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! 

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

WHAT IS YOUR INTERIOR RESOLUTION?

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my lovely loyal readers or whoever may stumble across my little blog. It is something that I am very proud of and cannot wait to develop more and more over the next year. Without all of your support and stopping by, it wouldn't be at the level it already is in such a short time!

New Year is that special time of year where we really kind of get a fresh start, start all over again and begin on a new note. It is customary to develop goals or New Year Resolutions for what you want to achieve or set your mind to in the New Year. I want to ask you all though, do you have an Interior New Year Resolution? What do you want to achieve in your space? Do you have big plans for a renovation? Have you just brought a house? I would love to hear what they are! Even if it is just about making it a healthier cleaner environment, or to create sustainable living, they are all great goals!

Here are the top 5 highlights on the blog this past 2013... well, half of 2013 to get you thinking.

FEATURE FRIDAY- ALISE & LYSANDRA
FUNKY FURNITURE
SYDNEY INDESIGN SNEAK PEEK 
STUDIO SPACE PT 2
BARRY DUBOIS INTERVIEW

And one more for Good Luck

BREEDS OF MEN


Share with my what your New Year Interior Resolution is! I am sure I can help!

RUGS, RUGS & MORE RUGS

You probably under estimate the value of what a rug can do for you and your space. You probably have not ever really noticed before, but a rug is such an important part of anchoring a space, especially your home. Rugs work to add colour, personality, pattern, zoning, anchoring, warmth, sitting space, protection... my list continues. It is always the way when looking to update your home and or looking to furnish a place, it is the little things you do not expect to have to buy or spend some kind of money on. Well, you do not really need to spend a lot of money on one, but I have to break it to you, just like your new Ikea couch is going to cost you $800, be prepared to spend the money you save on cheaper furnishing on buying a decent rug, that might only cost you $100-$400 ( if you are on a budget & cost generally depends on size required)

Think of it in terms of buying a dress and this is direct at the ladies! Most of you are prepared to spend that amount on a new outfit and wont buy your own home a new rug to give it some warmth and style. If you buy the right rug, you will most likely only buy it once or for as long as you require it, which will I guarantee you, will be at least 3-5 years.


DONT:

Do not buy large pile, fluffy rugs if it does not suit your practical needs and you have children, it will only be a waste.

Do not buy a rug that sheds hair if you are not prepared the clean it and you again have children or floors that show the hair.

Do not buy a white rug if you have children or you are clumsy, because you will spill that red wine.

Do not buy a rug that cannot be easily cleaned or show dirt.

Do not buy a rug that is made of silk, unless it is for show only.

DO:

Do buy a low pile rug, sisal rugs or a rug with a very durable strong weave.

Do think of it as an investment and I think about the difference it makes to your environment.

Do think about wool combinations, the use of the rug and where it will be going go in your home.


You will only buy it once if you buy in right in at least 3 to 5 years, where as you will most likely only wear that dress off the rack once and then need to buy another one for your next event. Ways around the lump sum that needs to go into buying a rug can be buying smaller sizes and buying a couple or buy three different style runners ( Ikea have a great selection ) and them layering them so you get a really unique look and make up a rug at the same time.

Here are some great resources for rugs on a budget and some inspiration.

Image sourced from Ikea. It is the new Stockholm rug available in Yellow. 

Sourced from Freedom. Their new Summer 2014 range has limitless possibilities and orange is in!
Freedom is a great resource for rugs. 

Sourced from Freedom and it is such a great way to add softness and anchoring to a dining area. 
Do not be scared of using a rug under the dinning table. The dark colours allows for protection and low pile
will not get ruined. 

Layering allows you to be playful with rugs and create unique and interesting looks.
Image Sourced from My Pinterest. 

Kilm, Tribal and Aztec prints are amazing ways to add great colour and pattern to a contemporary design.
Image sourced from My Pinterest

Low Pile shaggy rugs look messy on purpose to give that really soft and effortless
look. This is very on trend at the moment, especially this style. Very much suitable
for a bedroom or study area. Image sourced from My Pinterest.

Temple & Webster have a great promotion happening at the moment with Cadrys, which gives you the opportunity to purchase some amazing Aztec inspired, vintage pieces at a very reasonable price. Make sure you sign up and take a look, you wont regret making the investment if you make it right.


Happy Tuesday,

JDZ x

SPARKK WITH A DOUBLE K

Sparkk is my new obsession. I had the pleasure of visiting their office in Sydney on Friday and it was an absolute treat. They digitally print and produce all their prints on site and by demand. Their patterns and designs are unique and refreshing. They even have their own palette of colours that you can pick from and have your own colour combinations for any pattern that you like. They produce, upholstery, drapery and wall coverings that are suitable for any environment, even aged care.

All patterns and images above are sourced from the Sparkk
Website, which you can click on here.

Pattern and colour is a sure way to add instant personality to any space. It also adds depth and interest to a space and with any of the Sparkk design collections you are sure to achieve that in an instant.

I love pattern and so it is no surprise I love Sparkk.

You can find all these patterns and more information on their awesome website!
All images found on this blog post have been sourced from their website.

Hope these patterns bring some brightness to your cold Tuesday,

JDZ x