Natural Fibre Carpets

Derived from sisal bush, coconut husk, jute plant, seagrass and hemp modern technology has revolutionised these primitive materials to produce simple floor coverings full of texture, style and character.

This natural range of woven carpets are made completely from renewable resources and are available in a wide variety of natural weaves, patterns and colours made from acid free dyes.

The advantages of these products include: especially good for allergy sufferers; their natural tannins repel dust mites; extremely durable and provide good sound absorption.

Available from Style Plantation.

Cavalier Bremworth is a great choice for wool carpet in a range of styles, textures and colours that leave a gentle footprint on the environment. They have been accredited by GECA (Good Environmental Choice Australia) and ISO 14001 as well as being a member of the Australian Green Building Council (GBCA).

Environmentally Sensible Heating

Life Style Plantation went straight to the source to find out more about environmentally sound heating.

These fireplaces are powered by liquid denatured ethanol. Unlike traditional fireplace constructions, no chimney is needed because the combustion emits only small amounts of carbon dioxide and water vapour. And the flames are as natural and captivating as wood fires.

Donna, client manager at Inter-Deco agrees. “Eco heating does so much. Our fire places utilise modern technology and are a fantastic addition to any home. The energy you supply goes straight into the room as heat, instead of being lost through the chimney”.

No flue, no hard connection
Independently tested
Ideal for apartments, houses, bars, restaurants and offices
Unprecedented design flexibility
Environmentally friendly
Denatured ethanol is biodegrabable and a renewable resource.
Contact: 02 9319 7127 118 Renwick Street, Redfern www.interdeco.com.au

Styles influenced by Europe - With Gaby, Great Divide

Whether embarking on a small renovation or a totally new home, most of us will look for inspiration in design features and colours which currently rate high on the popularity scale. The way we use or personalise what we see is very much a way of communicating our own style.

French Provincial This style more than most has tended to be one where there is a cyclic “ back to basics” revival. The use of warm woods, thick ceramics and textured fabrics vary over time but change only enough to stay contemporary.

As we search for a simpler and more casual lifestyle in a modern setting, its popularity continues.

- Handmade items and natural products, thick glazed ceramic bowls, jugs and vases.
- Natural produce baskets, fresh eggs holders
- Woven rugs, candles, wrought iron chandeliers
- Exposed timber beams and walls left in their natural state, or rendered with a matt or chalky finish.
- Wide wooden planks, smooth stones set in concrete creating a cobblestone effect, bricks or terracotta tiles, extending to patio or terrace
- Furniture tends to be unpretentious wooden and/ or upholstered pieces in floral or paisley patterns
- Armchairs and sofas will usually be covered with loose cushions and throws that can easily be moved from inside to outside.
- Windows have louvered or wood shutters, in a natural timber finish or treated with a wash.
- Warm and earthy, a reflection of the light and the natural surroundings of southern France.
- Exteriors strong but fade to delicate hues of rose, ochre, sable, lavender and cream.
- Textiles and ceramics have bold hues.
- Bold tones of red, dark green of the local cypress, blue of Provence includes pale ice blue, sky blue and royal blue.
- Grey is also used to paint metal and wooden pieces such as chairs, bed heads and accessories.

Lighting for effect

Lighting can have a enormous impact on your interior space. Used properly it can be used to create a ‘feature’ in a room, set a ‘mood’ or help you perform a certain task or set of tasks, like in a kitchen or study.

Here are some of Fofi’s tips for maximizing the impact of light in three ways:
“Careful planning is essential for functional and stylish lighting. Factors to consider include the purpose of the room that will determine the wattage and the desired mood.”
Task lighting: General lighting in the form of down/halogen lights or a ceiling pendant. Task light in the form of a desk lamp with strong wattage for reading and writing. As well as helping you to read a desk lamp helps you avoid creating shadows in a room. Task lighting in the form of track lights or angled wall washers to direct the beam to highlight diplomas, degrees or art on the wall.
Feature lighting: People use feature lighting to add maximum impact to a room or provide a focal point to the space. Typical areas include an entry or foyer, over a kitchen island/bench-top, in a high stairwell.
Hallway/foyer: a large hanging chandelier works well in either a modern or traditional style.
Kitchen: Large hanging pendant made from glass or a material that is easy to wipe clean.
Stairwell: a cluster of hanging pendants suspended at varying lengths.
Mood or ambient lighting:
This has an important place in the living or dining room here the general background lighting would be pendant or ceiling down lights on dimmers, together with a table lamp on a sideboard; or a stylish floor lamp poised in the corner of a room.
Not to forget the use of scented candles in a
candelabra or on the dinning table to give further warmth and atmosphere providing an ambience to your space.

By Foffi by Design

Life Organic

About: Life Organic, 125 King Street, Newtown(02) 9565 1156 Open 7 Days. Angy & Vicki have been running Life Organic in Newtown for many years.

Angy is professional member of the Australian homeopathic society and the Australian traditional medicine society. She runs family homeopathic first aid workshops and specialises in children's health issues. Vicki is a member of the Australian traditional medicine society and has diploma in herbal medicine. She specialises in rejuvenation, women’s health and iridology.