Cabin Fervour

Tiffaney's style secrets

 

Who is Tiffaney Bishop ?
I am a mother of two young boys and a photographer.  I began studying photography part time 20 years ago whilst working in my former PR and Marketing career.  I have exhibited work over the years, the highlights being:

    A 3 month show at The Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne

    Inclusion in the 2010 Toyota Emerging Art Award

    Added to American Artist William Kelly's International Humanist art Collection

Art & the community Four years ago I established an art collective that engages with the local community in and around the Dandenong Ranges, in particular young artists and activists.  Together we have developed a formal collaborative art practice that is attracting national and even international interest.  We have recently opened a studio/gallery in Belgrave which is proving to be a very interesting enterprise with many more young people engaging with us because of our increased public presence. We have several local art projects on the go and one in development that will see us working with a New York based artist/group similar to our own and building a body of work that will be exhibited at the National Gallery in Canberra next year.

What's your decorating style at home?

Our home is quite humble on the exterior, but has quite a 'handsome' interior, which has a very rustic appearance with exposed rafters, rough hewn oregon lined walls and stained original hardwood floors. The small areas of plaster are painted in antique white throughout which creates a wonderful balance and foil for some of the rustic features. Large red persian-style rugs inject a warmth and boldness without competing with the striking interior. We have resisted painting much of the wooden features in the house as we feel that its character and integrity is wrapped up in its original envelope. Whilst our soft furnishings are fairly neutral, I have developed an interest in texture and begun to understand the wonderful effects you can achieve by blending different versions of neutral fabrics, textures and self patterning.

Styling tips or tricks for when you have guests?

We have an open plan kitchen/dining/lounge area (very American Cabin-like). We restored the original Rayburn oven in the kitchen and it makes great roasts and cakes! Although we often have formal sit-down dinners we also often prepare big casual but sumptuous spreads on the coffee table in front of the massive stone fireplace and sit back in the leather chesterfields and graze for hours.  I usually rely on the garden for flowers and foliage for floral arrangements.  My favourite arrangements are large displays of 'about to burst' magnolia branches which the hydronic heating in the house encourages a painterly show from within a few hours of arranging.  I also love to arrange large fern fronds with wild strawberry vines and although the fern fronds don't last very long once cut, they look amazing for a day or two.  Equally, I love just dotting little vases of jonquils or daphne around the place.  

Cushion fiend or phobic?

I love cushions, but don't have enough good ones at the moment.  As I mentioned before I am discovering the charm of textured fabrics and self-embellishments and am focusing more on this important room detail.

Where do you source/buy your furnishings ?

I tend to use the internet- recently I bought some Florence Broadhurst cushions online.

For more cabin decor ideas have a peek at Country Kitchens and stay posted for living areas and childrens rooms

Classic, vintage rooms + trade secrets

The lovely Mr Bishop shares....

Who is Justin Bishop?

I AM AN INTERIOR DESIGNER, a photographer, an illustrator, an author and above all, a Stylist! The majority of my work is based  on residential projects for private clients, however I'm being called upon more and more to work as a commercial stylist in the corporate sector, for visual displays editorial and advertising.

I am known for my timeless aesthetic, my aversion to colour and my dislike of 

decorative trends. I have been called an anti-modernist. I have a passion for classic, vintage style and design! 

What's your decorating style at home?
TIMELESS, TRADITIONAL, TAILORED AND CLASSIC!

I have been influenced by my country ancestral heritage and this comes through heavily in my home decorating style. I believe that style is simple, that it should be only what it needs to be,  nothing more nothing less. I do however, have an obsession with controlled clutter; my hoard of antiques, including many family heirlooms, are displayed in vignettes all around my home. I couldn't live without them. I work mostly with neutral colour schemes which provide the perfect backdrop for all my collections.

Styling tips for when you have guests?
I'M ALL ABOUT CLASSIC STYLING. I entertain as my ancestors may have have done, with cut glass chandeliers sparkling in candlelight, stacks of leather bound books displayed amongst vintage crockery and other historic curiosities to add some eclectic flair and to spark conversation. I tend to avoid flowers and other typical decorations in favour of original pieces and interesting objects that tell a story and create a elegant traditional atmosphere.

Cushion fiend or phobic?
I LOVE CUSHIONS AND ROTATE THEM SEASNALLY - Soft cream linens in summer and heavy corduroy and velvet in winter. I use cushions to build up layers in a room. For me, they should form part of a whole design rather than acting as stand out detail. Cushions should subtly add style to a room, they may add warmth and comfort but should not overpower.

Where do you shop for your furnishings?

I HAVE A FEW REGULAR HAUNTS THAT I CAN'T AVOID. Antique markets are invaluable if you have the time to saunter and sift through the trash, in order to find your treasure! 

Being a designer, in the industry, I am constantly exposed to new products that come up in the retail market. I am always tempted to pick up a great reproduction piece, many of them are gorgeous, however I try to stick to my preference for the old, the time warn and authentic! Using pieces with  history and age, will always add character to a room, adding a genuine sense of timeless style  and classic tradition.

Jo x

Time Worn Style

Blousy Vintage meets Industrial chic,

and they lived happily everafter.....who knew?

Alicia of TIME WORN STYLE, Olinda neighbour + soon 

to be featured in COUNTRY STYLE, shares some advice 

about candelabras, online decor and foxing?

What's your decorating style at home?
Years ago I was shabby chic pure and simple but have found my own style. At a pinch you could say Modern Country with a bit of Industrial thrown in, rococo influences, french provincial in another room. Yes a time worn style mix of my own ~ elegance with some harder edges!

A signature décor piece you can't live without? 
I love the huge Antique mirror I have leaning against the wall in the front room. It has just the right amount of foxing on the mirror and makes such an impact in any room its in. Old, ornate and time worn just the way I love it and it would work in any room, even a bathroom!

Any styling tips or tricks for when you have guests?
Keep it simple and don't clutter up the table. I always love a large candelabra in the middle of a table as it makes the simplest of meals grand.

Cushion fiend or phobic?
LOVE cushions and love old fabrics so turning them into cushions is a natural progression as they make great accent pieces in any room. You can change your whole decor around just by changing the cushions I've found especially if you have a neutral backdrop. I will actually be starting a new line of cushions this year using my huge stash of old ornate fabrics. Feather inserts, nice squishy and elegant. 

Any advice for people starting up an online business?
Don't be scared of using the computer, treat it as  friend not a foe. Branch out into social media ~ Facebook, twitter, pinterest, blogging and have a real presence on line if that is where your sales are. Its a tool to use that can be great fun too and you can link up with other fellow business people on line which is a great support for your own business.

Pop in, say hello..enjoy a cuppa in the finest china!

www.time-worn-style.com/blog

HOW TO open a homewares boutique

Great tips + advice from Andrea @ Maple

Maple is...Ever changing accessories for yourself or your home..and a great place to meet friends for coffee or lunch.

What's your decorating style at home?

My style at home is British Colonial, think India Hicks with a good dose of Bunny Williams.

A signature decor piece you couldn't live wihout?

Persian rugs, they go with everything and last forever. At the moment I'm layering kilims for a more modern, casual look.

Styling tips for when you have guests?

Always have a gorgeous scented candle burning in the entrance. For summer I love Montego Bay or India Hicks Casurina..for christmas nothing beats C&E Noel.
On the table I like to use an assortment of vintage jars & vases filled with anything to hand..the weedier the better- herbs look and smell great. 

For a formal look I use my collection of silver teapots filled with garden roses and herbs..

fyi If you are not a good cook make sure the table looks stunning!

Cushion fiend or phobic?

Definately a lover. "Never knowingly under cushion"

They are the most economical way to update a room. Being a blue + white girl at heart, I add red, pink or yellow depending on the season. Now my children are bigger, I can really go to town on the cushions as they have stopped the pillow fighting. I still spend my life plumping though!

Any advice for people starting a homewares business?

Research, research, research!
How will you be different/better/more interesting than what is on offer. A good position is very important. If you are opening a store front choose a theme/style and stick to it- you can't be everything to everyone.

I love Maple homewares and regularly use their products when styling houses for H&G
pop in or visit online, it's hard to leave empty handed.
If you mention "never knowingly under cushion" you'll get a coffee on the house!


www.maplehomewares.com.au 
ttfn Jo