Beautiful Boudiors

Bedrooms might just be my favourite room to style and decorate. But, as they are often a haven to escape from our fast-paced lives, they are a very personal space. I've chosen a few fabulous examples to show you...

Scandinavian style is clean with simple lines, often geometric shapes, and always one or two very cool accessories.

A soft, neutral colour palette creates a calm and restful environment. Just make sure you add different textures for the perfect look.

Another example of neutral with loads of texture. I love the contrast between the ornate bedhead and the rustic wall. The stack of books makes a great side table and gives the room a more casual, relaxed vibe.

Duck egg blue is such a serene colour, and just adds a subtle pop in this more classic bedroom.

Although this room is small, it just adds to the sense of cosiness created with the luxurious throw, and fat cushions.

My favourite bedroom style includes white walls and bedding with an injection of colour and pattern.

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What's your bedroom style?

Home Polish

I came across the image (below) of the jar pendant lights, which I love, on Pinterest.
On further investigation I found that the room was designed by a young designer from a company called Home Polish. Their aim is to make interior design accessible to everyone,
by recruiting the best young designers from the top interior design firms.

I love the rustic elements in this room like the brick wall, the pallet bed which doubles as storage, the lights, and the ladder. The warm colour palette is gorgeous too, the shots of pink, orange and gold in the cushions are stunning. I'm not a huge fan of the ceiling lights, but other than that, this is a cool space for a teen or young gal!

Homebase Collections

Leanne Culy is the most incredibly talented artist and designer, and also one of the nicest, most down-to-earth people you're ever likely to meet. Recently I was lucky enough to visit Leanne in her beautiful Napier Hill home, Balquhidder House, which (by the way) is listed as a category II property by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, and where she and her husband Brian also run their business Homebase Collections.

Homebase Collection is such an appropriate name for their New Zealand homeware range. Not only do the Culy's work from home, but their collection is an extension of their home – beautiful products they love to be surrounded by. Their affinity with nature and New Zealand is evident throughout their home and their work. Gorgeous soft colours teamed with earthy naturals; amazing textures found in sheepskin throws, wooden sculptural pieces, and pottery. Walking around the Culy house was an extremely visual and tactile experience, and left me so inspired.

The range of Homebase fabrics was created by Leanne with the aim to have as little impact on the environment as possible. They are all made from either 100% linen, or a mix of hemp and organic cotton. The Woodgrain design is a collaboration with artist Dick Frizzell, and part of the new Woodland range along with Tangle of Antlers. Leanne's earlier designs, that make up the Holiday range, are inspired by the things she loves about New Zealand. And her two latest designs are amazing, they're Triangulated Roses and Triangulated Kakariki Parrot. What I love about the entire collection is that it's beautiful without being overly feminine, the designs are intricate without feeling fussy. And the best thing is that they all work fantastically together, so you can mix and match and layer to your heart's content.

With a fabulous new-look website and online shop, the Homebase Collection is now easily available to everyone. All the photos on the website are taken by Brian, who is a highly talented photographer. Leanne and Brian have handpicked a selection of stunning items to compliment their own fabrics, cushions, lampshades, and art. My favourites are the sculptural birds by Peter Edmonds; Leanne's handmade terracotta roses; and the Peggy Square rug.

The most exciting part for all of us locals, and visitor's to Hawke's Bay, is that Leanne and Brian are creating a showroom/gallery at their home that will be open to the public. There will be a pre-Christmas Launch, and then it will be open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10am – 4pm, or by appointment. Make sure you keep checking the Homebase Collection Facebook page for all updates.

It won't be your conventional showroom, Leanne wants it to reflect her and the things she loves. With a bit of a Bohemian feel, each visit may offer something different... perhaps you'll find some home baking on offer when you stop by, or there might be a collection of native plants, flowers hand picked from the garden, or even jars of preserves for sale. What I am sure of, is that after your visit you will leave feeling inspired, and hopefully with some treasures tucked under your arm.

Craft Victoria Christmas Catalogue

Craft Victoria brings together the amazing craft and design community that's present in Victoria, Australia. They've put together a fabulous interactive online Christmas Catalogue, beautifully styled by Eve Wilson and Paige Anderson. You can shop by room, or by object. Simply hover your mouse over the product you're interested in, if your pointer turns into a hand, click and you'll be taken to the product page.

My picks are the Feather Bunting, the Peaches + Keen Cushion, and the Surf Spray Vessels. All are gorgeous, bright and fun.

Bloomin' Marvelous!

I came across a website last week that I just had to share with you. Bloomingville was founded in Denmark in 2000, they create, discover and collect beautiful objects for the home and garden - sounds like my kind of business! From a modest beginning with only two employees, they have now grown into a highly successful business with a team of 40 employees and 40 agents throughout Europe.

I downloaded their latest catalogue, and I honestly think we need a Bloomingville here in New Zealand! There is so much in that catalogue that I want, I love their lights, the baskets, their vases, particularly the touches of gold. This is just a taste of what they offer...

DIY Advent Calendar

Can you believe we only have a week left of November?! Tomorrow week is the first of December, and that means I need to sort out an advent calendar for my kids. Because I'm not a big fan of those ones you buy at The Warehouse or the supermarket (the worst tasting chocolate ever!), I thought I'd make my own this year. So I have compiled a few ideas...

This looks really easy, and you could jazz it up by using coloured or patterned bags

These bags are attached to a giant tree poster, but you could simply dot them around your actual tree

Baby socks, mini pegs and a length of ribbon is all you need for this cute calendar

This Scandi option uses small nails, a piece of plywood, and rubber string
You could pop little envelopes under the string with personal messages in for your child, or stickers

This is my favourite, and you could definitely re-use it year after year
The mini pine trees and car could be found from your local model or toy shop

With the weekend ahead, you may want to get crafty with me. And with December looming that means you have just one week left to go into the draw to win one of our single Kantha quilts worth $180. Simply make a purchase during November from the Cush & Nooks online shop, and you're in the draw.

Est Issue 7

It's always happy times for me when the latest Est online magazine comes out. As soon as
I saw a pink flamingo on the cover, I knew I was going to love this issue (mind you I always do)!
As you might expect, my favourite part is getting to view some beautiful homes. The three featured all have their own style and tons of personality. I've included a couple of sneak peeks for each, but you'll have to go over and see the rest for yourself.

The first home is in Bordeaux, France, and is the first home that graphic designer Elodie had completely designed by herself...

House no. 2 belongs to a family of six, plus a dog and cat in Bulimba, Brisbane...

And last but not least, is a beautiful, serene family home in Middle Park, Melbourne...