African Women’s Crowning Glory

May 10, 2018May 23, 2018 Rose McClementLeave a comment

by Rose McClement

Two weeks ago, on the 27^th April 2018, we as South Africans celebrated Freedom Day. On that day 24 years ago ALL South African, of every colour, race and creed over the age of 18 went to cast their vote. For the largest part of our citizens, it was the first time ever that they got to experience the right to cast their vote. That was a freedom that was hard won and a liberation that exacted a heavy price from many of our nation’s people.

As I cast my mind back to 27^th April 1994 and scanned what has happened in our country since that momentous day, a stirring within moved me to write a tribute to African Women. As one who loves colour, texture and pattern I have often admired and been mesmerised by the African Woman’s “crowning glory”.

Even though this blog is mostly all about interiors and all related interior design and decor “stuff”, we are going to feature some fashion statements today.

Fashion statement made by incredibly beautiful African Women. Fashion statements that I regard as a total works of art and often stand in awe of the women who wear them! I feel sure that you would have to agree, that these African women wear their “headgear” and fashion accessories with such dignity and pride, that their audience is often left breathless.

Bold & Bright Interiors | via thedesigntabloid.com

The Flip Side: Bold & Bright Interiors

April 24, 2018April 24, 2018 Rose McClement3 Comments

by Rose McClement

Marica recently wrote a Trend Alert article, highlighting some of the gorgeous dark and moody interiors. Prominent in all of these moody interiors were the wonderfully exhilarating deep and darker tones of some jewel colours. Colours such as Royal Blue, Emerald Green, Teal Green, Plum, Grape, Yellow, Bold Pink, Dark Grey, Orange and Lime Green.

While reading that article, I seeped into those alluring interior images. My heart was pounding with absolute pleasure at the beauty of those interiors. Definitely my kinda thing in a big way!

My friend Stella, a loyal member of our Facebook Fan Club made a very interesting comment on the post.

This is what she said: “I sooooo appreciate viewing these dark & moody tones. But for me it’s largely seasonal. As you say, winter draws one in. It’s cosy, gorgeous but come summer I want to bask in LIGHT, white and bright. So could I live with the dark tones? I don’t think so… but an accent wall, now you’re talking.” (All emphasis hers, including the numbers of “oooo’s” in the word “soooo”)

Trend Alert: Bold & Moody Interiors

April 11, 2018April 11, 2018 Design Monarchy4 Comments

by Marica Fick

You don’t have to pour over every single one of our blog posts to know that Marica loves loads of colour in a bright, white space. The white-on-white interior trend, inspired by those lovely bright Scandinavian spaces, has long been an industry darling. While a white backdrop will always be a popular go-to choice, the past year we have seen the winds changing.

People are starting to yearn for something a bit more substantial … darker, moody. If there was one home trend that seemed to eclipse the others this past year, it was the gradual shift towards dark and rich tones.

Even I, lover of white, have succumbed to the inky siren’s call. Maybe it is the approaching cold of winter that has me longing for a dark and cosy nest.

I think, however, the element that finally convinced me to move to the “dark side” was the deep jewel tones often paired with these inky interiors. The only thing I love more than a white backdrop is an array of bold jewel colours.

In fact, that is one thing that most trend predictors agreed on last year – the insurgence of vibrant jewel tones. The beauty of these gemstone colours is that they are bold, loud and impossible to ignore in a room. It instantly fills the room in with warmth and drama.Read More »

Pantone Colour of 2018: ULTRA VIOLET

January 29, 2018January 29, 2018 Design Monarchy3 Comments

by Marica Fick

Happy 2018 everyone! I hope you all had a brilliant and rest-filled festive break?

I’m sure by now you have all noticed a certain colour trend flooding image-sharing websites and blogs? You know the colour I’m referring to – it is a bold and dramatic shade of purple with a slightly bluer undertone – an almost “Royal Purple“. Anyhoo, however you choose to describe it, it is called Ultra Violet and it is Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2018.

Purple tends to be a colour that people either love or hate. It is often viewed as a transcendental colour – it symbolizes spirituality, the sub-conscious, creativity, and royalty. Purple is also associated with decadence and conceit and, in some countries, it is the colour of mourning.

Design Monarchy is no stranger to using purple in our interior design projects – we LOVE bold. In fact, when Pantone announced their new Colour of the Year last December, I immediately thought of two specific projects – Summerley Court and The Manor – both upmarket retirement/hospitality venues. While the purples used in the aforementioned projects were not the exact tone and shade of Ultra Violet, it serves as an excellent example of the power and popularity of purple.

6 Industrial Chic Bedside Pedestals | via The Design Tabloid

6 Industrial Chic Bedside Pedestals for Your Home

September 7, 2017September 7, 2017 Design Monarchy6 Comments

by Marica Fick

Finding the right bedside pedestal for your bedroom can be quite a difficult task. I have experienced this firsthand. I have been on the hunt trying to source a suitable bedside table for our guest bedroom which we are in the process of revamping.

There are so many factors to consider – most of which comes down to functionality and personal preference. Are you strapped for space and need something slimline or can your available space allow for a bigger bedside unit? Do you prefer a bedside table with storage? If so drawer(s), door, or pigeonhole basket? Then there is table top space – do you have the space for a decent bedside reading light while leaving enough room to plop down your book, phone and other bedside necessities?Read More »

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