Saturday, October 22, 2016

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.

Saturday, August 20, 2016

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.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

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.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

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.

Monday, July 18, 2016

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.

Sunday, July 17, 2016

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