Tropical Retreats

Well it's back to reality for me. I arrived home today into the midst of a Sydney winter, the dream is well and truly over. For the last week I have been floating through the days in a seriously relaxed state. There must have been something in the tropical air as James slept like an angel.

I have lots of gorgeous drool worthy pictures to post once I download my camera. In the mean time here are some inspiring interiors from the book I was reading on the plane "Great Escapes Asia".

all images via "Great Escapes Asia by Christiane Reiter"

A Piece of Paddington

I couldn't resist snapping this slice of Paddington on my morning walk. A fine example of a juliet balcony "Romeo Romeo wherefore art thou Romeo".

We are off to Bali later this week so I will be taking a short blogging break. I'll be back soon with lots of tropical style inspiration.

Basin Brillance

The only thing I don't love about living in Australia is the lack of well priced quality bathroom suppliers. I guess it's a population thing. I wish we had stores like Restoration Hardware here. In order to get a similar looking wash stand to these we have to pay a small fortune.

Paddington Parade

Here is my view of Paddington this week. This is what James and I see on our walk through the streets to Centenial Park. I just adore all the intricate iron work detail that can be seen around the lanes of Paddington.

Bathing In Metal

Sleek and sexy or rustic and charming, I love all of these metal bathtubs! I think one will definitely have to make an appearance in my next renovation.

images via

all about you

studio bagno

More Nursery Rhymes

Finally I have got around to posting more images of my little one's nursery. This room has become my favourite space in the house as it's where we share my most beloved hour of the day "story time". James and I cuddle up on the chair with ted and read all about the adventures of Peter Rabbit and his bunch of farmyard friends.

Scroll down to the end of the page to see my other nursery posting.

Colour Void

My Master bedroom & Restored Original Fireplace

Top Left & Bottom Right Images Feature Snippet's of My Hallway

My house has been featured in the new "Colour" book published by Home Beautiful magazine. It is quite ironic really given that the three images are void of any real colour. I have decorated the rooms in a timeless scheme of grey, black and white. I then add accent colour to these rooms depending on the season and my mood.

images via "colour" book

Coloured Doors of Paddington

Everyday I gain inspiration from my neighborhood. A simple walk around the block can provide me with dozens of new jumping off points for design schemes, thanks to the creative residents I'm surrounded by. There has been much posting on blogs lately regarding vividly painted front doors. I feel nowhere has embraced this trend more then my beloved Paddington. I love the whimsy of these coloured doors and say a big thank you to the owners for brighten up my day every time I walk out of my front door.

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.

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.

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!

Bathroom Bliss

Main Bathroom Vanity

Powder Room

I have had some requests from readers to publish pictures of the bathrooms in my house. I have posted the picture of my powder room before put never the main bathroom. The double vanity was created by joining two mirrored chest of draws together and having a piece of stone made to fit the top.

Melbourne Streetscapes

I made a whistle stop tour to Melbourne on the weekend and couldn't resist capturing some of the gracious architecture.