Black Out...

country living

Hi! Well, the lockdown went well. Not as productive as I had hoped for, but I did get quite a bit done. Instead we spent the weekend indoors as the weather was shocking and while I was cleaning out my files I came across these images which I thought were too beautiful not to show.

I have always loved chalkboards in interiors and this shot above shows two of my favourite things - an Aga oven and a chalkboard.

Then there is this one. A whole wall! Imagine this in a cafe. I have always loved coffee shops and the like that have moody, warm colours and a chalky black wall is perfect.

I think this looks fabulous and our boys would love it also ;0)
Thinking back to when I painted our chalkboard in the kitchen, I don't know how we survived without it now. It is SO handy.
I will show you what I made on lockdown as soon as I have finished the photographing of them.
Have a great day,
Ness xx

Miners Cottage Update...

vintage paper works

Thought I would give you an update on the Miners Cottage makeover. I have been madly organising what I need to purchase over the past few days and thought I would start the artwork search. I stumbled across this vintage map from 1887 of South Australia which has great meaning to the client, so I was happy to find this...and for $10.00!!!
little blue bird studios
I have been looking for naval, boat inspired pieces to add to the mix and found this lovely on a dictionary page....

kdoherty
then I found this beauty, which I think is stunning. But, with the whole map thing still fresh in my head, I stumbled upon these....

real butterfly gifts
...WOW!! It is a vintage map, with a REAL butterfly! I just think this is gorgeous and there are all sorts of bugs, but I just love the butterfly ones as butterfly is the meaning behind my name. =0)
Pottery Barn actually contacted this store for their 2006 catalogue and I can see why. This is my favourite and I am trying to think of an excuse to buy it.

An amazing colour hit for your wall is this beauty. The green in this butterfly is stunning and the fact they are real just blows me away. They are all just so beautiful, you should have a look HERE.

So, there you go a little update on the cottage...and a little sidetrack to butterflies!

Ness xx

Gorgeous Country Home

This stunning home belongs to Caroline Scheeler and was recently featured in Country Living. I have fallen in love with the dark colours against the crisp white and this kitchen is a beautiful example of how well dark walls and white accents work together. The colour of the walls is Ralph Lauren "Mercer" paint and the marble chosen because it will age.

What a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by! The coffee table can be bought here in Australia at Orson & Blake.

This has to be the idea of the week! These panels were rescued from an old Horse stable and pair up well with an antique French gilded mirror...and I love the reflection!!

As you can see Caroline is Equestrian mad. I love the fact that it is not little statues and kitsch horse things every where. She has worked out a wonderful balance of showing what she loves...with style!
Gorgeous!!!
The Belgian sofa is an antique. It has been matched up reclaimed and new reproduction pieces. They all look wonderful together.

I am not usually a fan of animal prints, but I can take it here. The Italian headboard reminds me of Brooke Giannetti's home.

Panelling in a bathroom always looks stylish, and I love it around this bath.
The fact that Caroline travels the world for her job is evident in all of the well chosen vignettes she has around her home. This one features a vintage Italian sunburst mirror, a foot of an old claw foot bath and suitcases she has picked up at a Belgian flea market.

I just love it!
Oh - the Church wasn't that bad =0). I give you a before and after when I have finished.

Ness xx

Thanks for the 'get up and go'...

Have you ever had a day where you have no 'get up and go'?
Today is one of those days. I have loads of things to do, but just can't be bothered...until I seen this home in one of my favourite places in NSW...the Southern Highlands. This home is filled with things I love. Take the outside for example - box hedges, neutrals with white, French doors, Lavender...
The inside also sports my favourites - natural matting, floorboards, ticking, the glass ball lamp, squishy sofas and loads of cushions to sink into. The colour of the walls is very similar to our own home. This photo has me thinking that now I really want to cover our other sofa in blue and white ticking...in reverse though. What do you think??

Th kitchen is just a s beautiful. Tolix stools, roman blinds- which pick up the ticking on the sofa, wooden blinds, Hydrangeas, green apples in a white bowl. I could have shown you more as the list goes on, but you will have to buy a copy of Home Beautiful and see for yourself!
...off to decorate now!
Ness xx

Savour The Sun...

After a week of horrible, wet and cold weather, today we had a sunny day. I have thrown open the French doors and windows to give our home a good airing which has been lovely. These photos are to keep some sun and colour in my day. Source

This one above is beautiful. I adore those cushions on the couch and the hint of green in the cupboard. It all looks so fresh with the white and those pink Peonies.
Source
This space is begging for some of those pillows in the top photo, a sisal rug and some muted Hydrangeas on the little table.


Source

Vincent Wolf always puts together wonderful spaces like this living room. I love the used of old wicker baskets and plates along with chippy painted pieces to give texture to a room. It looks so inviting.

Source (I Think)
Another pretty room to brighten up your day. The view outside is so lovely and the drama of beams and beaded walls brings warmth to this space.

Source

Ah, and where would a sunny day be without a vase of fresh flowers picked from the garden? The idea of cherry blossoms in the bell jar is perfect. Lets hope the sun continues for a few more days.

Ness xx

Scandinavian Sweetie...

...in the UK! This little house is just so cute. I love the palette used in this 19th century cottage, so peaceful and serene.It belongs to Property Developer Yolanda Cubbit and her Husband, Trevor. Pretty much everything was changed to make way for loads of natural light...inspired by the Swedes.

Part of the living has been put to good use with this wonderful French table, where Yolanda can gaze out the window whilst doing a budget for one of her many make overs.
Even though the space is small and some of the pieces large, like the ottoman, the space is so snug and fresh.

The use of Architectural elements like this piece above the mantel, give some character and interest to space, and pieces collected over time sit wonderfully together with new bought items.
hallways and tight spaces have all been put to good use, as the house is small. Like this hallway which houses extra seating which can be pulled in to the living space if needed....
...and this landing which is a home office.

The main bedroom has also been kept light and airy, using mainly white and creams with the little punches of red in the quilt...anything too colourful would overwhelm this room.

I just love this space made for their Grandson when he comes to stay. Squeezed in under the sloping ceiling, the white red and blue scheme looks so fresh.

Yolanda's love of French and Scandinavian style has served her well here in a difficult home that didn't attract too much natural light...until she got her hands on it that is!

Ness xx

Pics - Country Homes & Interiors