Blog

How lucky we are to have an Australian landscape so full of inspiration.

Australian artists, designers and interior decorators are drawing on the vibrant colour palette found in our native flora and fauna; with plants, wildlife and colour being the driving force behind much of this seasons styling and interior design trends.

We were recently involved in a collaboration and were over the moon to have our Avalon Bedhead appear in the January 2016 issue of House & Garden (styled by H&G's Kate Nixon and photography by Chris Warnes). Upholstered in pale blue Wild Waratah Linen from Utopia Goods, the bedhead came up a treat and was coordinated perfectly with the other styled elements in the shot.

Kate Nixon's style direction - "Mix geometrics, florals and stripes in cotton and linen for rich yet carefree results".

Our love of beautiful bright unique fabric often finds us dreaming, creating and loving many homewares and soft furnishings.

We were drawn to the beautiful home of Kate and Price Gallie by an image we featured in our recent post, "Enchanted by Green". The image, from a wonderful Queensland Homes pictorial, captured the essence of summer living; blending vibrant tropical fabrics and plant life with the more neutral tones found in the soft furnishings, artwork and decor.

I really love the simplicity and modern layout of this couples impressive renovation. For me it's the quality finishes and uncomplicated architectural design combined with the interior decorating and styling talents of the home owner that makes this work so well (Kate also owns Cove Interiors).

The home has a colonial feel that's carried throughout the pavilion style living areas and definitely nails the "Cape Cod meets Noosa" brief that was given to

Leaves, leaves, glorious leaves!

At BedNest we’re loving the continued trend towards greening up our interiors. From luminescent lime to calming pastel greens, indoor plants are making our homes feel oh so comfortable and liveable.

Perhaps our love for indoor botanicals is born out of nostalgia for a time when life was simpler, less hurried and hectic; when summer days lingered long and warm evenings seemed to last forever.

This image from queenslandhomes.com.au is so reminiscent of long summer days and relaxed tropical living

Interior Design - Kate Gallie from Cove Interiors, Photo - Rix Ryan Photography.

Whatever the reason, greens strike a chord and make our hearts sing;

Artwork is highly personal, particularly in the bedroom where our individualistic tastes are free to soar. After all, it’s the one room that doesn’t have to please the masses and nothing says 'grown up' more than artwork in the bedroom.

Make a Statement!

Creating visual delight in the bedroom is all about creating rhythm and flow.

The bedroom is a place of nuance, suggestion, the perfect setting for rhythm - the gentle art of design.

Rhythm is rarely accidental: while your eyes roam easily over the visual landscape of your bedroom - flowing from one element to the next, delighting in what you see - this effect is created, nurtured into being by the careful placement of well-chosen furnishings.

We've selected some ideas to help you create a rhythmic bedroom that will find you relaxing … sensing… experiencing… the sacred flow that makes for divine bedrooms.

Repetition

The use of repetition really enhances flow, encouraging our eyes along its pathway.

You could choose to use similar fabrics, perhaps for your bedhead, otto and chair, to create a sense of connectedness, a natural rhythm to your room.

Choosing the perfect bed and bedhead is an important decision. More than just getting the 'right look' in the bedroom, we need to be able to find within its walls a place of relaxation and retreat. An element of depth and moodiness are also desirable in the boudoir.

The Drama of Contrast

While you may have visions of soft pastels and gentle flowing shapes, the careful use of contrast can help create a depth of dramatic intensity that adds to the moodiness of your perfect bedroom.

Contrast helps to spice things up; to create interest; to take us away from a sense of uniformity that may make the bedroom too formal – and boring!

Contrast can also be used to help define the focal point of your room, drawing attention towards the heart of the bedroom… the bed.

Contrast can be achieved by adding different colours, shapes and even divergent textures to your room.

Our bedrooms are our sanctuary; the place where we retreat from the demands of life; a place to relax and rejuvenate; our own private space for romance and the restorative act of sleeping. We spend almost half of our lives in our bedrooms and so they deserve our very best attention.

While it may be tempting to save the luxury and comfort for the more public spaces of the home, treating yourself to a beautiful bedroom is a way of honouring yourself, your own personal needs.

Bedroom décor, more than any other, should reflect your individual taste and style  and create an ambiance where you feel truly relaxed.

With some tender care and attention our bedrooms can become our nests, our special nurturing space. That’s why choosing a bedhead or bed is such a personal (and important choice).

As we fast approach the middle of the year, you’ve no doubt felt the mercury drop and found yourself reaching for those old favourites that have been neglected since last winter…or you’ve rightfully decided to surround yourself with a few new ‘must haves’.

Whether it’s clothing (I love winter for jackets and boots), winter bedding, a hot water bottle or the wood fire heater, winter is a time for snuggling and sometimes retreating to those special places that warm the heart.

Creating a space you can claim as your own is something we all need, to restore some balance and recharge the batteries. Finding the time is never a simple task, but finding the space can be easier than we think.

When you take a good look around your home, quite space sits patiently in every corner. It's waiting for you as soon as you wake up in the morning, you walk past it on the way to the kitchen, you

We all know white kitchens are timeless. White cabinetry is a beautiful look that can be contemporary, classic, traditional and even works in a totally eclectic home. Recently, though, I just keep finding myself drawn to darker tones - charcoal (or even black) has always been around, it's nothing amazingly new, it's just having another "moment" of popularity right now...... and I have to say, I'm loving it!

Contrasting with crisp white in a clean, minimal space -

Amazing with copper accents too -

Slightly more classic here -

We have so enjoyed showing you some of the pieces we have made recently for Decorators, Stylists and other Interiors Professionals. We LOVE knowing that these stylish folk have chosen  BedNest pieces for their own homes and we love working with them to create their dream piece.

Last up (and by NO means least!) is the wonderful Briar Stanley (aka - Sunday Collector). A Sydney based former Set Designer for movies such as the Great Gatsby, Briar now uses her amazing eye and design talents as a Decorator, Blogger and Stylist.

We first "met" Briar when her husband ordered a bedhead from us just before the arrival of their gorgeous daughter Sunday. This King bedhead is in a gorgeous grey linen and has been featured in some beautiful stories and press about Briar's home and business.

Tribecca bedhead with studs removed - beautiful hey?