With the success of our first episode from the Frankie Say Relax 'How To' Styling Series - it's time for episode 2, where we share our top tips on how to style your cushions and throws, like a pro.
]]>There are plenty of ways to go about styling your couch or occasional chair - from a neutral palette that effortlessly blends with the couch to a moodier selection that pops. Perhaps you have a feature cushion you love and you are struggling to know what to pair it with? Whatever is holding you back in creating an inviting, comfy puddle of cushions, we've got you.
Firstly - we need to identify if we are working with a warm or a cooler base. Where does your couch fit in the scale of tans, oatmeal, greys and blues? Usually, warm colourings on a grey couch and visa versa can feel a little unbalanced so it is important to know the tone when selecting the best cushions and throws for your space.
WARM vs. COOL.
Warmer tones: Tan, Oat, Cream, Off White, Brown, Rust, Burgundy.
Cooler tones: The spectrum of greys (particularly with a black or blue base), deep greens, blues.
*Note - this is a general rule, there are some exceptions here!
Now, we have that sorted, here are the key things to keep in mind when dressing your couch.
How To - Style Cushions & Throws
1- If you are using a throw (they are great to cover any sins like pet marks or sun damage - or to protect from such sins) lay it over one end of the couch first. Depending on the weight, size and style of the throw, you might want to throw it over effortlessly or fold it in a more purposeful way and lay it over the couch vertically, or across the arm rest.
2 - Next, how many cushions do you want to use? Or, how many do you have that are complimentary to the throw? There is no limits or rules here, however 2 or 3 look great as you can layer in some different textures, colours and sizes.
3 - Start with your plain cushion first, it's also ideal if this is one of the largest of the grouping.
4 - Layer your feature cushion with your plain, so it attracts attention, front and centre.
5 - Now, time for the back up dancer. This one might be a smaller plain, or a complimentary texture like velvet that can complete the trio. Slip this one next to the original plain, and slightly behind the feature so you can see it, but it isn't the focus. You've just added a bit more depth to your arrangement.
7 - Is there an occasional chair nearby? Follow the same principles, laying a plain cushion at the back and more of a feature in front. Or, one singular cushion here to make it more inviting will do.
Remember - you want it to feel homely and welcoming. No need for the harsh karate chop across the top of your cushions - pushing you in to over-styled display home territory. Good luck and enjoy your beautifully styled couch! x
]]>The ones who thrive with a blank canvas, experiencing little sparks of joy when they find the perfect home for their treasures, understanding space and the rule of 3 with limited effort. Or, there's the other end of the scale... the overwhelmed - the type who are completely daunted by every square inch of shelving and space to fill, either leaving them empty or filling them to the brim.
Conversations in store have made us realise that many of our customers and followers are the latter. Styling feels stressful and scary (not to mention expensive) and they just don't know where to start. So - the Frankie Say Relax 'How To' Styling Series was born, where we give you our best tips and tricks on styling those pesky open shelves in a well balanced, meaningful way.
First things first - it is not about buying a million new things to make the shelves a matching, cohesive display. The secret to styling is authenticity, using your treasures you have collected over time, the kids ceramic attempts, coffee table books and novels, plus family photos, artwork and anything else that needs to be stored safely or that brings a smile to your face.
So, with this in mind - read on for a blow by blow recount of how we styled these shelves, plus head to our Instagram for a speedy video, showing how it came together.
How To - Style Open Shelves.
1 - Consider all of your bits and pieces you would like to use in your shelving, especially your mix of textures and sizes, plants if you have any as well as books.
2 - Start by identifying the bigger items that might sit alone, as opposed to sitting in a grouping of items and place them on the shelves. It might help you to try and have a grouping, as well as a singular item on each section of the shelving, this will help with keeping it balanced and spatially considered.
3 - Are there any modems or power plugs you want to cover? You can place some artwork or a framed photo here to keep that looking neat. Sometimes things like this help to set the foundation of the shelving. Also, don't be afraid to layer prints or photos here if space permits, you can see we have done this multiple times on this occasion.
4 - Stacks or groupings of books are handy when setting your shelves to ensure there are varying heights throughout. You'll see in this case, we have used book ends for one grouping, stacked the books by colour in two other sections, as well as effortlessly leaned books elsewhere, kicking one out away from the books to keep them from toppling. Book stacks are handy to then highlight a smaller item like a vase or sculpture, or to elevate a table lamp.
5 - The key with grouping items together is to always consider heights and textures. Larger items sit at the back, with the smaller items sitting forward. Consider 3, 4 or a simple 2 item grouping here with glass, ceramic or resin. These groupings are a perfect way to include candles, smaller vases or anything with a bit of character.
6 - Adding an organic element really helps to top off your shelving. Think a hanging plant like Rhipsalis or Devils Ivy, some foliage cut down from the park and placed in a vase, or even a singular flower, sitting in a bud vase to add some seasonal colour.
It is important to have fun with your styling endeavours and to not think about it too hard or it will show. It's about the things you love having a place to shine, not about living in a perfectly curated display home. Good luck!
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From the moment you walk in - everything is so considered. From the Miles Davis record in the record player waiting to be played, to the cocktail jars by local distillery Taylor & Smith cooling in the fridge. From each mug in the cupboard being handmade by a different ceramist to the Le Labo skin products in the bathroom… and don’t even get me started on that bath.
Each item in the home was slowly collected over time, creating this perfectly eclectic mix of textures and colours, artwork and lighting. It reminded me that interiors can be whatever you want them to be, as long as you love the items you place in your space and they evoke joy for you, your abode will slowly grow it's own personality.
The stand out features for me? The impactful monochrome kitchen (most of the walls in the home are black stained ply wood) - with crazy pave flooring and a custom Grazia + Co marble table, the undeniably fun custom carpet in the lounge by Esther Stewart as well as the bathroom, completely tiled in tiles by Sarah Ellison Studio. The expansive single pane glass windows throughout the home also demand attention - framing the rock face the home is carefully built into, as well as those views over Hobart.
If you plan on leaving the accomodation for a drink or dinner - we recommend Lucinda’s Wine Bar followed by Dier Makr for a delicious dinner. Why not skip the Uber and use the new e-scooters Hobart is trialling - they’re a bit of fun and often parked close by. You can download a simple app to locate them and hire them around the city. The next morning - a stroll down the Hobart Rivulet to Room For A Pony or Bear With Me for a coffee is nice way to start the day. Then, bask in the Slow Beam until 2pm (yes, you read correctly!) when it is time to check out and I guarantee you will leave feeling rested, rejuvenated and inspired.
Check it out for yourself, here.
All images c /o Airbnb or Lyndsay Scott
]]>In line with launching our fab new website and rewards program - tag us in your photos on instagram with the hashtag #frankieathome and you'll receive a little treat in your inbox to use the next time you shop with us. It might be $10 off your next purchase, 10% off clothing, free shipping or local door drop just to name a few so we can say a BIG thank you for sharing the love.
To make sure we can see your post, ensure your profile is on public, you have used the hashtag correctly as well as entered your email address and instagram handle in the pop up window when you first land on our website. We can’t wait to see the way you style our products at home, the beautiful images you create and to feature them on our Instagram too!
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What has inspired this incredible range in collaboration with Moe Moe Design?
Moe Moe reached out to see if I would be interested in a collab with them. I am a HUGE believer in the collaboration of like-minded businesses, I think it's great for cross-promotion and exposure for both businesses - particularly when you have similar audiences. I absolutely love Moe Moes products so it was a no-brainer! I love seeing how my work can translate onto products, it's truly fascinating!
Which style is your favourite from the range?
Definitely the organic stud statement earring! I'm a big believer in more is more!! But I think Moe Moe have such a great range from minimal to max designs that suits everyone's taste.
Tell us what your ideal day in Geelong looks like?
I live in a beautiful part of greater Geelong on the Bellarine Peninsula, a 10 min walk to the beach. My ideal day is on a Sunday, we have ZERO plans on Sunday so when the weather is warmer we get up, grab coffees and head to the beach with the kids. No time pressures and we can just be present with the kids and enjoy the sunshine.
How do you find your balance with work-life and motherhood?
Such a great question. It's a constant balance! I don't think that there is any finite answer to achieving great work-life balance with Motherhood. Working for myself gives me great freedom to be able to be at home with my babies, if we want to go and do something fun or if they are sick I can simply move my allocated 'work day' to nights, this gives me great flexibility. I'm also a big believer in 'night before' organisation, meal prepping and planning so that I can ensure that there is always nourishing meals and snacks in the fridge for little people on the go! Exercise is also a big thing for me, I run 4 times a week at 6am, this gives me the mental clarity I need each day to navigate the chaos that is a 2 year old, a 3 year old and running a business!
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