Tag Archives: One x One interiors

{The Design Nest}Architecturally enhancing your open plan space

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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

Junctions90

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

kirsty ristevski

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

Kate Walker Design

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

Christine Ghrayche, owner of One x One Interiors and lover of all things design, is a passionate interior designer, mother of 2, coffee addict, wine lover, and has called Orange home for

{The Design Nest} A more organised home

Posted in Dream rooms, Organise your nest by

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.Pinterest_home tour_paula benson and Paul west

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.Pinterest

 

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.Gorgeous-and-Luxury-Kitchen-Design-and-Projects-16

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.

 

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!

Christine Ghrayche, owner of One x One Interiors and lover of all things design, is a passionate interior designer, mother of 2, coffee addict, wine lover, and has called Orange home for

{The Design Nest} Heritage love

Posted in Dream rooms by

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!

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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.

thumbnail_clark-payne-house-by-greg-natale-design.jpg

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.

thumbnail_Shaker Cabinets Pinterest

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.

thumbnail_Kristen Marie Interiors Malibu

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.

thumbnail_Tamara Magel New York

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.

Christine Ghrayche, owner of One x One Interiors and lover of all things design, is a passionate interior designer, mother of 2, coffee addict, wine lover, and has called Orange home for

{The Design Nest} #RugLife

Posted in Dream rooms, Uncategorized by

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!

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Selecting the perfect rug for your spacerug

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. pink

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. water

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. hampton

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.

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{The Design Nest} Making your outdoor weather friendly

Posted in Organise your nest by

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!

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Creating your perfect outdoor oasis… and making it cold weather friendly

The outdoor room has always been a space where people have loved to gather and enjoy with family and friends or even just to relax alone during our Aussie Summers, but unfortunately our outdoor space tends to get a little neglected when the temperature gauge starts making its descent, and the recent apocalyptic weather we have been experiencing lately certainly hasn’t helped.

So, do we want to enjoy our outdoor space for longer? Of course we do.

Over the years the exterior of our homes has been transformed by the design industry to become so much more than just a backyard, it is now an extension of our living space, so it has to be beautiful, it has to be functional, and it has to be winter friendly so that we can enjoy it for longer and these tips can help.

Rob Kennon Burnley House

Image: Rob Kennon Burnley House

Outdoor Design Tip 1. Shelter

Creating a shelter over part or all of your outdoor space has to be one of the most effective ways maximise the functionality of your space and there are many options available, such as the image below, which not only protects you from the elements, but also allows the light and sun shine through as it features glass panels over-head.

Outdoor Design Tip 2. Layers

Cushions pinterest

Image: Pinterest

Layering up your outdoor space with cushions and blankets can instantly create a cosy and warm environment for you to enjoy, and who doesn’t love a fluffy cushion to snuggle. Simply injecting a few soft furnishings also allows you to inject your own personality through the fabric prints and textures, and is a great option if you are a little budget conscious.

 

Fire pinterest

Image: Pinterest

 

Fire has always been one of those things that people tend to gravitate towards, like a moth to a flame, and if you have the space then you can’t go past the addition of a fire-pit, as they are not only beautiful to admire but also (and obviously) fantastic for warmth. Fire-pits can also vary in design to become multi-functional, for example some can be converted into an outdoor coffee table.

Regardless of how big or small your space is there is always a solution, and if you would like some help in working out that solution contact me for a consultation.

Christine Ghrayche, owner of One x One Interiors and lover of all things design, is a passionate interior designer, mother of 2, coffee addict, wine lover, and has called Orange home for the past 25 years.With over 8 years of exper

 

{The Design Nest} Why you should consider black tapware

Posted in Dream rooms by

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!

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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.

  1. 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)

    Arden Homes Melbourne (1)

    Source: Arden Homes

  2. 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.

    Rolies & Dubois Archtects Belgium

    Image: Rolies & Dubois Archtects Belgium

  3. 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.

    Unknown Pinterest

    Image: Pinterest

  4. 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.
  5. 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. 
  6. 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.

christine-ghrayche-owner-of-one-x-one-interiors-and-lover-of-all-things-design-is-a-passionate-interior-designer-mother-of-2-coffee-addict-wine-lover-and-has-called-orange-home-for-the-past-25-y

{The Design Nest} Why Navy is the new Black

Posted in Great pieces by

We are beyond excited to welcome to The Central Nest 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!

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NAVY IS THE NEW BLACK

Softer than black, but still as sophisticated, navy blue is the latest classic design colour to some exploding back into our visual spectrum. From the runway (where many design trends begin) to your home, this colour is now everywhere we look, and has emerged as the statement colour in the interior design world.

Personally, I love to use navy when working with a new space because it is such a timeless and surprisingly to many, an unexpected neutral base tone, as it pairs perfectly with dark timbers, coral pinks, gold tones, and of course black and white.

A current concept being developed for a One x One client featuring navy blue and gold accents

A current concept being developed for a One x One client featuring navy blue and gold accents

 

There are many different ways in which you can incorporate navy into your home, some suitable for those that are ready to go whole hog and take a paintbrush to their walls with navy blue, but let’s face it not everyone wants to, or can do so.

As mentioned above, the boldest way to feature navy in your home is by painting, or installing wallpaper, which creates a bold and sophisticated statement and can also add a sense of depth and luxuriousness to your space. A gorgeous navy that I recommend is Polo by Porter’s Paints, however it’s not for every space, as each interior varies by light and size, so I also recommend speaking with a professional to find the right colour for your individual space.

Portmans

Porter’s Polo

 

If painting isn’t the right step for you, another option is to bring a piece of navy furniture into your home, and navy lounges are an especially good option if you have young and/or messy children. KEZU, a favourite supplier of One x One Interiors, provide a selection of navy lounges, one being the gorgeous contemporary and simplistic lounge pictured below, perfect for many, as its simple lines can be used with many different design styles to create calm, and serene environments.

Tiptoe Lounge

Tiptoe Lounge from Kezu

 

Option 3, for those not ready to invest in a large furniture piece is to incorporate navy décor and soft furnishings into your home, such as pillows, rugs and accessories, which is perfect for the budget or for those that like to change their interior mood on a regular basis.

As always, I am happy to answer any questions you may have so feel free to give me a call on 0424 420 254.

chrstine