Geometric Beauty by Fofi Gourlas

Have you noticed an increase in a motif, pattern, or design with an abstract, shape such as lines, circles, squares, ellipses, triangles, rectangles, and polygons?

The French refer to a pattern as "a type of theme of recurring events or object shapes"

These elements repeat in a predictable manner. It can be a template or model which can be used to generate things or parts of a thing, especially if the things that are created have enough in common for the underlying pattern to be inferred, in which case the things are said to exhibit the unique pattern.

We like the Wall panel, great for indoor/outdoor use, visit Garden Life or Orient House if you prefer a more Oriental style screen. 

Art with geometric styles have always been popular, Frank Stella began to use a wider range of colours, typically arranged in straight or curved lines. He began his Protractor Series (71) of paintings, in which arcs, sometimes overlapping, within square borders are arranged side-by-side to produce full and half circles painted in rings of concentric colour. These paintings are named after circular cities he had visited while in the Middle East earlier in the 1960s. Prints are available today from leading Art Gallery shops.

 
Bring Geometric Beauty to your home - Rugs and Accessories -

Greg  Natale ‘Lake Como’ rug, $4350/200cm x 300cm, Designer Rugs.

'One Light Only’ pendant lights, from $380 each (white), from $532 each (gold), Lee Broom

Get inspired and bring some geometric shapes into your home or garden this weekend!

Pretty and Plush Accessories for Winter

Embrace the colder weather and warm up your home. Here are some top tips by the Style Plantation team on how to create a cosy home this winter:

• Use various textures, colours, interesting lighting and fresh cut flowers to add a natural appeal and warmth to a room.

• Use soft knit cashmere throw rugs, velvet or jacquard cushions, consider hanging a large traditional rug on the wall - one with rich, bold colours looks great.

• Apply colours of the same tones for a more harmonious effect.  We like Dulux Grand Piano, Heifer, Pale Earth + Buff It.  Such colours can be repeated for the cushions.

• Wool cable details on cushions and woven fabrics add comfort and a sense of luxury

• Hen + chicken ferns for a light whimsical touch, in season fresh cut tulips and hydrangeas as well as the classic phalaenopsis orchid.

• Invest in some relaxing essential oils for your oil burner and some scented candles.  Think about buying a portable fireplace such as those in the ecosmart range  - perfect as they can be packed away in the warmer months.

5 steps for a 5 star bedroom.

Your bedroom is such an important part of your home. It’s the one place in the world for you to relax and chill, and escape the daily grind.  Surprisingly – we find it to be one of the most over looked rooms – probably because it’s a room that is out  of the way and doesn’t get seen by many visitors. Many people skimp and rob themselves of the comfort and luxury that they need to recharge and re-energise and have a great night’s sleep.

Our top five tips to create the bedroom of your dreams with five star comfort:

1 – Colour. Consider muted and calm colours for your bedroom walls.  The most affordable transformation is a new coat of paint – in neutral linen shades.We like Dulux Beige Royal ½ strength for walls with a contrasting colour for trims such as White-on-White.Think about colours when buying linen – what colour walls / window treatments / furniture / trims /cupboards to you have that you need to consider. From classic whites, modern greys – earthy tones or even navy – linen will definitely set the scene. Scatter pillows can add a touch of colour and create a look that is unique. We love Green Paprika House eco friendly hand printed cushions in neutral shades with irresistible patterns and designs.Contact us for more info.

2 – Sleep in style.Get the best linen you can afford. Aim for high quality sheets with a thread count over 350. We love organic cotton – try eco-linen from Style Plantation stores nationally – 100% certified organic cotton for a healthy night’s sleep. Never skimp when it comes to your bed. Pick a mattress that you find irresistibly comfortable. If you don't have the funds for a new mattress set, there are things you can do to breathe new life into the one you already own - consider buying a memory foam or down filled mattress topper.

3 – Clear the clutter. Arrange the space to take advantage of the view / natural light. There normally aren’t too many options here – most rooms are designed to be laid out in a particular way, especially in apartments – but if you can move the bed around to catch the view – do it. Make sure that bedside tables are clear of mess and rubbish – and invest in a hamper. Neat photo frames and a stack of books in arms reach are a must - but keys / mobile phones and other day-to-day items belong in drawers - not on your night stand. Clothes thrown at the end of the bed or over a chair often stay there - so put them away.  Store junk (that you can’t get rid of) in baskets under the bed. Dust collects under the bed and around bedside tables – so make sure you leave enough room for easy access with the vacuum cleaner.

4 – Light your night.  Matching bedside lamps are a must! Choose a warm bulb and have some fun when picking your lamps. Add some colour or design here – for instance, choosing a fancy / reflective base and ornate shade will give the space a more luxurious look.  A natural weave shade on a timber base will look more casual – remember that not all styles work together in one space.Overhead lights should be not too bright.

5. Scent. Use reed diffusers or scented candles to create an ultra relaxing ambiance. Choose scents that are calming – and not too strong. Scented candles are fragrant at all times – not just when you are burning them – so be careful. We love Kinikka Pomegranate and Sage natural Soy Candles – and Bamboo and Mandarin for a more masculine feel. Of course – don’t leave candles burning at night as you fall asleep. 

Team SP. 

GARDEN STYLE COUNSEL by Fofi Gourlas

The latest trend in gardens is Nouveau Formal. See how to get the look!

This is a highly stylised design, balanced symmetry and endless appeal.  Consider including clipped topiaries, paved terraces and the odd statue or water fountain.  The perfect proportions of this style garden never go out of fashion.  Symmetry is the main factor of this style with lots of mass plantings and not a large variety of plants.  This is a look emphasised by using plants with small leaves that look great when clipped into topiary shapes or hedged.  These include star jasmine climbing the walls, fast growing deep green leaved murrayas and gardenias.  These are wonderful selections for their scent but also for their white colour to provide a contrast to the greenery.

Manhattan Style

MANHATTAN   STYLE

Manhattan Style is a unique style that blends energy, constant change in the dynamic fast pace that is typical of Manhattan.  

This is a unique style characterised by the dynamic New Yorker with global ideas to result in an eclectic classic style forever moving with the times.

This is a style about innovative looks, a blend of traditional pieces as well as contemporary modern furniture with clean and classic lines and simplified living spaces.

In Manhattan it is not enough to decorate. Whatever is the style, a statement has to be made to stand out. Manhattan style is not about period rooms but a combination of many period styles.

This style has a long, versatile history -  it recognises the role of architectural features and encourages the use of features in the interior of the house to compliment the space. They also encouraged the use of ornaments that were applied to these structures superficially. Mirrors and mirrored walls are light reflective and add glamour.  

How to achieve the look:

Use a  palette of light and neutral colours for walls and fabrics, and consider metallics and dark timber or black for furniture and finishes to create bold eclecticism and drama that characterizes Manhattan style.  

If you're doing a full renovation, use detailed fluted columns, timber paneling on white walls, oversized skirting boards, and dark Walnut or Black Japan flooring.

For furniture, used giant floor lamps, plush velvet sofas and drapes, strong and unique artwork in heavy frames with clean lines - the styling should look classic and simple with a strong look that is as vibrant as its name.