The Loft

The Home Base blog

Insider Secrets: Part Three

Interior stylist Lauren Hack unpacks the ‘white and grey’ palette trend and shares her style tips and favourite things

22.08.2018

We asked Interior Stylist Lauren Hack to talk us through the use of the eternally popular white and grey colour palette.

Whites and greys unpacked

“I don’t see the demand for these palettes changing any time too soon, however I do see a shift towards more natural, raw finishes. I think people are subconsciously craving the warmth in interior spaces that has previously been lost with these cooler palettes and hard, refined surfaces,” she says. “Suppliers are producing more engineered products that emulate natural surfaces – think marble and timbers.

“I also like a bolder use of deep colours throughout interiors. For example, dark, detailed cabinetry or textured wallpapers in deep tones, such as grasscloth wallpaper in navy, dark greys, charcoals and even darker wall colours in accent areas. Refined and luxurious fabrics are popular choices for upholstery and drapery.”

Lauren says her personal lustworthy list includes luxurious, feather-filled velvet cushions. “And I am in love with Diane Bergeron’s collection at Arthur G furniture,” she says. “Also, I just love Bauwerk’s range of limewash paints by Meghan Plowman.

Styling tip 101

“Our very open-plan homes can feel hollow without some depth, created by texture and tone. I suggest trying something like a Bauwerk paint colour in recess walls or an architectural feature of the space.

“Also the use of darker block colours, particularly in kitchen areas, is a popular choice. If your kitchen is all white and you have a fairly modern scheme but want to add some depth, try painting the walls behind your cabinetry or in your kitchen space a dark grey or black and add some timber to soften the contrast.”

Lauren’s favourite things

$100 to spend: Scatter cushions. A simple and cost-effective way of instantly adding flair to a space.

$500 to spend: A large print to add some character to a space or mirror to open up the space and reflect light.

$5000 to spend: A silk floor rug, new sofa or dining set.

Unlimited splurge? I would have a shopping spree at the Montauk Lighting Co. Or I would ship furniture across from One Kings Lane in the US.

Ditch or keep?

Keep

  • Grandma’s vases
  • A velvet couch
  • A geometric dhurrie rug
  • A mud australia fruit bowl
  • Bohemian crystal
  • A metal side table

Maybe

  • An Asian teak entertainment unit (If it’s vintage/antique – keep, if not – ditch it.)
  • A wrought-iron outdoor setting (Depends on the context of the home – wrought iron works perfectly in a Hamptons or Federation-style home but not in a contemporary setting.)
  • A leather armchair (If it’s tan leather – keep.)
  • A vintage chandelier (If appropriate for the proportions of your home, keep.)

Ditch

  • A stained-glass lampshade
  • Tolix reproduction bar stools (These have been done to death, so perhaps aim for something a little different.)
  • A brightly printed doona cover (Try statement European cushions on neutral bed linen instead.)
  • Laminated buffet
  • A dream catcher (These have seen their time, macrame wall hangings are the new dream catchers.)