The original queensland beachhouse

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We have our beach holiday at Currumbin in southern Queensland……not far over the border from New South Wales.  It is at the southern most tip of the Gold Coast and could be a million miles away from it.

It is……exactly as I remember it as a child……with the exception of the one or two medium rise apartment blocks!!! more importantly there are still the original beachhouses that we all dream of renting for our holiday.

I fall in love with these same cute beachhouses every year……and take photos.  It is as much about the vegetation as anything….always the Frangipani tree….the hibiscus!!!

Their location on the beachfront with only the narrow esplanade between them and the ocean plays a big part in the dream.  In the case of Currumbin you have the lush tropical vegetation rising steeply behind.

What more could you want on a beach holiday……the general store…..the surf shop…..a couple of cute dress shops for the afternoon browse between swims and ……even better Elephant Rock Cafe and The Beach Shack …..yes a choice of two….. for really good coffee!!!!

The surf club (with bar/restaurant)…..is an icon…..perched out over the ocean on a rocky outcrop.  One of the very first surf clubs on the coast it’s location is unique….the perfect spot to chill out at the end of a hard day at the beach !!!!!

PS.  don’t tell anyone about our gorgeous holiday hideaway.

Liberty london sheer opulence

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Liberty London is unique when it comes to nearly everything in the store !!! Such an Aladdin’s Cave.  This bedside table is covered in the most beautiful velvet.

Such a divine concept…..and other furniture in the collection as well.  Who ever thought velvet would even be available in such cute patterns and colours.

I can’t seem to find out the origin or designer of this range however will be on the case.  More images from Liberty tomorrow…..it is without a doubt my favourite store !!!

Designers guild shop online

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I was thrilled to see that Designers Guild now have a fabulous online store for throw blankets, cushions, candles and floor rugs…..the quality of their fabrics is beautiful which I think you can see even from the photos.  Such a bonus to have the actual Designers Guild ready made cushions as I have spent years buying small metrage to have made into cushions for projects I have been working on.

These cushions, rugs and throws all co-ordinate with the various ranges of fabrics and you will find that Designers Guild will do a whole collection in a particular colour palette which makes it easy to put together a scheme for a room.

I did blog about their fantastic tote bags made out of smart Designers Guild fabrics a while back.

My favourite ever Designers Guild fabrics are their Royal Collection based on archives of fabrics in Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace…..in fact now that I am thinking about it….. I might just follow up with that story and show some of those magnificent fabrics next.

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More trade secrets…..designers little black book!

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Ondene ….. magnificent linen, cashmere, furniture, lighting and on it goes !!!  All so elegant and so beautifully presented. I adore their earthy colour palette… my real passion ….the Society linen. Tucked away in Transvaal Avenue you really need to know it is there.

Ondene   12 Transvaal Avenue, Double Bay 2028 PH: 93621734

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Paper2 is the only place to go for something totally different when it comes to stationary, cards, paper, invitations and much more.  This shop is all about beautiful design !!!  They specialise in personalised stationary and invitations…I have just loved everything they have designed for me.

Paper2  477 Crown Street, Surry Hills 2010 PH: 93181121

Design tips….no, tips for the modern girl

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Just read  ‘tips for the modern girl’  in an October 11 Tatler while at the hairdresser….and thought they were gorgeous !!! Definitely passing these on to my 19 year old daughter.

Know your way around a wine list and hold your drink.

Know your credit card limit, interest rate or overdraft, mortgage terms and rate, health provider, insurance limit and excess. Pay bills on time.

Write prompt and witty thank you letters.

Accept compliments graciously.

Have effortless good manners including always remembering peoples names.

Play some non classical music on the piano or play a cool instrument.

Remove a spider without squealing.

Roll a cigarette while jumping a hedge on a horse !!!

Do an Arab spring or other form of nonsexual gymnastics !!!

Hold down a real job in a grown up way… don’t take your problems to work, contribute to the team, be enthusiastic and cheery about everything

 

Trade secrets……interior designer’s little black book !!!

Artframing Pty Ltd

29 Salisbury Street Botany NSW 2019

PH 93166644 /0418 112 643 (Speak to Darry)

www.artframing.com.au

Corporate and Designer Artwork Specialist…extremely well priced framing !!

 

E&M Greenfield

30-36 Anne St Surry Hills NSW 2010

PH 92121944

www.emgreenfield.com

Fabric and Haberdashery for the fashion and design world….fabulous trims for soft furnishings!!

 

 

To be continued….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Belgian furniture at parterre garden

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Having time to kill between appointments I thought I would have a quick look at Parterre Garden in Woollahra…always such a beautiful and inspiring showroom.

It does help having such fabulous pieces to style.  Their lighting and lamps I feel underpin the entire look….so unique.  The glassware, mirrors and candles are heavenly !!!

What makes the showroom such a delight are the fresh flowers…today mainly roses….spilling out of sparkling glass urns.  I never quite manage to achieve such a lavish look but after a visit to Parterre….full of inspiration…. I do try to raise the bar somewhat.

My very exciting find today was their elegant range of Belgian outdoor furniture(below)……looking far too divine to possibly put outside….Massant…..specialialising in French chairs of the 18th century.

Parterre have a brilliant web site with the beautiful Massant furniture, other pieces seen in the showroom….and much more!!!!

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