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WRW & Co. | Custom Furniture Exhibition

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WRW & Co. is a bespoke furniture company offering high quality, unique products made primarily out of repurposed and sustainable materials. Prior to its launch in 2012, founder William Worsp had worked in the film industry here in New Zealand before setting off to sail the world, working on super yachts and then as an interior designer for restaurants, accommodation and shops such as Gap, H&M and Selfridges. Returning home after years of travel and driven by a desire to work with furniture, Will tired his hand at designing and making tables from reclaimed timber. A great response from an Auckland design store followed and before Will knew it he was in business, making commissioned one-off pieces.


Based in Raglan, Will continues to fill a growing number of custom orders. Specialising in dining, hallway, coffee and side tables as well as desk and bench seats for both commercial and residential purposes, Will can design to any furniture requirements. Most recently he has released a Custom Fit Collection, allowing for customers to choose from a range of customisable pieces that all reflect the WRW & Co. rugged contemporary aesthetic.

Having heard such great things about WRW & Co. over the last couple of years, I was excited to learn of an exhibition being held at Allpress Gallery in Auckland. Attending the opening night last week, I finally got to see the furniture up close. Beautifully crafted, each piece is unique and tells a story. The use of reclaimed timber gives the furniture a sense of history, yet the designs are refreshingly simple, strong and very much centred around quality, form and function. Here are a few photos taken on the night.


These close up images showcase the variety of timber used, the different ways in which the tables are crafted, and the broad range of designs, some of which include raw or powder coated steel legs. 


If you're in Auckland, make sure you pop along to the exhibition and meet the maker himself! Will will be based at the Allpress Gallery until Saturday 12th of July, located at 8 Drake St (behind Victoria Park Markets, next to Cafeteria). 

Images courtesy of William Worsp

Musings + Moodboards

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Today’s post was triggered by something that Megan Morton mentioned in her styling masterclass I attended last year. She said that it’s often when there’s chaos at home (kids, mess everywhere etc) that you produce really beautiful work. This rang true for me, as I thought back to when I started the blog. At the time we were about to embark on our build, while living in an old rental which of course had its limitations when it came to decorating. I had a pre-schooler and a baby and just keeping up with the washing and housework was a challenge. I worked on my blog from my laptop, often on the couch, at the dining table, in bed or the cramped office slash storage room. While the clean, orderly and stylish home I dreamt about was a long way off, I was able to channel those dreams I had into the blog. It became a visual diary of everything that was inspiring me at the time, namely beautiful Scandinavian interiors. I loved (and still do) curating moodboards and found it almost cathartic creating gorgeous collages to look at and share, while things around me were anything but gorgeous! 

It’s coming up to a year since we moved into our new home, and every day since I have felt blessed to be working from a lovely office. I still spend my days sourcing inspiring design finds and interiors to share, but my focus has shifted to include my own styling at home. I still love Pinterest and curating moodboards, but now I love being hands-on with my styling, and taking photos to share on the blog and Instagram.

Every school holiday I feel like life gets turned a little bit upside down. I love having the kids around and getting a break from the drop off and pick ups but the noise and chaos can take its toll. I fall behind with washing and housework and crave some alone time, preferably in my office browsing Pinterest! My husband usually takes a couple of days off so that I can keep on top of things with the blog, but for the first time in ages I’ve booked the kids into a holiday programme for just two days this week. So today I’m enjoying the quiet, catching up on emails and writing this post, which I dedicate to all the parents out there who like me, are craving an escape. For a few moments I hope you get lost in this dreamy imagery. 

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Round Mirrors

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I've been a fan of round mirrors for a while now. Often appearing in the interior images I source, you may remember the stunning Vinkel Mirror by One Nordic, that I recently featured. I'm pleased to see the trend for circular mirrors is still going strong. In fact, I'm noticing more and more of them around the web. When we were building there were very few options, especially from local designers. Even if we could afford the swoon-worthy Scandinavian design classics from Gubi and Hay, I think the risk of shipping glass would've been a bit too nerve-wracking! For the record, they are both now available from Cult Design here in NZ, and still very much on my wishlist! 

For our upstairs bathroom we had a very simple round mirror custom-made, and I still have my eye on the gorgeous Copper Bolina Mirror, an affordable option from Danish Brand House Doctor, for our downstairs. I like that that the circle adds an element of surprise when placed on the wall above the basin, as shown here in these recent finds. 


I also love seeing round mirrors in hallways, placed above a console unit. These next images showcase the stunning Adnet Mirror by Gubi that I mentioned earlier. A combination of brass and leather, it also comes in tan.  

Images: 1 | 23 | 4-5 | 6-7

New Zealand designers Douglas and Bec have a superb range of round mirrors, shown below. The newest addition to their furniture collection is the incredible Solid American Ash Dressing Table, which features a round mirror, two drawers and a concealed jewellery draw. 


For a DIY option, take a look at this vintage dresser which has a simple round mirror sitting on top.  It is located in a gorgeous open wardrobe, part of an AMAZING bedroom makeover by interior stylist and blogger Holly Marder who is based in the Netherlands. I highly recommend you check out the full room tour, including before and after shots. It is truly inspiring! 


My most recent discovery is Spanish Home and Accessories company Omlette-ed. Their range of mirrors include three styles, two of which are round. The Hang Mirror is designed to hang on any surface, while the Circular Mirror is designed to lean against the wall, thanks to tubular steel legs that are finished in cork to prevent slipping. 

Definitely one to watch, I'm really impressed with the brand's unique designs and clean, elegant aesthetic. Make sure you check out the Omlette-ed website for more info. 




NDC | New Online Furniture Store

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NDC (New Design Concepts) is a new online furniture store in the Bay of Plenty, although the design and manufacturing company behind the brand has been in operation for many years. In fact, Tauranga-based husband and wife team Nigel and Rawia Cotterill have over 20 years experience in creating custom furniture for private clients, interior designers and companies. Specialising in contemporary Scandinavian-style furniture, all of their pieces are hand crafted in the workshop using a variety of materials, including natural timbers, slate, granite, stainless steel and glass.

The launch of NDC is an exciting move for Nigel and Rawia who say that their online furniture is both on-trend and design-led. At the same time, the pieces have enduring appeal. “We are both passionate about modern furniture but use traditional and modern methods of construction to create our products. Whatever the methods of construction, our main priorities are excellence in design and craftsmanship.” The couple have also worked with other local designers, including Timothy John, which you may remember from this recent post. Nigel hand crafted Timothy's new designs for Paper Plane which were Home NZ award finalists this year. The couple are looking forward to developing more products for their store, in addition to collaborating further with other designers.

Currently on offer is the Sèti Stool, which immediately won me over with its understated elegance and clean lines. Available in two sizes, it is made from American white ash timber, in either a natural or black finish.

The versatile Stack not only functions as a stool or side table, it is customisable, allowing for the customer to choose (and easily assemble) their own configuration of the central column, to achieve the height and look that they want. A very clever concept don't you think? 

Undoubtedly Scandinavian in style, the products are both beautiful and timeless. I'm already looking forward to seeing what comes next for NDC. See the full range online and be sure to follow them on Facebook to stay up to date with new product launches. 





Raya Todorova | Dreamy Interior Design

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When it comes to interiors I have no qualms about drawing inspiration from 3D designs, especially when they are this good. Created by Bulgarian designer Raya Todorova, the bedroom windows immediately grabbed my attention, with my first thought being New York loft meets Scandi minimalism. I love the elegant, understated feel and simple palette of black, white and grey. Natural materials, a simple pile of books and artworks casually leaning against the wall further add to the relaxed, uncomplicated style that I love so much. 


In the living room, the monochrome palette has been softened by light grey, pastels, and pale wood accents. A touch of metallic adds a lovely contrast. Still restrained, there are lots of smaller objects, art and details to soak up. I can't help lingering a bit longer just to take it all in. 

You can see more images on Behance and Raya's website

Proving just how inspiring 3D work can be when it comes to interiors, I find that whenever I post images here or on my Facebook page, readers always ask where they can source the products! Luckily they are often modelled on the brands and products I love and as such it was easy to pick out some real-life options to help you achieve a similar look. 


01. Kings & Queenies Linen Pillowcases from Simon James Concept Store
02. Muuto Stacked Shelf System from Urban Couture
03. Large Grey Ferm Living Candleholder from LET LIV
04. Small Natural Ferm Living Candleholder from LET LIV
05. Tom Dixon Copper Shader from ECC
06. Concrete Print from The Minimalist
07. Bloomingville Copper Candleholder from Perch Home
08. Bloomingville Wooden Houses from LET LIV
09. Marble Fragments Cushion from Society6
10. Be Brave Print by Sarah Carter Studio from Society6
11. Normann Copenhagen Large Tablo Table from Design Denmark
12. Grey 'Sheepie' Sheepskin rug from Superette




This Week | At Home

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Three out of four of us are sick with colds right now and the weather has been pretty miserable for the school holidays, but thankfully we're starting to see some sunshine today. It's always a bit challenging taking photos when it's dark and dreary, but I wanted to share some recent snaps with you from around home. In last Friday's post I showed you a few new faves namely on one side of the living room (and my office). Today I thought I'd show you the other side of the living room, along with a couple of extra photos I took yesterday of the kitchen.  

A welcome addition to our second sofa is the lovely Tart Throw by Australian designers Kate & Kate. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have caught a glimpse of it on our bed over the weekend, where it looks equally gorgeous teamed with our linen bedding from Nest. I've been a big fan of the clever sister-in- law duo ever since I was first introduced by local stockist LET LIV. The black and grey striped Original Blanket is also a favourite in our household, and currently resides in the downstairs living room. As well as being generous in size, they are incredibly soft and snugly (you have to feel these babies to believe it) and easily transferable from bed to sofa. The designs are all fabulous, and while I tend to favour the neutrals, there are plenty of gorgeous colourways to choose from. 

The rearranging of my office shown in last week's post resulted in a few things being moved to the String Shelf, such as the Flip Clock and Nynne Rosenvinge Print. I finally got my first cactus, a sweet little number which is sitting pretty in a paper tea light bag. Both of these are from Indie Home Collective

I recently did a bit of kitchen rearranging by swapping the Nespresso corner with the tray of everyday items. The boys are loving their new Design Letters Cups and Bowls. Made from kid-friendly melamine, they are not only great for fluffies and snacks, they also make cute storage containers for kids rooms and desk areas. You can shop the full range which includes plates, from Simon James Concept Store




July | Inspo + Wishlist

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Although it's been on my to-do list since the start of the month this post has somehow never been ticked off, until now! The upside is I've had a bit more time to think about what I'm currently coveting, and I've even ordered a couple of things on my wishlist! 

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Clearly my love of monochrome and nude is still going strong. Winter calls for cosy layers and right now I can't think of anything more appealing than an Icelandic sheepskin, cashmere jumpers and fragrant candles. I'd really like some new jewellery, in keeping with my style which is very minimal. Recent discovery, Danish brand Still With You fits the bill perfectly, as do the beautiful range of The Horse watches, which are now available in NZ from Paper Plane. Forever chair-obsessed, I'm currently loving spindle-back chairs, like the J77 Chair designed by Folke Pålsson for Hay. Books and art are always on the list, as are products from Menu simply because they are just so good and I can't get them out of my mind!


01. Hay J77 Chair from nest.co.uk
02. Icelandic Sheepskin by The Organic Sheep from La Maison d'Anna G
03. Maison D'armore Feuille De Tabac Candle from Superette
04. Minimal 4 Piece Earring Set from Still With You
05. Framed Black Lines Art Print by RK Design from Society6
06. Organic Wool-Cashmere Pullover by John Patrick from La Garçonne
07. Mathilda Clahr Back Leather M-Strap from Norsu 
08. Mathilda Clahr Natural Leather M-Strap from Norsu
09. Seletti Neon Letters from Design Delicatessen 
10. The Horse Watch from Paper Plane
11. Chloé - Attitudes book by Rizzoli from Superette
12. Wire Bin by Menu from Simon James Concept Store
13. Yeh Wall Table by Menu from Simon James Concept Store
14. Kaschkasch Floor Mirror by Menu from The Minimalist




Homes to Inspire | Marble Floors + Lovely Light

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Earlier in the week I mentioned being happy to see the sun after all the rain we've been experiencing. She is still gracing us with her presence, and I'm loving seeing the streams of light coming in through our recently cleaned windows. Even though I'm at home working and still nursing a head cold, it's so nice to experience a bit of the sunshine, even if it is only indoors.

Sometimes you see those rays of light captured so beautifully in interior images, and today I have a stunning example. The Cronulla Residence, a waterfront property in New South Wales was designed by landscape design and interior architecture studio Amber Road. Sourcing inspiration from Japanese design principles, the Sydney-based, incredibly talented sister duo fulfilled their clients brief to keep things as unpretentious and simple as possible. Clean lines and pale timbers of birch and American oak have been used to compliment existing features like the marble floors. Yes, you heard right... marble. I'll let the images tell the rest....

What an incredible home! See the full house tour over at Est

Photo credit: Prue Ruscoe

One more thing before I go. I was recently interviewed by my lovely friend and blogger Anu of Decordots. Based in Estonia, Anu is a fellow lover of Scandi-style and has a very similar aesthetic to me, so I was very happy when she asked to feature my home along with some decorating questions. Now up on her gorgeous blog, take a look here.  
















Lovedales Studio

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I hope you all had a lovely weekend.  Sorry for not stopping by on Friday. I had to put the blog to one side over the last few days to focus on a new project, which I'm really excited about. I'll let you know about that soon, but for today I'm thrilled to be sharing a new online art discovery all the way from Scandinavia.

Lovedales Studio is a graphic design and illustration company and the brainchild of Hanne Løvdal, a talented designer based in Norway. I'm so happy that Hanne tracked me down via Instagram, because one look at her work and my heart was singing, loudly!


Hanne shares my passion for magazines, and has an extensive background working in the area of graphic and editorial design, including 14 years at Egmont Hjemmet Mortensen, the largest magazine publishing house in Norway. Most recently her role was as Art Director for two magazines, which she held for almost 9 years. Needless to say, quitting her job in the Spring of 2013 to start her own business was a brave step, but one that has allowed her to focus on her passion for drawing. She also works with commercial clients on design, advertorials and logo design.


I really love Hanne's aesthetic, her use of water colours and the soft palettes she works with. I think these artworks would fit well in any beautiful interior, especially those that are Scandinavian in style. The great news is, Lovedales Studio ships worldwide. Choosing which one to buy, not so easy! See the full range and shop online here. For commissions, contact Hanne direct, and to stay in the loop, follow Lovedales on Instagram and Facebook.

The Horse Watch from Paper Plane | Worldwide Giveaway

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A simple take on the classic time-teller, The Horse range of watches are the must-have accessory right now. I've been eyeing them up for some time, and have included them in my blog wishlists on more than one occasion. You may remember this one from last week which included the gorgeous Steel and Nude watch. 

Designed in Australia, the watches recently made their way to NZ design store Paper Plane, with the first batch selling out within days. Not surprising when you take in to account their beautifully simple design, high quality materials including steel and leather, and great price point. Pre-orders have since been flooding in and new watches are due to arrive this week. 

The good news? One of them could be yours! With seven different colours to choose from, Paper Plane thought it only fair that you get to pick, and I couldn't agree more....  

Black/Black




Steel/Tan


To put your name in the draw to win one of these gorgeous watches (of your choice) valued at $149 NZD, simply email enter@thedesignchaser.com with The Horse and your choice of watch in the subject line. Please also let me know your full name.

The giveaway is open WORLDWIDE and will close on Sunday, 27th July at midnight 
(UTC+12). The winner will be chosen by
random.org  and announced on Monday, 28th July via the blog and my Facebook page.

I can't wait to see which watch is your favourite! Good luck!! 

Interior Styling | White + Wood

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Fresh and inviting, the combination of white and pale wood in interiors is undoubtedly Scandinavian. It's also relatively easy to achieve. If you're renovating, white painted walls and ceilings will immediately brighten your home, while tired old wooden floorboards can be revived with a sand and polish. 

Going white on white with the addition of white furniture and homewares can create a beautiful, seamless look, while wood accents add warmth to prevent your home from looking too sterile. For variety choose marble and glass accents as these further enhance the dreamy, minimalist feel, and layer in textured materials like wool, leather and linen for cosy comfort. For a natural pop of colour, bring in some greenery from outside. For those who prefer a bit more colour, white and wood provides the perfect canvas for showcasing your favourite hues.

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To finish, I've sourced a few lovely pieces that fit with today's theme.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5




The Week in Review

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I started off the week with some exciting arrivals in the post including my Mathilda Clahrleather straps. Having been on my wishlist for a while, I was hoping they would make their way from Sweden to our side of the world. Soon enough they had, thanks to the beautiful Scandi-inspired store Norsu in Australia who are now stocking them. Providing extra storage in the workspace, they can also be placed in your hallway for bags and jackets, next to the couch or bed for holding books and mags, or even as a tie for your curtains. They come with screws to attach to the wall but I used 3M Command adhesive strips, which worked perfectly.


Also from Norsu, I got a mini Pia Wallen Cross Blanket (hanging over the chair) for my younger son's new bed, along with some gorgeous bedding, which I will share with you in due course! I'm also thrilled to tell you that Norsu have just announced a new shipping offer for all New Zealand customers, including a $15 flat rate and FREE shipping for orders over $200!


It's been a fun week with two industry events, the first being the Citta Design Summer 2014/15 Preview. With each collection inspired by a different city, it's exciting to see not only the new products, but to hear head designer Imogen Tunnicliffe speak so eloquently about their vision and how it is brought to life.  Inspired by the city of Hanoi, what better way to celebrate the launch of A Midsummer Daydream than at Cafe Hanoi, where we were presented with a traditional Vietnamese street style breakfast, as well as a delicious take away lunch! With a design style that references traditional handcrafting techniques, and embraces delicate imperfections in a contemporary way, the new collection has a fresh feel and beautiful textures. I particularly love seeing the use of natural materials like linen, rattan and timbers. Here's a sneak peek. 


The second celebration was held last night for Homestyle, who have just launched a new look magazine. Kicking off with a fresh and colourful cover, isn't it stunning?! Hitting stores next week, the new issue is as always packed with fabulous ideas and inspiration for the home, now presented in a sharper, cleaner and more beautiful way. Make sure you grab yourself a copy!



Finally, a reminder to enter this week's giveaway if you haven't already. I can't wait to announce the lucky winner on Monday morning! Have a wonderful weekend. x  




Monday Mix Up

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As I've mentioned on more than one occasion, usually when sharing photos of our bedroom on Instagram, I'm very fond of linen bedding. One of my first linen discoveries online was the Australian brand bedouin SOCIETE. I remember how luxurious the sheets looked, perfectly crinkly in beautiful muted colours. Now available for the first time in New Zealand, I've had the pleasure of seeing them in person and they are just as exquisite in real life. Exclusive to Auckland store Indie Home Collective, bedouin SOCIETE is known for their simple, raw yet luxe designs. Made from flax sourced from regions i​n Northern France, the pure linen sheeting gets better with age, softening with every sleep. 

Designed for layering, the stunning range of colours are inspired by the earth and sea. The smoky palette layers well with neutrals or colour and includes Kohl Black (a personal fave), Dusk Blue, Sea Storm, Venetian Sky, Stone, Ash and more.

Beautiful styling by Claudia Kozub, photographed by Manja Wachsmuth

Further afield and due to be launched next month, here's a sneak peek at the Moments Collection by Danish brand House Doctor. A taste of what's in store for us next Autumn/Winter, it includes soft blankets, graphic prints and a gorgeous colour palette of moss green, dusty pink and soft blue together with marble and metallic accents. I'm particularly taken with the new range of chairs.  

Images via House of C

Last week I received news in my inbox of the new 2015 collection by Bolia, which I touched on in this recent post. With more than 250 new products due to be launched, all beautifully styled, there is a lot of eye candy to take in! Created by a team of more than 60 talented designers from around the world, the collection is the most vibrant and creative ever. Undoubtedly Nordic, there are Japanese influences which can be seen in the minimalistic and sculptural shapes. I love the mix of materials including wood, leather, coloured glass, marble and metallic surfaces such as brass and gold. See the whole range here.

Images via Bolia

Before I go, I'm thrilled to announce the winner of The Horse watch worldwide giveaway. Congratulations to the lucky winner Kate Gordon-Smtih who chose the gorgeous Rose/Walnut watch! Thanks to everyone who entered and of course to our wonderful friends at Paper Plane




Interior Styling | Floor Lamps

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I've mentioned before that I'm passionate about lighting. As well as being functional, lighting adds an exciting design element to interiors. I was pretty decisive when it came to choosing pendant and wall lights for our new home and while I'm still in need of some desk lamps for the kids spaces, this is mostly due to these areas being an ongoing work in progress. When it comes to our upstairs living room, a floor lamp has been on the wishlist for a long time. Perfect for providing some extra lighting in the evenings, floor lamps also help add to the finishing touches of a space, as these images demonstrate. 


Floor lamps are really versatile, being easily moved from one side of the room to another, or even from the lounge to the bedroom. They are also great for reading corners. While it's important to always match furniture to the scale of the room, a large, statement floor lamp, even in a small space, can provide a big visual impact. Industrial lamps always work well in Scandi-style interiors, and why not use a floor lamp to bring in some colour? I'm loving the pink and blue-green options around right now. 

Images: 1| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6  | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

While I will always be drawn to Scandinavian design classics, simple design and clean lines, I also love the idea of using a floor lamp to make a statement. I was just eyeing up the incredible Multi Lamp at Seletti yesterday. Inspired by a Football Floodlight, here it is along with a few more of my current faves. 



Pinterest | Picks + Peeks

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One of my secret Pinterest boards is dedicated to blog ideas, and this week it's expanded, thanks to some great Pinterest discoveries. Picks + Peeks is my way of showcasing not only those pins that have caught my eye, but further inspiration that can be found by clicking through to the source.

Art director Maja started her beautiful blog Musta Ovi as way of diarising the new build she shares with her family in Finland. Not only can I relate to her journey, I'm seriously in love with her beautiful home and styling, and can't wait for it all to unfold! You can also follow Maja's updates on Instagram

Nina Holst of Stylizimo wanted to revert to a more natural look in her office, so changed her blue-green office wall that I showed you here, to a soft grey colour. Blending in seamlessly with the monochrome decor, I love the new look! 

The is the latest Fantastic Frank styling project by Sarah Van Peteghem of Coco Lapine who I interviewed here. A light and airy penthouse apartment in Berlin, I love the grey accents, such as the cosy bedding from Milkmax

Wonderful styling and photography by Jennifer Hagler of A Merry Mishap, who shows three ways of styling the simple but versatile foldable desk by Target.  I bet they are now flying off the shelves as we speak! 


The Netherlands-based Maaike Koster of My Deer, one of my Instagram picks from this post, has launched a fantastic online art store. Featuring a fun range of black and white artworks, typographic prints and posts cards, Maiike has combined both her graphic design and styling skills to perfection.  





Instagram | Ideas + Inspiration

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Another month has flown by and my goodness was it a busy one! I have received lots of lovely feedback regarding my new blog design which has continued to evolve with its very own grown-up logo. I just updated my Instagram profile picture to reflect this, so I thought  I'd share a little bit about that today. Incorporating the initials TDC had been in the plans for a while, with my styling service T.D.C Style helping to get the ball rolling. I called upon New Zealand-based graphic and web designer Natasha Mead to help me refine my ideas. As a blogger it's easy to fall into the trap of wanting something fresh and therefore changing your design regularly to keep up with the latest trends. While this may work for some, I really wanted a logo and banner that would help grow my brand and have longevity. I actually featured Natasha in this post back in 2012 when she received a Best Award nomination, and have been admiring her work ever since. Her impressive list of clients include local brands such as The Department Store, Simon James, Curio Noir, Ruby, Sans Ceuticals and Stephen Marr, as well as global organisations such as Kinfolk and The International Office. It's easy to see why her simple, clean aesthetic really resonates with me and I absolutely love my new banner and logo! 

I recently mentioned on Instagram that I was thrilled to have reached 12K followers after only one year. I honestly never thought that another social media site would rival my addiction with Pinterest but it has! What's more, I love being part of an amazing community of like-minded people who are incredibly supportive, talented and inspiring. Now well over 15K and counting, I really am blown away. Thanks so much to all of you who follow, for the 'double-taps' and comments! Here are a few of my snaps from July.


As my following grows, I'm finding it harder to keep up with the comments and questions I get on Instagram. They are usually in relation to our new home build and while I aim to respond to as many as I can, unfortunately it's not always possible. For a while now, I've been wanting to put together a list of my most popular FAQ's, many of which also come to me via the blog and Facebook. So to kick start the new month, here it is... 

What paint colour did you use?
Resene Black White on the walls and Resene Half Black White on the ceilings

What flooring did you use?
Engineered wood flooring by DFD, in White Ash

What are your benchtops and splashback made out of?
Silestone in Lagoon

What did you use for your bathroom vanities?
For the ensuite and kids bathrooms we used the Liano Wall 950 Units in white gloss with white countertops. The upstairs bathroom vanity was custom-made with a Silestone Lagoon bench top and cabinetry by Custom Joinery (in line with the kitchen). We used the St Michel Roy Basins for all three bathrooms, and the Neo Petite Wall unit for our single toilet downstairs. The mirrors were all custom-made, including the round one upstairs.

Where is your living room shelving unit from?
It is a String Shelving Unit, from Bob and Friends.

Where are your office shelves from?
The brackets are Ikea, sourced through Living Concepts, and the shelves are from Bunnings.

Where is your office desk from?

Trestle Union 

Where are your black and white striped rugs from?
LET LIV


What is the screensaver on your computer?

Where are your sofas from?
The upstairs sofas are Studio sofas in Arena Cement from Freedom NZ and the downstairs sofa was custom-made.

I also plan on adding these as a link from my About Page for easy reference and will no doubt add to it along the way. I'm sure I've missed some out, but it's a start!



TUCKBOX

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Late last week I received an e-mail from Dan de Groot, regarding TUCKBOXhis new contemporary furniture company in Australia. An industrial designer who traded in a cool design office in London for a dusty shed full of timber, steel and old machinery in his hometown of Melbourne, Dan discovered a new found appreciation not only for the materials, the machines and processes, but also the people involved with the making. Teaming up with his brother Ant and wife Prue, TUCKBOX began over a long summer lunch late last year. Wanting to create furniture that embraced the shadows and light of Australian seasons, with simple lines and a modern character, this vision has now come to life with their first collection, Klein.  


Not only are the unique pieces made by hand, they are customisable, a feature that Dan says is at the heart of the collection. The stackable stools which double as side tables are a perfect example. "From our timber top shapes, to finishes, sizes and base colours, there is so much flexibility." Responding to increasingly compact urban interiors, the range, which also includes a beautiful selection of customisable coffee and dining tables as well as a compact hallway console, is cleverly designed to work in smaller spaces in terms of scale, assembly, storage and transportability. 


Combining quality materials, beautiful craftsmanship and thoughtful design, TUCKBOX is already making their mark, and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next for this creative family! To see the full range, and to shop online, pop over here. Look out for new product launches by following TUCKBOX on Facebook and Instagram. 

Images styled by Stephanie Stamatis and photographed by Tara Pearce 

Kicking off the week with some extra reading and inspiration, please take a look at my interview over on Kirsty Dawn today.  A New Zealand based graphic designer specialising in editorial design and photography, Kirsty interviews creatives from all over the world for her blog, A Journal Of Creatives, and I'm honoured to be included! 

Indoor Plants | Fresh Ideas

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I first wrote a post on indoor plants over a year ago. We were getting ready to move into our new house and I was keen to start building a nice collection of greenery to warm up our bright, white interior. I'd just purchased the popular fiddle leaf fig which is still a favourite, despite being the most challenging to keep alive! Rather ironic when it's supposed to be a low-maintenance plant! A recent re-pot has prevented any more falling leaves, but I wouldn't say that it's really thriving yet. If you have any tips let me know. FYI the coffee-in-the-soil trick didn't work!

I'm happy to report that my smaller house plants are doing pretty well. I always get lots of great feedback on the plant that hangs down over our String Shelf. Shelves definitely lend themselves to these types of plants, as demonstrated below. The plant in a wire basket is also a cute idea.



Do you remember this post featuring my Catherine Lovatt for Serax ceramics? I haven't acquired any more pieces yet, but it's still in the plans. Rather than shipping from Sweden again, I'm waiting patiently for them to make their way to Australia (stay tuned). So versatile, I think they look great housing little plants, especially these easy-care cacti.


Glass vases in various shapes and sizes always look lovely grouped together. Providing a simple way to display greenery, it's also one of my favourite looks. 


Here are few more ideas, from a simple white bowl to a rather impressive wall hanger! Keep reading to find out where to buy the clever 'green light' invention. 


Another favourite, paper storage bags and baskets make great plant holders. 


For something a bit more creative, here is Daniella Witte's clever styling which involves suspended white baskets and metal pots on string. 

Images: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Finishing off with some new plant holders I've discovered recently, these are all fresh, stylish and innovative. Which one takes your fancy?

1. Ikea PS 2014 Plant Stand
2. Green Pedestals by OFFECCT
3. Kekkilä Green Light
4. Ikea PS 2014 Plant Stand
5. Ceramic Planter by Gala Collier
6. Plant Holder by Stefano Gaggero





Curio Noir

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Last week I had the pleasure of attending an exclusive event for Curio Noir, the New Zealand-based bespoke candle and curio brand. Held at Simon James Concept Store, the evening was in celebration of the company's relaunch, a beautiful unveiling of enhanced luxury, and a look at some stunning new additions to the range. 


A highlight of the evening was meeting Tiffany Jeans, the founder of Curio Noir. Incredibly talented, Tiffany's rich heritage and unique creativity is both inspiring and intriguing. Born into a family of strong, creative women, Tiffany grew up immersed in Maori Culture. As an adult, she has enjoyed award-winning success in fashion and advertising, but it was during her wedding to film director Andrew Morton that she realised her desire to create. Crafting a series of hand-cast skull candles, individually wrapped in tulle for each guest, this labour of love paved the way for a range of bespoke candles, linens and curio for the home. Retaining a fascination with the wonder and mystery she felt in her youth, Curio Noir is a celebration of the interesting and uncommon. Through her beautiful products, Tiffany's heritage is passed on, her gift to you. 


In addition to experiencing a beautiful installation and magical movie which you can see here, I was lucky enough to take home the lovely gift pack above. I loved reading through the Curio Noir booklet, where Tiffany's impeccable art direction and attention to detail is evident on every page. The result of a collaboration with an amazing group of creatives, I particularly love the water mark of the Lilith Doll, designed by Bernadette Pascua, a multi-disciplinary artist based in New York City. Curio Noir's first product, and one of my favourite candles from the range, The Lilith Doll was inspired by Tiffany's daughter, now 11, and is scented with a unique inspired perfume created in Grasse.


Curio Glass is a range of individually hand blown colour glass candles, crafted in NZ by classically trained Venetian glass blowers. Take a look at the incredible process in this film. Delicately perfumed with scents such as Tobacco Night, Gardenia's Shadow and Tubereuse Noir, Curio Noir uses biodegradable botanical wax, sourced from a sustainable plantation that sponsors the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary in Sandakan, Borneo. 


The relaunch also happens to coincide with Tiffany's home feature in the current issue of Homestyle, who have kindly passed on a couple of photos for me to share with you today. An extension of Tiffany's personal aesthetic, the sense of calm, and pared-back interior immediately resonated with me. I was so taken with the glossy white floors it was the first thing I asked Tiffany about when I met her last week. Inspired by a New York art gallery, Tiffany said the floors still require another coat but are deceptively easy to keep clean. Located in central Auckland, Tiffany and Andy have done some minor work but plan to make big changes over the next few years to accommodate the needs of their family. As you can see the home also provides a base for Curio Noir. I love the vintage workbench, which Tiffany uses as a packing station for candles. The print above is by Richard Orjis and features a shot of the Lilith Candle. 

Images photographed by Evie Mackay for Homestyle

You can see more of Tiffany's home in the current issue of Homestyle

Visit Curio Noir to learn about the full range of products and stockists, and follow along on Facebookand Instagram




Armadillo & Co at The Ivy House

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I'm sure most of you will be familiar with the beautiful Australian rug brand Armadillo & Co. Known for their elegant hand dyed and woven designs made from New Zealand and Argentinian wool, owner Annie Loveridge has a deep appreciation for ethical design. All the rugs are fair-trade and the company is socially responsible, contributing financially back into the community through the Anganwadi Project.

As the sole distributor of Armadillo & Co in New Zealand, The Ivy House is proud to present the range, which can be purchased from their interiors showroom in the Auckland suburb of Herne Bay, as well as online. With four beautiful collections currently on offer, I had my work cut out for me picking out a selection to share with you today! The gorgeous Junior Collection is a must see for all style-conscious parents out there, while the Latitude Collection is perfect for lovers of colour and traditional Kilim rugs. The Designer Collection is a private service for trade, retail professionals, and select clients who are wanting a personalised or bespoke one-off piece.



Featured here, the Earth Collection as the name suggests includes rugs of a natural palette, perfectly suited to the elegant, Scandinavian interiors that I love. They are also ideal for anyone wanting to create a neutral base for which to layer in colour by way of other furniture and accessories. 

When I think of Armadillo the iconic Marigold rug above always springs to mind. Also in the family of stunning 'Flower' weaves in the Earth Collection are the Dandelion, the 'little sister' Daisy, and a favourite of mine, the round Zinnia rugs. 

Sumptuously soft and cosy, the Sierra Weave rugs are handcrafted from luxurious 100% pure New Zealand wool in a ‘jagged peak’ design reminiscent of a knit. Hand woven by Armadillo's artisans, they are beautifully textural and inviting.  

A classic design, I love the understated elegance of the Rope Weave. Made from a luxuriously heavyweight hemp, the Sahara Weave features a thickly knitted texture and rare richness underfoot that is completely unique in the rug market. 

Of course stripes are always a winner and there are certainly no shortages in terms of colours. Check out the whole range here. 

Remember, this is just a taste of the Armadillo Collection so make sure you check out The Ivy House or visit them in person at 238 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay. 




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