Villa Anna

A slice of boudoir heaven...

2010-02-16T13:35:00.013+11:00

If I were Samantha the good witch and could wiggle my nose and create the ultimate boudoir for myself this pretty much would be it!

Claudia Strassers The Paris Apartment book was first published 16 years ago, but to me it NEVER gets old. I've mentioned on many occasions this book has been my bed companion for a long time and even travelled with me to Europe as I couldn't bear to part with it. Pages 74 and 75 are almost permanently open on my dressing table and often when passing I find myself wishing I could dive into those glossy pages.

(please click images to enlarge)

I love absolutely everything about this room, from the parquetry floors to the 12 foot high ceilings, The recessed shelving for books and treasures complete with pelmet framing. The sheepskin rugs, the painted Louis furniture, the tufted tub chairs, the silk sumptuous fabrics, the turquoise vases and the grand sparkling chandelier! I know swags and tails in most bedrooms can look completely over the top but in a room this grand how could you have anything less? Ok perhaps I would hide the speakers.

This room is feminine and sexy and romantic but without being sickly girly. I think a man might even enjoy sleeping there ;)

As a studio apartment it triples as a living room, bedroom and office. I adore the use of the three seperate spaces with the sumptuous inviting bed taking centre stage.

Oh I need to find me a tall set of drawers like that!

I thought I'd finish with another one of my favourite images from Claudia's book. Would you feast your eyes on this treasure trove?! You would have to call security to force me to leave such a place. It actually reminds me alot of Vintage Glamour in Enmore, Sydney. I could spend hours rummaging through that store :)

If you haven't already bought this book you are missing out! It truly is a slice of heaven :)

The Paris Apartment book

The Paris Apartment blog

p.s I received an email today from one of my idols that lifted me to new heights......Thank you so very much! :)

Inspiration for mum's place...

2010-02-09T09:07:00.019+11:00

Beginning with Anna Spiro, her stunning stradbroke island residence is one of the main inspirations behind the design of my mum's new home.

My mother has some wonderful furniture and accent pieces she's had forever and we still feel they are timeless and fitting for her plantation caribbean/beach shack home :)

My mothers timeless pieces include cane/bamboo chairs and etageres. Chinoiserie chests, mirrors and beautiful blue and white porcelain.

(coastal style)

The canvas for mum's place will be white walls, including white painted bricks and white lime wash floors. Her livingroom is small therefore there was only room for one large statement piece which she chose to be a sumptuous chocolate leather sofa. Her tv unit is a simple white ikea bookshelf turned on it's side and filled with books, magazines, dvds, cd's and a few nik naks.

(coastal style)

We're definitely looking out to buy some fish on a rope to hang just outside lol

(coastal style)

The colour scheme for mum's bedroom will be blue and white and again as it's a small room it will be very simple with an oyster light, chunky white venetains and my favourite of all her collected paintings hanging over her bed.

(?)

Her kitchen wont have alot of cupboards, instead opting for open shelves, freestanding appliances and her gorgeous tiled farmhouse table my grandfather built, taking centre stage at the heart of the room. This will become a multifunctional piece as it will serve as the main preparation area as well as the eating area.

(locations via desire to inspire)

My white chippy iron bed I had as a child will be the main piece in the 2nd bedroom.

(next 3, Jane Coslick designs)

The following are some more images that have offered us some ideas.

(House To Home)

(House Beautiful)

(Freedom)

Although too contemporary for my personal taste, my mum purchased the 3 1/2 seat domino sofa from Freedom for her livingroom. I have to say it's very comfortable and my son says it's a dream to sleep on haha.

(Freedom)

This piece I think would be ideal for the small wall next to her shower. Again, as she will only have the undersink storage cupboard she could fill this unit with just about everything she could need.......and also not need ;)

Construction starts on Feburary 19th! Can't wait :)

My Family On Australia Day

2010-02-01T16:37:00.000+11:00

I'm a week late I know but didn't get a chance to upload these earlier. Last tuesday was Australia Day and we had a wonderful family BBQ at my mum's new place. I have an extremely talented photographer brother in law and I had to show off his pics of the day :)

My girl Soph :)

My boy Will :)

My baby nephew Logan :)

My big nephew Zach :)

Pool fun with Zachy and his dad :)

My mama :)

The food and beverages were heavenly :)

My brother in laws Scott and Rique and my sister Sarah :)

Awwww it was too much for some ;)

On another small note my son started highschool (middle school) last thursday and I'm still trying to come to terms with it hahaha :)

How did he get so big so fast?

Will and his best mate Bailey :)

I know this post is completely design unrelated but I couldn't help but show off my beautiful family. They mean the world to me :)

A lovely quote and a lovely thought....

2010-01-19T14:37:00.002+11:00

Rachel Ashwell - Shabby Chic.

White will be the colour of my year...

2010-01-17T22:45:00.007+11:00

(At home with white)

I know some of you maybe thinking booooring but after living in a home with dark timber furniture and dark timber floors for so many years I'm dying to lighten things up for a change.

(Jacqueline Adams antiques)

Mum feels the same. She has dark furniture too that she's had forever and although she can't part with most of it she's going to lighten up her surroundings as much as she can too.

(Mari Eriksson)

My place already has a white tiled floor throughout most of it and white walls. The kitchen and main bathroom are also white. I just need to make a few modifications :)

(Sharyn Cairns)

I'd like to buy white furniture for my front living and dining room but of course my accents will have to include my favourite muted palette.

The front rooms will be soft and feminine and the back family room, although still with white floors and walls will also include hues of charcoal, french grey, red in winter and blue in summer.

There is also a garage conversion, now a rumpus for the kids and that is the only room I plan to darken a little to make it more cosy and comfy. A brooding teenage retreat haha.

Of course, will this all be completed by the end of the year? probably not hehe but It's definitely a work in progress that will keep me focused and inspired throughout :)

A new year...

2010-01-16T14:41:00.013+11:00

And a new attempt at finding my way back to blogging. I hope this year will be more inspiring than the last. Reading all your amazing blogs though kept my heart fluttering. I am in awe of you all, seriously! Some of the posts you make literally take my breath away. Off the top of my head some of the highlights of last year was the incredible completion of Mz A-M's home, The divine transformation of Mz Giannetti's laundry and study and also the hugely anticipated release of Mz Ashwell and Mz Archers latest books. Both of which have become my new bibles and barely leave my arms.

My other favourite book purchases are Sibella Court's Etcetera, Josephine Ryan's Essentially French, Gail Abbott's Living With Light and another little Aussie gem called A Life On Pittwater by Susan Duncan. Heavenly reading!

Currently living together, my mum and I have spent many hours lolling around on the floor and couch immersed in our decorating books, sketching, list writing and overall planning the creation of her newly purchased home, currently undergoing renovations, as well as, once she moves out, the transformation of my new place of residence.

Basically, my marriage ended and I've spent the last year throwing myself into my work and trying to ease my children into a home without their dad. Fortunately they still see him all the time. My mum sold her lake house which was another emotional time for us considering we built it almost 30 years ago, but she's downsized into a lovely coastal home only 10mins from the beautiful beaches of Sydney. I can't wait to see her wave her magic wand and create something amazing :)

She is off to a good start, losing an unnecessary bathroom to open up the kitchen and a clean palette of white walls and white lime washed timber floors.

Once her home is done and dusted I can begin mine :) complete creative control! Oh let the fun begin hehe.

Oh p.s LOVED the new Nancy Meyers movie It's complicated. Just like a man seeing Angelina Jolie appear in her first scene of a movie I oooh'd and ahhh'd at that kitchen!! Hahaha

(please click image to enlarge)

Mz Meyers rocked my world again with that house and wasn't the movie hilarious? haha

I hope all my northern hemisphere pals are keeping warm and my southern hemisphere pals are staying cool :) I've missed you all and I wish you a truly wonderful new year xx

Oh Wow!

2009-09-11T22:18:00.003+10:00

Kitty and all :)

Caryn Grossman courtesy of Desire To Inspire.

Pure Indulgence...

2009-09-03T13:57:00.021+10:00

(please click images to enlarge)

Soooo If I could have one really big indulgence in life it would have to be my very own bathing/dressing room and it would look just like the one above.

As we all know bathing is actually an art form and a moment in time that should never be rushed. Bathing and dressing for less than an hour is a sin. It's a time, whether you're a busy career woman or housewife for you to unwind and forget about the stresses of the day.

From the book Comfortable Country - Having a bath is a superbly comfortable way of slowing down. Bathing is not simply to do with getting clean; a shower can do that. The ritual of running the water, adding a swoosh of scented salts or a glug of luxurious oil, then sliding down for a long soak, makes having a bath a ceremony.

For true connoisseurs of bathing you must begin with a truly spectacular bath. Something so alluring you can't bare to be away from it. My favourite is this stunning stone bath or even a copper or claw foot.

The iron or glass table is a sweet addition for your scented candles, oils and perhaps a glass of wine :)

A simple chandelier is a must as well as some beautiful hooks or a dressing screen for a robe

I believe the picture above is the same room as the first, styled differently.

Again, this is the same room but you can see it's actually a whole bedroom. My bathing/dressing room would be seperate from my bedroom for complete privacy and no disruptions.

I do love the idea of the bathtub at a window. If bathing while the sun is still up, soaking while letting your thoughts drift outside is pure bliss.

The above pic is my father and step mothers guest bathroom in their home in the southern highlands. The relaxing view outside that window is absolutely stunning.

I imagine these beautiful etched doors would lead me from my bedroom to my bathing room with a white sheer curtain pulled across once inside.

I would have a big white fluffy rug to soften and pamper my feet with the luxurious texture.

I'm also thinking a fireplace of some sort is quite essential.

Once your bathing is done it's time for dressing. I would have a large antique armoire in the room filled with fluffy white towels. It also makes perfect storage for your candles, oils and salts supplies.

Finally, no bathing/dressing room would be complete without a stunning girly vanity. Mine would look similar to this with a skirt, tufted chair or stool, marble top, venetian mirror, sconces and an abundance of perfumes and lotions, powders and a little makeup.

*sigh*

thank you for allowing me to dream a while ;)

image sources -

1. Comfortable Country
2. Country French Antiques
3. Domino Magazine
4. self
5. Colonial East
6. Cote De Texas
7. Colonial East
8. Charles Faudree via Cote De Texas
9. Mark Cutler Designs

Rooms that make me go mmmmmmm.

2009-09-02T10:33:00.015+10:00

(please click to enlarge)

All images are courtesy of House Beautiful 500 makeovers book :)

Appalling scanning, my sincerest apologies.

I hope you are all well. I think of you all the time and continue to read and adore your amazing blogs. They are an endless source of incredible inspiration :)

A xox.

An oldie but a goodie...

2009-07-22T09:29:00.005+10:00

I've been researching music rehearsal studios and I came across this collection of pics of The Osbournes old Beverly Hills mansion. Yes the Osbournes were a dysfunctional family but who doesn't love their home :)

It's the perfect mix of masculine and feminine. Sharons bathroom (on the second row) Is simply heavenly. It's probably the size of my whole house haha.

The tv room on the fourth row has definitely found me some inspiration ;)

Like Pamela Anderson, Sharon Osbourne held an estate sale, I think after they sold their Beverly Hills mansion and sold off most of her exquisite French treasures as she has decided to go for the minimalistic look (silly woman haha). Oh how I wish I were able to attend this sale!

Top pic by The Real Estalker

please click images to enlarge.

Lovely Leura...

2009-07-09T20:56:00.000+10:00

Thinking more about my trip to The Blue Mountains I decided to stalk around looking for properties for sale. I found this little gem in my favourite Blue Mountains suburb of Leura.

Look at the views this treasure has to offer!

What a sweet but not so small cottage.

From the realestate website - The best of both worlds, views and a garden and seldom available! One of the very few outstanding gardens with panoramic cliff edge VIEWS from the cascading waters of Wentworth Falls to Bowral Gib. Sited on over 2 ½ Acres of Paul Sorensen gardens, crammed with mountain exotics meandering gravel pathways, dry stone walls and native bushland, you can see forever from this beautifully maintained and much loved weatherboard residence. There are 3 bedrooms, a 4th or study, 3 bathrooms, formal and informal living areas plus a massive family room leading from a thoughtfully designed kitchen and super sized laundry. High ceilings, pretty picture windows with a treed backdrop and valley vistas , plus gas log fires and a bore for the garden, all add up to the ultimate in privacy, tranquillity and seclusion. Located just around the corner from the Fairmont Resort, the Golf Course and less than a 90 minute drive from the city.

I adore the colonial picture windows.

I would put a sumptuous window seat in this bay window.

If this is the formal lounge I'd paint the walls either antique white or a very soft beige. I would also perhaps add a little more plasterwork to ornate the ceilings. The slow combustion fire would either be replaced with a white version or somehow moved to the other wall and create a stone mantle fireplace. The sofa's would be white French settee's with an aubusson rug and a tufted ottoman used as a coffee table. And of course lets not forget the grand chandelier ;)

If this is the familyroom the carpet looks to be sisal which I already love. I'd have a linen couch, perhaps another large ottoman coffee table but I'm unsure of what lighting I'd use in this room.

The kitchen is small but delightful. With such a lack of storage cupboards one would hope there is a massive walk in pantry somewhere ;)

A beautiful chandelier is definitely needed in the dining room,...

as well as the bedroom. I'd have a beautiful off white French Louis bed and I'd probably place my soon to be covered aqua velvet, tufted love seat at the foot and place my French style vanity and leopard print chair in the bay window. I'd have duck egg blue silk curtains and a damask wallpaper feature wall and probably another aubusson rug.

Imagine waking up everyday looking out from your bedroom window at that view!! It may not be the ocean but still equally as beautiful.

Beautifully manicured gardens.

Unfortunately, to live this lifestyle you'll need just under two million dollars *sigh*

It's always nice to dream though ;)

http://www.domain.com.au/Public/PropertyDetails.aspx?adid=2007320729#

I also quickly wanted to mention my excitement about Jason Sullivan winning the Home Made competition. I can't wait to see his future designs!!

For the love of the Sweeds...

2009-07-04T19:34:00.021+10:00

A few sundays ago my family and I took a day trip out to a wonderful part of Sydney called The Blue Mountains. It's one of my favourite places to visit, especially during winter. The air is so crisp and the autumn colours still present on the foliage is beautiful. It's a very old part of Sydney about a 3 hour drive inland from the coast. It has so much character with it's quaint cottages and shops and lets not forget the breathtaking expansive mountains and parklands.

While visiting one of the most exquisite shops - Maison Montage - in a little town called Leura I was lucky enough to finally grab a copy of this enchanting book - Swedish Interiors.

I know most of you probably already own this heavenly gem but I wanted to post a few of my favourite inspirational images from it's glossy pages.

please click image to enlarge

my sincerest apologies for my dodgy scanning.

This room is usually a little more contemporary for my taste but can you imagine the wonderful parties one could host in a setting like this? An abundance of candles and mood lighting, complementary music, dancing and comfortable conversation surrounding that crackling fire.....It's a little bit awesome don't you think? :)

I've also made some new Swedish blogging friends I'm excited about...

Splendid Willow - A Sweed living in America

^^ I am sooooooo in love with this room! *sigh*

strömgatan4 inredning - Sweden

Wabi & Sabi - Sweden

Stop by and say G'day, they have some STUNNING images!

p.s HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO MY AMERICAN PALS! :)

Loving this...

2009-06-30T22:08:00.008+10:00

Camille Soulayrol

For more stunning images of this super talented French stylist visit Desire To Inspire.

Home Made...

2009-06-24T09:35:00.008+10:00

How much have I enjoyed this series?!!! It's been so great! I'll actually be sad when it's over :(

I couldn't be more thrilled with the two finalists. They are both so amazingly talented it's awe inspiring.

My pick for the winner is Jason. Despite the fact he's a little bit saucy and comes across as a real gentleman, I am sooooo in love with his designs! Every week he's pushed the bar and delivered brilliance.

Last nights home was his best yet. The blue and white colour scheme had me swooning. I absolutely adored it. I love that he loves a more traditional look and I've noticed now a couple of his rooms really have a beautiful plantation feel to them. Not once have I ever felt his rooms looked like show rooms. They scream comfort and glamour without being pretentious.

The bedrooms and livingrooms are Jasons designs and the kitchen and bathroom are Darren.

Oh those ornate ceilings and the empire chandelier, blue walls and sisal rug are simply exquisite!

IMO Darren is the master of texture. This bathroom presented a real problem for him and he tackled it head on with an unforgettable result.

This whole home just flows so beautifully. I just hope the owners don't tire from the colour blue anytime soon :/

The family room.

The guest bedroom.

The master bedroom.

The sexy designer himself Jason Sullivan.

GOOD LUCK!

To see the before shots and videos of this house and the other house it competed with, as well as previous homes from the previous weeks, go to http://channelnine.ninemsn.com.au/homemade/

The White House Daylesford...

2009-06-22T19:22:00.000+10:00

Hello again :) I know it's been ages since my last blog I sincerely apologise for that. I hope you're all well :) I've moved house and I'm currently busy renovating and decorating my new bedroom. I'll post pics when I'm finished if it turns out how I picture it in my mind hehe. The look I am trying to achieve is inspired from Claudia Strasser's The Paris Apartment book. Needlessly to say I am going to town with the girly goodness! ;)

The reason for this blog is I received my copy of the july/august issue of Vogue Living and I was so thrilled to finally see the stunning weekend cottage of one of my favourite designers, Mz Lyn Gardener.

6 months ago, after featuring her gorgeous home and vintage store, Empire Vintage in Melbourne, I received an unexpected, lovely email from Mz Gardener telling me the exciting news of her new country cottage she was renovating at the time.

This cosy weekender is very different from her girly chic warehouse apartment I'm sure you're all familiar with and adore as much as I do, but equally as beautiful. Mz Gardener has successfully catered for both sexes by going for a more industrial vintage look. Most of the items were purchased either at flea markets or salvage stores.

The library has one wall covered in a handpainted wallpaper by Deborah Browness, depicting rows of books. A very clever use of a small space.

I especially love the kitchen with it's open timber shelves and blackboard wall.

No Gardener home would be complete without her signature clawfoot bath :)

Simple but very enticing. I love those white shutters!

An old garden shed was converted to seperate guest room.

I absolutely love it! It's the perfect mix of city meets country and old meets new. I'll definitely be adding The White House Daylesford to my list of places to stay. Thank you Lyn for creating such a treasure for us to enjoy :)

For more information on the renovation and beautiful pics you can visit Mz Gardener's website or buy the July/August issue of Australian Vogue Living magazine.

Heatherlie...

2009-04-03T10:44:00.004+11:00

I'm not sure if this has already been posted but this is a stunningly beautiful Provincial style guest cottage in Historic Maldon, Victoria (the centre of the goldfields) Australia.

Heatherlie was featured in this months Country Homes Ideas magazine - Owners Robyn and Ian Slattery have made extensive renovations to the pretty circa - 1880's cottage which features a classic bullnose verandah, open fireplaces with slate hearths and floors polished in Baltic pine. The main house has three bedrooms and two bathrooms that can accommodate up to three couple, so it's great for a group of friends looking for a quiet break. All rooms boast soft comfortable queen-size beds and luxurious white linen, while the bathrooms have deep claw-foot baths and stylish Crabtree & Evelyn products.

Guh....I'm swooning at it's neutral colour palette, earthy textures, warmth and comfortability.

This is exactly the kind of place I could see myself relax and unwind whether a romantic trip for two or with 4 of my closest friends :)

It's all about the details isn't it? :)

^^ I love eet!

Winter is approaching and so is my need to get away from the city. What a fabulous find. Thank you CHI!!

Just checking in :)

2009-03-25T12:34:00.014+11:00

Hello friends!!! I'm still alive haha ;) Firstly, I just want to thank you all for your truly lovely comments and emails, I'm completely blown away by the warmth and love you've shown me. Who'd a thought my little blog could lead me to such amazing people and make wonderful new friends.

Anyway, enough of the emotional moment *wipes tear*, I just had to swing by and brag about my newest love. Thanks to PM K. Rudd and his stimulus package I bought myself a new book recently that left me gasping for breath. Inspirations from France and Italy by Betty Lou Phillips is truly the most magnificently breathtaking book I've ever laid eyes on. I have quite an extensive design book collection. Not as big as Joni's of course ;) but I'm still quite proud of it, and this one now sits as my very favourite. It's going to be hard to find a book to top this one.

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves ;)

I desperately want a pastel map of Paris to frame for my office. I'll have to check out Ebay.

I'm still currently trying to sell this apple green colour scheme to a client for her formal lounge. She still not budging grrrrr hehe :)

It's hard to see in my poor scanned pic but the Gracie handpainted Chinoiserie wallpaper in this foyer is too. die. for! *sigh*

Please click the images to enlarge!

I practically squealed with delight at this kitchen! Those bar stools immediately reminded me of Gaynor Groome's, owner of Sydney store Shades Of Pale, kitchen. One of my all time favourites. And an aqua ceiling??! Absolutely stunning!

Again, GORGEOUS!!! I'll never tire of monogrammes.

This picture is probably one of my very favourites in the book. Everything about this image is perfect!

OK what is it with me and Green and Yellow at the moment? Hmmm.

I hope you're all doing well. I'm going to do my best to catch up on what EVERYONE has been up to. I've missed you like crazy, you have no idea.

Inspirations from France and Italy.

Extended Hiatus

2009-02-18T11:17:00.002+11:00

This is a post I never saw coming at the end of last year thats for sure. I've sadly decided to take an extended break from my blog as my heart just isn't in it anymore. I've got a bit going on personally and I'm feeling a little drained and uninspired. Most evenings I sit at my computer to try and compile something constructive and It just doesn't come. I hope I'll snap out of it soon enough, but in the mean time, I apologize for not keeping up with everyone's amazing posts. I do truly miss you all.

Christina Re's China Doll...

2009-02-01T08:58:00.016+11:00

This is a classic example of the wonderfully eclectic, vintage style I'm leaning towards this year.

Christina Re is a super talented stationary designer from melbourne Australia. I actually used some of her stunning papers to make my 30th birthday invitations a few years back.

Her gorgeous home is featured in this months Australian country home ideas magazine and was also featured in one of my favourite books - Madison Living.

Just as the magazine states, I LOVE her harmonious fusion of oriental and european vintage and contemporary pieces.

Mixing the old with the new has never looked so chic.

Bold patterns, contrasting colours yet everything looks simplistic and uncluttered.

(please click the images for a much larger view)

Christina states her home is a work in progress and will constantly evolve the more she travels - words to live by :)

Of course the pink tufted armchair is my favourite piece and this particular image with the red birdcage and black side table is an absolute winner!

(please excuse my dodgy scanning hehe)

^^ LOVE IT!

The gorgeous woman herself :)

love her dress!

This home is such an inspiration to me, I simply can't get enough of it.

Christina Re.

I still can't get enough vintage style.....part 1 the bedroom...

2009-01-28T12:09:00.015+11:00

I forever struggle with trying to define my own personal style. I try to follow the rules with one but then add something completely different to the look. I guess you could say I'm more of an eclectic kind of gal, but one element will forever remain in my interiors and thats my love of all things vintage.

I gave myself a break from flea market shopping these holidays as my home is simply busting at the seams, but I feel the pulling sensation to get back out there and start rummaging again so I know I will cave very soon lol.

I have however decided to de-clutter alot of my "pretty things" and create something a little more industrial. One of my favourite books in my collection is called Found Style by David and Amy Bulter. If you have a passion for all things vintage and recycled but without too much of the the feminine aspect then this book is for you!

Don't get me wrong I'm still a girly girl and regularly read my Austen novels but I just think I'm going to minimalise my "granny items" and go for a more boho feminine chic look this year.

Does this happen to you? Each year do your tastes change and you feel like you want to rip it all out and start fresh? God help me this could become a costly obsession LOL ;)

(all photos via house to home)

I'm back.......kinda sorta :)

2009-01-14T17:44:00.012+11:00

Hellllllllllooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!! *group hugs* How is everyone?! I have missed you all so much!

I took a little more time off my blog than I had originally planned but I guess I needed to. It's been a really hot summer and the kids and I have been keeping ourselves quite entertained. Back and forth to the lake house, family reunions, visiting old friends, catching up on all the latest movies and basically enjoying the non routine way of life the summer break brings.

So I gotta know, who has read the Twilight series?! I got completely sucked into this magical world of vampires and warewolves the past couple of weeks and even enjoyed the movie. This saga has been HUGE down under to say the least and I must say it was quite an enjoyable and easy read. The last book was a little "out there" though lol.

Thumbing through the january issue of Instyle magazine I came across a photoshoot with the cast of Twilight and as goodlooking as the cast is I couldn't help but swoon over the sets! The location and props were stunning. They reminded me of that eclectic restaurant set up at the recent food and wine festival I attended last november.

I LOVE the shabby chesterfield, the birdcage, the aubusson pillow, the empire chairs? and the zebra rug - Genius!

Also in the magazine was a 5 page spread on my new favourite hair salon - Brad Ngata in Pailings Lane.

Mr Ngata recently hosted a high tea in his salon and I LOVED the images. Wish I'd been invited! pffft ;)

Look at those Louis chairs?! They almost left me breathless! I MUST have some chairs just like them!

Oh my looooord I have ALOT to catch up on! I hope you are all well!

(please click images to enlarge)

Have yourselves a merry little Christmas!

2008-12-24T11:59:00.014+11:00

WOW this month has been insane! I'm finally finished work, shopping and apart from Xmas day I've pretty much got all the friends and relo's festivities out of the way so now I'm well and truly ready to relax and enjoy the summer! After the boxing day sales (naturally) we are all going up to the lake house for 2 weeks of sun and fun. I can't wait!

This year has been an absolute BLAST! Discovering blogland has been one of the best things I've ever done. I have loved every single minute of it. Meeting each of you and delving into your inspiring and adventurous lives has been the ultimate honour and pleasure. I simply can't wait to see what the new year brings.

I wish you ALL a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year! May all your wishes and dreams come true *HUGS*

Anna xox.

p.s Following are just some poor quality pics of Christmas around my home ;)

(try to ignore the big ugly navy sofa in the corner, it's going next year! lol)

(my attempt at a quiche hehe)

(I remember last christmas saying I was going to paint my mirror white, well hopefully i'll get around to painting it before next christmas lol)

(I'd never make it as a stylist, who leaves the loo paper in the shot? lol)

(again, candle should have been lit!)

(some beautiful pastel baubles, my friend Brook gave me last year)

See you all in 2009! Stay safe and eat yourselves silly! ;)

More Chrissy inspiration...

2008-12-16T09:38:00.019+11:00

I'd say most of us have finished decorating our homes for the Christmas season but incase you're unfinished and uninspired here are some gorgeous festive rooms that have certainly inspired me!

Some have a nordic flavour and others are comfortably colonial. My home features a little of each.

(the three images above are all from Swedish Interior Design)

(the seven images above are all from country living)

(Liz Williams via VT Interiors)

While my children are still little, I have alot of decoration my children have made at school and such to which I cherish eg: the handstitched tree on a piece of linen my daughter made. My tree is very disorganized with mostly figurine and handmade ornaments as opposed to perfectly proportioned baubles.

Here is my latest edition, I found this lovely santa who I fondly refer to as my Nordic santa from the flea market this past sunday.

He stands proudly on my hall table :) My love for vintage finds certainly doesn't stop at Christmas. After seeing Tracey's post I'm now on the hunt for mercury glass baubles to place in a pewter bowl. LOVE IT!

More pics of my Chrissy decor to come...

Random loveliness...

2008-12-12T17:02:00.010+11:00

(Chris Everard via Desire to Inspire)

Well the auction for our lake house came and went on thursday but didn't sell. A real sign of the times when people expect us to give away a prime piece of real estate. Nvm, more time for us to enjoy it :)

Anyhoo, it's been another mental week and I guess it wont get any slower for a few weeks yet. I had to post some of the absolutely stunning images that are inspiring me this week.

I hope you're having a joyous weekend filled with lots of Chrissy festivities :)

(Traditional Home)

(Latest Sussex)

(Eric Roth via Desire to Inspire)

(Eric Coher via Cote de Texas)

(Betsy Johnson via Taverne-Agency)

(Shabby Chic via Apartment Therapy)

A nursery fit for a princess...

2008-12-09T09:50:00.044+11:00

(petit tresor)

Spending time with my nextdoor neighbours brand new boo boo one can't help but feel clucky. No I'm not going to go there myself lol but I do hope to design a French/vintage with a touch of glam inspired nursery someday. My neighbours didn't find out what they were having therefore planned their nursery around a very basic neutral background. When I say basic, I mean beige! But a lovely beige at that :) I think they made a wise choice. Their furniture is a very dark, almost ebony timber. Their overall colour scheme looks similar to J'Lo's nursery above :) When I ask friends who are pregnant what colour they are painting their pending babies room alot of them can't wait to experiment with lots of colour. Friends who don't know the sex of their baby often want mint green or lemon and others who know of the sex go straight for the bright pinks and blues.

I personally prefer a nursery to be predominantly white. A newborn baby is the most pure form of human therefore I believe should be adorned in white. I absolutely love to see a newborn baby dressed up in a white nightie or all-in-one suit. To me, it epitomizes their youth.

(chic shak)

When I say I like nursery's in white I don't mean ALL white like the image above. Yikes! They've just come from heaven to earth they now need to experience pops of colour ;)

(taverne-agency)

When first bringing a baby home most of us like to have a smaller bed next to ours for easy access during the night feeding phase lol. Really, babies are only able to sleep in these types of beds for about 4 to 5 months maximum therefore I think it's a waste to take up too much space out of your room with large cradles or bassinets with canopys and valances and such. I really love these sweet moses baskets. Easy maintenance, cosy, unintrusive, multifunctional and with a little monogrammed bedding I think they look fit for royalty.

(Petit Tresor)

If I were to decorate a nursery for a little girl I'd begin by painting the walls either antique white or a very pale beige.

Without going crazy with bright colours and patterns, which we all know as they say you should never do as it stimulates their mind when they are supposed to be resting, I believe there are more subtle ways of incorporating interest for the baby but at a much calmer level.

(Ohdeedoh)

I LOVE the image above. Who needs an annoying mobile hanging over the cot/crib when you could have a beautiful sparkly chandelier hanging from the ceiling or sconces on the walls. Imagine the pretty soft colours that would dance around the room when the sun bounces off the crystals.

When it comes to a cot/crib I absolutely love iron. Timber slim slat cots are lovely also but I just love the delicacy of iron cots. Again to me, children, as they get older, tend to acquire more chunky furniture, predominantely timber, so I like the thought of a petit delicate baby sleeping in a petit delicate bed. Alot of iron cots have an heirloom stigma attached to them and rightly so. They are that something extra special you wouldn't want to just throw away after your baby has outgrown it, more like pass it down the family tree.

(celebrity babies)

I absolutely love Toile patterns for the soft furnishings, especially if it depicts children, animals or nursery rhymes.

If you don't have built in wardrobes a beautiful armoire would be a perfect choice and the caning on this one is a welcomed texture.

Ok there is no avoiding some of the chunky, practical furniture every babies room needs. When you have a limited space i don't believe you should crowd the room with a changing station and a chest of draws. I love the draws/change table combination. It makes sense to make two functions out of one piece. What is it with me and monogrammes lately? I can't get enough! I'm already planning on trying to encorporate some monogrammed cushions into one of my clients formal living room and now thinking about nursery's I think it's paramount you display SOMETHING with your beautiful new babies initial/s. Really welcome your cherub to their new home by personalizing the space.

You know me and my love for painted furniture....I couldn't resist including this lovely piece as another option. It's very detailed but not tacky or overdone and if you were to keep detail painted pieces to just one again it will offer the baby interest and wont be overstated.

I love ornate furniture in a nursery, offering depth and texture with that important touch of whimsy.

This would be a sweet nightstand and perfect to neatly display all the beautiful heirloom gifts you recieve from family and friends. Actually I'm looking for piece similar for my own daughters room. Unfortunately the tufted bench I was using next to her bed has proven to be a bit of a pain and not the functional piece I'd hoped. It's now at the end of my bed where I suppose it was original made for.

Another darling option for a nightstand.

This Louis style chaise is probably highly impractical but can I just say what a gorgeous piece of furniture it is? :)

If space permits i'd be more inclined to use a gorgeous tufted glider like the one above in a beautiful vintage floral or toile fabric or combination of both. I wouldn't bother with the ottoman unless client requests.

Moving onto accents, if I wasn't using any other detail painted pieces in the room I'd love a little table and chairs set just like this, anxiously awaiting the first of many tea parties.

(house to home)

Another small but lovely detail to add to any baby girl or boys room is to display your favourite of their clothes ie: their christening gowns. I love the look of shelving with little pegs hung above the change table and beautiful baby outfits hanging in a row.

Look at that gorgeous bunny lamp?! What an enchanting element.

(french weave)

You know I would also try my hardest to get an aubusson rug in there ;)

Finally, what vintage inspired nursery would be complete without some of the beautiful artwork of Mz Besse Pease Gutman in slightly ornate white frames.

These are my three favourites!

Ok this post was a little more detailed than I first expected so I'm all babied out now and snapped back to reality lol.

I'm quite certain my next baby will be a yappy handbag dog lol

All furniture featured was from Petit Tresor

Oh how I love to dream...

2008-12-05T20:36:00.005+11:00

(image via charm hill Interiors)

Thumbing through one of my old Veranda issues searching for colour inspiration I was reminded of this absolutely exquisite kitchen designed by Jack Arnold. Mr Arnold is famous for his surperb luxury country French designs. He nails the authentic French look down to the finest of details.

To me, kitchens just don't get much better than this. The black cabinetry with gilding and ironwork is ultimate feature. The countertops, sinks and wall tiles are all Carerra marble. The antique chandelier is from Avignon, France.

Here is another view of this heavenly workspace from the Bentwood Kitchens website. What makes me happy while viewing the luxurious details is that I have been able to copy somewhat some of the design principles for my own kitchen on a far more modest budget. I have white cabinetry with a black stone countertop therefore kinda sorta the same lol. I have iron hardware and scrolly bakers stand, copper pots, vintage pottery, goose neck faucet, greenery by the way of potted herbs on the window sil and beautiful recipe books on display. What I do need now is a wooden wall plate rack, new oven and french style rangehood, a glass canister filled with lemons and definately one of those apple bowls!

Well a new year is around the corner, who knows what adventures it will bring.

Have a wonderful weekend and good luck trying to find parking at the malls! ;)

My celebrity moment...

2008-12-04T09:35:00.013+11:00

Last week I mentioned my home when I was a little girl was featured in a couple of magazines. Well here are the images I promised. It's very 80's now but back then I thought it was a palace lol. The formal lounge we could only look at and not actually enter lol The white lounges were from Peter Meyer Interiors and the soft furnishings were Laura Ashley. This room came complete with cream shagpile carpet, apricot paint and fabrics and maiden hair furns lol :)

I do however still love the colonial double hung windows.

This was the breakfast room looking out over a small courtyard. this room featured old brown vinyl bentwood chairs, pine buffet and hutch, matchstick blinds and navy gingham valance. As you can see this is where my love for blue & white began.

My mum still has many of the items such as the persian rug, cane chairs and country paintings.

The little table and chairs also still exsist and get used by my children and my sisters.

Here is me and my sister Sarah in our terry towelling jumpsuits modelling in our country style kitchen my Pa built. The flooring is vinyl day tiles. I still love this kitchen, especially around the window.

It was very unfortunate that back then half the images were colour and the other half were black and white. The room above was our family room. We used to place our christmas tree in front of the copper fireplace. The wingback lounge you can just see at the bottom right I still have and plan on recovering for my bedroom. My mum still has the cane etagere's in her current family room. I love them and feel they are a timeless piece.

The formal dining room had more shagpile, a travertine marble base and glass top table, malacca cane chairs with apricot Laura Ashley fabric. The curtains were the most STUNNING black chinosiere pattern with hints of green, blue and more apricot and I WISH my mum kept these. She also had a single wingback chair covered in the same fabric which is also long gone :(

This was a beautiful home, it was rendered white on the outside with all the classic features I love so much. I wished we still owned this house. Nvm.

I hope you all enjoyed my retro moment and trip down memory lane :)

Feeling Green...

2008-12-02T18:18:00.008+11:00

I don't know what has come over me. I'm usually such a blue person but lately I'm seeing green. I have a heap of colour schemes to put together for all three clients and two of the homes I can see a predominant green theme for their formal living/dining areas.

One a muted olive/sea grass type hue and the other a more forest green, like the green in Mz Wearstlers Imperial Trellis pattern.

One of the homes had a very formal and sophisticated living/dining but VERY outdated, however while walking through I was immediately thinking of an image I saw in a book I have at home called Hollywood At Home by Architectural Digest. It was the home of the late, great Danny Kaye.

I can barely describe the love I feel for this dining room, which still amazes me considering it's so different to my usual prefered style. Decorated back in the 50's I feel this room is absolutely timeless and truly captures that feel of old Hollywood glamour with a contemporary edge. The wallpaper, the chairs, the oak sideboard in the colonial bay window, the oriental tureens, the bowl of yellow tulips - It all works so beautifully and epitomizes elegance and comfort.

Another reason for me thinking about this home was my client had a rosewood pedestal with a vase of silk flowers that were tired and ready for the rubbish and she asked me what could replace them. I noticed she had a couple of oriental accent pieces around so I thought a beautiful white orchid would be a classic way to go with a distinct oriental flavour.
Notice the orchids in the Kaye's living room? :)

I also love the orange cushions in the Kaye's family room. I'm now thinking key colours - green and white with accent colours orange, blue & white.

Especially now after seeing this stunning entry room of the home of Mary McDonald via my favourite blog and yours, Cote De Texas.

I know you're probably all thinking pffft it's all been done before but this is my first time building a concept with the challenge of selling it to the client and I'm excited! :)

Ladies we have a winner and 7 things about me...

2008-11-30T18:29:00.029+11:00

And the winner is........

Da da da da da daaaa........

Mel from Melsrose place!!!! Congratulations gf!

Thanks so much everyone for loving my giveaway, it was a pleasure to do.

I used the same method that Mz A-M and Mz Brooke used by allowing my trusty beautiful daughter to draw the winner from a Tiffany's bag no less :) I tried to photograph the action sequence as best I could lol.

I'm sorry I couldn't provide this prize to everyone but if you wish to email me your address I'd LOVE to send you an Aussie Christmas card.

I'd now like to apologise for my lack of posts this week. The most remarkable thing has happened to me. I mentioned to an acquaintance, fastly becoming a great friend, about my blog and me finishing my design studies and she asked me to come around and give her some advice. I went and advised and she was so thrilled she is insisting on paying for my ongoing services. She then mentioned me to a friend of hers and now I'm working on her home also. Finally this week I was hired by a third acquaintance. My head is spinning! Everyone wants to get alot of work completed by Christmas so I found myself working harder this past week than I had in years lol. Perhaps Villa Anna Interiors will take off faster than I could have ever imagined.

................

(image via The Paris Apartment)

Now I'd like to thank Lena from Charm Hill Interiors and the lovely hardworking ladies at Mondo Cherry for including me in their 7 things about me challenge.

The rules - Share 7 things about yourself. Challenge 7 other blogs at the end of your post through naming their blog, and post a link to it. Let them know they have been challenged by leaving a comment in their blog.

(my Pa with my son on his christening day)

2, My Nan and Pa were and always will be my heros!! The BEST grandparents a person could ever wish for....Unconditional love and support with never a moment of judgement.

(my Nan holding me in 1974)

(my momma on my sister's wedding day)

3, My mum is my best friend, my role model and my rock. Like alot of you she too was the one who introduced me to the beautiful world of interior design. She's worked in the medical industry all her working life but she studied Interior design as a passionate hobby and in the 80's our home was featured in two magazines. I'll post those images this week, they are a hoot! :)

(me aged 3 on a family trip to Fiji)

4, I am the oldest of 3 sisters and no brothers. I am very close to one, another is a corporate workaholic but we catch up whenever "she" can lol and the other is rather a black sheep if you know what I mean lol.

(me and my sister Sarah - the workaholic lol)

5, One of the highlights of my life was meeting my teenage crush Jon Bon Jovi! He's alot shorter in person lol.

6, Growing up I thought I wanted to be a journalist and then an actor hahaha!

7, Finally back in the mid nineties I did a 3 month road trip of the USA and absolutely had the time of my life....I am BUSTING to go back someday :)

Once again I think pretty much everyone on my list has already participated so if you haven't and you'd like to please send me the link so I can read your answers!

New Book Alert and a Christmas giveaway!

2008-11-26T12:37:00.028+11:00

Aussies, Hear ye! Hear ye! A fabulous new book has just arrived on the market that ALL Aussie francophiles should own. This beautiful handbook is filled with all the French food, wine and design places you need to know about to live your best French life in Australia.

With an abundance of glorious colour photo's, this book will become your new bible. This book would also make a wonderful gift for travellers.

If you have a French based buisness in Australia and you'd like to be featured in future copies you can email your details here!

Once again sincerest apologies for my poor photography but the images in this book are divine.

.........

To coincide with the worldwide release of "Australia" as well as being the season of giving I thought I'd put together a little package to give away with a distinctly Aussie flavour :)

Australian Vintage Living by Bronnie Masefau is definately a favourite, the large glossy photo's are filled with colour and detail.

This book is filled with wonderful vintage inspiration.

Mz Masefau's home is absolutely beautiful.

Plenty of eye candy for the girly girl in all of us.

I also thought I'd include a very popular stocking filler for most country loving Aussie's, The Australian Country Style calender 2009.

The images are simple and beautiful. This calender wont be a bold statement but a subtle sweet accent.

Of course I'm definately including a copy of this new fabulous book.

And for a little added extra I thought I'd throw in this little sweet Koala Christmas ornament

He's tiny but he looks real! Well I think so anyway lol.

No matter whether you are in Australia or Siberia if you would like to win these wonderful items just leave a comment with a link to your blog and I'll draw a name out of a hat on sunday.

GOOD LUCK!

p.s Happy Thanksgiving my American blogging pals!

pp.s Brooke, I received my bottle of Cote Bastide bubble bath the other day and that evening enjoyed the best soak of my life :) Thank you!

Good Food Affare...

2008-11-22T20:06:00.052+11:00

There is nothing like a good day out surrounded by family, sparkling chandeliers, stunning homewares, festive Christmas decorations, French antiques, as well as a delectable and sumptuous feast of gourmet foods and wine to bring a person back to a happy state of mind.

Thats exactly what the 'Good Food Affare" did on saturday. Sponsored by Domayne furniture and Australian Good Food magazine, this was a growers market only seen annually on a scale this grand.

From the website - Good Food Affare is three days of heaven for food lovers. The most beautiful and original food event ever seen in this country, The good Food Affare is a growers market, it's gorgeous restaurants and cafes, it is Australia's most celebrated chefs and cooks live on stage, and so much more.

The first tent I entered was decorated ever so beautifully with a stunning selection of chandeliers, modern and traditional christmas trees and table after table selling some heavenly homewares. My eyes were darting in every direction, I didn't know where to look or what to absorb first.

This stage was set up at the back for demonstrations throughout the day on christmas decorating and gift wrapping.

Although I always consider myself a very traditional girl I have to say I'm loving these sparkly gold and silver trees with glass jewels more and more.

There were a couple of purchases to be had from this display ;)

The chandeliers were AMAZING! This one was in another tent serving devonshire teas and although you can't see it, it is actually the most lovely girly pink colour.

Here is the Parisian style flower market - GORGEOUS!

Skye's cafe definately was the star attraction. I nearly died when I saw it, it was one of the most superb sights I have ever seen.

From the website - A beautiful replica of Skye Gyngell's cafe at Petersham nurseries in England's green and pleasant Surrey will be the stunning centrepiece of Good Food Affare.
Skye Gyngell herself, one of the most inspirational chefs in the world today, will bring the cafe's delectable flavours to the table.
Skye's fresh and original approach to cooking results in simple but intensely flavoursome food inspired by the seasonsand the produce she grows in her garden.

Oh how I LOVE rusty scrolly iron!

Never before have I seen so many breathtakingly beautiful pieces of furniture all mishmashed together under the one tin roof.

It was an absolute feast for the eyes......

I truly hope someone someday sets up a more permanent restaurant in Sydney with this heavenly concept.

Of course had I known what to expect I would have most certainly pre booked, but alas I was too late.....nvm next year!

Some opulent antique settings looked fit for royalty brilliantly juxtaposed with ornate garden furniture! When I laid eyes on that venetian etched glass table with the scrolly iron legs I had visions of me driving home with it tied to my roof racks lol It was SUBLIME!!!!!

We enjoyed a mocha and strawberry tart for morning tea instead.

Again, I loved the mix of black and white French repro furniture all from Domayne.

They even had poodle stencils on the concrete.....CUTE!

Awww look, just like my bakers stand...cept mines bigger :P

LOVE the coffee bar!...wait, is coffee guy picking his nose? ew! ;)

Stunning high gloss black louis style pieces.

Next, onto garden outdoor furniture and sculptures.

And finally THE FOOD!

It was extremely hard to get close enough to the food stalls to even buy anything let alone take photo's, the crowds were insane!

How exquisite is THIS?! ^^^ these apple sized chocolate coated strawberries blew my mind!

My one goal for the day was to find some authentic French baguettes and I did! Ever since my return from Paris I haven't been able to find bread sticks to equal those of the famous Parisian recipe.

After that I couldn't wait to get home and make my chicken, brie and lettuce baguette.....mmmm it was worth the years wait :)

Another reason to smile, my nextdoor neighbour came over to give us the wonderful news of the birth of their first child, ZOE :) I can't wait to see and hold her. Congratulations Gordon and Susie!

All photo's by Villa Anna.

Feeling a little sombre lately...

2008-11-21T11:01:00.016+11:00

The last couple of days have really brought me down and made me sit and reflect. With the storms in Brisbane, the wharf tragedy and the mother dying after the balcony collapse as well as most of my weekends spent cleaning and packing up our beloved holiday home as it gets closer to auction date, I find myself saying over and over why do these things have to happen? The sale of our home is a completely seperate issue but I feel with the news tragedy's, these poor people have been made examples of....In the cruelest of ways.

As a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister and a friend, It sadens me that it's times like these that really hit me hard and make me give so much thanks for my life. My heart is absolutely aching for the families who are in so much pain and sorrow right now but I suppose I shouldn't dwell on it too much and really enjoy and embrace the good health and happiness my family endures.

My woes with the sale of our lake house seems ever so trivial compared to the greater picture but nevertheless it's still a hard time in my life.

I thought I'd post some more pics of our "happy place". It's nothing fancy, most of the furniture remains from when my grandparents resided. As it was used as a weekender after their passing we never felt the need to refurnish it. My mother for a long while had plans to retire there herself and renovate it then but she has now since decided she wants to retire closer to the city, and us, on the northern beaches of Sydney, where all the action is... And I don't blame her. This unfortunately means she needs all the money she can get as this area aint cheap. She's worked extremely hard all her life and always put her children and grandchildren first so now is her time and she truly deserves the best retirement possible.

As you can see for 26years we have enjoyed the most beautiful panoramic views of Tuggerah lake. Bird life is in abundance here and my favourites are definately the pelicans and black swans.

There are no fences ajoining the properties.

I love to sit and read at the dining table and stare out the window as the sun sets.

The main livingroom is very open plan. Something quite new of it's time in the 80's.

My grandfather built all the kitchen cabinetry himself downstairs in the garage. It still looks brand new even today 26yrs later. If I lived here permanently I would keep the cupboards but paint them white and replace the counter tops, knobs and flooring.

My mum's room.

My grandparents old room...bedroom 2.

The bathroom definately needs updating but it is clean and functional.

It'll be another busy weekend for me but I plan to make the most of it. I hope you all have a wonderful wonderful happy, memorable and safe weekend too.

images courtesy of realestate.com

Just when I thought homes couldn't get any more beautiful...

2008-11-19T21:08:00.008+11:00

Joni goes and pulls this rabbit out of the hat!

*siiiiiiiiiiiiighs*

It's BIG, BEAUTIFUL and ever so inspiring. If you haven't already don't waste another moment and get over to Cote de Texas for so much more of this grand splendour :)

Latin style...

2008-11-17T18:18:00.006+11:00

I'm working on a new project that I'm extremely excited about and these are just a few images I'm drawing inspiration from.

These beautiful and colourful interiors all come from my new favourite book Latin Style by Juan Carlos Arcila-Duque.

As a pastel lover myself it's so fun and refreshing researching and sourcing more bold colours. This is a complete change from everything I've done till now and quite a challenge but I'm certainly up for it.

Once again, my scanned pics just doesn't do these incredibly beautiful rooms justice. The bedroom in the first pic I could stare and dream at for hours. It actually reminds me alot of the bedroom in the "Australia" movie I posted last week.

If any Sydneysiders know of any boutiques specializing in Latin/mexican style I'd be very interested and appreciate the heads up. This kind of decor as I'm discovering is not so readily available down under as opposed to Balinese/Asian. As I always say, thank God for Ebay lol.

Chrissy Inspiration...

2008-11-15T20:59:00.013+11:00

Skipping around blogland this week I noticed most of you are already getting into the Christmas spirit and begining to decorate your homes. My home is already so chaotic I usually don't like to even think about Chrissy decorating till the 1st of dec. I do however LOVE this time of year and after my little trip into the city on monday and seeing all the stunning shop window displays, as well as this months cover and feature story in Australia's Home Beautiful magazine I'm INSPIRED!

There are so many Christmas "styles" now it seems you have more and more choice each year. Gone are the days of the traditional red and green schemes. My BFF Pru dedicated her whole Christmas colours to hot pink and silver last year. I'm not that brave and as you well know a rather traditional girl at heart.

More and more Australian's are embracing our way of life at Christmas time and decorating accordingly. As most of the population are descendants from somewhere in the northern hemisphere a traditional winter style christmas was what had been passed down through the generations. The trouble with that is there is a 90% chance christmas day will be 30 degrees celcius + therefore cooking turkeys and whatnot in a hot oven is highly inappropriate.

Ever since my grandparents passing we started a new Christmas tradition with my family and only cold foods are on the menu. This includes loads of king prawns, fresh oysters, cold ham and turkey as well as a sumptuous variety of salads. And lets not forget pavlova with fresh fruit and lemon tart for dessert.

I absolutely LOVE the images above and I was SO excited when I saw this cover and feature of Gaynor Groome's home in the december issue. Mz Groome is the owner of yet another French treasure of a store in Sydney called Shades of Pale. For more incredibly beautiful pictures from this feature please visit my blog sista Ness at Marley and Lockyer but people who can, should definately buy the magazine as the computer just doesn't do these inspiring images justice.

This is exactly how I will be decorating my home this Christmas. It certainly encorporates my true love for French design as well as completely capturing the essence of the Australian climate at Christmas time.

Light, cool and whimsical are words I would best describe Gaynor's Christmas decor. I love the traditional colours of green and red but I love the complementary mix of white and silver. Although every other month of the year I am definately a gold person and love my gilded accents, at christmas time, I actually prefer silver as it is definately more of a cool colour. This year I will be banning all gold from my tree and all tinsel must go too lol.

One of my most favourite things about Gaynor's christmas decor was her linen stockings on the mantle. Last year was the first year I encorporated alot of linen in my christmas decor. Linen is fastly becoming my new best friend. I can't get enough. I now have chair covers, chair pads, curtains, placemats, a tablecloth and hopefully soon a new sofa all in raw linen.

It's just so earthy and airy. A table grouped with linen chair covers, a white tablecloth, white cotton napkins with red monogrammes and a clear vase with olive branches screams a summer christmas to me. A dash of duck egg blue couldn't hurt either ;)

The company where Mz Groome purchased her gorgeous stockings from has a fabulous website with an extensive range of heavenly linen and cotton products. Flora and Ceres monogrammes are based in Victoria and ship all over Australia. They are a company where you can buy that special personalized gift you just can't find anywhere else.

I will be placing my order this week and this is my list...

I want 4 Xmas stockings, all unique. The stocking above will display the letter J for my husband.

I want the star for my daughter...

And the stripes for my son.

Finally I'll take this one with a red monogrammed A.

I'm also LOVING this small santa sack!

As well as this outstanding idea for an advent calender.

I also feel I HAVE to have this apron as I hate cooking without one and it will look FABULOUS hanging off my new bakers stand lol :)

Just before I go I wanted to quickly show off my first little purchases for the season. A gorgeous ceramic handpainted "elves boot" from Me & Mo and a little russian doll from Myer for my tree :)

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend. I can't wait to read about your Christmas inspirations.

Airspace Locations

2008-11-12T10:05:00.005+11:00

The ever inspiring and on the ball Jo from Desire to Inspire just beat me to it with her gorgeous girly post yesterday on a London home from Airspace Locations. I thought I'd still go ahead today with my planned post just incase some of you have yet to discover this magical website.

Airspace is a site bursting with the most beautiful and enchanting locations for film and photographic industries, as well as us Interior buffs looking for endless inspiration.

There are obviously all types of properties and styles but my favourite are definately more on the eclectic feminine side (naturally) ;)

This website has shown me some of the most beautiful pieces of French furniture I've ever seen! Where does one find such pretty fabric?!

In my fantasy world this is how I invision my daughters room when she's a teenager. Of course that may well not happen and she'll want black walls with Zac Efron posters all over it lol.

Another thing you can't help but notice is the extensive and stunning range of art, especially portraits. Yet another box I must someday tick off my list of things to own.

Ahhh such treasure!

love love love this bathroom!

This room is just soooo feminine chic! I adore it. The tufted chaise, the black & white flooring, the pink corset lamp....TOO DIE FOR!

They even have some truly lovely outdoor images. Who doesn't love an old bike against a wrought iron gate?

Grab a cup of tea or coffee, sit & relax and spend some quality time immersing amongst all the heavenly locations Airspace has to offer...Enjoy!

A mother and daughter's day of fun!

2008-11-11T07:43:00.015+11:00

Yesterday I granted my 9yr old daughter Sophie permission to skip school and have a mother and daughter girly day in the city.

Our ultimate destination was the High School Musical 3 premiere but I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone and have our hair done at the newest, hippest hair salon on the block - Brad Ngata at The Ivy.

As you know I've been following the progress of this salon since it's early design stages as I LOVE the whole Marie Antoinette concept and the fact that it just doesn't look like your average hairdressers with posters and clutter.

Tucked away down a little lane you can't help but stop and peer through the window at the pure eye candy that awaits you inside. I have to say though, it's alot smaller than I thought it would be but the floor to ceiling bevelled mirrors are a classic example of opening up a small space to appear much larger. I never felt closed in at all.

I loved the private wash room with the reclining chairs and dimmed lights....sooo relaxing.

The chairs are gorgeous with their studded faux jewels but apparently very impractical as they recline alittle and not appropriate for straight cutting. I've never actually had my length cut while standing up before lol.

My daughter Soph enjoyed a sweet hot chockie in a pretty tea cup and waited ever so patiently for her turn while I had my hair cut, dried and curled. We were the only two customers at the time, (monday is the best day to go if you don't like crowds) and we had a great time yacking and laughing about all matter of things with our champion stylist Travis and co-worker Trang.

A couple of hours having your hair fluffed and spritz is hungry work so next door to the salon was this amazing cupcake store and we couldn't resist.....YUM!!!!!

The next couple of hours we walked around the beautiful shops Sydney CBD has to offer including the magnificent Queen Victoria Building. Would you believe though not one purchase was to be had! I know crazy huh? To be honest with you I really didn't want to have to carry bags once we got to the premiere.

(image courtesy of wireimage)

The premiere!! What a wonderful experience for her. When we got there it was already very crowded. I thought there was no way Sophie was going to see anyone over everyones head. To our surprise a lovely man we were standing next to told us his daughter was at the front and Sophie could probably squeeze next to her...and she did!

Here is Soph and her new friend Caitlyn waiting IMPATIENTLY for the arrival of the HSM gang :)

(image courtesy of ninemsn.com.au)

Sophie managed to get everyones signature except ZAC's!! but she spoke to all of them. She even met little Bindii Irwin awww :)

My photo's were completely horrible but I found the image above that just shows Soph in the bottom left hand corner :)

A quick photo with one of the cheerleaders as we left. It was a truly magical and memorable day.

Sophie couldn't wait to go to school today and show off her autograph book as well as her curly hair lol.

Happiness is...

2008-11-09T20:11:00.006+11:00

Scoring BIG TIME while op shopping on the weekend! I found this incredibly beautiful swan print that will go perfectly in my new bedroom or great room :)

The frame is rather ordinary so I'll either give it a couple of coats of antique white or buy a new one. It is a great size at 70cms by 59cms and as you can see, my favourite colour blue!

Ever since I saw that swan print in the stunning dining room of Mz Elman's apartment I have been on the hunt. Never did I imagine I'd find such a beauty in the most unlikely of places. But then again life is full of surprises :)

P.S - Tomorrow!! Very Excited!! Full day planned!! So much fun and adventure!! Can't wait to show you my pics!! Stay tuned!! ;)

The New Shabby Chic...

2008-11-07T10:18:00.009+11:00

Mz Ashwell has a new California home!

From Romantic Country magazine - After twenty years, Rachel remains faithful to the gently rumpled beauty and easy elegance that made her style a household name. "The look is still based on the aesthetics of comfort, function, and the union of great design with casual ease, but today's Shabby Chic decor is less layered and more tailored," she explains. "Though I still love furniture with timeworn patina I have learned to appreciate the authenticity if weathered wood in it's natural state." These changes are evident throughout her inviting home.

Although I dislike Shabby Chic prices I can't ignore my love for the style. When my great room is built, complete with French doors and a private enclosed courtyard, I too will keep the windows and doors curtain free to maximise the light and space.

For Aussies, romantic country magazine is on the expensive side especially for it's size but with a 10 page spread on this inspiring home I couldn't resist.

The thing I love about Mz Ashwell's homes and style is how unpretentious it looks, however when you see the prices of her wares you almost faint lol. Truth is, any budget can create this look and have a very classy home.

I love all the vintage art displayed sporatically throughout the house and of course the mish mashed chairs.

(please click to enlarge)

Very exciting!, I just recently purchased a dressing table kinda sorta similar to this on ebay - more about that another time.

I'm sure there will be many celebratory events on this weekend for my American pals and down under on the east coast we are mean't to have a beautiful sunny weekend. Get out and about and live it up!!!

Anna xox.

Congratulations America!

2008-11-05T16:53:00.003+11:00

I feel it was an Outstanding result tonight. A wonderful wonderful day in history and WOW what a speech! I was even crying!

Just a few mental notes before bed...

2008-11-04T22:26:00.006+11:00

Since it seems everyone is in a "Bathroom inspiration" mood I thought I'd jump on the band wagon and post one of my all time favourite bathrooms by Charles Faudree, courtesy of one of my all time favourite blogs Cote de Texas!

Just as Anna from ABT mentioned in her bathroom post, I agree that antique furniture should never be restricted to bedrooms and living rooms. What a beautiful statement this armoire makes in the bathroom along side it's partner in crime - that glorious french farmhouse tub!

On another note, anyone watch the season 1 premiere of Top Design last night? I loved it! I think I'm going to learn ALOT from this show and isn't Mz Wearstler absolutely STUNNING?!

And another note, my pick for the Melbourne Cup, C'est la guerre came 3rd and I won $50! YAY ME! LOL

And another, *HUGS* and get well prayers to my bff Brook, she's not feeling very well :(

And finally, to my beloved American blogging pals....DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!!!! :)

No No thank YOU Brooke! :)

2008-11-03T21:00:00.002+11:00

I'm still in shock that I actually won Mz Giannetti's gorgeous giveaway prize! I've never won anything in my life lol. I want to say a heart felt thank you to Brooke. I am more than excited and I can't wait to smell this divine fragrance :)))

Blog giveaways are so much fun! I'm going to have to offer one myself...hmm now to think of a prize.

I've also noticed lately alot of you have been posting some incredibly beautiful bathroom images. I hope 'y'all' have been over to Brooke's to see this breathtaking bathroom makeover she masterfully threw together ;)

The Beautifully Bohemian Interiors of Tracy Porter...

2008-11-02T19:47:00.017+11:00

I was recently introduced through one of my favourite blogs, Liberty Post, to the wonderful world of Tracy Porter! I know, I know you're all thinking "My God woman! Do you live under a rock?!" And rightly so. I honestly hadn't heard of Mz Porter until this week and now I am sooo glad I have!

Her style is a wonderfully romantic force of eclecticism and bohemia with a touch of French grandeur and chinosierie.

Mz Porter dabbles in pretty much everything from fashion including shoes and jewellery, furniture and one of her great specialties - hand painted earthenware.

and all this colour and style come from a humble studio in Wisconsin, USA :)

I don't know about you but I love mixing an element of chinoiserie with French pieces just like the Parisians have done for centuries. I believe Tracy Porters whimsical wares are a beautiful start.

You know I have a penchant for hand painted pieces and those dark bamboo chairs are too die for!!!!

My mother collects hand painted earthenwares so I can definately see myself purchasing a TP piece for christmas as well as perhaps a little somethin somethin for moi! hehe.

The beauty is the pricing ranges from pieces under $100 AUD to over $4000. A little loveliness for most budgets.

This would have to be my favourite and probably one of her most popular tabletop collections - Artesians Road.

From the website -

Tracy Porter Artesian RoadDream With Your Eyes Open.

A hand-painted blend of European and Oriental motifs in bold and vibrant colors. Sculpted bamboo trim and sculptural peacocks bring out the exotic nature of this gorgeous and elegant ceramic pattern. The extensive collection includes dinnerware, accessories and bakeware. "Dare Yourself to Dream," Tracy Porter.

This bowl must be rare cause I am unable to find it anywhere. How heavenly is this image? I'd love to frame it!

For Australian Tracy Porter online purchases visit here!

French Love on Flickr...

2008-10-31T09:27:00.008+11:00

(all images courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilidebretagne/)

Well I've come to the end of a very busy week. Flat out actually and even too tired to blog in the evenings. I apologise for my lack of posts this week, my hayfever hasn't helped either.

I am however, very excited about todays post. I discovered this flickr page that has had me drooling for some time. This lady lives in Bretagne France and has the most wonderful photo's and flickr sets I've ever seen. I've managed to mosaic just a few of my favourites but her numerous sets are pure eye candy so enjoy!

(please click to enlarge)

I'd say my favourite is her Antoinette cherie set. Queen Marie lived with so much lovliness surrounding her, obviously as evident in the recent movie, but also when you view these images you can't help but immerse yourself in the decadence and femininity. How divinely stimulating to be surrounded by so much pattern and texture and colour! Everything looks almost good enough to eat lol - well the lamb does at least LOL.

Seriously, look at these images from my two mosaics and tell me is there any other culture in the world more beautiful? ;)

Have a wonderful weekend mes amis!

A Tag and an Award!

2008-10-28T17:32:00.009+11:00

(Stunning tile made by Ness @ Marley & Lockyer)

My new pal Ness at the charming blog Marley & Lockyer Tagged me a few weeks ago. Thank you Ness, I apologise for the delayed response. The rules say to link to the person who tagged you, mention the rules, tell 6 quirky yet un interesting things about yourself and tag six other people with a link to their blogs and a comment to let them know they've been tagged.

Ok here goes -

1, Some would say I am obsessed with interior design, it's all I really like to talk about all day lol (Thank God for my blog!)

2, I LOVE green veges - broccoli, asparagus, zucchini, avocado, capsicum, bok choy, beans, peas - if it's green I can't get enough.

3, I'm a shopaholic and often find myself buying too many things I don't need.

4, I really don't like cooking and only do it cause I have to.

5, I have waaay too many collections.

6, Although it's been 5 years since their deaths I still ache for my grandparents everyday.

(image via Tattersall love and desire to inspire )

My other newest pal, Brooke from Velvet and Linen kindly sent me this award today, thank you :)

The rules for this award are to mention where the award came from and tell them you have posted it, list 6 things you value, and pass it on to 6 other blogs.

I value my family! Immediate and extended. They mean the world to me, without them I am nothing.

I value my friends. Loyal friends are rare and should be cherished.

I'm going to sound like a hypocrite saying this but I do value my faith in Christianity. I feel it's a constant strength in making me want to be a better person.

I value my home. I live in a very modest home but I am grateful because unfortunately there are too many people who don't have a home they can call their own. It's not my dream home but with a few modifcations I would be happy living here my whole life.

I value my families time left to spend at our beloved lake house. It goes to auction on the 11th of december...more on that another time.

Finally, I value my blog and my new friends across the globe who share this passion of elegant, traditional interior design. Since discovering all of you I have become a very happy camper!

Thank you again Ness and Brooke. I wont pass on these posts as I think just about everyone on my blog list has already received them. I think everyone on my list deserves this award so if there is anyone who has missed out please let me know.

Anna xox.

Parterre - The ultimate provincial shopping experience in Sydney...

2008-10-27T17:13:00.018+11:00

If you are looking to build or fill your home with quintessential authentic French Provincial wares, you live in Sydney and money is no object, then Parterre is just about the most ultimate shopping experience you could have.

Located in the gorgeous historic blue ribbon area of Woollhara, east Sydney and is housed in one of the areas oldest sandstone buildings, it features 2 floors and a walled courtyard bursting at the seams with French treasures.

I have yet to visit this incredibly enticing and breathtakingly beautiful store. I dare not at this stage as I fear it will break my heart not being able to afford anything lol, although I'm sure I'd find something ;) I don't think It could be possible to walk out with no money spent, just look at the endless exquisite unique pieces Parterre source from our beloved France and surrounds.

My wish list begins with these divine 19th century olive oil pots from southern France.

I've always wanted a marble top buffet. I'm now becoming quite partial to French grey patina.

I had to show these stunning butterfly displays to Mz Giannetti :)

I'm head over heels in love with these 19th century bifold doors featuring etched glass, depicting women in the four seasons. A mere $16,000 AUD *faints* ;)

Finally, what provincial home would be complete without a limestone fountain?

Take a peek at their extensive website if you dare or better still take a deep breath and visit the enchanting world that is Parterre.

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside.....

2008-10-25T08:24:00.006+11:00

My mum and daughter and I are heading up to the lakehouse this morning for a lovely girly weekend. My son and husband are having much needed "man time" lol. They're going to play a few rounds of golf and watch action movies. Us ladies will relax on the beach, browse the boutiques, chug down the chardonnay (daughter excluded of course lol) and engorge some divine Thai food.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend also.

Anna xox.

Movie magic...

2008-10-23T13:09:00.007+11:00

(image couresy of Vogue Living Australia)

It's heavenly images like this that make want to forget all about my love of French design and embrace the culture from my own backyard.

Whether it be French, English or Australiana, what is it about a feminine boudoir that appeals to my senses? I suppose it's the romance of it all. The fact that although I'm not royalty or a celebrity I can still create this illusion in my own home.

Catherine Martin is the brilliant talent behind this scenic beauty created for the new Baz Luhrmann movie - Australia. It is quite a feast for the eyes with it's intriguing wall of art, fresh plant life (LOVE orchids!) and just the right amount of pink!, including the gorgeous porcelain galah. Finally, aren't those blossom rugs and matching lamps too die for? Mz Martin is driving me crazy! Firstly she tantalizes and dazzles me with her Academy Award winning sumptuous Parisian sets on Moulin Rouge and now I find myself falling love with the interiors of 1940's Australia!

My God I love this room and I CAN'T WAIT to see this movie!

A before and after you don't want to miss!

2008-10-21T15:13:00.013+11:00

Before...

After!

Before...

After!!

If there is anyone out there who hasn't yet heard of Brooke and Steve Giannetti then you better hurry and get with the program cause you're missing out!

This husband and wife are a well respected and highly successful architect and interior designer team from California, USA. Their breathtakingly beautiful projects have graced the pages of such wonderful magazines and books as Veranda and Roots of Home.

From their website - Brooke Giannetti's designs express her desire to touch the emotions. Her interiors incorporate her love of antiques, beautiful fabrics, and classic design infused with a bit of whimsy. She works with her clients to find a unique design vocabulary for each project that will reflect the client's own personality mixed with Brooke's unique design sensibilities. Her attention to detail and her sense of style have won her a loyal clientele.

The stunning images above are of their transformed Marina Beach house. I am smitten!

Brooke's blog (Velvet & Linen) and website (Giannetti architecture and interiors) are a MUST SEE! Her style is ever so classic and timeless and relaxed and beautiful. I told Brooke in an email, with the highest respect, her style and approach is exactly the kind I hope to emulate someday.

Completely inspired by Brooke's breakfast room, my mum and I had an idea to try to recreate the look in her new home (she's moving early next year). The first thing we will do is paint all the walls white. My mum has always lived with crisp white walls, it's kinda her signature :) We then found some gorgeous rattan chairs and pedestal table from Riviera Maison. They have a superb range of rattan chairs and you'll find most stores in Australia stock this range. I know Lily-G definately does :)

Our budget is definately smaller than Brooke's so authentic French shutters on the walls are out of the question :) Freedom furniture however have a weathered timber, louvered, three panelled screen/room divider at an affordable price that I think will do the trick. It will definately offer some depth and texture and as you can see I've started collecting various vintage nautical art and accents for that all important touch of whimsy :)

I think a seagrass rug would look great on the floor but I'm struggling big time finding a reproduction French lantern - any suggestions are welcome. I would also LOVE to know what the fabric is on the back seating? It is absolutely stunning! ;)

Please make your way over to Velvet & Linen if you haven't already, to see so much more of Mr & Mrs Giannetti's spectacular designs. If you think their coastal home is gorgeous wait till you see their main residence!! *sighs* ;)

I also wanted to mention my mum, sisters and I skooted off to see Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical at Sydney's Star City casino last night. What can I say...IT WAS OUTSTANDING!!!! We had THE BEST time. For any Sydney siders who have yet to see this extravaganza do yourself a favour and get cracking! You'll laugh your *beep* off and you wont be able to stay still in your seat.

(Ashley & Moi!)

(Sarah, Mum (shy), Ashley)

A love dedication to pretty handpainted furniture...

2008-10-20T19:19:00.019+11:00

(The Paris Apartment)

My post on friday about the stunning apartment in NYC featured a gorgeous old Italian handpainted side table that made my heart sing.

This led me to scroll through my files and find a bunch of images I had to compile into a love dedications post.

(OK magazine)

I am completely head over heels in love with pretty handpainted furniture old and new and especially of the French/Italian floral variety.

Pammy's bed for example, is just about the most beautiful piece of furniture I've ever seen. I turn green when I think about the lucky lucky bugger who purchased it, probably for a steal, at her recent yard sale ;)

(1stdibs)

Hand painted furniture really began it's origins in Italy around 1283 AD, introduced by Marco Polo who discovered the art whilst travelling through China. Within the next 100 years the Italian Renaissance had its beginnings; the Venetian school of artists, exemplified by Titian, was in full sway by the early 1500's.

(info from Patina)

(Patina)

(1stdibs)

(House to Home)

(Taverne Agency)

(Charles Faudree)

(Candace Olsen)

(TBA)

(narratives photo agency)

^This is the bed I dream for my daughter :)

(The nostalgia fairy @ flickr)

I would dearly love a piece of my own but without the $15, 000 price tag lol. I'd be more likely to afford a nice piece like the one above. Lovely old queen anne style dressing tables sell all the time on Ebay, if only I could find someone to paint some lovely floral details, it'd look just like and just as beautiful as the real deal. Miss Kris why don't you live in Sydney?! hehe ;)

(A cherished painted chest my Dad bought me for my 30th birthday)

Does anyone own a gorgeous piece of furniture similar to the ones I featured? If so I would LOVE to see a pic. Also if anyone know's of a place I could find one for myself I'd be ever so grateful to be pointed in the right direction :)

We have babies...

2008-10-19T20:14:00.007+11:00

(please click to enlarge)

Here are a couple of pics I took of our new family additions on the weekend. Aren't they cute?

Gosh I hope they're all girls lol.

I hope ' y'all ' had or are having a great weekend :)

Pretty Apartment #3...

2008-10-17T08:44:00.011+11:00

Finally we have apartment #3 and I think I saved the best for last. This stunning apartment is in New York city and decorated by Margaret Elman, the founder and owner of Chair Couture.

From a feature in the May 07 issue of Home Beautiful - Chair Couture is a business based on the idea of 're-dressing' vintage French and Italian pieces in bold, modern fabrics to "take classic antiques out of the dusty drawing room and shabby chic country house and make them work in contemporary interiors".

While the other two apartment's beauty were soley based on pretty muted pastels, which I adore, I feel they are the kind of interior I would have if I were living alone. This complementary mix of bold cheerful colours and pastels are really more appropriate for my lifestyle at this moment having a family.

There is so much I love about this home. Like I said I love the mix of bold and muted hues aswell as the blend of various patterns and mish mashed chairs. Vintage treasures such as the swan print, floral tidy bin and that hat collection!

Lets not forget the stunning variety of chandeliers! *sighs*

Margaret Elman describes her favourite colour and style - "Everything from the palest robin-egg blue to sky-and-sea aqua to Tiffany box blue to full-on, whipping bright 1950's-dinner turquoise".
"My style right now is kind of Marie Antoinette meets flea market meets a few items from the 21st century".

This is certainly a woman after my own heart! If I were ever asked the same questions my answers would be almost identical.

Look at this fabulous kitchen! Small and intimate. I LOVE the booth at the end. I'm such a booth person lol. Although alot more modern than my usual tastes, I love the idea of the magazine rack on the wall. I also think that lemon painting really sets off the gorgeous aqua fabric on the seating.

(All images were taken by Ngoc Minh Ngo)

What can I say about the bedroom?! INCREDIBLE!!!

That brings me to the end of my little apartment series, Thank you so very much for the lovely comments you wrote. Discovering and touring stunning homes like these just make the days so much brighter :)

The images of all the apartments featured were courtesy of Taverne-Agency.

Pretty Vintage Apartment #2....

2008-10-16T07:40:00.018+11:00

Many Aussie's will immediately recognise this heavenly space as it's been featured numerous times in various shelter magazines and television commercials. I am always thrilled when I discover styled variations of her feminine paradise. I've also posted a few times, here and here about this former mattress factory turned amazing warehouse apartment and famous store owned by the Vintage queen herself, Lyn Gardener.

This bed/bath, I would have to say is just about every girly girl's dream! I can only imagine how spectacular it would look at night with a log fire, dim chandelier and candle light.

This is a very non pretentious home with plain white painted brick and exposed plumbing and yet all Lyn's lovely preloved treasures make it fit for a princess.

I've seen a few different shots of this corner but I hadn't seen this one of the armoire doors open exposing Lyn's divine collection of vintage linens.

A very basic but beautiful kitchen. Perfectly functional.

So inexpensive, who says you need to spend an absolute fortune to create a pleasureable workspace? I suppose in a large open warehouse space you could get away with such simplicity however in my 70's red brick perhaps not lol.

That sumptuous daybed looks ever so inviting. A glass of wine, a Jane Austen novel and I'm set!

Again, it's alluring pretty accents such as these that transform an ugly old toilet block.

(All images were taken by Mikkel Vang)

Obviously the key here is to have a completely blank canvas and allow your worldly possession's to come alive.

Thank you Lyn for yet another spectacular tour :)

I hope you enjoyed apartment 2. Apartment 3 will follow tomorrow and it's something a little different ;)

A VERY pretty vintage apartment...

2008-10-15T08:53:00.016+11:00

This apartment in Copenhagen, Denmark completely bewitched me when I first saw it and still does. I can honestly say I would not change a single thing. Truly one of the most beautiful apartments I've ever seen.

Over the next 3 days I will feature 3 stunning apartments that will make you feel giddy and curl your hair lol. If they don't bring the girlyness out in you I don't know what will lol.

This room combines my love for gold gilt frames and cluster walls, plush draping curtains, chandeliers, needlepoint pillows and of course tufted furniture!

This apartment is filled with the most beautiful lighting. Floor lamps this beautiful are just so rare. I spy another needlepoint and a gorgeous vintage tin on the window sil.

Another beautiful armchair with stunning brocade fabric and again more whimsical accents.

I can hardly speak when I view this image so lets just sit and marvel for awhile :)

A doorway to the best rest of your life.

A heavenly bedroom wouldn't you say? I am smitten with all the vintage treasures, and I dream to someday have the French version of this bed.

Even the kitchen is filled with treasures. Her collection of pretty tins and sconces have me green with envy :) The kitchen is probably quite small and ordinary but it's amazing how having lovely things can transform it to something beautiful.

Who doesn't love the look of vintage cards displayed along some pink ribbon?!

(All images were taken by Hotze Eisma)

Finally, what vintage home would be complete without beautiful china! Even the petit sweet makes me smile :)

Stay tuned for pretty apartment #2 tomorrow ;)

It's the time of year to Think Pink!

2008-10-13T16:21:00.051+11:00

(Bastienne Van Bockel via Desire to Inspire)

Unfortunately I think it's fairly safe to say most of us have had our hearts touched by someone who suffers or suffered from breast cancer. As a dedication to Breast Cancer awareness month I thought I'd compile all of my favourite pink images into one post and encourage everyone to donate generously :)

(Betsy Johnson)

(Bliss Linens)

(House Beautiful)

(Charles Faudree via Cote de Texas)

(Charlotte Moss)

(Domino)

(Emma Jane Pilkington)

(Mademoiselle Frou Frou)

(Fox-nahem via Desire to Inspire)

(TBA)

(House to Home)

(Karen Sugarman via All Things Bright & Beautiful)

(Kelly Interior Design)

(Kendall Wilkinson)

(Laura Ashley)

(Marjorie Skouras via Daisy Pink Cupcake)

(TBA)

(Private Collection bedding)

(Brian J McCarthy)

(house to home)

(Architectural Digest)

(Katie Ritter via Cote de Texas)

(TBA)

(Marjorie Skouras via Daisy Pink Cupcake)

(Maria Buatta via Cote de Texas)

(Martha Stewart)

(Miles Redd)

(The Paris Apartment)

(Nella Vetrina via Daisy Pink Cupcake)

(TBA)

(Phillip Gorrivan)

(The Paris Apartment)

(via Alkemie)

(Sheryl Jackman via Alkemie)

(The beach studios)

(The Inspired room)

(The Paris Apartment)

(VT women via house of turquoise)

I'm back and raring to go!

2008-10-12T20:39:00.022+11:00

(playing around with my hall table)

Well I'm back from my week break, the kids go back to school tomorrow and I couldn't be happier lol. No seriously, we all had a truly lovely time. We spent our days basically lazing around the beach and the house, cooking up bbq's and eating on the balcony as we watched the sun-setting over the lake :) I guess it wasn't all lazing around, we did also manage to spruce the bathroom up with a fresh coat of paint. I get bored after awhile if I have absolutely nothing to do.

I also had a night at the Opera last night with my mum and sister to see 'The Pearlfishers". It was my first opera and I LOVED IT! Thats another thing I can tick off my "things to try before I die" list lol.

I took the following images of the little lovelies I bought at the fleas today. It was such an amazing spring day, the sun was shining and the merchants were out in abundance. There were many bargins to be had.

I had to have the beautiful blue and white willow pattern vase for my new bakers stand and the white Greek bust was similar to the souveniers I actually purchased from Greece except she was only $1.00! We wont talk about what I paid for them over there lol.

The gorgeous tea set trio is only Japanese but I loved the colours. My second favourite score of the day was the delightful vintage lady head vase. I've often seen them come and go on Ebay and couldn't believe my luck to find one at the markets for a song.

A couple of quirky little items that were only a couple of dollars was the little embroidered floral bouquet and the miniature brass scales.

Of course my favourite buy of the day were these two amazing original rose paintings. I'm assuming they're vintage due to the condition of the frames and the filth I had to delicately clean off. I think they look better without frames anyway. They're actually supposed to lay horizontally but I prefer to display them upright :) aren't they lovely?! I could have sworn they were Gail McCormack originals until I saw the signature at the bottom of another artist.

I also wanted to include in this post a few photo's my stepmum sent me of her and dads farm in my beloved southern highlands. No matter what time of year this property ALWAYS looks spectacular! :)

I've missed you all so much! Bear with me while I catch up on all the fabulous posts I've missed. I can't wait !!

"Les Oliviers"

2008-10-05T11:16:00.002+11:00

Phew! Finally finished. It took me 3 days to finish this post lol. I thought my computer had died on me, for the past 3 days it would hardly switch on. I didn't know whether I had a virus or something in the box itself had broken. Being a public holiday on monday I was going to have to wait till tuesday for a technician and we're planning to go away to the lake house on monday for a week so as you can imagine I hit the panic stations lol. It's amazing how desperate one gets when unwired. Anyhoo, I usually once in awhile take the cover off the box and give it a blowdry inside to clean the dust but this time I decided to give it a really good clean and remove the half inch thick dust with a paint brush and voila! It works! lol *blush*

Just remember friends, if you're like me and fear the worst everytime something goes wrong with your PC, it pays to give it a thorough clean first :)

OK back to the task at hand. It would seem I'm playing sales agent this week as I've found so many amazing properties for sale. Here is yet another...."Les Oliviers" is a gorgeous stone and timber cottage transformed by it's past owners and current owners to resemble those in country France and England. Situated in my usual favourite area of NSW, The Southern Highlands, this cottage it small enough for easy maintenance and large enough to be completely comfortable.

This quirky cottage was featured in the march 2007 issue of Australian Country Style magazine which just happens to be one of my mum's and my favourite issues.

This is the beautiful family room from the kitchen. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

From the property listing - A Piece of French Style with Seclusion and AmbienceFeaturing:* 2 Double bedrooms* Study or 3rd bedroom* Living room with open fire* Dining with timber floors and slow combustion fire* Country style kitchen with timber cupboards, porcelain sink and island bench* Bathroom with claw bath, shower, w.c. and vanity* Family room with north facing French doors to terrace* Loft/Studio with bathroom and kitchenette* 9ft ceilings* Laundry* Garage* Olive grove and vegetable patchA stone cottage full of charm - You will easily fall in love with this one.

This is the loft. I spy a GORGEOUS iron daybed and chandelier!

One of the bathrooms. So rustic, so cute!

Looking at the kitchen from the dining room. The doors to the family room on the left and stove to the right. I adore the sink with the blue and white check curtains beneath.

(All images via realestate.com.au)

There are so many lovely features to this cottage. I love the stonework, the exposed beams, timber floors and the charming rusty iron stair railing. I'm sure the new owners will love and cherish this property as much as the last two have.

Above are two more images I scanned from the magazine.

As I mentioned we are skooting off to the lake house for the second week of the kids spring break. I can't wait, it's been weeks and weeks since I was there last. I'll be signing off till friday. Have a great week friends, stay safe and enjoy life!

Anna xox.

No details spared!

2008-10-02T15:41:00.018+10:00

Imagine having your very own mini French Chateau right on the beachfront of Manly Cove, Sydney Harbour.

This 2 storey apartment almost has to be seen to believed. It's small but it's perfectly detailed.

From the property listing - gorgeous antique french theme described as a "french chateau". High ceilings with tiered cornices, french doors, Parisian-style oak parquetry, limestone floors, and mahogany kitchen.

All the boxes are ticked!

The bed is not quite my style but the room itself is SPECTACULAR! OMG I could live in just the bedroom. The walk-in-robe leading to the ensuite even comes with a minibar.

Now check out this bathroom! The ceiling is definately something special, you'll either love it or hate it.... I'm undecided.... I think if the mirror and vanity were cream or gold I might like it more. LOVE the window though.

The outside is extremely disappointing. Not what I expected at all. I would love to see the whole place rendered. That would be the icing on the cake. Also depending on council regulations, as it's on the street corner, to deter graffiti and add security I would add some kind of tall fencing down the side, preferably wrought iron.

Water views just don't get much better than this.

This glorious home boasts 4 bedrooms however the other 3 are small. I believe this home would be best suited to a single, couple or couple + 1. I also think it would make a superb investment as a holiday rental. I have no idea of the price but I'm guessing at least 3 mill. If I fell into any of these categories and had the spare cash (HA!) I'd snap it up in an instant!

Before you go you MUST take a peek at the video tour of this Parisian paradise to see more of it's divine and impeccable qualities. Enjoy!

All images are courtesy of Belle Property.

Happiness is....

2008-10-01T13:10:00.019+10:00

Winning another Ebay auction!

I've been looking for the perfect French bakers stand for my kitchen for years. Naturally, the style that was my favourite was indeed the most expensive kind. An authentic Provincial stand or forged iron made from Le Forge. These unfortunately were a little out of my reach so I then turned to trusty Ebay. As they say, good things come to those who wait.... With perseverance, patience and damn good luck I found and won my ultimate prize at a bargin price.

The Lyon galvanized iron bakers stand retails for $1795. I won my baby for $188.50!!!

She is more beautiful than I could imagine and is quite the show stopper in my home. I almost felt guilty when I went to pick it up cause I'd won it so cheaply. The previous owners said they were sad to see it go but were excited as they were remodelling their kitchen. Well it certainly has come to a new loving home :)

I'm still trialling ways of display but I really like my fruit and veg baskets at the bottom. I am thinking I need Judy from Lily G to hook a sister up with some blue and white ginger jars ;) Can anyone else make any suggestions?

btw we just finished repainting the kitchen ( it's a little hard to tell with my poor photography skills) with the colour Beige Chalk by Taubmans. Thank you Haley from Porchlight Interiors for the inspiration! I LOVE IT!

The home my new baby originally came from was in another of my favourite blue ribbon suburbs of Sydney called Pymble. This is the kind of old established leafy suburb that has an eclectic mix of quiant traditional homes as well as ultra contemporary.

The home I'm featuring is just one example of the older darling residences I'd love to buy. If it were mine I'd probably try to encorporate some ornate ironwork to the panels beneath the windows and change the front steps.

Lovely entry foyer with beloved floorboards and plenty of light.

High ceilings and large rooms are something they just seem to forget about with todays building standards.

I love the built in cabinetry. I have PLENTY of nik naks to fill those shelves lol. I would rip out the carpet and replace it with parquetry hardwood floors and fill it with French treasures.

The family room is smaller but still full of light. I would replace the kitchen with antique white cupboards and stone countertop. I would perhaps replace the flooring with travertine limestone tiles.

What a sweet bedroom. I just love timber, colonial, double hung windows. Another feature you don't see often anymore.

A lovely outdoor area complete with climbers.

(pics of home via realestate.com.au)

The pool needs updating but still a relaxing spacious area.

It's not a large home with only 3 bedrooms but with a few modifications I would be quite happy living here. This house has been sold so good luck to the new owners :)