Home Work

Over the last couple of weeks I have been doing a few little finishing touches at home. Last week I collected together some paintings I have and had them hung in a cluster on a wall in our kitchen. There are a couple of drawings Harry has done for me, a painting which I picked up down in Bangalow last weekend and a few other special things I have collected over the years. The trick with cluster walls is laying the paintings down on the floor in a layout you like first and then hanging them. I always have a professional picture hanger hang them for me, after I have laid out the design, as my husband is {unfortunately} hopeless with a hammer.

Sunday Lunch

I love the idea of a Sunday lunch like this with family and friends around a beautiful old table with lots of flowers, wine and great food. Now that Winter is almost here I think I need to plan a lunch like this out on the grass in our garden under our big old tree around our old French dining table.

Image - via Interior Divine Blog

A Bed for Ned

Ideally it would have been great to have had a bed built for Ned just like this one above when we were renovating last year however, we weren't considering a new puppy at that time. So, after all my thoughts of where or what Ned will sleep in it seems he has opted for the easiest option of all. He loves to sleep on a towel, albeit an Ralph Lauren towel, on the floor right next to my side of our bed....yes I know I am a softie letting him sleep inside but that's just the way I am. I couldn't sleep knowing he was outside all on his own. He has found his resting spot and I'm thrilled.

Image 1 - via Brabourne Farm Blog

HGTV Dream House 2009

Dream House 2009

Every year, HGTV captivates the public with stunning homes built in pastoral locations but in the year 2009, the contest looks as if it will be the best till now.

Hgtv Dream House: Kids Room

With past home locations, such as Colorado, Jackson Hole, Winter Park and Wyoming, it is not easy to expect for something better but this year’s contest is going to give them a tough competition. This is because this year’s dream house is going to be built in California’s heart, the Sonoma.

Hgtv Dream House: Replica of your Dream House

The images of green fields over the rolling hills immediately come in front of our eyes at the very mention of this location but there is much more to that. The house constructed in the tradition of Victorian Farm house captures the spirit of a traditional farm and at the same time meeting the luxuries of a modern man’s estate.

Hgtv Dream House: Dream Bed

This 2-story house has been built by Mr. Steve Ledson and it is expected to be impressive by all measures. As attention is given to each and every minute detail of HGTV dream homes, this one built in the year 2009 is no exception. From natural wood floors and wainscoting to the trim, this home exhibits a craftsmanship of years gone by.

Hgtv Dream House: Floor Plan

This master piece spread over 3600 square feet of land, provides all the amenities that can be needed for entertaining friends and families for several years.
The sweepstakes of HGTV Dream Homes draw millions of entries every year through their website and over 41 million were submitted in the year 2007.

Hgtv Dream House: Dream House

The entries are welcomed from 1st January to mid-February every year and one entry per day per person is only allowed. Started from 1997, the HGTV dream house contest has grown in popularity significantly and provides the builders to showcase their best establishments. The winner of the contest is usually announced during March.

Friday Flowers & Ned

It's been kind of a crazy week in our household. Yesterday I went to the airport to pick up our new little family member, Ned an 8 week old Golden Retriever puppy. He is divine. I thought I would take a photo of him with my Friday Flowers. He really didn't want to sit on the chair, hence the not-so-great photo. I hope you have a great weekend wherever you are, whatever you do. See you next week!

More Pretty Vintage Style

Another great example of pretty vintage style above. So many lovely things in this photo. I adore the red and white stripe armchair with the floral cushions and the white cane table displaying lots of gorgeous things is divine.


Image - Country Homes & Interiors via Brambourne Farm

Pretty Vintage Style

I love this pretty vintage style room. It's amazing how inexpensive it is creating a room using vintage pieces. My friend Simone recently started a great blog called Beach Vintage where she shares her passion for vintage finds and how to create a great vintage look on a budget. I can't believe some of the gorgeous things she has collected and created and she always does it so inexpensively!!

Image 1 & 2 via House of Bliss

Design your Dream House

Using HGTV dream house to design your own dream home

If you want to design your own home in the most modern and luxurious way then the best thing you can do is to follow the HGTV dream house contest held every year in America. In this contest, which has been held since the year 1997, millions of entries participate every year and each of them competes among each other to win the most wonderful house of its own kind.

Hgtv Dream House: Design your House

The HGTV dream house that the contestant wins becomes a role model for other participants and also for the viewers. Most of the architects and designers keep in track of what design elements are used in the HGTV dream home and try to incorporate its best elements in the homes designed by them.

Hgtv Dream House: How to design Your House

Audiences are allowed to take a tour of these homes and those who are interested in having a similar kind of home try to observe what elements are incorporated in the home’s interiors, exteriors and different rooms, so that they can incorporate them in their own homes.

Hgtv Dream House: Dream House with Pool

The HGTV dream home becomes the fashion statement for the current year’s home architecture and influences almost all the homes designed during that year. The materials used in these homes are widely used in homes in other parts of the country and the winning home of the HGTV dream house contest becomes an idol for the people around the country looking to design their own homes.

Hgtv Dream House: Hgtv Dream Home

So, if you are looking to design a new home for yourself or planning for home improvement of your existing home, then look for the design elements incorporated in the HGTV dream house.

Today I Love...

Today I love this gorgeous clipping of a Tiffany & Co. advertisement which Emily posted last week. Some lovely reminders don't you think?! Click on image to supersize.

Painting Treasured Things

My mum's friend who has been painting some paintings for me at Black & Spiro has a very talented son. He is actually studying to be an Architect but thought he would pick up a brush and paint one of my vignettes. I love it so much I can't bear to sell it. Isn't he talented?! He obviously takes after his mother!! The crystal vase is one which my grandmother gave me and the colourful box is one I picked up a few years ago which continues to be one of my most favourite things. If anyone would like a painting done of their treasured things just let me know as Tom or Diana could certainly create something wonderful for you...

From The Files

I have had this house on file for quite sometime. I re-discovered it the other day when I was hunting for something to show a client in one of my many magazine tear out files. It belongs to Danish jewellery designer Marlene Juhl-Jorgensen. I adore her collections which she has featured against an all-white background. In my opinion this house seems so glamorous yet so simple and family friendly at the same time.

All images via - Interiors Magazine

Family Room

HGTV dream house, family room

HGTV dream house are the desire of all the residents of the country owing to their immaculate style and amazing architectural designs. As they are made with incredible precision keeping the latest trends in home making in mind, these houses are certainly straight out of dreams.

Hgtv Dream House: Family Room

Carrying all that a fantasy house must have from places of necessity to areas devoted to luxury, these farm houses are an ideal get away for every one from the hustle and bustle of every day life.

Hgtv Dream House: Game Room

Both the interiors and the exteriors of the HGTV dream house are tailored beautifully providing you with a chance to live your own fairy tale life in reality. From bedrooms, dining rooms, patio, garage to living rooms, the house simply spells luxury and splendor. The family rooms featured in the dream house are one space where you can rebuild and strengthen your bonds with your loved ones.

Hgtv Dream House: Big Family Room

The HGTV family rooms are characterized by eye popping prices of modern art that serve as the focal points. With apt furnishings and color combinations, this gathering room is a place that looks like a perfect retro- meets- rustic point. To create that cozy look a gas fireplace is also there so that in winters the room is warm and really comfortable as well.

Hgtv Dream House: Decorate your Family Room

The shag rugs that are used in these family gathering rooms make the room appear exclusive and more towards the elemental sides of nature. Blended perfectly with royal essence, these rooms are a great asset to these dream houses.

Friday Flowers

I'm not usually a huge fan of Carnations however, I do like this simple little posy I created this afternoon using some fresh white Carnations and a little Antique Cloisonne jar I picked up at the Antique Fair last night. I couldn't decide which spot to put them in so I took a photo of both little spots. The colours of the little jar look so pretty with my vintage bird however, I ended up popping the little arrangement on my bedside table on a stack of books in front of a little drawing of Harry's I recently had framed. See you next week!!

Brisbane Antique Fair

I thought I would remind Brisbane readers about the Brisbane Antique Fair which is being held this weekend at the RNA Show Grounds. I am heading off to the opening tonight which should be fun. I always love seeing what treasures are at the fair as most of the dealers have been saving up their special pieces for months to put on show.

Lady Portrait

If I wasn't trying to be good I would snatch up this gorgeous vintage girl from Lynn at Paris Hotel Boutique. So, if any of you decide to snatch her up make sure you let me know as I would love to see where she ends up!!

Focus points of HGTV Dream House

Focus points of HGTV dream house

Because HGTV dream houses become the trend setter of that year, you must understand that some of the focus points of HGTV dream house are:

Hgtv Dream House: Kitchen for You

• Natural materials like palm tree clippings, palm fronds, cacti and pinecones can be used in the indoor decorations.

• As far as the kitchen is concerned, art can be brought to it by adding color, focal point and texture.

Hgtv Dream House: Paint your Room

• While painting a room, the ceiling should be painted with the same color which represents continuity of colors.

• The photos should be framed with planning which means that a frame finish should be chosen wisely and grouped in the room accordingly. All gold, silver, wood or black can be used for the frames and there should be separate spaces for black and white photos and colored ones.

Hgtv Dream House: Furniture

• Instead of using white walls,HGTV dream houses use bold colors like olive, pumpkin, mustard yellow and sky blue.

• If you want some free space inside, more living space can be moved outdoors by way of a porch, outdoor shower or loggia. These ideas can be conveniently used for furniture, furnishings and outdoor space.

• By using movable tables and chairs, the HGTV dream house tries to convert a movie room into a party room or a game room.

Hgtv Dream House: Flowers on the Dining Table

• HGTV Dream House uses interesting objects such as pictures, containers, flowers and art objects as focal points on the entire dining table.

• It can be very expensive to bring in natural materials in the house but you can use replicas or resin models of coral, rocks, tree branches and shells that look exactly natural and come at much affordable price.

While HGTV dream houses are constructed with these tips in mind, you can also use them while designing your own dream home.

My Fabric Obsession

Anyone who knows me well knows I am obsessed with beautiful fabrics. For me, fabric is the starting point of any room design. I am continually falling in love with new fabrics I find. Whenever I find something I truly love I buy at least one meter to keep on file so that when I show clients I have a large piece to show them how beautiful the fabric really is. The small pieces in the sample books just don't do the fabrics justice. I thought I would show you a few fabrics I am currently absolutely in love with.

Hgtv Dream House Rooms

Beauty of HGTV dream home rooms

The rooms of HGTV dream home are as beautiful and appealing as never before. All the rooms including living room, dining room and study room are extremely elegant and stylish. The living room of this dream home includes formal and stylish interior design. This is basically an eye catching space decorated in blue color palette.

Hgtv Dream House: Great Room

The furnishings of the living room are also appealing and pleasing. The living room of the HGTV dream home looks exceptionally attractive by the inclusions such as artwork shine and fanciful accessories. The dining room of this dream home also includes a royal decoration that can make the guests feel like having a royal treat.

Hgtv Dream House: Potting Room

The dining room includes formal decoration and includes bold wall colors that make the dining room appealing and attractive like never before. One of the most alluring facets of the dining room of this dream home is that it’s interior is the perfect blend of the European style and traditional style decoration.

Hgtv Dream House: Living Room

The native as well as western touch in the interiors makes this space gracious and of high quality. The best facets of the dining room of this home are that it is stylishly decorated with abstract art and rustic accessories.

Hgtv Dream House: Sitting Room

The family room of this dream home is also equally stylish. The family room is the space meant for get together of the families. The family room of this dream home space is decorated with modern art pieces and includes gas fireplace that can add warmth as well as cozy feel in the entire room.

Pretty Yellow Roses

Nothing like some fresh bright yellow roses to start the week!! I just picked them up at the supermarket on the way home. Gosh they make me happy!!