Style Counsel 5.3.2011

Saturday March 5th, 2011

Simple Window

Photo by Roger Davies. Featured on www.cococozy.com

Sometimes less really is more, and this serene setting is a stylish case in point.

Cool, calm and collected, it works visually and practically.  Here’s why:
 

• That window is a winner!  The bold statement it makes with its sheer size is clever, resourceful design and a look that lasts.  The plain glass is off set by the bevelled window frame, making it look like a magnificent mirror or landscape painting, giving an almost trompe l’oeil effect and rescuing the look from plain old big and bland.
• The lush green foliage outside is a gift from nature, but the natural arrangement on the table is a delicate human touch bringing the outside gentle in.
• Look where the pendant hangs!  Just at the right level to break up the straight lines of the window frame and add curvature to the setting – most important with the linear nature of the window, the table and the dining benches.
• The glossy, round shape of the pendant is echoed in the organic shapes of the artefacts on the table, creating a calm still life to counter balance nature growing wild and free outside the window.
• Organic colours complement monochrome palettes very well, adding a touch of earthiness to the discipline of a restricted palette – here, the bronze of the ornament and the biscuity tones of the sisal bench tops add necessary warmth.
• The rug is very important in this setting, as its funky lines give vibrancy to an otherwise very tranquil look and take it into groovy-natural rather than just everyday-natural.

 
Our suggestions to achieve this classic look are to start with the view and work from there – or use a marvellous mural! Eiffinger have some amazing landscape murals which would look jaw dropping with a gigantic frame.  Our ribbon stripe rug will give zip to a natural look.  The Wayfarer dining table is dark and restrained and would work very well in such a setting.  Ask us about custom made dining benches which we can upholster in a jute toned linen or hemp.  Try the Pumpkin pendant light for organic glamour.  Finally, our Trio and Charlize ranges of homewares would sit in splendid style on any of our dining tables.