Stunning Home Extension

Our little home is a constant work in progress, as I slowly turn it into our beautiful retreat. I always think of the kitchen (our last remaining room to renovate) as being the final piece of the puzzle. But as the kids are getting bigger at a remarkable rate, in a few years we will need to either move to a larger home, or extend this home. The home I'm about to show you has inspired me with the rear extension onto their double-fronted weatherboard house.

Techné Architecture + Interior Design collaborated with Doherty Design Studio
renovating the existing home to include 4 bedrooms, a study and open-plan living area.
The facade of the home was retained and a two-storey extension added, based on the form of a contemporary shipping container. The bright blue front door is the only hint that something extra special lies beyond.

There are lots of cool, creative touches throughout. I love the panel with the paint trickling down - the blue linking back to the front door.

Those office chairs are simply gorgeous and I will now be on the hunt for something similar. The leather cupboard handles are another clever touch.

The open-plan kitchen, dining, and living room open out onto a beautiful courtyard and garden. Looking up to the louvered windows of the second floor, it makes me want to explore up there to see how fabulous all the bedrooms are.

We do get to see the two bathrooms, which are both spectacular. I love the blue frame with the mirror filling roughly two thirds of it.

The wood with the white is beautiful. I love the hexagon tiles, and of course, those mirrors. Don't ask me where they're from, I've been looking and haven't found them yet.
If you know, please share with me :)

A Touch of Gold | Three Ways

I love gold! The smallest addition can make the biggest impact. The emerald green wall below is stunning, but add the gold mirror and it takes it to a whole new level.

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A painted front door is a lovely welcome, but a gold painted front door is extra special!

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I love a touch of gold in the wardrobe. I've just bought these boots, and they are my new faves. I love the style and the length, but it was the gold details that sold me on them.

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Here are a few more ways you can bring some gold into your home and life...

Adore book | Harriet sandal | triangle pendant | Moroccan pouf
Tilly clutch | petite gold cutlery | hammered candle

Fabric Wall Hangings

There are so many beautiful fabrics and textiles available these days, I love the idea of using them as art to add another dimension to your wall.

These twin panels look amazing behind the bed. They help to anchor the bed and highlight it as the main feature of the room.

Don't limit yourself to just panels of fabric, a rug or throw can look equally as stunning on the wall as it does on your bed or the floor. This Handira wedding blanket is my favourite.

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What's Been Happening...

There's always a lot going on in my life behind the scenes of this blog. I'm always on the look out for great products to use in our Bibby + Brady interiors, often trialling them in my own home before I recommend the same products for clients (tough job, I know!). Sometimes I'm lucky enough to be gifted products too, like these cute little concrete and metallic pots by Zebony Design.

Ebony Harvey, founder of Zebony Design, is a busy mum of two. She creates a range of gorgeous pieces including these pots, which can be used as candle holders or little dishes, maybe pop a little succulent or two in. She also makes these fun, colourful necklaces (see below) - mine looks right at home with my other necklaces, I love it. As well as her website, you can also follow Zebony Design on Instagram.

I love great bedding and my latest purchase was a set of delicious linen sheets in soft grey from Jamie Kay. A great combination with my Kip & Co velvet duvet and pillowcases, the sheets are buttery soft. Definitely only linen sheets for me from now on, and they look even better messy!

Over the weekend Mark and I painted a magnetic stripe on the twins' bedroom wall using Resene Magnetic Magic and a top coat of Resene Knock Out. It runs from ceiling to floor down past the top and bottom bunk, giving the girls somewhere to display their favourite photos and cards. The very cool Zorro Dog postcard is from My Deer Art Shop. I bought the Super Dog poster for the girls' room, because it reminds me of our beautiful Sam. Maaike, the lovely founder of My Deer Art Shop, gifted me a set of the postcards too, which I adore.

When I was in Taupo recently I made a point of dropping into The Storehouse cafe in Runanga Street. Owned by locals, Brad Dellar and Sam King, and Brad's wife Melissa, it's a very cool cafe and shop. My coffee and scone were delicious, and the shop is full of great vintage furniture pieces, art, and amazing homeware. A 'must' if you're visiting Taupo.

Before I finish off this post, here's a very quick sneaky peek of my next project. I'm not going to say anything more at this stage, but keep an eye out for the reveal on the blog soon.

A Lesson in Contrast

Let's start this week with some awesome interior inspiration. What I love most about this amazing Vancouver loft is the mix of materials and textures. Architect, Omer Arbel, took on this massive upgrade and restoration project, breathing new life into the heritage building.

A central courtyard allows light into the space. The existing shell remains bringing beautiful texture and a strong contrast to the smooth clean lines of the modern elements.

Rough concrete, polished concrete, wood, metal, and glass all work beautifully together, softened by textiles such as that gorgeous blue velvet sofa, throws and hanging fabric panels. This is definitely a brilliant example of how such contrasts can create such cohesion.

Bibby + Brady Loos | Part 2 + Giveaway

Yesterday I featured Dael's new loo on the blog, and today I'm going to show you mine. You may remember our recent bathroom renovation, well the loo is right next door and we used the same floor tiles to link the two rooms. I also wanted to carry on the coastal, beachy vibe - waves in the bathroom, palm trees in the toilet. We've got some great beaches here in Hawke's Bay, Napier is lined with palm trees, and I have a beach-loving family, so it seemed appropriate. Our wallpaper is Coconut Grove in emerald from Wall Candy Wallpaper.

Something (or someone) else we're proud to lay claim to in Hawke's Bay is David Trubridge and his internationally acclaimed lights. I chose his Kina design in white, as I felt the beautiful organic shape worked well in amongst the palm trees. It wouldn't be a room of mine without my signature touch of hot pink!

We added a Mocka floating shelf above the toilet, which fits perfectly on the back wall. It's a great way to add a few of my favourite things.

Speaking of favourite things... I love my collection of Ahoy Trader soaps from Republic Home. They look and smell gorgeous, made with essential oils, the fragrances include coconut, pink grapefruit, pineapple, peach, and basil, lime & mandarin.

Now, exciting news... one of you is going to WIN a set of Ahoy Trader soaps identical to mine. To enter the draw simple join the Republic Home mailing list and email me to let me know you've done so. You'll get an extra entry for 'liking' Republic Home on Facebook, following them on Instagram, and also 'liking' this blog post on my Facebook page (let me know which of these you've done in your email). I will randomly draw a winner next Friday 29th August, the winner will be notified by email and announced on Facebook - good luck.
Competition only open to New Zealanders.

COMPETITION NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER, HAYLEY WILKINSON.