Coffee and Side tables

January 11, 2015

Feature image: Jardan Tuck side table works as both a side table or bedside table. Pictured here with the Harper armchair and Sol table lamp.

Today I round up my favourite coffee table designs and share why I love them and how they can work in your living space.

Australian design

Where possible, I like to suggest all-Australian made and manufactured options to my clients. Nathan Day Design has become a particular favourite, designing bespoke pieces from his studio in Yallingup, WA. Nathan creates streamlined, beautifully handcrafted pieces in American oak, walnut and ebonised timbers. The ‘Over the Falls’ coffee table is a superb example of his craftsmanship and can be customised to a range of sizes and finishes. Here, it is seen in Walnut with black ebonised legs.

Nathan’s ‘Wonton’ tables also work well for smaller spaces, or for bedsides.

Nathan Day pieces are available from Design Farm.

For Australian design, Jardan also has some of my favourite coffee and side tables.

Jardan’s ‘Fred’ range comes with a timber, marble or powder-coated top, and the base in a range of colours. I love this look with a slouchy couch for a casual, contemporary family living area.

The Jardan ‘Iko’ range also has a modern look with marble top and timber base.

For something different, I also like Ross Gardam‘s all-Australian made Tailored collection of tables. Solid oak legs and spun metal top make a statement in the living area. Available from Stylecraft.

NZ design

Simon James Design is a New Zealand based company creating a range of contemporary furniture pieces. I like their Link range of side and coffee tables for a simple, stylish look. Available with black or white base.

Simon James pieces are available from District.

Danish design

The Hay ‘Bella’ table was first designed for the luxury hotel Bella Sky in Copenhagen. It comes in a range of stains and sizes, perfect for nesting or as an individual side table.

Hay Bella tables in contrasting colours and height

The Muuto ‘Around’ table is another Danish classic. Created by Thomas Bentzen, this range is both elegant and practical. I love the raised edge and round shape in this collection.

Available from Living Edge.

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

New mood – guest bedroom

November 6, 2014

How to create a sophisticated guest bedroom

With furniture from previous houses and a few relics of the past, this client’s guest bedroom had become a little forgotten and was out of sync with the rest of the home. The brief was to transform it into a sophisticated, stylish zone where the owners would feel comfortable inviting guests.

Positioned at the front of the house and accessible to visitors, it was important to get this room right since it forms part of the “public zone” of the home. So while it is a bedroom, we wanted to give it some of the characteristics of a more styled living space too.

For this brief, I was inspired by the moody colours of nature and textural linens. Drawing on the home’s contemporary decor, I wanted to reflect this palette in the bedroom, while at the same time creating a calm and clean aesthetic.

Indigo inspiration by Ditte Isager via Edge Reps

My own colour palette was drawn from Australian designers, Jardan Furniture, Armadillo rugs and Hale Mercantile Co linen.

Colour palette by Jane Ledger, Jane Ledger Interiors.

Colour and texture palette by Jane Ledger Interiors.

Here’s how

Art sets the tone

Art can completely change the mood of a room. For me, it was the starting point in refurbishing this bedroom. I suggested an abstract artwork by Madeleine Casey called ‘Odyssey in Black’. The combination of light, dark and subtle metallic colours in this piece sets a moody but calming tone.

‘Odyssey in Black’ by Madeleine Casey

Beautiful bed

Anchoring the look is the Jardan Finley bed with leather sling bedhead. The combination of nude-coloured leather with an American oak frame is a stunning addition of texture and warmth to the space.

Jardan Finley bed

An alternative design without leather is the Nook bed in brushed linen. This piece has a minimal profile and recessed legs for a clean look that won’t date.

With its minimalist design, the Jardan Nook bed has a floating appearance

Jardan Nook bed offers a minimalist design

To dress the bed, I’ve suggested 100% linen by Hale Mercantile Co. This is a stunning range of bedlinen, spun from premium grade flax sourced from France and Belgium. The result is a superior level of softness, texture and durability, with colours ranging from deep charcoal, blue and chartreuse through to soft lilac and sable. Once you’ve slept in these sheets, you will never go back!

HMCo linen bedding offers superior quality and softness

The HMCo range of linen bedding and accessories is available in Australia through Cranmore Home.

Another option is a vintage-washed look, such as the Reilly range by Sheridan. Adairs also offer a good quality vintage washed range. In warmer months go for a quilted coverlet instead of a doona which can be tucked in and provide a seamless look in a guest bedroom.

Sheridan Reilly range

Adairs vintage-washed range

Versatile bedsides

For guest bedrooms I often like to suggest bedsides that aren’t really bedsides. It lightens up the floor space and creates a more stylised look. For this room, I specified two Eero Saarinen tulip side tables with marble tops.

Lighting

For bedside lighting, I’ve suggested a floor lamp instead of traditional matching bedside lamps. The Gubi ‘Grasshopper’ lamp in Warm Grey will save space on the side table and create visual interest in the room.

Floor rug

Providing texture and comfort underfoot is the Sierra Weave floor rug in Silt by Armadillo. The warm tones of this piece work beautifully with the leather bedhead, linen and artwork.

Brass is the new copper

To complete the look, I suggested accessories from Tom Dixon, including the Bash range of brass bowls and glass Earth candle. These hues will look gorgeous on the marble side tables against the stormy, metallic tones in the artwork.

Brass is the new copper. Add metallics without the bright shine with the Tom Dixon Bash range of bowls and vessels

I love the new 'Earth' range of candles from Tom Dixon. This vessel will look amazing even after the candle has burned

The Earth range of candles from Tom Dixon. This vessel will look stunning long after the candle has burned

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

Choose the right sofa

October 27, 2014

Feature image: Mosh House by Foong + Sormann featuring the Empire sofa by Jardan. Photography by Derek Swalwell.

The sofa is an important lifestyle piece. It’s central to family gathering and comfort, and, being the largest piece in the room, also sets the overall style and tone of your living room. If you’ve ever been sofa shopping, you’ll know how hard it can be to strike the right balance between function, quality and comfort.

And it’s easy to fall in love with (or settle for) a particular design before checking that it really suits the space or your lifestyle. Here’s my checklist of what to look for when sofa-shopping, as well as a few of my favourite styles.

Size

The size of your sofa should be in proportion to the size of the room and its function. Slim-line styles in large open plan areas can look lost, while chunky styles in a small space can be too heavy. Measure out your space before shopping and know the maximum dimensions you have to play with. What else do you need to accommodate in the room – is there a central coffee table, or will you go for side tables and an ottoman? Map out your key pieces and allow enough room for movement and other furniture.

If you are in the middle of a new build, chalk out the measurements of your preferred sofa options on site. An empty space is the perfect opportunity to get dimensions right.

Brighton residence by Robert Mills Architects. Photography by Earl Carter.

Style

The shape and style you choose should complement the style of your home and, most importantly, the people who are going to use it. Is it a family lounging area for television viewing or a formal space? Either way, choose a classic style you can take with you rather than a trend.

The Jardan Nook is a classic design that won’t date.

The Nook sofa seen here in the Richmond showroom, captured by James Geer.

The Nook sofa seen here in the Jardan Richmond showroom, captured by James Geer.

Diane Bergeron for Arthur G offers a more traditional look.

Moveable, lightweight pieces are perfect for informal areas and kid zones. I love the playful Quadrant Soft sofa range, available from Koskela.

The Quadrant Soft sofa range is made from high density foam without a timber frame.

Arms and legs

Should you buy a sofa with legs or no legs? As a general rule, slimmer styles with feet work well in small spaces. They elevate the sofa off the ground and lighten the space.

Neat minimalist design with feet in The Passenger by Simon James

Low profile design with minimalist legs in The Passenger by Simon James.

American Oak frame and legs in the Jardan Wilfred. Melbourne apartment by Hecker Guthrie. Photography by Eve Wilson.

In larger spaces, sofas can come right down to the floor without visible feet. This also suits modular styles well.

The April modular with leather detailing by Zuster.

The height and width of arms is important if you want to lounge or lie down on the sofa. Wide chunky arms look best on modular styles where comfort and relaxation (or sleep!) is the main consideration.

Sofas with arms the same height as the back can look great, but may not suit your purpose. They do, however, provide a good solution for space constrained rooms.

The Gus Atwood sofa from Globewest is a stylish option where sitting rather than lounging is the main function.

Orientation

Think about where your sofa will be positioned in your home. Is it one of the first things you see in the house? Can you walk freely into the sofa space or is there an arm or back greeting you? I usually prefer an open orientation for sofas where people are welcomed into the sofa space. A single sofa and two accent chairs work well to create an open space, as do two sofas at right angles.

Modulars are great space-savers, allowing you to seat more people in less space. But they can be “blockers” to circulation and movement if positioned incorrectly. Opt for a chaise configuration (ie a sofa piece without an arm or back) for a portion of the modular for a less bulky look.

The Tufty sectional sofa has a low-line profile, perfect for backing on to a dining area. This family room designed by Robson Rak Architects in collaboration with Made by Cohen. Photography by Shannon McGrath.

If a back is unavoidable, or you want to define the zone between the lounge and dining area, create an inferred ‘hallway’ with the back of the sofa and choose a low-line style.

My picks

Australian designed and manufactured, the Jardan Wilfred is an all-round favourite.

I also love Jardan’s Lucky sofa with its cross stitch cushions and recessed feet.

Another Australian design house, Studio Pip, produces some great family-friendly designs including the Hank.

Staple & Co also produce great sofas here in Australia. The Lennon is one of their best sellers for comfort and contemporary design.

The Lennon looking gorgeous in the Cross St Project by C+M Studio.

Lennon detail

For a chunkier style that works well for families and lounging, the Empire is an iconic design from Jardan.

Mosh House by Foong + Sormann featuring the 'Empire' sofa by Jardan. Photographed by Derek Swalwell.

Mosh House by Foong + Sormann featuring the Empire sofa by Jardan. Photography by Derek Swalwell.

It also works well in chaise and modular configurations.

The Empire in chaise format.

For a modular with feet, try the Simon James Knack range.

As with any investment piece, test and try before you buy. With the measurements and scale of your room in hand, you will be able to find the right sofa for you and your lifestyle.

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

How to hang Pendant lighting

September 5, 2014

Feature image: Modernist Sydney beach house photographed by Prue Ruscoe. Muuto Unfold pendant, Saarinen Tulip table, Hans Wegner chairs.

Not just decorative, pendant lighting offers additional task lighting in areas that need it most, like kitchens, bathrooms and bedsides.

Hung in a cluster, row or individually, thoughtfully chosen pendants create a beautiful focal point for your room.

Here’s a round up of my favourite pendant lights, together with my top tips on how to hang them.

Muuto Unfold

The Muuto Unfold pendant is a classic design. Made of silicon, it quite literally ‘unfolds’ from the package. I love how it combines subtle industrial styling with soft rubbery texture. Available in a range of brights and pastels, this design works anywhere from kitchen bench to dining table. Find them at Top3ByDesign and Remedy store.

Coco Flip

I love this Australian designer. Kate Stokes of Coco Flip Design Studio makes her handcrafted Coco Pendant in Melbourne from turned Victorian ash timber and powder coated spun aluminium. It’s no wonder this design has won several industry awards. Hang one or two of the smaller size Coco pendants in the kitchen, use one large pendant over the dining table, or illuminate your hallway with this Australian classic. Available from Design Farm.

Normann Copenhagen Bell

One of my favourites, the Normann Copenhagen bell pendant features a bell-shaped shade with leather strap gathering and textile cord. Originally released in white and grey, the collection now includes the ‘Nude’ range in sandy hues. Hang these individually or in a cluster for a stunning effect. Available from Great Dane Furniture.

Benjamin Hubert Spinning

This one is a true beauty. Inspired by a child’s spinning top, the Spinning Light comes in large and teardrop sizes in matte grey, gloss black, white, yellow and purple. Together, the two shapes make a beautiful sculptural statement in the dining room, feature corner or bedroom.

How to hang pendant lighting

There are a few things to consider when hanging pendant lights:

Scale. Make sure the scale of pendant you choose suits the size of the room. Too-small pendants can look lost and lack purpose. If you’re unsure, most suppliers will be happy for you to try and return.

Number. If you’ve fallen in love with a small-scale pendant, try two or three in a cluster. Or vary the shape of your pendants to create a visually interesting look. Three is great, but two pendants at staggered heights will also work in smaller spaces, such as a bathroom. One is wonderful for chandeliers and large statement pieces.

Tom Dixon ‘Beat’ range is perfect for staggered feature lighting

One works wonders over a dining table

Two of the Mega Bulb SR2 pendants by &tradition work beautifully in this nook

When installing pendants in the kitchen, three works for a long island bench, or try two offset. However, make sure the scale of pendant you choose suits the length of your kitchen bench and the overall space.

Arent & Pyke get it right every time. Three in a row in a large scale kitchen (above). Two for a smaller scale kitchen (below)

And how gorgeous do the Hay stools look in this striking design?

(For more on my favourite stools see janeledger.com.au/find-the-perfect-stool/)

Height. I’m the first to admit hanging pendants is not easy, particularly when your electrician has been up and down the ladder a thousand times already. But it’s important to get it right. The most common mistake with pendants (like art) is hanging them too high. As a general rule, rooms with high ceilings require pendants that are bigger and hang lower. Smaller pendants usually need to be lower than large pendants. Think about the use of the room – where will people be walking, sitting, eating or reading? Make sure there is enough clearance, but still enough light for the activity.

Rough guidelines only:
Kitchen bench – pendant sits 55cm – 70cm above the bench top
Dining table – pendant sits 70cm-82cm above the table height

Feature pendants in a corner are intended to be low slung and mostly decorative. Side table and bedside pendants should also be low enough for reading.

Be there. The second most common mistake is hanging a pendant on your own (or letting someone else do it when you’re not there). Ideally, the person hanging the pendant should not also decide the right height. Test different heights from a distance and get second opinions while the electrician is still there. Always be on site when pendants are being hung and have more than one person present to help gauge and adjust.

Finally, install dimmers if you can, especially with downlights. They also work well with pendant lighting to create ambient mood and provide a restful backdrop late at night.

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

Stonecrush – travertine bathroom

August 13, 2014

I love designing bathrooms. There is something so personal and luxurious about them. For this project the client drew on this gorgeous retro image to describe the look and feel she was after.

The brief

My client was looking for a spa-like quality in her main bathroom, but didn’t want to feel as though she was standing in a “beige box”. Travertine was the perfect choice to transform her 90s bathroom into a relaxing retreat. This beautiful stone is a versatile material that can be used all over the home in walls, flooring and benchtops.

Floor to ceiling travertine is particularly effective in bathrooms, providing a seamless, elegant dressing for the room.

Floor to ceiling travertine brings calm and elegance to a bathroom space, as seen in this design by Mim Design

I was inspired by this look, but wanted to introduce more personality and texture to my client’s space. Here’s how I created the ‘Stone Haven’ scheme.

Timber

I love the combination of stone, white and timber. For the vanity, I recommended a floating stone top with one row of slim oak timber drawers beneath it. Being tall, my client didn’t want drawers running vertically down to the floor, so this design suited her perfectly.

Storage was provided through ceiling-high mirrored cabinets.

Slim-line timber drawers like these for the vanity, without the base and with 100mm stone top to match the stone bath. Double basins will be fully integrated, i.e. not just under-mounted, but seamlessly carved out of the stone top.

Vein-cut travertine

I sourced both vein-cut and cross-cut samples for my client from Marble & Ceramic Corp. They decided to go with vein-cut travertine in 600 x 300mm tiles, a beautiful choice when installed floor to ceiling.

Vein cut travertine Cross-cut travertine
From Marble & Ceramic Corp, Alexandria

Feature tile

I wanted to bring some relief and contrast to the expanse of travertine. The Muro 41 artisan tile in Milk White is gorgeous to touch – soft, chalky but robust in hand-made porcelain, it will provide an ideal textural feature on the vanity splash back and one wall of the shower.

The Muro 41 artisan tile in Milk White from Di Lorenzo

Stone bath

The bath was always going to be a centrepiece of the room. Rather than white acrylic, we sourced a beautiful stone bath in Off White from the Natural Stone Bathroom. I love the egg shape and broad rim of the Picasso stone bath. Make sure you check out stone options before buying an acrylic bath – you may be surprised how cost-effective they can be when you buy direct from a manufacturer.

Wall hooks

I noticed my client and her husband weren’t really “towel hangers”. Towels were draped over the door and shower screen, even though they had a towel rail. Designing is not about creating a perfect space – it’s about creating a perfect space for your clients and how they function day to day. I wondered whether they would really use a traditional towel rail. Luckily, they loved the idea of not having to hang, and will be installing these gorgeous Muuto oak wall hooks instead. Again, the timber provides textural relief and interest to the travertine walls. Hamman style towels complete the look.

Accessories

I confess I am not a fan of traditional bath mats – they rumple easily and can end up looking like a tea towel on the floor. I prefer small flatweave rugs or runners for a cleaner look. In this space, I specified a sheepskin mat for the floor, together with simple accessories for the vanity and timber stools for greenery, candles and bath products.

Now, we just have to wait for the building works to proceed, custom pieces to be ordered, measured and made, bathroom to be stripped and roughed in and then the final install. This can take a few months. The waiting and the doing is always the hardest part, but I feel my clients have a good base to work with and will be able to bring their vision to life.

Let’s talk travertine

Travertine is available in two cuts:
1. Vein cut, where the striking veins are visible.
2. Cross cut, which highlights the material’s natural spots and grooves.

Both cuts are highly effective as floor or wall tiles. They come either honed or polished, and can be filled or unfilled.

Here’s how the different cuts look installed.

Vein cut shows the naturally occurring lines in travertine

Cross-cut produces a swirly or cloudy effect.

It’s important to use the correct installation and care methods with this material, because travertine tiles are porous and will pick up stains if not properly sealed.

Well looked after, a travertine bathroom will last for years and provide a beautiful sanctuary for retreat and relaxation.

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

Kitchen combinations

July 14, 2014

Kitchens are the hub of the home and, increasingly, an extension of our living, lounge and study areas. Kitchen designs now take on many of the aesthetic and “furnished” qualities of our living zones, while still having to be highly functional.

Today I share some classic kitchen combinations that bring both style and practicality to this important family and entertainment zone.

Timber and white

Timber tones in the kitchen are a beautiful choice when paired with white bench tops and cabinetry. Natural timber and white suit the Australian lifestyle and our love of light, bright interiors.

All-white kitchens can feel a little glacial, so I like to introduce timber accents to add warmth and texture.

Timber bench cladding works beautifully in this all-white beach house kitchen. Located on Austinmer Beach. Photography by Prue Ruscoe.

Timber stools, bowls and accessories also provide contrast to an all-white scheme.

White with shots of colour

White kitchens love colour. These spaces have introduced bold accents to create interest and personality.

Arent & Pyke created simple drama with black, red and green accents in their award-winning project The Avenue. And don’t the white Hay stools look gorgeous in this scheme?

Colourful stools are another way to inject personality to a white kitchen. And you don’t have to commit to tiles or cabinetry for this one. These bright mint stools are from Jardan.

For more stool ideas see my post on how to find the perfect stool.

Black and timber

Black joinery and furnishings add drama and sophistication to a kitchen space. I particularly love black when combined with white and timber. Black cabinetry also hides a multitude of sins and blends effortlessly in to walls for a seamless look.

This black, stainless steel and timber palette with coloured pendants creates an inviting mood. Image courtesy of Vogue Living.

Black + white + timber. A timeless combination.

Striking sophistication in this scheme. And I love how they have foregone the bench with stools concept for an integrated gathering, seating and dining table.

Marble and metallics

Marble is a classic kitchen all-rounder, working well with whites, blacks, metallics and timber. If you are up for the cost and maintenance, marble is an enduring and stylish finish for kitchen bench tops and splash backs.

Arent & Pyke, Mim Design and Hecker Guthrie use marble to luxurious
effect.

Concrete and timber

Reality shows have popularised concrete floors, bench tops and finishes. Concrete-look tiles have also come a long way. I love this look in contemporary settings, holiday homes and modern country schemes. Keep finishes raw and accessorise with plenty of texture.

Grey

Cool grey cabinetry and timber soften the glare of white bench tops and floors. I adore this scheme for its sophisticated and restrained yet warm palette. A classic timber table reworked in modern tones meets contemporary cabinetry with ease.

Pattern and texture

Feature tiles are popular in kitchens to add colour, texture and personality, although be aware of choices that may date.

Hecker Guthrie pulls off a striking black and white geometric pattern in this tiled kitchen. Blonde cabinetry and foliage soften the look.

The Di Lorenzo hexagon tile below is a popular on-trend choice for kitchen splash backs and bathrooms. Try using feature tiles in a smaller area of your kitchen if you are not ready to commit to a whole wall.

Marble, timber and plywood have inherent texture and pattern for those who are pattern-shy.

Art in the kitchen

I love seeing art in a kitchen. It links the kitchen to the adjacent living spaces and is another example of kitchens being “furnished” for style as well as function.

Mim Design brings it again in this understated white kitchen with timber accents and striking artwork.

Not only do I love the art, but the multiple tones of timber used in this space. Plywood, dark and light timbers combine with white exposed brick, cabinetry and white-washed floors to create texture and depth.

Foliage

And last but not least, don’t forget the foliage! All kitchens deserve a dose of greenery. Green works so well against whites, timbers, blacks and marble and is the perfect finishing touch to any kitchen scheme.

Jane Ledger
Interior Stylist
ISCD/Dulux Colour Educator

Jane Ledger Interiors. Love the space you’re in.

www.facebook.com/spacecrush1

I love a dark wall

June 22, 2014

For most of us, painting walls in a dark hue is a big step. We prefer white walls and the lightness that comes from bright and open spaces.

And it’s easy to see why. White walls create a feeling of spaciousness and work in just about every scheme. They also provide a good backdrop for art and accessories.

But I’m going to let you in on a secret. I love a dark wall.

Here’s why, and how you can pull it off successfully in your space.

We live in Australia not Scandinavia

One of the most popular influences on Australian interiors over the last decade or so has been Scandi design. Australians have embraced Scandi style and all that comes with it – white walls, pale timber floors, white washes, pared back furnishings and light, airy interiors. It fits the brief for fresh, breezy living.

But there’s a reason for all this lightness in the Scandi aesthetic. Scandinavians endure some of the harshest winters in the world. Their winters are long, dark and dreary. Daylight is very short in winter and, in some parts, the sun doesn’t make it over the horizon at all! Hard to imagine isn’t it? So it’s no wonder they adapted their homes to suit this environment, creating light, bright, airy interiors to counter the darkness outside.

In Australia, we have the opposite experience. Most of us live in regions where the summers are harsh and bright and the winters short and often sunny. Ever got off the plane from being overseas and been dazzled by the rays? Our light is different. It’s bright and it’s white. For this reason, our interiors can take on much deeper hues. They can handle a dark wall. White is good, but our climate means we don’t always have to go for an all white look.

Depth and character in a contrasting dark wall. Design by Emily Henderson. Photography Bethany Nauert

Dark walls can enlarge a space

We usually think the opposite – that white enlarges a space and dark encloses it. But it’s not always the case. Dark colours can make a space seem larger by defining boundaries and highlighting the height of walls. Dark walls work particularly well with high, white ceilings and crisp white architraves.

Deep Airforce blue walls add scale and drama to high ceilings in The Avenue by Arent & Pyke. Photography Anson Smart.

Queen of colour and darkness: Abigail Ahern’s East London home showcases period details beautifully

Dark walls create mood

I love the drama of a dark wall. A deep hue creates mood and energy in a space and brings furnishings to life. Contrast your dark walls with colour, texture, metallics and timbers to ensure the space does not feel too enclosed. Dark walls are particularly effective in cosy spaces such as a formal dining area, study or bedroom.

Designer Suzanne’s Gorman’s dining room contrasts dark walls with timbers and pattern. Artwork by Belynda Henry. Photography Sean Fennessey

The iconic Walsh St home of Robin Boyd is a stunning example of mid-century colour and design. Photography Eve Wilson

Deep hues paired with white creates a sophisticated look

A dark wall paired with white contrasts creates a striking and sophisticated look. Here, the dark panelled wall, painted in Porter’s Paints Van Helsing, helps define the living area and provides a stylish contrast to the white wall art and neutral furnishings.

Clever use of black, white and timber in Cronulla residence by design studio Amber Road. Photography Prue Ruscoe

Colour doesn’t just pop, it leaps off the wall

White makes bright colours “pop”, while black makes colours more vivid and luminous. I love the effect of dark walls on art work and colourful accessories. Look how beautifully this piece of art contrasts with the dark wall. Dynamic, sophisticated, energising. It just wouldn’t look the same on a white wall.

Bedroom by Mim Design. Photography Derek Swalwell.

Accessories and flowers are vibrant against dark walls.

Beautiful dark walls in the home of Katie Graham. Styling by Rachel Vigor. Photography by Derek Swalwell

My picks for a dark wall include Porter’s Paints White Rhino, Half Lead or Shell Grey, Dulux Domino and British Paints Costa Rica Blue. The blue/grey/petrol hues in these shades have a certain Dutch-Baroque quality to them that I particularly love. Check them out.

Have I convinced you? Go on, give it a try. Winter is the perfect time to try a new hue. And if you don’t like it, you can always go back to your favourite white next season.

Jane Ledger, Interior Stylist

Jane Ledger Interiors. Love the space you’re in.

www.facebook.com/spacecrush1

Find the perfect stool

May 30, 2014

Feature image: Melbourne residence by Mim Design. Photography Derek Swalwell. ‘Babanees’ stools by Green Cathedral.

We love to gather don’t we? Stools are an essential part of many living spaces today. Open plan kitchen/living/dining areas mean we often eat, drink and congregate around a kitchen bench. And we love to rest on a comfy stool while we’re doing it. It’s a welcome way to settle in and be part of the household activity.
So how do you find the perfect stool to suit this area?

It’s a question I am asked a lot. People feel the pressure to ‘get it right’ because stools are a strong visual element in a high traffic area. They also need to be practical. The answer is there is no one perfect stool, but many options to suit a range of settings, including yours.

Balance

As a general rule, most kitchens will benefit from stools that introduce warmth, texture or colour. This is because of the large amount of stone, steel, and cupboard material featuring in other surfaces in the space. Stools are a wonderful way to bring balance to your overall kitchen scheme.

For example, in an all-white, caesarstone topped kitchen, I would suggest timber elements in the stools, or contrasting colour. Black is another smart look that immediately lifts a timber, all-white or marble kitchen.

Consider the materials, finishes and scheme of your kitchen and go for something that will complement but provide an interesting counterpoint.

Introduce texture, warmth and contrast through your kitchen seating.

Gather round. No matter what your style, here’s a round up of my favourite stools and why they work.

About a Stool by Hay

The Danish-designed ‘About a Stool’ by Hay is one of my top picks for kitchen and bar seating. Clean, minimalist but still striking, I love how it combines contemporary good looks with practical design. The moulded seat with a small curved back is perfect for sliding on and off, and is super-easy to clean. Kids and adults alike love sitting on these stools.

It comes in black, white or grey, with timber legs or a sled frame. Available from Design Farm.

About A Stool – timber legs

The timber About A Stool looking stunning in this kitchen by Arent & Pyke. Photography Anson Smart.

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

Another Danish design I love is the Smed stool. The powder-coated frame is available in brass, mint, white or black and comes with a cork seat.

Smed stool in brass. Available from Great Dane.

The Smed stool in white in the Oxley residence by Fiona Lynch Design Office. Photography by Gorta Yuuki.

The Hendrix

I love profiling Australian design and this one is high on my list. The Hendrix stool by Jardan is designed and made in Melbourne in solid oak. Named after Jimmy Hendrix, the seat is in the shape of a guitar pick – not square or round, it has shaped edges for easy access. I like this stool because it has a small footprint and quiet design – perfect for small spaces or hub areas where you don’t want the look to be too “leggy”.

The Hendrix is available in clear American oak, painted timber or a number of darker timber stains.

This gorgeous kitchen by Andrea D’Cruz with the Hendrix stools in grey.

More Australian designs

Another Australian design I love is the Babanees stool by Green Cathedral (pictured in the feature image in white). These versatile stools are handcrafted by furniture designer and maker Tim Scarce and his team in Noosa. The Babanees range also includes tables, benches and the super-cute Mini Babanees range for kids.

Mim Design installed the white Babanees in this gorgeous marble kitchen in Melbourne.

Babanees stools available in a range of brights and pastels

The Partridge bar stool is another smart Australian design by Nicholas Karlovasitis and Sarah Gibson of Design By Them.

The Partridge stool

The Ross Didier Fable stool is a beautiful all-Australian choice in solid oak. Available from Design Farm.

The Tractor Stool

Solid timber is a good option for the kitchen, particularly in kitchens where shiny bench tops, glass splash backs and cupboards can dominate. Widely copied, the Tractor stool has a moulded timber seat, sturdy frame and front footrest.

Look how beautifully these walnut tractor stools contrast and complement this gorgeous grey and gold kitchen.

The original Craig Bassam-designed stool, available from Living Edge, is an expensive outlay, however, there is a range of affordable versions on the market.

Freedom’s version with a wrought iron leg is an excellent example of how industrial design can work in a contemporary setting. I like the contrast of timber seat and black base against this all-white kitchen. Neat, functional, textural. And a good price point too.

The Freedom Tractor Stool, available in 2 sizes for bar or bench. $199

The Freedom Tractor Stool, available in 2 sizes for bar or kitchen bench.

The Tolix

Oh, the ubiquitous Tolix. It’s been bandied about every interior setting, magazine shoot and homewares store known to man. It’s been copied and coloured countless times over. But still it survives. Why? It is just so practical. Lightweight, moveable and hard wearing, it seems to fit in a whole range of settings whether old, new, industrial or contemporary.

And do you know what I love most about this design? It is so old. The designer, Frenchman Xavier Pauchard, was born in 1880! After WW1, Pauchard started converting galvanised sheet metal into domestic furniture. He made the Tolix “rustproof, robust and stackable”, initially for factories, offices and hospitals, and later for parks, outdoor cafes and restaurants.

We’re so glad he did. Apart from being in homes worldwide, this stool now sits within the ‘Living Heritage’ furniture hall of fame.

Timber, white and galvanised steel combine successfully in this modern kitchen.

Olive Tolix stools contrast with the Tom Dixon copper pendant and marble slab. Photography Sean Fennessey for the Design Files.

Olive Tolix stools contrast with the Tom Dixon copper pendant and marble bench top. Photography Sean Fennessey for the Design Files.

The original Tolix is distributed in Australia by Thonet.
Budget-friendly versions can be found at replica outlets and homewares stores.

The Bentwood

Another classic, the bentwood stool has been around for years and is easily one of the most popular for bars and benches. A traditional design, it also works well in cool schemes and modern settings.

A classic – the Thonet Stool No 18

Stools with a back

We love a stool with a back. The Jardan Seb stool is one of my favourites for this reason. Cool, sophisticated and very, very comfortable, this stool combines a quilted felt seat and powder coated steel frame. Superb.

Jardan Seb stool

Budget buys

It can be hard finding decent stools at a reasonable price. Ikea do a couple of good stools suitable for kitchen bench seating. Try the Dalfred adjustable stool in black, or the Bosse stool in natural timber.

The Dalfred and Bosse stools, both reasonable buys at Ikea.

Indoor/outdoor

Stools that work both inside and out come in handy, particularly when gatherings spill outdoors. I like Blu Dot’s Hot Mesh Bar stool for a cool look in the kitchen or when entertaining outside.

Blu Dot Hot Mesh bar stools come in a range of colours.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. If you’ve been out looking, you will know there is a huge selection of stools to choose from, and they are not all good. It’s just about getting the right tone and balance for your setting. Most kitchens will benefit from seating with a bit of warmth, texture or colour. For this reason, I would steer away from heavily chromed stools or those with a large disc base. Go for a style which is comfortable, brings life to your other kitchen elements and adds personality to this very sociable space.

Jane Ledger
Interior Stylist
ISCD/Dulux Colour Educator

Jane Ledger Interiors. Love the space you’re in.

Instagram @ledgelovespace
www.facebook.com/spacecrush1

Choose the Right Rug

May 14, 2014

Feature image: Mosh House, Foong + Sormann. Large black Persian rug grounds the furniture and creates focal point

Rugs are a beautiful finishing touch to a space. They help define living zones, anchor key pieces of furniture and add warmth. In small spaces, they can actually enlarge the look and feel of a room.
Pattern, print and pile all add visual and textural interest to a space.

But what is the number one mistake when it comes to choosing rugs? Size. Choosing the right rug is all about choosing the right size.

How to avoid common styling mistakes with rugs

Size matters. Sounds cliched, but size really does matter when it comes to choosing the right rug for your space. As a general rule, and budget permitting, the larger the rug the better. The most common mistake with rugs is choosing a rug that is too small for the space.

What do you think – too skimpy? Pocket-sized rugs make your space look smaller than it actually is and lack purpose.

Large rugs on the other hand expand a space and unify the items within it. I love the styling in this lounge where the side chairs are fully planted on the rug and connected to the sofa. A generous and inviting space.

Rugs are also meant for feet. Wherever you sit in the lounge room, your feet should be able to touch the rug.

So be generous. Choose a large enough rug in proportion to your furniture that zones your living area and ties all your pieces together.

All aboard. So how much should be on the rug? Ideally, all the central pieces in your living area sit on the rug. The sofa, coffee table and lounge chairs all have their legs sitting on the rug. Where the dimensions of your space allow, this is the optimal styling scenario.

Seamless space where all pieces sit on the rug

Half on-half off. However, where your space or budget does not stretch that far, you can still ‘anchor’ your furniture to the rug by placing the front feet on the rug. This is where sofa or chair legs sit half on the rug and half on the floor. This works best with sofas and solid armchairs, rather than fine-leg occasional chairs, where the legs can get caught up on the edges of the rug.

All off. Another way to address this is to have sofa and chair legs completely off the rug. Here, the rug follows the perimeter of the furniture and sits neatly inside the footprint of the main sofa and lounge chairs. But mind the gap. If you go for this look, the rug should sit close to the sofa and allow feet to touch the rug when seated. Done well, this is a neat, stylish solution for smaller spaces and budgets.

These rugs follow the line of the furniture

Dining. I love a statement rug in the dining room. They work particularly well in large open-plan spaces, where a rug under the dining table zones the room and provides a beautiful anchor for the dining table. However, they can be tricky to care for in high-traffic family eating zones so may be best for more formal dining areas.

If you do opt for a dining room rug, choose one that is wide enough to allow for all 4 legs of each dining chair to sit comfortably on the rug. This is one area where the chairs can’t be half on-half off.

This room does it beautifully. Graphic, textured pattern with dining chairs completely on the rug.

Dining chairs fully on the rug. A gorgeous scene with graphic pattern

Dining chairs can be fully extended on this rug

Unstructured. If none of this suits your style or your budget, try a loose, textural piece that sits casually on the floor. This can be anywhere. In the middle of the room, to the side, with pieces half on-half off, whatever you like. And it can be any size. Because they are organic in shape and style, these pieces don’t have to zone or “fit” a space. Cowhides and sheepskins are beautiful styling elements for this purpose.

I love rugs. I love how they feel and what they can do to elevate a space. Get the size and placement right and everything else in the room will feel right. Measure out your space and go as large as you can afford in proportion to your furniture.
Jane Ledger, Interior Stylist

Jane Ledger Interiors. Love the space you’re in.

www.facebook.com/spacecrush1

Style Your Sofa

May 1, 2014

On the couch. One of our favourite places to be and, for me, a favourite piece to style. It’s easy to update the look, feel and appeal of your sofa, and your whole living area, by changing up the cushions and accessories on your couch.

Cosy and inviting. The Jardan Cleo couch with simple leather and cable knit accessories

Under and over-cushioning

The homewares market is filled with cushion inspiration and an almost endless array of options for styling your sofa. This means we either end up with too many cushions, or a small collection of one-off purchases.

Too much of a good thing? Too many cushions can make it hard to actually sit on the sofa. Over-mixing of pattern creates a busy look

Too much of a good thing? I think so. Too many cushions can make it hard to actually sit on the sofa. Over-mixing of pattern creates a busy look

And interior mags add to the dilemma by telling us to do what feels right, buy things we love and be “eclectic”.

I agree with all that, up to a point. But random cushion-clashing and buying on impulse does not always lead to a harmonious result.

So how do you make your cushions work?

Top tips to help you buy and style cushions with confidence.

#1 Formal or informal
What is the mood and function of your room? This will guide what you buy and how you style. Cushions in a formal space are more likely to “match” in colour, order and number and like to sit formally on the sofa. Australian designer Greg Natale, master of the formal lounge, uses symmetrical design and matching chair and cushion arrangements to create his Hollywood Regency-inspired spaces. It’s not everyone’s taste, but certainly showcases how to pull off a formal matching cushion.

Greg Natale – symmetry and order in a formal lounge

For most of us though, sofas are in the everyday and high traffic zones of our home. Here, cushion styling is more casual and relaxed. This is where you can play with the pattern, colour and number of cushions to create an inviting, informal look.

West Elm Montgomery sofa and accessories. Tonal. Relaxed.
Affordable styling for everyday living

#2 Don’t “match” but complement
Take a cue from the favourite things in your room. Is there a colour, ornament or artwork you particularly love? Use this to guide your choice of cushions. They do not have to match the room or each other but should connect through a complementary colour, tone, texture or print.

Beautiful, unobtrusive styling by Mim Design

Contemporary, calm styling by Mim Design

#3 Mix patterns
If you are interested in mixing prints and patterns, choose patterns that are similar in scale and complementary in tone. Use plain cushions to anchor and relieve the pattern.

I love these Ahoy Trader hand-printed cushions

Hand-printed cushions by Ahoy Trader.

Graphics and stripes by Citta Design.

Every season Country Road releases a range of affordable, adaptable cushions that make a good anchor for more patterned, complex styles.

Mix these basics with one or two higher end choices, like these screen printed silk cushions from Megan Park.

Colourful prints and fringing from Megan Park

Colourful prints and fringing feature in Megan Park’s range (artwork by Kirra Jamison)

#4 Vary shape and size
Place larger cushions at the back and layer smaller cushions forward. I also love the effect of a round or rectangular cushion to vary height and shape. The Rachel Castle ‘Penny Round’ cushion below is one of my favourites.

Velvet and metallics in the Penny Round

#5 Add texture
Include textural elements to your cushion selection, particularly in tonal schemes where colours are very similar. Leather, velvet, knits, fur and metallics all add visual and tactile interest.

Tonally alike cushions with varying texture and print

#6 Think about placement.
Cushions don’t have to stay in a corner of the couch, be arranged in a row or cover the entire couch. If you’re not a fan of cushions or like a minimal look, just place 3 cushions of varying shape in one section of the couch and leave it at that.

Simple and effective arrangement

#7 Playmates for cushions.
Add layers to create a harmonious, inviting environment. Drape a luxurious throw over your sofa and add an ottoman or floor cushion to complete the scheme.

‘Bassike by Bemboka’ wide rib throw.

Cotton reversible diamond blanket by Melbourne designers Kip & Co

Adorable. The Coco Flip 'Puku' ottoman in gorgeous brights and pastels with a choice of pale or dark grey bottom.

The Coco Flip ‘Puku’ felt ottoman in beautiful brights and pastels with a choice of pale or dark grey bottom.

Jardan Alby floor cushion, available in a variety and leather

Jardan Alby floor cushion, available in a variety of fabrics and leather

#8 Love your chairs too.
Accent chairs can look fantastic when styled with a skin, throw or cushion. Just keep it simple and tie in with other elements in the room.

Serene nook by Mim Design

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer

Newer Posts

Older Posts

Australian design

NZ design

Danish design

Jane Ledger Interior Designer

How to create a sophisticated guest bedroom

Here’s how

Art sets the tone

Beautiful bed

Versatile bedsides

Lighting

Floor rug

Brass is the new copper

Jane Ledger Interior Designer

Size

Style

Arms and legs

Orientation

My picks

Jane Ledger Interior Designer

Muuto Unfold

Coco Flip

Normann Copenhagen Bell

Benjamin Hubert Spinning

How to hang pendant lighting

Jane Ledger Interior Designer

The brief

Timber

Vein-cut travertine

Feature tile

Stone bath

Wall hooks

Accessories

Let’s talk travertine

Jane Ledger Interior Designer

Timber and white

White with shots of colour

Black and timber

Marble and metallics

Concrete and timber

Grey

Pattern and texture

Art in the kitchen

Foliage

Jane Ledger Interior Stylist ISCD/Dulux Colour Educator

Jane Ledger Interiors. Love the space you’re in.

We live in Australia not Scandinavia

Dark walls can enlarge a space

Dark walls create mood

Deep hues paired with white creates a sophisticated look

Colour doesn’t just pop, it leaps off the wall

Jane Ledger Interiors. Love the space you’re in.

Balance

Gather round. No matter what your style, here’s a round up of my favourite stools and why they work.

About a Stool by Hay

The Hendrix

More Australian designs

The Tractor Stool

The Tolix

The Bentwood

Stools with a back

Budget buys

Indoor/outdoor

Jane Ledger Interior Stylist ISCD/Dulux Colour Educator

Jane Ledger Interiors. Love the space you’re in.

How to avoid common styling mistakes with rugs

Jane Ledger Interiors. Love the space you’re in.

Under and over-cushioning

Top tips to help you buy and style cushions with confidence.

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 Stylist
ISCD/Dulux Colour Educator

Jane Ledger
Interior Stylist
ISCD/Dulux Colour Educator

Jane Ledger
Interior Designer