A Beach Life

Welcome to 2013! It's been a while hasn't it? The team at Windemere Interiors have been very busy over the past few months. This is one project that has been keeping us busy - a double storey home decorated in "A Beach Life" theme.

Natural and neutral canvas colours of sand and taupe with splashes of colours reminiscent of Brighton beach huts.

Splashes of colour in these cushions brighten up the living space while beach themed accents create a cool and casual feel.

A bench table creates a permanent dining space for casual or formal meals. Cool white with accents of sand continues the beach theme. 

Casual living space with neutral carpet, lounge and walls are given splashes of citrus for depth, texture and interest.

Multi coloured cushions and bedhead create a fun but relaxing atmosphere in this bedroom. 

Driftwood inspired benchtops are combined with the cool blue of the splashback and shots of vivid red for a kitchen.

Furniture in natural timbers create a calming environment, perfect for bedrooms.

The smooth crispness of white linen against the textured rattan of the furniture create a contrasting and three dimensional effect.

Fresh and breezy table setting.

Nautical touches.

Inspired by the retro Brighton Beach Shacks in St Kilda, these brightly coloured cushions liven up the retreat.

Decorator accents on the coffee table.

Classic nautical touches of navy and white give this bedroom and crisp and clean space.

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.

Inspiration Gallery

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."

Inspiration Gallery

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