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My Design Travels

The new queensland beachhouse by happy haus 3189

We watched this being put together……a prefabricated architect designed beach house by Happy Haus.  Fabulous to see it finished!!!!! The architecture is brilliant and so suited to the beach lifestyle.

The website does show rural locations looking equally as appealing but with a dark timber exterior.  The interior fitout is very smart !!! Love the windows.

The concept is modular so size starts with a studio and extends to whatever your requirements may be.

This gorgeous beachhouse has a number of pavilions all working beautifully on a very narrow block…..albeit overlooking the stunning Currumbin beach.

The best bit for me….they got the garden right……built around the Frangipani tree and hibiscus under the front window !!!
My Design World

Designers guild shop online 3285

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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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My Design World

More trade secrets…..designers little black book! 2493

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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

My Design Tips

Trade secrets……interior designer’s little black book !!! 2368

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….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
My Week in Sydney

Belgian furniture at parterre garden 3600

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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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My Design World

More beautiful fabric inspiration 2929

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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 Weekends

Parisian chic by ines de la fressange 3007

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I have loved every little bit of this cute book…..packed with invaluable advice and information.

Advice like ‘split your budget in two’…. use half for quality basics and half for impulse buys that will brighten your wardrobe. After reading Dress like a Parisian I found myself rushing out to buy white jeans …. somewhat relieved to find my wardrobe did include some of the other basics.

What To Wear When is invaluable but the shopping in Paris section …. which is extensive ….is brilliant because it is all,  in the main …. online !!!

Still haven’t got to the sections on beauty, beauty tips, home or how to organize your closet.  However, one quote leapt off the page …. “Frivolity is the key to youth !” …. I will most definitely be embracing this.

Am really looking forward to …..”Secret Paris” !!
My Design World

My Hunt For Those Beautiful Shell Mirrors 3347

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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 3361

 

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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