Favourite rooms in August

As usual, and I am sure like many of you, I have been down the rabbit warren of Instagram and Pinterest and my head is full of gorgeous rooms.  I have a few of my favourite rooms in August below to show you together with why I think these rooms are particularly good.

My favourite kitchen in August

Why I love this kitchen

• I do love a dark grey kitchen, but so many of them fall flat and end up looking lifeless.  This one works as it is partnered with rich timber of a similar tonal level.  So you don't necessarily make a big feature of the timber, but it works as it softens and brings an organic feel to the dark grey.  The aged brass handles also add some contrast and interest.
• The benchtop is gorgeous and the warm dark vein running through it connects well with the dark walnut timber and the dark grey.
• A lighter floor works well with this colour palette.  You don't need to always match timbers perfectly and this can sometimes create quite a design issue.  The timber should either be the same or quite a bit lighter or darker.  In this instance a dark floor would have made the space too gloomy, but these lighter tones complement the walnut in the kitchen while allowing it to be a feature.
• The cabinetry to the ceiling works well to create drama and space.  Realistically, you won't use the high cupboards very often, but it is all additional storage and most importantly it keeps the space in proportion and ensures the area works with the dark timber beams.

My favourite laundry room

What I love about this laundry

• I was drawn to this room because of the gorgeous muted olive tone.  Bordering on mustard, this is a lovely understated colour that is rich and earthy without being overwhelming.
• The Zellige tiles add some great texture and interest.  As the splashback is the same as the bench, you don't really need tiles here, but their inclusion in the space adds a subtle design element and makes the room look finished.
• Wall panelling on the remaining walls, ceiling and internal door means that although the room is small, it packs a punch.  There is no detail left unturned and where sometimes using too many different finishes can look messy, this room looks beautifully cohesive.
• Stacked washing machines and dryers are an excellent solution for a small space.

Related: 10 things to include in a laundry room

My favourite bathroom

 

What I love about this bathroom

• I just love this combination of marble, timber and blue/grey.  I was sold on this room as soon as I saw it.
• I do really like a bathroom that is more like a room and not clinical.  The panelling and ceiling in here painted in a gorgeous soft blue grey ensures that this space has immediate appeal.  An intimate space has been created with the dark ceiling.
• The marble for the vanity unit and shower room is stunning.  This is clearly an expensive element, but you could just use marble for the vanity with a simpler white tile.  Not as amazing, but with the panelling and feature vanity, this would still be a very successful space.
• I am assuming that the flooring is a waterproof hybrid floor, which looks amazing in this space.

My favourite bedroom

What I love about this bedroom

• I have shown 2 aspects of this room as it is the dark contrast of the deep blue that makes this room so successful.  The colour palette of rich leather, dark brass, dark rattan, mustard tones and off white is a perfect complement to the blue.  Colour is so important to ensuring the success of a room and this one is perfect.
• The twin double beds are perfect for a guest bedroom.
• I love the nautical theme which is evident and evokes lovely holiday feelings, but without being overwhelming.  The bedheads are stunning and I like that they are a lighter colour rather than introducing more of the deep blue.
• A perfectly balanced and executed guest bedroom; I would expect no less from the talented team at Studio McGee.

My favourite living room

What I love about this living room

• This is the perfect study on how to work with a neutral palette.  The room is calming, upmarket yet very relaxed.
• A room of soft whites and neutrals can be a little boring, so you need to ensure you have some strong tonal contrasts and lots of various textures for the room to be successful.
• The natural rug, which is a lovely generous size, grounds the space and immediately adds texture to the room.  The washed off white linen sofa adds another soft layer of texture, as does the highlight cushion which also brings in a dark tonal contrast and is a lovely focal point in the room.
• It is balanced behind with a stunning textured dark pot and the subtle repetition works well in the design.
• The bookcase has been beautifully styled and I love the simplicity of the curtains with their pinch pleat heading, generous amount of fabric and accent black metal rod.
• The off white of the walls has been extended to the ceiling which is more successful that using a brighter white which would distort the colour palette.

Related: Tonal contrasts in interiors

My favourite dining room

What I love about this dining room

• I am very partial to a dining nook.  Whenever I am in a restaurant, this is always my favourite type of seat that I make a beeline for.  Whether the nook is in a dark and cosy corner, or by the window to a lovely view, this is my choice of table.
• This dining space is really appealing as it has comfortable seating by the window, two comfortable armchair style chairs and then regular dining chairs that are rather lovely too.  This type of seating though would work better with a table that had corner legs.  The farmhouse pedestal table is in itself gorgeous, but it does mean that four people here would have the pesky legs in their way.  Four dining chairs are also too cramped, but could work if you had a particularly large gathering.
• What I really like about the room is that it is eclectic.  With this comes interest and visual appeal.
• I think a relaxed lunch around this table would be really enjoyable – as long as I didn't get the table leg!

Related: My guide to the perfect dining room

My favourite hallway

What I love about this hallway

• The wall and ceiling panelling really makes this space successful.  Simple white walls can be very appealing, but they can be a little flat and lifeless.  By adding wall panelling, you create shadow and interest and the white walls become a thing of beauty in their own right.  You don't need to do much here apart from add the occasional painting or mirror.
• The generous muted transitional style rug is perfect.
• I love the console table and the way that it has been styled together with the seating to put on or remove shoes is just perfect.
• Touches of black in the balustrades and a timber newel post to match the flooring and stair treads completes the look.
• This is a study in simplicity that has been executed perfectly.

Related: 7 tips for the perfect welcoming hallway

I hope you have enjoyed my range of favourite rooms in August.  I would love to hear what you think in the comments below.

If you are planning a renovation and have questions, I have an online e-consultation service.  I have packages with just one key question that is concerning you or I can put together a full colour scheme.  Find out more here.