Tips & Trends

Mango-Wood Art Work

Mango Wood wall art is becoming an increasingly popular décor item for the home. They can be hung as single pieces, doubles or as a triptych which is a single image divided into three distinct canvas pieces. The canvas panels on a triptych are almost always hung together. Each canvas print can be identically sized, or three different-sized panels can be used. When viewed together they seem to be a single canvas print.
The Mango wood is a sustainable product which is made from the same trees that produce the tropical mango fruit. Craftsmen have experimented with a wide range of contemporary designs and colours, resulting in innovative shapes and textures which can be carved or embedded with plant products.
The art work comes in a range of sizes and styles, is lightweight and easy to hang transport and hang.
Contact Decor & U for further information or with any purchase enquiries.

Colour Tips

If you’re choosing new colours for your home or business you might be interested in some of their more common meanings and associations:

• White represents cleanliness, purity and honesty
• Red is for vitality, passion, love. Red attracts attention. It can also mean Stop!
• Blue denotes calmness, stability, peacefulness.
• Brown is open, reliable and grounded
• Purple and lavender promote relaxation
• Orange is of course, energetic, warm and happy

Gender plays a part in colour choice. Darker colours or brighter colours seem to appeal more to men while softer colours appeal to women.
Bold colours make bold statements, but ideally should only be used sparingly in your home, as otherwise they tend to overwhelm and lose their power.
Metallics can add a touch of glamour, and suggest wealth and prosperity. However, too much can be, well, too much so it’s best to contain metallics to features or accents.
Babies like softer palettes and pastels whilst toddlers enjoy bright primary colours. As children get older they really enjoy the opportunity to choose the colours of their own spaces, and reassuringly, they will grow out of each phase reasonably quickly – so both princess pinks and goth greens won’t be a permanent feature of your home!
And a tip for the home seller - most people feel comfortable with neutrals, so this is a good choice if you are considering putting your home on the market and want to appeal to as many buyers as possible.



Cosying up for winter

A few small changes will set the scene for cosy nights and weekends at home, so why not infuse your home with deeper colour and a little more softness this winter?
Cushions and throws of different shapes and szies in warm or bright colours are a must. There’s a large variety at a range of prices available so this is a very easy way to transition to winter warmth. You can also add throws to your sofa and bed in cosy materials such as wool, chenille or velvets. These all help to create a sense of warmth and depth.
Re-organise your home accessories and ornaments to match the season. Choose from warmly toned, textured items and group them together in odd numbers of three or five. This is usually a more pleasing arrangement than objects grouped in even numbers.
Reconsider your photo collection. Have a look through your collection with a fresh eye. You may be surprised by what you find. Once you’ve chosen a selection of images you can frame them, using the same frame and background for each. For winter like dark brown frames with a creamy background are great. And it’s ok to mix up the sizes as that will add interest. Then find a wall in your home that’s looking a little bare and hang your collection.
Lighting is really important and a well placed lamp can cast a wonderful warming glow. And don’t forget about candles – now is the time to indulge in their welcoming glow and if you choose a scented version it will fill your home with wonderful scents.
It’s now time to remove all the summery cottons from your bedroom and replace it with thick and comforting doonas and bed-linen. Materials such as flannel, jersey, heavy linen and some woollen throws are perfect.
Use patterned or coloured dinnerware options to make heavier winter food look even more inviting.
Finally, if you are lucky enough to have one, don’t forget to light the fire. Whether it’s a gas flame or an open fireplace, this is one winter luxury that is very hard to beat.



Featured Artists and Designers

Jonathon Jefferson is a Mornington Peninsula-based artist producing works for a variety of art lovers from the eccentric to the modern conservative. Having studied in both Graphic and Building Design Jonathon has always had an interest in visual imagery, and his passion comes through in every aspect of his art. Jonathon's original art works will enliven both homes and office space. He is skilled in using oils on canvas and although this is his preferred method for major works he also enjoys drawing in charcoal and pencil as well as pastel. Jonathon is available for commission in any medium and size. If you would like more information please contact Decor & U
A recent examples from Jonathon’s portfolio is pictured here:

Gretchen Hillhouse
Transversing the boundaries of visual art, craft and design, Gretchen Hillhouse Design delivers innovative jewellery to grace contemporary wardrobes and ceramic objects to complement today's interiors.
With an emphasis on integrity of design, innovative use of materials and a strong sense of craftedness informed by her background in Fine Art, Gretchen Hillhouse has established an award-winning design practice Her work is represented in public collections throughout Australia and private collections overseas and continues to attract a growing following.
Gretchen says:
“I aim for pieces that have a quietude about them and a potential heirloom quality. To that end I pursue quality of materials and manufacture, and am proud to manufacture exclusively in Australia.”
A sample of Gretchen’s sought-after work is pictured below:

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