ELEMENTS AT HOME

The Medium Paper bag Vase

Featured here

july 2011 real living

The Mini New York Vase

Perfect for your posie

Featured Here

Vogue Living

As you may have seen in all your favourite Magazines Miss Jones has a beautiful list of goodies.

We are very proud to be selected as a stockist for their wonderful Interior products.

We are stocking this tea light holder.

Ring, Jewellery, Business Card Holder or Ornament

The Swallow that looks after your flowers and sits on the side of your vase.

Please pop over here

To see more about these gorgeous items and more.

For Christmas and Beyond.

Shelf Life Research

2011-12-06T07:59:00.000+08:00

Ever since we moved into this new/old house we have been trying to figure out how to use this rather large family room space.

You can see below how the previous owners used the space and we decided to swap the room around as our Sofa just wouldn't have worked any other way and there are 2 many openings in the room to contend with.

So with me in nesting mode and needing to clean in a way that is not the usual.

I have pulled the sofa out from the wall and it sitting forward flush with the little nib wall and a big gap behind.

Before

I have to say the green wall is the same colour in each photo...goes to show camera settings.

Now

6 months in and we still haven't decided what we want to put up on the walls so with bare walls and a big gap you may be able to guess I have decided to run bookshelves behind the sofa and help reduce the gap.

My thoughts were agreed to when I was able to show Husband some great inspiration pics and I thought I would share them with you.

We are not curtain in front of bookcase people but this striking.

I love the painted internal of this bookcase.....a great way to add colour where colour addition can be confusing. I am slowly enjoying the hanging of prints on the bookcase....I am not sure Husband shares my enjoyment. He is open to new things but this one he is still getting his head around.

This one I love, love, love. I think it fills the space perfectly and it is not a particular style but is casual comfortable and its all a little dishevelled. A real space that you can see yourself in.

This image gave me the idea that we will run our bookcases off to one side and then run a shelf with a picture above with a lamp and some little goodies.

That will suit our space the best.

Just some fun ideas I came across that I thought I would share.

The pulse shelf to add a little life..;-)

this one is a great fresh colour combo.....

Can I say this is all purely research and it will take us another 3-6 months to put all this in place.

We are currently working on the office and its coming up a treat.

Now I planned that one when we 1st moved in so you can see we take our time.

12 Drums are drumming.......Christmas 2011

2011-12-01T14:28:00.000+08:00

The 1st of December has arrived and I will do a 12 days of Christmas Ala the new Bonds ad Over my next few posts.

I will make it add up I promise.

Today I will just do day 12 and 11.
Confused.....me too........just go with me and it will all make sense in the end.

To kick off we have The 12 Drummers drumming.

Well actually I am just going to drum up some interest for our recent give away over at

Lonna de Anna

Its a huge giveaway and you will not have seen one like it.

If you a follower you know Anna's gorgeous writing style, if you are new to her blog you will enjoy her stylish blog about life and design.

11 Pipers Piping

I have to pipe up and mention our beautiful Store

We have a beautiful range of Christmas goodies

and they are all ready to be shipped ASAP.

Christmas Store here

The Nursery. What do you think?

2011-11-29T07:01:00.000+08:00

With 10 weeks to go and a full calendar of social events the need to finish some "around the house" projects has never been more important and as you may have read previously The Nursery was next on the cards.

I am pleased to say that I am all but finished.

I am also the type of designer that loves to dress up rooms like no one is ever going to use it. It always creates the best design effect, but practical and usable are key words I like to integrate.

I have also learnt that I don't actually love hearing "wow your house looks like a display home."......this to me infers that there is no personality and very cold.

Anyway I digress.........as per usual.

My Inspiration pic

My inspiration fabric.

The Room with just the Furniture.

It was all Mr nearly 4's so after finding out this would be a Miss it was time to come up with a way of making it a girls room with the heavy timber furniture.

I am not a girly pink kind of girl so adding pink was not my thing but I could not deny the new little lady in our life a little bit of pink based on my own design loves.

I put Husband to work in any spare time on the weekend and he came through.

We added a rug.....Ikea

a pink change mat cover

Pink blanket......both from Target

Amy Butler fabric covered canvas..... Home made

Colour matched Dulux wash and wear paint

Coordinating framed fabric pictures......available through the Decorating Emporium

Home made Pom Poms

I am guest posting over at Katrinas blog today....

2011-11-23T06:46:00.000+08:00

So you all may have seen Katrina ask in a recent post to submit A blog post for her to feature on her blog......

well I submitted a little piece I put together on colour blocking your interiors

....and today she has featured it. I could tell you more but its better if you head over and have a look yourself.

Guest post here

If you didn't already know Katrina she

is a truly genuine girl with a great sense of humour and her blog reflects her love of her family and a passion for fashion and anything interiors....

Amy Butler Cushions and a little drop of sunshine.

2011-11-22T20:03:00.000+08:00

I heard you wondering where you could find some divine yellow cushions well we had some handmade just for our Store....Decorating Emporium

and here they are.

You can find these little drops of sunshine by clicking on the link below

I know, its the pattern that attracted me also and it reminded me at the time of some of my favourite Amy Butler prints, so it got us thinking maybe we need some Amy Butler cushions for the store also.

Well here they are.

Just the 2 are available

so here's the Link and they are yours.

I am personally in love with anything Amy Butler at the moment and decorating with her fabric has been my 1st start.

So my with my staple gun in hand the canvas has been covered and I just have to choose the coordinating paint colour. This will be going in the little girls Nursery and when its finished I will show you how its all come together.

Two Beaches and a Lake Giveaway

2011-11-22T07:31:00.000+08:00

Have you been looking for a new blog to follow?, well I have one for you and Madonna is hosting a fabulous giveaway just for finding her.

If you pop over to

Two beaches and a lake

and follow, like and comment you could win this wise little owl.

He can also be found over at the Decorating Emporium

Madonna is chronicling her build and her selections all with some gorgeous Images for inspiration.

I am off to take photos of my Christmas Tree and do a practice run on my Christmas Dining table...

OK the OCD is setting in again.

;-)

Interior Design hints and tips

2011-11-21T08:21:00.000+08:00

I thought I would grab a few display home images and highlight some intentional or not so obvious design ideas to help anyone out there building or renovating from a Interior Design point of view.

Its sometimes taken for granted why something "works" and something "feels" right or wrong

Starting with the entrance above here are some pros and cons.

Adding personality to your entrance immediately highlights how the rest of your home will flow.
The statue in the window does this but it also creates a view fro anybody straight into your home.
Consider also there are only a few colours to keep the flow.
Timber, white, Bronze and black
The rocks go to the wall but the window doesn't so it feels a little unbalanced
We need another pop of colour

Following on from the Entrance the Upstairs living area holds some key design ideas.

The floors

Timber downstairs and tiles upstairs, it works because the tiles have matching timber surround at the top of the stairs.

The Feature wall

The tiled feature wall downstairs travels up the wall to tie the 2 areas together.

The colour of the tiled wall is then used as 1 of the design colours through soft and hard furnishings such as the blinds, kitchen and TV unit.

The Feel

Again only a few colours used to keep a minimal, modern feel.

The textures are also adding to the feel of a contemporary look.

Tiles, glass, chrome and gloss white cabinetry.

Adding Extras

There are alot of unused spaces in here and possibly a big modular lounge would have added some more warmth to the area and some more pendant lighting either over the Dining or Kitchen.

I also would have placed a console or Buffet along the back of the Sofa so when you walk upstairs your focus is not the back of the sofa

A different Living Space.

Seating

A nice big comfy sofa area servicing both the feature in the room..the fireplace and the reason of the room...the TV.

Features and Floor space

Because the fireplace is such a focal point painting the TV wall anchors the room so you remember why the room is configure this way with the TV on the wall.

The TV wall does not however need both the print, TV and the large vase it now becomes too busy on the wrong wall.

Having TVs on the wall these days is a great way to get extra space but if there is too much space below you void the idea, so adding a piece of furniture or a low lying TV unit, console or buffet helps with storage and a place for your personality to be adding.

Taking away the use of Furniture takes away the spaces for warmth and atmosphere.

Colour

I do wonder if they couldn't have added just a touch more colour the red flowers make me want more.

The Timber adds warmth but the colours are still cool and the rug is very harsh and so even with the fireplace this room does not feel warm and inviting.

Balance

I love the idea of the fireplace being separate but there is something that doesn't feel right and it feels like the feature is a little lost. Possibly the wall of the fireplace needs to extend to the ceiling and the addition of soft billowy curtains will ease this feeling.

I have a few more of these Images with hints and tips that I will use next week.

I want to also add Interior Design is Subjective and my personal views may differ from yours but overall the design elements remains constant.

• Space

• Light

• Structure

• Balance

• Colour

• Proportion

• Shape

• Texture

If you want to see more of these fabulous homes and ideas please find All Images from here

A Beach Side Apartment Makeover....you know you love Before and Afters.

2011-11-19T07:38:00.000+08:00

As the title suggests I took on a small beach side apartment transformation client a few months ago.

The aim was to give the apartment a fresher, new, up to date look, with the idea of corporate rental or for sale.

So with a limited budget in case its to be rented but with a classy look in case it goes on the market,

the Clients 1st thoughts were what can I save and reuse.

I went through and we managed to save some of the lamps, the large urn and a couple of vases

and use some of the clients inherited commissioned artwork that was in storage.

These artworks were in storage as the holiday accommodation did attract alot of young people and they didn't want it to be damaged accidentally in any way.

But now it gets to be seen and used by a whole new type of clientele.

So as you can see the 1st thing we did was try the furniture on the opposite side (we did it with the existing furniture 1st to see if it would all fit) and of course to sit back and take in the amazing view.

Then we decided on blinds and paint colour and decided to work with the existing floors.

The existing blue and yellow colour scheme that screamed early 90's was about to get a revamp.

We did however have to work with the light blue kitchen cabinetry,

hence you will see below a feature wall that helps keep the kitchen looking current and refreshed.

We called in second hand furniture store to quote on taking away all the old furniture.

We calculated time x listing prices minus actual bargained prices and soon realised

the amount the company offered would be worth it in the long run.

We had a time frame and getting absolute top dollar for each and every item was not able to be factored in.

We swapped out lighting and painted everything,

skirting's, ceilings and walls and we had the grout cleaned and whitened.

There were also some crazy angles in the room shapes so we had to also work to those for the best position of furniture.

The bedroom makeover was quite exciting.

As you can see where we started, the after photos really make a big impact and speak for themselves.

The minor bedroom has a double bed and a single bed and we had to keep them that way.

I love how fresh and simple this has turned out.

Can I tell you I sourced all our products from

Freedom, Super A mart, Adairs and Target and of course the Decorating Emporium.

Remember when you are doing a largish project like this to remember if you can get most of your items from 1 place the discounts they offer sometimes out way buying cheaper at lots of different outlets.

I hope you enjoyed my Beach side Apartment transformation and please feel free to email me with any questions about what you see or if you have a project you would be interested in me taking on.

Email consultations are also very popular if you just need me to guide you.

Here is my 1st mood board for this client as you can see the look was correct we just had to link it with the actual.

Have a nice weekend.

Are you an early christmas decorator or do you wait for the 1st

2011-11-16T07:18:00.001+08:00

I love this image, its really pretty close to how I decorate at Christmas.

I always aim to sprinkle Christmas around the house, I don't go overboard but just a hint in the main living areas.

I have heard over and over again how I roll out the Decorations to early but I really love to get the tree away before new years and that means I go to all that effort for only3 weeks...

I also aim to use items that are not truly dedicated to Christmas.

The wire balls below are great for Christmas but you could use them in a bowl to add a hint of colour on your dining table or in a vignette around your house

These advent calendars are a perfect way to count down to Christmas.

You can hang them across a mantle, up a stair case or around your Children's room.

We have displayed ours on the Christmas tree but that's more for display purposes.

Now just in case this sight scares the living daylights out of your Husbands or yourself, we have come up with a nifty little way to hang your wreaths.

Ok its not new but its new to our store and we are glad to mention you can also use them later to hang your jackets on the back of your door or continue to create entrance pieces to your home.

I actually love the idea that we all have something hanging on our doors year round to help add a little bit of personality

These hooks are the same as ours only we do not have a the little hole in the back hanger.

$9.95

In case your a wait until the 1st kind of family or you are just looking for some extra little blingy bits fro around your home....come and visit our Christmas section of the

What do you mean you want the car inside?

2011-11-15T07:01:00.000+08:00

My Husband sent home an email the other day titled "for the next house"

Now as far as the Interior Decorating and Design goes

he knows his boundaries with me and what is allowed to be discussed and what is not even going to reach the table.

Can I tell you this idea will be rejected by the table as it knows better also.

In acknowledgement of all men wanting to bring this idea up with their wives.

Here is as close as you will ever get to having your car inside....right here on this blog.;-)

Actually hiding it could work and your Insurance would be cheap.

Well not on this car...

Ok this is getting close.

Somebody stop me, did you hear that glimmer of hope in my voice.

I actually like the house interior so much I could almost say yes to the car being inside.

Mini Love

Again I am sounding hopeful but I almost think this is too cool.

Ok this is getting out of control I am actually starting to sound like it could happen.

No it will not happen but I get why some wives may buckle.

...............and you thought it was only for Europe and America

well we have our own version here in Aus.

Can I remind you Husband as you look at these pics, again, the idea will never reach our table.

Its beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.

2011-11-09T14:25:00.000+08:00

The lovely A-M has mentioned us in her blog post today and showed you all some of our lovely goodies from our Home wares Store.

She also mentioned about a minimalist Christmas....

I have to say prior to my Mr3.5 coming along we celebrated Christmas in the most single way possible.

No tree, a few decorations scattered around the house and the presents to give out sat on our dining room table. Much like the image I have posted from my Alfresco last year.

If you are looking for some Christmas inspiration please check out some of our bits and pieces at the Decorating Emporium.

Some of our latest Christmas Decorations

I love this Faberge bird.....we actually chose it with the idea that after Christmas you could pop it into a Ribba Frame or the like and make yourself some artwork.

The White Bling Bird has a great little clip so you can attach it to a tree, a napkin

a vase lip. What ideas could you use it for?

This bling butterfly could also attach in many of the same ways as the white Bird but I think it could also be used to decorate a little girls nursery in someway......

All these decorations are available here at the

Click here to go to our Christmas Store

Thanks also to A-M for her blog love.

2011-11-07T08:04:00.001+08:00

Nursery Update #2

I am travelling well with the Nursery or so I thought.

I waited for Wallpaper samples to be shipped from the UK and although they didn't arrive the 1st time around the company was extremely quick to resend and provide me with a 10% disc voucher for my troubles.

Now Husband has decided spending $240 on 1 wall with a double wardrobe door on it may not be in our best interests given the amount of money we still have to spend on Bathroom Reno's, storage and and some new kitchen cupboards in the next 12 weeks.

The Little Girl is to arrive in about 12 weeks and luckily I have chosen my colours and happy to stick to them closely.

I am wondering if you don't know already can you pick the colours yet?

I have decided the Nursery still needs colour but not an overload of it as the furniture is dark timber.

So the same wall will now be painted to tie in with a new idea I have.

Maybe a coordinating ceiling colour could work but given my colour choice I would think baby will lay in her cot staring up going.....Oh My Goodness, what were my parents thinking.

So now for the reveal, yes the Amy Butler fabric below is my source of inspiration and I am going to colour match one of the colours from the fabric below paint the previously ear marked wallpaper wall and then cover a large-ish canvas for the opposite wall to bring it all together.

I am also finding it difficult to source this fabric in a big piece here in Aus so if you know where I can get it uncut.....please let me know.

Just in case you can't see the image go here

I have made some coordinating pom poms ready to hang in the corner but I am loving these cranes hanging from the twigs in the corner of this pic also....

So what are your thoughts? Which colour should I choose for the wall colour opposing this beautiful fabric...

The aqua or one of the pinks?

Help!

1 bedroom 5 different looks...

2011-10-17T13:44:00.000+08:00

So you know my last post was all about the Living room

Well this time we added some of the same cushions and some different ones to create a new mood for an already French casual classic bedroom.

Here is some of our selections.

I thought this would be a "real" way of showing you all my take on mixing and matching and how to make different cushions work together.

Maybe just one feature cushion is all you need.

My take on adding Paris without the iconic Eiffel tower.

We are now heading to Italy

Just in case Hubby forgets which side he sleeps when he gets home from a work function.;-)

There was only a small amount of blue in the Bird Cushion but as we added a blue cushion it highlighted it beautifully

You know all these looks can be put together over here.

If you would like to see any of our cushions mixed together for a better feel.

We are happy to photograph them together for you just pop us a line.

1 Room 5 Looks

2011-10-15T08:15:00.000+08:00

1 Room 5 different ways

We decided to try some different looks with some of the many cushions we have available at the store and here is the end result.

5 Looks using a solid mix of products

Can I just tell you the gorgeous Katrina from The Block

or Katrina from Media Maid

Whichever way you know her she rocks...big time.

Not only did she redesign my blog a while ago she just designed our Store Button....

and some of you may know how awesome she is but....a quick email with a couple of ideas and she had it sussed.

Something we procrastinated about for weeks she had done within a couple of hours.

Thanks K

Bamboo Flooring Offer....Perth Bloggers.

2011-10-05T10:31:00.000+08:00

I have been lucky enough to receive an offer from the lovely people from Bamboozle

With a voucher in hand you can receive up to $500 from your purchase if you go ahead with a Bamboozle order.

As a Thankyou to my Blog Readers I have decided to offer this Voucher to anyone who is interested and leaves a comment about this offer.

This Voucher is only available to people in Perth as Bamboozle are a Western Australian company.

I can highly recommend their product their professionalism and their tradesmen.

This is a purely a personal and professional opinion and they have not paid me to promote them.

Spring Storage Canisters

2011-09-26T08:32:00.000+08:00

So its Spring and for some reason its inbuilt that we start looking around the house to see what we can do to get organised for Summer....

You know its when we entertain more and more guests are around to view how you run your house.

Some of us (me) care about this stuff more than others and that is because I have organisation issues.

If there were a meeting for it I would probably be asked to attend by Husband but I love my organisation addiction and wouldn't have it any other way.

OK I haven't gone this far yet but only time will tell.

Imagine telling a 3 year old to go get himself a snack in this pantry....they would have to be plastic jars surely

Painted glass jars for stationary storage.

On my desk yes, if I coloured in more then this would suit but,

colouring in has been saved for a small table in the play room that my knees don't fit under.

The cat finally got out of his canister....

You have to admit this is a stylish Canister cupboard..

I would need a lot of sticky labels here.

Those old retro storage canister could be painted with a little decal

attached and voila you have some vases.

Adding colour to your kitchen.

At the moment my canisters would read Decaf, Chocolate MM's and Chico's

I am not a baker but if I were this is a great way of getting your bench space back.

Not only are canisters great for the kitchen but they actually would style up your bathroom and hide

Cotton buds, make up wipes, cotton balls, and an endless supply of bobby pins.

These are candle holders with lidded jars

and lollies, chocolates and chews...

For all and any occasion

Moyama Canister from The Decorating Emporium

To keep the freshness in they have a double lid.

A delightful way to use old canisters to house all those beautiful blooms that are about to take over your garden.

Have a happy Monday.

Just add a Blue Vase

2011-09-14T10:17:00.000+08:00

We have this gorgeous Blue Bulb Vase on Sale today

As you can see I have a mountain of inspiration pics to support the idea that

sometimes all it takes for a pop of colour is a blue vase

and this one really is perfect.

So take advantage Today Only and get this

Blue Bulb Vase which is normally $49.95

for just $32.95

There are only 2 so don't miss out.

The Sale ends Tonight so be quick.

Hydrangeas Inspiration and Sale.

2011-09-12T07:32:00.001+08:00

Hydrangeas 1 bloom wonder make elegant table decor.

I love the simple colour selection and strength that they bring to a Vignette

I think because the blooms are never strictly associated with any 1 season they

are perfect for all seasons and occasions.

Use White Hydrangeas for sophistication and class

Add bright Blooms to help add a pop of colour to your already delicious colour scheme.

So just in case you wanted to add some beautiful blooms and never wanted to let them go we have

these realistic water stems for only $12.95 per bloom.

Have a blooming marvellous day.

Blackboards......Inspiration

2011-09-06T12:49:00.000+08:00

Country Living

I have never been a big fan of Blackboard simply because once you use the blackboard you never quite get that dusty grey wash look back to that nice crisp black you originally painted or bought.

The other problem is I have split personality writing styles....I mix Upper case and Lower case letters and it happens naturally and looks terrible, unless I concentrate and do all upper-case which is neat, but takes me a while.

But.....saying all that, I love the idea of it and the way it works, when it works well.

So you should know by now, when I research I find every image I can possibly find to support my idea.

So here they all are.

Divine.

I think I would keep it on my bed and leave my Hubby messages.

In case you forget your recipe as your going write in front of you.

Write your guests names directly on the table.

Storage Buffet for husbands ;-)

They will never ask again.

In case there is no room left on the table for place names how about adding it to the chairs.

Shades of Blackboard paint make up this stylish Calendar from Martha

Just in case you are in between homes or your backpacking around the Country you can get your friends to leave a message as you move.

Now this blackboard is stunning, I would have to get my creativity on and focus on bringing out my inner artist.

Paint a chair for your kids play room and allow them to get their art on!

So you have changed your decor colours and don't know what to do with your old vases...

Blackboard paint and a cute pattern.

Source for all the above.

I love this image....it has a storey

Creative!

Blackboard Splashback......reminders and things to do now have a home and no one can say they didn't see them.

Your shopping list or in my case during diet week this would say......

"Are you back here again"

Can you guess the year.....

2011-09-03T12:50:00.000+08:00

I thought it would be interesting to see just how much our interiors get recycled.

So much is said about what is classic and timeless and what is "now"

So here is a little game for you, try and guess what year these Magazine covers are from.

I remember last year we were all abuzz about these

Duck egg blue eggs, we still love butterfly's and peonies.

2004

Rustic Veranda, bread baskets and cane chairs.

2009

The titles on the front "Seashore Pleasures" is still one of our fave decor styles.

I love the touches of Chinoiserie and antique with the gorgeous shaped sofa.

1995

Some cover titles will give the year away but this one again is dateless

2009

Not a magazine cover but what you can do with allllll those magazines we keep, store, stack and display.

Its time to build a wall....Love it!

I love the small vintage touch with that table.

A small touch that stands out so beautifully.

2008

Someone grabbed each of these items and made a sole style from them.

That Armchair, the faux fur throw, mix of patterns and that silver coffee table....what a talking piece.

2006

When will the zebra rug ever go out of style....and who knew the position of prints on the wall would be so stylish and timeless. This looks like a cover from 2011

2006

Read the title..."Whats hot now!"

...and we thought eclectic mixing of styles was so new.

2005

We love mixing patterns, we have always loved mixing patterns and when its done right it will last forever or for at least 5 years and beyond

2006

Inky blue/black walls, a great vignette and some sea shell decor....all forever stylish.

2005

This is the fresh new look for Country Style

Can you pick the year.........

March 2011

How did you go? Could you pick the year....Goes to show Classic and Timeless has been around forever.

Did you enter the Big Giveaway?...... WINNER ANNOUNCED

2011-08-31T10:04:00.000+08:00

I just want to say a Huge Thank you to all these people below who in order of entry and amount of entrees were put forward to be chosen for promoting our new Store

We really appreciate your support.

Now to draw the Winner.

Number 12.....Yay!!

That's you

Nellie from McCarthy Designs.

CONGRATULATIONS

Again to everyone else....Thanks again.

Jelly Shane

judydg

I will be in touch very soon to find out which of the 4 items you would like to choose from.

Ciao K

Painting your furniture....Inspiration plus

2011-08-30T08:33:00.000+08:00

I am thinking I need a bit of coloured furniture.

I have been keeping my eye on EBay, Gumtree and the Roadsides...

But so far nothing has taken my fancy or has left me thinking "oh that's perfect"

Given that I am now 5 months pregnant the paint fumes awkward sitting positions and effort of sanding and priming before hand all seem a little hard.

So I am thinking I will make way for a piece when bub has arrived for my project while bub is napping.

Big thoughts I know but seeing as the Inspiration has been building for a while I thought I would share none the less.

A white Oil based paint could look stunning if done correctly.....

I mean can I paint without leaving brushstrokes......umm not sure.

So I decided to get my motivation up I would research how

some before and afters could look if I had the energy to get off the sofa.

I imagine this retro buffet was once a little like this one.

This Buffet houses the white china beautifully, its probably a little too traditional

for me but I can see if I collected or had china I would like to house it somewhere like this.

This is dedication.

I love it. Would I have it....Yes...

Would Husband approve it......No...

So the chances it will end up in my house are Nil but can I live vicariously through one of you.

This is prefinished in Black but as far as inspiration goes....I am loving the black and

on the subject of Husbands, this one, he approves.

To find a piece as ornate as this means having to spend more and if you are spending more and there is a possibility of it being an Antique of some description, could you go through with Painting it with Diamonds of grey...

So the Diamonds will only happen if 1, its free and 2, its not an antique.

I love this pop of colour and its the perfect shade of green.

Before and After

Again with the Black and the correct vignette to finish it off perfectly

No this would never happen in my house but I appreciate the green and the commitment.

I actually really love this piece, I think its glamorous in its native wood but would I love it more if it were Yellow on a dark grey wall...

"Husband do you think you can commit to yellow"?

These pics were saved to my faves quite a while ago and unfortunately I never saved the sources...

If any of them are yours please feel free to let me know and I will credit you.

Tomorrow is the day of the Big Give away draw....have you got your entry in?

THE BIG GIVE-AWAY

2011-08-28T10:03:00.000+08:00

Its super easy to enter.

1) Go to the Decorating Emporium and tell us here in my comments your favourite piece and how you would use it.

2) Add a link to the Decorating Emporium on your Blog or Facebook page and let us know about it in my comments FOR A 2ND ENTRY.

Get your comments in before Wed 31st August
Its as simple as that.
Good Luck and thanks for your support.

Some background info.

You may or may not have heard that Julie-Ann (Decorating Forum) and I have started an Online store

Now for the fun bits.

To help celebrate the opening of the store we decided on a few different give aways to help get the

To Order the Rose Wreath $129

name out there.

You get something for free.

See the picture above, you get to choose 1 of the items we outline.

So what can you choose and how do you enter.

The Links Cushion....(1 only)

Tapered Side Hold Bowl Small (1 only)

White Tapered Vase (not yet available to the Store)

Hanging Phalaenopsis Orchid (2 Only)

Get your comments in your odds are still looking good

Christmas 2011.....Its good to be prepared.

2011-08-26T08:52:00.003+08:00

As I am writing this post it is

121 Days

4 hours

23 minutes

until Christmas......

but who's counting right.

Well we are doing some pre-orders for some gorgeous Christmas decor over here

We have a small selection of what is still available...it amazes me how quickly these items sell out.

If its hot its hot people and this stuff we have our hands on is HOT!

To Order

Set of 3 White Hanging Pine Cones $12.70

What is your theme going to be this year?

It is hard to decided when we don't know what the shops are going to have on offer.

We are helping you out by keeping it Antique, White, Silver and a hint of blue.

To Order the Owl $7.20

We have some other gorgeous birds and hanging ornaments for you over here.

Please pop over and choose your one purchase for Christmas 2012

Don't forget about our really easy giveaway....

Its Trulli Gorgeous

2011-08-25T08:32:00.002+08:00

The term Trulli refers to the plural of Trullo which is the traditional word used to describe the Dry stone hut with the conical roof.

They were constructed as temporary field shelters and storehouses or permanent dwellings by agricultural proprietors or laborers.

A Copenhagen couple restored this gorgeous Apulian Roundhouse as their Summer Getaway.

This is the most inspiring and individual Summer House...It really takes you away.

These Huts were started with 1 room and as the family would grow they would simply build another hut next door and knock out a door...

A medieval Trulli or traditional Apulian round stone dwelling with a conical roof. Built of limestone without mortar or cement, they consist of a single room and could not be demolished but only restored.

So much beauty

For the full storey Click on The source button.

Don't forget our competition....The odds are in your favour.;-)

Which Prize would you choose.

2011-08-23T13:03:00.000+08:00

1) Go over here and then come back and tell us your favourite piece and how you would use it.

2) Add a link to the Decorating Emporium or this post on your Blog or Facebook page and let us know about it in my comments.

Get your comments in before Wed 31st August
Its as simple as that.
Good Luck and thanks for your support.

What you can win!
Either

1 of these

This vase

Or 2 of these single stem Orchids

Thursdays a few of my favourite things revisited.

2011-08-11T07:19:00.000+08:00

This weeks edition of Thursdays a few of my favourite things...

Some of these images are just my favourites for their colour palette and others are for the style and

the above pic is because I love simple subtle ideas that make small wows in a room.

Did you catch the diamond patterned paint squares on the painted white timber floor above....subtle but so stylish.

OK there are way too many things to list that are just fabulous about this image but here goes

Rustic table and metal decor.....mixing textures and Elements you should know by now is my absolute favourite thing.....and who can't say know to fresh fruit and flowers on a table no matter what the setting

Both the above images are from here

Maybe a new way of displaying your fruit is with your very own labelled baskets. I love a textured way of showing fruit. From here

So did you ever wonder how to mix contemporary style with a rustic feel and make it feel oh so simple and effortless.

This is pure luxury, a pool in your living room.......What do you do with the splash?

and why does it look green?

This is just a purely stunning image of Asian pottery in a shop window and the beauty of overcrowding a window display through necessity but with the colour palette and style of each piece it doesn't matter, you can see about this image here

Mr3 has just found out he can hang spoons from his nose, just like his dad.

I am so proud! ;-)

Lastly I am looking for some milk bottle vases....I think they are so cute and great for adding different heights and shapes to your vignette and you don't have to cut your flowers at the base of the stem....

Too cute.

So has anyone seen where I can buy them?

20% off.... Who doesn't love a discount on homewares

2011-08-10T11:06:00.000+08:00

The cutest little collage of items from the Decorating Emporium

To celebrate our opening at the Decorating Emporium we want to offer Blog friends and family 20% off everything in the store.

That includes you...

All you need to do is to register for the Free Special Occasion Reminder Service and you will receive an email with a code to receive 20% Off anything in the store for the next week.

Industrial Interiors How to.....

2011-08-09T15:04:00.000+08:00

Guilherme Torres

Industrial Interior Design really started as a way of integrating the surroundings of mostly loft spaces that were previously used as, well Industrial premises.

Making this style work, now means adding a budget to the decor we use, to reflect the times.

So what Elements make up Industrial interiors

1. Unfinished walls

2. Steel furniture softened with Upholstery

3.Ceiling beams and Pillars add the apartment feel which was the start of this look.

4. Consider UP cycling old metal or wooden items to create tables or storage.

5.Depending on the feel you are trying to achieve you will need to consider Timber, stone or cork for a heavier Industrial feel.

With all these things in mind you will also have to consider how drab the finishes of the hard items can look so an injection of colour through plants, cushions, artwork and rugs is a must.

Have I helped you feel a connection to your industrial side.

For me its adding rustic steel and timber to an already Eclectic room..and you can always cross your design themes....Modern Industrial is the most common but I get a feeling Hampton's Industrial will be on its way also.

The Store is Open

2011-08-08T07:45:00.000+08:00

You may have read previously that I have been busy getting an Online Homewares store up and running with the lovely Julie-Ann from the Decorating forum.

Well the

is open for business.

I thought I would share with you some of our favourite pieces in the store and let you know about some of the features.

Here

We only have 1 of these as they are handmade so you will need to be quick, but alas we will be ordering more you just need to place your order

This is my personal fave....The pear lolly jar.....I love keeping my lollies hidden from 3 year old watchful eyes...He has no idea that it opens.

The cutest door stop or add a few to an entrance table.

Yes a tea light can sit in the glass area....gorgeous on your dinner table instead of actual candle holders.

We found this little Posy or Roses and Peony's was so life like and full, you could use it as 1 bunch or separate it into a selection of little vases for dots of colour.

We also have a special occasions reminder service that you can store all your "need to remember dates" and we will send you an email a couple of weeks before to make sure you don't forget or we can help you organise a gift.

This is just a few items and we have many more.....

Please head over and check it out and let me know what you love the most.

Splashback, Backsplash, Inspiration anyway you say it.

2011-08-01T08:30:00.001+08:00

If you want to use the splashback in your kitchen as a piece of art and a design statement, maybe its time to think about wallpaper.

Start by looking for a bold, graphic print or a more subtle design, depending on how adventurous you think you can be in your kitchen, and apply it to the wall above the stove and the sink. Once the wallpaper has set, attach clear glass to the area so that the design shows through. Obviously a specifically designed glass that suits the heat behind your stove top.

This way you can tailor your splashback to suit your individual taste.

I wish I stayed in my homes long enough so I am not always considering the tastes of others for the perfect sale, but maybe one day we will finally build our forever home (those who know us please stop laughing) and you will find a wallpapered splash back coming from my camera.

Image

image

Image

I hope the inspiration was tempting....maybe you would or have considered this option...please let me know and I would love to feature it here on my blog.....

Letters to the Decorator

2011-07-29T16:36:00.000+08:00

Letters have still stood the test of design times and we are still seeing them around...

Personally I thought it may have left us last year but its still here and its still coming..

So what if I like it but I don't have any idea what "word" or "letters" I want to use.

Well I have found some alternative ways to use letters without having to use words.

At 1st I thought Ouidje Board but it grows on me aeach time I look at it.

Love it!.....can you imagine trying to decide which letter goes where 1st.

Slightly safer but still very cool.

A steady hand will get you a great look like this but this is wallpaper so the hard work is done.

Just don't lean on the wall for too long you may get a "p" in your back.

Ok so I said I didn't want to choose any words but I thought this was cute.

Can't decide on a word just grab the biggest letter you can find and voila

More wallpaper

A divine backdrop.

Have a word filled weekend.

Paint Colour Inspiration

2011-07-28T07:52:00.001+08:00

I thought I would help with some seriously hard decisions.

We all know choosing paint can be one of the most time consuming and anxiety filled final decisions

With so many people using so many different brands its hard to pin point which colour is from where and what shade did they use. As I always use Dulux colours simply because I have a fan deck and great support from my local store, I have focused on their colour chart.

I have also included some great exterior render colours that are being used and their combinations.

Dulux White Duck and Dulux Whisper White Trim

Image

Dulux Whisper White Walls

Dulux White Swan

Feature wall is Dulux Namadji

Dulux Wild Clary

Dulux Antique White USA

Dulux Hog Bristle in the foreground on the Pillar and dividing wall.

Dulux Antique White USA

Dulux Natural White

Colours that I use

and that are part of the Top 10 Dulux Neutral/White colours.

1 HOG BRISTLE

2. DULUX ANTIQUE WHITE U.S.A.

3. DULUX VIVID WHITE

4. DULUX NATURAL WHITE

5. DULUX FAIR BIANCA

6. DULUX LEXICON

7. DULUX WHISPER WHITE

8. DULUX STOWE WHITE

9. DULUX ECRU

10. DULUX SANDY DAY

Some exterior colour options.

Dulux Malard Grey

Dulux Winnow with Dulux Stepney as a feature.

Dulux Anchovy and Dulux White Watsonia

Dulux Paperbark

Dulux Limed White for the main house.

Dulux Soft Dove for the letterbox wall

and Nile Clay for the portico

Exterior Images all came from Here

My personal fave (not to mention my old house) is Warm Neutral with feature of Ploughed Earth on the planter box

All the updates in 1 post

2011-07-26T08:16:00.000+08:00

I hope you haven't forgotten me....and for my regular readers I am sorry.

I have had a lot going on and nothing, all at the same time.

Doesn't make sense but it will in a minute.

I can't wait to visit everyones blogs and see how you all are but I had to concentrate on me for a while.

You see I am currently 3 months along with baby number 2.

I have been really excited about baby but this time around morning sickness grabbed me in a big way.

My Mr3 didn't give me any symptons at all through my pregnancy and you wouldn't have known I was even pregnant for the 1st 5 months.

But this one has let me know its all going on from day dot.

Amyway I starting to have more good days than sick days and the motivation is returning.

So here I am.

We have moved into our new home and have started straight away on the renovations.....

we have taken Mr 3 s bedroom from this

This is the sale photo from when we purchased the home.

and now for the big reveal.

We found some amazing laminate flooring and Husbands old sign-writing skills came in handy when he painted these stripes freehand...

We are currently attacking the front yard and the ~~spare~~ nursery room

So that will be the next big project for the Elements clan.

Ok the other big thing will be the Online Homewares Store I am opening with the lovely Julie-Ann from the Decorating forum.

If you are not a member that's no problem as you can still shop at the Store.

But by being a member you will be the 1st to know about the launch and any specials or offers.

We will be providing lots of unique products and services that you will be sure to be impressed by.

Take care and chat soon.

Update....I am so sorry I have been MIA.......it won't be long.

2011-05-07T13:41:00.000+08:00

It has been one very slow step at a time for me of late.

Yes the house is Under Offer but we are still waiting for it to be unconditional and my knee surgery has kept me being very slowly flat out.....if there is such a thing.

I have also been trying to not be to organised in my decisions to decorate and refurnish the new place as soon as we move in.

I need to remain Neutral until the finance is approved.

In the mean time some very exciting projects that will be launched very soon and although I mentioned something in the winds previously this one is a variation but still an exciting project nonetheless.

Lets just say I might have to visit some of the Melbourne trade fairs in the next few months.

For now I am doing sporadic updates but soon you are going to be begging me to stop posting lots of wonderful news and ideas.

I promise.

On the bench......

2011-04-19T08:24:00.000+08:00

Decor pad

So a little update with this post..........
without jinxing ourselves we are Under Offer
but its not unconditional yet. What does this mean......
Well the house we are purchasing is going to need some personal touches.

1 of these touches is a built in dining area in the kitchen meals area.
We went over all the scenarios but all the free standing furniture just wasn't going to work just right.
So research has found me a little excited about the prospect.

An outdoor eclectic feel.

I don't love the plants but this is probably outside and is perfect for that space.

For me there will be no plants.

But those steel outdoor chairs are awesome.

Houzz

A little attachment as the side of the kitchen.

Actually quite like this but hubby can't get his head around it. The style I mean.

I think I could start planting the seed now though and soon it will be his idea and he will love it.

Isn't that what we all do....

How about a purpose built bench seat. Gorgeous

This is probably more our style.

A big timber table running in front of a simple style bench and a touch of classic and modern.

There are elements I love.

again just some of the Elements are perfect.

simple bench dining design.

This is how I remeber bench seating as I was growing up very structured

not to much padding and it doesn't look overly comfy.

BUt who wants confort at breakfast.

Getting closer, the storage underneath is a highlight and the casual style is perfect.

This kitchen is one of my faves in terms of design.

Actaully the colour and eclectic mix of classic modern elements all works in harmony.

Loves to this space.

So do you have any bench seating.

Easter decor ideas.......

2011-04-05T08:51:00.000+08:00

Its nearly Easter and I for one am looking forward to a few days off with my family.

I am still getting over my knee surgery so having Husband home for a few days is always wonderful to have him on 3 year old duty and I can get in a little more rest.....

The house is still on the market its only been 3 weeks but obviously we are still enjoying living and decorating it so I thought I would get in the spirit of the upcoming Easter break with a few decor ideas.

Those table Christmas trees that we generally put away could get a second run with some gorgeous eggs hanging from the branches

beautiful afternoon tea table setting. Its so pretty and feminine

Just the use of egg cups if you just want a hint of Easter without buying too much.

gorgeous little decorative eggs in a vase

The art of dying your eggs is still a great Easter tradition.

maybe just some letters at your front door

you could pop some bunnies in some pretend broken shells

ha ha I can't imagine this would stay looking this cute for too long and bunnies don't belong in shells anyway.

Gorgeous.

Have fun planning some Easter decor.

FOR SALE

2011-03-16T09:45:00.001+08:00

So I mentioned a week ago that there has been a lot going on in Elements World.

Well here is the scoop.

We have decided to put the house up for Sale and move while we search for the final (don't laugh) build.

We new this wasn't going to be the last but we did think we would stay here a little longer than 8 months.

While all of this was going on I also had an audition for TOP DESIGN.

OMG

I don't think I am in as I would have heard by now and regardless I am booked in for knee surgery next week.

OMG

So house is up for sale, knee surgery, audition, work coming out of my ears and an offer to work for a boutique building company.

OMG

All I need is a new car and husband and I will have changed my life completely.

So we will be focusing on keeping everything clean and tidy and making sure there are not to many 3 year old toys left around.

If you are Perth bound or living here and interested in purchasing this gorgeous home we created then you can click here and get all the info you need.

KITCHENS.....HINTS AND TIPS

2011-02-28T08:18:00.000+08:00

Hi all, sorry for the absence but I think I am finally back on track.

I will explain over the next couple of weeks but its been very hectic around Elements way.

I thought I would start the week with some great tips for planning your new kitchen reno or new home build.

Its something I think everyone can benefit from.

Its something that I am focusing on in my new business and its a great list for everyone to hold onto.

Kitchen Design Planning

The planning of your kitchen is very important when building it is probably one of if not the most important room of the house. Its the hub where everyone congregates and share the days events and planning for the day ahead.

With this in mind here are some tips and tricks when planning your Kitchen.

Items to consider in the immediate planning

Appliances/ Cook tops/ Ovens/ Steamers/ Coffee machines/Range hood

Functionality verses Looks

Fridge

Butlers Pantry/ Scullery

Waste areas

Bench top material/ waterfall ends and thicknesses and seating

Study/phone/laptop areas.

Power points

Lighting

Finishes

How to decide on how many drawers and cupboards

Write down a list of items you may already or want to house in your kitchen and next to each heading consider how many drawers or cupboards you currently have to house these items and in another column write down how many you would ultimately love to have.

Cutlery

Cleaning/Tea towels

Pots and Pans

Crockery

Plastics

Utensils

Glasses

Mugs

Toaster

Kettle/ Coffee maker

Platters and Bowls

Vases

Wine glasses/ Goblets/ Coolers and openers

BBQ items/

Outdoor entertaining

Placements/ Tablecloths/

Spices/sauces

Knives

Bins and strainers

Cooking bowls/measuring cups/sieves

Appliances/Rice makers/ Food processors/ Mixers/ Sandwiches press

Food and Wine

This is a long list but believe me, the more you consider now the less work you have to do when you move in.

Also consider some standard building items.

Cabinets are generally:

Kitchen top 910mm high x 600 (breakfast bench 900 for seating)

Kick board 110mm high

Space between bench and breakfast bar minimum 900

Gap between bench top and O/H cupboards:

Electric cook top 600mm min

Gas cook top 730-750mm min

All these items need to be discussed with your cabinet maker or builder and are guides only.

If Kitchen consultation for a new home or renovation is something you are looking for please feel free to email or call me.

With this service I can provide you with a preliminary kitchen layout based on your plans including a sample board with the option of making 2 further changes for a fee of $360. (these are not working drawings). This process usually takes 2 weeks with the changes being made

weekly.

Standing the test of time.

2011-02-16T09:53:00.000+08:00

Is Danish furniture really Retro or is it just fantastic style that has been so well built and designed we have no choice but to start appreciating it for more than yesterdays trash.

I am truly embracing the up cycling and eclecticism that comes with this style.

More and more when I look around for furniture that I can re use I am finding this style to be more readily available at great prices. But in fantastic condition is that just a coincidence or has it been built to last the test of time and fashion.

Is my mind being flooded and don't realise it really isn't a style I should follow or is it really here to stay.....and how to I mix it back with my Chinoiserie, worldly, contemporary style I am currently working with.

Well if I listen to my own posts I will realise its part of the eclectic style to mix back items from different eras with a theme. So maybe its just how I dress the furniture rather than what furniture I use.

Obviously this conversation was purely in my head but now that you got to share, how about I show you what I am rabbiting on about.;)

Is it just me or this really ultra cool

Note the dining chairs mixed back with great modern surrounding features.

source

It may just be one piece that makes the room that little bit more Danish.

I am not saying to furnish your whole room.

......but just 2 chairs in the room will make a beautiful added piece of personality.

You could paint the piece to suit because the pieces are built so beautifully

you may not want to miss out on stunning style.

Source
I would have added a big bunch of fresh flowers on the table but that light and sideboard is the hero.

Spot the retro furniture that can look so stylish.

If you have fallen in love like I have you can find some amazing inspiration here.

Fridays Plug In

2011-02-11T08:22:00.000+08:00

Hello my lovely Bloggy friends I have been a little absent the last couple of weeks.....quietly busy with work.....while that is wonderful and essential;) it means I have missed and neglected Blog land.

I have been wanting to do this for a little while but its finally here.

I thought I might help new blogs on Fridays.

If I stumble across a blog or you request a plug I am happy to do so.

If there is something you want to promote on your blog or I stumble across something I think is worthy of a big blog plug I will also do so on Fridays......

OK so formalities out the way.

Here is the 1st Blog to Watch

THE HOUSE

Jodie has one of the happiest personalities I have come across and appears to take life seriously when needed but overall a simple happy family is what I see looking in.

Her current house is The Sugarcube

Gorgeous and worthy of a Great Design award

Look at those floors aren't they divine

Stunning bathroom.

Her new project was luckily fairly untouched by the recent QLD floods....

But it will definitely be a project to watch she and her Hubby have a great eye for building and interior design.

I recently sent her a stylish blog award so if you pop over now you will get to know her a little better.

Now for the plug.

If you are not already aware this gorgeous blog

Compai

has a fantastic competition which has a fabulous prize.

All you have to do is follow the link on my sidebar and it will take you to the competition details.

Put together a few items and take a photo and upload to their flickr account.

Its that easy and gets your creative juices flowing.

This month we have to put together a Vignette of Reading material, Tea or Coffee cup, Blanket, Fruit and some socks.

Cute hey.

Have a great Friday

Thursdays a few of my favourite Round Things

2011-02-10T07:29:00.000+08:00

I am loving this very easy and affordable art.

I have a new client and the brief is to add some personality and colour to the home.

Believe me the home is gorgeous......Old character home with a great modern extension that still has some great warmth from lots of timber framed windows.

In saying that they have polished concrete floors mixed back with old timber floorboards so the challenge was to mix in a retro/modern/beach inspired home wares with a bit of wow that combines the two eras of the home.

My first instinct was to add something organically round for interest and flow from the small round pebbles that are obvious in the polished concrete floors.

Here is the mix of items I discovered during my research.

Grab a coffee is a long list.

Some images for inspiration. When you start really looking, you realise there is round in the more than the lounge and wall art.

Round Rug and Lounge

Round Rug and Coffee Table

Round Mirror

Round Clock Window

Round Fireplace

Round Feature Windows

Round Pendant light

Round Table Base

Round Table and Pendant Light

Round Table with Round clock

Round Beds

Round Rugs

Of course my favourite are the round cushions.

Thursdays a few of my favourite divides

2011-02-03T16:00:00.000+08:00

I have a client at the moment with a really large dividing wall that separates her entrance from the rest of her home. Of course we could paint it or add wallpaper but I really want to help her in a different direction. Something that will wow people as they walk in or simply make a statement in the home.

I thought I would share some of my fabulous inspiration images.

A mixture of stone and paint with cutouts.

Laminated wall with a pull out bookcase built in.

Metal work sculpture design

Marble of Granite

Laminate panelling

Metal laser work inserts

Timber slat inserts with etched glass panel

Stone cladding

Metal laser cut panels

Felt cut panels

Timber slat divider

Which of these would you consider if it were your home.

Something different or would you stick to a simple wall divide.

MY HOME with AMAC+WISE

2011-02-01T08:18:00.000+08:00

I know I have showcased my home before but that was with my photos.

Now I have to share how wonderfully lucky we are to be able to get a good friend of ours to take some awesome photos of our home for a newspaper article.

We mentioned that we needed some images of our exterior now that it was finished.

I never dreamed it could look soooo good.

Sorry if I am sounding a bit cocky, but I really think a professional photographer can see your home through an amazing light.

I have fallen back in love with my Bamboo floors.

We often take photos around our home and post them and I feel my Canon SLR takes amazing shots but

once you get a wide angle lens and a trained professional behind the camera

Yes that's right he won Photographer of the year.

He is one awesome photographer and we are lucky enough to have him here in The West.

So if you are looking for a

Wedding, Family, Commercial or Corporate photographer with an eye for the naturally amazing

you could look no further than AMAC+WISE

My magnolia tree is going gang buster since we replaced all the soil. It was a big job but the gorgeous girl has given a flower every week since.

We actually love that one timber panel on our steps that is a slightly different colour.

It would have done our heads in once upon a time but now all these little imperfections make it real and that's what the element of timber provides a natural reality.

Eclectic Elements

2011-01-31T07:44:00.000+08:00

Eclectic Design and the tips to achieve have been eluding me for a while so I have decided for me to be able to achieve confidently this look for any clients that I need to understand them.

Starting with this sentence

"The goal is a controlled contrast of diverse elements."

Right!!

Apparently to truly achieve this look, you need to consider the time periods and start blending furnishings from different style and times.

There should be a mix of featured pieces but they all should hold some commonality

Most of all this should not be a room with random items just thrown together, there should be an appearance of deliberate and a shared idea should create flow

Well of course!!

The themed styles can be related by colour, texture, pattern, scale, shape or finish.

As a rule of thumb Neutral colours(white,cream,grey,black,brown,taupe and putty) are extremely important for both the backdrop of a room and also for large scale pieces to be stabilisers.

Addi9ng to this with contrasting colours then becomes extremely important

I think its making alot more sense now

Rounding Up

Some key elements to keep in mind when creating an eclectic style

Neutral background colour pallets and larger pieces

Antiques used in moderation

Contrast in colours or finishes

One of a kind items

Worn aged surfaces mixed with refined surfaces

Rough fabrics mixed with elegant textiles

Collections and sets of similar pieces

Global pieces from around the world

Traditional and modern elements together

I am thinking that the best way to decorate eclectically is to consider the

words of that great Paula Abdul song

"Opposites Attract"

with commonality

7 Things About Me.

2011-01-28T14:23:00.004+08:00

I am very excited.

My first Stylish Blogger award comes from not 1 but 2 of my favourite Bloggy friends

Martha from Jelly Shane

and Trish from A dream house for Trish

To follow in the tradition of these awards I am to share 7 facts about me and the pass the award on to my fellow bloggy friends with links back to the ones who gave the award to me.

Here goes, some things you will be interested to know but will not retain

1. I just chopped all my hair off. It was really long and I had enough of it all over everything.

I am still getting used to the new do and try and get up early enough to actually straighten it and wear it out. I wish I loved the girly upkeep thing more, its so much easier putting it up in a pony.

Shameless laptop photo that I have never used. I may take it down later. Its very confronting.

2. I went to 7 different schools when I was young because we moved so often. I have learnt to meet new people easily.

No I am not in the witness protection program, nor am I a gypsy and we are not in the army.

This used to make me sing and dance like I was in High school Musical

3. My Nanna was Italian but her family changed their last names and stopped speaking the language when they moved to Australia so they could get work and "fit in".

4. I was a state gymnast but retired when I was 14(I felt so old at the time) due to my body not coping.

I had a knee reconstruction at the age of 22 and 10 years later I am about to get the other one done.

Ok maybe not 10 years later but a lady never reveals her true age.

5. I quite often have dreams that come true.....they are possibly coincidental but my friends get a little freaked out when I tell them something that happens to them and they haven't discussed it with anyone.

No I haven't dreamt the lotto numbers, but I will be sure to tell all of you when I do dream them so we can all share the joy.

6. I don't eat seafood or drink wine.

I wish I did it seems so refined.

7. I love anything to do with decorating and design. I wish I could have found my calling straight out of school. But life lead me in different directions and I didn't find my decor love until I was 25.

I am surely making up for it now.

Now to pass on this award to some other stylish bloggy friends that I have discovered.

I love these blogs for lots of different reasons but most of all because they simply inspire my design sensibilities

Lisa from Natural Modern Interiors

Jodie from The House

Leigha Oaks from elle oh

Sherry Hart from design indulgence

Take care of yourselves.

I am about to start batting down the hatches as a cyclone is heading our way.

This is one Crazy Summer we are having folks.

Thursdays a few of my favourite Things

2011-01-27T08:09:00.000+08:00

Thursdays a few of my favourite things.

I stumbled across this picture and absolutely fell in love with all of it.

The print of the open book is amazing and the length of the table just all works.

It appeals to my Rustic/Classic/Asian sensibilities

Daybeds I am still in love with....I still long for my own but just do not have the right space for one.....and Hubby just won't listen to me when I suggest selling our newly built house just to build a new one that will house a day bed.

The colours here and that little green table are perfectly balanced.

The Wedding/Valentines Bus scroll type print.

How cool would this be as a gift for a couple about their wedding day.

For all those Husbands/ Male Better halves that read this blog, this is the sort of thing you can buy your Wives/Female Better halves for Valentines Day.

Now there is no excuse for not knowing what to buy or coming up with the line "shes so hard to buy for"

because this is guaranteed to get you a back massage in return.

Lamps......I am in love with lamps at the moment. Great shapes with interesting shades.

Personalising them is my new hobby.

I have to say, for me Browns will never go completely out I will always love my brown rug and brown wall....I just love mixing them back with greys, greens, black and white.

This is the perfect way to keep your browns and add grey to your walls and a hint of yellow for being on trend.

Eclectic, boy do I wish I could put together an Eclectic room this stylish.

Who said you can't mix timbers and patterns.

You just have to find the right inspiration pictures to help you get the mix right.

Thursdays are always a day to host my favourite things.

Ladder Ladder on the wall......

2011-01-25T08:53:00.000+08:00

If you are a regular reader of my blog you know I am becoming a little thrifty in my latest decor adventures.

Its also a great way to learn new tricks and crafty ways of using everyday items for design.

We are due for a council pick up in our area and for those who don't know what this means, basically you get to put out on your verge all your trashy large items.

This could be fridges, pots, furniture.......basically household items that you wouldn't put in your trash can/rubbish bin.

Well we found a large old wooden ladder......its already grey in colour which is perfect. But perfect for what.

As I sent husband for a walk around the block to see if the ladder was still there he did ask are you sure you know what you are going to use it for.

Absolutely.......................I will work it out when you get it back here..................Still looking for inspiration.

The other problem is I already have 2 decorative indoor ladders.

One is used for housing magazines and the other used to sit inside my large pot with flowers all around it.

But that has gone to a new home and now my narrow ladder keeps getting moved around the house.

So what will I use this new aged grey ladder for. Well its very chunky and much bigger.

So I am thinking these images are the start of some interesting ideas to come.

Book shelf

Hanging something from somewhere.

In my Laundry, where I can't reach the top shelves.

Add some blackboards, cork boards covered in fabric and some quotes of the week.

Use it for adding some pictures and decorative items for personality

In our last renovation I decorated the front entrance with my magazine ladder.

Have you got any other images or ideas I haven't thought of or have here.

Please let me know.

You light up my life.

2011-01-24T04:15:00.000+08:00

I bought these Lamps for $20 off gumtree.
Popped into the local thrift store and found a pewter jug and a small ginger pot for $3.
Thinking, thinking, thinking what to do with my finds.

Tada!!!!

I painted the lamp base and recovered the shade and much to my amazement they look awesome and Hubby really likes them.
This is amazing as his 1st response was "really they are going to be our bedside lamps"?
and I was all like "you know I am going to paint and redecorate them" and he was all like "yeah well I hope they turn out" and I was like.............Sorry I just regressed into 16 year old me telling my Mum to relax about her lamps looking different when she got home from work about 5 years ago.
Ha ha, 5 years.....
Wow, what a tangent.
Right, back to the lamps.

Now I am just finishing off my 2nd lamp and then they will relocate to my bedsides as part of my Master Bedroom upgrade.
I will be back to show you some more thrifty purchasing.

So it started with Champagne

2011-01-21T12:08:00.000+08:00

I started this post researching furniture in Champagne colourings and look where I ended up.

Wonderfully sidetracked.

Seeing as I can easily digress when anything pretty or decorative is involved you may notice there is only 1 piece of champagne furniture and everything else is laser-cut or brocade style decor.

Seeing as I arrived here and couldn't leave I thought I would share it with all of you.

You may find a little inspiration for your weekend ahead also.

This picture when you look carefully is a little off. It is one of those marketing ploys that makes you ask more questions than the picture can answer.

I love it I am intrigued....and I want to know how that lamp is balancing on the chair.

What do you think the story is?

A simple takeaway coffee cup can look so decorative on these shelves.

Um.............gorgeous

Bed head is a little Champagne but for me one has to go.

If this bed could talk

"Its the me or the wallpaper"

This rug is the perfect runner for under my stools at the breakfast bench.