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Maison & Objet | &Tradition

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The annual trade show in Paris, Maison & Objet has just run its course, showing everything from fashion, design and decoration to interior design and home trends. With such an inspiring line up there has understandably been a bit of a buzz out there in the blogging world, especially for those lucky enough to attend. 

One of the exhibitors receiving rave reviews is &Tradtion, the renowned Danish brand who specialise in the design of lighting and furniture. You may remember them from my post on Norm Architects & Design where I featured the stunning Raft Collection of furniture, the Milk Lamp and the Mass Light. Presenting their newest range, I actually got my first glimpse prior to the show via Emmas Designblogg. Too good not to share, the incredible styling and photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen has quite literally sent my heart into a flutter!



I love the understated elegance achieved through a mix of minimalism, classic architectural elements, industrial undertones and even a touch of art deco. The beautiful Ice lamp by Sofie Refer is made from hand-blown glass and comes in black and gold. Both gorgeous, I think the gold is especially divine shown here hanging above the Raft Stool.



The In Between Chair by Sami Kallio is a classic beauty. Shown here in white oiled oak, smoked oiled oak and stained black ash, they look amazing styled with other products from &Tradition. My favourite image is the first, showing the chairs around the Raft Table with the hanging group of Mass lights and the Milk Lamp sitting on top of a pile of books. Simply stunning. 



Homes to Inspire | Modern Findings

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Here we are, Friday again, and what better way to end the week then with a fabulously inspiring home. This was one of those random finds that caused my eyes to pop when I took in all the incredible images. Belonging to the blogger behind Modern Findings, a site dedicated to showcase personal collections and all things mid-century modern, this home is a shining example of how amazing mid-century design can look, when executed well. 


Adding to the impeccable styling, you'll notice that in every room are plants and rugs, providing splashes of greenery and bright colour. 



White walls and concrete floors provide the perfect canvas for an amazing collection of furniture, artworks and homewares. On Modern Findings, you'll find a full House Tour, room by room, including photos showing the house when it was empty. A few minor changes have been made, such as with the staircase. Wooden floorboards have been added to the top of each stair and the handrail painted black. Very clever - I'm certainly taking note!


I love the mix of Scandi and Japanese style homewares, like the black and white cups and teapot. 


Spot the design classics! Eames, Acapulco, Louis Poulsen.. the list goes on. That cactus pop plant is insanely cool and the Tivoli radio is on my wishlist for our new house. 


Simple white shelves in the kitchen showcase an assortment of lovely mid-century homewares, while subway tiles add a bit of texture. 



These images are all taken in the bedroom, one of my favourite rooms. There is a lovely sense of balance and proportion and I really like the ethnic touches. How gorgeous are those hanging plants?  


A bright blue framed poster makes a big impact here.

If you're a fan of mid-century modern, then you can also check out Modern Findings on Tumblir, where you'll find a constant stream of gorgeous images. Fantastic for Pinterest addicts, I'll be joining you for some pinning very soon! 

All images via http://cargocollective.com/modernfindings  

Before I go, I just wanted to say have a lovely long weekend, if you're in Auckland or Northland. Monday is our Anniversary Day and we're very lucky to be heading up to Omaha tomorrow - my favourite beach, north of Auckland - to stay with friends at their beach house. I do however have a post prepared for Monday, so I'll see you then! 

Hunkydory | Spring - Summer 2013

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When it comes to my love of all things Scandinavian, fashion is certainly no exception. So when I discovered the edgy Stockholm fashion brand Hunkydory via Pinterest, I decided to look them up. The company was founded in 1996 by Ulrika and Christopher Bjercke, who met while studying at the design school Esmod in Paris. Now based in Sweden their collections have evolved from the traditional Swedish minimalist style to one that includes military influences, along with that hard-to-resist mix of rock and bohemian chic. Having gained international success, Hunkydory is now sold in 16 countries around the world. I'm really hoping it will get to NZ one day soon!  

I love these black and white images taken for the Spring 2013 campaign featuring gorgeous Russian model Anna Selezneva, photographed by Marcus Ohlsson and styled by Lisa Lindqwister. 


Having started as a knitwear line, beautiful knits remain a staple in each collection. Teamed with ivory pants and blazers, boho fringing details and that gorgeous black leather jacket, here are my picks from the latest lookbook. 


Visit www.hunkydory.com to see the full range and stockists. You can also follow them on Facebook and Pinterest.  

Interior Styling | Oversized Mirrors

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The last time I wrote about mirrors they were of the round variety for my Circles in the Home post. Lately I've noticed that oversized mirrors have been grabbing my attention, for all the right reasons. Perfect for adding scale, I love the drama and illusion of space that they create. If you have room for one, then I say go for it. Living rooms, hallways or bedrooms provide the ideal place, and the bigger the better! Leaned up against the wall in a casual style, that mirror will shine! 




For classic Scandinavian styling, you can't go wrong with simple frames in black or white. Pretty detailing like on the one above stands out against the white-washed background and minimalist surroundings. 

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For a vintage look or shabby chic style, rustic gold, metallic silver or distressed frames are perfect. 

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Natural wood frames are also lovely, and the one above is my favourite. Photographed for the February 2013 issue of Elle Decoration UK, the London home belongs to Karine Kong who runs the online store and blog Bodie and Fou. I'm a big fan of Karine's gorgeous styling and this is why. I love what she has done where with her oversized mirror, layering a couple of empty frames in front, adding the 'Sweet Dream' on top and hanging the chunky rosary beads and cross from the corner. 

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A great way to add a pop of bright colour to your interior, and an easy DIY project, paint the frame or the edge of the mirror. Notice how in the one above they've also painted the top of the skirting board in orange neon. What a cool idea! 

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Pinterest | Picks & Peeks

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When it comes to white moodboards, like this one I did recently for weekend inspiration, I'm never short on pins. I should probably start a white themed Pinterest board. Have you ever started a new board and had to transfer pins across from another one? It's such a mission and I really wish there was a quicker way than editing each pin. Hopefully the Pinterest people are working on a solution as we speak! My advice, if you're new to Pinterest, is to start as many boards as possible from the outset. When I first joined up, I naively had just one board for interiors. Of course it grew very quickly and I now have one for each area of the home, but getting to that point took a fair bit of rearranging!


This rustic moodboard started with one amazing image. I love the drama created by the incredible dress, location and styling. When I came across it some time ago I hastily saved it and either forgot to make a note of the source or scribbled it down and can't find it. I'll keep searching, but If anyone recognises it please let me know. It's too good not to pin, don't you think?



I curated this moodboard for the long weekend that's just passed. Inspired by the fact that we were heading away to the beach, the Stop & Smell the Roses pin was perfect. Designed by incredible New York based illustrator and blogger Samantha Hahn, I think I may need to dedicate an entire post to her soon! Until then, you can check out her blog Maquette and her Pinterest Boards

Today we're going to take a look at the beautiful boards of Australian pinner Jessie James who owns Follow Paper Co, a Sydney-based design studio specialising in paper goods, that are "thoughtful, honest and handcrafted". Jessie applies her signature aesthetic and incredible attention to detail to all of her designs, creating simple, organic stationery for weddings and celebrations, as well as a range of everyday supplies such as paper, seals and stamps. Other services include full custom graphic design for print and online. 


Follow Studio goodness, via Jessie's Paper things board.

You'll also find many more boards such as Interior things, Simple things and Stylish things, providing much eye-candy and a recurring theme of serene loveliness, which Jessie does so well. Two other faves are Celebrate things which includes more of Jessie's work and the most stunning pictures from her wedding day (see pin 09 below) and Foodie things which makes my mouth water! Here are some standout pins.  


1Pin | 2Pin | 3Pin | 4Pin | 5Pin| 6Pin| 7Pin| 8Pin| 9Pin

Enjoy browsing Jessie's boards and make sure you check out her Follow Blog, where you'll find even more inspiration.  

Guest Post | We Heart Home

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Today I'd like to introduce you to Holly and Trisha, two Berlin-based bloggers fromWe Heart Home,a fabulous home design blog for the online storeFashion For Home. I love reading their interior design & decor posts so I was honoured when they offered to write a guest post for me. The home they've chosen is lovely and so unique... enjoy! 


Holly & Trisha here from Fashion For Home's lifestyle blog We Heart Home. We wanted to say a huge thanks to Michelle for having us today to share this wonderful Atlanta loft space with you. 

Here we go!

Originally purchased in the 1960s when it was still an office, painter Thea Beasley has boldly (and bravely) transformed this 3,500-square-foot suburban loft into a charming and elegant haven of neutral colours and natural, Scandinavian textures. We adore these wicker chairs and white table linen - they remind us of a Bavarian cottage or fairytale home!

In every room Beasley has combined a simple palette with a wonderful feature of some kind, which really allows her to bring out her artistic side! The white walls and free-standing tub (below) are complimented by the eye-catching feature wall. The uniformity of the golden frames and the monochrome tones of all the images is the key to their success!



One of our all time favourite features about this interior is the mottled walls. Beasley stripped them to reveal this unique plaster effect. While a lot of people think it looks a bit scruffy, we are convinced that given the elegance of her furnishings and the high ceilings means this effect works brilliantly. Once again, this room has a lovely feature in the form of her 1930s display cabinet with a total of 80 compartments, in which she exhibits shells, feathers, nests & even antlers.


Even her clothes fit in with her colour palette and interior style - now THAT is devotion! The apartment-wide motif of faux fur, whether it be cushions, blankets or rugs really warms up the wooden and ceramic textures.



The living room really stands out for us. It has a far more French aesthetic with the curvy lines and fitted upholstery of these Aidan Gray wingbacked chairs, white washed (homemade!) farmhouse coffee table and Mongolian-lambhair pillow.


Beasley has such a great skill for mixing different aesthetics - how she managed to successfully mix this mounted African feather headdress with a Parisian black & white photo and leopard print chair... we will never know. But it looks fantastic!!

All images via 

Trisha & Holly

Minimalist Styling | Pella Hedeby

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What I find appealing about minimalist interiors is the elegant, understated look they create. A simple colour palette of black, white and grey with natural materials such as wood, concrete and marble make for a deliciously stunning combination. Add a metallic accent such as brass or copper and I'm practically salivating! Although some find minimalism too stark or sterile, I believe it can be done in a way that still brings life, warmth and personality to your home. 

One of my favourite stylists and bloggers, Pella Hedeby has mastered this paired-back, Scandinavian style of minimalism beautifully. Not a day passes where I don't check in to one of her lovely blogs. Stil Inspiration is where she shares all that inspires in the way of interior design and architecture, including examples of her own work. The other, Hitta Hem, is where she and fellow interior designer Marie Ramse share more of their incredible projects.



This stunning apartment in Stockholm, styled by Pella and photographed by Kristofer Johnsson who I featured hereis a perfect example. I love the moodboards, black and white photographs and statement lighting that often feature in Pella's work. 





Simple workspace details... 


a clipboard for photos or quotes....  


and branches in a glass vase. Simple, yet stunning. That marble topped sideboard is divine! 



I was really interested to read Pella's post where she talks about an interview she took part in for an upcoming article in the concept of Minimalism. When asked if her signature black and white style received criticism for being dull and colourless, she said "no, not directly... the comments are mostly positive and I've probably scared away anyone who loves a lot of colour a long time ago...  " That made me smile. Describing her aesthetic in more detail, Pella says that for her, restrained decoration brings about a calm and liberating feeling. Adding a shaggy sheepskin is enough to create cosiness and instead of colour, she chooses to combine materials such as Carrara marble, concrete, wood and textiles. 


Photo credit: Kristofer Johnsson

Interior Styling | Home Moodboards

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As you know, I love creating moodboards from images I find via my Pinterest boards or around the web, but today I'm going to talk about the real-life kind that you can make for your home. To start with, I've found some great ideas for turning simple photo collages into something fun and unique.   


Sticking your favourite photos on to a blackboard wall, like in the kitchen above allows you to personalise the surrounding area with messages, drawings or quotes. In addition to family photos you could stick little keepsakes like treasured invitations, tickets to a memorable show or even your child's artwork.




A cute idea for the bedroom or living area, heart shaped collages are very cool, as is the one below which covers the entire length of a bedroom pillar.




I love how  Karine Kong of Bodie and Fou has used black washi tape to stick pictures on to the wall of her London home.

I'm looking forward to displaying a moodboard in the workspace of our new home. Personal photos, tear slips from favourite magazines and catalogues, postcards or any work-related/personal inspiration can be brought together to create an eye-catching feature. As with my virtual moodboards, I like the idea of sticking to a colour theme. Always a winning combo, the workspaces shown below are gorgeous in black and white with touches of pink. 



The curator of the one above has gone all out, covering the wall above the desk with a mix of fantastic visual inspiration. Completing the look, in true Scandi-style, are a pair of fabulous antlers. 


An alternative to sticking images to the wall, you can use a board like in the one above. A store bought memo board, piece of plywood or board covered in fabric would do the trick nicely. Below are some more ideas, including a couple of clever DIY's. 


This one, thanks to Heidi of the gorgeous Norwegian blog FruFly, is simply a canvas painted with blackboard paint. Special photos, together with little notes and doodles make for a very sweet family moodboard!  




I especially love the gold framed 'love' moodboard and the one above made from a vintage pull-down map.

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I hope that's given you a nice dose of design inspiration for your Monday! One more thing before I go... you may have noticed that I've installed a 'pin it' button on the blog, which means you can now pin images from my posts to your Pinterest boards with one click! Simply hover over the image until the 'P' appears on the top right-hand corner, click on it and pin! So easy!  

OYOY | Spring - Summer 2013

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Ever since Danish interior design company OYOY launched last year with their Autumn/Winter range, I've been smitten. (You may remember the post I wrote introducing them). They've now released their New Collection for Spring/Summer 2013 and once again I'm hooked. Inspired by both Scandinavian and Japanese design (such a divine combo) the products mix simple graphics with natural materials and colour. Designer Lotte Fynboe's motto is "less is more" and this is reflected in the high-quality homewares that combine both form and function. 

OYOY's signature geometric patterns are seen throughout the new collection, categorised room by room, which includes cushions, throws, kitchenware, accessories and a Nordic range by designer Kristina Dam. I'm loving the fun new designs like the hanging storage and wooden rabbits.   



So much eye-candy, and isn't the styling to die for? All images via the latest OYOY Catalogue which you can read here.  

Est Magazine | Issue # 8

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It's a public holiday here in NZ (Waitangi Day) which is rather nice, midweek! The sun is shining and the kids want to play, so just a quick post today to share with you some of my favourite pages from the latest issue of Est Magazine. Packed to the brim with stunning interiors, here's a peek at each of the three incredible homes featured. I know this will leave you wanting more, so if you haven't yet done so, make sure you pop over and subscribe - for free! 



This home belongs to Eva Van Dongen, a freelance architect/designer and her family. Located in Amsterdam, I love the stylishly clean and simple interiors. Beautifully styled and photographed by one of my favourite creative pairs, Anouk B and Marjon Hoogervorst, whose work I featured in the post Concept 2012




The next home in Mulhouse, Eastern France was built in the late nineteenth century. The current owners have given the home new life, while still retaining the original classical features. I love the dining room, with its parquet floors and unique art installation. 



The last home is my favourite. A new build in Melbourne, design team Leibowitz and McLachlan were enlisted to help create the family home, and the results are breathtaking. 

All images via estmagazine.com.au

Through the Lens of | Carina Olander

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Based in Trollhättan, Sweden, it's hard to believe Carina Olander was formerly an aircraft mechanic. Naturally creative and having always loved painting and photography, she started freelancing on the side in 2009, in addition to doing several courses. Making the move to being a full-time photographer at the start of the year, and judging by her small yet impressive portfolio, I'd say she made the right decision! 


When I first came across Carina's work via Bliss Blog (aka Mrs.French* on Pinterest) I was quickly transported to my happy place, surrounded by images of Scandi loveliness. When I learnt that Carina also does some of her own interior styling for shoots I knew I had to share her talents with you. 



Black and white, shades of grey and wood are seen throughout. Industrial and ethnic touches add further texture and pattern. The workspace above is a standout for me, with that gorgeous trestle table, cool wall details, industrial lamp and Moroccan style storage box.




There's lots of rustic wood and DIY inspiration such as the headboard, the painted junior bed, pallet table, wall hooks, crate storage and simple branches displayed around the homes. 



Carina's photography captures the fresh feel, warmth and functional style of these spaces beautifully. I think she has definitely found her true calling in life and I'm looking forward to seeing lots more of her work. You can follow her journey via the lovely blog Made in Persbo

All images via www.carinaolander.se

Present & Correct

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Born out of two graphic designers obsession with stationery, Present & Correct launched its online store in 2008, and opened the doors to its first retail store in London last year. In-house designs and sourcing trips four times a year result in an ever-evolving range of products including the most beautiful paper and desktop accessories from around the world, as well as charming vintage finds.





"Inspired by homework, the post office and school" the products have a nostalgic quality, taking us back to our childhood when we wrote notes to one another instead of emailing or texting! Remember those days, before we became attached to our mobile phones, laptops and tablets?





The gorgeously curated selection of products on their website are grouped into categories such as "mail, give, write, organise and ephemera". The brand oozes timeless style, with classic typography, gorgeous colour ranges, simple geometric shapes and a lovely mix of modern and vintage.





Hard to believe, but this is only a taste of what's on offer. I love the pretty pastels mixed with materials such as wood and brass. There are also lots of clever, unique items on offer such as the hooks that look like tape and vintage metal boxes above. 




I had so much fun browsing the Present & Correct website. It really is a stationery lover's dream! Rest assured they ship worldwide, and despite taking us back to an age pre-digital, you can join up to their mailing list, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and read their blog!  

All images via www.presentandcorrect.com

Guest Post | Cush & Nooks

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It's a pleasure to introduce you to my guest today. An Interiors guru, Vic's passion is evident in everything she shares on her fabulous blog Cush & Nooks. She also runs an online store and recently started up an interior decoration business Bibby + Brady! 

Hi to all Michelle's readers, it's Vic here, from Cush & Nooks. I'm really happy to be guest posting on The Design Chaser today. Two of my favorite things are being inspired by other people's beautiful homes (I love seeing people's personalities expressed in their homes), and interior magazines. So I'm combining those two things in this post by showing you the home office of Apartment 34 blogger, Erin Hiemstra, which is featured in the latest Rue magazine.



As soon as I saw Erin's office I immediately knew I wanted to share it with you today. I felt that Erin's style was a pretty good blend of mine and Michelle's. Michelle loves Scandinavian design - gorgeous clean, stylish interiors. I do too, but also love to throw in lots of pattern and a bit of quirkiness.

Erin started her blog five years ago to document the renovation of her first home in Seattle. Over the years Apartment 34 has grown into a leading lifestyle site providing daily inspiration on shopping, personal style and home decor.


Because of the growth and success of her blog, Erin left her job to blog full-time. But working from her living room was taking a toll. When she and her husband recently relocated to a larger home, it meant she could have a real office. Somewhere she could close the doors and focus on work, somewhere she could fit a larger desk and a cosy sofa for visitors.


I love what Erin has achieved. She has managed to create a warm and inviting environment, perfect for daily creativity, while also maintaining a professional feel if a client visits. Make sure you pop over and read the whole story, and much more in the latest Rue.


Thanks for having me Michelle :) x

What a stunning office space. I'm heading over to Rue now! 

I've been guest posting over on Milo and Mitzy today and I've featured a gorgeous home in Denmark, so make sure you check it out! See you back here tomorrow. 

Valentine's Day | Two-Ten

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One of the challenges I find with blogging is that there are so many online distractions. It's a wonder I get anything published at all really, the way I juggle numerous open tabs and my compulsive need to pin every gorgeous image I see! I never tire of the endless stream of beautiful interiors and I'm loving sourcing inspiration for our new house, but today I thought I'd turn my attention, and yours, to something a bit different. I haven't done a Two-Ten post for a while which (in case you are new here) is simply two moodboards and ten picks based on a theme, and today's is Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day Moodboard / One

Valentine's Day Moodboard / Two

I'm a firm believer in treating myself to something special every birthday and Christmas, and because hubby and I don't exchange gifts for Valentine's Day, I'm thinking that this could be another great excuse to buy myself something nice. Whether you are wanting to hint at something or just shop for yourself, here are some sweet ideas! 

Links below images


01Lorna Love Heart Cushion
02Z Lamp by Leitmotiv from Let Liv
03Ecoya Lotus Flower Madison Jar Candle from Redcurrent
04 Moroccan Leather Pouf from Let Liv
05Mozi Porcelain Teapot
06Meadowlark Cat Paw Cocktail Ring
07Superette Co-Labs Giraffe Envelope Clutch
08Superette Exclusive Yellow Tassel Bracelet by Lindi Kingi
09White Forest Home Mix & Match Love You Print
10White Forest Home Mix & Match Forever Print

Kristina Krogh Studio

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I'm seriously crushing on these posters right now. Created by Kristina Krogh, a freelance graphic designer and illustrator based in Copenhagen, they combine so many desirable elements. Firstly there are the geometric shapes arranged into different structures, then there's the cool mix of textural materials including wood, ply, cork and marble. A pastel-coloured background provides softness and contrast. Add to that some incredible styling, and I'm head over heels. I really think these artworks were meant for me!


The styling is so lovely it makes me want every gorgeous accessory and object Kristina has used. She clearly has an amazing eye, combining marble, coppery materials, and little everyday items to create on-trend, unique vignettes. 


I'd love to see Kristina's work displayed in the home, preferably mine when it's finished being built! I've been following Kristina via her Facebook page and she said yesterday that she was doing last minute testing before launching her webshop, so keep an eye out for that. You can also view more of her work at Kristina Krogh Studio. Her portfolio includes some very cool graphic design work for a wide range of clients, and you can see her full range of posters here


Londontown | Citta Design

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When a homeware brand that you love releases a new collection, inspired by one of your favourite cities, you know it's going to be good. Londontown, the new Winter 2013 collection by Citta Design is due to be released next week, and I had the pleasure of attending the preview on Tuesday afternoon. Held at their head office in Auckland, we got to take in the beautiful new range and listen to the designers talk about their vision, all while sipping Pimm's and nibbling on club sandwiches and chocolate lamingtons. All so very English, and I loved every minute!

Citta Design is renowned for their seasonal injections of colour, pattern and texture inspired by unique cultures from around the world. The Londontown story has been brought to life through "five distinct London characters who offer a rich and varied platform of inspiration for Citta Design's diverse range of homewares, furniture and accessories." They are The Vintage, The Eccentric, The English Rose, The Sloane and The Proper Gent. 



You can't help but feel uplifted by the bright colour palette of The Vintage above and The Eccentric below. Scarlet red buses and phone boxes and the London Underground are some of the iconic London images that spring to mind.


The cute and quirky kids duvet pictured above is one of my favourite designs of the collection. In contrast, The English Rose below, is pretty and whimsical with a soft palette of florals and feminine motifs. 


The lush range of Citta Design towels get me every time, and I think these may be the best yet. I love their take on the traditional houndstooth design, presented in a range of striking colours. 

Straight away I knew that The Sloane was a girl after my own heart, with her simple clean aesthetic, luxe neutrals and rich fabrics.  



The Proper Gent brings with him rich and dark masculine tones....


some stunning lamps, which have shot straight to the top of my wish-list...
and a very cool Union Jack Travel Bag. 

Look out for the new range available in stores and online next week! 

All images courtesy of Citta Design. 

Tiffany & Co | Sydney Store Opening

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The internationally renowned jeweller Tiffany & Co opened the doors to their newest store in Sydney on Wednesday, just in time for Valentine's Day. Located at Westfield Bondi Junction, the celebration was marked with the unveiling of special custom designed sculptures by Dr Lisa Cooper, a unique and talented Sydney artist. 

Tiffany & Co Collaborated with Lisa to design and create sculptural objects that pay homage to Tiffany's relationship with true love and the connection to the new store in Bondi. Unfortunately I couldn't make it over to the opening, but I'm very excited to be able to share with you these exclusive photos from the event.



Dr Lisa Cooper

With a list of achievements that are beyond impressive, here are some highlights of Lisa's career to date. Awarded a Doctorate of Philosophy (fine art) in 2010, her interdisciplinary practice comprises Sculpture, Video-Installation and Painting. She has exhibited in Sydney, New York and The Philippines, and was commissioned by Sydney Theatre Company to create the crowns for the production The War of the Roses starring Cate Blanchett.

Not only is her work held in private collections in Australia, the UK, US and Singapore, her work has been published in many top publications such as Marie Claire, Vogue Living, InStyle, Harper's Bazaar, Inside Out, and The Sydney Morning Herald. There are also two books featuring her work due for worldwide release in 2012 | 2013.



Attendees included many well known people from the design industry. I'm a big fan of stylist and blogger Jason Grant (far right) pictured here with Brendon Guy and Mason Browne.


Lisa's incredible vision and design process has been brought to life in the video I'm about to share with you. I highly recommend that you take a look, by clicking on the link below. I was completely blown away watching Lisa create the exquisite sculptures, and I'm sure you will be too.



The sculptures will be displayed in the store windows from now until the 24th of February, so if you are in Sydney, make sure you visit. 

All images courtesy of Tiffany & Co | Nac Media Group

Homes to Inspire | Kirra Jamison

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When I mentioned being a fan of the Australian stylist and blogger Jason Grant in Friday's post, I made a mental note to share some of his work with you in the near future. As it turns out, the gorgeous home I've chosen for today just happens to have been styled by Jason for the Jan/Feb issue of Inside Out. Not only that, it's the home of talented artist Kirra Jamison, so you get two inspiring creatives for the price of one!


I first discovered Melbourne-based Kirra via The Design Files where she has been featured many times. I was instantly captivated by her artworks which she has been exhibiting regularly since graduating from art school in 2006. I love her use of colour and pattern, her abstract pieces and the more complex ones which have a beautiful, enchanting quality. 



Jason's flair and expertise has led him to become the go-to guy for dreaming up and creating exciting editorial and advertising concepts. In addition to Inside Out, his work has featured in many other Australian and International magazines including Real Living, Living Etc, Australian Country Style, Elle Decoration and French Glamour. He has also worked with many big name brands including Sheridan, David Jones, Office Works, Murobond Paints, Freedom and Myer. 


Kirra's home in Melbourne is a partially converted industrial warehouse, perfect for showcasing her incredible art collection. I love the walls which are a mix of exposed concrete bricks and blocks. Walking through our future home on the weekend (currently a building site), I couldn't help but visualise it with the concrete blocks left exposed. It's such a cool look, and despite not being suited our home's aesthetic, I'd think about trying it next time!  

Painted white, Kirra's walls provide the ideal backdrop for the colour and pattern that bursts from both Kirra's art and those by other artists, such as the watercolour painting by Luisa Rossitto in the living room above. Cushions from Castle, Anthropologie and Beci Orpin tie in perfectly. 




If this is your first time being introduced to Kirra, then I urge you to take a look at her artwork series, Love Me Two Times. Exhibited at the Linden Centre for Contemporary Arts in 2011, I would love to own one of these colourful pieces one day. Kirra has put one in her dining area above and it looks amazing. 


Kirra's eclectic style is evident throughout her home. Unafraid of mixing pastels with brights, I'm surprised at how great the pink chairs look alongside the scarlet red door. I especially love the swing seat which Kirra got from Pop & Scott, the patterned rug, and the skull paintings byBen Quilty


Wall-hung boxed shelves in the kitchen are both cute and practical, perfect for displaying a fun mix of glass jars, tins and ceramics. Kirra's love of cooking, inspired by her time spent living in Tokyo can be seen on her beautiful blog Keke, a side project where she shares the stories and recipes of interesting people she knows. 


Gorgeous bedlinen is made up of a striking duvet cover by The Vallentine Project and funpillowcases fromCastleandBeci Orpin. A Rhys Lee artwork above Kirra's bed provides a big dose of wow factor. 


Often the highlight of an artist's pad, Kirra's studio doesn't disappoint. Filled with light, the space is oozing creative energy, with her works forming part of a wall collage above. I also love her painting below entitled Loop. 


To see more of Kirra's work, take a look at her website and don't forget to check out Mr Jason Grant, where you will find more of his inspiring styling work. 

Images via Home Life | Photo credit:Derek Swalwell

Before I go, I just wanted to share some exciting news with you. I have been included in the Huffington Post Pinterest Accounts to Follow Now list! Melanie at A Cut Above The Retsy nominated me. (If you are a fan of Etsy, and let's face it, we all are then you must check out her site. It's a brilliant resource!) Melanie has been wonderfully supportive of my blog and Pinterest boards, and I am hugely honoured to have made the list. Huge thanks to Melanie and also to Huffington Post for choosing me! 

Interview | Peppin Boutique

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Peppin Boutique was launched in 2010, by Kathleen Waite and Robert Trathen. The talented couple, Kathleen is a fashion designer, Robert an established freelance photograher, opened their flagship store in Auckland's Herne Bay and have since developed a loyal following. Inspired by their gorgeous son Jet, Peppin is known for their beautifully designed garments ranging from babywear to four years old. With a focus on comfort, the clothing is made from "high quality fabrics such as merino and organic cottons, with a mix of netural colours and eye catching prints."



I first met Kath some time ago, when I popped into Peppin to buy a gift for a friend's little boy. Even though I'd heard great things about the boutique, I was completely bowled over by the gorgeous interior, racks of exquisite clothing and shelves stocked with the cutest accessories and toys. At the time Kath was living above the store with Robert and Jet and I remembered that I'd seen their beautiful home in the pages of Your Home & Garden. They've since moved to an incredible, New York-style apartment, which has also appeared in several publications.

Not only is Kath a super talented designer, with at least two fashion labels under her belt, she is also an absolute sweetheart and I'm really excited to be able to share her interview with you today.


Can you tell us a bit about your background, what led you to designing clothing for babies/toddlers and the launch of Peppin Boutique?

I studied fashion at AUT, and worked on a few labels before starting Peppin. The most well known was Skylark, a women’s streetwear label.

Are you still involved with Skylark? How did you find the transition from designing womenswear to designing kidswear?

The Skylark brand was probably my third or fourth venture in womenswear, I have shelved it for now – as Peppin is a fulltime job. It’s nice to see new mums’ coming in wearing their old Skylark gears though, that always gives me a kick. It was a super easy transition, probably a six-month crossover in the end. And I haven’t looked back.



All of the products you design are still made here in NZ. Do you think you will take the manufacturing offshore at some point?

Peppin has already experimented with offshore. That was interesting and quite a learning curve. We will be making fully onshore again. Some customers really want to support NZ Made so we have lots of limited edition options for them. The price point is slightly higher but that tends to be ok.

In addition to your store, you also sell online. How do the two compare?

They are so so different, I just love the potential of online and the ease of it all. I’m a big online shopper myself. And I like the bricks and mortar because I have worked in retail since I was 13 and have a good understanding of how a customer wants to feel like and be treated like when they come in to the shop. I love merchandising and getting feedback – which you don’t necessarily get with online.

As well as running Peppin you have a son Jet. How old is he now? How do you find juggling business and motherhood? Do you have any tips for budding mums/entrepreneurs?

Jet is now three and a half, and has just moved up into Kindy. The first year was a huge challenge juggling baby and business. It is now a breeze because he knows the routine and can comprehend a lot more. My advice is have support, I couldn’t have done it without Rob my partner and mum helping out too with childcare.



Where do you find creative inspiration - local or international design, the web, travel, magazines etc?

Too many ideas and not enough time, I only look and read about fashion for my own sake. There are many other kids labels I admire – but wouldn’t dream of doing similar work. Peppin is pretty intuitive for me, and details can get changed throughout the process from design pattern and make.

What are your favourite products from your range right now?

Probably all the sweats which will come in for winter, lots of colour blocking!

In addition to the Peppin Boutique range, you also stock other brands of toys and accessories. Will you continue to expand on this?

I’m not sure, we are always on the hunt for cool toys. We may have to get into making more. I’m soo fussy on colour and proportion. It’s really hard to source matching accessories to our range at times. Most of what I like comes from Europe, and there is no hope of getting them down here with a reasonable price point!


What are you working on right now - any exciting projects in the works?

New prints would be the exciting one right now…

What are your future plans for Peppin Boutique - where would you like to take the business?

No big plans, we are really so happy with the brand so far and just stoked that others like it. You will see new prints and new designs coming in, and I hope we will have natural growth.


A massive thank you to Kath for giving up her time to be interviewed. If you're in Auckland make sure you pop in to Peppin Boutique, located at 184 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay. Alternatively, you can shop online. To stay in the loop, pop over and 'like' their Facebook page

All images via www.peppin.co.nz

The Wooden Horse

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The Wooden Horse founded by Joanne Whitney, is a new online store in NZ providing contemporary and vintage inspired Scandinavian homeware. Knowing that I have soft spot for Scandinavian design, Joanne recently got in touch and I'm so glad she did. It's such a pleasure to be the first to share her exciting new venture with you.



Wanting to provide quality design that is both stylish and functional, without the extravagant price-tag, I believe The Wooden Horse has achieved just that. Their carefully selected range of imported furniture and gifts include everything from chairs and cabinets to luxe velvet cushions, glassware and wire storage baskets. What's more, they have introduced the Danish design brand Madam Stoltz to NZ for the very first time. Currently sold all over Europe, this is a very exciting addition to our local market! 

I was also pretty happy when Joanne said she'd got in touch with artist Kristina Krogh after seeing my post featuring her gorgeous range of posters. Constantly reviewing Scandinavian brands to add to their range, I'm looking forward to seeing how it expands. 



I've picked out ten gorgeous products from The Wooden Horse to share with you, although it was hard to narrow it down as everything is so lovely. The range of velvet cushions in the images above are also high on my wish list! 

Links below images 



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I'm particularly taken with the hammered silver metal coffee table. So beautiful and unique, it comes in two sizes. The gorgeous industrial pendant light is a steal at only NZ $99.95! Check out the full range here. Happy shopping!  

All images courtesy of The Wooden Horse
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