California '70s Style

Emily Henderson is one cool lady.  This is her very cool and sunny LA living room which she shot recently for her blog and I love it.  It's bright and colourful, filled with personality and has a relaxed vibe.  I love that it's a beautiful mix of vintage and new with interesting artwork and one-off pieces.  And it's also a rental which just shows that if you live in a rental you can still make it a real home.  I love that.  I think that sometimes when you rent you hold back, thinking that it's just a temporary home so don't decorate.  But hey you guys, we've been in our rented apartment for 10 years!  How did that happen?  Life is too short to wait until you're in your 'dream house' to decorate it the way you like.  So I say go for it.  Live in the now.

Emily is an amazing interior designer and stylist and is apparently quite well known for featuring on a tv interior design show in the US.  I love her eclectic slightly mid-century style.  Her living room has collections of things (I like things too) however it doesn't feel cluttered, just an interesting mix of books, artwork and sentimental finds.  If you like this style of interior design too, check out her great blog.  She is really entertaining!

Photos from Style by Emily Henderson and Photos by Zeke Ruelas.

Hermès Collection Inspiration: Jungle Fever

I felt so inspired by the Hermes Collection of fabrics and wallpapers I saw last week that I wanted to imagine how I would use one of the more whimsical patterns in an interior.  Equateur is a highly detailed fabric and wallpaper which was designed by Robert Dallet in 1988 and is an iconic Hermes design.  Yes it is a little crazy and full of animals and plants so to make it work everything else needs to be toned down.  I could imagine this luxurious and richly coloured fabric used for curtains in a grand Parisian apartment with a moody wall colour, atmospheric lighting, antiques and rich materials. 
1.  Porters Paint Palette
2.  'Outremer' Fabric by Kenzo from South Pacific Fabrics
3. 'Flax' in Slate from Mokum Textiles
4.  'Equateur' wallpaper and textile by Hermes from South Pacific Fabrics
5. 'Hallingdal' 65 by Kvadrat
6.  'Losange Moire' in Lime by Dedar from South Pacific Fabrics
7.  Natural stone bookend
8.  De Ploeg Mosaic fabric
9.  'Limoges' Soot from Unique Fabrics
10. 'Calacatta' natural marble from CDK Stone
11. Aged European Oak from Le Parqueteur
12. 'Manto' Poltrono Frau from Corporate Culture

14.  'Yellow Field' by Leora Armstrong from 1st Dibs
15. Brass Lamp from Nicholas and Alistair
16. 'Flag Halyard' Chair by Wagner from Corporate Culture
17. 'Dunes and Duchess' candelabra
18. 'La Femme Chouette' by Pablo Picasso from 1st Dibs
19. Round pedestal Travertine table designed by Angelo Mangiarotti from 1st Dibs
20. 'Ocelot' rug by David Hicks from Cadrys

21. Ceramic rubber glove molds from Tarlo and Graham
22. Ceser stool by Minotti from Corporate Culture

Hermès Collection Inspiration

Last week South Pacific Fabrics invited me to preview the first collection of fabrics and wallpaper by Hermès.  Some of the fabrics are breathtakingly beautiful and absolutely all of them are incredibly luxurious.  It was so interesting to learn about the incredibly laborious manufacturing techniques of the textiles and how they are steeped in history.  Personally what I loved about the collection is the sense of whimsy which is synonymous with the Hermès brand, it is a luxury brand that doesn't take itself too seriously.  The designs were influenced from the many artists and designers from the brands rich history.  I loved that they resisted stamping the Hermès logo over everything, instead the collection was undeniably Hermès with the use of subtle 'H' in the weaves and that everything is of the highest quality money can buy.  And by the way you do need a lot of it to use these fabrics and wallpapers. 

So I whilst I'm waiting for the opportunity to specify this range in a project I thought I'd design a little concept board just in case!  It's all about a quiet luxury, comfort and texture with an equestrian vibe.

1.  100% Wool 'Alpha' Carpet from Rugs Carpet & Design
2.  'Celebrity Collection' Gold Velvet from Zepel Fabrics
3.  'Couvertures et Tenues de Jour' Hermes from South Pacific Fabrics
4.  100% Belgian Linen 'Lyon' Mist
5.  'Judo' Bronze by Kenzo from South Pacific Fabrics
6.  Coco leather from Contemporary Leathers
7.  'Limoges' Truffle Linen blend sheer fabric from Unique Fabrics
8.  Chevron European Oak in Dark Walnut from LeParqueteur
9.  Murano glass lamp for Louis Vuitton’s Objet Nomades collection by Barber & Osgerby 
10. The ranch home of Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres, Hidden Valley California
11. 'George & Georgette' magazine holder by Woot Woot Studio
12. '699 Chair' by Cassina from Corporate Culture
13. Artwork by Roberto Dutesco

14. The ranch home of Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres, Hidden Valley California
15.  'Semi de H' Hermes from South Pacific Fabrics
16. 'Mondo' Chandelier by Roll and Hill from Space Furniture
17. 'Chipperfield' lamp by Wastberg from Euroluce
18. 19th Century Farm Table in solid oak from 1st Dibs
19 Terracotta House from 1st Dibs
20. 'Outside May 26, 2012 2:00-3:00pk No. 2, Artist: Georgine Ingold from 1st Dibs

My Vibe

Sometimes when I get chatting to some of my lovely students I get asked what my personal interior style is like.  It's a hard one for me as I like, and can appreciate so many different types of interiors.  I try to make every project individual and specific to the client and their requirements.  However I do have a signature 'style' and that would be to approach each project with the clients lifestyle in mind and for the space to reflect their personality, with a quiet luxury and unexpected details.  When I saw this studio space by Marcus Hay, for me it does all of those things.  It actually looks familiar to me, it's totally my vibe.

I suppose you could say that yep, this is my style.  It's eclectic and there are 'things' however it doesn't look cluttered or chaotic.  It's unpretentious and there are moments of inspiration all around.  I was never a 'blue person' however more and more I'm drawn to it and I love this blue that Marcus has selected, along with the black, white and grey walls.  There are books, mis-matched chairs, artwork, interesting objects, vintage things and flowers.  Perfect.

ps. Check out Fluff 'n' Stuff which is Marcus' blog, and he's prolific on pinterest too, with over 10,000 pins!
Photos by Jonny Valiant.  Tara Hurst has an interview with Marcus on her blog.

Floor Lamp Round-up

You may notice a theme occurring here with some of my favorite furniture selections, I'm looking to 'baby-proof' our apartment so really it's just a thinly veiled excuse to get some new stuff!  So I want to get a floor lamp that has a small footprint, which one is your favorite and did you pick the Ikea ones here?

Grand and Grander

This house if off the chain!  This interior is a little different to the types of interiors I usually post here on the blog, but beauty is beauty, and this one is amazing!  During my time in London I worked on some pretty impressive interiors which gave me a real appreciation for historical buildings.  In Melbourne we have some outstanding examples of Victorian architecture however not quite like this.  I was fortunate to work on a building of this era in Belgravia and it was amazing to experience the scale of these rooms, and see the original decorative mouldings up close.  I really love the way the originality of these spaces has been respected and how they are filled with antique furniture but in a contemporary way.

This is the amazing home of interior designer Rose Uniacke whose signature style is raw, minimal. luxurious and with a genuine appreciation of antique furniture.

"If the space is properly balanced, then the rooms can be simply furnished and allowed to breathe," Rose says, "I like to know where I am, and in that context you can be very minimal."

Found on NY Times
Photographs by Henry Bourne

Spaced Out!

I think this loft really appeals to me at the moment because I am longing for some space.  I love the minimal and well selected furnishings which is a world away from my little apartment here in Melbourne.  I am just trying again to work out how to best use the space which also involves making our apartment baby-friendly without putting those ugly plastic corner things on everything.  So an apartment like this with it's wide open spaces and cool furniture would be blissful!  This is by ese studio which are based in Athens.  Found on Trendland

Armchair Dilemma!

Selecting an armchair for an interior can be the most fun, but also the most time-consuming and tricky, would you agree?  An armchair can really determine the style of the whole interior so it's important to select 'the right' chair.  Armchairs become a feature of the space, whereas we can play it a bit more safe and neutral with the sofa.  I like the armchairs to be in a feature colour or patterned fabric, or even leather whilst the sofa is in a neutral fabric (double leather is way worse than double denim!).  So it can be tricky to select that perfect armchair that is unique, comfortable, the right size and makes a statement.  Also in budget, now that is a challenge!

But for my own place it's even more difficult because I see so many great pieces that it's impossible to decide.  I'm the most indecisive client!  I want something I can curl up on which is not too enormous and looks cute and super comfy.  So here are a few options I'm looking at.  Would love to hear from you which one is your favourite!

Oh my gosh, there are heaps more I could have included, where does it end!!!

Instagram Me!

Hi there friends,
Is anyone still there?  It seems that I have been neglecting this space these days.  Very bad I know.  I've been busy with client work and juggling a whole new job of motherhood.  It's been a wonderful time.  Of course I still love getting out and about into the design and art community.  Baby Indigo and I have already visited MONA in Hobart, Heide MOMA and ACCA amongst many furniture showrooms. She is getting very familiar with art gallery etiquette!  So if you're around, I'd love to see you on instagram.  If you'e not on instagram well it's a great way to follow some pretty inspiring people out there by viewing their photos all day, every day!  My photos are not nearly as cool as many out there but I still have fun.  You can find me @LAUREN_MACER.  Hope to see you there!

 Materials and finishes for bedroom concept

 Materials and finishes for living area

Artwall

Some delicious HAY my friend Andy bought back direct from the HAY House in Copenhagen - Thank you!

Emerald City

 

Did you know that Emerald is the Pantone colour of 2013?  I thought it was quite an unexpected colour but then I started noticing it around.  Funny how that happens!  Sometimes green can be a tricky colour to use in interiors; pale minty greens literally make me feel ill and sage green is so 80s country style.  But Emerald is so fresh!  

"Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."

I love this home of stylist Muriel Verbist.  The green here looks totally fresh and I'm loving it mixed with blue too.  Whoever said that 'blue and green should never be seen' were complete liars, obviously!  My latest interiors project features accents of green, turquoise and blue inspired by the clients amazing artwork - it has been a pleasure to work with these colours!

Fibreglass rocker by Charles and Ray Eames. 'Mountain Spot Rug' by Donna Wilson. From Elle Decoration June 2011, styling Suzanne Stankus - photography Paul Raeside 

'Fjord' armchair by Patricia Urquiola by Moroso

LC in Colour by Cassina

Anglepoise mini desk lamp in Forest Green by Kenneth Grange

Minakani Wallpaper 

Bertoia Diamond Lounge Chair 

Found on Pintrest, sorry I don't have the credits for this image but I love it.

 

Did you see Beyonce singing the American national anthem during the Obama inauguration ceremony? How amazing are those earrings - just stunning!

So this year I'll be keeping an eye out for Emerald!

The Silent Room

Just looking at this space makes me feel relaxed, the lighting is soothing and the limited materials are subtle and restrained.  This is The Silent Room at Selfridges London, it's designed as a retreat from the sensory overload of the shopping experience all around.  Customers are encouraged to sit or lie on the benches and apparently people have been seen meditating and even praying.  It's amazing how interior design can really affect your mood.

This is not the first Silent Room for Selfridges however.  The founder Gordon Selfridge included a Silent Room when the store opened in 1909.  It's interesting that even back then when department stores were quite a new concept, that a space like this was conceived to entice customers to stay longer in the store.  With my experience with retail interior design, I can attest that every inch of the floor plan is precious, and expensive.  So bravo for Selfridges to invest in such a beautiful and thoughtful space for customers to enjoy.

I've recently become a Mum and have spent some time at Chadstone shopping centre recently to escape the hot hot days (along with the other Mums and old people!). So I am proof that with the lovely parents rooms and facilities, I spent more time there and a few hundred dollars on things I didn't really need.  Don't panic - they were on sale!

The Silent Room is built by London studio Alex Cochrane Architects with the idea to take your shoes off, follow the dark passage around with a single globe showing the way and just relax.  It's not intended to be totally silent but I could imagine the space would encourage you to speak softly and unwind.  A good place to just take a breather and then when you enter back into the chaos of the store you'll feel so good that you'll think those gold hi-tops are a great idea.  That's where they get you!

Found on dezeen