An East Hamptons Cottage

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The photographer of this charming cottage certainly tweaked my interest when I saw this shot, these cute little guys may look a bit apprehensive about posing for this photo, however the image below shows how relaxed they are about their charming home.

This Week's Mix it Up - No Churn Icecream, DIYTassel Throw and Coastal Interiors

Fresh Raspberries and Cookies and Cream Icecream

No ice cream maker needed for this delicious treat and if raspberries are not in season in your part of the world, you could use 'freeze dried' or frozen raspberries (defrost them first). Recipe via Bromer Bakery...click here for instructions. More inspiration....

Shiplap Inspiration

I have fallen in love with shiplap, not a term we are familiar with in New Zealand, so think Lockwood houses that have had a paint makeover. Tongue and groove painted white or whitewashed can look amazing in almost any home, especially a coastal or farmhouse style house.

Mixing it Up - Interiors, DIY Faux Coral and Lemon Lavender Cupcakes

I used to feature weekly inspiration with recipes, diy and inspiring interiors, but somehow this post seemed to have been put on the back burner so I am bringing it back, yet again, and mixing it up with plenty of inspiration to fill your weekend.

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.

Tuesday's Mix - Whipped Coconut Cream, Delicious Cupcakes, a Designer's Makeover and More

Above: You will find a link at the end of this post to see more of this lovely home by designer Melanie Turner

I hope you enjoy this week's Tuesdays mix a couple of easy recipes including how to make coconut whipped cream which has got to be healthier than dairy and it tastes delicious. Also a recipe for 15 minute mint thins, (vegan and 'no bake'), now that's what I like! I have also included a couple of DIY ideas for the home and a glimpse of a designer's makeover.

A Recent Design Project - Contemporary Living

I don't usually take on design projects as I don't profess to be an interior designer, however I recently accepted a small project for a client. After an extensive exterior renovation they wanted a new colour scheme, carpets, curtains and new furniture for their interior.

A Blogger's Coastal Cottage

I spotted a coastal cottage on Apartment Therapy, it reminded me a little of my home and my own collection of blue and white china.

A Lakeside Home - A Blend of Nantucket Style and European Elegance

When your eyes fall upon the attractive exterior of this lakeside home, you have an immediate sense that what lies beyond is going to be just as beautiful as its cedar shake and swannanoa stone exterior. However, you may be surprised with the blend of Nantucket style and European influence that lay beyond the outer walls.

Glen Beach Cottage Is A Winner In White

I was not surprised to read that this lovely lakeside cottage won an award in the 2013 Detroit Home awards. The designers chose a predominantly white theme mixed with subtle shades of grey and blue and the addition of natural linens for the interior of this lakeside home. The overall scheme is timeless and the pictures speak a thousand words of the cottage look that I adore. 

An Original Cape House Renovation - Cosy and Countrified

The kitchen in this authentic Cape home first captured my eye. The glimpse of the contemporary art work and the brass and glass pendant lights, combined with the traditional style faucet made me want to explore more.

A Colourful Cottage and a Restored, New England Inn

Today is a public holiday in New Zealand, Queens Birthday weekend and my lucky friends are still away at their beach houses, we have remained home as we are lucky enough to be able to walk to the beach so I guess you could say, our "beach house is our home"☺. We have made the most of the sunny weather Saturday and Sunday with lots of Poppy walks. However, today is cloudy, cold and drizzly and driven me into my woolly socks, lots of layers and warm office looking for inspiration, which I found in two pretty cottages.

Flemish Longhouse/Farmhouse - A Rustic, Contemporary Blend

I adore a rustic look but not so rustic that you feel like your living in a log cabin. When I spotted this farmhouse renovation, I immediately thought the designer had found the right balance.

When Wallpaper is Art - The Launch of Sarah Ellison's 'Light of Heart' Collection

Hot off the press! Sarah Ellison, renown Australian stylist and Style Editor at Real Living Magazine, has just launched her debut collection of wallpapers. Sarah's love of fashion and interiors inspired her to create her 'Light of Heart' range as an extension of her signature style. Her contemporary, fresh designs, unite pattern and colour which transcend towards art. Emily Ziz Style Studio has collaborated with Sarah to bring her designs on line. If you would like to view the full range, please visit "Light of Heart".

Lee oxo

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Macrame Is Back & Setting A Trend In Our Homes

Most of us are aware trends come in full circles, what was yesterday is now today, so whats returning in 2014? I believe owls and woodland animals are taking flight but macrame is making a come back. Remember those hanging macrame planters of the 70's, well they are back with a little vibrancy and a lot of ingenuity.

Macrame is believed to have originated from 13th Century Arab weavers who originally used the knots to create fringing along the edge of hand woven fabrics. Eventually the art spread to Spain then Italy and further on to England, where it is said, Queen Mary taught the art of macrame to her ladies in waiting. If you want to learn more about its history you can read more ...here. Jumping a few centuries, macrame recently appeared on the Australian television series, 'The Block', where Josh and Jenna, (obviously on trend), hung a white knotted macrame planter in the corner of their bathroom. Unfortunately I couldn't find a large enough image to show you but there is a small image....here.  Sometimes there isn't enough space to be able to display a plant or other bathroom accessory and a hanging macrame is the perfect solution. Another idea for its use in a bathroom would be to pop a basket inside and fill it with neatly folded hand towels or soaps for guests. Wall hangings, planters, rugs, baskets and chairs, macrame is making a comeback and I have been looking for inspiration with a 'current' feel.

Above: A throw and lantern in vivid colours

Above: This decorative hanging could be used in a window or as a screen or room divider

Above: The perfect  baby crib

Above: A simple hanger from Anthropologie

Above: Pattern Play large macrame lightshade 

Image source above: 1|2|3|4|5

1.Knotted Melati hanging chair - Anthropologie homeware

2. Macrame hanger kitset from the Descendant Store

3 Macrame plant hanger - Anthropologie homeware

4. Colour block macrame plant hangers - Cold Picnic

5. Henriette Macrame pillow cases - Brunklauss Amersterdam

6. Macrame basket from One Kings Lane (Note One Kingslane has special offers, so this basket may not still be available).

7. Macrame wool rug from Serena and Lily

Above: If you like DIY, I found a wonderful step by step tutorial with fantastic images, to create this planter. Directions at.... Whimsey Box

I hope you have enjoyed this inspiration, if you want to see more ideas with macrame, please visit my Pinterest page.

Lee oxo

A Rustic Cabin In The Country - Natural wood and stone merge with earthy linens.

A rustic cabin built in the Polish countryside is home to a couple and their guests.With abundant fresh produce from their neighbours, it is easy to see why Hania and Janusz, felt the need to build their house in the countryside. Although a new build, its beamed ceilings and rustic feel could easily fool you into believing it is much older than its actual age. Earth tones are seen throughout the house, from the floorboards and beams to the stone fireplace. Natural linens in soft muted greys feature in the soft furnishings and blend seamlessly into their surroundings. The combination of subtle colours and natural materials used in this interior, bring a sense of peace and relaxation. Intending to retain a country look without overdoing it, items collected from travels can be seen displayed in pretty vignettes around the house, with a love of chickens evident in the kitchen and dining area. A combination of different textures such as wood, wicker and iron, lend a natural, country feel to this lovely home.

The unusual rattan lamp above the coffee table, I believe is from Domoteka, unfortunately I couldn't track down the actual product

The cross back dining chairs perfectly compliment the ceiling beams 

Wood, rattan and metal combined for an earthy effect 

A collection of chickens perch on a bookshelf 

A compact but well designed kitchen

I do love this ceramic chicken - I have a French china one that belonged to my grandmother, the top lifts off to reveal your eggs below, although I believe this one to be an ornament

The soft earth colours extend to the bedroom

A basin with lovely lines sits atop a whitewashed stand

Natural stone and wood work beautifully in this bathroom

The exterior architecture is cabin style and fits perfectly into its country surroundings

Photography Aneta Tryczyńska - Styling  Agnieszka Głowacka

Images via.

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My favourite home and lifestyle series & some before and afters

Currently I am blogging from my sofa, laptop perched precariously on my lap, as I watch professional home stager, Matthew Finlason perform his magic on the television series, 'The Stagers'. Suddenly I have a flash of inspiration, with the recent explosion of home inspiration series, I have decided to dedicate this post to a few of my favourites. I realise there is the possibility my personal favourites may not be viewable in every country, however if you have digital TV you could have access to these and many more. If you don't have access www.digitaltvsignup.co.uk/ have a great choice of packages available where you can discover your favourite series. I have to warn you some of these programs highly addictive, especially for those of us passionate about home decorating.

Candice Tells All:

An inspiring before and after series where weekly, Candice Olsen takes you through the detail of her signature makeovers where she turns a tired space into something beautiful. Candice loves classic design and has a savvy way of combining classic and contemporary pieces, creating a fresh, timeless look to her rooms. I love this series, not just for the makeover but Candice has a wonderful personality and she and her team usually have a little lighthearted fun as they progress through their work. A few examples of Candice signature style can be seen below;

Neutral  Hampton's style this living area has a bright fresh look

Candice loves to play with colour and pattern. The elaborate mirror is made more effective by the dark  plum paintwork

Nothing works together in this large empty space until Candice waves her magic wand....

Candice took a large space and created a stunning master wing. I don't know about you but I could totally live in this room.

Image sources via.

The Stagers:

A popular series where professional stagers Matthew, Bridget and Maureen take tired houses or empty properties and turn them into spectacular homes that will stand out in the property market. Matthew Finlason is my favourite stager, his crazy energy and 100 mile an hour mind, along with his obvious passion for his work make him a fun personality to watch. When Matthews rooms are complete, there is a definite "wow" factor. Matthew actually reminds me a little of my eldest son who is co-incidentally called Matthew too and is also a stylist but in the fashion industry, both Matts have the same enthusiastic energy that I love.

'The stagers' is a great series for learning lots of home styling tips and tricks. One tip I took one on board last year when I staged my mums house was using a blow up bed.  I had already sold her dated bedroom furniture and  thought, how on earth am I going to stage the bedrooms now. Simple! as seen on "The Stagers", I took 8 large cardboard cartons (free from the supermarket) and sat a blow up Queen size mattress on top (placing a carton at each corner and one in the centre of the side and bottom of the bed. Once I had dressed the bed, no one would have known. I was praying a child wouldn't run in and try and jump on the bed, luckily it didn't happen. It is a really worthwhile tip. A great idea if your styling an apartment and don't want to be moving a bed up and down stairs.

A few of Matthew's before and afters...

Before -  a multi use area in a loft apartment

After - a light filled dining area

Before -  a dark loft is given a contemporary and light filled look below...

After - with the addition of free standing lights, cream ottoman, glass coffee table and light coloured rug, retaining the owners small leather couch, Matthew worked his magic.

Before - No comment....

After -  Matthews magic touch - a stylish contemporary living area

Images via

House rules:

An Australian series currently airing on NZ TV, this fast paced series takes 5 couples and two brothers who compete by renovating each others homes. One home is showcased each week and each couple (apart from the home owner) is designated an area of the house and  given one week to complete the renovation. The only direction given is a short list of 'house rules' from the owners. The final winner will have their entire mortgage paid off.

With a roller coaster of highs and lows, rippling wallpaper, doorways being blocked off, live possums and dead rodents the program continually keeps you on the edge. Nevertheless the couples battle to achieve the highest marks, not only the judges but the home owners themselves.

In the list of house rules provided by the owners are their likes, dislikes and favoured style such as country/industrial and as you can imagine interpretations of style can vary. Homeowner Michelle loved Moroccan tiles, the two brothers who had Michelles bathroom to renovate, thought Morocco was in South America and decided they would create their own Moroccan look by using bright orange, green and yellow coloured mosaics in a geometric design, needless to say this didn't go down well with Michelle who apparently hated the colour orange and gave them a low 3 out of a possible 10 points. 

To date, the houses renovations are complete, one couple have been eliminated and it is now up to the remaining couples to have a second chance at re-doing one area in their own homes, the catch is, they only 24 hours to complete the transformation.  I think the series finishes this Friday in NZ. I am keen to see the changes they make this week, it's any ones chance of winning now as the original points have been wiped and they will start again.

Some of the final room makeovers below...

 This house had to be totally re-built, the house rule was coastal Moroccan mix

Amy and Sean's kitchen -  Their house rules were "country/industrial". Michelle and Steve interpreted this perfectly in their renovation of Amy and Sean's kitchen 

Brothers Chris and Nicks living/dining area is given a modern makeover

Jane and Plinio's new dining room

Images via

There many house renovation series, sadly I don't have time to review all so I have created a short list of others I enjoy...

• Secrets from a stylist 
• Sarah Beeny's selling houses 
• Buying and selling with the property brothers
• Dream build

I hope you have enjoyed this post, I would love to hear what your favourite home and lifestyle programme is?

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