Designer seats ready...

Tuesday was the launch of designersecrets workshops, and what a big day it was! Two workshops, many new faces, lots of excitement, beautiful new products and plenty of energy! My partner and I, Susie, pictured above were really delighted with the enthusiasm and feedback we received from our first two workshops. We discussed implenting design plans, bedlinen, styling, colour applications & schemes. Next week, well, that's our secret.

After this photo was taken, we stopped long enough for a quick latte, dashed off for the makeovers, and returned ready and waiting to inspire and delight our new recruits! Plans & bookings are already underway for the next series in July, along with weekend workshops, inhouse styling and special trade evenings. Lots of exciting secrets to share, people to meet, places to go!!!

For more information on what's instore at designersecrets, email haven.interiors@bigpond.com

designersecrets is here...

Workshops & Events, Client evenings, In house styling, new collections, showroom invitations...

We are very excited about it...
And we want to share it with you...
It all begins this week...

to find out more, email me at haven.interiors@bigpond.com

Winter is here

For me, this image captures what we love the first day of Winter to be...sunshine, crisp, breathtaking & invigorating...

Open fires, snowflakes, frost, fog, gumboots, coats, scarves, blankets, throws, quilts, layers,wool, angora, cashmere, scarves, candles, hurricane lanterns, eating in, hot chocolate, red wine, picnics, hot toast, brisk walks along the beach, brisk walks through leaves in the park.

I love Winter, I love the colour in the trees, seeing frost upon the grass, sitting around an open fire, spending time at home reorganise space, cooking, having family and friends gather inside when it's cold out...

Red, rust, ochre, berry, chocolate, moccha, cinammon, olive, fig, sage...the colours of winter...

What does Winter mean for you?

A haven in the making...

I love the mood lighting created through the white linen shades in this bedroom, the way it creates such an interesting backdrop to the simplicity of the bed. Beautiful white cotton bedlinen, , with just enough pink to balance for warmth, creates a serene & harmonious space. Although the bedhead nor artwork are yet finished to frame the bed & compliment the scale of the ceiling height, what appeals to me is how well it still works. The importance of the right pillows & quilts, for both comfort & aesthetics, combined with divine egyptian cotton percale sheets, allows for everything to sit & fall perfectly for a layered & luxurious sleeping haven.

Magnolia Square Homewares Market For The "Tiny & Small"

For those of you with tiny tups, little cherubs, toddlers or friends & family with children you want to pamper, you must visit the latest Magnolia Square in Brighton, Melbourne, THIS WEEK! I popped in there last night, & found the latest in beautiful things for little people, it is all there to see, enjoy & buy. Gorgeous art works, beautiful clothing, original designs, bespoke artwork & pieces for tiny wardrobes & little spaces.

There are many new exhibitors, including Plane Tree Farm, Milk Baby (Lindy Klim's divine natural infant skincare range), Little nest ( the chairs are replicas of iconic contemporary designs such as the baby Eames chair I featured some time ago, fun, bold & fabulous), Seedling, & Pip & Maude (divine graphic talents of Pip Thompson), amongst several other both young & established talents.If you have the need to shop for little ones, or simply appreciate the artistic inspirations of Australian made creative brands, visit "Tiny & Small" Magnolia Square this week (on until end of Saturday, May 23rd), it's tiny, small & just gorgeous!!

http://www.magnoliasquare.com.au/

Bespoke Design Is Cloth Fabric

Stretched Panel Artworks: From $550

Burlap Bespoke Range

Lamps: From $440, Wall Hangings: From $600

Burlap Fabric Upholstered Chair: Approx: $990

Burlap Bespoke Cushions: From $155

I love working with fabrics, natural materials & texture. Whether decorating a room, space or home with beautiful blinds or curtains, furniture, bedlinen, cushions or one off pieces, discovering that perfect fabric whatever the task may be, is an exciting process...Linens, silks, wool, cotton, cashmere, I adore natural materials, for their versatile character, aesthetic & timeless appeal...never boring, always different with every client brief, & every interior...

So it was with much pleasure when I discovered the made in Sydney brand "Cloth fabric" the brainchild & amazing talent of Julie Paterson. The images featured here are from her beautiful "Burlap Bespoke" range, each piece unique & one off in design & origin, made from pre-used materials.

Cloth won "designer of the year" with this collection in Home Beautiful magazine earlier this year, & it's easy to understand why. The concept behind the aesthetic principle is a combination of a craft based process, an artist's perspective & a designer's eye. The design & production of each piece represents a return to traditional hand-made art & craft & is gaining considerable international interest. As a society so familiar with mass produced & readily available commodities, the appreciation of handcrafted & made to measure art such as Cloth's Burlap Cushions is obvious in the demand for the "Found and Made again" collections. Discarded materials & furniture are rediscovered & reborn by Julie into a new collection of lamps, upholstered pieces, cushions & artwork.

The new cloth collection, Julie says, is based on luck & timing - treasures once 'trash' create unexpected art. What she discovers in hidden pockets & corners of Sydney shops & streets are reworked in combination with wholesomely worded layers of text, printed onto raw linen & hemp with graphic accent colours of redoxide, sepia, bone & straw. The end result includes coffee sack curtains, stools, cushions, canvases, bags, lamps, upholstered chairs. The statement pieces of stretched panel art can also be custom made, of course, nothing is mass produced, & it shows. Her love for her work is evident in every stitch, every design, every fibre, & every piece a unique & much loved statement. I have my eye on those Bespoke Burlap cushions for my linen sofa to create some interest against the linen stripes & ottman check. Hmmm, what do you think?? Divine!

http://www.clothfabric.com/

Surry Hills, NSW, 2010

Ph: 02 9699 2266

Melbourne's designersecrets workshop is coming...

Our June workshop series begins in just over 3 weeks...

Bookings are limited, and we are already preparing for our next calendar event...

For beginners who are passionate about developing their own style of design & decorating in their home, this workshop series is for you - fun, fabulous, inspiring & informative...

Guest speakers, gorgeous gift bags for every attendee, enjoy meeting new people & be totally inspired as we uncover designersecrets...

Click on the above image for further details... or email me at haven.interiors@bigpond.com

"Breathing Space"

This weekend my home was featured in the Melbourne Herald Sun Home supplement magazine. As nervous as I was, it is quite an exciting moment to turn the page and see a feature spread on yourself, promoting you & you business, such a fantastic opportunity.The article was written by a delightful journalist, Louise Surette, who so perfectly translated my style & decorating principles into print. Chris Groenhout is a gifted photographer, who knowing it was my birthday, was very diplomatic and strategic when it came time to taking the 'kindest' photo of yours truly.

"...Lovely shades of white & cream, plenty of fresh flowers & smatterings of beach mementos are all part of her signature style. The delightful aroma of scented candles also helps render her home utterly tranquil..."

"...the best advice Claire can give is to remember that you need to enjoy your space and surround yourself with the things you love..."

The feedback and enquiries from this article have already been amazing. My thanks to the Home magazine team for their wonderful enthusiasm and professionalism in facilitating this article.

Wishing you all a wonderful week, & with the arrival of these evening winter chills outside, enjoy retreating to the warmth of your own home haven at the end of each day...:-)

Mother's Day Pampering...Enjoy

Beautiful, feminine, Autumn Flowers

Rose St Trading Co

Peony Melbourne

Linton's

L'ete Provence

Home & Abroad

Jo Malone

Mother's Day is Sunday May 10th. It is about the gift of giving & showing Mothers how special, appreciated & loved we are. Now if you're as lucky as I am, you are blessed with this gift every day. Sometimes in subtle thank yous, other days with much fuss. Whether it's hand picked flowers from the garden, a coffee & magazine delivered to your favourite space in the house, or simply a little extra attention, "Mothers Day" is everyday, despite the rollercoaster of daily routines. However, since it's high on the commercial calendar of giving, let me share a few indulgent doses of simply divine retail pampering for your very special Mum or special Motherly role model, where you will find an abundance of gorgeous personal gift ideas that say " today is all about you and no one else"... It's all about the gift, the wrapping, the service, the attention to detail, so many different special touches that make the experience so memorable for that someone very special to you...

Fresh Flowers: whether fragrant or not, budding or in full bloom, from the garden or bought, every mother adores flowers...

Jo Malone:: heavenly scents for hand, body & home
http://www.jomalone.com.au/

Peony Melbourne: Indulgent & divine, every fragrance, magnificient & exclusive french perfumes & candles, divine presentation
http://www.peonymelbourne.com.au/

Rose Street Trading Company: Offers something for every Mum & every wish list
http://www.rosesttradingco.com.au/

Sambag: To dress your feet, your arms or your body, gorgeous array of clothing & footwear for every day & evening wardrobes...
http://www.sambag.com.au/

Linton's Garden & Home: Whether a garden novice or passionate landscaper, this Mt. Eliza peninsula nursery is heaven to wander, indulge & enjoy
http://www.lintons.com.au/

Home & Abroad: Divine scarves & wraps, bedlinen, bath, bespoke pieces for all tastes & style
http://www.homeandabroad.com.au/

Manon Cie: Who can go past Diptyque candles & room fragrance??
Armadale, Melbourne (03) 9821 0760

L'ete Provence: For everyone who adores the provincial way of life, Les Olivades tablelinen, divine special touches for home & yourself, including hand & body collection, Place des Lices, & bespoke Zoe Bonbon jewellery. Everything is wrapped with a love of France
Malvern, Melbourne (03) 9500 2493

Jurlique: The Armadale (Melbourne) boutique, is an inspiring space as much for its interior fit out as it is for its rejuvenating & enriching hand & body products
http://www.jurlique.com.au/

Harvey's Restaurant: Take Mum for breakfast, lunch & or dinner. A subtle hint...
http://www.harveysrestaurant.com.au/

The Lyall: Pampering treatments
http://www.thelyall.com.au/

The Avenue Bookstore: For everything in print and pictorial...enjoy browsing whilst sitting on leather benches listening to classical music
http://www.theavenuebookstore.com.au/

Ross Nichols: Take a drive to the peninsula & absorb this amazing showroom of furniture, homewares, & everything you would adore for your home, in the city, by the water, in the country...I guarantee you won't leave empty handed
http://www.rossnichols.com.au/

Wishing you a very special Mother's Day on Sunday :-)Claire

Inspiration from Nature's Colour Palette

In the latest issue of "Inside Out - Annual Renovating & Decorating Guide "there is a gorgeous feature article "In Full Bloom" that captures nature's nurturing of colour. To quote Rowena Judd, of Murobond: " Nature provides us with the mosty perfect display of colours & colour combinations. Rarely do you see colours in nature that are not in balance".

I think flowers are one of the most beautiful forms of art. Regardless of what the seasonal blooms may be, having flowers around you, in your garden, your home, your office, study or bedroom, infuse us with joy, harmony, grace & beauty.

With the weekend upon us, tomorrow I'm off to buy tulips - pale pink, white, winter roses perhaps...I love my two cream milking jugs for the longer stems, they always create a statement, for the entrance table, or the sideboard. When I feel like a dose of strong colour, I love my fabulous Moet Chandon champagne bucket that I have kept since depleting the contents that I was given as a gorgeous gift from girlfriends a couple of years ago - it looks wonderful with white or fuschia pink tulips. Of course with strategic placement, it creates a fabulous statement against the wisteria & jasmine creeper beyong my kitchen window that lines my courtyard fence. How the colour of blooms inspires us, endlessly & always.

Timeless Designer

'Morskaya' Fabric Collection -

Subtle, sophisticated, I adore these neutral, earth tones

'Indian Summer' Fabric Collection

(I love the curtain fabric, I have it a blue/off white colourway in linen, in a divine bed quilt with reverse lime green DG linen. Against white, it creates a bold, fresh statement)

William Yeoward "Aurelie"

I love the definition of these chairs, a contemporary & sophisticated edge to a classic design

'Roquelaire" Fabric Collection

A stunning & divine statement in a formal space

'Ferara' Fabric

Classic jacquard designs & textural weaves in a stunning colour combinations, luxurious & indulgent

My appreciation, passion & enthusiasm for the global brand, Designers Guild, has been with me for more than 25 years, & for this reason, I am committed to regularly featuring new & beautiful snippets from their myriad of divine collections, estensibly, fabrics, furniture & wallpaper.

In addition to the Designers Guild Collections the company also designs & manufactures under license William Yeoward fabrics & wallpapers, Jasper Conran fabrics & distributes for Ralph Lauren Home - fabrics & wallpaper. The Designers Guild business philosophy is to combine creativity & innovation with the very best quality of design, product, service, commitment & people.

Whether you want a new cushion to make a statement against your much loved wingback, new dining chairs, or inject new personality into your bedroom, living space or windows, I highly recommend you visit Designers Guild online, http://www.designersguild.com/, or Radford Furnishings in Melbourne(http://www.radfordfurnishings.com/) where you will be welcomed & inspired by a divine library of prints, colour, texture & stunning textile creations to cater for every taste, every interior.

DESIGNER SECRETS uncovered...

My colleague, Interior Designer Susie Miles, & I, have combined our expertise & passion for interior design, decoration & styling, to introduce the first of our series of Designer Secrets workshops next month, beginning on June 2nd, in Brighton, Melbourne.

At our workshops, you will enjoy a fun morning with friends, & discover the way interior consultants think & work. Learn the secrets of how to transform that problem space or room with confidence, using the design & decorating techniques of professionals.

These workshops are designed for people with little or no formal design expertise, but who are passionate about their interior spaces, & want to create their own haven at home.

Please click on the image above to enlarge for all designersecrets workshop details.

We look forward to hearing from you, your friends, your colleagues, & to sharing more workshop events with you in the near future!

Spaces are limited, so book now so you don't miss out.

To register your interest, please email me at haven.interiors@bigpond.com

BOOKINGS CLOSE MONDAY MAY 25th.

Inspired Cooking...

I am in love with this kitchen, isn't it just divine??? White walls & floor, so warm & light. They frame the oak, stainless steel & artwork beautifully. Note the gorgeous touches to inspire morning noon & night. I adore the painting, (artist details to be noted in blog to follow), the milking stools back with the oak table, not to mention the white wash stepladder...a practical piece of course, but very country chic against the white timber panelling. I love mine, the steps are perfect shelving for my growing collection of cooking magazines & books...using space wisely of course!

I look forward to sharing more of this magnificient property & the country gardens with you soon...I am visiting in June, & I can hardly wait!

www.hopewoodcountryhouse.com.au

Aesthetic Symmetry & Simply Divine!

It's no secret that I am a great fan of the divine Cotswold Furniture Collections. Over the years, I have had much enjoyment in working with a range of this gorgeous furniture, & have shared much pleasure in introducing it to clients' homes. I also recently wrote about the absolutely divine Huka Lodge in Taupo, New Zealand...well, the Woven Fibre Vincent Sheppard "Sydney Dining Armchair" creates perfect aesthetic symmetry in the dining space at Huka Lodge, as featured above.

Indulge your decorating thoughts and visit Cotswold Furniture, share their excitement & passion for their brand, then scroll down & plan some Autumn cooking on your next weekend in, with their gourmet recipe delights! I'm no cook, but they work for me, & my guests!

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

What's New????

Watch this space for all the latest on our new & very exciting forthcoming June "Designer Secrets" workshops...

Heatherlie, A Charming Retreat at Maldon

Warm textures, colours & materials make the bathrooms the perfect space to pamper...

When friends of mine recently told me about their gorgeous Maldon getaway, they were particularly enthusiastic about their stay at Heatherlie, a divine Victorian property that blends everyday luxury with the romance of rural Provence. As I had not heard of it until then, I of course had to further investigate. On my visit to the website, I understood their enthusiasm! It looks divine, and with the Melbourne winter seemingly upon us, that open fire in the Main House is particularly inviting!

The detail in the touches...

The attention to detail in nurturing guests every need is evident throughout the property. Whether you are booking in for a romantic getaway in the Pool House, or want to share a weekend with friends in the Main House, Heatherlie accommodates up to eight adults in four queen sized bedrooms, each room a very welcome & inviting aesthetic. Whether the weather suggests an open fire or a lap in the pool, your every requirement will be met in this fully equipped, beautifully detailed, elegantly furnished property

The perfect way to begin the day with morning coffee & breakfast...

The mezzanine bedroom of the Pool House..perfect for that romantic soujourn...

Is there any better way to relax on a cold evening than with an open fire, wine, great company, comfort & luxury???...

Indulge in a dose of hand & body pampering

Harmony in the provincial aesthetics

Enjoy nearby wineries, a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, golf, or travel through the Castlemaine landscape on the steam train. Stop & shop for coffee & antique wares, local art & produce, or simply embrace the natural beauty of the surroundings, or simply retreat to the luxury of Heatherlie...if you're looking for pampering, rest & a fabulous dose of relaxation, contact Robyn Slattery at Heatherlie, and she will make sure your booking is all about you.

Visit the gorgeous website at http://www.heatherlie.com.au/, or phone on 0413 123 650.

Lest We Forget...

Today We Pay Tribute & Give Our Thanks to Those Brave And Wonderful Men & Women who fought at Gallipoli during World War I, & gave so much for our country...thank you...

Bedhead Luxury

My favourite Bedhead Style -Tailored, Timeless, Streamlined & Versatile

(Private Home, Southern Highlands NSW)

Private Residence, Kyneton, Victoria (featured in "Australian Country Style" Nov 08).
An elegant, classical design, & the classic check ensures timeless appeal

Private Chalet ("Cote Est" Dec 08)

I love this bedhead, it makes such a statement, but is another example of timeless appeal by way of the simplicity in the design, & the understated sophistication in both the fabric & colour, just divine.

"Groom's Cottage"- St. Agnes Homestead, Kyneton VIC

Simple, strong, balanced. The height & stud detailing of this linear design creates a very strong & rather masculine statement, but the softness of the lighting creates a perfect ambience that is both inviting & aesthetically balanced against the scale of the bedhead.

Bedlinen Image as featured in Abode Winter 09 Catalogue

Yes, my favourite colour palette, so relaxing, light & luxurious, whites & naturals, soft textures. Not everyone wants their bedhead to make a statement. For some, the aesthetic appeal is all about the bedlinen, & the bedhead serves purely as unobtrusive headboard behind the pillows. Depending upon the ceiling height & size of a bedroom, I always think that if you are going to have a bedhead, it should still be part a feature, even if a subtle one. In this case, I think another 30-45cm would be a perfect height, still making the bedlinen the feature, but the bedhead would frame it beautifully.


Private Residence France ("Cote Est" Dec 08)

Chic, sophisticated, divine. The stunning upholstery against the raw stone creates a gorgeous statement of contrast.

What Is Your Personal Style...?

Last week I was interviewed for an upcoming decorating feature article in one of the newspaper magazines. The photographer's task was to capture the interview in appropriate images from around my home, but what he captured behind the lens will surely create another perspective.
What photos will be featured in the article is unknown, but it began our conversation about how our homes are a story book, always evolving, never static, & bearing our personal imprint. What touches & spaces he was drawn too were not ones I chose to highlight simply because for me, they don't carry significant meaning, despite belonging in the various spaces & rooms, & therefore to me looking 'right' where they sit.

For those of you who are reluctant to express your own style in your own home, don't be. If you don't feel confident purchasing new pieces for your home, begin by experimenting with furniture placement, gathering your favourite pieces in another space, changing room layouts, getting rid of once loved favourites. Don't be afraid to have space, it can create a feature of other furnishings. Don't be daunted by what the lens sees, just enjoy creating the images that make you feel good, that you can proudly stamp as your own personal style with confidence!

Stay tuned for the magazine article, & my linen bedhead is on the way. :-)

Happy Easter.

Happy Easter Everyone. What perfect Autumn sunshine we are having in Melbourne, & how wonderful it is to once again see such beautiful green grass everywhere, perfect for bunnies to hop through! I hope you are all enjoying a wonderful break, relaxing & spending time with family & friends enjoying Easter Egg Delights, & simple pleasures.

Easter morning began in our household with the sun streaming through, as we sat enjoying hot cross buns, coffee & of course, chocolate treats from Easter Bunny. I know not good to eat it too soon in the day, but really quite difficult to refuse with such festive spirits in the air! Not to be left out, we had special Easter treats for our beautiful retriever Max, as he so patiently sat with his tail wagging furiously. Sunshine in the park followed, then a gorgeous trip to the Morning Peninsula. Not even the traffic could sway my restful thoughts of walking along the sand, with the sun on my back, & the crystal blue water lapping at my feet. Upon arriving at the beach, with latte in hand, the atmophere was quite simply heaven, & the perfect space to relax for the afternoon.

Enjoy the rest of the festive holiday, & have fun doing whatever makes you happy :-)

Packaged & Presented To Perfection

"TOAST house & home" Spring Catalogue 2009
Jo Malone London "Sweet Lime & Cedar"

Cotswold Furniture's 'Norfolk Bench' -"A Taste of Cotswold" April 2009

I always find great delight in receiving the latest catalogues & brochures from my favourite places. They enthuse me with visual delights & styling temptations, what's new, what's coming, how to put it all together, share in the excitment of new season's treasures. These days of course, we all do our best to be environmentally conscious & respectful of paper waste, so often our favourite items arrive on our screens, looking gorgeous & tempting, but not quite as tangible. I received my monthly e-news last night from Cotswold Furniture, which I always love & look forward to, & often forward onto friends & colleauges to share in the latest news on stunning outdoor furniture collections. The latest fun piece was the "Louvre Chair" in a rainbow of colours, to create 'a little piece of Paris' displayed against a very chic canvas, of course to complete the visual enticement...

Visit http://www.cotswoldfurniture.com.au/ & subscribe to the monthly "A Taste of Cotswold". When your screen opens, the images just take you away to heavenly places...

Next, Jo Malone. How divine is her packaging, her product & her presentation??? Pamper, pamper, pamper. In the mail I received an invitation to "experience a complimentary hand & arm massage using the new fragrance Sweet Lime & Cedar" followed by a complimentary gift, divine. For those of you who have been to one of the Jo Malone boutiques in Australia (3 only so far, Victoria, South Australia & NSW) you will understand where I'm coming from, beautiful, understated yet sophisticated, & all initiated by a gorgeous catalogue invitation.
http://www.jomalone.com.au/

The other item I received in the mail (yesterday's mail was indeed very exciting!), was the latest "TOAST house&home" homewares catalogue from the UK. I love it! I haven't received one before, and what a delight it is. 111 pages of 'simple things' for house and home, for you, your family, entertaining, gifts, to wear, to enjoy. Enticing visuals, fabulous detailing, and full of every product detail you need or want to know. It actually reminds me a little of those fantastic Country Road homewares brochures way back in the late 80s and early 90s, extravagant, indulgent, and something you loved receiving when you opened your mail. Well, "TOAST" has a very similar flavour I think, & I will definitely be keeping my name on their database for a long time! http://www.toast.co.uk/

For those of us who enjoy making our homes, or our favourite spaces feel special, such catalogues that feature gorgeous products so beautifully, yet often so simply displayed, continue to provide us with inspiration & excitement to enjoy often the simplest of things that we live with. How we rack our wardrobes, the coathangers we use (wooden ones of course are the best!), how we fold our favourite jumpers, where we place magazines & books on the coffee table, or stack them on a tray for an ottoman, candles, cushions or throw rugs, sit our favourite pieces on the kitchen bench or entrance table...When we see things we love featured in print, in ways that we can relate back to our own living spaces, it can create an extra special way of how we feel in our home that we can embrace & enjoy

just a little bit more.

I'm sorry if this post is a little difficult to read, but I just had to fuel my current passion for orange. Blame the latest range from the hand & body brand "Pamilli", all wrapped in gorgeous white boxes & wrapping with divine organe grosgrain ribbon. Pop into Rose Street Trading Company to see for yourself!