Upstairs Downstairs and Every Colour In Between

Did anyone else catch that series Upstairs Downstairs that was broadcast over Christmas? All I can say thank you iPlayer for kindly affording me the opportunity to go back to study particular scenes to, you know, get my hit of colour and my fill of design...

wouldn't that make an extraordinary print for textiles? Great colours

I don't use Photoshop because I prefer to work by eye and so, the colour will differ, slightly. I like the greener tone.

Aside from being an enthralling storyline, the cinematography is incredibly beautiful. These screen-shots do not do the film justice - I struggled to narrow down the selection and evidently just gave up, posting pretty much all of my favourites. If you happen to see the series on DVD, grab it: it is an Education.

The production designer who worked on this series is Eve Stewart has been nominated for an Oscar for her work on the 12 Oscar Nominated The Kings Speech. Although I am excited to have another opportunity to see her work (I haven't seen the film, yet), I am not in the least bit surprised - she is incredibly talented. Just look at her IMDB page to see the how many great films she's worked on. Amazing.

Where does this wallpaper comes from? Could it be an original?

I love this room - every surface area celebrates the next. The colour palette is so elegant. 

a quick selection of modern wallpaper, products & accessories

a Vermeer painting? (I like the way the light catches her elbow)

a quietly dignified, steely grey palette. So fitting.

Thank you to Oliver who says: "I believe the set designer of this 6th Series was Eve Stewart who also worked on “The King’s Speech”." Well, that's certainly not one to miss... 

Other great films with incredible colour work and/or interior design are:

• A Single Man 
  
• The 39 Steps (with Rupert Henry Jones)

Please feel free to add your favourites in the comments box - I'll pop them up here.

a little weekend wonderful

                                         John Minshaw Designs

Award winning architect and designer, John Minshaw says "My style is to buy good antiques and design bespoke cabinetry, then put them into pared-down interiors." I feel that it's the way he designs around the light and layers colour that also creates such a powerful narrative. Just extraordinary. I love his work. 

(This post is inspired by an image I found on The Diversion Project - thank  you, Jules!)

the art of simplicity

The designers have created a compelling narrative by integrating a variety of surface areas with key features. Layering colours, enhanced by both direct and indirect lighting, make these spaces versatile and inspiring spaces to be in.

Controversial choice of wallpaper for a bedroom? Not at all: it's the sheer scale/volume of the pattern that quietens it down. That said, I'd love to see what it would look like if we could swap the painting for (you guessed it) a round mirror. My feeling is that it would soften the room a little. Although, the lighting is certainly doing it's job...

Love this.

What a fantastically creative idea - the hanging bedside lights as key features.

It's all in the details: clean lines, great natural lighting and the artefacts speak for themselves.

Now, I have to say it, there are certain shades of blue that make me feel, well, blue and this is one of them. The bedside lights are great but I'd love to see the painted recess lit up; warmed up, if you will. Looking at this image, I was reminded of a building I spotted in Paris over the weekend - love the recessed lighting, it's so effective, wouldn't you agree?

 overlooking the Pompidou Centre in Paris

Architect and Interior design firm, Ashe + Leandro have created some truly spectacular spaces. Their work with colour and lighting is so inspiring and to my eye, they're mastered the Art of Simplicity. I'm curious, what do you think of the bedroom [recessed] wall painted blue?

P.S. Thank you Louise at Table Tonic  for flagging this one up via twitter.

Concrete Lace

Doreen Westphal

I think the images speak for themselves, don't you? 

p.s.  I found this designer thanks to Modenus - if you're in the trade, you should sign up. 

a little show & tell

'Blossom' wallpaper by Jocelyn Warner (I adore the gold version -see link)

I love playing with warm and cool tones as it's a great way to differentiate open-plan areas whilst using the same base colour: F&B's Cornforth White in this case  

Winning formula: clean lines and textured accessories

This sofa is from John Lewis - they have definitely stepped up their game. Personal delight: at last, I get to use the colour yellow in a project and the Australian client loves it. Success!

Finishing touches: the stairwell/hallway is a gallery showcasing the clients collection of art

Oh, how I have missed this blog... It pains me to see how much time has passed since my last post. I've been itching to share things with you, it's just that I am really busy at the moment and any good blogger out there knows that posting can take around 1-2 hours, and so I've stayed away. 

This is a super quick post to share with you a few snap shots of one of the projects I'm completing this week. These are not the professional shots, for those, plus more, you'll have to wait for the new website - it's coming! I have to admit to feeling a little nervous about posting these, there's nothing more daunting than peer review, so review away! I'd be delighted to get your feedback. What do you think? Could you live in a place like this?  

Latest loves:

 the blocks of colour vs geometric pattern - faultless room!

 the antique mirrored glass in this image - UK supplier details below

clean lines (with fantastic light!) vs the lived-in leather and antique Persian rug...

...looking onto this striking kitchen -WOW! 

it's the choice of art that really makes this space

clean, grey lines and great natural light = BLISS

Is this a new colour trend?

I've noticed a colour trend developing - a lot of bloggers seem to be posting images of interiors where lavenders, violets and aubergines are being used. Here, they've tempered the palette with black & gold. I feel it's the use of black that gives this room a certain amount of gravitas - along with the art, of course. Wouldn't you agree?

Most of these images have been lovingly lifted from my all time favourite blog (and blogger - Jules): The Diversion Project. Pop over to hear her mighty roar!

Antique mirrored glass suppliers: Saligo Design (owner, James Stait is really helpful. I received samples within hours of ordering them and just in time for my presentation - thank you, James!)