Maybe it's all the rain....

we have had here that makes this winter bedroom seem so cosy and inviting? 

Or perhaps it is my love of tartan and plaid and wool. I'm not sure. 

I don't think I have shown you the view from the front of my house? 

This is what it was like only a few months ago..........

and now?

You see what I mean about all the rain. 

Ticked off.

There is something so charming about the simplicity of this bedroom that tickles me pink.  I think it is the use of ticking and the all white palette first and foremost, but it is the pop of colour from those stems in the vase that really make this room just the ticket! To say I'm really ticked off to not be tucked up in those sheets hearing the tick tock of the clock makes me simply fratic..k!

Book me in for Boot Camp.

If I had the inclination to attend 'boot camp', then this is the sort I would attend. 

Having Kathryn Ireland as my sargeant major would be a thrill! I would be happy to flex my muscles with this creative woman. Places are limited so 'HOP TO IT'.  

Check out all the details here or else drop to the floor and gimme 50 sit -ups! (he, he!)

Flower Power

If you were a child of the sixties........ cough.....late sixties......you will probably have had some part of your house covered in Marimekko fabric. Am I right? If not you, your best friend will have had matching blinds, curtains and doona cover in a joyously bright floral print. 

I don't think there was ever a time when my love of fabrics and patterns as bold as this ever wained. And now all my favourite Marimekko prints are available as wallpaper. Could this be any better you ask? 

And for the boys amongst us.......

Did you know?

 That Stuart and Laura are in a relationship? I thought not. Well they are.....

from here

I don't think I'm gossipping. It's good news right? So I can spread it, can't I.

 I am happy for them, I really am. It's an age old story. Boy meets girl, they click and before you know it, a whole happy line of furniture is being distributed across the country.  Spread the news.

     

I also wanted to reassure Stuart he is in good hands as Laura's other relationships are only of the highest calibre.    

Spotlight on......

the lovely Michelle Adams 

on none other than Tory Burch's blog. Go looksy here

For your viewing pleasure.....

while my computer and I take a moment. 

(that's code for I am really ?#$@ off with it .....back very soon when all's sorted.)

pic. from Saved by the Southern Belle. 

Just because......

Do I need a reason to post such a beautiful room? I think not......Here are a few though, just in case you were asking. 

1. Sisal flooring, always a winner especially when combined with white washed wooden walls
2. A good rule of thumb - armchairs make a wonderful feature in a room. Chooses a 'knock 'em dead' fabric to really make a point. 
3. Black and white atwork or dare I say it, poster. Yes, a simple poster piece of photographic genius and you're almost there. 
4. Did you think I had forgotten the exposed stone fireplace? No - of course not. Just leaving the best 'till last.     

Happy Monday!

Stern ideas.

While reading the lovely Mackenzie's blog, I came across the sentationally clever Laura Stern. A woman with oodles of talent and an enviable eye for design. Her portfilio makes me giddy! Take a look........

Grasscloth walls.....heaven! 

 I think her bedroom designs are my favourite, especially the children's. 

Nursery bliss. 

A boy's room to grow into....

and a nanny's room which makes me want to apply for the job. 

A playroom which shouts 'FUN' and a bathroom 

 papered to perfection! 

Laura Stern, can we be friends? You are my kinda gal. 

For Sale in NYC.

Here's the heads up. If you are looking for an amazingly stylish, chic and totally beautiful apartment in NYC with provenance to dine out on, look no further.

  

Lulu DK fabric designer and artist extraordinaire is selling up and her apartment could be yours. 

This is the kitchen in which she paints and schemes up all her designs ( and yes she sits on the floor....) 

 That keyhole nook is stunning and full of her cushions. 

A spacious living room with another piece of inspiring art, AND I spy a 'chant' pillow on the sofa.

 Love the soft tones of this entry way. 

  and this room speaks for itself. ( it's saying "books, choc. brown walls, lots of cushions and a bit a zebra go a long way!")

So, if you are interested go here to Lulu's blog for more info.

Now, I am a real estate agent!

Furniture Fun.

Now, you most likely will have been holidaying in Antartica or even hiding under a rock if you haven't heard about the wow factor a humble old (or new for that matter) map can give a room.  I love this image............

(photo via Simon Kenny via In My House)

Well, what about this as an alternative? 

Now, I am thinking renters would like this concept! A map that you don't have to paste on the wall and you can take it with you from home to home. Good idea  - yes? And if you prefer something a little more glamorous? I have just the answer........

or maybe this? 

  If you are at all artistically inclined you might be able to do this yourself. Me? Nah - I am an ideas girl! Can't even sew/paint a straight line.......concepts and ideas that's me! I think I might just purchase one of these for myself!

Oh, and while on the subject of creative and clever people, (wasn't referring to me here!) have you seen what the delightful Shannon Fricke can do with leftover wallpaper? 

As well as writing for several magazines, running her own business and being an authoress, she has time to do this?  I know, not only creative but superwoman as well. I am lucky enough to have had Shannon commment on my blog from time to time. She runs amazing workshops too and I hope one day to go and experience one as they look like such fun! (and her house and is divine....) OK, enough. Time for me to go and ......er.....um....doing something. One.thing. at. a.time. 

When the client brief is flowers.........

with a bit of blue, 

 and a touch of green, 

give them what they want I say!

Especially when your client is a nine year old girl, you need to listen............ very, very carefully! 

Twin love.

Ok, we call them 'singles' but I know some of you refer to them as twins! Either which way you look at it, this bedroom is singularly magnificient. It has elements of all my favourites for decorating success. Light and dark, a touch of red, pattern, colour, oh so soft baby blue and just blue blue (!) interesting artwork and books!! Does a real person live here? My wordy!  

picture from here 

Nature in the Nursery.

One of the main reasons I visited the UK in April, was to see my sister who was expecting her first child. I was charged with decorating the nursery while I was there so made sure I was armed with plenty of swatches on arrival. Her house is very English ("of course it would be!", you are thinking at this point - she lives in England....!!!) Well, it really is, in the true sense of the word, right down to the bright red Aga in the kitchen and the 3(!) black labradors lying in front of it. All her rooms are painted in Farrow and Ball colours with dreamy names like mouses back, dorset cream and lulworth blue. I knew exactly whose fabric would be perfect for the task.

Vanessa Arbuthnott's fabrics and wallpapers are quintessentially English and her beautiful pattern making and colours are inspiring.

These are the colours and patterns we chose for the nursery.

Stay tuned. Baby Hugh has arrived and the finished nursery reveal is imminent!
Oak leaves and butterflies - a delightful combination for a newborn, don't you think?  

House Tour.

Cruising around one of my favourite interior blog/sites this week, I came across this guest cottage. 

Where was I cruising for a bruising you ask? Apartment Therapy of course!

You must take a look at this itsy bitsy, teeny tiny, polka dot........

guest house - akini, here.  

For the Nail File.

Now if I was the sort of gal who had her nails done regularly (I'm not...) then I would be going here for sure. 

Not only would I come out with beautiful nails, but I would be booking myself in weekly just to sit in this salon and gaze in wonder! 

Real Life Alert - what am i thinking?? I have dishes to wash, cooking to execute and gardening duties. 

For a minute there I could have almost imagined it! 

So, I will for now put this is my 'nail' file! 

pic. from here, thanks Gina!    

Now these rooms are fun!

Just the right injection of colour,

though still sporting the classic lines

of a traditional family sitting room.

Casual without being too beachy, 

and incorporating both old and new. 

and, a kelly green sofa and Hermes rug. (there's no denying it - a green and black combo really packs a punch!)

Did you hear the news? The blogging world is buzzing.....

Furbish has started selling online! 

I am off to buy me some python.

all photos from here
Thank you for all your comments yesterdayand for not being too harsh on me! 

I'm done.

With interior magazines. Australian ones. For good. OK, so that's a total exageration. Each month they come to my door or beckon me from the newsagent....full of promise. Each month, it is the same........a five minute flick and a waste of precious money. I don't want to offend anyone, but I am soooooo sick of the same old thing. I now get all the inspiration I need online.

I know its not the same as having a mag. propped on your knee, tea in hand.........

I read plenty of blogs.....

can surf the web infinitely......

and am always amazed as to what other liked minded bloggers have found. 

I can see a photographer's portfolio, 

and take a peak into what top designers are working on and get the 'scoop' at a moments' notice.  

So I know I won't miss out. (and, yes this is yet another Lonny barcart!)

I am not meaning to be controversial, but I want bang for my buck. I am relieved at letting you know and for getting my guilty secret out in the open. Am I an island...........any thoughts? 

 Will be back with a far less provocative post tomorrow.  

(all images from Lonny - a magazine I will 'read')