A Marimekko Occasion...

On occasion I'm reminded of Marimekko - the lovely Finnish textile and clothing house that was established all the way back in 1951 and is still going strong today. This time, it was a client of mine who mentioned their name, prompting me to head back to their website, which is a veritable candy store for interior lovers and those drawn to bold, graphic and colourful design. It says a lot about talent when an artist, designer or company can be as influential today as they were over 50 years ago. And so, this post is a celebration of the wonderful pool of talent that makes up Marimekko... May their designs bring us as much joy in 50 years as they do today...

Friday Is Martini Day...

Well, it's Friday.... again! My goodness these weeks do fly by very, very fast... So much for spending the weekend meditating (!) - and connecting with the spirit within. Instead, I think it's time for a martini! What do you think?

This pic is from the portfolio of Amy Neunsinger - the wonderfully talented photographer who works with Rachel Ashwell...

Speaking of Spain...

A couple more pics from Trasierra to delight you...

Aaaaaah.....

Not that I'm obsessed with swimming pools at all (!!) - but I just had to post this utterly sublime pool that you will find at Trasierra - the quaint small hotel run by English decorator Charlotte Scott, located in the countryside outside of Seville in Spain. As you know, I did spend a part of my 40th birthday journey at this hotel - and I do find myself on occasion returning to the website just to revel in the decorating joy and the beautiful landscape beyond the hotel's walls. There is something about white washed buildings, aged terracotta tile work and cool blue water that sends me into a mild frenzy! Ah, Spain! Bring on the 50th, I say, for another excuse to return to this lovely place...

Little Toes All In A Row...

from the one and only.... TOAST...

Living Colour...

I'm simply hell bent on colour at the moment! I just love it! Bright, clashing colours and prints - all thrown together in a riotous symphony. I find that fashion spreads, photographed in exotic locations are a lovely source of beautiful colour and fabric ideas. These colours will certainly keep you on your toes!!!

pics from Madison mag

Global Inspiration...

Oh, I do love going through my old computer files and rediscovering pics from a time long past. These pics are from my travels to Europe - with The Lifestyle Channel - where we filmed a number of features on design and decoration in Denmark, Japan, Slovenia and Spain. My goodness, that was about 5 years ago now - but we did have so much fun exploring the world and meeting incredible design types in these extraordinary cities. Sigh...

Moody Blues...

How bout this for a moody bed linen palette of blues and peacocks! Perfect for winter hibernating and weekend sleep ins or a little late night Rumba!!!

pic from Aura Home by Tracie Ellis

A Colour Frenzy...

Need a little colour in your life? Well, take the lead from this gorgeous room and add bright, clashing colours and forms for an eclectic space. Popped up against a plain, white backdrop to not overcrowd your room or your mind! And you've got a life that is simply sublime.

pic from light locations

SOLD OUT...

Just a quick update to let you know that all of the places for my 12th March 2010 'How To Decorate' Workshops have SOLD. If you were hoping to book but haven't thus far then there are still places available on 8th May, 6th August and 30th October 2010 - I hope to see you then for a day of decorating fun in my lovely hometown of Bangalow. Just head to the website www.shannonfricke.com/Workshop.html for all of the details...

Monday Happy Monday...

What better way is there to kick off the new week than a pic filled with overtones of celebration and joy...
Happy Monday Everyone... I hope the week is a good one for you all.
sx

p.s And a big welcome to MUROBOND this Monday - who have come on board as a sponsor. If you don't know Murobond paints then you're in for a treat. Their colour charts are sublime - particularly those developed with The Society Inc's Sibella Court. Welcome Murobond. I hope you enjoy your stay...

This pic is by Amy Neunsinger - the photographer whose beautiful work appears in Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic books. Simply stunning work...

A Shabby Chic Kind of Sunday...

Oh, I do love Rachel Ashwell and her Shabby Chic kind of life...
It's so real, so natural and oh, so, so pretty!
I find that looking at Rachel's books is an opportunity to access the girly side of life - that which is pretty, playful and pink! I particularly love her latest book - Shabby Chic Interiors - My Rooms, Treasures and Trinkets and have spent this weekend absorbed in it's lovely pages... Have you seen it? It showcases her new home - complete with outdoor barn - and the home's of some of her gorgeously, creative friends. Like that of Amy Neunsinger - the talented gal behind the pics you see in all of Rachel's books. Amy's home is a lovely link between clean lines and Shabby Chic prettiness and is just the kind of place that I could see myself living in. Here's some pics from the book to inspire you on Sunday...

I Can't Help Myself...

I know it's the weekend and al but I can't stop myself from indulging in a day of decorating research! What with the workshops coming up in a few weeks - I've spent the day rummaging through my office, my files, my drawers, my everything in search of inspirational decorating bits and bobs to include in the day. In fact, this morning I've been cutting up a mound of fabric into mood board size pieces for my workshop friends to experiment and play with. It's going to be fun! On my travels, I've come across my lovely Cloth Fabric samples - the ones designed by Julie Paterson with sustainability and beauty in mind - and this has lead me to their website... again! And look at the beauty that I found there. Don't you just love Cloth's muted tones and textured fabrics? They are earthly beauty, that's for sure - just the kind that I love....

Come Fly With Me....

Let's fly - let's fly away...
Yes, it's the weekend - that wonderful time of the week when you can escape the mundane and fly away for a while...
Hope you have a lovely weekend everyone...
See you next week.
sx

pic from Toast

Magic Shoes...

Tea parties, cakes and presents tied with pretty pink ribbons.... These are a few of my favourite things! And just as a delicate china teacup can transport you to another world - so can a pretty pair of shoes. Magic shoes... the kind that make you feel as though you are living a different life for a while. These days, my shoe attire mostly consists of Indian flip flops or Wellington boots (what with being a farm/beach girl and al!) - but occasionally, there's nothing more lovely than popping on a pretty pair  of shoes like these and to fly off to a land filled with princesses, cups of tea and pretty tuille dresses... Ah Magic Shoes... take me there a while...




Pic from Anthropolgie (that magical place...)

Ooooh... I almost forgot!!!!

That it's my wedding anniversary today!!! Well, 16 years of marriage can do that to a person, you know - and hubby's even away for the event! But, there'll be celebrations to come...

 Yes, it's been 16 years to the day since hubby and I tied the knot - and what a journey it has been... Two kids, a dog, a couple of horses and a herd of cattle later - we're still together. Yes, there's been a few tears - but most of the time, it's been a barrel of laughs and a lot of fun... Why? Well, he's my best friend and soul mate - and a very funny guy at that! So, Happy Anniversary my darling... I hope we're still looking as good sixteen years on from now!!!

This pic is from style me pretty - a plethora of wedding heaven....

Hangin' Ten...

Wow, it's hot up here at the farm today...
Sweltering heat - the kind that only a quick dip will abate! As you know, we are sans piscine up here at the farm (!!!!) however the beach has been doing the trick just fine for us girls...
Yep, it's just us girls right now - because the boys are away on a 'boys only' holiday. Not that we're complaining - we've been busying ourselves senseless! A day of shopping and the movies yesterday, girly play dates and surfing at the beach. Inez has been loving spending the days with her surfie mates, getting out into the waves and hanging ten - Gidget style. So much so, that it's about time to invest in a surfboard. And so, I'm on the hunt for a pink mini mal with hibiscus flowers! Then, all she'll need is a yellow frilled bikini and she'll really look the part!!

An Anthropological Day....

I thought that I'd kick off Wednesday with a little Anthropological splendour...
 Prepare yourself to be inspired!!!

Floral Heaven...

Sometimes it is but a simple bunch of colourful blooms that add life and oomph to an otherwise plain and unadorned space. Like here, in the kitchen of this gorgeous cottage in Bangalow that Prue and I photographed for the latest issue of Country Style magazine. What beauty! These stems of open pink peonies, purple lilac and others, create a lovely colour boost to the otherwise grey and white palette. Such prettiness! And such a symphony of scent! Pure heaven...

Zippity Doo Da

Zippity Doo Da alright! How bout a kitchen painted in blue just like this one to add a little zip into your day! And the tilework? Simply Wow! The wonderful thing about colour is that you can use anywhere to your advantage. If it's a little oomph that you need first thing in the morning - then blue in the kitchen could be the thing to get your fired up for the day. It's certainly a departure to the minimalist design we've been living with over the past 10 years. Break out I say. And live a little. Perhaps 2010 is the year to bring a little bit of colour into your life....

In Full Colour...

It's crazy, I know, but I like to begin each year thinking about my life, my hopes and desires, in the way one would decide on a  colour palette for their home. How do I want to feel in my life in 2010? What would I like to achieve? Is the year to be filled with adventures and travels (in which case a palette of red (energy) and orange (creativity) could be the go), would I like to begin a new business (purple for intuition) or maybe a palette of blues and greens (to promote calm and clarity) is exactly what I need. As many of you will have read in my last post - this year for me is all about trying to instill a sense of peace within, with the hope of fortifying my spirit, concentrating on the things that are most important and moving ahead with focus. And so, my palette of blues of greens (those which I am already living with) are just perfect for me right now.

However, as you know, I'm in the process of getting The Little Cottage, my studio workshop primed and organised for my upcoming 2010 workshops - and so I'll be extending the colour palette that I have used up in the farm to the workshop as well. Although, perhaps a little more mint and a little less teal to ensure that the space is perky enough to see us through the day. I hope to have some pics to post you soon. Watch this space...

pic from homelife

Blessings for 2010...

Happy 2010 Everyone...

Hi all,
Well, we're back on board and all systems go for 2010 after a lovely two week break with the family, spent in beautiful Bali - the land of luscious green rice paddies, dainty offerings and much, much more.
It was wonderful to be back in Bali again. The last time I was there was about nine years ago when the children were only small and we spent much of our time confined to the pool.
This time, we hopped on our vespas, kids on the back, and really got into the life that is Bali. We spent most of our time up in beautiful Ubud - the land of yoga, health, rainy afternoons and Eat, Pray, Love (of course!). Ubud is such a lovely tranquil place to be - the people are still very traditional and the pace is much slower than the usual tourist haunts of Kuta and Legian. Most of all, I loved that Ubud and the happy and so, so beautiful Balinese people reminded me of the virtues of simplicity - of how peace and quiet can help you feel whole and how at the end of the day, we really don't require very much to feel satisfied.
This year, I'm hoping to keep the Balinese spirit alive within - where I am grateful for the smallest things and find peace in the moment rather than wondering what is around ever corner. It's not going to be easy (!)  - I am a planner to a fault - but I love a challenge.
And so, welcome 2010 - a year filled with peace and tranquility. And decorating workshops (I hope you guys can make it to beautiful Bangalow to share a day of decorating fun with me), expanding the vegetable garden and planting more trees! Oh, and tinkering with my new product range! Oh, and getting fit and healthy! Oh, and maybe doing some more writing (I feel that there's a another book hiding away inside me somewhere)! And, well - a little renovating and redecorating! Oh goodness - I told you it wasn't going to be easy!!! Om....

Merry Christmas Everyone....

Ah, who can believe that another year has past and here we are celebrating Christmas again! And what a year it has been... Busy? Indeed! Inspirational? For sure! Hard work? Of course! But, as we reach the end of 2009, I have to say that it's been a lovely year... After all, we are all alive, healthy and well - and our lives are full of colour and beauty. And if life has blessed us with this joy, then, yes! It has been a lovely year.
I hope that 2009 was full of joy for you all - and looking forward, that 2010 will fulfill all of your dreams.
In the meantime, I'll leave you with the latest cover of Country Style. Could there be a more gorgeous way to spend Christmas than at a table like this one? Filled with family and friends
Merry Christmas all....
Keep well and safe. And, happy, of course!
sx

Holiday Style....

With Christmas almost upon us - and the holidays looming like a dangling carrot (!) - my mind has turned to lazy days at the beach and to go with it - gorgeous beachside style. Don't you just love the laid-back flavour and textures of the beach. Driftwood abounds, blues and greens all around - and lovely, comfy style to while away the long, hot holiday days and nights. I hope that the holidays are looming closer for all of you - and that you have a wonderful break planned to celebrate another year done. Hopefully these gorgeous pics will send you into the holiday mood...

pics from homelife.com.au

Come Along To My 'How To Decorate' Workshops....

Hello Everyone!

I'm very excited to announce the launch of my 'HOW TO DECORATE' workshops in 2010.

For the first time ever - I am opening the door to The Little Cottage - my quaint private studio workshop situated in my hometown of Bangalow. Step into my world for a day and be a part of my workshops designed for budding home decorators just like you.

There are four dates to choose from - click here  to be redirected to my website where you'll find all of the workshop and booking details...

You don't need any decorating experience to come along - all that's required is a desire to express your inner decorator and a sense of adventure! So come along to Bangalow and join me for a day of decorating!

Hope to see you in 2010!

Much Love and Happy Holidays,

Shannon

p.s There is accommodation available for up to four friends at The Little Cottage - which is situated a 5-minute walk to the centre of town. Send us an email  if you would like the details. x

Pure Pretty...

What about this gorgeous home - a lovely timber cottage in downtown Bangalow - which is for sale! What a beauty...

A Little Birdy Told Me...

That the divine and most gorgeous store of all - Anthropologie - will be shipping to Australia soon! How exciting! I've loved Anthropologie from the first time I laid eyes on it (as I know many of you do) and have had to make do with filling up my suitcase with their goodies on a trip to New York and lugging them home on the plane with me all the way to Australia. Although Anthropolgie have launched their international site - us Aussies are still unable to buy - however, the word on the street is, that it's only a matter of time before we are on their map! Yay, Anthropologie...

P.S...

I've had such an overwhelming response from so many of you interested in attending my 2010 'How To Decorate' workshops held right here in my home town of Bangalow. My lovely graphic designer Fran is in the throes of putting all of the info onto the site as we speak and I'll be sure to email you all with the heads up once it goes live to air... Which, if all goes well, should be in a week.
Hope you can make it. It's going to be a blast!
sx

All Things Wedding...

A big thanks to Jane and the team at Wedding Style Guide, for asking me to contribute to the gift registry page of their gorgeous magazine - and also for including a titbit on me in their blog. I have to say, it's been a while since I've thought about all things wedding. It's been almost 16 years (!!!!) since hubby and I tied the knot - yes, I was only 10 when I got married (!) - and to be honest, I haven't thought much about weddings since! Until today - when the issue of Wedding Style Guide hit the post box and I've spent the whole afternoon living vicariously through other peoples lives. Wow, don't people have such gorgeous weddings these days? Every little detail has been thought about. Hubby and I had a rather traditional wedding - church and all - but I think if we were to tie the knot again I'd do it a little differently. Barefoot at the farm perhaps? Hillbilly style... What kind of wedding would you have?