually render is used for outside of the house but more and more it is becoming a much more popular application inside to really create a high end industrial, loft feel.

Here are just a few photos to inspire and demonstrate how concrete is really the hot trend right now!! Let's hope it does not become a fad!

Sourced from My Pinterest 

Image sourced from Wallpaper Decor

Image sourced from Slabhomewares

Image sourced from Pinterest 

SPACES ARE ALL ABOUT CONVERTING

I came across a post on Facebook the other day about how a film studio in Toronto has been turned into a loft style home that is now worth over $5 Million Dollars! When I saw the post I could not believe what I was reading about the convert and it got me thinking about how spaces are all about change.

What do I mean? Well, one of the amazing things I love about Interiors is the ability to take any space ... ok let's be realistic, it has to be within reason, but really any space and convert it into something completely different and unimaginable. I often see it as brining a composition for a really good artwork to life by giving it dimension and depth that we can relate to and inhabit. So today I wanted to share with you this Toronto home, not because I love the furnishings, because I am going to be honest, I don't really love it, but I do love the concept of the space, the grand nature of the ceilings, the textures, the layers and the bathroom.... not to red one, the concrete one. I like how the space flows and how you can be standing in the living room and you get a really lovely view of the bedroom space. This is what Interior Design to me is all about, the experience of moving through the spaces in a really clever and artistic way. Relationship between zones and different uses of space are imperative when designing, which I really think the artist who now lives here and the architect have done a great job.

It is so interesting how spaces can have multiple lives and multiple facades just by stripping it of certain elements and then all of a sudden what the space was once associated with no longer exists. It is a great way to gain a clean slate, don't you think?

You can check out the full feature and details on the property here, but below are some of the pictures I love, sourced directly from the article.

Have a great weekend!!

J

JDZ STYLE : HOW TO GET THE LOOK

Over the past three months, I have been working really hard on a couple of large projects - display suites for apartment developments to be exact and got such a great response on how I styled the fake "living room" that I thought I would share with you all how I achieved the look and where I got all the pieces from.

I am not going to say always because it always varies, but majority of the time I begin with a neutral base, but in this case I worked off the lovely render that was generated and that I designed for this project ( which you can see a snippet of below ) It was to be vibrant and inviting, utilising colours from the actual logo as well as from the render, so it was a pretty easy transition when designing the look in real life as it was already set for me. I love when future Jeanette benefits from past hard work... it is really a great feeling.

I ordered everything online and used my trusty resources to find me the perfect matches.
Three main stores were Zanui, Sparkk and Ikea. I also utilised these stores, as I had a really strict budget and needed to make sure I didn't over spend.

Below is where you can find the items yourself to create the look.

1 //  Two Seater lounge

 ( link to http://www.zanui.com.au/Otto-Black-2-Seater-Sofa-98674.html )

2// Wallpaper

( link to http://www.sparkk.com.au/designs/product/1144-05-diamond-trellis-atlantic-pebble )

3// Cushions ( Hint both are Sparkk )

(link to http://www.sparkk.com.au/designs/product/harlequin )

4// Side Table 

(link to http://www.zanui.com.au/Trio-Side-Table-97427.html ) 

5 // Lamp 

(link to http://www.zanui.com.au/Scandia-Table-Lamp-98731.html)

6 // Vases ( Hint both are Ikea )

( link to http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/20215778/ )

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY

I cannot believe that only a year ago the clicked publish on my Facebook page for my business, JDZ Designs. I published my business website as well as made it all live/public to everyone, which was I have to admit as one of the scariest moments in my professional career. All I could think was, far out, am I doing the right thing? Should I be doing this? What will people think?! Well, turns out it was definitely the right decision... no matter how many times I have questioned wether it was throughout the year... it has been the most rewarding and developing time for myself personally and as a business. It really is a journey, I know it sounds cliched, but it actually is, because I am not just doing this for a job, it is because I want a particular lifestyle at my finger tips, it is a dream and ambition as well a career. It is what I have always wanted, so I thought to myself, why should I NOT start now? What would 5 year Jeanette have on present Jeanette that would make it easier to start later in life... the answer was not much, some more experience, yeah sure, but it is not really anything that I don't really know already or can learn along the way for myself.

The truth is, it is not easy despite what some might think, growth and business success takes time, so for someone who is often not very patient and wants to see results straight away, it is scary. You have to hang in there and "Rome was not built in a day."

There are heaps of changes and different things I want to do/achieve, so I aim to make them all happen and come together. The essence of JDZ Designs is an Interior Design studio that specialises in Residential environments but has experience and worked in commercial interiors. We offer the whole thing, but also can do property styling/ evaluation, e-styling ( online styling ) and events.

We have the blog "Behind The Designer" where we share all that we love and inspires us in the design world, which we aim to update weekly.

We also now have a monthly Newsletter that shares lots of tips and tricks as well as all the news!

I am currently re branding, changing things up and making a new website, so make sure to keep up tp date with everything by signing up to the newsletter right here. 

Thank you to everyone single on of you who read my posts, stop by my blog, my site, my Facebook page, follow me, love me, support me and call me constantly to keep encouraging and believing in my dream. ( Including all my wonderful clients! )

WELCOME BACK + BEHIND THE SCENES

I am really happy to announce that I will be back to blogging every week, which is something that has been weighing on me for some time now. It is really difficult to balance all aspects of a business when you are flowing with significantly sized projects, which is something that I aim to learn and get better at as we continue to grow and grow.

Having a business is a serious juggling act and even though I do have to say I am organised and a good at multi tasking, there are major flaws in my organisational skills and getting them sorted is something I want to re focus on now that I am winding down before my big trip.

That's right, have you heard? I am heading overseas for a month to travel and learn about all the new trends in August and I cannot wait. Lots of new and exciting experiences will broaden my mind for what is going to be another huge year for JDZ Designs. We are also in the process of re branding, so yes the website and the blog will change and evolve again. That is taking a lot more time then I had anticipated so it won't be ready for our 1st birthday, which yes is in fact tomorrow.


In the meantime to celebrate the beginning of the blog again, which I aim to have three posts per week going up and more, I have added some behind the scenes images of what we have been designing lately. A series of display suites for multi residential projects that will begin development in Hornsby.

Make sure to stay up to date with all things JDZ by signing up to our monthly newsletter by clicking here. 

I designed the kitchens and bathrooms, developed all renders, designed the display suites, picked all the finishes and managed it all to life.

HOW TO GET STYLE WITHOUT THE PRICE TAG

Knowing how to bring a typical room or space in your home to life is something many of us struggle with. How does one bring style and life to a room that is neutral or lacking in colour? It is such a loaded question and I am sharing a story and room reveal with you today that it is going to show you first hand how easy and inexpensive it can be. It is going to inspire you to no end and demonstrate how having a little courage and fun with colour in a pre existing space is the answer.

As you all already know, I am one of the experts on The Design Tribe forum, where anyone can post up questions or topics to do with anything lifestyle or interiors. I love it because it is such a great resource for design addicts and lovers of interiors, as well as many who are seeking a little bit of extra assistance or quick expert opinion if they are renovating. Kellie posted up a pictures of her existing living room ( which you can see below ) and asked for assistance with colour, as she was unsure of what colours would help bring her existing living room to life. She also wanted to know about adding in an open book case and how to style it. I immediately jumped on Pinterest and grabbed a few colour inspirational pictures and gave her as much direction and advice I could. Immediately I pin pointed that filling in the area near the TV was a good idea with the open book case, but I also felt that using existing blue cushions would be a starting point for colour. This neutral palette and beachy blue gave me the impression of a relaxed space, which meant my main advice was to play off it but to contrast it with another bolder colour. A warmer colour like an orange always works well when you have light timber tones and not to mention works fantastically against shades of blue. I had extreme faith that Kellie could take the advice given and make the changes she was wanting to make.

A couple of busy weeks later, I hadn't had a chance to head to The Design Tribe forum for a couple of days, so when I did, I was surprised by these fantastic after shots from Kellie's post. I was extremely happy with the result, not to mention how she and her husband took on board the advice and translated it into their space.

You all know I am super passionate about being an Interior Designer and helping my clients, so for me this was again confirmation that assisting people to make their spaces come to life, even in the simplest of forms is so rewarding. This is also why I am sharing and revealing the before and after pictures ( including their dining room ) with you all. It is a perfect example of how simple principals can be applied to an existing space to create a completely different look and finishes style.

Kellie and her husband utilised simple pieces like artwork, cushions, throws, pineapples ( we all love a good pineapple homewares piece ) birds, candles, books, vases to style the space. What is even more fantastic is that they shopped at really accessible stores that have great products at great prices that won't break the bank.

Products that have been brought and used to style this living and dining room have been sourced from, Big W, Loot Homewares, Kmart, Bunnings, Ebay, Local Opshops, Target, Reject Shop, Groovy Homes, Impodino Gift Shop, Society6, Ikea and Masters... just to name a few. 

Just goes to show a price tag and fancy furniture stores are not always the answer and are not always the answer to style. 

 If you would love us to give you advice and assist you on your latest project why not send us an email at info@jdzdesigns.com.au and find out how one of our e-styling packages can guide you to achieve the same. 

Sign up to my Newsletter to get lots of inspiration for free into your inbox! Click here! 

I want to thank Kellie for giving me the ability to share these photos with you all as a great example on how it easy it is with little details and colour to create a new look. I would also like to say that I am so proud and happy of the result that they have created and think their newly styled living and dining room looks great.

 Make sure you check out The Design Tribe later this week too, as we are guest posting about. 

Before 

After