There is an art to pulling off an eclectic interior style or simply integrating a period home with modern appliances. For a great seamless look a few rules must be followed.

Keep in mind that a space must always flow, and in order to design this unity and harmony, the objective aim is to strategically place complimentary objects around the room.  Here are some of the many examples; the grouping of colours and items of similar weight, style, age, value, shape, theme, texture or finishes. The emphasis is on constructing a theme or story. Another method is to follow and repeat the organic curves from one element to another, or by mimicking a geometric motif or pattern.

It is equally important to ensure that there is sufficient space and relief between each focus of attention. If there is more than one focal point intended, then, scatter your focal points around the room with the intention of making sure that the line of sight comes to rest at differing levels eg. a painting on the wall and a sculpture on the floor, this will draw the eye up and then down. Importance and hierarchy is achieved by creating ample areas of distance between each point of convergence. This process is reached by avoiding clutter, only selecting and displaying objects of meaning and beauty, grouping these together, keeping the number of items to a minimum and placing them at a distance of each group. All awhile ensuring to create levels in height between each object, this formation will support your focal points. Of course the exception to the rule is if you intentionally want the focus to be all at one level leading the eye down a tunnel or along a line. No group of objects should overwhelm or overpower another.

Take the viewer on a journey by keeping the eye roving around the room in an easy manner.

Today's displays at Maison Est

The entrance to the Preston store. Left side has a modern Scandi feel.

The right entrance of the store. An Asian exotic vibe.

Sprucing up a corner with a touch of the Hamptons

Warming up a space with splashes of pink and spearmint.

Visual Merchandising the Abbotsford store

Let's hot up the place with vibrant oranges. Bring out the brights for Summer.

Colour blocking the different sections.

A touch of class. Complimenting the Chevron patterns with gold.

It is all about layering and repeating patterns.

Love these chunky servers. Something different.

Loved this mirrored tray so much that I couldn't resist and bought one for home.

This rustic table is made from very old Chinese doors. In parts you can still see where the bolts and door handles once were.

Fresh Hampton's look. Coastal blue and crisp white.

Continuing the Coastal feel.

Quote of the day - author unknown

The world is evolving into a different state where we have a better understanding that the design of a space thoroughly impacts on a human behaviour and attitude.

What defines a "Hampton Style"?

What defines a “Hampton Style”.

North of New York is where you will find the wealthy beach holiday destination of the Hamptons.

Sophisticated, fresh, rustic and up market, the interiors are drenched in plenty of natural daylight and filled with white on white, neutral or light finishes. It is relaxed, casual, comfortable and has a breezy easy feel. Lots of wood finishes preferably bleached, faux furs, touches of beachy ornaments displayed in clear glass jars and bowls, a little wicker, linen and cotton fabrics, big soft couches and then finished with scatter cushions. A perfect recipe.

The psychology of the four primary colours - red, yellow, blue and green

Colour plays an important role in relating to the mind, body and the emotional state of the viewer. The influence of colour has a huge impact on the human behaviour and responses, it drives many factors from personal emotional growth through to latest fashions and primarily sets the schemes for present interiors. Colour responses are subjective and we all relate and gravitate to our favourite hues depending on how it makes us feel. Below are examples of images that I have photoshopped and their meanings.

RED. Physical

Positive: Physical courage, strength, warmth, energy, basic survival, 'fight or flight', stimulation, masculinity, excitement. 
Negative: Defiance, aggression, visual impact, strain.

YELLOW. Emotional

Positive: Optimism, confidence, self-esteem, extraversion, emotional strength, friendliness, creativity. 
Negative: Irrationality, fear, emotional fragility, depression, anxiety, suicide.

BLUE. Intellectual.
Positive: Intelligence, communication, trust, efficiency, serenity, duty, logic, coolness, reflection, calm.
Negative: Coldness, aloofness, lack of emotion, unfriendliness.

GREEN. Balance
Positive: Harmony, balance, refreshment, universal love, rest, restoration, reassurance, environmental awareness, equilibrium, peace. 
Negative: Boredom, stagnation, blandness, enervation.

Blue and grey displays

Purple is trickling back in greyed tones of inky indigos and yellow washes.

Warming up winter with vibrant hues of blues 

What is Unity?

Unity in an interior

Unity creates order by the combination of cohesion, consistency, integrity and wholeness. In other words unity is integrated and supported by all the other design principles.

In the image chosen for unity, the design of the interior blends and sits well with the exterior and in the outside environment. The mission was to take the inside and outside and fuse them together in an easy seamless transition.

Natural materials of stone and wood are important considerations in linking the interior, exterior and nature. Inside, the huge expanse of glass panels blur the lines between the inside and the outside, whilst on the outside, strengthening the emphasis on the landscape the infinity water pool suddenly disappears into the wilderness. The large scale of the buildings sits comfortably in amongst the endless vastness. In total the design makes an obvious reference to nature in use of materials and layout so as to encourage the viewer to look beyond the limitations of the house and journey out into the distance.

Along with the materials, the colours and textures that are used mimic the natural world. Balance is found in an equal distribution of visual weight and shape in two buildings. The large windows allow for plenty of natural light to flood the rooms. The structures are evenly composed taking into account the rule of thirds, with the landscape in the centre being the key focus.

The emotional response here is of casual ease, harmony, tranquillity and oneness. Thought and feelings conjure up a vacation on an opulent resort somewhere in a remote destination far far away from the urban sprawl.

Angel Glass Table

Unlit

Lit

Slumped angel glass table with lighting. This is a hall table I designed and had custom made for a salon 20 years ago. Travertine and slumped glass. Still one of my favourite pieces.

Arranging flowers

Using yellows in winter

Continuing with the yellows for the living area.

It's all about textures, patterns and skins

Pops of warming yellows like a burst of sunshine to add a dollop of cheer on a neutral grey palette. It is such an interesting combination, winter with splashes of summer. 

Keeping it simple with neutrals

Spring time theme

Working around the paintings. Trimmed with black they make great statement pieces.

Loving the soft yellows, oranges, greens and aquas.

Dreamy scene

Misty woodlands makes a wonderful backdrop for these gorgeous elephants. Elephants with their trunks up generate movement and good Chi flow, great for kitchens and living rooms. Trunks down are perfect for places of rest and contemplation such as bedrooms and meditation rooms, these are places where the Chi must be grounded.

6th May, tonight's displays

A few items can transform and freshen up a space. Having fun with choosing a colour scheme. Love these new cushions.

Navy and black display

Moody navy and black on acacia wood.