Furniture Faves

One of our favourite suppliers has recently introduced some new products to their collections and we're in love with it all! Linen slip cover sofas and rattan furniture that takes me back to my childhood.

Blush pink is so beautiful and very current in fashion as well as interiors, and this velvet sofa is simply divine teamed with the brass sleigh-legged coffee table. The handsome leather armchair adds a touch of masculinity to the scene.

These blue velvet dining chairs are one of my absolute favourites, and look amazing with the small brass and marble dining table. The brass and glass shelving sits prettily in the background (I think we need a couple of these in our showroom).

Brass clad coffee and side tables make a statement, and I also have my eye on the cool bar cart pictured to the side.

A single chair with a cool side table can turn an empty corner into a stylish nook. Why not choose pieces with maximum personality like this duo. 'Choose less, but choose well' is my motto.

Another fave is this stunning console. I love it's simple, clean form with the beautiful detailing on the front of the cupboards.

This armchair is an old faithful of ours, you can't go past it for comfort, and it looks fab too. Match it with the gorgeous brushed gold (or copper) and marble nesting tables - love it.

A great sofa for curling up and resting your cuppa on the arm. The armchair in felt and leather is unique and super cool too.

We love the linen slip cover sofas that come in 2, 3, and 4 seater sizes and in white, blue or grey. It's fantastic to see that we can now add a chaise for truely stylish lounging.

All of these furniture items can be ordered through us here at Bibby + Brady, so if anything has caught your eye and you'd like more information, get in touch with us, we'd love to help.

Dark + Light

It's hard to go wrong with a clean white base in your home that you can layer with texture and colour. It will always and forever remain a favourite formula of mine. But I have to confess to also being seduced by the dark side - rooms painted in deep, moody greys, blues and greens. Come, see what I mean as I show you two homes that I adore - one dark, one light...

I love the contrast of crisp white and caramel leather against the dark walls, and the subtle tonal changes found in the sofa, cushions, throw and rug.

Softly, softly, with the barest hint of colour creates a calm and relaxing space and allows the beautiful view outside the doors to take centre stage.

A cosy nook with a chair to curl up in is essential in every home. Dark or light, the key is to keep it simple. Choose a chair with beautiful lines, add a statement piece of art, and keep everything else minimal.

Buffets or sideboards are super cool pieces of furniture. They're practical for storing those things that don't need to be on display, and provide the perfect surface for creating vignettes - little stories. I love the subtle texture and pattern on the white buffet against the steely blue wall. 

The deep green buffet with brass sleigh-like legs is, quite simply, spectacular! When you have such a special piece, don't over-do the styling as you will take away from the beauty of the furniture piece.

Last, but not least, the bedroom. Both are beautiful. The dark green walls and grey linen creates a cosy space with plenty of drama. The brass wall lights and touches of white break the darkness and add a lovely contrast.

White walls, duvet and bedsides create a serene bedroom space. Layering various shades of grey adds depth, as does the texture from the panelled walls and the fur cushion.

Do you have a favourite look - dark or light? Or are you like me and love them both? Want to see more of each home?... the dark and the light.

Rocking Colour on a Dark Background

Over the last six months Dael & I have addressed the question about "how to find your interior style" at several workshops. One of the things we suggest is to look to your wardrobe to see what colours, patterns and even style of clothing you're attracted to - relaxed, Boho, tailored... I was in Auckland this weekend with three girlfriends and we know each other so well we can virtually pick the clothes our friends are going to make a bee-line for. "Oh, that is so you, try it on", we'd say. Your home should be the same. When your friends come over they should instantly be able to see that it's a reflection of your style, taste and lifestyle.

While shopping with my friends this weekend I tried on this gorgeous shirt (above) from Stolen Girlfriends Club. It is a classic example of my taste in fashion mirroring my taste in interiors. I love the drama of colour against a dark background, whether it's a fabric, a wallpaper, a piece of art, or a room. The dark base is deep and moody, and any colour layered on top just seems to jump out at you. I couldn't stop thinking about that shirt and I'm very happy to say that it's now hanging happily in my wardrobe.

A couple of my favourite James Dunlop fabrics display the same qualities - love them!

Of course metallics look stunning on a dark background. The gold pineapples on this black wallpaper by Rifle Paper Co create a look that is both fun and glamorous.

I've recently painted my living room a deep, inky blue and I love how my brass and light wood accents are dramatically lifted by the dark colour. Artwork, cushions, flowers and greenery all look amazing against a dark base.

If you want some ideas about working with, and mixing colours in your home or wardrobe, one of my favourite websites is Design Seeds. Here you'll find thousands of beautiful colour palettes mostly inspired by nature. Browse the latest or search by 'colour' or 'collection'.

Does your home look anything like your wardrobe, can you see a common thread? I'd love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to leave me a message below.