T.D.C

I'm Kicking off the week with some current loves, a few of which are right here at home. There were a couple of books on my wishlist, which I included in this String Shelf Styling post including Kate, the Kate Moss book and The Fashion Book Mini Edition. Having now acquired both, I'm a very happy girl. I love displaying beautiful books around the home, and these are just two of many that I would like, but it's a good start. Next on the list are some fabulous interior books!

Neither of these new books were actually on the String Shelf when I took these photos, but I love that I can move them around from room to room as I please. Kate is proudly displayed on the coffee table here, alongside a black felt garland from Jamie Kay.

I had planned on putting the garland in my office or eventually in one of the boys' rooms, which I'm currently decorating, but for now it's residing on the Muuto Dots. I think it looks pretty cute, don't you?

I finally bought the set of Hay Boxes I'd been hankering for. They were included many months ago in my Home Build | Workspace Wishlist. Comprising of a set of seven boxes in varying sizes and colours, they match our colour palette perfectly and are so handy for storing bits and pieces.

There are four on the String shelf including two large grey ones (one is hidden from view behind the sofa) and these two favourites...

The other three are on my office desk alongside the other new book I mentioned earlier.

I've curated a couple of moodboards recently, which mostly came as a result of browsing my Pinterest boards and feeling so inspired by everything I've pinned!

A visual feast of beautiful spaces, gorgeous interior styling, covetable homewares and cool fashion finds, I hope you enjoy these images as much as I do.

Not a bad way to ease into the working week! Have a great day!

I do my best to try and keep things fresh here on the blog. I aim to bring you new finds, interviews and original content where possible. There are times however, when I can't help but feature a creative brand or person a second time. One such person who I will no doubt continue to bring back again and again is Pella Hedeby, the Swedish interior designer, stylist and blogger whose work I find to be pure magic.

The last time I wrote about Pella's work was in this post, where I talked about her authentic Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic, and why I love it so much. Today I have two of Pella's recent styling projects from her blog Hitta Hem to share with you, both of which left me utterly inspired.

The first show apartment in Stockholm features a bold black and white palette, softened with grey and pinky tones and gold accents. I love how Pella combines design classics, such as the About A Chair Chairs by Hay with Ikea basics. Black chalkboard walls serve as message boards where both to-do lists and inspirational images are combined, creating a relaxed vibe and the ability to have an ever-changing backdrop.

A striking feature is the amazing photo wallpaper seen in each of the rooms above. See the whole apartment including product details here.

This next project, also a show apartment in Stockholm includes Pella's signature monochrome styling and layering of textural elements, but with an edgier feel. The living room, shown above and below, is my favourite. Featuring the aptly named Cosy Sofa from Bolia, a dip-dyed cushion, Cross Blanket by Pia Wallen and beautiful Reindeer hide, it all looks so inviting! The three photographs on the wall above the sofa give the room its wow factor.

I'm really loving the look of white shelves against a dark wall right now. The Ikea picture ledge works perfectly for displaying simple yet eye-catching imagery, quotes and quirky objects.

See the full home tour here. Photo credit: Kristofer Johnsson

To see more of Pella's inspirational styling work, visit her blogs Hitta Hem and Stil Inspiration.

Nynne Rosenvinge is a Copenhagen-based artist whose work really strikes a chord with me. She produces a range of contemporary paintings and illustrations that are sold in design stores in Denmark and abroad. Having been featured in both print and online interior publications, it's easy to see why. Nynne has kindly sent me some images of her work, and while picking out some to share with you, I've fallen further in love!

Nynne describes her work as being quite minimalistic, however it's the fine details that I'm drawn to. A mix of graphic geometric shapes and patterns create a textural quality, and while the prints are immediately eye-catching, when you look closely, there are lots of small layers. Beautiful colour palettes further enhance the appeal of these artworks, and I can't help but visualise how wonderful they'd look in our new home!

Clean and bold, the abstract designs are perfect for those who are after a punchier look.

Nynne's unique illustrations would sit beautifully in any interior, in both kids and adult spaces. What's more, they are available to purchase on Etsy at very affordable prices, and can be shipped worldwide.

If you've been following the blog for a while you would've noticed my total devotion to local fashion and lifestyle boutique Superette. When they got in touch recently to see if I'd like to guest post over on their blog, I jumped at the chance!

Pop over here to read my post, where you can find out more about my 'must haves' above, from their Home collection, and some of my most inspiring pins of late.

I'll also be sharing my interview with the founders of Superette on the blog soon, so stay tuned for that!

If you've been following my Home Build posts you will have heard me mention Jamie Kay, the NZ-based online store, on more than one occasion. You may have also noticed their gorgeous banner on the side of the blog. As a friend and sponsor of The Design Chaser, I thought it was about time you were properly introduced!

Owner (and the store's namesake) Jamie has always had an eye for beautiful things. Passionate about design, she studied and worked in the fashion industry before moving into the area of homewares. Naturally creative, the store allows Jamie to fuel her passion, not only by sourcing beautiful products from around the globe, but through designing her own line of jewellery, that she lovingly makes by hand in her Canterbury studio.

With two little boys ages one and three, you'd be right in guessing that Jamie is a busy lady. Add to that a farm, which she and her husband run along with six staff, (we're talking 950 cows) and I'm sure like me, you'll take your hat off to her!

Somehow Jamie finds time to constantly source new designers, including two recent Scandinavian ones that I love. Both Fine Little Day and Luckyboysunday produce gorgeous textile ranges. Perfect for kidsrooms, their products also work well in adult spaces. I've currently got the Gran Cushion (above) in my living room and I'm not sure I want to let it go just yet!

Jamie Kay also stocks a great range of felt products like this Black Felt Ball Garland (on my Muuto Dots) and the Felt Ball Ottoman above. The Fine Little Day Apple and Pear prints (seen in many Scandi-style kids interiors) and the Luckyboysunday Favourite Place Pillows are super cute!

More delightful Fine Little Day designs above, with the Gran Blanket and Grey Gran Cushion Cover. The Knitted Cushions by UK-based designer Sally Nencini feature sweet animal graphics and are made from soft lambswool.

Jamie loves vintage, so you will find many classic and retro-style products in her range, such as the Crown Lynn inspired swans from Studio Ceramics.

There's free shipping within NZ, so pop over to Jamie Kay and see all that's on offer, including Jamie's gorgeous collection of Jewellery. Make sure you also like the Jamie Kay Facebook page to keep up to date with new arrivals.

Growing up, my father owned a home textiles business, importing fabrics from all around the world. He was immensely passionate about his work and I have fond memories of him bringing home new samples to show my sisters and I, and the fun we had visiting the warehouse, where there were rolls and rolls of textiles. I caught the bug early, and have always loved the textural element that fabric brings to interiors.

Right now I'm working on the bedrooms in our new home, and the most exciting aspect is the bedding. Choosing colours and patterns for the kidsrooms is so much fun, and for our room, I feel like trying something a little bit different. In the past I've favoured crisp cotton bed linen in whites, soft greys and neutral tones but lately I've been drawn to darker greys and charcoals, and natural linens. While I always love white as a base, these moodier pallets really appeal.

One of my favourite bed linen companies CULTIVER, who I featured here, do a beautiful selection of linen bedding in a range of colours including white and grey.

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

More recently I've started noticing inky textiles - tie dyed, dip dyed, ombre, water colours - however they have been created, the effect is the same, and I can't get enough!

Talented New Zealand designer Emma Hayes produces an incredible range of water-inspired home textiles and objects that I'm currently lusting after. The Ink Collection features blankets and pillowcases (above) as well as cushions (see further down) and even a beautiful series of art prints. and The Undertow Collection has an amazing wallpaper and will follow soon with signature bedding pieces (seen below) designed to mix perfectly with black and neutrals.

Cushions play a big part when it comes to bedroom furnishings, but are also easily transferable to your living spaces. Even just one new cushion can give your bed or sofa a lift. Choose something striking, and it will inject some wow into your room. I'm thinking of test driving one of these cushions before I go all out with the bedding.

Not strictly a cushion, number 5 is actually a kids pouf, but it's so gorgeous I had to include it!

1Tie Dye Black Ink Cushion by Aura
2Drip Pillow in Black by Linum
3Dip Dye Charcoal Cushion by Aura
4Tidal Cushion in Grey by Emma Hayes
5Kebnekaise Knitted Pouf by Little Red Stuga Designstudio
6 Ink Cushion by Emma Hayes
7Linen Tie Dye Cushion Cover in Denim by Ceannis
8Black Splash Pillow by Linum
9Tie Dye Linen Cushion Cover in Grey by Ceannis

Of course, if you're a keen DIY'er, there are plenty of DIY ideas on the web. Inspiringblogger and instagram queen Deborah Gordon shows us how it's done.
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For the full low-down, including what you'll need and step-by-step instructions, pop over and see Deborah's guest post on A Merry Mishap.

Is it just me, or does everyone feel a bit jaded, and in need of a holiday at this time of year? Schools break up on Friday here in NZ, and I'm looking forward to a rest from all the rushing around. Like the rest of the country, I'm hoping by then we'll have won the America's Cup race! Currently being sailed in San Francisco, Emirates Team New Zealand are racing Oracle Team USA, and with one race left to win, we are so close. Fingers crossed our boys bring the cup home!

I'm actually thinking about taking a bit of time off over the school holidays, so that I can spend more time with my boys. You'll still see me online everyday, on either Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest (that's a given) but the blog posts may cut down to three a week. I'll let you know what I decide by the end of this week, so you know what to expect!

Once back from the holidays, I'll be coming at you with lots of exciting new content that I'm working on, including giveaways and interviews. I'm also doing some public relations work for a beautiful new store, and in the early stages of setting up a little interior-related side venture. Lastly, I'm thrilled to have locked in a magazine shoot early next year to have our new home featured.

Because of all this busy-ness, I just have a couple of moodboards to share with you today. The first features that exquisite combo of black, white and neutrals together with a few things I'm loving right now such as DIY bookshelves and black interior walls. It also includes some of my fashion must-haves like hats, sunnies and leopard print!

This next one was inspired by the arrival of spring and features blush tones, bright airy interiors and beautiful flowers. Enjoy!

All images via my Pinterest Boards.

A couple of weeks ago I gave you a Home Build Bathroom Inspiration and Update post and promised I'd return with my wishlist of bathroom accessories. Staying with our neutral palette, I've curated products that will add warmth and texture. Aesthetically beautiful as well as functional, I've also included a few skincare products that I've had my eye on!

01 Country Road Home Pepe Bathmat
02 Hay Strap Mirror from Corporate Culture
03 Stop The Water While Using Me Hand Balm from The Minimalist
04 Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm
05 Saha Fouta Towel from Izzy and Jean Co
06 Ottoloom Ipanema Towel in Butter Stone from Superette
07 Bathroom Inspiration via Elisabeth Heier
08 Bathroom Accessories from The Minimalist
09 Natural Basket from Bodie and Fou
10 Diptyque Roses Candle from Mecca Cosmetica
11 Bloomingville Antique Elm Wooden Stool from Bodie and Fou
12 Aesop Coriander Seed Body Cleanser
13 Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Eye Cream
14 Diamond Vase from Artilleriet
15 Grey Rubber Bowl from The Minimalist
16 Norm Bath Series for Menu

I recently purchased a couple of Ikea basics that had been on my wishlist for ages, the Stockholm Cushion and the Eivor Throw. Fun, versatile pieces that are suited to both living spaces and bedrooms, the simple yet bold black and white graphics work beautifully with our monochrome palette.

Shown here on our sofa, these items will no doubt find their way to other areas of the home in due course. The bedrooms are definitely calling out to them!

As with many of my interior choices, inspiration was gained from the Scandi-style blogs that I follow. Here are some examples. I'm sure you'll be able to spot the two Ikea products. The cushion is very popular!

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

As we wait and wonder if Ikea will ever make its way to NZ, there are more and more local companies taking matters in to their own hands, shipping products across for resale. I've done my research, and there's one company that I've started using who are fantastic. Living Concepts have a Ponsonby showroom and bring in a shipment every three to four weeks, based on customer orders (taken from the Australian website). The best part is there are no huge mark-ups, and their customer service is fantastic. Tell Teresa I sent you!

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I'd been working on a new blog-related interiors venture, and I'm happy to report that it's coming together, albeit a bit slowly. I'm going to be providing an interior styling service called TDC Style. TDC being the abbreviations for The Design Chaser. As you know I like to keep things simple around here!

I'm currently setting up some styling options and pricing etc, and will let you know about those in due course. In the meantime, I thought I'd share one of my ideas with you, the TDC Style Map, so that you can get an idea of what to expect. Style Map is a room moodboard, which brings together ideas for a particular space. It includes a colour palette, furniture and accessories, together with a breakdown of items and where they can be sourced.

This little project here is a personal one, in that it's the Style Map for my eldest son's bedroom in our new home. While we will be incorporating some of his existing pieces, I had no trouble substituting these with some cool new online finds to create the moodboard. Both the boys rooms are quite small, but they have very good built-in wardrobes, so we've done away with the dresser which worked well in previous homes. The monochrome palette will provide a great base for some bright pops of colour, in this case turquoise and yellow.

1Ikea Ekby Hemnes/Ekby Valter Wall Shelf
Triangle Artwork by Jane Denton
Wooden Monkey by Kay Bojesen
Normann Copenhagen Toy Plane from Design Denmark
Ikea Fas Clamp Spotlight

2Triangle Wall Art Stickers in Silver from Good Regards
Don't Grow Up Print from The Minimalist
The Black Deer Print by Ruben Ireland from Pop Motif
Batboy Print by Ragdoll Illustrations from Paper Plane

3Ikea Flaxa Bedframe with Storage
Hello Milky Single Doona Cover (grey + black spots)
Ikea Eivor Throw(black + white stripe)
GE Triangle Cushion from Jamie Kay (blue + grey)
Black Swiss Cross Throw Cushion from Zana Products
Neon Cross Throw Pillow Cover from Pencil Me In
Black and White Triangle Throw Pillow by Pencil Me In

4Lego Storage from Design Denmark

5Post Box 2 from Mocka

6LET LIV Striped Rug in Cool Grey & Milk

7Six Cube Storage Unit from Mocka
Lego Yellow Storage Head Boy from Design Denmark
Varpunen Storage Sack from The Minimalist

I'll be sure to show you some photos once the room is ready! I'm also looking forward to doing a lot more Style Maps, so if you're already interested, or have any questions, please get in touch!

Best known for their luxury beanbags, COAST who I first introduced you to here, have grown steadily since their launch in 2004, with an ever-expanding collection of quality, handmade goods produced in New Zealand. Their latest range arrived just last week and is proving (once again) hard to resist.

Featuring two luxury linen towel collections, exclusively designed for COAST, it's no surprise that they are already flying out the door. Expertly woven in a 100 year old family mill in Lithuania from 100% premium-quality washed linen, I'm very excited to be the first to introduce them...

The Everyday Linen Collection includes bath sheets and hand towels in super soft waffle linen. Available in three colours - white, sea foam and charcoal, these heirloom quality towels are extremely strong and age beautifully - they actually get softer the more you use them.

With Summer just around the corner, the Laguna Linen Towel Collection couldn't have come at a better time. Set to become the season’s essential beach accessory, the Laguna is a towel, wrap, blanket, sarong or can even be used as a table cloth. Whether you're at the beach or poolside lounging, I love that they are generous enough to stretch out on, yet compact enough to be bundled neatly into your bag!

Made from a strong, luxurious natural fabric which dries fast and softens beautifully with each use, these European inspired towels are exquisite to touch, extremely absorbent and long lasting.

Available in four striped colour combos, I actually think these were designed for my family. There's one for each of us, in all of our fave colours! Presented in a beautiful recycled cardboard box, these are also a great gift idea. I know what I'm adding to my Christmas wishlist this year.

The new collections are available to purchase online, or from the COAST Britomart Showroom.

I find the arrival of spring so uplifting. The warmer weather and sunshine brings with it a happy vibe, and I can't help but feel inspired. While I love to embrace cosy textures in winter, it's a welcome change to lighten things up a little and 'throw off the covers'. Materials such as cotton and linen, and soft colour palettes really appeal, as do natural elements such as wood and rattan.

And of course spring calls for fresh flowers!

Images:1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Here are some ideas for injecting some spring loveliness into your home.

Links below images

01 Ceramic Blue Milk Bottle Vases from Good Regards
02 Babcha Luxe Light Harlequin Cushion by DAN300
03 Pony Rider Peach X Cushion from Father Rabbit
04 Phalaenopsis Orchid from Freedom
05 Gentong Oval Storage Basket Set from Citta Design
06 Caroline Hurley Square Dots Peach Linen Throw from The Minimalist
07 Mud Australia Mud Bowls from Father Rabbit
08 Hades Chopping Boards from Citta Design
09 Bell Basket Pendant from Freedom
10 Feliz Square Dancing Fluro Yellow Duvet Cover from Father Rabbit
11 Two Hearts Pink Print from Paper Plane

I hope you all had a lovely weekend. I managed to have the house to myself for a bit which was very peaceful, especially after having the kids home for two weeks on school holidays! I did a big tidy up and rearranged the String shelf (yet again) to make way for my beautiful new print from Nynne Rosenvinge, who I recently featured here.

I'm so in love with our new Aura Crosses Throw from Superette. I actually think that she and the sofa are made for each other!

You'll notice a bit of cushion shuffling going on in the images above! Every piece I choose for our home fits into the colour scheme and Scandi-style aesthetic I set out to achieve from the start. I love that this means I can change pieces around as the mood takes me.

Because Nynne's print took the place of my Circles Print which I also love, I moved that one into my office. I have to say it looks right at home there, and I love seeing it out the corner of my eye while I'm working!

I even managed a sleep-in, some exercise, great coffee (always) and to finish off, dinner and a show with my Mum and sister last night! I hope you got some time out over the weekend too...

Mood board images via my Pinterest boards.

I'm back to posting Monday to Friday this week, so I'll see you back here tomorrow!

I've been crushing on diamonds for a while now. Not the bling-bling kind (although I'd never say no to those) but rather objects for around the home. It all began with the unique hand forged metal diamond by Swedish interior stylist and blogger Anna Leen Karlsson. First launched two years ago in the Lotta Agaton shop, the trend for all things geometric hasn't waned, and I'm happy to see that diamond-inspired homewares are still going strong.

Popular Scandinavian brands Ferm Living and Bloomingville have gorgeous diamond accessories in their latest interior collections, and Jennifer Hagler from A Merry Mishap recently shared her very cool DIY concrete diamond.

The iron diamond by Anna Leena Karlsson, beautifully styled by another favourite blogger of mine, Anna G. photographed by Kristofer Johnsson

Perfect for storing jewellery, coins or any little items, the Treasure Diamond by Ferm Living shown here was styled for the office, by Nina Holst of Stylizimo

Another concrete version, this gorgeous DIY diamond was made by Jennifer Hagler of A Merry Mishap

Here are my picks of some of the best diamonds for your home, including vases, ceramics, prints, objects and lighting.

Links below images

01 Diamond Vase by Artilleriet
02 Dusty Diamond Mini Plates by Artilleriet
03 Bloomingville Concrete Diamond from J.Levau Shop
04 Living Room corner with Diamond Print via Nordic Leaves
05 Areaware Diamond Box from Design Delicatessen
06 Wooden Diamonds by Wooden Diamond
07 Diamond Hanging Planter Pair by Raw Dezign
08 Small Porcelain Treasure Diamond in Rose by Ferm Living
09 Eric Therner Diamond Light
10 DIY Concrete Diamond via A Merry Mishap

Known for being a city of diverse art and culture, it makes sense that Wellington is home to many great creatives and fabulous design stores. Sometimes I think there must be something in the water down there! Jane Denton who I interviewed here, is an incredibly talented Wellington-based textile artist whose work I simply adore. You'll have no doubt seen her stunning X artwork that graces our living room picture wall.

Much to my delight, Jane recently produced a beautiful new series of works, and once again there was once piece in particular that I immediately fell for, the Black & White Triangles. Pure monochrome magic, it's shown below alongside some of her other gorgeous artworks, including the new ones I Love Colour, White Triangles and Coloured Triangles.

What I love about Jane's art is that while the pieces make a simple, yet striking statement in any room, they are hand crafted with such skill, in an amazingly intricate way. You can imagine my excitement when a small version of the Black & White Triangles artwork arrived for my son's room, which you may have seen here on my instagram.

Jane's newest stockist is the recently launched Tea Pea design store in Khandallah, where these lovely photos were taken. Already a well-loved online store, specialising in beautifully hand-made local products, Wellington residents are in for a special treat, now being able to visit and shop in person. Jane, who will be working there a couple of days a week, and owner Meg have some very exciting plans for the store, so watch this space! I'll be reporting back with the full lowdown and photos for you soon. In the meantime, if you're in Wellington, make sure you pop in for a look at 22 Ganges Road in Khandallah. The store is open Monday to Fri 9am-5.30pm and Saturday 9am-4pm.

Photo credit: Kirsty Gibson

Another Wellington-based designer to recently cross my radar is Jane Hudson, who has launched the kids bed linen and accessories range Love From Friday. Jane's interior design skills, combined with an addiction to colour, pattern and fabric is evident in her gorgeous creations. Designed to make children's bedrooms fun and inspiring, Jane also believes that children deserve to sleep in beautiful quality bed linen, where they can be cosy and dream sweet dreams. I couldn't agree more!

The range of bed linen includes cot, single and king single size options, pillowcases and cushion covers, with choices for both girls and boys. All of these are designed and made in Wellington, with fabric sourced from around the world. Pop over here to see what's on offer, and to shop online. Jane has plans to expand the collection of products, so make sure you follow the Love From Friday Facebook page to stay in the loop!

Last week I told you about my new Styling Service TDC Style. If you missed that post, take a look here. Thanks for all the positive feedback so far, especially to Amy at Milo and Mitzy who summed it up so nicely here on her blog yesterday!

The TDCStyle Map has been created to give clients a complete room plan based on their budget, including colour palette, furniture and accessories, as well as a comprehensive shopping list. I will be able to work to scale, with the dimensions of the room or space, and for those who live locally, they can take advantage of designer discounts. I can also order the products and help style the rooms in person.

I also want to cater to those living further afield. Being a global blog, I receive requests from readers far and wide, wanting advice on everything from paint colours, sourcing of products, choosing and hanging art, to styling a whole room. For this, I have come up with the TDC Style Card, a directional moodboard that will include a colour palette and suggestions for furniture and finishing touches based on a specific look or image. I will also give recommendations on where to buy products online, wherever that may be in the world, in fitting with a specified budget.

Here's an example of the Style Card, created from this bedroom image.

Links below Image

Nynne Rosenvinge Prints from MintSix | Hay Minimal Bedlinen Duvet from Corporate Culture | Linen Pillowcases from Cultiver | Feliz Home Flamingo Cushion from Father Rabbit | Pony Rider Grey X Cushion from Father Rabbit | Muuto Unfold Pendant in Grey from IDH | Aura Charcoal Cable Knit Throw from Superette | White Hourglass Sidetable from Freedom | Replica Eames Bird in white from Nood | General Eclectic Origami Vase in grey from LET LIV

I will be putting a page on my blog detailing a full list of services very soon. If you have any questions or styling requests in the meantime, please get in touch!

I had the pleasure of attending the NZ House & Garden Interior of the Year Awards on Wednesday evening. Held at the beautiful Auckland venue James, and hosted by Carol Hirschfeld, the inaugural event payed tribute to some of the best rooms in New Zealand. Judged byNZ House & Garden editor Sally Duggan, and art director Richard Brunton, as well as designer Rebecca Snelling of Douglas and Bec, and renowned interior designer Penny Vernon, the large volume of entries were of an impressively high standard. Sent in from both professional designers and talented homeowners, the rooms wowed the judges, with Sally admitting that despite looking at beautiful homes all day and every day, she was completely blown away by the calibre and creativity of the rooms.

I've picked out a few of the winning rooms to share with you, starting with this beautiful kitchen belonging to homeowners Tim and Jo Cameron. Original limestone walls, combined with stainless steel and marble help achieve a lovely mix of old and new, while three service areas provide a functional space for the whole family.

Beautiful, as well as practical, the colour, lighting and texture of this winning bathroom impressed the judges. Designed by Natalie Du Bois, the sculptural free-standing bath, and gorgeous round double counter-top basins immediately caught my eye, as did the stunning marble vanity tops.

Winner of the creative space category, this would have to be one of the sweetest nurseries I've ever seen. With the help of her husband and family, Tania Clarke transformed the tiny room into a calm and restful space, perfect for their little baby. I love the soft colour palette and cosy textures.

In the same category, designer Melissa Greenough was awarded highly commended for her striking living room. Wanting to create a fun space for an Auckland client who loves colour, Melissa certainly hit the mark with her vibrant choice of upholstery fabric and soft furnishings. Sophisticated yet playful, this room is a knockout.

The living room winner had me captivated with its sheer elegance, so it was wonderful to see it take out the 2013 supreme award. Designed by Hilary Skinner, the judges described it as "an extraordinary room. Calm, relaxing and super, super stylish". Parquet flooring, and a brave mix of beautiful antiques and amazing contemporary furniture have created an incredibly serene, yet relaxed space of international quality.

The poured concrete fireplace, adorned with an antique guilt mirroris magnificent.

A pair of stylisth Philippe Starck Pratfall chairs in mahogany look beautiful with the French oak timber flooring.

For full details of each of the winning rooms see the November issue of NZ House & Garden, on sale 21st of October.

When it comes to stylish, quality window furnishings, Auckland-based company Lahood have led the way for more than thirty years. Having just opened the doors to a brand-new, state of the art Window Furnishings & Design Centre, Lahood have taken it to the next level. Located in Mt Eden, I recently visited the new centre and was met with a beautifully spacious, modernised interior that was fresh and welcoming. Displays showcasing stunning new collections provide plenty of eye-candy and inspiration, while expert advice is always on hand when needed. Lahood can also send one of their skilled consultants right to your door. Located at 104 Mt Eden Rd, the showroom is open from Monday to Friday 9am–5pm, and Saturday 9am–3pm.

In addition to the showroom, Lahood have launched a fantastic new website. Featuring a gorgeous Look Book of latest collections, there is one that I'm very excited to share with you today, along with an amazing giveaway!!

A treasure trove of delights, All About Me combines pops of colour with fun and imagination which appeals to both the young and the young-at-heart! Presented in a delicious palette of juicy colours, this light-hearted, witty and whimsical collection will add a sparkle of happiness into every child’s room.

With decorative fabrics and complementary feature wallpapers, there are different themes and colour stories to suit children of all ages.

Now for the best part! Lahood are giving away an amazing prize package to one lucky reader. The winner will receive six cushions (pictured below) and $300 towards their choice of products from the All About Me collection.

To enter, pop over to the Lahood Look Book, and choose two of your favourite looks or collections (other than All About Me) and name them in the comments below. For an extra entry, sign up to receive the Lahood Newsletter (on the home page) and let me know you've done so in the comments. Be sure to leave your full name so that I can announce you, if your name is drawn!

Entries will close Monday, 28th October at midnight and the winner will be chosen via www.random.org, and announced on Tuesday 29th October via The Design Chaser blog and Facebook page. The winner will need to contact me within three days, otherwise another winner will be chosen.

Open to New Zealand residents only.

Update: The competition has now closed. Congratulations to the winner, Jeanette Sweet and huge thanks to Lahood for their generous prize, and to all those who entered.

Today we revisit the talented Helsinki-based interior architect Joanna Laajisto. First featured here after I'd discovered and fallen head over heels in love with her work, I've continued to follow Joanna, eagerly awaiting a glimpse at any new projects. Now almost a year on, I've picked out a few to share with you, each one showcasing Joanna's impeccable taste and beautifully elegant design aesthetic.

Finnish furniture company Lundia enlisted Joanna to design their stand at the Habitare trade show during Helsinki Design Week recently. A stunning kitchen in black and pale wood, it's easy to see why the stand was awarded best of show by the Finnish Interior Journalist Association.

I love the simple styling. Natural materials and textural objects like brown glass bottles, terracotta pots, copper kitchenware, flax baskets and branches sit perfectly against the black shelving and pale wood accents.

This year Joanna was also invited to design a private pop up dining space for the Helsinki Design Week. Located in a historical building that dates back to 1901, her choice of furniture and signature style works in beautifully with the original brickwork.

Featuring black-painted Alvar Aalto Highback 66 chairs around a large steel-clad table, and new Lambada lamps by Finnish designer Samuli Naamanka, the light-filled space is breath-taking. A willow tree at the end of the dining room adds further wow.

Joanna has also moved into product design, and her first piece, the Edit Lamp, is exquisite.

The timeless design not only looks incredible, it cleverly transforms from a pendant light to a wall fixture with a simple bracket. This would have to be one of the most perfectly stylish ways to illuminate a a reading corner!

See more over at Joanna Laajisto Creative Studio.

For those of you who've been following my progress with TDC Style, I'm happy to report that the page is now live on the blog! For those just joining in, I've been working on launching an in-home and online styling service, with a peek here and there along the way.

The page is accessible from the drop down menu panel at the top of the blog under Styling, or you can take a look here. I'd love to hear your feedback, and of course if you have any questions or would like a price list, please get in touch.

You'll also find me over on the blog Eclectic Trends today, where I was honoured to have contributed to the October issue of What Do Bloggers Collect? The blog's author Gudy Herder has been an inspiration to me ever since I first discovered her blog and saw this video of her at work, styling a interior shoot. Based in Barcelona, Gudy's work as a stylist and international visual merchandiser takes her around the world. Reporting back on her travels and inspiring finds along the way, I am constantly in awe, and a tad envious!!

Can you guess what I chose to share? Pop over here to see, alongside three other fabulous bloggers in this issue, and be sure to follow Eclectic Trends and the series. It's fascinating seeing what other bloggers collect!

Monday Mix Up | Currently Loving

Interior Styling Inspiration | Hitta Hem

Nynne Rosenvinge

Guest Post for Superette

Jamie Kay

Inky Greys & Dip Dyes

Musings & Moodboards

Home Build | Bathroom Details

Black & White Basics from Ikea

Home Build | Kidsroom + TDC Style Map

COAST | New Linen Collections

Interior Styling | Spring Inspiration

Monday Mix Up

Diamond Love

Wellington | New Art, Designs & Shop

TDC Style | Style Card

NZ House & Garden | Interior of the Year

Lahood | New Showroom & Giveaway!

Joanna Laajisto | Revisited

TDC Style Launch