I'd like a Cowshed please

Today I'd like to be magically transported to the Cowshed Spa in London. If only we had such a stylish spa here in Melbourne - I'd be skipping off to have facials & treatments every second week! Unfortunately I don't think my budget could accommodate frequent trips to this beautiful spa even if it was 'just around the corner' so to speak.

Those timber walls are just incredible & the chairs look very, very comfortable.

There's even a Cowshed Shop...

[All images: Shoreditch House]

Brisbane list

I'm heading up to Brisbane for a few days at the end of next week and in preparation I've put together a list of some of the shops I'd like to visit - if I have the time that is.  I'd really appreciate any other tips on shops, cafes, hotspots etc. that you think would be worth a visit.

Jean and Joyce, Latrobe Terrace, Paddington (thank you Mondocherry for this recommendation):

Buba and La, Latrobe Terrace, Paddington (again, another great Mondocherry recommendation):

Otilly & Lewis, 65 James Street, Fortitude Valley:

Black & Spiro, 768 Brunswick Street, New Farm (a definite must):

Other places I'd like to visit:

• 
  
  Nook, 19 Browning Street, West End
• 
  
  Emporium, 1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
• 
  
  Artisan Gallery, 381 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
• 
  
  The Queensland Art Gallery, Stanley Place, South Bank
• 
  
  Museum of Brisbane, 157 Ann Street, Brisbane
• 
  
  Stove Cafe, 91 Jane Street, West End.

[Images: 1 and 2 - Jean and Joyce; 3 - Mondocherry; 4 - Otilly & Lewis; 5 - Black and Spiro]

Velvet crush

Currently looking for new bed linen to spruce up the bedroom. I love these velvet quilts and cushions/pillows from Wallace Cotton. Just the thing for winter.  It's difficult to choose between lagoon (blue/green), damson (red/pink), black or mink (brown). What do you think?

[Images: Wallace Cotton]

Boyd Dower House

Have you seen the competition in the latest issue of Inside Out where you can win a whole week staying at the iconic Boyd Baker / Dower House situated on the outskirts of Melbourne?

If mid century design is your thing it might tickle your fancy. Personally, I think the stone walls in the building are very beautiful...

For more images and some interesting information about the history of the Boyd Baker House, take a look at their site.

P.S. Jane (My Pear Tree House),  if you're reading this post - I know you'd write a brilliant summary of this lovely house, surprising us all with interesting tidbits, but unfortunately I just don't have your wonderful writing skills to do it justice. Sorry, I 'cheated' and put up a link.

Textile designer: Margo Selby

Today I had a few minutes to spare before I met my friend Ann for lunch, just enough time to sneak into Turner & Lane (a great homewares shop in Malvern) for a quick peek.  I bought a set of great ramekins - all different bright colours. They're the perfect size for the yummy caramel fudge puddings I'm going to make tomorrow.  Anyway, I'm getting off track...while I was at Turner & Lane I spotted these fabulous cushions & throws by UK textile designer Margo Selby - I love the bright colours and patterns.  I've been a 'neutrals' girl most of my life, but just lately I'm lusting after a bit of colour - maybe Margo Selby's the way to go.

Some of Margo Selby's lustworthy items - cushions, throws, bedlinen, wall panels, wallpaper, rugs and lampshades and more...

(I wish I had a set of stairs in my home just so I could have this runner on them!)

[All images: Margo Selby]

Show of hands

These make me want to start collecting hands...

This last image is actually a graphite item that can be used for writing - but truly, would you ever use it?!? It's far too beautiful.

[Images: 1 - Skona Hem; 2 - NZ House & Garden; 3 Every Eskimo; 4 - Notebook Magazine; 5 - Dee Puddy; 6 - Pure Home Style; 7 - StyleSwoon; 8 - Third Drawer Down]

Dining out: The Aviary

Two good reasons to visit The Aviary when I get the opportunity:

1. Every Tuesday through to Friday you can enjoy a very nice lunch with a glass of house wine for a mere $15
2. The very agreeable surroundings...

The Aviary: 271 Victoria Street, Abbotsford

[All images: The Aviary]

Designer: Gregory Mellor

I fell totally and utterly head over heels for interior designer Gregory Mellor's Dangar Island home that he shares with his partner Nick Krull.  The home is featured in the 10th anniversary edition of Inside Out (May/June 2010). A beautiful space indeed...

For more of Gregory Mellor's fabulous design work (and his gorgeous home) check out his website.

(All images: Gregory Mellor)

Monday shop post: Almond Tree Frames

A few weeks ago whilst visiting my girlfriend in Williamstown we took a stroll in the main shopping strip, Ferguson Street, and came across this lovely little art, framing and homewares shop called Almond Tree Frames. They do great paper cut artwork, some of which would make a wonderful Christening present for a baby or birthday gift for a young child...

They also have other paper cut art work that's quite beautiful and quite appropriate for a person of any age. I was quite enamoured of the butterflies...

Some of the other lovelies at Almond Tree Frames that caught my eye were...

Animal softies...

This cute bird tea cosy...

Some quirky cork 'teabag' coasters...

Sweet bird & egg candles (these would have made a great Easter present)...

A lovely printed linen storage box...

A sweet little ceramic vase - I love how the feather detail is hidden away on the bottom of the vase too..

And last, but not least, these fab Alice in Wonderland decals (I know decals have been done to death, but these were just too sweet not to show)...

Almond Tree Frames are situated at 63 Ferguson Street, Williamstown.  I know I'll be returning there next time I need a christening or birthday present for a child. BTW, they also have an online shop which includes a large range of items.

[All images from Almond Tree Frames]