Keep it Simple

Š Ryland Peters & Small 2015

© Ryland Peters & Small 2015

CONTENTS OUR INSPIRATION 6 HOW IT WORKS 10

THE SIMPLE MINDSET DITCH FASHION 14 DECLUTTER 22 SAVE MONEY. . . & THE PLANET 28 BE IN TOUCH WITH NATURE 36 RELAX & ENJOY YOURSELF 44

MAKING IT HAPPEN THE BONES 56 COLOUR 70 FURNITURE 88 FABRICS 102 DETAILS & ACCESSORIES 110

LIVING THE DREAM SITTING ROOMS & COSY NOOKS 126 COOKING & EATING 134 SLEEPING & WASHING 144 WORK SPACES 154 ONE-SPACE LIVING 158 THE OUTDOORS 162 PICTURE CREDITS 170 SOURCES 172 INDEX 174 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 176

There are so many visual references filed away in our minds that it would be impossible to list them all and it amazes us that we always manage to recall exactly the right one when seeking inspiration for a particular project. But for us, the biggest influence of all is each other, as our differences send us off in new directions. Yin and yang, rough with smooth, feminine and masculine, utility with glamour, nature versus man-made. These are the building blocks of our design philosophy and partnership.

Š Ryland Peters & Small 2015

FIND YOUR STYLE It can be difficult to hold on to our individuality when magazines, TV makeover shows and chain stores bombard us with advice on what to wear and how to decorate. But an interior lifted from the pages of a glossy magazine will always have a slightly soulless quality. We believe a home should be a true reflection of its inhabitants, their tastes and their way of life, and as long as you follow a few easy rules and get the bare bones of your interior in place first (more on this later), any amount of self-expression will hang together.

Start off with some self-analysis: what works for you and how do you like to live? Do you like a laidback vibe or prefer a more ordered, formal feel? Are you drawn to light, fresh colours or are you happiest enveloped in richer, darker shades? This sort of questioning will really help you identify your own style. It’s also important to make educated choices, so become familiar with different fabrics and materials, how they drape and what their limitations are.

Research and gather information about historical interiors or other cultures. Once you have a grasp of these things, you will be better placed to play with different styles and develop your own.

Above all, don’t be afraid to experiment – trial and error is the best way to discover your own style, as we learn as much from our mistakes as we do from our successes.

16 THE SIMPLE MINDSET

In a surprising mix of elements,

carriage/railroad car that has been

elegant classical furniture contrasts

cleverly converted into a home by

with rustic, wood-clad walls to

the sea (above). The natural theme

create an individual yet cohesive

pulls together a slightly incongruous

look (left). Rich, dark brown vintage

mix of items in our wooden beach

leather armchairs blend perfectly

house, while the vibrant 1970s

with the original woodwork of

light helps to add an unexpected

a salvaged Victorian railway

twist (opposite).

Š Ryland Peters & Small 2015

Don’t be afraid to introduce some rougher textures into your boudoir, as this can help to create a ’back to nature’ feel that is surprisingly conducive to a good night’s sleep.

This rustic bed, made from green wood, is wildly romantic and softens the hard edges of the corrugated metal walls (left). An old wall panel complete with peeling paper has been used as a bedhead and lends this simple bedroom an air of faded grandeur (opposite left). There is something really appealing about bathrooms that have a pared-back, monastic feel, as these two examples show (opposite above and below right). The soft textures of the plaster walls and gentle hues create a sense of calm and wellbeing.

146 LIVING THE DREAM

Š Ryland Peters & Small 2015

Sensual textures and soothing colours have a cosseting, cocoon-like quality that will help you to create a secluded hideaway that feels a million miles away from the stresses of everyday life.

LIVING THE DREAM 147

Atlanta Bartlett & Dave Coote

Atlanta Bartlett & Dave Coote

www.rylandpeters.com www.rylandpeters.com

99 / US $29.95 UK ÂŁ19.99 / Priced / US higher $29.95 in Canada / Priced higher in Canada

KEEP IT SIMPLE KEEP IT SIMPLE

In Keep In it Simple, Keep it Simple, Atlanta Bartlett Atlanta Bartlett and Dave and Coote Dave Coote reveal how reveal to how to create a happy create aand happy and relaxed home relaxed that home that looks fabulous looks fabulous and and works brilliantly works brilliantly for everyone for everyone who who lives in it. lives in it.