30 DAYS....

I just had to share these brilliant photos with you today! Looking through my latest H&G mag, I came across this and think it is such a wonderful idea! It sounds to me like a 'trade show' although not restricted to those of us 'in the trade'. There will be seminars on colour and garden design, housekeeping tips from our very own domestic goddess and author of Spotless (my household bible!) Shannon Lush and much, much more. So, put April 22 in the diary and stay tuned for more sessions to be announced. It already sounds as though it will be an action packed event! Yay for H&G ( and all their  sponsors) for showing the way and putting on what promises to be a fabulous day. After all, the more our customers know, the easier our job is - right? (and don't those promo photos make you just want to turn up?)

Friday fabrics

A few gems I collected sourcing fabrics for one of my delightful clients yesterday! Can't wait to put them all to good use as curtains, cushions and blinds.  Happy week - end.......

A Pink Wall.

Back from a very busy day specifying fabrics etc for a client. Here's a sneak peek at some wallpaper we chose for a child's room. I think it will be perfect for one lucky little girl.  Back tomorrow........
(and just because the pink may be a bit hard to see, here are the other gorgeous colour options)

Orange Aid.....!

These words of wisdom, from Jonathon Adler are one of his 10 Commandments for a Happy Chic Home. 
So, why is it that when I am looking for beautiful fabric for one of my clients bedroom, I can't find anything decent in orange! I can't find an orange toile, or  check or print under several hundred dollars! Help  - I am calling my quest 'orange aid' in the hope someone might be able to point me in the right direction! So don't be afraid of orange , embrace it.....

I mean JA has shiny happy trays and platters in orange, 

and it is easy enough find a beautiful orange handbag.   

Even a waste paper basket and bound books.....

and an entry hall to entice even the most reluctant.

A nursery can have easy touches of orange, 

and this wallpaper renders this room extraordinary. 

So why, oh why, can't I find a fabric just like this?? 

Sorry to whinge, but my powers of super sleuth - dom seems to be failing me!

Any ideas???

In the meantime, I will temporarily placate myself by lusting after these fine orange items by Kate Spade.

OK, so I will admit to feeling slightly better now. 

Friday fabrics - sorry I know it's Tuesday!

I do really know what day of the week it is, but sometimes I just get so damn inspired to write something I can't stop myself - no matter what day it is!

Last week I was looking in all the usual places (online) for some storage so when my office is tidy I will have a place for all my bits and pieces. Of course, I ended up at Ikea and found some boxes that will fit the bill very nicely. While I was there I thought would look at their fabrics. I was surprised at what I  found.....a not too shabby collection and certainly fun and funky! It is hard to find good stripes and these Ikea ones above fit the bill to a tea.

All these printed patterns could send a girl into overdrive, but used in the right place, well I know they would look a million bucks.  (had to put that in 'cos they are all under $10 per meter.....)

Whatever that Asian inspired fabric is with the snow covered mountains, I can't wait to check it out in person. Those colours are spot on.....so next time you are stocking up on poangs, tea light candles, napkins and the like, check out the textiles while you're there!

Monday Makeovers - Gold Class

Simple  - yet effective don't you think? An outrageously glamorous headboard is the star of the show here, along with the detail highlighted on the doors. Those gold, shiny lamps are super cool too......
(look at the brown wobbly one they had before!) Loving the velvet cushion as well. The room gives us the perfect lesson in texture and symmetry.

(argghhh - can't find my source for these pics......let me know if you can help! sorry) 

Bowled Over!

This month's Vogue Living is a fantastic issue!  Yes - I have rewarded myself and taken a break from the 'office project' and caught up with some mag reading. And no, I am obviously not out on the town tonight.....(glass of wine in hand and one eye on the Olympics) Have a look at Hamish Bowles New York apartment, it is stylish, individual and oh so chic! Mr Bowles works for Vogue US and is commonly know as their 'style seeking missile'. As you can see, seek and you shall find!   (look at that tie and those peonies.....I am bowled over!) Not to mention those very subtle soft pink walls.

Misspent??

Whilst this thought is somewhat comforting, I do need to spend some quality time in my own office this week end putting some order to the chaos that currently reigns! Wish me luck.......(BTW, I do love the desk above, and if mine looked that charming there would be no need for me to even think about mis - spending my day.. he he)

images from here 
 click on pics to enlarge! 

Love Handles!

I love this picture, and not just because I have a complete design crush on Meg Braff. (well OK, maybe that is the entire reason) I love the blue porcelain lamp base and vase, and the punch of deep pink just seals the wow factor for me. I also notice anything with a bamboo handle - I can't help it! Whatever you are sticking out of that little silver pot, I noticed you well and truly. (are you pen nibs or cutlery handles????)
This might be a good time to introduce you to my measly collection of  faux bamboo handles.

 They are not nearly as elegantly displayed, but we do actually use them. I thought it would be fun to have a set of cutlery for picnics and outdoors so we have a jumble of allsorts in this wooden box. In the mix are a few faux bamboo handles.......the children love them and are now using them everyday. It makes for a scramble to the dinner table to see who can get their favourites first! (only drawback - I can't bring myself to put them in the d/w so we hand wash them!) Anything to make mealtimes a breeze is fine with me.
BTW - you can find similar, brightly coloured cutlery here!

What's not to love...........

about Meg Braff?

and then there are the beds........

I don't what it is. The wallpaper, the oversize lamps, the unapologetic use of colour, the patterns......? They all come together for a timeless look. (most of her furniture pieces are vintage or vintage inspired shapes) I could stare at her rooms for hours (and quite frequently do!) ..............ahhhh pure perfection!