Let the Sunshine in

image courtesy of pottery barn

Image courtesy of parterre

These images need no explaination. The weather is horrible outside and I wish I was in one of these two locations sunning myself with a good book in hand.

Designex Here we Come

I'm off to Melbourne tomorrow to visit Designex.  I must say I'm disappointed that so few of my favorite suppliers are exhibiting their new ranges this year, dam that GFC!  While in Melbourne I'm catching up with the lovely Suzette from Town & Country Style and promise to post lots of photos from her upcoming line.  Stay tuned.

Holiday Dreaming

Huka lodge in New Zealand has just launched a new property on it's premises, the enticing "Alan Pye Cottage". As I have a birthday coming up I'm hoping my husband might take the hint.

The other property in the grounds is the "owners cottage", it is decorated in a soft neutral palette. Don't you just love the exposed beams in the ceiling.

The beautiful vaulted ceilings of the main living areas are replicated in the sleeping quarters. It would be impossible to dream anything but sweet dreams under the canopy of this roof.

I adore the lantern pendant and wall sconces which hint at the lodges past as a retreat in the 1930's for Mrs Fritzhugh Green of Long Island.

Images courtesy of Huka Lodge and Travel and leisure Australia

Weekend Party

After much concern the weather on Saturday was perfect and managed not to rain on my BBQ.  I  used a sprig of rosemary in each of the cutlery settings which adds an inviting aroma and stimulates the appetite.  The weather warmed up at around ten so I decided to mix a jug of sangria. 

My Magazine Styling Work

The above image features Mokum fabric from the Morocco Collection released in 2007. I produced this for an advertisment featured in Donna Hay Magazine.

I can't place my original pdf's for these so please excuse the quality of the images. Donna Hay is a fantastic Magazine to work with, each issue is more inspiring then the next!

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

A little glimpse of my powder room which I have just finished remodeling. The tiles featured on the wall are marble mosaics, I had a stone mason carve a sink out of carrera marble to match.

Paddington Streetscapes

Here are a few images of the beautiful homes located in Paddington.
The terrace above is typical of the style of architecture in Paddington, Sydney and it's surrounding areas. Most were built in the late 1800's and early 1900's.


This sandstone cottage on Paddington Street was recently purchased by renowned Australian fashion designer Collette Dinnigan. The internal walls all feature the exposed sandstone seen in this exterior shot. I think it's only fitting that someone with such impeccable taste should be the custodian of this remarkable period residence.
I adore this church on Moncur St Paddington it speaks to my love of symmetry. The church has been converted into a private residence.

Home of the Week - Paddington Perfection

I have a confession to make, I am a realestate website junkie! I just can't help myself I love looking at beautiful homes. It's amazing how many inspiring images you come across. I blame my mother for this obsession, as a child I spent ever second Saturday going through open houses that my mum had circled in the realestate section of our local paper. Oh how the internet has revolutionized this endevour and fueled the addicition.

I found my current "home of the week" on dijones.com.au. There was no mention of the designer or architect involved, if anyone knows please contact me so I can list their details. This 1890's terrace in Paddington is currently for sale.

The study exudes masculine elegance. I love the combination of textures used, an aged leather chesterfield sofa, sisal rug, french polished timber and sparkling crystal. What really takes this room to the next level though is the amazing use of art, what a showstoper.

This theme is then linked into the formal dining room pictured above. The home starts to take on a softer tone as you transition out of the formal front rooms.

I am a big advocate of freestanding upholstered furniture in a bathroom. If you have the space it always makes a statement, the juxtaposition between the hard surfaces and soft furnishings add a sense of luxury to the room

This 17m heated lap pool has me dreaming of squeezing one into the backyard of my terrace.

Well done to the owners of this 1890's terrace for modernizing the property without losing the soul and history of this home.