How to transform your home with art
Many designer homes, while stunningly decorated and renovated, seem to lack personality. A collection of art, lovingly curated and displayed, can really transform your home in to a place that really tells your story. Art creates a two-way dialogue between the artwork – which has its own point of view – and its surroundings in…
Read MoreWhat is an ‘Unfitted Kitchen’?
Have you heard the term ‘unfitted kitchen’? It seems to be relatively unknown in Australia where built- in cabinetry and continuous bench tops reign supreme in kitchen design. But I think they are just right for Queensland homes and I’ll explain why here. Inspiration from the past Firstly, what is an ‘unfitted kitchen’? Basically it…
Read MoreHow do I decide and sign off on a design scheme?
Making final decisions and signing off on designs can be difficult. When you have a designer keen to move forward, but you think there are a multiplicity of choices still to be researched and evaluated, how do you draw a line in the sand and say yes? Here are the questions I would be asking:…
Read MoreDecluttering, without regrets
Do you feel overwhelmed with stuff that you and your family have accumulated over the years, but at the same time very reluctant to make a start on getting rid of things? I believe the minimalist trend can go too far. If you are too radical you can throw away possessions which connect you to…
Read MoreMy picture passed in at auction – what do I do now?
If you have ever tried to sell something in a specialist art auction you will know that there is a long build up and the process can be very stressful. Once you have made a decision to sell, a failure can be very frustrating not to mention inconvenient. My first tip is – never pre-commit…
Read MoreAre antiques due for a revival?
Antiques – that is to say furniture and objects over 100 years old – are a little off the radar of many home decorators at the moment. Here are some reasons why you might not have considered them:- You associate them with your grandparents or great-grandparents Yes, but they probably favoured Queen Anne or Victorian…
Read MoreWhat are the best antiques for today?
There is no better way in my opinion to add some flair to your home than to add a few selectively chosen antiques or vintage pieces. If you are hunting around antique shops, which are the pieces you should be on the lookout for and which pieces should you avoid even if they look temptingly…
Read MoreHow to use the 60/30/10 rule in decorating
Would you like to be more adventurous with colour in your home but you aren’t sure how to start? One tried and tested approach is the ‘three colour rule” also called the 60-30-10 rule after the approximate percentages of each colour. In this scheme, one base colour dominates – let’s call it your hero colour.…
Read MoreFive essential Art Collecting terms explained
If you are collecting art, what are some essential terms you need to know? Provenance Provenance means the record or history of an artwork’s ownership. Ideally, an artwork can be traced back to when it was first exhibited and sold. If it was acquired directly from an artist, the relationship of the first owner to…
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