Issue #021

Happy Saturday, and welcome to issue #21 of the Inside Look.

This week, Nidhi Kapur discusses how her frustration with big-box stores serving up generic style led to the launch of Maiden Home, we’re reviewing Material Kitchen’s complete culinary toolkit: The Fundamentals Set, and sharing two new product launches from Thuma and Burrow.

We’re also going on a tour of a multi-purpose living space in a home on Sydney’s North Shore.

Let's dive in.

Ash, Editor of the Inside Look.

The Roundup: Latest reads and product launches

How Maiden Home crafts custom-made, built-to-last furniture at attainable prices

Frustrated by big-box stores serving up generic style, Nidhi Kapur decided to create Maiden Home, a brand that offers handcrafted luxury for the modern home.

An honest review of Material Kitchen's Fundamentals Set

Material Kitchen has packed a complete culinary toolkit into one set: The Fundamentals. We put the set to the test to see how it performs in a real home kitchen.

12 Designer-approved pool lounge chairs to elevate your outdoor space

We consulted the experts for advice on what to look for in the perfect pool lounge chair, complete with 12 of our favorites.

Thuma’s new colorway

Thuma has released its popular bedroom pieces in a new shade of grey that offers a combination of warm depth and cool neutrality.

Burrow’s Shift Sleeper Sofa

Shift is Burrow’s take on a sofa that effortlessly transforms into a comfy place to sleep.

Insider Insight: How to choose dining room curtains

Consider functionality

The first thing folks consider when buying new dining room curtains & drapes is usually the way they look. But while style is important, you also want to make sure the curtains function well in your unique space. For instance, if you anticipate needing to block out light for any reason, maybe you want blackout curtains. On the other hand, if you want to maximize natural light, then light-filtering curtains might be a better bet.

“Consider if you’re looking for something purely decorative, or if you need your curtains to provide privacy or block out light,” advises Karen Rohr. “This will help when you are deciding on the material and the color of the curtains.”

Use color

“Select a color or colorful pattern to emphasize what is happening on the walls,” advises Elizabeth Ryan. “If the walls are a dark color, will contrast be interesting and vibrant? Or will doing the same shade on the drapery bring a beautiful moody vibe? If you have patterned wallpaper, consider layering another pattern in similar colors to generate some energy.”

Speaking of energy, certain colors can affect how we feel in a space, so it’s also helpful to think about the feelings you want to stimulate and the ambiance you want to create. For instance, if you want an extra dose of energy, Paul Linenberg recommends incorporating red: “I have always been partial to reds in a dining room since they can stimulate appetite. Reds are also energizing and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.”

Home Spotlight: Unique navy bookshelves inspired this informal, multi-purpose living room

The owners of this home based on Sydney’s North Shore wanted to create an informal living space that was both inviting and functional as well as in- keeping with the home's existing style.

The living room serves a number of purposes, from a sitting and reading room, to a place watch the kids in the pool room, to a place to sit and relax with friends and family. It's located in the middle of the downstairs area, so it's also a kind of 'go to' spot that's convenient from everywhere.

That's all for this week. Enjoy your weekend and please let us know what you think to today’s email — we’d love your thoughts, so we can make each issue great.

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