T.D.C: Linen

Dulux Colour Forecast 2022: Colours for a New Era

9.01.2021

As we gradually emerge from another difficult year, we find that the world has changed, and our outlook has changed with it. With our ‘future normal’ still to be decided, we find ourselves asking the questions: What do we really need to live well and what could we happily live without? In response to this challenge, Dulux Colour Forecast 2022 palettes will reflect our desire to simplify our lives and boost our connection with nature and the people and experiences that matter most.

Wall: Ōpononi Double, Feature wall: Wigram

Dulux conducts year-round research into the latest international and local interior trends set to influence New Zealand's design and the way we live. With international travel off the agenda for now, the Dulux Colour Forecast 2022 – led by Dulux Colour Specialist, Davina Harper, in conjunction with Colour Forecaster and Stylist, Bree Leech – has been informed by virtual seminars such as Future Laboratory UK and Colour Hive, the Colour Marketing Group workshops, forecast reports and engagements with local and international brands.

Because of the uncertainty about what the future holds, we crave comfort and reassurance in our homes. By spending more time here than ever before, we have a newfound appreciation for the importance of good design and choose to surround ourselves with things that are not just beautiful but enhance our wellbeing and quality of life. The Dulux Colour Forecast 2022 comprises three exciting palettes drawn from our Earth’s surroundings that feature rich, earthy tones and natural textures, alongside joyful, summery hues that awaken our zest for life.

For today's post I've chosen to share a close look at Restore. A palette that resonates strongly, I love that it centres around earth-based hues combining both soft and rugged natural tones.

Restore

The Restore palette consists of gentle, earthy neutrals alongside more rugged, natural tones; buttercream, pumice, airy blue, clay, rich forest green, moss and purple-black. These colours speak of restrained minimalism, soothing our senses and providing the soft backdrop needed to adjust to constant changes in our lives. Furniture is chunky and reassuring, with curves that follow the lines of the body, accessorised with simple, handmade décor pieces in interesting and often imperfect shapes. Detailing is kept to a minimum, with the focus firmly on form and function.

Wall: Dulux Ōpononi Double, Feature wall: Dulux Wigram

Wall: Dulux Wigram

“This palette is inspired by our innate need for authentic connection and experience,” says Davina Harper. “Interiors have become our cocoon and a place where we can practice wellness and self-care rituals. We’re choosing less, however, focusing on more quality items that last and provide comfort above all else.”

Front wall: Dulux Millwater, Back wall: Dulux Peep-O-Day

Walls and trim: Dulux Waiau Bay Half

Wall: Dulux Waiau Bay Half

Recognising the need for clarity and calm and looking to simplify the spaces we occupy, we desire less, but look for quality products. Sustainability is key; we are prepared to pay more for pieces that are responsibly made and will last. After removing the unessential, we are suddenly able to appreciate beauty in the simplest of things. With Comfort the priority when it comes to decorating our homes we look to surround ourselves with cosy and cocooning pieces that will help us relax and process the events of the past year. One of the most important human senses, ‘touch’, which many of us have felt neglected of in the past year, is at the forefront of considered design. Having spent so much time on our devices, we yearn for tactile experiences and a connection with our loved ones as well as nature, seeking out natural fibres and materials, such as raw timber, unstructured linen and textured stone.

Walls: Dulux Ōpononi Quarter, Joinery: Dulux Finnegan

Walls and ceiling: Dulux Narrow Neck Half

Left wall: Dulux Narrow Neck Half, Right wall: Dulux Natural Flora

Left wall and ceiling: Dulux Duvauchelle, Right wall: Dulux Lauder

Wall: Dulux Lauder

Styling: Bree Leech / Photographer: Lisa Cohen

To find out more about the Dulux Colour Forecast 2022 including all three palettes: Restore, Flourish and Wonder visit www.dulux.co.nz.

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A Sense of Space by Zara Home

3.28.2021

Zara Home has introduced their Spring Summer ’21 collection A Sense of Space, and the imagery is stunning. Shot at a private residence designed by Belgian architect Benoit Viaene, the artistry, earthy tones and dark wood accents reverberate throughout the home, creating a serene and textural backdrop for the new pieces. An essay in balance, A Sense of Space speaks of warmth, refinement and calm.

Art Direction: Rosie Seabrook

Styling: Margriet Kok

Photography: Rich Stapleton

Production: Initials L.A

Styling production: Anne Goossens

Styling assistants: Danique & April

Images via Zara Home

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Los Angeles Residence by Conrad Architects

3.05.2021

Designed by Melbourne-based Conrad Architects, this new family home in Los Angeles typifies the practice's approach to balancing a contemporary and minimal aesthetic with traditional influences. Exhibiting a sense of calm and retreat achieved through the timeless aesthetic and controlled design, the careful selection of materials is based upon their environmental and wellness qualities. This includes a preference for natural materials that showcase integrity and resilience, with colours reflective of natural timbers, stones, linens, plasters, renders and sands. The overall result is a rich and warm interior that portrays a restrained luxury.

To delve a little deeper into this incredible project and find out the inspirations behind it, I chatted to Paul Conrad, founder of Conrad Architects...

Tell us about your overall vision for the interior and the materials you used to bring this to life.

The merging of classical and contemporary values within a space is sometimes referred to as the “transitional genre” of architecture. This is a great way to describe the foundation of what is central to the design of LA Residence; an empathetic transition between the old and the new.

With restrained luxury and balanced architectural nuances throughout, we were able to create a vision for this space that evokes calmness through minimalism and warmth through textured layering. It’s not too often these values can work in unison, however, the focus on natural materials throughout enabled us to embrace the juxtaposition seamlessly. The oak timber flooring has a certain rawness to it, and the white-washed walls being slightly off-white, provide an element of movement, texture and softness to the space.

The bathroom almost feels like an additional living area. How did you achieve this sense of calm and cohesion?

The bathroom of LA Residence is complementary to the rest of the house, with timber flooring and natural linen curtains that diminish any sense of disjointedness from one room into the next. This softens the transition between interior spaces that—traditionally speaking—often have prominent stark differences between them.

What were the key influences for this project and how did they impact the overall design?

Our approach to this project was driven by a commitment to the definitive architectural principles of space, light and proportion. The space of LA Residence borrows from traditional Georgian architecture, in that it boasts tall, slender, vertical proportioning that invites a sense of vastness and light throughout.

Images by Third Aesthetic

The bathroom lighting is by Apparatus Studio, and the chair is by Rick Owens.

For more inspiration from Conrad Architects, take a look at the beautiful Melfort Townhouses.

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Styling and Journal Feature with Wallace Cotton

3.03.2021

Last year I began working with family-owned New Zealand bed linen and homeware business Wallace Cotton. With a focus on beautiful designs inspired by nature, the gentle pace of our seasons, and the relaxed lifestyle of living in New Zealand, Wallace Cotton has been in homes worldwide for more than 14 years. Their range of collectable products are made from natural materials with enduring quality and attention to detail, all while being kind to the planet. To coincide with the Mid-summer campaign, I also sat down with Wallace Cotton to answer a few questions for their journal.

Among other things, I talk about how I got into interior design and what I love about my role, what a typical day on location with Wallace Cotton is like, and my tips for creating a beautiful bedroom.

Styling Michelle Halford - Studio TDC / Photography by Jae Frew

You can read the interview here.

Visit Wallace Cotton to see all the new collection designs, including those featured above.

Additional pieces in the shoot, with thanks:

Armadillo Malawi rug (first and last image), Serengeti rug (images 3 &4) The Ivy House

Louis Poulsen lamps designed by Arne Jabobsen (images 1 & 3) Cult NZ

Sike Monet chair (image 3), Broste Copenhagen vase (image 4), and Triboa Bay Pena bedside table (last image) May Time

Flowers (first image) Bloom Social

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Caring for Linen — An Interview with Marle Founder Juliet Souter

7.30.2020

Grounded on the philosophy of everyday luxury, premium New Zealand womenswear brand Marle has become a firm staple in my wardrobe over the last few years. Each collection consists of feminine, thoughtful essentials with an emphasis on subtle details, simple silhouettes and a refined, earthy palette. Proudly using natural fabrics and fibres and compostable packaging, Marle only works with manufacturers and suppliers equally committed to leaving a lighter footprint on our planet. Along with silk, wool, Perino and cotton, linen is one of the exclusively natural yarns that Marle uses, and the current Winter Collection offers a beautiful Linen Capsule with pieces designed to be worn effortlessly all year round.

It's no secret how much I love using linen at home. Breathable and kind to the skin with a soft yet textural quality, it extends beyond our bed linen to cushion covers, tablecloths and napkins. With its unique sustainable benefits such as requiring less water to produce than cotton, and being biodegradable, it's no wonder more and more of us are favouring linen when it comes to our wardrobe. Known for its strength and durability, if cared for properly linen will last for many years.

So, how should you care for your linen pieces? I spoke to Marle founder Juliet Souter to find out the best practices...

Linen is one of the exclusively natural yarns Marle uses alongside silk, wool, Perino and cotton. Why do you use linen?

Natural yarn, such as linen can elevate simple silhouettes and soft colour palettes with its unique character, weave and appearance. The Marle aesthetic is largely inspired by the inherent texture, created through the natural fibres we use.

We work exclusively with natural fibres and fabric. Primarily for the look and feel, but also the breathability and antimicrobial benefits to the wearer, and the fact they are low-impact to the environment. Linen has its own unique sustainable benefits such as requiring less water to produce compared to cotton and it is also biodegradable like all natural fibres.

As a long-time user of linen bedding, I love that I can throw it all in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Do linen garments need to be treated with more care i.e prepped in a certain way, placed in a laundry bag, washed separately or hand-washed?

While most linen can be cold machine washed, blended or naturally dyed linen can require hand washing or dry cleaning. Best practice is to read the care label carefully as it’s not a one fits all method for linen. Most of our 100% linen pieces are machine washable. With our linen/silk blends we recommend a cold hand wash and flat dry in the shade or dry-clean.

Linen can vary significantly in weight and texture. For more delicate items that are machine washable, using a laundry bag is advised. It is important to not wring out the fabric. For heavier pieces, give them a good shake out or gently pull to reshape and lay flat to dry in the shade.

If they need to be hand-washed, what is the best method?

Firstly, untie drawstrings and fasten buttons. Use cold water and add a few drops of mild detergent (we recommend ecostore), ensuring the water isn’t too soapy. Gently swish the garment in the water, being careful not to soak, wring or twist. Once washed, tip out the soapy water and repeat with cold, clean water to ensure all of the detergent is removed.

When it comes to drying your linen pieces, what is the safest option to ensure longevity?

Before drying, gently pull to reshape - if specified on the care label. It is best to dry linen either hanging or laying flat in open air, out of direct sunlight. A dryer can be used once the garment is dry to soften the fibres.

Linen is known for its naturally crinkly appearance. Can you iron linen?

We love the inherent textural quality of linen. If you want to iron out crinkles, either steam the garment or if the care label specifies, use an iron, most linen can withstand quite a high heat with ironing. Again, it depends on the blend so always read the care label.

The Marle Winter capsule two collection features several linen pieces including the Carly Dress, Dusty Skirt and Jade Top. Do the individual styles need to be cared for differently?

With linen, it’s never one rule for all. The Carly, Dusty and Jade Top are in fact all cut from the same flax linen but they have different washing instructions. The Dusty Skirt and Carly Dress can both be cold machine washed and line dried in the shade. Due to the design of the Jade Top featuring shirring and ties, we suggest a separate, cool hand wash using a drop of mild detergent. After washing, gently pull to reshape and lay the flat in the shade to dry.

Can we expect any shrinkage or changes in shape with linen, even when following these guidelines?

All of our linen is pre-shrunk so if washed correctly, you shouldn’t see any shrinkage. Linen will naturally change in shape if it’s wrung out, twisted or pulled too hard so it's imperative to be gentle when getting the garment ready to dry.

Thank you to Juliet for sharing these wonderful tips. Shop the Marle new season pieces here.

Images courtesy of Marle

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Ideas for our upcoming Bedroom Update

7.27.2020

I'm making a few changes to our bedroom in the coming weeks, and thought I'd share my current inspirations. The overall goal for this space has always been to create a relaxing haven, a place to escape from the business of life, and to feel calm and restful. In order to achieve this, I like to keep the room as pared back as possible, with a focus on natural materials. Our linen bedhead and rotation of linen bedding in soft neutral colours are favourite elements, as is the Menu Androgyne side table on my side of the bed. I love how the marble injects a warm, textural touch.

Styling and photography by Michelle Halford / TDC

Ideally I would love to have matching bedside tables, but this may have to be a longer-term goal. For now, the two changes I want to make are a new paint colour and some new bedside lights. Since building and painting all the walls white, I've been gradually introducing some warmer neutrals throughout our home and I love the results. While I'm currently choosing a shortlist of colours in the Dulux Colours of NZ collection (specifically neutrals and greys), I'm still loving the look of rendered walls. So often seen in Belgian interiors, I may experiment with some of the Dulux Design Effects to see if I can achieve something a little on the textural side for this space.

MD Townhouse, Copenhagen by Danielle Siggerud / Photography by Line Klein

We will be painting both the bedroom and walk in wardrobe, so I'll need to consider the colour of our adjoining ensuite, to ensure there is a sense of cohesion. I carried out the ensuite renovation in 2018, and painted it in Dulux Haast Double, a soft neutral that ties in beautifully with the stone floor tiles. The beautiful bedroom of Danish architect Danielle Siggerud (pictured above) is providing plenty of inspiration. Pared back and elegant, it demonstrates how you can mix different wall finishes and colours within the same whites and neutrals colour palette. The Serge Mouille Antony wall light is one of my all-time favourites.

The home of Swedish Interior Stylist Pella Hedeby

Penthouse Zoute - Knokke by Belgium-based Interior Architect Arjaan De Feyter

When it comes to lighting, I'd love to stick with wall lamps, as the room is fairly compact. It would be good to use the wall space and free up the beside furniture and flooring, however I'm not opposed to table or floor lamps, as along as they provide task lighting for reading, and are unobtrusive. In terms of colour, I'm leaning towards black, as I think it will provide a nice contrast.

Gairnshiel Lodge - a unique hideaway in the Scottish Highlands renovated by a Belgian family

A style that I am becoming more and more drawn to is minimalist task lighting. All of the examples here demonstrate a beautiful architectural purity, and are a signature feature of Belgian architecture. They go hand in hand with textural walls, and a quiet, serene aesthetic.