Easter Picnic at Montalto

I love Easter, I love Autumn, so my favourite time of year is almost here, & a picnic at Montalto awaits! It really is the most gorgeous experience, one to be shared with family, friends or of course, just for two. Ideally it is best suited to one of Melbourne's idyllic Autumn days - sunshine, blue sky, & perfectly temperate for a picnic amongst the orchards on the spectacular landscape of the Mornington Peninsula, at Red Hill South.

Whether you choose to dine upon the hill, enjoy sea views, or picnic adjacent to the orchard groves, your gourmet delights will arrive by Morrey, the much loved red Morris Minor. Whether you choose to authenticate the experience by dining on the lawns, or indulging with crisp white linen & table attire, a picnic at Montalto in Autumn really is a gorgeous experience.


Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove
Red Hill South
http://www.montalto.com.au/

Magnolia Square Begins At St. Kilda Today

March Magnolia Square Begins TODAY!

Beautiful wares for yourself, your family, friends & home...

Treat yourself to coffee & cupcakes amongst gorgeous new creations & collections from 80 bespoke retail collections...

NEW VENUE - St. Kilda Town Hall

Today, Thursday March 18th, 10am - 9pm

Friday March 19th, 10am - 5pm

Saturday March 20th, 10am - 4pm

www.magnoliasquare.com.au

Chasing The Birkin...

The 'Must Have' Book For Autumn

Hermes Heaven!

Hermes Collier de Chien bracelet in Croc

Vintage Black Croc Kelly Bag - A lifetime investment, divine!

Hermes "H" Croc belt in fuchsia

Stylish, savvy, successful & fabulous - Michael Tonello

'Bringing Home The Birkin", by American Michael Tonello, is a gorgeous take on high society's passion for the divine "Birkin" Bag. A latest release that comes highly recommended,
"Bringing Home The Birkin" recounts Michael's travels across the globe for the better part of a decade to nurture client demands for the 'must have' Birkin Bag. His entrepreneurial spirit made the Hermes waitlist obsolete, providing same day Birkins to his elite clientele including celebrities & socialites the world over.

I suggest you invest in this delightful read, for soon enough bringing home the book will be as sought after as bringing home a Birkin!

http://www.bringinghomethebirkin.com/

Haven Home Visits Whiteport

Recently I was interviewed by Jennifer McCabe, founder & owner of the gorgeous online furniture & homewares business, Whiteport, in Sydney (http://www.whiteport.com.au/) for her Whiteport blog - http://www.whiteport.blogspot.com/

I first came across Jennifer's love of all things white in Home Beautiful a couple of years ago. All the images on her wonderful website are shot on location at her divine beach house on Sydney's northern beaches. I dream of having my own white beachhouse on the peninsula one day, and so was instantly drawn to write a feature post on her fresh, simple, stylish & timeless interior style (refer my post, "Whiteport for Home" February 25th, 2009).

Enjoy the new "Foolproof Decorating" series on the Whiteport blog, & visit www.whiteport.blogspot.com to read my tips on successful decorating, & when your visiting Jennifer's blog, make sure to browse the many delights you will find for every space & room in your home this season!

Thanks Jennifer:-)

New Season, New Style...

Since discovering TOAST, the brilliant UK lifestyle brand, incorporating travel, home & fashion, I absolutely love it! As another season begins, their collections are bursting with inspired colour palettes, bold designs patterns, ikat prints, eclectic & vibrant combinations of colour & texture...interesting, interesting, interesting!

The latest catalogue, shot on location in Mexico, is a style bible for wardrobe design, featuring the latest trends & a rich display from which to pick something fabulous for everyday & every occasion.

Divine co-ordinates all work together with effortless chic - tunics, blazers, shirts, pants, knits, dresses, in shades of lilac, lapis blue, apricot, indigo, gelati yellow to hibiscus. Accessorise the look with an array of gorgeous necklaces, bracelets, bags & flats with 'less is more' statement details.

TOAST online means you don't need to miss out if you can't shop in person. Whether shopping for flats, shirts, scarves or dresses, TOAST provides precise guides for you to measure your shape & size, converting UK, US & "continental" sizes to fit their range.

Although Autumn has just arrived here, nothing like transeasonal pieces, so TOAST for Spring is perfect for me - the "Shibori Print Shirt Dress","The Jazz Shoe" in Fawn tied back with "The Benny Bag" in silver/natural will work very well with my stone anorak & cashmere wrap for the crisp Sunshine of the days ahead...

http://www.toast.co.uk/

'Piermont', the perfect Autumn getaway

With Autumn just around the corner, consider Piermont for the ideal Autumn escape...Wine Glass Bay, seafood, cooler nights, sunny days, all wrapped up in the beautiful colours of the coastline...

Located on the East coast of Tasmania, an hour & a half drive from both Hobart & Launceston airports, Piermont is eco-friendly in design & fit out, a divine retreat where guests can escape the everyday pace of life's demands, enjoy the tranquil yet majestic beauty of the Freycinet Peninsula, & immerse one's senses in this understated, naturally luxurious haven, divine!

http://www.piermont.com.au/

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!