Town & Country Does it Again!

I just got in from the Decoration & Design trade fair which to be honest was overall a little bit disappointing. One of the few shining lights as always was the exquisite merchandising of Suzette, the talented owner of Town & Country Style. Her new range of vanities will be a talking point in any bathroom check them out by clicking on the above link.

My photo's do not begin to do justice to the products if you live in Melbourne be sure to drop in to the showroom.

Bathroom Book

Lovely Mirror Featured

Freestanding Bath Featured

My Upstairs Bathroom

To my surprise I picked up a copy of Home Beautiful's new "Bathrooms" book yesterday and flip in a couple of pages chancing upon a picture of my upstairs bathroom. My house was featured in the magazine last year, they must have decided to re use the picture for the book. After reading the book I highly recommend it. It's a bargain at only $9.95 and full of useful tips to anyone about to embark on a bathroom project.

images via home beautiful bathroom book

Paddington Walkabout

Ruby Slipper Flowers

Ruby Slipper Menu Styling

Ruby Slipper Flowers

Exterior of Piggot's Store

No Chintz Fabrics

No Chintz Cushions & Trim Details

Fabric & Trims From No Chintz

No Chintz Product Range

Sometimes I must sound like a broken record, the area in which I live gives me so much energy and creative inspiration. Today I discovered a new florist tucked just around the corner. Ruby Slipper specialises in floral arrangements and styling with a vintage twist, check out their beautiful website www.rubyslipper.net.au

No Chintz and Piggot's Store are also favorites of mine to potter around in on an afternoon hunting for remnants.

Designer Rugs

Greg Natale Design for Designer Rugs

Greg Natale Design for Designer Rugs

Attention all Australian Interior Designers and Architects, Designer Rugs is holding a competition to design a new line of rugs for production. The winner will receive prize money and a trip to Milan's Salone de Mobile in 2011. For further information check out the website www.designerrugs.com.au

images via designer rugs

Beautiful Barossa

I have been a bit neglectful of my blog of late. Between trying to get all my jobs finalised before the baby arrives and my trip to the Barossa Valley last week their haven't been many hours left in the day. While in the stunning Barossa wine region outside Adelaide I came across some great finds in so called "junk shops". Well you know what they say one girls trash is another's treasure. When a get a chance I will download images onto the blog.

images from saltram wines

Hail Caesar!

I am currently working on a large new build project for a client, the space has four bathrooms that I need to find inspiration for. While trawling through the Caesarstone website I came across these images of patterned Caesarstone. I have seen the "Lace" design displayed at Designex last year however the "Crocodile" pattern is new to my eyes. I have a feeling it will date very quickly though.

images via caesarstone

Country Charm

Maybe it's the fact that I am about to have a baby in a few weeks, I'm not sure but I'm dreaming of wide open spaces at the moment. Don't get me wrong I adore my inner city terrace house and the convenience and buzz of life, but I can't help looking at country properties especialy when I compare the prices to the area of Sydney that I live in. This farm outside Bowral with a converted barn homestead has captured my imagination. I can see the surrounding land would be a wonderland for kids.

Image via realestate.com.au

Cultural Mix

I am not normally a huge fan of heavy Chinese furniture but this image has made me re-think my position. The promotional shot for Catherine Martins Cockatoo wallpaper for Porters Paint is exquisitely styled. Ornate Asian furniture pairs beautiful with the iconic Australian bird print and native flowers.

Horsing Around

As you already know a can not take a good photo to save myself. My husband is quite a deft hand with a camera though and my resolution this year is to listen when he tries to give me advice in order to improve my photography skills. He took this picture on his mothers property on Christmas day as I was feeding the horses. I can't put my finger on why but it touches my soul.

I'm Back

After weeks without access to my computer over the Holidays I was starting to have withdrawal symptoms. I returned from a lovely yet crazy holiday to Queensland visiting family only to find my laptop was on the fritz. All is now fixed and we are back in action!

Thank you for all the well wishes and support in 2009. I can't wait to log on to my favourite blogs and see what everyone is up to in 2010.

Light Up My World

Via Architectual Digest

Via Architectual Digest

Via Apartment Therapy

Via Exterior World

Via Exterior World

Architectural Digest currently has a story listing a selection of their best fire place settings. It got me think about how the addition of a fireplace can really transform a room, I particularly love an outdoor fireplace. These images are some of my exterior favourites, they are the perfect addition to any outdoor entertaining space.

Dancing Queen

The Finished Set Up

Setting Up - Chandeliers Hung From Beams

Carriage Works Beautiful Arch Windows

Earlier this week I styled a TV shoot in one of Sydney's most exciting buildings "Carriage Works". I adore the architectural features and raw industrial feel of this space. The chandeliers I used for the shoot were the perfect juxtaposition against this back drop.

Gift Giving

Orson & Blake Gift Ideas

Today I popped into Orson & Blake on my way home to pick up some christmas gifts before the weekend shopping rush. They had a great range of varying priced gift ideas targeted mainly at women. I walked out in 15 mins with three beautiful wrap presents (this is my idea of christmas shopping).

images via orson & blake

Christmas Preparations

My Bathroom Holiday Arrangement

Presents Ready to Go Under My Christmas Tree

Christmas preparations at the Oliver household have begun. The wreath and bells are up on the front door and my fresh cut tree was delivered this afternoon. I spent all morning searching Sydney for the best real tree and my tip to all eastern suburbs residents would be to check out the farmers markets at fox studios on Wednesday & Saturday. A good size tree will only set you back $60 and they will deliver! I love to fill my house with fresh white flowers during the holiday season, paying special attention to the bathrooms that sometimes get overlooked. This year I picked up these great little "LOVE" bottles that contain music notes for Christmas carols rolled up inside.

The Test of Time

I was flipping through my files this afternoon and came across this snipet. I designed this bathroom three & a half years ago for a national bathroom retailer. Personally I think the design has stood the test of time very well. Unfortunatley I don't have the original image but my work was featured in booklet for Inside Out Magazine. I selected a Harliquin wallpaper to dress up the showroom and to give the powder room and softer feel.

House Love

I am in love! This property just around the corner from me came on the market yesterday. The residence is the brain child of John Coote and the landscape was designed by Paul Bangay. While the house is based on 18th century design it manages to mantain an inviting livable air. Click on the pictures for a more detailed look, you will notice the wide width floors (they are to die for).

images via domain.com.au

My Work in Progress

Here are some happy snaps I took of a job I'm close to completing. I'm still waiting on a few final touches like wallpaper to be installed behind the entry console and the study nook. Lantern feature lighting also needs to go in and a few different size candle sticks for the coffee table and then we are done! I am going to get some professional shots taken of this job so I will be sure to post them.

New Zealand Christmas Style

I just love Christmas and I'm counting down the days until the 1st of December so I can style my home with all my favourite Christmas decorations. With the weather in Australia being so hot around this time of year I tend to stick to a cool colour scheme of white and silver as my base, adding in a different colour each year. 2oo9 will be white, silver and navy blue. The December issue of New Zealand House and Garden has images of this lovely home above all decked out for a Christmas feast. The combination of rusted urns and crisp glass wear suits the juxtaposed design through out the home. One again those cleaver New Zealanders show us how it's done!

images via new zealand house and garden

Invite Inspiration

Invitation to the annual cocktail party themed "Were Still Growing"

Town & Country Style Melbourne Showroom

Today I received a very clever invitation to a cocktail event. Once again Town and Country Style owner Suzette has outdone herself in the creative stakes conjuring up this living invite. Suzette is a girl after my own heart, she always pays attention to the small details. Earlier this year she sent out invitations to the new showroom opening hidden inside an old book bound with ribbon.

New Find

This great new design from White Upholstery came across my desk today. Named the George Wing Chair it looks as regal as it's name. I 'm headed down to the trade showroom tomorrow to check out the comfort level. It's sure to pass the test, it looks like the type of chair you can sink into with a good book.

Beach House

I must be restless as I have been looking at dream worthy property again! This beach house a few hours north of Sydney has all the items on my check list (except the price tag). It's almost impossible to focus on the beautiful architectural elements of the home with a view like that.

shutters tick

freestanding tub tick

deck with views tick

vaulted ceilings tick

sandstone details tick

price tag cross

images via domain

Up and Racing

In honor of the fabulous horse race and all round great style event that is the Melbourne Cup I thought I would do a post on my favourite cup marque. This beautiful bubble palace for Moet-Chandon dates back to the 2005 cup, however it still rates among the top marque designs. The theme devised by PTW Architects for Moet-Chandon was "bubble-ism" whatever that means? I am still amazed by the Lycra dome ceiling and the surreal environment it created. PTW used some other luminous elements like ghost chairs and mirrored surfaces to highlight the effect.

images via architecture-page.com

Penthouse Perfection

This penthouse currently for sale in Sydney around the corner from my beloved Paddington takes my breath away. A roof top garden with spectacular views sets it apart from anything else on the market. It has been listed for a while now, maybe the price is off. I can't imagine why it hasn't been snapped up by some lucky buyer yet.

images via domain

Bathing Beauty

I have long had a soft spot for serene spa like bathrooms. In my opinon this display bathroom designed by Traditional Homes Robert Young is one of the most spectatular I have seen in a long time. His choices are bold, resulting a real sense of theatre in the room. The first image would have to be my favourite with the frestanding bath floating in the middle of the room on a marble tile carpet framed by the pale green shutter doors. The dramatic glass mosaic tile mural from Ann Sacks above the vanity is the icing on the cake!

Images via Traditional Home

Beautiful Banquets

New Sofa Design by White Upholstery

Designed by Phoebe Howard

Image Via Decor Pad

Designed by Sarah Richardson

I was emailed a new addition to White Upholstery's sofa line which I can't wait to use on a job. I think it would work well used in an entrance way or as banquet seating for a dining space. Here are some of my favorite banquet set ups to fall in love with!