Frame your Blank Wall - Collage of Frames

This post is for a family member who has a large blank wall ready to decorate! I've also been toying with this idea for my very long hallway walls which are also a blank canvas.

Whether you choose, kids artwork, black and white photography, coloured prints or family pics - choosing to frame the same genre is safe or for a more eclectic mix there should still be a common theme or colour scheme. You can also be more daring and try different coloured and styles of frames or for a more uniform look stick with frames the same colour and size.

Here's some framed collages which show some winning combinations!

I really like these prints which have a large white matt to contrast with the black frames houzz

I love the mix of items that have been framed in this living room it's more like an art gallery! image http://marthamoments.blogspot.com.au/2010/07/guest-blogger-david-jimenez-living-with.html

These colourful prints are simple and add a fun feel to this kids space image unknown



I love this breakfast nook, the prints are really interesting and with the zebra print chairs it's really quite zany! image mix and chic

Using all the same style and colour of frame in varying sizes has created an interesting focal point in this room image cococozy

I love this combination of black and white prints in black or white frames with the soft subtle weatherboards behind image Content in a Cottage



This is a pretty combination of patterns and white frames image indulgy

Framed print wall collages can suit walls of all shapes and sizes!

A stairway is the perfect spot for a wall collage and this one is filled with prints with frames in the same tones image sawdustandpaperscraps



An easy way to plan your framed wall collage is to cut out paper the size of all your frames and stick these on your walls temporarily to get the arrangement how you'd like it without the headache of holes in the walls in the wrong places!

Plan your wall collage image thoughtfullysimple

Happy framing!

New Products from Build and Design Queensland

I headed to the Build and Design Queensland expo at the convention centre last week and thought I'd share a few exciting products from some of the exhibitors.

Look closely at this first product timber you say, look a little closer it's tiles!

Great Par-ker Ceramic Parket, in a great range of colours from Ace Stone + Tiles

Next was headturning outdoor furniture and retractable roofs to suit both commercial and domestic settings.

Looking for something a little different for your outdoor entertaining area? look no further than Corradi

Now who could go past the ultimate winter fire for indoor or outdoor use?

To view the extensive range of Eco Fires take a look at Ambience Eco Fires

A painting update heading your way soon with all this fine weather!

Rain, Rain Go Away!

I am so close on putting the final touches on my painting and the whole back of the house will be complete - but inevitably the day I schedule painting time (child free time) it is raining!

So here's a sneak peak of the lanterns I've hung in the entertaining area.

So no matter what you're up to, hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Gorgeous atmosphere created by the lanterns at this seaside resort image Azura Lodge Mozambique

Happy Easter

Happy Easter to everyone! The Easter Bunny has made his deliveries and it's time to go to bed!  Enjoy the festivities with your family & friends!



A Perfect Easter table - Shabby Chic! image Country Living



White kitchens to make you green with envy!

The painting of my house is going a little slower than I would have liked with all the wet weather we've been having so here's some kitchens to ogle over!
 

Travertine tile splashback mixed with a white ikea kitchen, I love this subtle driftwood look tile with the clean white simplicity of the kitchen cabinets! image style at home

A Modern version of As Good as it Gets style Kitchen from Bunnings



Here's the traditional style Hamptons look Kitchen with subway tile splashback, and modern stainless appliances and rangehood image Cote de Texas

I love this all white kitchen with dark timber floors and black granite benchtop just stunning! A good mix of contemporary and victorian style. (love the old style pendant lamps) image Tholdhouseonline.com

This is the kitchen that inspired my post while flipping through another favourite magazine of mine Inside Out. This design is contemporary in white but warmth has been added by the Smoked and Lime Oak doors and floor. Design by Templeton image by Sharyn Cairns. Checkout the Bonus Kitchen and Bathroom Book from the March April edition of I.O.

So how to decide on the kitchen you want? 
A quick tip - Break the kitchen into elements

• Appliances (reuse or new?)
• Benchtop
• Splashback
• Cupboards & Drawers
• Display/Shelves
• Layout
• Budget
• Your Style Contemporary, Country, Modern, Vintage, Retro the list is endless!

Then look at the finishes you like, the must haves, the nice to haves and forget about what you wouldn't use! Collect images of all of the styles and finishes to the elements that you envisage in your final design.

You're then armed ready to take in as many kitchen showrooms as you desire with your homework already done. 

A kitchen designer can help with innovations and layout, so your new kitchen looks great and is highly functional for your needs.

LCD can help with updates or renovations to your existing kitchen or help you plan the kitchen of your dreams or a budget conscience kitchen.

The Brisbane Homeshow is on this weekend and might be a good place to start if you're planning a new kitchen.

Have a great rest of the week!

One woman painting a house!

Yes you read it right!  I have taken on the crazy challenge of one woman (ie me) painting the house.  My outdoor makeover just wouldn't have the same wow factor without a change of colour so I've decided to start with those walls and go from there.  It will also allow us to live with the new colour which I love btw before finishing off the rest of the house! 

So here's some before pics (I didn't choose the original house colour fyi)......

All sanded and washed down ready for painting!

And here's the nearly finished product.

Here's the new colour 1st coat!  I have chosen Dulux Natural Stone for the main weatherboard wall colour, Antique White USA for the Windows and Ironstone for the trims. 

 A little sunny but two coats done and just the window and trim to finish off and the new colour has made a dramatic difference.

 Now whilst I'm optimistic about doing as much of it as I can, I don't think I'll be climbing the roof to paint the faux dormers so I may have to call a painter in for that, but I'm going to give the rest of it my best shot!

So once the window and trim is done then it's back to prep (sanding and washing down of the next wall!)

I'll be posting my progress throughout the months fitting in around my busy family and worklife and hopefully the pictures will speak for themselves!

Out and About in Brisbane!

Just a quick post from me today of a few great spaces I've been to in the last couple of weeks.  I'm always enjoying my surroundings and keeping an eye out for great interiors and exteriors!

Cove Bar & Dining unique bar made from document style drawers, I love the quirkiness and the food was great!



Popolo had a great eclectic style just a couple of doors down at Southbank and superb italian!

So my first mini makeover for the year has turned into a big challenge more pics tomorrow hopefully but here's a sneak peak!



The accessories are coming together for my outdoor area, but now a bigger project is afoot and nearly ready for a big reveal more tomorrow hopefully or later in the week, I've taken on a crazy challenge!

 For Brisbanites also a quick tip, if you're looking for furniture and maybe a bargain then head to the Domayne Clearance Centre Closedown!  I didn't get there this weekend but it might be worth the trip to Pinkenba!