Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas...

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

I love Christmas and the time we get to spend with family. We are going to my Mum & Dad's and my brothers and sisters at the beach for the next week. Included in our 'Clan' are five beautiful energetic little ones all under 4 years old, who will be eagerly waiting to open Aunty Amanda's wonderful presents (I am sure their parents will be equally as delighted with my selection!).

It has been such a pleasure getting to know so many of you this year and all the great friendships made. Thank you all so much and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Wishing you and your loved ones many blessings this Christmas....Axx

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Black + White...

Another fabulous kitchen....I could spend the day cooking for Christmas in this space! I love the addition of the sitting area which was added by reconfiguring the laundry space and the little built-in desk. Knocking out the laundry also provided the space to accommodate an island bench.

The black and white statement continues with the striped fabric on the breakfast banquette and I love the aluminium custom made table. My dream kitchen would have a butlers pantry and this one tucked around the corner would do me just fine!
{via traditional home}

Friday, December 18, 2009

One week to go....

A magical entryway lined with candles welcomes guests....I love the simplicity of it! With only one week to go until Christmas I have to admit that I am not completely organised. Can you believe its only a week away? Am I the only one not organised?


I love decorations hanging from a chandelier.
Have a happy Friday!!

{Images via Homes & Gardens}

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Thank you....


I was so excited to find that OLIVEAUX was named as one of "50 of the world's best design blogs" by the UK Times Online yesterday. To be included amongst some of my favourite blogs was such an honour.

You can see the full list here.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Summer veranda...


This week I have been working on outdoor spaces for two different clients so I thought I would share this beautiful porch with you. Hope you are having a lovely day!

{image via country living}

Monday, December 14, 2009

Bloggers Unite for Pencils of Promise Day



Several bloggers are coming together in a collaborative effort spearheaded by Paloma Contreras of La Dolce Vita, in order to make a difference for a very deserving charity. Pencils of Promise is a wonderful 501(c)(3) organization based in New York, that partners with local communities and organizations to build schools of early-stage education in developing nations for some of the world’s most impoverished and undereducated children. Sadly, there are more than 75 million children in this terrible situation worldwide.


Last December, the Pencils of Promise team visited a small village in Laos and by July 2009, they had built a new school for the village children who started attending classes on September 1st. This month, Pencils of Promise will be opening their third school and they hope to open the doors to education for more children in 2010.

In the spirit of the holiday season, we are asking for your help today on behalf of these children.
Just think of the enormous impact we could have if each person who reads this post donates just $1.00. If you are willing and able to give more (35.00 buys shelves for a classroom, $50 provides pencils for one year, $100 provides a teacher’s salary for three months and so on), it would be greatly appreciated. We are in the midst of the giving season and hope that you will find it in your heart to make a donation to this worthy cause today just click here.


Friday, December 11, 2009

Inner courtyard....

I am doing a happy dance that it is now Friday evening and I can put my feet up and relax! It has been hot here in Brisbane this week so just looking at these images makes me feel cooler. Isn't this a lovely courtyard? I have always wanted an inner courtyard, like on many of the old French or Italian houses.

I would enjoy setting this table and spending the summer afternoon over a long lunch with family or friends.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! Ax

{Images via Elle Deco}

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Love this...

I do not think I could be any busier at the moment - trying to get so much done at work for clients before Christmas arrives and everyone shuts down for the Holiday Season {and I am going on holidays...hooray!!} A bit of glamour today in these rooms by Kerry Joyce. I LOVE the tufted chair and what is not to like about this beautiful mirrored armoire?

I also love the collection of botanical prints on this living room wall - the vintage fern frond specimens are my favourite.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

It's starting to look a lot like Christmas....

Can you believe it is December? I always love Christmas and what this time of year means. I was looking through my Christmas images and there are so many lovely pictures that I had to share some of them with you now that the festive season is upon us. Don't they make you feel warm & fuzzy inside?


{images via elle deco}

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Functional beauty....

The idea of a utility room whether it be a butler's pantry or laundry room is very appealing. I love that everything is tucked away behind closed doors. It would be a practical space with beautiful charm and organised clutter displayed on open shelves - something like this one perhaps?

{Image via Lonny Magazine}

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Relaxed style...

These gorgeous images from Molly Frey have a feeling of summer and remind me of a relaxed house by the beach...with Christmas now just around the corner, I am starting to think of the beach where spend our summer holiday's each year.



Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Bathroom Glamour...


I love the way the cantilevered double vanity sits on the oversized framed mirror in this bathroom.
It add's a wonderful touch of glamour to the room.

{photo: Angus McRitchie}

Friday, October 30, 2009

Weekend...


In one of our conversations this week my Dad said,
"make sure your dreams become wonderful memories"

Hope you all have a great weekend and create some wonderful memories!

{source: unknown}

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Oliveaux...


Here is a sneak preview of a home I have been working on this week....seeing a project come together is always very exciting. There is still some work to do over the next few days - more furniture, cushions and finishing touches to complete the room's in this gorgeous home.

Thank you all for your lovely comments, emails and prayers for my Mum over the past few weeks. She is now at home and has enjoyed reading all the comments and your blogs while she recovers and continues with ongoing treatment.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Life....


I have struggled to open my blog over this past week as my Mum has undergone major surgery. The shock of hearing that someone very dear to me is sick has been heartbreaking. This weekend I look forward to spending time with Mum and our family....x

{image by Oliveaux}

Friday, October 2, 2009

Terrace garden

Wouldn't this be a lovely spot for lunch this weekend?

{image via St Tropez Houses}

Monday, September 28, 2009

New Book...French Essence


For sometime now I have anticipated the release of Vicki Archer's latest book French Essence. It does not fail in satisfying my love affair and enthusiasm for all things French! I have enjoyed living vicariously through Vicki's blog and her first book My French Life, which was released in 2006.

French Essence continues Vicki Archer's "love affair with France and in particular Provence" where she lives. "It is a written and photographic celebration of this".

"Vicki Archer reveals the underpinnings of that famous French ambience and sense of style, and offers inspiration to all of us who want to understand the beauty, experience the lifestyle and emulate the interiors of this exquisite part of the world."

To celebrate today's release of French Essence - I share some images I LOVE.....





"I like to think that in France there is a sixth sense - a French sense" Vicki Archer

This book is truly like taking a holiday! With Vicki Archer's inspiring words and Carla Coulson's stunning photography, French Essence is absolutely beautiful...a book I will love reading time and time again!

You can read further here.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Kitchen details...

I always manage to find so many kitchen images I love. It is the detail in this kitchen I love the most. The way the subway tiles extend to the beautiful ceiling with the built in spaces to display everyday items and large stoves - because I love to cook!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

French village house...

After finally recovering from the flu I thought it would be lovely to take a small tour around this lovely village house. It was once the ugliest in the village before a four year renovation transformed it into a beautiful space. The living room is simply furnished with four chairs and items from the antique markets. The beautiful inherited chandelier completes the room.

The stairs opening up from the street level lead up to the living room. Simple iron balustrades and linen curtains...

Flea market finds...

The terrace opens to a courtyard and pool below.

Thank you all so much for your lovely well wishes over the past week!
Ax

{images Skona Hem, photographer Clive Tompsett}

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Coastal inspiration

I could sit in one of these chairs this morning...soaking in the sun! I have caught the flu this week and have been feeling a little miserable. I think sitting here would help make me feel better!
Hope you all have a lovely day {or evening}.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

On the market...


Cedar Springs is a secluded home situated on 114 acres of beautiful Byron Bay hinterland. From what I remember this prestigious property was once owned by Paul Hogan (aka Crocodile Dundee). Approached via a long private driveway this home has been extensively restored over the past few years. Well I thought you may enjoy a peek inside...


the grand entrance and stairs....


the garden room overlooking the pool

the formal dining room...



This has to be my favourite part of the home...imagine relaxing by this pool. Well I would be happy just to occupy the guest house for a weekend.

More images and the floor plan can be seen here...enjoy!

{via realestate.com.au}

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Loving...

...these two images

...and that today is the start of spring!

(Image 1. Whitney Stewart & Image 2. Country Living Magazine)

Friday, August 28, 2009

Outdoor tablescape...

Finally Friday is upon us again! I am loving this image from Katie Fine. Looking at it makes me want to set up an outdoor afternoon tea because our weather has been perfect (and I want to sample one of those macaroons!). The glimpse of the pool leaves me wondering what other delights may be found in the garden.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Spring?

The little blossoms appearing on my Peach tree I planted a few weeks ago are signalling that spring is just around the corner. However, I feel like we have skipped spring here in Brisbane and headed straight into summer with the temperature reaching 34 degrees Celsius (93F) the last two days.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Loving this home...


This is the beautiful home of designer Windsor Smith. One of my favourite designers! I have been enjoying these lovely images. Love the limestone floors.

In the family room she created two sitting areas.

Love the painted teak table, velvet and vintage fabrics in this room.

Gorgeous peonies...

Love the dark kitchen and the marble floor.

A simple and romantic bathroom.

{images via HB}