This month I have been busy

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Logan O’Brien’
6 years ago
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don t jar as you move through the rooms. Thee loft conversion (excerts are pictured) had a slight coastal theme in that the col-our palette was aqua and sandy tones.

1 HOME & GARDENS DIARY OF AN INTERIOR DESIGNER This month I have been busy designing a loft conversion, a master bedroom and some chil-dren s rooms. With so many options and choices it can sometimes be difficult to decide which avenues to take - especially when you are doing more than one room - you need to make sure the flow works and colours don t jar as you move through the rooms. Thee loft conversion (excerts are pictured) had a slight coastal theme in that the col-our palette was aqua and sandy tones. The client wanted a very simple scheme with a bit of colour and a bit of pattern. The starting point was a french style bed which the client already owned. I used Joa s White Farrow & Ball paint as a back-drop creating some impact when you walk into the room with the remainng walls painted in Slipper Satin, again by Farrow & Ball. I kept with the french theme with pretty bedside tables and added further interest and texture through the fabulous geodesic table lamps. To ground the scheme I used a gorgeous teal velvet on a contemprary chair, with a lovely natural tree stump as a side table, both sit neatly under the dormer window. Finally at the end of the bed I chose an ottoman, in a neutral but textured fabric with contrasting trim and float buttons. This is a great piece of furniture for storing bedding and towels for guest bedrooms. THE DETAILS Louise creates bespoke designs which are functional, fluid and undeniably beautiful. To find out more, visit her website where you can see her portfolio, blog and contact her for a free initial discussion about your design project. A little pattern was added on the roman blinds (not shown) again adding interest and depth to this relaxed and restful bedroom. Building works are currently in progress, so keep checking my instagram feed and of course the portfolio on the website for up-dates of this room and the rest of the house! If you would like any informa-tion on how I can help you to bring your ideas to life, contact me today for a free consultation. WHicH three WOrds sum up your style? top tips for a loft conversion look at the archi-tectural features - these can really be enhanced using wallpaper or paint to create a focal point. HOW do you plan the lighting? it s really important to do space plan-ning - once you know where the furniture is going you will know where you need pools of light. if you HavE a neutral scheme HOW do you EnsurE it doesn t look flat? always add some texture - through rugs, fabrics or cushions. pattern is also important - it can still be neutral but will really add depth and interest. 74 JULY

W DIARY OF AN INTERIOR DESIGNER ith summer almost here, many of us are keen to throw open the bi-fold doors and bring the outside in.

The quickest way to update your outside space is to invest in some new scatter cushions and re-upholster your seats.

All are are shower proof and fade resistent. These fabrics are not readily available on the high street so you know you will be getting something a little unique!

2 W DIARY OF AN INTERIOR DESIGNER ith summer almost here, many of us are keen to throw open the bi-fold doors and bring the outside in. At this time of year I always get lots of clients asking how to ensure the flow from inside out is continuous and in keeping with the rest of the house. The quickest way to update your outside space is to invest in some new scatter cushions and re-upholster your seats. With this in mind it was great to meet the sales rep from Warwick Fabrics this week who have a fabulous range of outdoor fabrics in a fantastic range of vibrant colours. All are are shower proof and fade resistent. These fabrics are not readily available on the high street so you know you will be getting something a little unique! Contact me if you would like to see some samples. This week has also seen a couple of exciting deliveries. Having found a fabulous artist in Australia I had one of her paintings shipped over to have a look at so I can use in future projects. Needless to say after receiving this I put in another order for a client and we can t wait for it to arrive. The colours are so vibrant and there is a range of flowers, fauna and animals to choose from. Another delivery from my favourite lighting company Porta Romana arrived this week too - the iconic and utterly gorgeous Duck Feet Lamp. The feet are actually silver but with the honey silk inner lining it makes them look gold in the evening when it is on! Whenever I visit Chelsea Harbour this shop is always on my list, the collection is fabulous and well worth a look - the upside of using an interior designer also means that you will benefit from some trade discount! I was also back at the Oast House which is proving to be an exciting project - round rooms make for some interesting challenges! Pictures will be coming soon so watch this space! If you would like any more information on any of the items mentioned above, feel free to contact me at louise. maconachie@istana.co.uk The Details Louise creates bespoke designs which are functional, fluid and undeniably beautiful. To find out more, visit her website where you can see her portfolio, blog and contact her for a free initial discussion about your design project. Which three words sum up your style? Top tips for outdoor living Update your scatter cushions, get creative with lighting and look out for indoor / outdoor rugs that are becoming more popular. Where do you get inspiration from? Wherever I go I am always taking photos to remind myself of things I have seen. Chelsea Harbour is also a haven for fabrics. See my inspiration on instagram: istana_interior_design What are you working on next? I have just started a loft conversion, master bedroom and 2 children s rooms for a house in Weybridge.

HOME & GARDENS What s your colour palette? As an interior designer, understanding the complexities of colour is fundamental in creating a successful interior.

so HOW do i determine the colours i Will use for a client? KYC - know your client is critical.

colour choices. Colour theorist and teacher Johannes Itten developed the concept of subjective colour concluding that personality leads us to prefer particular colours.

So how does this translate into interiors and which is your most preferred? To the right depicts each of the 4 seasons showing some of the main colours that sit within each Season.

This is a great starting place for me - understanding a clients personality is key to unlocking the colours that will resonate for them and evoke positive responses.

3 HOME & GARDENS What s your colour palette? As an interior designer, understanding the complexities of colour is fundamental in creating a successful interior. It has long been an intense area of study for scientists, artists and designers, at the same time it remains subjective as everyone has their own favourite colours. so HOW do i determine the colours i Will use for a client? KYC - know your client is critical. I spend time listening to a client; understanding their likes, dislikes, places or times that have specific emotive qualities and personality - all will be linked to colour and therefore impact the colour choices. Colour theorist and teacher Johannes Itten developed the concept of subjective colour concluding that personality leads us to prefer particular colours. He devised four harmonising groups that can be likened to the four seasons of the year - this has been successfully applied within the fashion industry with colour analysis now very popular. So how does this translate into interiors and which is your most preferred? To the right depicts each of the 4 seasons showing some of the main colours that sit within each Season. Take a look and see which image appeals to you most and then take a look around your home - do you see mostly these colours? This is a great starting place for me - understanding a clients personality is key to unlocking the colours that will resonate for them and evoke positive responses. Colour, if done well, can create a fantastic visual impact, so go on, ditch the cream and add some colour into your scheme. Colour theorist and teacher Johannes Itten developed the concept of subjective colour concluding that personality leads us to prefer particular colours. SPRING AUTUMN THE DETAILS Louise creates bespoke designs which are functional, fluid and undeniably beautiful. To find out more, visit her website where you can see her portfolio, blog and contact her for a free initial discussion about your design project. SUMMER WINTER WHicH three WOrds sum up your style? WHat s your colour palette? i move between a summer and winter! WHat s your favourite colour combo? Hot pink and navy. a feature Wall Or statement piece Of furniture? i ve done both but love a one off chair in a fabulous fabric. WHicH apps are a good start for inspiration? ipinterest and Houzz are fantastic platforms - follow me and you can see what inspires me! instgram is also a great platform as well as fun. i often put photos up of what i am currently working on and design ideas. 78 MAY

In the final part of a three part series, founder of Istana, Louise Maconachie, discusses how to get the most out of your bathroom.

If you are short on space, one of the best things to do is replace a pedestal basin with one that has drawers beneath bringing ample storage and is ideal for more bulky items such as towels or toilet

Have a mirror on the front effectively doubling up the use of the space.

4 In the final part of a three part series, founder of Istana, Louise Maconachie, discusses how to get the most out of your bathroom. A well designed bathroom will ensure a calming start to your day - so what s the secret? Planning is key: plan with meticulous detail, using every inch of space! If you are short on space, one of the best things to do is replace a pedestal basin with one that has drawers beneath bringing ample storage and is ideal for more bulky items such as towels or toilet rolls. For smaller beauty items, instead of having to rummage in a big draw, slim line cabinets above the sink are perfect allowing you to see everything at once. Have a mirror on the front effectively doubling up the use of the space. Lighting is also important - your bathroom will be used at different times of the day for different functions - in the morning it needs to be bright and functional, especially around the mirror area. Consider lighting the mirror from the side, as this is much more flattering, rather than directly above which will cast shadows onto your face. If you do have spots in the ceiling, make sure they point towards the mirror reflecting back at you. For times when a more relaxed vibe is required consider lights on a separate circuit. Ambient lighting along the floor or recessed into the wall will work really well. Lastly, the downstairs toilet is one all your visitors will visit - so why not do something bold and creative - wallpapers work a treat - as can be seen above - and really make an impact as well as being beautiful! The Details Louise creates bespoke designs which are functional, fluid and undeniably beautiful. To find out more, visit her website where you can see her portfolio, blog and contact her for an initial discussion about your design project. Which three words sum up your style? How to get that spa like feeling Choose furniture that blends in with its surroundings creating a relaxing retreat. Double sinks, flush fitted trays and barely there shower screens will create a streamlined feel. Choose textured tiles to add interest. What is your top tip for bathrooms? On a budget? Spend money on your taps and save elsewhere. Why Istana? I wanted something personal - I got married in Bali at a cliff top villa called The Istana. We lived in Asia for 7 years so thought it was quite apt!

Create a Coastal Retreat

Create a Coastal Retreat your guide to transforming your home into a coastal haven About Shannon GET TO KNOW ME >>> Hi, I'm Shannon I've been designing coastal havens for families like yours since 2000.