My Space Nov 17 - Design Tips

Dressing your windows When building or renovating don’t forget your windows – they are the finishing touches that turn a house into a home.

Plan early in the build or renovation stage so you can set your budget to avoid disappointment later.

Consult an expert who you are comfortable with; someone who listens and understands your vision. An expert will help with the styling and functionality of what will work best for each window, fabric choice, linings, pleats, track/rods, or maybe shutters or blinds or a combination of both to create your finished look.

Custom-made window dressings are the ultimate as you can choose the fabric and linings, but they do need to be made, which takes time, so think earlier rather than later if this is your finished look.

From Instyle/Colourplus

myspace Issue 3

|

7

Landscaping Design Get the experts involved – As cliche as it sounds it is worth the investment of seeking landscape advice as the right look creates impact and adds value to your property. Done well, it becomes your dream outdoor space.

Landscape/concept plans – If you are looking at a larger project it is worth looking at the possibility of getting concept drawings or full landscape plans completed. These are a great tool for ensuring you follow a plan to achieve the desired results.

Keep a ‘look book’ – Get inspired! Do your research and gather garden ideas and pictures, and cut outs from magazines of what you like.

Budget – Plan out your strategy and budget for your landscaping. What’s your budget? Are you going do all the work at once or in stages, are you going to do the landscaping yourself or hire a landscape professional to help you?

Other considerations: Planting – It’s not just about putting plants in the ground. It’s about planting appropriately, looking at plant types, colour options, planting growth and planting shapes. Choose plants appropriate for how much sun and shade different parts of your garden receive during the day.

Time – Think about how much time you want to spend in your garden and the ongoing upkeep and maintenance

Style – Look at what areas you want to create in your garden i.e. entrance area, entertainment and comfort areas. It’s important there is a consistent style and theme in all areas of the landscape and that it flows.

Lawn – Think about your lawn options.

Turf is a special garden feature so use it wisely.

Add-ons – Look to install a water irrigation system and possible outdoor lighting – these enhance the garden.

And finally, your outdoor space should be an extension and enhancement of your interior and exterior home style, but most importantly it should reflect your lifestyle and your personal taste.

From Hamish Brooks Landscapes

myspace Issue 3

|

27

Love linen Linen is Versatile Its intrinsic ecological and aesthetic qualities simply make it hard to fault.

Fine gauze curtaining or a shabby chic vintage drape, graceful puddling or richly textured, coloured upholstery- the options are endless. Whether it’s a relaxed or contemporary look, linen has you covered.

Living with Linen is beneficial It has great air permeability, is a natural temperature regulator, is able to absorb and release moisture, non-static, non-allergenic, lint free, contains natural silica for longevity and is highly durable.

Linen is environmentally friendly From field to fabric it is a sustainable fabric for the future.

Stemming from the flax plant, it requires no chemicals or irrigation to grow. Every part of the plant is used so there is zero wastage and is 100% biodegradable. The environmental impact of spinning and weaving is low and production energy usage is constantly reducing.

The long silky fibre gives linen its beautiful weight, lustre, tensile strength and natural durability. This makes linen a premium, versatile and eco-friendly option for curtaining and upholstery.

From Martha’s Linen

myspace Issue 3

|

31