Keeping Warm this winter

This is culled from my recent guestblog post with the Advertiser Newspaper Group. Here's the link to my blog with them Design Noteblog. I wrote this just before Christmas. Enjoy.

Winter Warmers - Get your fireplace going

Just less than a week to go and it’ll be Christmas!  By now the stocking fillers must be overflowing with delightful presents, the Christmas tree glowing and taking up its rightful residence, needles and all. I bet your homes are decorated all over with reminders of what’s to come!

As it is winter and we have had snowfall already, our homes need to be

Emerald - The Colour of 2013

So here we are again ........ another 'Colour of the year' has been revealed by the world renowned Pantone.

Image credit: http://www.pantone.com 

And the winner IS 'EMERALD'. And Am so very excited about this colour. So I should be as green IS my favourite colour. Seriously, no kidding!

Pantone describes emerald as .........

"Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty                      
                        that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."

 An emerald is a precious and luxurious gem stone. I love the sparkle from

Happy Holidays & Merry Xmas 2012

Here's wishing you all a very .......

* *.˛.°★。˛ °.★** *★* *˛.
˛°_██_*。*./ ♫ \ * .˛.*.★*MERRY CHRISTMAS*★ 。*
˛.(´• ̮• )*˛°*/.♫.♫\*˛.* ˛_Π_____. * ˛*
.°( . • . ) ˛°./• '♫ ' •\.˛*./______/~ ＼*. ˛*.。˛* ˛. *。
*(...'•'.. ) *˛╬╬╬╬╬˛°.｜田田 ｜門｜╬╬╬╬ .
¯˜"*°••°*"˜¯`´¯˜"*°••°*"˜¯`¬´¯˜"*°´¯˜"*°••°*"˜¯ ´¯˜"*

Enjoy the festive activities, drive safely and don't forget the reason for the season!
Here's a little something I wrote about Christmas last year Homemade Xmas Wreaths

Introducing 'Ankara Lampshades' by Dezine Konnections Interior Design

Am sure you all have been wondering why I have been so so quiet. Well I have been getting my 'game on' in the world of handmade design. Still falling with the realm of interior design. The love of handmade pieces is currently very trendy and I don't see it tapering off. At all. 

Have you ever wanted something different within your home to give it that

Happy Thanksgiving 2012

To all my American friends and family whether in the US or away, here's to you all. My heart also goes out to all the victims of Hurricane Sandy, it's aftermath and the people that has suffered and lost everything. You are all in my thoughts and prayer! Just wanted you to know that.

Image Credit: usafederalholidays.com

More so I love the message and meaning of Thanksgiving. Here is a write-up of exactly what thanksgiving means http://www.usafederalholidays.com/thanksgiving_day.html 

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all. Try n save some turkey for me. Thanks :-)

DKID W-I-P ........ It won't be too long now

Sorry all my avid readers and faithful followers of my blog, I know I have been unusually silent for a while. But I have 

Something is, most definitely, brewing and it's really gonna be .................... Well I think I'll wait for you to be the judge of that. Your honest opinion really matters a lot to me. And am not just saying that!

So, work, is still, in progress. Yes I have the briefs of my new project bursting at it's seems. Literally.

But I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel. All I can say at this moment is that it involves fabric (initially) and here's a sneak pic below. I don't want to give it all away, not just yet!

Does anyone know what type of material is in the images above? Will let you know when I reveal what has been keeping me so so busy.

I know it doesn't seem like much but please 'watch this space' and you'll soon find out. The future's looking good though!

Happy Halloween 2012

Image credit: etsy.com via Pinterest

Image credit: http://www.theaccessoryplace.com via Pinterest

Mind as you go ~ tricking or treating all over your neighborhood. Play and keep safe!

Oh and "BOO" to you too 

What lies beneath ........ the stairs!!!

Now this is what I call ultimate storage solutions (apart from the cloakroom). I'm actually not going to say much on this post as the images speak for themselves. They are all totally awesome!

Image credit: Home via pinterest 

Denim inspired designs - celebrate Jeans for Genes Day 2012

Today 5th October 2012 is National Jeans for genes day and of course I am wearing a pair of jeans today. But not only that I will in my own way contribute to this special cause.

 It is to raise money for children with genetic disorders. To find out more, which I would encourage you to do so please follow the link ~ Jeans for Genes Day

Here are a few denim finds that tickle my fancy. Hope you like them too!

Wedding table centre pieces, jeans shabby chic if I must say ........

I've never been a fan of Ugly Ugg boots but these are surely nice. Denim blue and brown always a good combination

SMEG have produced a jeans-coated fridge. A world first! I wonder how much it costs?

Cute and dainty denim stars

Pretty denim stool, the ideas are endless

Now we are talking, the denim armchair

}My take on  ~ There is so much upcycling that could be done with denim. Wear your jeans today. Celebrate the only day that it matters the most - Jeans for Genes Day!~ 

Happy 14th Birthday Google - we love you!

Happy 14th Anniversary GOOGLE. Has it really been that long!

Just wanna say thanks for GOOGLE SITES ~ I built my 'free' website all by myself using this  (Dezine Konnections Interior Design) and it wasn't rocket science :-)

I've gotta get on the GOOGLE CHECKOUT bandwagon though for my eCommerce platform. I've heard so many good things about it. Online shop coming soon - watch this space.

I also use your blogging platform, as you can see this 'blog' is on BLOGGER !!!! So very grateful.

GOOGLE DOCS and CALENDER keep me organised 

I lurrrrrve PICASA. All my images in one place and easily editable. It's easy peasy.

I blab a lot over Gtalk ~ GOOGLE TALK. No dodgy connections. 

Where would I be without my ever life-saving GOOGLE MAPS. Totally lost! No kidding.

GOOGLE CHROME is my gateway into the virtual world wide web.

My emails flow perfectly well with Googlemail. Ooops scratch that, I mean GMAIL.

And lest I forget ~ GOOGLE is the best 'Search Engine' EVER

}My take on Google - It's been wonderful knowing you so far. I've still gotta catch up on G+ (I know), create my own video on Youtube (yeah am behind times) and GOOGLE DOODLES ROCK by the way!~ 

Object Arrangement ~ Vases

The art of arranging objects isn't really that hard. Make them interesting using various sizes and shapes. This will draw ones eye's to the assortment. Mix the textures and slightly the colours too.

The fireplace in the picture above is the icing on the cake. All the colours tie in beautifully with each other. This Swedish interior is so very cool.

The Ultimate Man Cave! Really!

I guess this is every man's dream. Somewhere to chill out and relax. Invite your buddies around for a game (and a drink or two maybe) or just relax by yourself in front of the screen and watch a good old movie!

I love the setting above, so American! The space has been maximised to include the necessary elements for the ultimate man cave. A bar area to chill and sip drinks at, the cinema corner with the 'dropped' floor and not forgetting the centre of attraction - game table. 

One thing that sticks out about this room is the functionality of the space. First rule of thumb in designing ANY space is always 'function over beauty'! Get the layout right first (always keeping in mind the users of the space) and everything else will follow.

If you need a space like this, a man's hideout in the basement / garage or a shed in the back yard, send an email to tola@dezinekonnections.com You can also visit our website dezinekonnections.com and see the other services we provide.

Colour Trends & Inspiration ~ Autumn 2012

Seems like we are fast approaching Autumn/Fall. For one the weather is getting cooler, London 2012 summer Olympics is finally over and kids are back in school. We will soon be seeing falling leaves, a bit of frost as well as the wonderful variety of natures autumn colours. 

The Autumn 2012 colour trends are browns, greys, orange, greens with the added bonus of pinks and blues. Not forgetting the other usual suspects such as yellows, beiges and blacks.

According to Pantone 

}Color is the catalyst that can spark the sale, define the space and create the magic and the mood.~ 

In interior design speak,colour truly is the element needed to clinch that sale. It is 

The Glass & Art Deco Effect

One thing that never seizes to amaze me is Art Deco and it's smooth and clear lines, geometrical designs and glass. Art Deco has been around since the 1920s (started off in Paris) and I believe isn't ready to be forgotten yet. There's still a lot of Art Deco antiques and as well as reproductions to be had.

This mirrored Art Deco set (vanity table, mirror & stool) is part of House of Fraser's 'Black Orchid' line. All I can say is TOTAL GLAMOUR!!! The black and clear glass combination works well ~ simple but yet understated.

Back to school ~ It's all about the kids

Am sure a lot of you, like me, would be like 'phewy' the summer is finally over (for the kids) and they are back to school this week. This is also the time to revamp your kids bedrooms ready for the New school year.

I decided to write this post around 'Back to School'. As all parents know,

Are you ready world for London Twenty-Twelve?

The whole world is gearing up for London 2012 Olympics which start on Friday 27th July 2012. Just in a few days time. As usual, I find some great designs while crawling the net (literally) while scouting for inspiration and ideas. I got these wonderful designs from freshome.

Am digging the room below dedicated to London 20-12. Where should I start. Is it the Chesterfield- design sofa complete with moleskin fabric with an olympian-vintage twist? The trunk with the athletic poster on it? Oh by the way, I can see where these fantastic pieces can live in my living room. Plus the 

As culled from  freshome , these Sir Steve Redgrave and Mathew Pinsent design pieces (sofa and trunk) were dedicated to this year's Olympics. The sofa costs a whopping £2,399 while the trunk goes for £629. WOW. And what I love more about these pieces is that they fit into any space or interior due too the colours, design and style. Love the touch with the boxing punch bag! So original.

Images credit:freshome.com

What lies behind closed doors ....

I've always looked at doors as the entrance into peoples lives. When I see a door that catches my eyes, I start wondering who lives behind that door and what kind of interior theme they have going on. Once you go through one you get transported

Timeless Furniture: The Louis Ghost Chair

Cello playing ghosts sitting on fabulous Louis Ghost Chairs ( my desired caption for the image below)

Now I don't know about you but I absolutely adore the 'Louis Ghost Chair'. The design itself commands an audience, it's definitely in a league of it's own. 

Let's start from the beginning ........

Happy Fourth (4th) of July ~ American styling & design

As it was the 4th of July yesterday, American Independence day, it's much more easier for me to write my post today. Sometimes I am torn between different things to write about. But this has saved me all that. :-) 

I'm going to let the images do the talking.They are what typify America and Americans. I hope you find them captivating like I do too.

As the amercans will say ~ So long!

Sea blue Moodboard & 3D Room Design: Wayfair entertaining ~ Coastal Style

I've started creating a series of moodboards  using the fab online olioboard. Below is another entry of mine in the Wayfair contest. You can also easily vote for me. Just follow this voting link. It closes on Monday 2nd July at 11.59 ET.

The contest challenge ....
 "Design a dining or living room space where you can entertain family and friends in style. .......... Be sure to include at least 3 items from the Wayfair collection for your board to be eligible to win." ~ Olioboard

The Wayfair items I incorporated into my coastal-style entertaining moodboard look are

                   

Thanks y'all

                                                            

Oversized Statements: Lighting Design

I was in Lille last year (and this year too) and visited one of it's popular museums. The Palais des Beaux de Arts de Lille (the Museum of Fine Arts of Lille). And just by the coat/bag cloakroom in front of the stairs was this giant colourful light

Twins stork delivery nursery 3D Room Design

This Twins stork delivery nursery moodboard was inspired by twins (pun intended).I wanted to create something different ~ away from the norm. A lot of times nurseries are pink or blue. I wanted to give this nursery a luxurious feel as well as use colours not

A bed perfect for 'Sleeping Beauty'!

Am such a sucker for browns, slates and creams. Yes am talking about colours. I always feel that they complement each other perfectly. 

I stumbled across this bedroom interior style at the 2011 100% Design Exhibition, Earls Court, London. I couldn't resist taking a picture of it. Unfortunately I didn't note the name of the company that exhibited this. 


But all the same I was able to capture the essence of the design especially the mix of the different textures, fabrics and colours. The bold wallpaper is so on point too. This warm colour scheme is also given a nice twist with a pair of mustard-yellow cushions.


Even the headboard alone is making a statement. I did a post on Headboards last year based on very creative ideas of making an impression ... here's the link to it. (http://dezinekonnections.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/headboards-are-making-headlines.html).

Colour Inspiration ~ Aubergine

Another colour post today on my blog. This time it is the colour 'aubergine' that is in the spotlight this Friday.The aubergine is an egg plant  and has a very deep