Weekend...

Hope you all have a great weekend and see you all next week!! Amanda x

Image via Flickr

My French Life Blog

I know you will all be as excited as I was to discover Vicki Archer, author of My French Life has started a blog called French Essence. I just love Vicki's book and even went to some of her favourite places that are listed in her address book when I was in Paris last January....I cannot wait to read more!

Beautiful Courtyard

Image via Madison

Today I am loving this courtyard image from the Owner of Sydney store 'French & Country'. I have always loved big clocks and like the way she has used in in the courtyard with the table - stunning!

Debut Design

The September/October issue of Vogue Living is out and I just loved reading the article on Academy Award winning designer Catherine Martin and her new collection of rugs, wallpapers and paints which have been released here this month. Her designs are described as "having an emphasis on the figurative, slightly formal, the french and a spirited waltz of Australiana in the exploration of botanical motifs". The picture above is of her upstairs sitting room which features one of her eight run designs

Catherine's 'feather' rug is located in a sitting room opposite the main bedroom. I love the mirror and flower arrangements on the fireplace mantel...those chairs are stunning too!!

All images via Australian Vogue Living

Southern Accents

Michael Devine's beautiful fabrics once again are in the spotlight featuring in two of this months Southern Accents articles.

Designer Robert Spiotta has added Michael Devine fabrics to this project; a roman blind and valance in Fretwork Chocolate and a sofa pillow in Garden Folly Chocolate.

Michael's collection of beautiful fabrics.

Weekend...

Image via flickr

It has been a wet and windy afternoon in Brisbane...This picture reminds me of summer and I would love to spend my weekend relaxing in this beautiful beach pavilion! Hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Photo Inspiration...

I am not sure how I stumbled onto Beach Studios site but I saved it sometime ago and I have enjoyed looking through all their homes again. They are a locations agency in the UK which scouts shoot spaces for the film and photographic industry. Many of the homes have limited furnishings but there are beautiful architectural features to study and I can imagine them featuring in one of my favourite product catalogues. Below are a few images but you can look at further homes here.

Simple & Stylish

Hi again, I hope you all had a lovely weekend!!

This home belongs to the beauty editor of Madison Magazine - I love the vintage chair which has been recovered in a black and white stripe fabric and works so well with the mirror and round table. This image is very simple but very stylish.

A display on her mantel...

The desk area has been incorporated into the kitchen, living area which I think is a great idea, especially if you have kids trying to do homework while you are cooking dinner or where you cannot spare a room for a study.

I love the pink ceramic lamp and display of flowers on the bedside table. I too always seem to have a collection of books on my bedside table!

Images via Madison Living

Weekend...

I thought I would leave you with a lovely image from Windsor Smith, one of my favourite designers. I hope you all have a beautiful & relaxing weekend!

Washing Day!

Image via Madison

I realised that I have not posted any pictures of some laundry's I love yet. We have had a public holiday today in Brisbane and so I managed to catch up on some washing and cleaning...so it probably made me think about this all important room! I love both these laundry's - the top one is painted in a lovely mint green which gives the room a lovely freshness. I especially like the use of the butler sink in both of these images.

Image via Notebook

These rooms are both light, chic and would make washing a little more pleasant!!

Image via Notebook

and some stylish laundry products to display!

Neutral Palette

I love this light neutral room from Skona Hem magazine - the use of the layered linen on the table which provides a little interest in this neutral room - easy to replicate. These cross backed dining chairs are available in Australia and provide a lovely look against the linen.

Thanks Washington Post

I just wanted to say a big thank you to Terri at the Washington Post for including me on her weekly Blog Watch for this post about the Swedish Style home of Loi Thai, co-owner of shop Tone on Tone seen in Traditional Home.....It's an honour!

Weekender on Sydney's Palm Beach

This beautiful Australian home which features in this month's Architectural Digest is located in Palm Beach, one hour north of Sydney. The owners wanted to create a weekend home that family and friends could come and relax in - creating memories for their grandchildren.

This beautiful living room has a Something's Gotta Give feel to it - don't you agree??

The dining room is raised three steps above the living area. I Love the stairs leading up to the second story and the double columns...and the antique french lantern.

The home has walnut plank floors through out, the owners wanted to create a home that they felt comfortable enough to put "their feet up".

The master bedroom features green striped walls and fabric bedhead which is fresh and relaxing

I love all the traditional elements like the wide veranda's and windows

the outdoor entertaining area is stunning!!

Image 3 via Rose Group all others via Architectural Digest

Kitchen File

Here is another beautiful white kitchen for the files from Traditional Home. Love the black glass cabinet end on the island bench - I like the way they have fitted the cabinets right up to that beautiful ceiling.

Swedish Style

I love Swedish design...it is light and simple. I have always admired floor mirrors and I think this one works beautifully in the entryway to this Swedish inspired home. The white floors and stairs are superb!

The full height silk curtains in the lounge and dinning are stunning. I love the mix of whites, creams and greys in the living areas and the way the colours have been layered.

I love built in book shelves to display lovely pieces and design books. The floors throughout the home are white washed which we rarely see here - simply beautiful.

Images via Traditional Home

Realestate Stalker

Like many of you I spend time stalking real estate websites hoping to find beautiful homes and inspiration like this one. It is located in Hamilton, Brisbane and is a fine example of our early Queensland architecture.

I always like the height of the ceilings in these homes and the fireplace would be welcomed at this time or year! I love the chandelier and built in book shelves.

Love the white painted kitchen and the double hung windows - perfect!!

I love the stone work and french door features...just beautiful!!

Images via realestate.com.au

...if only I had a spare few millions decorating this home would be a little easier than renovating my house!!