INSPIRATION: SHIPLAP

I’ve always liked textured walls, these days “shiplap” walls are turning up every where. Really they are rooms with wooden boards on the wall that run vertically or horizontally, of course I love them painted white. I have white vertical boards in the room on my third floor, like you see above. These are original to the house and the boards range in size but most are around 5 - 6” wide. There are also boards on the ceiling so it really completes the look.

 Here are a few spaces that I find very inspiring - showing the white painted horizontal shiplap!

I have a cool ship lap DIY idea coming soon!

INSPIRATION: SHADES OF BLUE

One of my favourite colours is blue and I love the range of blue shades from the very pale blues to a brighter, deeper turquoise and navy. Even in small doses like the image above, a bit of blue is a great accent.

Here are a few other blues I love:

Navy blue grass cloth: recently used in a clients living room and I love how this turned out!

I’ve also used a very light blue linen on a sofa and have to say it’s a beautiful look.

This wall painted with two Farrow & Ball colours really works, it’s a combo of pitch blue and lulworth blue.

The vintage Indian dhurrie area rug by Madeline Weinrib is still a personal favourite. I love the look of faded blue rugs.

INSPIRATION: FOOD!

If you are considering making changes or upgrades to a kitchen or outdoor space (or any space where food is consumed for that matter), why not use FOOD as your inspiration? I absolutely love watching the masterful work of a chef, not only for what is going to come of it, but for the absolute beauty of it all! Food is gorgeous, simply put.

Say you are a "home-chef" who loves to cook wonderful meals for yourself and family. Most of us home chefs tend to cook with certain ingredients, or in a certain style. Look at the food you love to make, and use those textures and colours of your inspiration. The possibilities are endless – Moroccan, Italian, Spanish, French...

Photos from http://bit.ly/1gEtUqn | http://bit.ly/1e3Rr1N | http://bit.ly/1H5zFTH

DESIGN INSPIRATION: KITCHEN CABINETS

When I was planning my kitchen renovation, it took me a long time to decide on the kitchen cabinets. I have lower cabinets everywhere, and open shelves at the end of the kitchen but not many upper cabinets. I went back and forth on white lower cabinets versus a medium grey colour on the lowers only – I really couldn't decide. In the end I decided on white and the results are above. And here is another shot looking towards the dining room.

But in my kitchen inspiration file there were a lot of kitchens with darker lower cabinets, here are some of my favourites!