House tour: mix dark wood and white for a crisp industrial vibe

I shared one photo from this apartment on Twitter last week and the response was an immediate ‘wow’, so I thought you’d like to see the rest!

The owners of this one-bed apartment have achieve the renovation holy trinity: bigger, lighter and on a budget. Have a browse and soak up the cool mix of whitewashed brick, tile and dark reclaimed wood. Then check out the ‘befores’ to appreciate just how impressive this makeover really is!

The apartment belongs to New York prop stylist Anthony D’Argenzio who did most of the work himself. Once the previous owner’s frilly pink pelmets and plastic-covered sofa had been banished he began by hacking the plasterboard from the walls to reveal the brick underneath. Whitewashing the rough brick and outlining the windows with a deep surround of stained reclaimed wood gives the apartment a warehouse-like feel.

This kitchen is just a dream for me… the patterned tile floor, white marble worktop, subway tiles, industrial lighting and all that rough-hewn reclaimed wood. Perfect proof of how a tiny kitchen can still be big on style.

[Photographs Emily Johnstone for Lonny]

Another thing I really admire about how this place has been styled is the juxtaposition of the industrial backdrop with quite glamourous accessories and furniture. The ornate gilded mirror in the living room, chandeliers and slightly rubbish society portraits all give an unexpected hint of faded grandeur that stops the coolness feeling too try-hard.

If you like this home you won’t want to leave the blog without looking around this apartment too… there are some lovely similarities between the two in both size and style. And don’t forget to check out the ‘befores’ too… you won’t believe your eyes!

The new yellow and grey?

Could it be?

{via Skona Hem}

{via Design Sponge}

{via The Design Files}

House Tour: New York apartment with natural elements

I love bringing little touches of nature into my home… a dried seedhead here, a pheasant feather there… they help to soften up a minimal room and bring a tiny bit of the outdoors in.

This small New York apartment belongs to prop stylist Rebecca Bartoshesky and I really admire her style. She has just the right amount of artistic clutter and some really nice ideas for using found objects in a decorative yet simple way.

Look closely and you’ll see little natural touches in evey single corner of this home. Not so much that it looks like a museum (remember this Victorian collector’s cottage?) but just enough to bring in the subtle earthy tones and rustic textures that only real shells, plants and feathers can add.

If you like this look, choose natural fibre fabrics as Rebecca has – raw linen or material coloured with vegetable dyes are ideal as their muted tones are just right for adding colour in a way that doesn’t jar. Dyeworks specialises in selling naturally-dyed fabrics, or Sania Pell wrote this lovely post explaining how to make your own fabric dyes from berries, vegetables and spices.

{Photographs Pippa Drummond / Styling Rebecca Bartoshesky for Sight Unseen}

For those of us that remember 1990s ‘bohemian chic’ the idea of tie dying is a little bit scary, but there’s no denying it’s making a come-back. If proper tie-dye like Rebecca’s bedspread sends you running for cover, dip dying is just as easy and is less likely to make your home look like a hippy hangout. I went to a trend forecasting presentation last week and ombre is going to be sticking around for at least another two seasons, so there’s still time if you haven’t yet succumbed!

This beautiful apartment was origianally featured on the lovely Sight Unseen blog where you’ll find lots more photos and pretty details of Rebecca’s home – find the post here.

The Room Mixer: global farmhouse

Here’s a new post idea I’m playing with. Five rooms that could be in the same home, but aren’t, in an attempt to create the perfect blend!

I’d start in this hallway, with its red brick floor and painted tongue and groove…

{via Terrain}

…it would lead to this cosy living room with its lovely kilim on the floor…

{via Design Sponge}

…I’d cook my supper here…

{via Names Agency}

…and later, relax in a nice hot bath in here…

{via Inks and Thread}

…and finally snuggle up in this big, warm bed.

{via The Gifts of Life}

Let me know if you’ve seen a room you love and I might just create the perfect home just for you!

House Tour: Soviet chic in a Moscow

I always enjoy featuring international house tours on Decorator’s Notebook, especially those in more unusual locations. Over the years I’ve shared beautiful homes in Croatia, Canada, Switzerland, Finland and Australia to name but a few. I’d never come across anything in Russia though that inspired me… until today that is!

Unlike in Europe and Scandinavia where the whole midcentury thing has skyrocketed, Soviet era design reminds many Russians of austerity, poverty and a lack of autonomy and they’d rather forget. It’s pretty uncommon for anyone to decorate their homes with vintage accessories or furniture out of choice rather than necessity.

The owners of this small apartment in Moscow are unusual in their tastes and have gathered a collection of 1950s Danish design and discarded Soviet pieces to create a utilitarian look I absolutely love. They picked up those gorgeous kitchen cabinets and aluminium stools for next to nothing from a Moscow hospital that was throwing them out! The industrial trend clearly hasn’t caught on in Russian either.

It’s not just the stuff in this apartment that makes it stylish however – the owners have made some great design decisions too. As a fan of exposed brick walls I love the idea of fixing old reclaimed bricks face-up on the wall to create a similar but less commital effect.

{via Architectural Digest}

In fact, the vintage wonderment of this apartment almost makes me want to pack my suitcase and head over to Moscow right away. Although on second thoughts, I might just wait until winter’s passed!

For more fascinating international houses and apartments to explore, check out the House Tours archive.

Join The Room Debate!

Morning all! It’s been a rollercoaster ride of a week here in Somerset… a trip to Paris and several blisters later I’m back and putting the finishing touches to the Decorator’s Notebook Shop. Make sure you’re following us on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram to be the first to hear the big announcement. And we’re planning a really amazing giveaway right here on the blog to celebrate so stay tuned!

So, it’s Room Debate time again and I’ve found something rather eclectic and bohemian for your perusal today. I love imagining the people who might live in these rooms and I bet this lady’s a riot!

If it’s your first time joining in, simply take a good look at the photo below then head to the comments with your answers to these two questions:

One thing I like most about this room is…

One thing I like least about this room is…

{Elle Decor España}

Have a great weekend and I’m looking forward to hearing what you make of this room!

x

House tour: open plan loft filled with plants and sunshine

Every now and then, I come across a house that makes me feel content, even just from looking at photographs of it. This open plan loft in Belgium is one of those rare finds… relaxed, personal, fresh and bathed in natural light. I just can’t imagine ever feeling miserable if I came home to an apartment like this one.

Bart Haverkamp and Pieter Croes are the lucky pair who get to live in this airy oasis – they’re garden architects and the lush greenery and skylights in their loft create a real greenhouse vibe. I’m not known for my love of houseplants, but even I’ll admit this open plan space would lose much of its magic without them.

{all Bart Kiggen for Coffeeklatch}

As much as I’m trying to fight it, I’m clinging onto ways to keep nature inside as summer draws to an end. This little oasis is the perfect inspiration – there’s more to see at the always-inspiring Coffeeklatch.

More plywood kitchen love…

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again… plywood kitchens are cool.

{both Studio Oink via The Style Files}

See more of this dinky German apartment (including plywood bedroom) on The Style Files.

Join The Room Debate!

After a couple of weeks The Room Debate is back with a rustic kitchen up for discussion today!

Everyone’s welcome to join in – simply take a good look at the photo below and leave a comment with your answers to these two questions:

One thing I like most about this room is…

One thing I like least about this room is…

{Heather Hobhouse via House to Home}

There are some things I really love about this room and others that niggle me. What do you think? Which elements are to your taste?

Have a lovely weekend!

Join The Room Debate!

Morning all! I’m sooo busy at the moment life has become rather blink and you’ll miss it… but at least it means our lovely Friday discussions come around quickly!

So today’s spring-like bedroom ticks a lot of boxes if trends are all that matter: pastels, ombre, silk lampshades. But the real question is, does it float your boat? Have a good look and leave a comment with your answers to these two questions:

One thing I like most about this room is…

One thing I like least about this room is…

{House to Home}

I’m really looking forward to hearing what you think!

Have a lovely weekend.

DN x