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Through the Lens of | Heidi Lerkenfeldt

It's nearing the end of the first week of school holidays here in NZ. My boys are pretty boisterous so I experienced a certain amount of anxiety moving into our new home, white walls and all, but I've been amazed at how well they've adapted to the new 'rules'. The layout of the new home means there's some separation, with the boys having their own TV room/area downstairs, but being that they are still little, they spend most of their time upstairs in the open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, close to Mum and Dad. As they get older, I'm sure they'll be keen for that separation as much as us! Right now however, they happen to be down there watching a movie, and after a busy and very noisy morning I'm enjoying the peace and quiet in my upstairs office!

Adding to my sense of calm, I've been looking through the beautiful work of Danish photographer Heidi Lerkenfeldt.

Incredibly talented, Heidi is responsible for the stunning styling shoot of Danish brand Gubi that I featured in this post. Here are a couple more...

Working predominantly in interiors, Heidi's clients include IIlum Bolgihus, Tine K Home and By Nord. These next photos feature the amazing studio spaces of Danish label Beck and Sondergard.

With an incredible eye for the finer details, Heidi beautifully captures the understated elegance of these interiors. Known for her perfect compositions, she favours soft colour combinations and as these next photos show, the results are simply exquisite.

Working across other genres such as lifestyle and fashion, Heidi's food photography also blows my mind. My mouth waters looking at these photos, which demonstrate remarkable clarity.

You can see more Heidi's work on both her website and the agency Stillstars.

Hitched | Issue Two

As you know, I love magazines, so in the midst of moving house last week I received a welcome gift, issue two of Hitched. Founded by Renee Douros, the owner of multi-disciplinary creative studio Milkshake Creative, what immediately struck me was that this was very much a non-bridal, bridal magazine.

While I love weddings as much as the next gal, having tied the knot over seven years ago means that these days it's not the type of magazine I'd usually pick up off the shelf. Now there's an exception. You see you don't have to be getting married, or even have plans to, to appreciate Hitched. If like me, you love all things beautiful, and are interested in decorating, photography, design, styling and events then this magazine is for you!

As my introduction to Hitched, the second issue has made a lasting impression. Starting with the gorgeous yellow cover, featuring the work of talented illustrator Rik Lee, the magazine has a beautifully clean design aesthetic, brimming with page after page of inspiring imagery and ideas surrounding weddings, styling and entertaining.

Hitched stands out from traditional bridal mags by thinking outside the box with articles such as He Said He Said which takes you on a journey of one same-sex couple from their first meeting through to their wedding, and Love Ever After which features couples who made their vows over 40 years ago.

Stunning photo spreads with titles like Grace + Lace and Bohemian Rhapsody will have you swooning.

Real Weddings includes six incredible real-life stories. So gorgeous, they almost make me want to do it all over again!

This is just a small taste of what's inside Hitched issue two. Available in stores now, make sure you grab yourself a copy!

Studio 46 | Terrarium Workshops

It would be hard not to have noticed the buzz surrounding indoor plants lately. A trend that was big in the 70s, decorating with plants has become popular again in recent years, and I have to admit I'm more than keen to jump on board. It seems that every time I'm on Pinterest I see another Fiddle Leaf Fig and by golly, I want to get my hands on one for the new house! (Watch this space). Another plant trend I'm loving right now is the terrarium, so I was pretty excited to have discovered a class here in Auckland, where you learn how to make one.

Held at Studio 46 on Auckland's North shore, this gorgeous little space is run by two clever creatives, Amber Roper of Red Creative Event Styling and Annie Oxborough a Botanical Stylist. They are also joined by my friend Rachael McMahon of the beautiful blog Made From Scratch, who is now running her popular Cake Decorating Workshops there. In fact, Rachael has kindly invited me to watch one of her classes next week and I can't wait! Being the super clever lass and successful blogger that she is, Rachael is also starting to run workshops for aspiring bloggers, with Blogging 101, Blog Design and Social Media Starter. Pop over here to find out more.

The Terrarium Workshops are run by Annie O, who started out in the floral business at only 14, opening her first shop in Herne Bay at 23, specialising in events including weddings and private functions. In addition to event styling and workshops she now styles for magazines, retail shops and bars. Incredibly talented, you may have seen Annie's stunning botanical pieces, including bespoke bouquets and handmade terrariums at The Department Store.

Rachael attended the Terrific Terrariums Workshop held last Tuesday night at Studio 46 and raved about it! As well as learning all about these gorgeous little plant worlds from resident terrarium guru Annie, participants got to make their own one to take home. They were also given a bag full of goodies from MOR Cosmetics, All’antica, Made From Scratch, Homestyle Magazine, and Annie O. Rachael has sent me some exclusive photos from the night to share with you, taken by the lovely Gem Adams from Blackbird Blog.

The next Terrific Terrariums Workshop is in September. Pop over here to find out more and to sign up. Hopefully I'll be joining you! There are also Private Group Classes available, including Team Terrariums, perfect for team building and a bit of fun with the colleagues! For the full schedule of workshops held at Studio 46 take a look here.

Interview | Claire Donaldson of One Lovely Day

When Claire Donaldson, the director of the Auckland-based event styling company One Lovely Day got in touch recently, she included a link to photos of her gorgeous home. Even though they were taken nearly four years ago for a feature in Your Home & Garden, I remembered the article right away. She had the most amazing glass balustrade around her deck which I referred back to when we did our house plans (sadly we decided against glass) and an unforgettable round table with stunning metal stools that I tried to source at the time (sadly they were no longer available). Since then Claire has launched her fabulous business, and knowing how much I love Claire's style I couldn't wait to feature her on the blog!

Claire's portfolio showcases a diverse range of events, from weddings and baby showers to product launches and birthday celebrations. With bucket loads of talent and creativity, Claire expertly turns her ideas into the most vibrant, memorable occasions possible. Each event is presented on her website with a beautiful photo series, telling a story of the day and making you feel like you'd been there, or at least you wish you had! It was hard to choose, but I picked out some of my favourites to share throughout the post and interview.

A stunning Engagement Party held on the cliff edge at Castor Bay. Floating balloons - swoon!

Claire also works with interiors, shop window styling and fit outs. One store that she often does work for and a favourite of mine is Superette. The Ponsonby boutique is looking more incredible than ever after the recent launch of Superette Space, a carefully curated selection of lifestyle products and homewares within the existing flagship store. I was super excited to learn that Claire assisted with the styling, and I'm thrilled to be able to show you these exclusive photos of the store.

Gorgeous details at Superette Space.

As well as sharing some recent photos of her home which I've included at the end of the post, Claire very kindly agreed to being interviewed. Going far and beyond the call of duty she answered these questions via email yesterday with her three year old (who is sick with chicken pox) sitting on her lap!! I'm sure like me, many of you Mums will relate to this type of scenario, but even so I take my hat off to Claire. Her efforts are hugely appreciated!

Tell us a bit about your background - how did you end up becoming an event stylist and when did you launch One Lovely Day?

I have always loved creating spaces, whether it's a room, a display, a house, a table setting, a garden, I just really enjoy turning the bland into fabulous. A few years back I decided that styling was what I really wanted to focus directly on, so I took myself off to study event management, and design. From there I started slowly doing the odd wedding, promo, display, party and basically from word of mouth I grew. Last year I decided it was time to actually launch my styling company and so One Lovely Day was born and I haven’t looked back. It's been such an amazing journey; I've had fun playing with venues, swinging from rafters, foraging for products and just constantly creating. I love it.

A vibrant Mexican-themed Celebration. Love these colours!

You have an amazing portfolio of work. Have there been any events or projects you've worked on that you would consider favourites and if so, why?

Every event offers something different; my favourites are ones that challenge me, turning tired old venues into magical spaces for a night, working within the biggest or the tightest budgets to produce exactly what my client is after. I love it when my client has total trust in me and lets me surprise them. I love watching their faces when they see what’s been created. That's my reward.

An incredible Waiheke Island Wedding for which Claire made large agee jar chandeliers, filled with candles, ivy, orchids and fairy lights.

You also do interiors and shop windows and fit outs. Can you tell us a bit about the recently launched Superette Space at the flagship store in Ponsonby?

My role for Superette was helping them create a way to display their gorgeous home pieces, while adding a quirky touch. I filled vintage trucks with logs, rocks that I covered in golden glitter and homemade sand bricks. An old ladder was bought and suspended from the ceiling from which products were hung, including stools and wire baskets, all mixed up with skyplanters and a bit of greenery. Plants and other little mini scenes with tiny trees, trucks and logs were created for other areas around the store. Maple trees were dotted around and covered in beautiful autumn leaves which continue to drop throughout the store. Magic.

More details from Superette Space, including Malple trees and products suspended from a ceiling-hung ladder.

What inspires you in your work - other creatives, international events, magazines, websites etc?

I'm always being inspired. I'm terrible - even the hardware store can send me into a creative frenzy. I love interior magazines, they are my absolute downfall. I spend so much time and money on them. There is nothing nicer than flicking through the pages of a new magazine. I also spend hours online pouring over images featuring overseas weddings and events. I love taking bits and pieces from them and taking it to the next level. Plants inspire me, I love adding greenery and florals in everything I do. Nature has such a gorgeous way of creating a beautiful space, whether it's a hanging basket, potted herbs, a posy of flowers or even some moss and acorns. I just love incorporating it in my work. It always adds that special touch.

A Birthday Long Lunch, in delectable Italian Style.

How is your business structured - have you employed other staff to ease the load?

I started out as a one woman whirl wind, but quickly realised you need a great team behind you. I still do most of it myself, all the briefs, creative ideas, client meetings, budgets, and so on. But for on-the-day set ups, I have staff that come and help with the pack in and out if needed, and I have a great resource of vendors who work with me to create the perfect space.

What are you working on right now? Do you have any exciting projects in the works?

It's funny, just as I'm about to wind up one exciting project, another one always comes along. I'm in the process of expanding One Lovely Day, so some really exciting ventures are brewing for our customers, in terms of hirage and our services. Watch this space - I'm really excited.

I’m also involved in some divine store refits, and filling a beautiful new build in Omaha with furniture for an overseas client. Weddings too are always on the go. It's amazing how many people enjoy a lovely candlelit mid winter wedding. Just beautiful x
How do you find juggling motherhood with running a business - any advice for others trying to achieve a work/life balance?

Having a supportive partner and family is a must for me. My husband takes over childcare duties in the afternoons and my parents are amazing. I don't think I would have even attempted it yet without them. My youngest starts school in just over a year, so I'm sure that will help the situation. Getting used to working well into the night is also a prerequisite, perfect for uninterrupted work!!

Fun, florals and splashes of colour were served alongside with lunch & beverages at this delightful Baby Shower.

How would you describe your personal style and how is this reflected in your own home?

I love the old with the new. I'm a sucker for old finds, so unfortunately my home which I once prided myself on being a good mix of both, is now quite lop sided! It is also used as the One Lovely Day storage area at the moment which doesn't help. I'm in the process of planning a beautiful office/meeting space and in turn building a storage unit, so I can unclutter my clutter… although many things are far too beautiful to pack away, so I will struggle!!

Claire Donaldson and her gorgeous Auckland home.

Images courtesy of One Lovely Day and Superette

Bindle | Online Eco Gift Store

Despite the fact that I spend my days researching and writing about great design, I struggle when it comes to gift-buying for friends and family. Time constraints, too many choices, not enough choices... finding the perfect gift can be challenging, especially when it comes to milestone occasions such as the arrival of a new baby or housewarming. So when I received an email from Catherine Blackford recently, introducing her new eco gift service Bindle, I was eager to find out more.

Housewarming Bindle

Mother and Baby Boy Bindle

Catherine's clever take on the name Bindle, which traditionally refers to the bundle of possessions carried by a hobo, has seen her form relationships with many local Australian brands such as Salus, Kennedy and Wilson, Melbourne Rooftop Honey and TreeHorn Design. The resulting gift 'Bindles' are not only unique and exquisitely presented, they artfully blend sustainability with style and are one hundred percent Australian made.

O 2 B Pampered Bindle

Light a Candle Make a Wish Bindle

Browsing through the diverse range on offer, I would love to be on the receiving end of one of these beautifully curated Bindles. Each one is so well thought out and bound to make a lasting impression.

Pillar of Salt and Oil Bindle

Short-Black-and-Sides Bindle

Whether you are buying for a mother to be, loved one or corporate client, Bindle provides something special and memorable for friends, family and colleagues. Bindle gift boxes can be purchased from the online store at bindle.com.au and delivered anywhere in Australia. My only hope now is that Bindle expands into New Zealand!

All images courtesy of Bindle