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My Design World

More beautiful fabric inspiration 2093

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I fell in love with this range of fabrics from UK designer Mark Alexander……very Hamptons……and the colour palette he works in is just beautiful.  Mainly neutrals but introducing colour in a very subtle way.

The range includes printed linens…..such quality…. textured linens, relaxed linens, artisan dyed, brushed and embroidered both traditional and modern !!!!

These neutral string tones above work so well with white, cream and other sandy tones….sisal matting….all punctuated with the warmth of dark timber.

Below, is the introduction of Indigo.  I have used this inky colour…..with black timber floor boards, white walls and mid tone sisal matting.  It has the same effect as introducing blue and white china…..classic and timeless.

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Mark Alexander fabrics are distributed through Romo Fabrics available at Marco Fabrics in Paddinton, Sydney
My Design World

Dreaming of fabric….lace and all things lovely 1812

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I set off bright and early with a spring in my step …. today was the day the fabric showrooms were opening …. the first day for 2012.

I had a list a mile long …. fabrics of all kinds and for all sorts of projects. Having not been overly successful in my search in the week before the showrooms closed for the Christmas break, I was determined that today was going to be the day.

The day ended on a high and success on most fronts.  I don’t know whether I was seeing it all through fresh and rested eyes or it was just having a whole day devoted to the task …. and not my usual mad dash ….. but I did discover some beautiful fabrics!!!!

One of my favourites …. Tessuti in Surry Hills.  There are particular corners that I lose myself in …. like the lace …. like the Liberty prints (yes new ones that I hadn’t seen before) and on previous visits …. the wool and cashmere !!

I have decided that Tessuti has a particular vibe …. that of a clientele which interestingly enough includes a large number of fashion students and designers …. all oozing with creativity as they search for the perfect fabric or trim.

More fabric finds to come !!
My Design World

My Hunt For Those Beautiful Shell Mirrors 2495

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While in Sydney during this quiet time before all the fabric and furniture showrooms open next week I have been enjoying seeking out all the places that I just didn’t get to in 2011.  High on my list was and is James Edwards Shell Mirrors in Cleveland Street. No 265 actually.  I drive past is often, never having time to stop……and wondering where I will park as it is the busy section of Cleveland St between Elizabeth St and Chalmers.  It is only open Thursday to Saturday 1pm until 5pm which does narrow the opportunities a little.

So, on googling James….. to establish all of the above, I have stumbled across the fabulous photography of Nick Bassett who has a lovely blog……and beautiful photographs of James Edwards Shells!!!!

I will have details on the mirrors when finally I get there.
My Design World

India Hicks Summer Inspiration 2459

 

There is something very Queensland about the architecture and in particular the interiors that India Hicks and her husband have created on their Caribbean Island.

The wide verandahs, the tongue and groove boarding…..everywhere ….and beautiful fretwork over doorways…that tropical climate….all designed to capture the breeze!!!

The colour palette so crisp…black and white with shades of sand and driftwood.

The turquoise ocean, lush vegetation and vibrant flower blossoms shining like jewels.

Having grown up in Queensland I now see it all through fresh eyes.  Why is it that you appreciate it so much more when you go back!!!!! The frangipani and bougainvillea seem so much more exotic…..the architecture more interesting!!!!

Having said all that ….I adore India Hicks style.  I could happily book a holiday to any one of her houses on this beautiful island.

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My Design World

Northern Winter Retreat vs Summer Beach House 2122

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via myparadissi

I have to say that I am currently bombarded online with winter images as all my favourite suppliers, blogs and stores abroad, whether it be London or New York are featuring their winter collections on sale. It is quite bazaar given that we are lapping up the sun, surf and sand here or on holiday.

Yes the weather has been, for the most part dismal but we are trying to be in beach mode.  I always look longingly over the summer at images in Design Magazines featuring ‘the beach house’ look, thinking how I can incorporate just a little touch of this into Home.  Maybe it is just the token bowl of shells or piece of coral.  I yearn for the actual beachhouse where you could do the whole ‘look’ with a palette of driftwood and azure blue, turquoise or inky navy.

However….. it always amuses me just how quickly Autumn creeps up on us and by Easter there is that chill in the air.  I always feel a little cheated and that the summer has been all too short.

Having had a taste of the beach while the sun has shone briefly during the last week I am not ready for anything resembling Autumn.

There are of course those who choose to travel to London, Paris, New York or even ski in the Northern Hemisphere, forgoing the summer holiday altogether.

I have to say I do love this interior shot of the mountain lodge…..the ski lodge with plaid sofas, leather and rustic timber finishes. Tartan is divine anywhere, anytime….Ralph Lauren does it best along with Mulberry!!!!!
My Design World

Colour Trends for 2012 by Farrow and Ball 2335

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Scandinavian Drawing Room – Traditional or Modern

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Rural Cottage – Contemporary Japanese

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London Terrace –  Warehouse Living

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Tuscan Villa – Innercity Terrace

Farrow and Ball have been producing hand crafted paint and wallpaper in Dorset, England one batch at a time since the turn of the century.

They have a magnificent range of modern and traditional paint finishes….. my passion being their extraordinary heritage and restoration colours.

I have given you my first thoughts when looking at these new colour palettes.

The possibilities are endless!!!

 They are available in Australia through Ascraft and Decortex in Rushcutters Bay.
My Design World

The Country Trader Extravaganza 2328

 

What fabulous fun was had by all at The Country Trader Extravaganza.  Billed as the Greatest Show on Earth, it was all of that and more.  The Circus theme had everyone in the mood from the minute you arrived…..like entering the big top with all the entertainment that goes with it !!!!

In addition to the ever expanding collection of divine antique pieces….large and small, the massed Christmas decorations were breathtakingly beautiful and hard to resist.

Very festive indeed….not to mention the most beautiful Christmas pudding I have ever tasted (very similar in flavour to the one I make but somehow twice as good when you haven’t slaved over it yourself….or was it the accompanying Moet & Chandon!!!!)

Geoffrey Clark does nothing by halves….ever.

 
My Design World

Neutral Palette for 5 Star Hotel Guestroom Patagonia 2054

Wallpaper Magazine Editors Travel Picks – Patagonia, Chile

You may well think I am hooked on the neutral palette given yesterdays fashion post from the Sartorialist.  Those of you who know me also know that neutral is my great love in  life, both fashion and home.  When I do venture into ‘colour’, people comment.  It is very out of character for me.

I do adore this guestroom.  I have spent many years designing hotel guestrooms….most of which do not have this view!!!  I could see this working somewhere like Lake Jindabyne.

It is very sometimes difficult to convince hotel groups – the words are simplicity and elegance and yes !! a neutral palette. Some even still insist on ‘dressing’ the bed…..what could look more divine than this crisp white bedlinen….and hotels have the capacity to have it crisp!!!  I strive for this ….however never achieve this level of crispness.

I will share more of these beautiful hotels with you over the next few days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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