THE POWER OF FRETWORK

Fretwork is one of the most interesting ways to add pattern to an interior.  An elegant geometric design will add depth the the rooms, and can be easily transferred into any scheme through fabrics, mirrors or furniture.  Below are a number of designs for you to abstract inspiration from.

Reflective Fretwork

A firm favourite, fretwork over an antique mirror.  This design is sumptuous as well as practical, providing a room divider between the bedroom and en-suite bathroom.  This technique will also look fabulous in alcoves either side of a fireplace.

View Relief

Create a stunning stained glass window effect by using frosted glass framed in fretwork.  The design works as a statement feature but can also be used to hide unsightly views.  Small intricate patterns are ideal for this technique as the light behind highlights every detail.

Open Weave

This design allows the natural light from the french windows to filter into the room behind.  Using fretwork to create an open plan feel is a great way to make a house more sociable without losing practical wall space.  Using a "loose knit' design and applying the wall paint will also enhance the connection between rooms.

Purely Decorative

There is nothing wrong with focusing on the decorative.  Although we have seen the practical uses that fretwork can have, lets not forget the beauty of the design.  The simple layout of the furniture below means that all eyes are on the ceiling.  The detailing draws to a natural centre where a simple elegant light is hung to complete the design.

Beauty is Wonder

This room is stunning, with elegant features as far as the eye can see.  Dragging your eye from the gorgeous paisley ceiling, the alcove contains an elegant piece of fretwork design applied to a sideboard.  With a mirrored background, that works effortlessly with the antique gold wood colouring and a subtle a symmetrical arrangement, beautiful is the only way to describe this.

Repetitive Fretwork

Here the designer has had bespoke fretwork shutters made, with contrasting fretwork designs below.  This gives the space a very ornamental ambience with a hint of oriental.  A plain white backdrop allows the pattern to dominate the space.

Bring It To The Table

Subtlety is an art that should not be overlooked.  Complete your dining table with these fretwork designs to allow pattern to flow throughout the room.  Tie in with other elements of fretwork such as curtains or furniture.

Outdoor Focus

With natural elements defining the space, the garden can be a busy area of design.  Inject your design flair with key pieces such as this beautifully crafted coffee table.  Loud colour works in a open space so don't be afraid to be bold!

For more inspiration, visit my Fretwork board on Pinterest.

CHAIRS - BACK TO FRONT

Gone are the days when furniture lined the walls and didn't enter into the room.  Nowadays we place console tables behind sofas, place lamp tables in the middle of the room with sneaky plug sockets in the floor and allow furniture to become a central focus in the room.  This recent change means that more and more designers are taking an interest in the back of furniture as well as the front.  

The Lace Back

One of the most innovative designs I have seen, taking inspiration form the the corset, this chair gives the impression of being open to the viewer.  The gold back blends with the curtains and fireplace to create an encapsulated appearance.

Patterned Dining

Looking at a chair that always has it's back on show, the dining chair is perhaps the most important to consider when planning the interior.  The fabric used on the backs of these chairs connects the black frame to the white base and adds pattern and focus.

Victoria Ghost

A delicate take on the Victoria Ghost Chair designed by Phillip Starck.  This chair is beautiful from the front and the back.

Simplistic Contrast

Although the back of the chair is plain and simple, this creates a contrast to the front which boasts strong colour and deep buttoning detail.  The colour is contained within the dining area, while the back matches the monochromatic surroundings. 

Ikat Black

In this design, all colour and pattern radiates from the back of the chairs out, into the room.  The bold organic pattern contrasts to the regimented repetition to create a stunning feature.