Chevron...lover or hater?

{Via:  First Comes Love; SpearmintDecor; MidWest Needles: Shades of Light; Little White Whale;SpearmintDecor; Etsy}

Okay, okay, I admit, this post may be a little late in the trend game, but I'm putting it out there anyway- are you a Chevron lover or hater. Personally, it's really starting to grow on me, especially in some of these grey and blue hues? Yes, I actually am loving this great spring trend! It's light and fun but simple - can be dressed up, or dressed down. Hmmmm, now, where to use it? I love the idea of a subtle pattern on a lamp shade, or a once-off upholstered chair. For the brave - painting a feature wall will be stunning, or even decal onto your floor - but with all trends- most just come and go, so here's a word of warning! My project I think will be to refurbish some chest of drawers, and put a subtle chevron pattern onto it. Yes yes, Chevron is here to stay -Do it!

I'm having a Grey Day!

{Via: Brittany Bass- Pinterest; Colour Me Happy; Harlequin.uk.com}

Grey (or gray for you American folk) is making a serious design comeback! And I couldn't be happier. It's such a  great neutral shade that can be used to build up a room as well as tone it down. And unlike many other colours, it can be used en masse with great versatility and style. For instance, in the photographs above, look how great a feature wall looks with grey and white wallpaper (right). It's a great way to make a wall really speak to you, but with out it shouting. Again, grey slated walls in the kitchen (left) work incredibly well with raw, untreated wood styles which are cropping up everywhere these days. And if you think grey is a little cold for your home (I initially did) I've figured out that using several shades of grey can create depth and warmth, and also makes a great base colour for brighter accessories in red/ teal/ yellow/purple/pink or white. 

{Via: My Paradissi; Citified; Urban Outfitters; Heltenkelthosmig}

If painting your walls grey isn't quite your cup of tea, there are other easy ways to make greys a luxurious part of your home. I've just bought a great grey duvet set from Woolworths, and you can accessorize with cushions, throws or upholstered furniture (see above). Don't you just love the ruffled duvet set from UrbanOutfitters? mmmm, I'd have me one of those!

{Via: Merriment Events;  Pretty Space; Slumber Designs; ZGallerie; Breakfast At Toast}

And then lastly, a great way to add small touches of grey to your spaces, is by adding the small details. Chairs, glassware, and not to mention a great handbag and some well mani'd nails :). Have a great grey weekend! :)

oh, when curtains make a room...

Yesterday, after doing my citizenry duty on our local municipal voting day (did you make your mark??), I went out in the search for great curtains! Yip, because you can never underestimate  the power that curtains bring to a room! Now to most of us, there are a few options - find reasonably priced ones from a retailer, make your own, or get them made by a professional - an interior designer or manufacturer . Now the former - buying them at a retailer, often means you can't scout out the fabric shops for the perfect material, and also means you cant specify heights and widths, but you get them quickly and easily, and can easily choose between taped or eyelet styles. 

Which is perfect for someone like me who a) can't really afford the fabric I'd like, b) don't have the time to make them myself and c) has chosen to invest in great curtains further down the line :)

So off to the shops I went, and wowee I was actually surprised at the cost and quality of curtains from retailers. I found amazing blue and cream curtains at Woolworths and at Mr Price home, so I'm very stoked. Can't wait to put them up once the walls have been painted! I just love the warmth that curtains bring to a room, and having stayed at the bfs place without curtains, I can vouch for it! :)

{ Via: Harlequin.uk.com, Apartment Therapy, Anthropologie}

{Via: Desire to inspire; Urban Outfitters}

{Via:  79 Ideas;  Pinterest; We heart it; Jo Harper}

Colour loves

Photographer Finds : Ashlee Raubach

I found some gorgeous photography by a Californian lifestyle and wedding photographer. I adore the house that she shoots in the images below,clean, crisp and simple. We like.  You can check out her website here.

Winter Whites

Oh, I just love neutral shades. There is just nothing better. I could (and will be, in about 3 weeks) deck out my place in just neutrals, and add touches of colour in the places that can come alive...So for instance, the colour palette below, neutrals with a touch of pink. Pretty. Here's hoping my bedroom in this palette will be WOW! And don't you just love how muted shades can come alive through accessories like frames and mirrors. Such a beautiful way to make simple and elegant statements without being over-the-top. Try it in tranquil places like bathrooms and bedrooms, and use the advantages of neutral shades to lighten darker areas in the house. Remember light can instantly give the illusion of space!

{Via Design Seeds; Little Emma English Home; Derek Swellwell; Pinterest (sorry no other link); Citified; Desdemventana; House of Turquoise; Bright Bazaar}

Beautify your walls

Lets be honest, there are few walls in this world that should be left bare. So, whichever way you decide to beautify your walls, make sure that it works for that space. I'm into doing a little DIY for some of my walls...an old ladder here or there, some of my own embroidery (yip!), some gorgeously repainted frames (empty or not) or shutters, or some crafty little finds from mysterious places. Ah, how I love dressing a wall. P.s. remember, there is a line, so know when to stop! and FYI -Etsy has some great and inspiring pieces for sale, go check out the homewares section!