I have a huge love of books, I could spend hours getting lost in a book shop, and spend many hours reading. You all know about my passion for interiors, so today I'll combine the two, and show you the next book on my wish list - Details by the fabulous stylist, Lili Diallo.
When you think about decorating, you probably envision big changes, big purchases and big costs. Interior stylist Lili Diallo has two words for you: 'start small'! She specialises in bringing homes alive through the details - a silvery pillow here, a floral screen here, and plenty of personality everywhere - amen!
Stylists typically transform spaces by working with pieces that are already present, and their goal is to translate the residents' stories and passions by their surroundings. Details will help you to edit your beloved belongings and arrange a room so there's just charm, no clutter, and to tap into your own inner stylist. Here's a sneak peek into this fantastic book...
Right, let's end this working week the way we intend to start the weekend - fun, vibrant, uplifting, and a little bit crazy! This is the home of Sydney artist, Daimon Downey - I LOVE it! It's not exactly the way I would style my own home, but that's why I love it, because it's Daimon's home, and it's loaded with his personality. His artwork and his artistic touches are evident throughout the house. And all the quirky touches are what makes it so cool. I don't know Daimon personally, but a guy that can wear pastel pink from head to toe and still look manly, is very cool in my books!
When I came across the website of photographer Paul Raeside recently, I fell in love with his work. I know from first hand experience how tricky it can be photographing interiors - working with the natural light, and capturing the essence of a room in a single frame, but Paul does it so well. I have chosen some of my favourite rooms, but make sure you check out his website for much, much more.
I have a huge love of numbers - not as in accounting (definitely not!), but graphically, as a piece of art or an interior feature. And nothing beats big, bold, delicious black and white numbers. '3' is my favourite number, and '8' is another I love - they have such great form!
When I was at design school (many moons ago) training to become a graphic designer, we were taught about page layout, and getting the balance right. The same principles apply to interior design. You don't have to have everything centred, sometimes things look much more interesting off-centre, with some clever balancing.
This is a prime example. The picture is balanced by the vase and books on the right.
I love this hallway. Your eye travels along the runner to the pouffe, up the lamp, across the type to James Bond, and down to the books below. The height of the lamp is balanced by the tall black figure of Sean Connery (he was definitely the best James Bond, don't you think?).
Oh, the talented Rachel Castle! Her beautiful artwork is balanced by the objects on the bedhead, and also helps to give some weight to the lighter yellow side of the bed.
Nothing is centred over this sofa, but the objects either side balance each other beautifully.
Another perfectly styled photo. The low hanging pendant would be great for when you're curled up at the end of the sofa reading, in place of a floor lamp. Your eye comes down the light to the cushions and across to the table. It's great to have a 'hero', something you first focus on in a room, and then everything else compliments it.
images: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
I spent my Sunday morning at a friend's house trying an amazing new skincare range out, World Organic. My friend, Barbara (we all call her Bar) had been raving about it, and her skin was looking radiant, so I knew I'd have to try it for myself. Bar was introduced to it by her sister-n-law when she was staying with her in Auckland. Her lovely sis (n-law) ran her bath, lit candles, poured her a glass of wine, and left Bar with a cleanser and face mask. Well, she was sold, and that was before the soothing toner, the luminous moisturiser, the revival eye cream... Back home in Napier, not only does Bar own her own range, she loved it so much, she has become a consultant.
The founder of World Organic is Megan Douglas, a medical herbalist and naturopath. Megan's great grandfather was a herbalist and naturopath, as was her grandmother, so she grew up in her family's herbal manufacturing lab and shop. After becoming a successful teenage model and then a well-known fashion designer in London, Megan spent time living in India. Returning to New Zealand to start a family, Megan set about on her journey to create organic skincare and internal remedies. It's a fascinating story, and I urge you to read more over on their website.
Like Bar, I'm a convert now too. The products were all beautiful, and I can't wait to receive my supply later this week. The one I look most forward to is what they quietly call 'botox in a bottle' - Wonder Lift Serum. It's designed to replenish and revitalise tired skin, and you just need a couple of drops under your moisturiser for an instant lift - yay, I could definitely do with that!
If you're at all interested in these fabulous products I encourage you to try them by holding or attending a consultation party. This is not an ad, I'm not getting paid to do this feature, I am genuinely blown away by the products, and so thought I'd share them with you. If you're in Hawke's Bay I can put you in touch with Bar, just drop me an email.
Just in time for the weekend I'm introducing you to another online magazine - Sweet Paul.
It's chocka with yummy recipes...
Cool products and places to shop...
And some gorgeous DIY ideas (these are some of my favourites)...
You can find instructions for all their DIY projects in the magazine. And if you check down my right hand column under 'cool online mags', House of Fifty have also got a new issue out.
Happy reading and creating, have a fabulous weekend. x
