Always look on the bright side of life!

I’ve got mixed feelings about the interior of designer Doug Meyer’s Miami period home, featured in the June 2009 issue of Metropolitan Home.  There are parts I love and others I would have done differently but I guess if we all had the same ideas, the world would be a pretty boring place!

Miami in itself is a beautiful setting (Katie went with her girlfriends for her hen party and it was fabulous) and I do like the exterior of the house.  Any more colour and it would probably have become ‘over the top’ but the balance is just right.

Meyer’s attitude towards life is clearly bright and fun, with his creative personality shining through the colourful decor.  I imagine the boldness would fill me with energy, positivity and optomism!

Although I like the colours chosen for the bedroom above, for me something isn’t quite working.  Is the table too cluttered, do the floorboards look out of place somehow, or is it because that strange lamp reminds me of a lava lamp from the seventies?!  I can’t quite put my finger on it…

I would have thought any designer or artist would absolutely love the wall in this room above… I do!  Creative people can find inspiration in everything they see and it would be great to be able to view all your collected imagery in one swoop.  Just looking at this every day from a designer’s point of view would be enough to spur you on when you’re experiencing a spot of ‘designer’s block’!!

In previous blogs I’ve mentioned that if you are adopting a bright colour pallet, it’s usually best to keep the ’shell’ a neutral shade, like a blank canvas for you to work with and personalise.  This room is no exception.  The strong ‘pops’ of colour definitely result in the furniture becoming the main focus point.  Of course, you can be brave and go for full colour but this may only be for the experienced!! I like how the brightness of the adjacent room is able to seep through the screen positioned in the wall, plus it gives a feeling of added space.

Lastly, a beautiful outdoor space to relax and unwind…

posted by Emily

Magical Miami

Well the time has come for Katie to embark on a little adventure which is to be her hen party!  And what better place to spend it than in Miami.  Have a lovely time, Katie.

I’ve never been to Miami myself, but if its neighbouring Florida Keys are anything to go by, I know it must be a fabulous place.  Just look at these dreamy interior images captured by Michael Lipman photography.  From modern to traditional, it seems there is something for everyone in this fabulous city!