Friday 31 May 2013

3 Wishes

Normally my 3 Wishes posts feature one item each on the wish list of myself and two others. But my lovely friend, Lisa Quinn-Schofield, has her eye on so many things that she found it difficult to narrow down her choices. So today everything featured has been carefully, and lovingly selected by her.

Lisa is an interior stylist and artist, and has a fabulous Facebook page under her business name, Featherhorse Studio. Living in Perth, Australia, Lis and I have never met, but we have so much in common it's almost scary! Both passionate about interior design, running our own interior styling businesses; both married to surf-mad boys, and mums to gorgeous young daughters (two for Lis, three for me).





Her first wish is for a Timothy Oulton Shabby Sofa available from Coco Republic. "I love the versatility of this lounge and it’s available in a 1, 2 or 3 seater if you don’t want to do the whole modular. I love the sumptuous worn leather and the tan colour is timeless. I love it’s contemporary style and it’s relaxed vibe. Did I say LOVE too many times?!"




Her next choice is Kelly Wearstler's book "Rhapsody" limited edition. "Kelly Wearstler is super inspiring. I love how she makes up her own rules and pushes the boundaries with her edgy ideas across her designs of interiors, furniture, objects & fashion. I love books and this one is on top of my list at the moment. I want the LIMITED EDITION of Rhapsody with gold perforated cover, signature of Kelly’s gold brass PERFORATED TABLE design. Did I mention I want the table too?!"




And her third wish is for this amazing photograph by Kathryn Sprigg. "Being an artist as well as an interior stylist, I put a lot of thought into what adorns my walls. I have an eclectic collection that compliments my interior including paintings, prints, photography, wall hangings and objects. I also like to support other creatives and artists when I can, and on my wishlist is a piece by Kathryn Sprigg. Her work is raw, unique and captivating and I especially love her images from New York. This one is titled Times Square 3".




Now, I told you Lisa was finding it hard to narrow down her list, and she was hoping the genie would grant her one more wish. Because I love this one so much myself, I'm more than happy to share the Tom Dixon Cast Mini Jack. "There are so many things I want, want, want from TOM DIXON. I absolutely adore stuff, things and objects and I would love to adopt a COPPER CAST MINI JACK from the TOM DIXON ‘Eclectic’ range".




So there you have it, what fabulous choices! If you live in Perth and want Lisa to weave her interior magic in your home, leave a message on her Facebook page.

Thursday 30 May 2013

Mid Century Style

This home in Palm Springs is an inspiration to me. The clean, neutral backdrop balances the decadence of the mid century styling. And the splashes of blue and green look beautiful with the warm wood tones.





via Architectural Digest

Wednesday 29 May 2013

Lonny and Kelly Wearstler

I've just updated the latest issue of Lonny magazine on my side panel. You can't help but be captivated by the cover with the beautiful and talented Kelly Wearstler, and her two cute boys, Oliver and Elliott. Get inspired with a tour of their amazing Beverley Hills home.







And there's plenty more packed into this issue, so there's your next lunch hour sorted!





Tuesday 28 May 2013

Manuel Canovas

Manuel Canovas is a Frenchman after my own heart, starting his fabric company in Paris 50 years ago. Inspired by his travels abroad, he would take that inspiration and turn it into his designs, but always with his own distinctly French flavour. 

To celebrate it's 50th anniversary, Canovas' current design director, Ariane Dalle, took her team to Rajasthan, India to soak up the glorious and vibrant colours and patterns. Out of that trip came the 2013 collection, which I think is just extraordinary!












Monday 27 May 2013

Bringing The Outside In

With winter fast approaching here in the Southern Hemisphere I have found myself drawn to luscious green leafy indoor plants. Maybe it's because the flowers aren't quite as plentiful this time of the year. Or it could be my attempt to connect with the outdoors, even when the rain's forced me inside. Whatever the reason, in a pot or a in a vase, these plants bring great texture, colour, and life to a space.







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Friday 24 May 2013

Defining Spaces

When working with interior spaces there are lots of ways to define spaces and create focal areas. Rugs are one of the simplest and most effective ways to do this. 

In the picture below, the white table and chairs could easily be lost against the white walls and soft grey floor, but the rug anchors and highlights the furniture. The repeat circles in the light, table and rug soften the sharp lines of the walls and pictures.




Many of us live in open plan homes these days, where it's important to create different living area within one large space. The use of two rugs clearly defines the dining and living areas.




Even a small rug can be effective. This sheepskin layered over the large floor rug forms a cosy spot, while also linking it to the rest of the living area.




Where rugs work on floors, you can be equally clever with paint on the walls. By painting a rectangle behind this long desk it, once again, anchors and defines the area.




The cushions and the skull direct your eye to the bedhead, creating the focal point of the bedroom. The dark green half painted wall is a gorgeous contrast to the pink. It also helps create that focal point, while adding a cosy, enclosed feeling.




Lastly, can you imagine this hallway without the hot pink stripe? It adds interest to what could easily be an uneventful space. The addition of the art and the large white vessel draws your eye up and around the corner. So clever, don't you think?!


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Thursday 23 May 2013

Novogratz Style

You may already know that I'm a huge fan of The Novogratz - the husband and wife designing duo that is Robert and Cortney Novogratz - I've featured them before here and here. I love their bold, quirky style with an abundance of colour, massive personality, and always the most incredible art.




I recently came across the amazing work of photographer, Francesco Lagnese, and found some gorgeous photos he'd taken of Robert, Cortney and their kids (all seven of them!) in their New York home. I can tell by the age of the kids that these are older photos, but the house is so cool I had to share it with you.







Wednesday 22 May 2013

Pastels Three Ways

You've probably noticed the resurgence of pastel colours, both in fashion and our homes. Personally, if I'm going to use pastels, I prefer to team them with something with a bit of oomph to add some depth. In this first photo the neon legs are that 'something' that gives the bedroom some edge and bring a contemporary feel. The expansive use of white is refreshing, with just the right amount of pastel...





A shot of vibrant yellow compliments these pretty pastels...




And this soft duck egg lampshade by Rebecca Snelling for Kate Sylvester, looks stunning against the rich oak timber base and racy red stripes...



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Tuesday 21 May 2013

Gitte Brandt

You may remember last Friday I featured, among other things, a print of a leopard holding an umbrella. It's a favourite of mine, but I never knew who the artist was. Until yesterday, when Stefanie, one of my lovely readers, emailed to let me know the artist is the lovely and, obviously talented, Gitte Brandt.





Gitte is a self-taught painter with a MA in French and philosophy, and has worked as a cultural journalist. She lives in Copenhagen with her art-dealer husband, Thomas Brandt, and their two daughters. When she's not painting by the lakes of her home, you'll find her painting in Perigord in France. Sounds like a charmed existence! Her work is sold all over the world, and you can see why... it's delightful and whimsical, I love it.




I recognised another of her paintings from a stunningly simple bedroom I featured here.





And although the one I remembered from here is not exactly the same, it must be Gitte's work. I know she does custom orders, creating paintings specifically for the purchaser if wanted. What do you think - are you a fan, like me?




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