Making A Statement with Things We Love

Whether it be books, baskets, hats, shells, artwork, glasses, candles, throws, artefacts or even pebbles (Something's Gotta Give...) it always makes a wonderful personal statement when you have a collection of a particular item or an eclectic mix of special treasures that you can enjoy throughout your home.

Decocrating with simple pleasures & personal treasures creates your home personality...
Books, Stationery, Jars, Photos, Shells, Bags, Throws, Cushions, Tins, Folded linen, Towels, Perfume bottles, Flowers, Baskets, Candles, endless options to enjoy everyday.

The Flynn Apartment At St. Agnes

When I first wrote about the delightful St. Agnes Homestead (at Kyneton) earlier this year, this apartment was very much under renovation. When I first saw it late last year there was little more than rubble, floor boards, & an unfinished openfire place (which sits on the otherside of this room, in the library area). The bathroom & library retreat were in very clear focus, just not quite ready for guest bookings. The day we visited it was bitterly cold, but despite the incomplete renovations, the mood was welcoming, cosy & very peaceful, & it was easy to imagine how relaxing it would be sitting by the fire relaxing away from the rush of the weekly pace of city life.

I have been invited back for a weekend visit, with plans ahead for a weekend designersecrets workshop...how much fun would that be???

Yes, pack your bag & head to St. Agnes for the perfect weekend dose of R&R, Traudi & David will make your visit enchanting, welcoming & simply wonderful.

http://www.saintagnes.com.au/

Home is where the heart is

I love this house, it says family warmth & happiness. Flooded with natural light, the clean lines, white & natural tones, well worn & timeless timber furniture & touches, give it plenty of character & harmony. Situated in Zealand, off the east coast of Denmark, it is a heavenly blend of Scandinavian chic with rustic french charm & harmony. It is the pride & joy of two medical professionals, who with their children, retreat to this haven after long days at work. Flowers, easy care comfort & favourite treasures fill this home with heart & soul. How divine it would be on a warm Summer's day lying outside on the teak steamer recliner, or entertaining around the table enjoying the sunshine with friends. I love the look of well worn teak surrounded by lush greenery & simple white blooms, a look I have long enjoyed in my courtyard regardless of the seasons. This is my vision for my tranquil peninsula retreat...one day:-)

Getting Dressed

Whether your style is neat & streamlined or inviting & warm, having your own dressing room or space is all about you, & should make you feel fabulous. It's not just about your clothing, shoes & bags, accessories, jewellery & fragrances, but about enjoying it as an expression of yourself. Now I don't have a dressing room, but I do enjoy floor to ceiling cupboards with plenty of shelving & hanging space. Having worked in retail fashion for some years, I soon developed a great appreciation for having space to hang clothes well, with room, by colour, by season.

I am often referred to as the 'racking queen' by those who know me well (for you know I apply this to bedlinen, throws & quilts too!) but really, if you're going to invest the money in what you wear, you really do appreciate it so much more when you see your favourite pieces well displayed & ready for you to enjoy, whether it be a suit, your favourite jacket or shirt, shoes or scarf.

I'm sure many women & men appreciate wardrobe space, & ideally would have something similar to one of the dressing rooms featured above. However, even without this luxury, when you open your wardrobes in the morning, or walk into your dressing rooms at the end of the day, seeing your belongings well presented & organised makes a morning rush so much easier to manage.

Getting dressed, whether for work, a special occasion, or simply for the day ahead should not always be the rush we seem to experience. Whether your dressing room is purpose built or simply a space you've created in your bedroom, if you can, enjoy it with a beautiful bench, chair or stool, flowers, a candle, hints of favourite scents. It does wonders for your wellbeing for the rest of the day, & hopefully takes away that morning rush, even if only for a few minutes.

And just a little style tip, buy wooden coathangers, and make sure you hang them all the same way - I know, racking, but not only will your clothing look better, your wardrobe will look absolutely fabulous!!!

Hart Lodge New Zealand

As you well know by now, I have a great passion & appreciation for New Zealand, & so here again I am showcasing another divine retreat, Hart Lodge.

Hart Lodge is a luxury boutique lodge nestled between Tauranga & Rotorua, & is part of the International Select Group of Hotels & Resorts, boasting spectacular views overlooking the majestic Bay of Plenty in the North Island. It has recently been completely refurbished incorporating the perfect fusion of classical & contemporary interior design.

The Hart is the perfect retreat for romantic vacations, special occasions & celebrations, weekend retreats, business seminars & events. It is evident in all aspects of services, facilities & design that the owners Julie & Graham Raw have given utmost consideration to creating the ultimate experience of pampering & comfort for each & every guest. Yes, another one for my destination location list!

http://www.thehartlodge.com

Positano Postcard...

Le Sirenuse Terrace Restaurant, Positano...a heavenly destination...the lights, the landscape, the colours, the view...the perfect postcard, just captivating.

Fermob In Paris

Another stunning outdoor furniture collection from France, as featured in the Paris showroom of FERMOB. It's always wonderfully refreshing to see bold statements of colour at the height of Winter. Imagine how fabulous summer salads & blooms of bouganvillias would look on this table? Something to consider for Spring perhaps?!

http://www.cotswoldfurniture.com.au/