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Monday Mix Up | Currently Loving

I'm Kicking off the week with some current loves, a few of which are right here at home. There were a couple of books on my wishlist, which I included in this String Shelf Styling post including Kate, the Kate Moss book and The Fashion Book Mini Edition. Having now acquired both, I'm a very happy girl. I love displaying beautiful books around the home, and these are just two of many that I would like, but it's a good start. Next on the list are some fabulous interior books!

Neither of these new books were actually on the String Shelf when I took these photos, but I love that I can move them around from room to room as I please. Kate is proudly displayed on the coffee table here, alongside a black felt garland from Jamie Kay.

I had planned on putting the garland in my office or eventually in one of the boys' rooms, which I'm currently decorating, but for now it's residing on the Muuto Dots. I think it looks pretty cute, don't you?

I finally bought the set of Hay Boxes I'd been hankering for. They were included many months ago in my Home Build | Workspace Wishlist. Comprising of a set of seven boxes in varying sizes and colours, they match our colour palette perfectly and are so handy for storing bits and pieces.

There are four on the String shelf including two large grey ones (one is hidden from view behind the sofa) and these two favourites...

The other three are on my office desk alongside the other new book I mentioned earlier.

I've curated a couple of moodboards recently, which mostly came as a result of browsing my Pinterest boards and feeling so inspired by everything I've pinned!

A visual feast of beautiful spaces, gorgeous interior styling, covetable homewares and cool fashion finds, I hope you enjoy these images as much as I do.

Not a bad way to ease into the working week! Have a great day!

Home Build | Kitchen Update

Looking back at my Home Build Kitchen Inspiration Post, I'm happy to see that my vision for our new kitchen has been realised, give or take a few things! We've definitely achieved the open-plan space we were after, complete with a large island and as much storage space as we could squeeze in. One of the key things was making the island bigger than what was in the plans originally, and I'm thrilled with that decision. Great for entertaining, it's also made meal and snack times with the kids much easier. In fact, I love nothing more then having them up at the island munching away (often with their friends or our neighbour's kids) as I'm busy working in the kitchen, chatting away to them.

The boys in their usual spots having afternoon tea

I love the Silestone benchtops which we decided to carry through to the backbench and splashback. Incredibly hard-wearing and easy to keep clean, the Lagoon design from their Nebula Series has a beautiful marble look, while the 20mm width and waterfall design has contributed to the timeless, elegant feel I was after. We're also thrilled with the cabinetry, which we took as high as the plans would allow, matching the colour to the walls in Resene Black White. The soft close cupboards and drawers were definitely worth the investment.

The flooring is an Engineered Timber in White Ash by DFD. All Appliances are by Fisher & Paykel

Gorgeous Falcon Enamelware and a Cotton & Flax Teatowel from LET LIV

With the dining table being adjacent to the island, I decided from the start that I only wanted statement pendant lighting over one or the other, and because I had my heart set on the Lee Bloom Crystal Lights, the island seemed most fitting. As it turns out, as beautiful as they are, they do not provide the necessary task lighting for working in the kitchen, so that idea was aborted. Instead, I chose to focus on the dining table with the Muuto Unfold Pendants, and I couldn't be happier. We also sourced some Eric Therner Diamond Lights for the living area, which are a cheaper alternative to the Lee Broom, but will give the space the pretty, delicate touch that I want.

More goodness from LET LIV with the ACME & CO cups and saucers. Still on the kitchen wishlist, and what I really need right now is that Nespresso machine! The Fog Linen Tray and Cloud chopping board are from Father Rabbit.

As far as functionality goes, the extra deep sinks are a favourite feature as they keep dirty dishes out of sight when entertaining, and while I'm taking photos for that matter! The extendable tap which is something I've always wanted makes washing up super easy, and the built in rubbish and recycling bins are also fabulous!

For a while there I really struggled to find barstools that I liked, that were also affordable. To contrast with the metal dining chairs I wanted wooden stools that could take a few knocks from the kids, as I knew they'd be getting up and down from them all the time. Not long before the big move, Mocka announced news of a new product, the Hudson Stool. I was thrilled. As one of my trusty go-to local furniture and homewares company for both kids and adult spaces, this stool is a replica of one of my all-time favourite designs by Alvar Aalto.

Stylish but without the price tag, they are perfect for our home and lifestyle right now. Arriving flat-packed they were easy to assemble, and the kids love them. Placing adhesive felt to the bottoms of the legs has made them really smooth along the floor and I've had loads of positive comments already.

We love our Hudson Stools from Mocka

Here are some of my Instagram kitchen pics to finish off (follow me @thedesignchaser), including one of a surprise hamper that arrived from our building company Property Partners today! Great timing for the weekend, which I'm so looking forward to after a huge week. Have a good one and I'll see you back here on Monday.

Images via my Instagram

Home Build | String Styling

If you've been following my Home Build series, you'll know all about my obsession with String, the iconic Scandinavian shelving system. Having first wrote about it in my living room inspiration post, I'm happy to report that the String Shelf arrived safely, thanks to Bob and Friends who I introduced you to here, and is now assembled and ready to go!

Over the weekend I started to unpack a few things and had fun rearranging them on the shelves, taking a couple of Instagram pics as I went along. My iPhone camera is getting a lot of use lately - I promise I'll take some better photos on my camera soon!

I bought a few new plants yesterday, one of which is a small palm, perfect for the String. I also have my eye on many more gorgeous things including books, candles, prints and other decorative pieces. All fit in with the monochrome palette, along with touches of grey, blush and gold. As well as plants, I'd like to add more pale wood, ceramic and metallic details for layers of texture.

Shelves of any kind provide a great way to display treasures and inject personality and soul into a home. Here's a selection of items from my wishlist, that will hopefully inspire you too.

01 String Shelf Styling by Nordic Leaves
02 Wooden Clint Box by Ferm Living
03 Tom Dixon Eclectic Candle
04 Kate - The Kate Moss Book
05 The Fashion Book Mini Edition
06 Eames House Bird
07 Kubis 4 by By Lassen
08 Deer Framed Print by Angela McKay for Father Rabbit
09 Vedel Bird by Achitectmade
10 Gold Bag by Uashmama from Girl & Graaf
11 Milk Lamp by &Tradition
12 Tom Dixon Eclectic Cast Mini Jack
13 Styling with Green Plants by Stylizimo

Built-In Bench Seats

I'm very late getting a post up today because I've been a bit distracted. I can't quite believe it, but aside from the deck, the build part of our house is complete. There's still a bit to do as far as the installation of kitchen and bathrooms go, but the end is definitely in sight. In fact the completion date has been set for the 5th of July, which is only a week away! The landscaping won't be finished, but I think it would take a lot more than that to keep us from moving in. I can't tell you how ready we are to finally get in the door. Well, not ready as far as packing goes - far from it - but ready to take possession, that's for sure!

Which brings me back to today's post. The original plans included a built-in window bench seat adjacent to the dining area, but along the way, probably due to the changes to the kitchen, we found that there wasn't enough space. I do however still have my heart set on it. Especially after seeing how pretty it is when the sun comes through the windows and I imagine myself sitting there with a book and a cuppa, or chatting to visitors. Anyway, hope is not lost on the bench seat yet, and I'm looking into getting a dining table custom made that is quite long, but narrower than a standard table. That way it might all fit in, and it's an easy thing to add on later, so I'm told!

Above shows a photo I took at our new home today, next to the first image. I really think it calls for a bench seat, don't you?

I also wrote a post on reading nooks a while ago that you might like, but first here are some more built-in bench seats that I love. This concrete one really appeals.

They don't have to be right next to a window to work. This fireplace and built in nook is super cosy. The exposed bricks contrast beautifully with the white walls.

This next one is rather lovely with its built-in seat and shelving.

Another good reason to put in a built-in bench seat later is that it will give me an excuse to buy more cushions, throws and furs!

Speaking of which, I've got a great giveaway lined up for Monday, something that I would LOVE to win myself, so make sure you pop back then. Have a wonderful weekend!

Images: 1-2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

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Built-In Bench Seats

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