Weekend Butterfly...

Welcome Weekend!

Here's to a stylish garden-scape and a pair of these gorgeous butterfly chairs.

Did you know about these chairs...

Widely known as BKF chairs in Argentina, the iconic Butterfly Chair was designed by three young architects by the names of Bonet, Kurchner and Ferrari-Hardoy in 1938. They were in turn, inspired by the Tripolina chair first used in North Africa by the British and then the Italians in the 19^th century.

Enormously popular worldwide and sold in the millions during the ‘50’s and ‘60’s, the Butterfly Chair, also known as the AA chair in Europe, remains a design icon, an internationally sought after furniture classic, possessing that rare quality that makes an object or person, a single distinguishable entity – STYLE

Enjoy your weekend - wherever it may be! S.

image via #pinterest see #http://www.muumuubutterflychairs.com.au/ for Australian made butterfly chairs

Top Ten Colours for 2016

Somehow January has flown by already so to kick off the 2016 colour trends that you will start to see coming through stores - amongst homewares, furniture, lifestyle pieces, and fashion - apparel, accessories & make up. These colours have been largely taken from the essential swatch palettes of the S/S 16 and FW 16/17 looks.

These main hues, listed here, are the most impactful and be a tint or shade above or below thee are the ones to look out for. They range from bold earthy shades to dusty-muddy mid tone hues. Each individual colour is made to work into your own palette - not all together! Take a look at a great line up I found via Scarlet Opus from Laura Greenwood.

So here are your slim-lined Top Ten colours for 2016...  Enjoy. S.                       

1. Lunar Gray – An extended palette of muted gray’s play a leading role as an important hue for this year. Taken from a trend that places focus on privacy, time and experience; this color works alongside refined neutrals to portray elegance and timeless fashions. Seen in a matte finish with tone on tone neutrals that are beautiful in their simplicity. This color remains important as the endurance of the new industrial style continues to strengthen.

2. Dusky Mauve – This soft, hazy hue is injected with a gray tone and portrays a poetic authenticity. This dulled, balanced pastel can be combined with moody tinted grays and muted Corals and Pinks with a chalky, powder-coated finish. Dusky Mauve provides a delicate harmony, it is quiet, subdued and projects a sense of well-being.

3. Muted Coral – We saw 2015 fashions embrace the Coral Shrimp as both a solid and accent color. Going forward, we will see this shade diffuse to be more restrained and low-key. It sits within a palette that suggests honesty and long-lived values – it is warm, sophisticated, all-encompassing and works together with mid-toned grays, Mint Green and Dusky Mauve. This is a color that projects a sun-kissed, fresh outlook and will move forward into 2017.

4. Mint Green – This color adds a fresh, contemporary sharpness when used as an accent within a palette. It almost glows when paired against deeper shades. Not only does it portray a pop of optimism and expresses a desire to be more adventurous, but it also encourages unconventional pairings, inspiring a confident use of color. Ombrés, color washes and graduations are the dominant effects when using this tone.

5. Pop Pink – This soda pink has a chalky, matte finish and maintains a New Retro feel. It is taken from a trend named ‘PLAY’ which embraces unexpected color and material combinations; a controlled chaos within urban lifestyles. Pop Pink has no sweetness and extends beyond feminine associations to emerge as a bold, graphic and modern design direction. It works best in a palette where Black is a dominant color and is most fascinating when pared with playful interactions of texture, pattern and shape.

6. Purple Iris – In contrast to the more vibrant tones of 2016, we will also celebrate the mystery and beauty of dark, dusky shades. The deep heather based tones add a level of sophistication and warmth to our 2016 palette. It radiates a jeweled opulence, and combines with warm brass metallic shades to inspire a dramatic, luxurious vibe. Yet it also feels familiar and comforting when combined with heritage fabrics and traditional patterned textiles; blurring the boundaries between modern and time-honored fashions.

7. Mars Rock – This grounded color is taken from our Astro Trend, which is inspired by the grittiness and raw textures of planetary surfaces. Once again we call on nature to inspire, this time in the form of its cracked, rock-like textures and rich crystallized forms. This baked earth tone brings a sophisticated essence into interiors and can be used alongside deep reds, terracotta and space-aged metallic’s to emphasis it’s evolutionary path.

8. True Red – Moving on from the Primal Red seen in 2015, this year True Red evolves to a softer tone. It balances out the intensity of some of the more vivid color contrasts when paired with tonal shades. This color is an essential hue in 2016 as it portrays an artisanal, handcrafted aesthetic where craftsmanship is valued and the beauty of ‘basic’ is admired.

9. Indigo Blue –  Indigo make its presence felt throughout 2016, trending across both fashion and interiors. It is deep, mysterious yet stylish and sophisticated. Indigo is at its most striking and sumptuous alongside rich shades of wine, teal, warm metals, grays, dark wood tones and off white. This color longs for unconventional pairings to emphasis the unexpectedness of how it can be used within an interior.

10. Cobalt Blue – This color works in both contrasting and complimentary ways, it can be paired with a True Red for a bold, contemporary union, or combined with a crisp white for a more radiant effect. When paired with the Indigo blue and Mint green it suggests a more tonal, pleasing mixture. This color can be used both as an accent and a mono solid, where it’s unique, fresh vibrancy makes this a popular choice for 2016.

images & sub text via scarlet opus

5 Great Ideas for Your Hallway Foyer

Don't Dismiss Decor.

With a little attention to styling, even a small console becomes a major design statement. Strategically hang a mirror to make the space feel twice as large. via my own style

 

Whether you have a narrow small space or a large open void for your front foyer - there's loads you can do with a few little tricks be it wallpaper or paint, baskets or hooks & decor.

 

Here's a few I found via #countryliving #goodhousekeeping that I thought were great to share with you that are in keeping with the Palatial Living mantra - 'Grand or Cosy. In & Out. All Things for Stylish Living', just for you.

 

Enjoy,

Sarah #PalatialLiving

Reimagine Your Closet.

Open up a cramped space and gain a helpful spot for extra seating by ditching the closet door. Hooks and baskets look decorative, but still provide ample storage for your stuff. via Sampson home

 

Get a Skinny Console

If your narrow hallway won't fit the average credenza, slim down. This DIY console makes the most of a tight space by offering extra style and a place to drop your keys. via east coast creative blog

 

 

Go Graphic

A small entryway means you can get away with a bold accent wall. Patterned wallpaper adds definition to a meager foyer and yields instant personality that might overwhelm anywhere else. via Design Indulgence

 

Add Hooks and a Bench

As long as you've got a place to tie your shoes and hang your coat, even the tiniest entryway will feel complete. via House Tweaking

       

 

 

images & subtext via #countryliving & #goodhousekeeping

 

Made With Love - Gifts for Your Mum

 

 

DIY Cheese Markers

Any hostess will love getting handmade stamped cheese markers. To make this adorable Mother's Day gift, place vintage silver-plated forks between two felt pieces and flatten in a vise. Place the front side up on a metal block and use metal stamps and a hammer to mark the name of the cheese. Cut off a few inches at the top of the handle, then make a curly loop by wrapping the handle in felt and curling it backward using pliers

  

 

Made With Love - Gifts for Your Mum x

Not everyone wants to buy something for their Mum, not every Mum suits something store bought.

So with that - there's still time to get making something for your Mum.

Something clever, something purposeful and something gorgeous.

 

Here are some great ideas I have found across a couple of my fave home living sites.

 

Enjoy,

Sarah x #Palatial Living

 

 

Sweet Smelling Candle

There's no Mother's Day gift more classic than a fragrant candle. Pick a scent and color that fits your mother's personality and pair it with our DIY candleholders. To make, spray a light mist of water into a glass holder. Spray a light layer of metallic gold paint on the inside of the holder, painting over the water beads (it will leave the glass slightly translucent); let dry. Add a layer of gold glitter spray to finish.

 

Flower Seed Packets

Celebrate the sweetness both Mom and spring have to offer with flowers that will keep her smiling long after Mother's Day. Wrap store-bought seed packets for your mom's favorite blooms in easy-stitch burlap bags, and seal the bags with a plant marker. If you want to spice up the bag, pin a vintage picture of the flower on top for an added touch.

 

 

'Family" Kitchen Artwork

Family is what is most important on special days like Mother's Day. Give your mom this gift to remind her how much you care. To make, buy several wooden spoons -- one for each letter. Paint the ends of each spoon; let dry. Using a letter stencil, lightly blot white paint to make one letter on each spoon; let dry. Cut a piece of cardboard to fit the opening of a picture frame (make sure the frame can fit all spoons with a 1/2-inch border on all sides). Wrap white canvas around the front of the cardboard; hot-glue to secure. Insert in frame; hot-glue spoons to the canvas.

 

Message in a Jar

Get the kids involved with this cute Mother's Day gift -- a simple jar with notes telling her all the reasons she's loved. Have kids write their thoughts, or have them tell you their ideas and you write them down. Roll up the strips of paper and put them in a jar. Tie a bow around the jar for added flair.

 

Framed Butterfly Family Tree

Mum will love this spring-theme representation of the people she loves most in this easy-to-make family tree project. Design the layout on a separate sheet of paper, assigning different paper colors to different generations. Punch out two butterflies per family member with a crafts punch, and write their name on the top cutout. Keeping the center body on the top cutout flat, fold the wings up; this will give the butterflies a fluttery look. Glue the bodies of each pair of cutouts together using crafts glue or rubber cement. Place butterflies on a matte board and mark positions lightly with a pencil; glue in place on board. Frame the finished butterfly family tree.

 

images & sub text via bhg.com

Inspired. Make Marks Daily.

Make Marks Daily.

(1)

(2)

(3)

 

Make Marks Daily 

I recently read a great article in #AustralianCountryStyle (from Summer January 15 issue) on ceramicist and artist Claire Atkins. As I began reading her story it felt familiar - mainly because her quest & commitment over the course the year for 2014 was to 'Make Marks Daily'.It was this familiarity became apparent as I learnt that we are from same alumni design school, the College of Fine Arts UNSW in Paddington Sydney, also known as CoFA. Whilst Claire a '95 graduate and I a '99 grad we most likely shared a number of the same teachers & professors across the studies we undertook.  
I love this concept, it spurns you to immediately create without being precious about what exactly. It is simple.

It heralds back to teachings I received (most likely from the same professor as Claire) from the once head of school and now assoc dean of international art, and expert ceramicist (Dr.) Vaughan Rees (hails from Australian art royalty also, is the nephew of Australian artist Lloyd Rees).
So this is my small tribute to #MakeMarksDaily - would be a very interesting surface print... It has inspired me to get my

shed in order and set up my studio - soon!
 

Thanks #ClaireAtkins & #AustralianCountryStyle for sharing the inspiration.

Enjoy,

 Sarah - #PalatialLiving
 

 (4)

 (5)

 (6)
Images: (1) - via #pinterest; (2 - 6) images via Claire Atkins FB page #pinky&maurice contemporary ceramics https://www.facebook.com/PinkyMauriceContemporaryCeramics?fref=photo 

 

For more details please visit:  
https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/makemarksdaily

  https://www.facebook.com/PinkyMauriceContemporaryCeramics?fref=photo

 

Get Organised!

It's New Year & It's Time to Get Organised!

Back to School, Back to Work.... New rosters, New calendars, New times, and New routines!Sound like your place? It's certainly mine and keeping on top of it can be tricky if you let it get away from you.

So whilst the New Year is till upon us why not take advantage of the time and get de-cluttered, and super organised with some of these helpful decorating tips centred in and around maximising your organistaion for what's ahead this year!

Some of these projects can be done in an evening or across a weekend. 

So put on your 'tidy' hat and get cracking! S x

 

 

Make the Space Work for You! Whether you have an excess of square footage or are cramped into a too-small space, there are inventive ways to squeeze out useful organization from your home. In a centrally located spot such as a kitchen, a small stretch of wall offers a precious few inches for a family organization spot. Give each person their own slot, or include a message board with important reminders.

Find a version 'here' at Pottery Barn

 

Increase Visibility; Staying organized depends on knowing what you have and where it is; that way, you won’t purchase duplicates or waste time searching for what you need. Putting items on display, such as the narrower shelves filled with shoes, is a great organizational technique to help achieve this goal.

 

Maximise Accessibility - Maximise the Closet Space 

Helping your family stay organized depends on kids and parents being able to use whatever system you have in place. For kids especially, that means ensuring access to all the daily-use items that they can be in charge of, such as clothes and toys. Revamping closets with multi-height rods and storing seasonal clothes within their reach is a great organizational technique. Clothes they’ll grow into or use in different weather can be stashed in up-high, out-of-reach spaces.

.

Make It Pretty: It’s so much easier to maintain an organization system if it’s one that you love to look at. Invest in pretty containers , jars, clips and hangers; choose a color scheme; and spend time thinking how your organization can and should be part of your decor.

 

Organize by Person or Function: Bins, baskets, hooks, and containers all lend themselves to a simple but underused organization technique: labeling. Handwritten or computer-generated, labels can quickly help you and your family sort, store, and find what you need. Try labels in an entryway, on shelves, and in the kitchen.

 

Mix Storage Types. Organization options are much more limited if you have just one type of storage - all drawers or open shelves, for example. The most clean-looking, hardworking spaces have a little bit of everything: baskets and bins to hide less visually pleasing elements, open shelves for easy access, and higher-up storage for things that aren’t used as frequently.

----------------------------------------------------

Enjoy,

#palatialliving

 

subtext - images via bhg, pinterest, houzz

5 Closets That Aren't Closets Anymore

These DIYers found extra living space in their home's smallest spots. This article originally appeared on GoodHousekeeping.com

It's unlikely that you lament about having too much closet space in your home, but have you ever considered what you might gain from repurposing one altogether? We know, scandalous. But for these smart bloggers, transforming a closet was the key to a more organized, productive and beautiful home.

Is one of these creative rooms hiding in your house right now? Just imagine it..

 

If you can't dedicate a full room to a workspace, follow Christina's lead at #No. 29 Design. Floating shelves, chalkboard paint, and sconces turned her standard closet into a super-functional office.

 

Tanya at Dans Le Lakehouse didn't want to lose all of her closet's storage space, but craved a way to create a more spacious, friendly office. Now, her colorful filing cabinet and boxes look charming next to a quaint bench where she can consult paperwork, flip through a book, and stow extra supplies under the seat..

 

 

Before they're old enough to fill closets with clothes and shoes, kids will love sneaking into a DIY nook for reading and playing, like this one from Balancing Home.

 

 

Shoes, coats, and bags have a way of piling up in an entryway, never quite making it to the closet. If that's the case in your home, consider what Anu did at Nalle's House: Ditching the closet door and hanging hooks, baskets, and a bench instead.

 

 

If your sewing and crafting projects commandeer the dining room table, move everything to a closet, like Kim at Oh, Sweet Joy did. Worried about losing the storage space? Consider how this strategy might control your DIY clutter better than before.

--------------------------------------------

Happy New Year!

It's been a little bit since my last post - loads has happened in the meantime. And needless to say very happy to be back and share with you some amazing articles, images, house snooping and of course across the Palatial Living - decorating & style!

Sarah x  #palatialliving

 

article & images via HouseBeautiful.com