All is calm | How to create the perfect Christmas table setting

December 12, 2015

Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year – and the perfect excuse to style up a beautiful table setting. I was thrilled when The West Australian newspaper and Habitat lift-out asked me to create my ideal Christmas tablescape, and share my tips on how you can recreate it for your own special feast.

Christmas in Australia is usually celebrated in hot weather and sunshine, so for me, it’s about creating a relaxed, yet festive setting that takes advantage of our beautiful flora and natural light.

Here’s how it turned out…

Jane’s Styling tips

Choose a simple colour palette for the table and stick to it.

Here I’ve layered neutral linens and ceramics with black, white and gold accessories to create a striking Christmas scheme. All designed and made in WA, the ‘Gumnut’ and ’Star Flower’ linen napery from Old Grey House and 2-Tone dinnerware from Eucalypt Homewares provide the perfect base for a Christmas table setting.

The Cutipol black and gold cutlery provides a gorgeous contrast to the natural linen and ceramics. You can find these, and other beautiful wares used in this setting, at Table Culture in Subiaco. I’ve repeated black, white and gold in the paper decorations, glass baubles and candle holders. I just used regular household string to loosely tie the cutlery.

Every Christmas table should have just a little sparkle.

Use crystal glasses, votives or any cut glass to reflect light and create twinkle on the tabletop. Crystal is the perfect contrast to the earthy textures of natural linen, ceramics and paper decorations. I love the Waterford ‘Rebel’ collection of crystal pieces, and these little shot glasses provide just the right amount of crystal and gold. Use them as a tea light holder or add sprigs of eucalyptus, or whatever is in your garden, for a personalised setting.

Add a strand of fairy lights for extra sparkle and wind it though your tabletop.

Greenery.

I’m a big fan of Australian native foliage and love using it on a Christmas table, either placed down the centre of the table or clipped and assembled in different shaped vases and vessels. The silvery-grey greens of eucalyptus and gum work beautifully with the organic tones of this setting. But use anything that’s green and available. Here I’ve laid pieces of eucalyptus along the table, and nestled in a few pillar candles. These ones are only $9.95 for a pack of 5 from Ikea. For texture, I added some pine cones in natural and white, found at Everbloom in West Leederville.

Not everything has to match.

Keep your colours consistent but you don’t have to match every place setting perfectly. I love a bit of variation in place settings. For this setting, I added green leucadendron to the napkin and tied it with a strip of frayed fabric. Other settings I tied up with string and alternated the greenery.

I loved creating this table setting. And it was relatively easy to do. Use what you have at home and forage in your garden for suitable greenery. Dig out your vessels and hidden crystalware and look for a common theme. You’ll be surprised what you can create by keeping to a simple colour palette and using your favourite pieces.

Wishing you a beautiful Christmas.

Jane xx

Credits
Styling: Jane Ledger, Jane Ledger Interiors
Photography: Iain Gillespie, The West Australian Newspaper
Location: Styled and shot on location at the ‘Vincent’ display home, Perry Lakes, courtesy of Austurban Homes
Published: 4 December 2015

Home Beautiful Kitchen and Bathroom Feature

June 15, 2015

Home Beautiful magazine recently asked for my input on a Kitchen and Bathroom feature for their upcoming September issue.

It was all about space planning for ensuites and kitchens, as well as how to turn your kitchen into an entertaining zone. Here’s how it went….

Bathrooms

HB: What should people consider when planning their ensuite?

Layout. Planning in small spaces is all about layout. Think about where doors and cabinetry open and close, access and circulation. Where possible, position the toilet suite out of the line of sight. Instead, make the focal point a beautiful vanity, tiled splashback or stunning potted greenery. Consider a wet room with a single freestanding screen or nib wall in place of a shower cubicle.

Storage. Floating cabinetry with generous drawers or wall mirror cabinets with plenty of shelving are good storage solutions in an ensuite.

Doherty Design Studio’s Yarraville residence. Photography by Gorta Yuuki.

Light. Bathrooms always look and feel better in natural light. Don’t forget to include windows in your bathroom design. For privacy, bathroom windows are often positioned up high, but if the floorpan allows, a slim floor to ceiling window, is a beautiful solution. It lets the light in and connects your ensuite space to the outdoors.

Styling by Heather Nette King. Photography Derek Swalwell

This bathroom ticks all the boxes for me – foliage as a focal point, toilet suite out of sight, seamless shower space, natural light flooding in with connection to outdoors and floating vanity. Styling by Heather Nette King. Photography Derek Swalwell.

HB: What is a good starting point when choosing ensuite finishes?

Choose finishes that provide warmth and texture in a small space. All-white choices can be too cold. Pair soft whites with stone and timber. Use ‘feature tiles’ sparingly and keep finishes within a palette of 2-3 tones for a harmonious feel.

The Cross St Project by C+M Studio

Bondi House by C+M Studio. Photography by Caroline McCredie.

HB: What are the best material choices for bathroom floors? Pros and cons?

Natural stone (marble, granite, travertine).

Suitable for both walls and floors, natural stones such as marble can be expensive, but are extremely durable and hardwearing. The natural patterning in marble has timeless appeal and adds elegance to a bathroom space.

Marble floors in Crisp St Apartments by Mim Design.

Cross-cut and vein-cut travertines are also popular choices for the texture and warmth they bring to bathroom flooring.

Travertine is a beautiful soft choice for bathroom flooring.

These finishes do need proper sealing and maintenance.

Porcelain

Ideal for flooring, porcelain tiles are durable, water-resistant and come in a variety of finishes from textured through to polished. Generally a more affordable option and requiring less maintenance than natural stones and marbles, I love using porcelain for the huge range of colours, textures and options available.

Porcelain bathroom by Mim Design. Photography by Derek Swalwell.

Kitchens

HB: What are the most popular kitchen benchtop materials? Pros and cons?

Marble

A timeless, enduring and natural material, marble has inherent texture that brings warmth and beauty to a kitchen space. It’s hard to beat the effortless sophistication of marble. However, marble is more expensive, can mark easily and requires more maintenance than other options.

Stunning marble kitchen by Mim Design. Photography Derek Swalwell

Black and marble kitchen by Hecker Guthrie

Engineered stone

Engineered stones (such as Caesarstone, Silestone, Essastone) are a fantastic alternative to natural stones. There is a vast range of engineered stones available that emulate the look and feel of stone and marble, for less cost. Engineered stones require less maintenance and provide higher stain resistance than marble.

Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo

Stainless steel

A near perfect benchtop material that is clean, hygienic and durable, stainless steel is the choice of professional kitchens where performance is important. It can, however, appear too cold in a domestic kitchen, so balance this look with other textures and finishes.

Melbourne home of Suzanne and Adam Cunningham. Photography Eve Wilson

Timber

Timber benchtops instantly add warmth and texture to a space, particularly in kitchen areas where hard reflective surfaces can dominate. They do need to be well-sealed and regularly maintained.

Timber benchtops in this Swedish kitchen via folk hem.se. Photography by Petra Bindel. Dining zone features the Hay ‘About a chair’ chairs and Muuto ‘Under the Bell’ pendant.

Laminate

Highly cost-effective and durable, laminate offers an almost limitless range of options and applications. Like the engineered stones, these ranges keep improving and delivering consumers with finishes that look and feel like the real thing. This kitchen by Fiona Lynch Design is one of my favourites for the clever use of colour and materials.

Oxley residence by Fiona Lynch Design Office. Photography by Gorta Yuuki.

HB: When choosing a kitchen sink what should you consider? What are the options in terms of finishes?

Position
Consider whether you want your kitchen sink in the island bench, or whether it is better positioned out of the serving zone, close to the dishwasher and clearing up area.

Size
Single or double, with or without drainer. Large single sinks are popular for handling large pots and pans and, without a drainer, provide a more seamless look.

Style
Top-mount, undermount or integrated.

Finishes
Stainless steel. Affordable, durable and easy to clean, stainless steel is still the most popular choice for kitchen sinks. Undermount models are particularly easy to maintain. Brushed or satin finishes are likely to hold up better than polished or mirror finishes which will show scratches and stains.

Porcelain or ceramic. Large butler sinks (or farmhouse sinks) are popular choices. They look fabulous in both traditional and contemporary settings, particularly with concrete, black and white schemes.

Copper sinks are also making a comeback, and look superb paired with concrete or marble bench tops. UK chef Syke Gyngell recently installed a double copper sink in her kitchen – with stunning results.

Skye Gyngell’s kitchen by British Standard. Carrara marble top and splashback, Farrow & Ball Hague Blue cabinets and double copper sink. Photography by Alex Hamilton

A fully integrated stone sink is a beautiful (although expensive) option for a classic industrial look.

Integrated stone sink features in this minimalist kitchen by Belgian architect Nicolas Schuybroek.

Fully integrated marble sink features in this minimalist kitchen by Belgian architect Nicolas Schuybroek.

HB: What is the optimum size, width and height of a kitchen island?

The optimum size of a kitchen island depends on the size and style of the kitchen. Kitchen islands should be in scale to the overall size of the room and adjacent rooms. It also depends on how you want to use the space, particularly in an open plan layout. Is the kitchen island intended to be your main eating and entertaining zone? Or should it be smaller in scale to accommodate a dining space as well? Consider how your family intends to use the space and how dominant you want the island to be.

Kitchen by Mim Design. Photography Derek Swalwell.

This well-planned kitchen by Mim Design allows for both island bench and dining table seating. Photography Derek Swalwell.

HB: How far should it be from any wall cabinetry and how much clearance should you leave around it?

The kitchen island should be positioned at least 1200mm from the opposite bench. For walkways between benches allow 1200-1500mm for people to comfortably pass, and for drawers and dishwasher to be opened. Allow about a metre on the outer side of the island for traffic flow and circulation. Standard height for kitchen island is 900mm (can vary from 800-950mm depending on height of users and personal preference). Standard depth is 600-650mm, although many go up to a metre. Allow at least 300mm overhang on the outer side of the island for kitchen seating/stools.

HB: What are the best ways to convert your kitchen into an entertaining zone?

Kitchens are increasingly an extension of our dining and entertaining areas, and take on many of the finished qualities of our living zones.

To convert your kitchen into a true entertaining zone:

Position your kitchen sink off the main kitchen island. A clear, seamless bench free of kitchen taps and dishes is a sure way to make your space feel more like an entertaining zone than a clearing and washing up area. Add a bowl of fresh blooms, light some candles and you are ready for guests.

Choose kitchen stools that are light enough to move around, comfortable to sit in and encourage your guests to gather. I love the Hay ‘About a Stool’ in all black for instant style in the entertaining zone.

Black and oak set a striking tone in this minimal home in Amsterdam. Courtesy of Ewout Huibers.

For more on kitchen stools, see my post on Find the perfect stool.

Store everyday cooking essentials such as olive oil, utensils and daily condiments out of sight. Display a few of your favourite vessels with a beautiful jug, potted plant or framed print.

If space allows, create a ‘working nook’ in your kitchen zone devoted to keys, diary, school notices, party invitations and other bits of household clutter. Like an appliance nook, this area has a recessed door that can be closed before guests arrive.

And where space is no issue, a scullery is the ultimate hide-away for kitchen mess and clutter.

The Alfred St residence by Studio Four blends kitchen and dining/entertaining beautifully. Photography by Shannon McGrath

The Alfred St residence by Studio Four blends kitchen and dining/entertaining zones beautifully. Photography by Shannon McGrath

Kitchen sink is positioned off the main island and dining area in the Alfred St residence by Studio Four. Photography by Shannon McGrath.

For more on kitchens, see my post on Kitchen combinations.

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

How to style a console

May 4, 2015

Today’s feature image comes from Hall House in Victoria by one of my favourite designers, Sisalla Interior Design. Occupying a nook at the end of a hallway, this beautifully styled console, the work of stylist Andy Moore, creates a gorgeous focal point in the entry.

Hall House by Sisalla Interior Design. Styling by Andy Moore. Photography by Eve Wilson.

Vignettes

But just how do you create a console scene like this? Buy beautiful accessories? Gather a few of your favourite things? Partly, yes.
But the answer lies mainly in vignettes. A vignette is a styling technique used to create an aesthetically pleasing arrangement of items that looks and feels right.

A traditional vignette typically works from top to bottom, i.e. it flows from the wall down to the floor, using a combination of art, furniture and decorative pieces.

Now though, vignettes can be created anywhere and in a number of different ways. The term is used to describe virtually any arrangement or display of items that tells a story and looks visually appealing, including flatlays.

The classic vignette works particularly well with console tables, where there is both wall and floor space to work with.

Varying heights, shapes and textures create an interesting yet coherent display. Hall House by Sisalla Interior Design. Styling by Andy Moore. Photography by Eve Wilson. Art by Otomys.

In the feature image, you can see the vignette starts with the art, travels down through the flower and vase, the accessories, then down to the stacks of books, and finally to the base of the console. The rug is the final piece of the vignette.

The vignette creates a shape, with points of focus, that lead you through the display. Of course, none of this happens consciously. It’s just part of how the vignette works. This one has a lovely zig-zag direction, starting at the top right hand corner of the art. The flower placed on an angle takes your eye out to the left and then in again.

Sound too technical? Well it can be. But there are a few simple tips you can follow to create beautiful vignettes in your home.

Groupings

Cluster items together. Try not to spread your pieces out in a row across the console. Create depth in the grouping by placing items in front of each other. Art or prints provide an excellent backdrop to groupings set in front of them.

Below is a beautiful example of simple console styling. Of course, the art (or is it the cabinet?) is the hero here. But the small groupings either side give the vignette shape and movement. This is a pyramid shape, with fairly symmetrical composition, where each side is more or less evenly balanced.

Beautiful console styling by Peschek Interiors, featuring the Echo cabinet by Zuster and artwork by Waldemar Kolbusz. Photography by Nicole England.

Below is another great example of console styling, using a classic asymmetrical shape, where the stool is off-set to the left and counterbalanced by the lamp.

Perfect asymmetrical styling by Arent & Pyke in their Harbour House. Christian Liaigre console table. Photography by Jason Busch.

Height shape and texture

Vary the height ,shape and texture of items to create an interesting display on a console. Books are an ideal platform for other items and look great stacked. I love the styling below, which I think anyone can achieve at home. A leaning print, pot plant, stack of books and three vessels have created an effective display.

Sideboard vignette featuring ‘Pink Desert ‘from The Artwork Stylist. Photography Tom Blachford.

Odd numbers

There are really no hard and fast rules, but something that might help when styling vignettes is to work in odd numbers. For example, three vessels of varying height, five books stacked, two different candles with a piece of driftwood. Collect things you love, include something from nature and mix up textures.

Blooms

Blooms are a vignetter’s dream, as they instantly add height, colour and interest to a display.

xxx by Arent & Pyke. Styling by Megan Morton. Photography by xx

Superb styling by Megan Morton in The Avenue by Arent & Pyke. Simple blooms create a beautiful mid point and soften out the hard elements in this vignette . Photography by Anson Smart.

Trailing greenery is another way to add movement and softness to sideboard styling.

Melbourne apartment by Hecker Guthrie. Photography xx

Melbourne apartment by Hecker Guthrie. Photography Eve Wilson.

Favourites

Photographer and stylist Kara Rosenlund is a master of the vignette, creating stunning, authentic scenes that reflect a very Australian aesthetic and her adventures on the road. I love her top-to-bottom styling and ever-so-casually put together vignettes.

Renowned photographer and stylist Kara Rosenlund has a distinctly Australian style.

Square and round shapes, varying heights, colour and texture. Perfect. Styling and photography by Kara Rosenlund.

I also love the pared back style of Australian stylist, Stephanie Somebody.

Stephanie Somebody styling for Tuckbox. Photography by Tara Pearce.

Describing herself as a “stylist, curator, collector and creative director” Stephanie is also a master in flatlay vignettes, moody photography and travel scenes.

Flatlay styled and photographed by Stephanie Somebody.

And check out her incredible props cupboard!

As you can probably tell, I am a big fan of vignettes. You can create them anywhere in the home, with pieces you already have and things you find outside or at the beach.

With consoles, creating vignettes is a beautiful way to re-style and re-love the beautiful treasures you have. Move things around, add foliage or blooms and just have fun bringing your favourite pieces back to life.

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

Beautiful bedsides

April 17, 2015

Feature image: Crisp St apartment by Mim Design. Photography Derek Swalwell

Bedside styling has come a long way. If you look at any styled magazine shoot of a bedroom, chances are there won’t be a typical ‘bedside’ in the frame. And by that, I mean a bedside chest with drawers down to the floor or a cabinet with drawer and door.

Stylised bedrooms

Styled shoots, like this one from Country Road, have introduced simpler styling where the focus is on layers and textures rather than furniture

Styled shoots, like this one from Country Road, have popularised simpler styling where the focus is on layers and textures rather than furniture.

That’s not to say there isn’t a place for a traditional bedside table, it’s just that preferences have changed. The square, boxy shapes of old tend to date quickly and usually can’t be repurposed to another space or function in the home. Plus, with more storage options available, people are relocating items from the bedside to built in or walk in robes.

In their place we are seeing more relaxed shapes and a focus on style over function.

Today, I’m sharing a few of my favourite bedside and lamp combinations.

Stylised tables

For those who know me, it will come as no surprise that high on my list of favourites is the Jardan Tuck table. This piece works in a number of bedroom settings and always comes up beautifully. Clean, classic and with just enough detail to make you notice, this beauty has a marble top, leather shelf and American Oak legs. And I love that it is all-Australian designed and manufactured.

I love the Tuck table paired with the Ross Gardam Silhouette lamp, or the brushed Orient hanging pendant.

The Orient is a classic pendant that won't date. This copper design has been around long before the current copper craze and replicas flooded the market.

The Orient is a classic pendant that won’t date. This copper design has been around for a while – long before the current copper craze and replicas flooded the market.

I also love the mid-century design of the Arne Jacobsen AJ lamp, available in black or white.

Jardan Tuck table in this beautiful berry and blue scheme by Doherty Design Studio. Photography b y Armelle Habib.

Jardan Tuck table in this beautiful scheme by Doherty Design Studio. Artwork – the Strata Series by Trevor Mein at Otomys. Photography by Armelle Habib.

Jardan Tuck table in a bedroom by Mim Design. Photographed by Derek Swalwell. Artwork by Kirra Jamison.

Jardan Tuck table in a bedroom by Mim Design. Photography by Derek Swalwell. Artwork by Kirra Jamison.

For other stylish side table options, have a look at the range from Mr Frag. I love the Cloud collection with white carrara marble top and oak legs, also designed and made in Australia.

Mr Frag’s Cloud table makes an elegant statement as a bedside. Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for The Design Chaser .

Douglas + Bec cross brass side table with oak top in choice of colours.

Ross Didier Fable stool 01 .

Zuster Stella side table. The black version looks fabulous in a bedroom.

Zuster Stella side table. The black and dark walnut versions looks fabulous in a bedroom.

Jardan Sidney side table.

Sidney side table in a moody bedroom photographed by Eve Wilson.

Sidney side table in a moody winter bedroom created by The Design Files. Photography by Eve Wilson.

With these bedside options, I love the Mega Bulb glass pendant or smokey glass options as seen in the ranges by Helen Kontouris, Normann Copenhagen or Simon James Design.

This stunning bedroom scene created in the apartment home of Eddie Kaul and Richa Pant by Hecker Guthrie. Photography by Eve Wilson. Mega Bulb pendant lighting looking gorgeous with these soft bedroom linens and watercolour by Nicolas Harding.

The Mega Bulb pendant in this stunning bedroom created in the apartment home of Eddie Kaul and Richa Pant by Hecker Guthrie. Photography by Eve Wilson. A simple, clean look with these soft bedroom linens and watercolour by Nicolas Harding.

Mega Bulb by &Tradition with the Raft NA4 stool by Norm Architects.

Softscape by Helen Kontouris.

Normann Copenhagen Amp pendants.

Please contact me for trade pricing and stockists.For more on my favourite side tables, see my post on Coffee and Side tables. For more pendant lighting inspiration, see my post on How to hang pendant lighting.

Timber stools

Solid timber stools are a popular choice for bedsides, in both casual and contemporary schemes.

So very Australian. I absolutely love this bedroom setting created by Louella Tuckey, using the Mark Tuckey Eggcup stool.

So very Australian. I love this bedroom setting created by Louella Tuckey, using the Mark Tuckey Eggcup stool. Photography by Lucas Allen.

Mark Tuckey Eggcup stool

Zuster Sabrina stool

Jardan Stanley stool

The standing lamp

I’m liking the move away from traditional bedside lamps too. Floor lamps can look fantastic in the right setting as an alternative to matching bedside lamps. And they take clutter off the bedside.

The Gubi Grasshopper is perfect as a bedroom floor lamp as it is not too tall and complements a number of different sides.

The Gubi Grasshopper lamp is the perfect scale and shape alongside the Raft NA4 stool. This bedroom from the Crisp St apartments in Melbourne by Mim Design and photographed by Derek Swalwell.

The Gubi Grasshopper lamp is the perfect scale and shape alongside the Raft NA4 stool. From the Crisp St apartments in Melbourne by Mim Design. Photography by Derek Swalwell.

Here, the Gubi Grasshopper lamp is the perfect complement to the Cappellini Bong side table. Photography by Eve Wilson. Production by Lucy Feagins of The Design Files.

Here, the Gubi Grasshopper lamp is a stylish match with the Cappellini Bong side table. Photography by Eve Wilson. Production by Lucy Feagins of The Design Files.

For another take on the standing lamp, I love the Arne Jacobsen AJ lamp paired with the classic Eero Saarinen marble tulip side table.

Park House in Melbourne by Leeton Pointon Architects + Interiors and Allison Pye Interiors. Photography Peter Bennetts.

Custom design

I totally understand that some people want at least one drawer or shelf on their bedside. However, finding something in between a chunky bedside and a stylised side table is challenging. So if you’re after storage as well as good looks, it’s worth considering a custom design. Custom-designed furniture sounds scary, but often works out better and cheaper than a store-bought item.

Please contact me for details on custom-designed furniture.

These are just a few of my picks. There are of course many more options available, depending on the look and feel you are after in your bedroom.

My main advice, though, is think about what you are buying. Think about where it is made, how it is made and how long you’d like it to last. I see a lot of options on the market that are cheaply made yet expensive to buy.

Invest in pieces that you make you feel good, and your room look beautiful.

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

How to hang art

March 24, 2015

Feature image: Figtree House by Arent & Pyke. Photography Felix Forest. Styling Megan Morton. Art Marisa Purcell.

For me, art has always had a special place in the home.
Art is a beautiful expression of the owners’ style, interests, passion and personality.

Whether your ‘art’ is an original, print or homemade masterpiece, a piece of artwork lifts a space out of the mundane and makes it truly unique.

Scale

My number one tip when choosing and hanging art is to consider scale. If you are going for a single piece, go as large as your budget and the space will allow, taking into account the size of your room and the scale of furniture. One hero piece in a dining room, living rom or bedroom can be spectacular, if it is the right size. But often people hang pieces that are too small.

As a general rule, artwork should be at least two-thirds the size of a sofa or sideboard, and be positioned close to it.

These spaces have scaled the artwork perfectly.

Large scale art by Paul Davies in this calming space by Mim Design

Ellie Malin print the ideal scale in the dining room of Simone and Rhys Haag‘s Melbourne home. Photography Sean Fennessy.

Beautiful large scale art by Christine White, also in the home of Simone and Rhys Haag.

And if you don’t have or want a large scale artwork, position a smaller piece off centre and within a grouping of other furniture.
For example, I love how this artwork in a home by Doherty Design Studio sits off centre from the couch, but close and connected with the lamp, side table and flooring.

Artwork: Rene Twigg at Otomys. Photography Armelle Habib

Hanging too high

I’m not sure why this happens, but people tend to hang art too high.
I think it’s because they think art should be kept “away” from other surfaces and elements in the room, or from people. In fact the opposite is true. Art should be hung with the centre at eye-level so that it integrates and harmonises with furniture, lighting and other accessories in the room.

Figtree House by Arent & Pyke. Photography Felix Forrest

Figtree House by Arent & Pyke. Photography Felix Forest. Styling Megan Morton.

I love how the art in this space is hung low and side on to the sofa – it’s part of the conversation and fully integrated with all the elements and people in the room.

This beautiful artwork is by Australian artist Marisa Purcell.

Mixed mediums

Don’t be afraid of mixing artworks to create interest and impact, particularly where pieces may be too small to hang on their own.

Image courtesy of TDF. Photography by Eve Wilson

Left-right: Julian Meagher, Emma Lipscombe and Belynda Henry art make a beautiful collection on this wall at the Design Files Open House 2014.

Free-standing art

Propping artwork up against a wall is a popular way to display art for a more casual look. I love the photographic range by The Artwork Stylist for an affordable alternative to original art.

Ice Berg photographic art by The Artwork Stylist

Mantles, shelves and sideboards are also a great place to layer art. And don’t be afraid to work in other accessories in front of and around your art.

Amazing oversized Koala drawing ‘The Alchemist’ by artist Carla Fletcher

Pink Desert from The Artwork Stylist. Photography Tom Blachford

Gallery walls

Gallery walls are the perfect way to display smaller artworks of varying size and shape. Cut out paper versions of the pieces you have in mind and test out different configurations on the wall.

I like the layouts below where the first row is hung in a straight line, and then the other pieces hung up and around it.

And note the height of the first row – nice and low. The middle of the gallery is about eye-level.

Image via Kate Monteith

For family photographs and prints, create a dramatic gallery using similar frames. The trick here is to go en masse and create a shape, rather than one or two photos placed randomly.

Arent & Pyke create a dynamic gallery of family portraits in their Potts Point Pied-a-terre project

So be brave with your art. Choose artworks that are large enough in proportion to the room, or create collections of smaller pieces that add personality and life to your space. And hang them at a height so they are living and breathing amongst you and your furnishings.

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

The Power of Colour – Dulux Colour Awards 2015

March 18, 2015

Colour is such an important part of an interiors scheme. Colour has the power to move us, create feeling and add personality. And the right combination of colour in a space can completely transform the way we experience it.

Which is why I love the Dulux Colour Awards. These awards are dedicated to recognising the innovative use of colour by Australian designers and architects to create beautiful and inspiring spaces.

Each of the shortlisted projects has used colour to beautiful effect, each with a different mood and outcome.

It’s nearly impossible to pick favourites as the standard is so high, but I have to admit I am favouring the moodier palettes appearing in the shortlist this year.

In the Single Residential Interior category, I love the muted palette created by Flack Studio in their East Melbourne residence project.

The use of colour in this room is subtle yet striking at the same time. A muted backdrop of greys and whites is beautifully punctuated with rose, gold, black and marble.

For me, the magic of this space is in the contrast of textures (soft linen, sheepskin and velvet against hard surfaces of gold and marble) and shapes (round + angular geometrics). Stunning.

Image credits Brooke Holm and Marsha Golemac.

Travis Walton Architecture has created a beautifully moody and dramatic palette in his short-listed project, the Domain Residence, using whites, greys and powerful shots of blue.

Photography by Derek Swalwell.

The Avenue Project by Arent & Pyke is also a finalist in the Single Residential Interior category. These designers have already won a number of awards for The Avenue and it’s easy to see why. This was by far one of my favourite published homes last year.

Exquisite detail, respect for the heritage of the home and a palette of petrol blues, stormy greys and white with shots of green and red make for an energising and elegant environment.

Photography by Anson Smart. Styling by Megan Morton.

The Parisian-style Entrecote Restaurant in South Yarra, another project by Flack Studio, is a stunning example of unique colour application to an interior scheme. The restaurant combines three different colour palettes, ranging from sagey-mint green to vibrant vermillion and pink, each worked back with black, white and old world charm.

A finalist in the Commercial Interior Public Space and Hospitality category, this project shows what can be achieved when colour is used courageously and with flair.

Photography by Brooke Holm.

A panel of leading designers – including designer Simon James and artist David Bromley – will judge the shortlisted projects, with the winners announced on 25 March 2015 at a gala event in Melbourne.

View the full list of the categories and finalists in this year’s Dulux Colour Awards here.

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

Dulux Collaboration – Ginger & Smart

March 8, 2015

Where fashion meets interior design

Dulux Australia has partnered with fashion duo, Ginger & Smart, to create a unique series of rooms inspired by the colours, patterns and textures of the pair’s ‘Arcadia’ Winter Collection.

The collaboration is part of Dulux Australia‘s interior design initiative, United by Style, which aims to demonstrate innovative styling techniques that take the latest fashion trends into the home.

“Fashion and style has a strong influence on the home and we feel this strategic partnership will allow for thought provoking initiatives that blur the boundaries between the industries”, says Rachel Oakley, Marketing Manager, Dulux Australia Colour.

“We are proud to be aligning with a premium Australian fashion label that aspires to luxury design and celebrates colour,” Oakley said.

Led by creative consultant, Bree Leech, the Dulux interior design team set to work on a tiny 3 room terrace in Melbourne, transforming it into a stunning display of the colours, style and spirit of the ‘Arcadia’ collection, with the help and influence of sisters Alexandra and Genevieve Smart.

Heather Nette King assisted with the styling, while Christopher Watterston was responsible for the paint application and specialty finishes in the scheme, including the stunning ombre effect seen behind this mantle.

The rooms showcase a predominantly blue, black and teal scheme, offset by timber flooring and white accent pieces with rose gold and copper accessories. The ‘Afterglow’ paint selections for the walls range from blue-black tones in Dulux ‘Metalise’ and ‘Sailing Safari’ through to teal green, mauve and soft blue in Dulux ‘Rockpool’, ‘Rockabilly’ and ‘Sky Chase’. The white paint used is Dulux ‘Serene Quarter’.

Photography by Lisa Cohen.

This collaboration continues the impressive work of the United in Style team, which has previously worked with fashion designers Romance Has Born and Lisa Gorman, to illustrate the ever-increasing intersection of the worlds of colour, design, fashion and interiors.

See the full write up in the March 2015 issue of Vogue Living.

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

Sibella Court – Society Inc Warehouse

March 4, 2015

Entering the space of Sibella Court’s new warehouse, the Society Inc, in St Peters, Sydney, is like walking into an undiscovered treasure trove. Hand lettering, rustic chairs, haberdashery, hardware and bespoke surfboards are just some of the gems you will stumble across in this Aladdin’s Cave of style.

Sibella describes herself as an “interior stylist, product designer, historian, globetrotter and creative director”. And elements of all of these can be seen in the nooks and crannies of this vast space.

There is a strong sea-faring theme running through the warehouse. Concrete floors, corrugated iron and rustic timbers are the backdrop to billowing curtains, paper lanterns and nautical artefacts.

And then there’s the boards. How beautiful is this indigo shibori-inspired long board? Sibella collaborates with Byron Bay company McTavish Surf to produce a range of custom surf boards.

There’s even a boat to house the cushions. Behind this, Sibella showcases some of the colours from her collaboration collection of paints with Murobond Paints.

Again, these collections are inspired by Sibella’s love of the sea and adventures abroad, with nautical-inspired names and old school sampling.

I love the impact of this dark rosey-coppery wall painted in ‘Gitanes’, meaning ‘Gypsy woman’.

I also loved this geo pattern painted on the concrete floor in the wash basin area.

You get the pirate thing now?

In amongst the tables, shelves and drawers, you will also find an impressive collection of hardware items, haberdashery, soaps and crockery, sourced from Sibella’s travels overseas and locally.

The good thing is, most of what you see is available to buy. And it’s hard to resist when they’re wrapped in tissue as beautiful as this.

I absolutely loved my visit to the Society Inc. Warehouse and could have foraged there for hours. A little off the beaten track, this unique showroom is part of the Precinct 75 development in Mary St, St Peters, Sydney.

A must-see for anyone who loves interiors, likes to browse and is happy to get lost in the gypsy/pirate-inspired world of Sibella Court.

Home and lifestyle Preview – Autumn/Winter 2015

February 23, 2015

It was great to be back in Sydney last week to preview the new homewares and lifestyle ranges from Australian designers for the Autumn/Winter 2015 season.

Many brands released their new ranges at The Life Instyle trade show at the Royal Hordern Pavilion, a boutique trade event where suppliers and wholesalers showcase their art, furniture, lifestyle and homewares ranges for the upcoming season to the industry.

Strongly trending colours for the coming season include peach, melon, tangerine, sky blue and indigo, while pale greys, charcoal and white continue to provide the backdrop for graphic patterns and geometric design. I loved seeing the use of bright blues and greens against softer pastels in some of the ranges.

Kate & Kate

Releasing their first collection in 2013, the Kate and Kate range of cotton blankets quickly became a cult product in the homewares market. The sister-in-law duo has done it again for 2015, launching new colour ways for their beautiful blankets and debuting two new products.

In a unique collaboration with Melbourne creative Marsha Golemac, the ‘Capsule Collection’ combines new graphics with shots of blue, green and pink worked back with classic black, white and grey.

Marsha Golemac for Kate and Kate - Anika Giant blanket

Marsha Golemac for Kate & Kate – Anika ‘Good Night ‘Giant blanket

Marsha Golemac for Kate & Kate – Hendrik Classic blanket

This collaboration collection is a beautiful complement to their new season ‘Quiet Geometry’ range of blankets, featuring sky blue, peach and signature shades of grey and charcoal.

Kate & Kate ‘Quiet Geometry’ Autumn/Winter 2015 range of blankets

This season also sees the release of a new range of linen throws for Kate & Kate. I love the soft graphics and pastel hues in the Sea Tangle range.

New throws by Kate & Kate are hand screen printed on 100% linen. Use them as a blanket, beach throw, picnic rug or table cloth.

And if that wasn’t enough, these clever designers also debuted a new range of velour/terry towels!

The Indie Buoy and Sea Tangle towels by Kate & Kate in 100% cotton.

Photography by Brooke Holm.

Lumiere Art + Co

Life Instyle saw the launch of the Autumn Winter 2015 ‘Art House’ range for talented designer Emma Cleine of Lumiere Art + Co.

Drawing on Emma’s background as an artist and her love of unique dying and printing techniques, the Art House collection is a beautiful interplay of pattern, colour and texture. I particularly love the Shibori Linen Fringe collection of cushions and throws.

‘Perfect Circles’, ‘Drawing Grid’ and ‘Horizon Line’ designs in the Art House textiles range by Lumiere Art + Co

The Golden Arches and Thumb Tack designs showcase bolder prints in bright hues of melon, peach and aqua.

Golden Arches Oatmeal throw in melon with gold fringing

Golden Arches Oatmeal linen throw in melon with gold fringing

Photography Armelle Habib. Styling Aimee Tarulli for Greenhouse Interiors.

Marmoset Found

Cherie and Nareen are the founders of Melbourne-based Marmoset Found, a wholesale business producing a range of ceramics, lighting and homewares. I love their range for its handcrafted, tactile and raw aesthetic.

This year, the designers continued the success of their ‘Cloud’ range of serving plates and vessels with new colour ways in lilac, sky and charcoal. These work beautifully with existing pieces in white and dove grey.

The designers also released a new range of linen throws and a dreamy collection of cotton and canvas cushions.

Lilac, sky blue an charcoal feature in the new range of throws and cushions from Marmoset Found

Lilac, sky blue and charcoal feature in the new range of throws and cushions from Marmoset Found

One Another

One Another is an ethical producer of homewares and accessories, partnering with communities in South Africa and India to provide fair employment conditions and independent income for impoverished women.

Designers Rick and Annette Carter are dedicated to helping women in challenging regions through their homewares range, as well as contributing to sustainable design. Some of their cushions for example are handmade from jersey cotton using the by-product of cotton mills in Cape Town.

I loved seeing the blush/nude tones combine with stronger tangerine, charcoal and black in their Intersect range this year.

Every product is hand-signed by the embroiderer or weaver who made it. This year, One Another was nominated in the ‘Ethical’ category of the GALA Awards.

Styled by Bettina McIlwraith.

Hope you enjoyed my round-up of the new Autumn Winter 2015 homewares and lifestyle ranges. These gorgeous products will be available online and in stores from March 2015.

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

How to work with pink

February 13, 2015

Pink is one of those colours you may not consider using in your living space. Little girls’ rooms and nurseries – yes – but family living spaces? Probably no. Surprisingly though, pink finds its way into many interior schemes because it works so well with other colours and textures, and, even in small doses, adds personality and warmth to a space. In the right setting, pink can be very sophisticated.

Pinks of the blush, peach and pastel variety are particularly on-trend at the moment.

I’ve rounded up my favourite pink pieces and show you how they can work in your space too.

Pink and black

Pink and black is a classic combination that brings depth and structure to a space. I love the pairing of this lounge chair and ottoman with a black Arne Jacobsen AJ floor lamp. Add concrete walls and timber floors, and you have possibly the perfect backdrop for pink.

The gorgeous black and copper grid cushion by Louise Roe Design is available from Norsu Interiors.

Image via The Little Design Corner

The Zuster Tribute console is a stunning statement in blush and black.

Here, the Simon James Design Passenger sofa looks gorgeous with black feet and black coffee table. Available from District.

This stunning image was the cover image for Vogue Living’s May/June 2014 edition. Entitled ‘Pale Perfection’ I think it sums up why pink can be so effective. Black artwork and black accents with a pale pink Arne Jacobsen Swan chair make for a cosy, inviting living space. Note how the soft textures in the pastel pieces are contrasted with the angular shapes in the floor lamp and rug. Soft but strong, this is a beautiful scheme.

Photo by Raul Candales for Vogue Living Australia

Pink and white

Pink and white is another classic combination and the foundation of many Scandi-inspired schemes. Here, the Ro chair is a perfect fit with white panelled walls.

The Ro chair is one of my all-time favourites for a feature living room chair that is both functional and beautiful. Designed by Jaime Hayon for Fritz Hansen in 2013, the chair stands for tranquility and a place for reflection.

Available from Mobilia.

Pink and other colours

Pink is actually a colour that works beautifully with many other colours, such as blue, navy, green, orange, purple, all kinds of grey and brown.

Pink and green should definitely be seen – here the Kelly ottoman and stool range from Jardan.

Pink and tonally-alike colours

Pink works beautifully when paired with other colours of a similar tone, as seen in these Drop chairs by Arne Jacobsen in pale pink, green and tan. Originally designed in 1958, the Drop chair was relaunched in 2014.

Pink accessories

If you are not able to go for a piece of pink furniture, pink accessories can do the same job. The Hay ‘Colour Carpet’ rug combines pink and pastel hues with a shot of black. Available from Design Farm.

The Ross Gardam Silhouette lamp is designed and handcrafted in Melbourne. The rosy copper shade against the simple, minimalist black base makes a striking addition to the bedroom or office space.

Available from Stylecraft.

Tonal pink accessories also work well, as seen in the Menu bottle grinders in Nude.

Pink with timber, textures and leather

Pink is a perfect complement to a range of finishes including timber, marble, brass and leather. These combinations pull it off beautifully.

Nude leather and natural oak in the Rama chair by OX Design.

Douglas + Bec coffee table in brass, oak and blush.

Jardan Alby floor cushions in soft pink and tan leather.

So don’t overlook pink. Not only is it a natural pairing with black, white and grey, it has the ability to work with a number of other colours too. Modern pinks add sophistication, warmth and softness to a space.

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

Newer Posts

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Jane’s Styling tips

Choose a simple colour palette for the table and stick to it.

Every Christmas table should have just a little sparkle.

Greenery.

Not everything has to match.

Credits Styling: Jane Ledger, Jane Ledger Interiors Photography: Iain Gillespie, The West Australian Newspaper Location: Styled and shot on location at the ‘Vincent’ display home, Perry Lakes, courtesy of Austurban Homes Published: 4 December 2015

Bathrooms

HB: What should people consider when planning their ensuite?

HB: What is a good starting point when choosing ensuite finishes?

HB: What are the best material choices for bathroom floors? Pros and cons?

Natural stone (marble, granite, travertine).

Porcelain

Kitchens

HB: What are the most popular kitchen benchtop materials? Pros and cons?

Marble

Engineered stone

Stainless steel

Timber

Laminate

HB: When choosing a kitchen sink what should you consider? What are the options in terms of finishes?

HB: What is the optimum size, width and height of a kitchen island?

HB: How far should it be from any wall cabinetry and how much clearance should you leave around it?

HB: What are the best ways to convert your kitchen into an entertaining zone?

Jane Ledger Interior Designer

Vignettes

Groupings

Height shape and texture

Odd numbers

Blooms

Favourites

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Stylised bedrooms

Stylised tables

Timber stools

The standing lamp

Custom design

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Scale

Hanging too high

Mixed mediums

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Gallery walls

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Jane Ledger Interior Designer

Where fashion meets interior design

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Trending

Kate & Kate

Lumiere Art + Co

Marmoset Found

One Another

Pink and black

Pink and white

Pink and other colours

Pink and tonally-alike colours

Pink accessories

Pink with timber, textures and leather

Jane Ledger Interior Designer

Credits
Styling: Jane Ledger, Jane Ledger Interiors
Photography: Iain Gillespie, The West Australian Newspaper
Location: Styled and shot on location at the ‘Vincent’ display home, Perry Lakes, courtesy of Austurban Homes
Published: 4 December 2015

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer