Tuesday 3 September 2013

Decorate with Animal (and birds) instincts

Time to explore a new mood - a flashy mix of colour and pattern, rather bold, somewhat tropical and a little eclectic. 

Take a walk on the wild side and consider adding a touch of exotic animal and bird life to your decor.







Abstract prints, fabrics and skillfully crafted pieces depicting leopards, zebras, cheetahs, even snake skins and tropical birds when mixed with thoughtful decor, create a striking union of the undomesticated and the urbane. 

You do not have to reserve this decor for an African safari scheme. These visually arresting patterns are great for adding a little (or big) wow in our modern homes.While the iconic animal prints have always exuded a richly glamorous, yet fun graphic style, tropical bird images of peacocks, flamingos, and parrots have added a new decorative stamp with their flourishes of elaborate and vibrant colour and pattern - teal, cobalt blue, fuchsia pink.




Caution: Use these patterns tastefully as a little goes a long way. Adding home decor (throw cushions, tray, lamps) featuring such prints in colours that complement the other colours in the room is a wise start. Then throw in an unexpected burst of colour (such as peacock teal) to give that punch. Use luxurious fabrics and cosy up with fur textures, velvets, suedes and linens. Or you could utilise one large accent piece such as an animal floor rug or a wingback chair upholstered in these motifs.

This will create a strong focal point and will not clutter the room as decorating with multiple print pieces may do. Then sit back and relish your bravery!

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Miraje offers an in-home styling, decorating and curtain making consultancy service. With the vast array of home products available, Miraje can help you with your interior styling and decorating so that you can confidently achieve your personal designer look. After all, decorating should be fun and essentially about expressing yourself. 



Create your own Miraje

Wednesday 12 June 2013

Decorate with Black and White (and "shades of grey")

The simplicity and grace of white contrasted with the luxury and sophistication of black – always an awesome combination. 

 The inspiration is all around – old Hollywood movies, Black and White photography, zebra stripes, Black and white ticking fabric, crosswords, piano keys, the New York skyline, 
images of Manhattan apartments and Parisian hotels.

The art of successful decorating with Black and White is to maintain a spirit of traditionalism. For soft furnishings including curtains, blinds and cushions, one of the most classic fabrics is French ticking. For a timeless appeal, statement pieces such as wing chairs, Louis armchairs and Ottomans can be upholstered in Black and White gingham, a chevron stripe (remember, the bigger the pattern, the bigger the impact!). For those who dare, a tribal or zebra print will be quite graphic.



Detail is important, so go for what takes your eye – punchy prints, texture finishes, touches of glass and metal. Add flourishes of fantasy and personal taste items (e.g. a cowhide rug, wall of black framed sepia images, a dramatic carpet or rug).


Don't be afraid to layer prints and patterns in shades of black and charcoal, down to grey and white. This breaks the starkness of black and white and adds depth and relaxes the theme.Be sure to balance these patterns and prints with a few touches of plain black and white. You can incorporate timber, greenery, sisal, cane, and linens. If you wish not to be literally straight black and white, these warm organic elements add interest and texture.


In the bedroom, be sure to use luxurious white linen with indulgent black, charcoal and “shades of grey” accessories as the crowning glory.

Be confident! No matter what your style, by choosing to decorate with black and white, your home will be on trend and look magnificent. Miraje Home has two wonderful coffee table books which explore this theme in greater depth. (Black and White – and a bit in between by Celerie Kemble and Design in Black and White by Janelle McCulloch).



This popular and on trend design has been showcased by other leading designers and popular Home publications.


Live what you love!!

Friday 31 May 2013

Decorate with Delightful Fabrics

Miraje Home has an exciting new ambiance with our latest focus - a new " Interior Design Shop" and workroom.



Beautiful fabrics add warmth and style.

With doorway access through from Miraje to the former Cafe 401, this area is dedicated to fabric selection, soft furnishing design, interior consultations and custom manufacturing.  Things have certainly moved on when it comes to furnishing fabrics and window dressing with modern and classical styles and tracking echoing other decorative elements in the home.


Small touches give a more defined and decorative feel.



Beautiful tones can capture your mood and style

 Imaginative use of fabrics for windows, lounges, cushions and other furnishings can transform your home and bring a level of sophistication unmatched by anything else in the room.  From a simple sheer fabric threaded on a rod to a Roman Blind with its classic lines, to an ornate luxurious velvet pooling on the floor, curtains and window fashion are an expression of your personality, adding style, colour and atmosphere.


Add a touch of pure luxury to your home

Whatever your Decorating style, there is a window dressing to complement. In addition to the endless visual opportunities they offer, curtains provide excellent light control, privacy, comfort, and play a significant role in reducing noise levels and cooling and heating costs. 


Glamorous


Comfort and Privacy

Miraje home also has an extensive range of upholstery and outdoor fabrics.


Your Sanctuary


Take your inspiration from places you love


So, if that old lounge or outdoor space need a makeover, the solutions are at hand.


Take your passion and make it happen!!!





Sunday 21 April 2013

Fabric Fusion

Fabrics, colour and decorating - that's what we love!!!!

Fabrics to finish, trims to tantalise, bits and bobs from here, there and everywhere.  What excitement, what a flourish....Everyone loves it!!!!

Yes, Miraje Home has just expanded through to the "cafe" next door, affectionately known as "cafe 401".  We have relocated the fabric library from the back area of Miraje Home to its new home, highly visible on Bloomfield Street.  An impressive fabric and furnishing showroom has evolved, behind, our new workroom is buzzing with creative activity.

Now, with plenty of room we are in heaven, wrapped up in hundreds of fabric samples, metres of fabric, extraordinary cushions and endless decorating solutions.  The reality of bespoke home couture is at your fingertips.  Selected WILSON Fabrics are now at greatly reduced prices.

Live what you love.









We would love you to stop by and see our new space, and let us help you bring your 'Material pursuits' to life!

Thursday 21 February 2013

Decorate with a Stripe!


Share a dramatic decorating moment with a Stripe! – All you need to transform a room from “drab to fab”.  Versatile to the core, this workhorse simple pattern combines effortlessly with solids, florals and other graphics - enhancing classic, modern and whimsical decor.  It is just a matter of how you use the stripes.


Add visual interest to all themes and styles.


With their strong visual interest, stripes have the power to reshape a space.  Vertically orientated stripes will draw the eye up, creating the illusion of more height.  On the other hand, horizontal stripes will encourage a side to side gaze, widening a room. 
A Chevron Striped Cushion creates a focal point on a sofa.

 What colours do you use?.  The answer lies in the final effect you desire.  Create classic drama with bold contrasting colours in wide uniform stripes, e.g – black and white wallpaper will provide an impressive backdrop.  For an elegant appeal, tone on tone stripes (almost monochromatic) will be more subtle.  Add a playful, whimsical vibe with multi-coloured thin stripes (e.g bright and beautiful in reds, oranges and limes).  However, take care here as too many colours can be rather jarring.
Black and White wallpaper makes a bold statement!
A striped accent can harmonise a busy space.  As this is a simple pattern, stripes interact with plains and other prints to ground the organic lines and unify the hues of the prints and plains. 
A cheerful striped rug adds visual charm and unifies a theme
Consider using stripes on walls (via wallpaper or paint), rugs, lampshades, cushions, blinds, curtains, crockery, tablecloths, napery, occasional chairs.  A little goes a long way here so be careful not to overdo your enthusiasm. 
Retro stripes add a funky vibe to these simple chairs!

 Using stripes in napery brings your concept to life.
Of course we all know how fabulous stripes are in our outdoor entertainment areas (i.e – Warwick range).
With the amazing range of Warwick fabrics including choices such as Bondi, Waikiki & Calippo - your outdoor space is only limited by your imagination!  The Warwick range (and many others) available at Miraje Home.
Thin or thick, vertical or horizontal, painterly or precise, soft and neutral, bright or bold, stripes are sure to refresh your space!.

A blue and white stripe draws the eye.


Bold stripes and patterns add visual interest without overwhelming a room.


Saturday 12 January 2013

Cool Summer Decorating


The decorations are all packed away and goodness its bare!!!! Well, Happy New Year and Happy New Look!  Queensland summer decorating is all about creating cool, open spaces where the living is easy.  Here are three Summer themes.....



Gorgeous fresh summer colours to brighten up your home.

Think fresh cool sorbet colours - pastel and watermelon pink, mint and lime green, pale blues and aquas, with a white background these soft colours look so refreshing on these HOT days.  Feature items in these block colours and create a quirky vintage feel.


Or you could indulge in the TROPICANA look.  Always a favourite in Queensland, striking geometric brights, prints and patterns just look effortlessly stylish together.  Choose a few new throw cushions, textiles and accessories featuring these stunning patterns.  They will pop against a neutral background, injecting the essence of a tropical holiday into your space.


Add that tropical feel to your home.

These graphic outdoor fabrics will enliven your alfresco area.



Vases in this seasons hottest colour - ORANGE!

Perhaps you may prefer the casual, yet stylish ambiance of the celebrated HAMPTONS look.  Architecturally infused with classical elegance, Hamptons interiors owe much of their aura and relaxed luxury to the restrained use of colour and careful selection of fabrics, textiles, furniture and accessories.  Colour wise, this polished, but not formal look is quite simple with whites, off whites, pale neutrals, accents of pale green, duck egg blue, light greys or an accent of navy blue or black against an expanse of white brings white back into contrast.  See:



Accent colours to compliment the Hamptons palate.


The essence of Hamptons style - relaxed, chic and effortless!



Classic Hamptons style.


You will find plenty of inspiration and gorgeous pieces to achieve these looks at your favourite home decorator store - Miraje Home in Cleveland.



LIVE what you LOVE!