DESIGN BLOG

Inspiration, Trends, Thoughts
&
Musings

Tamlin Prince 01/08/2018 Tamlin Prince 01/08/2018

2018 Trend Alert: Highlights from Salone del Mobile

Your exclusive trend alert from the world’s largest design fair in Milan.

A few months ago was the world-famous Salone del Mobile design fair, which attracts 400,000 people from 164 countries to gather in Milan once a year. The magnificent event sets the scene for design for the coming year, so we’ve compiled some highlights to make sure you stay on top of these upcoming trends.

SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH DESIGN

When Salone del Mobile launched their manifesto, they challenged people to incorporate sustainability into design, not only with materials but also through design processes. Designers responded with underlying themes of sustainability and natural elements throughout the fair. Many displays had references to the natural world, with use of natural materials such as ceramic, woods and glass.

There was also widespread use of sustainable materials, such as the new Solid Textile Board, made of recycled cottons and wood textiles.

While most chose to make subtle references to the natural world, some designers chose to bring a literal interpretation to the manifest by bringing the outdoors in.

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NATURAL MATERIALS

In keeping with the sustainability theme, the show boasted many stunning pieces using natural materials and hand made pieces. Beautiful wood features, in particular, were used in many different forms.

Blonde wood was particularly highlighted in hand-made pieces across many exhibitions, suggesting that the scandinavian trend is continuing strong into 2018.

Natural materials with highlighted imperfections and textures were also quite a feature.

Tweed is now the new leather! Much like last year’s show, the fair was dotted with many tweed textiles and rugs.

In cases where tweed wasn’t used, there were many visible weaves and raw linen textiles featured, to somewhat mimic a tweed texture.

GREEN

From soft greens to moss greens, this is set to be the biggest colour trend of the year! Many designers used their colour palettes to link their pieces back to the theme of sustainability through design. If you remember our previous blog post we discussed how green velvets are set to make a big comeback in window treatment trends.

MILLENNIAL PINK

The popular millennial pink, or rose quartz, trend shows no sign of fading in 2018. Though some designers went all-out in expressing their love for pink, the colour was featured in a much more subtle way in most displays.

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This year we are also seeing this classic colour paired with soft blue hues and complemented against the trending muted green tones. We can see some more subtle interpretations of the ongoing Scandinavian trends.

BOLD ECLECTIC PATTERNS

Layers of bright bold patterns, creating a ‘more is more’ look dotted the Milan fair. The Dolce and Gabbana collaboration with Smeg, in particular, was one of the biggest ‘must sees’ of the event.

Tying in with the natural materials trend, many patterned fabrics with rich textures were presented as an organised chaos of colour.

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

The Salone del Mobile this year gave us an insight into the future of how technology can be seamlessly incorporated into our daily lives. Miele’s new Dialog Oven undoubtedly stole the show. This advanced oven analyses the molecular composition of the food which you place into it, and cooks it to perfection automatically. It can even cook the same meal in two ways, like a salmon half grilled and half raw. And it cooks it quicker than an average oven too!

A concrete 3D printed house was printed on site during the event. The 48 hour task produced a fully-functioning home with a somewhat crude exterior, but a beautifully designed interior. The display provides an insight into a futuristic construction industry, based around sustainability and minimising waste.

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Kartell has also resurfaced and refined a 2016 experiment, which combines a dining table with an induction stovetop. The piece is an answer to the growing apartment living trends, forcing designers to be more innovative in optimising space.

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We'd love to assist you if you'd like to see how you can apply these trends to your spaces.

Contact our office at info@princedesign.com.au to book your appointment today!

Need some more inspiration? Head over to our Instagram page to keep updated with the latest trends.

Tamlin Prince 09/05/2018 Tamlin Prince 09/05/2018

Breaking or Making Your Space: Window Treatments

The all important question on which window treatments to use for what space

Dining Sheer Curtains.jpg — **The All Important Question**

**Which window treatments do I use for which space??**

Window treatments are an essential part of any home renovation or build, but they can be often forgotten about. They can be expensive, but they have the power to completely transform the aesthetics and feel of any space. Picking your window treatments can mean being overwhelmed with choice, so we’ve developed a little cheat-sheet to simplify the process.

TREND ALERT

A brief summary on whats trending now...

Sheer curtains - Always popular! Offering a natural look and feel that softens any space.
Full height curtains - Yes, you heard us. From floor to ceiling. Sometime you can be limited by continuous sheer fabrics which aren’t wide enough, however a multidirectional sheer can be used.
Colours - Moving from warm neutrals/pastels to moody nostalgic tones, such as burgundy, navy, olive greens and mustards.
Velvet - Pure luxury and a gorgeous fabric to compliment the colour trends

LOUNGE & DINING AREAS

Lounge and dining areas are all about the open-plan spaces, with plenty of natural lighting. For a luxurious and on-trend look, go for sheer curtains; they maximise natural light and space, whilst offering some privacy. For more privacy in the evenings, block out curtains can be installed behind the sheers and pulled closed as required.

For a minimalistic, clean and crisp look, use roller blinds. To create a private luxurious space, without the bulkiness of curtains, use a combination of roller blinds with sheers.

BATHROOMS

For any wet area, your window treatments need to be practical; hardy, compact and water and mould resistant.

Shutters are a great option for areas which are high-risk for water damage. They’re conveniently custom made to fit almost any window size, and offer the option of either PVC or polyresin finishes.

LIVING AREAS & TV ROOMS

Living areas or TV rooms come with the challenge of trying to maximise both aesthetics, and flexibility with light control. Roller blinds or honeycomb blinds, paired with sheers create a lavish space, which is practical in terms of blocking out lighting. Alternatively, less formal living areas, where light control is not as important, can employ the use of translucent roller blinds. These offer bright spaces during the daylight, but privacy during nighttime.

BEDROOMS

There are endless window treatment options to suit the style and practicality of every bedroom space. For a chic but simplistic look, use sheers with block-out linings behind OR classic block-out curtains with sheers behind

For a classic look, white shutters always look fabulous. For a modern spin, you could do black or timber shutters. Alternatively, the Luxaflex Luminette range offers versatility in terms of light control, with the softened effects of sheers.

HARD TO REACH SPACES

A grand entrance would be incomplete without a stunning feature window, that is less than convenient to dress. For spaces where both privacy and light control is an issue, motorised blinds and shutters are the best option. Though these can be expensive, they are the epitomy of convenience and an effortless look.

When budgets do not allow for such extravagant investments, cordless window options with customised-length pole are a fantastic option.

When privacy is the priority, but light control is less of a concern, string curtains provide the perfect solution. They offer a luxurious chic look, with the convenience of never having to be dusted or cleaned.

We would be delighted to assist you with all of your window treatment needs.

Contact our office at info@princedesign.com.au to book your appointment today!

Tamlin Prince 26/04/2017 Tamlin Prince 26/04/2017

When Size Matters - Large Format Tiles

While large format tiles have been around for some time, they had definitely been gaining more momentum recently.

With most sheet sizes averaging around 3000x1000 they can be the perfect fit for bathrooms, main floors, interior and exterior wall cladding, kitchen splashbacks, stairs and so much more.

While large format tiles have been around for some time, they had definitely been gaining more momentum recently.

Commonly used in the past for exterior cladding and commercial projects, these days I find I am using them more and more for interiors.

With most sheet sizes averaging around 3000x1000 they can be the perfect fit for bathrooms, main floors, interior and exterior wall cladding, kitchen splashbacks, stairs and so much more.

For the clean freak…this White Marble look wall tile offers minimal grout lines in this stunning bathroom.

Create a seamless look with a large format tile as cladding to an interior feature wall

The perfect alternative to a glass splashback

Add a bit of wow factor with a large format tile on the exterior of your home

Want your stairs tiled but don’t want the grout lines? Look no further!

To view these tiles and much more visit me in my showroom or visit the Bravvo display centre
26 Vale Street, Malaga
9249 5646

Tamlin Prince 24/02/2017 Tamlin Prince 24/02/2017

Real Timber, Composite Timber or Timber Look Tiles - What are the pros and cons when it comes to decking

With summer well and truly here, a lot of people are working on updating their outdoor areas.

Timber decking is always a favourite for alfrescoand pool areas, but many people are wary of the maintenance associated with a natural product being used outdoors.

Luckily there are a range of composite and timber look products now available on the market that can offer the look, without risk.

With summer well and truly here, a lot of people are working on updating their outdoor areas.

Timber decking is always a favourite for alfresco and pool areas, but many people are wary of the maintenance associated with a natural product being used outdoors.

Luckily there are a range of composite and timber look products now available on the market that can offer the look, without risk.

Here are pros and cons for some of the different products out there...

Composite & Tile Con

Unnatural texture and grain - Although the Millboard Weathered Oak range is quite realistic!
They can get hot when directly exposed to the sun
Some timber look tiles can bow due to the length and narrow width of the tile
If damaged or scratched it cannot be sanded back to rectify

Composite & Tile Pro

Quicker and sometimes easier to install as there is no oiling/staining required
No maintenance...obviously
Generally speaking there would not be additional costs for choosing a particular colour out of a composite range, unlike natural timber which can vary in price depending on species
Some composite are eco friendly as they are made using recycled wood, plus no trees have not been chopped down in order to produce
If installing a decking in a bushfire zone, Modwood is BAL 40 rated!
Resistance to rot and insect infestation

Natural Con

On going regular maintenance required
Even with ongoing maintenance timber is prone to weathering easily especially is exposed to the elements. It will likely still need to be replaced every few years.
Can look tired if not maintained properly

Natural Pro

Can look nicer than a composite due to better variety in timber grains
Can be stained or painted any colour you like to achieve the look you are after
Accoya is maintenance free and has a 50 year warranty, better than any composite
Some timbers have a natural resistance to fire
Can be sanded if it is scratched or damaged. This also means you can update your look at any time by sanding it and re-staining or painting in a different colour

M&B Building Products have a great range of composite and natural timber decking options and for some stunning timber look tiles make sure you visit Odin Ceramics!

Millboard Weathered Oak Carbonised Emberred...possibly one of my favourite products ever!!

Scrapwood timber look tiles are absolutely stunning and are perfect to use in your outdoor area

A Jarrah natural timber deck is always a classic

A fairly new kid on the block in Perth, Accoya is definitely something special

Rich in colour, Batu natural timber decking is really something beautiful

For the environmentalists out there, ModWood is 90% recycled and reclaimed environmentally friendly materials

Tamlin Prince 08/02/2017 Tamlin Prince 08/02/2017

Splashback Trends

Goodbye boring old glass...hello amazing tiles!

Kitchen splashbacks are fast become the biggest feature in most kitchens.

Goodbye boring old glass...hello amazing tiles!

Kitchen splashbacks are fast become the biggest feature in most kitchens.

High gloss, flat finishes like glass seem to be a thing of the past and textures and pattern are making a strong appearance.

Updating your splashback can give a tired kitchen a whole new look.

Here some gorgeous ideas to pimp up your kitchen in an instant!

All tiles featured are available through Odin Ceramics, 99 Erindale Rd Balcatta

Using a combination of gloss and matt finished tiles is a great way to give your splashback a little somethin' somethin'

Want a chic industrial look in your kitchen without the maintenance of using actual bricks? These white brick tiles are the perfect solution! They are also available in matt black.

I have so much love for this Kite tile. The matt finish is stunning and it is available 3 beautiful colours, soft grey, white and black — I have so much love for this Kite tile. The matt finish is stunning and it is available 3 beautiful colours, soft grey, white and black

Tamlin Prince 01/02/2017 Tamlin Prince 01/02/2017

Petrified Love

I am always in awe of what the earth can create and Petrified Wood has to be one of my all time favs!

I am always in awe of what the earth can create.

Petrified Wood has to be one of my all time favs, and having seen the most incredible slab of it recently, I'm inspired about how I am going to use it somewhere.

Not only does it look amazing, these fossils are also said to calm scattered energies and stabilise general health and the bodies defences. Not bad for a bit of old wood!

Here are some great ideas on how to use this beautiful material in your home.

Black Petrified Wood cladding to fireplace - Cladding available through Zuccari Stone

Close up of the White Petrified Wood slab at Zuccari Stone

Stunning White Petrified Wood Slab at the Zuccari warehouse

The perfect home accessory, these sliced pieces are polished and supplied with a stand through Sourceress The Store

Petrified Wood Cheese Board available from West Elm

Globe West's beautiful Petrified Wood coffee and side tables

White Petrified Wood Coasters available from West Elm

Tamlin Prince 25/11/2016 Tamlin Prince 25/11/2016

The New Metallics In Interiors

There has been a huge trend towards using a mixture of metal accents through the home for a while now. We have been seeing this in furniture, cabinetry, tapware and tiles... just to name a few!

Gone are glittery glass splashbacks and mosaic tiles, that was oh so 5 years ago!