Some Christmas inspiration

Finally had time to put the tree at home and while looking for inspiration, I came across some idea's that I liked for this year.

Surfs up...

Coco Republic have just launched their own range of surf boards, using fabric designs from Sparkk Textiles, a Sydney based studio started up by the Rysenbry family, who established Mokum Textiles many years ago. I love the retro feel of these designs on the boards....there sure to be a hit this summer.

Pretty Pastel

Colour doesn't have to be bright....here are a couple of pastel interiors, that look fresh and crisp.

Christmas @ ABP

Mel installed our Christmas Window yesterday and its full of black, white and pops of colour, topped off with the amazing Designers Guild floral print which is one of my favorites from all the collections this year.

Fresh and Bright

Here are a couple of images I had on file that caught my eye this morning. Bright and fresh, with the right mix of neatrals to create balance. Makes me smile.....

Summer Reading

Here are a selection of books I recently ordered from the US. A couple I was inspired to purchase after watching Million Dollar Decorators.

• Mary McDonald Interiors : The Allure of Style


• Undecorate - The no-rules approach to interior design


• Jonathan Adler on happy chic colours


• Martyn Lawrence Bullard - Live, Love and Decorate (he is also in Australia in Feburary, which is very exciting.

I have a free Sunday, yeah....so I look forward to settling down with some good books.

Wild Wallpaper

The lastest Cole & Sons wallpaper collection is called Geometric and how great is this advertising image, just love the use of colour and the contrast of the cabinet against raw old walls.

This is a collection of contemporary designs influenced by intricate patterns and vivid graphics. The modern collection is a unique juxtaposition coming from a factory that still uses traditional methods. See the full collection here.

Image: Radfords Furnishings

New Collection

Saw the lastest O&L Collection today , and there are some hit and miss fabrics. Here are some images ofthe fabrics I love. The wool collection called Kinloch, great plaids, stripes and paisley in 100% wool has a mix of classic and contemporary colours, making it very usable.

The Strand wallpaper collection of stripes is great and very usable, with pretty colours and the important neutrals.

There is a collection called Sabi of textures and animal prints in various colours as pictured below.

Nina's collection is called Montacute and takes inspiration from great English country houses and includes florals and striped fabrics and wallpapers. The collection is named after MONTACUTE HOUSE, a glittering Renaissance mansion in Somerset.

Checkout the full collection here.

Images : Osborne and Little

Symmetry

How's this image for perfect symmetry? Everything is balanced from the central point, except the inclusion of a small portrait on the right. I generally love symmetry but is this taking it to far?.....

Latest Window Display

I love the lastest window display, bright and fresh. A pair of vintage armchairs re-upholstered in a Khaki velvet, teamed with an amazing Etamine Silk embriodered Ikat and great striped velvet cushions.

'Friesia is the most beautiful house in Melbourne' - Dr George Tibbits, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Architecture, Uni. of Melb

One of Melbourne's most iconic properties with history, romance, unique architecture, interiors and gardens located in the tightly held St James Park precinct, Hawthorn, is currently for sale.

The residence, with its unique single storeyed arcaded (verandah) and internal octagonal domed vestibule, was inspired by the works of Filippo Brunelleschi, 'father' of Italian renaissance architecture in Florence. Friesia is believed to be Australia's best example of Florentine Renaissance architecture. Here are some exterior images as I love the facade and the gardens.





More images here

Happy Halloween

Have great Halloween and be nice to those trick or treaters, that knock on your door.

Coastal

Here are a selection of images of several coastal properties for sale on the Mornington and Bellarine Pennisula's - thought these captured the Victorian coastal feel, great gardens and wonderful spots lazing by the pool. All we need is the weather to improve and be consistant.

Wallpapered Ceilings

I was recently watching a Canadian TV show and they wallpapered the ceiling and it looked amazing. Here are a couple of examples....

• bright striped ceilings in the nursery add a pop of colour


• stricking floral wallpaper on walls and ceiling to create a WOW dining room in contrast to the soft sheers over the large windows


• traditional classic toile used on the walls and ceiling in the attic style bedroom


• a dramatic ceiling in a dressing room.

I have to give this a go at some point, just need the right client and to butter up my wallpaper hanger....

Travers Trims

Travers have released a selection of Passementerie called Artisanal which has a fresh, distinctive look featuring ombré effects, woven textures and ikat weaves in wide braids, perfect for cushions and curtain detailing and even better, they are well priced. I love the ikat design...very now!

Beautiful Blooms

The weather has improved this week and the rose's in my front garden are loving it...the sunshine that is. Here are a couple of pic's I snapped when heading to the car this mornings.


I live this climbing rose, it's all across the front fence and has climbed into the cumquat tree as well.

I love roses and will have to pick a bunch to put inside tonight when I get home.