How to Be Daring: Wallpaper Your Staircase!

June 27, 2017 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

by Marica Fick

It is no secret that wallpaper is not solely for walls anymore. One can use wallpaper in all kinds of interesting and unusual ways. In fact, we dedicated a whole mini Décor Quick Tips series to out of the ordinary wallpaper uses a few years ago. The collection of clever tips included wallpapering your furniture, using wallpaper to create a quirky lampshade, framed wallpaper “art”, and fun wallpaper headboards.

There is one more appealing use for wallpaper that recently grabbed my attention – using wallpaper on staircases.

Not only this quirky decorating idea quick, simple, and easy on the wallet, it will add a conversation-starting focal point to your home. It truly is an inventive way of introducing pattern, colour and personality into an otherwise drab and utilitarian space.

As Holly Becker of decor8 said recently while discussing this wallpaper idea on her blog, it “has such a huge impact for little effort and I think it adds a PUNCH of happiness and colour to our understated white space.”

The trick to successfully pulling off this feature is to not paper a staircase in an already busy interior. You will notice that all the example interiors in this post have one important thing in common – they all have relatively white surroundings. It is this bare Scandi-like minimalism that forms the perfect calm backdrop for such a bold and visually busy feature.

The beauty of this idea is that you can select any wallpaper that will compliment your home and interior style. Your chosen paper can be sleek and contemporary with minimal colour – something geometric maybe? Otherwise go bold with a dramatic, colourful pattern or soft and feminine florals for a more Shabby Chic or Country Farmhouse flavour. Feel free to mix and match.

If you are renting your home, or hesitant to commit to such a bold interior statement, you can use peel-and-stick wallpapers for a temporary no-hassle no-glue solution.

Just be careful with your wallpaper selections – one can easily venture into tacky territory – try to keep it tasteful.

source: decor8 | photo: Rachel Whiting

Source: The House That Lars Built | Photo: Chaunte Vaughn | Styling: Meta Coleman | Source Link: http://thehousethatlarsbuilt.com/2017/06/diy-floral-staircase-old-home-love.html/

source: Claire Zinnecker Design | photo: Molly Winters

source: Ideal Home | photo: Lizzie Orme

source: Pinterest | photo: unknown

source: Libelle (Issue 18) | photo: Sjoerd Eickmans | Styling: Tamara van Gelderen

source: Spoonflower (catalogue)

source: Chez Larsson

source: Home Depot

source: Lonny | photo: Patrick Cline

Pinterest Picks: Wonderful Workspaces

June 9, 2017June 9, 2017 Design Monarchy6 Comments

Following the great fun Rose and I had selecting our favourite bedrooms and thereafter our favourite nooks and niches for the previous two Pinterest Picks posts, we could not wait to get right on the next instalment of the blog series.

Just to remind you what this series is all about: we are in essence playing a little game of “I wish“, as in “I wish I had that interior” – be it lounge, bedroom, kitchen or anything in between. After spending some time perusing our various Pinterest boards, we each select our favourite interior image – the space we most desire to have as our own. We then explain exactly why we coveted that particular space and if there is anything we would like to change.

Naturally, we ended up choosing two “runner-up” interiors… because deciding on just one room is just too difficult!

For this instalment we decided to select our best-loved images from our “Office & Workspace” Pinterest board. The board is a collection of Design Monarchy’s favourite and most beautiful workspace finds – from gorgeous home offices and studies, to studios, craft rooms and business workstations…

After much deliberation, here are our top 3 nominations for the loveliest, most desirable workspace…

Rose said:

“Once again – having to work through 320 images on our “Office & Workspace” Pinterest board evoked some strange reactions, least of which is ‘Why on earth did I pin that image?’ Taste and preference evolves obviously:”

Rose’s Pinterest Workspace Pick:

“Why was I drawn to this particular office image as my preferred space? The feeling of openness in the many white finishes. Namely the floor boards painted white, white walls, white cabinets etc. It looks like a space that allows one the freedom to be creative while functional at the same time. Big plus is that fact that it’s situated in front of a window.

One very important criterion for me is an expansive desk-top space, with plenty of funky storage units, such as seen here in the boxes and the baskets. Another appealing element – the tall storage cabinet with its glass front doors – making the content of the storage unit visible adding depth and another layer into the room. That wall lamp so does it for me as well.

What would I change? The chair – it doesn’t look all the comfortable to sit in for hours. Furthermore, I would introduce a strong splash of colour with the chair. I would also like a natural oak desk-top – once again introducing that sense of being connected to something earthly and solid (and another necessary layer in a very white space to ground it).

Yes – with that done, I could easily move myself into this space.”

Source: http://www.myscandinavianhome.com/2014/01/a-fab-work-space-with-industrial-touch.html

Source: http://www.idealhome.co.uk/picture/retro-home-office-3

1st Runner Up…

“Marica has this saying about us as a company, she would often say: ‘When we grow up, we can…’ This gorgeous spacious Manhattan Industrial Style office is what my heart would desire ‘when we grow up!’ Those windows leaves me with that ‘weak in the knees’ feeling every time. Not to mention that awesome wooden floors that ground the whole space. I would love for our studio premises to be something along these lines.”

2nd Runner Up…

“This desk space is just too cute and quirky to pass over. I find each decorative element entertaining and so well put together. One thing that comes across clearly to a professional such as myself, is the fact that each element has been carefully thought through to create a delightful space and ensemble. Not only would I recreate this in my personal home office space, but I wouldn’t hesitate recommend it to a client.”

Marica’s Pinterest Workspace Pick:

Marica said:

“Before opening our Pinterest boards and starting my workspace image search, I thought I would quickly and easily find my dream office set-up. The process proved to far more difficult. With our previous Pinterest Picks posts my decision was largely influenced by aesthetics alone. This time around I found that my criteria for selecting a perfect workspace weighed more heavily on practicality and need. Finding my “Number One” was tough.

After some to and fro I settled for the home office space of interior designer and stylist Souraya of Binti Home. Interestingly enough this is not the first time I have selected one of Souraya spaces for a Pinterest Picks article. Her sunny yellow guest bedroom was my third choice for our Bedrooms post.

What appeals to me most about this workspace is the white backdrop. In true Scandi form, both the floors and walls are painted white which gives the space a bright and open feel. The double volume / high ceiling further contributes to this sense of spaciousness. Souraya used decorative accessories to inject pops of pastel colour to the space which imbues the office with a soft, feminine quality.

Some other elements I love are the pretty kilim rug, the quirky grey ladder, the Scandi trestle desk, and the floor to ceiling cork board which is both decorative and functional. The only item I would like to add to this workspace is a big storage unit – preferably with glass doors and painted in a bright and happy colour (like this one).”

Source: https://www.vtwonen.nl/inspiratie/styling/wonen-met-kinderen/

Source: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/house-tour-a-dark-amp-dreamy-victorian-house-in-the-uk-244818

1st Runner Up…

“While I generally consider myself to be a person who prefers colour, there is something very pleasing about this monochromatic black and white space. I don’t know, maybe it has an essence of calm about it.

The workspace has a distinct Industrial flavour to it. I adore the white Ikea Kallax units on castors, which provides loads of storage space. Furthermore, I find the collection of monochromatic art prints as well as the black Industrial light fitting very appealing. Oh, and that wooden floor is to die for!”

2nd Runner Up…

“My third choice is a bit of a wild card – it is a dark and cosy attic workspace.

I love the bold black-painted wall, the wooden table with its pretty turned legs, and the various vintage elements and flea-market finds. I find this room to have a lovely sense of depth and just a hint of drama.

While in reality I would probably tire of this office quite quickly – I think my mind desires a lighter, slightly less cluttered space to work in – it sure is striking and beautiful to look at.”

What do you think of our Pinterest workspace picks? See anything you like too?

Stay tuned for the next addition in our Pinterest Picks series – maybe we will do our favourite living rooms or kitchens.

10 Beautiful Bar Carts

May 16, 2017May 15, 2017 Design Monarchy1 Comment

by Marica Fick

The bar cart and drink cabinet is back and back in a big way. Never mind taking a “shelfie” for your Instagram feed – rather take a snap of your trendy perfectly-curated bar cart.

Strange as it may sound, the perfect bar cart is not all about the booze. In this recent revival the concept of a bar cart or drinks cabinet has become a far more decorative element than in decades past.

The original bar cart was actually nothing more than a dressed-up tea trolley – we can thank the Victorians for that novel idea.

The end of Prohibition in the 1930s ushered in a drinks revolution. Silver screen heavyweights like Cary Grant and Grace Kelly were often seen stylishly sipping an Old Fashioned next to a stocked bar cart. Hollywood glamour at its finest.

The bar cart reached the apex of its popularity in the 1950s, when hosting was an art and cocktail hour a daily occurrence observed by chic ladies and dapper gents.

Then, somewhere down the line, the idea of booze on display became a little tacky and passé. Bar carts were left empty to gather dust in the attic.

Today, the bar cart / drinks cabinet has seen an unexpected revival, some say in no small part thanks to the handsome Don Draper of Mad Men. Well, whatever the cause, the bar cart can serve as a lovely decorative focal point in your home.

source: the everygirl | styling: Alaina Kaczmarski

Here Are Our 10 Tips for Creating the Perfect Cocktail Station:

Find the Sweet Spot:

Not only is it functional, it can also be just the accent piece your entertaining space was missing. It tucks effortlessly into small nooks or awkward corners. Find a spot in your living space that can easily serve multiple areas when entertaining guests – somewhere between your lounge, dining, and outside braai / patio area.

Cart or Cabinet:

You can go either cart or cabinet. The benefit of a cart is that you can move it around as needed, whereas the cabinet is more streamline and can stow a lot more items and keep your glassware dust-free. Either way, you don’t have to fork out huge amounts of cash to find the perfect piece. Flea markets and second-hand shops are a good kick-off point. An old mid-century dresser or inherited cabinet can also be transformed into a decent drinks cabinet. If all else fails you can always “hack a cheapie”.

Divide and Conquer:

As with all display units or open shelves, keeping your bar cart organised is of utmost importance. Divide your cart into various sections – devote each section to a particular necessity, be that glassware, bottles, cocktail-making items or decorative elements.

Less is More:

In keeping with the tip above, it is essential not to overstock or clutter your cart. Keep only the most-used and prettiest liquor bottles on top, the rest can be stowed away until needed.

All That Glitter Is Glass:

Add an elegant sparkle to your bar cart with a collection of pretty wine glasses, cut crystal tumblers or rimmed champagne glasses. Once again, don’t overload your cart – a few of each type of glass will do. Want something eye-catching? Then forget about buying a matching set of everything, an eclectic yet coordinated blend of glassware is far more interesting!

Gadgets and Doodads:

Every bar cart worth its salt should contain some tools of the cocktail-making process. Bottle openers, coasters, cocktail shakers, bottle stoppers, jiggers, strainers, muddlers, drink stirrers, cocktail picks, and whiskey stones can all find a home on your cart. Beautiful and ornate cocktail tools in finishes like copper and gold can add a further decorative layer to your drinks cabinet.

Pretty It Up:

As I mentioned before, the bar cart is not just about booze anymore. Fresh flowers, decorative objects, candle sticks, framed art, pot plants, lighting – add a personal touch on and around your cart that will unify it with your chosen interior style.

Add Some Reading Material:

Break the monotony of your drink-centric bar cart with some lovely coffee table books or cocktail recipe books. Not only will it come in handy when you are searching for the perfect method for making a Moscow Mule, you can also leisurely page through your favourite publication while sipping your after-work drink.

Stock It Up:

The trick is to have a selection of basic liquors. No need to fill your bar cart with what you think you should have – rather carefully think about what you like to drink and what you most probably will be serving. You can always fill it out for special occasions like New Year’s celebrations or parties.

Vignette and a Tray:

Now that you have all the necessary functional and decorative items to create a good-looking drinks trolley it is time to style it. The best way to do this is to create a beautiful and balanced decorative arrangement or “vignette”. If you need some tips on creating a perfect vignette, see our post: here. Oh, and don’t forget to use the decorator’s organisational best friend – the tray.

source: Therese Winberg

source: vtwonen | photo: Rolinda Windhorst | styling: Leonie Mooren & Liza Wassenaar

source: BrittanyMakes (The Vintage Rug Shop)

source: MyDomaine | photo: Charissa Fay | styling: Becca Interiors

source: Refinery29 | photo: Julia Robbs | styling: Kelly Lack

source: Anthropologie via Southern Arrond

source: RueMag | photo: Laure Joliet | styling: Jessica McClendon

source: RueMag | photo & styling: Michelle Walker

source: Domino | photo: Michael Wiltbank | styling: Jessica Hendricks Yee

source: Tina Ramchandani

10 Amazingly Simple Hacks to Organise Your Kitchen

April 6, 2017April 6, 2017 Design Monarchy1 Comment

by Marica Fick

If you have a small kitchen adequate storage space is luxury. It is therefore paramount to keep your kitchen counters and cabinets organised to maximise space and minimise clutter.

Luckily this does not have to be a complicated or expensive exercise. With a bit of ingenuity and the use of few unusual repurposed items you can turn your kitchen chaos into organised calm.

Here are ten clever “hacks” to help you organise your kitchen:

source: Damernas Värld

Hack 1: Keep the Clutter Contained with a Tray

Kitchen counter clutter happens. While it would be awesome to keep everything out of sight and tucked away in a drawer or cabinet, there are certain things that will probably reside on your counter permanently.

The ideal organisational solution for these counter-top items is to group them unto a beautiful tray. Trays have this magic ability to make a jumble look like a well thought through and unified decorative feature. You are creating little kitchen “vignettes” so to speak.

source: Miss Mustard Seed

Hack 2: Beautify the Sink with Some Soap Dispensers

Keep the kitchen sink looking neat and clutter-free by storing the brightly coloured dish soap bottle and scrubbing tools under your sink.

If you however prefer to keep them close at hand you can do what Marian, aka Miss Mustard Seed, did in her lovely farmhouse kitchen. Purchase a couple of pretty soap dispensers with a pump nozzle that will compliment your kitchen decor. One dispenser can contain your dish soap the other your hand soap. The big plastic soap bottles are kept hidden under the sink allowing you to refill the dispensers as needed.

source: I Heart Organizing

Hack 3: Create More Shelf Space – Hook It

Are your coffee cup shelves overflowing with mugs, one precariously stacked upon another? That is definitely not an ideal storage solution and stacking can often lead to cracking and chips.

What your cabinet needs is some inexpensive hooks. Simply screw in a couple of rows of hooks to the underside of your cabinet shelves (side note – aren’t these copper hooks used by I Heart Organizing so pretty?). Now you can hang your cups on the hooks for quick and easy usage. Furthermore, the hooks free up some space on the shelf below. The perfect space to store your smaller cups or saucers – and no more stacking!

source: The Container Store

Hack 4: Double Cabinet Space with Shelf Risers

Are you always in search of more kitchen shelf space? Sometimes shelves are built so far apart that one has to stack and pile your various crockery and dishes on top of each other in order to get the maximum storage out of your cabinets. This often leads to quite a mess if the specific item you are looking for is at the bottom of the pile. Sigh – imagine all that staking and re-stacking.

An easy way to add more space without going through the trouble of having more wooden shelves put in is to use metal shelf-risers or under-shelf baskets. Both these items allow you to add an additional “layer” for storage inside you cabinet without directly stacking the items on top of one another.

Hack 5: Organise Those Plastic Bags

Do you also have a drawer crammed with plastic shopping bags? Or one big plastic bag stuffed with all the others? What you need is a nifty plastic bag dispenser. You can make your own using baby wipes / wet wipes dispensers or empty coffee cans (imagine how many plastic bags you can fit into one of those big Ricoffy cans). If you are using a coffee can instead of a wipe dispenser, just make some cuts in coffee can’s plastic lid to pull the bags through.

There is even a special way to roll and insert the plastic bag into your container that it will give you a continuous feed of bags (see video above).

source: Apartment Therapy | photo: Rachel Jacks

source: Modish & Main

Hack 6: Box the Junk Drawer

We all have that one kitchen drawer. You know the one – filled to the brim with a tangle of odds and ends – anything from tape to batteries. Then there is the drawer containing all the awkwardly-shaped oversized utensils and gadgets – your braai tongs, whisks, etc. Those drawers are often such a jumble one has search and scratch for what you need.

While drawer organisers would be the perfect answer to keep the mess at bay, the divisions and size of your standard cutlery trays won’t be able to cope with all the items in your jumble drawer.

The best solutions would be to make your own drawer organiser. It does not have to be overly complicated – you can use different sized boxes or containers (I find empty chocolate boxes quite handy – those plastic Ferrero Rocher boxes especially). Or, if you are handy, you can try making your own wooden drawer organiser as shown in this DIY tutorial by Apartment Therapy: here.

source: Raising Up Rubies

Hack 7: Replace the Egg Tray with a Basket

Just like the above-mentioned kitchen drawer, the inside of your fridge can often be another organisational nightmare. Jars, produce, and leftovers stacked all higgledy-piggledy and that one suspect-looking container in the back with rarely used foodstuffs that may already have expired. Yuck! Creating order with some plastic baskets is a must.

If you are a Banter or the like and regularly use a whole lot of eggs, you probably find the egg rack in your fridge on the small side. Jaime from Raising Up Rubies found a fun solution to increase her egg storage. She replaced the standard 12-egg rack in her fridge with a quirky red wire basket. Not only does it look lovely, it also allows for a great deal more eggs.

source: The Wandmaker’s Mother

Hack 8: Magazine Organiser Turned Cabinet Door Storage

Reclaim some much needed drawer and cabinet space by fixing a magazine organiser to the inside of a cabinet door. It is the perfect tool to house things like rolls of cling-film and tinfoil or your various chopping boards and smaller trays.

source: Better Homes & Gardens

Hack 9: CD Rack Turned Tupperware Storage

The Tupperware cupboard is always a mess, right? So many lids and plastic containers jumbled together. And somehow one can never find the correct container lid when you need to! Well, this clever hack will allow you to store your Tupperware lids in such a way that you will never need to scratch again.

Do you have an old CD rack lying around? Repurpose it as a handy lid organising tool. Just insert it into your Tupperware drawer or cabinet and stack your lids by size and shape.

source: A Bowl Full of Lemons

Hack 10: Basket & Label Your Pantry

A disorganised pantry can be a kitchen nightmare. Maximise the space in your pantry with labelled baskets, plastic containers and big glass jars. Group similar items together in one basket or bin. Big glass coffee or pickle jars make for excellent storage containers for baking goods like flour, sugar or grains – you can even stow your various dry pasta in them.

Not only would you pantry shelves look much neater and pretty it will also be much easier to find something in a flash.

Pinterest Picks: Lovely Nooks & Niches

March 16, 2017June 13, 2017 Design Monarchy3 Comments

We had SO much fun browsing through our Pinterest boards and selecting our favourite bedroom images for our previous Pinterest Picks post, that we could not wait to get started on the next instalment of the blog series.

Naturally, we ended up choosing two “runner-up” interiors… because deciding on just one room is just too difficult!

This time around we decided to select our favourite images for our “Nooks & Niches” Pinterest board. This particular board is somewhat of a “catch-all”. It contains various transitional spaces that do not necessarily fall under any definite area or room. Pause spaces like reading nooks, hallways or foyers, staircase areas and other tucked-away nooks are often pinned on this board.

After much deliberation, here are each of our nominations for the loveliest, most desirable nook…

source

Rose said:

“Allow me to take you behind the scenes before going onto to share my selections and reasons for them. By the behind the scenes I mean – my thinking.

So for me the concept of a ‘nook’ is similar to that of a ‘cosy corner’ or a special feature area that has been carved out in the home space, so as to either be functional and appealing, or welcoming.

While I was sitting trawling through the collection of images that we have pinned onto our ‘Nooks & Niches‘ board over the years, I was once again surprised to find that my taste has definitely evolved. There are so many images, each speaking to a different type of niche or nook. So I set the criteria as follows: Could this be an area that I would create in my home? Would I enjoy it? Would I be happy to inhabit it? Based on all the stuff I just said, here goes with my choices:”

Rose’s Pinterest Nook Pick:

“A daybed so perfectly situated between two windows, which means not only can I do what I absolutely love doing – reading (definitely mostly lying on a bed) but there is plenty of daylight streaming in.

Plus, I like that Mid-century Modern style of the bed, with the quaint wooden box next to it. That old natural feeling the box presents, gives me a feeling of timeless. And I find that box intriguing – like asking myself, what could I store in that box that would almost feel like I’m hiding something that has treasure value attached to it.

That tactile looking fur throw is so very inviting and this space feels like it is calling me to come and recline there, chill and just be – like the wooden word on the window sill say FLOW! It’s a big part of my values. That circular cushions, it shape and it’s pattern so does it for me.

There ain’t much I would change in this set up – except the black and white print would be one of my family. I would introduce different colours in the striped fabrics of the rectangular scatter cushions – like the colour I’m crushing on right now, that soft rose pink. It works so well with the existing colour scheme going on here.”

Source: http://www.fantasticfrank.se/objekt/OBJ17365_1363471609

Source: http://yellows.dk/portfolio/elle-decoration-2/

1st Runner Up…

“This image of an entrance hall stopped my right in my tracks. In fact, it was a toss-up between this image and my current #1 – for first place.

I would happily replicate this scheme in my entrance hall. I find it striking and that is what I would like to create in my entrance hall. The colours black, white, gold and a hint of natural wooden elements – it works for me.

Naturally if there were no hexagonal brass/gold mirrors displayed in the way they are, the statement and feature element would be seriously compromised. It’s this hex mirror configuration where the striking feature element lies. Notice the gold touches on the Bombé chest of drawers.”

2nd Runner Up…

“Taking the vacant area under a staircase in order to create a feature nook / niche can be tricky. I have seen some images that reveal that sometimes folks get too practical with their shelving and drawers etc. Sometimes they get too O.T.T. as well.

The simplicity of this layout is what works for me. The all white surroundings in the staircase, introducing black into it in the framed images, lamp and rug keeps it clean and interesting. I won’t change a thing with this scheme and if I had a house that has this kinda space available, this is where I would head.”

source

Marica’s Pinterest Nook Pick:

Marica said:

“I was immediately drawn to this little staircase nook in the home of Swedish ceramicist, Frida Anthin Broberg. To me it is such a happy space. This little pause area under sweep of the stairs actually forms part of Frida’s kitchen. It serves as desk, sometimes kitchen island, and general gossip corner.

The curving white-painted staircase divides the kitchen and nook area from the equally pretty dining area at the back.

The aspect that appeals to me most must be light, bright space – a beautiful white backdrop with light grey painted wooden floors and pops of bold colour. It is every bit the quintessential Scandinavian home.

I love green-painted open shelves under the stairs which feature a collection of colourful crockery and stacks of books arranged by colour.

The furniture pieces are mostly flea market finds. The upholstered Mid-century chair with its happy floral folk art scatter cushion would have to be my favourite. That, and the rustic table with its distressed blue-grey legs. The Industrial style light fitting adds the finishing touch to this playful space.

Is there anything I would change or add? To me it is pretty perfect as is!”

Source: http://wohnidee.wunderweib.de/wohnideen-pastell-zartrosa-erobert-unser-zuhause-121.html

Source: http://www.mrsrollmanblog.com/2016/04/vintage-theater-seat-entryway/

1st Runner Up…

“I would love to have a pretty pastel seating nook like this in my kitchen or lounge. Perfectly situated next to a window so one can longingly gaze outside on rainy days while reading a book.

This nook has just the right amount of fluffy scatter cushions to keep your comfortable while you are enjoy your breakfast or having a read. All your favourite books are stored in the woven basket ensuring they are always close at hand. And that sleek wall light guarantees that you have loads of reading light on glum days.

I also love the way the birch branch is used as a decorative object – and of course the bit of greenery in the window. Yes, this is definitely a ‘Marica’ space!”

2nd Runner Up…

“My third choice is something a bit different – it is a lovely and unique entrance hall with a distinct vintage feel.

The focal point or statement piece in this space would have to be the vintage theatre seats. Karen of the Mrs Rollman Blog found these gorgeous 1920s wooden theatre seats (complete with ‘usher’ labels still attached) in an antique store.

While I normally love bright and happy colours, I find this warm neurally coloured space quite appealing. I love the incorporation of a bit of pale greenery on the shelf in between all the other bits and bobs. The addition of the script scatter cushions and the white tasselled throw creates a soft relaxed atmosphere. The single white framed sketch next to the vintage wire coat hooks is a lovely touch too.”

What do you think of our Pinterest nooks & niches picks? See anything you like too?

Stay tuned for the next addition in our Pinterest Picks series – maybe we will do our favourite living rooms or kitchens.

Pinterest Picks: Beautiful Bedrooms

February 7, 2017February 7, 2017 Design Monarchy4 Comments

Have you ever played the “I wish…” game? You know, the game where you page through a magazine or peruse a website and see something that makes you go: “sigh, if only…”

I think there is nothing wrong with building a few castles in the sky, especially when it comes to interiors and one’s home. Let rather call it “aspirational thinking” – planning ahead for a time when you will have the means to make your daydreams a reality!

I regularly play that game. As an interior designer I often gaze longingly at the beautiful interiors and homes I have pinned to my Pinterest boards. I would fantasise about what I would do with the space if it were mine.

Not too long ago Rose and I were discussing a bedroom picture we had just pinned to our boards. Rose expressed that she would LOVE a room just like it. “Which bedroom would you like if could choose?” she asked me while scrolling through our Bedrooms board. I wasn’t sure; however I had earmarked a few hot favourites. We knew there and then that it would make for an excellent blog post.

Rose and I decided that we will each select one image from our Bedrooms Board of a sleeping space that we most desired as our own. We would then explain exactly why we coveted that particular space and whether there is something we would change.

We also chose two “runner-up” bedrooms because deciding on one room can be very hard!

source

Marica’s Pinterest Bedroom Pick:

I had some difficulty selecting my numero uno, most-desired bedroom from my top picks. However, after asking myself “which one do you see yourself LIVING in”, the answer was clear.

The picture above is a sneak peek from the bedroom makeover of bloggers, Jamin and Ashley, of The Handmade Home.

I think what appealed to me most was that the room looks relaxed, yet luxurious. I am automatically drawn to jewel tones, which is why I adore the colour combination of this bedroom. I also enjoy the addition of the antique brass elements.

My favourite item in this room would have to be the gorgeous deep-buttoned velvet headboard. I had a “YES please” moment when I saw that beauty!

Another element I like is the upcycled chest of drawers with the purple agate handles. FYI – these are actually “faux” agate – they look like the real deal but are just clever replicas Ashley made using clay and craft paint (see DIY here).

If this was my room, I would probably add a slightly more Bohemian feel to it. I would swap out the scatter cushions and throw for something more tactile and Boho without losing the beautiful magenta purple colour that pairs so lovely with the jewel-toned emerald.

While the framed abstract art piece is not completely my taste, I would keep it because it ties all the colours together beautifully. I might just add another smaller framed print or painting in front of it to add some depth.

I would also LOVE to include a vintage velvet chair like this one into the room. Can you say reading chair?!

source: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/house-tour-vintage-and-modern-mixed-in-silver-lake-226905

source: http://www.bintihomeblog.com/restyling-project-inrichting-slaapkamer/

1st Runner Up…

I was immediately drawn to the Mid-century Modern meet Scandinavian bedroom of Jaclyn Johnson, founder of Create & Cultivate. In true Scandi form, the room’s white backdrop makes the room feel open and less cluttered while pattern and interest is added in shades greys.

The show-shopper piece in this bedroom is the gorgeous (and pricey) Modern bed from Design Within Reach. While not my favourite colour, the punchy green of the headboard livens up the otherwise monochromatic colour scheme.

Oh, and don’t you just love that copper blanket ladder and pom-pom duvet cover?!

2nd Runner Up…

My third choice is a bit of a wildcard. What I like most about this space, other than the lovely sunny yellows, is not limited to the the decor and furnishings. The appeal lies in structure of the room itself – the white-painted floors and lofty attic ceiling with its beams.

The house belongs to Souraya Hassan of Binti Home. Souraya used various items, most with a slight Moroccan feel, from her online shop to decorate this guest bedroom. I love how she used the two small Moroccan tables as a staggered bedside pedestal.

Similar to my 1st runner up choice, I like how the happy yellow accent of the bedspread breaks the otherwise white on white space.

source

Rose’s Pinterest Bedroom Pick:

This particular exercise really stirred up a subconscious desire to redo my bedroom. And working through the stack of images that I have pinned on two bedroom boards, eventually brought me to a place where I realised exactly how I would decorate my bedroom.

Another awareness was how my taste / style has changed over the past few years. I’ve gravitated towards “less is more” not entirely Scandi, but leaning in that direction, with a tad more colour thrown in.

If you told me 6 years ago, that I would have a craving for a white bedroom, I would have laughed. I am so longing for the feeling of uncluttered space where there are fewer decor elements, but no lack of depth and texture. That is why this is bedroom is my first choice.

I am totally nuts about the industrial styled metal / glass pane room divider, the texture of the velvety throw on the bed, the colour and nature of the wooden items, the asymmetrical placement of the floor rugs and the patterns to be found in the rugs and wall art. I could take my books and move into this room.

I dream of living in a Manhattan style Industrial loft apartment such as this.

source: http://www.poppytalk.com/2014/06/sneak-peek-july-issue-of-inside-out.html

http://www.veranda.com/decorating-idesource: as/news/g1564/french-castle-renovation-by-captains-log-blogger/

1st Runner Up…

What appeals to me most about my second choice above is the metallic bed. I am so in love with copper and the rose gold colour that blends into it so perfectly. The other appeal is the street scene wallpaper at the back of the bed, as well as the overhead ceiling fixed industrial light.

Oh, and another appealing feature in this room that I forgot to mention is the ceiling. Those pressed ceiling panels just do it for me. Imagine waking up to see that delightful sight each morning.

2nd Runner Up…

And now… my third choice is something completely different. Just showing one image of this room might come across a bit on the odd side because actually one needs to hold this bedroom within the greater and deeper context of its setting, namely the Château de Gudanes. This forgotten French Country Stately Home has slowly been brought back to life.

If I woke up in this room it would mean that one of my dreams had actually come true. I would have to pinch myself to check that it was all real. This is the real deal unrestored French Chateau boudoir. No paint effects, no wallpaper – all the genuine article. Love the deep royal blue french bed and everything about this room.

It needs a stand alone blog feature post of its own, one in which we can wax lyrical and drool over its unique beauty. So, watch this space with bated breath. Until then.

This was huge fun. Thanks Marica for coming up with this blog series.