Lighting to set the mood

Lighting can be extravagant, wild or subtle but it really does set the mood!  This is the vibrant bar at Byblos Portside.   It has tribal foilage lighting behind the bar where the large array of beverages are displayed.  The wooden twig pendant lights are a standout feature.

The lighting sets a great party tone at Byblos Bar, Portside Brisbane

For a similar light fitting checkout the wooden wreath pendant at Beacon lighting.

The light fitting is very similar to the bar at Byblos but the look is entirely different, earthy and beachy and is a feature even during the day available from Beacon Lighting

A moroccan style light fitting - the intricate pattern could be used in an ornate or modern setting. 

Sticking with the Moroccan theme - soft candelight is perfect for an intimate outdoor space or a cosy corner.

This cosy timber moroccon style love seat is bathed in the soft candlelight from the framed square nooks above. Image owner unknown

I love chandeliers and this bedroom displays how you can have a romantic light fitting teamed with a simply decorated room to create elegance without being over the top and too frilly.

This Bedroom has wonderful natural light and so the simple colour scheme as well as the elegance of the chandelier really tie together so well - perfect for a lazy sunday afternoon doze!

Beautifully lit with Natural Light this bedroom looks like a magic place to wake up in the morning!

A beautiful outlook to wake up to, just make sure the blinds are blockout when you're wanting to sleep in! Image from Homedit.com

Stay tuned for more great lighting blogs!

Don't be afraid of Colour!

After nearly 2 weeks of sick kids, rainy days and a broken washing machine (that is still waiting for parts - and is sending me slightly troppo);  I needed to look at some rooms full of bold colour!  Here's some of the one's that brightened my day!
 

I love the unusual colour combination of red and teal - for some great tips on teen rooms checkout Design Hole 

It's easy to stay safe with your colour choices - but you can always add bold accessories to a room and when you tire of them you can give the room a revamp!  Accessories are inexpensive and you can find great things at a vintage store or by using your creative side!  Little Cove Design can help you revamp a tired chair, lamp or a whole room!

This kitchen might not be your dream one, but they really have created a space which would inspire any "Masterchef" to make mouthwatering dishes - I could imagine sipping a champagne or two while whipping up a chocolate dessert. I love the striking colour contrast between the hot pink cabinetry and black granite benchtop it really has a fun vibe. Image from Jan Hales Designs bold favourites

Colour can inspire, and add warmth and personality to a room.

 

This room has personality and more!  It has a magnificent almost electric blue clawfoot bath painted to match the wall colour.  The white classic floor tiles and fixtures and furniture balance the room and allow the blue to become the feature. Image from Design Decor ...

So add some colour to your home or your favourite room - buy a new cushion or a bunch of flowers and brighten your day.



Another option to add colour is to paint your walls a vibrant hue and keep all of your furnishings in a classic white or black tone to create contrast as seen in this image lonadeanna.blogspot.com



Glitz & Glam and more in Melbourne!

In Melbourne today and this is what I saw.....


New Myer Flagship Store Melbourne amazing interior design this photo does not do it justice! Shiny white and metalic travellators.  This is truly the most fabulous modern atrium I've ever seen.  Read more at ... Myer Architecture Revealed

 Had time for a delicious dinner in Lygon Street as I was walking back to my hotel I spied.....

TANK Fish and Chippery Lygon Street photo courtesy of imsohungree.blogspot.com unfortunately I had already eaten when I spied this place.  But it was still a feast for the eyes.  Wonderful blue and white colour scheme.

 

Koko Black Chocolate - Carlton Store Chocolates are amazing and store has a great blend of modern and old world charm!



Fountain Terrace in St Kilda - This is an example of the stunning terrace houses in Melbourne

Modern and traditional architecture at it's best - all in one city!



Happy Mother's Day! A Floral Tribute.

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful Mums out there.  I have been very spoilt today!  It started with an early evening shopping trip yesterday, my family brought home two beautiful bunches of flowers!

Here's my favourite bouquet - beautiful white Chrysanthemums with white daisies, lillies and Magnolia foliage.  I've put them in my favourite fish/rose bowl vase.

I've been lucky enough to also have my first breakfast in bed (this is my 7th Mother's Day so my kids were old enough to surprise me) and fish and chips by the beach.  So I thought I'd look at some pretty florals especially for Mother's Day!


A Laura Ashley Designed Room - I just love the light and airy feel the colours are subtle but just fabulous and romantic and it's floral without being too feminine.

 

This was too pretty not to include it, I love the contrast of the almost hot pink flowers and the pale green upholstery on the chairs and artwork this image is from US blogger Jan Hale Designs



Another designer synonomous with all things flowery and shabby chic - Rachel Ashwell! The beautiful colour of the peonies with the stunning chandelier and soft pink lounge in the background are just a delightful combination.

It's one thing to have a lovely floral inspired interior but the ultimate is to have a garden full of blooms, something I'm still trying to master!


This is my dream garden!  Roses are my favourite flower of all time and this garden is just picture perfect!  Photo by Klaus Nickel 



Time for a cosy Holiday or Sunny Getaway!

Well the wedding is over, and it's time for the honeymoon or at least a holiday!  London would be great! But unfortunately not in the budget any time soon!

This is a wonderful pic taken by a friend in London.  Aren't the Union Jack flags striking against the tall trees lining the mall up to Buckingham Palace

So maybe somewhere closer to home would be better - so it got me thinking if I can't getaway then I'll take a look at some cosy winter destinations or some sunny havens so at least I can feel in holiday mode and take a diversion from organising my spare room cupboards, and the daily grind!


Wow what a breathtaking spot to while away the hours with a good book or your favourite decorating magazine!  This is a Manutti "San Diego" setting available from Cosh Living in Australia.

This Hotel is nestled in the Carribean Jungle, with white sand beaches and lagoons.  While I haven't been to the Carribean it's on my bucket list and it just looks magnificent!

An amazing view and a luxurious setting to take it all in! They have used such a wonderfully subtle colour pallette so it only enhances that view.  This the Viceroy Resort if your making a booking for you and me! 

Now for something a little closer to home, on Australian shores - a cosy retreat in the Barossa, nothing could be better - fireplace, gorgeous bedroom to retire to at night and in the heart of wine country!

"Hideaway loungeroom" at Stonewell Cottages and Vineyard I love the stone fireplace and could imagine sipping a lovely wine by the pot belly stove.  Such a lovely warm room with the brown and red tones in the rug, cushions and lounge.



"Cupids Bedroom" at Stonewell Cottages and Vineyard a bedroom suitable for a delayed Royal Honeymoon perhaps!  I love the pale cornflower blue curtains and bed valance that lift the room and add elegance.

Have a great weekend everyone!  I'll keep dreaming.......