Fofi by design blog

We are loving these pendant lights which were designed by George Nelson in 1947, and produced by Howard Miller starting in the 1950’s. They really are a modern classic.  They bring glamour to a wide range of interiors making them timeless and versatile.  When renovating/building -  consider a striking feature light, why settle for anything less than a true modern classic?

They are made using a spray coating of translucent plastic polymer over a skeleton of steel wire.  The tautly stretched polymer cuts glare but allows light to softly shine through.  There are various shapes to choose from:  pear pendant, saucer pendant and ball pendant.

“George Nelson’s Bubble lamps have been around for over half a century and we still think they rock!!”

For a complimentary 20 minute lighting consultation, contact us via email info@fofibydesign.com to arrange.  Offer ends 29 February 2012.

Ethical shopping means having an understanding of how our choices affect the outcomes of our actions and an increased awareness of the environment sustainability has led to many ethically produced goods and materials. 

To play your part, look for products labelled “organic”, “fair trade”, or “cruelty free”.  Also try and increase the amount of items you buy that are labelled “Australian Made” or “locally produced” as this ensures that the least amount of energy has been used to bring the product to the store.  

The Great Divide store has a showcase of great homewares and gifts to suit all tastes and budgets.  Located inside Style Plantation Bamboo Floor Showroom, Sydney South + open 7 days.  A must visit when looking for a conversation piece, or something with a cultural richness that is not often found in mainstream showrooms!!

Horizontal or vertical stripes add definition and perspective to a plain room. Stripes are lively, young + happy; use different paint effects together such as Dulux Design Metallic, Silk and Pearl, or you can stick to the same effect and vary the colour or shade. This is a much cheaper option than wallpaper and can be easily changed by painting over the whole wall or by simply updating the colour of one stripe.

It also provides other handy tips. For instance, make sure you plan your design while the room is still furnished as it will affect your perception of how wide and where the stripes need to be.

If you’re having trouble visualising, get some coloured pieces of paper and stick them to the wall where the stripes will be. Use differing widths to see which one you think works best.

Manhattan Style is a unique style that blends energy, constant change in the dynamic fast pace that is typical of Manhattan.  This is a unique style characterised by the dynamic New Yorker with global ideas to result in an eclectic classic style forever moving with the times.

This is a style about innovative looks, a blend of traditional pieces as well as contemporary modern furniture with clean and classic lines and simplified living spaces.

In Manhattan it is not enough to decorate. Whatever is the style, a statement has to be made to stand out. Manhattan style is not about period rooms but a combination of many period styles.

This style has a long, versatile history it recognises the role of architectural features that any house has. Encourages the use of features in the interior of the house to compliment the space. They also encouraged the use of ornaments that were applied to these structures superficially. Mirrors and mirrored walls are light reflective and add glamour.  Use a  palette of light and neutral colours, metallics and dark timber or black to create bold eclecticism and drama that characterizes Manhattan style.  Think detailed fluted columns, timber panelling on white walls, giant floor lamps and dark floors with plush velvet sofas.

“We are becoming more interested in objects with a history of ownership or location – the provenance” – Fofi By Design.
This is due to the cultural value of such objects and simply to have a story of how an item is made. Furniture items are being revamped + modernised to appeal to a younger clientele.  This is the better way to source quality, unusual and often extraordinary pieces along with being classic and timeless.  Below is a Chinese cabinet finished in a silver metallic paint, it will add instant glimmer to your space from the Orient.

Invest in 20th century European design in glass & ceramics, Circa C20 has one of the best collections to be found in Sydney. The collection ranges from the elegance of French deco glass to the organic shapes & muted tones of Scandinavian modern and the funkiness & vibrant colour of Italian design. 

Some of the most beautiful antique pieces are of 18th & 19th century French furniture. Each piece is of good quality and terrific visual appeal and for its potential to enhance both classic and contemporary settings.  Consider a gilt-wood wall mirror.

Outdoor Furniture

WHEN it comes to choosing outdoor furniture there are a few things you should keep in mind: 

• Space: whether you have a verandah, a large or small space.
• Style or theme: what ‘look’ are you trying to achieve
• Use: how many people that will use the space
• Specific needs: is there a pool or a BBQ area

1.      Introduce colour for impact + vibrancy – colour is just as magical outdoors as it is for your interiors.  Contrasting foliage or flowers can add lots of drama to a modern garden or pale pastels such as lavender create a relaxing country theme.

2.      Introduce a herb garden – whether in the ground or in pots, they are bonus to have at hand + can be fun to change over with the seasons.

3.      Layer or create tiers – for depth + dimension on your garden beds.

4.      Introduce various textures – for instance in leaves, thick succulents, agapanthis + magnolia evergreen.

5.      Shade or awning – this will maximise the use of your outdoor space + the hours spent in the great Aussie outdoors.  Look at retractable awnings, pergola/vergola or even a large outdoor umbrella.

6.      Patio flooring – consider brick pavers, natural stone, timber decking…

7.      Lighting – whether uplights, spike lights in garden beds, flood light, lights on sensors, solar lights + candles, remember lighting is important to create the right atmosphere/mood as well as be purposeful.

Good planning is essential, take your time + you will be amazed how effective the result can be.  Use elements of timber, stone, glass, metal + water for contrasting style.                                                      

Whether you have a desk nook, a small corner of your kitchen or a grand open space, creating a chic home office is simple. All you need is a deliberate style and some solid pieces to reflect it.

Desk or workstation?  Confined for space or placed in the centre of an existing room ensure your desk/workstation has doors that close when it’s not in use. This allows it to become an integrated part of the room.

Enlist the expertise of a bespoke cabinet maker or joiner to ensure it’s streamlined and doesn’t stand out.  The team at Fofi by Design are able to advise on final style and provide scaled detailed construction drawings if the desk is to be custom made.

For those fortunate enough to have plenty of space the question of what desk will depend on decor of the rest of your space and your budget.

Glass desks
Easy to adjust to any height or angle, glass desks add to the lightness of a room.

This streamlined design creates a sense of the modern in any environment.

Pros: the room will appear more spacious, it’s very modern, you can make a feature of your floor as the desk allows you to see straight through.

Cons: this is high maintenance to keep clean as any marks are instantly noticeable. It can also scratch easily and not the safest choice if you have young children.

A-Frames

Decidedly in-fashion, ‘A’ frame desks work really well in a space where you want to maximise space. It also gives a contemporary influence to the room. Versatile, you can add a glass, wood, veneer or melamine top. Or why not use a slab of vertical design coffee colour bamboo furniture board?  The better sustainable option!

Pros: cost effective, easy to DIY, not limited to materials for top, possibility of adding a top drawer to provide some storage, great for stationery items.

Cons: storage is limited with no space for files/folders, is less sturdy and not the most ergonomic design so not the best option for people needing to work for long periods at a time.

Solid timber or traditional desks

Think traditional style and solid timber, this kind of desk is a definite statement, bringing history and elegance into a space.

Pros: provides lots of storage, leather inlay at the top provides added comfort—great for people who do a lot of writing. Classical design can be swayed to antique or classic modern style, depending on what else you have in the space.  Brass handles are an added feature which can be complemented with a padded chair, studding detail and contoured at the back for extra lower back support.

Cons: doesn’t provide shelf space, can appear heavy and bulky, adding weight to a space.
Restricted to a period style decor/theme.

When redecorating or renovating, make the most of the Clearance Sales and avoid hours of shopping with great confusion and stress.  By booking a “shopping day” with an interior designer we can help your purchases to suit your interior space.  Consideration is given to the current (or new) colour scheme, incorporate a desired style and develop room layouts for correct furniture placement within budget.

The Shopping Day includes: client on site briefing to determine requirements and take measurements, showroom visits with client to source furniture/accessories, ordering of products and job folder compiled with invoices, product specification sheets and colour brushouts or fabric samples if applicable.

Decorate to reflect your individual unique style using styles, furniture pieces and colour of significance to you.

To arrange a day please email info@fofibydesign.com.au

Decorate your home in dazzling white!  Celebrate Christmas using a classic white theme that is always elegant and sophisticated.  This can be warmed up with traditional hints of red or gold and even sparkling silver.

Tips to help you achieve this look:

• Use greenery sprayed in snow as a table centre piece or made into a candle wreath with silver ribbon bows for the mantle.
• Hurricane lamps with large, white candles and dressed up with  glittery  ribbons tied around the base.
• Consider organic candles such as beeswax or soy oil, they smell better and are far better for the
  environment.
• Use white lights and silver or gold embellished decorations on a white Christmas tree.
• Dress the dining table in a white damask tablecloth, white crockery/dinner plates, large crystal wine glasses and tumblers.
• Remember to decorate the entry to your home – see below.

Lighting is an important feature, we recommend these gorgeous mirrored acrylic pendant lights available from Top 3 By design.  See www.top3.com.au They are fantastic jewellery for your home and provide an interesting stencilled light.  Another option are simple hurricane lamps as the candles give an effective glow at night.

Other simple additions are cushions from KAS www.kas.com.au as they have a great range in whites and silver with intricate detail adding instant sparkle to any space.  To obtain further information or ideas, please contact a consultant on info@fofibydesign.com   Happy Christmas + Festive Season!!!

The living or lounge room is the place in your home where the emphasis is on relaxation.  It can mean time alone or time to party and entertain!   These areas need to accommodate casual seating such as ottomans, stools and chairs – as well as a plush sumptuous sofa.  Lounging corners with an L-shape sofa are always comfy with soft cushions and side tables.

Blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors instantly gives an extra room to move into and entertain in.  This is exceptionally great if guests need their own space.  The balmy summer nights in Australia during the summer holiday season are always warm and an outdoor space is perfect.

Factors to consider when entertaining:

Adequate + flexible comfy seating, go for a casual approach, there is no need to match all pieces in colour and style.  Different pieces add interest and texture.

Moveable side tables that can also double up as seats.

Sideboard/buffet piece for placing food platters and drinks on.  Think a slim console table or a sideboard that is not too heavy or bulky.

Lighting needs to provide the correct ambience for the occasion.  Good ambience lights or background lights are either pendants or downlights as long as they are on a dimmer switch.  There is nothing worse than being at a party with strong lighting suitable for cross stiching!  Accent lights are great to highlight plants in the garden or to draw attention to a special piece of art or object.  Scented candles are also popular, providing a soft glow – sometimes difficult to achieve with light bulbs.

We recommend the following pieces, have fun + happy entertaining!