Fashion meets interiors

**Please note that the following blog posts shown below have been taken from my past work as a stylist and editor**

18th February 2011

mydeco.com took a little visit to the London college of fashion, MA_11 exhibition to meet fashion designers of the future. What happens on the catwalk massively impacts what you see in homes and interior design. We spoke to students such as Matteo Molinari, who won an award for collection of the year at the LCF catwalk show to find out what the future interior trends are for 2011. Click on the image link below to see the video!

So the key trends for the future that were spoken about by the students included, metallics, silks, fur and hi-tech fabrics. We spoke to students such as Nam Young Kim who created structure in her fashion pieces by experimenting with cubes. She used hi-tech fabric in her collection and said that this fabric will be seen as a future material for fashion and interiors.

Image credit: terrysfabrics.co.uk Image credit:
showtime.arts.ac.uk/namyoungkim

Hi-tech fabric uses technology such as lighting to create shimmer and reflection in fabrics. We can see a link between fashion and interior design in Nam Young Kim’s collection by her use of cubes to measure scale and movement to create solidity in her fashion garments.

Image credit: sofeminine.co.uk

Image (left) credit: Eternal Image (right) credit: Zedhead Ltd

The key trends we discovered from London fashion week for spring/summer 2011 included fancy florals and crazy kaleidoscope. These trends can be seen in interiors and home products such as the cream floral chair and the geometric lamp shade shown above.

Thinking trends at the surface design show

17th February 2011I visited the surface design show last night to get some inspiration and ideas on what's new for 2011. I discovered a range of new trends that I would like to share with you all so that when you are looking for the latest home products and colour trends, you will find shopping a piece of cake.So the key trends that I found for spring/summer 2011 included the botanic trend, which consists of fresh floral's and nature inspired patterns.Image credit: Michael AngroveThe botanic trend was introduced in early 2010 and has inspired global designers since to follow the trend. This trend is seen to continue through to September 2011 as suggested and predicted by global colour research and mix magazine.The botanic trend is also seen in interior furniture and home products such as this beautiful limited edition botanic chair by Ary furniture and Michael Angove.           Concrete quilt curtain           Arresting Marquetry               Aluminium foam        Rosae                                Bling Jacquard                     Knitted wallImage credit: SCINI also noticed how exhibitors are creating a link with fashion and interiors in new surface materials for 2011. The collection from SCIN materials showed a vast range of new trends including those inspired by the botanic trend such as the rosae material, which  brings life to the death of a beautiful flower. This wall covering is made from handpressed rose petals and can be used as a delicate interior decoration in commercial interiors.The concrete quilt curtain has an interplay between natural light, which shines through the gaps of the material. There are many more materials from SCIN that show a link between fashion materials and interior textiles and furnishings, to view more designs click here.Image credit: Sally AngharadThese bespoke paper wall coverings have been created using an innovative technique whereby the papers are distressed and eroded to create decorative surfaces for the interior. Each paper piece has been individually designed to create beautiful wall coverings and can be created in any colour or pattern of your choice by freelance designer Sally Angharad.For more ideas and trends, take a look at my folder, which has all the exciting new surfaces and materials for 2011. You can create your own folder and include new trends for spring/summer 2011 by clicking here.

Interior design dressed as fashion

10th February 2011

How would you style an interior inspired from a fashion trend? Here's some expert advice from Tom Simon, the owner and founder of Hub fashion store and Architect Michael P. Johnson.

Human Architecture

'With the myriad of cultural influences out there, fashion and interior design have no chance of moving in separate directions. Trends in fashion do appear first, but that is simply because people update their wardrobes faster than their furniture.'

'Tom Simon believes in the quiet genius, regardless of what design is being practiced. It doesn’t take a flashy, brand name designer to create a living space that is well designed or a dress that flatters the body. It simply takes a designer who is willing to listen, focus on the details that matter and respect their craft.'

'According to Michael P. Johnson, there is “no difference between fashion and design. No difference. There’s good fashion and there’s good architecture.” Maybe it’s just as effortless as that.'

Credits: http://www.kontaktmag.com/interior/human-architecture/

I also found an interesting link between fashion and interiors from the Nomadic wonderland collection by Eunsuk Hur.

Image credit: Eunusk Hur

These delicate yet highly durable floral fabric pieces fit together like a puzzle and can be interlocked in various different ways to create unique pieces for fashion or interior textiles. Each individual piece creates this beautiful throw for a chair or a wonderful spring/summer dress.

Image credit: Eunusk Hur

London college of fashion MA 11 show

7th February 2011With fashion week coming up, I thought it would be interesting to get some design inspiration from young fashion designers at the London college of fashion MA degree show. Matteo Molinari was the star of the show who won the collection of the year award for his crochet tailored menswear..Image credit: Matteo MolinariThe collection is inspired by traditional menswear tailoring with an unusual twist such as hand made crochet. This unique fashion style can inspire you to design a traditional interior with an unusual twist. You can view Matteo's collection here to get an insight of his great achievement and see if you can adapt his style onto an interior using the 3D tool.Another great collection that I came across was The Karass neck pieces by the young designer Kat Marks. These elegant retro style chest plates are in form of tuxedo bowties which can be worn as a fashionable jewellery piece or clothing.Image credit: Kat MarksImage credit: Kat MarksLooking closely at these elegant neck pieces, you can create an interior that is inspired by the collection of Kat Marks. These neck pieces create a focus when worn so by using the 3D tool you can create a basic interior and choose a product that you think best creates a focus in the room.

Dwell collection preview

3rd February 2011

I visited Dwell's press show today and discovered their new spring collection, styles and trends. Dwell's thoughts and inspiration on colour trends suggested that

'A palette of neutral beige, midnight blue, natural stone and clean white are lifted with touched of red and green.'

The key trends they had for this spring/summer year were:

Bright and beautiful

This collection included nature inspired products such as the popular insect print cushions of birds and bees. Colour trends included shocking pink and neon greens, which combined well to create a bright and beautiful atmosphere. I like the rose cushion in deep aubergine and sky blue, the colour combination works really well together and would be a desirable accessory in a bright and colourful bedroom.

Dwell's style for a bright and beautiful bedroom included colourful accessories and white furniture. These colour trends work well together because the bright accessories stand out when combined with white furniture.

Urban style

This spring trend included products inspired by city landmarks. Dwell used the famous London bus as an iconic image on their cushions and canvases in plum and apple colours. The cityscape lamp is a must have accessory in a urban themed room. Colours that work well to reflect this trend are grey fabrics and black glass, which would make a great city style interior.

Oceanic

This style included frothy white, midnight blue and hints of the sea. This collection style is great theme for a cool and natural living room.

The product that I liked most for the urban theme was the brick tallboy in midnight blue and natural wood. The glossy effect with the matte wood combines really well as it creates a neutral contrast together. If you would like to create an ocean themed interior in your home, take a look at Dwell's collection of ocean inspired furniture and accessories.

Lunar

This style is wonderfully white and minimal, creating a room to dwell in. To create a luxury boudoir look in your home, take a look at Dwell's wide choice of sophisticated white furniture.

The fur cushions and bed throw create a warm forest fantasy. The minimalistic colours create a natural themed bedroom and the contrast of the edgy furniture and soft accessories make a welcoming room to live in.

An early start to passion in the bedroom

27th January 2011

Get planning for valentine's day and have a romantic breakfast in bed with your partner and don't worry about all the hard work because i've done it all for you by creating a passion filled folder. So all you have to do is be inspired (and make the breakfast of course because I couldn't do that bit for you). So here we have it i've even created a 3D room and moodboard for you to look at inspired by roses and chocolates.

Image credit: mydeco

I've made a short list of all the essential products one would need for a romantic breakfast in bed. The first would be something to drink so whether your partner likes it hot or cold, this folder has a range of specially selected cups and mugs for you to choose from.

Image credit: argos.co.uk                             Image credit: fortnum & mason

Image credit: flickr.com

Another great product is the heart shaped pancake ring from papaerchase which would make a sweet, passionate breakfast. If you're like me and you prefer sunny side eggs first thing in the morning then here's how you can impress your loved one with your cooking skills and make your very own love-struck eggs using this heart shaped frying pan.

Image credit: paperchase                          Image credit: amazon.co.uk

You can be inspired by creating your own folder and selecting products that you think your partner would like the most. Now that you've got the food sorted all you need to add finishing touches to your passionate breakfast in bed is some scented candles, a vase of roses and not to forget your lovely self.

Modern bathroom delight under £1500

27th January 2011Add a cheeky twist to your modern bathroom and avoid the costly figures. You can create a luxurious look in your bathroom at home by taking a look at my folder for design and style ideas. Most people have a bathroom that is the average sized containing no less wasted space and bathrooms are usually designed that way so you don't over-cramp your space. If your bathroom is large, you will find the tendency to add more things and use more space otherwise we think we are wasting space. However, you are actually supposed to keep space as open as possible to keep it airy and less cramped by using smart bathroom products that will store your belongings without taking up too much space.It's best to use pastel coloured tiles in a small bathroom as this will create more light in the space and will look more open. If you want to use dark tiles then it is best to use it on one wall, floor or ceiling and use furniture and accessories that are brighter to create a good contrast. Also, if you choose to use large tiles rather than smaller one this will help make your bathroom look bigger.You can make use out of your closed door by hanging your towels and robes behind your door to save wall space for other storage supplies.Use mirrors where you can but don't put them opposite each other, large mirrors work well in small bathrooms as the reflection creates an illusion of bigger space. Take a look at this gorgeous Illuminated bathroom mirror by Sanctuary bathrooms.To get even more tips on how you can create a big bathroom in a small space, have a look at this page, which has some really good ideas to make the most out of a small spaced bathroom. http://www.qssupplies.co.uk/small_bathroom.asp

A traditional heritage garden

26th January 2011

This garden style brings back memories of when I was a little girl and used to run around in my rustic old garden. This is not what this post is going to be about because I am going to tell you how you can turn your rustic old back/front outdoor space into a beautiful heritage styled garden. I have used the image clipper tool to clip some great images of heritage gardens in my folder to inspire you for design ideas.

I chose products that I thought best showed a more modernised version of traditional garden pieces and I think that the inner beauty behind any garden is the tradition of it's products. For example, the Haws heritage watering can looks great for a traditional setting but is also an essential product for any garden and we wouldn't want to upset any blossomed flowers.

Image credit: ebay.co.uk

These Lattice design solar powered candle lanterns are wonderful to glisten a warm historic garden and will look great around tree branches.

Image credit: diytools.co.uk

So to get more inspiration for a traditional style rustic garden, check out my folder packed with products that will look wonderful for a heritage garden setting.

A fun style garden with funky bright colours

26th January 2011

Bright colours are in this spring/summer season 2011 and if you have innovative style then take a look at how you can create your garden to be full of splashing colours. Now before I begin telling you about the lovely fun style techniques, let me give you a brief insider about what a fun styled garden actually is. A F-U-N style (in my dictionary) is futuristic, unique and nice and you can adapt this style very easily to create a lively atmosphere in your very own garden.

Image credit: mydeco

Use colourful garden products such as these great cups and tea-light holders shown below, these will be small changes to your garden but will make a big difference. The plastic coloured cups and translucent coloured tea-light holders are great for the garden when the sun is bright, you will get a ray of coloured shadows shining in your garden making your very own rainbow.

Image credit: the daily telegraph

I love these botanico cup and saucer plant pots in colourful polker dot, which will really make your garden look fun and fabulous.

Image credit: amazon.co.uk

To make the most out of your fun styled garden, go for different products that are brightly coloured, patterened and textured. These could be in form of animal shapes, novelty items or over-sized products that can be used as furniture. If you want to add lighting to your fun styled garden, this is your chance to choose the multi-coloured string of lanterns and have a good enough reason for it. Colourful lighting will brighten up your garden and blend in well with the fun styled theme.

I adore this stripey water resistant picnic blanket in multi-colours from amazon.co.uk and I think it will be perfect to showcase a fun themed picnic in your garden.

For more great ideas on how you can create an indoor-outdoor garden, take a look at this link for design and spatial ideas. http://www.trendir.com/house-design/cool-modern-home-with-hidden-interior-garden.html

Country chic cottage garden

26th January 2011If you love visiting English country gardens then look no further because you can have your very own country inspired garden by taking a look at my style ideas below. The key to creating a country style garden, is by choosing furniture products that have a rich wooden history and go for different types such as mahogany, oak or walnut to blend in with the nature of your garden. Take a look at the rustic wooden heart trug below by Not on the High Street which is perfect to gather spring flowers or garden vegetables.Image credit: Not on the High StreetAccessorize your chic country garden with patterns especially blue and red checked fabrics and decorate seating areas with soft embroided pillows. The folder I created above shows carefully selected products to suit a country style theme.Image credit: mydecoTo get style inspiration for a country style garden, use the image clipper tool to upload images that portray a country style and you can use these to create your own country garden. These country caddies (set of two) will compliment a chic country style in your garden and the pastel colours will look beautiful for the spring/summer season.Image credit: natural collection