My perfect house...

(above image via style court)
As most of you know by now I have a facination and love affair with European architecture and interior design and I have discovered a new place of interest that is definately going on my "bucket list" lol. If I had an endless amount of money this is what my house would look like ;)

The Swan House, built in 1928, is a grand Italianate mansion that is an Atlanta landmark, once the home of Edward and Emily Inman, heirs to a cotton brokerage fortune. The Swan House is an excellent example of the Second Renaissance Revival style and represents the architectural and decorative tastes of affluent citizens in the late 1920s. The house was designed by a well-known Atlanta architect by the name of Philip Trammell Schutze in 1928 and decorated by Ruby Ross Woods of New York.

(the above 3 images are via xinmincat @ flickr)

I don't know alot about architecture but I know what I like. Symmetry was Schutze's no 1 priority when building this magnificant home and that is the extact no 1 reason why I adore it so.



The name of the house is drawn from the swan or bird motifs that grace many of the interior rooms.



This is a close up of the front of the Swan House. It has two staircases like this one because architect Phillip Shutze had a need for proportion; this one is the miniature version of the larger stone staircase on the bottom. That intricate ironwork is incredibly beautiful.


(the above 3 images are via Hueyatl @ flickr)

The house is filled with english and Italian style elements including this stunning iron lantern.



This is the back of the Swan House. This is where the chauffeurs would drop off the guests when special social events took place at the Inman's residence so even though it is the back it really looks like the front of the house.

The interior of the house is as elaborate as the exterior and features five rooms of distinction: the entrance vestibule, the entrance hall, the library, the breakfast room and the dining room. Other rooms include four bedroom areas, a sitting room, a full basement and an apartment in the attic. I'm completely in love with the chinoiserie wallpaper and lets not forget that chandelier!

(above 3 images are via lalejos1 @ flickr)
This is a picture of the guest room at the swan house. It is simple yet comfortable. The wood floors on this level of the house are oak wood. This room is different from the rest of the house because it is plainer with simple furniture and no fancy portraits hanging on the walls. I actually don't mind the colour scheme and the sweet floral accents.


Stunning architecture like this rarely exsists in Australia. If anyone has visited Swan house, knows anymore about it or has other photo's of the interior I'd LOVE to see and read about it :)
Information and images from:

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To do...or not to do!


I have a to-do list as long as my arm! I want to organize all my photos, put them in albums and sort the ones that need to be scrap-booked (totally overwheming!!), take all our family home videos to be converted to DVD, dust (my least favourite job), rake the huge gravel stones off my lawn, start some spring cleaning, plan my son's birthday, and more!! I simply can't seem to work through it in a systematic manner, however. This week has been busy with work-related appointments and coupled with kid's activities, feeling rotten, and basic household "chores" I can't seem to get the energy, or desire, to tackle it. I did manage to shake the cobwebs off me yesterday and meet a friend for lunch, which I think went a long way towards persuading myself I felt "better" (I chose to ignore the spinning in my head, the low-grade fever and the growly chest congestion). After taking my son to the doctor so she could have a look at his "wrestling with his little brother" wrist injury (and subsequent x-ray), I raced home to make a chicken stew and home-made rolls (well,from the breadmaker). I figured the nutrition in the stew would help those of us with the cold, and would guarantee a Friday night take-out night, considering hubby cooked dinner the night before...apple pancakes and sausages...comfort food at its best.
After dinner, I headed out for another decor consult: a kitchen, living room, and bathroom ...where I hoped the clients didn't mind my gravelly voice and red nose. I so love this job - its flexibility with hours means I am always home when my kids are, and hubby or my eldest son can fill in the gaps when I have evening or weekend appointments.

Other than that, I am happy to be gearing up for a weekend spent helping good friends move, shuttling my boys to and from basketball games( I love indoor sports!), and hosting play dates for my girlie. March break is coming up in a couple of weeks, and I am more than ready for the break from making lunches....how pathetic is that??!!

Trends in lighting...




I have spoken before of my love of lighting. It thrills me, inspires me, and it is one of the first elements in a home that I notice. Great lighting lifts your gaze upward and crowns a room in glory. Bad lighting, on the other hand, drags a house down with its paltry illumination and lacklustre appeal. Lighting is also one of the least expensive ways to refresh a room if you root out the best deals. You can even refurbish a vintage or previously loved light fixture with minimal skill and some good advice from a how-to book or electrician (do restore with future safety in mind...).

Although it is a fairly easy change to incorporate into your space, anyone who has ever installed a light fixture themselves (or lived through a grumbling husband's efforts) also knows it is not something to do on a whim, without forethought to the selection of the fixture, especially if you have to pay an electrician to do so. Thus, should we follow the trends, or stick with classic lighting choices??


I recently installed a rather trendy light fixture in my own dining room, which some of you liked, and some of you didn't. I must confess, despite my desire to have a more unique fixture in my home, I did pause once it was installed and felt that heated flush go up my neck as I wondered, "Did I do the right thing??" It wasn't that I didn't like the fixture, it was just that I questioned whether it was better then my previous chandelier. Well, I'm still not sure it is better, but it certainly is different, and trendier... and therein lies the dilemma.


I am not one to quickly fling myself on board with trends in decorating. Although I certainly follow them to a degree (think...my blue bedroom with touches of brown), I do have a qualifying factor for following along with the crowd. The trend in question has to be beautiful (to me) and sustainable...in other words, it has to appeal to me... for as long as my attention span typically allows. Because I prefer a cooler palette in my own home, I don't tire easily of my paint choices. Because I change my accessories seasonally, I feel that I refresh my look enough to quell my restlessness. However, I could change lighting like some people change their throw pillows!! I but what I love, without worrying too much about what is in or out. I tend to have a visceral reaction to lighting. I either love it or hate it and for everything in between, I dismiss it as too boring. Already, I look around my living room and think about purchasing some new lamps to add a little edge, and less restraint.

So, without further adieu, here are some trendier models to walk the lighting catwalk as of late...the question is, are they so in they're out?? I"m not going to give my opinion on this one...some are modern classics to me...I want to hear what you think!! Oh, and do be kind...many of us likely have some of the featured lights!!
(all photos below: www.dwr.com )
This light is for a good friend, who definitely doesn't care what others think of it!!!

disclaimer: As I do not strive to be a design blog, and do not lay claim to be the lighting authority of the decorating world, this is only a random sampling of various lights that have emerged lately, or have been around a long time... or long enough to be getting a bit stale for some folks. Enjoy it for what it is, and give me your feedback!!
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I found heaven on earth!




(images courtesy of Harem and All things bright and beautiful)

(I am immediately going to order some of these dreamy silk and velvet pillows, GORGEOUS!)

Oh how I love Felicity from All things bright and beautiful and this outstanding post she did on the boudoirlicious store Harem! I'd never heard of this store before today but apparently Brunswick street, Fitzroy, Melbourne is the place to be!
After my post about Empire 111, I have GOT to get my butt down to Melbourne for some serious retail therapy! I love Melbourne and the last time I was there was 2001.

This shop, filled with vintage fashions designed by Harem's owner and founder, Sasha Dommershuyzen, and antique style accessories and homewares must be an absolute dream to work in. I worship everything that fills it's shelves and covers it's walls.
I think I'm going mental. One minute I'm obsessed with all things white and clutter free and the next I want to cover everything in Chinoisere wallpaper and fill with treasures and trinkets.
I think the blogging world is starting to mess with my mind. How rude! LOL ;)
To put things in perspective, I guess what I mean is, for my own home I love to surround myself with colour and texture and stuff that makes me smile but if I were to go away for a weekend or longer I would probably love to stay somewhere more on the pure white, stress and clutter free side ;)
Please, please, please check out Felicity's post about this amazingly beautiful shop and also have a peek at their heavenly website.

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Sofa Therapy...



Like everyone else on the planet, I am sick with a rotten cold. I won't bore you with details, but it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was driving home from a consultation yesterday, when all of a sudden, I found myself cranking up the heat when I probably could have been cracking a window. The weather has improved here, temporarily, but another (minor) storm is coming tonight.

Do you think this could be the problem??

It might not be helping...As soon as I can haul my sorry self outside long enough to dismantle the "snow porch"(without shuddering with fever) I'm on it!!


I decided I would outsmart this virus today by resting at home (in my p.j.'s) and just putter around getting my laundry done in between laying flat on the sofa, but it wasn't to be. I ended up getting called out to a client's to iron out some ordering details for her new/old kitchen (it is more like an extensive facelift than a major reno). I did my best to look and sound smart, but probably succeeded with neither...it was too last minute to truly rid myself of the "sofa head" look and a red nose is always sooo pretty!

Speaking of kitchens, I seem to be the "kitchen lady". Certainly, a large number of my clients hire me for that reason, and kitchens are definitely one of my favourite projects to take on. I saw a fun kitchen yesterday on my job, and it cemented my belief that you cannot tell what type of decorating style a person has either by age, gender, location, personal style, etc. This particular client was fun, perky, lived out in the country and while she definitely had a more log cabin country flair to her home, she also had installed a great pantry with stainless steel counters, industrial looking open shelving (above and below), and unique accessories. However, it was when I entered her living room that my jaw dropped open. Resting against the wall and on top of a wonderful cream sideboard, was the object of my dreams. It was a gothic-inspired window frame straight from a church and it was huge - the exact scale I have been looking for to put in my own home!! I instantly started daydreaming that she would sense my profound love (how could she not...I was gushing) and offer up a trade for services rendered. However, she was a wise lady and after a quick living room consultation, moved back to the kitchen where she likely sensed I would be safer to stay!!

You may have noticed that I don't, as a rule, post photos of my client's homes. While I do sometimes take before and after shots for my portfolio, I personally find it a bit awkward to bring up the topic of photographing their photos for my site. I also live in a small town, so in some cases, it wouldn't be difficult for local folks to "put a name to a house". Also, the client and I usually get right down to business, and I confess I have missed a few great photo ops simply because we do get right to task and the opportunity is lost.

Well, I think I'll head back to the sofa for a while, and pop a few more Cold FX capsules...I have to be better tomorrow and I'm not good at lounging around for long!!

A little help anyone?






These three breathtaking images were taken by a wonderful photographer by the name of Sharyn Cairns. This particular place, I'm almost positive is a guest house you can rent for weekend stays but for the life of me I can't remember where I saw the article that accompanied the pics and I have forgotten where the guest house is exactly. I have searched and searched through my book and magazine collection and still haven't come up with anything. I vaguely think it's in Victoria. If anyone can help me with the location or you have some other images of this place I'd really appreciate it cause quite frankly I'm so in love with it I want to stay there LOL.

What is it with me and white spaces lately?

Sharyn Cairns also has some beautiful images in this months Country Style magazine and check out her lovely website.


http://www.sharyncairns.com.au/

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Just a little boost...










My bff Pru is selling her stunning contemporary style beach house in the picturesque town of Forster on the NSW mid north coast.
Featuring 3 huge bedrooms with massive built in wardrobes, brand new designer kitchen, newly renovated bathroom, gorgeous dark timber floor boards, old style high ceilings throughout and a fabulous pool. This house is in a prime location and is within walking distance to one mile beach, schools, clubs, shops and the golf course.
Pru is an avid decorator like myself and you shoulda seen this place when her and her husband first bought it - yuck! Pru has worked tirelessly and lovingly brought this house back from the brink of despair and forward to the 21st century.
Unfortunately as Pru has 4 gorgeous daughters who are growing up ever so fast it is time to move on and find something bigger. She can't wait to get her teeth stuck into her next project.
I think I am as excited as she is lol :)
If anyone is interested you can find the listing here:

Rock- a-bye Baby...(part one)


I have baby room fever. It all started the other night when I had a very strange dream about suddenly being the proud new mother of twins...one a regular newborn and the other looked just like a baby Bratz doll (large head, tiny body...go figure!). I was toting them around in my dream and crying because I thought I was "done" with having babies and also because they were inadequately dressed, dishevelled even...and I was upset because I decided that others would then see I obviously couldn't take care of them as well as my other, "single" babies. To top it all off, they had no nursery! They had to be carried all the time and I had no bed to lay them in.
In the morning, I gave my head a good shake, breathed a sigh of relief, and yet found myself oddly daydreaming of babies rooms...fresh, pretty nurseries waiting in quiet perfection for their newborn charges to arrive and fill the rooms with new life. I always loved decorating my children's first bedrooms - carefully planning the spaces as though the child would actually appreciate the time and energy I put forth to create the ideal resting spot for their sleepy, little bodies. I have many memories of this nesting period of my life and can distinctly remember each and every room and the feelings they evoked in me. I remember nursing warm, cuddly babies to sleep, their little fingers curled around mine and their rapid little heartbeats drumming against me. I remember lying on the floor beside the cribs of my two difficult sleepers, holding their hands (praying that they'd finally fall asleep) and making mental notes to myself to purchase a soft rug so my shoulder wouldn't fall asleep before the baby did. I remember, as a first-time mother, agonizing over the perfect crib set, only to be crushed to discover that you aren't really supposed to have quilts and bumpers for fear of smothering them. Sigh...I even remember the sweet scent of babies... Ivory Snow- scented, milky goodness that if you were able to bottle it, would sell out faster than any other fragrance known to man. I also remember many nights, succumbing to the need for sleep of my own and the temptation to sleep as one with my babies, bringing them in to my bed where, of course, they were very happy to be. Pretty room or not, nothing beat Mummy's arms!!

(photo: source unknown)

So, if I am to give my best advice for decorating a nursery for your little one, it is this - decorate it so that it feels right. Of course there are rules to follow: up-to-date crib, secure diaper changing area, no shelves over baby's crib, subdued lighting, comfy chair for rocking restless babies...but this is a room where you may or may not spend many an hour. For those who bring the baby in with them most nights, the nursery may just be a rite of passage in the new parent stage...a shrine of sorts which the baby visits from time to time and naps. For the rest, the nursery will be a place that is most familiar (besides in her parent's arms) to baby. It is a place to be decorated with love, with comfort...for parents and baby... in mind, but most of all as a nod to the memories you will make and revisit in your mind as your baby grows into older childhood. The nursery is basically your gift to yourself. Sure you can design it with colour and stimulation (or not) in mind...pictures of educational prompts, Pottery Barn Kids perfect accessories...but ultimately you will remember the nursery in the darkness. You will remember watching the reassuring rise and fall of baby's chest, marvel at the lushness of his eyelashes, breathing in your baby's sweet scent, and the shadowy outline of your carefully chosen decor as you sway with baby in your arms...anticipating with fatigue his impending slumber. Decorate with love, but don't take it too seriously. All the accessories to babyhood are so incredibly tempting, but your loving arms will be where your quiet memories will be made...

photo above: www.potterybarnkids.com

(photo below: source unknown)

***Later in the week, we will explore the components of a safe and beautiful nursery. I'm on the hunt for some great photos...!!
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