Simone Haag & Armelle Habib

In my post yesterday on Fenton & Fenton, I featured some photographs taken by Armelle Habib. I popped over to Armelle's website to see more of her work and was blown away. She works as a lifestyle and interiors photographer for some of the leading Australian and international publications, as well as lots of other fab, well known clients. I was going to select some of my favourite photos of Armelle's, but after seeing the beautiful home of Simone Haag, I knew I had to share it with you.

Simone works as a hunter gatherer/stylist/communications manager for interior design studio Hecker Guthrie, and is also a monthly contributor to The Design Files. Her talent is obvious in the home she shares with her husband, Rhys, and their Irish wolfhound, Tank.

Simone has chosen to decorate her home in my favourite quiet colour palette, which consists of lots of white, wood, and shades of blue. I love how the large freestanding oven has it's own recessed nook. And, of course, the beautiful Armadillo Marigold rug.

Such a beautiful home, don't you think?! Pure class! And amazing photography.

Big Love for Fenton & Fenton

Anyone who has followed my blog for a while will know how much I love Fenton & Fenton in Melbourne. Can you believe I have never stepped foot in their shop?! So far I have only been able to love them from a far, but it is my mission to make it to Melbourne very soon - anyone want to sponsor me?! ;) 

I was on the Fenton & Fenton blog yesterday soaking up the beauty. I really couldn't be any more in awe and inspired! Their shop window displays are divine...

These photos featuring some of their bedding range... also gorgeous. Just the right amount of colour, pattern and boho, with a bit of the unexpected. Styled by Julia Green and photographed by Armelle Habib, pop over and check out more.

And just a few sneaky peeks around the Fenton & Fenton store...

Have you been lucky enough to visit in person? I would love to hear your experience.

Tropical Fever

It's fair to say that I've gone a little 'troppo' recently. I'm completely in love with the laidback, slightly 70's retro vibe. Think palm trees, pineapples, flamingos, wicker furniture, surf and sunshine.

1. WALL DECAL | 2. PALM TREE ILLUSTRATION | 3. CUSHION | 4. FLAMINGO GARDEN STAKE
5. FLAMINGO PORTHOLE | 6. NEON PALMS BAG | 7. LAMPSHADE | 8. DOORMAT

Decorating on a Budget

This 'decorating on a budget' post is based on one very creative Dutch home...

washi tape adds design to an object as well as holding up photos and cards,
and string wrapped around a vase or bottle is delightfully simple and effective

It's a beautiful home with a lovely soft base colour palette. And with the help of washi tape and twine the owner has cleverly incorporated touches of neon pink throughout in a simple and temporary way. It's a fun and very inexpensive way to decorate, and easily removed when you feel like a change. 

Source: Planet Deco via VT Wonen

Why not try one or all of these ideas? And, of course, you could use any colour you like. You can find washi tape here or here, and try coloured cord from here or here.

Dark Walls | Three Ways

Domino.com is a favourite source of inspiration for me, and now, with their newly introduced image gallery, it's become even easier to browse their brilliance. You can narrow your search by room or colour, and that was fantastic when I was recently looking for inspiration on black walls. Here are three examples, all quite different, but all sensational.

Your entranceway is the perfect place to create a statement in your home, as it greets people, and gives them a hint of what's to come. Style writer and interior designer, Rita Konig, has nailed her entranceway with this beautiful black wallpaper adorned with birds and flowers. It's beautiful against the blue tiled floor, and looking back from the room beyond, the stark contrast to the white walls is stunning. The hints of pink and green in the entrance are echoed in the foreground room, giving a sense of cohesion.

If you want to be wowed with a gorgeous home check out this one belonging to architect and interior designer, Will Meyer and his family. A super modern country house it combines slick design with comfort and functionality. I love the contrast between the dark wood panelling in the bedroom and the crisp white. It creates a refreshingly unique Scandinavian feel.

A lot of people would balk at the idea of black walls in a child's bedroom, but I love it juxtaposed with bright, vibrant colour. This bedroom is deliciously adventurous with it's yellow and white striped ceiling which could be achieved with wallpaper or paint.

What do you think of these rooms? Do you have a favourite?

The Foxes Den

Because our lives are so busy these days, many of us crave a calm oasis in our homes. Instead of accumulating hoards of 'stuff' to weigh you down, my advice is to choose wisely and only have things in your home that are useful, or you believe to be beautiful. OK, so that was William Morris who said that, but I am in complete agreement. The Foxes Den is a divine online shop that can help you with that.

Based in Christchurch, The Foxes Den was founded by husband and wife team Marce and Daniel Marshall. They believe in making every day special and surrounding yourself with simple but quality pieces. They are constantly searching the globe for stylish products for the natural home. Their focus is on the materials used, low-impact production methods, integrity, simplicity and craftsmanship.

Sometimes you need to spend more but buy less. So instead of buying several sets of inexpensive sheets that will wear out quickly, just buy one set of exquisite linen sheets which will get better with every wash. The Foxes Den stock a range of linen that they've sourced from France. The authentic French flax linen has been stonewashed for a relaxed and incredibly soft feel. Super hard wearing it will last you for years to come, and the duvets are beautifully finished with mother of pearl buttons. Available in Dove Grey, White, Natural, and Soft Taupe.

The range includes duvet covers, sheet sets, pillow cases, and a ruffle blanket. You can even order a free linen sample to help you with your choice, and all shipping is free within New Zealand.

As well as the beautiful natural French linen, you can also find adorable linen for the little ones. I love these polka dot duvet covers with matching pillowcases, also made in France. But numbers are limited so if you love them too, get in quick.

Here is just a taste of what else you can find in the shop. These are some of my favourite items, but pop over and see for yourself what else is on offer.

And make sure you check out the lovely natural Bondi Wash cleaning products. All natural ingredients, smells beautiful, kills germs, and gorgeous bottles good enough to leave out on display. I love my Tasmanian Pepper & Lavendar Bench Spray, it almost makes cleaning enjoyable!

Favourite Finds

I don't intend for my 'favourite finds' to have any sort of theme, but there are times when it just seems to naturally happen. These recent discoveries all exhibit a simple and striking graphic nature.

Real Living style editor, Sarah Ellison, has added wallpaper designer to her list of talents. Her debut collection features six designs in various colourways - Cheetah, Leopard, Geometric, Triangles, Zigzag, and Splatter. My faves are blue splatter and black and white leopard - now, where to put them?!

Canvas bags have become a very popular storage choice. They make a fantastic toy bin, or plant holder, really you're only limited by your imagination. I love these ones by Lumiere Art & Co, I think I might get one to house my daughter's shoes.

Kikki.K is brilliant for keeping your life organised in the most stylish way. The new 2014 'Here & Now' collection is really cute in navy and peach, sporting spots and stripes.

I'm totally digging the gorgeous Henry and Co products designed by mountain biking legend (my mountain biking hubby seconds that), Vanessa Quin. The pillowcases, cushions, tea towels, and art prints are screen printed in Vanessa's Tauranga home studio. All are made with love and care in small batches with the aim to bring some colour and fun into your home. Here, here!