Tag: Harlow and willow

Pendant lights: Does your dining room need one?

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 6, 2020
1 Comment on Pendant lights: Does your dining room need one?

In this instalment of our Ask The Stylist series with Alex Carter of Harlow + Willow, a reader writes in with a pendant light dilemma. Should she install one over her dining table, or not?

Reader question: Do I need a pendant light over our dining table? We had one, which was removed after it was damaged. We have uplights and a lamp in the same room. Should I replace it?

Answer: As to whether you really need a pendant over a dining table, there are so many things that can impact this decision. I’ll go through a few general considerations to think about below.

Size of the dining area
The size of the dining space and the dining table will greatly affect the decision as to whether to have a pendant light. I’m assuming in this case it’s a decent size (given there was a previous pendant), but did it feel comfortable or did it dominate when using the table?

I wouldn’t suggest a pendant light for anything smaller than a six seat table personally, unless it’s going to be quite small or hung high, but that defeats the purpose.

Photography: Stephanie Rooney | Styling: Harlow + Willow

Is the spaced defined?
A really nice way to design and style your home is to create zones for specific areas; this can be done in any home, even if it’s open plan. Areas can be defined by artwork, rugs or lights. If you have an open plan living and dining area, a pendant light can help to make the dining space feel like a discrete space, and create a focal point.

Photography: Stephanie Rooney | Styling: Harlow + Willow and Ali

Style of pendant
Should you decide to go ahead, the style of the pendant is the next big decision! Keeping in mind the house and the rest of the decor, you could choose to go with a simple yet striking glass pendant, such as a long line design or an architectural light. Alternatively, you could go for a softer and more textural style and opt for either a fabric or paper pendant.

Also, taking into account what else is surrounding the dining table, if there is a large and dominating artwork or bold wallpaper, you may decide to opt for a more simple and transparent light. If the room is quite simple, make the pendant the feature!

Photography: Armelle Habib | Styling: Julia Green of Greenhouse Interiors and Harlow + Willow

Consider the surrounding lighting
An important consideration is what other lighting exists in the space; is the pendant required to light the dining table or is it for decorative purposes only? This will also impact the style of pendant that you go for, and the spread of light you need (the amazing team at Lights Lights Lights talk a lot about this on their Instagram account, so head over there if you’re not sure about this). I would advise separate controls too, so that you can have just the pendant switched on for a moody effect!

Photography: Armelle Habib | Styling: Harlow + Willow and Julia Green of Greenhouse Interiors

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Tags alex carter, design, dining room, expert advice, Harlow and willow, interior design, interiors, lighting, pendant light, styling, stylist

Design Expert Tips Interviews Styling

Hallway ideas: How do I furnish & style a long space?

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date January 27, 2020
2 Comments on Hallway ideas: How do I furnish & style a long space?

Photography: Jody D’Arcy | Styling: Harlow + Willow

In this next instalment of our Ask The Stylist series with Alex Carter of Harlow + Willow, a reader writes in unsure how to style a long hallway.

Reader question: We have a townhouse and the hallway has a huge plain wall on one side with rooms on the other. It’s like a bowling alley. What can l do?

Answer: Long hallways can feel a bit daunting but are also an awesome opportunity to add some extra features to your home and to show people what you’re all about as soon as they walk in the door!

As this reader has said, it’s only one side of the hall that has a large blank wall. This can sometimes be intimidating, but below I am going to suggest what can be done to make it a fun and interesting part of the home.

Gallery style hanging art
One option is to create a gallery style wall of art. This can be done with original paintings or prints; they can be by the same artist, pieces with similar colours, or you can go totally rogue and put up anything you love! There are no rules to this; the only condition that will determine the success or not, is commitment. For example, with the hanging style, if you go with a symmetrical and streamlined look this needs to be measured out and executed correctly. Similarly, if you decide to go for a more casual and mismatched look, make sure that none of the paintings match or line up. Commitment to any form of styling is the most important aspect – own your decision with pride!

Photography: Stephanie Roonie | Styling: Alex Carter — Photography: Stephanie Rooney | Styling: Harlow + Willow

Create a seating nook
Depending on space and the width of the hallway, another idea is to create a small nook with a bench seat. If this can be near the entry point of the house, it could be used by people when they enter the house to sit down and take off their shoes. There are very slimline benches available, such as the below HK Living Retro Webbing Bench, that make a statement without being too space consuming. Pop a piece of statement art above, and a cushion or any other accessories that will practically suit the space, and you have a winning feature!

The console
Another option is to put in an awesome console! Once again, there are plenty of slimline and space saving options so it doesn’t have to be a large cumbersome piece of furniture blocking the walkway. Consoles are great for displaying small interesting objects, such as ceramics, vases with florals, plants or even a pin board to house all your important messages and reminders. This can be your central spot for all of those pieces that seem to mysteriously go missing when you’re in a rush – wallets, keys and anything else you need to grab on your way out!

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Tags alex carter, expert advice, Harlow and willow, interior design, interiors, stephanie rooney, styling, stylist

Design Expert Tips Styling

Ask a stylist: How do I furnish a small, awkward room?

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date December 19, 2019
No Comments on Ask a stylist: How do I furnish a small, awkward room?

Alex Carter moodboard — Alex's proposal for the space

In this next instalment of our Ask The Stylist series, with Alex Carter of Harlow + Willow, a reader writes in with a lounge room conundrum.

Reader question: I have this unusually shaped, smallish living room and have for years configured the contents a variety of ways, but it still doesn’t sit comfortably. I want to replace the sofa soon and I’m at a loss as to what type to buy so that it fits in the room – I was thinking modular. What do you think? I have also considered v-groove panelling or wallpaper but what other items do I need to get the space to work?

Answer: My advice would be to play with the pieces in the space and to add some more dimension to the room, emphasising the amazing aspects, such as the large window.

Denise mentioned that she was wanting to replace her sofa but wasn’t sure what style to go with and was thinking modular. Because of the shape of this room I would recommend sticking with the standard 2.5 – 3 seater sofa like this beautiful neutral grey sofa from Lounge Lovers. The legs of this sofa help to give it height, and mean it won’t be too visually bulky at the end of the room.

Lounge Lovers Hampton sofa — Lounge Lovers Hampton 3-seat sofa, $2499

Rather than having a chaise, replacing the armchair with a day bed style chair like the below, and put it further back into the bay window. This will create a larger seating option, open out the space and provide a beautiful little reading nook.

Freedom NEW HAMPSHIRE fabric daybed sofa with loose cover, $1099 — Freedom New Hampshire fabric daybed sofa with loose cover, $1099

Adding a colourful patterned rug is also a great way to add more interest to the room, and create another dimension to the room which will also help to accentuate the home’s beautiful jarrah floorboards. Positioning this horizontally will also emphasise the width of the room, rather than the length. The selected coffee table has a timeless white marble top and dark wooden legs to tie in the console on the left hand side of the room.

Lounge Lovers 'Evoke' white rug, $299 — Lounge Lovers ‘Evoke’ white rug, $299

In terms of the VJ panelling, this would be a fantastic addition along the entire wall that has the bay window. It will also draw the eye to this portion of the room and out the window, making it feel even bigger!

Last, but certainly not least, is the artwork. Placing a statement piece of art above the sofa will create another focal point and a sense of personality. I have selected the ‘Plant Room’ print by Bibi Ana + Co but it could be any painting, print or even a sentimental photograph. Something that shows a little bit about the people who live in the home and tells a story!

Bibi Ana + Co's 'Plant Room' print, $890 — Bibi Ana + Co’s ‘Plant Room’ print, $890

I hope this helps and I’d love to see how it goes, if anyone else has a tricky space or furniture selection please send it through and I would love to help where I can!

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Tags alex carter, alexandra carter, ask a stylist, Harlow and willow, interior design, interior designer, interiors, styling, stylist

Decorating 101 Expert Tips Shopping Styling

Cushions: 3 stylist-approved combos for your lounge

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 19, 2019
No Comments on Cushions: 3 stylist-approved combos for your lounge

In this next instalment of our Ask The Stylist series, with Alex Carter of Harlow + Willow, we solve your cushion conundrums.

Reader question: I have two white faux bamboo outdoor lounges that have navy blue covers with white piping. What cushions would look good?

Answer: Hi there, thank you for submitting your question! And what a great way to kick off, as cushions are my favourite!

So, with your bamboo lounges, the options are basically endless which can make things a bit overwhelming. I’ll try to help you narrow it down by giving you a few solutions, and also points to consider below.

Keep it classic
As the sofa already has navy cushions with white piping, one option would be to keep with this colour palette and use blue and white cushions in varying patterns, sizes and textures. When sticking with one or two colours, you can keep it interesting by mixing up the appearance.

Consider varying the shapes by using some square, rectangular and round cushions and different colour levels, some cushions could be all white, some could be a blue and white pattern or introduce a lighter blue. Texture is another great way to create visual interest, with options like velvet, suede, linen, shaggy or simple cotton!

Contrast
If you want to add a bit of excitement to the outdoor area, think about using the cushions to contrast the sofa. This could be done with both colour and shape. You could use all round and oval cushions for example, or use colours like apricot, violet, ochre, pink or greens. When considering this option, take a look at the colours in the surrounding area, perhaps even in the plants or garden and think about fun ways to mix some of these in!

Mix & Match
This would be my top pick, I think mixing and matching is a great way to create continuity with the existing pieces and surroundings, while also showing your personality. Have fun with it and don’t be afraid to show your personality by including your favourite colour, or a printed cushion with your favourite flower on it. It’s still important to vary the shape and size of the cushions, including a few in the navy and white colour palette, and then a few that are either a bright or soft contrast.

Consider a throw too for those late nights or when entertaining, it’s also a great idea to have a weatherproof box (timber or similar) that you can throw the cushions in if the weather turns on you, or it gets too windy!

I hope this helps, please send through some pics of what you end up doing, I would love to see it come together.

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Tags alex carter, ask the stylist, cushions, harlow & willow, Harlow and willow, products, styling, stylist

Bathrooms Expert Tips Styling

Styling art: what comes first: artwork or accessories?

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date May 27, 2019
No Comments on Styling art: what comes first: artwork or accessories?

By Alex Carter

What comes first, the art or the surrounding styling? It’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation but it doesn’t have to be hard! Picking art can be a daunting task, let alone figuring out how to tie it into a space.

The simplest way to do this is to start with a blank room and choose a piece of art that you love. From there, pull the colours out of the paintings with furniture, rugs, florals, ceramics, cushions, throws and any other accessories to create a visual journey linking colours in different mediums.

My favourite thing to do is to pay special attention to the least represented colours to really make the space exciting. In the living area pictured here I’ve used ‘Be mine forever and ever’ by Kirsten Jackson which only has one patch of green but I have emphasised this by including a shag rug with a bright green pattern, green velvet cushion on the rattan sofa and hints of green on other cushions and in florals.

By doing this, it makes the green in the painting stand out in a way it wouldn’t if there was no other green in the space.

If you’re adding a piece of art to an existing space, consider the existing furniture, wall colours and decorative pieces that will be staying and let this inform the colour palette of your selections. Like everything with colour, art can be complementary to the space or contrasting.

For example, in the dining room, the art is a huge ‘Happy Face’ painting by Kirsten Jackson. This piece is extremely vibrant, large and bold so I have made this the focus and kept the rest of the styling pared back with a few pops of colour to link the painting to the room.

Whereas, in the bedroom the painting is softer so I have amped up the colour and went all out with the bedding, repeating all the colours in bright and cheerful hues!

At the end of the day, art and colour are extremely personal and subjective. Whatever way you choose to go, having art in your house that you love will always work. It’s a fantastic way to show your personality and to change the vibe of a space by either making it exciting or relaxing. Trust your gut and have fun with it!

–Alex Carter is an interior and photoshoot stylist at harlow + willow

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Tags art, artwork, choosing art, Harlow and willow, Kirsten Jackson, styling, styling art, stylist