Establishing Your Style

Last week I was contacted by the lovely Tina from Roomie. She was putting together an article for Stuff and asked if I could share one of our most commonly asked design questions. I was happy to help, and decided to focus on a question that I think is very important... how to establish an interior style...

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We often work with clients who want help defining their style. Some people were born knowing it, and for others it takes time. Your home should be an extension of you, it should reflect your likes and interests, tell a story, and celebrate the people that live there.

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Try looking to your wardrobe for inspiration. What colours, patterns and textures are you drawn to? What places make you feel happy - the beach, a certain cafe…? Try and translate that feeling into your home.

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Definitely the most favoured Bibby + Brady tool for establishing your style is Pinterest - a free website that enables you to ‘pin’ images from anywhere on the internet to your own pin boards. If you don’t already know your style, you will be surprised how quickly a pattern emerges once you start pinning.

Even if, and when, you find your style and know what you love, you still may want help pulling it all together. Maybe you don't know where to start looking for that perfect piece of furniture that is unique to you; or you're just so busy with the rest of your life that finding the time to design and decorate your home is tough... This is where Bibby + Brady can help. Dael and I specialise in creating amazing spaces that reflect their owners. Our job is to make things easier for you, and in the process of creating a home that you'll love, I'm pretty sure we'll also save your huge amount of time, and money (by avoiding costly mistakes). Come and visit us!

AnthroFave | Pinterest

I love Anthropologie with it's mix of clothing, accessories, gifts, and home decor, often with a global vibe. With international shipping available I've bought several items so far and been very happy with them all. Recently, while on Pinterest, I've noticed #AnthroFave coming up a lot, and upon investigation discovered a group Pinterest board called Your Anthropologie Favorites. It's a place to share your favourite finds from this amazing store, whether it's a dress, a lipstick, a chair, anything you love... I've chosen a few of my fave items from the board, but there is so much more.

I applaud Anthropologie, it's a very clever marketing strategy. If you want to add your favourites to the board you just need to ask them for an invite. See the top of the Pinterest board for more details.

Celebrity Style

In the early days of my blog, and when I was just starting out with my Cush & Nooks Facebook page, I shared a cute bunk bed image in my Kids album, and Jessica Alba then shared it on her page.

Yes, you heard me right, Jessica Alba - gorgeous, celebrity, "Into the Blue" Jessica Alba! Well, my Facebook 'likes' went through the roof as lots of her fans came over to check out my little ole page.

This morning I was reading an article on Domaine about the best celebrities to follow on Pinterest, and Jessica was one of them. As you'd expect, she has fabulous taste, and I was happy to see quite a few pins that I already have on my own Pinterest boards.

Another of my favourite celebs is Nicole Richie, and I had lots of fun exploring her pinterest boards. The same beautiful Boho style that you can find in her fashion label, House of Harlow (and her own wardobe), can be found in her interior style.

Check out some other stylish celebrity pinners here. Happy Labour Day to everyone in New Zealand, have a great day!

Kerferd | Whiting Architects

Sometimes I come across an image in Pinterest that I love, and on further investigation I find it's just one of many beautiful photographs from the same home. That's when I know I have to share that home with you. This stunning home is by Melbourne architecture and interior design practice Whiting Architects. Obviously a dynamic duo, architect Steven Whiting and creative director Carole Whiting oversee eight more talented staff members.

I just love the beautiful simplicity and honesty of the materials used in this home. A gorgeous Scandinavian colour palette of black, white and warm wood has been used throughout, with the addition of lots of yummy texture.

There are several nooks (you know I love them!) including this small space that creates an entrance. A table and a piece of art welcome you into the house.

Pushing two tables together to create a large table top is a fantastic idea, if you're lucky enough to have the room. The tables sit on a platform raised above the kitchen floor, which helps to define the two areas.

Another little nook at the end of the kitchen provides a lovely sunny spot to relax.

Above the kitchen is a narrow office. Touches of red and pink help to bring warmth to the mainly white space.

I'm a big fan of delicious linen sheets, and I absolutely love the headboard with the buttons - do you think it's actually a duvet cover that's been re-purposed?

Not to disappoint, the bathrooms are also amazing, carrying on the colour theme and the simple, clean lines. Curves have been used to soften the straight lines, in the bath, the mirrors, the wall hooks, and the stool.

I just love this home, it's really beautiful but restrained, I'm so inspired. For more inspiration pop over and check out more projects by Whiting Architects.

Emerald Accents

Apologies for my absence on the blog yesterday, I took a day out with my girls as their school holidays are coming to an end. Back to work... while looking through my Pinterest boards I noticed an abundance of pins where emerald green is used as an accent colour. Pinterest is such a brilliant way to discover your style, it's amazing how quickly a pattern will form.

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Such a strong, vibrant and fresh colour, it looks great with white and black, or balanced with bright pink or orange. If you're looking for an emerald or jewel green paint colour, try these options... Dulux Emerald Green, Resene Watercourse, and Resene Salem. Start with a test pot to make sure you're happy with the colour, which can change in different light - enjoy!

Mid Century Style Sofas

I find Pinterest invaluable in my job. I use it for inspiration; to collate and store my favourite images; to create boards for our interior clients' rooms; and to grasp their style through their own boards. If you're not sure of your style start pinning images you're drawn to, and it will naturally start to emerge. 

Scrolling through my Living Rooms board you'll find a lot of velvet, and also a lot of similar looking sofas. I love that mid century look with clean lines, a tufted back, and bolster cushions. It's simple, sleek and pretty. It can be more feminine in velvet, particularly pink (yum!), or less feminine in neutrals and leather.

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When Dael & I are designing interiors for clients, we always have to take budget into account, and when we're looking for more affordable pieces we always look to Big Save. They have some fantastic furniture pieces for amazing prices, and the Fifth Avenue is a perfect example.

It has that classic look that I love so much, and it's available in a fabric and a leather option, with matching footstools sold separately. The retail price was already great, but right now the Fifth Avenue sofa is on sale, so go and check it out. I love the charcoal fabric option.

This post was partnered with Big Save Furniture, all opinions are my own.