The term derives from the French verb “bouder” meaning, “to be sulky.”  Apparently, young ladies were sent to their “boudoirs” to go and sulk in private. Who would have thought of that association today?

More interesting though is to see how the interpretation of a Boudoir has recently come to denote a style of furnishing for the Bedroom that can traditionally be described as ornate, opulent and sensuous. The focus of which is strongly linked to the Renaissance and French inspired bedroom styles. And even more recently, it includes an opulent spin on the “French Country Cottage” style.

This is a very definite style and is all about ambience, ambience and even more ambience.  At the mention of the word “boudoir,” images and descriptions of O.T.T. opulence, glamour, sensuality, intimacy and privacy, dark chocolate, red roses and the like come to mind. You get taken away to scenes from the movies “Moulin Rouge” and “Marie Antoinette”.

So, let’s take a closer look at how to create this decadent private romantic bedroom style, the sensuality of which will seduce all who enter into that chamber.

To achieve an effective boudoir style, lavish layering is essential. In order to add depth to the room, you would include various layers of textures, objects and tones – all of these add further character and dimension.

The Traditional Boudoir

A more “classical” boudoir would be along the Versailles / Moulin Rouge style, with the textures being found in plush, deep velvet fabrics, patterned and plain mixed together; rich silk fabrics (on the lampshades, scatters cushions and bed throws), not forgetting that deep pile damask wallpaper and toiles (non-negotiable). Remember – glamour is key.

The furniture – very much along the lines of the Louis XV style. It can be a chair in the corner, a deep-buttoned headboard, bedside pedestals and ottomans. This style has the slightly curved legs, otherwise known as “cabriole”. The finish on these pieces, either the ever popular gold gilt, dark stained wood or paint. Sheer decadence and opulence.

The last layers will be the accessories, decadent mirrors with ornate frames, glass, silver & mirrored ornaments, lamp bases, vases and all manner of collectables. Then of course, there are the candles – in varying sizes and colours. Naturally, fragranced candles will enhance your sensual ambience. Take the time to group your accessories together – clusters of small mirrors, prints and pictures and any of the above. Oh – never forget that trendy crystal chandelier!

The floor covering should the deep piled rugs, preferably of along the shaggy style. Your feet should feel embraced by the pile of the rug.

To create that intimate space for the classic style look at applying the deep red colour, rich burgundy, pink, purple, royal blue, grey and gold. For a more masculine touch work with black, silver, white and purple.

The French Country Boudoir

If you find the strong textures and tones of the classic boudoir style to overwhelming you can always opt for the ever popular fresh French Country Style. The sensuality and intimacy of this boudoir style is to be found in the romantic softness. The fabrics by contrast are soft, flimsy voiles, natural linens and silks alike, complimented by some country floral patterns.

The same French furniture style is used, but the finish is different. Paint techniqued to look slightly distressed or aged – tones of off-whites, very pale yellows and soft French blues and greys are ever popular.

The bed would be dressed with linen that draws you into its freshness, using neutral tones as complimentary. To add depth, introduce any soft colour with a faded appearance. Add a glimpse of glamour with a sensuous throw and scatter cushions, with a hint of “glitz”.

Maintain the natural essence of this style on the floor, applying natural textured rugs that are sensual in their ruggedness.

Go out there, style and create your prefect boudoir – achievable even on a budget – just shop around and let it evolve.

{The Grosvenor Hotel launched its opulent ‘Courtesan’s Boudoir’. The Parisian-inspired Suite has been tenderly created in homage to one of the grand railway hotel’s most infamous visitors – the scandalous courtesan, Miss Cora Pearl.}

{Image Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}

Filed under: 101, Décor Diva, Decor, How To, Interior Design Tagged: Bedroom, Boudoir, Décor Diva, Decor, Decorating, Home, How To, Interior Design, Marie Antoinette, Moulin Rouge ]]> http://thedesigntabloid.com/2013/05/21/decor-diva-the-secret-to-a-decadent-boudoir-bedroom/feed/ 0 streaksahead Boudoir Bedroom ǀ The Design Tabloid (5) I love the demure yet moody colour palette of this gorgeous French boudoir bedroom. Designer Howard Slatkin’s New York apartment. The guest room features a French Empire lit de voyage (portable bed) festooned with silk. An 18th-century Venetian lace coverlet and Louis XVI bedside table and armchair with embroidered period upholstery is in keeping with the sensibility of a chinchilla throw at the foot of the bed. | via http://www.atticmag.com/2010/08/extreme-decorating/ Boudoir Bedroom ǀ The Design Tabloid (7) Love this bright and cheery boudoir furnished and styled by Lucy Fenton of Fenton & Fenton | via http://thedesignfiles.net/2010/12/interview-lucy-fenton/ This beautiful deep-buttoned bed adds an element of luxe in this soft feminine boudoir | via http://www.theprettyblog.com/2012/01/pieter-lize-to-die-for-details/ Boudoir Bedroom ǀ The Design Tabloid (8) Boudoir Bedroom ǀ The Design Tabloid (9) Boudoir Bedroom ǀ The Design Tabloid (3) http://thedesigntabloid.com/2013/05/17/decor-dictionary-vignette/ http://thedesigntabloid.com/2013/05/17/decor-dictionary-vignette/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 14:38:00 +0000 The Design Tabloid http://thedesigntabloid.com/?p=5409 ]]>

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“When you hear the word “vignette,” you may think of a short scene in a play or a quick character sketch. A design vignette isn’t too different from its theatrical and literary counterparts… it too tells a story.” ~ Julie Douglas

Vignette: In decorating, a vignette or tablescape is a grouping or collection of bits and pieces purposefully arranged for display. A vignette uses a variety of heights, textures, colours and shapes to create depth and is usually tied together by a common theme. These table collections add interest and create a focal point to your space. (Defined with a little help from eHow)

[Image Source: 1, 2, 3]

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It’s called the Sitting Lamp and it’s the brainchild of art director turned product designer, Graeme Bettles. Graeme also happens to be one of the talented Emerging Creatives we saw at this year’s Design Indaba – and we did promise to share our favourites with you!

The adorable task lamp is handmade from gorgeous solid pink beech wood and comes in two sizes. The smaller size makes for a quirky desk lamp, whilst the larger lamp – which at 55cm high isn’t that “little” at all. Just imagine an awesome toddler-sized lamp perched on the edge of your table – the perfect statement piece.

The Pinocchio-esque Sitting Lamp has tons of  personality – the figure can be easily adjusted into a range of different poses to look happy, sad, curious, mischievous, or well… just to cast some light on whatever you’re reading. Shame, maybe one day it too will turn into a real boy…

One thing is sure – it 100% awesome and 250% cute. What do you think? If you love it as much as we do, you can purchase your own little boy Sitting Lamp through 5rooms.com!

To find out more about Graeme and his Sitting Lamp please visit his website: here, or his Facebook page: here.

{Images: Graeme Bettles Design}

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Time for another little Décor Quick Tip series… this one is going to be about all the awesome things you can do with old or reclaimed doors! I have stumbled upon some seriously cool images and ideas, so keep your eyes peeled in the next few weeks!

I want to try this super popular tip myself…

#23  Add oodles of character to any bedroom by transforming old solid timber doors into a one of a kind headboard! Any salvaged door with interest or moulding will work, whether it’s vintage or slightly new. Rickety barn doors or weathered, paint-peeling farm doors will add a rustic shabby chic element to your bedroom or repurpose louvre doors for a French county or seaside flair. Leave the doors distressed or give it a glossy coat of paint.

    

As we said before, it is not the super shiny, glam, and gaudy metallics of trends past. It is an aged, faded kind of metal trend – no blinding, polished yellow golds, shiny silvers, or cold chromes. Old gold, antiqued silver, weathered nickel, and especially the traditionally “functional” metals, brass and copper, have become hot décor commodities. The metals are also often hammered and brushed or, in the case of copper, left to naturally oxidise - a process that with age adds beautiful character to the metal’s patina.

The warmth and earthy elegance of these metals can so easily be incorporated into any interior style – be it minimalist, industrial, or upmarket chic. There is just something about these rich, warm-hued metals that adds dimension, depth, and a sense of vintage luxe.

We absolutely love this selection of antiqued brass pendant lights from Weylandts – we have actually purchased a few for one of our clients!

Joburg design studio, Anatomy Design, has been working with brass and copper long before the trend’s current revival! You might recognize Anatomy’s stunning brass Lab Light that won the prestigious Most Beautiful Object in South Africa in 2010.

We love the elegant play between the natural grain of the wood and the warm metal of these contemporary nested tables by Tonic Design. LIM has recently added a whole range copper furniture pieces including this quirky table lamp that takes full advantage of not only the metal trend but also the industrial & steampunk trends.

{So what do you guys and gals think? Are you also loving the hot metal trend?}

Pinterest has even changed the way Rose and I go about things here at the office. We use to have folders upon folders of images clogging up our work computers – finding a specific image in our library, as we called it, was a tedious task. Now, after discovering the joys of Pinterest, we have tossed the library out the window and use our Pinterest boards to organise our images, inspiration, and thoughts.

We have found it to be an invaluable tool when blogging – it constantly keeps your finger on the design pulse. After submerging yourself in décor & design from across the globe everyday, it is also quite easy to pick up what is trending or what will soon be trending.

My closing argument – yes, I  am trying to convert you to my way of life – if you haven’t joined Pinterest yet, why bloody not?! It is an endless resource of delicious recipes, beautiful interiors, interesting DIY projects, beauty & fashion inspiration, and so much more. And whilst you’re there, be sure to follow our boards – we pin awesome stuff every day and we would really love to further fuel your design addiction. See our boards: here.

I’ve included a bunch of images to this post that are currently pinned on our various Pinterest boards – just to get you all fired up…

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Mother’s Day is just around the corner and as you know from previous posts my recent Mother’s Day track record hasn’t been so good… not that I haven’t been trying. This year however I’ve decided to keep it simple – dead simple. In fact, I’m not even going to set a foot outside my front door – this year, I’m gift shopping online!

I am so thankful for the new wave of South Africa online design and décor shops – a few years ago none existed. Now you can comfortably browse and purchase the best that South African design has to offer without leaving your couch.

I have selected ten awesome Mother’s Day gifts from a few local online stores. The items range from budget – for those with a tight pocket, to luxe – for those who REALLY want to spoil mom and can afford to. Please be sure to follow the link in each image caption to the relevant online shop – nothing wrong with a bit of online window shopping!

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Another emerging creative stand that caught our eye at this year’s Indaba was that of product designer Blaire Rieger. The story of Milkshed, a recently registered NPO, is a heart-warming one. They transform reclaimed wood, offcuts, and other discarded potential-filled materials into cute and quirky handcrafted furniture pieces. The best part – 100% of the profits (that’s right, every single cent) is pumped back into the local community where it is most needed.

“We care about the integrity of wood. A lot. Our products are all made from reclaimed wood and when each piece arrives at the Milkshed its destiny is determined not by some preplanned design but rather by its unique character. This process is facilitated by the ‘The Wood Whisperer’ aka Douglas who transforms the wood into something truly special whether it be a lamp that will cast light onto the pages of an avid reader’s book or a young’uns very first little tricycle.” ~ Blaire Rieger, Milkshed

One of these community projects includes the renovation of a school on the outskirts of Cathcart. Previously little more than a ramshackle outbuilding, Milkshed facilitated the school’s simplistic and inexpensive transformation. Found objects such as an old shopping trolley and some shipping pallets, now with the help of a fresh lick of bright paint and some TLC, became quirky toy storage and colourful upholstered activity/sleeping mats. Like Blair says on their Facebook page: “It’s about small changes that have a big impact. And that’s our story.“

To find out more about Milkshed please visit their website: here, or the Facebook page: here.

{Tricycle Image via curatethisspace.com}

{All other images via Milkshed}

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Moire: is a fabric with a wavy, rippled appearance traditionally produced mainly from silk however wool, cotton and rayon can also be used. The most common technique for making moire fabric is calendering, where the material is folded, moistened and passed under ribbed rollers at high temperatures and pressures. This watered effect can also be imitated using either weaves or colour printing methods but will lack the shine and dimension of true moire. Interestingly, the term moire is used to describe the cloth and moiré the pattern.

[Image Source: 1, 2, 3]

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Last week we featured surface designer Tersia Fisher as one of our favourite Emerging Creatives at this year’s Design Indaba Expo. As promised, this week we’ll introduce you to yet another creative, a talented lady by the name of Farah Hernandez…

Farah creates fresh individual porcelain pieces that range from paper-thin vases and framed porcelain “canvases” to dainty planters – both wall-mounted and hanging.

Her current range allows her to combine her three loves: illustration, porcelain, and plants. Staying true to the ancient porcelain tradition of “cobalt on white” (first popularized in 14th century China), her latest collection makes use of blue as its only colour. Farah however keeps the overall style contemporary – clean and elegant lines with light-hearted whimsy illustration.

She uses the white porcelain as a blank canvas, emphasising the hand-painted designs - intricate patterns that evolve into simplistic shapes and landscapes. Farah paints the illustrations free hand, without pre-sketching the designs. This “doodling” as she calls it, insures that each item is an unique once-off – she has no desire to become a mass-producer.

To find out more about Farah and her beautiful creations please visit her website: here, or her Facebook page: here.

{Images via Farah Hernandez}

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Picked up this lovely Shabby Chic Décor Quick Tip from an awesome local décor shop, Chichobello, who loves this idea just as much as we do…

#22  Add a quirky Shabby Chic element to your bedroom or living room by using stacked vintage suitcases as bedside pedestals or side tables. Rummage through your local second-hand shops and flea markets for old pieces of luggage – suitcases, trunks, and storage boxes. If the suitcases are a bit banged-up or too mismatched for your liking, a fresh lick of paint will do the trick – try a fresh white, calming pastels or maybe bright pops colour!

   

Marica has done her take on the Expo (read it: here) and now it is my turn to deliver my take on the Expo, highlighting a few exhibitors that stood out for me. Saying this though, by no means diminishes any of the other many exhibitors. They were without exception, totally amazing in the presentation of their products.

Design Indaba buzzes with the most astounding creative energy and the exhibition stands are mind blowing in their presentation. I really mean that!! The only pity is that due to the immense number of visitors to the stands, being able to get up close and appreciate all the details of not only the exhibition, but the product, is not always possible. And also there is that unspoken pressure brought on by the same crowds (plus the achy back and feet)… to move on. These very same missed details, I was only able to fully appreciate when I sat down to work through all the images taken by our fab photographer, Laurita Smal. All that is left to say is: KUDOS TO EACH CREATIVE EXHIBITOR. YOU GUYS ROCK AND MAKE OUR CHESTS SWELL WITH PRIDE.

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THE ABSA GALLERY:  Artists participating in the exhibition were previous top 100 Absa L’Atelier entrants – some have travelled abroad whilst others have only travelled locally. They then presented the story of their travels in a small vintage suitcase, of which there were so many to view. The one that I could relate to was this one in the image – it obviously tells of an interesting time spent in Italy. So clever.

ELIZABETH GALLOWAY ACADEMY OF FASHION DESIGN:  Their exhibition stand took the form of a ‘laboratory’. It was fascinating, enchanting and captivating. They had a good few design workstations going on, with fashion designers working on their craft, surrounded by the tools of their trade. I went back to their exhibition twice, just to ensure that the gorgeous little details I missed first time round, had another opportunity to be enjoyed. This exhibition spoke absolute volumes about creative flair and inspired leadership in the world of fashion design. I just could not get enough of it.

DEEP SHEEP:  Their product – WOOL. Oh man – they had dem sheep dressed up as various and intriguing characters. Quirky always catches my eye and allows my imagination to develop my own story. I simply admire the ingenious imagination of marketing their product using these sheep characters. I was so sorely tempted to walk away with one of dem sheep. Particularly the gal flaunting her pearl necklace.

CERAMISTS  -  SANDY GODWIN  &  STOOR:   In fact, as I sit here and write, I realise that the work of these two ceramists were on opposite ends of the spectrum. Amazing what one is attracted to and shows that there is indeed a market of each. Sandy Godwin’s work is ‘laced’ (excuse the pun) with detailed intricacies – lace work that is delicately classy and yet totally sassy. My mind could not cope with how much time such fine work must take. Stoor’s work on the other hand is more rustic and rugged looking. It is has that kinda ‘handsome rugby player’ appeal to it. When applying that antiqued, worn look to a piece of furniture, the technique requires one to rub on some dark finish to make it look as if the grit & dust has become lodged in the little nooks. Stoor has created that same type of finish to their ceramic pieces.  So cool in my books.

LI EDELKOORT’S AFRICANA MEMPHIS:  I am such an admirer of Li Edelkoort and this year she curated an exhibition stand (sponsored by Woolworths). Short of repeating the same ole adjectives to find expression, I have to say, it was something else. It was so different and one had to take time out to read about the arising Neo Memphis trend that Li is opening up to public awareness, to be able to appreciate the vibrancy of the display. The added value was that Africana flavour and style. If I say ‘totem’ what comes to your mind? American Indian totem poles?? Think again – the totem in this case is all about the layering of textures, colours, styles, designs and more.

Did you attend the Design Indaba 2013 Expo? If you did what or who was it that caught your eye? And if you didn’t manage to get there this year, do all you can to get there in 2014.  Sell whatever of your stuff to get a ticket, but just get there.  You will be blown away by the level of creativity that is to be found in South Africa.

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This simplistic occasional chair is the perfect fit for a tight space…

Slipper Chair:  is an armless upholstered chair with short legs that sits closer to the ground. Popular in the early 18th century, this chair was used as seating in ladies’ boudoirs as it’s low-slung, armless features were perfect for accommodating the fashionable voluminous dress skirts of the time. Today however, the slipper chair is often found in the living room. There are many different styles of slipper chairs – from traditional designs which are ornate and slightly rounded, to more contemporary rectangular chairs with clean lines.

[Image Source: 1 & 2]

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Rose and I found the Emerging Creatives section at this year’s Design Indaba Expo so utterly amazing and talent-filled that we are breaking The Design Tabloid tradition and featuring each Creative individually. Over the next few months, hopefully once a week, we will share our favourite up-and-coming designers from the Emerging Creative bunch with you. Keep your eyes peeled – these guys and gals are muchos talented!

First Creative up – surface designer Tersia Fisher and her range of soft furnishings and fashion wear. Tersia found inspiration in nature, especially in the highly textured ocean-dwelling organisms, and named her handmade range “Emulate“.

Admirably, she set out to create a truly sustainable product. The fabrics used to create her cushions and accessories are 100% off-cut and waste materials she salvaged from office furniture manufacturers. Tersia then hand-stitches each cushion, creating an organic once-off product. This process is extremely time-consuming – the bigger floor cushion took her a whopping 72 hours to complete!

The result is highly tactile – my first instinct was to reach out and run my fingers across the cushion’s textured surface. In fact, I saw a good few people at the Expo to exactly the same – but like Tersia said: “go ahead, they are made to be touched!“

To find out more about Tersia and her beautiful cushions please visit her Facebook page: here.

{Images via Tersia Fisher}

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If you would like to try your hand at creating some Easter Egg awesomeness be sure follow the link in each image caption to its original source for DIY instructions. With dreamy decorated eggs like we have below, the sole pity is that Easter comes around only once a year!

{What about you? Do you have any special Easter traditions?}

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“Pale blue (or “Bird’s Egg Blue”) has been featured in many top fashion collections this season, including Giorgio Armani, Dior Givenchy, Ralph Lauren, Temperley London and Valentino. Pale blue aquamarine is also the birthstone for March, making it the perfect colour to go crazy for this month.” ~ Plascon

For helpful tips and tricks and to find out more about why pale blue has been chosen as the Plascon’s Colour of the Month for March: here.

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Part four of our little Décor Quick Tip series on wallpaper. Need an inexpensive, space-saving, easily-changeable, and ultimately one-of-a-kind headboard for your bedroom or guest room? Then this tip is for you….

#21  Add an unique focal point to your bedroom by creating a headboard using left-over wallpaper. Depending on the wallpaper used it can be either chic and glamorous, or playful and trendy. Play with panels, framed pieces, patterns, or headboard-shaped silhouettes. Stick the wallpaper directly onto the wall or use a backing board that can be easily re-wallpapered as your mood and room décor changes. An inexpensive, individual headboard that will fit your colour scheme, style and personality like a glove…

    

Okay, so I know you guys and gals are just dying for some Design Indaba Expo feedback! As both Rose and I had to juggle the Design Indaba Conference, Expo, and our day job, I did the Expo circuit in a new personal best of two hours! Let me tell you something… you can only say “wow” and “that’s beautiful” so many times in the span of two hours before you head explodes at the sheer awesomeness.

The Emerging Creatives, for instance, where so super dooper talented this year that Rose and I agreed that to write one summary post for them all just won’t cut it. So in the months to come we hope to feature our favourites individually and that way keep the spirit of Design Indaba burning a little longer. But, in the meantime, here are some things I oohed and ahhed about at the Design Indaba Expo 2013…

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I thought the fashion section was especially well planned this year, particularly the Cape Town Fashion Council (CTFC) exhibit – don’t you just love the gold coat hanger chandeliers!

ARTYMISS:  I absolutely adored the Artymiss stand… and so did everybody else – that stand was B.U.S.Y. It’s not surprising though as you could not help but notice the beautifully backlit stand from a distance. Artymiss specialises in most extraordinary whimsical laser-cut paper artwork and stationery – her attention to detail is amazing.

Another ingenious addition to the Expo this year was the food truck convoy which stood amidst strings of twinkly lights. Gourmet street food anyone – YES PLEASE!

IKHAYA:  Have you very stumbled across a shop where you just want to say: “I’ll take it ALL thank you! Ring it up while I get my credit card” Well, that’s how I felt when is saw the iKhaya stand. From the adorable chest of drawers and little cabinets, to the whimsy wood and ceramic figurines and awesome pendant lights… I want it ALL!

20EIGHT:  Okay so I’m a total sucker for gorgeous lighting and the Expo was dripping with abundance of beautiful lighting designs. One of my favourites: a gorgeous geometric pendant light made from lightweight concrete designed by 20Eight – they use the same concrete to make amazing jewellery and funky geometric serveware.

MAKERS OF STUFF:  Then there was the Makers of Stuff (MOS) stand – a whole wall filled with beautiful pendants lights and chandeliers. It became an unintended “photo booth” as one can not walk past the amazing display without asking someone to snap a picture of you striking a pose in front of it!

NINA DU PLESSIS:  I also loved the trendy wall-hung geo pendant lights and gorgeous wooden wall hooks they were hung from designed by interior designer Nina du Plessis. I never had the chance to ask Nina what the lights are made, but I’m assuming it’s some kind of concrete or earthenware.

HALDANE MARTIN:  Lastly, I found the “evolution” of the Haldane Martin Source Chair quite interesting - I’m absolutely loving the newest addition, the Source Upholstered Chair with those stunning wooden legs!

{So who attended the Expo? Buy anything? Tell us about your favourites!}

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