New Season's Couture from Bianca Lorenne

"Porta" bedspread

"Sylvetta" Bedspread

"Acacia" Bedspread

I've profiled this beautiful bedlinen before, & I'm doing it again because it's simply so divine! A combination of texture, warm hues, bespoke detailing & layered luxury is what defines the Bianca Lorenne brand, not to mention the delightful team behind it. If you're heading to the trade fair in Sydney later this week, make sure you visit Stand 163, because with Autumn almost upon us, you need to see their latest collections, not only for your clients' benefit, but definitely your own.

Introduce a touch of something gorgeous into your bedroom this season. Indulge with the timeless appeal of an eiderdown, Italian Cotton sheets (of 800 thread count), a limited edition quilt to fold & feature at the end of the bed, or create an ecletic aesthetic with cushions in velvet, silk or wool felt with embroidered detail.

The gorgeous pale sage green velvet and charcoal paisley print are my favourites for now, but I'm sure I'll be adding to my must have selection in Sydney!!

http://www.biancalorenne.com/

Stand 163
Life in Style
25th - 28th February
Moore Park
Sydney

Life in Lherm

Hydrangeas, shuttered windows, french doors, 'picture perfect' charm & beauty captured the heart of Australian writer Susan Fraser & her husband to their "maison de maitre" in Lherm, an unspoilt & untouched countryside pocket in the Lot Valley, found between Dordogne & The French Riviera, in the South West of France.

Longing for change from the darkness of Winter months in the north of France, the abundance of light filled days & landscape colour in Lherm has now become home. Together they have restored & refurbished the walls of stone & within, with eclectic & personal collections of furniture & pieces they have gathered from their travels. Their unique finds from auction houses to junkyards find new life in a very warm & welcoming home, where their obvious passion for old world french aesthetic provides endless inspiration for their "medieval gem".

To quote Susan " With it's beautiful crooked structural beams, the attic is like an upside-down boat. Windows punched into the 'hull' transform this once dark & dusty space into a sunny, open bedroom with views over the town & its valley..."

"...The wooden step ladder, originally from Boston, came from an auction house in the north, & the art deco desk lamp was saved from a Paris street when the Banque de France was doing a big throw-out."

Yes, everything that is within this beautiful stone maison is home...inside & out.

Luxury Camping at Jervis Bay

Safari Tent Luxury set amongst Jervis Bay nature

For lovers of seafood

Beauty at Jervis Bay...

Safari Beauty Care...

I've never been a big fan of camping - of course obligatory school camps, the odd camp during my early 20's with friends for that fun and footloose weekend getaway, but it's never been my preferred style of holiday accommodation. Paperbark Camp however has definitely change my thoughts!

Situated in tranquil bush haven in the beautifully picturesque Jervis Bay, this divine camping retreat is surrounded with the best of nature and coastal beauty. Exemplary guest hospitality, service & facilities, plus the most tempting & appetising gourmet menu all day & night long redefines 'star gazing'!

Yes, 'glamping' (as it has become known in recent years) is enough to entice the most avid of luxury travellers...

http://www.paperbarkcamp.com.au/

designersecrets

NEW!

ONE DAY WORKSHOP

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 24th

Join us at Inform's latest, stunning ecofriendly 'Butterfly House"designed by ZEN ARCHITECTS

To learn more and register your interest,

email Claire at haven.interiors@bigpond.com

Limited places so book early for a fun, fabulous, informative & dynamic day!

$395 plus GST (includes lunch)

(10% OFF IF YOU MENTION THIS POST!)

Sunshine Award For Haven Home, thank you...

What a beautiful way to finish the week, I have been honoured with the Sunshine Award that so many other such deserving fellow bloggers deserve! Thank you so much to "Aspirations of A Southern Housewife" for your kindness:-).

There is so much to be learned from so many of you who create and inspire the rest of us everyday with you energy, passion and love for what you do and what you share - if I can help contribute in even a small way to making that happen for others, then I have achieved what Haven Home is all about - sharing beautful places, spaces and experiences with you.

I look forward to sharing this award with others who are very deserving...stay tuned as I invite them shortly...

Wishing you all the most wonderful weekend, full of happiness, fun and everything you want it to be!!!

If you don't know it already, you must visit (and now follow!!) "Aspirations of A Souther Housewife"...

www.southernaspirations.blogspot.com

Cooking Beautifully at Capital Kitchen

It's easy to get excited about something when you are passionate about it, & for those who know me at all know that I love sharing my passion for gorgeous new spaces, places & experiences. Such is my excitement for my latest discovery, I simply have to share it with you. The new Chadstone Retail feast includes the divine Capital Kitchen, located in the newest wing of this shopping extravaganza in Melbourne.

The atmosphere is so welcoming, & the interior fitout a brilliant commercial design incorporating a perfect balance of natural materials with cosmopolitan chic. I felt like I could be standing in a Conran cafe in London, or possibly the divine bakery featured in Meryl Streep's latest movie, "It's Complicated" (the styling & set design absolutely gorgeous). It's the latest project by the The Big Group team, the amazing event management company founded by the delightful & dynamic Bruce & Chyka Keebough. I absolutely love it!

Since it has opened, it has been one of my destination locations with friends (before the latest addition to Chadstone, it was 5 years since my last visit), & on each occasion, I have delighted in the experience of sitting in a different 'zone'. On the first occasion when I was meeting a friend for morning coffee, we perched on the metal stools at the very relaxed & social old oak bench, located amongst the hub of activity, (& perfect if you're on your own enjoying a latte with the paper).

On another visit, I relaxed in the divine charcoal wool armchairs enjoying a coffee over conversation, & the other was outside at the outdoor coffee bar. This outdoor corner is resplendent with surrounding landscaping & no doubt hand picked & very bespoke pieces. On this occasion, I couldn't have picked a more perfect afternoon to savour the atmosphere after a dose of retail therapy (& how much more enjoyable it is when you're on holidays). As I took in the afternoon sunshine sitting at the outdoor bar, my ideal customer experience was complete when one of the best (& hottest) lattes I've ever had, was served to me with a genuinely happy smile & customer attention.

Before or after you enjoy the menu of delights, make sure you take time to browse the homewares on offer, the merchandising making not buying something most unlikely. Everything for catering, the kitchen, gift giving to entertaining, Capital Kitchen has it all covered - in one stunning space.

It is fast becoming a favourite with other traders in the centre, offering an extensive menu from morning snacks, lunch, afternoon tea & everything in between. With the liquor license arriving soon, enjoying a pizza & salad with a chilled glass of wine will certainly make late night trading all the more enjoyable!

Capital Kitchen

Ground Floor

(Next to Tiffany & Co)

Chadstone Centre

Chadstone.

P: 03 9563 4144

Happy Australia Day

What a stunning day to celebrate Australia Day...sunshine, beautiful weather, family, friends, social gatherings, happiness, freedom, relaxing, rejoicing...

This afternoon I drove to the Mornington Peninsula with family to see friends & family (yes again, but I just love it) & of course we had to take the most scenic route along Belleura Hill Road - it really gives you the most majestic view of Mornington Bay, the water, the yacht club, sunshine, breathtaking on a day like today. Everywhere I looked people are happy, relaxing, laughing, together, just enjoying being amongst the mood & festive spirit of our special day...yes, we are very lucky indeed...enjoy your special day, & wishing you a wonderful week!

honey field - "rough and ready, yet beautiful"

If you visit the delightful seaside town of Robe in South Australia, you would know the divine homewares store "Holiday", created & owned by Rayna Fahey-Hooper. It has everything for coastal, country & town, plus everything else to create your ideal haven. Her latest project, honey field, is absolutely gorgeous and every bit as impressive.

With Rayna's passion, vision & interior expertise, she restored and rebuilt the 1850s stone cottage from its previous state of disrepair with Ado Bastiaans, a Hungarian-born stonemason she met in the Barossa Valley. Rayna's brief was simple: " rough & ready, yet beautiful".

It is luxury accommodation ideally for one or two guests only, but with every comfort and luxury for the perfect weekend away. It combines Rayna's love of South France, with its flavour of French country style combined with Mediterranean living. Rayna describes it as "...essentially one large room featuring a fully equipped kitchen, living room with stone open fireplaces, a charming dining area & a romantic sleeping space"

I already have my ideal weekend getaway to Robe planned: book into honey field, enjoy a leisurely breakfast of croissants & a strong morning coffee prepared in the gorgeous stone kitchen, then wander off to Holiday to source bespoke pieces, charming touches & authentic fare to replicate the look for your own french savoir faire!

honey field

Kingston Road

ROBE SA

1300 760 629

Symmetry, Luxury & Comfort for Bespoke & Sublime Design

The interior style by renowned & very modest London architect & designer, David Collins, is about symmetry, timeless luxury & comfort. His passion for colour, is evident throughout his London home. Luxurious textures & materials highlight various shades in the blue colour palette, including stunning blue silk-velvet chairs, a bespoke blue pigskin writing desk, white lacquer outdoor furniture finished with navy cushions & Frette bedlinen.

Artwork & small luxuries incorporate shades of aubergine, bronze & dusty pink. The luxurious white cashmere sofa is sublime, framed by bronze lamps with soft applegreen drum shades. The attention to detail, yet understated elegance, is his signature throughout, and absolutely divine.

White & Green impatiens combine with white decking to create a simple yet classic & stunning frame for the symmetrical furniture floorplan against the London landscape. Morning coffee, brunch, lunch, drinks or dinner all no doubt work very well in this space...

Welcome to the New Year...

Happy New Year everyone! I hope that 2010 is beginning brilliantly for you all, with much happiness, success, great healthy and prosperity on the horizon for the year ahead!

Where last year went I don't know, but I'm rather delighted that the new year has begun, as I've been partial to even numbers far moreso than odd!

Well, with a new year comes new beginnings, and so I felt it appropriate to create a fresh look...yesterday my sister and I drove down to Linton's Garden and Home at Mt Eliza, insearch of garden inspiration. I love the peninsula, and the weather was perfect to enjoy the drive around the coast. As always, I love to see what is new with building, renovation and architectural projects. We stopped to look at a property we have been familiar with for many years as it is now on the market, and although it would be wonderful to see it renovated and retained as a family home, it is such a big property that it is likely to be sold for redevelopment.

The street is full of renovation and redevelopment, how much can change in just a few years. It was lovely to see a neighbouring property with a very tasteful and timeless makeover, the facade & architectural bones nurtured and retained, framing a stunning renovation of the home and garden landscape. The colour scheme & window treatments both my favourite, the classic pantone grey highlighted by the clotted cream woodwork and trims, carried through to the cream plantation shutters. So inspired do I continue to be when I see this combination, I simply had to adopt it for Haven Home for 2010!

Christmas Table Touches

Recently I was asked to prepare a festive table setting for the Herald Sun 'Home' Christmas Supplement. With much delight I set my favourite oak table for just that. As I wanted to keep that a feature of the setting, I thought it contrasted nicely against the classic palette of white, silver, grey & black. Without the reindeer & festive gift touches, this table can be set for any occasion.

Peonies are one of my favourite flowers, so were integral to the overall theme. All my decorative touches are very simple, just handpicked things I love - an ecletic mix of old & new. The white & cream creates a warm aesthetic in natural daylight, but the mood of the tealights & glass bead centrepiece creates a soft & intimate setting once dusk begins to set.

Now to prepare the menu!

To find the reindeer, silver pears & gift soaps:
Rose St Trading Co in Beatty Ave, Armadale, Melbourne.

For the black organza candles & divine french candle centrepieces:
Peony of Melbourne, Auburn Rd, Hawthorn, Melbourne.

Finding the Perfect Title In a Beautiful Space...

Corrie Perkin loves writing & reading, & she absolutely loves books. It is therefore no surprise that she has recently opened an amazing bookstore in Melbourne's Hawksburn Village, aptly called, "My Bookshop". Loving a book or two myself, as well as finding new & gorgeous retail havens, I couldn't wait to visit! When you walk in the door, her enthusiasm & delight to share her new literary home makes you feel so welcome. It's inviting, enthralling, inspiring & the design a perfect compliment to the ambience that Corrie has created. It's all white, with simple, understated stylish touches that make it easy to linger longer.

In her November newsletter she writes "...our aim is to offer a safe place and stimulating environment to all our visitors, as well as plenty of events, discussions, promotions - & books, that engage, enthrall & entertain"

In today's weekend Age Magazine, M, Corrie quotes "Find a quote from your favourite book, highlight it in a gorgeous font, print it (and frame it)". Now that to me is art for your home, your office, your haven...

I have already signed up for My Bookshhop's bookclub (& I've never signed up for one before!) & I'm very much looking forward to visiting again soon for a dose of festive cheer, where her customers will enjoy Christmas shopping evenings, champagne, new book titles. Problem gifts will be sorted, wrapped & tagged in gorgeous literary style!

http://www.mybookshop.net.au/

513 Malvern Road

HAWKSBURN 3144

Ph: 03 9824 2990

Deck the table with bells, balls and beautiful things...

Festive Inspiration with Haven Home this Christmas...

For this season’s festive styling, I am playing with two key colour themes for table suggestions - natural, white & silver with a touch of colour, & the classic combination of silver, grey marl, white, glass & black. As always, I include favourite pieces for everyone to enjoy, & introduce new touches from my favourite stores. I adore the layering of scents from the candles & flowers that infuse our home with a welcome & happy ambience. If the weather is a perfect Melbourne day…then we’ll simply translate the look to outside, to enjoy more fragrance & sunshine!

Make sure to read the Herald Sun Home Supplement on Saturday December 5th for more table styling suggestions from Haven Interiors...

Haven Interiors loves sharing festive decorating ideas, whether catering to a large gathering, intimate group, for that traditional family flavour or close friends…please contact Claire Jackson on 0408 36 3 529, or by email at haven.interiors@bigpond.com to discuss your ideal Christmas table, wrapping & gift ideas…

Merry Christmas...

"All I want for Christmas"... is at Rose St Trading Co...

When you find a store that has everything & anything you simply love, you know you're in shopping heaven. Rose Street Trading Company offers you the most sublime experience...stunning pieces, brilliant service, happy, friendly & welcoming staff to nurture your every request, gorgeous ambience, gift wrapping & beautiful displays to entice you from the moment you arrive...you're going to love the experience...

Recently, Alex Muir & Cate Boots extended their already divine retail haven to include the new upstairs experience,incorporating furniture & lighting, bedlinen & dining interior concepts, along with an extensive collection of beautiful art, fabrics, bespoke dining & bedroom pieces - everything to create your ideal home interior. This in addition to their gorgeous clothing store around the corner (where the story all began!), at 1A Rose Street where you will find stunning pieces to wear everyday or for that special occasion including Eclettica, Little Fuschia, Lily & Lulu, Song, Firefly & Juicy Bear. To coordinate with a gorgeous new wardrobe, Rose Street Trading clothing offers divine bags, scarves by DLux, wallets, the perfect bag for the beach, along with Walnut sandshoes and gorgeous french espadrilles in a range of ideal colours for Spring & Summer dressing.

My suggestion this Christmas? Don't delay visiting this divine much talked about destinationi retail village in Armadale. Everything is a must have, everyone wants it now, & believe me, what may arrive instore tomorrow may not be there by the end of the week!

Divine "Libeco Home' Linen...

Divine choice of products for hand, body & home

Stunning ideas for Christmas cheer

Bespoke pieces, beautifully displayed, all so enticing

Upstairs...NOW OPEN

The interior concept store incorporating bespoke & beautiful furnishings for bedroom & dining

Hmmm, what's this gorgeous little story...?

Gorgeous jewellery, semi-precious stones, pearls & stirling silver, amethyst, onyx, pearls, coral, jade, rose quartz, for every age, everyday, to enjoy for any occasion...


CHRISTMAS TRADING HOURS:

Monday-Wednesday 9.00-5.30pm

Thursday & Friday 9.00-6.00pm

Saturday: 9.30-5.00pm

Open Sundays in December

www.rosesttradingco.com.au/
E: rosesttradingco@bigpond.com

9822 9444: Interiors/Lifestyle Store (Beatty Ave)

9822 1525: Fashion Store (Rose St)