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. 

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 

ARMADILLO NEW RANGE

Today at Decoration + Design I was mostly excited to head on over to the Armadillo & Co section to check out their new 2014 collection and their new Kilim rugs. Tomorrow on The Men Behaving Handy Blog, you will be seeing me talk about the rug trend and why rugs are very important. They allow you to be a little more adventurers with pattern and colour, which is what I feel this Armadillo & Co range very much expresses. Aztec has been a very huge trend that has carried through the design realm for a few years now and even though it isn't as popular at the moment, it is still popping up in many different areas in bright and colourful ways.

Armadillo & Co have a great collection as well as some perfect pieces for the kids.

Find out more about Armadillo & Co here. 

All images have been sourced directly from the Armadillo & Co website.

WHERE FASHION MEETS INTERIORS

More and more we are seeing a real continuation between fashion and interiors, well, in fact I feel with any kind of design there really is not a huge gap between them at all, so it does not surprise me that they all mix to become one eventually. So really what I am saying is that they complement each other on various levels as well as influence, especially when it comes down to the latest fashion trends, what is hot in Europe and how it continues later in the year down in the Southern Hemisphere.
What makes this more prominent for me is the many fashion labels or homewares labels expanding into each other, same goes for stationary, they are all dipping their design toes into all areas.

The latest is Gorman... are you familiar? If not you can visit the fashion website here, but more importantly check out their really funky, understated, playful and Sportsgirl marketing inspired circa 90's here. What I really like about it is that the products are the usual pieces you would find in any homewares store, however their stock really is the essence of the playful, organic style of the Gorman brand and identity. The products themselves have real personality, instead of the objects being generic and you liking it because it reflects your personality... a huh! Get what I did right there? Made you think didn't I?

Their products would make for a perfect Christmas gift if you have a friend who loves quirky pieces and interiors.

Images sourced from Gormans website.

Happy Wednesday,

JDZ x