oeke design blog

A girls gotta dream ..

2012-01-29T19:06:00.001-08:00

note: I think I would change the benchtop to white/stone

You know, as we move closer and closer to finishing this house - I realise that whilst I love aspects of it, it still remains an 80's home - and not a home of my dreams. I'm sure I've babbled on before about my love of 70's homes - the light, the large windows, the exposed beams etc etc - and as much as we are tired of fixing up houses, I also know deep down that this is not (what some refer to as) our 'forever house'.

I find this home by Turnbull Griffin Haesloop droolworthy- and it pretty much fits into my 'dream home category'. It has light (tick), lots of windows (tick), high angled ceilings (tick) and an outlook onto so much green that I doubt anyone could tire off (tick, tick, TICK).

One day (sometime soon) I'm sure we will sell this house and buy about 10-15 acres (needing a little more room that 4 acres). We will draw up our own house and then live in a shed while the Mr builds it. I get excited just thinking about it (although I also get tired just thinking about it too), so will keep the above home as a reference to what is possible to a couple of dreamers!!!

Found via here

Fun baby pics ..

2012-01-29T18:16:00.000-08:00

You know how Anne Geddes takes all those cutesy-pie baby pics in flower pots. Well, Evan Kafka has gone completely the other way .. and you know what, I think I like these pics better.

These pics remind me of a great shot of my bigger boy Joe when he was about 2 smothered in spaghetti sauce. His big brown eyes pop out and he just looks so shocked.

Of this selection, I like the dribble shot best. It pretty much sums up babies doesn't it.

Found originally via here

Hallway Rug Love ...

2012-01-23T14:34:00.000-08:00

Just saw this pic on Jule's DIVERSION PROJECT blog of a stripey hallway rug .. just after viewing the Armadillo & Co sale section which had just about the same rug (0.9m x 8m). Weird huh. Now excuse me while I go measure my hallway to see if it fits (-:

Friday Funny ..

2012-01-19T18:23:00.000-08:00

Hello from ant1mat3rie on Vimeo.

A great mix to go with a great song.

Found via here

A new year ..

2012-01-18T15:26:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone. I'm back. I've been back at work since Monday and really, it isn't that bad. I get to sit in my little studio and design stuff all day AND I don't have to pick up endless Lego pieces the boys have dropped in their Lego-frenzy day.

I have heaps of images to show you from over the break of work that we have done around the house. We have paved down the side of the house, we have finally got some cabinets in the lounge for under the TV to hold/hide everything (eg: Lego) AND we have started the crazy paving out the back. I'm teasing you a bit I know - I should get off my butt and take some pics to show you - it's just that I can barely move my arms from carrying the large slabs of whatever-the-hell-it-is that makes our crazy paving .. so I am staying put today and will take pics when the muscles stop spasming.

For now, I just wanted to say HI and hope you all had a great festive season. I can't wait to see what the blogging world dishes up this year - and it's great to be back (-:

Oh, and this image is from an old Yellowtrace post - rather appropriate considering the doozy of a SP (can't say the word) I saw yesterday .. ahhhhh

Happy Holidays ..

2011-12-21T15:56:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to wish you all very merry Christmas. May it be filled with fun, family, food and festivities (keeping with the F theme there!!!). Signing off from blogging for a short break to enjoy some time away from the computer. Kids finish school @ 1pm today and then I'm taking them to Adventure Park for some fun, then wrapping presents tonight while they sleep. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas - and let's hope 2012 is a great blogging year (-:

The Big New Thing ..

2011-12-15T18:48:00.001-08:00

I'll let you all on the BIG NEW THING .. and that is THE SMALL GARDEN. A great new Aussie business set up by (stylist) Carolynn & (landscape designer) Tom (and their cute dog Lola no doubt has some say in things). With a website, a blog, facebook, twitter and soon an online shop, both Carolynn & Tom are sure to be run off their feet designing and creating urban sanctuary's Australia wide.

I wish them all the very best in their new business.

Not your ordinary hammock ...

2011-12-13T14:30:00.000-08:00

Now this is a hammock. An Adam Cornish creation. Love it. Really, I love it (-:

Found via The Beach House FB page .. who found it via here

Reprint me ..

2011-12-07T14:32:00.000-08:00

Found this super cool site this morning via Atelier A1 (a German design company). They have designed desk calendars (either weekly or monthly) that are free to download and you can print them out on those pieces of paper that are misprints, useless, wrong or just not needed. Good for the environment. Good for your desk. Good for your everyday lists (I love lists!!!). The site is Reprint Me (and I am loving it's simple stylish design).

Today is the day!!

2011-12-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

Today is the day! A day we have been dreaming of for nearly 5 years. 5 years!! Ever since we moved in we have hated (with a big old capital H) our roof tiles. We knew they would be gone eventually - and today IS eventually. The 'men' will be here in about 30 minutes to start taking them away. No more Mexican style roof for us. Soon it will be sleek and stylish.

I can't tell you how excited we are. Poor Stephen said he hasn't slept a wink all night (which is a major pity as he has a huge day moving the 4,000+ tiles down to the back paddock when the men take them off). I'll post more update pics soon and once the render is done, and the new windows installed, and the exterior of the fireplaced 'stoned' like our interior fireplace - I'll post you all some finished pics. Now I must run and get dressed before they get here so they don't catch me in my PJs.

ps. the bricked up bit on the right is where out front door used to be. the bit beside that was a big window we filled in (and where our tv hangs on the inside). you can see one of the old windows resting up against the wall. the driveway will one day be lillydale topping. OK, I'll stop with the 'will-be-fixed-so-just-ignore-how-ugly-it-is-now' explanations

Stylish Bright getaway ...

2011-12-05T15:14:00.000-08:00

Our friends have just opened this very stylish, very luxurious and very drool worthy holiday home in Bright, Victoria. It opened last week and the owners, Rae & Jase, have done such an amazing job. The stonework on the front of the building is not fake (not like my fireplace - doh!!) and was built by a 70yo stonemason from Beechworth. I L.O.V.E. the old style lights on the exterior - they were rescued from an old Railway station and were restored.

Rae has gone to great lengths to make this holiday house a home with all the stylish details - from the MOR products to the linen to the lighting .. and that bath is calling my name - and we can't wait to go and stay there (heading up in March). If you would like to see more pics or enquire about staying there, you can view their Facebook page or call Rae on 0407 614 232.

New ADORE and MAEVE magazines out now ..

2011-12-04T18:54:00.001-08:00

Don't you just love online mags. No need to drive in the car to the newsagent .. just pop online and read when you like AND good for the environment (not to mention my bookcases which are nearing FULL status). 2 x new fab releases from both ADORE and MAEVE are out now and I am very excited to say both have included my OEKE umbrellas in them.

So Santa, I don't need any presents as I feel I've been lucky enough already (-:

The mother juggle ..

2011-11-29T00:52:00.000-08:00

Image via Pinterest

Do you juggle? I'm not talking balls .. but being a mum and work? I tried today - and now, the end of the day, I feel I failed.

I took the day off work. I mean, it's the END OF THE YEAR. It is SO busy - I mean extremely busy - and I took the kids out of school and took them to Adventure Park (a water-type them park down thisaway). Sounds good in theory. A special treat for the boys. A great day out being a mum - just a mum. I know 'other' mums do it. I feel guilty for not being like 'other' mums. And I had promised them I would take them before school holidays started. I figured today was the best (and only) possible day I could manage it. We had a ball. It was hot. My sister came. One of their friends came from school too. We all wagged and went on the water slide.

Then I got home. There were so many emails. Brochures needing to be printed urgently (even one that the client has been dilly dallying on with for SEVEN months), umbrellas that weren't delivered (the couriers fault), press ads that needed to be sent to the newspapers and 3 new jobs (on top of the 15 existing ones) that simply must be done before the christmas break.

So I guess my juggling act failed - here it is .. the end of the day, I am plain old exhausted and feel in need of a big cry. I guess I want to know - do any of you out there get like this, try to do what I did today and actually succeed?

ps. I know I don't usually post 'life' type posts - that is best left to the likes of Baby Mac and Sara .. but just this once is OK isn't it???

My OEKE inspiration(s) ..

2011-11-26T13:16:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if I've ever told you just how I came about the business name OEKE. Well, my 'inspiration' is these 2 .. my boys. They inspire me to 'be' alot of things .. and inspire me to 'do' alot of things too. I don't usually put family pics on this wee little blog - but if I am to tell you how the OEKE name was decided, I can't not post a pic.

Their names are Joe and Luke. And the name OEKE is the last 2 letters from their names .. (j)OE .. (lu)KE .. sounds pretty simple now I've shown you huh. This is one of my favourite pics of them - they are sitting on the front gates and look so happy, so grown up and so brotherly. Their smiles are super big and they are looking all summery (this was from last summer).

Oh, and if you wondering how to say it .. it is pronounced OH-KEY (like Ni-Ke .. or karoeke).

Having the Mr's birthday party here today so best get off the computer and get cooking. Have a great weekend everyone (at least it's stopped raining here for the moment).

Designer garden gnome!! Yep, that's right ..

2011-11-25T12:55:00.000-08:00

Garden gnomes would not usually fall under the 'designer' category. But these beauties slip through for originality, style & function. They would look good in any garden and I can picture a whole army of (colourful) little men lighting your way. Definately my favourite product of the year.

Found here

OOP snoop ..

2011-11-22T21:12:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Outdoors On Parade have just released their 2012 catalogue. It's packed for of soooo many goodies. AND they have a blog where they update all their favourite things. Go have a peak here. AND AND you can shop online here too. Might be good for christmas gifts (which, I may add, I am yet to start - or even start writing a list for .. doh!!!)

ps. this is not a sponsored post, I just really REALLY like all their things

simple is always best ..

2011-11-21T20:59:00.001-08:00

I know there are a tonne of designs out there (both interiors & graphic) that work better busy, cluttered, full. But me, I'm a simple gal and I love clean and simple (not that you could tell by the state of my kitchen right this minute). I'm not one to have tonnes of things everywhere - although I do have 'corners' where I have (what my hubby calls dust collectors) vases and picture frames and knick-knacks.

This artwork suits me. It says everything with very little required. The colours are perfect. The car illustrations spot on. The overall design, with lots of space between title and car, well thought out. I know girls aren't meant to like cars - but this is more about the 'art' than the content. It would work with drawings of furniture, shoes or flowers.

Go visit Marcin's web, facebook or blog and check out the rest.

I do love the 'Font Weight Classification' art (but if I had posted that you might think me a nerd!!).

Funny side to internet issues ..

2011-11-20T01:28:00.000-08:00

This post is for Happy Howard. "Howard, if you're watching - flash back to Thursday".
It's also for everyone else out there who has had internet problems (and like WHO hasn't).

I found this via The Coolhunter FB page .. always a source of creativity, humour and style.

Crazy or cool .. ?

2011-11-17T16:09:00.000-08:00

this is with them as a splashback, I will be using them on the floor

I'm thinking about being a bit daring with our main bathroom. I found a picture in a mag a few months ago (which I have since lost .. sorry 'bout that) that had a heavily patterned tile on the floor. So off I went hunting to see what I could find similar and found JATANA INTERIORS.

What do you think .. will the bathroom look crazy or cool?

I love JAM ..

2011-11-17T14:47:00.000-08:00

Well, let me clarify that. If I was talking toast for brekky, I actually prefer vegemite. Not everyone's cup of tea I know, but for me it is SOOOO tasty. But this post is not about what I eat for breakfast, it's about a Melbourne firm of creative architects & designers who have the most delightful homes on their site. JAM ARCHITECTS do both commercial and residential projects - and these pics here are a mix of some of their recent projects. I love the use of wood .. and white .. and light.

If you dig further into the commercial section you will see they are developing a mammoth apartment block in Smith Street Fitzroy. We had 1 house and 2 offices in the vicinity of Smith Street, and looking at these photos I wonder how it will change the feel of the street. The area that is being updated was pretty much a nothing area of the street (a video store where druggies tried to sell you stuff when all you wanted was a movie to watch, a doctors surgery & chemist, a $2 type shop) - but it WAS what Fitzroy was .. a mix of everything. I guess time moves on and things change. Oh well.

FREE POSTER .. today only

2011-11-15T19:18:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. It's sunny. I'm feeling happy & relaxed after a hectic few weeks .. and I am just doing some posters for my office to jazz it up a little. I have just completed this one titled 'SUMMER LOVE, Wallington 2011/12' .. and for today only, if you would like your own poster - send me your 'Newtown 2011/12' .. or 'Tahiti 2011/12' wording and I will produce you a PDF which you can take to get printed.

PS. Offer ends at midnight Aussie time 16th November 2011
PPS. No, I won't be awake at that time - hope you are not too
PPPS. Colours are as per here - I can't change the colours. Well, I can change the colours - but it's free remember. F.R.E.E.

Woohoooo ..

2011-11-14T17:08:00.000-08:00

Great news .. my OEKE umbrella can now be bought online via the online-shop-that-has-it-all-and-then-some ... DOWN THAT LITTLE LANE.

Tessa launched DTTL less than 1 month ago after years of research and a heap of hard work .. and in her words .. "We aim to attract an elite community of fine product makers and suppliers and become the best on-line multi store in Australia".

So with that sort of write-up I just knew I had to include the OEKE's in there. You can find all my umbrellas here .. and you can find my favourite artwork (which I talked about a week ago) here

Oh Yea(h) ..

2011-11-12T12:53:00.000-08:00

OK, time to stop finding things I would like to buy - and back to finding homes I would like to live in. This house was in The Age real estate section on the weekend, and the pic with the view from the living areas - through the wall on windows - just did me in. So, as any good blogger does, off I went to investigate. Pretty glad I did. A stunner of a home, a stunner of a pool AND a stunner of a view. Imagine waking up to that each day. Go visit here and see the rest of the house.

Have a great Sunday everyone (-:

Definately NOT plain Jane ..

2011-11-10T16:49:00.001-08:00

THIS I LOVE

OH, THIS TOO ...

OH, OK .. I LIKE THE WHOLE DARN RANGE ...

I love white sheets. Always have. Always will. But now lucky ol' me (and lucky ol' you) can add some pizzazz to your linen with the new range by Jane Hall of Salvation Jane. I'm loving the white pillow slips with the red stitch detail - perfect for my room or the boys. If I used it in the boys rooms I could also get a charcoal cushion (or red .. or both really!!) and they could sit and read their books in style.

Now I have also found out that Jane has done a range of stickers with the Wall Sticker Company .. cool huh!! I might even put the little cross in our ensuite bathroom. Subtle but stylish.

I've never met Jane .. but I reckon she would be pretty cool. I also reckon her outdoor space will be pretty cool this summer as she has just bought one of my OEKE 'Linked' umbrellas. Woohooo!!

Freaky and stylish!!

2011-11-09T21:38:00.000-08:00

I just found this perfectly designed poster over at Printspace - a Melbourne company who 'are a boutique label producing unique art and stationery'. And how freaky - this poster is the same as the saying up top right of my blog. I found this quote a while back and just loved it.

Printspace are at the super fantastic Magnolia Square next month - along with tonnes of other crafty types. Perfect place to pick up some christmas gifts me thinks!!

ps. if you are looking for REALLY lovely art, you know .. the good ones you dream about - head over here to otispepper .. mmmmmm

URBAN (and non urban) WALLS ..

2011-11-08T19:25:00.000-08:00

look mum, look mum, look mum .. look what I can do!!

I received an email the other day from Paul Hardy from URBAN WALLS asking me if I would like to do a blog about his great products. Sure. Of course. No problemo. And really, why not! These stickers (or wall decals I suspect might be the more 'in' term) are super lovely. I like the fancy wording one .. it might work well in our house (especially the 'we have fun' and 'we love'). Paul and his wife Danielle design & create these little gems.

'Our vinyl wall decals are a quick and affordable way to individualize your home without the hassle of painting. They are cut (with no edges or backgrounds) from a specialized vinyl that is specifically designed for home décor. Unlike standard high gloss signage vinyl, our product has a matte finish that gives a gorgeous painted look without bleeding or permanency. They are easy to apply, last for many years and can be easily removed but not re-used.'

That pretty much sums it up. So if you are looking for some fancy decorations for your kids room, your lounge or even on your fridge visit here, here and here.

A celebration ..

2011-11-03T17:47:00.000-07:00

You know how some people can remember everything about their life .. amazingly some people even remember things from when they were 2 or 3?? Well. That's not me. Years ago I fell off a horse - my friends horse - and ended up in hospital for nearly 10 days. I was trying to impress some boys (as you do when you are a teenager) and wasn't wearing a helmet. I was knocked out and lost my memory. So, to this day I have a shocker of a memory. Sometime's that is a good thing as I can read and REread AND REREAD a book and still be surprised at the ending. Same thing applies to movies. Freaky heh.

So where am I going with this. Well today I have reached 200 people who at some stage or another clicked 'follow' on this little blog of mine. I cannot remember when I started this blog, or why - but boy do I love blogging. I love it because when I find things, I blog about them and then I can find them again later. But I also love blogging because of the people I've met. 'Met' sounds odd consider mostly it is by computer (although I've met 2 of you in person haven't I!!) but I feel like I've met you all - and so I wanted to say a big thankyou to everyone. You've made my day (-:

Anti-theft lunch bags

2011-11-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

In need of some inspiration for a new design project, I found these via here. Nothing more to say. Too funny!

META is better ..

2011-11-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

OK, I've done enough posts about shopping, let's go back to perving at nice homes, great homes even. This little selection is from Chantal Spanicciati's of META INTERIORS - a Californian designer. I'm loving the stone walls with the graphic round rugs - but a real surprise for me is that I'm also drawn towards the pale palette of colours used in the lounge shot. Wouldn't work in our homes - unfortunately I'm stuck with daggy brown leather until the kids move out - but I find this space so relaxing and stylish.

Be still my beating heart ..

2011-11-02T13:11:00.001-07:00

Today's post is not about finding the right cushions for my couch, or the right tiles for my bathroom or about houses I would love to live in. It's about life .. and health .. and making changes to make sure I live to old age to enjoy what I've got right now.

I've been having chest pains. Freaky I know. I went to docs and had an ECG and all was fine - so big phew there right. I have to go for a stress test and he also told me next time it happens I have to call an ambulance (now that would be slightly embarassing heh!!). But, is this just a kicker to make me realise I have to look after myself. I have to make changes. BIG changes. But really, how to do that??

I've been wishing for more hours in the day just to get everything done as it is. How am I to find the time to exercise, or shop for the healthiest food - or even just to get my head around being healthy. I know it should be top of my list - maybe even above loving the kids - but my list is full as it is with work, house etc. I keep thinking about my Year 12 English Literature class and the Sylvia Plath poem .. 'Because I could not stop for death, he kindly stopped for me'.

Can you see my dilemma? So, I'm putting it out to blog land - has anyone else had to change their life to fit in health and wellbeing. Or have you been forced to? And what did you do?

All these posters are found via Terry Posters

Down That Little Lane ..

2011-11-02T04:05:00.000-07:00

This one is TOP of my wish list

Cool bag - but I like the bike too!!!

A girls gotta have a summer nightie

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.

My boys would look cool in these!!

Weird post title .. but great online shop. Down That Little Lane (DTLL) has a huuuuge amount of products and all so varied, so there is something for everyone. From home & garden to kids and gifts - there is even a whole section dedicated to grandma's & grandpa's .. can't say I've seen that before.

I have pulled various things that I might ask Santa to put under my tree this year (especially the lino cut artwork @ only $130 .. oh my!!!) but I'm sure if you visit you will find lots of goodies to tempt you too. There are so many great online shops popping up recently - but this one is top notch and VERY drool-worthy.

May the force be with you ..

2011-11-01T00:47:00.000-07:00

I just know the boys will ask what 'moleskin' is ..

Star Wars is pretty big in our house. We have ALL the movies. A tonne of Star Wars lego. Heh, we even named our 2nd boy Luke .. so you can imagine my delight in finding these cool notebooks.

The pocket limited edition Star Wars Moleskine notebook is 9x14cm and 192 pages. It has all the premium Moleskine features - elastic strap closure, expandable inner pocket, thread bound, bookmark, hard cover, Moleskine history.

Usually I'm one of those mum's who is out shopping the night before the shops shut and then wrapping presents until 1am in the morning - but I do believe in finding (and buying) these, I have now started my xmas shopping. And it's only November 1. Woohoooo !!!

Pantone xmas balls ..

2011-10-31T15:12:00.000-07:00

Working with PMS colours all day, I sometimes wonder what the fascination is with all Pantone Universe products. Although I admit out of all the Pantone products, these Xmas Balls one's are top of my christmas wish list. I think they would look pretty good on my tree (-:

THANKS KATRINA FOR THE HEADS UP

Pop-up DESIGN FILES ..

2011-10-30T22:20:00.000-07:00

This is pretty darn exciting I must say. The super talented Lucy Feagins of the DESIGN FILES is working in cohoots with THE PROJECT AGENCY to open the trendiest of pop-up's Melbourne has ever seen.

The fact that it isn't in a shop, or a store, or a factory (have I got you intrigued now) but in a house in Fitzroy is a truly imaginative and original concept. THE DESIGN FILES OPEN HOUSE will have all sorts of designer items .. from furniture and lighting through to bedlinen and books on show. And you know the even MORE exciting part - you can buy everything in the house.

Now, I've lived in Fitzroy before and the term's open & house probably shouldn't be used in the same sentence (we were broken into while I was home and so I never had an open anything after that!!) but I'm sure this open house will be a hit amongst designers and shoppers alike (and not thieves).

I've emailed Lucy to see if I can include my OEKE umbrellas as they will be having a rooftop garden - but no word back as yet - so if you speak to Lucy, let her know Linda is REALLY KEEN to put her umbrellas in her new house OK. Thanks. I knew you'd understand.

A slight change ...

2011-10-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

our dining room - I L.O.V.E. that yellow monkey pic (-:

Hi everyone. Have decided to use a blog template for my little ol' blog - so hang in there while I work out the changes. Why-oh-WHY can't I just leave things as they are - who knows, but I kinda like change (can you tell!!)

Before & After by Match ..

2011-10-24T22:23:00.001-07:00

nice bones as they say

can you see why I said 'you've gotta be kidding!!'

not very inspiring huh!

now THAT'S a bedroom

You know sometimes when you see something that is SO impressive it just leaves you speechless? Well, when I saw these images on the super talented California-creative Match blog, I wasn't speechless - I actually said (to my computer, as noone else was around) 'You've gotta be kidding'!! No joke, ask my computer if you think I'm telling fibs.

As far as before and afters go these shots are even more impressive as there is nothing architecturally changed in them. Just the furniture, paint colours etc (and of course, fancy photography always helps). As both Whitney and Kevin are renters, they work their charm and use their creativity in creating stylish homes without needing to change the house. Cool huh.

I am always so impressed at how interior designers see empty spaces and then create such amazing interiors. A-mazing!!

ps. do you think it is Whitney (houston) and Kevin (costner) - as in Bodyguard - Oh, I do love that movie.

I'm having a HOUSE WARMING ...

2011-10-24T17:23:00.000-07:00

wish that was my lounge room

too many pretty things

gotta love the christmas colours!!

the view from the front of the shop is out over the newly created harbour

that bath styling is making me want to start on ours

Well, I'm not really having a house warming .. but if you have a house (check!!), need some stylish things to put in said house (check!!) and if you are ever in the vicinity of Queenscliff (Victoria), then you really must pop into Jacqui's new shop HOUSE WARMING.

I realise posting about a shop you all may never get to go to is like dangling a carrot in front of the donkey (did I just call you all donkey's???) - but, admiring great products, great styling (especially from someone so young and who had previously worked in the wine industry) and a great location is THE best thing about the www.

Of course, I am lucky - I can head down there anytime I choose and buy some fab stuff (I had my eye on quite a few things I can tell you) - but hopefully soon this only-been-open-5-weeks store will have a web with shopping facilities and a facebook page - so then you can all shop to your hearts content.

Darn blogger and it's new user interface ..

2011-10-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

I have no idea what happened. An innocent little 'click' of the Blogger 'try the updated Blogger interface' has left me with this. Or has it? If anyone is out there - and knows what my blog usually looks like - can you tell me .. does it look the same or has it changed? It has changed on my end. Doh!! Double Doh!!! I don't have time today to fix .. grrrrrr

A little Heidi trip ..

2011-10-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

Today we are heading back to our old neighbourhood and visiting the Heidi Museum. They have an exhibition on at the moment titled 'Forever Young: 30 Years of the Heidi Collection' .. and I can't wait.

As we were locals, we often went to Heidi when the boys were really small and just walked around the gardens (note: can they really be called gardens when it was so large - let's call them parks shall we) and viewed the various artworks. Most times we went in and I must admit to sometimes ignorning what was on the walls and just drooled over the house. As a lover of 70's buildings, the Heidi is the perfect example of how great the architecture was at that time.

My boys won't be wearing purple jumpsuits like these 2

Hopefully the boys won't be too bored and we can stop for a bit of lunch too. Maybe a trip to the Heidi store will make them happy .. and bit of art to take home (or maybe even just a flyer - my boys love flyers!!).

who doesn't love a bit of Batman on a Saturday

After that, and not really on the same scale design-wise, we might stop in at the Armageddon Expo to check out some Star Wars characters .. some Batman impersonators .. who knows what else. WHAT a weekend we have planned.

Hope you are all doing something fantastic on the weekend too.

I'm coming back ..

2011-10-21T02:12:00.001-07:00

Nothing has changed, not even the lighting

I loved our kitchen .. that window had a great view

I'm coming back .. I miss you all. I miss the searching .. and the finding. I miss seeing all the great, stylish products everyone finds. I miss the creativity. And I guess I just miss blogging. 2 months off will do that too a girl.

I've been busy. No real excuse I guess. Don't get me wrong - I'm not complaining, I love being busy. The Mr says I'm like a ferrari - my engine just runs real quick. I've got lots to tell you, but will save that for the next post .. and the one after that .. because good golly Miss Molly, I'm coming back to blogging (note: I know this is more of a monumental announcement for me than anyone else, but gee I'm excited.

For my first post back I thought I would show you some pics of our first place we renovated (it's currently for sale - link here while it lasts). This was a townhouse, 2 storeys and a basement-type-room. We did the full reno and actually had it published in Home Beautiful, in a renovation before/after special - which I must say I was so excited about.

I loved the stairs we did - and by the look of these pics, they have lasted pretty good. We only lived in this place for 18 months and it was a big learning curve as it was our first place. But it led to bigger and better things as we are now doing our 4th house. Next post I might show you our new laundry. For nearly 5 years we have lived like grots in the laundry and now it is gleaming white, lots of light and a large print I made myself.

So until next time, it's great to be back and I can't wait to catch up with everyone (-:

ps. hi Michelle

BIG thanks ..

2011-08-04T17:38:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone. It's been a while, I know. It's just been so darn busy - both with my OEKE umbrellas and my design work. I meant to post about this earlier this week and I am ashamed to say it has taken until now to do so. The SUPER lovely Loni @ ADORE HOME MAGAZINE including my new OEKE 'Resort' umbrella in the latest issue. I was so so SO chuffed.

If you are yet to read it, it is packed full of fantastic finds (as always) and has a delightful spread on Lucy Fenton of Fenton & Fenton, a great kitchen spread (which makes me want to redo mine in dark colours), a blogger feature of the fabulous Belinda @ Kelly Green and .. well, there is a tonne more but you must go have a look.

Hope you all have a great weekend and I hope to be back blogging as normal when things settle down .. whenever that will be (-:

One out of the box ..

2011-07-11T19:56:00.001-07:00

This home in Yellowbox Terrace, Heidelberg, is now for sale. I remember when it was being built (as we lived around the corner and used to walk near there when the kids were small and in prams - we walked a LOT when the kids were small just to get them to sleep) and loved the style of the home back then (it is 7 years old - but looks just as good today).

My droolings were only for the outside as I never saw the completed interiors. But from these pics I can now say I love the inside just as much as the outside. The angled roof line, the terrazo floors, the sliding doors - and even that feature wall with different coloured panels - is definately my sort of home.

The garden was very unique 'back then' .. I remember when they planted it, the trees were very small and that lush green area underneath the trees were only very small. Loving the Australian look of it now it has grown.

Fasham make great homes. They also did another home in Yellowbox Terrace that was completely different - in that it had a pitched roof and was very boxy (but still very nice) and if you check out their website, their gallery of homes shows more of their designer style.

Link to home here

I'm back ...

2011-07-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

Not that you probably knew I was even gone - but I took my boys to Queensland to de-thaw and recharge. The weather was a very lovely 20 degrees (which I admit would not normally sound that impressive - but when we have been shivvvvering down thisaway, 20 is just perfect). We did the tourist thing and went to Sea World AND I went on a scary ride. To be honest, I was petrified before going on it .. shaking in my boots typathing - but when the ride started, I actually laughed all the way around.

Whilst we were gone the Mr has started on the laundry. It is now an empty shell. We drew up the plans last night and new doors & windows have already been ordered. I want to put a mirror on one entire wall but will probably just have to use paint. Major umphed about that!!

I promise to get back to normal designy-type-posts soon .. but for now, enjoy this little pic of me being a kid again (-:

Designer feedback ..

2011-07-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

what does the dog pic have to do with this post.
ab-so-lute-ly nothing - but darn it is cute (-:

Oh what a shocker of a day here today .. freezing cold, windy AS (got that little phrase from my boys who say everything is COOL AS!!!) and lots and lots and LOTS of rain. So imagine how warm my little heart got when I saw that a fabulous designer (who I mentioned on this here blog back here) likes my new 'Resort' umbrella. Thanks Camilla ..

oh, and you can visit Camilla's blog here

Sweet suite ..

2011-07-04T04:30:00.000-07:00

It's been a doozy of a week since I last posted. Lots of highs and lows. The lows we won't go into (really kinda boring) but the high .. well, the fireplace is done. It looks fan-bloody-tastic and we can't wait until we can load the wood and start the fire (another week or 3 should do it). Kids are on school holidays which is soooo relaxing. No morning rush to deal with and today, being the first 'actual' day, was very pleasant as both my boys went to the movies with their friends and were gone all day. The Mr and I even managed a lunch out by ourselves. Sweet.

Which leads me to the 'Sweet Suite' title of this post. I found this ultra talented Brisbane photographer tonight .. LACERSUITE (web link and blog link) who managed to make me smile a bit tonight. She has great wedding shots in her folio, along with food shots (which just made me hungry) - but the (what I assume is a) camel smiling at the camera - too cute.

ps. is anyone else out there hating The Block this time round. I usually LOVE it .. but the ads, the drawn out episodes, the OTT suspense - it has ruined it for me. I wish Katrina & all the other contestants all the very best - but I just can't watch it. It is boring me. Not the reno's or the couples - just the show. Am I the only one???

They're up ..

2011-06-28T22:28:00.000-07:00

now

during

before

What a day we had. Over the years we have done many things to many houses. Pulled down walls .. put up walls. Added windows .. removed doors. Painted, plastered, reno'd to the max .. but never have we had a fireplace - and never have we added a fake stone wall. This was (kinda) fun. Working out the right stone to go where and what colour matched the next - it was like a big jigsaw puzzle. Lucky we chose Hoobler stone as they weren't that heavy. My body is aching as it is - if we had gone with one of the other products we looked at (which were all a LOT heavier) I would be in bed with a packet of panadol to soothe my aches & pains.

The wall is not quite finished (hence the mess still everywhere) and the concrete/glue between each stone is not dry so it is a little darker here than what it will be when completely dry - but you can see what an amazing transformation it is. The window frames on either side will be painted white eventually - and when all is done I will post some final glorious after shots (maybe I'll even style it pretty too). Hope you all like as much as me (-:

Getting stoned ..

2011-06-27T18:06:00.001-07:00

Not me .. our fireplace. Right now. By us. Too excited. Really really REALLY excited. Will post pics tomorrow. Woohooooo!!!

Milk toof ..

2011-06-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

look, the little toof's even have an inspiration board ..

You gotta go see this. Flick through every.single.post and you will come away with a smile on your dial, a chuckle in your belly and a whole new appreciation for teeth (or toof's) in general. This lady, Inhae Renee Lee of MY MILK TOOF, is super talented - and her toof creations (and the stories that go with them) are the funniest thing I have seen in a long long LONG time. I can't wait till the kids get home to show them too.

Found this link waaayyyy down the bottom of Charlotta's SPACE FOR INSPIRATION blog (thanks Charlotta - for everything!!!)

I love this art ..

2011-06-21T03:25:00.000-07:00

I truly love this art. I actually think I might order it tomorrow. As they are painted to order, I can ask for whatever size I like/need (within reason I'm sure). I like the graphic-ness of them and even though you all know I love black & white - I think I could even go with a splash of red. Found via everyones favourite etsy here

Second of new designs ..

2011-06-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

It is freezing here this morning. The sun is shining and there is some blue sky, but the wind .. brrrr. Hoping the weather is a little brighter where you are. If not, then looky here. This is the 2nd of my new OEKE designs (sorry for the delay Virginia (-: !!!). This one I have called RESORT as it gives me that sort of feel .. like I'm lounging by the pool in my bikini in a fancy smancy resort (heh, if I'm gunna dream about fancy smancy resorts I can also dream about wearing a bikini).

I have also included a picture of some of my OEKE's at the new TAIT Sydney showroom. They opened a few months ago and had their whizzbang launch party last week. I'm loving the yellow next to the green next to the black. I'm also loving the 'Good One' table & chair combo in red & black (see right of pic).

Annoying cushions .. not these ones

2011-06-20T04:18:00.000-07:00

Cushions annoy me. Usually anyway. I just see them as 'things' that my boys throw around. Mine never seem to stay on my couch .. they are used on the floor to sit on when building lego, they are used as temporary weights when making teepees out of sheets and they are used to cover the cat when he is asleep until only his tail is poking out. So, you see, when I see all these fancy cushions around the www-world I just think 'not another bloody cushion'.

But these ones. These ones are for me. The floral is so not what I normally pick but they seem to make me drool. The ikat ones are also not what I would usually pick - but I like them too. I even like the picture from Willa Skye Home's etsy page - mainly the couch I admit (I very much DISlike the curtains) with all the different sort of cushions.

So, I think I might have changed my mind on cushions. They don't annoy me. Not if they stay where they are intended on the couch. So maybe I'll give the boys the old ones and keep the fancy new ones just for me.

First of new designs ..

2011-06-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

My new shipment of OEKE's came in a few weeks back and last week I did photography of them for PR and my new brochure (which I really must start today ??). This is one of my new designs. It's called MOROCCO and it is a cream fabric with white printing. I always love strong, bright and graphic colours - but I kinda think this one is my new favourite. I would really love your opinion/comments - could you see this in your outdoor space?

Keep a look out for my other new OEKE's ..

I'm feeling a tad pale ..

2011-06-18T23:41:00.000-07:00

I wish my boys school would have such lovely envelopes

sweet heh

I'm loving these trays

OK .. not 'technically' pale but still super-lovely

these oversized pegs are for nametags, photos or notes ..

I'm feeling more and more pale these days. Blogs and sites around the globe are more and more using white and pale colours to promote their wares. The delights from this store, LOVES LOANS & LINEN in Palm Beach, NSW also are pale with linen, cloths and paper products all making me feel pale is the IN colour.

I am lucky in that my new umbrella design (one of 3 - which I will show you all next week) is pale - a lovely white pattern on cream fabric - so I'm not feeling too left out. But now I'm thinking I need to overhaul my whole look - from blog, to website - to clothing. The whole darn lot.

I'm about to design my new brochure for my OEKE umbrella's - so maybe, if my normal day job is not too busy - I will update my blog too. Perhaps I'll pretend I'm Scandanavian - they seem to get it right !!!

Splashy splashback ..

2011-06-18T03:16:00.001-07:00

is that not the best splashback ever .. as my boys would say 'way cool'

The splashy splashback in this special stylish home sits seductively inside a stunning setting. Now just for a laugh, repeat that 3 times ...

OK, it's a tongue twister .. but you gotta love what they have done with it. It gives such a graphic impact to the kitchen/living area but more importantly, provides a stylish reference to the location of the renovated terrace. I loved living in Fitzory (we lived in Condell Street and then had 2 offices in Gertrude Street - one at 209 and the other at 114). Everything about Fitzroy is creative and fun and graphic - just like this house.

Found here ...

Architect Barbie ..

2011-06-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

I didn't have Barbies when I was growing up. Perhaps if there was an Architect Barbie I might begged Mum to buy it for me .. or Graphic Design Barbie .. or Hairdresser Barbie. Which Barbie would you have wanted?

Found this via HoldIt Contemporary Home .. which I found via Dwell on Design .. which I found via Alice in Designland .. which was where I was before this roundabout started @ The Boo and the Boy (hope you followed me on that journey)

More Tassie love ..

2011-06-14T03:32:00.000-07:00

You'd think that with all this cold weather I would be searching for homes in warmer climates. But no, I seem to be heading across Bass Strait more than the ferry at the moment. This house was found via a search for Peppermint Bay - after I read that a chef in the Epicure was leaving the Peppermint Bay restaurant to come back to Melbourne (maybe he was over the cold to).

This house obviously ticks all the boxes re: position and view - but I also like the size and lines of the house. That driveway gets me all gooey too (and 'almost' twists my arm on not having Lilydale Topping for our drive). The polished concrete looks nice - but the kitchen is a bit glossy for me. I would have to tone that down a little.

So do you think you could love a home enough to move to southern Tasmania?

Nothing but a laugh ..

2011-06-13T23:07:00.001-07:00

I have nothing more than a giggle & a laugh to offer you today. I have a gazillion 'I gotta blog about this' links/images - but this is ALL I can manage today. The email has been down which causes me great stress, my 7yo has a friend over for a play and my 5yo is sitting next to me on the floor with my Iphone playing realllllly loudly and hubby is under his 60yo tractor trying to get the oil out .. and that my dears is about as exciting as my day can get. Oh, I did do my exercise at lunchtime and am on day 3 of my 100 day diet challenge. I also booked out Queensland holiday to see my SIL and nieces (hence my 100 day diet challenge). Wish me luck for the remaining 97 .. should be easy (-:

super talented & completely mesmerizing ..

2011-06-08T20:07:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt at embedding a video .. hope it works as this is a doozy.

Hoping you all have a lovely weekend (-:
Thanks for all the comments on my previous post. Truly, I am amazed (-: (-: (that's a double happy face from me)

THE PRETTIEST BLOG ..

2011-06-02T01:22:00.001-07:00

OK .. big statement - and I am truly not trying to peeve you (us) other bloggers out there - but really, this is the prettiest, image intensive, stylish blog I have ever seen. Anna-Malin (link) just walks around her house taking pics. Sounds simple doesn't it. But she has a magical talent.

Go grab a cuppa and have a browse. You can thank me later (-:

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

2011-05-25T21:13:00.001-07:00

This pretty much sums up my day .. especially the 'random internet surfing'. I've been stuck for hours doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that and, really, not much of anything. Found this on everyone's favourite PINTEREST via here.

note: i just found out I have a PINTEREST page .. how did that happen - can anyone let me know?

STAR DESIGNER

2011-05-25T17:01:00.000-07:00

I love Sally Field. From 'Places in the Heart' to 'Mrs Doubtfire' and now 'Brothers & Sisters' .. I could watch her till the cows came home. Now I bet I love her home also as the super talented Tim Clarke has designed her home (and other star celebrities such as Portia De Rossi and Ben Stiller).

I love the beachy type house .. with the big plant and even bigger mirror. Or the one, which on Tim's website comes under 'native woods', which uses wood and eclectic homeware finds. He has a shop too - yep, too cool heh! In it is an A.maz.ING array of chairs & lamps & ottomans .. oh my - you must go peek. Here is the link to his site. Off you go (-:

ps. thanks to Marie's blog for helping me find Tim

CHANGE IS GOOD

2011-05-24T23:03:00.000-07:00

I had a few spare minutes and felt like a change. Sorry about the previous posts and not being able to read the words now. Minor pickle. See you all soon (-:

MAXA-mum style ..

2011-05-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

Oh I am so (not) witty with that tagline I know. This s.s.s.tunning home by MAXA DESIGNS is, what I believe, the perfect Australian country home. The windows. The space. The style. It all conjures up feelings of cozy afternoons reading a book watching the day go by. This home is in the Bunzyip State Park (just near Gembrook in Victoria) and whilst reminiscent of a wool shed, a shed it most definately is not.

This contemporary home on 10 (lovely) acres uses old and new materials in its construction - and the fact that MAXA DESIGNS specialise in designing environmentally sustainable buildings, you can bet it ticks all the boxes most people want from their homes today. I love the glass sliding doors the best. I can almost feel the warmth of the winter sun as it hits those exposed brick walls (which, by the way, were popped in just to display the home owners extensive artwork collection).

If you visit MAXA's website or facebook page you can see more of their work. They have entered 2 of their homes in the BDAV (Building Designers Association of Victoria) Awards this year - and will find out in July if they have won. Let's cross our fingers for them.

a creative romantic ...

2011-05-20T22:40:00.000-07:00

link

I have absolutely NO idea how to insert a video link .. so if you are bored and trust my judgement, go visit this.

http://media.theage.com.au/entertainment/red-carpet/a-wedding-proposal-like-in-the-movies-literally-2374293.html

that good feeling ..

2011-05-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

OK, it's the weekend. I'm sitting here on the computer blogging away while my boys are out playing star wars .. or cowboys .. or whatever with their friend over .. and the sun is shining, the house is clean .. and I have 'that good feeling'.

So, lucky for me I found this cute artwork by Will Bryant. I found his page via If the Lamp Shade fits .. then Savvy Home .. then Poppytalk. Just in case in you wanted to know my trail of discovery.

Have a great weekend wherever you are and hope you get that good feeling too (-:

nice AND nice ..

2011-05-18T02:09:00.000-07:00

You know how some people are nice. And you know how are some houses are nice. Well, this house has nice people. Well, it did. It's currently for sale so I'm guessing the nice people are going somewhere else nice to live.

I only know they are nice because one day, about 6 or 7 years ago, we were doing a drive around the neighbourhood, getting ideas on colours for our render for our house. Sometimes looking at a little swatch just doesn't cut it does it? So we drove past this one quite a few times and just loved it. Low and behold we saw a man doing a spot of gardening. This house was very new at the time and even though the garden here is quite advanced, at that stage there was nothing. I actually walked up the drive and asked the man (the nice man) would he mind letting me know what colour the main rendered part of his house was. I told him we did not live in the next street so it would not look like we copied (something I thought was important). He actually told me. Can you believe it?? Better still, he said 'hang on, I've still got a sample pot' and he went into his garage, got it and gave it to me WITH a smile. Amazing heh.

In the end we didn't go with that exact colour (it was a smidgen darker) but it was the end of our search for a colour we loved.

So I hope you too like this nice house that the nice man live(d) in (-:

Oh happy days ..

2011-05-12T00:29:00.000-07:00

Oh Happy Day's indeed. Today I got this image from a lady in Queensland who bought 2 of my 'Happy Days' umbrellas - she emailed me to say thankyou and showed me where she put my OEKE's. I have to say they look quite sunny. AND today I also confirmed an order for 6 of these to go in a school in Sydney. So you see .. Happy Days (-:

Even though I can't read maps ..

2011-05-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

.. I still think these are cool. They are by Melbourne based ex-smarty-pants-geometric-engineer-turned-lamp-designer-extraordinaire Dianna Chapman of LAMPS BY SPACED. You can choose which Melway Map you want to use and she creates these stylish lamps using vintage surveyor tripods.

Perhaps if I had something as nice as this in my car I would never get lost!!!

You are in for a treat ..

2011-05-09T21:28:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love a 'before' and 'after' and this fantastic makeover by Aussie (Melbourne too) designer Camilla Molders proves how stylish some people really are.

To have seen past those burgundy walls and heavy trim and end up with light, (more) spacious (looking) room with touches of glam - she is one top-notch interior designer (WHO just happened to work at the likes of Mokum etc).

Visit her Designalogue blog or website.

Bowled over ..

2011-05-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

Aren't these stunning. I can't say I've searched high and low for ceramic's - but I'm pretty sure there is nothing out there that matches these lovely bowls. Obviously I'm into the stronger, bolder patterns - but if you visit Jill Rosenwald's Etsy shop you can find other delights that are a little less graphic. Oh, and if you visit her blog you can see that her husband is extra talented and makes the most amazing lamp bases (and I'm sure a tonne more). A great find from a link over at Annechovie.

Doing it differently ..

2011-05-06T20:57:00.001-07:00

I am very fond of a long driveway ..

that pool table (or perhaps rich people only have snooker tables) is WAY too small for the room

I thought I would do things differently today. I know I always 'appear' to post the same style home .. I admit it - I love light - I love angles .. and most of all I just love family homes that are modern.

Today's post is about a home that I could also quite easily live in. It's in Lower Plenty in Melbourne (an area we looked at before we moved to the coast). Admittedly our budget was NOWHERE NEAR this house - but that is how I came about finding this home.

I love the high ceilings, the fireplaces, the exterior, the brickwork, the parquetry, the mouldings/trim everywhere - and yes, I gotta admit - I have fallen for the staircase. I'd feel like a movie star living here. And speaking of movie stars - or at least 'movies' - I would get the stylist from 'Somethings Gotta Give' to decorate this.

Or better yet (and yes, I did say BETTER YET) I would fly over Heather Jenkinson from the UK and get her to work her magic. I love the muted colours she uses, the 'homes' she creates and the style that is achieved. (go visit her blog and find out more)

You ready .. ???

2011-05-05T23:52:00.001-07:00

Super duper fantastically amazing aren't they. I know I always post the same sort of style home - I'm guessing by now you've picked up on my taste of houses. It doesn't mean I'm not partial to country time homes, or period homes .. or different architecturally eras. It's just I love this sort of home.

BUT. I think I've found the it'n'a'bit master of homes I love.

Dick Clark Architecture. No more words required. Go visit their site and be bedazzled by their work. Click on the 'Explore' section for a tonne of pics. Let me know what you think.

Opportunity Knox ..

2011-05-05T16:34:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling a tad sleepy just looking at this room ...

that ceiling just does me in ...

such lovely, lovely angles ..

In our 'previous' life .. the one before the move to the coast to enjoy the beaches and fresh air, we lived in Heidelberg, Melbourne. Our home was a delightful 70's masterpiece. When we bought it at auction it was chocolate brown everywhere, orange kitchen, fluffy carpet - the whole 70's experience. We spent years fixing it up and when we sold, it was a white walled, timber floored, 5 bedroom + office home (albeit with a teeny weeny backyard - a downfall of Melbourne life).

Around the same time our friends bought a house around the corner from us (also in Heidelberg) which was an Alistair Knox design. They have since sold it and also moved to fresher air and are now living in Bright. But before they sold, they reno'd it to the max (he is a very talented architect). They added a 2nd storey, created a wonderful home (you should have seen the kitchen), laid real timber floors that originated from their grandparents homes and did a wonderful, luscious garden.

Which brings me to this home - also by Alistair Knox. In this home I see the most magical of homes that could be created. Those ceilings are like a work of art. The beautiful windows letting the outdoors in. Oh, and the outdoors - with those trees, my heart is a flutter. Squint your eyes and add some white (or perhaps colour if you are that way inclined) and imagine the possibilities.

You can find this home here

ps. you must check my next post - the bestest architect I have EVER seen .. fantastic!!!

coming back soon OK..

2011-05-03T21:54:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to pop in say I promise I will post again soon. Nothing particularly urgent on but the day just flies on by and no time for anything thought provoking. It is my mum and dad's 48th wedding anniversary today .. pretty cool huh!! Maybe 48 and a half years ago my dad was thinking 'Ring, Ring, Ring' too (and lucky for me and my brothers/sister - she said YES)!!!

OEKE in the Age ...

2011-04-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

I am feeling on top of the moon. The OEKE's got in The Age Green Guide 'Modern Living' feature today. They are alongside such wonderful companies such as Cosh Living, Domo, Space Furniture and Globe West - so I'm feeling extra special. It's called Brilliant Brollies - and I'm feeling a tad Brilliant now too (-:

PPP (perfect, professional photography) ...

2011-04-27T02:58:00.000-07:00

I wonder if the moon is real or photoshopped in later ...

Tonight I googled 'Melbourne Architectural Photographer' and yipee for me (and you) I found Kristian Gehradte. With a toe in residential, commercial and promotional photography, Kristian's style is PPP (perfect, professional photography)*.

I love the shot of the office building .. and that lounge with the drumkit - all dark and moody - my boys (and me too) would LOVE this house.

* I can make up my own words can't I. I mean, we suffer through LOL and BFF (which I actually thought was Best Female Friend) so I think PPP can be used???

Tweet tweet ...

2011-04-22T18:49:00.000-07:00

I found this company .. Sparrow & Co .. a Scottish firm making unique, handcrafted items via Pitch Design Union (a very, very inspiration filled graphic blog) this morning. The items Samuel Sparrow makes are lovely enough, but I must admit to loving the pics he uses to promote & display his products. As it is a little dreary weather-wise here today, they just seem to fit my mood. The candles seem romantic, the cushions look extra comfy .. and that driftwood heart just makes mine fall in love even more.

Hope you are all having a great Easter long weekend ..

David Band ..

2011-04-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

This post is about a great artist, a designer, a business man and a husband and father. I put artist first as I have always love his art. Simple. Super-stylish. Graphic. You've no doubt seen his work in many home magazines on the walls of all the beautiful homes. I've posted here before about my love of monochromatic art and his, I believe, was the best.

Along with his wife Fiona, he also had a graphic design business called Mahon & Band. Together they designed brands, graphics and designs for some of the best & most creative business in Australia .. Dinosaurs Design, Karen Martini, Rockpool, Icebergs, Mr Wolf - I could continue, but you get my drift.

Years ago I remember seeing their first little home in a house magazine. They had a tiny weeny little flat (in St Kilda from memory) and I was amazed as what they did with such a tiny space.
Remember, this was about .. ??? .. 10 years ago, so sorry I can't remember the details exactly.

They looked a lovely, happy couple - and even though I do not know them personally, I feel very shocked and saddened by the news that David has died. He was only 51.

Death is 'meant' to be for the old, the ones that have led a full life - had enjoyed watching their children grow into adults, had time to do all the things they wanted .. had enjoyed all that long lives give.

I will miss seeing what new designs he will come up with. He was the 'original' graphic artist, a true designer across many fields. The Australian art, business and design community has lost an innovative, creative and inspired man. But more importantly, a wife has lost her husband and a child his father. I wish his little family all the best during this horrible time.

do you think I will use it ...

2011-04-20T22:17:00.000-07:00

I just bought this on ebay .. do you think I will use it? Do you think these handsome dudes will deliver it (the guy on the left looks like he is struggling a bit - maybe he has the heavy end. I ALWAYS get the heavy end). Only 6 months till summer. Best get exercising huh!!!

Holiday fun ..

2011-04-18T17:58:00.000-07:00

me and my wonder boys up THE BIG HILL in Stawell

walking up the mountain .. boys leading the way

at the gold mine having a laugh

the most beautiful sunsets every night

furry friends at the zoo

It's school holidays here so last week we took a little break and choofed off up to The Grampians. Our usual holiday accommodation style is to hire holiday homes - and we have stayed in some lovely homes in the past. This time we thought we would try something different and stayed at a caravan park .. in a cabin. Our thinking was that the kids will find other kids to play with - they would have fun and we could have a little break, read some books .. that sort of thing. The whole caravan park theory didn't quite pan out, but I must admit to liking the relaxed lifestyle of the park. We had a delightful cabin overlooking Lake Fyans at Halls Gap. Birds chirped, the sunsets were stunning, it had a little beach by the lake so we could make sandcastles - and overall, the holiday was a huge success. We climbed the mountain, visited the zoo, played mini-golf and had a very, very nice break. Here are a few of our millions of photos we took. We are already planning our next little break away (-:

ZIG ZAG ZOOM ...

2011-04-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday always brings a nice new house to love, a new house to dream of, a new house to drool over - and this one at 12 Zig Zag Road in Mount Macedon ticks all those boxes. A concrete marvel softened by large glass windows overlooking perfect green landscaped surrounds - this lovely home is designed by Melbourne architect Paul Couch.

There is a little 'too' much concrete for my liking - a wee bit sterile - but the bedroom shows how adding some softer touches in carpet, rugs and my all-time-love white paint - can make this fantastic house into a fantastic home.

You can see this house here (oh, and while you are there, check out the other great home in Mount Macedon @ 145 Alton Road - nice too huh!!)

ya gotta laugh ..

2011-04-05T22:59:00.000-07:00

Some people are just too witty.
And this guy, Tom Gabor, puts the WIT in witty.
It literally made my day.

I found this via Benny Benson's Blog (now THAT'S alot of B's), which I found via the Inside Out Blog, which I found (well, you get my drift)!!!

Simple, Graphic & Stylish ...

2011-04-01T03:53:00.001-07:00

surely this puts a smile on your dial

Yipee. It's Friday. Nothing like a weekend to make you sit back and relax. I'm hoping it is going to be cold, rainy and windy - so we can stay tucked up inside and have a nice fire. Simple things like that make me happy. AND these simple, stylish graphics make me happy too.

Found these via the GDNSS blog and they are from the Florent Guerlain site.

Hope you all have a great weekend (-:

Creating counting ...

2011-03-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

I'm not that good with numbers. I did maths B in high school - and should the government ever change the GST from 10% to .. say .. 11% - my mind will explode. But you might like my creative counting here.

Yesterday was a long day. The day before was long too - but yesterday EXtremely long. I started at 4.30am and finished at 1.30am. That is 21 hours. But, here's where I get creative with numbers and get to the big 126.

You see, I have worked those hours many moons ago when I was a spring chicken. But I figure computers go twice as fast as they used to - so that is 21 x 2 = 42. But, I am also much quicker at doing what I do - as I have been doing it so darn long. At least 3 times as fast. So that makes it 42 x 3 = 126. So, I worked 126 hours yesterday. Phew, no wonder I am tired.

Bathroom love ..

2011-03-28T02:35:00.001-07:00

This post is just for me really. Just so I don't lose this stunningly perfect bathroom. I found this via Suze's Dwellers Without Decorators blog tonight (thanks a bundle Suze!!!) as part of her before/after post. Man, you gotta love a before/after. Man, I can't wait until we have our own before/after bathroom.

A little teaser ...

2011-03-26T02:29:00.001-07:00

If you are interested to find out just who is up for awards in this years Australian Interior Design Awards, I thought I would tease you a little with this little selection of images. An amazing array of stylish homes, buildings, offices + more. I just love that window by Shareen Joel .. and that rocker by the fireplace by Hare & Klein - very dreamy. (note: I think the xray of the fruit bat - or whatever is - on the home page is just a tad scary!!!)

Corinella Cool ..

2011-03-25T03:58:00.001-07:00

Years ago, when my boys were very small (Joe was nearly 3 and Luke was about 6 months old), the Mr and I took a drive to Corinella. That was before we made the decision to move down to Wallington to be near the beach. At that stage we were still living in Melbourne and just 'dreaming' about the beach.

So, we hatched a plan to buy a beachouse. (An unfunded plan, but still worthy of calling it a plan). One day I was reading the paper and found out that Corinella house prices were quite cheap. Good enough decision to take a long drive don't you think. We headed down and it did look quite a pretty spot. Not really a swimming beach but it had a great jetty and lots of fresh air. But, I didn't see this house otherwise I think I may have definately bought something - because if this is the standard of house in Corinella now, I think the prices may have gone up.

This house is by Melbourne based architectural firm BKK .. and I have taken these images from Melbourne photographer Peter Bennetts website.

(that was a very poorly written post - but with not much sleep, my mind does not work too well)

Which one?

2011-03-24T05:02:00.000-07:00

It's very late. I'm out working. Have NO idea what time I am going to finish. So, I am dreaming about buying myself a nice chair to lounge in. I need one for my bedroom. Somewhere I can curl up with a book or veg and watch TV. A 'just me' chair. Obviously I am in a blue mood (with 2 of my choices in blue) .. these are all from Matt Blatt (sorry to the original designers but I just can't afford the real mccoy). So, what do you think? Has anyone sat in any of these. Are they comfy? For now, I will dream while I work. Hopefully I won't actually fall asleep and really dream otherwise I won't get my work done and there will be NO money (dream or otherwise)!!!

I'VE BRANCHED OUT ..

2011-03-21T15:27:00.003-07:00

Did I tell you that I now do wallpaper .. in the OEKE 'Linked' pattern. No. Well, that's because I actually haven't. But, this company in LA called Walnut Wallpaper have the same pattern in their range. Cool huh. I gotta say the whole bedroom looks a tad .. hmm .. how shall I say this, gross. But the wallpaper is pretty cool don't you think!!

I found this via the Heidi Claire blog. Thanks Heidi (-:

DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS?

2011-03-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

Loving this look I must admit (-:

that little man with his shoulders slumped is me today,
as I have to work while the sun is shining and my little family head to the beach

I'm just wondering, am I the only person to not know about Ikea's blog LIVET HEMMA? So many images, so little time. If you are needing a little inspiration - be it using Ikea products or not - go have a peek. You'll prob need about 30 minutes before you tire of scrolling through the images. AND if you can read the words (which I cannot!!) you might even need a few minutes extra.'

Fantastic home ..

2011-03-16T19:43:00.000-07:00

nice mustang heh!!

I know, 2 posts in one day - when for weeks I have been blog-silent. Could be the weather, the full moon .. or maybe I am just trying to forget the work list that sits beside me and wanted to search the world for something inspiring .. something fantastic.

This home, which I found via the Cottages & Gardens website, suits me perfectly today. The collection of garage sale finds (or yard sale I believe it is called elsewhere). The knick-knacks from Paris, the layers of different coloured and textured fabrics or just the 'home-li-ness' of the way it is all put together - this home can only be described as fantastic. (note: I'm sure there are better design-ery terms, but for me fantastic it is!!!).

Oh, and just if you want to go have a drool over the photographer of these shots, Anastassios Mentis took them .. cool huh!!!

Tomorrow .. and beyond

2011-03-16T15:22:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is Bloggers Day of Silence, to highlight a charity set up to donate money for emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies following the terrible events in Japan. We are all aware of the destruction the earthquake and tsunami caused - but the disaster will last a very long time and, with people losing everything - their lives, their loved ones, their homes - every little bit helps. Go visit the 'For Japan With Love' site to donate.

I found this via Dana's Yellowtrace blog.

I love the 70's ..

2011-03-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

Gotta love a fireplace ..

Love that little window next to the oven ..

Imagine waking up in this room ..

10 acres all to yourself .. drool

OK, I know, I'm always doing this. Find houses that would be a 'dream' for me. But feast your eyes on this little doozie down my neck of the woods. THIS house, to me, is the absolute bee's knee's of homes .. AND .. it is on 10 acres.

I do love 70's style homes - the windows, the floorplans, the LOT. OK, it needs a jolly old do-up. The flooring would be first to go. The kitchen .. umm .. well maybe THAT would be first to go. But did you check out those angled ceilings. The fireplace. The bedroom. The views. Not sure about that 'elevated observatory' - but heh, would be a nice spot to take up yoga.

So this weekend I might buy a tatt's ticket and 'live the dream'.

see link

So many things ..

2011-03-07T20:43:00.000-08:00

There are sooo many things I want to post on. So many things I have found - or am inspired by - or really, just great things I think you would all like to know. But, alas, I am just not finding the time to blog at all. For now I will leave you with 2 new fake OEKE images I just did - and this link to an inspiring story of how 2 generations of the one family are forging through to fulfill a dream. I loved every word of it and it gave me hope for my little OEKE umbrellas. I promise to try and come back soon OK. Hope you are all well (-:

Coastal Retreat ...

2011-02-25T02:13:00.003-08:00

I have so missed my little blog. Although I have 'more' missed visiting all YOUR blogs. I love seeing what everyone else finds interesting, exciting .. share worthy.

It has been an ultra busy week in so many ways. Good, bad and just downright tedious. So tonight I googled 'luxury beach house accommodation' to see what treasures I could find - and I think I have found gold with this Tassie wonder. It's called the AVALON COASTAL RETREAT and is the winner of so many awards since it opened in 2005 - the most recent being the '2009 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards - Deluxe Accommodation' - so maybe you have seen it before. But, just in case, here it is in all its glory.

At $900 a night I really don't think it is too expensive. Sure, I don't think I could afford to stay a week or 10 - but for such a beautiful home in a beautiful location - I think it is really well priced. Your own private beach. Stunning architecture. Even more stunning views. They even supply backpacks, wetsuits, snuggly robes and slippers - and how's this for a massive claim .. 'The Best Cow Couch In The World'. Hmmm.

(note: I have absolutely no idea what a cow couch is, but heh, if they say it's the best, who am I to argue)

Bring back the 80's ..

2011-02-21T16:53:00.000-08:00

these red ones with a nice pair of jeans, some camel coloured clogs and a nice jacket??

I remember loving tie-dye when I was younger. Boom. Now it's back in vogue.
I also remember macrame hanging pots. Low and behold, I saw some the other day (and no, it wasn't at my grandmothers house).
I also loved getting my hair permed - but I don't think I will bring THAT up again!!

But, I did love leg warmers. And now, I think I want them to come back in fashion. It gets very cold down at Auskick every Saturday watching my little boys play. I think a lovely pair of leg warmers (am loving the red ones!!) might be the go.

So, do you think that if everything old is new again, I could get away with wearing these. (note: I know I am not a fashion expert, so if you are rolling on the floor laughing right now - at least I gave you a laugh (-: )

Bored and in love ...

2011-02-16T16:58:00.000-08:00

I know what you are all thinking. WHAT is this girl up to. And to be honest, I'm not really sure. But as I get to play with fonts all day, I found this one called 'Platelet' and just had to use it. Orange. Well, ORANGE YOU GLAD I CHANGED IT .. hahaha (worth a try!!!).

The title of this post is 'bored and in love'. 'Bored' coz I've gone and changed the look again. 'In Love' because I found this great store MERCHANT NO. 4 via the super lovely Captain KK's blog.

The little egg cup makes me smile. Our new chickens have just started laying and so we have been having eggs for breakfast again. The kids love little soldiers (we call them bob bob dads eggs - don't even ask why that is) and so these super lovely egg cups would be perfect for our chook eggs. The clear cup is called the 'fast cup'. That is a pretty hefty coming from such a normal looking cup - but maybe it is made from a special 'fast' product. Would love to drink out of it and see what happens ... (-:

I love you more than donuts ..

2011-02-13T18:32:00.001-08:00

Found via here

OK, so it is the big day .. Valentines Day. We don't actually 'celebrate it' in this house (if celebrate is the right word). We did once - I think the first time it rolled around at the start of our relationship. We were young and inexperienced I guess in all things commercial. Every day things maketh the relationship. Who washes the dishes when the other is tired. Who say's 'Great Dinner' when everything is burnt and tasteless. Every day thoughts and actions show more love than a bunch of flowers. Not to say I don't get flowers. My Mr does the food shop each week and sometimes he will get me a bunch of whatever looks nice from the supermarket. I plonk them in one of my (too) many vases and feel happy and loved.

But, as today is the day of LOVE, so to mark the occasions for others out there that are perhaps a bit more romantic than us 2 little ducks, here are some UNtraditional cards that might be perfect for your other half.

Melbourne (via Germany, Switzerland & Greece) artist ..

2011-02-09T19:42:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Where have I been? I would like to sing that sweet song 'I have been to London to visit the Queen' but alas, I have just been busy with work. Nightimes are spent reading a new book (nothing worthy of writing about - it is a trashy love story - I do love LOVE stories) and therefor, I haven't even blogged at night time. Phew. Was that a good excuse or what!!

But now I simply must let you all know about this super amazingly fantastic artist, Michele Meister, who we can all claim as our own as she lives in Melbourne. Aren't we all claiming people as 'our own' when they do something great, something memorable - or win some big prize? Even though Michele is from many places, she moved here in 2004 after meeting her husband and I hope she likes us - and I hope she stays - because in her gallery of work from here and here, there are even paintings of trams and the city skyline.

But these lovely examples here are the ones I really like. I just had to post so many because I couldn't narrow it down to only a few. The shadow one is 'nearly' my fav - along with the wording 'he was a genius even if often people wouldn't recognise his shadows' .. and the dark tram wires one is moody and my type of style.

I have been lucky enough to pick up some new clients, which means work is busy, busy, busy - so if my posts are not so often, I do apologise in advance. Maybe if I work hard enough, earn enough - maybe, just maybe I could visit the Queen. Maybe if I take some of Michele's artwork, the Queen may stake claim on Michele too!!

A room for everyone .. but a sign just for me ...

2011-02-03T03:04:00.000-08:00

Tonight in Australia there was a $20m lotto draw .. but really, who cares. Look what I won.

Never have I won anything. Well, actually, I lie. Once, when I was about 19 I won a 1 metre how chocolate easter bunny. Truly. The worst thing is that when I was 19 I didn't eat chocolate. I gave away an ear here, a nose there .. and then (are you ready for this) I threw the rest in the bin.

BUT .. this little ducky has just won a sign. A RAMSIGN via the super lovely Rachael @ 'A Room For Everyone' blog. I entered and voila. I am the randomly generated number 7 - lucky me heh.

The Mr is just working out our front gates so this will sit perfectly on it. And now the pizza man will know exactly which house to deliver my salami and basil pizza.

THANKYOU RAMSIGN .. THANKYOU RACHAEL. You've made me feel like I've won the lotto.