haven home & style

Antique Heaven in a Hamptons Haven

2011-11-01T20:30:00.007+11:00

Renowned antique dealers, Zoe Hoare (Appley Hoare Antiques) & Chris Mead (English Country Antiques) have created a beautiful home of this 1740's 'saltbox' cottage in the Hamptons, (built from the hulls of an old ship). With a fresh interior palette of white replacing the once dark & dingy space, & the proximity to the Ocean view, they have created a relaxed & charming haven full of their much loved antique finds & unique pieces. Every room is a story in itself with character & charm aplenty. I adore the gravel driveway, complete with the 1950s Schwinn 'Typhoon' Bicycles (discovered at a local antique fair) & my favourite of all, the divine hedge of white hydrangeas...just what I've planted in my front garden, I hope they look like this!

Coastal Living, Global Style.

2011-08-30T20:45:00.004+10:00

Last week I spent a wonderful few days on the peninsula, amidst the sunshine & the sea air without time restraints or must do diary entries, heaven! I enjoyed coffees at leisure, walks along the beach, magazines & movies anytime of the day, & of course visiting Sorrento shopping Village, how much it has changed since Summer! New stores & cafes to sample & enjoy (Two Sisters is fabulous!), & it was fantastic to see such energy & activity mid-week & out of holiday season, but Sorrento is always a favourite regardless of the season.

One of my much loved stores is Coastal Living, & after closing briefly in July for renovations, it has reopened with a beautiful new space, fresh, uncluttered, exciting & just divine. Ross Nichols & his team have created the perfect ambience to showcase this beautiful new look, with ideas, pieces, touches & style for coastal, city & country interiors, for bed, bath & living. This is what I refer to as the retail experience, with delightful staff, space, gorgeous merchandising & excellent service.

If you're looking to renovate, decorate or wanting to invest in key piece furnishings, I would also highly recommend you visit their stunning showroom in Boneo Road, Rosebud.

Coastal Living: Sorrento & Rosebud, both open 7 days.

Mint Home Spring/Summer 2011

2011-08-16T22:51:00.005+10:00

Having a great appreciation for understated, relaxed contemporary style & a love for natural materials & neutral colour palettes, I was immediately drawn to the divine new Spring/Summer collection of Mint Home at Melbourne's August Trade fair. I love the combinations of textures, tones & lines of this brand. My new favourite pieces include the New York Hurricane with Candle - perfect of course for candles, ice or flowers, & the Hudson Tray for entertaining, or as a stand alone feature piece. As for the Citrus Mint story? Sublime.

http://www.minthome.com.au/

Interior House Designs

2011-08-10T21:18:00.028+10:00

Megan Gates is an active American blogger who shares her expertise and insight on New York City Luxury Real Estate, Hamptons beachfront properties, home improvement, and the latest architecture, design and fashion, and I welcome her as a guest writer with her post on "Interior House Designs"...enjoy.

Interior Design for Manhattan Homes Currently, modern art deco design principles and Asian decor are popular in New York. Designer Donna Karan has influenced this design trend with her "Zen" Manhattan apartment design. She likes simple colors and furnishings. Many times a black and white color palette is used to give a modern, yet clean feel to the home. The minimalist decor provides a calming effect to the individuals that enter the home. Many of the modern art deco apartments use natural materials. For instance, many of the Manhattan homes feature hardwood, marble or lowpile Berber carpeting for the flooring. The paint may be a sundry of colors ranging from cool grays to complement a monochromatic room to a vibrant green, depending upon the designers and homeowner's preference.
Granite, glass, copper, bronze and masonry are also popular materials of the Manhattan designer. Many homeowners are also adding concrete floors to homes for a modern effect and durability. Colored concrete is ideal for Manhattan lofts and spaces that receive high traffic. Much of the furniture is Asian inspired with clean, perpendicular lines. Asian furniture, beds included, has a low profile and often blends into the environment as a modern piece of art. Manhattan homes have numerous unique designs.

Interior Design for Hamptons Beach HomesHamptons beach homes often feature the natural colors of the beach area. The light and cool color palettes are very popular in a Hamptons beach home. Walls are often white or some neutral color. Light blues, greens or yellows are also common.
The furniture often complements the wall color with a lighter color. The decor is casual, but remains light with linen-upholstery and the use of wicker furniture. Nautical stripes, florals, toile and gingham are common in a Hamptons beach home.
Sun-bleached hardwood aged flooring often works with the decor in these homes. Contemporary styling is common, but it is balanced with wood, period hardware and bead board walls. Rustic elements may be added to give the space an antique feel. Many people in the Hamptons do not like the contemporary feel for their Hampton beach home.
Lighter colors help to illuminate the natural lighting. Large windows are a focal point of many Hamptons beach homes to maximise the view. Many of the homes also have natural lighting as well. Plants are also used to balance the home.

General Country Homes
Country style homes are casually elegant. The designs are often simple and are esigned to provide comfort to the homeowner. The furniture is practical and sturdy. Red, beige and white are some of the most popular colors for a country home. Rocking chairs and hardwood floors are common.
Country homes are universal. Depending upon the region of the world, a country home may vary. Other than traditional country, both French country style and English country style are also popular.
French country, for instance, has a bright color palette with the use of lavender, eggplant green, yellow and blue. The fabrics for the furniture are also bright. Florals or animal patterns are often featured, as is heavy wood furniture. Lavender wreaths, roosters and lamps are often decorative items placed in the rooms.
English country style relies more on the deep red, forest greens and brown color palettes. The rooms are dark with the use of tweed, leather and other heavy wood furniture. Large mahogony bookcases and overstuffed furniture is often common in the decor. Brass is also common for door and cabinet hardware.

Eight Shades of Pink...

2011-07-12T20:57:00.009+10:00

Following on from my last post, "Blue Monday, 7 Nearly Blue Rooms" I was approached by the American lighting company, Arcadian Lighting (www.arcadianlighting.com). The range of interiors that follow encompass their interior passion for the pink palette, in diverse furnishings, and of course lighting. My verdict? Sophisticated, stunning, exciting, ecletic & visually dazzling....

"Pink is one of those happy colors that we love in big and small doses. Like one of our favorite flowers, the peony, pinks come in shades from palest blush to deep fuchsia. Pink doesn't have to be reserved for a little girl's bedroom. Pink can be a sophisticated neutral or a bold design statement in an entry, living room, bedroom or bath.

There are plenty of furnishings and accessories which come in pink such as sofas, chairs, light fixtures and bedlinens. Inspired by the peony, here are eight pink rooms we think you'll love.

Palest of pinks on walls and upholstery act as neutrals in this simple, yet elegant, living room. Blue accents in both the art and accessories keep the room feeling crisp and not too feminine.

Pale pink walls and dustry rose accents give this room a feminine feeling. Take note of the rose painted side table - what an unusual color. The deep darm brown base and light brown shade of the table lamp complements the side table. We love it!

This warm pink entry by Mary McDonald is sophisticated with its gold mirror and console table flanked by upholstered side chairs.

A cooler pink wall color with grey trim color and grey floors give this room a vintage, antique feeling to it.

Love the rose curtains in this room. But what caught our eye was the pink bookcase with the glass doors - it's gorgeous! The pale pink area rug is lovely too. A few pink pendant lights would be dazzling in this room.

A mix of pale pink walls, rose colored accents and bright pink upholstered furniture give this room a nice balance of strong and soft hues. Everything works in a harmony of pink.

The hot pink on this entry wall makes a bold welcome to guests. The pink is nicely balanced by the white wainscoting below. The crystal chandelier also compliments the decor with its gold accents that allures the eyes.

Deep fuchsia on the walls with patterned upholstery gives this room an exotic feeling. What a nice depth of the color against the dark wood."

Content and images for this post provided by Arcadian Lighting. Founded in 2002, Arcadian Lighting started selling decorative home lighting accessories and lamps online. It has since become one of the top internet retailers for home lighting products.

For further lighting and design inspiration, go to http://www.arcadianlighting.com/

"Blue Monday: 7 Nearly Blue Rooms"

2011-05-16T22:38:00.002+10:00

I was delighted when I was approached by the online design firm, Design Shuffle (http://www.designshuffle.com/) an American social media site filled with Interior Design Ideas from top tier design talent from around the globe. Registration to this absolutely fabulous online design resource is free, and for those of you who love the world of interior design, contemporary, classic, eclectic or otherwise, I highly recommend you register.

I hope you enjoy this post, "Blue Monday: 7 Nearly Blue Rooms" written by Lindsay, one of the Design Shuffle team, and I look forward to sharing more from them, with you, in future.

While a hint of blue Mondays may leave one down and out, blue in the home is anything but. Blue comes in a bevy of tints and shades, its effects are almost always calm, cooling and meditative. Tints of blue in Robyn's Egg, Periwinkle, Sky and Powder work beautifully in the bedroom, office or as an exercise room. Even more vibrant shades with hints of green, think Peacock and Teal, are cool and calm in the living room or den. If you're hoping to incorporate a new, versatile colour into your interior design ideas, blue is definitely a great place to start.

The above room is an example of a vibrant shade of turquoise done in the bedroom. It may be bright, but the white and gray accents of the bed, nightstands and lamps, offset the shock and it's still calming.

In the bedroom, above, pale blue walls give off a cool, calming effect and are accented by similarly tints of blue in the bed's headboard, as well as the curtains. White of course works well here, but chocolate brown offers a surprising, though understated, pop of colour.

While this sitting room, above is another 'tropical' shade of blue, its vibrancy is well-balanced by chocolate, camel and ivory.

In this Nantucket beach house, above, the designer evokes oceanic blues and white throughout, but the high ceilings and beautiful, natural light of the bathroom, together with the pale blue walls, evokes an almost airy quality.

Deep navy walls are young, fresh and feminine, thanks to french mirrors, a Phillipe Starke Ghost chair, and bright pops of lipstick red.

The above classic pairing of white and a deep shade of cobalt blue is stately, yet serene in the drawing room of this villa on the island of Capri. It's one of the easiest interior design ideas to incorporate into your home because of its simplicity.

This room is actually mostly white, but the painted wooden floors in Robyn's Egg Blue together with the sunlight, create an unbelievably serene feeling, almost like the ocean.

These rooms are proof positive that blue can be calming, cooling, even vibrant, but never sad.

Design Shuffle

http://www.designshuffle.com/

Natural Winter Warmth

2011-05-05T23:26:00.008+10:00

Natural, neutral, white & cream together, timeless, chic, warm, always works & looks divine

Living with TOAST

2011-04-20T00:08:00.007+10:00

I love TOAST. Whether for your home or your wardrobe, the mix of colour, layers & textures combine key pieces with simple touches to create an endless thread of inspiration...

http://www.toast.co.uk/

The Millswyn

2011-04-10T15:39:00.011+10:00

Yesterday I enjoyed a fabulous girls' lunch at The Millswyn, my second since it opened only a few months ago. Located opposite the Botanic Gardens, & site of the once infamous formal dining institution, Lynches, it has been completely reinvented with new soul & energy & is absolutely divine. It is testament to a brilliant design interpretation between owner/entrepreneur, Davis Yu, & renowned interior design team, Hecker Guthrie. Working with a neutral base palette, the detail in the fittings & fitout also reveal an appreciation for Scandinavian design & New York style.

The service was both efficient & enthusiastic, & the food a perfect Saturday menu of gourmet delights. We lingered longer over wine & coffee, savouring the atmosphere of the cocktail bar & the music in a very understated, relaxed & welcoming ambience at this fabulously chic new dining establishment. Now, to organise dinner...

The Millswyn

http://www.themillswyn.com.au/

Holiday Solitude...

2011-04-07T22:05:00.007+10:00

Autumn, my very favourite season. Whether Easter or a cosy weekend away, a coastal retreat is my ideal getaway as the nights get cooler, the leaves change. Fresh sea air, sleeping, reading, movies, no time restraints. Brunch at all hours, walks along the beach, a picnic with friends...I'm looking forward to relaxing & enjoying a few simple pleasures, to re-energise & have time to do little that we all need to find.

Iris' Holiday Heaven...

2011-02-04T23:47:00.003+11:00

Like so many Nancy Meyers' fans, I adore her style & appreciation for beautiful furnishings & focal pieces. For those of us who embrace romantic comedies, complete with stunning set design,The Holiday is the perfect movie (yes, I too watched it once again tonight, & loved it even more!).

Timeless, Hamptons influence, belgian interior colour palettes & the perfect balance of natural materials against the sophisticated blend of texture & space threads throughout "Amanda's" home in this always feel good title.

Together with 'It's Complicated' & 'Something's Gotta Give', 'The Holiday' completes a visual feast of sophisticated, yet understated & timeless interior design, but echoes warmth & comfort from every aspect...set design made for home...

From Hotel to Home with Crown Gifts online...

2011-01-23T20:46:00.012+11:00

Crown Gifts - luxurious pillows all wrapped up

Crown Metropol Bathrobe-available in velour, micro fibre, waffle-weave

Crown Towers Doona Cover

Crown Promenade Ensemble

Crown Towers Pillowcase

Crown Towers Ensemble

Crown Metropol Pillowcase

The world renowned Crown Hotel Melbourne epitomises luxury & opulence. The experience bestowed upon guests is now available to replicate at home, through the Crown Gifts online store...

The superb 'At Home' collection offers a range of beautiful bedlinen & accessories to recreate the inhouse luxury that is resplendent in every suite of Crown Towers, Crown Promenade & Crown Metropol.

Whether your perfect night's sleep requires duck & feather down pillows, complete with doonas to match, luxury thread count sheets & pillowcases, or the divine touch of a Crown Metropol bathrobe, the 'At Home' collection from Crown Gifts online is now available for you to enjoy everyday... at home...

For more information on the luxurious Crown Gifts, visit: http://www.crowngifts.com.au/

Divine style with Suzie Anderson at Home...

2011-01-17T23:10:00.003+11:00

There are moments when you walk into a space, whether it be a home, a retail store or a hotel interior, & you think, this is absolutely divine! Such is the style of Suzie Anderson, owner of the magnificient Hopewood Country House in Bowral, NSW, & home to the gorgeous "French & Country".

When the time came several years ago for Suzie to sell her much loved Blue Mountains retreat, the many pieces that she collected & restored were relocated to the Sudney Antique Centre, where they were featured in a small French flavoured stand. From then, her collections expanded to include a European style, favouring original painted pieces in shades of faded greys, sage greens & white, all of which remain constants in her interior palette today. A more contemporary, masculine balance has evolved in recent years with Belgian accents adding a stronger focus to rustic collections.

From the idyllic setting of her home, the historic Hopewood Estate, French & Country expanded to occupy the old property stables. Through a series of Open days & appointments, customers were invited to enjoy the beautiful ambience of Suzie's interior magic in her Highlands property.

Her love for creating "a home environment...a tribute to all the senses", (which I completely appreciate & endeavour to emulate whether at home, for a client or in retail interiors), is once again evident in her latest decorating emporium, Susie Anderson Home. Again, this divine environment reflects her personal style with unique & wonderful pieces. Enjoy a weekend retreat at this stunning estate & experience it from the moment you arrive...

Suzie Anderson Home

Contact details:

http://www.suzieandersonhome.com/

Email: frenchco@bigpond.net.au

By appointment at Hopewood Country House: 0411 4488 17

Also at Highland House, 21 Boolwey St., Bowral, NSW. (02) 4861 2195

Melting Magic in Nottinghill

2010-11-29T14:33:00.007+11:00

Melt. What a deliciously appropriate name for a gorgeous chocolatier, in the heart of divine Nottinghill. Family, festive spirit & merchandising delights for all to enjoy, as shared by Bill Granger & his 3 daughters. Chocolate treats & perfect gifts all wrapped up in bonbon colours, simply yet beautifully displayed & something for all ages. I love the idea of one gift, whether it be a bonbon chocolate, soap, or a decoration for the tree, buy one in each colour, make a story, & make a statement, simple & understated - one of each colour, wrapped in a gorgeous little carry bag & tied with grosgrain ribbon to match, finished of course with a simple festive tag.

Hot pink with orange, lime & hotpink, or all 3 together, always looks fresh, happy & very chic. Hydrangeas & fairy lights, Jo Malone Candles, traditional carols, mince tarts, shortbread & eggnog, yes, I'm ready for Christmas coffee with friends:-)

http://www.meltchocolates.com/

OPENING THIS THURSDAY......

2010-11-02T20:25:00.010+11:00

The Colour Lab Store/Cafe-Melbourne

opens THIS THURSDAY!!!

We can hardly wait...morning coffee (Nick makes the best latte!), freshly squeezed juices, delicious breakfast & lunch menu (I've been very lucky to sample many of the delights on offer by the Cafe Manager, Caroline, her culinary expertise is just amazing!), lots of energy, inviting ambience, friendly & fabulous staff, & a brilliant mix of produce & product. Over the past 3 months, there has been such excitement from other traders & business owners, Stonnington residents, customers & colleagues...thank you all so much for waiting so patiently for the doors to open, it has indeed been a huge project, but we promise you that it has been well worth the wait!!

We hope that you are going to love it as much as we already do, & that you will become familiar faces & regular customers. We are really looking forward to sharing our store, cafe, events, workshops & calendar activities with you as we open the first Colour Lab Store/Cafe this Thursday, November 4th, 2010 at 9am!! :-)

The Colour Lab Store/Cafe Melbourne
385 High St.,
Prahran, Melbourne. 3181
P: 03 9510 3858
E: thecolourlab@gmail.com

Exciting new retail concept in Melbourne...opening soon....

2010-10-12T17:44:00.012+11:00

Opening Soon...

The Colour Lab Store/Cafe - Melbourne

Hello there!! I know, it's been far too long since I last posted a blog, but I have been very involved in a very exciting new retail brand, due to open VERY SOON!!

The Colour Lab Store/Cafe, the pilot store for a dynamic global roll out plan, is situated next to the beautiful Victoria Gardens in Prahran, Melbourne. It brings together a brilliant concept that is bound to soon become a destination location for retail, cafe & health lovers, embracing layers of colour in food, home, & for yourself, to enjoy, share & experience!!

This is an all encompassing new business brand & philosophy for creator & owner, Roz Mackay, an amazingly energetic, inspiring & passionate entrepreneur who has previously shared this collective vision in individual portfolios, including retail homewares & Interiors, cafes & art galleries.

The Colour Lab Store/Cafe - Melbourne, will offer a range of services & products, from cafe, take home produce, convenience shopping for busy professionals, weekend hampers for picnics in the park, gifts for every occasion, Vision Board workshops (a must for men & women, truly inspiring & insightful), & event management, fresh juices for that morning energy boost, to the best in coffee from Byron Bay Coffee Company.

Colour is energy, emotion & personal expression in all that we do, how we live, what we eat & how we feel. From the moment you walk in the door (& what a landmark door it is!), to the moment you leave, the team at The Colour Lab Store/Cafe - Melbourne, want to make sure that every customer feels energised, rejuvenated, happy & inspired...to enjoy the very best possible 'feel good' experience...

Stay tuned for The Colour Lab Store/Cafe - Melbourne lead up & opening...we can hardly wait!!!

The Colour Lab
385 High St.,
Prahran, VIC 3181
P: 03 9510 3858
E: thecolourlab@gmail.com
http://www.thecolourlab.com.au/

St Regis Punta Mita Resort - Mexican Magic...

2010-06-10T09:50:00.010+10:00

St Regis Punta Mita Resort, is a magical & oh so beautiful coastal destination on the North of Puerto Vallarta, on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Instrumental to the development of this world class resort, was Interior Designer Roy Azar, who has lived in Mexico since 1970. At 22, he established his own design practice, & has channeled his passion for design, inspired by everyday objects, into his client work, including commercial & residential design, & in more recent years, the world of hospitality. His style includes new traditional, modern & natural, classic cool & rustic chic...all with timeless aesthetic appreciation.

The book of the same name, has been created with the same passion as the resort itself, & embodies the stunning beauty of the timeless appeal created by his vision. It absorbs your imagination, & takes you far away to a paradise on the Pacific Coast of Mexico...simply heaven...

"St Regis Punta Mita" by Roy Azar

Hasson publishing

Sharing with Whiteport

2010-06-03T00:06:00.003+10:00

Just a quick thank you to the gorgeous Whiteport girls for profiling me on their blog this week with the feature article, "Pulling A Room Together" (expert tips).Thank you so much, it's wonderful to share & reciprocate mutual appreciation with other industry experts.

Jennifer McCabe, founder & owner of Whiteport, has the most divine online store offering a beautiful range of homewares, interior products & decorating ideas to enjoy for everyday living. I highly recommend that you subscribe to their fantastic newsletter & blog, in which you can adopt the decorating tips & ideas shared for your own home or space, using Jennifer's divine range of products for your bedroom, bathroom, dining & entertaining.

http://www.whiteport.com.au/

http://www.whiteport.blogspot.com/

A Corner Blooms

2010-05-18T13:14:00.007+10:00

Fleur McHarg, renowned floral designer & event stylist, can take a simple bunch of beautiful blooms, & turn it into a stunning artwork. She has just opened her divine new boutique store in Armadale, Melbourne, aptly named "Fleur". As one of Melbourne's key floral artists, Fleur caters not only to private clients & corporate events, but the annual calendar events on everyone's social agenda.

Not only is her new village store a very welcome addition to the gorgeous Rose St/Beatty Ave village traders & clientele, but also for the residents who delight in visiting on their daily walk, on their way home from work, & on a Saturday morning amongst the weekend cafe activity.

Her expertise in working with fragrant blooms, unusual foliage, seasonal favourites & what makes the perfect gift is in every arrangement she creates. Integral to this destination location, Fleur is now catering to children's birthdays, creating parties full of fun, colour & activity delight. In fact, many mothers are already asking if she can recreate birthday luncheons for them, perhaps not with with baby pink cupcakes but something equally divine fitting for their own celebration! Fleur is passionate about her work & her clients, & her stunning array of beautiful blooms entice you from every corner. The fragrant & aesthetic appeal is sublime, & really, who needs a reason to enjoy such a divine experience?

FLEUR

13A Rose St.,

ARMADALE VIC 3143

T: 03 9804 3522

F: 03 9804 3722

E: fleur@fleurs.com

Open: Tuesday - Saturday

Timeless & Classic Design in Black & White

2010-05-06T22:02:00.000+10:00

Black & White: Classic, Dramatic, Chic, Glamour, Elegance, Style & Sophistication.

Janelle McCulloch's latest release, "Design In Black & White" is all of the above & so much more. Janelle has divided this gorgeous bible of style & reference into four categories: 'Classic', 'Country', 'Coast' & 'High Glamour', incorporating a visual richness to every perspective she shares. From the simplicity of a black & white display of books, to spectacular architecture in New York, Melbourne & Paris, this renowned journalist & photographer captures the very essence of what is black & white - sophisticated, understated, elegant & timeless.

I had the great pleasure earlier this year of meeting Janelle, and what an amazing woman she is, full of inspiration, passion & wonderful energy. She is one of those people you meet in life who injects such happiness & spirit into your day, & it was wonderful exchanging our ideas & sharing our "love for beautful places, spaces & inspirational interiors". She later reminded me upon our next encounter to never forget my passion. I very much look forward to meeting with her again, thank you so much Janelle for sharing yours:-)

"Design in Black & White" by Janelle McCulloch

(images Publishing, 2010)

Have You Seen Hamish & Grace?

2010-05-04T08:03:00.011+10:00

The most divine new homewares haven has just arrived in Carpenter St., Brighton, absolutely gorgeous! Owner Kate Cartney (with help from an amazing family team), has just opened 'Hamish & Grace Homewares', and upon walking through the front door, you are welcomed with a beautiful array of the latest pieces and bespoke artwork that would work brilliantly in any home space.

Durance , Silke jewellery (swedish design) Sacha Dobinson Yates artwork, Barrier Reef coral (stunning focal point pieces), custom made & ready made furniture, lamps for every space, room & interior, portugese soaps wrapped in a stunning array of papers & prints (the perfect touch on the bathroom basin or gift idea), as well as simple, stylish & bespoke pieces to complete & compliment your home style, whether it be a city, coastal, country, contemporary or classic interior.

As your arrive, you are immediately welcomed into the wonderful ambience that Kate's signature merchandising creates, & the hardest decision you will have to make is what to look at first, & when to stop buying!!

Yes, this divine new homewares & interior store will very soon become the village destination location that Brighton has long needed and will certainly welcome & enjoy! Parking is readily available across the road, & you can savour a latte before or after the divine experience to be had at Hamish & Grace.

Hamish & Grace Homewares

29 Carpenter St.,Brighton VIC 3186

P: 03 9592 7419

http://www.hamishandgracehomewares.com/

E: kcartney@bigpond.com

Hours: Monday - Saturday 9.30am -5.30pm

Easter - The perfect holiday

2010-04-04T21:45:00.007+10:00

Easter is the perfect holiday of the year. A package of 4 days set in ideal weather, it is a time for sharing simple pleasures with family & friends (of course with hot cross buns & Easter eggs included). Unlike Christmas, it doesn't include frantic schedules, overloaded calendars or frenzied shopping lists.

Picnics anywhere the autumn leaves take you, walks along the beach, cooler evenings, slower mornings, Easter egg hunts, children playing in the park, our annual Good Friday family breakfast, all precious things to relish during the Easter holiday period.

Over the past few days I have enjoyed seaside walks, strolled through Melbourne's beautiful Botanic Gardens, ridden into the evening along the bay,(I've rediscovered the passion of bike-riding - free, fun & very enviro-friendly!), cooked without rushing, lingered longer over morning lattes, champagne toasts at the new Prada store, experienced fabulous service with delightful enthusiasm amidst the accentuated pace of retail at Easter. I feel rejuvenated, invigorated, & enjoying the simplest of things without needing to rush & accommodate the next meeting or appointment. Tomorrow, I will be sharing with you my latest library title, which is absolutely divine & I know you will just love it...!

I hope you too are enjoying Easter, savour it, enjoy it, relax.

Easter Picnic at Montalto

2010-03-26T23:57:00.000+11:00

I love Easter, I love Autumn, so my favourite time of year is almost here, & a picnic at Montalto awaits! It really is the most gorgeous experience, one to be shared with family, friends or of course, just for two. Ideally it is best suited to one of Melbourne's idyllic Autumn days - sunshine, blue sky, & perfectly temperate for a picnic amongst the orchards on the spectacular landscape of the Mornington Peninsula, at Red Hill South.

Whether you choose to dine upon the hill, enjoy sea views, or picnic adjacent to the orchard groves, your gourmet delights will arrive by Morrey, the much loved red Morris Minor. Whether you choose to authenticate the experience by dining on the lawns, or indulging with crisp white linen & table attire, a picnic at Montalto in Autumn really is a gorgeous experience.

Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove
Red Hill South
http://www.montalto.com.au/

Magnolia Square Begins At St. Kilda Today

2010-03-18T09:49:00.005+11:00

March Magnolia Square Begins TODAY!

Beautiful wares for yourself, your family, friends & home...

Treat yourself to coffee & cupcakes amongst gorgeous new creations & collections from 80 bespoke retail collections...

NEW VENUE - St. Kilda Town Hall

Today, Thursday March 18th, 10am - 9pm

Friday March 19th, 10am - 5pm

Saturday March 20th, 10am - 4pm

www.magnoliasquare.com.au

Chasing The Birkin...

2010-03-12T00:08:00.005+11:00

The 'Must Have' Book For Autumn

Hermes Heaven!

Hermes Collier de Chien bracelet in Croc

Vintage Black Croc Kelly Bag - A lifetime investment, divine!

Hermes "H" Croc belt in fuchsia

Stylish, savvy, successful & fabulous - Michael Tonello

'Bringing Home The Birkin", by American Michael Tonello, is a gorgeous take on high society's passion for the divine "Birkin" Bag. A latest release that comes highly recommended,
"Bringing Home The Birkin" recounts Michael's travels across the globe for the better part of a decade to nurture client demands for the 'must have' Birkin Bag. His entrepreneurial spirit made the Hermes waitlist obsolete, providing same day Birkins to his elite clientele including celebrities & socialites the world over.

I suggest you invest in this delightful read, for soon enough bringing home the book will be as sought after as bringing home a Birkin!

http://www.bringinghomethebirkin.com/

Haven Home Visits Whiteport

2010-03-11T23:21:00.011+11:00

Recently I was interviewed by Jennifer McCabe, founder & owner of the gorgeous online furniture & homewares business, Whiteport, in Sydney (http://www.whiteport.com.au/) for her Whiteport blog - http://www.whiteport.blogspot.com/

I first came across Jennifer's love of all things white in Home Beautiful a couple of years ago. All the images on her wonderful website are shot on location at her divine beach house on Sydney's northern beaches. I dream of having my own white beachhouse on the peninsula one day, and so was instantly drawn to write a feature post on her fresh, simple, stylish & timeless interior style (refer my post, "Whiteport for Home" February 25th, 2009).

Enjoy the new "Foolproof Decorating" series on the Whiteport blog, & visit www.whiteport.blogspot.com to read my tips on successful decorating, & when your visiting Jennifer's blog, make sure to browse the many delights you will find for every space & room in your home this season!

Thanks Jennifer:-)

New Season, New Style...

2010-03-02T10:06:00.007+11:00

Since discovering TOAST, the brilliant UK lifestyle brand, incorporating travel, home & fashion, I absolutely love it! As another season begins, their collections are bursting with inspired colour palettes, bold designs patterns, ikat prints, eclectic & vibrant combinations of colour & texture...interesting, interesting, interesting!

The latest catalogue, shot on location in Mexico, is a style bible for wardrobe design, featuring the latest trends & a rich display from which to pick something fabulous for everyday & every occasion.

Divine co-ordinates all work together with effortless chic - tunics, blazers, shirts, pants, knits, dresses, in shades of lilac, lapis blue, apricot, indigo, gelati yellow to hibiscus. Accessorise the look with an array of gorgeous necklaces, bracelets, bags & flats with 'less is more' statement details.

TOAST online means you don't need to miss out if you can't shop in person. Whether shopping for flats, shirts, scarves or dresses, TOAST provides precise guides for you to measure your shape & size, converting UK, US & "continental" sizes to fit their range.

Although Autumn has just arrived here, nothing like transeasonal pieces, so TOAST for Spring is perfect for me - the "Shibori Print Shirt Dress","The Jazz Shoe" in Fawn tied back with "The Benny Bag" in silver/natural will work very well with my stone anorak & cashmere wrap for the crisp Sunshine of the days ahead...

http://www.toast.co.uk/

'Piermont', the perfect Autumn getaway

2010-02-25T21:25:00.017+11:00

With Autumn just around the corner, consider Piermont for the ideal Autumn escape...Wine Glass Bay, seafood, cooler nights, sunny days, all wrapped up in the beautiful colours of the coastline...

Located on the East coast of Tasmania, an hour & a half drive from both Hobart & Launceston airports, Piermont is eco-friendly in design & fit out, a divine retreat where guests can escape the everyday pace of life's demands, enjoy the tranquil yet majestic beauty of the Freycinet Peninsula, & immerse one's senses in this understated, naturally luxurious haven, divine!

http://www.piermont.com.au/

New Season's Couture from Bianca Lorenne

2010-02-22T15:13:00.008+11:00

"Porta" bedspread

"Sylvetta" Bedspread

"Acacia" Bedspread

I've profiled this beautiful bedlinen before, & I'm doing it again because it's simply so divine! A combination of texture, warm hues, bespoke detailing & layered luxury is what defines the Bianca Lorenne brand, not to mention the delightful team behind it. If you're heading to the trade fair in Sydney later this week, make sure you visit Stand 163, because with Autumn almost upon us, you need to see their latest collections, not only for your clients' benefit, but definitely your own.

Introduce a touch of something gorgeous into your bedroom this season. Indulge with the timeless appeal of an eiderdown, Italian Cotton sheets (of 800 thread count), a limited edition quilt to fold & feature at the end of the bed, or create an ecletic aesthetic with cushions in velvet, silk or wool felt with embroidered detail.

The gorgeous pale sage green velvet and charcoal paisley print are my favourites for now, but I'm sure I'll be adding to my must have selection in Sydney!!

http://www.biancalorenne.com/

Stand 163
Life in Style
25th - 28th February
Moore Park
Sydney

Life in Lherm

2010-02-19T23:20:00.002+11:00

Hydrangeas, shuttered windows, french doors, 'picture perfect' charm & beauty captured the heart of Australian writer Susan Fraser & her husband to their "maison de maitre" in Lherm, an unspoilt & untouched countryside pocket in the Lot Valley, found between Dordogne & The French Riviera, in the South West of France.

Longing for change from the darkness of Winter months in the north of France, the abundance of light filled days & landscape colour in Lherm has now become home. Together they have restored & refurbished the walls of stone & within, with eclectic & personal collections of furniture & pieces they have gathered from their travels. Their unique finds from auction houses to junkyards find new life in a very warm & welcoming home, where their obvious passion for old world french aesthetic provides endless inspiration for their "medieval gem".

To quote Susan " With it's beautiful crooked structural beams, the attic is like an upside-down boat. Windows punched into the 'hull' transform this once dark & dusty space into a sunny, open bedroom with views over the town & its valley..."

"...The wooden step ladder, originally from Boston, came from an auction house in the north, & the art deco desk lamp was saved from a Paris street when the Banque de France was doing a big throw-out."

Yes, everything that is within this beautiful stone maison is home...inside & out.

Luxury Camping at Jervis Bay

2010-02-18T23:32:00.001+11:00

Safari Tent Luxury set amongst Jervis Bay nature

For lovers of seafood

Beauty at Jervis Bay...

Safari Beauty Care...

I've never been a big fan of camping - of course obligatory school camps, the odd camp during my early 20's with friends for that fun and footloose weekend getaway, but it's never been my preferred style of holiday accommodation. Paperbark Camp however has definitely change my thoughts!

Situated in tranquil bush haven in the beautifully picturesque Jervis Bay, this divine camping retreat is surrounded with the best of nature and coastal beauty. Exemplary guest hospitality, service & facilities, plus the most tempting & appetising gourmet menu all day & night long redefines 'star gazing'!

Yes, 'glamping' (as it has become known in recent years) is enough to entice the most avid of luxury travellers...

http://www.paperbarkcamp.com.au/

2010-02-01T14:24:00.018+11:00

designersecrets

NEW!

ONE DAY WORKSHOP

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 24th

Join us at Inform's latest, stunning ecofriendly 'Butterfly House"designed by ZEN ARCHITECTS

To learn more and register your interest,

email Claire at haven.interiors@bigpond.com

Limited places so book early for a fun, fabulous, informative & dynamic day!

$395 plus GST (includes lunch)

(10% OFF IF YOU MENTION THIS POST!)

Sunshine Award For Haven Home, thank you...

2010-01-29T18:17:00.004+11:00

What a beautiful way to finish the week, I have been honoured with the Sunshine Award that so many other such deserving fellow bloggers deserve! Thank you so much to "Aspirations of A Southern Housewife" for your kindness:-).

There is so much to be learned from so many of you who create and inspire the rest of us everyday with you energy, passion and love for what you do and what you share - if I can help contribute in even a small way to making that happen for others, then I have achieved what Haven Home is all about - sharing beautful places, spaces and experiences with you.

I look forward to sharing this award with others who are very deserving...stay tuned as I invite them shortly...

Wishing you all the most wonderful weekend, full of happiness, fun and everything you want it to be!!!

If you don't know it already, you must visit (and now follow!!) "Aspirations of A Souther Housewife"...

www.southernaspirations.blogspot.com

Cooking Beautifully at Capital Kitchen

2010-01-27T01:10:00.001+11:00

It's easy to get excited about something when you are passionate about it, & for those who know me at all know that I love sharing my passion for gorgeous new spaces, places & experiences. Such is my excitement for my latest discovery, I simply have to share it with you. The new Chadstone Retail feast includes the divine Capital Kitchen, located in the newest wing of this shopping extravaganza in Melbourne.

The atmosphere is so welcoming, & the interior fitout a brilliant commercial design incorporating a perfect balance of natural materials with cosmopolitan chic. I felt like I could be standing in a Conran cafe in London, or possibly the divine bakery featured in Meryl Streep's latest movie, "It's Complicated" (the styling & set design absolutely gorgeous). It's the latest project by the The Big Group team, the amazing event management company founded by the delightful & dynamic Bruce & Chyka Keebough. I absolutely love it!

Since it has opened, it has been one of my destination locations with friends (before the latest addition to Chadstone, it was 5 years since my last visit), & on each occasion, I have delighted in the experience of sitting in a different 'zone'. On the first occasion when I was meeting a friend for morning coffee, we perched on the metal stools at the very relaxed & social old oak bench, located amongst the hub of activity, (& perfect if you're on your own enjoying a latte with the paper).

On another visit, I relaxed in the divine charcoal wool armchairs enjoying a coffee over conversation, & the other was outside at the outdoor coffee bar. This outdoor corner is resplendent with surrounding landscaping & no doubt hand picked & very bespoke pieces. On this occasion, I couldn't have picked a more perfect afternoon to savour the atmosphere after a dose of retail therapy (& how much more enjoyable it is when you're on holidays). As I took in the afternoon sunshine sitting at the outdoor bar, my ideal customer experience was complete when one of the best (& hottest) lattes I've ever had, was served to me with a genuinely happy smile & customer attention.

Before or after you enjoy the menu of delights, make sure you take time to browse the homewares on offer, the merchandising making not buying something most unlikely. Everything for catering, the kitchen, gift giving to entertaining, Capital Kitchen has it all covered - in one stunning space.

It is fast becoming a favourite with other traders in the centre, offering an extensive menu from morning snacks, lunch, afternoon tea & everything in between. With the liquor license arriving soon, enjoying a pizza & salad with a chilled glass of wine will certainly make late night trading all the more enjoyable!

Capital Kitchen

Ground Floor

(Next to Tiffany & Co)

Chadstone Centre

Chadstone.

P: 03 9563 4144

Happy Australia Day

2010-01-26T18:20:00.004+11:00

What a stunning day to celebrate Australia Day...sunshine, beautiful weather, family, friends, social gatherings, happiness, freedom, relaxing, rejoicing...

This afternoon I drove to the Mornington Peninsula with family to see friends & family (yes again, but I just love it) & of course we had to take the most scenic route along Belleura Hill Road - it really gives you the most majestic view of Mornington Bay, the water, the yacht club, sunshine, breathtaking on a day like today. Everywhere I looked people are happy, relaxing, laughing, together, just enjoying being amongst the mood & festive spirit of our special day...yes, we are very lucky indeed...enjoy your special day, & wishing you a wonderful week!

honey field - "rough and ready, yet beautiful"

2010-01-11T23:08:00.000+11:00

If you visit the delightful seaside town of Robe in South Australia, you would know the divine homewares store "Holiday", created & owned by Rayna Fahey-Hooper. It has everything for coastal, country & town, plus everything else to create your ideal haven. Her latest project, honey field, is absolutely gorgeous and every bit as impressive.

With Rayna's passion, vision & interior expertise, she restored and rebuilt the 1850s stone cottage from its previous state of disrepair with Ado Bastiaans, a Hungarian-born stonemason she met in the Barossa Valley. Rayna's brief was simple: " rough & ready, yet beautiful".

It is luxury accommodation ideally for one or two guests only, but with every comfort and luxury for the perfect weekend away. It combines Rayna's love of South France, with its flavour of French country style combined with Mediterranean living. Rayna describes it as "...essentially one large room featuring a fully equipped kitchen, living room with stone open fireplaces, a charming dining area & a romantic sleeping space"

I already have my ideal weekend getaway to Robe planned: book into honey field, enjoy a leisurely breakfast of croissants & a strong morning coffee prepared in the gorgeous stone kitchen, then wander off to Holiday to source bespoke pieces, charming touches & authentic fare to replicate the look for your own french savoir faire!

honey field

Kingston Road

ROBE SA

1300 760 629

Symmetry, Luxury & Comfort for Bespoke & Sublime Design

2010-01-08T23:56:00.000+11:00

The interior style by renowned & very modest London architect & designer, David Collins, is about symmetry, timeless luxury & comfort. His passion for colour, is evident throughout his London home. Luxurious textures & materials highlight various shades in the blue colour palette, including stunning blue silk-velvet chairs, a bespoke blue pigskin writing desk, white lacquer outdoor furniture finished with navy cushions & Frette bedlinen.

Artwork & small luxuries incorporate shades of aubergine, bronze & dusty pink. The luxurious white cashmere sofa is sublime, framed by bronze lamps with soft applegreen drum shades. The attention to detail, yet understated elegance, is his signature throughout, and absolutely divine.

White & Green impatiens combine with white decking to create a simple yet classic & stunning frame for the symmetrical furniture floorplan against the London landscape. Morning coffee, brunch, lunch, drinks or dinner all no doubt work very well in this space...

Welcome to the New Year...

2010-01-06T09:42:00.008+11:00

Happy New Year everyone! I hope that 2010 is beginning brilliantly for you all, with much happiness, success, great healthy and prosperity on the horizon for the year ahead!

Where last year went I don't know, but I'm rather delighted that the new year has begun, as I've been partial to even numbers far moreso than odd!

Well, with a new year comes new beginnings, and so I felt it appropriate to create a fresh look...yesterday my sister and I drove down to Linton's Garden and Home at Mt Eliza, insearch of garden inspiration. I love the peninsula, and the weather was perfect to enjoy the drive around the coast. As always, I love to see what is new with building, renovation and architectural projects. We stopped to look at a property we have been familiar with for many years as it is now on the market, and although it would be wonderful to see it renovated and retained as a family home, it is such a big property that it is likely to be sold for redevelopment.

The street is full of renovation and redevelopment, how much can change in just a few years. It was lovely to see a neighbouring property with a very tasteful and timeless makeover, the facade & architectural bones nurtured and retained, framing a stunning renovation of the home and garden landscape. The colour scheme & window treatments both my favourite, the classic pantone grey highlighted by the clotted cream woodwork and trims, carried through to the cream plantation shutters. So inspired do I continue to be when I see this combination, I simply had to adopt it for Haven Home for 2010!

Christmas Table Touches

2009-12-13T18:09:00.002+11:00

Recently I was asked to prepare a festive table setting for the Herald Sun 'Home' Christmas Supplement. With much delight I set my favourite oak table for just that. As I wanted to keep that a feature of the setting, I thought it contrasted nicely against the classic palette of white, silver, grey & black. Without the reindeer & festive gift touches, this table can be set for any occasion.

Peonies are one of my favourite flowers, so were integral to the overall theme. All my decorative touches are very simple, just handpicked things I love - an ecletic mix of old & new. The white & cream creates a warm aesthetic in natural daylight, but the mood of the tealights & glass bead centrepiece creates a soft & intimate setting once dusk begins to set.

Now to prepare the menu!

To find the reindeer, silver pears & gift soaps:
Rose St Trading Co in Beatty Ave, Armadale, Melbourne.

For the black organza candles & divine french candle centrepieces:
Peony of Melbourne, Auburn Rd, Hawthorn, Melbourne.

Finding the Perfect Title In a Beautiful Space...

2009-11-22T22:59:00.007+11:00

Corrie Perkin loves writing & reading, & she absolutely loves books. It is therefore no surprise that she has recently opened an amazing bookstore in Melbourne's Hawksburn Village, aptly called, "My Bookshop". Loving a book or two myself, as well as finding new & gorgeous retail havens, I couldn't wait to visit! When you walk in the door, her enthusiasm & delight to share her new literary home makes you feel so welcome. It's inviting, enthralling, inspiring & the design a perfect compliment to the ambience that Corrie has created. It's all white, with simple, understated stylish touches that make it easy to linger longer.

In her November newsletter she writes "...our aim is to offer a safe place and stimulating environment to all our visitors, as well as plenty of events, discussions, promotions - & books, that engage, enthrall & entertain"

In today's weekend Age Magazine, M, Corrie quotes "Find a quote from your favourite book, highlight it in a gorgeous font, print it (and frame it)". Now that to me is art for your home, your office, your haven...

I have already signed up for My Bookshhop's bookclub (& I've never signed up for one before!) & I'm very much looking forward to visiting again soon for a dose of festive cheer, where her customers will enjoy Christmas shopping evenings, champagne, new book titles. Problem gifts will be sorted, wrapped & tagged in gorgeous literary style!

http://www.mybookshop.net.au/

513 Malvern Road

HAWKSBURN 3144

Ph: 03 9824 2990

Deck the table with bells, balls and beautiful things...

2009-11-15T18:58:00.014+11:00

Festive Inspiration with Haven Home this Christmas...

For this season’s festive styling, I am playing with two key colour themes for table suggestions - natural, white & silver with a touch of colour, & the classic combination of silver, grey marl, white, glass & black. As always, I include favourite pieces for everyone to enjoy, & introduce new touches from my favourite stores. I adore the layering of scents from the candles & flowers that infuse our home with a welcome & happy ambience. If the weather is a perfect Melbourne day…then we’ll simply translate the look to outside, to enjoy more fragrance & sunshine!

Make sure to read the Herald Sun Home Supplement on Saturday December 5th for more table styling suggestions from Haven Interiors...

Haven Interiors loves sharing festive decorating ideas, whether catering to a large gathering, intimate group, for that traditional family flavour or close friends…please contact Claire Jackson on 0408 36 3 529, or by email at haven.interiors@bigpond.com to discuss your ideal Christmas table, wrapping & gift ideas…

Merry Christmas...

"All I want for Christmas"... is at Rose St Trading Co...

2009-11-08T21:22:00.001+11:00

When you find a store that has everything & anything you simply love, you know you're in shopping heaven. Rose Street Trading Company offers you the most sublime experience...stunning pieces, brilliant service, happy, friendly & welcoming staff to nurture your every request, gorgeous ambience, gift wrapping & beautiful displays to entice you from the moment you arrive...you're going to love the experience...

Recently, Alex Muir & Cate Boots extended their already divine retail haven to include the new upstairs experience,incorporating furniture & lighting, bedlinen & dining interior concepts, along with an extensive collection of beautiful art, fabrics, bespoke dining & bedroom pieces - everything to create your ideal home interior. This in addition to their gorgeous clothing store around the corner (where the story all began!), at 1A Rose Street where you will find stunning pieces to wear everyday or for that special occasion including Eclettica, Little Fuschia, Lily & Lulu, Song, Firefly & Juicy Bear. To coordinate with a gorgeous new wardrobe, Rose Street Trading clothing offers divine bags, scarves by DLux, wallets, the perfect bag for the beach, along with Walnut sandshoes and gorgeous french espadrilles in a range of ideal colours for Spring & Summer dressing.

My suggestion this Christmas? Don't delay visiting this divine much talked about destinationi retail village in Armadale. Everything is a must have, everyone wants it now, & believe me, what may arrive instore tomorrow may not be there by the end of the week!

Divine "Libeco Home' Linen...

Divine choice of products for hand, body & home

Stunning ideas for Christmas cheer

Bespoke pieces, beautifully displayed, all so enticing

Upstairs...NOW OPEN

The interior concept store incorporating bespoke & beautiful furnishings for bedroom & dining

Hmmm, what's this gorgeous little story...?

Gorgeous jewellery, semi-precious stones, pearls & stirling silver, amethyst, onyx, pearls, coral, jade, rose quartz, for every age, everyday, to enjoy for any occasion...

CHRISTMAS TRADING HOURS:

Monday-Wednesday 9.00-5.30pm

Thursday & Friday 9.00-6.00pm

Saturday: 9.30-5.00pm

Open Sundays in December

www.rosesttradingco.com.au/
E: rosesttradingco@bigpond.com

9822 9444: Interiors/Lifestyle Store (Beatty Ave)

9822 1525: Fashion Store (Rose St)

Having Fun With Fabrics & New Friends

2009-10-28T22:26:00.004+11:00

Today was the last workshop for Series 3, & what a fabulous time we had! Over the past 4 weeks, we have had the pleasure of meeting & mixing with another wonderful group of women, who are now rejuvenated, refocused & re-energised about their respective design & decorating projects & challenges, & I am very excited about the new opportunities on the decorating horizon!

Today we discussed new bedlinen collections, colour & texture in fabric design, & why investing in the professional services of an interior decorator & designer proves time again to be such a worthwhile investment when building, renovating & redecorating. We discussed our ideal interiors, & whilst I love inviting friends into mine, I need to move to the peninsula to create it! As a result of this, I potentially have a new client from this workshop who is just delightful & I very much look forward to helping her create hers.

As always, the mornings began with a welcome coffee & chat, with a mid morning break to follow with treats to enjoy. Today was our "Girls Morning In", our tribute to breast cancer fundraising, so to compliment our cherry pink fabric theme, we enjoyed pink smiley cupcakes (they put a smile on everyone's face), strawberries, cherryripes & melon & guava mineral water!

I would like to make special mention of one of the lovely women I have met in this group, Deb. Last week she learned that her father is very sick, & although a very challenging and worrying time for her & her family, the prognosis sounds very positive which is wonderful news in itself. Deb, your smile & nurturing nature will make an enormous difference I'm sure to your father's recovery, & my thoughts are with you:-)

Also, a very special thanks to Bronwyn Paul for her time, enthusiasm & great support behind the lens, at our workshops by very quietly but so professionally capturing the energy and essence of what designersecrets is about. She is fast becoming an invaluable member of the team, & we would highly recommend her photographic expertise to one & all!

Wishing you all a fabulous Cup Weekend, I'm off to the peninsula in search of my coastal haven!

Bronwyn Paul: rpaul1@optusnet.com.au

The 2009 finishing line...

2009-10-19T00:11:00.008+11:00

As we gallop towards the Spring Racing Carnival and Christmas, we are running one more designersecrets workshops for 2009!

Bring your own interiors challenges to the upcoming NOVEMBER ‘designersecrets Uncovered’ workshops series.

The designersecrets workshops have been designed for people who:
- Are interested in interiors & styling
- Are renovators
- Want to design, redesign, or reinvent a room or a space
- Are moving to a new home
- Are wanting to change or expand their current home
- Love design & interiors books & magazines

We are very proud to be associated with Inform Design, a Melbourne based project design & construction company, & are very excited about running our November workshops at their latest environmentally friendly display home, "The Butterfly House"

November Workshop dates:
Tuesday November 10th, 17th, 24th & Tuesday December 1st
Times:
Morning sessions: 10.00am - 12.30pm
Evening sessions: 6.30pm - 9.00pm

Venue:
The new Inform ‘Butterfly House’ in Murrumbeena...("build green with Inform!")

Bookings close by Friday November 6th and we have limited spaces, so don’t miss out!

For more information about our workshops, please contact me at:
haven.interiors@bigpond.com

For more information on The Butterfly House, The Blade, & other Inform design projects, please go to http://www.informdesign.com.au/

Wishing you all a fabulous week!!!

Claire :-)

sharing designersecrets...

2009-10-13T00:20:00.009+11:00

I thought you might like to see a few inside snippets of our designersecrets workshops, what fun we are having!

some of our recent designersecrets graduates...a wonderful group of enthusiastic women that we shared 4 very cold & wintery sessions with, & still they were smiling!
Our colleague Bronwyn has just joined our team to capture workshop activities & stories moving forward...no object is hidden from her lens, including the colour palette of the morning coffee!

Planning colour schemes & story boards for your perfect haven...

Enthusiasm & a passion to further develop your own interior style with like-minded women is what makes our workshops so interesting & enjoyable...

A combination of simple styling & quality bedlinen & accessories are key ingredients for how to make your bed look fabulous without fuss

Sharing & exchanging ideas, challenges & decorating tips make our workshops welcoming, interesting, interactive & informative

Hmmm, what fabrics do I like for that furniture scheme at our holiday house?

At our workshops, we share our knowledge & expertise on developing your appreciation for art as both an investment, a reflection of your interior style & your personality

Floor Rugs by Hip Home...tailor the design to your specific needs to create both another dimension of artistic expression & interest in your home or office

At designersecrets workshops, we introduce you to beautiful textiles, furniture, wallpapers & furnishing design from around the world that you may have never heard of...just what you want when you are renovating & redecorating...

Every week we introduce you to different colour schemes & furnishings...4 in total, all very different, very unique...

The day Susie & I launched designersecrets...5 months on, Series 3 underway, with Series 4 beginning on November 10th!! Join us at another fabulous Inform property for 4 consecutive Tuesdays (morning or evening) to let us help you with your interior design plans, or because you want to do some decorating for the festive season & Summer living...

COST: $440 for a 4 session workshop (each session is 2 1/2 hours)

For more information on designersecrets & our forthcoming workshops, email me at haven.interiors@bigpond.com

or contact me on 0408 363 529. Bookings close Friday November 6th!

As many of our participants have said..."this workshop could save me a lot of money!"

The Essence of LIfe in Provence

2009-10-04T21:30:00.009+11:00

Vicki Archer's latest chapter from Provence is "French Essence", a beautiful narrative & pictorial sequel to the divine "My French Life", & will absorb you from cover to cover & everything in between. When I purchased the book, I was told to make sure upon opening the book to look inside the cover for another stunning image...(the first of so many to follow)..Vicki's magnificient property in Saint Remy-de-Provence...it takes your breath away.

When you're thoughts take you far away, to beautiful places...this is the book that will further inspire your dreams...culture, beauty, passion for enjoying life as it comes, .."French Essence" is a simply gorgeous celebration of living your dreams, living life, in Provence.

Vicki, thank you for sharing your dreams & inspiration with others.

http://frenchessence.blogspot.com

Dressing for that Special Sense of Occasion

2009-10-01T00:00:00.001+10:00

When I had a cocktail party for a small group of clients & colleagues, it was a perfect opportunity to showcase a selection of table styling themes - classical & traditional, informal & outdoor table styling, magical treasures for children, to the timeless appeal of monochromatic tones.

The two featured were the result of several requests for accents of gold, & black & white. The gold twig was previously old pear vine, the placemats for the next, sheets of music...an interesting alternative to traditional fabric placemats

I am often asked by clients to dress their tables for special occasions...

Christmas

Spring Racing

Winter entertaining

Simply 'something special'

The tables featured have been repeated on many occasions, albeit with signature touches provided by the client

Garden parties
Christmas
New Year
Milestone events
Winter
Summer
Spring
Autumn
Coastal
Country
Provincial
Mixing old with new
Oak & stone
Shades of white, linen, latte & more

Haven Interiors is all about creating that perfect sense of occasion for you...

To enquire about what we can create for you email me at: haven.interiors@bigpond.com

Home

2009-09-30T10:45:00.001+10:00

What makes your house a home, a place that denotes your personal retreat, the haven that welcomes you day & night? The stone or timber that makes up your home? The paint or render of your walls? The natural light of day that filters through the trees of your garden, & that reflects from the windows? The path to your door, or a favourite wall lantern to welcome you home in the evening? A plaque that identifies your property? The planter boxes that sit either side of your front door? Or the gumboots that have been on the verandah to dry after walking in the rain with the dogs?

In Autumn & winter, we seek our cosy retreat, in Spring & Summer, we throw open the doors & windows to embrace the warmer breezes & lightness of day extended for all to enjoy...

Regardless of whether the road winds to your door, or sits at the street, a townhouse, country or coastal retreat or intimate studio space...your home welcomes you in...nurture your haven to make you happy, you're now 'home'....

OCTOBER designersecrets workshops...

2009-09-30T09:27:00.010+10:00

Series 3 of designersecrets workshops begin next week!!

Once again, we're offering MORNING & EVENING workshops, with the dates fitting in perfectly between school term beginning, & Melbourne's colourful Spring Racing Carnival!

Colour, Window Treatments, Lighting, Art, Bedlinen, Fabrics & Furniture to name just a few interior areas we will be covering, along with other secrets...

Our last workshop was a great success, & our attendees were just wonderful braving the stormy, wintery weather! I will soon be posting photos from our last Series on both 'Haven Home' & 'designandstylesecrets' blogsites, & look forward to sharing these updates with you!

The dates for designersecrets Series 3 are: Wednesday October 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th.
Morning Sessions: 10.00-12.30pm
Evening Sessions: 6.30 -9.00pm

And for those of your who can't make October, Series 4 begins after Cup Week, on Tuesday November 10th, so mark it on your calendars!!

For more information on designersecrets workshops & events, please email me at haven.interiors@bigpond.com to find out more!!

Gelati Inspiration

2009-09-28T20:22:00.004+10:00

Hello there! After almost 4 weeks, Haven Home returns. I don't know where the past month has gone, suffice to say, another exciting series of designersecrets has finished, school holidays are midway through, the football season is over, cricket has begun, Spring is well and truly upon us, with Melbourne's racing season about to begin. Gardens are bursting with colour & scent, grass is green, & daylight saving is just around the corner.

Energy abounds to redecorate & reorganise interiors to prepare for outdoor living & festive entertaining, & what wonderful inspiration comes from Spring blooms. Whilst going through my library of interior magazines the other day I came across these beautiful images. such stunning combinations of colour - raspberry, fuschia, gelati pink, mango & strawberry shades- what a perfect way to wake up your home from Winter.

Welcome to Spring time...

2009-09-01T23:36:00.001+10:00

Spring is here already...September 1st heralds so many new beginnings...

Longer days, renewed energy & fresh spirits awaken our senses to the burst of colour around us, in our gardens, cooking, entertaining, our wardrobes. Interiors & fashion celebrates with kaleidescopes of rainbow hues in florals & everything brighter than Winter's black...no longer wanting to be cosy inside, it's time to open the doors & windows, & let nature's revitalising touch filter through in colour, fragrance & life. Yes, it's time to shake of the winter blues & embrace the season of Spring...

Nog 'n Piep -In Praise of Friendship & Artistic Passion

2009-08-28T10:42:00.002+10:00

Nog 'n Piep is a celebration of friendship & a shared passion for beautiful handmade pieces. Inspired by the talents and creativity of three fabulous women - Camilla Cicoria, Dana Lavercock and Nicole Rickard. Their partnership objective is to create unique quality products they simply love, which is very evident when you ask them about any one of their product range. An item that you can present with pride & that will add something special to an already stylish room.

"Using a selection of irresistible linen & silk, gorgeous fabrics & original hand stamped prints, our pieces are sophisticated enough to create your own coordinated look anywhere in the home. Our collection includes feather cushions, cards, wall art, framed artwork & other décor accessories."

Make sure you keep popping online to their site so you know where to next view their beautiful wares, perhaps at the next Red Hill Market or the fabulous Magnolia Square market...

http://www.nognpiep.com

Simplicity & Style for Spring Entertaining

2009-08-23T23:18:00.005+10:00

I love the simplicity of how this table is dressed - beautiful colour in bloom with candles to welcome, offset by the clean, white lines of the kitchen - dark timber against white surfaces, one of my favourite interior combinations.

designersecrets workshop Series 2 Is Coming!

2009-08-16T19:41:00.002+10:00

designersecrets Workshops Series 2, beginning Tuesday August 25th!! We can hardly wait! Tell your friends and colleagues about it, we're running it at Inform in Camberwell, Melbourne, and once again, we have fabulous industry experts joining us to make this another fabulous event!!!

Click on the image to learn more!!!

No Chintz for Chrissie Jeffery

2009-08-14T23:01:00.001+10:00

"Sand Between My Toes"

Founder and proprietor of No Chintz, Chrissie Jeffrey, creates the most divine, versatile & interesting collections of textile & soft furnishings, proudly showcased in her two beautiful Sydney stores, Woollahra & Willoughby.

When she was about four years old, Chrissie took a pair of scissors to one of her grandmother’s patchwork cushions & cut out a small square. `My grandmother used to turn all her old fabrics into cushions & spreads - viyellas & old silks & wonderful old crepes,’ she says, `& I just had to have that piece!"

"Walking Through The Vineyard" detail

"Nana's Chair"

Chrissie studied at East Sydney Technical College (now the National Art School), completing a rigorous three year `hands-on’ course in which students did everything from millinery & hand stitching, to cutting & making “from the block”, that is tailoring a pattern on a dressmaker’s mannequin in calico, a technique also used by students of haute couture. After a couple of years with Pamela Taylor in Surry Hills, Chrissie began her own soft furnishing business, Stitches, working with a range of interior designers, including Ann Gyngell & Michael Love, both of whom set high standards of workmanship & enjoyed prestigious client lists.

"Evening Breeze" Chair

"Evening Breeze" Story

Over the next few years Chrissie’s reputation for reliability & beautiful workmanship spread but she felt increasingly frustrated that she could not get the fabrics she wanted. After a trip in the late 1980s looking at London textile businesses, Chrissie opened her first retail shop in Surry Hills, Sydney. `It was a tiny little shop but there was a demand for a wider choice of fabric & we filled the niche.’

Also in that year she worked with curators from the Powerhouse Museum on the exhibition A Material World about the history of textiles around the world. It encouraged her to push the boundaries & expand her business.

"Nina's Caravan"

"Alone In Paddy Field"

No Chintz Lamp Collection

Chrissie's two Sydney stores - No Chintz Woollahra & No Chintz Willoughby are testament to her passion, focus & commitment for her work. Both stores enjoy dedicated following from customers who want a special product. She is equally committed to her staff in the workshop. "It’s vitally important to keep those skills alive, to hold onto that knowledge.'

Chrissie & her team in the workroom also deal directly with architects, designers & textile houses, as well as such public clients as the Historic Houses Trust for the refurbishments at Duntroon College & Government House. `I really like collaborating with clients to get the best results possible. It’s very interesting to work with different sensibilities.’

"We are about finding the exact fabric you want, whether on-trend or classic, in a relaxed environment with a team of passionate experts who are happy for any opportunity to talk textiles"

As ever, Chrissie is moving in new directions. Some of her fabrics now are woven in India to her specifications & her online catalogue has become a major part of the business.
`I just love textiles,’ she says. Who ever would have guessed?

http://www.nochintz.com.au/

"Anderleigh", home for now

2009-08-09T00:21:00.000+10:00

Everytime I come across another profile on a New Zealand property, I'm in awe of the interior design & appreciation for the landscape & natural beauty so strongly evident in it. "Anderleigh" is home to Auckland couple, Sally & Derek Holland, & another chapter in their stable of home building and renovation projects. Every home has a name, a family identity for which they are obviously passionately proud. Anderleigh is situated in Stanley Point, Devonport, & the result is simply stunning. The appreciation for the natural light, the palette of colours used, timeless, classic & a rich compliment to the landscape. Hues of coffee, white, french grey, latte & linen sit with collections of much loved pieces, each with their own story & beginning.

Every room & aspect of "Anderleigh" is visually enticing, welcoming & ready to enjoy...at least until the next brass nameplate. Their motto? "Never say Never". I love it.

2009-08-09T00:09:00.007+10:00

designersecrets Workshops

Series 2 begins Tuesday August 25th, in Camberwell, Melbourne.

Fun, interactive workshops.

Tools & tips on interior design, decorating & styling.

Email Claire at haven.interiors@bigpond.com for more information.

Limited places left!

The heart of your home

2009-08-08T09:51:00.001+10:00

Kitchens, the hub of our home...where we cook, relax, spend time with family & friends. It is central to our household & way of living. Balancing functionality & efficiency of space with aesthetic appeal is essential for it to be both the space you love being & working in. Light, bright, well equipped, purpose built storage (or clever use of space equivalent!), seating with comfort & style in mind, complete with family treasures that give our kitchens such personality & character. The perfect kitchen to some is completely minimal, a sculptured form, with the visual focus purely architectural design, with the latest appliances giving it functional identity. For others, it means combining warmth in both materials & atmosphere, all tangible, practical & welcoming

Each of the kitchens featured in this post illustrate such personality & style, all special & unique to the homes they live in.

My kitchen canvas includes white walls (of course!), polished floorboards, granite benchtops, plenty of pantry storage (the envy of my friends) & a combination of stainless steel & white appliances, on display & much loved. My decorative touches include fresh flowers always, fruit -single colors for impact (at the moment, green apples in one hurricane lantern, oranges in the other), freshly picked herbs & cumquat branches from my garden, a large linen story board that is continually updated with chapters & captured moments of our life with family & friends, a ladder well stacked with my favourite food magazines, very subtle scented candles for the nights I'm not cooking but otherwise tealights for when I am.

It is light, bright & always welcoming. The view from the front door takes your focus straight through to the garden, where depending upon the season we can enjoy the view & fragrance of wisteria, jasmine, & enjoy watching the ivy wave with the wind. The wooden fruit sits well with tealights & herb pots on the window sill, canvas mounts that showcase artwork (divine handmade gift cards, a present in themselves) that feature on the wall above the ladder, whilst on the bench sit rattan trays with favourite cook books & collection of stone pears. Nothing particularly different, but all things I love using, sharing & above all else we enjoy.

The kitchen, regardless of your style, your look, your culinary expertise or design appreciation, connects you with your family & friends, in cooking, talking, nurturing, entertaining, being you.

designersecrets Series 2

2009-08-03T00:08:00.005+10:00

Hello there! It's been almost 3 weeks since I have shared news & updates with you! Where does the time go? Moving office, new projects & plans afoot for designersecrets have kept me away from Haven Home, so my apologies to those of you who written to me wondering where I am, & thank you for your lovely words & enquiries, it's wonderful to know my posts give so many of you your daily dose of inspiration!

I'm delighted to announce that our second series of designersecrets workshops begins this month, on Tuesday August 25th!!!
Once again we will be running both morning AND evening workshops, AND....
at a fabulous new location which we are very excited about!!!

Haven Home will uncover lots more about the workshops & other news this week, so keep in touch!!! I hope your week is fabulous!!

Making A Statement with Things We Love

2009-07-16T16:26:00.001+10:00

Whether it be books, baskets, hats, shells, artwork, glasses, candles, throws, artefacts or even pebbles (Something's Gotta Give...) it always makes a wonderful personal statement when you have a collection of a particular item or an eclectic mix of special treasures that you can enjoy throughout your home.

Decocrating with simple pleasures & personal treasures creates your home personality...
Books, Stationery, Jars, Photos, Shells, Bags, Throws, Cushions, Tins, Folded linen, Towels, Perfume bottles, Flowers, Baskets, Candles, endless options to enjoy everyday.

The Flynn Apartment At St. Agnes

2009-07-16T00:02:00.000+10:00

When I first wrote about the delightful St. Agnes Homestead (at Kyneton) earlier this year, this apartment was very much under renovation. When I first saw it late last year there was little more than rubble, floor boards, & an unfinished openfire place (which sits on the otherside of this room, in the library area). The bathroom & library retreat were in very clear focus, just not quite ready for guest bookings. The day we visited it was bitterly cold, but despite the incomplete renovations, the mood was welcoming, cosy & very peaceful, & it was easy to imagine how relaxing it would be sitting by the fire relaxing away from the rush of the weekly pace of city life.

I have been invited back for a weekend visit, with plans ahead for a weekend designersecrets workshop...how much fun would that be???

Yes, pack your bag & head to St. Agnes for the perfect weekend dose of R&R, Traudi & David will make your visit enchanting, welcoming & simply wonderful.

http://www.saintagnes.com.au/

Home is where the heart is

2009-07-15T22:15:00.004+10:00

I love this house, it says family warmth & happiness. Flooded with natural light, the clean lines, white & natural tones, well worn & timeless timber furniture & touches, give it plenty of character & harmony. Situated in Zealand, off the east coast of Denmark, it is a heavenly blend of Scandinavian chic with rustic french charm & harmony. It is the pride & joy of two medical professionals, who with their children, retreat to this haven after long days at work. Flowers, easy care comfort & favourite treasures fill this home with heart & soul. How divine it would be on a warm Summer's day lying outside on the teak steamer recliner, or entertaining around the table enjoying the sunshine with friends. I love the look of well worn teak surrounded by lush greenery & simple white blooms, a look I have long enjoyed in my courtyard regardless of the seasons. This is my vision for my tranquil peninsula retreat...one day:-)

Getting Dressed

2009-07-14T23:34:00.000+10:00

Whether your style is neat & streamlined or inviting & warm, having your own dressing room or space is all about you, & should make you feel fabulous. It's not just about your clothing, shoes & bags, accessories, jewellery & fragrances, but about enjoying it as an expression of yourself. Now I don't have a dressing room, but I do enjoy floor to ceiling cupboards with plenty of shelving & hanging space. Having worked in retail fashion for some years, I soon developed a great appreciation for having space to hang clothes well, with room, by colour, by season.

I am often referred to as the 'racking queen' by those who know me well (for you know I apply this to bedlinen, throws & quilts too!) but really, if you're going to invest the money in what you wear, you really do appreciate it so much more when you see your favourite pieces well displayed & ready for you to enjoy, whether it be a suit, your favourite jacket or shirt, shoes or scarf.

I'm sure many women & men appreciate wardrobe space, & ideally would have something similar to one of the dressing rooms featured above. However, even without this luxury, when you open your wardrobes in the morning, or walk into your dressing rooms at the end of the day, seeing your belongings well presented & organised makes a morning rush so much easier to manage.

Getting dressed, whether for work, a special occasion, or simply for the day ahead should not always be the rush we seem to experience. Whether your dressing room is purpose built or simply a space you've created in your bedroom, if you can, enjoy it with a beautiful bench, chair or stool, flowers, a candle, hints of favourite scents. It does wonders for your wellbeing for the rest of the day, & hopefully takes away that morning rush, even if only for a few minutes.

And just a little style tip, buy wooden coathangers, and make sure you hang them all the same way - I know, racking, but not only will your clothing look better, your wardrobe will look absolutely fabulous!!!

Hart Lodge New Zealand

2009-07-11T13:15:00.008+10:00

As you well know by now, I have a great passion & appreciation for New Zealand, & so here again I am showcasing another divine retreat, Hart Lodge.

Hart Lodge is a luxury boutique lodge nestled between Tauranga & Rotorua, & is part of the International Select Group of Hotels & Resorts, boasting spectacular views overlooking the majestic Bay of Plenty in the North Island. It has recently been completely refurbished incorporating the perfect fusion of classical & contemporary interior design.

The Hart is the perfect retreat for romantic vacations, special occasions & celebrations, weekend retreats, business seminars & events. It is evident in all aspects of services, facilities & design that the owners Julie & Graham Raw have given utmost consideration to creating the ultimate experience of pampering & comfort for each & every guest. Yes, another one for my destination location list!

http://www.thehartlodge.com

Positano Postcard...

2009-07-02T08:09:00.000+10:00

Le Sirenuse Terrace Restaurant, Positano...a heavenly destination...the lights, the landscape, the colours, the view...the perfect postcard, just captivating.

Fermob In Paris

2009-07-01T21:06:00.004+10:00

Another stunning outdoor furniture collection from France, as featured in the Paris showroom of FERMOB. It's always wonderfully refreshing to see bold statements of colour at the height of Winter. Imagine how fabulous summer salads & blooms of bouganvillias would look on this table? Something to consider for Spring perhaps?!

http://www.cotswoldfurniture.com.au/

2009-06-30T19:51:00.018+10:00

'Haven Home' Styling Experiences...

If reinventing your bedroom, livingroom, favourite room or every room appeals to you, then you will love the 'Haven Home' styling experiences...

Soon to be launched...

Building with Mi Casa

2009-06-29T09:41:00.006+10:00

"A Good House must not be bought, but made."

Mi Casa' is Spanish for My Home. Jean-Luc Lidou & Marc Noreillie are "Mi Casa" the Belgiun construction business renowned for solid timber design, reflecting the American New England style. 'Solid timber houses are stylish, cosy & timeless cosy homes that exclude a warm homely feel'. Absolutely divine and my absolute favourite, blending timeless aesthetic appeal, natural materials, linen, oak, pools of natural light throughout the interiors, & understated refinement. Simply beautiful.

www.micasa.be

RADFORD FURNISHINGS WEEKEND SALE

2009-06-26T00:49:00.007+10:00

For those of you who love beautiful fabrics on tap, I recommend you all visit Radford Furnishings today & tomorrow at their Hawthorn showroom for fabulous bargains! They are clearing out discontinued lines including Designers Guild & other key furnishing brands. The selections available of both upholstery & drapery fabrics, along with Cath Kidson discontinued lines, books, & bolts of perfect but discontinued collections is just fabulous!

So for those of you who have some decorating in mind, whether cushions, window treatments, reupholstering or simply can't refuse divine fabrics for your home interior, pop into their showroom today & tomorrow, 9.00am - 4.00pm.

www.radfordfurnishings.com

Level 1/146 Burwood Road,
HAWTHORN, Victoria 3122
Ph: 03 9818 7799

Chandeliers, for Contemporary Living with Classical Twists

2009-06-23T23:56:00.006+10:00

Caroline Quartermaine's London Studio

Hopewood Country House

In preparing & researching for the designersecrets workshops in recent months, what we have uncovered on the revival of chandeliers has been amazing. I have never had chandeliers in my home interiors, but can certainly appreciate their artistic, sculptural elegance.

Whether we have been researching lighting, floorplans & layout, furnishings, colour, art & or styling, it's amazing how many interior spaces have introduced the classic chandelier with the contemporary edge. From the very bold to the slightly more subtle, clear prisms of glass to the very colourful feature fittings, chandeliers are indeed enjoying a fabulous revival, inviting romance & sophistication to contemporary architectural design.

A friend of mine that I am consulting to on his new home, is keen to include one in his foyer. The architectural design is very contemporary, streamlined & low maintenance. The space of his entrance loft would be rather vacuous without something so bold in scale & design, & a chandelier I think will give it the substance & aesthetic twist it needs to create the 'wow' factor. We are yet to source the specific piece for him, but I'm really enjoying looking, which of course is all part of the process when we are renovating and or decorating our homes. It can be tedious at times, time intensive and frustrating, but make time to enjoy the research, it's amazing what you find!

Designers Guild with hip home at designersecrets

2009-06-16T23:00:00.011+10:00

Today was workshop three at designersecrets, & fabulous it was!! We injected colour into this week's presentation, with divine inspiration with none other than the spectacular creations by Designers Guild, balanced beautifully with the wool & silk rugs by hip home, & what a warm & welcoming space they created. We were delighted to have James Marks, MD, Radford Furnishings present to both our groups, sharing snippets of his vast expertise & knowledge for the evolution of textile design. Radford Furnishings is the sole Australian distributor for some of the most successful global furnishing brands, including Designers Guild, Ralph Lauren Home, Cole & Son, Titley & Marr, Jasper Conran & William Yeoward, to name just a few.

He wowed the audience by also sharing a recent interview done in London with Trisha Guild, OBE, on the history of where she began back in 1970, to where her success has taken her today, what an inspirational woman she is. Suffice to say, we felt it appropriate to spray the room with shades of fuschia pink, mandarin & magenta. James is the penultimate professional, passionate about the world of textiles, & one of the most wonderful educational resources in the interior design industry. We could have listened to him for hours had there been the time!

'Style Secrets' were also shared this week, & it was fabulous to have such enthusiastic interaction from our wonderful groups of women. When they 'graduate' next week, we feel confident that they will feel ready to approach their respective home renovations/decorating projects with their own personal style...& perhaps with just a little help from an interior designer & or decorator!!

http://www.radfordfurnishings.com/

http://www.grantdorman.com.au/ (hip home rugs)

From New York to Haven Home

2009-06-13T23:54:00.007+10:00

I was so excited to be asked to profile this fabulous interior publication earlier this year on my blogsite, but even more excited to receive it straight from New York to my office yesterday. It's just fantastic! Seven children, ten years of serious renovations & redevelopments in both New York & abroad, enormous passion, drive & love for what they do, appear to be key ingredients for the personal & professional fulfilment that Robert & Cortney Nowogratz share. They are inspirational, real & happy, & this book is about the chapters of their lives together. Cortney shares with their audience, that "having faith in ourselves & one another can accomplish great things."She explains that the most important reason for why they do what they do is because "a home isn't just where you live, or at least it doesn't have to be. A home is who you are."
And that to me, says it all...

This book recounts amazing tales of challenges, achievements, what's really important, allowing ourselves to learn from our mistakes, & most importantly, to enjoy the journey along the way...

This book shares the heart & soul of their lives, their family, their work, their dreams, their advice to others gained from their own mistakes & successes. Regardless of your style, if you appreciate what your home is all about, you will love this book. It is full of inspiration, not just in style, but in what really matters...the heart & soul of making your house your home...enjoy the following link, & then order your copy...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/07/garden/07nova.html

designersecrets week two!

2009-06-12T23:40:00.001+10:00

Well, we are half way through our first two workshops, & we're having a fabulous time! We are so excited to be sharing our secrets & tips with so many fabulous women who are so inspired to create their ideal home interiors, & it is wonderful to be sharing so many plans & dreams with them.

Yesterday we were delighted to have Pam Zelcer, founder, owner & MD of Melbourne Plantation Shutters, present at both of our workshops! She was absolutely fabulous, & after listening to her recount her earliest days in business through to 17 years on, to today, it is easy to understand why her company is such a success. After sharing her extensive knowledge & expertise at the designersecrets workshops, I suspect there will several more orders in the pipeline to add to the already extensive listing of over 25,000 clients.

We love that Melbourne Plantation Shutters is 100% Australian owned & made, & every shutter is individually crafted from Western Red Cedar, the most suitable timber for shutters. This timber is light weight, resin free & provides excellent natural insulative properties. Shutters are an elegant, understated & architectural timeless treatment for any style of window, whether for a traditional Victorian cottage, to the most linear of architecturally streamlined interior spaces.

For anyone wanting to invest in a sophisticated simplicity, I can highly recommend a visit to Melbourne Plantation Shutters so you too can share our excitement for this divine product range. Pam & her team will be delighted to welcome you.

http://www.melbplantationshutters.com.au/

Island haven at Waiheke Island's Boatshed...

2009-06-06T23:37:00.000+10:00

The Lighthouse - A coastal hideaway to relish the views

The Lighthouse Steps - inviting natural beauty

The Boatsheds - perfect viewing for passing yachts & night skies

The Boatsheds - Relax all day

These images aptly depict my love for New Zealand interiors. Tasteful, understated, warm, contemporary, but filled with character of the landscape & natural colour palette. The perfect balance of coastal blue shades, natural materials, soft, calming & inspiring...shades of pumice, white, pebble and stone enhance the sense of space, calm and light, to mix beautifully with a backdrop of aqua, turquoise and indigo beyond...serene, calm, peaceful.

Another one for my destination list...

http://www.boatshed.co.nz/

Scriptures on Velvet, Circles on Silk

2009-06-04T23:46:00.004+10:00

As you know, I love printed natural materials, & these two cushions were the perfect choice for our recent bedlinen presentation at the DesignerSecrets workshops. 'Circles' in wool/silk, finished with beautiful wooden buttons detailed on the back opening panel, & 'Script' on linen, backed in black velvet, are two of my favourites from the Winter Collection from Linen & Moore, & sit beautifully in front of our charcoal/white Oxford Shams. Work back with crisp white sheets, white bemboka blanket, charcoal & wheat Bemboka throws, a sumptuous charcoal wool felt bedhead, & it is a classic statement of styling with simplicity.

www.linenmoore.com.au

Inspiration for Home from Abroad...

2009-06-04T16:52:00.004+10:00

I adore these catalogues from TOAST in the UK, they are full of gorgeous inspiration, ideas for your wardrobe, home, lifestyle & entertaining, indoors & out. They remind me of the Homewares catalogues that Country Road used to do several years ago, another magazine I used to love browsing for inspiration & home styling tips . In this TOAST issue, they promote a gorgeous range of outdoor picnic wares, complete with simple, tempting & very inviting suggestions. Even on a cold winter's day, it really appeals. Rug up, pack your picnic hamper with gorgeous treats & head off with friends to somewhere with a view, coastal or country, to relax, unwind & enjoy...perfect for the long weekend don't you think?

TOAST offers a brilliant online store, & the service really is wonderful. For a dose of TOAST, log onto their site & order a catalogue, so easy, very fabulous!

http://www.toast.co.uk/

Designer seats ready...

2009-06-03T00:20:00.004+10:00

Tuesday was the launch of designersecrets workshops, and what a big day it was! Two workshops, many new faces, lots of excitement, beautiful new products and plenty of energy! My partner and I, Susie, pictured above were really delighted with the enthusiasm and feedback we received from our first two workshops. We discussed implenting design plans, bedlinen, styling, colour applications & schemes. Next week, well, that's our secret.

After this photo was taken, we stopped long enough for a quick latte, dashed off for the makeovers, and returned ready and waiting to inspire and delight our new recruits! Plans & bookings are already underway for the next series in July, along with weekend workshops, inhouse styling and special trade evenings. Lots of exciting secrets to share, people to meet, places to go!!!

For more information on what's instore at designersecrets, email haven.interiors@bigpond.com

2009-06-01T10:33:00.000+10:00

designersecrets is here...

Workshops & Events, Client evenings, In house styling, new collections, showroom invitations...

We are very excited about it...
And we want to share it with you...
It all begins this week...

to find out more, email me at haven.interiors@bigpond.com

Winter is here

2009-05-31T20:08:00.003+10:00

For me, this image captures what we love the first day of Winter to be...sunshine, crisp, breathtaking & invigorating...

Open fires, snowflakes, frost, fog, gumboots, coats, scarves, blankets, throws, quilts, layers,wool, angora, cashmere, scarves, candles, hurricane lanterns, eating in, hot chocolate, red wine, picnics, hot toast, brisk walks along the beach, brisk walks through leaves in the park.

I love Winter, I love the colour in the trees, seeing frost upon the grass, sitting around an open fire, spending time at home reorganise space, cooking, having family and friends gather inside when it's cold out...

Red, rust, ochre, berry, chocolate, moccha, cinammon, olive, fig, sage...the colours of winter...

What does Winter mean for you?

A haven in the making...

2009-05-24T20:17:00.014+10:00

I love the mood lighting created through the white linen shades in this bedroom, the way it creates such an interesting backdrop to the simplicity of the bed. Beautiful white cotton bedlinen, , with just enough pink to balance for warmth, creates a serene & harmonious space. Although the bedhead nor artwork are yet finished to frame the bed & compliment the scale of the ceiling height, what appeals to me is how well it still works. The importance of the right pillows & quilts, for both comfort & aesthetics, combined with divine egyptian cotton percale sheets, allows for everything to sit & fall perfectly for a layered & luxurious sleeping haven.

Magnolia Square Homewares Market For The "Tiny & Small"

2009-05-22T00:22:00.011+10:00

For those of you with tiny tups, little cherubs, toddlers or friends & family with children you want to pamper, you must visit the latest Magnolia Square in Brighton, Melbourne, THIS WEEK! I popped in there last night, & found the latest in beautiful things for little people, it is all there to see, enjoy & buy. Gorgeous art works, beautiful clothing, original designs, bespoke artwork & pieces for tiny wardrobes & little spaces.

There are many new exhibitors, including Plane Tree Farm, Milk Baby (Lindy Klim's divine natural infant skincare range), Little nest ( the chairs are replicas of iconic contemporary designs such as the baby Eames chair I featured some time ago, fun, bold & fabulous), Seedling, & Pip & Maude (divine graphic talents of Pip Thompson), amongst several other both young & established talents.If you have the need to shop for little ones, or simply appreciate the artistic inspirations of Australian made creative brands, visit "Tiny & Small" Magnolia Square this week (on until end of Saturday, May 23rd), it's tiny, small & just gorgeous!!

http://www.magnoliasquare.com.au/

Bespoke Design Is Cloth Fabric

2009-05-15T00:22:00.007+10:00

Stretched Panel Artworks: From $550

Burlap Bespoke Range

Lamps: From $440, Wall Hangings: From $600

Burlap Fabric Upholstered Chair: Approx: $990

Burlap Bespoke Cushions: From $155

I love working with fabrics, natural materials & texture. Whether decorating a room, space or home with beautiful blinds or curtains, furniture, bedlinen, cushions or one off pieces, discovering that perfect fabric whatever the task may be, is an exciting process...Linens, silks, wool, cotton, cashmere, I adore natural materials, for their versatile character, aesthetic & timeless appeal...never boring, always different with every client brief, & every interior...

So it was with much pleasure when I discovered the made in Sydney brand "Cloth fabric" the brainchild & amazing talent of Julie Paterson. The images featured here are from her beautiful "Burlap Bespoke" range, each piece unique & one off in design & origin, made from pre-used materials.

Cloth won "designer of the year" with this collection in Home Beautiful magazine earlier this year, & it's easy to understand why. The concept behind the aesthetic principle is a combination of a craft based process, an artist's perspective & a designer's eye. The design & production of each piece represents a return to traditional hand-made art & craft & is gaining considerable international interest. As a society so familiar with mass produced & readily available commodities, the appreciation of handcrafted & made to measure art such as Cloth's Burlap Cushions is obvious in the demand for the "Found and Made again" collections. Discarded materials & furniture are rediscovered & reborn by Julie into a new collection of lamps, upholstered pieces, cushions & artwork.

The new cloth collection, Julie says, is based on luck & timing - treasures once 'trash' create unexpected art. What she discovers in hidden pockets & corners of Sydney shops & streets are reworked in combination with wholesomely worded layers of text, printed onto raw linen & hemp with graphic accent colours of redoxide, sepia, bone & straw. The end result includes coffee sack curtains, stools, cushions, canvases, bags, lamps, upholstered chairs. The statement pieces of stretched panel art can also be custom made, of course, nothing is mass produced, & it shows. Her love for her work is evident in every stitch, every design, every fibre, & every piece a unique & much loved statement. I have my eye on those Bespoke Burlap cushions for my linen sofa to create some interest against the linen stripes & ottman check. Hmmm, what do you think?? Divine!

http://www.clothfabric.com/

Surry Hills, NSW, 2010

Ph: 02 9699 2266

Melbourne's designersecrets workshop is coming...

2009-05-11T00:04:00.003+10:00

Our June workshop series begins in just over 3 weeks...

Bookings are limited, and we are already preparing for our next calendar event...

For beginners who are passionate about developing their own style of design & decorating in their home, this workshop series is for you - fun, fabulous, inspiring & informative...

Guest speakers, gorgeous gift bags for every attendee, enjoy meeting new people & be totally inspired as we uncover designersecrets...

Click on the above image for further details... or email me at haven.interiors@bigpond.com

"Breathing Space"

2009-05-10T19:58:00.011+10:00

This weekend my home was featured in the Melbourne Herald Sun Home supplement magazine. As nervous as I was, it is quite an exciting moment to turn the page and see a feature spread on yourself, promoting you & you business, such a fantastic opportunity.The article was written by a delightful journalist, Louise Surette, who so perfectly translated my style & decorating principles into print. Chris Groenhout is a gifted photographer, who knowing it was my birthday, was very diplomatic and strategic when it came time to taking the 'kindest' photo of yours truly.

"...Lovely shades of white & cream, plenty of fresh flowers & smatterings of beach mementos are all part of her signature style. The delightful aroma of scented candles also helps render her home utterly tranquil..."

"...the best advice Claire can give is to remember that you need to enjoy your space and surround yourself with the things you love..."

The feedback and enquiries from this article have already been amazing. My thanks to the Home magazine team for their wonderful enthusiasm and professionalism in facilitating this article.

Wishing you all a wonderful week, & with the arrival of these evening winter chills outside, enjoy retreating to the warmth of your own home haven at the end of each day...:-)