West Elm has launched its 2018 Autumn collection and I’ve picked a few favourites to share with you here. West Elm are on my list of “go to brands” to source for my clients because their products are well made, affordable and sustainably produced. Their brand-culture aligns with my styling – values therefore I’m comfortable with adding their pieces to my design briefs. For example, the Andes 3- piece chaise pictured above is a lovely deep sofa, with a mid-century line whilst still being a great sized sectional for a growing family. It is also upholstered in the perfect shade of metal-grey which will weather the trials and tribulations of a young family. And the best part of this design is that there are no chunky lounge – lines in sight. Tip: Don’t buy excessively large and bulky style lounges, I understand that people associate these style of sofas with comfort and longevity however there is nothing comfortable about a piece of furniture that takes up all the space inside a room. It’s also impossible to downsize with these large pieces of furniture therefore it’s best to keep things looking modest and in proportion for the average sized living room.
Australians like our homes to feel open and spacious and I’ve found the designers at West Elm support this ethos by creating timeless pieces with classic mid -century lines. In simple terms, their designs are fine lined furniture which keep our living rooms looking spacious and uncluttered. I particularly love the larger sized marble and brass floor mirror above because it’s such a beautiful statement piece. The mirror would also make any room appear huge whilst adding character. Tip: Small spaces can be fitted with larger than life sized furniture items. For example a large mirror or a piece of art can give the illusion of space making the room appear larger than it is.
Our pathways inside our spaces need just as much design-thought as the furniture items we purchase. For example, I will often suggest a round coffee table or chair design because of the extra space this will give to maneuver around it. Tip: A range of furniture shapes will create a balanced and open looking room; round shapes also give us more space to move in high traffic areas and the West Elm, curved slipper chair above is fine case in point.
At Milan Design Week 2018, ceramics, marble, glass, and stone materials continue to be popular and utelised by many of the designers. And I agree the tactility, uniqueness and natural beauty of these materials is hard to ignore.
I like that marble has evolved as a classic and timeless material to work with; I particularly adore the Williams Sonoma, marble and wood cheese boards above. Tip: Marble is a luxurious looking material that is easy to mix and match with other finishes.
I thought I’d share one last favourite from West Elm’s brother store, William Sonoma because the cookware collection above looks like it would motivate anyone to get their winter bake on. Do you have a fave West Elm design this Autumn? Have you got your winter bake on? Don’t be shy, tell me all about it?