Inspiration for mum's place...

Beginning with Anna Spiro, her stunning stradbroke island residence is one of the main inspirations behind the design of my mum's new home.

My mother has some wonderful furniture and accent pieces she's had forever and we still feel they are timeless and fitting for her plantation caribbean/beach shack home :)

My mothers timeless pieces include cane/bamboo chairs and etageres. Chinoiserie chests, mirrors and beautiful blue and white porcelain.

(coastal style)

The canvas for mum's place will be white walls, including white painted bricks and white lime wash floors. Her livingroom is small therefore there was only room for one large statement piece which she chose to be a sumptuous chocolate leather sofa. Her tv unit is a simple white ikea bookshelf turned on it's side and filled with books, magazines, dvds, cd's and a few nik naks.


(coastal style)


We're definitely looking out to buy some fish on a rope to hang just outside lol



(coastal style)

The colour scheme for mum's bedroom will be blue and white and again as it's a small room it will be very simple with an oyster light, chunky white venetains and my favourite of all her collected paintings hanging over her bed.



(?)

Her kitchen wont have alot of cupboards, instead opting for open shelves, freestanding appliances and her gorgeous tiled farmhouse table my grandfather built, taking centre stage at the heart of the room. This will become a multifunctional piece as it will serve as the main preparation area as well as the eating area.

(locations via desire to inspire)

My white chippy iron bed I had as a child will be the main piece in the 2nd bedroom.

(next 3, Jane Coslick designs)

The following are some more images that have offered us some ideas.

(House To Home)

(House Beautiful)

(Freedom)

Although too contemporary for my personal taste, my mum purchased the 3 1/2 seat domino sofa from Freedom for her livingroom. I have to say it's very comfortable and my son says it's a dream to sleep on haha.

(Freedom)

This piece I think would be ideal for the small wall next to her shower. Again, as she will only have the undersink storage cupboard she could fill this unit with just about everything she could need.......and also not need ;)

Construction starts on Feburary 19th! Can't wait :)

Inspiration for mum's place...

Beginning with Anna Spiro, her stunning stradbroke island residence is one of the main inspirations behind the design of my mum's new home.

My mother has some wonderful furniture and accent pieces she's had forever and we still feel they are timeless and fitting for her plantation caribbean/beach shack home :)

My mothers timeless pieces include cane/bamboo chairs and etageres. Chinoiserie chests, mirrors and beautiful blue and white porcelain.

(coastal style)

The canvas for mum's place will be white walls, including white painted bricks and white lime wash floors. Her livingroom is small therefore there was only room for one large statement piece which she chose to be a sumptuous chocolate leather sofa. Her tv unit is a simple white ikea bookshelf turned on it's side and filled with books, magazines, dvds, cd's and a few nik naks.


(coastal style)


We're definitely looking out to buy some fish on a rope to hang just outside lol



(coastal style)

The colour scheme for mum's bedroom will be blue and white and again as it's a small room it will be very simple with an oyster light, chunky white venetains and my favourite of all her collected paintings hanging over her bed.



(?)

Her kitchen wont have alot of cupboards, instead opting for open shelves, freestanding appliances and her gorgeous tiled farmhouse table my grandfather built, taking centre stage at the heart of the room. This will become a multifunctional piece as it will serve as the main preparation area as well as the eating area.

(locations via desire to inspire)

My white chippy iron bed I had as a child will be the main piece in the 2nd bedroom.

(next 3, Jane Coslick designs)

The following are some more images that have offered us some ideas.

(House To Home)

(House Beautiful)

(Freedom)

Although too contemporary for my personal taste, my mum purchased the 3 1/2 seat domino sofa from Freedom for her livingroom. I have to say it's very comfortable and my son says it's a dream to sleep on haha.

(Freedom)

This piece I think would be ideal for the small wall next to her shower. Again, as she will only have the undersink storage cupboard she could fill this unit with just about everything she could need.......and also not need ;)

Construction starts on Feburary 19th! Can't wait :)

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)

Ahhh blue & white.......a classic!

I found myself sighing out loud when I discovered these two heavenly images on Dreamhouse. No matter what style I find myself loving throughout the years I will always surround myself with blue and white accents. Blue and white means home to me. My grandparents loved blue and white and so does my mum. It's timeless, it's alluring, it's classic!

Beach shack love by Jane Coslick...

I was recently introduced to a fabulous blog by the name of Design Editor. While perusing Catherines interesting and inspiring posts I came across some pictures of a beach house designed by Jane Coslick of Savannah, Georgia. I'm sure many of my Amercian blogging pals probably know her well but this was my first introduction and I was inspired!

About Jane - Jane Coslick's Designs and Restorations embraces the cottage lifestyle: open, friendly, and simple. Jane's lovingly restored homes are painted bright colors-- trimmed in crisp white, and are full of funky furnishings, many of which she designs herself. Jane blends the quirky with the quintessential and fills her homes with delights at every turn.

The image above was the one that captured my attention. I completely agree with Catherine in saying my favourite element of this kitchen is the aqua colonial screen door on the pantry- Outstanding!

I absolutely love the light, airy, vintage feel of this home with plenty of white used throughout, the chippy furniture including old shutters and doors used as bedheads, patchwork quilts and the fabulous vintage inspired prints.

The next three images below are from another beach shack also designed by Jane.

I am completely smitten with all the bright colours, textures and patterns Jane uses against the white background. These homes feel so inviting and fun! Perfect for that summer family vacation we all deserve :)