The source

Erica Miller shows how you can achieve the style secrets in this issue’s homes photo s p l a s h back Design ideas paper bag decs o p e n s h e lv e s

A splashback creates an eye-catching feature in the Annandales’ kitchen, where a collage of family pictures has been turned into one. Photographic splashbacks are a great way of personalising this room. Your pictures are digitally printed onto glass or acrylic panels, and the higher the resolution of the image, the better the result will be. Photo splashbacks can be custom-made to fit any space. Search for photo printed splashbacks online to find a website providing this service. Most companies simply ask that you upload your images and measurements. For real impact, consider having one photograph blown up to create a striking image splashback. Black and white photos work well, too. A bench in the Kastens’ entrance hall has been decorated with a seasonal display of fresh festive foliage in simple brown paper bags. Understated yet creative, this idea is also eco-friendly. Brown paper craft bags can be purchased online. Particularly suitable are the more durable paper storage bags that can be handwashed and reused time and again. Use a vase or plant pot inside the bag with a piece of soaked oasis or floral foam inside. Or, choose foliage that can be replaced easily if it starts to wilt. Fragrant eucalyptus is perfect for a display like this. Paper bags with cut-out designs are also available for holding candles. Best used outdoors, they are perfect for illuminating a path. Choosing original ways to store or display favourite items in a kitchen helps make it less ordinary. In Marie Nichols’ kitchen, open shelves and neat cubbyholes are used to display crockery and other kitchen requisites. Running the length of one wall, this is a great way of making the most of available space. It also ensures that everything is close at hand and gives the space an informal yet organised look. To make this effect work, tidiness is essential, so use shelves or pigeonholes for favourite pieces only and store less attractive items out of sight. For maximum impact, take care not to overfill. The dark tone of the shelves here contrasts beautifully with the white china and the wood grain of the worktop.