Nightly Musings...

photo: Square America.com

I love evenings. I always have. I love the process of readying my home for the evening - closing blinds, turning down my children's beds (which, yes, I still do!), putting that last load of clothes in the dryer, and pouring myself a cup of tea...my version of a nightcap. I also enjoy turning on the "night lights" scattered throughout my home - the star light that hangs in my foyer and subtly illuminates through the window of my porch, the simple candle lights in my living room window, and Sophie's chandelier, that hangs above her window seat in her bedroom. I love the coziness of such lighting, and resent bright lights intruding upon the relaxation which I so covet by the end of each day.

The only thing I will miss about the winter and its shorter, colder evenings is the way it draws our family together by default. We gather in front of the fire - the boys stretched out before it like cats - watch a bit of television and wind down as a unit...coming together after a busy day spent juggling our collective pursuits and responsibilities. The summer, in comparison, sees us scatter after dinner, and we have to drag the kids inside and ourselves away from outside jobs. The days are longer in every way, and you can always find me watering flowers, tidying up the yard, winding up hoses, basically all of the things that my kids should also be doing. It seems that they take the carefree days of summer literally and tidying the exterior is not high on their list of priorities. I am the family "crazy lady" who needs to relax and let sleeping bikes lie. Guilty as charged...

Hectic evenings or not, I am so looking forward to flopping onto my porch swing, glass of wine in hand (to replace my cup of tea!), and watching my kids squeeze every last minute of daylight from a summer's day. Flickering lanterns and dancing flames from our copper fire bowl become my new nightlights, and gazing at the stars replaces our favourite television shows...because we all know there is no good t.v. in the summertime.

And so I am ready...ready for a new kind of nightlife. Bring it on!

Harmonious Design for Everyday Living

This book is an interior decorating bible...a really wonderful resource. I refer to it often to both align & extend my thoughts & ideas, & am constantly inspired...

"Creative planning helps a room achieve its greatest potential."

"For those who love strong colour and want to introduce in into their home, harmony lies in selecting a bold colour and layering it with confidence."

"The best kitchens are efficient home bases for cooking, relaxing and entertaining. Make yours a joy to come home to and a pleasure to work in."

"I love sharing food with family and friends. I want everyone to feel at home in my dining room, free to talk and laugh for hours around my table."

"Sharing objects and memories that are important to you is the most natural expression of your style."

"Decorating is not about imitating a style. It's about expressing your own."

"When a guest slips off her shoes and curls up on your sofa like a contented cat, take it as a compliment. You've served up the greatest luxury: True comfort."

Easterly Winds Blowing Through...

After the stop/start of our spring this year, I have been less than inspired to decorate for spring this year. While the softer colours throughout my home supports the pastels of Easter, I have found myself to be quite resistant to bringing out my decorations when snow still carpets the landscape around me. In fact, it feels a bit silly to think flowers and chicks when nothing is there to support their survival...

Enter my eight year old daughter. She cares not about my seasonal reservations; in fact, she fairly insists on scattering eggs and displaying bunnies throughout the corners of our home. Who am I to argue? So, on Friday I half-heartedly decorated for Easter, and I must admit - a little Easter goes a long way to inspire feelings of spring. Now, let's hope it is enough good karma to keep the persistent snow at bay...!!!

What about you? Do you decorate for Easter??

A Winner!!

It turns out a whole lot of you love a good chandelier! Without further adieu (because it is a seriously beautiful day here and I'm going out in it!).............. the winner of the chandelier decal is......Gina, from An Unpink Life.

Don't forget: if anyone else wants a chandelier decal, check out Wilson Graphics and treat yourself to one!!

Hope everyone's having a great weekend!!!!

The Colours of Egypt

Recently my sister travelled to Egypt. I haven't been there, but after seeing the spectacular sights that she captured in her many images, I'm totally inspired! She was overcome by the sheer scale & of what was created thousands of years ago, and how so much of its history remains standing, there for all the visitors to experience. These photos are a few of my favourites, for their scale, colour, detail & the way that natural light captures such a beautiful atmosphere...awe inspiring don't you think??

If you would like to read more about her travel to Egypt & see more beautiful photos, subsribe to the latest "Renaissance Magazine" at www.bossgroup.com.au/magazine

Ian Mankin Natural Fabrics

For those of us who love contemporary, relaxed & versatile fabrics for home, Ian Mankin offers contemporary inspiration in his collections of natural fibre linens & cottons. Offering a relaxed yet classic aesthetic for any living space or room, the ranges include nordic, vintage & regatta stripes, classic colours in ticking, both bold & subtle checks, plus a kaleidescope palette if your wanting something in a herrringbone, jacquard or plain twill.

For many years, I have dressed my own homes & clients interiors with Ian Mankin classics. Regardless of whether decorating outdoor furniture, living room sofas, chairs, window treatments, cushions or ottomans, Ian Mankin's collections always work so effortlessly, never date, & in the true sense of the word offer classic, timeless appeal.

Their website is a fabulous, their staff just wonderful, & at a moment's notice will send you whatever you need for that next interior project. Of course, next time you're in London, pop into either their Fulham or Primrose Hill shops, so welcoming, just divine! Nothing is too much trouble, & it's easy to understand why Ian Mankin is such a success story.

http://www.ianmankin.com/

A Georgeous Event To Remember

"Georgeous, Simply Georgeous Occasions" is a fabulously dynamic, innovative, vital & totally professional Melbourne based event management company, owned & operated by the equally fabulous & dynamic Georgie Kay. I first met Georgie a couple of years ago through the exciting Magnolia Square Homewares Market. Her unwavering commitment & dedication to her work is evident in every project. When you talk with her, her exitement and energy for everything she does is almost tangible, whether she's organising an intimate dinner party, or project managing a major event on the Melbourne social calendar.

"When we plan an event, we consider every element, thinking about what it feels like to be a guest throughout the event. We like to inject small surprises and twists that keep our events interesting and captivating. We also focus on hospitality and spend time sourcing only the highest level of suppliers to work with. At Georgeous we make communication with our clients our highest priority in coordinating your special occasion."

Georgie Kay & her team stamp every event with a unique, creative & totally personal touch reflecting the client's requirements, plus so much more. This is a company that is not only professional, but has fun in the process of creating very special events resulting in very happy clients. Enough reason to start organising something 'gorgeous' now? Absolutely!!

http://www.georgeous.com.au/

ph: (03) 9534 5603

Chandelier Anyone?

It sure has been a long time since my last give-away...

Because I have the BEST readers and blogging friends EVER, I figured it was about time I did another. Remember the post I did about Wilson Graphics? Well, they sent me a chandelier decal which I am offering as a give-away prize. You know the rules: leave a comment to enter, and for a second entry, mention this give-away on your blog. It's that easy.

Who doesn't love a chandelier??

How 'bout a round of applause?

If you haven't visited the Moggit girls before, you are seriously missing out. I woke up on the grumpy side of the bed, but I'm grumpy no more! Check out this insanely funny series of posts, entitled, Diva Speak, and be prepared to laugh, chuckle, hoot, whoop, snort, guffaw, and giggle in delight, agreement, and disbelief. And while you're there, check out the rest of their site. Puts the decorating world in a great perspective, in my opinion...I just hope I never see my home on there!!

Very Entertaining.

Go on and take a bow, ladies...

From spring to snow...

When life hands you snow...

...make snow cones!!!!!!!

Made with (ahem) all natural, freshly-fallen snow. And yes, I have been known to eat a little snow myself.

Because I'm wild like that...

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I guess that's what I get for ushering in spring too heartily!

Sea of White...

White, cream, vanilla, bone, custard...layering shades of white in a space can be one of the most difficult things to get right. I should know. I am in the process of a kitchen project that has evolved into a bit of a "white room". Possessing a tiny footprint, I want the room to feel as though the walls are easing back to make more space for all that needs to fill it. I initially thought I wanted a soft butter shade one the wall, but decided I had painted enough yellow kitchens in my lifetime; so I settled instead on a shade called Slipcover (from the Canadian Home and Country series, made by Beauti-Tone paint, a Canadian company). It still has a hint of yellow making its presence known, but I think I'm okay with that.

The issue I am having with the Slipcover shade, is whether or not it is a non-colour. Non-colours (my word for them) are different than neutrals. Neutral shades are like the quietly supportive spouse of their flashier partners. They look good, but take nothing away from the other components of the room. They complement, rather than distract. Non-colours, on the other hand, add nothing - and are potentially boring, while draining valuable energy from a room. I am still undecided if I have saddled myself with such a colour...

The kitchen cabinets are also a shade of white called Nearly White (same company), which offers up a hint of warmth and is a great alternative to painting cabinetry a bright white. The appliances are also white, and I have selected a faux tin backsplash that is also in a bright, creamy shade of, you guessed it, white. The counter-top has not yet been selected, but it will definitely have to work well in this sea of white. The floors will be offer a nice balance, as they will be a dark wood laminate. Accessories will be how I will introduce some fun and colour, but this experiment with white and all its shades, is turning out to be both a fun and hand-wringing experience. Luckily, the client is me (but not my kitchen...I will explain more, later) and the photographic evidence will have to wait until everything comes together.

Enjoy these all-white kitchens (all from House to Home.com), and let me know if you have pulled together all-white spaces, and the challenges you encountered in doing so.

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Meanwhile, here is a quick list of some designers' and decorators' favourite white shades:

Pointing (2003), Farrow and Ball House White (2012), Farrow and Ball
Cloud White, Benjamin Moore
Atrium White I-79, Benjamin Moore
Natural Wicker, Benjamin Moore
White Dove, Benjamin Moore
Soaker's Tub (P5223-24), Para Paints
Decorator White (ND039), Beauti-Tone (Canadian)
Nearly White, Beauti-Tone
Dover White (SW6385), Sherwin Williams
Crumb Cookie (217-1), Pittsburgh Paints

*What is your favourite shade of white?*

St. Agnes Homestead, Rich In History & Charm

Enjoy the sunshine outside the Grooms Cottage... The Beauty of the Country Touch...Springtime at St. AgnesTranquility amongst the homestead splendourThe Grooms Cottage...complete with open fire, breakfast & weekend luxury...

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting Traudi & David Bibby at their beautiful property, St. Agnes Homestead in Kyneton. They are the most delightful couple who are passionate about their property & providing the perfect dose of hospitality to their guests with charming accommodation where you can relax, unwind & rejuvenate at any time of the year.

St. Agnes is within walking distance to the main street of Kyneton,with its numerous antique shops, & cafes to enjoy. Otherwise, escape to within the historic property gates, unwind with a walk through the gorgeous stables, by the pond, or through the maturing rows of grapes in the picturesque vineyard. If you're feeling energetic, pick up a raquet & head to the tennis court, or simply relax & recline in the sunshine for a nap amongst the beauty of the mulberry tree.

St. Agnes is a heritage property that has been meticulously restored to its original charm with much TLC. The rural atmosphere ensures that once inside the gate, you will want to simply stay, unwind & enjoy the surroundings, regardless of the season, & being only an hour out of Melbourne, it's a wonderful excuse to get out of the city for the weekend. I can highly recommend it, & just in case, don't make any appointments for the following day, you might just want to stay a little longer!

http://www.saintagnes.com.au/

(03) 5422 2639

Spring in my step...

Spring has arrived! While it was still a cold day, it seemed the sun shone brighter just to encourage us and give us hope that it would soon give winter its final kick in the rear with our name on it!

It was a great "first day", and I finally finished taking down all evidence of winter decor and organized a few cupboards. But what really made it great was this:

(If it's on the road, written in chalk, then it must be so!)

and them...

(secret hand shakes and feats of strength)

(personalized chalk outlines)