A fine use of chairs

I think that this beautiful home has used chairs in a way that really shows them and the space to their best advantage. What do you think?

[All images from Robert Mills Architects]

Today I love...

These fabulous budgerigar paintings by artist Ben Quilty:

The new towel range from Aura Home - I'm thinking of the spot towels (second image at front) for my own bathroom:

This great book from Mary Randolph Carter (it's on my Christmas wishlist):

[Image: Amazon]

These prints from Southwood Home - green being my favourite colour, I especially love the 'Eat Your Greens' print on the far left:

Speaking of green, I think these green tiles are pretty gorgeous too:

[Image: Hecker Guthrie]

And also this glass and ceramic collection - simple but stunning: 

[Image: Martha Stewart]

And finally, who could go past a great shell collection like this:

[Image: Martha Stewart]

Wishing you a happy weekend.

A dreamy home

Today was a big day filled to the brim with client meetings, so I'm lucky to be able to string a sentence together at the moment.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so these pictures of a dreamy Melbourne home by Robert Mills Architects and interior designer Louella Potter will have to suffice for a post today.

What I love: great use of aboriginal art, interesting lighting, great use of texture, a relaxed living space...

[All images from Robert Mills Architects]

Two cafes to try

Thanks to Catherine (v. cool Melbourne blogger and inveterate traveller) at the brilliant Point of Difference, I've just become aware of two newish cafes that I want to pop in to and try a.s.a.p. Just flagging it here in my own blog so I don't forget!

First up, Friends of Mine, 506 Swan Street, Richmond:

And secondly, Sissi's, 1290 Malvern Road, Malvern:

[All images from Point of Difference]

Monday shop post: Papyrus Design

As Christmas nears my thoughts turn to stationery believe it or not...you see, I like to make Christmas cards for my nearest and dearest - not everyone on my Christmas list, just a special few.  And of course I need supplies for my Christmas card making adventure. The two places I like to venture to in order to pick up paper, envelopes etc. are Rock, Paper, Scissors and Papyrus Design.  The latter has the most gorgeous range of paper-related 'stuff'.  Here, take peek at Papyrus Design:

Stationery sets and albums:

Tags and card sets:

Pencils in all the colours of the rainbow:

And pens too:

Plenty of goodies for the kids:

Beautiful leather goods:

Bookbinders notebooks and albums:

More cards and books:

Rows of exquisite wrapping paper:

Decorative ribbons by the metre or the roll:

Paper by the sheet and fabulous stickers to adorn gifts or envelopes:

 And to top it all off, a gorgeous chandelier hanging in the corner:

Conveniently, both Rock, Paper, Scissors and Papyrus Designs are located in High Street Armadale.  I'm looking forward to taking a trip to both shops this week to pick up my Christmas Cards supplies.  Now if I could just get my Christmas present list in order I'd feel just a little bit more organised.

[All images from Papyrus Design]

How delightful

How delightful would it be to stay at the Red Brick Barn for the weekend?

Ninety minutes or so up the highway from Melbourne is the town of Castlemaine and nearby the smaller town of Chewton - my father actually lived in this town for a time when he was a little boy. Anyway, two Melburnians (Glenny Eastwood and Daniel Burgermeister) have created the oh so beautiful Red Brick Barn guesthouse in the goldfields town of Chewton. Can you believe that this gorgeous guesthouse is only 3 years old? It's a testament to Daniel and Glenny's keen renovation and recycling skills.

You can click on each of the following images for a close up:

You can find out more about Red Brick Barn and see more beautiful images at their website.

[All images from Red Brick Barn]

Porcelain prettiness

Just a little bit of Melbourne gorgeousness today thanks to the talented duo Angus and Celeste - their wares will be available at the Magnolia Square market early December and I think one of their porcelain botanical vases would make the perfect Christmas present for a special someone I know.

 Angus and Celeste also create bracelets, rings, brooches, wall tiles, earrings, scarves, belts etc.:

[All images from Angus and Celeste]