WELL TEAMED
The setting incorporates several classic elements ideal for a contemporary living space. A soft camel-toned couch terms surprisingly well with an armchair upholstered in an animal print fabric, which is echoed in the pop-art print on the wall. The natural tones of sisal flooring and timber blend together and complement accessories in stainless steel and trendy wrought iron.

PERSONAL TOUCH
A living room is the ideal place to display collections and treasures. In the cosy room, family snaps on a coffee table are a central focus against a mainly neutral background. Exotic treasures sit on top of an oriental-style cabinet and a colourful mix of cushions adds a touch of fun to the settee.

Have fun mixing furniture styles. Cover each chair in a different fabric or team antique pieces with modern.

BORDER LINE
The border detail in the timber floor adds visual drama to a monochromatic living space. By positioning the couch against the back of the kitchen bench, the two areas become cosily linked and no space is wasted. The cushions add a splash of colour.

FROM THE ‘60s
A feature wall in brilliant scarlet peps up the room. A popular decorator trick when the ’60s-era apartment was built, it has been revived to give the room personality. Black leather and chrome, softened by a cowhide rug, give a richness of textures, while the china and retro-look lampshade add further touches of colour.

SOFTLY SHADED
Colours are kept neutral in the living room of the Federation semi, there by highlighting the polished floorboards. The deep blues of the sofa are an ideal foil for the warm timber tones. Comfy armchairs in blue and yellow co-ordinate well and an antique trunk serves as a coffee table.

JUST CHARMING
Pretty cushions and floral plates are the keynote in the charming cottage-style sitting room. The country-style dresser provides display space and storage for books and magazines in the cupboard beneath and an old-fashioned chest doubles as a sturdy coffee table.

Water features are one of most interesting ways of adding an extra dimension to your garden. And you don’t have to be an expert to create the perfect pond or fabulous fountain. Here some top tips on how to create a stunning feature that will provide years of pleasure.

There is something magical about the way water can transform a garden into a unique and special place. Water cascading from a fountain and sparkling in the sun, or the reflection from a lily-covered pond can imbue a garden with a sense of tranquility. Add to that the calming sound of water trickling over rocks and you can see why so many homeowners crate an aquatic paradise in their own backyard.

The magical ‘fourth element’ can be used in a range of features to suit the character of your garden; from the formal to the natural and traditional to the modern. (more…)