Gardenia Passion...

My favourite scent of all time has to be Annick Goutal Gardenia Passion. I first fell in love with this divine creation when I was in Paris, last year, for my 40th birthday celebration and my mother bought me a bottle to mark this auspicious occasion. If you haven't yet stepped forth into an Annick Goutal perfumery - then this pic is just for you. Now, breathe in and inhale the passionate gardenia!

Paola Navone....

I do love everything that Paola Navone designs - from her gorgeous interiors through to her furniture ranges (particularly the Ghost Chairs for Gervasoni) and these designer plates. How bout these colours! Just heaven. Enjoy!

Also, a big welcome to a new sponsor of the blog - Fiona Kate from Fiona Kate Simple Gorgeous Storage. I am very happy to have these guys on board - as their gorgeous storage solutions have simply changed my life! I can now walk into my lovely daughter's bedroom without tripping over her stuff that was strewn all over the floor. Thanks FK. Love your work...

The Little Cottage...

BEFORE

AFTER

This is The Little Cottage - my studio and workshop space in my hometown of Bangalow. I just love how the house has been beautifully transformed with just a lick of paint and a little TLC.

To hear all about the renovating life and times of The Little Cottage - and to learn about how to decorate your own home - come along to one of my 'How To Decorate' Workshops. The next is on 8th May 2010 - and we still have a few places left if you are interested. Just head over to http://shannonfricke.com/Workshop.html for all of the details and to make a booking. Hope to see you there.
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Ilse and Aesop...

I simply love Australian beauty company Aesop - their packaging is sublime, as are their aromas - particularly the mandarin infused hand wash and cream. And so, how wonderful that one of my favourite all time designers, Ilse Crawford, has paired with Aesop to create a concept store. Doesn't this space look and feels so velvety smooth - what with the cosy greens and black. Love you Ilse! And love you Aesop!

Floral Heaven...

I'm completely in love - well, how could I not be - when there is such beauty all around...
Flowers are an inspiration, don't you find? The mix of colour, form and pattern can easily be the springboard to an interior colour palette. These pics come from the portfolio of Simone Gooch of Fjura in Sydney. Such divine arrangements to lift the spirits and give you a boost of inspiration...

It's Been A Whirlwind...

It's been a whirlwind over the past few weeks - and our heads have been up there in the clouds, what with getting ready for the workshop and all - however we're back on terra firma and as such, once again on the hunt for gorgeous inspiration and lovely things. As you know, I'm particularly inspired by timber-lined spaces, and natural textures and finishes as they have an earthiness and honesty that I just love. And so, these pics are inspired by terra firma itself - simple and relaxed spaces that remind you to keep close to the ground!

pics from martha

What A Great Time We Had...

I'm soooo excited - as last Friday was the first of my 'How To Decorate' Workshops - held at The Little Cottage, my studio workshop here in Bangalow.... And what a fantastic day it was!
There was painting, fabrics, mood boards, colour, a lovely ploughman's lunch (thanks to Nicky) and laughs galore - as I played host to 17 extraordinary and talented ladies who came from far and wide (Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and beyond) to share the day with me. I was completely humbled by the enthusiasm of my lovely group - and very impressed by their mood board making abilities! Thanks all for sharing the day with me - it was a pleasure meeting you (make sure to keep in touch and fill me in on how your interiors are coming along). For the rest of you, as promised, here are a few snaps (taken by my lovely friend Sophie) of the day...
If you're interested in coming along to a workshop - I still have some places left. Just head along to http://shannonfricke.com/Workshop.html for the dates and all of the details.

pics by Sophie and Nicky...

It's Not That I'm Not Thinking Of You...

It's just that this week has been kinda crazy - what with the first workshop on Friday. We're in countdown mode right now - working crazily to ensure that The Little Cottage is in its finest form. What is really exciting is that I'm be launching my small product range at the workshop too. I have a lovely range of ceramics, candles and stationery that I am letting loose into the world - and so my workshop ladies will be the first to ever lay eyes on them!!! I'm a touch nervous getting everything in order - but very excited to meet everyone and receive their feedback. You'll be hearing from me later on the week - as I let you know how everything went! Wish me luck!

pic from merci-merci

The Lazy Days of Summer...

Are sadly drawing to a close down here in Australia. The nights are getting a little cooler and the mornings longer and darker - a sure sign that it's time to bunker down and hibernate. It's been a beautiful summer this year - the long hot days have made it lovely for swimming and generally embracing the laissez-faire attitude that I love!

Luckily for the other half of the world, a glimpse of summer is on the horizon - I know this to be the case when my Toast and Home summer catalogue arrives in my inbox! I have to admit that after looking through all of the pics, I am just a little bit jealous! Oh, I know - how could I complain but I do just love summer so, and am a little sad to see it go...

And so, I live vicariously through you all - who are heralding another summer of long hot days and frivolity. May it be as bright and joyful (and filled with happy tones of yellow) as it appears in these lovely pics...