Humble Touch

We really don't need much in this life... a roof over our heads, food on the table and people to love.  Lately, I've been really taken with the idea of the 'humble home'.  The economic doom of recent times has arrived on our doorstep carrying an unexpected gift... the realisation that a beautiful environment has everything to do with surrounding ourselves with things we find unique and special - our family and friends included - and nothing to do with expensive trappings.  

I love the interior above - it might be simple, practical and humble, but these things render it quite beautiful in its own right.  It is an interior that is totally comfortable in its own skin - it doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is.  I'm sure there's a lesson in there somewhere x

Image from here  

It's Chic To Be Shabby

A friend of mine is doing a mini makeover of her apartment... out with the old, dark wood furniture belonging to her husband (what is it with men and heavy bench seat dining tables I ask you?) and in with  a whole collection of bits and pieces she has sourced from all over the internet at bargain basement prices.  The plan is to paint everything in various neutral shades and then give them a loving scrub down with sandpaper.  Before you know it, she will have a brand new interior scheme using affordable furniture that is dripping with character (and sweat!).

In this era of tightening budgets and economic meltdowns, is it little wonder that Shabby Chic has continued to win over our hearts?  Not only is second-hand furniture cheap, but the subsequent hours of tedious, back-breaking labour required to transform an ugly duckling into a swan, provide a mood-altering high so powerful it can blind us from the fear of interest rate rises for at least a week!

Images from here

Pretty Pattern

Some delicious designs to make your interior POP!

Lately, I've been harbouring a quiet obsession with pattern, particularly patterned fabric... this is something quite new for me... I'm more your 'co-ordinated plains' kind of girl.  But suddenly, I can't get enough of bold colour combinations and wild designs.  The lovely Anna Spiro from Absolutely Beautiful Things, does this look so well (of course!) and then there's Kellie from Ada & Darcy who sells some stunning cushions in her online shop.  Yep, there might just be room for some turquoise zebra print in my life after all!

Images from here

Designer Profile

This gorgeous, aquatic toned interior is the work of US interior designer Tobi Fairley. There are so many small details that I love: the studded headboard, the unique light fittings that look like pieces of jewellery, the painted striped floor in the kitchen, the plush diamond buttoned wall panels in the dining room... all such wonderful inspiration!

Looks I Love

I love creative interior decoration - here are 3 wonderful examples:

1. WHITE ON WHITE

Such a simple idea, yet incredibly effective

2. SPARKLE STEPS

Not in a million years would I have thought to tile an old staircase in contemporary mosaics

3. PAPER BACK

I have seen this done many times but it still strikes me as a clever use of pattern

inthis4walls

Treat Time

Do I have a treat for you!!!

This gorgeous haven of girly splendour has me all in a tizz this morning.... there are just too many delightful bits of beauty in the one house! Each image has something that I adore, starting with the padded wall panels above - I swooned (literally!)

That staircase was love at first sight!

The masculinity of these chairs is in total contrast to the rest of the house - an unpredictable and stunning choice

Pale blue walls framing a white entry with a mirror collage... love!

So styled but so gorgeous...

White floorboards and contrasting paint detail - a fabulously subtle combo

This little chair is like having royalty sitting in the corner

You already know how I feel about chandeliers over baths!

The perfection of this kitchen can be found in the row of blue canisters... it's the small details that matter the most

Simple, crisp, clean, fresh.... totally serene!

Beach Studios

So Stylish!

Just look at these beautifully decorated rooms... I've always thought that an ebony and ivory colour scheme is the Audrey Hepburn of interior style - always classic, always understated and always faultlessly chic.

decorpad

Swedish Glam

Some days I am so overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of beautiful interiors that seem to exist in this world that I get a bit frantic that a lifetime isn't enough to appreciate them all! This incredible home belongs to Loi Thai, the owner of online Swedish store Tone on Tone (a favourite inspirational gold-mine of mine for obvious reasons!). Such simple elegance is so blissfully calming - when I grow up, I want a house just like this one :)

the washington post

Winter Wishing

It is so unbearably bleak outside today - the insipid grey sky seems to have leeched the loveliness right out of the world..... as an antidote to my dreary mood, I decided I needed some beautiful beachy interiors to remind me that July is very nearly over and life will be worth living again. I so wish I could throw open my windows and let the sunburnt summer breezes fill every crack and crevice of our apartment.... what do you wish for?

I love the way the plumpness of the bottles offsets the structured artwork arrangement

I want that bust... badly!

A little dash of colour goes a long way - so bright and cheery!

decorpad

Off-Beat Magic

I adore this interior for it's combination of unexpected elements. Not only is it quirky, unique and full of character but it's simple beauty is so uncontrived in a haphazard way. The eclectic choice of furniture, the whimsical styling, the subtle colour palette.... this is definitely my kind of space! Have a wonderful Friday everyone x

shootfactory

Well Dressed Wednesday

Today I was in the mood for something snappy and fun... kind of like the interior equivilant of an exceptionally well dressed gay gentleman! The first image is so divine - the choice of art, the shape and colour of the bedhead, the contrasting patterns on the cushions... that's called perfection people!

ffffound

Crosby Street Hotel

I got a little bit over-excited when I saw these images of the Crosby Street Hotel in New York - the rooms are so beautifully and artfully decorated.  Can you imagine being the stylist responsible?  What I wouldn't give to have a project like this to work on!