{The Design Nest}Architecturally enhancing your open plan space

Posted in Dream rooms, Great pieces by centralwestnest

Architecturally enhancing your open plan space

It’s no secret that we love our open plan living spaces, who wouldn’t? They provide so many lifestyle options – spending time with family and friends, cooking together, yelling at the kids, telling off James at the office for eating all the Kingston biscuits. But I digress.

In architecture terms the issues we face with open plan is ending up with a soulless echo chamber. To avoid this, the best designs define the various zone by playing with changes in elevation, materials, natural light, furniture placement, etc etc. The point is design doesn’t happen by accident; by adding deliberate layers a space can become more interesting and enjoyable to be in (and ensures James and the Kingstons’ are within eyeshot).

Define Zones

Think you can either have separate spaces or open plan? Nope, and that’s great news! The design of open plan can be manipulated into creating zones through various options such as floor level, floor materials, ceiling detail or as simply as your furniture configuration.

The beautiful home above shows a strong sense of separation even though the spaces are obviously in the same room – this has been achieved through the use of a sunken lounge. Originating from the 30s, the sunken lounge is making a comeback as the ultimate chill zone and space for intimate gatherings. But, be warned, don’t try it unless you make it a decent size. Anything small will come across as a pothole on the highway.

Create visual separation

The Central West has some beautiful old homes, and many are being altered to suit modern families. When doing this, creating a clear visual separation between the old and the new can really enhance the sense of more space.

The image above with the cute photobomber shows the parquetry floors have been contrasted against crisp concrete in the new extension. Overall, this style of extension allows you to experience the best of both worlds with old world charm and contemporary living.

Use an island

Kitchen islands are probably the most common design tool for defining zones, providing you have enough space.

Fun fact: most people don’t realise that open plan is so popular because of islands

A well-planned kitchen is not only functional, but give the added benefit of making people feel immediately at ease by knowing where they can and can’t be. A great example of this is any visitor will be instinctively aware of if they stay on the back side, they will be out of the way of the cook (and from being poked with any sharp objects).

Expert tip thanks to our favourite honey badger:

Remember the 7 P’s. Prior proper preparation prevents piss-poor performance

31Jul2018

{The Design Nest} A more organised home

Posted in Dream rooms, Organise your nest by centralwestnest

Tips and tricks for a more organised home.

Having the right storage without a doubt makes life easier and your home more enjoyable. But, doing it incorrectly can have the opposite effect, which sort of defeats the purpose.

Does this sound familiar? Overstuffed baskets that require a circus strong man to get off the shelf, kitchen drawers filled with utensils you haven’t touched since 2003, or the dreaded “man draw”. Here are some tips and tricks for a more organised home.

Think outside the box

Think about it, do you have any unused space in your home? Maybe a pokey corner, space under the bed, or even ceiling space? All of these things can be your friend and depending on your budget you can find solutions at iKea or via your favourite interior designer.

This fantastic floating shelf from the London home of Paul Benson and Paul West shows a variety of memorabilia on display but could easily be converted to be a smart bookshelf or a space to sit wicker baskets for holding anything from paperwork to cleaning products.

Bigger is Better

Never underestimate the amount of space you need and when in doubt, bigger is better. A generously sized library wall, like this, is perfect for any sized space and can hold a large amount of books and other objects all in one location, reducing the potential for clutter in other areas.

Deep Drawers

Now this is something I recommend to my clients 90% of the time. Moving away from the typical 600mm deep kitchen joinery and opting for 700mm instead, can make the world of difference in your kitchens functionality, with little impact on the overall flow of the space.

Yes, it’s a touch more expensive, but so worth it, your pots and pans will fit, your large plates can sit end to end without poking out, they can maybe even hide that cheeky bottle of wine.

It’s also easier to see the contents, making it more likely that you’ll keep things organised, including, should I even say it? The Tupperware draw, shock horror.

Don’t mismatch

With the advantage of cost effective and easily accessible homewares, it can be easy to get taken in by this seasons latest hot new thing. My advice, if you’re not prepared to do the lot, don’t bother. Yes, plain wicker might seem a bit unexciting, but it helps create order.

Image: Monika Hibbs

Expert Tip: Unfortunately common sense isn’t so common anymore, so before you decide to tackle any home organising (professional or not), remember to measure your space!

14Aug2017

{The Design Nest} Heritage love

Posted in Dream rooms by centralwestnest

One of our very favourite contributors to the blog is the delightful Christine Ghrayche from One x One Interiors. Christine operates One x One Interiors in Orange and offers individually tailored interior design and architectural services to her clients.

Christine is a passionate lover of all things design and has a brilliant ability to see the beauty in the everyday. She is a mother of two, a coffee addict and wine lover.

We are delighted to have Christine and her knowledge onboard. So if you have any design questions, Christine is your go to!

Heritage Homes

Orange, Bathurst and all the other towns throughout the Central West are filled with beautiful period homes, and with many of those homes going through a generational change, they are also undergoing updates to suit the modern family.

If you’re lucky enough to have a heritage-style home it’s important to plan your renovations in a way that is sympathetic to the original details and let them inspire you, so that any additions don’t seem out of place. Here are some tips to emphasise that period-drama.

Navy

Inky blues can add a sense of depth and luxuriousness to your space (read more in Why Navy Is The New Black) while still keeping the overall tone of the room fairly neutral. A beautiful example of this is Greg Natale’s Clark Payne House below, which features stunning navy walls contrasted against white trims; allowing the heritage details of the cornices and skirting boards to shine.

Clark Payne house by Greg Natale Design

Shaker Cabinets

Characterised by their recessed centre panel, shaker cabinets are an ideal style for heritage homes due to their refined simplicity and timeless appeal.

Available in a huge range of profiles, including molded and straight edge finishes, the shaker cabinet can be combined with traditional pulls, as featured in the image below, or with contemporary handles depending on your desired look.

Shaker Cabinets Pinterest

Lighting

There’s chandeliers, pendants, downlights, track lights, sconces, and that’s just the beginning, so when it comes to lighting we really are spoiled for choice. But, when it comes to heritage homes I tend to lean towards chandeliers and sconces due to their detail and period charm.

Kristen Marie Interiors Malibu

When you’re considering your lighting in your bathroom you of course think about the style of lighting and if it compliments your overall heritage scheme, but also where the lighting is being placed. Remember, lighting must be first and foremost, functional for everyday tasks such as applying makeup and shaving.

Tamara Magel New York

Finally, It is important to keep in mind that when you decide to renovate or extend your heritage beauty, that any changes you do make will be adding to the history of the house and how it will be viewed by future generations.

For help with your renovation or extension visit www.onexoneinteriors.com.au to get started.

24Feb2017

{The Design Nest} #RugLife

Posted in Dream rooms, Uncategorized by centralwestnest

Christine is a passionate lover of all things design and has a brilliant ability to see the beauty in the everyday. She is a mother of two, a coffee addict and wine lover.

We are delighted to have Christine and her knowledge onboard. So if you have any design questions, Christine is your go to!

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Selecting the perfect rug for your space

Adding a rug to your room can be likened to a double edged sword – when done correctly a rug adds warmth and defines your space, but when done incorrectly it can turn your space into a design disaster. The 3 main elements you need to consider when selecting a rug are size, colour as well as texture and traffic.

Size

The size of the rug is crucial – one of my biggest pet hates is seeing rugs that are too small for the space they are in. A rug that is too small will not only look disproportionate to the room, it also makes your space look smaller than what it is. The size of the rug should also be considered if you are wanting to define a space, for example if your home is open plan, placing a perfectly sized rug can separate the living room from the dining room, giving the space clear guidance while still maintaining an open flow.

Colour

The colour of the rug you select needs to be considered against everything else in the room, from the floors, to the walls, to the other furniture, because while you may have fallen in love with a particular rug you saw in a showroom, if the colours and style don’t compliment your existing look, it will just look out of place. So, always keep your style in mind when rug shopping – think sisal or jute rugs if you’re style is coastal or beachy, woollen rugs in vibrant colours and patterns for a contemporary style, or Persian when decorating country-inspired rooms.

Texture and Traffic

When selecting your new rug always, always consider whether the area you are putting it in is a high traffic area, as this will make a difference. Rug textures range from low pile and flat weave, which are a perfect all-rounder and suitable for high or low traffic areas, to shag and high pile which should be exclusively for low traffic areas only – the last thing you want is to put a gorgeous shag/long wool rug in an entrance way only for your new rug to begin to show signs of wear and tear by being flattened and squashed after a few months of heavy foot traffic.

If you would like some advice or help in selecting the perfect rug for your home contact me on 0424 420 254 to arrange a consultation.

5May2016

{The Design Nest} Why you should consider black tapware

Posted in Dream rooms by centralwestnest

Christine is a passionate lover of all things design and has a brilliant ability to see the beauty in the everyday. She is a mother of two, a coffee addict and wine lover.

We are delighted to have Christine and her knowledge onboard. So if you have any design questions, Christine is your go to!

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Why I love black tapware

For many of us, chrome is the first material that comes to mind when we consider tapware for our kitchens and bathrooms. But have you ever considered the sleek and sophisticated option that is black tapware? Perfect for those that desire to add an extra touch of luxury to their home, black tapware adds something special to a space that sets it apart from the others, and while chrome will always have its place in the market nothing compares to black when used correctly, and here’s a few reasons why.

It’s sleek and stylish
Enhancing the style in any kitchen or bathroom, the distinctive simplicity of black tapware against a neutral background creates a look that is both sleek and stylish – think of the simple sophistication of the LBD (little black dress)

Source: Arden Homes
It matches perfectly with marble
In the spotlight as a current and lasting design trend, marble is a classic material that rarely goes out of style. A simple pairing of white and black vein marble together with black tapware will accentuate the darker shades present in the marble and create an elegant and cohesive look.

Image: Rolies & Dubois Archtects Belgium
It makes a bold statement
If you’re looking for a statement piece for your kitchen or bathroom but are reserved about committing to an extravagant installation, such as tiles or cabinetry, then black tapware could be the perfect match. In a bathroom or powder-room for example, combining black tapware with porcelain basins and baths can transform your space into one that conveys a style that is contemporary yet timelessly classic.

Image: Pinterest
It works beautifully with timber and copper tones
Black is a statement colour, and this is particularly true when it’s combined with lighter shades of white and grey. Because of this it’s important that you implement warmer tones such as copper and timber to avoid a cold and harsh look. Introducing warm metals such as copper and the grainy texture of wood, will help to soften the space and adds another level of luxury.
It loves subways tiles just as much as I do
I’m a huge fan of subway tiles, my own kitchen features oversized subway tiles laid in a traditional brick pattern. As mentioned above in regards to accentuating the black veins in marble, I also suggest using the same concept to create contrast between your tiles and grout to highlight the black tapware, for example pairing a white tile with dark grout.
It suits a huge number of interior styles
And finally, because it can suit a huge number of interior styles; from scandinavian to french provincial to contemporary classic – if implemented correctly of course.

6Oct2015

{The Nest Loves} Lavender Hill will fill the bill

Posted in Dream rooms by centralwestnest

O, my Madonna.

I am completely smitten with Lavender Hill Interiors!

Offering complete collections of French and Hamptons style furniture at completely reasonable prices they are our new go-to.

We are loving the children’s beds in particular, the pink buttoned bedhead! It is definitely on our wish list.

Plus, imagine welcoming your new little bundle into this glamorous French Provincial Cot.

They ship all over Australia and will deliver straight to your door.

Make sure you head over and check them out now!

Happy shopping Nesters x

30Sep2015

{The Nest Loves} She sheds, yes please!

Posted in Dream rooms by centralwestnest

Everyone knows about the ‘man-cave’ craze, but what about female version?

I mean who couldn’t use a she-space to read and relax and well, just be alone. I am pretty sure the last time I was alone was circa September 2010.

I would kill for one of these incredibly beautiful she-sheds.

Well done to the rocking team at The Australian Women’s Weekly now I am just super duper jealous! she shed

You can find the link here -> She Sheds, Women’s Answer to the Man Cave.

Happy dreaming nesters

30Aug2015

{The Nest Home} Best home organisation tips

Posted in Dream rooms by centralwestnest

Everyone loves a clean organised house but unfortunately life and stuff and things kind of destroy that fantasy.

Especially if like me, you live in a house the size of wine cask.

So when I stumble across a brilliant idea I like to share the love. (READ: Didn’t stumble more like continuous google searches starting with ‘I have a shit-small house, please to the google gods, fix it’)

Here is a great selection of Best Organisation Tips for your home from the fabulous team at Good House Keeping