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Homeware & Accessories | Online Loves

You may have noticed the banners appearing on the right-hand side of the blog over the last couple of months. These are my lovely sponsors whose brands and products fit right at home with The Design Chaser. Most have been featured here on the blog already and I look forward to sharing more of the love with you as time goes by. There are however a couple of newbies who I'm very excited to introduce you to today. Be warned, this may result in some online shopping!

First up is House of Lulu, an Australian-based online store founded by Vicki Sapountzis. Born out of the frustration at not being able to find what she wanted when decorating her own home, the interior design graduate decided to take matters into her own hands and House of Lulu was born. Constantly sourcing products from Australian and International designers, you will find a gorgeous range of unique homewares that will add personality and character to your interior spaces. Here are just some of the products I have my eye on...

Links below images

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For regular updates and promotions jump on over to the House of Lulu Facebook page and hit like!

The New Zealand online store MARKET provides homewares and accessories that enhance, enrich and inspire. Creating little things for you and your home that make a big difference, their carefully selected product range includes both NZ made accessories as well as items from overseas designers. Here are my current picks...

Pleated String Lights (left) and Hanging Test Tube Vases (right) by Pigeon Toe Ceramics

Macrame Bags

Home Sweet Home Print by Monorail Studio

Medicine Bottles

Fresh Linen Soy Candle Tin

Make sure you pop over and like the MARKET Facebook page to keep an eye out for exciting new products arriving in the next few weeks!

Interior Styling | Bedside Lamps

In my recent Interior Styling post on Bedside Tables I mentioned that I was also trying to decide on bedside lamps for the master bedroom. We currently have these minimalist task lights that I bought years ago. I was surprised to see them still in stock! We recently come into possession of four classic Tolomeo wall lights (which were about to be biffed!) and I'm keen to see if I can get them powder coated in black. I'm not sure if any of them will actually end up in the bedroom, as they are not really the look I'm after but I'm sure we'll find another place for them. In the meantime I'm keeping my options open and have looked through my Pinterest bedroom board to pick out some inspiring images...

I've had my eye on this IKEA LED wall lamp for a while now. Paired with the very cool and versatile Kartell Componibili Module (a front runner for my bedside table) I've tried to track it down. The closest is IKEA Australia but sadly they don't ship here. Like many Kiwis, I live in hope that IKEA will one day make its way to NZ! (FYI Myflatpack ship in some IKEA products).

For a classic table lamp, I love the black glossy lampshade and bronze legs on this one. The Tufty-Bed by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia is also amazing!

Matching floor lamps make a statement in this spacious bedroom...

Another fave is this black and copper wall light by House Doctor beautifully styled by Bodie and Fou against Scrapwood wallpaper by Piet Hein Eek.

I also love the idea of hanging pendant lights in the bedroom. I'm a big fan of the Muuto Unfold Pendant Lamp...

These industrial work lamps from Clas Ohlson look great against the exposed bricks...

When a friend asked me for advice on bedside lamps recently, I recommended classic Anglepoise lamps. Both functional and stylish, they fit well into any style interior...

Typical of Scandinavian style, I'm always drawn to calm, muted grey palettes in the bedroom. I'm also loving gold, brass and copper lights right now. This bedroom looks so cosy and inviting with the wool throw and cushions. The gold lamp adds a touch of retro glam...

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To finish off, I've compiled a shortlist of faves.

1 Tripod Table Lamp from interiordesignonline
2 IKEA PS 2012 LED Wall Lamp
3 Grossman GRÄSHOPPA Floor Lamp by Gubi
4 Guarida Table Lamp by Citta Design
5 Pair of mid-century brass table lamps from Mid Century Swag
6 Work Lamp Gold by Form Us With Love for Design House Stockholm
7 Z Lamp in Black by Lietmotiv from Let Liv

What style of lamp do you currently have in your bedroom? Do any of these inspire you to try something different?

Through the Lens of | Jeroen van der Spek

I'm not sure about you, but as much as I love short weeks, this one has thrown me a bit off schedule! Perhaps I'm juggling a few too many things right now but either way I still wanted to get a post up, so luckily I had one up my sleeve that I started a while back but hadn't finished. I was so inspired by the work of photographer Joroen van der Spek and the incredible interior spaces that he shoots, I ended up using a couple in my moodboards and the post went by the wayside. Take a look for yourself, and I'm sure you'll agree it had to be revived! Amazingly talented, Jeroen has captured the beautiful and varied interior elements here to perfection.

Pale wood, grey and a touch of black? Yes please...

Dreamy white spaces with muted, chalky hues...

Pops of bright colour provide contrast and personality. Loving the turquoise...

Dark and edgy with layers of texture including wood, wool and leather...

Oversized vintage letters in green look amazing against the black...

It would be unfair not to show you a couple of Jeroen's stunning outdoor photos, so here you go...

I hope that's left you with some good Friday vibes and inspiration. It's easy to see why Jeroen's work makes such great moodboard matter! Check out more of the magic here. Have a fun, creative weekend and I'll see you Monday.

All images via stillstars.com

Clare Cousins Architects

I first discovered award winning architect Clare Cousins via The Design Files back in 2011. In her interview with Lucy Feagins she talked about how she juggled the running of her business with two young girls, both under five. Knowing only too well how busy life was with my two boys being similar ages at the time, this was awe-inspiring.

Clearly an overachiever (and super-organised) Clare is also incredibly talented. With numerous awards under her belt already, Clare has just been announced as one of three shortlisted contenders for the annual InStyle and Audi Women of Style Awards, along with product designer Helen Kontouris and theatre designer Alice Babidge. Aiming to award Australia's "most inspirational and innovative women across a range of categories", Clare certainly fits the bill. With the winner due to be announced at an event in May, I thought I'd share some of the remarkable work of Clare's studio (CCA) with you. I highly recommend clicking on the links to see the full house tours.

Shingle House. Gorgeous indoor/outdoor flow thanks to a new extension.

Brick House. If there's just one house tour you click over to, this should be it. Featured in numerous online and print publications, Clare designed this exquisite property for her own family. Showcasing her incredible attention to detail and enviable style, it is truly a dream home. Oh and just so you know, Clare completed it within two weeks of giving birth to her second child. Sigh.

Downshire Rd. A new U-shaped extension to this Californian Bungalow in Melbourne has resulted in a winning combo of light, views and space.

A bit of background before we continue with the eyecandy. Clare's studio in Melbourne has been in operation since 2005. Working predominantly in residential architecture, the team carries out each project by way of a highly collaborative interaction with their clients. The young, energetic design team use their collective experience to create innovative outcomes that unite both form and function. In addition to CCA's incredible portfolio of homes, there are also some exceptionally cool retail and commercial projects, so I've popped a few examples of those in as well.

Picket. The bright yellow pickets of this Melbourne florist immediately caught my eye. I couldn't resist popping in for a look if I was walking past.

Moor Street Apartment. One of my fave CCA projects, this one comprises both a private residence (shown above) and an internal office fit-out (below). I love the open plan kitchen/dining area with its monochrome palette, pale wood accents and oversized industrial pendant light.

Moor Street Studio. An amazing large scale artwork by prominent Melbourne artist Rowena Martinich provides a vibrant and colourful backdrop to the meeting room.

Dotti. A cool perforated 'skin' allows for flexible merchandising and provides texture to the otherwise neutral backdrop of this fashion store.

Mocha. Mirrored surfaces, mesh curtain walls and copper combine to create a unique and eye-catching space for the accessories and jewellery store.

In addition to running her studio and producing award winning work, Clare also finds time to assist the broader design community, providing mentoring and education as a public speaker, committee member and industry representative. Clare and her team have also reached out to those who lost their homes in the Black Saturday bushfires by providing Pro-bono services. Truly deserving of many more awards, I look forward to following Clare's journey.

All images via www.clarecousins.com.au

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

MintSix | Online Launch & Exhibition

MintSix Boutique Homewares & Styling is the brainchild of sisters Ella Murdoch and Talia O'Connor. The recent launch marks an exciting time for the pair who have spent years dreaming of opening their own online homewares business. Inspired by their travels and passionate about interiors, the fact that the sisters are now living in the same city after 12 years has provided the perfect catalyst for turning MintSix into a reality.

MintSix founders, sisters Ella Murdoch and Talia O'Connor

When I first learnt of the New Zealand duo late last year I promptly started following their blog and have been anticipating the opening of their online store ever since. Promising a unique and eclectic collection of products, there is no doubt that the range reflects the girls' love of colour and pattern, as well as their sense of fun and eye for all things beautiful and stylish. Homewares have been sourced from both local and international designers and include such things as tribal African wall art, quirky porcelain ceramics, up-cycled, antique and reproduced timber furniture pieces and hand-loomed and hand-painted textiles.

From the beginning Ella and Talia knew that they wanted to provide an interior styling service and have already started visiting client homes in Dunedin where they live. Judging by their styling work, I predict that this arm of the business is going to be a huge success. Offering both in-home and event styling, the girls will happily work their interior magic, transforming anything from a single room to an entire house. Not only that, they have a convenient e-decorating package allowing them to work with clients from anywhere in the world.

To celebrate the launch, MintSix has collaborated with Gallery De Novo to produce an exhibition currently running at the Dunedin Gallery. Kicking off with an Art & Design evening, this provided a fantastic opportunity for Ella and Talia to introduce their business to the locals. As expected they received a warm welcome and high praise. A fun night had by all, I'm very excited to be able to share some exclusive photos with you today.

The exhibition runs until April 3rd, so if you're in the area make sure you pop in for a look. Also watch out for Talia's home which will be featured in an upcoming issue of Homestyle Magazine. I've heard from a very good source that it is amazing!

Once you've checked out MintSix, I highly recommend popping over to their blog for a browse through the archives. As well as interior styling inspiration, you'll find cool fashion finds from here and overseas for both adults and kids. Being the well-travelled, stylish Mums that they are, Talia and Ella have got it covered! Make sure you like their Facebook page and if you're on Pinterest you'll be pleased to know Talia is too. Her boards are gorgeous!

Images courtesy of MintSix Boutique Homewares & Styling.