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Donna Hay General Store

Australia's leading food editor and best-selling cookbook author Donna Hay, is a household name here in New Zealand. Her incredible success is due to a style-driven approach to food. Simply prepared, it is always beautifully styled and photographed.

A childhood dream of one day owning her own store was realised in 2009, when Donna opened the doors to her Flagship Store in Sydney's Woollahra. Located in a beautifully restored sandstone terrace house, the exterior architecture is by Kieran McInerney Architects. The stunning interior design is by Tribe Studio. A true reflection of Donna's signature style, the store encompasses 'all things beautiful for the home and self' which Donna has hand-picked from Australia and around the world. Of course the shop wouldn't be complete without a confiserie serving freshly baked cupcakes, brownies and delicious macarons. Sounds like the perfect store don't you think?

When I first saw these photos, I was captivated by the shop fit-out and stunning interiors. The colour palette of crisp white and warm chocolate brown is so inviting. If you look closely, you can see the original standstone delicately revealed in certain places, and a simple but stylish chandelier adds a lovely touch. The beautifully displayed products show Donna's great eye and attention to detail. In fact, I think this might be some of the best retail eye-candy I've ever seen!

To browse the gorgeous range of products or shop online, pop over here.

All images via tribe.studio.com and donnahay.com.au

Homes to Inspire | Passion for Pastels

If you've been following this week you'll have seen my post on Colour Tools. I mentioned I'm crazy about pastels right now, so I thought this pastel themed home which I spotted in Urbis would be a great one to share today.

Located in Melbourne, this mid-century modern home is the project of interior designers Hecker Guthrie. Although it was architecturally sound and had plenty of character, the owners wanted to make changes to the interior layout and finishes. By simply knocking out a few walls, they achieved the open-plan-style living they desired whilst maintaining the integrity of the original house. Oak flooring and a fresh white palette has provided an ideal canvas to add colour, in this case soft pastel shades. Wishbone chairs in mint and lavender, pink and blue Eames elephants and dusky coloured stools are some of the key pieces of furniture that feature throughout.

The white and pastel theme is further enhanced by earthy tones in the living area and pops of neon on the kitchen shelf.

The Wishbone chairs work equally well in the office. I love the choice of mint here.

The beautiful artwork in the dining area adds contrast to the gentle colour scheme, and depth to the space, while metallics add texture. I love these pendant lights!

Touches of marble, wood and greenery add texture and definition to the all white kitchen.

The white-washed exterior provides a striking entrance to the home.

To tie in once again with the Colour Tools feature, I've used photoshop to extract the pastel shades used in the home. Which is your favourite colour?

I absolutely adore the combination of white, wood and pastels. With the addition of designer furniture, beautiful artwork and homewares in neutrals and shimmering metallics this is definitely a home I'd love to live in!

Homes to Inspire | Sydney Stunner

When I first spotted this cool Sydney pad in Living Etc magazine I was instantly smitten. It was featured quite some time ago so I was really happy I was able to track it down on housetohome, the magazine's website. Built in the seventies, it's wonderful to see the original woodwork has been retained. The pink and white theme works beautifully against the warm brown of the wood.

The house has a great layout with an open plan kitchen, dining and living area. Modernised with limestone worktops and splashbacks, the kitchen is one of my favourite rooms. The blackboard wall is also a handy feature for shopping lists or creative fun!

The living room is a light-filled space with beautiful mid-century furniture like the Danish armchairs and George Nelson lamp. I love the use of black and white, especially the framed photographs, ceramics and rug.

A set of classic Eames chairs are paired with a beautiful blackwood dining table from Australian store Spence & Lyda.

I want this graphic artwork. I mean seriously, isn't it stunning?

Loving the hot pink cowhide and bus blind. More gorgeous retro furniture. Swoon....

The bedroom is given a fresh update with white shutters and eye-catching bedlinen. Another lovely touch of pink with a bedside flower completes the look.

The wood and concrete theme continues in the bathroom with the vanity and marble floor. The Moroccan style mirror adds ethnic flair.

I just love how everything has come together in this home. Seventies retro mixed with design classics, modern elements and personal touches. What do you think?

Seen in Livingetc. All images: source

Country Road Home | Spring Collection

Australian lifestyle brand Country Road consistently delivers great homewares and their latest collection is no exception. Minimalism with a distinct Australian vibe, I'm loving the Scandinavian inspired pieces, beautifully styled alongside pale wood furniture and a white backdrop. It seems that each season the bed linen in particular is calling out to me. This time around it's stripes in black and white or yellow and white... check them out here. Then there's the yellow chevron blanket pictured below... oh, my.

To see the full collection or shop online, pop over here.

All images: source

KeepCup Piccolo

Earlier in the week I talked about the KeepCup - you can read that post here. I mentioned it came in four sizes but I just realised that I didn't include a photo of the smallest, the 'Piccolo' size. Introduced in April 2011, the tiny cups are specially designed for the kiddie set to drink their milk, hot chocolate or the super popular fluffy! How cute is that?

When the Piccolo was launched, founders Abigail and Jamie Forsyth hosted 150 guests at South Melbourne espresso institution St Ali. The cups, which also come in many colour combos, were filled to the brim with delicious cocktails, accompanied by delicious food by then head chef Ben Cooper. Talk about doing it in style!

So here are a few pics.

'Bubbalino' designed by Vanessa at bubbalino.co.nz

My boys (they love their KeepCups as much as Mum!)

KeepCup Piccolo cocktails! Brilliant!!

KeepCup

Previously I talked about wanting a fabulous Nespresso coffee machine. In the meantime, I will continue to buy my coffee out, which is not such a bad thing. Especially since I discovered the KeepCup. I've been using mine for a while now and never leave home without it!

Developed in Melbourne, this barista approved, reusable coffee cup is genius. Launched in 2009, it sold 1000 cups in just two hours. Environmentally friendly aside, the phenomenal success that followed has largely been due to the Keep Cup's stylish design. Its creator Abigail Forsyth tells of customers buying the cups, not even knowing what they were for but because they liked the colours! Check out how you can design your own KeepCup here and you will see why. So many colour combinations to choose from! Even if you're not a coffee drinker you'll want to become one!

The KeepCup comes in four sizes and the colour combinations are endless!