Interior Design

1. Rugs can bring life to a neutral space and less than perfect linens offer a relaxed feel. You can view more of this fabulous home at Studio McGee Sorry I have had the blog on the back burner yet again dealing with health issues (my dry eyes), however, I have managed to put together a post on 'Spaces to Love', focusing on living areas that speak to my design desires. What is it about these spaces that catch my eye, they have great form and function and a fabulous use of texture, not to mention a colour palette that is restful to the eye. I do love traditional style bookshelves and drawn to ones that are decorated verging on minimalist, just a few books and a few decorative pieces. At the moment I am having a huge blitz on my personal bookshelves as heading into spring and I plan to re-decorate my living area. I realised how messy my shelves looked with my stacks of H&G magazines and multi-coloured book spines which really do nothing when you like to keep to neutral shade...

The more I research and write about interior design the more I learn the importance of texture and form, and Atlanta interior designer, Anna Braund has found the perfect balance of these factors in this relaxed interior. Based in Georgia, Anna Braund was a Top 10 Nominee in HGTV's Fresh Faces of Design Awards, Anna's philosophy on design is that "design should be both bespoken to the individual and rooted in the formal principals of design". Her designs have a warmth and charm that draws you further into a space and as you can see, texture and form play a very important part. Above: opposing textures can be seen with the smooth horizontal shiplap and the rustic, white-washed brickwork of the chimney. More texture is introduced in the sisal rug. Mixing up textures makes for an interesting space Above: The gentle curves of the sofa oppose the more angular lines of the coffee table Above: Cushions can completely transform a spac e .  Above: Group different textured and ...

Fresh Raspberries and Cookies and Cream Icecream No ice cream maker needed for this delicious treat and if raspberries are not in season in your part of the world, you could use 'freeze dried' or frozen raspberries (defrost them first). Recipe via Bromer Bakery... click here for instructions . More inspiration.... Above: Decadent and oh, so pretty...recipe can be found at  Baking Moment.com DIY Ideas... Ever wondered how to achieve a faux metal look , 'Love, Create, Celebrate', shows you how with easy DIY instructions. Above: I love those chunky tassel throws but why spend hundred's of dollars when you can upcycle one yourself for next to nothing. This idea comes from 'Bre Purposed' where you will find instructions to make these fab tassels . And some Coastal inspiration... Above: Wood, soft shades of grey, nautical print and layering are all elements of a peaceful, coastal retreat Above: Circular mirrors are a better shape for a coastal look Above: Glass pe...

Decorating a home successfully is about timeless design, not following fads or trends but creating a perfectly balanced environment that won't date... How do you design a home's interior that will remain timeless? Choose subtle colours, pastels or neutrals not bright or dominant colours and a mix of furniture. When I say mix up your furniture, choose a few older pieces, vintage, antique or maybe re-cycled and find a couple of contemporary pieces to work with them. I say it many times, "matching 3 piece dining, lounge or bedroom suites is the quickest way of giving your home an outdated look".  Pattern and texture should be carefully chosen just as designer, Karla Amadatsu has in this Vancouver home.  Karla of  Kerrisdale Design ,  depicts what I consider are the elements of timeless design, a subtle palette of neutral colours that will work with any colour or pattern, antique and modern furniture that compliment each other and the addition of interesting accent piece...