A slice of boudoir heaven...

If I were Samantha the good witch and could wiggle my nose and create the ultimate boudoir for myself this pretty much would be it!

Claudia Strassers The Paris Apartment book was first published 16 years ago, but to me it NEVER gets old. I've mentioned on many occasions this book has been my bed companion for a long time and even travelled with me to Europe as I couldn't bear to part with it. Pages 74 and 75 are almost permanently open on my dressing table and often when passing I find myself wishing I could dive into those glossy pages.

(please click images to enlarge)

I love absolutely everything about this room, from the parquetry floors to the 12 foot high ceilings, The recessed shelving for books and treasures complete with pelmet framing. The sheepskin rugs, the painted Louis furniture, the tufted tub chairs, the silk sumptuous fabrics, the turquoise vases and the grand sparkling chandelier! I know swags and tails in most bedrooms can look completely over the top but in a room this grand how could you have anything less? Ok perhaps I would hide the speakers.

This room is feminine and sexy and romantic but without being sickly girly. I think a man might even enjoy sleeping there ;)

As a studio apartment it triples as a living room, bedroom and office. I adore the use of the three seperate spaces with the sumptuous inviting bed taking centre stage.

Oh I need to find me a tall set of drawers like that!

I thought I'd finish with another one of my favourite images from Claudia's book. Would you feast your eyes on this treasure trove?! You would have to call security to force me to leave such a place. It actually reminds me alot of Vintage Glamour in Enmore, Sydney. I could spend hours rummaging through that store :)

If you haven't already bought this book you are missing out! It truly is a slice of heaven :)

The Paris Apartment book

The Paris Apartment blog

p.s I received an email today from one of my idols that lifted me to new heights......Thank you so very much! :)

Inspiration for mum's place...

Beginning with Anna Spiro, her stunning stradbroke island residence is one of the main inspirations behind the design of my mum's new home.

My mother has some wonderful furniture and accent pieces she's had forever and we still feel they are timeless and fitting for her plantation caribbean/beach shack home :)

My mothers timeless pieces include cane/bamboo chairs and etageres. Chinoiserie chests, mirrors and beautiful blue and white porcelain.

(coastal style)

The canvas for mum's place will be white walls, including white painted bricks and white lime wash floors. Her livingroom is small therefore there was only room for one large statement piece which she chose to be a sumptuous chocolate leather sofa. Her tv unit is a simple white ikea bookshelf turned on it's side and filled with books, magazines, dvds, cd's and a few nik naks.


(coastal style)


We're definitely looking out to buy some fish on a rope to hang just outside lol



(coastal style)

The colour scheme for mum's bedroom will be blue and white and again as it's a small room it will be very simple with an oyster light, chunky white venetains and my favourite of all her collected paintings hanging over her bed.



(?)

Her kitchen wont have alot of cupboards, instead opting for open shelves, freestanding appliances and her gorgeous tiled farmhouse table my grandfather built, taking centre stage at the heart of the room. This will become a multifunctional piece as it will serve as the main preparation area as well as the eating area.

(locations via desire to inspire)

My white chippy iron bed I had as a child will be the main piece in the 2nd bedroom.

(next 3, Jane Coslick designs)

The following are some more images that have offered us some ideas.

(House To Home)

(House Beautiful)

(Freedom)

Although too contemporary for my personal taste, my mum purchased the 3 1/2 seat domino sofa from Freedom for her livingroom. I have to say it's very comfortable and my son says it's a dream to sleep on haha.

(Freedom)

This piece I think would be ideal for the small wall next to her shower. Again, as she will only have the undersink storage cupboard she could fill this unit with just about everything she could need.......and also not need ;)

Construction starts on Feburary 19th! Can't wait :)

My Family On Australia Day

I'm a week late I know but didn't get a chance to upload these earlier. Last tuesday was Australia Day and we had a wonderful family BBQ at my mum's new place. I have an extremely talented photographer brother in law and I had to show off his pics of the day :)

My girl Soph :)


My boy Will :)

My baby nephew Logan :)

My big nephew Zach :)

Pool fun with Zachy and his dad :)

My mama :)

The food and beverages were heavenly :)

My brother in laws Scott and Rique and my sister Sarah :)

Awwww it was too much for some ;)

On another small note my son started highschool (middle school) last thursday and I'm still trying to come to terms with it hahaha :)

How did he get so big so fast?

Will and his best mate Bailey :)

I know this post is completely design unrelated but I couldn't help but show off my beautiful family. They mean the world to me :)

A lovely quote and a lovely thought....

Rachel Ashwell - Shabby Chic.

White will be the colour of my year...

(At home with white)

I know some of you maybe thinking booooring but after living in a home with dark timber furniture and dark timber floors for so many years I'm dying to lighten things up for a change.

(Jacqueline Adams antiques)

Mum feels the same. She has dark furniture too that she's had forever and although she can't part with most of it she's going to lighten up her surroundings as much as she can too.

(Mari Eriksson)

My place already has a white tiled floor throughout most of it and white walls. The kitchen and main bathroom are also white. I just need to make a few modifications :)

(Sharyn Cairns)

I'd like to buy white furniture for my front living and dining room but of course my accents will have to include my favourite muted palette.

The front rooms will be soft and feminine and the back family room, although still with white floors and walls will also include hues of charcoal, french grey, red in winter and blue in summer.

There is also a garage conversion, now a rumpus for the kids and that is the only room I plan to darken a little to make it more cosy and comfy. A brooding teenage retreat haha.

Of course, will this all be completed by the end of the year? probably not hehe but It's definitely a work in progress that will keep me focused and inspired throughout :)