Smitten

Does it get much better? I think not.

la cornue

If you're as besotted as I am, you can choose from one of twenty five standard colours, or maybe have one of the La Cornue artisans create something just for you. Oh, and did I mention they'll also colour-coordinate your other appliances too? All the good stuff here.

Curiosity Shop

It probably comes as no surprise that I love vintage books. My favourites are those on natural history, and I love scouring dusty old bookshops for these treasures. And I guess it's a natural progression that some of my favourite painting subjects come from nature. I'm preparing for a solo exhibition later this year (very exciting! I'll share all the deets soon) and now that I'm almost rid of this rotten flu (three weeks and counting) I've been experimenting with some new ideas. Here's a look at a little watercolour study I've just finished:

'Petit Papillon'
watercolour on paper
210mm x 297mm (8" x 11")
prints for sale now in my Etsy shop

This is the first in a new series, and there are lots more to come. The colours are so gorgeous, and as well as these beautiful blues, there will be vibrant yellows, oranges, black and white - something for everyone. To me, these look best en mass, and I'll be framing the originals with simple, streamlined black frames to really make the colours pop. There are quite a few surprises that I'll reveal closer to the exhibition date (think big, bold and beautiful!), so if you'd like me to add you to my mailing list, drop me a line or message me, and you'll be the first to know.

I've found a few pretty pics to give you an idea of how you can use paintings like these to make a real statement.

via decor8 - so pretty

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 more restrained and curated

via my good friend Martha....and look, there are some feathers too.

Now I realise these aren't butterflies, but the repetition and symmetry is what really works here, and those prints could be any subject - botanical, sea plants, specimens....you get my drift. By Stephen Gambrel

Thanks for everyone who emailed over the past few weeks - I'm back in the land of the living again, and I really appreciate your concern. On track again and looking forward to getting stuck in to some new projects - can't wait!

... Eye-catchers

Lately I've been rummaging through pages of images trying to get some inspiration on our next project.

I find myself with piles of funny images - trying to organize them in my mind.   

It's interesting how you can come across such random images, but they somehow play a big part in the creative process when building a home:

If something inspires you... file it away... you never know when you'll need it!

Have a wonderful week!

Nantucket Charm...

I know I have gushed about Nantucket before -  but I had to show you some fun images of this darling beachfront cottage.  It was designed by Nantucket House Antiques and Interior Design.   They have the best of both worlds, not only do they specialize in antiques - they also have a design team that specializes in the genre of Nantucket style.  Below are some charming images of the perfect Nantucket retreat they created:

I love all the charming antique pieces throughout the home... it adds the perfect amount of history and character!

Black + White

I've been laid low with the dreaded lurgy for the past couple of weeks, which, as well as being totally inconvenient, has meant that I've had little energy for anything other than coughing and spluttering (and, if you ask the clan, they'd probably add whingeing as well). But I digress. One good thing that's come from my convalescence is that I managed to find the designer behind a room I've had saved in my files for ages.

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I had a lovely message from Brissie designer and fellow blogger Daryl Wark, which in turn led me to his gorgeous blog. As I settled in for a good read, I came across this post on South African designer John Jacob Zwiegelaar (which, coincidentally, Daryl found through Judy at Verandah House), and there was the black and white room I'd had saved for ages. Even better, it lead to this website, which was full of stunning, black & white interiors.

love

 even the pooch is colour matched

all images via John Jacob Interiors

What I love about a black and white (and neutral) scheme is that you can always throw in some colour when you feel like a change, or go completely monochromatic - the options are endless. Take this last room - it would look equally great with some mismatched cushions, an abstract painting or two, and a few bright accessories. I love colour, but my fickle nature means I always stick to a neutral scheme for the bones of a room, and add pops of colour with pieces that can be changed quickly, and relatively inexpensively - artwork etc. Thanks Daryl for the heads up, and seriously, do yourself a favour - head on over to Daryl's blog - lots of goodies there, let me tell you. My fave post - how to keep your vintage Louis Vuitton looking great...but not too 'new'. Fabulous to the max.

Chalky...

If I could design the perfect country cottage - I would use these combinations:

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all images via Skona Hem

Nothing says country more to me than Scandinavian design!

Here comes another Monday!  I hope yours is a good one!