ixxi my world

If you're a long-time follower of the blog you may remember my post from a couple of years ago featuring ixxi, an amazing decorative wall system created from a series of small squares snapped together with x's and i's. You can choose a single image, either your own or one from their image bank; or create a montage or a design from individual squares pieced together.

I've been dying to try out the system, so was really excited when I was contacted by ixxi recently and asked if I'd work with them on a collaboration for their blog - ixxi your world. Of course I jumped at the chance, and the next thing was to decide which image to use.

I knew the spot for my ixxi. Our kitchen and dining room are the last spaces in our home to get my attention. I wanted a piece of artwork with some impact for the back wall of the dining room, which you see when you walk in the back door. Our home has a laid-back coastal vibe with lots of colour and pattern - a real mix of Mark and my interests. So I chose a very cool surfing photo by US photographer Stephanie Sherman. Stephanie was kind enough to let me use the image and forwarded the digital file to ixxi for me.

It was an exciting day when the ixxi box arrived all the way from The Netherlands looking very smart.

I thought it might be a two-man job and waited to put it together until the weekend when Mark was home. But when he was more interested in tinkering with his mountain bike I decided to go it alone. I was pleasantly surprised how simple it was, and had a real sense of accomplishment when I stood back to see it hanging on the wall.

At first I was worried that I would tear the corner of the ixxi squares when I pushed the x's in, but the panels are extremely strong and durable. I just put both thumbs on either side of the hole and pushed down gently but firmly. The x's and i's just snapped into place.

When completed I attached the special band provided to the wall and snapped the entire ixxi onto it. I used a tape measure and level to make sure the band was in the right place, and it looked fantastic. Honestly, I was so impressed with how easy the whole process was.

When we got home from our holiday a couple of days ago, I opened the door and my ixxi was the first thing I saw - it made me smile, I love it! Now to rip up the horrid old lino and get a new table and chairs! ;) I can now happily recommend ixxi to all of you, it's such a great product. Pop over to their website to see exactly how it works.

A Warm GC Welcome

I know I've been missing in action - last week was spent with my family in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast in Australia. It was an amazing holiday in a spectacular part of the world. It was all about the kids, so we did the theme parks, cuddled koalas, patted the kangaroos, and hit the beaches.

I left everything but my phone at home, and any internet access was few and far between. But you know you have the best job when you miss work while on holiday! It was brilliant quality family time, but I was craving some interior goodness. I did find inspiration in our tropical surroundings, in the tiles at Chocolateria San Churro (that place was dangerous!), and even managed to squeeze in a quick shopping trip to Black & Spiro - heaven! It's nice to come home though, even when the temperature's a good 10 degrees colder. I look forward to bringing you some great posts this week and catching up on all things interior.

Laid-back Style

As I get ready to board a plane to Australia, I'm trying to relax and get into holiday mode. But because there's so much to organise when you travel with a young family, not to mention run your own business, it's all been a bit hectic leading up to now. Just looking at this gorgeous and very chilled home in Silverlake, LA is helping me feel more relaxed.

Owned by a couple of creatives - Jessica de Ruiter is a fashion stylist, and Jed Lind is a sculptor/designer - the home has a very interesting history (read about it here). Renovations and upgrades were required, but Jed wanted the footprint of the house to remain true.

Jessica is passionate about textiles and has upholstered all the sofas in Libeco - a beautiful Belgian linen. She also has a major rug obsession (like me!) and has used lots of Moroccan rugs, kilims, and vintage ikat cushions to soften the sharper angles.

Most of the house features a restrained, sophisticated colour palette, but a picture wall brings a shot of colour to the living room.

I love the built-in daybed in little James' room - such a cosy place to curl up, and so practical with all that storage (spoken like the mother of three kids!).

The bedroom is pared back style, particularly serene and peaceful. I love how the picture on the left balances the window. The side tables were made by Jed - so clever!

The use of gorgeous materials and subtle colour and texture continues in the bathroom with it's travertine vanity, rustic wooden bench, and gold leaf mirror.

To complete this oasis of calm is a very inviting swimming pool. If this was my home I may never feel the need to holiday again!

photos by Douglas Friedman

Next week, while I'm in Australia, I am taking a rare break from the blog. I know I'm going to miss y'all, but it will be great to spend some quality time with my family. If I can work out the international roaming bizo, I'll post some pics to my instagram. Be back soon!

Magic in Mexico

The home I'm about to show you made me gasp out loud - in awe and appreciation! This beautiful home in Mexico City is so different to what you find here in New Zealand in terms of decorating style, but I absolutely love the brave choices and the personality it oozes.

photos: Pablo Zamora

The gorgeous use of colour and texture, and the eclecticism is breathtaking to me. Pop over to Architectural Digest to read more about this beautiful home.

Favourite Finds

I've been compiling a few of my recent favourite finds to share with you all. I'm really smitten on the range of Yvonne Ellen homeware - a truly unique range of upcycled vintage pieces. Yvonne sources all her pieces in the UK and the designs are hand applied in London. I love it when you take something old and give it a new twist.

This one will go down well with the kids, especially if you have kitten-loving girls, like me. This little black & white tabby cat pillow is super cute, and would look great on your little one's bed.

We have some coffee-lovers in our family, and I'm all for recipes that don't take too much time (the kitchen is not my natural domain!), so Nigella's one-step, no-churn coffee icecream is a winner in my book.

With the warmer weather approaching I am definitely going to try these yummy, healthy, and quite beautiful fruity summer striped ice cubes. A combination of frozen juice, coconut milk, and smoothies, you can layer them however you want. Pop them into some sparkling water, or have them on hand for a mini smoothie whenever you want.

These last products I'm really excited about. As soon as I saw them I knew I had to have the monitor stand, keyboard tray, and mouse pad (at least). The Grovemade Desk Collection is not only stylish, but ergonomic and practical.

The monitor stand raises the screen 4" from the desk surface for a better view and reduces neck strain. The mouse pad is buttery soft and gets better with age, complete with a pen holder and a cork bottom to stop it from slipping.

A whole range of accessories will make yours the best dressed desk in the office, and help you declutter and stay organised.

Available in maple and tanned leather, or the darker version of black and walnut. My favourite item is the keyboard tray for your Apple wireless keyboard. Flip up your keyboard to reveal a storage tray that will hold your business cards, pen and spare batteries - so handy for when your wireless mouse or keyboard run out. I want!

Soft and Pretty Pastels

Now that Spring has sprung I'm noticing some beautiful soft colours emerging. Think soft green, powdery blue, dusky pink, peach and lemon.

1 | 2 | 3

Pompom Home and Freedom Furniture both have some lovely examples of this, and I have selected a few from our Bibby + Brady shop too.

ella 4 tier shelf | broad stripe vessel | geo triangle print | bleeker st pendant
minnie slipper chair | tassel necklace | frenchy 4 seater sofa | tropical indoor/outdoor pouf
candy stripe futon cushions | bacall velvet wingback | hello! card

Green & Gold Accents

I love starting the week with an inspirational home tour, and I think you're going to love the sophisticated style of fashion blogger, Jenny Bernheim. Crisp white walls and honey coloured floorboards have been layered with beautiful furniture pieces, art and accessories. The colour palette is elegant in black, white and soft blue, with gorgeous accents of green and gold throughout.

photos by Bethany Nauert

If you like these photos, pop over to Domaine to see and read more about Jenny's home.