Interior Design

I haven't had a great deal of time this week to spend on the blog but still managed to find some inspiration from around the world. I love to see "up-cycled" objects like these fabulous light bulbs below re-designed by David Saltzberg and available from his Etsy shop, Sasquatchs Creations. A while ago I shared Jenny Hobicks diy Ottoman , today I've found another clever idea, upcycling a coffee table into a tasteful ottoman from Not So Newly Wed McGees  a blog with lots of lovely ideas. Love these stenciled Moroccan stairs - image via Wanelo Great chalkboard idea - hop over to Dear Lillie to see step by step instructions on "how to". Just some pretty inspiration for your next cupcakes, we always strive to make our cupcakes colourful but these simple white cupcakes are gorgeous - image via tumbler  (Life Without Worries). Still on icing... fellow kiwi blogger, Rachel McMahon from one of my favourite  blogs, "Made From Scratch"  now runs baking cours...

Recently I was excited to discover the work of Grant Larkin Interior design , a partnership of Elaine Grant and Matthew Larkin, I fell in love their very distinct sense of style. As an artist myself I was drawn to the fascinating artworks found in their interiors and I wanted to share a few of their designs that spoke to me.  I love the central artwork, the boy on the galloping horse. The colour of the stripes in the seating perfectly co-ordinates with this work. The addition of the bold carpet reflects colours used in the adjacent painting to the right and some of the artifacts on display. A simple fireplace made stunning by the addition of wide horizontal stripes. The light in this room is perfect, the painting above the fireplace almost reflects the flames.  What a wonderful mix of pattern and style in this living area opening to the kitchen. A mix of furniture styles and colours that create for me an "Americana" look. Grant Larkin have managed to create a comfortable area...

Blue and white is a timeless combination, and works well most interiors, I have a number of pieces of  blue and white china I collected while living in Asia and have grouped these together on top of my Korean cabinet (see below). A blue and white palette can be used to create a classic,  country ,  cottage , or coastal look to an interior. Today I want to share some varying styles using this palette, from soft turquoise blues to the more traditional French Blue, I hope these inspire you to experiment a little with blue and white.  A soft country look with linens and naive pottery. Fellow blogger Kim from Savvy Southern Style's  delightful sun room. I love the blue and white plates displayed on her walls. A corner of the sunroom where Kim she sits with her laptop and writes for her blog "Savvy Southern Style". Visit Kim's blog to see her home tour .  The blue ceramic jars add impact to this uncluttered space with a  distinct Mediterrane...

I know we're already over half way through this year but I couldn't resist sharing this recent find with you, a delightful hand painted calendar for you to download. Created by Creature Comforts, you will find a link beneath where you can learn more about it's designer and download the remaining months of this year. Link "here" to full post and download info Simply love this image just look at the fabulous light over the dining table - original source and more images, click  "here" See inside this gorgeous eclectic  French home in  Ile De Re', France I love this simple linen bed head, simple  instructions by Netta-Natalia at  Lily Create this fabulous ping pong light shade. I spotted this post at Poppy Talk , where you can find instructions. This fabulous light was originally created by Lea Beart for Marie Claire Idees  Yummy Raspberry Lemonade Slice from "Lick The Spoon". A healthy easy recipe from Liren over at Kitchen Confidante - ref...

First I'd like to thank everyone for their kind words and condolences on the loss of my mum. I'm now trying to get back some sort of normality after caring for mum so long, but I know this will take a long time as I miss her terribly.  I hope to begin painting again soon and use it as part of the healing process. My mother asked me to throw myself into painting and I plan to do this for her, she will be my inspiration and my first exhibition to be held in New Zealand (now 2013), will be in her memory.  For my first post for a few weeks, I'd like to share an inspiring interior with you. This beautiful 1936 renovated cottage belongs to designer Jill Sharp Brinson and her husband. The house has wonderful bones, just look at those fabulous beamed ceilings.  Beams give immense character to a home and can help determine your interior design style.  I love the way Jill's incorporated iron into her decor such as the industrial table in the dining room, the gorgeous arched fe...

Just a short post today, sadly my mum passed away on Monday 6th August after a long battle with cancer. I am thankful, however,  that I could be there for her until the end holding her hand, and that she is no longer suffering.  I will be back posting regularly next week. My mum loved her porcelain and silver so today I'm  sharing some vintage images of items I know she would love... Collages designed by Lee Caroline, photographs from Style Me Pretty . My mother had many beautiful possessions similar to the ones above, never locked away but always brought out and used as they should be.  Thank you to all my lovely subscribers who left touching comments on my last post. I'll be back with more interior design, great recipes and inspiration from the blogasphere in a weeks time.