January 2012

My Design File > All Articles > 2012 > January
My Week in Sydney

Flowers, flowers everywhere 3030

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I am lucky enough to live a few doors from the beautiful Grandiflora florist in Potts Point.  It is a never ending hive of activity…..flowers arriving by the truck load……magnificent bunches of flowers being whisked into taxis for delivery !!!! Cars pulling in to collect all manner of fabulous floral arrangements….my mind wanders….who might they be for…..or what grand occasion could it all be part of.

There is something rather gorgeous about someone carrying a beautifully wrapped bunch of flowers…they seem to glow…literally armloads of flowers…..wouldn’t I love it if they were for me….how romantic flowers are !!!

I think that what sets Grandiflora apart….is the exotic nature of not only the flowers and everything that goes with them….buds..pods etc ……..but also the arrangements.

Their windows in fact are an art form……almost an installation….sometimes even spilling out onto the footpath !!!! which I love.

All so very enticing.
My Design World

More beautiful fabric inspiration 2926

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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 2548

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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 Weekends

European style by the sartorialist 2875

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                                                image: The Sartorialist

On a rainy and cold weekend in the Southern Highlands what else is there to do …. but lose oneself amongst the beautiful images of Scott Schuman.  I long to be swanning around New York, Rome or London in this divine coat !!!

I could well … in fact … be in Europe with the weather we are experiencing.
My Weekends

Parisian chic by ines de la fressange 3000

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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 Week in Sydney

Laneway art and about 5722

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Sydney’s Art and About finishes on 31 January.  It is rather exciting when in the city to stumble across one of the many Laneway Installations….the works of australian and overseas artists and designers.

This looked particularly spectacular at night tucked in behind the Ivy off George Street.

Masses of silvery mesh ‘birdcages’ almost like lanterns.

These installations are dotted in laneways throughout the CBD…..so it is definitely worth looking at the website to plot your course……and discover some of the fabulous innercity wine bars for a glass of Prosecco along the way !!
My Design Travels

Paris….and apple….how beautiful. 2577

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                 image: via hype means everything

It is no surprise to find the Apple store in Paris in such a magnificent building. Let’s face it….everything Apple does is beautiful….starting with the packaging…..the satiny white bag with the silver apple logo and white draw string, the glossy white box and of course…..the treasure inside.  Apple products look exquisite and feel lovely to the touch…..such beautiful design.

Back to the building……this building epitomises Parisian Architecture.  It is one of the many pretty buildings in Paris that we all drool over and photograph.

And we thought our Apple store in Sydney was beautiful ! Well it is ….. just in a different way.

 

 

 

 
My Design World

My Hunt For Those Beautiful Shell Mirrors 3345

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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 3359

 

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 2880

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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!!!!!

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