Guest post - a guide to monochrome from a guest blogger...

Embrace The Splendour of Monochrome in Your Home

The subtle and yet sophisticated blend of black and white is making a spectacular return into the world of interior design by creating a perfect balance between the two contrasting shades. The bold and edgy black in a combination with serene white once again has managed to create brilliant monochromatic magic that makes an outstanding decorating scheme. The rough vastness of the minimalistic design that overrules this palette can be alleviated by using patterns and textures that give the space a true visual spectacle. A contrasting colour scheme such as this one can find its purpose in just any room of the house and give it that dash of monochrome it deserves.

Image source: 2.bp.blogspot.com

Living in Texture

With the harsh contrasting scheme of the monochrome design, the living area threatens to be engulfed in the sterile minimalistic ambient, which is characteristic for this colour palette. The living room should be designed to be welcoming of its guests and to exude with warmth and pleasant ambience. While this might sound like an impossible venture, the play of textures has the ability to add a gentle touch to the room and make it more inviting in the process. Faux fur elements, cotton cushions and sheepskin overthrows create a dazzling combination of fabrics that fit perfectly with each other.

Image source: cdn.homesthetics.net

Dreaming in Black & White

The soothing simplicity of minimalism and the plain blend of the two contrasting shades make a perfect arrangement for the master bedroom. Simple white bedding with dark minimalistic furnishing is a great way to add a dash of elegance, while oversized windows that absorb the room in natural sunlight give it the serenity it needs. All black walls with contrasting bright white floors are enough to make the bedroom visually appealing as it is. For a more artistic approach, the use of black and white wallpapers with floral motifs or oversized geometrical shapes can truly transform a room completely.

Image source: decoist.com

Patterned Bubble Baths

An eclectic concept of the monochrome bathroom design works perfectly with the luxurious finishes making a timeless setting. Marble walls together with diagonal geometrical tiles and back plastered walls give a dramatic visual aspect all the while maintaining a relaxing ambience in the space. Polished metals and floral motifs are two contrasting elements that have the ability to soothe the harshness of the minimalistic trend, while a classy chandelier seems like a great finishing detail for accomplishing a more sophisticated setting in the bathroom area.

Image source: decoist.com

…And Just a Dash of Monochrome

A recipe for creating a perfect kitchen design in a monochromatic manner is actually quite simple and the secret ingredient is hidden in subtle elegance. The sophisticated ambience in the kitchen area characterized with white marble countertops and high-gloss finishes on the cabinets gives this space a sleek design. The chequered tiles are an essential part of this monochromatic miracle, while the cohesive vibe could be accomplished with adding a touch of industrial with easy stove installation of matching design and lighting fixtures. For an additional spark of refinement, a contemporary open kitchen design together with a monochromatic dining room creates a sense of opulence.

Making a statement does not always require too much detail. The monochrome design shows that elegance and beauty can be achieved though subtle use of texture, patterns and a strictly limited colour palette. The bold use of the monochrome colour palette and minimalistic details in home design is a fierce and yet subtle way to add personality to one’s home. The simplicity of the design is what makes the complete composition a true piece of art that can embellish any living area in a sleek manner.

Author's Bio: Lana Hawkins is an architecture student from Sydney.  She enjoys writing about interior decoration and landscaping. Lana is interested in sustainability and green building, and that's where she gets most of her inspiration.

A little film... Discovering Designers in Provence

It's been such a long, wet winter that I was extra, extra pleased the other day when I received this little film made last summer in Provence!  I was transported back to the June heatwave in Aix en Provence, lavender, and the lovely people I met at the first Discovering Designers show held at the Hotel de Gallifet!

I'm not going to pretend it's easy to watch myself on screen (it was very hot, exhausting and I got very little sleep!) but I hope you can see how much of a great event it was, and what the film-makers have put together for us.

Some pics to remind you...

African Inspired Interiors by guest blogger Amy Mia Goldsmith

Latest interior design ideas originate from Europe and Far East. However, the situation is changing nowadays and people tend to lean towards ideas inspired by African culture. The uniqueness of African continent contributed to beautiful and  rich interior design with its vivid colours, wooden figurines, mesmerizing sunrises and animal prints. Add some elements of African style to your home and be on a path to a beautiful transformation.

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An important element of the interior, texture presents a focus for the eye and can emphasize anything you want. However, be careful not to overuse it. Since this is about bringing Africa into your home, the best is to use  natural and organic textures such as cotton, wood, silk and leather. Use them as bed covers, kitchen elements or ornaments. Animal print can be found on anything, from pillow cases to rugs and carpets. You can also use animal skin tapestries, but make sure it doesn’t lead to kitsch and ethical issues. The safest way is to decorate with organic texture.

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African style welcomes all warm shades in order to create the cosiest home ever. Colours like yellow, bright red, deep orange, brown, terracotta and sand colours are the best matches for your African-styled home. Also, combinations of contrasting dark and light colours should contribute to this new style. Black colour should also be used for contrasting. To introduce some drama in the interior, splash some vivid hues around the house. However, it all comes to this: natural and earthy sand tones should prevail in your home, since they have a calming effect and are true representation of this beautiful continent.

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African safari and its sunsets are probably the most beautiful sceneries that exist and those should be present in your home. Throw in a rug with leopard print, ottoman with a giraffe pattern or a bunch of pillow cases with zebra stripes and voila! You get your own safari in your home. To get the  Savannah look, you can cover your walls with colourful jungle-themed wallpapers which are making a comeback in fashion. Decorate your living room walls with cheetah spots, tribal patterns, baobab trees and banana leaves, or use some of these patterns for bed linen and floor coverings. You do not have to use only one because all of these patterns are easily combined with each other, just like they are in the wild.

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African interior is most recognizable by furniture. The main material that should be used for this kind of furniture is, without a thought, wood. Wooden furniture has to be made out of raw and dark wood such as cedar, mahogany or ebony. The lines on the furniture could resemble tribal figurines and the upholstery should always be made of natural materials, such as dark leather. If you are running out of ideas, check out some true African designs at  propertymaputo.com. Also, you can always add some wooden figurines, animal and floral patterns on top of your furniture and make it bold.

Step into this new world of fashion and liberate yourself from traditional styles and patterns that are common for Europe and the US. Bring a wild and bold African style into your home and give it a spirit of African tribes and wildlife. This way you could be able to feel the strength of this beautiful continent every day.

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About the author

Amy Mia Goldsmith is a literature graduate from Melbourne with a lot of different interests in life. She and her husband love DIY projects and design. You can also contact her at her Facebook page or  Twitter account.