Tuesday 22 November 2011

Classic White Kitchens - Part 1

When it comes to creating a timeless, classic designed kitchen I believe you really can't go wrong with white. White kitchens stand the test of time. They are light, airy, happy places to spend time in and most importantly, they allow us to clearly see that they are CLEAN. For the same cleanliness reason, I think bed linen and towels should always be white too. I once had the misfortune of staying in a hotel (actually that is being far too kind - lets just call it a place that called itself a hotel) that had dark sheets and even darker towels, you never know what nasties may be hiding in that dark colour! Anyway I digress, below are some stunning white kitchens for you to enjoy...


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Aren't the kitchens above gorgeous? I'm sure you noticed this post was titled Part 1, I have so many images of stunning white kitchens I couldn't possibly fit them into one post (or perhaps 2) so I will post more soon.

Saturday 12 November 2011

Ultimate Bathroom

My husband and I undertook a massive renovation of our home when we purchased it 3 years ago. As with many renovations, we ran into a number of unforeseen issues that managed to dry up our budget before we completed all the work. By the time we moved in only one bathroom remained unrenovated, which didn't seem like a massive issue at the time (primarily because I was due to have a baby just 7 weeks later!). Fast forward to now and I have to admit the unrenovated bathroom drives me a little crazy. It appears to be Circa 1983 and I feel like I should have a teased fringe whilst listening to the Thriller soundtrack every time I walk in there.

Lately I've been daydreaming about what I will change and how we will update it when the time comes. I thought I would post a few photos of some amazing bathrooms I will definitely be using as inspiration for our bathroom..



This stunning bathroom is by one of my all time favourite designers, Sarah Richardson. I love everything about this bathroom.


Another stunning bathroom, this time by another one of my favourite designers, Candice Olson. You are possibly already noticing a pattern appearing - I do love a grey/blue toned bathroom.
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I love the use of the geometric wallpaper here. So many bathrooms are tiled to the ceiling and can look so cold and clinical, the wallpaper adds a softness to the room.






The above photos are of a stunning bathroom designed by Tobi Fairley. Using fabric roman blinds and a fabric upholstered chair is another way to add some much needed softness in a bathroom. Using the turquoise/grey feature tile in horizontal bands is an excellent way to break up the white subway tile, which can otherwise have a very clinical feel.

So many stunning bathrooms.....such enormous budgets required!

Tuesday 8 November 2011

Some Etsy Favourites

One thing I truly love about technology, is the way it has given us access to such an interesting and wide range of wonderful products from across the World. 

When you really think about it, it is incredible how far and how quickly we've reached the point we have. If I'd have wanted to order some handmade cushion covers from the US or UK say 15 years ago, it certainly would not have been as easy as sitting on my couch (coffee in hand), tapping on a few keys. And while I still don't fully understand the difference between 3G and 4G, or what on earth a "Cloud" is, I'm very happy that websites such as Etsy have secured their place in my Favourites list (speaking of which, isn't the Favourites list due to be superseded by something else by now!?!)

So here are a few of my favourite Etsy stores:



One of my favourite ways to make a piece of furniture feel custom-made is to switch out the handles/knobs. Putting a glass, or any unique style handle, onto a store bought piece of furniture instantly gives it a far more sophisticated look. Just be sure that the new knobs or handles are the same size as the ones you're replacing or you will have to patch and re-drill holes!

Now onto my favourite stores for cushion covers




I love the cushions from Elegantouch, they come in such lovely colours and patterns.




I adore the Suzani pillow covers from Pillow Throw Decor, they are so bright & vibrant. The quality of the fabrics are excellent too. Ah cushions, they are like little bursts of sunshine in our decor!



Monogramming isn't for everyone, but I think they can make an elegant statement when used appropriately. These small lumber cushions are a lovely example. I also love the embroidered damask cushion in the first photo, this would look stunning in a master bedroom.



From subtle neutrals to bolder geometrics, Sistudio Design has very unique and beautifully designed cushions to suit any decor.

So there were a few of my favourite Etsy stores. I have many more that I will endeavour to post about in the future. In the meantime, perhaps you'd like to share the Etsy stores you love?