bijou kaleidoscope

Ode to Hydrangea

2012-02-12T17:20:00.001+11:00

If anyone asked me what my favourite flowers were, other than roses and cherry blossoms, it would have to be hydrangeas.

With regular feeding, a spot in semi-shade and occasional anti fungal spray, they're dead simple to care for. Want blue? Toss acid into the soil. Want pink? Toss alkaline into the soil... (white/green are a different breed altogether and will not change).

I love their stunning displays during spring/summer, and when not in flower, their big green foliage adds just the right touch of green and freshness to the home. I love their ability to be planted right near the home, but not be in danger of roots systems getting under foundations, like the liquidambars. Pity they don't have any scent.

Planted en masse they are a stunning display of floral pom-poms.

But it looks just as stunning in a large pot (better large since they can grow very large... or regular repotting).

Remember Nic's front porch (from Making it Lovely)

What about a hanging hydrangea?? Apparently there are beautiful specimens in the Longwood Gardens, PA, USA. I'd like to start a few myself...

Via Flickr

I have just two hydrangeas to start with. One's pinky-orange and the latest is a $1 rescue from Kmart's dismal nursery by my mother in law. It was almost dead when she got it and the little thing now has so many healthy green leaves on it. I can't wait to see its pure white blooms!

I have been working on implementing my plan for the courtyard. So far, my plan has been a good one...

Our new-to-us outdoor setting on a beautiful sunny day. I got this from eBay for $240. The lady said she paid $5000 for it barely 4 years ago! All it needs is a sand, and some outdoor varnish.

I truly truly love my outdoor setting. It's now undercover (where you can spy a trailer in the above photo) to protect it from the extreme rain we've been getting. My dainty pink butterfly plant just perfects the look I want!

It has been raining non-stop for the past month and it's set to be a non-stop rainy season this summer (what summer, the husband scoffs)... so photographs will disappoint! Because of all the moisture, my roses have black spot so I keep plucking the ugly leaves, my beautiful orange-pink hydrangea has fungus on leaves (sprayed, thank God!) and everything's looking sad.

I have been busy though. In the past 11 months since moving in, I've added cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, maidenhair ferns, hoyas (aren't they BEAUTIFUL!), camellias, roses, violas, orchids, an orangey-pink frangipani plant, begonias, lisianthus and a butterfly plant!

I've also maintained my azalea bushes planted in the landlord's side strip where nothing grew due to allopathic pine needles from next door. I do enjoy seeing them grow. But it's such a pain having to regularly de-pine-needle the strip. I feel like chopping those branches off from overhead.

The latest could-not-leave-behind was my first hoya. It was also a Kmart rescue and I can't wait to see blooms. Apparently this is a safe-for-indoors one! Isn't it gorgeous??

Via Wikipedia

Thanks

2012-02-08T16:22:00.000+11:00

Thanks for waiting. I have needed the time to be inspired again, to push through some hurdles and begin to create again, to start to imagine once more.

You know how they say that your home is a reflection of you? Well, it feels like the head is clearer, the heart is more open now that we've done some fairly major room-changes and furniture clear-out-and-clean-up.

I must say, while my core tastes haven't changed, I have grown to eschew "new" in favour of "vintage" and "custom" and "one-offs" more and more!

What about you?

Isn't this collection of vintage blue milk glass beautiful? We don't seem to get many coloured milk glass in Australia!

2011-11-15T23:13:00.001+11:00

I have been going through some... busy times... juggling a few business decisions, getting busy with my daughter's school... and looking around for a house.It's been a little uninspiring lately... forgive my silence as I take the time to breathe.xxox

My new Fringe USA vase

2011-08-31T22:22:00.000+10:00

I finally caved and bought myself a $12 bunch of cherry blossoms branches at the local grocers here in the Blue Mountains.

These blooms somehow last longer than most other branches and I am so happy with them.

Stupid silly me, I sold my one large pastelly pink vase at the recent garage sale so I had to go get myself another large vase. I got one for $5 at the local St Vinnies store which did the job but looked completely ICKY.

But today I had to pick up a wigwam for my daughter from Bed, Bath and Table here and found they had 15% off storewide! So I happily paid less for my wigwam than RRP and picked myself an early birthday present, a glass Fringe USA vase.

Aren't these absolutely gorgeous?? These are my favourites.

I first fell in love with them via Ruby and Rose Interiors' online store a year ago, but due to their prices I couldn't afford them (not to mention shipping for such a heavy item!). The beautiful pieces of glassware are fired at 180˚C with a thin layer of lacquer applied over the decals to protect them.

This is my new vase, the Walnut Bird.

And this is it in-situ:

My vase! (Rubber bands are to prevent ants from getting there.

Makes me so happy and it invites Spring 2011 in! :)

Share the fragrance around please!

2011-07-26T16:48:00.000+10:00

In this grim financial times, a lot spread around makes all the difference.

I try not to splurge on flowers and fragrances for the home much. After all, when $15 can buy 4 punnets of strawberries enough to supply Hannah's lunchbox with her morning and afternoon tea munchies for a fortnight, it's a no-brainer to forgo the lovely bunch of roses. So when I have access to the best mother-in-law and her lovely winter-bursting camellia tree, I try to fill my home as much as possible with bunches of the blooms :)

I am also fond of fresh scents through the home but cannot often afford the $40-50 splurge on my favourite picks from the Abode Aroma range. I know it can last up to three months... and that spreads the costs alot, but it's been tight times lately.

I've recently hit on a great way to spread the aroma around the home!

This is my Lime and Coconut Abode Aroma diffuser. (Did you know you can make it last longer by using way less reeds than provided?)

Do you like my fantastically polkadot-ty cruet set? I just love the shapes... like commas!

There were two things that made the lightbulb in my head light up:
1. I wanted that fragrance in my bathroom and other places in my home
2. I had a bottle on my bathroom window sill that ... looked so lonesome.

It's a beautiful wine bottle in the loveliest shade of jewel-blue. I placed it on our bathroom window sill just for some interest in the tiny room. For weeks it's stood there, mighty lonely...

Remember the 2 premises above? Well, I poured a tiny bit of my Lime and Coconut into the wine bottle, sacrificed one reed... and now my bathroom smells beautiful!

But it was still lonely. Looked odd. So I had enough of it today and went through my things to find it mates...

First, there was this:

It looked odd, and I like things in groups of three or fives... So I got out another glass bottle I love and added it to that...

Then that quickly got ditched on account of uglyness!

I knew after that attempt that it needed something blue to highlight the delicate blue tones of the bottle. I raided my dresser and am now happy with my final attempt:

Liz Taylor's Jewels and her gorgeous home

2011-07-19T18:50:00.001+10:00

Firstly I apologise for not being as frequent as I'd like in my blogging. I'm not really into re-posting the already-posted-to-death things... I like to make my posts as personal-to-my-musings-and-situations as possible... and sometimes that hits a "bloggers' block"!

I have been rather focused on my family (daughter's been on school holidays) and looking for part time work that allows me to work from home.

But I did want to share a MOST inspirational home with you.

I first discovered Elizabeth Taylor as a young child entranced with Cleopatra (1963).

I remember thinking what gorgeous eyes that seem to drag you in forever and ever. Then I heard in my teens that she had eyes of the most unusual shade of violet. I also read that a genetic hiccup blessed her with double rows of eye lashes! No wonder her eyes were the main star!

And of course we can't have a blogpost about Liz Taylor without incudling her iconic jewels! (Just a few...)

The La Peregrina Pearl; a perfect pear-shaped natural pearl once owned by Bloody Mary, Queen of Scots; a gift from husband Richard Burton. Karipearls includes a great story about her La Peregrina pearls... now only with great pics of the piece, but also highlights her passion for life, her largeness of character and her.. normal-ness!

The divine Cartier ruby and diamond necklace, presented by husband Mike Todd

The 33.19 carat Krupp diamond, an engagement gift from Richard Burton. She is known to have worn this rock more than any other of her pieces.

The 69.42 carat giant Taylor-Burton diamond

The stunning emerald and diamond necklace by Bulgari, a gift from Burton

The massive Bulgari 321-carat Burmese sapphire pendant in a diamond and sapphire sautoir necklace, from Burton

You'd think this blog was all about her jewels, don't you?

Well... it's actually about her beautiful ranch-style home in Bel Air, California, for 30 years until her death in March 2011. Her property sits on just under 1.5 acres of land (very modest compared with other uber-celebs). 7000 sq feet of that was devoted to the house that was surrounded by a bricked motor court, swimming pool, stunning landscaped gardens, a hothouse for orchids and a koi pond with a waterfall.

I couldn't get enough of Elizabeth Taylor's gorgeous home featured in Architectural Home Digest July 2011. For someone who has such fiery tastes in jewellery, her newly decorated home is peaceful, exudes warmth and casual living. Taylor worked with Waldo Fernandez in 2010 and the gorgeous actress passed away during the Architectural Digest photoshoot.

Her house was redecorated in a beautiful shade of blue to reflect the iconic lady's gorgeous eyes. Paired with warm woods, grey-whites and punches of fushcia, the result is a gorgeously calm, bright and beautifully relaxed abode.

The beautiful gardens feature many roses; the hybrid tea rose Elizabeth Taylor, introduced in 1985, abounds.

Since Ms Taylor's death, her house has sold. We have lost yet another style and life icon.

Pics of her home via Architectural Home Digest

George Nelson Clock

2011-07-08T11:34:00.004+10:00

Via blueantstudio

I think any one of the George Nelson clocks would go perfectly in my home, with my penchant for white walls and brightly coloured furnishings!

I particularly love:

Via Fancy House Road

One of my favourites, the Ball Clock, 1947

Via Flickr: monitorpop

But I think my favourite sculptural one is the Sunflower Vitra:

Available from Design Public for US$1085

But because we're trying to teach my 5 year old daughter to read time and numbers etc... I'm afraid our very-basic round clock with easy-to-read numbers will have to do for now!

Clementine/Mandarin orange candles

2011-06-24T10:12:00.002+10:00

I was so inspired by Apartment Therapy's new vimeo workshop on making these sweet clementine candles (we would call them Mandarin oranges here in Australia. Clementines are way redder.).

How To Make a Clementine Candle from maxwell gillingham-ryan on Vimeo.

So sweet. Would have been perfect for the simple winter dinner I whipped up for my in laws earlier this week. I used mandarins in my salad.

On the table, twice cooked field mushrooms with cream, oregano, garlic; chicken with dukkah and a salad of mandarins, walnuts, grape tomatoes, raddichio, butter lettuce and rocket with my fav cheese: bocconcini! :)

Yummmmm

What to do with our courtyard?

2011-06-19T20:23:00.000+10:00

While the interior of the house is more-or-less completed in terms of livability (as far as affordability and space), the backyard, front yard and courtyard leaves plenty wanting.

Because it's just a rental (up to the next 2 years), we have to pace ourselves, both pocket-wise and ambition-wise. Everything has to be easy to move around.

The yards are just grass... nothing exciting. Very boring, in fact, but at least it's neat and clean.

The courtyard has commanded plenty of frustrated what-if scenarios. All in all it's a really poorly planned space.

Big Picture: A plain, if poorly, concreted area, with a slope down to the backyard. (in green, below)

Small Picture:
1. Where the two walls meets, there is a drainage hole. But the builder has stupidly built it on a slight mound! So nothing drains.

2. There are no covered areas.

3. Some mad architect (maybe owner builder) built is so that the only rooms facing the beautiful morning sun from the North are the bathrooms! The courtyard (and rest of house) is on the opposite side and gets almost no sun!

4. The walls of the courtyard aren't really usable either, it's very utilitarian with air conditioner split unit, dustbins, windows and doors. (see illustration above)

After almost 2 months of what-ifs

I think this is the plan with the easiest layout:

Even in winter, I often love to sit out to have a short read or a tea. I think I have settled on a sandstone outdoor setting. Something like this would be great since it's weather-proof.

From here

I brought Sir Lancelot with me, although right now, it's not in a good spot. We left our lovely potted gardenias and birdbath back in Melbourne for our tenants to enjoy.

I love swings.

I still want badly a swing in my garden. My mother had a gorgeous 70s wrought iron garden swing, in this style but more ornate:

For furniture, I'd love to have an expansive sandstone table like the one below with some (much more) comfortable chairs:

Maybe something like this, hardwearing and rustic. This image has been foremost in my mind:

Our tenants asked us to leave my beloved yellow breakfast Colebrookdale setting in our property, so I love the fact that they enjoy it so much!

We still have those white wicker pieces, but since there's no covered area here, they have to languish away in storage.

I'd love to have a courtyard filled with ferns and greenery, in a bright spot, much like Halle Berry's beautiful pied-a-terre:

Via here

Of course it's a smidgen larger than our previous courtyard-cum-frontyard-cum-backyard!

Keep on coming back to see how I create living spaces for me and my small family :)

She's out of my league

2011-05-30T19:42:00.000+10:00

I finally watched 2010 romantic comedy She's out of my league, starring Jay Baruchel, the beautiful Alice Eve and T.J. Miller.

I quite liked her bachelorette pad, set in Pittsburgh, PA ... very chic, simply decorated with shades of taupe. I normally like bright and airy spaces, but at night when these scenes were shot, the dark, moody feel added to the chic-ness of it all.

I love the purply-grey walls and darker brown architraves/trims of the apartment, only a move if your room gets plenty of light during the day. (And this apartment is, if the twinkling lights of the night is any indication - of course this is a movie-set illusion...)

The bright pink pops around the apartment makes it feminine... makes the wall darker, more romantic and the pink more... pink! I love orchids too, hey that might make a good indoor plant for my office space! *planning* Right now, I have the ONLY faux floral arrangement in the place. And it fools my flower-crazy-and-green-thumb MIL every single time!

The picture hanging next to the door (which incidentally reminded me instantly of Carrie Bradshaw's old apartment) has a subtle pink going on, which echoes the pink of the orchids in its foreground. I think it's a painting of an orchid... but could be one of my favourite flowering trees, the Luculia.

Actually the more I compare images, it does look like Luculia!

If you don't know its merits, go to a nursery, ask for it and then when it flowers, breathe in its extremely heady (and addictive) perfume! It only flowers in winter (and prefers mountainous areas) ... which make it desirable for anyone who loves colour in their garden in winter! I'm trying to grow two from cuttings.

The apartment is mostly monochromatic, and keeps it sedate... and the flowers offer a beautiful respite from the "masculinity". The pink candles again add that pop. I think the set designers wanted Alice Eve to be the focal fair maiden of this space. (And they succeed with her white frock and gloriously blond hair!)

The kitchen again is stark with its stainless steel benchtops and splashback and the dark wood cabinetry. Even the Kitchenaid mixer and blender she stands in front of is black. Softened only by Eve and the flowers and fruit.

The apartment isn't large, but the expansive flooring makes it feel spacious, whilst the furnishings and wall keep things cosy and intimate. Here you get to see that the apartment is high above, and overlooks some spectacularly beautiful gothic-style churches.

Again the very tall pink flowering spray to the left the pale pink posy on the coffee table. Everything else is kept in very earthy tones, even Baruchel's clothing. I don't normally like blinds but in this case, the open blinds frame the large windows... and it becomes a picture in itself.

The only wallpapered wall in this movie. (Notice how every recent movie has beautiful wallpaper??) The floral motif softens the rather masculine colours again. I love it.

I really loved the surprise of blush pink in Molly's bedroom. The wall really brings out her sweetness and femininity. Everything else has hard straight lines and colours. I did like the touch of the lamps against the wooden headboard though. Very chic.

And I added the above photo because I've always liked to see where designers place bedroom furniture around the room. I like that the room extends beyond our purview to reveal a dressing area (and where I assume the bathroom is). It allows the bed to be the focus of the room... and gives the feel of a walk in closet and dressing room. Nice.

All in all, a beautiful room.

Barbie art

2011-05-26T01:04:00.001+10:00

Again, I can't say I did it first! How many times do I have to have that "hey I have a great idea! I'll do it, it'll be so cool and unusual" and find it already done.

I went through my newest collection of ideas-file collected over the last few weeks and stared at the wall of the above image and realised what I was looking at.

I was going to frame all 12 months of my Barbie 2011 wall calendar and do as above (in much less luxurious surroundings).
{If you've been reading my blog a while, you'd know I appreciate Barbie!}

Bleh. (Although I'm sure the designer/owner in the room above got the prints NOT off this calendar!)

Still going to do it anyway. One day.

Op Shop Score!

2011-05-21T14:21:00.001+10:00

I thought I'd start doing an "Op Shop Score!" segment on my blog :)

I have been lusting after vintage 1950s Australian pottery Diana cook and bakeware. Characterised by the creamy greens, blues and yellows with white polkadots, these are so sought after on eBay and vintage/antique stores.

I check frequently on eBay Australia for these pieces but never can justify outbidding the highest bidder for them, which is normally near the three figure mark for larger bakeware. A Diana jug can fetch up to AUD$60.

At time of writing the exchange rate is AUD1.10=US1.00.

The newer Diana (still vintage) bake-and-cook-ware had a stamp like the one below:

or

But mine is older, without a stamp, just a number impression. But I knew immediately what it was.

Being devoid of the stamp, I think the person pricing this piece at St Vinnies had no idea of the make... which means I scored this for only AUD$6.00!!

Yay! In perfect condition, no crazing, no chips, no cracks, no discolouration.

Matches my other $25 Diana baking dish (the green one on the right).

At home

What have you scored recently? Do Share! From one op-shop junkie to another!

Help wanted!

2011-05-17T13:46:00.005+10:00

Can anyone identify this fabric?

Hopefully someone can, I LOVE IT :)

Image from Ada and Darcy

Keri Russell's home in Elle Decor

2011-05-14T14:45:00.004+10:00

Image from Instyle Magazine January, 2009

Just last week I Googled "Keri Russell" and "home". And Nada. Keri Russell's one of my favourite actresses, owing a emphatitic feel to her biggest role, Felicity. Now I'm showing my age! :) I also liked her in August Rush and Waitress...

But today. I saw her beautiful Brownstone home featured in Elle Decor, via the citysage. Serendipitous? I'm going out to buy Elle Decor June 2011 tomorrow! :)

Image from Instyle Magazine January, 2009

I was pleasantly surprised to see that it reflected Russell's quiet, edgy character. Keri's dress sense is casual smart and her home is pretty much the same. Owing to the genius handywork of husband Shane Deary.

Craftsman and wood-genius Deary's outfitted their new home with very rustic, edgy furniture to complement the crisp walls and beautiful moldings of their 1860s Brooklyn Brownstone. Keri decided on the layout, the look, the soft furnishings... and it looks like her every decision was thoughtful to both their feminine and masculine whole.

The less-is-more Keri didn't crowd her home with trinkets and colours, but kept it simple with elegant furniture contrasted with very rustic pieces from Shane's trips into dumpsters and demolition yards. Even the piano above has been kept from looking too elegant.

The whole Brownstone has been a journey of renovation, since it was bought as do-it-upper; as says Deary, “but why buy someone else’s renovation if you’re going to redo it anyway?” I've said often enough, what I'd do for my husband to be handy-Superman!

Walls were removed, floors were pulled apart, restored and then nailed back.

I love their bedside tables, or rather, bedside blocks of wood! Deary found blocks of reclaimed pine flooring which now hold serves as a night table. Chandelier was a save from a previous renovation job (Shane Deary's a contractor and renovation carpenter).

The large ficus in their living room offers a punch of green and the planter box is made from pieces from an old desk! Deary turned pieces of discarded pine into the handsome porthole mirror that hangs over the living room mantel.

One of the things that I really loved was the bright greens throughout the home. When we can afford to buy again, I'll be getting some large indoor plants. At the moment, my African violets love their new spot (happens to be one of the only spots with plenty of morning sun and shade).

A simple lightbulb illuminates the island bench. No fancy industrial or Swarovski shade... nothing to hide husband Deary's work.

I love their sharp kitchen. Very reminiscent of Gwyneth Paltrow's back and white kitchen but with a rougher, less-refined-but-as-chic edge. (And much smaller.) Of course, Shane built his kitchen. And of course, it's reclaimed: from a demolished post-and-beam house.

I took a closer look at their kitchen. While it's not huge in any sense (the next picture shows the island bench again, so that's the limit of their kitchen), it's amazingly outfitted for most things. Even cookbooks and wine. I found their cabinets on the top rather narrow in its widths... but I'd bet less-is-more Russell does not collect china like I do! :) Her kitchen even has a cute built in bread bin above the countertop!

Check out the super rustic shelving above the wine holder to the right of the image! Below you can see more of that shelving and note that it runs along the ceiling too! Nice. Dunno about dusting though.

The elegantly edgy dining table had very un-elegant beginnings: out from a dumpster. It actually sits rather happily with the vintage Bertoia wire chairs.

I love that the Keri Russell's dressing room isn't... glamour-diva. It is really modest, very chic and showcases her outrageously high heels. Living out of suitcases, Russell now hangs her clothes on plumbing pipes Deary's fashioned.

The bathroom's walls were removed and opaque breezy fabric offer a modicum of privacy. The result is unbelievably bright and airy. It showcases the gorgeous clawfoot bath.

Regretfully, no shots of son River's room! Why not, Keri?

Images of Keri's home from Elle Decor

My Janet Hill collection (part of)

2011-05-10T18:02:00.000+10:00

I have been enchanted with artist Janet Hill's artpieces since earlier 2009. I have since collected quite a few of her pieces and finally I got a few professionally framed for my bedroom.

I had Miss Yellow framed in something very blah and cheap previously... didn't do it justice one bit.

I never found the perfect frame for it. I knew I wanted something vintage... something extraordinary. But to find a frame... and a framer... was not easy. But I finally found a framer worthy of my patronage and shout out on the blog.

Karin in Blaxland, NSW, Australia does exquisite work because she scours the country for vintage, antique and unusual frames for framing. At very very reasonable prices too!!! If you want to contact Karin, please contact me at paperbean{at}gmail{dot}com.

It just adds a touch of elegance to my bedroom. I wish it had a more prominent wall.. but in my rental, I take what I get! Thank you landlord for letting me put nails for my three ladies!

What about four ladies, husband? :) Like Elspeth With Her Turtledove!

Image above and Janet Hill banner taken from her Etsy page.

My new dining suite

2011-05-04T18:06:00.001+10:00

If you've been reading my blog for some time, you'd know how much I love Chippendale Chinese chairs... and bamboo (or faux bamboo) home furnishings.

I grew up with the real stuff - furniture made from actual bamboo.

The lounge suite I grew up with.

And remember my new old desk? :)

I scored again! A month ago I won a Buy It Now auction with eBay for an old dining suite. I had to sweet talk my husband into getting it from Canberra with me one Saturday recently to pick it up. The lady in a very exclusive part of Canberra was selling her very very expensive and modern home to move someplace else with a "modern house which wouldn't suit this dining suite". It left me rather flabbergasted as the house we picked the suite from was already sooooo modern! Anyway. :)

Today I finally had a free hour to set up table! :)

Set for a simple Easter lunch for six.

I love my suite so much! The upholstered suite needs a clean, and I'm waiting for my father in law to help me with that... and one day this will get a new look :)

Yes the room is tiny. This rental isn't large, but it suits most of our needs right now so it'll do. For our daily use this gets pushed to one wall and the carvers go back to their home:

Yes it gives precious added seating to our equally small living room.

One day I might even paint the table a glossy orange!

To taxidermy not or to taxidermy

2011-05-02T20:59:00.000+10:00

We went to a new antique store in Mittagong, NSW and the store was full of very very expensive (and very very old) taxidermied beasts: birds, squirrels, bears, tigers, crocodiles...

What is your take on taxidermy?

Funky good or funky bad?

Myself, I have always found taxidermy art disturbing... And have always steered clear of them.

I'm not sure what's changed. Maybe it was seeing this stuffed pheasant in Sarah Richardson's farmhouse's beautiful, warm and fresh dining room.

Since then, stuffed pheasants have been always hanging around the back of my mind.

But maybe a different large beautiful bird: a peacock. (I'm working my way to having a few pairs as pets too, one day!)

Pic from Art of Chee

There have been a few for a couple of thousand on Australian eBay. And if I could throw money for stuffed peacocks, I'm surely the sort to have plenty of space for one....

And yet, the question begs...

To Taxidermy or not to taxidermy?

Let's be inspired!

Image from Jeffrey Bilhuber

Btw, have you seen how spectacular a white peacock is??

And in these rooms they shine!

What is your take?

To Taxidermy or not to taxidermy?

playing

2011-04-27T10:57:00.000+10:00

pardon me as i work on a new blog format today....

Sharing our homes... Bed and Breakfast style

2011-04-24T00:33:00.005+10:00

His house was perfect,
whether you liked food, or sleep, or work,
or story-telling, or singing, or just sitting and thinking,
best, or a pleasant mixture of them all.
- J. R. R. Tolkien (1892 - 1973), The Hobbit.

I’ve been mulling over the whole thing about "bed and breakfasts" since the start of our holidays. (As per my previous post, we enjoyed a really good time at Huskisson B&B in South Coast NSW.) It was one of those chance encounters that have left us friends.

Image from Huskisson B&B

Since my last post, Kate’s put up before and after shots of the room we were gifted for our stay. You just have to pop over to her blog for the wow shots.

Every now and then (especially after being to a B&Bs in Australia), I’ve played with the idea of my own bed & breakfast. I've known for a long time what I don't want: just mere 8 years ago, a B&B set in the country Victorian era would have charmed the socks off. But I’ve grown less and less enamoured of cluttered spaces filled with decade-old dried flowers, stuffed teddies, heart shaped frilly cushions… you know the sort.

This is a B&B I went to in 2004 on our honeymoon. Incidentally I checked out the same B&B and my photos are still current! Even down to the dried floral arrangement over the bedhead!

I’ve also eschewed B&Bs who are so overly sumptious that one feels like one has stepped into a mansion where nothing should be touched or used.

In the B&B of my daydreams, I’d have a cross between Shaker and Shabby Chic. In a light, white, airy home. Nothing overly staged, nothing overly done.

Kinda like what Kate and Stephen have done in their lovely B&B.

Another of Kate's vintage mirrors!

Anyhow. I have been thinking about intrusive a B&B business is (or can be). I mean, this is about opening up your own home to strangers.

I have been to a few B&Bs in my life and being at Huskisson B&B is a rather different experience for me.

As you will see from Kate’s coming blogposts, a lot of love, elbow grease and ruminations has gone (and will keep going) into setting up the “guest quarters”. What struck and inspired me was that Kate and Stephen have chosen to inject quite a few personal items into these shared areas. Essentially, sharing with strangers their hearts.

I LOVE this. I WANT.

There is an heirloom rockinghorse. Stephen’s grandmother’s chandelier graces the dining area (incidentally, it matches perfectly to Kate’s Pareek Johnson Bros tea set). Some treasured local artwork graces the living room. Kate’s enviable collection of vintage mirrors dot the halls and bedrooms. An old salvaged piano cradles a selection of photos of the hosts. The kitchen showcases Kate’s collection of vintage glasses – use with care!

I felt so priveledged to be amongst these personal items. And because it’s not overstuffed with things that “make an era” but “chosen to reflect personality”… what you do get is a sense of what the hosts are like. What makes them tick.

In my mullings I decided that if ever husband and I started a B&B and coffee roasting endeavour, I’d do the same. I’d share my personal items with my guests. I already know I will steer clear of “make an era” decorating…

Note: sometimes the “make an era” feel for a B&B works wonders, but it behoves the host to change things around now and then, to freshen the feel, to update tired decorations. Imagine after the clutter of city living to be able to escape to a Shaker-style guest room!

I took these pics at Huskinsson B&B.

A slice of white heaven in Huskisson Bay

2011-04-19T21:28:00.004+10:00

We are finally on our short break. 3 years in the waiting.

Just a week away. But what a blessed week.

And what a blessed start to a blessed week ahead.

Thanks to Kate and Stephen Broadhurst in their little slice of white heaven in the making in Huskisson Bay, south coast of NSW, Australia. This friendly and warm couple run Huskisson B&B along with their 2 cats and gorgeous dog.

11 feet high Dulux Antique White walls and ceilings, cathedral ceilings in bedrooms, light, light and more light. Airy to the nines and furnishings and decor edited to maintain a chic, simple and charming experience.

This is where we slept! Can you believe the beautiful leadlight??

Kate just informed me that she's also started a blog, Love in a B and B documenting her renovations from what sounds like a drab place to this sunwashed home. As we get to know each other, we find that there are so many things we both enjoy and crave (we have mainly gas-bagged about home decor and homes haha).

Make sure you check out her blog for promised photos of the still ongoing transformation of this elegant ol' lady!
She promises to show more photos (esp before and after and possibly during) of her home so I shall refrain. There are some great shots on the Bed and breakfast website that you'd do well to check out!

Ooooohhh!

The woman loves vintage mirrors too! Kate dots her dreamy palace with these beautiful art deco mirrors, some frosted, some coloured, all divine.

Suddenly I have more than mere photos in my imagefile to show my husband of my desire to collect vintage mirrors - I have an actual place to show him! I really have to start my own collection...

More about that in a post soon... :)

Photos taken from Huskisson B&B since I forgot to pack my camera cable.

No more mass produced for us!

2011-04-04T11:40:00.002+10:00

It was a proud moment when my husband declared, "I don't actually like Ikea or mass produced furniture anymore."

He needs shelving for his espresso corner in our new rental and we were going to head out to Ikea on the weekend...

He wants to go for vintage/unique! Yay, I'm so proud of him :)

My first week here.. sore feet and all!

2011-03-27T01:03:00.000+11:00

I am now in our new place for 7 days. We JUST got our 2.5 seater sofa from the storage unit.

My desk, finally unveiled - see below for more goss on it!

We're 70% unpacked. I am 170% exhausted. :)

The worst thing about this move, or moving from a 440sq feet area to someplace else/bigger... is that there was no available floor space for packed boxes! So we have had to do this the ultra slow and ultra INefficient way.

This place is SUCH a blank slate!

There are a few downsides to this space, the biggest 2 being I'm ALLERGIC to it! (It was owner occupied prior to this and he had a dog, a cat and a bird inside.) Also, 60% of the house is tiled So my feet get exhausted to the point of pain every night.

Our simple entryway. My "dining table" now, as its proper use, a hall table!

But this place is still our home.

And it's a super BLANK SLATE! :)

Oh and I have to show and tell!! My new desk is a $50 buy from St Vinnies in Katoomba, NSW. Without the glass. I'd always loved the detail of the faux bamboo furniture, having grown up with a few. :)

It's actually a dining table, but oh well :) I'm too precious about it to share it with others who don't care as much about the piece!

I paid $150 for a new glass top, painted it a wonderful pale blue high gloss, let it cure for 6 months...

And now, you'd have to pay upwards of $700 for one in a designer store! :)

Found it

2011-03-14T12:31:00.001+11:00

I thought I'd update the blog. I apologise for the short hiatus.

I had a super super busy month, and I have another 3-4 weeks of busyness before my life hopefully settles more.

We had a garage sale on the weekend just past.

Last October, we met H, an 83 year old man, through my father in law's work. My FIL was contacted from hospital to collect H post operation and take him home. That night was the first of many months of caring for H. We have all become very attached to H, even though I haven't even met the man!

H's wife passed 35 years ago and he hasn't been able to cope since. No housework had been done since so the house needed repairs, cleaning, laundering etc badly. It deeply disturbed and worried my FIL, and through him, us too.

H's orders were that his home be demolished and land sold. But because my MIL loves going through estates and I appreciate mid century pieces (H and his wife only bought quality), we decided on sorting the trash from treasure and either return them to H (cleaned of course) or sell/donate.

So we spent months going through his belongings, cleaned and scrubbed, priced and held a garage sale, a culmination of almost a half year long's labour of love.

We discovered that under the piles of newspaper, papers, tins of food, plastic bags and household rubbish hid many treasures. H has lived a very full life (well, prior to 1976). We found 250 rare jazz collectable vinyls, 150 collectable theatre programs (with newspaper reviews and ticket butts), complete sets (untouched) of dinner and coffee sets, brand new linen and rare motoring slides.

There were 35-40 year old unopened kitchen scour pads, kitchen towels and napkins.

His furniture was pristine condition from the 1970s just very dusty.

But best story, my FIL came back from the second visit to exclaim, "He's got boxes and boxes of unopened wine under so much paper and crap." I sat up with great interest... H only bought quality... I asked what sort of wine and my FIL (who don't know much about wine) said, oh some Penfolds Grange something or other. I nearly fell off my chair. H had 2 cases of Penfold Grange 1986. Those bar a few bottles and his other wines have been auctioned off to the tune of $30k.

H has no children, no relatives. He leaves his sizeable estate to a charity organisation here. And we've shed many a tear thinking about the fact that no one will miss him, no one will remember him, he leaves no heritage.

It's got me thinking that our lives are so fleeting. H's leaving nothing, no memories, no heirlooms... Despite living a full life with his wife all over the world, he now has nothing to show for it. It's quite tragic.

I've been challenged to live a full(er) life and become a better friend, mother and wife. Trying not to leave mental, emotional and physical clutter ... but a heritage of inner and outer beauty.

So, preparing for The Garage Sale of 2011 took all our time of recent.

Then I had one day to prepare for my daughter's fifth birthday :) It poured, we had prepared for a tea party, the girls wore frocks... but everyone loved it! The mothers were totally enchanted by our simple set up.

I am so tired, I can't even begin to describe it!

And now I have 6 days to move! And we haven't begun to pack!

After living in a shoebox (granny flat) for just about 14 months, our growing family is moving (again!) to a larger rental.

Thanks to my in laws who've lovingly let us live almost-rent-free in the aforementioned shoebox at the back of their property.

To another rental which will become our home for the next I-hope-2-years-till-we-buy. Stay tuned as I embark on another can't-wait journey to make that bland space mine ('course, I can't change paint or go nuts on pics on the wall)!

In lieu...

2011-02-18T00:46:00.003+11:00

The vet hospital I made for Hannah from almost-30 year old Duplo.

We have been searching for a bigger place to rent recently... 484 sq foot of living space for the three of us has reached its limit.. after slightly over a year.

It's been trying, to say the least, but I'm resting in the knowledge that God knows our need. This isn't easy, of course, but it's what we want to focus on, rather than stressing ourselves out.

I've gone to view over 10 rentals in the past 2-3 months and I find that I'm allowing myself to be picky about where I go, what I want for my child and what I don't. But I'm also choosing not to be picky about the aesthetics of the place too much, despite my natural instincts to.

My brief absence from the blog stems from an uninspired patch. Right now, I'm focusing on my daughter's first month(!) in school... rather than dream about what could be, home-wise.

Bear with me... and thank you. :)

A lotus flower just outside my kitchenette window

Kelly Wearstler's new blog!

2011-02-04T20:06:00.003+11:00

I jumped on my vibe, my life as soon as Holly from decor8 sent out the news!

My creative process is about experimentation, taking risks and having a free spirit.- Kelly Wearstler

Beautiful design maven Kelly Wearstler has a new blog! You MUST jump on it yourself for what promises to be picture-rich, tips-and-tricks-rich and just Kelly-rich!

How beautiful is is the ever fashionable Kelly's design studio! So serene, and neutral, to allow the inspiration-trays to pop with their wild colours, patterns and ideas!

Read this great article on Ms Wearstler in the NY Times.

Libraries of books... or book libraries...

2011-01-20T01:08:00.000+11:00

We've been looking for a suitable place for our little family to rent these past few months. Since this is going to be a mid-term dwelling, we have been rather particular about what we need and are looking for.

We've seen a few places with loads of space to for books and it has grown to be a real plus point for me to have inbuilt bookcases lining walls. I adore books, adore libraries...

The most memorable room looked like this:

Here are a few that truly inspire me:

There's something so ethereal about being surrounded by books. Hallowed libraries. Personal collection. Mmmmm.

Clearview on side table

2011-01-14T01:41:00.000+11:00

If you've read bijou kaleidoscope for some time, you'd know I LOVE dollhouses.

I've wanted a modern dollhouse so bad for so long... and this is what I want to do with it:

I don't want to create a "dollhouse room"... just a table with my beloved dollhouse (modern, btw, none of those Victorian stuff!).

One day... I'm eyeing the Emerson house by Brinca Dada. (The Clearview above is discontinued.) It actually hurts that it is going to cost me AUD$600 to get one sent here...

Actually, the Bennett House is kinda similar to the Clearview!

Top Gear meets Lego (kinda)

2011-01-09T10:33:00.000+11:00

I said there would be more on Lego... this is it:

I am a fan of Top Gear (UK) and as always, when it comes to presenter James May... it's all "kinda" :)

Did you catch the special tv show where James May took it upon himself to commission almost 1,000 volunteers to build a 20-ft tall house made from Lego in Surrey, UK in mid-2009 for his BBC show Toy Stories? He used... get this... 3.3 million Lego pieces (hence the 1,000 volunteers!)

Whilst I would not want to sleep in it, having a smaller version in my garden would be all the art and sculpture I'd need! (Now! That's an idea.)

Image and more information via Modern Home Idea

The bathroom sink (working!)

Window, using translucent bricks

Highly uncomfortable bed, via Daily Mail, UK

The front door, via Top Gear

The sideboard in kitchen, complete with bread bin and chocolate bar, via Top Gear.

The washing machine (not working), via Top Gear.

The toilet roll next to toilet (not to be used... thankfully!), via Top Gear.

Lego, who donated all the Lego bricks for the project, apparently banned May from dismantling the structure upon completion. They were also apparently miffed that May did not seek their expertise and help in making this gigantic Lego-awesomeness (typical of May's absent-mindedness) because they would have chosen a method of building that would be mobile, rather than plonking on ground.

It did have to be demolished a few weeks after because the winery May chose for the location needed the land back to grow grapes for wine. I'm sure May would have been able to purchase a plot of land for that pet project of his and hence, allow the Lego house to remain till this day!

Now... about creating a mini house in my backyard as sculpture and interest... does anyone know if rainwater is bad for Lego?

Self sorting box

2011-01-04T16:48:00.000+11:00

Isn't this idea great? Maybe not quite for washers and bolts and nuts, but maybe for nails and picture hooks for us home-makers or sewing bits for knitters.

This is the brainchild of Mr Wulf, who posted this last Jan (2010) on Craftster.org.

The top has the parts cut out in the shape for easy sorting and for interest (a large hole would work equally well).

Drawers labeled for easy removal:

But here's the smart thing: the shelves are staggered in depth!

Here's his post and a few tips to creating your own perfect sorting bin!

How cool to have your own one, painted in ubiquitous Gucci orange in gloss and sorts bobby pins and safety pins and other gizmos?? Or coloured pencils, markers, crayons and paintbrushes?

My good two days and PIP Studio!

2010-12-29T09:37:00.000+11:00

Did you all have a good Christmas?
I enjoyed mine.

I had such a great Thurs-Fri last week that it kinda blew my blues away :) I had to share with you:

I spent Thursday with my husband and child. It's the first in about 8-12 months since we just said no to work and responsibilities. After dropping my 4.5 year old daughter at a playdate, we enjoyed a relaxed grown-up brunch at a local cafe before tackling some chores (minus constant high-pitched whining and wheedling). After picking up Hannah from her friend's, we then pottered at home together and then had dinner at MacDonalds (yuck, but promised Hannah) and then some late-night shopping for clothes for husband.

And on Friday I found something which is the reason for sharing all this important (albeit personal) information: I went back to do some shopping and couldn't resist walking into bed, bath and table. After being disappointed by much of the bla-di-bla bedding, my eye was caught by a logo I've loved for so long!

Arriving in Australia in April this year, PIP Studio FINALLY makes it to the local stores!!!!! I have been waiting so long to see it in Australia it's not funny!

Back then, PIP Studio did not have bedding. But now!

I could not walk away from the store without my own PIP Studio bedding. :)

I'm so happy with my new bedding! I coordinated it with a white and grey cotton fitted sheet. Love it :)

I can also now buy PIP Studio china! Pretty soon I will be buying wallpaper and bags and tablecloths and. other unmentionable goodies! :)

Have you seen their stuff?

Merry Christmas y'all!

2010-12-24T12:36:00.004+11:00

Thank you so much for coming back to read my blog and staying faithful despite my less than frequent posting.

My Christmas cards. I tend to hand-make my own every year. This year I took inspiration from Martha Stewart and went all glitter-some!

I treasure each and every one of you more than you know :)

Have a great Christmas this year and may the coming year bring loads of joy, laughter and hope.

xoxx
drey

Chic nativity sets for your home

2010-12-22T22:24:00.000+11:00

I have just started doing glittering (thanks to Martha Stewart!) and this is a enlarged version of the custom Christmas cards I made and sent out to friends and family.

We have such a small place for the three of us that space is at an all-time high premium. So no space for any Christmas decorations this year - I am not exaggerating. So no Christmas trees, or tinsel or ornaments.

But I did find two spots for some Christmas beauty: one at our front door (see above pic) and another on our coffee table. I swopped out the normal candles and photo frame for our new nativity scene:

Hehe I couldn't help but glitter a few things in my nativity scene!

This $69.95 buy from bed, bath & table (Australian) was inspired by my sister in law's more expensive and beautiful Willow Tree Nativity Set:

Purchase the set or pieces from here

I arranged it yesterday, but last night, now in the quiet of my solitude-time, I found a few more online which were so chic, I had to share!

How charming is this beautifully crafted Pillar of Heaven nativity set by artist Kim Lawrence?

Cutesy, a winner with young children will be this gorgeous Precious Moments Nativity Set

This is a pretty unusual nativity set, by Joseph's Studio, with resin made to look like whittled pieces of wood.

The white and walnut nativity set, by Etsy seller, bunnywithatoolbelt

This nativity set has some pretty ivy detailing, from Christianbook.com

Yet another Kim Lawrence creation, this time, a one-in-all nativity set, hard to find these days though!

European Wooden Ostheimer Nativity is so sweet, so simple, it will enthrall many a heart.

What about the Origami Nativity Set? But in porcelain?

Another child friendly set, from mywoodentoys.com.au in Perth, Australia

I do like this lovely, 7 piece, serene nativity set

Lastly (but most expensive), a whimsical set by Patience Brewster

Stunning artworks using Lego

2010-12-20T16:07:00.000+11:00

I went to Lewers Bequest Gallery with my husband this morning (I had the best day!) and was quite taken by a giant artpiece on the wall beside us, entirely made of Lego pieces.

I have to get one myself! Entirely unique! How awesome to have Lego artwork on the wall!

So I scoured the net for more gorgeous inspiration:

Starry starry night, Van Gogh; image from Ed Hall's site, complete with details here

Spock from Star Trek; by artist Motion5, as found on technabob.com

Alfred E. Newman, by artist Motion5, as found on technabob.com

Escher's, via here, taken at Legoland 2006.

My favourites are the Lego renditions of pop artist Roy Lichtenstein:

Kiss V 1969, via Brickworkz

Girl with Hair Ribbon, by Eugene Tan, via Brick Pop

Wham!, by Flickr user pricer45

Sunrise, via Moc Pages

Oh and check this awesome conference-size table made from Lego! I love it :) Made for advertising agency Boys and Girls, this bespoke beauty is made up of 22,742 lego pieces.

Image, and more information via walyou

More on another awesome Lego project soon...

You can buy your Lego bricks from Brick Link.

Christmas shopping ideas with Culpepers :)

2010-12-16T23:52:00.000+11:00

Aren't these gorgeous (and affordable) Christmas ideas??

Jam Tales teatowel, $18.50 from Culpepers

Rituelle Soaps, $2.90 each from Culpepers

Annabel Trends - gardening pack for the kids, $22.90 from Culpepers

Abode Aroma Diffuser, one of my favourite perfume diffusers for the home, $44.90 (will go on and on for three months), from Culpepers

All prices are in Australian dollars.

Gorgeous cards

2010-12-14T13:07:00.000+11:00

I had to, just had to post these gorgeous holiday cards from MOMA.

Pop up holiday house, MOMA.org

Pop up Igloo, MOMA.org

Building a Snowman, MOMA.org

Sharp, chic and beautiful: Candia Fisher!

2010-12-11T00:41:00.001+11:00

I really appreciate sharp, clean homes and this place has it in buckets, and does it with such sophistication and allure! While it is sharp, the comfortable lounges make it so inviting!!!

I saw this apartment in Habitually Chic® and had to post it here too.

The apartment is art collector Candia Fisher's, decorated by Aman & Carson to highlight her exquisite art collection. Hence the white white walls and bright sun streaming in from windows adorned with curtains the same colour as the walls.

Her palette is almost monochromatic, to allow her artwork to be the focus of attention. But the lush seating really makes it less stark. Love the gorgeous black poodle!!!!

See the gorgeous mobile near the window? I love it! Everything here has architectural art-worthiness. I love how this is decorated. Everything has been chosen so carefully ... and yet, is so electic. Completely up my alley, interior-wise!

Move the brilliant fushcia pot of flowers to the beautiful side table. Love that this space has a grand piano. Now, just plonk a TV in a corner and this is my idea of a living room!

To the right of this image you can just see a great art piece:

I'm always amazed that the simplest, non-art artpiece can fetch millions of dollars... and this is one of them! Definitely plenty of better pieces around, but it works, against this gorgeous antique sideboard. It makes the sideboard less ... stiff!

Love the hardwork plank ebonised floor. So classy. Not a fan of that HUGE GIANT plant in plant pot, but it does add art and interest. That orange mirror is art, in this monochromatic room.

This room speaks of decadence. I love that antique wall unit. Adds such interest into the room. The walls seems to be painted in gloss white, which is sooo cool! Loving it :) Adds texture to this already texture-rich room.

Upstairs, again, loads of white with black strong lines and the collection of artpiece. Love the portrait of the lady to the right with her grabbing her twins in that magenta dress!

How cool is that arranged pile of branches in the fireplace! I think they're birch. Blue-grey walls and that sculptural fish-like object on the side table! So calm, peaceful and yet not granny! :)

Don't you LOVE that sharp white and black bathroom!? Gloss everywhere. Chandelier in the bathroom!? Yeah! Now honey, that is the bathroom I want. Don't need me a bathtub, just a great shower stall with a Chinese stool.

Ah, my favourite thing in the bathroom: the black screen. I'm so jealous! I want I want I want!

Outdoor, it's so lush and green! With a view! And perfect comfy seating area!

If I ever have an apartment, I will copy copy copy! (not really)

Images from Habitually Chic®

Check out similar mobiles from Etsy:

From The Wonderland Studio

Posies in charming glass bottles

2010-12-06T14:03:00.004+11:00

At Black + Spiro today there's a beautiful vignette or tablescape that instantly makes me want to replicate! It's such a pretty idea for a porch table or a side table in your home! I'm loving it, Anna! (blogger from Absolutely Beautiful Things)

Image from Absolutely Beautiful Things

I love flower posies in clean, old, little charming glass bottles. Divine!

Martha Angus

2010-12-04T14:50:00.000+11:00

In the previous blogpost, I included a gorgeous evocative image from the wonderful Martha Angus.

Image via Rex and Regina

I then checked out her work and my... she has some gorgeous rooms!

Love that coffee table!!!

This is my absolute favourite! I am always attracted to green rooms.

Mix match fine dining set for the impoverished (kinda)

2010-11-29T17:31:00.000+11:00

Image from Martha Stewart, Gold-edge eggcup and butter dish, Legle Limoges. "Constance" bread-and-butter plate (below eggcup), sugar bowl, and coffeepot, Bernardaud. "Illusion" teacup, saucer, and dessert plate in endive, Haviland. "Derby Panel Green" bread-and-butter plate (with knife), dinner plate, and vegetable dish (with flowers), Royal Crown Derby. "Olivia" tumbler, Juliska. "Fairfax" silverware, Gorham.

Many of us these days cannot afford the $400-500 price tag for a gorgeous dinnerware set.

I so want to have pretty plates too, but because I don't have affordability, I only can gaze and lust.

But I have been inspired to a different, yet as enchanting end!

Two gorgeous plates here, two fine bowls there and suddenly you have a mixy-matchy-but-still-an-expensive-set look that is cohesive!

Now let's see. I have my beloved white Heritage White by Johnson Bros set gathered through the years.

Image from Replacements

I've been on the constant search for a contrasting pattern in pinks or yellows to liven things up. Any suggestions?

I've also found this gorgeous photo below:

Image from Style Me Pretty

How sweet is this?

I think I'll go hunt for two pieces of this and two of that, just because two pieces of good china, I should be able to afford.

Oooh! I just found this image and had to share! I thought I'd leave you with this extremely striking dinner setting. I love the green tablecloth and the vibrant oranges!

Image via Rex and Regina

According to interior designer Martha Angus, the tablecloth is actually remnants of de Gournay wallpaper, draped over a classic Parsons table.

I have to get meself some of that verdant green tablecloth!

Update (a few days after preparing this blogpost):

Oh Hang On! Today I found in my forgotten stash of fabric this gorgeous verdant green silk fabric remnant. Not large enough for a tablecloth, it makes for a striking table runner! But I allowed myself an hour of play with my china, trying to decide on shape and pattern of the contrasting china I'm hunting for:

Sorry about the un-ironed fabric, this was just play after all!

Instead of a setting for tea after dinner, I tried preparing a setting for coffee instead, with one of my favourite black and white polkadot coffee sets. I maintained my Johnson Bros saucer underneath it all just to maintain the octagon shape.

I had another two patterns to try out... both were pretty!

I think of all the options available to me, I preferred the Royal Albert Serena above the others.

But what of just coffee and cake?

Or coffee and ice cream or apple and rhubarb crumble?

I had fun playing and know at least, I want a round contrasting plate for my setting. I also know I definitely want to source some pretty dark green fabric.

Do you have photos of your pretty fine china to share?

Halle Berry's ex-gorgeous tiny palace

2010-11-25T23:59:00.000+11:00

Halle Berry bought this small jewel in Beverly Hills in 2001. She recently sold it, but what a romantic Mediterranean-style place! Small by Hollywood standards, it boasts only 2 bedrooms and 2 baths but oh so beautifully and simply put together.

According to the sale listing (Already sold), Ms Berry's pied-à-terre is a "one-of-a-kind rustic & private Old-World Mediterranean graced by magnificent gardens, fountains, al fresco dining & seating areas, fire pit and sumptuous stone spa in a verdant canyon setting. The vibe is majestic, yet casual with vaulted heavy wood-beamed ceilings, wide-planked wood floors, detailed custom-made ironwork, stone-carved fireplaces, a dramatic staircase, banks of French doors/windows & a master suite tub carved out of stone."

Enjoy!

Front entrance

Inside

And out the back door:

Images from Hooked on Houses

My new tacklehug doll

2010-11-22T17:06:00.000+11:00

My husband runs the coffee cart at the local farmers market held here once a month and because I'm the official baby sitter, I get to spend hours there. I do my rounds around the market and believe me it's hard to keep my pennies in my pocket.

But this time I got to spend AUD$35 on Milly.

Milly's my new Tacklehug doll. I don't normally like dolls. I find them creepy, particularly the real-looking-dolls. But this doll was charming, un-scary-whatsoever (and that's saying a lot!) and utterly enchanting.

Meet Milly:

Let's be clear. Milly's not for play. It's for me. To grace my bed.

I did a Google search for Tacklehug and I found her blog!!

So now I can happily share with you her ETSY SHOP!!! No tacklehug dolls yet but I can start pestering her!

Meet Milayna and Sydney:

Image taken from tacklehug's blog

Esp since my daughter loves my Milly, I might have to buy her one of her own! At only $35, it's a great Christmas present for your loved ones! Contact Tacklehug via her Etsy store... I know she doesn't have her dolls on her Etsy store, but trust me, I met three or four of her other creations!

Bedroom: sleeping or....?

2010-11-18T18:36:00.000+11:00

Aren't these bedrooms gorgeous??

Room. Space. Big windows. Bathtub in space. Big windows. Big wardrobes. Big space. Big chairs. Big ottoman. Big desk. Big secretaire. Big windows.

But.

Recently I've come to realise that because my husband is the "bedroom is only for sleeping and I can only sleep in total darkness and silence", that our bedrooms from now on will always only be for sleeping.

So really all we need is this:

(But I prefer to have plenty of room around the bed to make the bed!)

Maybe a tad more space .... just this!

Not TV watching or reading or writing... all the things I love doing in bed!

Oh well. I give those things up for him... for me, I'll need a room just for dressing up and a large walk-in closet/change room.

Green Interior Design ala Lori Dennis

2010-11-14T23:01:00.003+11:00

I received a lovely email from fellow blogger and award-winning interior designer Lori Dennis.

Images from Lori Dennis' website

She is soon to release a book worth reading: Green Interior Design. I must remember to get it from Amazon this Christmas :)

Images from Amazon

Promising to be a beautiful book with gorgeous photos, projects and extensive resources who practice green behavior and business strategies. Of course, Lori includes plenty of inspirational and cost-effective tips to creating glamorously green interiors in almost every aspect of creating a beautiful house and home, from furniture and accessories, window treatments, fabrics, surface materials, appliances, plumbing fixtures to the outdoor living.

Images from Lori Dennis' website

Make sure you tour Lori Dennis' home!

Images from Lori Dennis' website

Lori shared some simple and zero-cost eco-green tips for us all:

1. Clean often (and vacuum) with non toxic products. That layer of dust in your home includes dead skin from humans and pets (no so bad) and a breakdown of walls, fabrics, paints, plastics which probably contain carcinogens. This is why interior air is often more harmful than exterior air. Keeping it clean is one of your best Green Interior Design strategies. A proper green clean arsenal includes:
• white vinegar, baking soda, peroxide and rags for cleaning
• vegetable oil with a few drops of lemon for polishing
• a hefty portion of elbow grease

2. Remove shoes when entering your home. You wouldn’t believe how many toxins your shoes pick up from the streets, driveways and gardens. Taking off shoes before entering a home helps to prevent these chemicals from coming inside. Yay, being from Malaysia, I'm glad I was brought up taking shoes off at the door and keep it to this day even in Australia.

3. Open the windows and let the sunshine in. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant. Even if you live in an apartment, you can place pillows, blankets and mattresses in front of an open window to allow solar rays and fresh air to help sanitize them.
It’s a lot easier than steam cleaning them too! Yes I can't stand being in homes where the windows are always closed, four seasons, 365 days around. Sunshine is the best feeling. While I don't like being in the sun directly, I almost NEED sunshine in the home. I also don't like using a dryer. I much prefer the sun beating down on my linen. I love whitening my white linens with sunshine rays. Beats harmful bleaches.

4. Reuse what you already have. If you are inspired by a space you see in a magazine, look around your home or office. What pieces do you have that are a similar look, scale, color? Arrange existing items in the same way as the magazine spread. You’ll be amazed by how you old things take on a fresh, new look.

Images from Lori Dennis' website

5. Next time you’re going to buy cut flowers, consider a flowering plant instead. If you take care of it, it can last for decades. An added bonus is that plants help to clean the air and produce oxygen. Gerber Daisies, Peace Lilies and Bamboo are cool looking plants that do this well. Studies have shown that plants improve your mood. Market cut flowers are expensive and usually grown with copious amounts of petrochemical pesticides, insecticides and herbicides, plus they often travel across continents to get to you. That’s a lot of poison production and wasted energy.

6. If you really want or need something entirely new, comb through what you have. Sell something that you aren’t using on Craigslist or at a yard sale to offset the cost of the new item. Preferably buy the “new” item used. One man’s trash is another’s treasure.

7. If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down. Arid states like California are familiar with this drought time slogan. In an attempt to use less water only flush when absolutely necessary- or when guests arrive. Yes. hehehehe we have done this for years hahahaha

Images from Lori Dennis' website

Shoe storage

2010-11-10T00:51:00.000+11:00

I want to share something very close to my heart with you, my precious blog readers.

I've grown to love shoes.

Not mine, of course. From Bust Clutter

In a oh-dear way.

Since slowly falling in love with shoes, I have garnered a few pairs. But most of these shoes have to be piled on top of one another in a most unappealing fashion, either on an everyday-use, by-the-door rack or in their boxes above our closet.

I'd like to display some of my shoes... as chic-style storage. (Also so I remember what I have!)

I have some criteria for my shoe storage:
1. Must be chic
2. Must be practical
3. Must fit into current space requirements (until we have bought a house and have a walk in closet)
4. Must be something easy to maintain for my less than neat household
5. Must be portable

So while I'd love these shoe storage solutions:

Via Apartment Therapy

Via House to Home

I have to admit to space and budget requirements... and these are at the top of my choices:

Via Living Etc

Via House to Home

Via Deliciously Organised

Via Apartment Therapy

Now this is also nice!

Pink and gold

2010-11-02T23:42:00.000+11:00

You know when you see a picture/image and it strikes something inside you? It inspires you?

I ordered myself a print copy (can't beat print) of Lonny Magazine Aug/Sep 2010 months ago and finally this weekend had some time to look through it carefully. This unassuming photo was from the article on Larson-Juhl (page 41).

The pink and gold seemed right. Adds a touch of luxe. A touch of old world class!
(Even though the "pink" was just molding clay before being painted!)

The colours made me go, "see!??!?!" inside and I wondered why... Then I remember using it in creating a beautiful artpiece for my sister in law's home.. and completely loving the result:

Normally I don't really like gilt frames, preferring to paint it a while or solid colour... but with pink, the gold/gilt seems to work perfectly.

SO I searched my image files for more pink and gold inspiration:

ENJOY!

The pink chairs with the gilt faux-bamboo table? Luxe!

The gorgeous French bed in pink upholstery and gilt frame!

Love the class in the wallpaper :)

Image from Laura Ashley

Notice that the gilt side table doesn't look as good with the green as it does with the pink? I think the green adds a touch of tarnish to the gilt actually! But the pink adds a touch of warmth and blush to the lovely gilt!

See the gilt frame against the pink walls? Inspired!

Large gilt mirror against the deeper pink walls... a touch of fun, against a touch of class!

My first real (kinda) interior design gig!

2010-10-26T11:11:00.000+11:00

One of the things I was keen to get into when I moved back to NSW was to redecorate my husband's parent's house. This is in progress so photos and story later. But I also had been asked to help with my brother and sister in law's home. It used to be a pokey pokey pokey tiny 2 bedroom 1950s home in Upper Blue Mountains. My brother in law extended the living space to include a kitchen and dining area... Renovations are just complete!

I visited them late 2008 and this was their living/dining/kitchen area:

To the left of the pic, you can just see the same table as in the below pic, which gives you an idea of the size of the space.

Come 2 years later in April 2010, the furniture has changed somewhat with an addition of various items and a piano.

Significantly, the extension was well underway:

See above where the white wall ends? That was the end of the old kitchen space!

They used to be real kitchy-country folk. Then my sister in law went for the provincial sweet look whilst my brother in law, under my strong tutelage and influence, began to venture out into the world of eclectic and more modern...

They knew they wanted a fresh look to their home. But they left the colours, design, and look to me!

Here's what it looks like now:

A bold pink stripe across the room. (They weren't keen on the whole wall being pink, so I suggested a art-deco-esque floor trim used as a picture rail, which they instantly jumped for and now we all love, and white under that.) I also chose a modern pendant shade for their dining room.

My brother and sister in law really wanted an island bench workspace for their kitchen too, but I advised them strongly against one, because there simply wasn't enough space for one without losing valuable spaciousness and lightness. They even went to Ikea with the intention of getting one, but thankfully, returned without one, seeing some wisdom in holding off.

But then the next challenge was what to put on the walls?

When I think artwork, I stick to my eclectic feel and knew the look I wanted. My brother in law collects interesting industrial and vintage pieces that I thought would work with their new artpieces... so against my sister in law's natural inclination to be as conventional as possible... this is what I came up with:

What I've started there is not permanent of course, this allows the art display to change, to be refreshed every few months... to evolve.

Course, this house is far from complete... but my brother and sister in law are so thrilled with their new home, their new look. And what is great is that I got to stretch my inner (and hopefully outer) interior designer!

We've just finished 90% of the in laws' place so hopefully soon I can have another show and tell!

Once Upon a Fold

2010-10-22T15:29:00.001+11:00

I stumbled upon this very cool site celebrating all this paper and fold last night while looking for unusual dollhouses in Australia.

Once Upon a Fold

air vase

You have to click over. Justine from Sydney, Australia is its brainchild and a fellow paper-o-phile. (Did you read through my Peter Callesen post in 2006? Make sure you check out his amazing papercutting!)

I loved this dollhouse, the Lea:

What about this exquisite guitar folding model kit?

I am so tempted to get this architectural model kit.

But I got this instead: the popville book!

Even though I really really wanted this: reflection by Dutch artist Ingrid Siliakus.

But it's out of my budget... for now. It's gone into my wishlist though.

Justine's blog is well worth a read too! :)

What would your favourite shelter magazine do to a dollhouse?

2010-10-16T00:32:00.001+11:00

Curbed National was launched in conjunction with Operation Dollhouse on 23 September 2010. Curbed sent out five identical dollhouses to editors-in-chief of Lonny, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful and Dwell.

Operation Dollhouse was such a success with each shelter magazine producing totally individual and creative responses!

Architectural Digest's creation:

House Beautiful's answer:

Lonny's inspired response:

Elle Decor's vignette:

Dwell's Editor in Chief Saw Grawe was overseas, but he still manages to impress!

How fun this must have been!!!

The better coffee-table toy-box

2010-10-11T14:32:00.000+11:00

Almost 2 months ago now, I hightailed it to Ikea (yes it's been a while since I'm able to think about blogging). Never mind that I was the only adult and had a 4 year old in tow, determined to get something to replace our rickety coffee table and provide better toy storage for Hannah's growing toys. Never mind that it was a busy Saturday at Ikea (I actually prefer going on Monday afternoon!). Never mind that there were 1500 kids running around. Never mind that the items I needed would be bulky and cumbersome for one adult. Never mind that I'd only gone to Ikea once before in NSW and didn't drive there that one time.

I knew what I wanted. I was determined. And I knew I didn't need to weave through the maze of Ikea!

Previous toy storage

Then existing (now happily previous!) toy storage for Hannah: A large cheap plastic box. Hannah could only reach and get to what was on top. While she could see through the opaque sides to the bottom, it was rather overwhelming to get to them... which often resulted in a very very bored Hannah, which resulted in a bugging-mummy Hannah.

Previous rickety coffee table

The tea trolley we were using as a coffee table was also on its way out... and didn't really suit our space-saving needs. Held my work and scanner (plus coffee table stuff!).

Now:

Now it has space for coffee table stuff, toys in their pink drawers and a small bookshelf for my currently-reading material, pretty candles and space for the ubiquitous hot drink!

It's a better multi-use solution for this tiny space! Hooray!

Busy busy busy

2010-09-29T01:13:00.002+10:00

We have been so busy here at home. After waking up and dressing Hannah, I either rush her to pre-school, rush home to work, and then paint....

Or wake up, dress Hannah and then paint...

All till about 1AM.

For the past 2 weeks.

The in laws finally succumbed to my hinting, begging, bribing :P and they're re-doing their entire home!

So this means, I have to be 100% involved! (Esp since we're living in the studio right behind their house!)

So it means, I'm very very very not able to blog.

Might have a before and after soon!!! :)

Where I blog

2010-09-17T10:35:00.001+10:00

Have you ever wondered where people behind your favourite blogs are blogging from?

At a desk? On the lounge? The bed? The kitchen? The train?

I stumbled onto Censational Girl's link party Where do you blog from a little too late for entries, but I thought I'd answer that anyway.

At first, I thought I'd style the space as best I could, but then I thought if you want to see where I blog from daily... well, unstyled is best! My husband, 4 year old and I live in a tiny home (484 square foot studio), so where I blog from is the study/office-cum-living space-cum-kitchen-cum-dining and 5 feet from our sleeping area...

I'm all about:

comfort

... so it's either our small lounge (yes folks, that's our one and only lounge) or my desk chair, which is a sink-into chair.

This small settee used to be my porch lounge, but this is the only more-than-one-seater that fits into this small place, so I swapped out the floral seats for 2 seats from my actual lounge set (now in storage). The seats are so comfortable. And the cushions make the otherwise hard back an easy sink-into. I don't like over-pillowed lounges, but this is perfect: no more pillows.

I normally stretch out the length of the lounge. From this position, I can pick up a glass of water or wine from the dining table to my left, in front of me is the TV and my husband's chair where he surfs and watches TV. Hannah's desk is also to the front right of me, so she plays and does craft there... and the small rug space in front of the lounge means I can be there while she plays too.

Two feet in front of the lounge is my desk/office area, which is the "other" blogging spot for me.

I love these small, perfect looking designer chairs, but I don't like working on the laptop for hours perched uncomfortably on them. My vintage $50 eBay purchase suits my needs much better, offering better bum-comfort and great arms for reading, for musing and for writing.

The white meatsafe holds my files, my books... and the mahogany bureau holds my boxes, my books, my curios, cards and pens.

So, where do you blog?

Make sure you go to Censational Girl's Where do you Blog From Link Party page and see where other bloggers write their entries!

Etsy Focus: ZipPinning brooches

2010-09-13T10:09:00.000+10:00

I'm going to preface this by saying:

Some people are so clever!

Check out the gorgeous pieces by Etsy Seller ZipPinning from Mass., USA. Firstly she's got good eye for colour. Second thing, she creates these LOVELY brooches out of ZIPPERS!

Images from ZipPinning

Constance

2010-09-09T22:10:00.000+10:00

Have you met Constance?

She's so lovely. Everything about her is warm, welcome-y and friendly.

She's a retro 1957 Sprite 14 caravan, permanently parked in the property of Snail Trail, UK.

Apparently she was available for holiday hire... but now only available for photoshoots... the proud owners want to preserve the beauty that she is...

Constance has gorgeous vintage vinyl seating for and the table is removable and the seats fold out to reveal 2 double beds. The original 50s cooker and sink is complemented by these gorgeous polkadot red and green kitchenalia and mugs and fabrics.

Everything here is a real feast for the eyes!

Beautiful beach cottage

2010-09-04T11:24:00.002+10:00

It's been a while since I've seen a photo of a house/room that involuntarily emits a short grunt of pleasure! But I found one today, on Hutker Architect's website.

This was the picture that evoked such a reaction from me, Chappaquiddick Beach Cottage:

And the kitchen!!

Addicted, I kept clicking on their website and found these:

As gorgeous as the interiors are, what caught me, of course, are the exteriors. Man if you could hear me grunting away my exclamations over my breakfast bircher muesli!

You have to spend 15 minutes of your day looking at all Hutker Architect's beautiful designs and architecture!

Hope your weekend is as beautiful as some of these houses.

All images from Hutker Architect.

Seeking solace

2010-08-23T21:56:00.006+10:00

Still extremely tired, what with glandular fever (mono) and now nursing a sore throat. It's been non-stop with work and business and family, so right now I feel so drained.

Would love to be in one of the below hide-aways. With a few good books, good sweet wine, carrots (yes I love raw carrots) and jazz music. Left alone, no husband, no in laws, no child, no pets, no duties, no phone calls, no emails...

Images from desire to inspire

Images from Travelet

Image from Even Heat

Images from Zecc, a Netherlands architecture company.

Image from Zecc, a Netherlands architecture company.

Then again, all I need is:

Image via Daron Chatz

Lighthouse homes

2010-08-12T00:12:00.001+10:00

The storm sent the waves rolling and the rain pelting down... She banged and banged on the solid door, hoping for some respite from the high winds and slashing rains...

The door swung open to reveal a gruff man...

I remember the setting. I don't remember the name of the book or the author... but I remember the setting. It's probably been 10 years since I read that book (which I no longer have!).

The gruff man lived in a renovated/restored lighthouse.

What would my lighthouse be like?

Via kopishke

(Normally I eschew homes with stairs, preferring the single storied kind. But as we all know, lighthouses are/were built extra-solidly to weather storms, gales, winds... so I think I could live there!)

The ground floor would be a mudroom... entry way.

Via the winding, white and bright staircase...

The first floor would be my dining and kitchen:

Imagine eating there, no courtyard but the ocean!?

With plenty of lights, shelves, china and super uber stove:

The second floor would be a spacious living room:

Via Kelly Harmon

With beautiful painted vintage furniture:

Via Country Home

With a small, wrought iron, winding staircase leading to a mezzanine level study/library:

The third floor would be two bedrooms:

Via Coastal Living

Fourth: a luxurious bathroom (I'm actually not one for baths... as yet)

Fifth: master bedroom, a cozy affair:

Can you picture it? Wouldn't you like to live in a space just as bright, as spacious... as uncluttered?

What would your lighthouse be like?

Interiors by Yvonne Evans

2010-08-09T13:03:00.003+10:00

Fellow DIY and interior design afficionado Yvonne Evans contacted me with pics of her very grown up and gorgeous living room re-do.

Yvonne's style is casual but always simply elegant: check out the French style sofa that she recovered herself using painters' drop cloths and nailheads!

Yvonne lives in Houston with her family and chihuahua Toby. She is also a whiz at painting faux finishes on vintage and garage-sale found furniture!

A client requested that Yvonne redo this secretaire in a similar style to the Ethan Allen one below, she did so well, huh?!

Want to see more of Yvonne's work? Hope on to www.interiorsbyyvonne.com

So so few...

2010-08-04T23:17:00.003+10:00

Hi guys, I thought I'd pop in to say hi.. I know my posts have been rather few lately and I do apologise.

I have been feeling very oh-so tired, long term dry cough...

I wondered why... maybe it was rather normal to be tired since we recently relocated our lives from a rambling house to a shoebox, from one state to another, from one financial situation to another... or maybe it was rather normal since our last holiday was early 2007... maybe it was because since we landed in the Blue Mountains Feb 2010, we have not stopped, every week seems to be a rush!

But now it's clearer: after some blood tests and jaunts to the doctor, I learnt I have glandular fever and suffering from the whooping cough's 100 day period.

And I do need some rest.

My daughter's first day at ballet this week

I'll be back soon! Meanwhile, I hope you are doing way way way better than I am and enjoying the last vestiges of summer/winter!

xoxx
drey

Our garden in late winter

2010-07-31T19:57:00.003+10:00

We have had a pink carpet of camellia petals for 2 weeks now and this Saturday morning I grabbed the camera to capture the gorgeous fragile layer on the MIL's front garden.

I then took the rest in a spurt of ~~oh-so-extremely~~ amateurish photographer's bent.

Hope you had as much pleasure from these photos as I did taking them :)

Happy Nearly Spring!!

Pink blooms and curvy lines

2010-07-22T12:56:00.000+10:00

Have you seen a gorgeous photo of someone and instantly thought: "What beautiful colours for a room!"?

I saved this pic of Scarlett Johansson a few weeks ago because the colours just made me want to put together a room! (Okay she's absolutely beautiful and sexy, I'll just state the painfully obvious.)

The pinks, the florals, the orange tanned hue of her skin, the yellow stool, tans...

Via D Home

Via Country Living

Via House Beautiful

Anna Spiro's new living room

Black + Spiro's shop, once upon a time

Via Robyn Karp

Bedrooms, dressing tables, living rooms, dining rooms... all so vibrant, all so alive... and all so tactile!

I might keep up this "see this photo? see this room!" series! I've enjoyed putting this one together :)

Hope you liked this :)

Raynham-esque collection

2010-07-19T23:11:00.000+10:00

This person understands my love for china!

Love what she/he did with beloved collection of vases. Looks like the best collection of Raynham and Wedgwood I've seen.

From floor to ceiling ... install shelves flanking the fireplace. Makes a STUNNING living room or large dining room.

Works the same with any stunning collection!

I remember vividly this fantastic collection of latte bowls... would make such a good display in the same place... but of course, they already had a fabulous way of displaying their collection.

Kitchen from Martha Stewart

The only difference I'd change is the cupboard door from solid to glass :)

Plywood walls ala chic!

2010-07-15T23:25:00.000+10:00

Taken when we moved in Feb 2010

I have talked about how much I hate our current plywood walls with their dark reddy-brown stained trim and frame. In such a small space (484sq ft), all that dark trim really does not add light to the space. Large windows were sacrificed for valuable wall space (and available funds at the time of building).

My gorgeous kitchen shelves against plywood walls

But House of Turquoise really brought home to me how a little white, a little light paint can really add light and bright to the same plywood wall treatment in a house.

Now I REALLY want to paint the trim and ceiling white. Now I need money to buy paint and manpower!!!

Images from Country Home

Vintage, pink, romantic, floral

2010-07-12T13:14:00.003+10:00

How gorgeous a setting for celebration... perfect garden views for an intimate wedding or family event.

Vintage, pink, romantic, floral

All the keywords that make for a beautiful photo... or wedding!

Anne Sage, of the popular blog The City Sage, sets photographs for beautiful magazine Nonpareil and recently did a beautiful shoot, Jane Austen style:

I have a soft spot for stone garden tables... esp laden with sweet goodies and candy coloured drinks.

I love the table setting! Am so inspired by the beautiful matching.

Anne Sage also cites all her sources and inspiration.
Images from The City Sage

Very black, very romantic, very birdy

2010-07-08T12:46:00.000+10:00

I just love looking at this picture. Could see (and love) it as a print on my walls.

Candy dining table

2010-07-05T13:15:00.000+10:00

I love this gorgeous simple dining room... accompanied with these candy coloured chairs.

Styled by Stephen Shubel Design, in San Fransisco.

Birds in glass jars

2010-06-30T11:17:00.001+10:00

I'm not one for stuffed birds...

But how enchanting are these bird prints in glassed jars?

Via Martha Stewart

So easy ... and avoids the exorbitant cost of framing these days.

If you're putting antique prints, might be worthwhile to toss in the jars one of those water-sucking little pallets of silica...

Maybe if you're planning on using vintage prints, make a photocopy of them... that way you still keep your prints out of the destructive elements of moisture and sun...

I also think this could work with ANY prints. A project to come soon to see how this works out!

My new wardrobe!

2010-06-28T23:50:00.000+10:00

A few weeks ago, it all came to a head. I was fed up. Could NOT take it any longer.

FED UP.

I forced-bundled husband and his sister and her husband into the car and we braved Ikea on the weekend (which is a stupid idea cos it's soooo crowded). We had to get something better RIGHT THERE AND THEN. I was FED UP.

For almost six months the three of us (husband, 4 year old and myself) were forced to store towels, linen and clothes in a ridiculously inadequate antique wardrobe. This chunky piece takes up so much room and offers not much in return. And remember...? Every piece in this 40.5m2 (440 sq.f) place has to count for itself.

Now I'm a sensible girl.

I'd love to have shelves and shelves for my shoe collection, like Paula Abdul;

but I don't have shelves and shelves and I don't collect shoes.

Would sure be fabulous to have Carrie's old walk in robe:

But again, no space. I love walk in robes though. Or walk through robes. It's a must have.

What about devoting an entire room to dressing and putting the daily face on?

Image from Elle Decor

A ottoman, a table, a mirror, shelves, large windows... how divine!

What about devoting a space just for my husband's gear?

Maybe one day!

What about an entire room dedicated to my collection of sunglasses?

Elton John's sunglass collection

I'd love to have an Ikea solution just for my clothes

But I need to share (for now!) with husband and Hannah.

What about to-die-for wallpaper lining this luxury-space?

But I had been researching wardrobe organisation for months before we actually went to Ikea. Have a look at what I kept for inspiration:

I did find a treasure trove in Martha Stewart (any surprise!?)... And the below are some of my favourite solutions:

I so wanted the Pax wardrobe accessories. I even asked my super-handy brother in law if he could amend it to fit the Elga, but it was a no-go (Ikea purposely make the Elga not fit the Pax accessories).

But I might be able to get a large but shallow box, hang some gliders and fit them with acrylic or coloured boxes to fit... for my belts, husband's ties, scarves etc etc.

I found these boot hangers très chic (although I only have one pair of boots!). When we move to our own home, I'm going to get these!!! (And more boots!)

Now this I am going to do. Attaching wooden dividers to the shelves to avoid messy shelves (which is very very very prone in this family.)

Here's a handy guide for which clothes to hang and which ones to fold... I am going to the cheapie-store to get some padded hangers!

I love this wardrobe organisation. So beautiful. Inspirational!

In short:
1. Start with a clean-out
2. Keep only what belongs (no suitcases, vacuum cleaners and sports equipment). If possible, store coats in a hall closet or on hooks in the mudroom or entryway.

3. Figure out the best configuration for your needs, judging from how many pieces of jackets/tops/pants/dresses you have.
4. Be flexible: Keep in mind that your wardrobe will change with the seasons and over time.

The best tips from Martha Stewart's Tips for Organizing Your Closets

1. Divide the closet into zones, and use three short rods rather than a single long one. Hang dresses, robes, and coats from one high rod; hang blouses and short items from another high rod, and skirts and folded slacks from a low rod below.
2. Group clothes by colour.
3. Make sure shelves are adjustable, (thanks, Ikea!).
4. Clean garments before storing them for the season. Sugar stains (such as wine) can set and spread over time.
5. Remove dry-cleaning bags, which trap moisture; use fabric bags instead.
6. Don't store wool or silk in airtight containers (they need to breathe).
7. Never let mothballs touch clothing; hang them in old socks or hosiery. If you suspect moth infestation, dry-clean clothes, and wash closet with mild soap and water.

I normally like to hang everything but these sweater boxes are very very very chic! (And neat). Maybe for the permanent-home solution.

Meanwhile, Martha Stewart recommends using the drycleaner's method: Fold sweater shoulder to shoulder and then drape over the bar of a sturdy wooden hanger.

Maybe I'll ditch all the non-pink items in our wardrobe:

Jump over to Willowbook Park on how to create the perfect gentleman's wardrobe. It's such an entertaining and enlightening read!

I wonder if that means on the other side of the bedroom above is the ladies' side.

Our Solution

I really wanted the Pax with all the trimmings... but since this small space will only contain our sanity for at MOST a year more, we decided to save the big spend for a more permanent home. We settled for the Elga.

Doors? Maybe... maybe not. For now I'm so enjoying having space for all our clothes. I'm so enjoying not missing the highly impractical previous wardrobe.

Brambly Hedge on Etsy

2010-06-26T18:09:00.000+10:00

If you've read my blog for a longer period, you'd realise I love specific children's books. I collect vintage children books on little houses and little mice ... my largest collection being Beatrix Potter, Brambly Hedge and of course, the wonderful House by Mouse by George Mendoza.

Etsy seller Ella from Jerusalem contacted me with her cutest little Brambly Hedge characters on Etsy.

Some of my favourite images from Jill Barklem's books are Dusty and Poppy's flour and dairy farms. Remember them?

Well, how enchanting are Ella's Dusty and Poppy? Perfect for a little girl :)

And what about Ella's happy Peter Rabbit from the Beatrix Potter characters?

Such the perfect gift for a baby shower! Jump over to Ella's Etsy store!

Chinese Chippendale Chairs

2010-06-23T23:59:00.000+10:00

My husband today exclaimed in disdain at a set of Chinese Chippendale Chairs I am eyeing:

"When I see that, I think old, crusty Asian dining rooms. Bleh."

I'm sure Darling, if you saw this, yes, I'd agree, crusty on the side:

You can tell, can't you, that he is NOT in any way into interior design? If he was, he'd seen the plethora of these chairs in tres' chic rooms in blogland.

So this post is for him: Darling these chairs are not crusty (with a little loving and attention)!

Foyer: Set from Nanny Diaries

Dining room: Sherill Canet

The Chinese Chippendale chairs that have come back into vogue of recent are pared-down interpretations of real antique Chinese chairs. Dining chairs in China in the 1700s would have been heavy, chunky, ornate rosewood pieces. Garden chairs were fashioned from bamboo and cane.

Dining room: Sherill Canet

With Orientalism happening in the 1700s, chinoiserie started appearing in artwork, fabric, wallpaper, furniture. Mid-18th-century furnishings were so fancy and ubiquitous that in 1756, one waspish observer wrote, "Every chair in an apartment, the frames of [looking] glasses and tables must be Chinese: the walls covered with Chinese paper filled with figures which resemble nothing in God's creation, and which a prudent nation would prohibit for the sake of pregnant women."

Dining room: Thibaut Wallpapers

Thomas Chippendale started to marry the two (rosewood and bamboo) in the mid 1700s with his classically English pieces. These normally slender chairs are characterized by its pagoda motifs in the fretwork particularly on the back and the brackets beneath the seat rail.

Image from Jonathan Adler

Dining room: Elle Decor

Dining room: Mudrick

Still crusty, Darling?

Interior love: My Super Ex-Girlfriend

2010-06-18T13:53:00.000+10:00

I know, I know, this is a 2006 movie... but it was aired on TV recently and I did enjoy re-surveying G-Girl's super white apartment.

Uma Thurman plays Jenny Johnson, a lady with super powers. Ms Johnson lives in a gorgeously appointed apartment. It's super white, super glossy... just the type of apartment that would not faze a superhero's efforts to clean and polish.

I don't remember blogland going all goo-goo-ga-ga over super white living spaces in 2006. My Super Ex-Girlfriend came off quite avant garde for me, with its all white and blond wood feel.

Every surface is white! Ceiling, walls, floors... even some of the chairs. As befitting an art gallery owner, the apartment's only wall decor are these classically framed prints and photos. G-Girl is very no-nonsense, no-gray-shades, black and white. And this is reflected in her apartment. Very little fuss, very little ruffles. The frames are not ornate... and the large white space between frame and actual photograph, again highlighting this side to G-Girl.

But what a glorious idea for artwork! Simple super-slim picture shelves almost on every wall. Course, my artwork will be way coloured!

No furry rug, no fancy heart (or any) cushions... But luxuriously appointment pieces of furniture...

Don't you love the coffee table to the right? I have been looking forever for a vintage giant wooden spool drum (for electrical and phone wiring) to use as a coffee table. This sort of mirrors the spool shape.

Strong, stark black frames for windows, no luxurious cascade of velvet or lace. It's just this flowy chiffon type fabric that flits about beautifully with her super-fast movements.

I love the different materials and finishes used in her living space. We have wood, leather, wool/linen, brocade, chiffon, wrought iron, brass, gilt...

Another view of the living/lounge area. A very formal seating arrangement, light pinkish lounge chairs. But so beautifully put!

Not too sure how practical it is to have that deep buttoned white long ottoman by the heater, but it does look so good there. Uma's character does move it to another spot later in the movie.

I also really heart that art deco blond wood side table to Luke Wilson's left.

A peek into her bedroom zone via this all white hallway. No glimpses of kitchen or bathroom, but just large window after window with chiffon after chiffon curtains billowing around. And at the end of this hallway is her bedroom. No doors for G-Girl!

At night. You can see the same white hallway. The night sky is camouflaged by the same chiffon curtains... so much so it still looks like daytime!

A few candles, more casual seating arrangement, and the place becomes warmer, friendly, softer.

You know, the more and more I see it in pics and experience in my home, the more I want to eschew overhead lighting and just use lamps. I love the vintage lucite lamp. Pity they cost a motza here in Australia...

Here's a better look into the bedroom area. Now the pictures on the walls have more colours, are more curvy. Now the space has some feminine touches, like the bunch of happy yellow lilies and ornate table.

Uma Thurman is not my favourite beauty in Hollywood, but in this shot, she looks exquisite. And see the side table? And lilies? Her grey and white throw?

Ah. Here in the "heart" of the apartment, we get to the "heart" of the character. And she is indeed soft, mushy and feminine. Her bedroom is full of curves and softer lines. Hardly anything is with strong, defined lines. And while it is predominantly white, there are other colours: blues, greens, taupes, yellows.

As Jenny Johnson disappears off into the closet/bathroom area to change into G-Girl, we see the first non-white room. It's aqua!

Again, more feminine touches, quite a bit of flowers/greenery... I love this room. It's messy, it's girly...

All in all, I so enjoyed these scenes and wish there were way, way, way more glimpses into G-Girl's apartment.

Sarah Richardson's Farmhouse

2010-06-15T23:52:00.000+10:00

Of all the interior designers that I love, Sarah Richardson must be my absolute tops. Her demand for brightness, comfort and a sense of well being in her designed spaces exactly match mine. So when I joined her Facebook page, I got to see her farmhouse from the Sarah's Farmhouse series in Canada. (We don't get it here on FreeToAir, dammit.)

I loved it. The feel, the colours, the fabrics... all such genius choices by Sarah Richardson and her super-talented sidekick Tommy Smythe. Enjoy some of the shots... and if you're on Facebook, do become a fan to see the complete collection.

The newly painted blue-grey beams seems to lovingly wrap the red brick. I don't normally like red brick... I love plaster exterior for brick homes, but in this case, the red brick sits so happily amongst the lovely green of grass and the blue grey beams. The other buildings are painted a calm clay-brown, which seems to give this space a modern edge.

I am so in love with the reds in this house, starting from the entrance. Reds in the rugs, doors, wallpapers, against all the lovely beige and light tans in the tiles, floorboards, seatings, walls...

How genius to have two built in cupboards, no doubt for coats, jackets, shopping bags, umbrellas and shoes, in the entranceway, hiding all the clutter of life flanking a gorgeous antique chest of drawers. What I love about Sarah and Tommy's visions for their homes is that they choose the best pieces for looks as well as function. These chest of drawers will hide scarves, gloves and berets.

Opposite this is a lovely powder room. I love the pink delicate wallpaper with the gorgeous round brass - and unexpected - chandelier. Very dramatic and sweet at the same time, perfectly calculated for a small space.

I love that most walls in this house are half coloured, half wallpapered... and the other half left white. This restraint allows for those who can't afford the expensive wallpaper for a whole room.

Around the corner is the hallway that opens into a beautiful space. The living room.

Again, I see Richardson's demand for comfort in her seating, mostly her own designs. Love the beautiful white-washed ceilings, gorgeous wrought iron chandelier in this room... and the sweet mirrored, star-shaped scones at the top.

Richardson and Smythe must have been joyous at the sight of the gorgeous tin insignia. Fits perfectly in the space above the fireplace. The size is just nice enough and that seems to be enough for the walls... no other major artwork nearby. The pieces, are restraint and thoughtfully chosen... loving the grandfather clock just in that side wall, without any other accessories.

I love the orange 'flames' of the candles, scones and chandelier repeated in the warm oranges and rusts of the pillows, accessories... even the whitewashed beams above have a tinge of orange that is so welcoming. Especially right now in Australia, when it is increasingly cold and wintry.

Across a hallway sits a comfortable, warm and simple dining room. Above the picture rail they've chosen to wallpaper a warm red provincial print. Simple chandelier, lovely warm Persian rug, antique wooden dining table with cane chairs..

and a china cabinet to the left.

Love the stuffed pheasants on top of the cabinet! I normally run far away from anything taxidermy-ish. Maybe they're not real!

Past that is a bright and airy kitchen. I love everything about this space, except the small space above the kitchen cabinets. Dust catchers and it's a spot impossible to clean. Again the warm tones of orange against the cool palettes of white in marble and paint so beautifully match this house. I even love the warm tones of the lightbulbs against the cool blue-grey of the tin shades hanging above the bench.

Cabinetry have clean lines and simple knobs.

This whimsical painted staircase would be perfect for little children to recite their 123s. Again, a pale orange. Simple touches.

One of the main bedrooms has a lovely farmhouse feel. Red and blue with whites in the bedspreads, rugs, cabinetry, chairs...

See the lovely imperfect dresser with some paint intentionally left to highlight the colours chosen and add more texture. Simple curtains... Nothing too serious in this house.

Bright, beautiful, clean main bathroom. Love the pale yellow tones here... and absolutely giggled at the cute yellow and green duck on the washtand.

Love how the pale yellow of the curtains match the enamel on the claw foot iron bathtub.

The master bedroom is so peaceful with the jewel tones of yellow, oranges, rusts and greens.
Love the little green settee. Perfect for putting on socks and shoes.

The children's bathrooms are so cute with their two marble-topped antique washstand-dressers.

Now this I have to keep in my mind. I have a cupboard just like this one that I will also use in my future bathrooms. Fit towels, soaps, jars, shampoos... Great idea. And I have loved vintage birdcages for so long that when I saw this pic, I gasped!

I loved the fabric of the headboard in the girls' room. Anyone know what fabric this is?

Btw, do peruse her new paint collection with PARA Paints, as if fantastic furniture and homewares weren't enough of a coup!

Black and white stripes

2010-06-12T00:03:00.001+10:00

I can't believe I haven't blogged about black and white stripes.

I love the bold touch, the sharp, atmospheric lift to a room. No room is hands-off to the treatment. No decorating style - French, modern, shabby chic, Victorian - is faux pas to this glorious look.

HALLWAY/ENTRYWAY

Via Domino

Via Nacho Polo

House Beautiful

Via Domino

LIVING ROOM

Via Miles Redd

Via mobileffe

Via Cottage Home

Via Anne Coyle

DINING ROOM

Via Flickr ddaarryynn

Via Ruthie Sommers

BEDROOM

House of Fraser

Via Country Living

Via About.Com: Interior Decorating

BATHROOM

Via Better Homes and Gardens Decorating Ideas, 1960

Via Lonny Mag

Via Weena & Spook

House Beautiful

Elle Decor

STUDY

CORNER

Sköna Hem

OUTDOOR SPACES

Via Weena & Spook

Absolutely Beautiful Things

CEILING

FLOOR

OFFICE

Jordan Guide Design

Sweetest table setting: blue and white and pink glass

2010-06-08T11:42:00.003+10:00

... by wedding designers, Kelly and Cynthia, of Santa Barbara Chic Blog, of course!

I just had to showcase it (again, no doubt, in interior design blogland) here:

Images from Santa Barbara Chic Blog

More room for paper!

2010-06-05T17:21:00.002+10:00

How creative is this? Using an Ikea wardrobe trouser attachment for the Pax series for wrapping paper...

Tis the season..

2010-06-05T00:22:00.003+10:00

... to be thinking about warm fuzziness, warm meals and heavenly roasted marshmallows and hot chocolates.

(In Australia, that is...)

And I got on me mind cardigans, scarves, coats and jackets.

Just wanted to highlight the work of one of my FAVOURITE winter-happy Etsy sellers, gsakowskidesigns

I just bought the above scarflette (new word for the month!) from her the other day ... but wanted to also showcase some of my other favourites.

Oh so adorable. Wish I had one in every colourway she has. She's got the best eye for picking out the colour combination that spell warmth and happiness at the same time!

Want one? Jump to her store here!

All images from gsakowskidesigns's Etsy store.

The Porch.

2010-05-29T23:53:00.000+10:00

I have a tiny porch area. Right now, the area looks dismal and sad. About 10 pots of plants + 1 hanging plant flanking each side make it prettier and greener, but no less dismal. I stole a wooden garden chair from the in law's just for interest, but the area still needs plenty of loving.

I want it to look like this but that's going to be near mad:

I mean, we're trying to save money rather than spend it wildly! Those shingles would cost more than the hut!

At some point, my parents in law want to paint the exterior of the little hut we call home. We all want it to match with the main house (only 15 feet away) which has just been repainted a lovely provincially green and white. So I've been toying with a palette of grey-blues and white:

Ideally, because the space is soooo small, I keep thinking UPWARDS. I'd love to have a vintage bakers stand with a marble top there for my plant pots. I'd also love to have a small, but comfortable cane reading chair with a tiny side table.

Flanking the doors and windows with some shutters would really add to the allure too, huh?

A little metal table with my pots would also look really cute! But my porch is raised... I'd have to find a really narrow side table.

A few planter boxes wouldn't go astray. Esp planted by my new favourite flowering plant: the begonia!

What do you think?

Can do?

See another previous blogpost on porches here.

{I miss my previous porch in my own home...}

It's Complicated by Meryl Streep

2010-05-26T01:05:00.000+10:00

Have you seen it? Did you like it?

I did! (Yes, yes, finally!)

But I LOVED it.

In the past week, I've seen three Meryl Streep movies. Firstly I watched Julia & Julie. Hilarious! Then I watched Devil Wears Prada (again). Then I watched Its Complicated.

What strikes me about this woman is her versatilty and total dedication to her craft. I've been so impressed by how totally Streep becomes her character.

Of course, the acting only really succeeds if the set is equally as impressive. While watching the show, I began to suspect the same genii who decorated the set for Something's Gotta Give might have worked on Its Complicated. The homes, while different, just had the same lived-in, country but chic feel. Nothing was too... perfect.

And I was right in my suspicion! The awesome Nancy Meyers worked on both the houses and she's got the golden touch when it comes to creating light, airy, comfy and "real" home sets! In fact, Meyers not only produced, but wrote both Something's Gotta Give and Its Complicated.

The overall tone of the house is neutral with warm accents of apricots, deep browns, olives and deep golds. Meyers chose these colours to highlight Streep's complexion.

There are so many things that provide that pop of orange that so suits Streep: the oranges, the orange juice in clear glass jugs, piled up croissants, crisp red apples and tomatoes, the red and yellow flowers on the side table next to her front door, orange dining chair pads, deep orangey red table runner, deep orange bedspread, deep burnt sienna armchair, the orange brick floor... the orange in the sand in her courtyard... the copper pots... Even the warm shade of beige for the outside of the home really brings out the warmth in Streep.

I love the casual, achievable by the less than filthy rich of us. The only REALLY expensive splash in the kitchen is that gorgeous white marble kitchen benchtop.

Love the gorgeous cake stands and glass domes... filled with yummies.

Noticed the casually chic way she piled up the plates in the open shelves? And the non-matching china.

Also love the great kitchen layout. The kitchen is elegant enough to have evening meals at the benchtop, but casual enough to enjoy family chit-chats.

I love the rustic feel of the place. The table and chairs highlight the rustic-ness, and this is modernised by the minimalist approach to the dining room.

Don't you love the no-fuss dining table? Hot dishes won't mar its perfection, and for dinner, the table isn't even lined. How marvellously casual.

Again, I was struck by how achievable the look is. Nothing too fancy.

Casual living room with comfy off-white deep fabric lounges coupled with a super-rustic, weathered coffee table. Not shy of clutter on the side tables, this living room looks so comfortable and inviting. I wish I had the space to hide the large TV in the armoire.

Because the coffee table is not fussy or fancy, it becomes an ad-hoc dining table for Streep's guest. The coffee table books and vases are gone.

I love how different a room can become with various forms of lighting to suit the needs and social event happening.

I've never been a fan of homes with first/second floors. I like the ground floor too much. I also love rambling homes... and this one is rambling, from the front door onwards! It's a low, 1920’s Spanish house set (and located) in Santa Barbara, US.

Pretty vine, simple front garden, lavender dividing the house from the lawn, dreamy wooden swing (I want!)... The neat stone pathway to the front door is so inviting!

The vegie garden in front of the house is divine. I would love to have a small patch... but to own a full vegie garden like that. I love the tomato plants in the middle of each patch.

The best thing is probably the house wrapping itself around the courtyard, next to the main house. The courtyard has large gates... and that hides a potting shed and other buildings.

Wrapping the house and the courtyard is via a sunny, bright, windowed corridor.

At the end of said corridor, is Streep's character's bedroom, again a simple selection of pieces...

I love the oversize bedside table. A small desk... holds piles of books and journals, a sweet pod of flowers and the ubiquitous lamp. Wonder if the bedside table on the other side is the same as a large desk?

Image from Traditional Home

Guess not! Small round side table on the other side, doesn't look as used.

Her bathroom ... where can I get a similar vanity tray like the one on her vanity sinktop?

Speaking of sinks... I loved the kitchen sink!

Love how Meyers chose to leave in the dishwashing detergents and cooking utensils in their multitude, totally apt for a baker and cook.

And of course, no write up on this movie is complete without the bathtub scene with Baldwin and Streep. I love the muted gray of the bathtub and the cream tiled floor.

Cote de Texas also featured this show on her blog.

Andrea of House of Design and Style features the show too.

And of course, Elle Decor has some great picks.

Steal the look with the guide from remodelista.

Walk in robe

2010-05-22T22:36:00.000+10:00

I miss my walk in robe. I miss space. I miss bright living spaces.

Mother's Day

2010-05-18T16:54:00.000+10:00

So what did you all do and get for your Mothers' Day? Would you believe I've been sick in bed for the past 2 Mothers' Day and 2 birthdays?? I'm only now starting to feel normal! (Hence the late post.)

So no little getaways, plus my husband was very busy at work anyway.

But I did get some lovely gifts from my husband and little four year old...

Husband got me a Dulton kitchen scale in happy yellow:

And Hannah got me this watermelon begonia. I love it. (I actually chose it but told Hannah that was her gift to me for Mothers Day.) It is the perfect indoor plant. Loves the cold and not direct sun.

Happy Belated Mother's Day to all mothers out there!

Like the pink glass bottle? Got it at a vintage store cos it made me happy. I love the fern in it too. Reminds me of my hometown.

Pretty stencils and things

2010-05-16T23:59:00.000+10:00

I'm a sucker for pretty. (Aren't you?) There are images and things you see that you never ever forget... and things just keep piling into that small pigeonhole of images in your mind.

My friend made a mutual friend three beautiful cupcakes for her birthday last year and that has stayed in my mind since.

I've added 2 images since to that pigeonhole.

Image from erstwhile Martha Stewart

And yesterday, another delectable stenciled cupcake from Donna Hay:

Flowy curtains from vintage linen

2010-05-09T17:50:00.000+10:00

Billowy, crisp white vintage linen makes the best dreamy looking curtains!

I've inherited a set of heavy knit curtains. In a very small home, they do take up quite abit of presence in the space. Very boring looking. So I've been wanting to change them but we might not be here long enough to justify an expensive purchase.

(I've had my eye on a pretty set of Roman blinds on eBay and was considering getting them... but I realised I'll have to drill holes into the window frames... again, not sure if we're going to be here long enough.)

SO I've been playing with just hanging up pretty white vintage linen, instead.

Like these:

image via teacup design

image via philigry

image via LolaNova

image via dottie angel

image via Mundo Flo

A little R&R

2010-05-09T17:26:00.002+10:00

Hannah was sick last week with a cold. The little preschooler has now passed on the same gift to her parents, grandparents and aunty. So we're all sick.

Hence my silence. Bear with us... I'll be back! With a blog post featuring some new furniture pieces from Spacify, my new sponsor!

Random shots of home

2010-05-03T18:51:00.004+10:00

The Family Diva

My MIL's A Favourite Birthday Gift

{her own place}

Still loving my kitchen shelves

... still saving up to paint the walls and beams and kitchen cabinets white!

Hannah's Watercolours

2010-04-30T10:35:00.001+10:00

I don't know about you, but I only began to truly appreciate children's artwork when I became a mother myself.

(Okay, Hannah drawing on the 2 day old freshly painted white wall with my foundation cream was NOT pleasant... but that was 2 years ago and since then she's learnt to draw and paint only on her desk and on either her notebooks or scrap paper.)

I bought her a watercolour book last month, along with a $2 paint pallette... she's been showing some great potential in art and crafts and I wanted to capture some... and have I!

And complete with her autograph

Inspired

2010-04-27T15:48:00.002+10:00

I have to clear space for a new, better wardrobe so my three pink plates have to go someplace else...

I've been so inspired by this image:

Image from Country Living

I just bought a wire shelf off eBay that looks alot like the one above... But not as old and rustic.

Can't wait to get it up on the wall!

(And get a wardrobe to fit that space.)

Tiles as table runner?

2010-04-14T15:04:00.000+10:00

I am going to start collecting vintage tiles. Put it down the table in the middle and walla! A completely unique table runner.

(As if I need another collection!)

Vintage poetry book for children

2010-04-12T09:10:00.000+10:00

As you will know if you've read my blog long enough, I have a small collection of vintage children's books.

My recent acquisition, Aladdin jewel-like book:

The whimsical vintage Ameliaranne Bridesmaid book:

My treasured House By Mouse book:

And my other mouse books...

To add to my collection is this beautiful thriftstore find in Glenbrook, NSW.

Dunno's Adventures 4 by Nikolai NOSOV. This one's How Dunno Became a POET. Printed in 1984.

Gorgeous huh?

I wish I had a reading nook for Hannah. Maybe when we move. She misses it so much.

I keep looking for a vintage plate rack in my thriftstore and eBay travels. I plan to use it to display my vintage children's books. Like this one from Martha Stewart:

Don't you have special books you love to pore over on special rainy days? I love to read to Hannah on gloomy days with some brightly lit lamps, or pore over the tiny images with a quiet but quick toast and coffee on Saturday morning before taking to a paintbrush. They make fantastically whimsical gifts to newborn bubs.

Make sure you look through some gorgeous reading corners from a previous blogpost. So many good ideas to steal.

Like using the oft-forgotten empty space behind the door for a reading nook. What else can you store there? Brooms? Store a pretty lamp on a little table, chuck some cushions, a beanbag... books... and you have the cutest, most special secret reading corner for a little one!

My girls...

2010-04-08T23:48:00.000+10:00

I finally got the gift my sister got for my birthday last Sep 2009 a frame and a home on the wall. I love it there.

Last week, I scored a gilt, wooden, ornate frame for it while thrift-shopping (yay!). I had every intention of painting the frame a lovely egg blue but when the Kate Spade print was inserted, it felt complete.

My Kate Spade print from Etsy seller KathrynElyse

My MIL loves it too!

Of course, in this tiny home I have to be so careful what I place on the walls. I can't wait to get back into a proper house (I so miss my previous home) so I can put up my other pieces, like my David Downton and Janet Hill collection.

So for now, I treasure these splendid one offs.

On a nearby wall I have just ONE Janet Hill up.

Nearby again, I have this small, sweet vintage oil painting of a lady in pink, staring into the sea. I got her from the Camberwell Markets, VIC a year ago. I love her.

If you have been following me for a while now, you've seen pictures of my previous home and would have deduced the obvious fact: I love art.

Some of my favourite fashion prints from Etsy:

Lene from Podgehodge

Marie loves fashion from brooklit

Rose Suspenders from abigailpamela

Cricket from jkldesign

Ella from whatHEloves

Flora from sandrasuy

Martyna from Amilka

Audrey II from brooklit

Mystie II from brooklit

Maternity Picasso from CarolDesign

Joey from finalfashion

Sandrine from hollyillustration

improper British ladies from ZoeHong

Sparkle Fashion from ZoeHong

Love blog time: Everyday Beauty!

2010-03-31T20:59:00.000+11:00

I found a great vintage-loving blog called Everyday Beauty written by multi-talented Andrea Singarella. Y'all have to go there and stay for as long as possible! So much goodies to see and read.

Like how she scored a tole chandelier with flowers for $1.

Or how she collects 100s of vintage little girls barrettes even though she has no daughters. And now since vintage barrettes are back, she's chosen some gorgeous pieces to to wear herself.

Speaking of vintage accessories, vintage jewellery abounds a plenty in a neat mountain of vintage jewellery boxes.

Love her crown brooches!

Gorgeous playroom for her crafting etc!

All images from Everyday Beauty.

My perfect dining table

2010-03-29T12:21:00.001+11:00

Hope you had a good weekend. We had a busy busy busy Saturday. Spent Sunday in much needed relaxation.

Not sure about you, but I am not in support of having uncomfortable dinners on the floor. So despite our tiny 44sq.f home, I still wanted to have a dining table.

I wrote about how every piece in a tiny home needs to be oh-so-carefully thought out, most doing double duty. Well, our "sofa" is actually our old porch seat. It was originally an ugly yellow-orange stain. My MIL painted it white 5 years ago and it's been sitting on her porch for us. Now we're back, so the seat is ours again, bar the original seat cushions which are sooo dated. What we have on now are the seat cushions from our lounges (now in storage). Fit perfectly!

Kitchen counter cabinets will soon be painted white since my tolerance for the bare wood is running thin.

Well, I had alloted a space behind said "lounge" for a "dining table". I needed a table that would fit into a very specific space boundary: EXACTLY 40cm depth and no longer than 13.5cm length. Basically a hall table. It needed to fit neatly behind my lounge; any longer, our fridge wouldn't open fully. Any wider: we wouldn't have a practical walkway between dining table and kitchen counter, and kitchen counter doors wouldn't open.

[In my previous home, we had a spacious dining room. With a huge dining table.

(Check out my favourite dining room spaces on the blog.)]

What were my chances?? I mean, I wanted it to be chic, wanted it a specific size and height with space underneath to store stools to sit on... It was a daily hunt for almost two months on eBay and weekly garage sales.

I had even consulted my builder brothers-in-law to see if they could build me one from scraps of wood. Would still cost a pretty penny, anywhere from $400-600! (So that option was out!)

But I have one now!!! 3 weeks ago at a garage sale, I felt God's arms of love surround me as I stared stupidly at the perfect "dining table"! Not believing my eyes. And only $45!

I love the bamboo look, been wanting pieces for the home in that style for ages. Freshly painted a bluish white, I stood there measuring it out... 40cm deep! 130cm length!

The drawers (which stick slightly) fits my cutlery drawer (until then, homeless) just perfectly. What are the chances???

See the bench??? I found it almost two weeks later under my MIL's outdoor potting bench, unused and forgotten. Stools or benches needed to be the right size and height too! Long and short enough to fit under, needed not to be too tall that adult knees hit the table and needed not to be too low to be ridiculously all elbows on the table!

The bench I scored from MIL fit perfectly too!!

He does answer prayers.

Now I'm praying daily for a suitable wardrobe for the three of us at a steal of a price. At the moment we're using a tiny antique wardrobe for the three of us with piles of clothes everywhere else... The modern hangers don't even fit width-wise in this not-modern wardrobe!

Colin and Justin's new website

2010-03-26T10:23:00.007+11:00

I wrote about the dynamic pretty duo Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan back in January 2010 and sadly, we've moved interstate and lost our TV reception priveledges.. which basically means being subjected to the in law's preferences! I'd love to be able to buy the DVDs of their work someplace though.

Anyhoo. I got a lovely thank you email from them a few days ago for featuring their work. Also a shout out to me about their finally finished website colinandjustin.tv. I love their natural and fun writing style, with a sense of humour with their own lives and journeys but utter seriousness about their dedication to good interior style.

I thought this time I'd showcase a few shots featuring another jaunty but equally serious facet to their image: their model-style fashion! Always impeccably dressed, be it in farm wear or night-out-wear! Painting walls in expensive clothes... And of course, I've mentioned loving Colin's OTT brooches!!!

HGTV, CA

Via Urban Rush, CA

Via Flickr LexnGer

Via Catchy Title

Via The Record

Make sure you hop over to their website http://www.colinandjustin.tv/ today and read all about their work and see a whole slew of very newly uploaded photos.

Ants... and bookmarks.

2010-03-24T13:44:00.000+11:00

Firstly, we have a damned ant problem. Three days ago I spotted thousands of black ants milling aorund the beams above our heads at night and surmised that there is an ant nest behind one entire plywood wall. It is most distressing as I hate ants. Getting Ant Rid there is a nightmare as there aren't any horizontal surfaces for the poison to pool on. The first night we put Ant Rid, the next morning there wasn't an ant to be seen walking. But plenty of carcasses to vacuum up. Today, they're back.

More Ant Rid. I hate ants.

On another totally unrelated note, I'm totally enchanted by these gorgeous bookmarks and am inspired now to create them.

How often have you seen gorgeous one-piece earrings? Where its partner is lost? I have one piece on my dresser tray that I love for its sparklyness but never found its partner.

I dug out my box of things, and looked through my stash of ribbon... and got the beading pliers out...

Whaddaya think??

Janet Hill's new prints

2010-03-17T22:06:00.003+11:00

A Horse Called Imogen's Grace

I had to share about this. One of my favourite artists, Janet Hill from Etsy has some new delicious prints! Here are some of my favourites!

The Fontaine Sisters On The Boardwalk With Their Dogs Prim And Proper

The Skirt

She Liked To Call Them Her Pink Flamingo Shoes

Make sure you go to her Etsy store and buy up!

Loving milk glass in the bathroom

2010-03-13T00:22:00.000+11:00

Flickr Sunshinsyrie

I have been thinking how to pretty up our tiny bathroom.

In our previous home, I had a small showcase of orange, pink and vermillion pretty things on an Ikea shelf in the toilet.

Even men would say that it was their favourite room in the house, this tiny toilet of 7 x 3 feet space that fit JUST the cream toilet (same shade as the walls and doors and door handle and toilet roll holder and floor.)

Now we have moved... and the tiny bathroom/toilet space has strong apple green walls, with dark stained wood floors and cover strips in the same dark stain. The only shelving in the bathroom is a non-descript ~~bleh~~ modern glass and steel 3-shelf thing my brother in law bought at a garage sale.

To the left of this is the sink and plain mirror. Behind is a plain white shower stall.

I long to be able to paint the entire space a light, creamy yellow with gloss white trim. But since we're here short term, it's not a priority (yet). So we have to work with apple green walls with dark red stain.

I think this tiny room cannot benefit from too much white so I've put into storage all our non-white towels. I installed those clothes hangers with white ceramic knobs. I plan to paint the mirror (or get another mirror) white.

I think I'll go with milk glass. I plan on using milk glass tumblers, vases, trays and comports ... I have only a measly few, but am adding to the collection slowly.

And of course, let's go pretty-picture hunting for inspiration!

Flickr polkadotplaid

Flickr jenscloset

Flickr SpiderWomanKnits

Flickr Suzanneduda

Flickr caroll.mary

Flickr aaaandreaaaa

Flickr nbklx17 (Sandy)

Flickr The Sunday Times Market

Flickr beelicious

Flickr belleflower29

Flickr candy_rose

Flickr Kimberly Shaw Graphics

Dashing in... Anthrolopogie news

2010-03-03T14:57:00.001+11:00

Okay... I've been waiting for this for almost 4 years! Having been into one in New York... you can imagine the wait was dire...

but.

Anthropologie now SHIPS TO AUSTRALIA!!

Be still my heart (and trigger happy finger-clicking mouse!)!!!

Personally...

2010-03-03T14:12:00.002+11:00

I am sorry for the lack of posts. My husband's grandmother passed away last weekend so we've been bogged down with arrangements and I have been busy finishing my powerpoint tribute and designing the order of service for her.

We loved this minute 92 year old lady with a wit and love for writing, despite only finishing primary school! Her grasp and use of the English language is amazing. We're grateful that now she is truly at peace.

I have some things to share with you from my home soon... so stay in tuned :)

God knows my needs

2010-02-24T11:37:00.003+11:00

For the woman, her home is her domain, her security. If something in her home is not right, the woman is not right.
(With men, their work affects their equilibrium.)

Our tiny 40.5m2 (440 sq.f) home is taking shape. We still have a 30m2 storage space to store our "don't needs" but our essentials are here. (Thanks to another trip yesterday carting a last portarobe of my clothes!)

My brother in law purpose built the kitchen in the studio-space around the few wall cabinets they had on the wall. Now that they've moved out, they've taken those cabinets with them, leaving us with just this:

See the unusable-because-it's-overcrowded-bench-tops-and-there's-no-more-space-under-counter?

I've been scouring eBay daily (and nightly) for some kitchen shelves, after losing out on what was the perfect shelving solution to my kitchen needs:

It sold for a very affordable $80, boo-hoo but it was interstate and it would be a nightmare getting it home.

The hunt continued. And prayer stepped up that God would provide me with an affordable, preferably vintage, solution. After all, He knows my heart!

Last weekend, it rained all day so garage sale-ing with MIL was postponed. Instead we spent some time pottering around our homes, cleaning, gardening... But at 3pm, the urgency to hit two tiny vintage/antique stores 10 mins from us grew to an uncomfortable ache. (Don't ask me to explain it.)

MIL was more than happy to accompany me in an attempt to salvage the day. The first little store was an affordable treasure trove of pretty things and a few choice vintage furniture. I walked away with my MIL's birthday gift to me, a lovely old Japanese made plate with the cutest bluebirds and cherry blossoms, $22.50:

And I picked out the most gorgeous childfren's book, with beautiful illustrations for $6.50.

But it was at the next little store that God answered my constant prayers. Whimsical Notions is an antique-y store in Warrimoo, NSW. The front of the store was the unaffordable stuff, like an art deco lady lamp for $1,150. The back however, was the more junky part... and behind some dusty washstands, cabinets and bookcases, I spied what looked like the top part of a kitchen dresser...

Upon closer inspection, it was a stand alone stained pine (yuck) kitchen shelving!!! Had I found it???

The width and height of the shelves I needed were very specific and limited and I wanted something as big and high as possible to fit as much as possible... would this do??

It DID! Thank you God!

This is it cleaned (and upside down for some reason.)

And hung!

Thank you God. Now I get to open my packed treasures and fill these shelves.

(And wait for the walls to be painted white!)

Generosity of strangers

2010-02-22T10:24:00.003+11:00

... and Flickr-world...

I posted these pics in a previous post but can't stop thinking about the generosity of the those in blogworld and Flickr-world...

This is local Australian Penelope wait's original collection of cups and saucers. Beautiful huh? (Btw, I'd love my own purpose built display cabinet!)

Then tragedy struck. Her roof caved in from some plumbing or roofing damage from a heavy downpour. Most of her gorgeous pieces suffered.

But many blogworld and Flickr-world friends came to the rescue!

This is what it looks like today:

Spot the few identical ones?

But isn't it great to ponder on the generosity of others connected via www who share a passion for something... and who are great people, inside out??

A little bit of beauty reorganises my soul

2010-02-18T12:34:00.000+11:00

When it's apparent that you have nothing of real worth (like a priceless artpiece or diamonds spilling from your drawers, or even a home anymore), and things are so uncertain...

Having my most beloved of books and china re-arranged in my favourite piece of furniture, my china dresser...

... gives me ridiculous amounts of pleasure!

Our little home is gaining its equilibrium, one day at a time.

P.s. My treasured Domino is in another spot, to gaze on each day!

LonnyMag is out!

2010-02-10T21:59:00.001+11:00

Run over!!!

I'd love to see Lonny in A5 sized print magazines... subscription only!!