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! :)

Bathroom Accessories Interior Designer by Cenk Kara

In selecting equipment and bathroom accessories also apply the saying "there is a price, there is a way". Each price represents a certain quality level. In this regard, we should not fall to select items on the grounds "that an important cheap". The quality and durability of our use of it should also consider. Works Interior Designer by Cenk Kara is indeed good and can be used well.

Bathroom Accessories Interior Designer by Cenk Kara

In selecting equipment and bathroom accessories also apply the saying "there is a price, there is a way". Each price represents a certain quality level. In this regard, we should not fall to select items on the grounds "that an important cheap". The quality and durability of our use of it should also consider. Works Interior Designer by Cenk Kara is indeed good and can be used well.

Interior Designers Unique From La Maison Coloniale

India is always associated with its fragrance, sounds and color. This collection reflectes nature of India, its culture and traditions. These interior designs are unique and inspiring. All furniture is hand crafted, sculpted and assembled according to ancient tradition, so it is mostly made of natural materials. Interior Designers Unique From La Maison Coloniale brings nuance is a very thick Indian interior design.

Interior Designer With Minimalist Interior Concepts

Take advantage of soft colors and natural. For example, beige, gray, green tosca, and so on. To provide a more modern impression, may also combine with a black and white. Interior Designer with a minimalist interior concept can be applied to this space.

Home Made...

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How much have I enjoyed this series?!!! It's been so great! I'll actually be sad when it's over :(

I couldn't be more thrilled with the two finalists. They are both so amazingly talented it's awe inspiring.

My pick for the winner is Jason. Despite the fact he's a little bit saucy and comes across as a real gentleman, I am sooooo in love with his designs! Every week he's pushed the bar and delivered brilliance.

Last nights home was his best yet. The blue and white colour scheme had me swooning. I absolutely adored it. I love that he loves a more traditional look and I've noticed now a couple of his rooms really have a beautiful plantation feel to them. Not once have I ever felt his rooms looked like show rooms. They scream comfort and glamour without being pretentious.

The bedrooms and livingrooms are Jasons designs and the kitchen and bathroom are Darren.

Oh those ornate ceilings and the empire chandelier, blue walls and sisal rug are simply exquisite!


IMO Darren is the master of texture. This bathroom presented a real problem for him and he tackled it head on with an unforgettable result.






This whole home just flows so beautifully. I just hope the owners don't tire from the colour blue anytime soon :/

The family room.

The guest bedroom.

The master bedroom.

The sexy designer himself Jason Sullivan.

GOOD LUCK!

To see the before shots and videos of this house and the other house it competed with, as well as previous homes from the previous weeks, go to http://channelnine.ninemsn.com.au/homemade/

The White House Daylesford...

Hello again :) I know it's been ages since my last blog I sincerely apologise for that. I hope you're all well :) I've moved house and I'm currently busy renovating and decorating my new bedroom. I'll post pics when I'm finished if it turns out how I picture it in my mind hehe. The look I am trying to achieve is inspired from Claudia Strasser's The Paris Apartment book. Needlessly to say I am going to town with the girly goodness! ;)

The reason for this blog is I received my copy of the july/august issue of Vogue Living and I was so thrilled to finally see the stunning weekend cottage of one of my favourite designers, Mz Lyn Gardener.

6 months ago, after featuring her gorgeous home and vintage store, Empire Vintage in Melbourne, I received an unexpected, lovely email from Mz Gardener telling me the exciting news of her new country cottage she was renovating at the time.

This cosy weekender is very different from her girly chic warehouse apartment I'm sure you're all familiar with and adore as much as I do, but equally as beautiful. Mz Gardener has successfully catered for both sexes by going for a more industrial vintage look. Most of the items were purchased either at flea markets or salvage stores.

The library has one wall covered in a handpainted wallpaper by Deborah Browness, depicting rows of books. A very clever use of a small space.

I especially love the kitchen with it's open timber shelves and blackboard wall.

No Gardener home would be complete without her signature clawfoot bath :)

Simple but very enticing. I love those white shutters!

An old garden shed was converted to seperate guest room.

I absolutely love it! It's the perfect mix of city meets country and old meets new. I'll definitely be adding The White House Daylesford to my list of places to stay. Thank you Lyn for creating such a treasure for us to enjoy :)

For more information on the renovation and beautiful pics you can visit Mz Gardener's website or buy the July/August issue of Australian Vogue Living magazine.

The New Shabby Chic...

Mz Ashwell has a new California home!

From Romantic Country magazine - After twenty years, Rachel remains faithful to the gently rumpled beauty and easy elegance that made her style a household name. "The look is still based on the aesthetics of comfort, function, and the union of great design with casual ease, but today's Shabby Chic decor is less layered and more tailored," she explains. "Though I still love furniture with timeworn patina I have learned to appreciate the authenticity if weathered wood in it's natural state." These changes are evident throughout her inviting home.

Although I dislike Shabby Chic prices I can't ignore my love for the style. When my great room is built, complete with French doors and a private enclosed courtyard, I too will keep the windows and doors curtain free to maximise the light and space.

For Aussies, romantic country magazine is on the expensive side especially for it's size but with a 10 page spread on this inspiring home I couldn't resist.

The thing I love about Mz Ashwell's homes and style is how unpretentious it looks, however when you see the prices of her wares you almost faint lol. Truth is, any budget can create this look and have a very classy home.


I love all the vintage art displayed sporatically throughout the house and of course the mish mashed chairs.



(please click to enlarge)


Very exciting!, I just recently purchased a dressing table kinda sorta similar to this on ebay - more about that another time.


I'm sure there will be many celebratory events on this weekend for my American pals and down under on the east coast we are mean't to have a beautiful sunny weekend. Get out and about and live it up!!!

Anna xox.

No No thank YOU Brooke! :)

I'm still in shock that I actually won Mz Giannetti's gorgeous giveaway prize! I've never won anything in my life lol. I want to say a heart felt thank you to Brooke. I am more than excited and I can't wait to smell this divine fragrance :)))

Blog giveaways are so much fun! I'm going to have to offer one myself...hmm now to think of a prize.


I've also noticed lately alot of you have been posting some incredibly beautiful bathroom images. I hope 'y'all' have been over to Brooke's to see this breathtaking bathroom makeover she masterfully threw together ;)

A before and after you don't want to miss!

Before...


After!

Before...



After!!



If there is anyone out there who hasn't yet heard of Brooke and Steve Giannetti then you better hurry and get with the program cause you're missing out!


This husband and wife are a well respected and highly successful architect and interior designer team from California, USA. Their breathtakingly beautiful projects have graced the pages of such wonderful magazines and books as Veranda and Roots of Home.


From their website - Brooke Giannetti's designs express her desire to touch the emotions. Her interiors incorporate her love of antiques, beautiful fabrics, and classic design infused with a bit of whimsy. She works with her clients to find a unique design vocabulary for each project that will reflect the client's own personality mixed with Brooke's unique design sensibilities. Her attention to detail and her sense of style have won her a loyal clientele.


The stunning images above are of their transformed Marina Beach house. I am smitten!

Brooke's blog (Velvet & Linen) and website (Giannetti architecture and interiors) are a MUST SEE! Her style is ever so classic and timeless and relaxed and beautiful. I told Brooke in an email, with the highest respect, her style and approach is exactly the kind I hope to emulate someday.




Completely inspired by Brooke's breakfast room, my mum and I had an idea to try to recreate the look in her new home (she's moving early next year). The first thing we will do is paint all the walls white. My mum has always lived with crisp white walls, it's kinda her signature :) We then found some gorgeous rattan chairs and pedestal table from Riviera Maison. They have a superb range of rattan chairs and you'll find most stores in Australia stock this range. I know Lily-G definately does :)

Our budget is definately smaller than Brooke's so authentic French shutters on the walls are out of the question :) Freedom furniture however have a weathered timber, louvered, three panelled screen/room divider at an affordable price that I think will do the trick. It will definately offer some depth and texture and as you can see I've started collecting various vintage nautical art and accents for that all important touch of whimsy :)

I think a seagrass rug would look great on the floor but I'm struggling big time finding a reproduction French lantern - any suggestions are welcome. I would also LOVE to know what the fabric is on the back seating? It is absolutely stunning! ;)

Please make your way over to Velvet & Linen if you haven't already, to see so much more of Mr & Mrs Giannetti's spectacular designs. If you think their coastal home is gorgeous wait till you see their main residence!! *sighs* ;)

I also wanted to mention my mum, sisters and I skooted off to see Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical at Sydney's Star City casino last night. What can I say...IT WAS OUTSTANDING!!!! We had THE BEST time. For any Sydney siders who have yet to see this extravaganza do yourself a favour and get cracking! You'll laugh your *beep* off and you wont be able to stay still in your seat.

(Ashley & Moi!)

(Sarah, Mum (shy), Ashley)