STYLISH PERGOLA IDEAS FOR SUMMER

29 June 2020

I've researched some stylish pergola ideas for the summer in this post, from custom built to innovative uses and beautiful decorations. — Photo by Caitlin Mills

It’s been hot here in the UK these past couple days and I’ve come to the conclusion that we need a pergola to give us some extra shade and to prevent the rear of the ground floor from overheating.

Interestingly, it’s been quite hard to find any stylish pergola ideas. A quick search on Pinterest came up with some horrible tacky DIY kits, leading me to a wider search online where it transpires the really nice ones are all custom built. Obvs! As is the case for the opening shot which features Emma Lanes’s (owner of The Range and The Farm in the Byron Hinterland) rustic outdoor tub shower underneath a chunky wooden pergola.

I love how the uneven slats let the smallest slithers of sunlight through and the pergola looks so solid a whole team of Aussie Rules players could probably practice their pulls ups without the construction moving even a millimetre thanks to some wonderful craftsmanship.

Another example I’ve been swooning over belongs to Swedish stylist, photographer and blogger Daniella Witte. Her pergola consists of a simple metal frame to which fabric sails can be attached. A neat solution, especially if you don’t want shade all year round and live in northern Europe. See her stunning home on a former horse farm here in one of my previous blog posts.

I also like the versatility of a pergola which can be a sculptural element for the garden getting taken over by beautiful climbers or evergreens like ivy over the years. In combination with some decorative lighting this can look stunning – just check out the images below.

For now I’ll leave you with some of the stylish pergola ideas I found online. As to installing one for our house I’ll have to see how our renovation budget is looking once we kick off in September, subject to kids being back at school and Covid rates close to zero – I know it’s a long shot.

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If you’re craving some holidays for the eyes heads over to this place in Crete which features another solid chunky wooden pergola as well as an incredible infinity pool overlooking the Agean Sea. Or gorge yourself on one of my favourite boutique hotels Casa Cook in Rhodes – I so hope this will survive the current pandemic so I can dive into that pool.

PHOTOGRAPHY | all via Pinterest, some of the photographers could not be idenified, please email with any credits

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Warm and sophisticated family apartment in Stockholm

22 June 2020

This warm and sophisticated 1920s apartment was remodeled by interior and furniture designer Louise Liljecrantz and her sense of understated luxury.

This warm and sophisticated remodel of a 1920s apartment may not seem like a family residence at first glance but interior and furniture designer Louise Liljecrantz took great care to alter the spacial flow to accommodate everybody’s needs.

The open-plan kitchen is right at the heart of the apartment partly obscured by a sculptural semi circular wooden screen that sets the tone as soon as you enter. The dark wooden herringbone flooring gives the residence immediately a warm feel and is reflected throughout the home in bespoke joinery. Paired with the sludgy grey tone of the walls and other exquisite materials like limestone worktop and a pair of my favourite Petra chairs in sheepskin you are presented with a sophistication that pays tribute to the buildings central Stockholm location.

This is of course photographed in it’s prime state – just finished but not quite moved in yet. A sweet spot I’d like to be able to maintain in my own home but living with others always ruins the look. Still, a beautiful project by Liljencrantz Design.

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If you’d like to see more Stockholm interiors head over to this post I wrote about ALMA, a wonderfully understated stylish workspace. Or have a look at USINE, an achingly trendy restaurant, bar, cafe, take away place with additional reception and conference spaces giving your business increased kudos.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Kristofer Johnsson with thanks

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CONTEMPORARY, LIGHT FILLED RESIDENCE BY CERA STRIBLEY

15 June 2020

It’s my birthday today and I’m treating myself and you lovely readers to some extra cool eye candy from down under. This contemporary light filled residence has been cleverly designed with an angled skylight in the entryway extending to the mezzanine landing on the first floor. Thus bringing brightness into the house even on the dullest of rainy days.

I love how architects Cera Stribley have managed to create a sort of sundial in the bathroom through the installation of a narrow strip of skylight. I’m sure you’d be able to judge if you’re late for work in the morning just by where the shaft of light falls.

You know I’m still a fan of the overall monochrome look which in my opinion brings sharpness, style and calm into the home. The dark kitchen island with grey marble (quartz?) worktop is a particular favourite and one that I’ve had on my own kitchen idea board for a long time. I also totally dig the black and white speckled terrazzo flooring which I think works perfectly in warmer climes, like this Melbourne residence. Though judging by the installation of a wood burner maybe it does get chilly in Oz occasionally!?

Overall, this is an exceptional light filled 3-bedroom urban residence and I’m glad that inspirational new builds like these get realised and not choked with red tape and regulations. Hats off to Cera Stribley and it’s clients.

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Can’t get enough of Australian interior design and architecture? Check out some previous blog posts here and here.

MORE INFORMATION & PHOTOGRAPHY | Cera Stribley

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Talking about racism

11 June 2020

Talking about racism I want to say and do the right thing but I don’t know how. Stylejuicer is all about aesthetics, dream homes and interior design – entertainment and escapism from the often harsh realities of life. It’s about visual pleasures. I don’t write opinion pieces. I select, edit and critique pretty things. It may seem shallow to some people but it’s just as important to our health and mental wellbeing as food, exercise, rest and sleep.

I’m a visual person and I need harmony and balance in my home and life. But something is wrong with the optics right now and this is the moment to acknowledge that I am a beneficiary of systemic racism. I’m privileged simply because of where and to whom I was born.

I have never experienced racism. I only have a vague second hand understanding through my mixed race partner and his black dad. So I’m writing today a little bit about grandpa who went to the same high school as George Floyd in Houston, Texas. Grandpa is a tough man with a loud, deep voice and a big smile who has overcome disadvantage and poverty through education.

Seeing the current Black Lives Matter movement I can slowly put more context around some of the stories he’s told me about growing up during segregation. One particularly harrowing example was when a local white shop keeper shot a black woman simply because she complained about the milk being off she had just bought for her baby. I didn’t ask if the shop keeper was brought to justice. I strongly suspect not.

Grandpa had the intelligence and foresight – maybe instinct – that the only way out of the ghetto was through education. He was one of the very few African American’s who got a degree from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and topped it off with a PHD. He later worked with the police on the Indian reservations where he continually encouraged youngsters to get an education.

Though he settled in a white middle-class neighbourhood in Colorado the racism didn’t stop. Crosses were burnt on his lawn, bricks thrown through the windows and his son was given a 10 minute head start when school was out to escape the bullies who kept beating him up.

My mind just boggles at these stories. I simply can not comprehend. Even more so knowing that this is by no means the most raw and terrifying account of racism. It’s a tiny glimpse into what is normality for far too many all around the world.

Now is the time to show support. You can donate to causes, sign petitions, support black business owners and most importantly keep listening and learning.

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Below are some links you might find useful via Time (Out) In.

DONATIONS

PETITIONS

Two useful Google Docs with links to more petitions and resources here and here.

SUPPORT

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LOFT LOVE | CONVERTED WAREHOUSE BY LISA KOEHLER

8 June 2020

a stunning example of a converted warehouse by lisa koehler in sydney, australia

My love for lofts has been well documented on this blog and today I want to share this stunning example of a converted warehouse by Lisa Koehler with you. The space is wonderfully stylish as well as inviting and there isn’t a single item or texture in here that I don’t drool over.

The structure and dimensions of any loft are always impressive due to their historic use but that doesn’t necessarily translate into a warm and engaging habitable space. Lisa has enhanced the converted warehouse for her client by adding texture and a pared back colour palette thus giving the brick walls, exposed heating and that wonderful white washed vaulted ceiling priority.

I thought I was a bit tired of seeing shaker style kitchens but in the context of this space and with the addition of those metal semi-circular handles it is reminiscent of early 20th century utilitarian cupboards, so fitting for a converted warehouse – and I simply love that dark inky blue. The vaulted ceiling made for an ideal mezzanine platform to add a bedroom which has a large roof light, perfect for counting the stars should you have trouble falling asleep.

The space is laid back, stylish and honest and I can’t wait to see Lisa’s next project.

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If you’ve enjoyed this converted warehouse, check out some more Australian eye-candy with beautiful exposed brick and a striking monochrome colour palette or one of my favourite coffee shops in Melbourne, bathed in brick colour.