Interior Design

Grey is often thought of as drab and unwelcoming but selecting the right shades of grey and complimenting them with the perfect choice of furniture and artwork and you can go from drab to totally divine. Greys are not an easy option for decorating, it takes skill to achieve a relaxed atmosphere that doesn't feel cold or dull. For example deep, dark greys are moody and can feel imposing in a living room plus if you throw in a little red which I have seen many home stagers do, then you have a recipe for disaster. However, layer grey on grey in varied tones from light to dark with a background of white and you can have a beautifully relaxed look. Alternatively deep blue/grey paired with light coloured furnishing and statement art can make a beautiful but dramatic statement, such as in a study or library. The room above is total drama, from the stand out artwork to the geometric cushions. The lamps have been cleverly chosen to compliment the cushions reflecting the dramatic lines in th...

Photo by Frank de Biasi Interiors   If you view your outdoor dining area as an extension of your house you can create inspiring spaces for summer entertaining, but what if you don't have anywhere to escape from the sun, in this case an awning can be the most economical option. I wouldn't say I've neglected my outdoor dining space but it isn't exactly working for our unpredictable summers, no overhead shelter from sun or light rain apart from an umbrella doesn't work. However, looking ahead to summer, I've decided to invest some money on a retractable style canopy so I can entertain more. Ideally I would like a pergola with open and close shutters, however these can run into the 10's of thousands so the most simplest option is a retractable awning. The great thing about retractable awnings/canopies is that they can also prevent your indoor furniture from sun damage and fading to wood floors from our harsh Australasian sun. When you want the sun pouring in, su...

When I think of Florida, I can't help but think "Miami 5-O" and slick apartments but Florida also has traditional homes and cottages such as this beach front cottage in Boca Raton. Lisa Michael Interiors is the designer behind this Florida interior, coastal but definitely not cliche, not a grand ocean side apartment but a delightful traditional beach front cottage. It is clear that Lisa is attentive to detail, items such as the uniquely painted sideboard above, not to mention the wonderful trio of shell lamps suspended above the dining table both show this detail. Blue and white features throughout the home but Lisa has also used unexpected pops of colour in some of the bedrooms such as the coral painted chest. I believe it is important to work with the architecture of a home and Lisa has most definitely honoured the tradition of this lovely cottage inside and out. If you love Lisa's work, you can view more of her projects on her Houzz site, link above.