Love Your Life...

picsource: taverne agency

Freedom....

picsource: anna dokter

Swimming Pool Heaven...

Oh, I just can't help myself! I must be dreaming about hot summer days because all that I seem to be doing is looking for pics of swimming pools! Gorgeous, luscious, warm, inviting looking swimming pools! This one is so special - I love the 70s kidney-esque shape and the crazing paving! One day maybe!

pic source: cotemaison

More From The Past...

I thought that I'd share this old beauty with you - the first house we moved into after we left the city for the countryside. I knew that the decision to leave city life was the right thing when I came across this rental, set amongst 30 odd acres of lush green pastures overlooking the ocean on the far north coast of new south wales. Scarily similar looking to our house in Sydney (but a little more worn around the edges) - this old timber cottage felt like home as soon as we moved our things in. We stayed here for almost a year - and although the ghosts stirred on occasion -we found that living in this little cottage was a lovely entree into our new life. 

Remembering Past Lives....

Odd isn't it - those days when your thoughts head back to a past life and your heart begins to reminisce! Well, today is one of those days.... I've been thinking about our old house and all of the good times that we shared there together - and so I decided to hunt down some photo's to share with you. These pics were taken by my good friend Prue Ruscoe for Inside Out magazine a few years ago of our little fisherman's cottage in Camp Cove in Sydney. We owned the house for 10 years - we renovated there, had the kids there, celebrated birthdays, christenings, good times and a few teary times too. Amazing how a house can become a part of your life, in the same way that a person can. I loved that house.... oh well!

More KP Home....

I love this pic from Kim Parker's book - Kim Parker HOME - isn't it just so colourful and the patterning is so boho meets floral meets New York - if you get my gist! Although it's all so crazy, somehow it works and I can totally imagine myself living here when I decide that it's time to swap my country life for a city one!

Marie Claire Maison...

I'm completely in love with French interiors mag - Marie Claire Maison. Not only because it reminds of the year that I spent in Paris (so many moons ago now!) but also because I get to practice my very limited French whilst looking at such lovely pics of interiors and other bits and bobs. These pics are such a colourful example of what I love best about the mag - the casual but interesting decoration that makes up my favourite type of homes. This one is in Morocco - a place that I have never been but know that I would love! Hope you enjoy as much as I do...

pics: marieclairemaison

'Seat of the Pants Chic'...

It was such a treat to meet textile and interior designer, Kathryn Ireland at Furnitex Decoration and Design in Melbourne last week. Described as '10 To Watch' architects and designers expected to influence 21st century style - Kathryn's work is a mix of English Manor and French Farmhouse sensibilities with a splash of bohemian vibe. More than anything, for me it was Kathryn's laid-back and relaxed approach to design that impressed me the most. What an inspiration... Check out the pics below from her website...

Lis Szepsy Photographer....

Many years ago I knew a very talented fashion editor called Lis Szepsy - her work was always inspiring and very cutting edge and I loved her sense of style. Now, Lis has taken to photography and her work is so beautiful and gentle - and just as inspiring... It's wonderful to see that in a lifetime, one can apply their talents to many fields and with such gorgeous results...

Furnitex and Absolutely Beautiful Things.....

Hello everyone,

I've been in Melbourne this week checking out Furnitex Design and Decoration after an invitation to host their media lunch. It was a great fair with loads of lovely treasures and very interesting industry seminars - one of which was given by US based textile and interior designer Kathryn Ireland - who shared her inspirations and a snippet into her very fabulous (and celebrity filled life!). The other seminar was given by interior designer Anna Spiro of Black and Spiro - the very talented creator of the blog Absolutely Beautiful Things - one of my very favourites. It was fascinating to hear Anna's insights into the blogging world and I got a lot of tips to help me on my way. Most of all, I was moved by Anna's passion - for work, her blog and life in general. Anna, it was a pleasure to meet you and listen to you speak. You truly are absolutely beautiful...

pic source: Black and Spiro windows

Bird Textiles...

I received an email from Rachel Bending of Bird Textiles today, with these pics of her gorgeous new store in Cleveland Street, Sydney. Housed in an old pharmacy, the store is a shrine to all things beautiful and Bird. I love Rachel's approach to design and her commitment to the environment and sustainability in design and production. Well done Rachel, for showing us that environmentally conscious companies can produce cutting edge design too!

Love Your Life...

picsource: richard foulser

Cool Heaven...

Although it's freezing up here on the farm right now - I couldn't get past this pic - a beautifully, luxurious looking swimming pool situated somewhere in France. I just love the colour of the water. Hope you like it too...

picsource: cotemaison

Kim Parker HOME...

I came across Kim Parker a few weeks ago and immediately fell in love with her decorating philosophy and floral designs - interpreted into rugs, dinnerware, cushions etc. Her work is so colourful and strong and I can completely imagine one of her designs in my own home. Check out her book - Kim Parker HOME - for more inspireation

It's ABC...

One of my favourite shops in the world would have to be ABC Carpet and Home in New York. It's simply a treasure trove filled to the brim with the most beautiful antiques and collectibles of all eras and styles - mixed with loads of lovely ornamental finds. Every time I'm in the big apple it's the first place I head to and I always find a piece (or two) to remind me of my stay in that beautiful city - something small that I can fit in my suitcase - like a piece of glassware, ceramics or some fabric. So while dreaming about a trip to New York I thought that I'd go for a virtual shop to remind me of just how much I love the place! 

Alabama Chanin....

Thanks so much to Tracey Hocking from Lazybones for introducing me to the beautiful work of Alabama Chanin - this blurb is from their site and captures the premise of their work beautifully -  'Made from objects all over the southeastern United States, each Alabama piece is a handmade, artisan creation from another time that has been repurposed for today. Farm chairs have been rebuilt with cushions woven from cotton jersey and in some cases old ties. Chandeliers made with old lighting fixtures are designed to be lit with candles. Quilts, old constructions that were once considered unsalvageable provide us with a new palette and an opportunity to refashion them with embroidery and applique in our signature techniques.'

I can see one of those farm chairs living in my old farmhouse. So sublime....