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Decorating with Yellow – Ideas and Tips

Some colours can appear overly dramatic, some can appear moody, but yellow is that colour which can bring instant cheer to a room. Especially when it’s summertime, no home should go without a hint of this colour.

Although usually used as an accent colour , you can go as far as you want in using its summery tones. Switch up the hue and you can get amazing results with the mood or ambience. For a soothing neutral look, go for muted yellows or warm things up with a sun-kissed yellow.

Learn how to create a welcoming scheme and create instant uplift to your space with these ideas.

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Sources 1 | 2 | 3

In these examples, yellow accessories add the much needed life and colour to these spaces. The shade doesn’t matter as much as the presence. Gray and yellow are a combination which many interior designers like to use. The balance of soft toned down grays and a bubbly yellow is like a match made in heaven.

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Sources 1 | 2

No designer does dark rooms as well as Abigail Ahern. Here it is easy to perceive the allure of this gorgeous colour even in a dark space. It almost adds an extra layer of dimension to the already interesting decor.

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Such a contrast with these bright and airy kitchens. The use of yellow makes the room look bigger and creates an even more inviting space.

Source: 1 | 2

Bright ideas for stylish spaces. Fall for yellow as we move very gradually into the next season.

Tell us how you plan to incorporate this versatile colour into your living space.

 

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10 Inspirational Design Quotes you should know

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Quotes make us think. You nod in agreement when we read one that strikes a chord, don’t you?

Hearing someone else say something is all you need to reinforce the beliefs you already have. Many creatives have said a lot about design and creativity. So for a bit of wisdom sharing today, we collated some of our favourite inspirational design quotes.  Be inspired.

“Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future.” Robert L. Peters

“Color does not add a pleasant quality to design – it reinforces it.” Pierre Bonnard

“Simplicity, carried to an extreme, becomes elegance.” Jon Franklin

“When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.” Walt Disney

“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” Mark Twain

“Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible.” M.C. Escher

“The details are not the details. They make the design.” Charles Eames

“Design is everything. Everything!” Paul Rand

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” Pablo Picasso

“Design is where science and art break even.” Robin Matthew

Do you have some favourite design quotes you’d like us to include? Why not let us know and we’ll be happy to add them in.

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Influence of the Week – Denice Bizot’s Creative Reimagining

As featured on mymodernnet , this weeks’ influence is Denice Bizot and her creative reimagining of a long-trusted garden tool – the shovel. Along with Denice, we believe that hidden beauty can be found in the unlikeliest of places. Our recent ‘Secret Music Collection’ was inspired by intricate disused parts of an abandoned musical organ and similarly, Denice has found hidden potential in another neglected object.

She explains that “the idea of reclaiming, deconstructing and transforming ‘so-called junk’ into works of sculpture is fascinating”. Carving detailed designs and silhouettes into discarded shovel heads, the artist manages to breathe new life into objects that would have originally been discarded by many.

 

Denice Bizot: Website | Facebook

Image sources

mymodernnet 

 

 

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Influence of the Week – Bauhaus Inspired Ceramics

It’s early February and we think we’ve just caught the ‘ceramic’ fever. Perfectly timed with the month of love. Just when you think you’ve seen them all, then you stumble on yet another beautiful collection. Maison et Objet 2016 was on last week and has been a fantastic source of inspiration. As always, they showcased a vast array of designers, both upcoming and seasoned veterans.

We made an exciting discovery through Architectural Digest. These beautiful Bauhaus ceramics are the epitome of sophistication. They are influenced by the original works of German artist, Hedwig-Bollhagen Ritz.

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Sometimes it’s the extra details which give a room that extra sense of character. We like the bold and structured use of black and white in the designs. They have a bit of an Art Deco feel to them. Each design seems to work harmoniously with the shape of the vessel.  Whether displayed singly or as a collection, these would look stunning on a coffee table.

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Not sure of how to display ceramics at home? Apartment Therapy has some brilliant ideas. We’ll definitely be looking up more of this designer’s work.

Image sources

Maison Objet

Architectural Digest

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See Different: Discovering the Power of Pattern

Today, we introduce you to Patternity. For something a little bit different, we’re looking at patterns. This is one of the first things you learn as a textile designer. A constant source of inspiration is key for your creations. You’re taught to look at things differently and develop a knack for looking beyond the obvious.

Musical instruments with tremendous detail. Sea creatures in sublime splendour. The galaxy with its hypnotic qualities. Look long enough and distinct patterns start to emerge, colours take a different turn and beauty awakens. The unexpected has a way of fuelling our inspiration.

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Stumbling on Patternity was like a child finding a treasure box of sweets.  Their photo archive is a fantastic source of inspiration. From water, hair to soap bubbles, they show you just how ubiquitous patterns are.

Patternity was founded on the belief that “a shared awareness of pattern has the power to positively shape our world”. Originally known for their extensive online pattern archive, they’ve expanded into research and consultancy and also have a creative studio.

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At Moody Monday, one of our core values is seeing hidden beauty and expressing it. We seek out hidden beauty and take out inspiration from unlikely places. So Patternity is a company after our own heart, they align well with our thinking.

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Our Secret Music collection was inspired by the internal parts of an abandoned organ. A trip to the beach birthed our ‘Gems on the beach’ silk cushion.  Wait till you see our next collection.

Take some time over the next couple of days to look around you for inspiration. You might not want to become a designer but you’ll appreciate your environment just a little better.

All images were sourced from Patternity

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New year, new look: Accessorize with style

Taking on a renovation project to achieve your dream home may not be feasible right now. But going for a simple makeover may be the perfect practical alternative. If you’re looking for some ideas, here are fool-proof ways to instantly update your home.

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Let the photos do the talking

Still have the same old photos on the wall? Unframed or framed, curated photos will instantly create a personalised area you’ll be proud of. Create a gallery wall to display new memories, maybe even those from the Christmas season.

Amp up your furnishings

By all means, inject some colour and texture into your living room with new cushions. Go with interesting designs and patterns to create visual impact.

Add some surprise elements

We often fall into the trap of making our decor too harmonious, there’s no interest. Pick out new unique bar stools or a provocative piece of art that will impress. An unexpected colour on a piece of furniture or vase can also make such a big difference.

Breathe life into furniture  

Give your treasured dresser or bedside cabinet a new lease of life. Don’t be afraid to change its colour or fittings. Swapping those wardrobe handles or cabinet knobs for some new shiny ones can be a big game-changer. Good thing is they’re very easy to replace.

These ideas are simple and easy to achieve. What will you do this week to accessorize your home with style?

Image source: Arkpad

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4 Ways to Create a Healthier Kitchen

When it comes to developing a healthier lifestyle, the kitchen is a great place to start. All it takes is a few simple changes to make healthy living a reality. Use these ideas to make 2016 a healthier one at home.

Keep things organised

You’ve decided on the healthy foods worth stocking up. You’ve made a couple of trips to your local grocer or supermarket. Why not give yourself a better chance of including these foods into your cooking schedule?  Rescue them from the dark cupboards they’ve been hiding in and bring them to the forefront.

Out of sight is out of mind, they say. Put an end to storage woes and make organisation your priority this year. Invest in great shelving for your food items, dinnerware and even appliances.  Open shelves provide a great way to keep them within easy reach. The arrangement also forces you to be organised.  That way, you’ll be motivated to eat healthy.

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Bring the herbs in

Indoor plants continue to be a trend in 2016. Fresh herbs are a definite must have. Give your favourite herbs and spices a home in your kitchen so you can add them easily to your meals. You can even create your very own sunken counter garden like this one.

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Go for a natural clean

First things first, deal with unwanted clutter in your kitchen. Get rid of those expired food containers, unsightly items and unused appliances taking up unnecessary space.

Now give everything a good clean. Kick those unpleasant chemical cleaners and disinfectants out and get some natural products in. A cup of white vinegar in some water is fantastic for a natural, non-toxic clean for kitchen surfaces. Lemon juice, baking soda are also perfect natural cleaning agents.

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A simple makeover

Make the kitchen the heart of your home and you’re on the way to healthier living. The happier you are about your kitchen space, the better your eating and cooking choices are likely to be.

Some simple changes can make all the difference. Maybe all your kitchen units are solid but they just need a little TLC. Why not give them a new lick of paint? A new back splash, counter top or wall colour might be all you need to elevate your kitchen’s look. Check out these ideas for great kitchen colour palettes.

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What new changes will you make to create a healthier kitchen at home?

Image sources 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

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Inspiring Designer – Marcel Wanders

Marcel Wanders is a product and interior designer known for his bold and stylistic signature style. Some fondly call him the “peacock-like prince of Dutch design”.

We discovered his recent work at The Kameha Grand Zurich and couldn’t wait to share it.

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His style has mesmerised the architecture and design community worldwide since he became popular for his Knotted Chair Design in 1996.  He is the Art director at one of our favourite design brands, Moooi which he co-founded.

Marcel Wanders has made it his mission to “create an environment of love, live with passion and make our most exciting dreams come true”.

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Who are the designers you think have a unique style? Share with us.

Story and images via Dezeen

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Top Interior Design Trends we’ll see in 2016

One of our highlights here at Moody Monday is anticipating new interior design trends. We see them as an opportunity to truly understand customer needs, innovate and dictate where the industry is going.

In today’s blog post, we share the key trends we believe will set the tone for interior design in 2016.

1.  Cosmic Attraction

Ethereal, deep and richly stimulating, this colour trend transports us into a state of serenity, beauty and adventure at the same time. Imagine exploring the colours of the night sky: midnight blues, turquoise, rich greens – the perfect colours to complete a warm and captivating interior.

This trend with its futuresque look and feel will make an impression on walls and soft furnishings in 2016. It is clear that we increasingly want personal spaces which are honest, pure and can arouse all our senses.

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Images via Inside Out  | Brabbu

You can look to Moody Monday’s Dance and Modulate with Feelings Wallpaper designs to inject this beautiful trend into your living room. Also expect some exciting new designs in our new collection due to launch later this year (more updates to follow). Discover more on the colours in Behr’s 2016 color trends.

2. Metallic tones

With Cherished Gold named Dulux’s colour of 2016 , we will see luxe metallic finishes everywhere. Our love for metals from 2015 lingers  as gold, stainless steel, platinum and brass continue to make appearances.

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Image via Mecc Interiors

Look out for rich metallic tones especially in furniture, bathroom fittings, decorative accessories, wall coverings and even artwork. Irrespective of your home style, mixing metals can add the perfect sparkle and sophistication to any space. We will likely see a move away from garish overly polished looks to softer hues as homeowners look to create interest without being ostentatious.

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Images via HGTV | Elle Decor | Lighting Styles

3. Black stainless steel kitchens

Move over shiny silver, the kitchen appliance industry is going back to black. We saw this trend starting to creep in towards the end of last year and it’s here to stay. With a more subtle, less reflective finish, we’ve seen Samsung and LG launch new suites of appliances in the last few months.

British interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard adds that “No longer side lined as the metal for overwrought outdoor furniture or bed frames, the decidedly unflashy material is appearing as simple hardware, bathroom fixtures and even flatware”.

If you’re thinking of a kitchen makeover this year, this is the trend you should definitely take seriously.

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Images via Consumer Reports | Digital Trends

4. Bathroom Comforts

Fewer quick showers, it’s time for more pampering. Look forward to seeing more décor and stylish cabinetry making its way into the bathroom, turning it almost into a second bedroom.

The focus in 2016 will be more on the ambience of the bathroom. To stay on trend, adding a stool, statement mirrors and greenery can create a well lived-in space you want to wake up to in the morning or escape to at night.

Discover our tips and tricks to make your bathroom more relaxing from a previous blog post.

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Images via House of home | LoveChicLiving

What do you think about these 2016 interior trends? Let us know which ones you like the most.

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Inspiring Designers, Part I : Fifi Fimandjaja

A few weeks ago, our designer and founder, Eliza Kesuma returned from a nice holiday in Indonesia, her home country. It made us think – why not introduce all our lovely readers to the world of interior design in beautiful Indonesia.

This week’s spotlight is on Fifi Fimandjaja, one of Indonesia’s leading interior designers catering to high-end residential and hospitality clients.

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Photo: ©Adeline Krisanti 2015  via  Idea Online

We particularly like how her stylish mix of modern style with cultural elements provides non-ostentatious luxury and glamour. Her spaces have a knack for matching the right use of colours with interior styles.

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Photo: © Vivianne Faye 2015

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Photo: © Vivianne Faye 2015

For more on her work, visit http://www.viviannefaye.com