Coffee Break

The right size for the space

There are many things to consider when selecting a coffee table. Space is the most important consideration. Ensure the coffee table is the right size for the space where everyone can comfortable reach from the surrounding sofas or chairs. The coffee table should also be lower or the same height as the sofa seats. The length of the coffee table should be about two thirds the length of the sofa.

Style

The style of the coffee table should complement the rest of your decor. Traditional coffee tables are often timber or wrought iron and suit classic and heritage style homes. Suitable coffee tables in contemporary homes are typically minimalist and trendy, particularly industrial and loft style apartments. Replica or Danish style coffee tables would suit a vintage or retro theme.

Coffee Table Tips from Carly Gilmore 
Interior Designer, Windemere Interiors

• Select a durable finish for a long lasting coffee table
• Select glass or glass topped coffee tables in smaller areas to keep the space feeling open.
• Built in shelves or drawers are fantastic for storage.
• Don't be afraid to choose bold coffee tables that will add flair and personality.
• Try using an ottoman that can also double as seating.
• Mix and match between your coffee table and side tables.

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Screen Time

Decorative screens are very much in vogue and are a versatile and practical way to decorate, separate or hide a space.

Used decoratively, screens can be used in wall niches and indoor and outdoor artwork.  They can be lit from above, below, even behind to create a fantastic feature in a space. The artwork can be customised too, such as panels made from a photo or hand drawn artwork.

In a practical sense, screens are now used as security screens, balconies, balustrades and fencing. They are fantastic as room dividers as they can still allow light and air to circulate. Decorative screens can also be used to hide unsightly areas such as water tanks, rubbish bins and pool filters.

There are an endless choice of materials when it comes to creating screens from timber for a natural, casual look to steel for an industrial and contemporary look. Laminex have recently released "Compact Laminate", a moisture resistent decorative paneling that can be used indoors and outdoors.

Kirstin Fowle from Windemere Interiors says decorative screens have come a long way and it is popular to customise them to suit you particular space. "Almost any type of screen can be customised, from front security doors to outdoor artwork. They have a fantastic practical and decorative application," she said. "We have had many screens customised from either photos we have scanned or sketches we have drawn."

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Outdoor Screens

Custom screens in an Adenbrook Homes display

Indoor screens separate spaces

Image courtesy of Laminex

Tribal Rhythm - from the runway to the rumpus room

Tribal is the global phenomenon that’s sweeping the fashion world, seen in designer collections worldwide and chain stores throughout Australia. The trend is a blend of rich, Aztec colours, animal prints, earthy textures and symbolic motifs.

Now the world's hottest fashion trend has inspired the world of interior design and the exotic theme has gone from catwalk to the home creating bold interiors of primal character and spicy warmth.

Interior Designer Lindy Evans says runway themes often mirror interior design themes and tribal has been extremely popular in fashion and in the home. "The tribal theme has warmth and character and gives the home a comfortable and casual feel. It's easy to create and easy to update and maintain," she said.

To recreate this theme, Lindy suggests drawing inspiration from the visual and aromatic feast of an African food market. “Think rustic red hues and earthy tones of the Savannah landscape to create a calming canvas, then add splashes of vibrant colour to delight the senses. Dark, solid aged timber furniture is balanced with warm lighting create a serene ambience,” she said.

Tribal Inspiration Gallery

Seated for the Occasion

Like its namesake, the occasional chair is used...well, on occasions. Perhaps as an additional chair when you have guests or in a parents retreat or bedroom.

Kirstin Fowle from Windemere Interiors, says an occasional chair can form part of a set or as a feature on its own. As part of a lounge suite, an occasional chair looks great in a contrasting or different fabric that is still within the theme or colour scheme of the suite. As a feature on its own, perhaps as a reading chair, the occasional chair can be highlighted with a lamp and book table to create an intimate reading space," she said.

Occasional chairs are fantastic for creating rooms that are multipurpose. A rumpus room can be converted to a sitting room while a bedroom can become a reading nook. They're not just for indoor use either, occasional chairs outdoors on a deck or in the garden create a functional and bold space.

Kirstin's ideas for occasional chairs in your home

• Create a mini reading space in the corner of your child's room with a children's chair, mini table, lamp and bookshelf.

• Upcycle or reupholster an old Danish arm chair or wing back chair and create a sophisticated nook in a study or home office.

• Use brightly coloured chairs on a paved pad under a chair for a relaxing outdoor space.

• In a large bathroom or ensuite, an occasional chair adds a touch of elegance and luxury as a spot to relax or drape your robe over while bathing.

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