White on White

Image by Bree Oliver

I am often asked by my clients to recommend a good white paint.  My favourite has to be"White on White" by Dulux.  It is a true white, with no yellow or pink undertones.  It also has the power to transform a dark space into a stunning light filled environment.

Spring Has Almost Sprung

Home Beautiful September 2012

Spring is almost in the air.  In the new issue of Home Beautiful I have contributed some tips on how to update your home for the new season.  I'm making the most of the mild winter weather we have been having of late and getting a jump start on my spring clean. 

Sweet Dreams

Image via Costal Living Magazine

It's funny how obsessed you become with soft white bedlinen when you are sleep deprived.
At the moment I am dreaming and wishing for more than two hours sleep in a row.

Walk In The Woods

Jane Churchill Wallpaper

The past three weeks have been chaotic since bringing our gorgeous baby girl Sophia home.  To top it off my computer decided to play up, hence the lack of posts.  

I am finally back on board, new computer and bubbly baby girl in tow!

I'm putting the finishing touches on Sophia's room, but I have fallen in love with this Jane Churchill wallpaper.  Based on Winnie the Pooh and depicting the Hundred Acre Wood, it would make the perfect backdrop for anyone contemplating a gender neutral nursery.

Pattern Play

Interior Design by me Bree Oliver

Photography by Simon Whitbread

It is amazing the impact a bit of well placed pattern makes.  I had this Designers Guild wallpaper installed recently in one of my clients rooms.  The geometric print breaths life into this vingette.

Petal Parade

Images styled by me, Bree Oliver  & photographed by Simone Whitbread 

Home Beautiful June 2012

Late last year I posted about florist Bee Wicks stunning Paddington Home.  The images I styled at Bee's house have been published in this months Home Beautiful.  The residence is full of relaxed, inviting spaces.  It is well worth picking up a copy to see these rooms.

Paddington Kitchen

My clients kitchen.

I have received lots of email requests in the last week inquiring about the handles used in my client Sarah's lovely kitchen. The images are featured in this months Home Beautiful.

They were sourced from Mother of Pearl and Sons
They have stores in Sydney and Melbourne and will ship anywhere in Australia.
The handle is called the "B and M classic cupboard pull"

Sarah replaced the handles on her old kitchen before the renovation, knowing that she would use them again once we revamped the entire space. This is a great tip for others looking to dress up a tired kitchen. Hardware can make such a difference!

Baby of Mine

Image via literaturesoft.com

In just a few months I will have another little addition to my growing family. I am now six and half months along, my feet have swollen so much they bear an uncanny resemblance to big foot! This weekend is earmarked for cleaning out the spare room. Then the fun begins, creating the nursery.

Petite Princess

My Work - Interior Design & Image Styling Bree Oliver
Photography by John Paul Urizar

I designed this bedroom fit for a princess. I must admit it is one of my favourite children's spaces. The room is just as sweet as the little girl Anna who inhabits the space.

I recently styled the above image for Home Beautiful Magazine. The April addition, out now showcases the entire house. Grab a copy to see more of this pretty home.

Restful Loft Retreat

My Work

Mint and grey are everywhere I look today. Currently I am working on a fresh feminine scheme for my clients loft guest suite. Located in a heritage Woollahra terrace we renovated the space flooding it with light. Now for the fun bit, the soft furnishings. The clients name is also Bree. Yes things can get confusing at times, especially for the builder!

Bullard Brillance

All images are from the portfolio of work belonging to Martin Lawrence Bullard

Today I attended a talk given by famed LA Interior Designer to the stars, Martin Lawrence Bullard. I went to the event not expecting much but left completely charmed by the man's whit and generosity.

He was a wonderful speaker. One of the things he said that struck me most was his desire to take the personal style of his clients and just layer his taste level over the top. This is in direct contrast to a lot of designers who continue to replicate their signature look over and over again.

Martins book "Live Love & Decorate" is well worth investing in.

Burnished Bathroom

Over the long weekend I stayed at a charming holiday house in Noosa. I was quite taken with the morrocan inspired ensuite. The bronzed Perrin & Rowe taps were the perfect choice to compliment the natural stone and bone inlayed mirror.

Out Take

Image styled by me, photographed by Simon Whitbread

Bedside table close up.

This months Home Beautiful features a lovely home I helped styled. One of my favourite images didn't make the cut so I thought I would show you here. Grab a copy of the February issue to see more of this fun family residence.

Be Yourself

Quote image via pin interest

Me in my hat at the farmers markets in Monte Carlo


This quote really hits home with me. Even as a little girl I have loved hats, in every shape and size. While they come in and out of fashion, I continue to swim against the tide. I'm even know to wear my fedora or wide brim sun hat to work. I'm sure clients find it slightly eccentric but they just make me so happy!

I'm also a big believer in the adage "if you love it, it belongs in your home". Make sure you are not a slave to interior trends. The best spaces are ones full of well loved unexpected items. That's not to say if you do love a trend you shouldn't follow it.

Island Time

Images via Queensland Tourism & Magnetic Island Accommodation

With the Christmas install rush breathing down my neck, I have to remind myself that it also means just a few more weeks until I can take some R&R. This year we are headed home to what my family affectionately calls "The Island". I grew up in North Queensland and spent many wonderful summers on Magnetic Island. Although its located in the tropics it reminds me more of a Greek Island. With its rocky outcrops and turquoise waters. The thing I love most about the island is the lack of pretenison. Everyone drives around in open top beach buggies called mokes and shoes are optional.

Bring on Christmas!

Simplicity is Key

Simple things make me smile. This serene photograph entitled "dragonfly season" was taken by my very talented sister in law Janis from www.somethingsomers.blogspot.com

I am in need of some serenity this weekend after a crazy week at work. This time of year is hectic for designers, with its last minute Christmas instal deadlines.

Colour Inspiration

As an antithesis to all the crazy colour floating around at the moment, here is my latest colour inspiration. I adore the texture and muted colours of the succulents I planted, against the rough floor of my garden cabana. The sculptural bouquet arrived at my door yesterday, sent to me by a very thoughtful and happy client.

Press Mute

Whilst I appreciate colour, I am quite taken with the quiet understated palettes I saw time and again in Europe. Sometimes simple muted colour schemes create more impact then vivid hues.

Chocolate Colour Story

Colour Board Created by Me

A colour scheme that looks good enough to eat. I can't wait to see this Belgian sisal carpet installed in my clients property.

Farmers Market Bounty

Continuing with the purple flower theme of late, I picked up these dreamy blooms from the farmers markets. I'm plaining a spring party for the upcoming long weekend and these will form a delicate centerpiece for the garden table.

Fab Friday Finds

I had a very productive morning, sourcing props for an upcoming styling shoot. All items were $10 or less!

Cisco Atelier

Cisco Atelier Pieces

Recieved news today that Town & Country Style will be importing the Cisco Atelier range into Australia. I can't wait to get my hands on some of these pieces.

On another note I've had a few technical issues with some of your comments. Even though I approve them they fail to show up on the blog. I promise I'm not ignoring you and will endeavor to sort it out. Comments are always greatly appreciated!

Floored

Venice Italy

I was taken by the patterned floors I saw in Europe. It seamed to be the norm not the exception to have a beautifully detailed design under foot. This particular pattern from Venice has inspired a new job.

Dreaming of France

I have only been back home for three weeks and already I'm dreaming of France!

Image via travelpod.com

Calling Me

Pretty pieces everywhere so hard for a girl to choose. My shopping instincts went into overdrive at the French Brocante markets, much to my husbands distress. He keep lamenting how are we ever going to get all this stuff home.

Brocante Brillance

One of the highlights of my European trip was a visit to the Antique markets of L'Isle sur La Sorgue. After Paris this collection of Brocante stalls is the largest in France. I managed to fit a few pieces into my luggage. Thanks to the kindness of a Qantas check-in attendant who overlooked my grossly overweight baggage and let me slip through without paying any excess.

This place was stylist heaven.

Doorway to Europe

St Tropez

Our Villa Avignon

Parisian Doorknob

The French Pavilion Versailles

Barolo Wine Region Italy

Venice

Paris

What a whirl wind, after a cultural trip to Europe I am back a little jet lagged and with a slightly bigger waste line. Sorry for my blogging absence but all my good intentions to post while I was away went out the window. I was too busy having a fantastic time with my two boys!