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Homes to Inspire | Calm and Collected

I discovered this stunning Melbourne home over the break, via Vogue Living Australia. The serene cover shot of the kitchen had me itching to take a look at the full story. Beautifully renovated by architect Steven Whiting and his creative-director wife, Carole, for their own family, I did a bit of research and found these online images via Whiting Architects to share with you.  



Architecturally altered to include a light drenched open plan extension with a barn-like aesthetic, I think the monochrome finishes, blonde wood and a simple pared down style give the home a definite Scandinavian feel. The kitchen demonstrates two clever space-enhancing design elements; the addition of an internal window (top image) and the sliding of the work bench and 'messy end of the kitchen' beneath the stairs. The home features a fabulous collection of design pieces from Carole's store Y10store.com, such as the Muuto tables and display boxes. 



Hand knitted by Carol, I love the chunky wool throw in the living room and the seat cover above. The mezzanine study below has been cleverly slotted into a corridor passage. 


Layers of grey in the master bedroom thanks to beautiful bedlinen by Bedouin SOCIETE, give the room a cosy feel. There is more Muuto goodness here with the simple pendant lights and the wall hooks in the bathroom below. The sliding door fits in perfectly with the barn aesthetic, set off by bold black accents including the door track, tapware, paint-dipped stool and striking floor tiles.
  


See more images here, or pick up a copy of the latest Vogue Living Australia. An inspiring issue, you'll also find a special feature devoted to 'Great Danes' with profiles of leading lights in Denmark's design scene.


Image via my Instagram

Happy New Year!

I just wanted to pop by quickly with a moodboard and wish you all a Happy New Year! I hope that you've been enjoying the festive season, and that you are as excited as I am about the year ahead. I have a great feeling about 2014...

Images via Pinterest

I'll be back to posting regularly on the blog as best I can from next week. If I miss a day here and there during the month of January please forgive me. Like many of you, I'll be doing the school holiday shuffle and attempting to sneak off to the beach as much as possible with the kids, while the sun shines! 

Theresa Arns

Yesterday I stumbled across Theresa Arns, a Copenhagen-based architect and furniture designer via the lovely blog Beedlsteil. Seeing one of her furniture pieces, I was struck by the elegant aesthetic and clever design. Clicking over to her website I found more of her beautiful work, and an impressive CV. Prior to graduating from the School of Architecture at The Royal Danish Academy of Arts this year with a Master of Arts in Architecture and Furniture Design, she gained a Degree in Architecture from Dusseldorf and a Degree in Translation - she speaks German (her mother tongue) English and Spanish. During this time she worked for several architectural firms, now designing her own range of furniture. 

She also recently finished work on an interior design project for Bitte Kai Rand, redesigning their flagship fashion store in Copenhagen. The end result includes stunning furniture design, an incredible store concept and the most divine French parquet flooring. 


Consisting of separate wooden pieces, they are stained in four different grey tones, fading from dark to light to dark again. Beautifully Scandinavian in style, I also love the white stained oak furniture with coated steel legs, changing rooms make of folded black steel sheets and brass bulb fittings. 





I've picked out a few of Theresa's furniture designs to share with you, starting with The Turning Table. More than just a coffee table, it features a storage container, perfect for storing things like books or magazines. The copper rods on the legs give a nice contrast to the oiled birch plywood. 



Like all of Theresa's designs, The Elephant Chair combines form with functionality. It has a beautiful rounded shape and soft colour thanks to the bent birch plywood, and for a unique twist, double layered legs. 


The Private Desk is what initially caught my eye and for good reason. This may just be the perfect desk. Made of white oiled ash wood and grey powder coated steel, it has a working area in the centre, complete with a drawer for the computer, a lid with an integrated mirror and storage containers for beauty (or office) products as well as a metal tray with three boxes on the side. Whether you use it as a work desk or dressing table, there is a place for everything!


For more information and images, take a look here.

This will be my last post for a little while, as I take some time off to spend with the family and to celebrate the festive season. Thanks again for all of your support during the year. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas filled with fun, love and laughter, and I look forward to seeing you in 2014!! x 

Instagram | Ideas & Inspiration

I haven't had as much time as I'd like for Instagram over the last few weeks, but hopefully I get the chance to be a bit more snap-happy over the Christmas break! Here are some that I've taken lately.


I've picked out three feeds to show you today, all quite different but equally inspiring. The first is Kenziepoo by Rachelle Francey, the American blogger and magazine editor who has an amazing eye for Scandi design. I love her home and style, shown here in these photos. You may remember her daughter Kenzie's gorgeous bedroom from this recent post.  


Growing up I dreamed of becoming a professional ballet dancer. I studied ballet and other forms of dance for 14 years, and after I left school I trained full time at the National Theatre Ballet School in Melbourne. Even though I ended up on a different path, I'm still passionate about ballet, dance and the arts in general, which you may have picked up from my Pinterest Dance boardI've been a fan of the Ballerina Project for a very long time, and when I joined Instagram, I started following them straight away. 



An ongoing series of photographs created by photographer Dane Shitagi, the Ballerina Project is "not your typical dance photography, but an etching of a ballerinas heart and emotions." A striking contrast to seeing dancers on the stage, I love these urban backdrops and I'm constantly in awe at the beauty and talent. The Ballerina Project has a current following of over 157K on Instagram. Take a look at their amazing feed here (including lots of videos) and prepare to be wowed!


I'm loving the feed of Brie Stanley (@Beebees80) right now. A recent discovery, it is pure eye candy, featuring gorgeous day to day images of her work as a Sydney-based event stylist for Sugar Coated Events along with her three adorable children. A self-confessed 'Instagram girl' Brie has started sharing her love of photography by way of mini cards, which you can purchase here


12 Days of Christmas | Winners + Moodboards

As promised, I have put together a list of the 12 Days of Christmas winners. I was blown away by all the entries! Special thanks to those who left lovely messages in their emails and sorry I couldn't reply personally to all of them. Of course I couldn't have done it without all the wonderful companies who participated, along with their generous contributions. I'm sure you'll agree the prizes were all fabulous and I hope that those who were lucky enough to win, gain lots of enjoyment from them!   


Kauniste - Sophie Abell, Tracey Currington, Rebecca Barrow
Superette - Tracy Kavanagh
Paper Plane Store - Julia Paraha
The Fairy Light Shop - Fleur Maggs, Angela Smith
MintSix - Saralaya Frost 

Tessuti - Lorena Barnes
The Wooden Horse - Emily Burn
Perch Home - Tania Hitchcock 
Pencil and Hammer - Kristina Martin
George Art - Mary Rodgers
Indie Home Collective - Jacqueline Johnson
Good Regards - Sharon King, Gretchen Rowe, Frances Sandford 
Tuturu Home - Tonya Drabble, Anna Mantell, Mel love
George & Willy - Savanah Ganly
Jamie Kay - Rose Dowall
Koko Classics - Jaimee Viner


I also want to thank my friend, graphic designer Heather Mason, who created the gorgeous 12 Days of Christmas artwork, and to those companies who provided exclusive reader discounts during the series. Remember that the special offers from Paper Plane StoreLET LIVPencil and Hammer and Jamie Kay run right through to the 31st of December.

I have a couple of Pinterest moodboards for you today, both of which include pins of our home. It's been pretty cool to see them popping up around the web, via blogs that have shared the Adore Home feature. The level of excitement is growing in our household, with the kids finishing up school and kindy, and we're off to visit Santa today.



I'm looking forward to winding down, spending time with the family and recharging the batteries but I'm also really excited about 2014. This moodboard features my favourite colour palette.




I'll be back tomorrow with some Instagram love!

Interview | Jordana of Avalon Je T’adore

Just as the frenzied Christmas rush was setting in recently, I received an email from Jordana Macfarlaine, owner and creative director of Avalon Je T'adore, a new lifestyle brand inspired by the tropical lifestyle of Bali. Feeling a little strung out and in desperate need of a holiday (like most at this time of year) Jordana's story, products and dreamy imagery had me pining for an island escape.




Travelling between Indonesia and Sydney's northern beaches, Jordana develops a luscious range of products that are organic in nature, luxurious to use and enriching for the body. Currently stocked in Australia and Asia and with plans to expand further afield, the growing range also includes hand made ceramics, wine carafes and tumbler sets and leather pieces. Evoking a wonderful sense of summer and relaxation, I wanted to find out more....   

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led to the launch of Avalon Je T’adore?

From working in the fashion industry for 10 years I had a passion for design. I was fortunate enough to travel a lot as well. It was on a trip to Bali that I stumbled on the idea of launching Avalon Je T'adore. Being able to bring awareness to recycling was a great incentive to produce the products here.




What is special about the packaging?

The organic scrubs are bottled in recycled glass, hand blown bottles. So each one is individual. I recycled the glass from restaurants here in Bali, and we melt them down and create the Avalon Je T'adore bottle. It allows me to encourage recycling in Bali. My customers also get to keep them once they have finished with the beautiful scrubs, and re use as a vase or decorative item in their home.




What is your favourite Avalon Je T’adore beauty product and why?

My favourite Avalon Je T'adore product is the Sandalwood Scrub! I just love it. It is so soft and has my favourite scent. I use it all over my body and my face and I feel so fresh and revitalised. It's my morning ritual.




Are you planning on expanding the beauty range and if so, what can we expect?

I am planning on expanding the range. I am working on developing a natural range including facial cleanser, toner, moisturiser and some delicious body butters and more! I'm very excited and will be launching these products in early 2014!


How does your event service work?

In the past I have made bomboniere as wedding favours for the guests. These can be done using any of the Avalon Je T'adore products, and we work with the guests and a special price list. They can be made up in different boxes, with notes from the bride and groom. There are several options, as they can also be used for other events as part of gift bags, and we like to work with the clients for different projects.




You've recently expanded into lifestyle products. Tell us about the new range.

The brand was always born to be a lifestyle brand. All things for you and your home. So I have recently developed a range of ceramics and leather products. The ceramics are all hand made, and are individual pieces. The leather range consists of a clutch and wallet for every occasion. I plan to keep expanding the lifestyle range with more homewards and fashion pieces in the future.



You are currently stocked in Australia and Asia. Any plans to expand further afield?

Yes, I am working on expanding the range to Europe, specifically Sweden and Denmark. There are also plans for the range to go to the US and England in early 2014. So it's very exciting. 


Beautiful! Thanks Jordana for answering these questions for us. To find out more, visit the Avalon Je T'adore website and follow on Facebook

Lovisa Burfitt | Style Love

Today I want to share some recent styling work from Pella Hedeby for a new collection of illustrations by Lovisa Burfitt, a Swedish illustrator based in France. Created exclusively for Rum21, one of Sweden's leading online interior retailers, the six designs are very boho chic - think smoky eyes, red lips and big hats!





With titles such as Lipstick Feu Rouge and La Isla Bonita the illustrations exude femininity. I love they way Pella has styled the collection against monochromatic backdrops, industrial elements, design pieces and quirky objects.




Beautifully photographed by Kristofer Johnsson, you can see the full series here.

12 Days of Christmas | Final Giveaways!

Finishing off 12 Days of Christmas on a high note, I have two lovely giveaways for you today! 

The first is from Jamie Kay who I first featured here. The Canterbury-based online store stocks a gorgeous range of homewares from around the world, as well as Jamie's own growing collection of designs. A Mum of two little boys, Jamie has a great eye for stylish kids pieces, and many of her products are designed to suit both kids rooms and adult spaces. I particularly love her range of cushions (I own several myself) so I was very happy when Jamie offered to give away one of her newest arrivals, a beautiful vintage style Round Velvet Cushion, valued at $99. The lucky winner will get to choose from a range of colours including black, ivory, grey, vintage yellow and turquoise. 


Perfect for use as an extra throw cushion on a bed or sofa, I love the white one above which has been added to a mix of cushions in different patterns and shapes, some of which are also available from Jamie Kay, along with her Cross Blanket that I featured in this recent bedding post. Jamie Kay have also offered 10% off all round Round Velvet Cushions through to the 31st of December, so pop over here to buy yours. To be in to win one, email me at email me at steve3star@gmail.com with JAMIE KAY in the subject line, along with your full name.



The second giveaway is from Koko Classics, who I interviewed here. Specialists in industrial and vintage inspired furniture and homewares, they have two popular Auckland retail stores, one in Mt Eden and one is Ponsonby as well as an online store. With an incredible range of ever-expanding products, make sure you keep up to date by following them on Facebook and Instagram (@kokoclassics). 

Koko Classics are very kindly giving away a beautiful framed, Peruvian Blue Morpho (morpho didius) butterfly, valued at $86. 


To enter, email me at email me at steve3star@gmail.com with KOKO CLASSICS in the subject line, along with your full name.

Entries close on Tuesday 17th of December and the two winners will be selected via random.org, and contacted via email to arrange shipping. All winners will be announced on the blog at the end of the series. 

Please note that this competition is open to New Zealand residents only, and that we will do our best to ensure the prizes arrive prior to Christmas.

Before I go, I just have to say congratulations to all our winners so far. I feel a bit like Santa handing out presents right now! Be sure to check back over this week's posts, so that you don't miss out on any giveaways that are still open, and take advantage of our special offers from Paper Plane, Pop Motif, Pencil and Hammer and LET LIV. Why not get that last minute Christmas shopping done online over the weekend! 

Update: This competition has now closed, and the winners have been notified. Thanks to everyone who entered, and huge thanks to Jamie Kay and Koko Classics for their generosity.