Is this it???

...the store I have longed for all this time?

Let me explain.

The ever inspirational and uber talented Tricia Foley who has long been one of my all time favourite designers turned this lovely barn from a dark, damp outbuilding into...
...her gorgeous studio.
Now, I loved this project and admired Tricia's use of the space. A multi tasking area that could be turned into a wonderful entertaining area (complete with projector screen for those Summer popcorn movie nights) or spare guest quarters at a whim, then back to her work space.

Recently, Tricia re-invented the barn into a seasonal store she called The New General Store. A mainly Summer and Fall extravaganza of local produce, natural home remedies and lots of style.

How does this apply to me? Well, we so happen to have a outbuilding which we use as an entertaining space in the warmer months (it needs a little work) and I have often thought how great it would be if I could use it somehow as my Interiors/Home wares store.

Some of you will know that I was meant to open my little shop last year and because of things out of my hands...it never happened. I was not happy. It hasn't stopped me wondering "How do I get this thing going"?

I have been sketching non-stop since the shop was first on the drawing board. Things like what it would look like, how it would be laid out, even to the packaging had been designed.

Simple ideas like hand written signs, like these from Tricia's store.
I have often thought it would be lovely to have local plants and products to sell and seeing we are in a tourist country town and our little shed is in a prime stopping spot, and I can work my own hours (even seasonally), no rent, baby sitters/child care etc...it just makes more sense.
Now, Tricia's store is a market of sorts and others can sell their bounty on her property. I don't have that in mind...too much red tape. I am loving the idea of Summer tables of produce and home wares based around a very simple and natural colour palette of white (of course), wood, wicker and fresh greenery...like this shot. The colours that will sit with any decor, no matter how funky or classic.
You know from my recent project post that I am a fan of the blackboard and the fact that I love calligraphy just seem to go hand in hand for shop signs don't you think?
We actually have a little wood fired bread shop here in town. It would be lovely to have them wrapped in brown paper and natural twine, sold from big chunky fisherman's baskets!


Here is the inside of Tricia's barn.

My type of interior for a shop. White painted shelves, lots of texture, hemp and burlap, vintage items, wicker, flowers, iron stone, glassware...you get the drift.

So there it is. I have just shared my longest dream with you - to have a store of my own.

Good night,

Ness xx
all images - Tricia Foley

Summer Office Inspiration...

This little summer house is providing me with huge inspiration for re doing our outdoor shed thing that I want as an office. I would love to line it with fence pailings , painted white, white floors, some salvaged French doors for the front and very girly as I am surrounded by males.
Inside is beautiful. White floors bounce light about and the simple fit out of this hut is accented by the vintage inspired furniture and soft muted pastel fabrics.

Love the sofa, rocking chair and big trunk. I have all these, except the sofa...I can find one though..lol!

As our outdoor space, referred to as the 'woodshed' from its previous duties, has no electricity it will have to have a simple homemade looking chandelier. I would make this out of cut glass tumblers. We will have some sort of power for my sewing machine obviously.
Park benches turned into seating and paired with floral fabrics scream heaven. The addition of a Hydrangea stem just finishes this photo for me.
I could see a big white tressle table, stacks of linens waiting to be sewn, glass jars on shelves filled with mother of pearl buttons in white, wheat and greys, and loads of hurricanes lanterns all grouped together for the warm glow that only candlelight can give and wire vintage baskets filled with all of my orders waiting to be sent.
Once our little flowering Crab apple and Magnolia grow bigger, I hope our backyard to look as serene. Now to find some doors and get on to it!!!

BTW - I just found out that my clay tags were used in the April issue of Aust Home Beautiful as well....YAY!!! Thanks for all of your lovely words about my small, but rewarding feat.

Ness xx