HOW TO USE INSPIRATION

Last week I talked about my visit to Paris and how I found inspiration around every corner. This post will show you how to turn those inspirations into effective design concepts. You can find inspiration day to day in many different areas of life. It could be from an outfit you see a stranger wearing, an editorial in a magazine or  a fantastic meal you may have eaten. Take a picture or make a note, just remember that little snippet of inspiration. However sometimes it is hard to materialize this inspiration and therefore this is where I aim to help, I will share with you 5 of my Paris inspirations:

Keep it simple

Just look at one aspect of your inspiration, in the top picture I took inspiration from the gold gate and classical baroque style. Doing so this is then translated into the gold baroque basin stand and the gold chest of drawers. Don't think too big, keep it simple. 

Bring the outside in

This amazing wall of plants gave me inspiration for a previous blog post. The incredible greeny made me think of bringing the outside in, think outside the box. To read my terrarium blog here is the link: terrarium blog post

 

Bright lights 

The Eiffel Tower lit up at night is truly magical, so taking the light aspect and adding it to a room using fairy lights is easily done. The sheer chiffon in front of these lights helps soften it even more giving a lovely effect. 

 

Modern day mural

Taking inspiration from the ceiling of The Chapel of Versailles, a modern day mural sprung to mind. Within this bathroom it gives a twist to an otherwise modern and plain room. Full wall murals can be bought online and look amazing within a room. 

Pick a colour 

The bright red of The Moulin Rouge is eye catching therefore I wanted to bring this inspiration within a room. By making this colour the main focal point, it packs a punch (just make sure the rest of the room is neutral).

Please share, comment and follow. 

PARIS

MY LOVE FOR EVERYTHING PARISIAN  

My boyfriend and I recently took a trip to Paris, having previously visited I had already fallen in love with the city. This trip just reassured me what I already knew. From the ultra modern Louvre to The Palace of Versailles, it contains inspiration around every corner. Here are a few pictures I took myself on a nifty disposable camera.

  

Pâtisserie Stohrer

If ever in Paris and near Rue Montorgueil (nearest metro station is Sentier) make sure you visit Pâtisserie Stohrer. They sell the most AMAZING cakes and pastries, as well as traditional quiches and breads. Slightly expensive but definitely worth the money. 

 

We were told that in an effort to make Paris more green, that the city had introduced two walls of complete greenery. I have to admit the wall was rather striking in comparison to the pale coloured buildings surrounding. This also helped give me inspiration for my first blog post: http://achromaticdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/diy-ideas-terrarium.html

 

 

Chapel of Versailles

 One of the must see sights in Paris is The Palace of Versailles. This place is honestly one of the most breathing taking buildings in the world. Just due to the pure elegance and extravagance of it all. But as shown in the photo above, if you want to see the inside of the palace there is a lengthy queue. Therefore we explored the Gardens of Versailles, renting bikes and riding around the vast gardens was a highlight of the whole holiday for me. Although it wasn't a sunny day the gardens are still as spectacular. 

  

 

The Eiffel Tower lit up at night is truly magnificent, unfortunately we decided against going up. However I feel we didn't need to, as we marvelled at the incredible structure from ground level. The only thing bad I have to say about it is the amount of street sellers! 

 

Notre Dame

Notre Dame and the surrounding area is a lovely place to visit, everyone is very friendly and the sights are wonderful. We stopped and had lunch in a typical parisian cafe just around the corner from Notre Dame. The cathedral itself is a truly incredible piece of architecture. If interested in visiting one of the famous padlock bridges, just walk along the side of the cathedral and you'll find yourself at one.

We also visited La Basilique du Sacré-Cœur and the Moulin Rouge, which are both a short metro ride away from each other. Or you could do what we chose to do and walk up the many steep and tiring sets of stairs to reach the top. However it is well worth it when you reach the top not only do you see the Sacré-Cœur but the amazing view over the whole of Paris. It is a must to go inside the Basilique and see the incredible mosaic of Christ. 

All of these amazing sights, people and places has given me so much inspiration. My next blog post will be showing how some of this has inspired me. I hope you all enjoyed this post and I'd love to hear your feedback. 

TRENDS: GRAFFITI

TRENDS: Graffiti 

Graffiti is interpreted in different ways to different people. From being anti-social behaviour to another form of art. While it can be enjoyed for its face value a colourful public statement, often reflecting a specific time in society. However you feel about the medium,though, I think you'll agree these creative homeowners have integrated street art into their spaces brilliantly, creating unique decorations that add energy and excitement into their homes.  

  

Experiment 
Graffiti doesn't have to stick to just the one canvas experiment with different backgrounds and textures. Also by spraying onto a canvas it is not permanent! 

 

Don't be afraid to copy 

Don't be afraid of ripping off one of your favourite graffiti artists work, if it looks good why not? This piece looks perfect within the industrial feel living room. 

Changeable 
By using perspex sheets like these, they are easily changed and removed whenever wanted. Placed in front of a solid coloured wall such as white or black, they create an impressive impact.  

Plain and simple  
Sometimes just a plain and simple design can have as big an impact as a crazy design. This lettering adds a focal point to the room as well as a comedic value. When using a simple design like this trying keep the rest of the room simple too. 

Go big or go home 
A full wall mural may be daunting for some homeowners however it packs an impressive punch. Why not go all out? Such murals can be commissioned by the professional don't worry. The decorative bicycle within the room helps tie everything together, as it picks up on the red within the graffiti. Key when there is such a big mural.

Groovy geo 

A fantastic geometric pattern in metallic colours could not be left out of this blog post. Just look how amazing it looks. Graffiti doesn't have to always be about big bold colours, try colours on the cooler side of the spectrum for a more understated look.

DIY IDEAS: Terrarium

DIY IDEAS: Terrarium

History of a Terrarium

Dr. Ward

Wardian Case

The modern terrarium was discovered by some what of an accident, in 1827 by Dr. Nathaniel Ward, a London physician with a passion for botany. Dr. Ward built a fern rockery in his garden, but the ferns kept dying, poisoned by the fumes from the city's factories. Ward at the time was also studying moths and caterpillars and, while experimenting with a cocoon in a covered jar for observation, he noticed that several plants had grown in the bit of soil at the bottom of the jar. Among these plants was a fern, and unlike the ferns in the garden, it looked healthy. Dr. Ward concluded from this that plants could flourish in London if they were protected from the city's polluted air. The trend quickly spread in the Victorian Era amongst the English. Instead of the terrarium, it was known as the Wardian Case. Wardian cases were used to transport plants on ships. Due to being closed, glass cases the plants could be sheltered from the harsh salt spray, they benefited from the daylight and the condensed moisture meaning they would survive the long sea journey.

Modern Terrarium

Modern terrariums are used less for practical needs and more for being aesthetically pleasing within an interior. Often popular within inner city living, it helps bring a bit of greenery and nature within a home. However they also come with a hefty price tag if bought already planted, therefore I'm going to show you all how to create your own for under £15.

DIY: Terrarium 

What You'll Need:  

Containers, Variety of Plants, Gravel, Charcoal and Soil

 1. Something to house your terrarium

A container will need to be glass and deep enough for your plants' roots. You can buy a new container or simply clean out one you already have. The container you use can be as simple as an old fish bowl or one specially made for growing plants.

• Cloches - these will have high levels of humidity, and the cloche will need to be open occasionally to let the plants within breathe
• Lantern cloches - though they have high levels of humidity as well, but are easier to ventilate.
• Bell jars or apothecary jars are a pretty option for a taller terrarium.
• Wardian cases - available both closed and not airtight.
• Vases, tureens, or compotes - terrariums can still work their magic with an open top, though you will have to water the plants inside any container that isn't airtight.

2. Now to decide which plants to use

 Nearly any low maintenance plant can be used for a great terrarium. Classic plants for a terrarium include (but are not limited to) ferns, mosses, succulents, and cacti.

• Pick a plant that will stay small. Try to choose plants that won't outgrow the terrarium container they are placed in.
• Plants that prefer shade are best. Because glass can magnify light, plants kept inside a terrarium have to be tolerant of low levels of light - if you keep a sun lover in the dark, the plant will be stressed and can die.
• Go with plants tolerant of high humidity. Humidity levels in terrariums rise quickly, so your best bet is to choose plants, like those from rain forests or woodlands, that will do fine is such an environment, unlike plants such as Mediterranean herbs.
• If you're a beginner, pick something cheap and easy to grow. Be safe, not sorry - choose a plant that's inexpensive and tends to grow easily.
• A variety of leaf sizes, shapes and colour adds interest within the terrarium as well.

Larger opening terrariums are better suited for cacti, whereas smaller/closed terrariums are better suited for ferns and mosses.

3. Gather your supplies

• Potting soil. Choose light soil with lots of drainage, and preferably sphagnum/peat moss included.
• Pebbles or gravel. These provide both drainage when placed at the bottom of the terrarium, and a neat appearance when placed at the top of the terrarium. Choose stones 1/4 of an inch or smaller for drainage, but you can choose whatever you'd like for topdressing.
• Charcoal pieces. Unless the container the plant will be in has a drainage hole, charcoal pieces work to keep the soil fresh.
• Sheet moss. Sheet moss is useful when lined at the bottom of the terrarium, as it provides a helpful "sponge" for mopping up excess water.
• Optional. Decorations such as little trinkets, miniature people, drift wood, add whatever your heart desires to make it personal to you.

Time To Plant

1. Firstly check if your container needs cleaning. If so do this using soap and water, making sure to thoroughly rinse of the container. This is essential otherwise over time your terrarium will grow bacteria.

2. Now an inch layer of gravel needs to be added to the bottom of the container

3. A thin layer of charcoal now needs to be placed on top of the gravel to prevent mold within the terrarium. (I used BBQ charcoal that I had just crushed)


4. If wanted you can now add a layer of moss. (This is not essential)

5. Now to add your soil, depending on the size of your terrarium and the length of the plants' roots, you should be adding about two or three inches of soil. Making sure to pack it down to remove the air and creating a level surface.

6. Time for plants. Removing the plants from their pots and teasing the roots to remove the excess soil from the roots. Dig holes within the soil and place the plants within add/move soil around the plant and then patting down gently. Repeat until you fill or achieve the look you wanted.

6. Decoration. Now you can add any little trinkets etc. as well as any drift wood or stones to the surface of your terrarium. (I decided to keep mine plain, boring I know)

7. FINISHED! 

Caring For Your Terrarium

• Water your plants. If you have an open terrarium, water the plants occasionally. If your terrarium is airtight this won't be necessary, the plants inside open terrariums will need to be watered once a week or two. Succulents and cacti only need to be watered once a month.
• Keep your plants healthy. If you see weeds, mold, or sick plants, immediately remove the affected area. You should also be careful to remove wilting parts of the plant, such as old flowers.
• Let in some fresh air. If your terrarium is airtight, occasionally air it out. Though this usually isn't necessary, if your plants are wilting or there's condensation on the sides of the terrarium, allowing air to come in is a good idea.