Garden & Home TeamThe concept of cocooning has never felt more relevant and increasingly we’re turning inwards and bringing added heart into our spaces – making them more comfortable and welcoming than ever.
1. NATURE’S CHOICE
Styles, shapes and preferred tones may come and come go but the perennial wonder of wood remains a constant. In this space, reclaimed timbers, upcycled furniture finds and the natural grains of hand-woven chairs are an enticing and intriguing combination.
Image: Decor Matters
Design Notes
There’s no doubt about it, wood brings warmth to any decor scenario and in the case of this renovated Victorian home, this notion certainly rings true.
The original doors and architraves were stripped of centuries of paint and sanded right down to reveal their natural woodgrain and patterning.
The table deliberately embraces a hand-hewn personality – embodying the respect given to craftsmanship and the beauty of natural timber.
2. BEDROOM BLISS
This bedroom embraces a host of subdued tones and tactile natural textures – including slubby hemp, sheer linen and the softest cotton. The effect is ascetic in its simplicity but infinitely inviting and restful. There is an undeniable sense of hygge that is so humble, with the few carefully chosen pieces commanding quiet respect.
Robern Interior Design
Design Notes
The colour palette in this pared-down space is equally spare – while the chunky woven throw adds a delightful layer of texture.
This bedroom is all about minimalism yet is definitely not austere. The whisper of grey in the wall colour and the warmth of the wood add a rustic and easy-on-the-eye appeal.
3. STONE WORKS
Polished cement is a texture that perfectly suits spaces that embrace modernism and minimalism.
Shelterness Decor
Design Notes
High-shine cement gives subtle sophistication to this spacious bathroom, while the integrated countertops add a highly practical edge.
Hand-woven fabrics add pops of colour and break up the mostly monochromatic scheme.
The quartz bath is a luxe touch – and together with the built-in polished cement bench forms a key focal point in this modern oasis of calm.
4. ROUGH LUXE LOVE
Textures do all the talking in this eye-catching kitchen, where smooth metro tiles are in stark contrast to the exposed brick walls and the painted brick of the central island. Industrial lights and shelving units are the final touches.
Design Notes
Sleek black details seen in the stripe of black tiles and shelving brackets take the aesthetics up a notch in this kitchen.
The rawness of this space is tempered by the introduction of warmer tones thanks to the duo of wooden stools and the hand-woven rug.
The unrefined appearance and irregularity of the raw bricks are exactly what give this renovated period home its rich character and aesthetic appeal.
5. ALL WHITE NOW
An all-white colour palette brings a timeless sense of serenity to any space.
Design Notes
Natural fibres in the rugs underfoot, on the sofa cushions and the soft woven blanket break up the all-white scene and bring tactile pleasure to this living room.
Decorilla
The crisp white tone brings a fresh flavour to the interior. For a sun-splashed space, a cooler white is best while a warmer shade is best for rooms that don’t see as much light.
A splash of colour (Heath Nash wirework) breaks up the blank canvas and brings in a quirky focal point.
6. GREY MATTERS
The liberal use of grey gives this urban space a dose of sophistication.
Design Notes
This room painted in white would look completely different! The mid-grey painted wall creates a sense of drama without being overwhelming.
The different tones of grey come together to create a cocoon-like effect. The floor’s pale grey is ideal ensuring the contrast in tones isn’t too stark.
My Domaine
7. CREATIVE SPACE
Some say creativity is what will heal the world – which means carving out a space for inspiration is going to become more and more important. Be it a corner of a room, a dedicated studio space with a door, or a garden shed, let flexing your creative muscles be a priority.
Design Notes
Creativity can sometimes veer into chaos and disarray – the toned-down palette of white and wood in this comfortable space creates a sense of aesthetic order.
The trolley of art supplies is a practical essential but can be wheeled out of the way if need be.
The screed cement floor is an unpretentious and practical touch.
8. GREEN & PLEASANT
Not since the seventies have houseplants been so big! And why not? Studies show caring for plants can be as rewarding as loving a pet – they’re relatively easy to maintain, act as living decor and purify the air that surrounds us.
Pexels
Design Notes
This alfresco bedroom is all about bringing the outside in!
A flowering and well-pruned tree is a sculptural anchor in this eclectic space while the suspended swinging bench brings a touch of outdoor whimsy undercover.
A previously unloved courtyard is transformed into a hardworking kitchen garden and inside-outside garden installation. Open to the elements, it receives its due of sunlight and rain but is easily accessible as a delightful container and vertical garden that really delivers.
9. COLLECTABLES CONVERSATION
The owner of this urban loft is a seasoned traveller with a keen eye for unusual finds.
Her penchant for displaying her favourite treasures is revealed on her laden picture shelves.
Design Notes
Low-slung furniture ensures this living room does not become too visually cluttered.
By not mounting framed images onto the walls and using picture shelves instead, the owner can indulge in her love of changing displays – it also means more images can be showcased.
10. LET THE OUTSIDE IN
This stylised outdoor pool pavilion communes with nature in a dramatic fashion. An oversized window lets in the lush garden views while the chic seats encourage you to take respite.
Image credit: @riverhouseballotsbay / (Instagram)
Design Notes
This pavilion is constructed entirely of wood and offers a space to reflect, take a breath and marvel at the beauty of nature.
Natural unfinished timber and hand-hewn textures extend the notion of communing with nature – in infinite style.
The garden design here is as important as the interior design layers of textured plants and soothing hues of green create beautifully framed images looking from the indoors out.
ALSO SEE: MUST-SEE WINTER DECOR TRENDS FOR A STYLISH HOME
A version of this article was originally published in the Garden&Home June 2023 print edition by Vicki Sleet.
Feature image: Unsplash
