Before I start a project big, small or teeny tweeny I always walk through the space (if it exists) and ask the client what kind of vibe they are going for. Laid back or lively. This pretty much sets the foundation of the design as the intensity of the colours bold, bright and high voltage add energy to the atmosophere whilst softer, calmer hues create a quieter vibe. Where ever I may be Miami or London its important that the design has a sense of place by that I mean each design is individual and not a one size fits all scheme. Its so important to me that the design has a frame of reference to the location in which it is set. For Eau Spa at the Ritz Carlton in Palm Beach the vibe was sophisticated, timeless, elegant but also blended the unexpected. I sourced chandeliers crafted from vintage wine glass that set a decadent tone, that shimmered and sparked in the strong Miami light. For a house in London built in the 1800′s I blended antique finds with modern to create a rich dialogue.
One of the inspirational images I had sitting on my desk whilst working on the spa. I wanted to embrace the incredible light, the elegance of the sea and the sophistication of Palm Beach.
Flipping across the pond is another inspirational image I have whilst working on a London interior edgy, eclectic and whimiscal everything that London is to me.
You can find inspiration in the smallest of things – a leaf on this morning’s walk with Maud has sparked an idea for a paint color I guess what I am trying to say is be confident, go with your heart and follow your emotions. Nine times out of ten they will be right.
The mood in this bottom right image looks amazing !! To achieve this its just a fluorescent light ? Looks fantastic ! And the black of the walls looks so much warmer compared to the black of the left picture ! It looks as if it has some purple in it. You think its differnt hues of black or its just the magic of good mood lighting ?
:) !!!
Love your blogs
Soon will be painting my corridor BLACK !!!!! Very excited
xxx Urania
Both i think the hues look slightly different but then good lighting makes or breaks a space. I have just painted my hallway in Railings by Farrow and Ball its black but the softest inkiest black I have come across.
Hello Abigail, my name is Cameron, and the image on the left of your current story is of my apartment, in Melbourne. A friend informed me that it was on your blog this week, which is great. Just for your information, the walls are a textured concrete render (original texture from the 1937 build), painted in satin black. The interior – furniture, lighting and artwork – has evolved considerably since this photo was taken, however, it is still black after 5+ years, and I still love it. I always tell my clients to not be afraid of colour, regardless of how little or how much it is used in a space. I have seen some recent images of your Atelier, and I think it is quite wonderful. Regards, Cameron.
Hi Cameron your apartment is beautiful and a total inspiration and thank you so much for emailing in. I love its vibe and its interesting collection of products.
Hi Abigail. I’m so pleased to have discovered “Downpipe” I understand it is a colour /similar, that you use. My home is’t old, but I use old furniture, dado rails and work at creating depth and an environment. How did you manage to create lovely rooms using this dark colour throughout your home.
I have just retired and want this house for myself now the family have flown.
kind regards
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth,
Down pipe is a fabulous hue for houses old and new. The key I think in using such a sludgy hue is to brighten it with pops of bright colours through cushions, vases, paintings etc. Teal, red, yellow, burnt orange infact almost anything looks fabulous partnered with it. My trick is to either paint the floors skirtings and walls in the same colour OR ceilings walls and skirtings in the same colour. That way the junction between the walls and the floor or the ceiling merges to create a magical space. Good luck am sure you will love it