Tag: harlow & willow

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.

Stylist Alex Carter — Our expert, Alex Carter

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.

For more about Alex

Got a question for Alex? Complete the form below.

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

Decorating 101 Design Expert Tips Styling

Questions stylists always get asked + the answers!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date November 4, 2019
No Comments on Questions stylists always get asked + the answers!

In a new regular column, we’ve teamed up with Australian interior and photographic stylist Alex Carter from Harlow + Willow to answer your burning questions!

“As a qualified interior designer, the aesthetic and design philosophy of Harlow + Willow is about creating a fun and colourful interior that doesn’t take itself too seriously,” Alex says. “It is about playing with combinations of colour and pattern to create a unique space that reflects whatever the goal of that individual project may be.”

This new Ask the Stylist column is a collaboration between Harlow + Willow and Interiors Addict to allow you to submit your questions for the chance get free help with any interior-related issues! These can be anything from how to choose paint colours for your reno, what type of artwork to select, prints versus paintings, advice on selecting your new sofa, suggestions on a furniture layout, or how to make a bed like a stylist.

Alex’s styling work, assisted by Julianna Love, photography by Matt Biocich

Each fortnight, Alex will pick some of your submitted questions, and we’ll share the answers here in the hope that this may also help others. To kick things off, we asked Alex to tell us the answers to the three most common questions that she gets asked as a stylist:

Where to splurge and where to spend?
I don’t personally think there is a set rule to this. The basic rule is to invest in larger furniture pieces, rugs and artwork. Smaller items such as accessories and soft furnishings can change over time, so I wouldn’t usually suggest spending a lot, unless it’s something that’s meaningful or special to you! Having said that, don’t run straight to generic furniture stores for your big ticket items, there are many vintage/one-off suppliers who source items from all over the world and bring them back to Australia. Also consider custom furniture. These options aren’t necessarily more expensive than new pieces and create a sense of character in the space.

What is good style?
Now this is a hard one. The thing about style is that it is so subjective. There may be something that I think is superb, and others would cringe at it. There are a few simple tips, like: ensure there is variation in shape and the heights of objects in the room; create rhythm in the space by threading certain aspects (like a colour) through in different forms; and to ensure the furniture is of the right proportion. My advice is to not get too hung up on what good style is, if you love it then you should have it! Your home should be a reflection of you and what makes you happy, not what’s trending on Pinterest.

How can I make my home magazine worthy?
This is an interesting question that I get asked quite a lot, and there isn’t an easy answer. The homes that you see in magazines are all selected for various reasons, with the common thread being that they are unique or different. They reflect the people who inhabit them and include all their weird and wonderful possessions and hobbies. Not to mention, there is a very high chance that some of the things you see don’t really belong in that house, there are usually props that are brought in for the shoot (don’t tell anyone I told you that!).

For more about Alex

Got a question for Alex? Complete the form below.

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Tags alex carter, ask a stylisrt, harlow & willow, interior stylist, questions stylists get asked

Design Interviews Styling

Coastal homes: All white is out and colour is in!

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date January 30, 2019
No Comments on Coastal homes: All white is out and colour is in!

If you and I were to play a game of word association and I said ‘coastal interior’ I’m fairly positive your first response would be ‘white!’ Am I right? When it comes to beachside styling, white has always reigned but that’s set to change according to Perth interior stylist Alex Carter of Harlow & Willow who turned the white cliché on its head recently transforming a typical Aussie coastal home into a colour lover’s paradise. Today she tells us how to get the look.

Ease yourself in
“If you’re relatively new to introducing colour into your home, ease yourself in. There’s no need to break out the green paintbrush right away! Start off by swapping out your current cushions and throws for colourful and patterned ones and watch how it lifts your space!” says Alex.

Cushions are a relatively affordable way to take the colour leap

Select colours that make you feel good
“Even as a colour lover, I have some colours that I just don’t like. When injecting colour into your home and decor it is important to choose colours that make you feel good and that you find visually pleasing,” says Alex and it’s a sentiment I share. For example, as much as I love wearing red I would never have it anywhere near my house.

Choose colour levels depending on the use of the room
“Colour can create a vast array of feelings and change moods. Consider this and the feeling that you want to create in each space. For example, you may opt for more relaxing shades in the bedroom like calming blues or deep greens and rich plum tones whereas living areas can take more vibrancy with brighter, bolder colours,” says Alex.

Alex Carter bedroom — Bedroom. That stunning artwork is by Morgan Jamieson

Decorate depending on the feeling and not trends
“Don’t fall into the trap of decorating to a trend as you will get sick of this pretty quickly. Just because 75 per cent of Instagram seems to be using blush and grey doesn’t mean that you have to – except if you love it, then of course go for it!” says Alex who explains that it’s important to try and tap into your own distinct taste. “Choose colours that reflect the mood you want to create in your space,” she adds.

Alex Carter dining room — The dining room features mismatched chairs, greenery and colour pops

It’s okay to mix things up
“When it comes to your home, you don’t need to fit into a certain style or colour palette. Feel free to mix the vintage with the new, the colourful with the more minimal items and even colour combinations that may not be the norm. This is your sanctuary and should be a visual reflection of you so have fun with it!”

Coastal styling Alex Carter — I love the wooden surfboard! Artwork: Katie Wyatt (top left) and Anna Cole (bottom left)

Photographer: Matt Biocich | Stylist: Alex Carter at Harlow & Willow | Stylist assistant: Julianna Love

For more | A luxe coastal retreat

Tags alex carter, Anna Cole, coastal, coastal interiors, coastal styling, colour, georgie wilson, harlow & willow, ian gunn, interior, interior design, interior designer, interiors addict, katie wyatt, morgan jamieson, styling