10 Sleek & Chic Bar Cabinets | via The Design Tabloid

10 Sleek & Chic Bar Cabinets for Your Home

October 23, 2019October 22, 2019 Design Monarchy1 Comment

feature image: PepperJack Interiors via Elle Decor

by Marica Fick

Last month, inspired by a post we spotted on Emily Henderson’s blog, we wrote an article about the current trend of using armoires, traditionally meant for the bedroom, as feature pieces in the rest of the home.

We accompanied the post with a lovely roundup of locally-found contemporary storage cabinets that could serve as statement display units in every room of your home.

Now, while I was prepping the article and curating our “8 Contemporary Storage Cabinets for Your Home” shopping list, I was quite astonished by the number of striking bar cabinets I came across during my search. Not only were these drinks cabinets absolutely gorgeous, they were also all local available – the majority being exclusive pieces designed and manufactured by South African designers. Elite to say the least!

I immediately bookmarked a few designs and made a mental note to follow-up our contemporary storage unit article with one about bar cabinets.

Where previously the open display of alcohol in the home might have been deemed a tad vulgar and Mid-century kitsch, the ever-growing popularity of boutique and craft spirits and liquors has resulted in a home bar revival. I mean, what is the point of owning beautifully designed bottles filled delicious, locally-stilled, limited-edition drinks and then not being able to show it off?! I bit hipster, I know, but I can’t help it!

8 Contemporary Storage Cabinets | via The Design Tabloid

8 Contemporary Storage Cabinets for Your Home

August 8, 2019August 23, 2019 Design Monarchy1 Comment

feature image: bo bedre

by Marica Fick

Rose recently spotted a lovely article on Emily Henderson’s blog that set the inspiration cogs in our heads turning. In the post, “Why You Should Be Using Armoires in Every Room”, Emily elaborates why furniture pieces like armoires should not be hidden in the bedroom but incorporated as feature pieces in the rest of the home.

Before we get all tripped up over terminology, let’s quickly look at the definition of “Armoire”…

As we have previously defined in our Decorating Dictionary, an Armoire is a large loose-standing two-door cabinet, usually containing shelves, hanging space, and sometimes drawers below. Generally used for storing clothing or household items, interestingly enough it was originally used for storing arms.

Emily had the following to say about this atypical trend:

“Let’s talk wardrobes, or armoires if you’re feeling fancy, and how to bring it into our modern day lives because even though likely none of us are currently living in a sprawling French chateau, these heavier pieces of furniture can be used successfully (and VERY chicly) in nearly every room of the house. It’s one of those pieces that are often overlooked, but let’s all agree to stop that right now and consider the armoire.

Sure, with a name like “wardrobe,” you’re thinking they have to be relegated behind closed bedroom doors. But we’re all for thinking outside the box around here at EHD and like to be trailblazers in anything if we can. We’re not in this instance, but we’re loving what we’re seeing from other like-minded people. Because really, armoires are essentially just cabinets for storing things so why can’t we use one anywhere and everywhere we need storage, right? Plus, because they take up more vertical space than horizontal, they’re great for smaller footprints.”

In her blog post, Emily shared some gorgeous examples of both traditional and contemporary armoires used as storage and display in various unexpected parts of the home – from the bathroom and entryway to the dining room and living room.

10 Divine Table & Desk Lamps for Your Home | via TheDesignTabloid.com

10 Darling & Divine Table & Desk Lamps for Your Home

June 15, 2017June 14, 2017 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

by Marica Fick

A couple of months ago we kicked off a roundup series focusing on awesome locally available accent lighting.

In our very first list, “10 Amazingly Cool Standing Lamp s” we sourced and selected ten stunning floor lamps for your home – from quirky and playful, to chic and trendy. Our second instalment, “8 Strikingly Trendy Hanging Lamps“, focused on pendant lights, while our third post, “7 Contemporary & Chic Wall Lights“, featured lovely wall-fixed lighting.

Today we will conclude this lighting series with a final search to find what awesome light fittings the South African shelves have to offer.

We did a little online search to see how many trendy, attention-grabbing local table and desk lamps we could drum up. While finding desk lamps proved to be a breeze, the more traditional table lamps were a slightly harder find.

So, without further ado, here is our roundup of ten delightfully divine table and desk lamps for your home…

10 Divine Table & Desk Lamps:

Wire & Cement Lamp

Combining two current decor trends, this table lamp with its copper wire frame and grey concrete base will add an edgy yet chic Industrial element to your space. Available from Mr Price Home

Gräshoppa Table Lamp

Designed by renowned designer and architect Greta Grossman in 1947, the iconic Gräshoppa Table Lamp is an excellent example of quintessential Mid-Century Modern design. The arm and base is made from solid bass while the conical shade is powder-coated in trendy coral-like colour described as “vintage red”. Available from Crema

Weathered Concrete Belly Lamp

If you want a slightly more traditional table lamp the Weathered Concrete Belly lamp and shade will be a superb choice. While stylish and elegant, the concrete-look base will add an interesting texture and a contemporary flair to your home. Available from @Home

Copper Lamp

Want to incorporate a bit of minimalist Scandi design into your space? This tall copper lamp with its grey stone base will ensure your interiors remain on-trend. Oh, and don’t forget the naked bulb! Available from Woolworths

Bureau Lamp

Oh, Hoi P’loy how do I love thee… let me count the ways. This gorgeous walnut and brass Bureau Lamp, inspired by some of Thomas Edison’s early designs, has got me smitten. The lamp features a traditional turnkey switch (cool!) which slots through the tubular glass shade. Available from Hoi P’loy

Fixed Table Lamp

With its clean lines and matte black and brass finish, the Fixed Table Lamp is sleek, contemporary and tangibly masculine. Available from Weylandts

Blue Jeans Table Lamp

Functional yet stylish, this desk lamp will be a lovely addition to any workspace. Pairing trendy Scandi design with practical utility, the blue colourway of the lamp shade and base compliments and contrasts the wood detail perfectly. Available online through Superbalist

Urban Copper Desk Lamp

With its wooden adjustable arm the Urban Desk Lamp makes for a brilliant functional, yet aesthetically pleasing, lighting option. The contemporary design, trendy copper shade and exposed threaded cord adds an industrial edge. Available from Illumina

Max Desk Lamp

Another funky desk light. I love how the seafoam coloured shade pairs with the adjustable wooden frame and chrome base. Available online through Superbalist

Gold Foil Table Lamp

Add a bit of glamour and elegance to your home with this stylish table lamp. The clear glass lamp base features a “dipped-effect” gold foil detail which will make for an eye-catching accent piece. Available from @Home

7 Contemporary & Chic Wall Lights for Your Home

May 3, 2017May 3, 2017 Design Monarchy1 Comment

by Marica Fick

A couple of months ago we kicked off a roundup series focusing on awesome locally available accent lighting.

In our first list, “10 Amazingly Cool Standing Lamp s” we sourced and selected ten stunning floor lamps for your home – from quirky and playful, to chic and trendy. Our second instalment, 8 Strikingly Trendy Hanging Lamps, focused on pendant lighting.

Today we continue our search to find what other awesome light fittings the South African shelves have to offer.

We did a little online search to see how many trendy, attention-grabbing local wall lights we could drum up. Here is our roundup of seven contemporary and chic wall lights for your home…

7 Contemporary & Chic Wall Lights:

Alfie Wall Sconce

Finely crafted local design at its best. Hoi P’loy’s beautiful Alfie Wall Sconce is hand-crafted from 100% brass. No need to call the electrician or chase into the walls – simply hang up, plug in and tug on the cord to switch on or off. Oh, and this light fitting looks amazing with one of Hoi P’loy’s old school Edison-type bulbs. Available from Hoi P’loy

Tempo Wall Light

This anglepoise-like wall lamp has oodles of minimalist Scandi appeal. We love the contrasting dove grey shade and the adjustable wooden arms with butterfly nut detail. Available online through Superbalist

Beat Wall Light

A variation on the famous original Tom Dixon Beat Light, made from spun brass, the Beat Wall Light incorporates the familiar hand beaten black shade with a solid brass dimmer dial. Available from Crema

Moa Bedroom Light

Bofred’s striking monochrome Moa Bedroom Light consists of a black coated aluminium frame and lampshade with matching black fabric cable. Available from Bofred

Stenson Wall Lamp

If you are looking for a real statement piece, the Stenson Wall Lamp with its black shade and swivelling wooden concertina mechanism arm is the show-stopper light fixture for you. Available from La Grange

Alex Wall Light

Add a bit of vintage industrial flare to your interior with the Alex Wall Light with its wide glass shade and brass & black metal fittings. Available online through Superbalist

Churchill Wall Lamp

With its green glass shade and long brass arm the Churchill Wall Lamp is a wonderful take on the old military desk light. Available from Pezula

Get This Look: Fresh Contemporary Lounge

October 24, 2012October 24, 2012 Design Monarchy1 Comment

By Marica

Sjoe, it’s been quite some time since we last did a Get The Look here at The Design Tabloid! When I saw this contemporary lounge setting, featured on Style At Home, I immediately knew I would have no problem sourcing local products for this look. The best thing about this fresh and simplistic room is that it is budget driven and seriously uncomplicated. This white-on-white living room gets all its interest and dimension from its colourful and patterned accessories, while the tree stump tables / stools adds warmth and natural texture.

GET THIS LOOK:

1. Country Road Jeremiah scatter cushion from Woolworths.

2. This Branch Scatter Cushion from Love Milo is the perfect fit!

3. Introduce a bit of colour with this minty chevron cushion from Zana.

4. Add an additional layer by including this super funky rectangular light bulb cushion from Weylandts.

5. I adore this wood and iron desk lamp with its eye-catching red cord – also from Weylandts.

6. Simplicity Wall Clock in white available from @Home.

7. Nothing complicated about this comfy white L-shape sofa from 5rooms.com

8. Solid Jacaranda Stools from LIM.

9. If you struggle to find the right item locally, consider broadening you search to international online shops that ship to SA like West Elm. This Grasslands Throw from West Elm with its Southwest-inspired stencil pattern in a warm palette is just the added dimension this Get The Look needs.

Décor Dictionary: Contemporary vs Modern

June 19, 2012February 17, 2019 Design Monarchy3 Comments

In the field of design & décor, you have to be very careful with what you label “Modern” or “Contemporary.” So often we see & hear people incorrectly referring to an interior or furniture piece as “modern” when they actually mean “contemporary.” We have even seen this grave mistake in design blogs and magazines!

In design & décor (and even other visual departments such as art & theatre) “modern” is a static term referring to the era & style of what we today call “Mid-Century Modern.” So Sista, if it doesn’t smack of delicious Mid-Century retro-ness – it’s not “modern.” Contemporary is a little more difficult to explain in design terms as it is a dynamic, ever-changing “style.”

Another factor that is further confusing the matter is the fact that Mid-Century Modern is currently experiencing a revival – the web is littered with contemporary-modern hybrid interiors.

To help you, I will be defining the terms “Contemporary” & “Modern” (i.e. Mid-Century Modern). Later today I will also be “reblogging” 2 excellent articles written by Lindsay form Urban Domesticity. In the articles, she chats in detail about the difference between contemporary & modern. It’s extremely well written and a superb read – be sure not to miss it.

Contemporary Style Interior - The Design Tabloid — Two examples of the sleek, minimalist, linear style that can be thought of as current (about the last 5 years) contemporary design.

Contemporary Style: basically means “of this moment.” It is a new current style of design and interiors that exist in the here-and-now. Today, we often relate Contemporary Style to the simplistic, minimal, clean and uncluttered look – think linear lines, neutral colour schemes, stainless, glass, and sleek timbers. However, Contemporary as a style is ever-changing and dynamic – what we view as contemporary today ~~might~~ will not be contemporary tomorrow. For example: In the 80s the Biggie Best country cottage style was BIG in South Africa – it was the contemporary style of the time (i.e. the 80s), yet today it is outdated and vintage.

Mid-Century Modern Interiors - The Design Tabloid — Here you see two great examples of authentic Mid-Century Modern interiors and the image below on the left is a brilliant Mid-Century recreation with authentic period furniture pieces.

Mid-Century Modern Style: is a mid-20th-century style of architecture, furniture – and product design that originated in the early 1930s and continued into the mid-1960s. Often referred to as “modern” or “retro”, the style is characterized by simplicity, clean lines, organic forms, and the use of moulded plywood, metal, and plastic. Mid-Century Modern design was greatly influenced by the uncomplicated and practical Scandinavian designs of that time. It was also a golden period of furniture design – gorgeous and innovative designs by masters such as Charles & Ray Eames, Verner Panton, Eero Saarinen and Arne Jacobsen – but to name a few.