BareBones...

I love the little art gallery in the main street of Bangalow called Barebones. It's a cutie fibro shack, filled to the brim with the work of local artists - and includes paintings, ceramics and sculptures. Before I moved to Bangalow from Sydney - when I would come up for my hols - I would visit Barebones and invest in a piece of local art to remind me of this beautiful area. Over the years, I've amassed a small, inexpensive collection - who would have thought back then that I would end up living here. Thank goodness for small galleries like this one - they keep local art alive and in doing so, make it accessible to us all.

A White Out...

White, white, white... It's fresh, uplifting and pure. The ideal backdrop upon which to layer a multitude of other tones. However, I admit that there are times when I wonder whether the relationship that I'm having with white is getting a little dull. A little lacklustre. A tad boring? Safe? Dare I say, old fashioned!!! I mean, white and I have been best buddies for as long as I can remember - maybe it's time for a little shake up? But then, I see pics like these gorgeous ones (from Country Living) and my heart skips a beat and I'm in love again. Ah white, you're my best buddy! And I love you so.....

A Pop-Up Shop Sneaky Peek...

I've been intrigued by pop-up shops ever since they became the fashion a couple of years ago. The name - Pop-Up Shop - is so cute, don't you find? And the concept is so accommodating - particularly for small, independent retailers who don't have the budget to launch into the boutique market in a big and long-term way. Imagine popping up your shop for a few days - testing the waters and then popping-down your shop without having to spend tens of thousands of dollars in overheads.
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scene of a pop-up shop? What it takes to get it up and running. And how much work goes into just a few days of popping-up? Well, I have. And so, I asked the lovely gang over at Paper Wings - who are opening a pop-up shop sale in James Street, Brisbane from today - 24th until Sunday the 27th June to give a behind the scenes sneaky peek at what goes on to make it all happen. And, here's what they sent us! Looks like a lot of work!!! But also a lot of fun... Love you Paper Wings. And thanks for the insight into the wonderful world of the Pop-Up...

Splendour In The Afternoon...

For your viewing Pleasure...

Brrrr....

It's cold and rainy folks! So, where does one go when they want a little chilly winter style? Well, back to the mother country, of course! Could there be anything more heart warming than sitting by the fire in an old cobblestone - located somewhere in the misty never, never of ye old England? I spent a couple of years of my youth living in England - and simply loved those days out in the countryside, wellies on, dogs by the side, walking down hedge lined country lanes. These pics remind me of those days long gone. And somehow, instill a small yearning for their return? Ah, England! We do love you so...

The 'Just Colour' Workshop...

I've been having such a great time this year hosting the 'How To Decorate' Workshops - held at my Little Cottage studio in Bangalow. I scheduled four workshops for 2010 and they've been a big hit - the first three selling out and the last (to be held on October 30th) with only a few places left. And so, I've been thinking, wouldn't it be fun if I could do another before the year is out. Something a little different, an evolution of the first, if you like. And so, I'm happy to announce that I'm launching the 'Just Colour' Workshop - to be held for one day only on  Friday, 19th November 2010. As the name suggests, this workshop is ALL about colour - the loveliest but often trickiest aspect of interior decorating. Here, we'll explore the theory of colour - it's subtly different hues and tones, how colours relate to create harmony and balance in a room and the tools of the trade that the professionals use to create their colour palettes. This is a project based workshop - with cutting, pasting, comparing and contrasting - a get down and dirty kind of day. The day will run from 9am-4pm - with a light lunch and refreshments served and goody bag surprise at the end of the day. The cost of the day is $350 - or $300 for any returning workshop participants - with only 10 spaces available. Contact me directly if you'd like to book this workshop as I won't have the details up on the website this time. Hope to see you at the 'Just Colour' Workshop in November. Email me here for all of the details...

It's a Paper Wings Party...

Those of you who follow my blog know well that I'm a big lover of the Paper Wings range of children's wear. The work of ex-NIDA grads and film industry costume/set designers, Michelle Fallon and Jason Gibaud - the designs are creative and innovative - and downright funky. So much so, that on occasion, (when no-one is looking) I've tried to squeeze into my daughter's outfits! Need I say, to no avail!!!
Anyway, Michelle and Jason have been kind enough to send us through a sneaky peek of what they've got going for their next summer range. Don't you just love the prints and the denim? If you're a lover of Paper Wings too, then you'll be very happy to know that the gang are opening their first ever Pop-Up Shop in James Street, Fortitude Valley (for 4 days only from 24-27th June!) where you'll be able to buy loads of their beautiful clothing for up to 50% off wholesale!!! I can see a day in Brissy on the agenda for this weekend!!! A spot of shopping followed by a lovely lunch perhaps! Go Paper Wings!!! And good luck with the sale...

Garden Of A Lifetime...

The way that the outside of home is put together is as important as the inside, in my view. A beautifully put together garden (whether large or small) provides a sense of flow from out to in - a transition - an aesthetic softening, if you like. I've been completely besotted by beautiful gardens for a while now (although mine is a bit of a shambles I have to admit). There is something uplifting and enriching by being surrounded by plants - even just a token gesture. My mother lives in an apartment - with a very small balcony space - but lined along the edges are her 'darlings' - layers and layers of flowering plants in pots that have been painted to blend with her interior. She tends her 'darlings' like they are her own children and they flourish because of it. One day, I hope to have a garden that I really love. The farm is such a sprawling space, it's difficult to know where to begin. But, slowly I am beginning to build a plan in my mind of how and where to start the project. To help the process, I'm constantly turning to other gardens that inspire and delight. Dame Elisabeth Murdoch's garden is one. Although I have never been, I pour over every page in her beautiful book (Garden of a Lifetime) - and have gleaned many ideas from there (most prominently, that one needs a full time gardener if one is going to embark on a grand garden!). As well, I always turn to the Petersham Nurseries in London. Although I've never been I am always so inspired by the pics that display on their site. Like these with glass conservatory and all. Ah to dream! But realities begin with a dream, don't they?

Thinking Tiles...

I'm in love with tiles - particularly the patterned Moroccan kind or those from Argentina. Like wallpaper, they thread an artistic expression into the architecture and fabric of a home - and in these days of fairly neutral backdrops - it's a wonderful relief to come across a space that uses pattern in this way. I am waiting with baited breath to use the antique tiles from Argentina that I am hoarding in my garden shed. One day, I imagine them beautifully decorating the floor of a glass conservatory - or perhaps a wall in a bathroom, such as this one.

Shine...

Happy Weekend all - I hope that yours is full of sparkle...

pic from the creative team at Strangetrader

Lazy Colour...

What a lovely combination of colours to be found in this scene... liquid and velvety tones that are warm and cozy but perfectly offset and enlivened by the blue/green on the half wall.  And then the tiles on the floor to give the space a little quirk. A simple delight...

pic via Desire to Inspire

More Blue Caravan...

I recently did a little post on Blue Caravan - the online marketplace for all things ethical trade - and since have found myself lost in all of the gorgeousness to be found there. This cushion is from Red Seed Studio who make beautiful things from upcycled and sustainable fabrics. Of course, I'm particularly drawn to the wicker chair it is resting on - and that the photograph was taken outside in a field somewhere close to heaven... Add a warm cuppa and bicky - and I'd be set for the afternoon... Aaaah...

Soft Landing...

Today, I'm thinking rugs... As one does when the weather turns a little chilly. You see, we're sans rugs in the farmhouse - which is not so much a design statement but more the reality that I can't find what I'm looking for! I was thinking tribal could be the go - but so far haven't come across the colour scheme in my mind. Then, I toyed with the idea of a sisal carpet square - but that's just a little too Hamptons for me - not that I don't love the Hamptons look - but not for me or here. And so, I was perusing the Mokum site the other day and came across this little beauty. What do you think? This would be for the lounge room - nestled in nicely between the peacock coloured velvet sofas. I love the colour way - and I love that it has been inspired by a antique Moroccan embroidery. Is it too grown up? Am I ready for such a strong design statement underfoot? What to do?

Bitter Cold...

 

Well, it's probably a little bit of an exaggeration to suggest that the seasons have turned bitterly cold - what with us living in the tropical North Coast (!) - however, when you're a beach loving person such as I am - and the weather has turned chilly enough not to go for a swim - well, it's a sign that things are changing. When the weather is like this - I do like to snuggle up, pop on the fire and hide under a blanket. And with that, I tend to contemplate the colour palette (namely white) that adorn the walls of my home. Yes, sound the horns and ring the bells - the time has come to infuse a little colour onto my walls! You see, I'm doing a little shake up at home. Nothing too grand - but a simple reworking of some of the rooms. When we moved into our old farmhouse we did but a very minor renovation (painting of the floorboards, ripping up carpets etc) with the anticipation that further down the track (once the house and I became better acquainted) we would re-shuffle a little. Not too much, of course! I'm not one to tear down and start again - as I do like my homes to have a large hint of history past. But a mini move around. As it stands, a couple of the rooms just don't work. The children's bedrooms for example have no windows - and are kind of cocooned inside the house (which  would have been about keeping the warmth in the weather out in days past). But, now they are growing and their rooms need a little stretch out - particularly Joe's room (which is tiny and he is growing just too too fast to fit anymore!) And so, I am in reno mode and with that back to the colour palette. What am I thinking? Well, everything warm and deep at this stage. Not for the whole house - I could never sacrifice my white everywhere - but a a warm, slightly sombre tone could bode well for a little area that might become my mini library. And so with all this thought, I have been scouring around for inspiration. I do love the photographs of Hugh Stewart - they mix beautifully a lighthearted air with a sense of depth and often a very slight foreboding. And this pic did really strike my fancy. What do you think? It reminds me of the time that I interviewed famed Australian industrial designer Marc Newson - and upon asking him the perfect colour to paint a bedroom - he replied 'black'! Not that I could ever go black for the bedroom - but the library? Oh, much to think about...

Hangin' Around...

I'm besotted with these gorgoeus garlands (The Fabulous Garlands) created by Sophie Cuvelier . They remind me to simply stop - and hang for a while!
Have a lovely weekend all...

Twists And Turns...

Well, we had a hairy ride last night up here at the farm - weather wise that is! A big thank you to everyone who emailed their concerns for our welfare given that the environs of Byron Bay were hit by a mini cyclone over night. The kids are pretty happy as they're having the day off school which is flooded in but other than that we have been spared! The community of Lennox Head on the other hand is still reeling from the devastating effects of the mini-twister that moved through early this morning. The key, on a day like today is to simply bunker down. And so, that's exactly what we're doing - with a fresh from the oven butter cake and a lovely cup of tea.. x

pic from the portfolio of the talented Mr Hugh Stewart

Old Yarns...

I do love my decorative house hold items to be made by hand. There is something just so homey, so comfy, so now - about it all...
These beautiful cushions by Old Yarns - are exactly what I'm talking about. Created out of old European grain sacks - and decorated with subtlety and sophistication - cushions like these are the kinds of things that add depth to an interior. You can find Old Yarn over at Blue Caravan - the online market place for all things ethical and fair trade such as homewares, stationary, bath and body and my most beloved... ceramics! Gotta love these Aussie gals who are doing it for the earth... Go Blue Caravan and go Old Yarn...