Strangetrader and an Amalfi or Two...

Now I know that I keep harping on about how divine this time of year is in my neck of the woods - what with the water being warm and crystal clear and the days being long and all - but I really do just love the summer in particular because I get to crawl out of my night time hibernation and go out on the town! And last night marked my first official summery night out.

Of course, I had to celebrate - and so headed down to St Elmo's in downtown Byron Bay for a couple of Amalfi's - an orangey cocktail, filled with campari, a squeeze of lime and a few other goodies - and a chat with the girls. One of those girls happened to be Andrea Duff from Strangetrader - the wonderfully eclectic homewares/textiles/jewellery store that's taking Byron by storm - and I spent a couple of hours hearing about her travels through Italy, France and Turkey where she went in search of the beautiful things that are now gracing the shelves in her lovely store.

So taken was I that I headed to their website this morning for another Strangetrader 'hit' - and I found these snaps. Ah, how lovely to have an Amalfi on the Amalfi! But that will have to wait for another life time. In the meantime, I'll be living vicariously through Andrea...
Enjoy!

Happy Weekend...

May the sun shine and the roses grow... and the ocean be warm and the coffee be good. May I make my Sunday yoga class and may the kids not fight. May I sleep well - and may I wake early...
Ah - the weekend - may it be good!

Going Potty...

I'm in love with hanging pots and baskets at the moment after photographing a lovely little cottage here in Bangalow which was swathed in pink petunias in hanging pots. What a lovely way to decorate the outside of a house, I say. So inspired was I that I went back through my pic files and found these lovely photographs from the trip to Spain that I made earlier this year to celebrate my 40th. The Spanish are particularly fond of potted geraniums although on occasion you will see petunias and general potted colour. Hope these pics inspire you to get potting!

I've Been Thinking A Lot About Pools Lately....

Probably because it's been heat wave conditions up at the farm lately and although the beach is but a short drive - there is something rather tantalizing about having a breathtaking pool of water right on the doorstep. And so, I've been going through my pic files and I unearthed this little goody. I love this pool because the location it's situated in and the house it's attached to have a look and feel that's very similar to here. Imagine having this in your backyard! Oh yes, I like that idea. Now, I just need to convince hubby of its virtues!

Summertime....

And the living is easy....

We've been blessed with lovely weather up at the farm lately - and the ocean is slowly climbing to a comfortable temperature. Ah summertime - you're back... and I love you!

Orange Is The Happiest Colour...

...says the colourful Frank Sinatra. And of course I agree. Could there be a colour that enduces a feeling of fun and creativity quite like orange?

These pics are from the now no longer Organic Style magazine - a Rodale publication. Does anyone remember this gorgeous mag from about six years ago? I felt that it got the mix of organic info and gorgeous style just right. Oh, I wish it too would come back. Sigh...

Is Yellow The New Black?

I was first introduced to the virtues of yellow by my mother - who has been singing it's praises for years now. I admit, that at first I wasn't convinced. It was just too sunny a disposition to really strike a deep and long lasting chord with me. That was, until recently when I was asked to use it in the home of a client. Although at first, it was a little tricky to get my head around - within a few weeks I was well and truly hooked. Of course, it's all about choosing the 'right' shade of yellow - nothing too soft and sweet - and nothing too bright and bubbly. Like the yellow used in this lovely house. Don't you think it's just a perfect shade? And just the right amount. A touch of yellow, if you like. Yes, I love it!

pics from Country Living

Chasing Butterflies....

'I think I can, I think I can,' she said to herself, as she sat with her head in her hands, wondering how she would muster the strength to fly again. Her wings had been clipped, you see and she found the sensation of it to be most unsatisfactory. It's just that, she loved chasing butterflies. They are colourful and so, so free, the way they dart and prance against the baby blue of the springtime sky. They make her heart soar with a sense of possibility. And this makes her happy. And she loves to be happy. 'Yes, I think I can', she said to herself. And with that she spread her wings, looked to the sky - and smiled...

Oh White... How I love thee...

pics by the lovely Jared Fowler

The Right White...

I've had loads of email questions lately asking me about white - specifically how does one go about choosing the 'right white' and why I tend to use Dulux 'White On White' so much - and so I thought I'd answer these questions here, just in case there are more of you out there struggling with choosing the right white for your own home.
I just love using white as a backdrop in a house - particularly if it's a pure and crisp white - one that has very little in the way of undertone (such as yellow/pink/beige). The reason why I go for such a crisp white is that I tend to use a lot of colour in my decorating and as such I love the walls to merely be a backdrop to the space - not another colour. Whites that consist of an undertone can tend to compete for attention.
What I also find in my work is that my clients often live in spaces with a fair amount of natural light and pure whites work well in these environments. If a client's home lacks natural light then I'll choose a warmer white, just to kick a little heat in the space.

These are the aspects that you need to think about when choosing a white for your own home. Ask yourself how much light your space receives in the day and how that light moves from morning to evening. If you receive a lot of light then you could think about a pure white or a cool/blue white - one which tones down the heat. Think also that white can bounce light around the room, and you don't want to spend your days squinting - so if you ask going to use a very bright white then it's a good idea to have a light control system in place - whether it be curtaining, UV blinds or shutters.

The other issue to think about is the choice of colour palette in your decorating/furnishings and remember that the white on the walls will need to blend in perfectly with the colours that you are layering over the top. A pure white tends not to compete in any way - it's a like a neutral third party. However, a white that throws beige/blue/yellow/red will work like another colour in your palette and as such will need to blend in perfectly with the rest of your scheme.

Most importantly of all, sample your whites on the wall in which it is intended - and take your time to muse your reactions to them. Be calm. Enjoy the process. And then, go for it. It's such a fun process after all...


pic from taverne

Happy Long Weekend...

I want you to know that I've been thinking about you all, even if I've been rather busy (read: slack!) this week... It really has been a crazy kind of week - my mother has come to stay from Sydney - and so I've been driving her around the place, indulging in cups of coffee and pieces of cake at multiple cafe's along the way... However, she leaves tomorrow and even though we'll be sad to see her go - my waistline will be rejoicing! And so, I promise that I'll be back on board, much more faithfully, from next week.
In the meantime however, have a lovely long weekend... and I'll leave you to ponder this glorious pic from the JCrew Kids catalogue. What a divine colour palette - don't you think?