More Posts

Decorated Ceilings 

Painting Your Ceiling a Feature Colour or Pattern

A painted ceiling can add depth, dimension, and a touch of personality to any room. When done well, it becomes a true design feature — the “fifth wall” that completes a space rather than an afterthought.

Preparing the Ceiling

Start by taping off the junction where the ceiling meets the walls. Ceilings collect dust just like any other surface, so give it a thorough clean with a feather duster or, ideally, sugar soap for the best adhesion. Begin painting from a corner and work toward the window so you can see the light reflecting off the wet paint — this helps you maintain an even finish.

Use the best-quality brush, roller, and paint you can. Paint the ceiling in one continuous session so it dries uniformly. Remove the painter’s tape while the paint is still wet to avoid lifting or tearing.

The ceiling should always be painted first to prevent drips and overspray from landing on walls and trim.

Why Designers Love a Painted Ceiling

People often say that adding colour to the ceiling draws the eye upward and creates the illusion of height — and it does. What they don’t always mention is that deeper colours can also absorb light, so natural light becomes crucial, especially when using darker tones.

Still, painted ceilings are one of the most effective ways to make a room feel finished. A plain white ceiling can flatten a space, while a considered colour or pattern adds richness and intention.

In Interior Design you are tought that for a successful room, attention must be paid to the three levels in a room. The ceiling, the walls and the floor. The floor represents flooring, furniture and decor. The walls represent the walls, windows, and the door. The ceiling represents the ceiling,  cornices, special timber or plaster finishes and lighting. Each level deserves attention. Next time you walk into a hotel lobby, look up — you’ll notice the ceiling and walls are decorated, and the lighting is chosen to enhance it.

Choosing the Right Colour

Select a colour that relates to the palette already in the room. The goal is harmony, not shock value. Natural light plays a major role, so test your chosen shade in daylight, evening light, and artificial light. If a bold colour feels too strong for the ceiling, consider using it in a room where you can enjoy it without overwhelming the space.

Majestic Magenta, Mulberry, Purple, Plum and Burgundy

Purple in Interior Design: Bold, Luxurious, and Emotionally Rich

Dark shades of purple shine brightest when embraced fully. Their boldness demands commitment — but the payoff is striking. If you're looking to refresh a space without a full overhaul, the window area offers an ideal canvas. Lush purple curtains can instantly elevate the room, infusing it with a sense of luxury and depth.

Purple leaves a lasting impression wherever it's used. Long associated with exotic treasures and royal prestige, it’s the colour of richness, creativity, and peace of mind. As a blend of red and blue, purple carries emotional complexity — capable of evoking passion, calm, and everything in between.

From the drama of a deep plum feature wall to the gentle charm of lavender accents, purple is endlessly versatile. It can lean warmer or cooler depending on its undertones, and transforms further when shaded with black or tinted with white. Whether you're aiming for opulence or serenity, purple brings character, elegance, and soul to any interior.

Plastic Dining Chairs 

Plastic Dining Chairs: Iconic, Practical, and Effortlessly Stylish

Some of the most iconic chairs in design history are made of plastic — think Breuer, Starke, Eames, Panton, Kartell, and Magistretti. Their enduring appeal lies in the perfect blend of form, function, and innovation.

Available in a variety of colours and silhouettes, these chairs are designed to complement any décor style, adding a refined contemporary touch to your dining space. With sleek lines and a minimalist aesthetic, plastic dining chairs offer more than just good looks:

• Lightweight & Low Maintenance: Easy to move and clean — especially ideal for homes with young children.

• Durable & Weather-Resistant: Crafted from high-quality plastic or resin with UV protection, they’re suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, including patios, gardens, and alfresco dining areas.

• Space-Saving Design: Many styles feature stackable frames, making storage simple and efficient.

When choosing a chair, always sit in it first. Wiggle around to check for stability, and be mindful of any weight restrictions. A well-designed chair should feel as good as it looks — sturdy, comfortable, and built to last.

Cobalt Blue 

Cobalt blue is a vibrant and eye-catching colour that has always remained popular. Cobalt Blue adds drama to any room because it is eye-catching, bold and brilliant. Be brave and paint an entire room, or use it as an isolated accent; this colour will be invigorating and make a real statement, not for the light-hearted. Pairing green with Cobalt Blue creates a sense of balance and harmony.  Pairing with orange, neutrals, and lighter shades of blue and yellow all work beautifully in different ways. Cobalt Blue suits different colours as accents, try many until you find the one that suits you. Maybe start in the powder room, and if you love it, then try a sunroom, kitchen, or office. Ensure there is sufficient natural light to prevent the room from losing its vibrancy.  If you are using a gloss paint or a lacquer finish for the walls, the walls must be flawless; the slightest imperfection will be visible, such as a repair or where a hook was previously hung. 

Turkish Style Rugs 

The Art of Turkish Rugs

Turkish rugs are much more than decorative pieces; they are the heart of a room, telling stories through intricate patterns and vibrant colours. With options ranging from traditional motifs to contemporary designs, there is a Turkish carpet to suit every taste and interior style.

History and Craftsmanship

The art of Turkish rug-making is a craft that dates back centuries to the nomadic tribes of Central Asia. Traditionally, young women across Turkey and many Middle Eastern countries have been taught this skill by their mothers. Girls often begin weaving to prepare goods for a conventional dowry or trousseau—a labour-intensive process that can take two years or more to complete. 

Materials and Distinction

Turkish rugs are typically made using all-natural dyes and various materials, including silk, wool, or a wool-cotton blend. Regional styles, specific materials, and traditional techniques make each type distinct. They are known for their thick pile and luxurious, rich feel.

Versatility in Design

The flexibility and variety of Turkish carpets make them highly valued by designers. They effortlessly complement a wide range of interior aesthetics:

• Eclectic and Traditional: The bold, rich colours of these rugs are perfect anchors for eclectic, mid-century, or traditional rooms.

• Bohemian and Contemporary: They can introduce warmth and texture to styles like bohemian and contemporary.

• Minimalist and Modern: Many designers also incorporate them into minimalist settings to add a splash of colour and historical depth.

Foyer and Hallway

When designing your foyer, there are a few things to keep in mind to create a functional yet welcoming space. First, avoid turning it into a gallery of family photos—those are best reserved for more private areas of your home. Similarly, poor or overly bright lighting should be avoided unless you're going for a dramatic interrogation vibe.

If your entrance faces a staircase, keep the space neat and minimalist. A wall shelf can be a better alternative to a console, as staircases are often visually busy with carpeted steps and decorated walls. Avoid using decorative storage baskets that are both impractical and dust magnets.

Consider the placement of furnishings. For example, two ottomans might serve better as extra seating in a lounge rather than occupying valuable foyer space. If your foyer is large, introduce a statement piece or functional furniture. If it’s small, keep it simple with just the essentials—overdoing it in either case can detract from the space.

Maximise natural light where possible. Adding glass panels or inserts beside the front door can enhance brightness. A single striking piece of art can provide all the visual interest a hallway needs. Mirrors are also fantastic additions—one by the entrance lets you check your appearance before leaving, while a large mirror on a side wall creates the illusion of a more spacious room. Just be sure to avoid positioning it directly opposite the entrance.

Utilise passageway walls to showcase art, turning them into a feature instead of leaving them bare. Keep the foyer and hallway free of clutter for both aesthetic and safety reasons. Store shoes neatly away, and keep bikes or skateboards outside, preferably in a designated storage area, such as a shed. Seasonal items, such as heavy coats, can be stored elsewhere and rotated in as needed.

A personal favourite addition to any foyer is an ottoman due to its height, which is perfect for sitting while putting on shoes. If space allows, a hidden storage cupboard with hanging space can work wonders for organisation. Opt for a discreet door design to minimise visual clutter and maintain the overall clean aesthetic.

Versatile Coral

Coral is one of those standout colours that rarely gets the recognition it deserves. Indoors or out, it brings warmth, vibrancy, and personality. You’ll see coral used beautifully in wallpaper, décor, rugs, dinnerware, and artwork—but you’re far less likely to spot a coral‑coloured car, and even commercial spaces tend to avoid it.

As a warm, advancing colour, coral can visually pull walls inward, making a room feel smaller. For that reason, it’s best avoided in spaces that already sit on the warmer side of the home. But when used thoughtfully, coral’s energizing, optimistic nature makes it far more than just a pretty shade—it’s uplifting, spirited, and full of life.

Coral itself is a fascinating blend: the intensity of red, the softness of pink, and the energy of orange. It has captivated people for centuries. Ancient Greeks and Romans wore coral jewellery, believing it offered protection. Its name, of course, comes from the coral reefs and sea life that display this vivid hue in nature—symbols of vitality, renewal, and resilience.

Design‑wise, coral is incredibly versatile. It’s stunning paired with blue and crisp white for a fresh, lively palette. It also works beautifully with warm yellows. For something more grounded and sophisticated, combine coral with warm timbers, whites, blacks, blues, greens, and taupes. If you want a more masculine edge, use coral as an accent against deep navy.

Precious coral—known scientifically as Corallium—is prized for its intensely coloured red and pink‑orange tones. And beyond interiors, coral even appears in national symbolism, featuring in the flags of countries such as Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Singapore.

Grasscloth Wallpaper

Stylish and natural, grasscloth wallpaper adds timeless beauty and texture to your walls. There are two main types of grasscloth: natural and faux vinyl.  It is a textured wall covering made from 100% natural materials, an environmentally friendly choice that offers versatility to complement almost any interior décor style—from tropical and rustic to traditional and modern. This handmade design imparts a natural look that enhances any room. The fibres do not match up at the seams, so the joins will be visible. Imperfections and variations in colour are characteristic of this naturally made product and should be anticipated. If you do not like visible seams, grasscloth may not be for you. This textured wallpaper brings depth and plenty of coastal style, making it an ideal choice to enhance living rooms, bedrooms, and more. It offers a sophisticated step above a simple paint job with many tactile options. Professional installation is recommended. 

It is recommended to buy all the grasscloth wallpaper rolls you need in one go to ensure they are from the same batch and avoid colour discrepancies. For a more affordable and removable option, Vinyl Faux Grasscloth Wallpaper is available. This self-adhesive, peel-and-stick alternative is especially hard-wearing in areas of the home where moisture is an issue. This type of peel-and-stick wallpaper is much easier to apply than wallpaper that requires a paste applied.

Pastel Perfect

Pastel Colours Inside and Outside the Home

Pastel colours—green, blue, pink, yellow, purple, orange, and violet—bring a gentle, uplifting energy to both interiors and exteriors. Inside the home, pastels offer subtle hints of colour without overwhelming a space. A helpful approach is to start with a full‑strength colour you love, then choose the lightest shade available; once all four walls are painted, the colour will appear stronger than it does on the swatch.

Pastels are equally charming on exteriors. While white remains a popular choice, it often benefits from a touch of colour. Pure white, beige, and grey are now less favoured: grey can feel heavy and sullen, beige is everywhere, and stark white can appear harsh or blinding in strong sunlight. (Opting for a warm white avoids this issue.) Earthy tones continue to trend, but for those wanting something softer and more distinctive, a pastel exterior can be the perfect solution.

When choosing an exterior pastel, always consider the roof colour and ensure your selected shade complements it. Light blues, soft pinks, pale yellows, and mint greens are timeless choices that bring charm and freshness to a home’s façade. Once you’ve chosen your main colour, add interest by selecting a slightly deeper shade of the same hue for trims or even the front door. The contrast should be noticeable enough to add definition without blending into the main colour.

Inside the home, pastels create soothing, stylish rooms that feel calm yet full of personality. These gentle hues transform everyday spaces into serene retreats where modern design meets timeless elegance. A beautiful approach is to use a selection of pastels that work harmoniously throughout the home, then introduce stronger colours through furnishings, artwork, and accent pieces. The effect is balanced, layered, and visually engaging—much like the example where a dark headboard provides a striking contrast against a soft pastel backdrop.

Pastels, when chosen thoughtfully, bring warmth, individuality, and a sense of quiet luxury to any home.

Leather Sofas and Chairs 

This information is for Leather Sofas or chairs. The leather types are based on the layers of an original hide that remain when the leather is completely processed. They are categorized as full grain, top grain, genuine, split grain, and bonded leather. Full-grain leather is the highest quality leather available. Top-grain leather is highly durable and has a great texture, second only to full-grain leather. You often hear 'genuine leather.' If it were Full-grain, they would say so. Therefore, Genuine Leather can be of lesser quality but suitable for handbags and belts. Genuine leather has a rich, natural smell, then you know it's real.  Aniline is the name given to the particular transparent dye used to colour dyed leather.  As it is difficult to gauge the quality of leather, as pricing is not always a guide, a good test is to kneel on the seat; a quality leather will absorb the weight, a cheaper leather will leave a stretch in the seat. Also, it is not unusual for the back panels to be split leather (most leather sofas are splitleather) and even a slightly different colour to reduce production costs, so inspect thoroughly. The density of the leather changes when it is split, making it less durable and more prone to tears and losing its shape. Often, the hides can be split 3-4 times, diminishing the hide's strength. Protected Leather, being a split leather that is painted with a protective layer that mimics the look of leather, this type of leather can be purchased in rolls rather than sofas. Bonded Leather is virtually leather dust from sanding the upper layers to get a fault-free finish. It is then bonded with a latex mixture and attached to a fibre backing. This leather is common and is easy to spot when it splits, peels, cracks and tears at joints, cheap and will not last forever, in fact, nowhere near it. Full-grain leather marks easily, but it will last longer being a tougher skin and leather products will keep it looking good, so maintenance is the key. 

The smaller the sofa or chair cushion, the smaller the piece of leather; therefore, less give and is more durable. A real leather sofa can last 15 to 20 years compared with about five years with fabric, though fabric only ever has a 12-month warranty.   Best to wipe over the leather regularly with Leather Wipes, which clean and feed the leather; this will extend the lifespan of the leather considerably. Fabric sofas are hard-wearing but should be professionally cleaned every 12 - 18 months to keep the fabric in good condition. Keep in mind, leather can be cold in winter and hot in summer. Fabric, especially polyester, can be warm in winter and hot in summer.     

 The Causes of Puddling

Perhaps you’ve sunk into a chair and noticed a soft “puddle” forming beneath you. This is leather adapting to weight distribution, repeated use, and the patterns of where you sit or rest your arms.

Heat and humidity can intensify the effect, but puddling is simply part of leather’s natural aging process. With proper care, its impact can be minimized, yet it remains a normal and even charming aspect of owning leather furniture.

Embracing Leather’s Evolution

There’s beauty in the way leather changes over time. Stretching and puddling reveal its unique character, making each piece distinctly yours. With consistent maintenance and the right care products, your furniture will remain supple and inviting.

Aged leather exudes elegance, and with restoration techniques, you can preserve its charm for years to come. Embrace these nuances—they’re the soul of leather, a testament to its timeless appeal. If you don't like the look of stretched leather, maybe a quality fabric with a reinforced backing is for you.  If you want a leather sofa, choose one that is full  grain and  has not been split. Cleaning your leather seats in crucial, our bodies natural oils will penetrate the leather, discolour the leather and in  time cracks will appear in the leather. Use only quality products designed for leather.

Indoor, Outdoor Living 

Elements of a successful indoor-outdoor design include large retractable glass doors, sliding doors, or French doors that remove the barrier between the inside and outside. Use your indoor colour scheme outdoors to blend the spaces seamlessly. Add a TV with speakers and a basic kitchen with a BBQ. Ensure the seating areas are adequately covered from the sun, rain, bird droppings, dirt, and mildew. Timber outdoor furniture will fade; powder-coated outdoor settings, with fully metal seats, will last much longer than timber, which can warp, rot, and discolour. Most outdoor furniture has a 12-month warranty and advises against leaving it outside all year round. Privacy is important, ideally achieved with barriers such as brick walls or plants to separate your home from your neighbours. If you have an outdoor rug, ensure it doesn’t get wet, as it will become waterlogged and eventually rot. All of these elements add value to your home. 

Stunning Staircases 

Take your time to come up with a design that’s not only practical and safe, but also adds a touch of style. Modern or traditional, the staircase can often be a focal point in any home. Stairs, staircases, stairways, stairwells, and flights of stairs are connected steps leading up or down. Stairways may be straight, round, or may consist of two or more straight pieces connected at angles. Ideally, there should always be a handrail to hold on to, and if possible, a landing which breaks up a long staircase. Safety is an issue, so concentrate on each step as you go, always holding on to the railing and with a tread with a grip to avoid slipping. I prefer a runner: Carpeting that runs down the middle of the stairs. Runners may be directly stapled or nailed to the stairs or may be secured by a specialized bar that holds the carpet in place where the tread meets the riser. I prefer a landing or platform: A landing is, structurally, an intermediate floor between flights of stairs. It is typically used to allow stairs to change directions. Changing the direction of the stairs allows stairs to fit where they would not otherwise." Make your staircase a standout; the options are endless.

Practical Awnings 

A door or window awning is a practical and efficient solution for protecting your entryway or windows from the weather, whilst offering durability. Awnings dress a window, creating a presence also adding style and character.  There is a wide variety of awning colors and styles to choose from, so you can find the perfect match for your home. Whether your home has a modern or traditional design, awnings are a great addition. They need to be both functional and visually appealing. Awnings protect from the sun, rain, and wind, and are flexible depending on the time of day to shield you from the late afternoon sun. They also reduce the heat entering the home and help protect indoor furniture from sun damage. The ability to retract or fold back the awning is crucial, especially when there is approaching wild weather, to prevent damage to the awnings.  

Exterior Colours - Commercial and Industrial

Have you ever driven past a house with a bold, solid colour? Even if it's an all-white house with just a pop of bright colour, it still seems odd. Have you ever wondered why? It's because these colours are better suited for commercial properties. They are eye-catching and attention-grabbing, which is why businesses use them. These colours help establish brand recognition and loyalty. 

When selecting the exterior colour for your home, it's crucial to notice the difference between brighter and softer colours. This decision is significant, as changing it later can be costly. You have the freedom to choose any of the aforementioned colours for your home's exterior, but it's wise to consider your neighbourhood's architectural style and the colours of surrounding homes. Additionally, consider the fixed elements, such as window frames, the roof, and any stone or timber features. 

Exterior Colours - Domestic