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Dreamers Inc.

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Dreamers Inc. is a gorgeous new range of children's bed linen created by Australia-based designers Nina and Karin Altman. Mums of young children with backgrounds in fashion and textiles, the sisters in law decided to join forces when they couldn't find unique bedding to suit their modern style nurseries. Inspired by Nordic elements, the bed linen brings art to life through beautiful prints that have been lovingly sourced and developed in the duo's Melbourne design studio. The digital printing technique used captures the finer detail of each image to create a life-like version. From the super girlie Pink Dove to the elegant Dragon Fly, the flowy Goldfish, the ultra-modern Green Budgie and the eye popping Green Beetle your child will surely find a friend to fall in love with.



A natural born businesswoman Karin has assumed a number of unique successes and demanding roles over the last decade across fashion and home wares. Nina, who graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science Textile Technology from RMIT, is passionate about fabrics, dyes, digital printing equipment and technologies. A love of innovation and textiles pushed Nina to experiment with colours, photography and fabrication for adult-sized bed linen. 'I spent much time travelling abroad, sourcing fabrics and speaking to suppliers to develop a range of bed linen for adults'. Following the birth of her two children, Nina realised there was a limited selection of stylish bed linen for little ones on the market and, using her intimate knowledge of fabrication, digital photography and global network of contacts, collaborated with Sister-in-law Karin to launch Dreamers Inc. 

Karin and Nina Altman, founders of Dreamers Inc. 

‘Dreamers Inc. has been a dream come true. We are so fortunate to have such a solid partnership, strength and collective vision. To go to work with a family member each day is rare. And precious.’ 


Such fun, quality pieces, I love the way the method of digital printing translates scale and striking colours to act as an artistic expression for little ones. Whether you're on on the hunt for cots, children’s beds or decorative cushions Dreamers Inc. has bed sheeting well and truly covered. Made from 100% cotton, Dreamers Inc. uses natural substrates and breathable fibres to ensure your little dreamers drift into a precious sleep. Machine washable, these heavy loft bed sheets are set to stand the test of time and stay as vibrant as the day they were bought.

Now taking pre-orders for delivery early November, shop the full range here

Images courtesy of Dreamers Inc. 






Workspace Organisation | Dowel Lamp by Regent St

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It's been one of those full-on weeks where the housework has completely gone by the wayside. My office is no exception although unlike the rest of the house, the mess can't be blamed on the kids! Currently surrounded by an excess of office stuff, I can't wait to get a moment to sort through all the paper and return to my preferred state of organised chaos. I'm always on the lookout for beautiful office accessories for my desk and walls, and have spotted a few monochrome things lately that have taken my fancy. In addition to getting ready for 2015 with my gorgeous new diary by An Organised Life (seen hanging on my office wall in this recent post) I'm already sorted with the 2015 Stendig Calendar, ready and waiting to replace this year's edition. LET LIV currently have them on pre-order, so get in quick because they sell out mighty fast!


For a while I've been dreaming about a new desk lamp. I've talked many times before about my love of lighting as a design element, and as such I'm always on the lookout for new finds that offer something unique. When news of the Dowel Lamp by NZ designers Regent St. arrived in my inbox yesterday, I felt a tingle of excitement. Featuring innovative design, clean lines and great craftsmanship, designer Riley Sanders says the Dowel Lamp's blend of quality wood and LED lighting reflects the simple and smart essence that defines Regent St.


I've been visualising the black one in my office ever since! Made from American oak, the Dowel Lamp is characterised by its composition of just three wooden elements. This solid oak structure is precisely engineered with CNC machining, while the hand-crafted finishes lend a personal touch to the minimalist design. The use of such few components creates a compact package for shipping and basic assembly (loving that). LED lighting is implemented to allow for up to 50,000 hours of use without replacing any of the lighting componentry. It also comes in a beautiful, natural oil finish.



Regent St. are currently shipping to New Zealand and Australia from their online store, but you can contact them directly for any enquiries regarding international shipping.

Pinterest | Picks + Peeks

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It's a very rare occurrence for me to post twice on one day, so I'll keep this one brief! I had planned to publish it yesterday but ran out of time, and quite frankly these images are too beautiful to put on hold. All Pinterest finds, the common theme is one of calm neutrals and warm wood elements.

Photo by Matthew Delphenich via The Boston Globe 

Styling and photography by Maiju.Saw

The home of Melbourne interior designer Simone Haag via Oracle Fox

Styled by Lotta Agaton and photographed by Kristofer Johnsson for Resident Magazine via My Dubio

Photo by Sharyn Cairns via Unfinished Home

Cloe Kitchen designed by Gian Vittorio Plazzogna for Cesar Arredamenticloe

Kanuka Collective | Launch + Interview

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Sitting down to write this post I'm feeling super excited, and it's not just the amount of coffee I've had today or the fact that we're heading into a long weekend (though that helps!) It's that ever since I discovered the new New Zealand home ware brand Kanuka Collective, I've been smitten. The beautifully crafted luxury products, the feel-good summer vibe of their debut collection and the overall attention to detail is the kind of stuff I thrive on, and I'm thrilled to be sharing their story with you today.



Launched in October, Kanuka Collective was founded by advertising creative Ryan MacPherson, who together with partner Jocelyn Closs, the design manager at Superette, collaborate on the brand. Based in Titirangi, Auckland, overlooking a beautiful native Kanuka clad forest in the Waitakere ranges, the couple are are influenced by the abundant natural beauty surrounding them. The products are made here in New Zealand from the finest quality materials sourced from all over the world. I'll pass you over to Ryan to tell you more...

Can you tell us a bit about your backgrounds and the path that led you to launching Kanuka Collective?

With a background in the advertising and design industries both in New Zealand and Canada, creating the Kanuka Collective brand was a natural progression creatively - we wanted to create something tangible that people could be inspired by and feature in their own homes.

What are your individual roles? 


Everything is carried out locally, with Jocelyn taking care of the social media and marketing side of things while I cover off everything else.



You're influenced by the natural beauty that surrounds you. What would you say are the key aspects that you draw from? Is this a connection that is specific to NZ, your lifestyles etc?

It's hard not to be inspired being so close to the beautiful west coast beaches and being immersed in the Waitakere ranges. Going forward we have a lot of nature-inspired products we'll be introducing.



Your attention to detail and use of beautiful materials is immediately apparent. Can you tell us more about the materials and the process involved in producing such quality products?

We use only the highest quality fabrics and materials and have gone to great lengths to source them from all over the world. Our products are produced locally so we can be across every step of the production process.




How would you describe your personal styles and how is this reflected in your designs, and also your home?

We love simple, paired back design. Open spaces, massive windows, lots of light, straight lines, and timber can be found throughout our Scandinavian inspired Titirangi 'tree house'.




What else inspires you... the web, travel, other creatives etc?

Having lived in both New Zealand and Canada we have a huge appreciation for natural beauty. We love to draw inspiration from what nature has to offer - the colours, forms and textures - there just happens to be plenty of inspiration everywhere we look here in New Zealand.

Your debut collection, aptly titled Palm Paradise SS 14 has a wonderful summer vibe. What can we expect to see over time?

Summer was the perfect season to launch with as we wanted to start with a fresh, beach-inspired collection. We've got some exciting things lined up for the future - watch this space.






I can't wait to see what the future brings, especially if those incredible Alapaca fur cushions are anything to go by! Kanuka have very kindly given me a couple of their new products, and I have to say that their signature detailing such as the luxe raw linen and leather gold foiled tags is even more exquisite in person. I'm looking forward to sharing a photo on Instagram soon! Visit Kanuka Collective to see the full collection and to shop online. 

Those of you in NZ have a wonderful, safe Labour weekend. I'll be back here on Tuesday.


C+M Studio

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I hope everyone in NZ enjoyed the long weekend. We had the most beautiful weather on Saturday, but then it turned cold and I came down sick yesterday. Luckily I had this one up my sleeve from last week,  but I may be laying low for a couple of days, so please forgive me if I miss a post. 

Based in Sydney, C+M Studio was founded in 2012 by Christopher Glanville and Megan Burns. Creating beautiful spaces for residential and commercial clients, their design ethos centres around a belief that beauty can be found in simplicity. Recently completed, The Cross Street Project is a stunning renovated home in Bondi, Sydney. Now up for sale, Cross Street is a unique concept in that you can either buy the apartment empty, buy it with everything in it, or shop the amazing items that fill the space! Much like all of the C+M Studio projects, the spaces exude warmth, comfort and the kind of pared-back elegance I love. 


The Cross Street Project / Imagery via Est Magazine and C+M Studio

I've picked out a few more of their inspiring interior spaces from past projects. Once again, there is focus on natural materials and layering of tone and texture. I love the beautiful dark wooden floorboards, french doors and plants in the first home, while the linen bedding and incredible marble bathroom are standouts in the second.  


Manly Project by C+M Studio

Musings + Moodboards

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I'm working on a few fun projects right now, one of which is the next series of BNZ GoodHome. Contributing content centred around interior tips and advice for homeowners, part of the focus this time is on summer and Christmas. A fun time of year, I'm revelling in putting together my ideas and inspo. Also an incredibly busy time of year, I'm looking at my diary for November and wondering how it has filled up so quickly! 

I'm not sure if it's that I'm getting older (and perhaps wiser) or whether it's a coping mechanism, but during these stressful times I try to focus on taking it one day at a time. I've learnt that worrying is pointless, and I trust myself to know that I will always get things done. I also gain a lot of positive energy and motivation from the words I pin. When I'm looking for a quote to reflect my feeling or thoughts to finish off my moodboards I find myself reading through this board with much enjoyment. And I know from seeing the number of repins and reading people's comments (which can be fascinating) that I'm not alone. The imagery is undoubtedly beautiful, but these simple words are also powerful. 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5


1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Some great news for my NZ readers before I go. The beautiful Australian design house Aura Home has just launched a new $9.95 flat-shipping rate to NZ, and to kick things off they are offering FREE Shipping to NZ, for four days only! 

I also have some great giveaways lined up over the next couple of weeks, so make sure you tune in tomorrow for the first one. It's a beauty! 

Mister Mister | Interview + Giveaway

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If you've been following the blog over the past year you will no doubt be familiar with the NZ-based online store Mister Mister. For those who are catching up and live locally, you should bookmark them right away. Specialising in luxury homeware sourced from around the world, they have recently brought on board a selection of the iconic Kubus range by renowned Danish brand by Lassen, and as exclusive NZ stockists, what better way to celebrate than with a giveaway?



First things first though, I thought it was about time I did a little Q&A to find out a bit more about the people behind Mister Mister. Partners of over eight years, and recently engaged, founders Richard Mayo and David Stone dedicate hours of their spare time to sourcing the very best products. David has kindly shared the rest of their story so far....

Can you tell us a bit about your backgrounds and the path led you to launching an online  store?

We both have corporate day jobs, and run Mister Mister in our spare time. Richard works in Retail, and I work in Banking. We both love design and we were sick of trying to find design accents for the house but only finding things that were everywhere and much of a muchness. When we first started Mister Mister we thought it was going to be a walk in the park to find product, however this hasn’t been the case. We’ve spent hundreds if not thousands of hours looking for product that fits all of our criteria. We only stock product that we believe in, and would proudly show in our home.

How is the workload divided between the two of you?

Richard takes care of technical stuff, but we both do the day to day work together.

How would you describe your personal styles and how is this reflected in the products you stock?

We both have very differing senses of style however we both appreciate the finer things in life. We both appreciate minimalist style, obscure objects and European design. Richard is very easy going, where as I either love it or hate, which drives Richard crazy as I have a tendency to only like one out of fifty things he likes. I have a very eclectic taste, I love both and new, and I love incorporating the two together. I love it even more when a designer modernises something classical (hence we have three Kartel Bourgie lamps in the house). Richard loves colour, where as I’m more into monochrome with accents of colour.


New arrivals from Danish brand Menu

What do you look for when seeking out new brands and product ranges?

We look to find product that isn’t already in New Zealand, or our personal must haves. We look for product that is made to a high standard. We look for quality, uniqueness - something that will make your friends jealous.

It's great to see that you stock several Scandinavian brands, including recent arrivals from By Lassen and Menu. What is it about these brands that you love?

We love the minimalist nature of them, how they can sit alone in a room and command presence, but can also be in a collection of products.

The By Lassen Kubus range 

What would be your favourite product picks right now? 

Richard’s favourite product is the Kubus Bowl (in which I keep catching him trying to sneak one in to the house to put on display). I love the Lee Broom Table Lamp and the Zuzunaga Throws. I love the throws for the weight and the luxury feel of the Italian merino wool.

Some great Christmas ideas would be the Gridy Mirror by Menu, Kosta Boda Bricks (tea light holder) & ibride Dinner SetsWe also now offer free gift wrapping!


Ming Blanc Stackable Bowls by iBride

What have been your most popular products to date?

The Nicole Porter Plates have been very popular and have been shown in Cuisine Magazine, & Air New Zealand’s inflight magazine Kia Ora. Laura Oakes has also been very popular. We’ve received feedback that people love the vibrant colours and the decoupage of imagery. 

Do you travel often for work... trade shows, buying trips etc?

Not as yet – we have plans to travel to Masion & objet in Paris next year. 

What inspires you.. the web, creatives etc?

We’re inspired by being different, and when we find something new that’s not already available in New Zealand.

Thank you David! And now for the fun part....



Mister Mister is giving away a Small Black by Lassen Kubus Bowl by (valued at $265) to one lucky reader! 

Based on original sketches by Mogens Lassen, the Kubus Bowl features elements evocative of the Bauhaus school, one of Mogens Lassen’s primary inspirations. Produced in Denmark with a focus on high quality and solid craftsmanship, and the bowl is a natural extension of the iconic Kubus candleholder, designed by Mogens Lassen in 1962. The Kubus Bowl is suitable for home decoration year-round and can contain everything from spring blossoms to herbs, fruits, or your favourite candy.

To enter, follow these simple instructions:
  1. Like both the Mister Mister Facebook page and The Design Chaser Facebook page
  2. Email me at enter@thedesignchaser.com with Mister Mister in the subject line.
  3. Include your full name in the email.
Please note that by entering, you will be subscribed to the Mister Mister email Newsletter. You can however opt out later, should you wish. 

The competition is open to New Zealand residents only and will close on Wednesday, 5th of November at 8am. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced on the blog and Facebook page that day, and contacted via email to arrange shipping.

Good luck! 




Kate & Kate x Superette Co Lab

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I get really excited about creative collaborations, especially when it involves two favourites like Kate & Kate and SuperetteNo stranger to teaming up with amazing designers, and knowing that Kate & Kate is loved by many of their customers, Superette says creating an exclusive piece together was an obvious idea. Joining forces to create an exclusive blanket and now (after months in the making) the Kate & Kate x Superette Co Lab Blanket has launched! 


Featuring an exquisite mix of muted pink and grey, the hint of gold gives it a unique twist. A dream to style, it looks amazing in our living room alongside the gorgeous carry bag, which features one of the initial blanket designs.


Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for T.D.C

Images via Superette

And just in case you need reminding, Kate & Kate blankets are knitted from the softest, breathable cotton, to be enjoyed by anyone and everyone – babies, children and adults. The Co Lab blanket is available exclusively through Superette and the Kate & Kate online store







Swoon Bathrooms

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I've been so immersed in exciting blog-related projects lately that I haven't devoted enough time to my actual blog research. Last night I stayed up late (nothing unusual there) to catch up on my favourite blogs/sites and of course Pinterest. Certainly not a bad way to end the day, this was one of my favourite finds.


Aptly named Swoon, this Swedish bathroom company causes me to do just that. Sleek, minimalist designs in a new colour range for Autumn/Winter 2015 have been beautifully styled by Lotta Agaton, and photographed by Kristofer Johnsson. As you know I can't resist black accents in the bathroom and I'm loving that black leather Handtag Loop, which comes with either a chrome, brass or copper dome. Metallics also feature in the tapware with gorgeous coloured cabinets that include Emerald Green (my favourite), a show-stopping Lingonberry and delightful Sweet Rhubarb. If you're after some colour in the bathroom, these are sure to inspire! 

Styling by Lotta Agaton | Photography by Kristofer Johnsson 

First spotted here | Imagery via Swoon and Agent Bauer




New + Noted

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Kicking off a new occasional blog series today, New + Noted, I have some gorgeous new design finds that I hope you will love as much as I do. First up from Country Road, the new Summer Home collection (in celebration of their 40th Anniversary) is packed with beautiful Scandi style goodness. Is it just me, or do their homewares keep getting better and better? Always on my go-to list for Christmas shopping, I think I'll find it near impossible not to treat myself to something while I'm at it!

Images via Country Road

Simple, stylish, versatile and affordable, it's hard not to fall in love with the new Janinge chairs from Ikea. Designed by Stockholm studio Form Us With Love, the multi-purpose, low-maintenance pair of moulded plastic stackable chairs can be used both indoors and out. Available with or without short armrests they come in light grey, white or bright yellow. I'll take a set of eight please!

Images via Form Us With Love

Discovered recently over on The Design Files, MINAMI is new online store in Australia founded by Julia Busuttil Nishimura, author of the beautiful food blog Ostro, and her husband, Norihiko Nishimura. Stocking a beautifully minimalist range of Japanese tableware, these pieces are what understated, elegant kitchen dreams are made of! Shop the collection here.

Photos by Eve Wilson and styled by Lucy Feagins via MINAMI

A few weeks ago I attended the launch of Penney + Bennett, the brainchild of New Zealand design duo Loren (Penney) and Sarah (Bennett). Fine art graduates who met and became friends at college, they set out to combine different aspects of their varying fine art practices and apply them to functional and aesthetically simple design. Using only the highest quality natural cloth sourced internationally, the silks are hand picked and the organic linen is woven and dyed specifically for Penney + Bennett. The fabrics are then transformed by way of experimental prints consisting of a range of traditional painting, drawing, photography and digital techniques. The resulting range of unique silk and linen pieces for the home are truly exquisite. Available to purchase directly from the Penny + Bennet online shop, the range is also stocked at Indie Home CollectiveTessuti, and Mildred & Co.


Images courtesy of Penny + Bennett

In case you missed the announcement on Facebook yesterday the lucky winner of the Mister Mister by Lassen Kubus Bowl Giveaway was Julie Joseph. Huge thanks to everyone who entered and to Mister Mister for their wonderful generosity. 

Homes to Inspire | Swedish Beauties

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I have two homes for you today, both of which have beautiful interiors designed by the super-talented Swedish stylist and photographer Daniella Witte. You may remember this post, where I urged you to follow her tremendously inspiring blog. If you're just catching up, she has now moved to this new blog address so be sure to switch across to receive a regular dose of Scandi style inspiration. 

I've said it before, but in terms of styling the Swedes really know what they are doing when it comes to property development and real estate. Daniella was recruited to work with a new Swedish apartments called Bonum, and as you will see she has worked her magic, transforming the simple spaces into homes that are warm, inviting and ever so stylish. Showcasing her signature Scandi style aesthetic, the monochrome palettes are paired with plenty of greenery and beautiful textural layers. I love the mix of lighting that Daniella has chosen in this first home

Images via Daniella Witte

Light and airy, this next home has a lovely sense of calm enhanced by soft, neutral tones.

Images via Daniella Witte






Feeling Festive

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Ending the busy week on a high note, a beautiful package arrived on my doorstep from Superette on Friday. Showcasing their Holiday Gift Guide, I dived straight in for a read and found pages packed full of gorgeous homeware and fashion pieces. Christmas shopping has never looked so appealing! You are  sure to find the ideal gift for every person on your list, not to mention something for yourself! 

Photo by Michelle Halford for T.D.C

Images via Superette

Take a look at the Superette Holiday Gift Guide online and in stores, and shop the collection here.

The festive feeling really kicked in for me over the weekend, while prepping for a Christmas styling shoot today. Here's a sneak peek at some of the gorgeous props I'm using. These little trees and decorations are all from Father Rabbit, who have an amazing selection Scandi-inspired Christmas pieces. Stay tuned for more!  

Photos by Michelle Halford for T.D.C 





Blue

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I have a soft spot for navy, so I'm happy to see some dark blue hues popping up here and there lately. The kitchen below features beautiful blue cabinetry which looks amazing alongside the marble benchtop and wood elements - love those herringbone floors!


Dark blue adds drama and depth to neutral and monochrome interiors, as shown below with the bedding and rug. We have a very dark blue sofa in our downstairs living room which provides a subtle yet striking contrast against the black and white palette. When it comes to the wardrobe, nautical stripes immediately spring to mind for summer, while in winter I love dark blue denim and knits. 

1 | 23 

Here are some more ideas for adding dark blue accents throughout the home.

Beautiful pieces by Broste Copenhagen

I can't get enough of the new prints by Therese Sennerholt, styled by Lotta Agaton and photographed by Kristofer Johnsson

Wonderful styling and photography as always by Daniella Witte

I've picked out a few current finds to finish off, including an amazing sofa from Bo Concept who have just launched a stunning new collection. 





Simple Form. | Launch + Interview

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Today I am thrilled to announce the launch of SIMPLE FORM., a brand new lifestyle webstore based in Melbourne, founded by Anne Nguyen. Created from a love of simple designs, the store carries a carefully curated, hard-to-find edit of stylish and limited edition interiors, homewares, accessories and apparel for the little and big kids at heart. 

When Anne first approached me about a launch collaboration and giveaway, I jumped on board despite the fact that her website was still under construction. I loved her branding and logo, and I could see from the minimalist Scandi-inspired images on her Instagram feed and Pinterest page that this was a girl after my own heart. When she told me the brands she would be stocking such as Playtype, BatisRike, Therese Sennerholt Design, and Snug Studio (to name just a few), my heart started racing and I wanted to find out more about how SIMPLE FORM. came about. As it turns out, Anne's story is one that many of us can relate to. Naturally creative, she decided to turn her back on the corporate world after having her two daughters and is now excited about her new venture. I'll let Anne tell you the rest... 

Tell us about your background and where your love of minimalist, Scandinavian style comes from? 


I am of Asian decent, but born in Australia. Vietnamese to be precise. My Parents are the reason I have a love for Scandinavian design. We come from humble beginnings and as a result I was always been surrounded by simple objects that made life a happier place. They were not expensive things, they were just simple, functional and high quality.



Have you always been creative?

Yes! I can remember always wanting to make something or taking my projects in high school to an 'out-of-this-artistic-world' level of creativity, beyond what was required by my teachers. I always thought I'd go on to create something, or be artistic in some form or another. However, my parents were traditional Asian parents and pushed me down the path of science, maths and medicine etc. I went to university, finished a Biomedical Science Degree and hated the job descriptions that came with the job offerings after I graduated. So, I went back to uni and finished a Commerce Degree and became an accountant (BORING!). Nine years total in university! Being an accountant was not inspiring but a job was a job and it fed my frivolous shopping addiction.


How has becoming a Mother changed your perspective and course of direction?

Soon after getting married in 2011, I became a mum to little Audrey in 2012 and she was the reason why we bought a run down art deco house in inner city Melbourne and started renovating. This is where my love for Scandinavian and minimalist design was reborn, and took me back to my childhood. I spent countless amounts of hours, scouring the internet for products and inspiration, looking at mid-century designs and reading about modern Danish designers. I felt like I was in my own element again, being able to design and style my home, finding products that were just WOW! I was supposed to return back to work in 2013 however, I fell pregnant with little Chloe before I got the chance to and my maternity leave was extended for another year. So I have had a lot of time being busy with my two little girls, to think about what it is that brings a sparkle to my eye and what it is I wanted to do with the rest of my life.



At what point did the dream start becoming a reality?

I think the defining moment for me was when I purchased a dowdy mid-century rocket lamp from a second-hand store and refurbished it into a gorgeous modern version of its past. I received quite a number of compliments from friends and their friends and random people, asking me where I got the lamp from and receiving requests about creating these lamp for order. I was also complimented on 'my eye for these things' and it really ignited that flame of creativity in me. 'Perhaps I can make things, or perhaps I can buy and sell things instead of going back to work.' Those were my thoughts for almost two whole years.

In July this year, one month before my maternity leave expired, I made the ultimate decision to resign from being an accountant and focus on opening an online store where I can curate and share my finds of stylish and simple designs whilst also creating a collection of my own designs. The modern rocket lamp is currently a work in progress, as is a number of other products, but the website is my priority. Once it is running on autopilot, I will be able to continue with my lamp project but it has been put on hold for the time-being.

So now, it has been a whirlwind of excitement, busy days, late nights, sleep deprivation and buckets of Allpress coffee. I spend my day working on the business/website when I can, being a mum, a wife, a cook, a cleaner, a referee and bedtime comforter the rest of the time.

Clearly a hard-working and talented lady with an amazing eye for all things beautiful, we thank you Anne for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your story.


Now for the fun part! If you love what you see in the collage above, look out for a SIMPLE FORM. giveaway over on Instagram today! One lucky follower will win a gorgeous selection of products from the store, handpicked by Anne. Good luck!!

Slowwood

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Very happy to have reached the end of the week, I'm looking forward to slowing down and taking a much-needed breather over the weekend.With that in mind, SlowWood, a brand of elegant furniture handmade in the Netherlands seems like a very fitting choice for today. Well-made, well-designed and long lasting, the pieces are designed to fit easily into any interior. Ever since I first spied the no-fuss, timeless designs I have been imagining each of the tables in my own home, especially this coffee table. Designer Christien Starkenburg believes in a slow lifestyle, which she applies to her work as well as her life. All of her designs are sustainable and handcrafted by local artisans. Using a manufacturing process that is 100% Eco-friendly and purposely slow, she allows herself to give each design the utmost attention and care.


I'm starting to feel a sense of calmness already, just from looking at this beautiful imagery. I hope it has had the same effect on you. Here's to a relaxed weekend ahead. Enjoy!  

All imagery via SlowWood







The Poster Club | Special Reader Offer

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I knew right from the get-go, when I announced its launch here on the blog, THE POSTER CLUB would be one to watch. Just a few months on, the Copenhagen-based international webshop is shipping prints daily all over the world, and has a loyal and growing customer base here in NZ and Australia. Founder Thomas Nissen is passionate about sourcing the best selection of posters from graphic designers, illustrators, photographers and creatives from around the globe. Adding new posters to the store on a weekly basis, here are some recent additions that I'm sure like me, you will be very excited about! 


First up, the new Botanic Poster Series by the very talented Copenhagen-based designer Kristina Dam. Created in collaboration with photographer Tuala Hjarnø, the posters have a beautiful, dreamy quality. 


Moon and Haze are two of the three captivating posters by Copenhagen-based artist Anne Nowak now on offer at THE POSTER CLUB. The first image shows them in the incredible new offices of Norm Architects which you may have seen doing the rounds on the Internet over the last few days!


A name that has popped up many times here on the blog and still one of my faves, Kristina Krogh consistently produces fresh and uniquely stylish posters. I'm loving her recent metallic ones including the 2015 Calendar, which comes in white and copper (shown above) and grey and gold


A few more gorgeous picks from Coco Lapine and One Must Dash

In celebration of Christmas, THE POSTER CLUB would like to gift T.D.C readers an exclusive offer of 15% off all posters for one week! 

To redeem, simply enter the code thedesignchaser at checkout, and don't forget to take advantage of free shipping when you buy two or more prints.  







Cultiver | New Colours for Summer

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Since launching in 2012 CULTIVER has carved a beautiful niche within the competitive bedlinen industry with their range of classic, high quality bedlinen. Born out of a desire to enhance every day with luxurious products, I know firsthand how much this rings true. There is nothing quite like climbing into bed and drifting off to sleep in my CULTIVER linen sheets! Continually expanding their range, today they proudly introduce two stunning new colours for Summer, Blush and Smoke Grey. Soft and dreamy, they work in beautifully with all of the CULTIVER colours, of which there are now nine in total. Whichever combination you choose, these gorgeous new hues will be sure to transform your bedroom into a haven for Summer and beyond. 

Photography by Annette O’Brien and styling by Alana Langan

The new Blush and Smoke Grey colours are available in Duvet Covers, Pillowcases and Sheet Sets, in single to king size. Now online at CULTIVER for pre-order, with delivery in the first week of December. Free shipping within Australia and worldwide shipping at a low, flat rate. 

Imagery courtesy of CULTIVER




Neutral Instinct | 2015 Planner

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A recent discovery, Neutral Instinct is an Australian online store with an impressive selection of beautiful homewares. Owner Amanda Tiernan is a self-confessed lover of neutral colours who sees beauty in simple, minimalist, modern products and interiors. She says Neutral Instinct is all about choosing homewares and accessories that replicate this beauty. Of course Scandinavian design which epitomises simplicity, minimalism and functionality fits the bill perfectly, so you will find plenty of options such as Menu, by Lassen and Design House Stockholm, to name just a few. 

The Weekly Planner/Notebook by Marjolein Delhaas is a product I've been admiring for some time, especially when it surfaces more frequently around the Christmas/New Year period. Designed and made in the Netherlands, its minimalist typographic design is one that is hard to forget. I was very excited to hear that Neutral Instinct has brought the 2015 edition to our shores, and even more excited to receive one in the post! How beautiful is the gift wrapping?


Designed for use as a personal diary or notebook, the planner is perfect for those like me, who like making daily to-do lists. Also available in copper, I love how my black one looks on my desk, and its compact size means it will also fit easily into my handbag. 

Neutral Instinct have just announced that they are now shipping to NZ so pop over here to browse through their amazing range of homewares and gifts. They are also offering free shipping within Australia and NZ for any single Weekly Planner/Notebook purchase. Perfect timing to treat someone you love (or yourself) for Christmas!  

Styling and Photography by Michelle Halford for T.D.C


New Sanctuary Range from Sleepyhead | Part One

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I've talked before about my bedroom being my sanctuary, and how I love creating a calm and peaceful place to escape from the daily chaos. I never tire of featuring beautiful bedlinen here on the blog, but what about the bed? We all know how great it feels to wake up after a good night's sleep, but did you know that sleep can completely transform the way you look and feel? According to Sleepyhead, New Zealand’s number one bed manufacturer, great sleep is the best beauty treatment your body can have, and that's why they've spent more than 80 years developing and improving their beds to ensure New Zealanders can have the best sleep possible.

Their latest exciting launch is the re-design of the popular Sanctuary range, a luxurious collection of beds featuring the renowned Sensorzone core. Combining the comfort and support of a traditional mattress with NZ-developed technology, this provides an unparallelled level of luxury, comfort and pressure relief. If you're after a reduction in tossing and turning and nasty aches and pains, then these are the beds for you! Selected models feature the 3D Sensorzone core, FusionGel, Phase Change and Graphene comfort technologies which absorb and distribute excess heat from around the body and dissipate it down through the mattress. The end result is a bed so luxurious you will melt into it and feel the stresses of the day drift away.


You can find Sleepyhead beds and the new Sanctuary range in any Beds R Us, Farmers or Smiths City store, and for more information visit Sleepyhead

In celebration of the launch, Sleepyhead are running a competition on their Facebook Page. The winner will win a bedroom design consultation with me, plus $1,000 to spend on a new bedroom! Pop over here to see how to enter. The competition ends 30th November 2014.

I also had the pleasure of styling one of these beautiful new beds which I will be sharing on the blog next week!

Images courtesy of Sleepyhead

This is a sponsored post. For more information on sponsored posts, please take a look at my About Page.

A couple of things before I go:
The special reader offer from THE POSTER CLUB ends Monday, so get in quick!
Huge congrats to the winner of the SIMPLE FORM. Instagram giveaway @mamaisonblanche! 


BNZ GoodHome | Christmas Table Setting

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A couple of weeks ago in this Feeling Festive post, I gave you a sneak peek of some gorgeous little trees and Scandi-inspired decorations I was using in an upcoming Christmas-themed shoot. I can now tell you it was for the latest issue of BNZ GoodHome, for which I had a lot of fun styling an outdoor table that had been built onsite by fellow GoodHome contributor and builder John Cocks. The perfect DIY solution when you're hosting the Christmas Day festivities, it costs less than $100 to make, and will seat an extra 12 people. Post-Chrissy, it would make a great outdoor work table or office desk! Find out everything you need to know here

Choosing a relaxed, Scandi-style theme for the table, a highlight was getting to use the exquisite new range of dinnerware by Father Rabbit, who also provided the gorgeous trees, decorations and Star Trays. I'm sure many of you can relate to gathering up all the chairs around home to accommodate extra guests, so I decided on an eclectic mix that included four beautiful Citta Design Oak Spindle Back Chairs. Retailing at $320 each, there is a special deal running currently where you can purchase them in store for $990 for a set of four, or $1,440 for a set of six! 


Blue skies and sunshine all around, I hope the weather turns out to be as gorgeous as this on Christmas Day! Visit BNZ GoodHome for more photos and a 'where to buy' list of all the products used, and check out my other new posts including Budget-Friendly Styling Tips, Getting Ready for Outdoor Living and Styling Your Kitchen on a Budget






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