From Hotel to Home with Crown Gifts online...

Crown Gifts - luxurious pillows all wrapped up

Crown Metropol Bathrobe-available in velour, micro fibre, waffle-weave

Crown Towers Doona Cover

Crown Promenade Ensemble

Crown Towers Pillowcase

Crown Towers Ensemble

Crown Metropol Pillowcase

The world renowned Crown Hotel Melbourne epitomises luxury & opulence. The experience bestowed upon guests is now available to replicate at home, through the Crown Gifts online store...

The superb 'At Home' collection offers a range of beautiful bedlinen & accessories to recreate the inhouse luxury that is resplendent in every suite of Crown Towers, Crown Promenade & Crown Metropol.

Whether your perfect night's sleep requires duck & feather down pillows, complete with doonas to match, luxury thread count sheets & pillowcases, or the divine touch of a Crown Metropol bathrobe, the 'At Home' collection from Crown Gifts online is now available for you to enjoy everyday... at home...

For more information on the luxurious Crown Gifts, visit: http://www.crowngifts.com.au/

Divine style with Suzie Anderson at Home...

There are moments when you walk into a space, whether it be a home, a retail store or a hotel interior, & you think, this is absolutely divine! Such is the style of Suzie Anderson, owner of the magnificient Hopewood Country House in Bowral, NSW, & home to the gorgeous "French & Country".

When the time came several years ago for Suzie to sell her much loved Blue Mountains retreat, the many pieces that she collected & restored were relocated to the Sudney Antique Centre, where they were featured in a small French flavoured stand. From then, her collections expanded to include a European style, favouring original painted pieces in shades of faded greys, sage greens & white, all of which remain constants in her interior palette today. A more contemporary, masculine balance has evolved in recent years with Belgian accents adding a stronger focus to rustic collections.

From the idyllic setting of her home, the historic Hopewood Estate, French & Country expanded to occupy the old property stables. Through a series of Open days & appointments, customers were invited to enjoy the beautiful ambience of Suzie's interior magic in her Highlands property.

Her love for creating "a home environment...a tribute to all the senses", (which I completely appreciate & endeavour to emulate whether at home, for a client or in retail interiors), is once again evident in her latest decorating emporium, Susie Anderson Home. Again, this divine environment reflects her personal style with unique & wonderful pieces. Enjoy a weekend retreat at this stunning estate & experience it from the moment you arrive...

Suzie Anderson Home

Contact details:

http://www.suzieandersonhome.com/

Email: frenchco@bigpond.net.au

By appointment at Hopewood Country House: 0411 4488 17

Also at Highland House, 21 Boolwey St., Bowral, NSW. (02) 4861 2195

Melting Magic in Nottinghill

Melt. What a deliciously appropriate name for a gorgeous chocolatier, in the heart of divine Nottinghill. Family, festive spirit & merchandising delights for all to enjoy, as shared by Bill Granger & his 3 daughters. Chocolate treats & perfect gifts all wrapped up in bonbon colours, simply yet beautifully displayed & something for all ages. I love the idea of one gift, whether it be a bonbon chocolate, soap, or a decoration for the tree, buy one in each colour, make a story, & make a statement, simple & understated - one of each colour, wrapped in a gorgeous little carry bag & tied with grosgrain ribbon to match, finished of course with a simple festive tag.

Hot pink with orange, lime & hotpink, or all 3 together, always looks fresh, happy & very chic. Hydrangeas & fairy lights, Jo Malone Candles, traditional carols, mince tarts, shortbread & eggnog, yes, I'm ready for Christmas coffee with friends:-)

http://www.meltchocolates.com/

OPENING THIS THURSDAY......

The Colour Lab Store/Cafe-Melbourne

opens THIS THURSDAY!!!

We can hardly wait...morning coffee (Nick makes the best latte!), freshly squeezed juices, delicious breakfast & lunch menu (I've been very lucky to sample many of the delights on offer by the Cafe Manager, Caroline, her culinary expertise is just amazing!), lots of energy, inviting ambience, friendly & fabulous staff, & a brilliant mix of produce & product. Over the past 3 months, there has been such excitement from other traders & business owners, Stonnington residents, customers & colleagues...thank you all so much for waiting so patiently for the doors to open, it has indeed been a huge project, but we promise you that it has been well worth the wait!!

We hope that you are going to love it as much as we already do, & that you will become familiar faces & regular customers. We are really looking forward to sharing our store, cafe, events, workshops & calendar activities with you as we open the first Colour Lab Store/Cafe this Thursday, November 4th, 2010 at 9am!! :-)

The Colour Lab Store/Cafe Melbourne
385 High St.,
Prahran, Melbourne. 3181
P: 03 9510 3858
E: thecolourlab@gmail.com

Exciting new retail concept in Melbourne...opening soon....

Opening Soon...

The Colour Lab Store/Cafe - Melbourne

Hello there!! I know, it's been far too long since I last posted a blog, but I have been very involved in a very exciting new retail brand, due to open VERY SOON!!

The Colour Lab Store/Cafe, the pilot store for a dynamic global roll out plan, is situated next to the beautiful Victoria Gardens in Prahran, Melbourne. It brings together a brilliant concept that is bound to soon become a destination location for retail, cafe & health lovers, embracing layers of colour in food, home, & for yourself, to enjoy, share & experience!!

This is an all encompassing new business brand & philosophy for creator & owner, Roz Mackay, an amazingly energetic, inspiring & passionate entrepreneur who has previously shared this collective vision in individual portfolios, including retail homewares & Interiors, cafes & art galleries.

The Colour Lab Store/Cafe - Melbourne, will offer a range of services & products, from cafe, take home produce, convenience shopping for busy professionals, weekend hampers for picnics in the park, gifts for every occasion, Vision Board workshops (a must for men & women, truly inspiring & insightful), & event management, fresh juices for that morning energy boost, to the best in coffee from Byron Bay Coffee Company.

Colour is energy, emotion & personal expression in all that we do, how we live, what we eat & how we feel. From the moment you walk in the door (& what a landmark door it is!), to the moment you leave, the team at The Colour Lab Store/Cafe - Melbourne, want to make sure that every customer feels energised, rejuvenated, happy & inspired...to enjoy the very best possible 'feel good' experience...

Stay tuned for The Colour Lab Store/Cafe - Melbourne lead up & opening...we can hardly wait!!!

The Colour Lab
385 High St.,
Prahran, VIC 3181
P: 03 9510 3858
E: thecolourlab@gmail.com
http://www.thecolourlab.com.au/

St Regis Punta Mita Resort - Mexican Magic...

St Regis Punta Mita Resort, is a magical & oh so beautiful coastal destination on the North of Puerto Vallarta, on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Instrumental to the development of this world class resort, was Interior Designer Roy Azar, who has lived in Mexico since 1970. At 22, he established his own design practice, & has channeled his passion for design, inspired by everyday objects, into his client work, including commercial & residential design, & in more recent years, the world of hospitality. His style includes new traditional, modern & natural, classic cool & rustic chic...all with timeless aesthetic appreciation.

The book of the same name, has been created with the same passion as the resort itself, & embodies the stunning beauty of the timeless appeal created by his vision. It absorbs your imagination, & takes you far away to a paradise on the Pacific Coast of Mexico...simply heaven...

"St Regis Punta Mita" by Roy Azar

Hasson publishing

Sharing with Whiteport

Just a quick thank you to the gorgeous Whiteport girls for profiling me on their blog this week with the feature article, "Pulling A Room Together" (expert tips).Thank you so much, it's wonderful to share & reciprocate mutual appreciation with other industry experts.

Jennifer McCabe, founder & owner of Whiteport, has the most divine online store offering a beautiful range of homewares, interior products & decorating ideas to enjoy for everyday living. I highly recommend that you subscribe to their fantastic newsletter & blog, in which you can adopt the decorating tips & ideas shared for your own home or space, using Jennifer's divine range of products for your bedroom, bathroom, dining & entertaining.

http://www.whiteport.com.au/

http://www.whiteport.blogspot.com/

A Corner Blooms

Fleur McHarg, renowned floral designer & event stylist, can take a simple bunch of beautiful blooms, & turn it into a stunning artwork. She has just opened her divine new boutique store in Armadale, Melbourne, aptly named "Fleur". As one of Melbourne's key floral artists, Fleur caters not only to private clients & corporate events, but the annual calendar events on everyone's social agenda.

Not only is her new village store a very welcome addition to the gorgeous Rose St/Beatty Ave village traders & clientele, but also for the residents who delight in visiting on their daily walk, on their way home from work, & on a Saturday morning amongst the weekend cafe activity.

Her expertise in working with fragrant blooms, unusual foliage, seasonal favourites & what makes the perfect gift is in every arrangement she creates. Integral to this destination location, Fleur is now catering to children's birthdays, creating parties full of fun, colour & activity delight. In fact, many mothers are already asking if she can recreate birthday luncheons for them, perhaps not with with baby pink cupcakes but something equally divine fitting for their own celebration! Fleur is passionate about her work & her clients, & her stunning array of beautiful blooms entice you from every corner. The fragrant & aesthetic appeal is sublime, & really, who needs a reason to enjoy such a divine experience?

FLEUR

13A Rose St.,

ARMADALE VIC 3143

T: 03 9804 3522

F: 03 9804 3722

E: fleur@fleurs.com

Open: Tuesday - Saturday

Timeless & Classic Design in Black & White

Black & White: Classic, Dramatic, Chic, Glamour, Elegance, Style & Sophistication.

Janelle McCulloch's latest release, "Design In Black & White" is all of the above & so much more. Janelle has divided this gorgeous bible of style & reference into four categories: 'Classic', 'Country', 'Coast' & 'High Glamour', incorporating a visual richness to every perspective she shares. From the simplicity of a black & white display of books, to spectacular architecture in New York, Melbourne & Paris, this renowned journalist & photographer captures the very essence of what is black & white - sophisticated, understated, elegant & timeless.

I had the great pleasure earlier this year of meeting Janelle, and what an amazing woman she is, full of inspiration, passion & wonderful energy. She is one of those people you meet in life who injects such happiness & spirit into your day, & it was wonderful exchanging our ideas & sharing our "love for beautful places, spaces & inspirational interiors". She later reminded me upon our next encounter to never forget my passion. I very much look forward to meeting with her again, thank you so much Janelle for sharing yours:-)

"Design in Black & White" by Janelle McCulloch

(images Publishing, 2010)

Have You Seen Hamish & Grace?

The most divine new homewares haven has just arrived in Carpenter St., Brighton, absolutely gorgeous! Owner Kate Cartney (with help from an amazing family team), has just opened 'Hamish & Grace Homewares', and upon walking through the front door, you are welcomed with a beautiful array of the latest pieces and bespoke artwork that would work brilliantly in any home space.

Durance , Silke jewellery (swedish design) Sacha Dobinson Yates artwork, Barrier Reef coral (stunning focal point pieces), custom made & ready made furniture, lamps for every space, room & interior, portugese soaps wrapped in a stunning array of papers & prints (the perfect touch on the bathroom basin or gift idea), as well as simple, stylish & bespoke pieces to complete & compliment your home style, whether it be a city, coastal, country, contemporary or classic interior.

As your arrive, you are immediately welcomed into the wonderful ambience that Kate's signature merchandising creates, & the hardest decision you will have to make is what to look at first, & when to stop buying!!

Yes, this divine new homewares & interior store will very soon become the village destination location that Brighton has long needed and will certainly welcome & enjoy! Parking is readily available across the road, & you can savour a latte before or after the divine experience to be had at Hamish & Grace.

Hamish & Grace Homewares

29 Carpenter St.,Brighton VIC 3186

P: 03 9592 7419

http://www.hamishandgracehomewares.com/

E: kcartney@bigpond.com

Hours: Monday - Saturday 9.30am -5.30pm

Easter - The perfect holiday

Easter is the perfect holiday of the year. A package of 4 days set in ideal weather, it is a time for sharing simple pleasures with family & friends (of course with hot cross buns & Easter eggs included). Unlike Christmas, it doesn't include frantic schedules, overloaded calendars or frenzied shopping lists.

Picnics anywhere the autumn leaves take you, walks along the beach, cooler evenings, slower mornings, Easter egg hunts, children playing in the park, our annual Good Friday family breakfast, all precious things to relish during the Easter holiday period.

Over the past few days I have enjoyed seaside walks, strolled through Melbourne's beautiful Botanic Gardens, ridden into the evening along the bay,(I've rediscovered the passion of bike-riding - free, fun & very enviro-friendly!), cooked without rushing, lingered longer over morning lattes, champagne toasts at the new Prada store, experienced fabulous service with delightful enthusiasm amidst the accentuated pace of retail at Easter. I feel rejuvenated, invigorated, & enjoying the simplest of things without needing to rush & accommodate the next meeting or appointment. Tomorrow, I will be sharing with you my latest library title, which is absolutely divine & I know you will just love it...!

I hope you too are enjoying Easter, savour it, enjoy it, relax.