Sweet Dining With Sweet Paul....

Sweet Paul has some amazing decorating ideas for dining and this one above is lovely. Graduation dinner perhaps?

I would mix some pine in through the books, some tea lights, and.....
some of these for Christmas dinner.
all images via sweet paul
Ness xx

diWhite Dining

unknown

One thing I have always had on my wish list was a cozy space to dine in. A place where kids can draw happily on the table and not be too concerned about getting colour on the table top. Somewhere to let out the days frustrations and joys with each other over a hearty cooked meal.

The other thing was a BIG fireplace mantle...I did get to cross off that wish.

The one above is wonderful and I could imagine our old cast iron beauty crackling away in there.

skona hem

Another wish was beadboard walls like this room. I have kind of ticked this off, our ceilings are beadboard, but to have them everywhere would be heaven. They seem to take white so naturally.

from my usb file- unknown

Another would be to have loads of light loads of vintage and loads of love.

I have the last part ticked =0)

Ness xx

Weekend Dreaming...

image unknown - sorry

This weekend just past I spent a lot of time in our kitchen as both of our boys have been ill, so no bargain hunting for me. I have been fiddling around in there trying to get the space organised. Re-doing pantries and the like...boring stuff. I did however spot some gorgeous kitchens and dining spaces which had me dreaming and thought I would share with you.

This one above is just beautiful and I am sorry, I cant remember which blog I seen it on. If you know can you tell me please? The window is amazing and I love the vintage linens draped over the table.

image from google-ing 'kitchen images'

This would have to be one of the most beautiful cooking nooks I have seen in a long time. I love the tile, the lighting, the bench tops, cabinetry and the oven which is like the one we have on our wish list for when we re-do the kitchen...sigh!

oh well, I did do lots of baking though - there's something!!

hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Ness xx

Wonderful Whites

I found some beautiful images whilst going through an old usb stick that I thought I might show you. This one above I originally spied at lily-g and have always thought it was stunning. You know I love slipcovers and these are just perfect. We couldn't have them at our dining table because it would close in the space, but I have been thinking of a back slip for them. I am so glad the stylist thought to add the natural colours in amongst the white or it would have been too much...I know, coming from me!!


This is not from my usb, but beautiful none the less. It is from a beautiful blogger called Rie. This is Rie's dining room - I know it is gorgeous...what 'til you see the rest! Rie has a stunning blog, Home & Harmony which has become one of my favourite places to visit. Her home is amazing...and for sale...and Rie is such a sweetheart. If you go and look at her blog, you will love it.

from my usb..unknown sorry.

With only 5 days left of our Australian Summer, this image evokes Autumn in me. The fog, light frosts and all of the stunning colours that come with this time of year...and the fact that this house is beautiful it had to be shown.

via Cote de Texas

This image did have a purpose while I was looking through my files. Our old center island in our Kitchen has seen better days. The drawer runners are really starting to not run anymore and I have been thinking it would be good to just have shelves and two top drawers...or a new one completely. I really like this one, although it would never work in our space...or would it?

I hope you like these lovelies as much as I have.

Ness xx

UPDATE- All of the French letter filled pillows have sold and I am going through the motions of making up more, possibly in different colours too! so bear with me as I have been swamped with email orders and orders through Etsy. Thank you so much for all of your support. xx

Farmhouse Flair

This farmhouse I recently spied at Country Living is just wonderful. The living area is amazing and while I was uploading these images seen a lot of others in my file that I thought would be perfect partners for this home.

I could imagine this living area attached to this...gorgeous dining area I seen over at Velvet & Linen. It is amazing! and what farmhouse would be complete with some sort of exposed beams..somewhere?

I could also picture this scrubby wooden beauty along the wall near the table and kitchen to house all of the vintage linens and ironstone. It looks great dressed for the holidays.

What a collection!!

Perfect for a farmhouse. Old rug beaters up the stairs with a hooked stair runner...leading to...

This sweet bathroom.

I love the toile sink skirt, vanilla beaded boards and the white trim and of course the sink!

And I could imagine that it joins on to this very serene room filled with vintage simplicity. There is nothing better to me than slipping into soft white linens...ahhh!
Images 1, 3, 4, 5 Country Living - image 2 Velvet & Linen.
What a beautiful home. Imagine it dressed for the season?
Ness xx

One of those days!

Beach Studios
As far as days go...today I should have stayed in bed!!!
unknown
Our littlest munchkin was sick, and while he laid and slept on the sofa most of the day,Beach Studios
I played catch up on my mountain of jobs and orders, while feeling a little queasy too.
To top that off, there is something going on with our computer and it is going sooooo slow.
Hopefully tomorrow will erase today.
Ness xx

Cafe Style

image- breakfast out via glimpse of style

Today, after last nights post, I have turned my sights on to the logistics of creating this barn "pop-up store". I know these pictures don't relate to this but I have had a few cafe influenced pictures saved for a while and thought I would share what I would love to have if I had a cafe.

The one above is perfect...all white, beaded boards and comfy wicker chairs. Their would have to be a casual comfort to the air. I like cafes where Mums can feed without being judged, old people can access everything and children can be themselves (and entertained in a small kids only space fill with games).

image- BH&G

These banquet seats have always been something I have loved...especially in a cafe setting. If it is tufted, even better. I would pass on the cow rug and modern shelving, but the colour of the fabrics and the bulkhead would be a yes for sure.

image - Atlanta Bartlett
Kitchenalia in frames is such a cute idea for a cafe...after all it is what makes the place work! fresh blooms in jugs and chunky glass, not done by a florist, but plucked right from the yard would give a loved, unfussy feel to the cafe.

image- via once wed
A small alfresco area, nothing to grand- small and quaint, would be ideal. I love the idea of old jars to hold flowers on the tables and market umbrellas (in white!) to provide the shade.

image- via Mediterranean markets
...and imagine if it looked out onto something like this??!

Ness xx

Beach House Kitchen/Dining

The Dream House (from my files)

Regular readers will know this is my dream kitchen...I am not going to say that I will use all elements from this kitchen as it would be in my normal house -but I will take the banks of doors, painted beams and expanse of white thanks! of course the walls will be beaded.
Eric Roth Photography
Beaded walls like this, but all the way up. I am liking the check roman shades for the beach house too....and a Mora clock would just be heaven!

Coastal living
Easy going dining chairs that could be pulled up outside as well as used inside would be a great option....ah and there are the doors and drapes and limed floors.

Christopher Peacock Kitchens
Limed ceilings would be perfect - as would this kitchen! Baskets, stainless, scrubby wood and white. If I could take the main elements from the first kitchen and put them in here I would be done. Really I am not being too fussy here am I?

I will wrap up my dream beach house tomorrow with the rest of the tour...you might be getting bored!

Ness xx

Beautiful dining spaces to share...

traditional home

The fact that so many families don't eat together for at least one meal a day I find very sad. The French have got it right...they always have sit down meals and it is just part of what they do and I love it. I thought some inspirational eating areas would ignite every ones desire to eat like the French, at a set table with their families. Here are some favourites of mine and what you can do to draw everyone in for the elusive family dinner... raphael designs via abt

As you all know, from yesterdays post, I am a fan of flowers. Just filling a jug of blooms from the garden can bring a little cheer to the table. You don't have to go all out to lay the table either, a simple table runner, like this photo, looks stylish...and so, so simple. Even a length of fabric with both edges tucked under can suffice. You don't even have to sew!

traditional home
I am a fan for themes. It can be as easy as a colour theme. Here, blue and white is the star of this setting and I love the fact that they have chosen the blue and white covers and upholstery to tie in with their china. Even the flowers match beautifully. Couldn't you imagine a gorgeous lazy Sunday Summer lunch here?

country living
Do you have an old set of dining chairs that you may be trying to stay clear of at mealtimes? Well, dig out some old pillow cases, fabric, curtains etc that have something interesting on them. It could be the pattern, texture, colour, sentiments or it could be some vintage linen, like here. Take a deep breath, and start cutting. You will be amazed how lovely mismatched chairs can look with some 'new' covers on them.
coastal living
If your still not convinced, and the thought of cutting up Grannies antique French linen sheet set from her Wedding for your chairs makes you cringe...maybe get some paint out instead. These chairs look wonderful in blue against the white table. It can be as easy as getting some sample pots and a weekend...and they don't all have to match in colour either.

coastal living
...or you could just cover the tops! This can be done with pillow cases, so you don't have to sew again!! Just slip them over the tops of the chairs. Here they have been accessorised with colourful buttons and pick up other colours in the rooms.
bh&g
Maybe you don't even have a dining area. Any small area can be made as an eating space and here it is outside on a porch. Two chairs and a small patio table is all you need (obviously if there are more of you, you'll have to improvise). I love the French poster and jug of daisies to make it more dining room like....how could you not want to share your day over dinner with loved ones here?
via mels rose place

But for me, the ultimate family meal setting is a fully laid table, blooms, candles and a little bit of heartfelt thought to show these people how special they are to you (oh and good food is always a winner!!!).

I hope you all have a wonderful meal this evening with your loved ones...at a special table, where ever it may be.

Ness xx

The Beautiful World Of Spiro

I just had to let you all know (I'm sure you already do) that Anna Spiro, who would have to be one of Australia's leading Interior Designers and is our own blog superstar, has just launched her beautiful web site.
I spent quite a while here yesterday drooling through her portfolio which has filled my head with even more inspiration (as she always does). Then I realised that Anna is about to bring us a Signature Range soon.....stay tuned!

For beautiful photos and loads of inspiration see Anna new site HERE.

Ness xx

all photos - Black & Spiro

What is in a dining space?

A dining space is not just somewhere to eat, it is so much more than that. In our home it is where we stop after a long day and share what we have done, the boys play with little cars and tanks and colour abstract doodles and I do paperwork and delve through magazines. Robin Stubbert
It is also another place to show your decorating prowess and this space above has so many elements to create a communal area that is welcoming, stylish and far from precious, a true family space. The chandelier sets off the whole space and gives the outdoor chairs a sense of casual class. The wicker chair and ottoman, beaded boards and neutral palette have created a zone that can meet the needs of a whole bunch of personalities and functions.beach studios
Although this space is small, it still has room to take a small group of people and has an amazing garden view out the French doors. More of a breakfast space to me, I would be happy looking over the Sunday papers here.

Atlanta Bartlett
This space I also love. Simple, casual, welcoming and calm. I love how the little print is picked up in the curtains and all of the white is anchored by the warm wooden floors.

unknown

This one, from my files, is my favourite. I love everything here, the French style table, chairs, accessories and the doors. I can picture many things happening here with a family...Sunday roasts, loads of art with the boys, happy conversations looking out the doors on a sunny day, and romantic candle light meals. Now isn't that what a dining area should be about?

Ness xx

The Warmth Of Stone

Having an old home I am smitten with stone, particularly if it too is old. The warmth and texture of old stone can give a space soul and as it ages just gets better. I have found these images via the wonderful Robbin Stubbert, who has captured these rooms beautifully.

This dining area is sophisticated, warm and is the perfect backdrop to all the vintage art and furniture. I love this space.
Even on the porch, it makes you feel welcome. That stone sill is gorgeous!

Couldn't you imagine being in here with a crackling fire going, the smell of a baked dinner in the oven...and a good book? The stone is decoration enough for the walls in here and colours from the stone are picked up in all of the furnishings.
I am loving the mantel in this room, with the carved out date. Stone can look just as beautiful in a modern space and can blend with any colour scheme to create lovely spaces. I do love the big wood beams and the ones above the windows.
How is this for a breakfast area?

I think if it was mine I would eat out here all the time, especially if it had an outdoor fireplace...wonderful! Our own home is built on blue stone and I just love it and would like to use it for big flagstone like paving outside, but it would cost a fortune. So for now I will just be content to look at these pictures and imagine the spaces I could create.

Have a wonderful day,

Ness xx

all images Robbin Stubbert

A Decision...

Claire Richardson

We have settled (well I have, Mic just nods now) on the scheme for our kitchen. The walls will be a light linen shade with the same white under the chair rail. For the cupboards we are going with a warm white and it looks like the island will be a soft grey.

I would love to have a set of three vintage lights like this over the island.
Just have to find some.
We will keep the little canvases I done as it picks up the palette beautifully. I want to add some text to the wall, big, grey and simple.

lanstil

I love this space. It has the same ceilings as us and I would love to make some slip covers for the dining chairs. The dining table is getting a makeover too...white legs and a black waxed top. The chairs will be white on the backs and legs with a waxed seat.

Notebook
I keep coming back to this kitchen. I love the wicker, the feel of the whole space. Very user friendly and not too prissy that two burly boys can't run around the island and fly their Helicopters about. I tried some sample pots and have whittled it down to two choices for the cupboards and walls. I thank you all for your inspiration and thoughts about my kitchen. It means a lot to me to have such a database of ideas to bounce off...so thanks!

There will be progress photos as we go along.

Ness xx