SHACK ATTACK

My partner and I celebrated this Australia Day with a trip to the Victorian countryside.  On the long drive out of town we were treated to a smorgasbord of dilapidated manors, abandoned petrol stations and crumbling shacks.  Perhaps the most unappreciated of Australian icons, the humble shack is always imbued with great history and romance.      

CROCHET CHIC

It takes a special bedspread to bridge the gap between Scandinavian simplicity and nana chic but the cream crochet quilt straddles these disparate design philosophies with ease.  The below examples demonstrate crochets ability to bring graphic interest and organic texture to any bedroom.  

Image One Citified
Image Two Mackapar
Image Three Interior Decline

MIRROR MIRROR

I once worked in a fashion boutique where young children accompanying their mothers would spend hours transfixed by their own 270 degree reflection in our mirrored change rooms.  Perhaps I never quite grew out of this fascination as I still adore a collection of vintage mirrors arranged in a bathroom or living space.  From antique hand mirrors to etched pie crust designs, these collections add interest to any wall and always evoke an old world charm.

 

Image One Interior Decline

Image Two Yellowtrace

Image Three French By Design

Image Four On Blue Pool Road
Image Five The Style Files

HAPPY NEW IKEA!

With the new year now well underway I’m making many a mental list of interior projects for 2011. Reflecting on 2010, it’s hard to ignore the extent to which Ikea has helped shape my space. Though friends (and even home removalists) have baulked at the extent of my Ikea collection I remain a loyal fan of the brand's contemporary and affordable design.

Below are my top five Ikea buys of 2010

Image One & Two Expedit Bookshelf 
Image Three Melltorp Dining Table 

Image Four Tindra Scented Candle in Glass 

Image Five Erslev Flatwoven Rug 

Image Six & Seven Hyllis Shelving Unit

OFF THE MAP

I’ve recently been inspired by the use of maps to adorn a variety of different spaces.  I’ve always adored intricate line drawing and a vintage map is the perfect way to incorporate accessible art to any room.  

Image One Stylist Emily Henderson

Image Two Set Designer Simon Costin

Image Three Interior Decline

Image Four The Style Files

Image Five A Merry Mishap

Much to my delight, my partner has developed an affection for maps and globes and I recently tacked a pair of vintage charts to our bedroom wall.  These affordable pieces lend a classic, masculine quality to the space and may even encourage us to contemplate future travels...

LITTLE PRICKS

My partner and I recently started a potted cactus garden in an effort to bring some greenery to our bedroom windowsill.  I’m a little ashamed to admit that we are experiencing some difficulty keeping our new cactus alive.  The following examples of interiors featuring cactus have inspired me to preserve with these plants, which lend a touch of earnestness and contemporary austerity to any space.

Image One The Style Files

Image Two The Brick House

Image Three Interior Decline

Image Four The Brick House

PINE-ING FOR CHRISTMAS

I celebrated this Christmas Eve with my extended family at my aunt and uncle’s beach side home.  My baubles have since been boxed away and the festive season is fast becoming a distant memory.  Before I close the book on Christmas for another year I’d love to share these photos of my aunt Beth’s beautiful festive bunting.  Her displays, incorporating native flora, cut glass, paper and vintage decorations, were a delight to behold.