Tips on Choosing Art for a Coastal Inspired or Hamptons Interior

Photo by Blackband Design - I chose this image of water because of the restful movement and colours. This art would also work well in a bedroom because of its almost hypnotic effect

Choosing artwork can be quite a challenge regardless of your home's style, have you ever taken a piece of art home to find it doesn't suit its surroundings, it's a very disappointing feeling as art is not just visual, it can be quite an expensive investment. If you have a neutral, Hamptons style home, when it comes to art, the world is your oyster as long as you remember a few important points.

Colourful, Coastal Style Interior

Eclectic artwork and coastal touches drew me to this traditional home which has been beautifully re-designed by Banks Design Associates.

Art, Go Big, Go Bold

Interior by J White Interior Design - Artwork 'Frangrant Spring" by Elizabeth Horning

Art can make your home shine and put the finishing touches to a room but I believe that if you are going to invest in artwork, go big, go bold and let your art make a statement.  What are you passionate about in life, maybe you love flowers and nature, horses or dancing or you may have a love of the countryside or ocean. If you select art that reflects what you love about life, you are unlikely to tire of it.

Transforming a Small Space - My Hallway Makeover

When I have an idea in my head I usually have to act on it as soon as possible and that is exactly what happened when I decided to spruce up my hallway. 

A Bohemian Style Bedroom and Gabryel Harrison's Atmospheric Roses Painting - Plus a Peek at My Latest Peony Painting

It has been some time since  have featured an artist on the blog, however while looking for some interiors to share, I came across a colourful condominum and immediately recognised the artists work as New Zealand born, Gabryel Harrison.

Interior Designers Show Their Flair - Working With Art In Their Designs

Above: The painting determines the colours in this dining room. The bleached wood framed chairs reflect the white of the horse and the upholstery reflects the colours of the background of the painting. You may notice the curves of the tops of the chairs reflect the curves  seen in the horse. Other pictures are kept simple with black frames.

Above: Contemporary Dining Room by New York Interior Designers & Decorators Drew McGukin Interiors

A home without art can lack soul, embarrassingly, as an artist, I am the first to admit there is not enough art on my walls, something I am currently looking at improving. When we plan to decorate a room, we immediately start thinking, what colour, what patterns, what furniture etc and it can easily become overwhelming. Even the task of choosing a wall colour can become so absorbing that we forget about the whole picture. Interior designers however, know that art can be the perfect beginning to inspire their overall design.

Spotted This Week - Vibrant art, an interesting interior, and two, simple gluten free recipes

I am sorry I missed this Wednesday's post, I have been a little bit under the weather so to speak, but feeling somewhat better and back on board again. I guess this is the nice thing about working from home, it is a little easier to take a break. However, in saying this, I do feel a great responsibility to my readers and sponsors and so getting back into the swing of things with a mix of art, interiors and food to inspire you over the weekend.

New Zealand Artist, Sheila Brown - Inspired By Nature

Recently, Sheila Brown, a reader of 'Lee Caroline' won a book give-a-way, Creating the French Look by Annie Sloan. Inspired by her win and already having bought some tins of Chalk Paint™ Sheila upcycled a chest of drawers which featured a few weeks ago. However, at the time, what I failed to mention, was that although Sheila used a large bristle brush to complete her furniture project, normally she can be found standing at her easel with a more delicate brush in hand, working on her unique bird paintings.

In 1994 Sheila, moved from the East Coast of America to New Zealand and settling in Christchurch made her home beside the sea. Developing a busy landscape business, Sheila would come home in the evenings and relax by painting the nature she was immersed in. Mainly self taught but clearly with a natural talent, Sheila developed her unique style and in 2009 her painting 'Robin in Winter' received first prize from the Otago Art Society. Her style and popularity continued to grow and her work has since featured in Denis Robinson's 2010 book, New Zealand Gallery.

Sheila works mainly in acrylics, her art, inspired by her proximity to the sea and her love of birds is colourful and original. Sheila's technique and style works perfectly for her subjects and I believe her art is uniquely New Zealand. Sheila's work can be seen in several galleries throughout NZ including Auckland's popular Art By The Sea gallery in Devonport. Currently she is busy preparing for an exhibition on the 28th of December at the Little River Gallery (details below).

'Robin In Winter' - 1st Prize Otago Art Society

'Peaceful Tui' - Acrylic on canvas

 'New Beginnings' - Oyster Catchers - Acrylic on Canvas

'North Island Kaka' - Acrylic on canvas

Quote from Sheila: "The seagull is a beautiful bird; just look at the colours. For me the seagull represents freedom, summer, peace." 

'Portrait Of A Gull' - Acrylic on canvas

'Morning Flight' - Acrylic on canvas

Fantail - Acrylic on canvas

Sheila's upcoming exhibition of her 'Up Close and Personal' series of acrylics is to be held on the 28th December at the Little River Gallery, Little River, Banks Peninsular. The exhibition is part of a summer exhibition and will run for three weeks. If you are not fortunate enough to be able to see Sheila's art first hand, you can view more of her work on her website. If you are interested in further information, please contact Sheila at; art@sheilabrown.co.nz

I hope you have enjoyed a little of our wonderful NZ art, thank you Sheila for allowing me to share your work and I wish you well with your upcoming exhibition.

Lee x

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Boca Do Lobo - Exquisite, unique furniture design

I lived in Brunei for almost 8 years and during this time not only was I surrounded by rainforest but also by opulence. While living there I was lucky enough to experience several invitations to the Sultan's Istana (palace) where I was in awe of the incredibly luxurious surroundings. Little gold plated, (yes real gold) shuttle cocks were used as feet on some of the chairs in their gymnasium, I noticed on one visit that a foot was missing and wondered to myself if someone had decided to take a souvenir! Although opulence may not be my personal style, I am always appreciative of unique designs and since leaving Brunei I have not seen such opulence until I discovered Boca Do Lobo, a furniture design company located in Portugal. I hesitate to use the word furniture as their designs are totally unique, more functional pieces of art. 

If luxury is your style and money is no object then just take a look Boca Do Lobo's exquisite, limited edition pieces....

Eden Series - gold plated 

Monochrome - Inspired by monochromatic paintings,  reflected light adds fluidity to these sculptural pieces. 

Piccadilly Cabinet

A fabulous cabinet inspired by Manueline 

From their more affordable range, I'm in love with these wonderful side tables...

Side table - Stone, made from laquered oak, mahogany or walnut

Caos' - Urban yet classical design

 I encourage you to visit Boco Do Lobo to learn more about their company and browse their unique furniture, each piece has it's own story. If you can't resist one of these amazing pieces, they do ship worldwide.

An outdoor artist/craft studio - what do you think?

Having recently turned my studio into a lovely guest bedroom, I now have limited space to paint. My third, small bedroom is soon to become an office and I did think I may be able to set my paints up in one corner, however as my medium is oils I realise with only a small window, there may not be enough ventilation. Other options are renting space in a studio, buying a larger house (not an immediate option), or the possibility of a studio in my garden which would certainly be a cheaper and less drastic choice.

I don't have a large garden, I also don't require a huge space to paint in, just a small area with enough light and ventilation. To have my own studio and to be able to close the door at the end of the day and literally walk away without the worry of the smell of turps throughout my home is an appealing idea. In the long run it should be more economical than renting studio space, spending money on petrol and travelling back and forth. Imagine how much easier it will be to roll out of bed and walk a few steps across my garden to reach my work place, and I get to decorate another space :)

Artists studios are such personal spaces, some work in spotless studios, others paint splashed disaster zones, some large, some small, I have been looking for ideas of how I might want to plan the inside of my studio and then started looking at suitable designs that might work in my small garden. I was amazed to find a vast range of architectural designed garden studios. Initially I was expecting little more than a garden shed until I came across Tunstall Garden Buildings who have some fantastic studios. The garden shed has certainly advanced to grand proportions, in fact, I could probably move into one of these buildings and rent out my house, something to think about should I hit hard times.

Some artists require only a small space

My dream studio,enough room to paint and exhibit...maybe not a reality :(

Light and airy with a  homely feel

This studio feels a little industrial -  the painting kind of scares me.

Images via: 1|2|3|4

And the exterior....

 Light filled, contemporary...I may want to move in!

Cute, probably a more appropriate size for my own garden

Traditional style - add some pretty shutters, sisal flooring and you have a lovely outdoor room

Images via - Tunstall Garden Buildings (link above)

I believe I have found the perfect spot for my studio, well actually I don't have a lot of choice with what must be one of the tiniest gardens around. I guess all that's left is to do is to work out the size and design that will work for me.

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An eclectic home with a love of art

I've finally completed my linen headboard, It's been a learning experience, although if I make another one it will be much so much easier. I'll be posting step by step instructions after my guest room reveal. Today I am bringing you a West London house with wall art that caught my eye. An eclectic mix of old and new, this home certainly makes a statement.

  Multi media artwork from plastic figures - Vik Muniz - Love the antique footstool

 Gorgeous designer guild wallpaper and a fabulously textured headboard

I think black and white photography is timeless

 I love this unusual floating console

 Vinyl flooring in a clever graphic hexagonal design achieving an almost 3Dimensional appearance

Unknown art - clever how the circular mat mimics the curves of the Louis style, iron framed chair

Images via

Emily Ziz's Colourful Sydney Store

Recently I came across 'Style Studio', the Paddington store of Emily Ziz. Emily's studio supplies fabrics, wallpapers, rugs, lighting and artworks. Style Studio loves to inspire their customers by regularly showcasing the work of textile and product designers they represent. In a recent interview with Temple and Webster, Emily was asked her favourite colour combination? I was delighted to read her answer, "blue and white is coming back as a trend". I still have my collection of blue and white china in my living room, I also agree with Emily that blue and white is timeless. Emily then went on to say, pinks, reds and oranges jumbled together give a rich uplifting effect and soft dove grey and indigo give a classic twist when combined with pops of magenta. You can read her full interview at Temple & Webster where Emily provides tips to mix cushions and how to add interest to a spare room.

Here is a taster of what's available in Emily's Sydney store... It looks like Emily uses my favourite Louis ghost chairs to work from.

The timber wall tiles have a distinct Moroccan feel 

Emily has some unusual felted goods such as the rocks in the first image

Would you believe, wallpaper!

vibrant cushions

Designkist wallpaper & fabrics

 beautiful fabrics by Fabricnation

Lorenzo Nassimbeni - Constantine Collection

I couldn't resist this amazing recycled art - Fanta Sebo with Lipton iced tea mouth

Don't forget to visit Emily's store to see more of her unique items.