Modern Interior Design

How to Get a Cutting-Edge Look

Modern interior design is a new cutting edge style of design that is becoming more and more popular in interior design in homes, offices, hotels and many other places.

The amazing thing about this type of design is that it gives a very impressive look to your place that people will be amazed about.

A modern or contemporary interior design gives a rich, luxury look to your house or office that you'll enjoy.

It's important to know that the interior design you choose is not only about the objects and furniture used, but also all other smaller parts of the entire picture matter. Parts like the walls, floor, doors, and even window curtains.

So it is the job of your interior designer to choose them all together the way they match perfectly.

So after you choose a good, skilled, reliable interior designer, you can sit back and relax. The rest is all to do on him.

Easy Tips: To make sure you choose the best design for your house or office, it is a good idea to first do some research online and see some picture galleries of top interior design samples.

Comparing various designs will open your eyes on the creative possibilities so you can choose the best one you like more easily.

To find these samples, simply search in Google. You'll quickly find hundreds of great designs this way so you can decide which type you like the most.

Source: http://www.interior-design-ideas-now.com/

Ladies we have a winner and 7 things about me...

And the winner is........

Da da da da da daaaa........





Mel from Melsrose place!!!! Congratulations gf!


Thanks so much everyone for loving my giveaway, it was a pleasure to do.


I used the same method that Mz A-M and Mz Brooke used by allowing my trusty beautiful daughter to draw the winner from a Tiffany's bag no less :) I tried to photograph the action sequence as best I could lol.


I'm sorry I couldn't provide this prize to everyone but if you wish to email me your address I'd LOVE to send you an Aussie Christmas card.

I'd now like to apologise for my lack of posts this week. The most remarkable thing has happened to me. I mentioned to an acquaintance, fastly becoming a great friend, about my blog and me finishing my design studies and she asked me to come around and give her some advice. I went and advised and she was so thrilled she is insisting on paying for my ongoing services. She then mentioned me to a friend of hers and now I'm working on her home also. Finally this week I was hired by a third acquaintance. My head is spinning! Everyone wants to get alot of work completed by Christmas so I found myself working harder this past week than I had in years lol. Perhaps Villa Anna Interiors will take off faster than I could have ever imagined.


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(image via The Paris Apartment)

Now I'd like to thank Lena from Charm Hill Interiors and the lovely hardworking ladies at Mondo Cherry for including me in their 7 things about me challenge.

The rules - Share 7 things about yourself. Challenge 7 other blogs at the end of your post through naming their blog, and post a link to it. Let them know they have been challenged by leaving a comment in their blog.

(my Pa with my son on his christening day)

2, My Nan and Pa were and always will be my heros!! The BEST grandparents a person could ever wish for....Unconditional love and support with never a moment of judgement.


(my Nan holding me in 1974)



(my momma on my sister's wedding day)


3, My mum is my best friend, my role model and my rock. Like alot of you she too was the one who introduced me to the beautiful world of interior design. She's worked in the medical industry all her working life but she studied Interior design as a passionate hobby and in the 80's our home was featured in two magazines. I'll post those images this week, they are a hoot! :)


(me aged 3 on a family trip to Fiji)

4, I am the oldest of 3 sisters and no brothers. I am very close to one, another is a corporate workaholic but we catch up whenever "she" can lol and the other is rather a black sheep if you know what I mean lol.


(me and my sister Sarah - the workaholic lol)




5, One of the highlights of my life was meeting my teenage crush Jon Bon Jovi! He's alot shorter in person lol.


6, Growing up I thought I wanted to be a journalist and then an actor hahaha!


7, Finally back in the mid nineties I did a 3 month road trip of the USA and absolutely had the time of my life....I am BUSTING to go back someday :)


Once again I think pretty much everyone on my list has already participated so if you haven't and you'd like to please send me the link so I can read your answers!

Tips for kid’s bedroom interior designing

Your child’s bedroom is a place where he spends most of his time at home, we must pay special attention to organizing and planning of the Chamber.

1. Always choose high-gloss paint for the children’s room, because it is can be washed.

2. This is a great concept of the wall paintings are based on a theme of your child’s choice

3. To save room space, buy multifunctional furniture for your child’s room.

4. Give due attention to the bathroom by including non-slippery tiles and decorating it with water toys.

Style is the main factor while choosing kids bedroom furniture. Knowing what style you are looking for can make shopping a lot easier.

kids bedroom design

Whichever style, brand or variety of kids bedroom furniture you choose, it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Just keep in mind the most important things, safety and comfort. Bedroom is a very important personal room, where your child should get the best rest and relaxation.

Decorating a Child's Room

8 Simple Strategies to Make You Both Happy!

Decorating a Kids Room When it comes to decorating a child's room, your approach should be much different from decorating an adult bedroom.

For kids, their bedroom is where they play games, read, listen to music, day-dream, or just go to be alone sometimes. So use these eight strategies to help create a space that will make you both happy:

1. Talk to your child. Find out what activities and fantasies he or she enjoys; what their favorite color is; and what's unique about their personality that a theme could be built around.

2. Allow your child to help. Let them have a say about colors, fabrics, and how they want to display their collectibles.

3. Make the room multi-functional. Since children use their room for many activities besides sleeping, it should have several different zones, such as a play area, reading area, and entertainment area.

4. Make storage a priority. Try shelving, large decorative wicker baskets, plastic see-through containers, and closets that contain plenty of shelving and racks.

5. Keep window treatments simple. Avoid long draperies. Shades, blinds, and shorter curtains are safer choices. The fabric should be versatile, and patterns should be repeated in other items in the room, such as in pillows, quilts, lampshades, bed ruffles, etc.

6. Choose the right lighting. A child’s room should include both task lighting for homework and reading, and soothing light for quieter times. A nightlight is also important.

7. Use wallpaper or paint (if it is allowed in your lease) to add color and texture. You can apply whimsical borders along the top edges of the walls, and clouds or stars on the ceiling. Make sure walls are washable, so if you are using paint, choose a semi-gloss or gloss finish. Kids love bright colors, but you should limit any strong color to only one wall.

8. Allow your child to select the design theme. Here are just a few: firehouse fun room, starry night, angels, rainbows, unicorns, baseball, a bedroom for a princess, underwater scenery, outer space, race cars, airplanes, trains, jungle motifs, wizards and dragons, and dinosaurs.

Decorating with your child offers a great opportunity to display your playful side, while doing some memorable family bonding, so have fun with it!

by: Michael Holland Source: http://www.rentaldecorating.com

New Book Alert and a Christmas giveaway!

Aussies, Hear ye! Hear ye! A fabulous new book has just arrived on the market that ALL Aussie francophiles should own. This beautiful handbook is filled with all the French food, wine and design places you need to know about to live your best French life in Australia.

With an abundance of glorious colour photo's, this book will become your new bible. This book would also make a wonderful gift for travellers.

If you have a French based buisness in Australia and you'd like to be featured in future copies you can email your details here!

Once again sincerest apologies for my poor photography but the images in this book are divine.





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To coincide with the worldwide release of "Australia" as well as being the season of giving I thought I'd put together a little package to give away with a distinctly Aussie flavour :)



Australian Vintage Living by Bronnie Masefau is definately a favourite, the large glossy photo's are filled with colour and detail.



This book is filled with wonderful vintage inspiration.




Mz Masefau's home is absolutely beautiful.

Plenty of eye candy for the girly girl in all of us.

I also thought I'd include a very popular stocking filler for most country loving Aussie's, The Australian Country Style calender 2009.

The images are simple and beautiful. This calender wont be a bold statement but a subtle sweet accent.

Of course I'm definately including a copy of this new fabulous book.

And for a little added extra I thought I'd throw in this little sweet Koala Christmas ornament

He's tiny but he looks real! Well I think so anyway lol.




No matter whether you are in Australia or Siberia if you would like to win these wonderful items just leave a comment with a link to your blog and I'll draw a name out of a hat on sunday.

GOOD LUCK!



p.s Happy Thanksgiving my American blogging pals!

pp.s Brooke, I received my bottle of Cote Bastide bubble bath the other day and that evening enjoyed the best soak of my life :) Thank you!

Home Remodeling Tips

Home Remodeling Tips

Remodeling your home while giving it a high-end look and style is what each one of us wants for our house. Making the best out of the money spent and giving a new image to your home is what we talk about here. Bringing out the best in your house requires careful planning and organizing. Whether you are remodeling for selling purpose or to upgrade it to a modern lifestyle these tips and ideas will resolve a lot of conflicts that rests in your mind.

Keeping a close eye as what will still look good after 15 years, here are different home remodeling tips for the different rooms in your house. Guide your way through each individual room and decide on how you want it to look and then start working on it.

The Lives of the Rich and Famous

Well we are not talking about any TV soap here. But taking a close look at their home styles is a good way to set your gaze for the coming years. According to a recent survey it was found that the changing trends in the house remodeling styles are guided by the high-end homes. So if you want to foresee what’s going to be the hotcake of the neighborhood in next 6 years then a quick trip to some of the open houses in the up class and affluent communities is a good idea.

Make it Durable

One of the very important factors for any house is the durability of the house. Invest your money in materials that can endure the test of time. Avoid cheap materials, as they will start to show gouges as years pass by. Instead go for quality substance so that you don’t have to put energy and money on it later on.

Think Bold and Different

One interesting home remodeling tip is to make your home look interesting and different. If you are thinking from the selling point also, go for something that will appeal to the next generation. One of the easiest ways of doing this is by adding some custom glass tile and bold colored countertops in kitchens and washrooms.

Home Remodeling Tips for Rooms

Every room is remodeled in a different way. So let’s take a closer look at how each of these rooms and upgrade them to the latest trends of today.

Kitchen

Kitchens are one of the most difficult places to maintain. So while remodeling keep things simple. You can go for the classic granite counter top or have something that adds warmth to your kitchen. Though colors are hot and in right now, it may phase out in the coming years. Therefore investing highly on red stove and matching top should be avoided. Go for subtle colors that are perfect.

The Bath

Well to start with the utilitarian concept is out. Think big – think spa. Make space for your whirlpool tubs, multiple showers and even provision for steam shower. If you want to try something more upscale then go for towel warmers, heated floors etc.

Storage Rooms

Storage rooms no longer mean an attic or some small room that has no other functionality. Instead just like any other room in the house, storage rooms also have a personality of their own. If you have a spare room in your house then try remodeling it by adding some cabinets and closets. Make space to keep your food items and also things that are not required on an everyday basis. You can also remodel it by making space for your hobbies and recreation corner.

A Thought for the Elderly

One important tip to keep in mind while remodeling your home is sparing a thought for the elderly in the household. Make the home more accessible so that they can move around more comfortably and freely. While remodeling have wider hallways and doors. This will even be useful when you want to move bigger pieces of furniture as well. So whether you have parents living with you or visiting for a while, this is going to be of a great help.

Source: http://www.dreamhomedecors.com/

Good Food Affare...

There is nothing like a good day out surrounded by family, sparkling chandeliers, stunning homewares, festive Christmas decorations, French antiques, as well as a delectable and sumptuous feast of gourmet foods and wine to bring a person back to a happy state of mind.

Thats exactly what the 'Good Food Affare" did on saturday. Sponsored by Domayne furniture and Australian Good Food magazine, this was a growers market only seen annually on a scale this grand.

From the website - Good Food Affare is three days of heaven for food lovers. The most beautiful and original food event ever seen in this country, The good Food Affare is a growers market, it's gorgeous restaurants and cafes, it is Australia's most celebrated chefs and cooks live on stage, and so much more.

The first tent I entered was decorated ever so beautifully with a stunning selection of chandeliers, modern and traditional christmas trees and table after table selling some heavenly homewares. My eyes were darting in every direction, I didn't know where to look or what to absorb first.

This stage was set up at the back for demonstrations throughout the day on christmas decorating and gift wrapping.







Although I always consider myself a very traditional girl I have to say I'm loving these sparkly gold and silver trees with glass jewels more and more.



There were a couple of purchases to be had from this display ;)





The chandeliers were AMAZING! This one was in another tent serving devonshire teas and although you can't see it, it is actually the most lovely girly pink colour.



Here is the Parisian style flower market - GORGEOUS!






Skye's cafe definately was the star attraction. I nearly died when I saw it, it was one of the most superb sights I have ever seen.



From the website - A beautiful replica of Skye Gyngell's cafe at Petersham nurseries in England's green and pleasant Surrey will be the stunning centrepiece of Good Food Affare.
Skye Gyngell herself, one of the most inspirational chefs in the world today, will bring the cafe's delectable flavours to the table.
Skye's fresh and original approach to cooking results in simple but intensely flavoursome food inspired by the seasonsand the produce she grows in her garden.

Oh how I LOVE rusty scrolly iron!

Never before have I seen so many breathtakingly beautiful pieces of furniture all mishmashed together under the one tin roof.

It was an absolute feast for the eyes......

I truly hope someone someday sets up a more permanent restaurant in Sydney with this heavenly concept.

Of course had I known what to expect I would have most certainly pre booked, but alas I was too late.....nvm next year!

Some opulent antique settings looked fit for royalty brilliantly juxtaposed with ornate garden furniture! When I laid eyes on that venetian etched glass table with the scrolly iron legs I had visions of me driving home with it tied to my roof racks lol It was SUBLIME!!!!!

We enjoyed a mocha and strawberry tart for morning tea instead.

Again, I loved the mix of black and white French repro furniture all from Domayne.

They even had poodle stencils on the concrete.....CUTE!

Awww look, just like my bakers stand...cept mines bigger :P

LOVE the coffee bar!...wait, is coffee guy picking his nose? ew! ;)

Stunning high gloss black louis style pieces.

Next, onto garden outdoor furniture and sculptures.

And finally THE FOOD!

It was extremely hard to get close enough to the food stalls to even buy anything let alone take photo's, the crowds were insane!

How exquisite is THIS?! ^^^ these apple sized chocolate coated strawberries blew my mind!

My one goal for the day was to find some authentic French baguettes and I did! Ever since my return from Paris I haven't been able to find bread sticks to equal those of the famous Parisian recipe.

After that I couldn't wait to get home and make my chicken, brie and lettuce baguette.....mmmm it was worth the years wait :)

Another reason to smile, my nextdoor neighbour came over to give us the wonderful news of the birth of their first child, ZOE :) I can't wait to see and hold her. Congratulations Gordon and Susie!

All photo's by Villa Anna.