Tuesday morning musings!

It's only two days into the working week and already I am counting down the days till the weekend! Sad I know. Its blissful rooms like this one that keep me in high spirits and help me push on. Wouldn't you be on cloud nine if this was your living room? Hang in there - Friday is only three days away!

Olive Home

There is nothing I love more than a well-styled window display. Except...for a well done window display at one of my favourite stores - Olive Home. If you're not familiar with this small boutique chain you will want to familiarise yourself and check it out quick smart.

Olive Home is the long-term dream of Paul Alcock, one of the directors of Olive Home. Fantastic fashion labels such as Ginger & Smart and Collette by Collette Dinnigan plus a huge array of home wares fill every wall of these gorgeous stores. And for those who don't live in Brisbane you can visit their online store here.

I am loving absolutely everything in this window display. From the burnt orange and grey chevron print cushions to the bold black and grey patterned numbers. And how fabulous to have a pattern that translates from decor to fashion.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces from Olive Home's online store.

1. Ginger & Smart 2. Missoni 3. Relax chair 4.Slip pillowcase 5. Ginger Vases

Dreaming of a library

We purchased our current home over two years ago. Since we moved in almost 12 months ago, there are still a few side projects that have never been completed (you know the ones)! These projects include a library, our sun room and finishing off the landscaping. Instead we have a huge backyard filled with dirt and no grass (our dog Luca loves it), an empty space where the library should be and a sun room with some sad looking greenery.  Currently we are both so busy that these projects have been put on hold for a little longer. With summer just around the corner I am yearning for my day bed in the sun room as a place to curl up with a good book and many interior magazines for inspiration. I am also looking forward to having a library and shelves to store all of my books and magazines (honestly, I have so many I could almost open my own book store)! I have been scouring the net and magazines for the right type of shelving that will suit the look and feel of our house.

This quaint living room looks like the perfect place to unwind with a cup of tea after a hard days work.  The ladder adds to the library feel and the green velvet curtain transforms the space when a more formal look is required. 

A corner book case, white wall and a collection of eclectic art - what's not to love here?

 

I have seen this image numerous times and each time I think 'what a stunning and vivid arrangement'. The use of colour blocking the books together with the bright blue rug and vibrant cushions provides a great contrast to the heavy timber furniture in the room.

Diagonal shelves are fast becoming a trend. The use of diagonal shelving provides strong impact on a feature wall such as the one above.

A classic combination of white shelving, white washed timer flooring and a lovely upholstered armchair.

via Beautiful Libraries; tumblr, unknown; Eva Designs; heartfireathome;

A Guide to Hollywood Regency

During the past few years the Hollywood Regency style (also referred to as Hollywood Glamour) has emerged as one of the leading styles of interior design.  And I must say it is one of my ultimate design styles. This look combines clean lines, lots of detailing, bright colours and reflective surfaces. Lacquer, chrome and mirrored finishes were prominent along with shiny architectural hardware, glitzy chandeliers, luxurious textiles, faux fur accents, chintz and plaster moldings. All of these elements combined to create a bold and classic look.

I am loving everything about this living room below - the black and white graphic rug is to die for and the pops of colour really bring this space to life.

Here is how you can secure the look yourself...

1. West Elm 2. Laura Ashley 3. Coco Republic 4. Kas 5. Swank Lighting 6. Greg Natale for Designer Rugs 7. Roses - available from your local florist 8. Dulux 9. Domayne.

Kitchens on the brain

We are currently in the process of completing a kitchen and living room revamp for an amazing client. Since we completed the design process I still have kitchens on the brain! They are one of my favourite spaces to design. The kitchen for me is the hub of the home. It is where we congregate to prepare and share great food and entertain with friends and families.

Here is a sneak peak at the finishes we chose for this job. Cool colours and bold prints were the standout elements of the design. I will post some pics once the install is complete.

In the meantime, here are some other gorgeous kitchens for inspiration!

Greg's style and bold designs never cease to amaze me. I absolutely love the black, ornate cabinetry. The pressed tin splash back is to die for! The use of dark colours are well balanced by the beige floors and natural light in the room. 

Not to sound vain but I am totally obsessed with mirrors - in kitchen design that is. Our kitchen features a mirrored splashback and mirrored kicks. I adore the way mirror reflects and allows a space to feel much larger than it is. I am also loving that wallpaper.

White, light and textured - whats not to love?

A splash back of subway tiles never ceases to impress. The pendent lights add a bit of drama to what is otherwise a very simple kitchen.

If I were to design a new kitchen right now it would look a lot like this one. Double ovens, double fridges and a huge island bench with plenty of natural light.

A cross between industrial and chic this kitchen ticks all the right boxes.

via: Greg Natale, Unknown, Unknown, The style files, Bruce Nagel, Unknown. 

Dreaming of a tropical getaway

Dear Blogfriends. It’s been awhile since I lasted posted – one week to be exact! Life is so crazy at the moment and is currently one big juggling act. Between work, maintaining a home, design and this blog, being an attentive girlfriend and looking after our new bundle of joy (our puppy Luca) things are turning into a whirlwind. I dream of escaping to a tropical island with no access to phones, email or the outside world. Just me, a hammock, a tropical cocktail and a good book!! Ahhh we can only dream.

I promise to do a few posts over the weekend, so stay tuned for some blog goodness!

Till then,  here is what I am dreaming of....