Make a statement with stripes

There is nothing more classic or timeless when it comes to interiors than a black and white stripe. This stylish combination is the perfect way to add a touch of 'boldness' to any interior. Stripes (horizontal or vertical) on walls convey high impact and drama and create a real statement. Entrances, hallways and powder rooms are ideal spaces for this gallant look.  For those not quite so brave but who still want to impart a touch of stripes into their home, then rugs and cushions are the perfect avenue.  

Here are some lust worthy interiors who have hit the mark. 

Images via pinterest

Faking it

I have always been a strong advocate for acquiring 'the real thing' when it comes to design. Many times I have advised clients to hold off until they could either afford or source an original product rather than a cheap fake. 

However, the latest breed of wallpapers are slowly convincing me to think otherwise. These exquisite wallpapers add high end drama without the expense. Whether you want to experiment with period features such as pressed tin or intricate ironwork or try something a little more modern such as concrete there is an option to suit all tastes. Here are some of Wink and Co's favourites. 

Cast Iron

Exposed Brick

Pressed Tin

Picture Frames

Wall Panelling

Concrete

Images via: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Textile love | Bonnie and Neil

Wink & Co love Bonnie & Neil and their amazing range of creative homewares and furniture. We love the vibrant colours and natural fabrics of their tableware and bed linen range and are currently working some of their pieces into a bedroom revamp we are doing for a client. All of their products are handmade and hand-printed using water-based inks mixed onsite at the studio.  They have also just released an exciting new product range - timber tiles. These stunning tiles are all inspired by hand painted ceramics and are a decorative alternative to wallpaper in areas such as the living room and bedroom.

We also adore their reclaimed shadow boxes which are handmade from Tasmanian oak reclaimed from old houses. The boxes feature botanical and geometric designs, and can be stacked on mantles, used as bedside tables, under patios as shelves, or however you wish -  the list is endless.

Here are a few of our favourite pieces from the current collection.

Timber tiles

Bolster pillow

 Cushion

Timber boxes

Pillowcase

Images via Bonnie and Neil

Wink & Co Featured on Lacing Raindrops

Firstly, let me start off this post by apologising for the long lapse in posts! Life has been crazy busy with so many things happening. We have just returned from two weeks holiday in Bali (which never fails to disappoint) and have been hard at it completing a number of client jobs which are nearing completion. This cool weather has had me rugged up at night with a glass of wine or tea foraging the net for inspiration and working on some exciting designs for our clients and not leaving much time to give you all some love here on the blog. I promise to get my butt back into gear and to spread the love.

In the meantime, I wanted to bring your attention to a good friend and fellow blogger, Carling Reid of Lacing Raindrops.

                                              Carling Reid of Lacing Raindrops

Carling has an extensive career within the wedding & events industry and in addition to her fabulous blog is also a regular contributor to Polka Dot Bride, Australia's #1 Wedding Blog. For those of your, who are planning a wedding or are in the industry, check out Lacing Raindrops. While you are there, check out her latest article for Polka Dot Bride "Interior Design your Wedding" for which Wink & Co feature.

Clever Ideas to conceal a television

The beloved TV has become a must-have that many of us can’t live without in our homes. Over the years we have watched the humble TV evolve from small to large and more recently from bulky to ridiculously thin! In the same fashion we have witnessed the way that we incorporate televisions into the design of a room also change.  

We are midway through a job involving re-designing a living room for some amazing clients. One of their biggest requests for the new design was the ability to conceal the TV when it wasn’t in use. The appeal of being able to camouflage TV’s so that they don’t take centre stage in a room is becoming more and more popular.

These days there are so many options available for disguising televisions. From clever custom cabinetry that integrates the television to make it less conspicuous, to making it disappear altogether – the degree of disguise is up to you.

If you’re not looking to conceal the TV completely, less emphasis can be placed on the television by avoiding making it the focal point of the room. A wall of picture frames strategically placed around the TV achieves this beautifully. 

A painted black wall helps a TV disappear 

Curtains provide a soft and tactile way to hide a TV when not in use - simply pull them across and know one would ever know what lies behind

Two-way mirror TVs are a glamorous choice

TV cabinets or wooden cupboards like this are a functional and aesthetically pleasing option that work particularly well in living rooms or bedrooms

The ultimate alternative to make that TV disappear...custom cabinetry that slides to reveal that glorious TV

images via pinerest

Visual Inspiration

After a few well deserved days off over the Easter Break we are feeling relaxed and refreshed.  Bring the rest of the week on!

Due to our relaxed and zenned status this post will feature minimal words and plenty of visual inspiration to start your week. Enjoy!

all images via Pinterest

Dior at the St Regis

How fabulous is the St Regis, New York. 

After their collaboration with brands such as Tiffany & Co and Bentley, they have partnered with Dior to create an iconic Dior inspired suite. And who doesn't love Dior? Inspired by the Parisian atelier this stunning suite is ultra feminine and incorporates subtle signature elements of the famous brand. Muted shades of Dior grey blanket the room and soft furnishings feature the traditional Dior motif of roses. The amazing watercolour artwork is a tribute to Dior's glam take on fashion and is by artist Bil Donovan.  

This is one chic hotel that is quintessentially French and drips with glamour.

The view from the living room - stunning.

What an entrance - simple and classic.

The traditional dining room which comfortably fits eight on these exquisite Louis chairs.

Floorplan.

Images via St Regis

All-white Interiors

Within the interior design industry there is always deliberation over the use of colour in interior design. One consistent topic of debate is the use of the classic 'all-white' interior. I will probably be shot for saying this but....I love an all-white interior (there I said it)! Many people feel that white interiors can be dull, clinical, stark, and boring. And I must agree - some white interiors are all these things. However, white done right is second to none.

White interiors are flexible and very forgiving - particularly in older houses as white walls have the ability to hide a multitude of sins. An all-white interior (if done properly) can be cozy, modern, calming, luminous and bold. White walls and floors make borders disappear and rooms feel larger.

If you are thinking of creating your home on a base palette of white or designing an all-white space, here are some tips to help you get it right.

Pick the right shade

White comes in a multiple of shades and the first step when designing is deciding which white is right for your space. Whites can be divided into two categories: cool whites and warm whites. Cool whites generally have a subtle blue or green undertone. Blue-based whites can be difficult to work with as they can often appear clinical. They do however work well in north-facing rooms with an abundance of light.  Warm whites on the other hand have a subtle yellow or red undertone. Warm whites are great for country-style and heritage interiors as they complement timber finishes and traditional colours such as duck-egg blues.  

Here are Wink & Co's favourite white paints:

Cool Whites
Dulux, Lexicon
Porters Paints, Milk
Dulux, White on White
Dulux, Whisper White


Warm Whites
Porter's Paints, Long grain
Taubman's, Plain Vanilla
Dulux, Chalk USA

Choose A Variety of Tones

Next, make sure you mix your whites up a little. Don't make the mistake of filling a room with everything in the same shade of white or you will end up with a room that looks like a snow bomb has gone off. This home (click here) is my favourite example of how not to use whites in the same shade (it cracks me up every time - even the dog is white)! Choosing furnishing and objects in several slight tonal variations will avoid your room looking stark and clinical. 

Texture

Lastly, but most importantly - texture. Layer lounges with throws, blankets and cushions in different textures or add a rug. A good ratio of hard to soft surfaces is the key to making a room feel comfortable and balanced. 

To wrap this up - below are some fabulous white interiors that  demonstrate white done right.

all images via my pinterest.