Fresh Santorini Style

It’s easy to see how the Greek island of Santorini inspired the interior of this home. Fresh and breezy, the whitest of whites and tones of pure sand are punctured with the oceanic colours of teal and blue and splashed with vibrant hues of fuscia. 

Reminiscent of the white-washed homes along the Greek coastline and the flowering bougainvillea that spill over their walls, this theme is bright and summery.

The fresh and breezy interior is the work of interior designer Lindy Evans of Windemere Interiors, who was inspired by the Greek island of Santorini. “This colour scheme reflects all the colours of the ocean,” said Lindy. “Using predominantly white on white as a base, accents of blues, greens, teals and a hint of sandy tones creating a contemporary yet timeless environment. These colours are fresh, comfortable and most importantly relaxing.”

If you're building a new home or renovating and would like to add some Santorini freshness, speak to one of the team at Windemere Interiors.

East Meets West

A blend of the exotic east with the simplicity of the West creates a theme with a contemporary approch to Asian inspired interiors

The mystique of the oriental far East, with its rich blend of saturated colours, gilded coppers and opulent textures makes a fascinating and exotic interior.

The traditional Asian style is a dramatic amalgamation of rich colours with intricate designs on an ornate scale. The use of jade and gold reflects the palatial splendour of this ancient theme.

For today's approach though, a pared down, simplistic version is popular for its minimalist, yet striking style.

East Meets West takes the rich colours of the traditional Asian theme without patterns focusing instead on plain surfaces and textures. East Meets West is a simple interior that anyone can do using the strong Asian colours, with a few key decorator accents. Deep reds, muddy greys and blacks can be used with glints of gold and copper. Accent with a striking lantern, jewellery box or a porcelein statue.

East Meets West is an warm, spicy theme, so use warm mood lighting such as lamps and lanterns for ambience and heavy curtains in a opulent fabric to dim the glare from the windows.

Bathroom Magic

A tired bathroom can date an entire house, and bathroom makeovers are one of the most common renovation projects.

The layout of a bathroom is the key element to consider when renovating. Ensuring the position of the bathroom essentials is the most practical for the space will ensure there is ample storage and enough space.

The ensuite pictured originally had a corner vanity with a laminate block towel rack that used up valuable storage space.  A framed shower with opaque glass obscured the natural light from the only window in the room. The dark decor colours, friez tiles and chunky wooden fixtures made the space cramped and dated.

To make better use of the space, the layout was changed slightly, by streamlining the vanity against one wall and opening up the shower area using clear, semi frameless glass. A neutral colour palette of cream and taupe brightened up the space.

Analysing the current layout was the first priority when undertaking this renovation. The corner vanity virtually cut the space in half, making it seem smaller than what it was. Creating a streamlined layout, with clear glass and full height mirrors opens up the space and maximises the natural light.

In renovating all three bathrooms in this home, Lindy used a consistent neutral theme with the same tiles, cabinetry, tapware and basins. Differing accessories and decoration, such as towels and soap dispensers were used to set the bathrooms apart.

Out of Africa

The aromatic and visual feast of an African food market are the inspirations of the Tribal Rhythm theme.

The rustic red hues and earthy tones of the Savannah landscape create a calming canvas, while splashes of vibrant colour delight the senses. Dark, solid aged timber furniture is perfectly highlighted with sandstone inspired tiles, and warm lighting create a serene ambience.

This theme is all about colours and textures of Africa, with a sense of passion and strength. We've combined the textures of vintage leather couches and earthenware pots, against olive green and cocoa coloured walls. Splashes of tangerine in the cushions are inspired by ochre hued spices, while pearlescent sequined bed cushions are a nod to exotic African jewellery.

Snuggling up in bed weather

It's a chilly night in the South East of Queensland, time for snuggling under the covers with a hot chocolate. I thought I'd share a couple of my favourite bedrooms we've done over the years.

If only I had a crackling fireplace...