6 KEY TIPS FOR CREATING A STYLISH INTERIOR

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Mastering the art of interior design can be a real challenge, especially when redecorating an entire room – or house! However, by following a few key guidelines, you can ensure that your design project is a success. Drawing upon our many years of experience in the design of bespoke furniture to complement existing spaces and styles, we’ve put together some top tips to help you out.

1). Research is Key
Research is key to any successful interior design project. Start by consulting interior design magazines and websites for inspiration and see what colour-schemes and furniture styles you like the look of.

Creating a mood-board is a great way to keep a record of your ideas and favourite looks. Pinterest is a great online tool for creating a mood-board, or you might prefer to create a traditional, physical mood-board to which you can pin magazine cuttings, colour swabs and fabric samples.

By taking the time to explore different looks, you can ensure that your design choices are the best they can be and you will be happy with the end result.

2). Work With What You’ve Got

Use your budget wisely. Spend money on crucial items, such as furniture, or on pieces you love which can become a focal point, but don’t waste precious pennies on expensive items which could go unnoticed. 

For example, hand-painted tiles may be beautiful, but regular tiles can still create the look you want to achieve. Invest instead in a statement piece such as a painting, or a beautiful dining table

Your budget might not extend to the replacement of flooring or the purchase of new furniture, so think carefully about how best you can work with your existing pieces. An ugly sofa can be transformed with a throw and a scattering of pretty cushions, while an old carpet can be disguised by introducing a rug.

While your style and tastes are likely to evolve over time, flooring, curtains and major pieces of furniture will not be replaced frequently, so use these as your framework.

3). Focus, Focus, Focus!

Once you’ve established your colour-scheme and the overall style of your room, stick to it! When you’re redecorating it’s easy to get distracted and buy all manner of ornamental pieces and soft furnishings, only to find that they don’t work when combined.

That being said, a colour-scheme can always be enhanced by introducing splashes of a new colour; you just need to ensure that the colours complement each other and you’re not going over-the-top.

For example, if you’ve opted for a blue-and-white Hamptons’ style room, the blue and white can be stylishly off-set by vivacious green plants or ornaments. Equally, vibrant splashes of colour can add a new dimension, bringing life and character to a room decorated in a neutral palette.

The use of a mood-board will help to keep you focused, so you don’t start running off-track or going overboard with your decorating.

4). Create a Statement

If you have a particular item of furniture or an ornament you want to draw attention to, make this your focal point and work from there.

Be it a painting, a sculpture or a fireplace, a carefully designed room will draw the eye to your statement piece. For example, a painting on the facing wall as you enter a space will immediately stand out, while a fireplace can really make a statement so long as it isn’t overshadowed by large pieces of artwork or furniture either side.

If you can’t find the stand-out piece you’re looking for, why not combine ornamental beauty with practicality and engage a furniture make to sustom design a 'showcase' peice for you?

5). Size Matters

When choosing colour-schemes and selecting furniture, give due consideration to the size of the space you are working with. Small furniture in a large space can look lost and out of place, while large furniture and too many decorative pieces in a small room can make it look cluttered.

Plenty of light is key to making a small space seem larger. Lighter colours on the walls and floors will  make your small room feel bright and spacious, while the use of mirrors is a fantastic way to maximise natural light and also creates the illusion of more space.

6). Time for Texture

Once the layout of your room is complete, it’s time to add texture. Even the most beautifully proportioned, stylishly furnished and well laid-out room can seem dull and lifeless without texture.

Curtains, cushions, rugs and throws can make all the difference.  Adorning a sofa with cushions will immediately make it look and feel more cosy and inviting, but adding cushions of varying fabrics (and patterns) can really take it to the next level.

The use of different textures will add depth and character to your room. Be bold and mix it up; a chunky, embroidered cushion, or even a sequined cushioned can work well alongside a velvety one. And a shaggy rug or textured wallpaper can add a degree of willful complexity to complete your look and achieve a big tick in the style stakes.

An All-American Wedding for a Casual Vibe

Typically, weddings are thought of as rather pompous affairs, with magnificent churches, intricate flower arrangements, champagne and caviar, and of course, the type of elaborate wedding dress that could double as a parachute should the need arise. 

These days, however, an increasing number of couples are choosing a more laid back and casual atmosphere for their big day. This could be for any reason from a tight budget to an appreciation for the simpler things in life; but don’t be mistaken, the well-loved all-American outdoor wedding is anything but ordinary. 

If cathedrals and chandeliers don’t appeal to you and a more low-key theme is what you’re after, here are some great tips and ideas for making your All-American wedding an unforgettable event. 

Decide what your interpretation of “casual” is

This may seem odd, but different people have very different ideas of what “casual” should be. For the one, it means not wearing a tie and popping open the top button on a shirt, while for another it means flip flops and shorts. 

In order to plan your wedding just the way you want it, you’ll need to work out what your expectations are and how you can incorporate them into your casual themed wedding. Maybe you’d like the dress code to be relatively formal, yet have the wedding in a laid back environment like in a forest or on the beach. 

Or maybe you want everyone to dress comfortably (smart casual) and do something as low-key as a picnic in a park or even a BBQ in your own backyard. Generally, the key is to find the right balance between elegance and simplicity. 

Pay attention to the invites

Invitations can really set the tone for your wedding and help guests to know what to expect from the event. Classic wedding invitations for example, would be pretty and poised, perhaps with a picture of two rings intertwined or lots of white lace and ribbons, whereas the invitations for a casual wedding can be more imaginative and use actual photos of the couple or have an amusing twist. 

Have fun with the invites and don’t get too stuck on following traditions like white paper and flourished handwriting. Use colors, photos and whatever else you feel will embody the theme that you and your partner have chosen for the wedding. 

Choose the a location and décor that fit your theme

For a casual American style wedding, you want people to feel relaxed and at ease in their environment, and the location and décor will play a big part in accomplishing this. You want your guests to be able to let their hair down, laugh with friends and lounge in chairs or sofas that don’t make them feel they have to sit up straight or worry about staining the upholstery. 

Outdoor weddings are especially great for casual weddings, as you can skip the traditional white tablecloths and go with a décor that blends with your surroundings. A large park or clearing in a forest (preferably one that isn’t too remote – think of your guests) can make a lovely outdoor setting where simple things like hand picked flowers and checked tablecloths don’t feel out of place. 

If you are forced to host your wedding indoors due to the weather at the time of your wedding or any other reason, you can still hit that casual note by adding fun touches like lanterns, colored napkins and potted plants, and going with a serve-yourself-style buffet that allows guests to enjoy the food on their own terms. 

Decide on the dress code ahead of time

Before you send out your wedding invitations, decide what type of dress code you would like, and be sure to make that clear to all who will attend. Casual is one thing, but you may feel a little less than delighted if some guests turn up in their scuffed jeans and tees.

The best way to encourage guests to put a little more effort into their casual outfits is to list some kind of theme on your invite. This could be anything from “summer at the seaside” to “flowers in spring,” but giving them some type of guideline to follow will ensure that everyone fits in well with the wedding you have planned and there is a somewhat uniformed look to it all (this is something you will appreciate later on when looking at your wedding photos). 

Choose an appropriate menu

Just as your décor and dress code should go with the theme you envisioned, it is important to match your food to the occasion and, of course, environment. If you are doing an outdoor wedding at a location that is not your backyard, you will want to include plenty of foods that can be eaten cold or at least at a temperature that is less than piping hot. Think cold meats and salmon, olives, cheese, coleslaw, fresh bread and garlic butter, and even simple favorites like hotdogs and hamburgers that can be assembled by the guests themselves. 

At indoor weddings it is generally easier to keep foods hot by using hot plates and other such devices, so you can include pretty much anything you want, as long as it will still taste good after sitting on a hotplate for more than an hour. 

Drinks should also be self-servable, so make sure you have plenty of carafes for wine, water and non-alcoholic beverages. Don’t think you have to provide an open bar with every drink imaginable either. Simple staples like wine and beer are enjoyed by most people, and can easily be bought in bulk at any supermarket or wholesaler.

Aileen Pablo is a Filipina Event Management blogger from OpenColleges, one of the pioneers of Online education in Australia and one of the leading providers of event management courses.  If you want to feature her on your blog, drop a line at aileen@oc.edu.au.

Talking Tables

_{Hannah & Rhys Clark by Ryan Ahern | Cathleen and Eric by Jose Villa Photography}

WWhen it comes to organising your reception there are no rules on how to set up your seating plan.

_{Alysia & Kym Regan By Fi Mims Photography | Hannah & Rhys Clark by Ryan Ahern}

Allow yourself to think outside the square. Be different. Join the tables together to create shapes or set up an arrangement that is surprising and different of your own that will WOW your guests!


_{Brittany Baldwin & Mitchell Clough by Studio Sixty Photography & Todd Hunter McGaw}
Of course the table where the bride and groom sit should stand out after all it is your big day and you are the King and Queen of the day! You can make the “head” table stand out by where you place it or with different decorations to the rest of the room.


_{Hannah & Rhys Clark by Ryan Ahern}
If you know which guests are real party starters make sure you situate them close to the dance floor! For those weddings with a large number of guests make the outside tables that are further away from the Head Table extra special so those guests don’t feel like they’re not important to you too.


<sub>Cathleen & Eric by Jose Villa Photography

Hannah & Rhys Clark by Ryan Ahern

Massimilano & Maria Assunta by Timo Schwartz



Kara & James Spokes by Daniel John Bilsborough Photography

Lauryn & Robert Riordan By Fiona Stone Photography</sub>

A Peek at French Chic

A Peek at French Chic

A modern look at 1700's french splendour. A Style revolution!



Almost too pretty to be real, bridesmaid’s posies brim with David Austin roses in marshmallow shades. Marble and gilt are the perfect foil.
The pleasure of a wonderfully set table; all you need is a French window, of course. Fragrance from the garden grown roses fills the room; fine china, crystal glassware and silver cutlery build the chateau-class splendour.
The monogram on the napery and chairs are the key to the sense of occasion and privilege.



The most exquisite seating, the regal monogram was embroidered in turquoise on organza.
The monogram crowns the design of the menu. This symbol of the couple’s union is used over and over and so creates its own decorative momentum. The timeless beauty of letterpress stationery gives the feel of high quality.



Gilt look photo frames have been lined with silk. The letterpressed name tags sit waiting to be secured, a thoughtfully themed guest favour.
The turquoise colour used as an accent on the table has been favoured in the decoration of palatial buildings in Europe for hundreds of years. Embroidered on napkins, the watery shade adds an extra dash of class.



A cake fit for a queen; the three tier vanilla sponge is layered with strawberry liqueur mousse. Intricately decorated with French inspired sugared swagging and topped in cream David Austin roses, the cake is truly divine.



The ornate monogram developed from the bride and groom’s first name initials embellishes every item of stationery: beautifully letterpressed in a duck egg blue.

Heaven Scent

Heaven Scent
Herbs are the freshest twist in in a posy; these ancient plants plucked from densely planted cottage gardens are household favourites.



" A perfume more engaging than floral"

The bride’s bouquet compliments the table’s centerpiece; it’s finished delightfully with a lavender and white striped ribbon. The bouquet sits on a French side table with mercury glass candle sticks.



Unpretentious, endearing and captitivating with a perfume more engaging than floral, their lush greenery and interesting leaf shapes layer together beautifully, all different, all strong; a unique wedding design that can follow through to food and drinks.



Bunches of lavender repel certain insects

The centerpiece on the pea green cloth is the definition of freshness. The deliciously fragrant posy sits on a white china cake stand; it combines mint, basil, rosemary, sage, oregano and dill with lavender and soft white lissianthus blooms. Silvered mercury glass tea light holders add the glow.



White Americana chairs decorated with a fresh, handmade rosemary wreath, adorned with juniper berries, hand calligraphed seating card and lavender satin ribbon.

Herbs can be bought from local produce

markets or greengrocers

Simplicity can be breathtaking, here white on white is pristine, each napkin is secured with a fragrant handmade rosemary ring. Form a fresh sprig of rosemary into a ring and secure it with a quarter of a length of 24 gauge florist wire.



The herbs used in the centrepiece are all hardy and can be easily grown in the smallest city gardens or on balconies in pots. Consider potting herbs over the months prior to your wedding for an economical and individual theme. In the years to come when you cook with the herbs, memories of your big day will come flooding back.

"Scents do that to you, they unlock memories"

in the most unexpected way.

When herbs are in bloom, they develop their pretty side; Consider using these flowers as a bonus in centrepieces and bouquets.



It follows that the wedding cake must fit the theme. This most delightful triple layer pistachio sponge cake with custard cream frosting is sprinkled with pistachio and lavender praline. Looks amazing, tastes wonderful.



Classic white favour boxes are trimmed with striped ribbon and sealed with silver labels embossed with a wreath motif.

Fill the boxes with chocolates or after

dinner mints



We have reduced the price of our archived 2007 magazines. You can download 2007 Issue 1 to Issue 4 (instant access) for $1.95 each or purchase the printed magazines Issue 1 and 4 only (2 and 3 are sold out) for $4.95 each plus postage (Australia Only). Click here for more information.



The menu and invitation are written in an elegant font laser printed onto a self striped card.

Your Bride & Groom Store

There's no denying that Bride & Groom Store on Hay Street, in Western Australia's Subiaco, is the hottest place to shop for the most stylish bits and pieces for your big day. Oozing style, the store is a one stop shop for brides wanting all sorts of bits and pieces, including bridesmaids dresses from Ava Madison and Katya Bride, veils and headpieces, lolly jars, stationery, decorations and guest books (just to name a few). There's no way you can possibly walk out empty handed. If you're a WA bride, or just visiting, pop into the store located at 363 Hay Street, Subiaco or visit them to shop up an online storm at www.brideandgroomstore.com.au.


The stock a great range of lanterns in all shapes and sizes. I'm LOVING the Eyelet lantern, featured above. So chic!


Tiffany chairs are available to hire for Perth and Margaret River region brides in both black and white with detachable cushion


Parasols are a must for summer weddings. Both fabric and lace parasols in a variety of colours are available. Also on offer are wooden fans. Perfect for your guests on a warm day.

Posted by Emilie Harrison

The Chair with Flair
Tiffany chairs are one of the worlds most popular chairs for special occasions and are now, thanks to Bride & Groom, available for hire in Western Australia. Made from durable polycarbonate material the Tiffany chair, also known as a Chivairi's in SA, is perfect for both indoor and outdoor celebrations. The Tiffany chair will be available to hire from mid-August in both black and white with detachable cushion. Call Tilopa Keech on 0414 716 746 or visit www.brideandgroomstore.com.au.



Posted by Emilie Harrison