Mixed feelings today!

By Ashley Goforth

 I love this dark moody bedroom offset with crisp white. And the touch of leopard! Perfect. I found it via one of my favourite blogs The Lennoxx.

I'm sitting at home today waiting for a Plantation Shutter salesperson to come and give me a quote. The appointment was for 11:30 am and it's now 1:30pm. What happened to professional courtesy? I'm thinking I need to find another company. Grrrr!  In better news though the pool W.C tiling is finished and ready for P.C fit out. Yay!

  Hope you're having a more productive day than me...

x KL 

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WOW!

 How stunning is this? An embroidery by Jonathan Riss who based his work on 

'Evolution', a series of photographs by Patrick Gries depicting Paris' Natural History Museum's collections of vertebrates.

L.O.V.E.!

x KL 

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

More skull stuff!

I do love skulls.

 I found this Crystal Head Vodka at Dan Murphys and although I don't drink this I had to have the bottle! Apparently it is the realisation of the dream and vision of well-known actor Dan Aykroyd and colleague, fine artist, John Alexander. Both are avid researchers into the phenomenon that is the 5,000 to 35,000 year old Crystal Heads that have been found strewn around the globe from Tibet to the USA. This was the inspiration behind the extraordinary crystal head bottle and the purest vodka held within. A good opening discussion point for cracking the bottle?

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

Happy Australia Day!

 

We were woken at dawn today by a chorus of rowdy kookaburras outside our bedroom window. So much for a public holiday sleep in!

 Perfectly Australian! Have a great Australia Day!

x KL 

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

Some kitchen inspiration!

 I was a wee bit excited when I spotted these pictures posted by midcenturyjo on Desire to Inspire. They are from Ensemble & Associés, in Brussels and the layout very much, sort-of, is similar to our proposed main kitchen space upstairs. Black and white. Tick. Pendants over dining table. Tick again! I wonder if you can see the resemblance as I can?  You've gotta laugh....

x KL 

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

My latest purchases; the good the bad and the spikey

I've been trying to avoid the shops during the school holidays because it's usually crazy this time of year as we live in a major tourist hot spot. I ventured out to get J some new school shoes and of course couldn't resist poking my nose into some favourite stores! I spotted this cute little spikey urchin at Seaweed & Sand for $14. So cute!

And this cotton Maxi and sandals at Witchery. The dress was heavily discounted. Yay!

I ordered this stunning candle from Barneys New York awhile ago and it finally arrived. The picture below is the one advertised on their online site. When I unwrapped the candle there was no black gift box, only some flimsy bubble wrap and a scattering of pink ooglies.

 

 The candle is more substantial in size than expected and the perfume is very over-powering. The most disappointing thing though is that the top edges of the glass insert holding the wax is smashed from not being secured within the silver housing during transit. It won't affect it's use but the packing was of a very low standard. No more candle buying from overseas for me. A quite expensive lesson!

 Those that read my blog regularly know how much I love shopping at Peters of Kensington Online. 

They have continued to offer a 'daily deal' since their January re-opening and I took advantage of  buying 4 (two in each style) of these Whitehill photo albums. They'll make terrific and affordable gifts for friends throughout the year.

 And I picked up three of these Universal Circa felt place mats to use as heat mats under hot dishes brought to the table. A bargain at $4.50!

 School holidays end here on Monday and I'm trying to get back into an earlier bedtime and morning wake-up routine. My big boy is starting Year Four and my eldest daughter has completed her University degree and is job hunting. Unbelievable how time flies! Hope you're having a great week,

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

 新年快樂！

x KL

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And on the seventh day, she rested

 We're all celebrating here! The mighty Lego Death Star is complete! 

My liver and eyesight say thank God it's done!

 And the pool W.C is at a standstill as the tiler has gone surfing for a few days.  Here's where it's up to.

7 more wall tiles and grouting to do and we are ready for P.C fit out. And a good clean!

Back to celebrating.... J choreographed a chorus line to entertain the housewarming spaceship warming guests!

x KL 

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

To sell or keep? Help!

 OK, my dear followers... I need some help!

I bought the most gorgeous Balinese day bed for the last house (as seen in picture below). 

It was bought site specific for our pool Cabana and I fell in love with it after many intimate, late night, champagne laden, chats and practical use for bubs whilst we swam!

Unfortunately its use has declined with the new build and although it looks small above, it is actually quite substantial in size.  It simply doesn't suit the new aesthetic nor do I have a proposed waterproof area in which to accommodate it.  At the moment it is being used as a depository for building materials and is blocking the bi-fold laundry / kitchenette windows (proposed bar area). So, do I place it in storage for a possible re-invention in the 'next house' or sell it to an appropriate decor enthusiast?

And... so you have the whole picture: I do have this other Balinese lounge (seen in last house in the middle deck area) that is less practical, comfortable and smaller as a 'day bed', but more decor friendly as it can be aesthetically situated indoors. (And I paid a fortune for the customised cushions!

 So, what to do? At the moment I'm planning the 'next' house as a modern interpretation of Hampton's style. Should I 'let it go'?

Or hope that with new cushions and surroundings it's worth holding on to for a phoenix moment? (Swoon worthy downloaded pic above!)

I appreciate all your thoughts and opinions, as always...

x KL 

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

Playing TAG!

Natalie from In the night sky  has tagged me in a blog game of TAG! You're It!
It's time to get to know each other (or at least me) a little bit better.


The Rules:

1. You must post the rules.
2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.
4. Tag eleven people and link them on your post
5. Let them know you've tagged them!

Eleven Facts About KL:  

     1.  I was born in Papua New Guinea which is a bit of a novelty but one I quite like!

     2.  I taught in PNG as a student teacher and traveled throughout for a few months. Wonderful!

     3.  I've got great teeth. LOL! Never needed braces, fillings or dental work whatsoever! 

     4.  In my teens / early twenties I was part of a charity group performing in RSL clubs and the like.

     5.  I love building Lego sets. My son & I do a big set together every school holiday break.

     6.  I had my own darkroom for my photography development as a child. It was Mum's laundry and I got booted out after 3 months of residence! Ha ha!

     7.  I remember all my HSC English text quotes from John Donne who was a 16th Century Metaphysical poet and loved learning Latin! Eeeek!

     8.  I was an avid Ham Radio enthusiast in my teens and learnt Morse code too.

- .... .- -. -.- ... / -.. .- -.. !

     9.  I am addicted to interior decorating magazines and books!

   10.  I hate television. Before I met my current hubby I didn't have one connected. 5 years of bliss!

    11.  My father is the most inspiring and intelligent person I know. At 14, Dad introduced me to Immanuel Velikovsky's 'World's In Collision' and we discussed it at such length it drove my mother spare!

Questions For Me from Natalie:

     1. How do you get to work? 

 I'm a stay at home mum so I guess that makes me the Chauffeur!

     2.  Are you a shower or a bath person?

I love a long soak in a bath when I get the time but mostly shower!

     3.  What is your favourite drink (either Alcoholic or non)? 

A good Pinot Grigio or New Zealand Sauvigon Blanc

     4.  Do you like your name? If not, what would you change it to?

 All happy here!

     5.  What is your favourite city or country?

It's got to be Australia doesn't it?!

     6.  Are you a summer or winter person?

I love snuggling at home in winter. I dislike humidity and extreme heat.

     7.  What would be your dream job?

Being a Mother is it. Paid work? I'm still working on that one. Any suggestions?

     8.  What is your favourite movie?  

Moulin Rouge!

     9.  Have you ever done something crazy for love?

Yes, but I'm not telling! LOL!

   10.  Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Definitely a night owl!

    11.  Do you like the colour of your bathroom?  

Yes! It's white and taupe and just beautiful!

   

TAG! You're IT!

Anna    my design ethos

Pele    east of hudson

Fiona    just paint it white

Anne-Marie  10 Rooms

April  Birds Eye View

Brooke  The House on Chambers

Penny   Design by Penny, Paid by Jason

Jode  Life on the River

Toni and Giulia   Something Gorgeous 
Claudia    Peep My Style
M   Two Beaches and a lake

 

Questions For My Tagees :

1. What is the number one thing on your 'bucket list'?
2. What would you choose as your last meal?
3. What is your favourite drink (either Alcoholic or non)?
4. What is the weirdest thing you've ever eaten?
5. What's you favourite holiday destination?
6. What are you most proud of?
7. Where is your favourite place to shop?
8. Do you collect anything?
9. Are you an early bird or a night owl?
10. Have you ever been told you look like someone famous? Who?
11. What is your favorite quality about yourself?

 

And if I didn't TAG you and you'd like to join in, please do! 

Looking forward to your responses! Hope you enjoy playing!

   

x KL 

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

New pendant ideas

  Soooo, if I don't have a feature light fitting in the formal lounge (goodbye Chandelier dream), I can have one in the dinning room. Or perhaps multiples as displayed in some of the images below.

I quite like the big over-sized dome shades since spotting a version featured in a Belle magazine a few years back.

I think the 'bulb' area would have to be pretty though and I wonder whether it would be blinding if you glanced upwards during your meal?

 Or these George Nelson simple shades would look great too, especially grouped together. And there are so many styles to choose from.

Decisions, decisions! It is very lucky that I have lots of time to continue to make these!

x KL 

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

chandeleirs and compromises

Beacon Lighting's, enormous chandy (even at $700) to stay a dream...

If you've been following my build for awhile, you will already know that I have had my heart set on a large, sparkly Chandelier feature light fitting for our formal lounge room. Although the house is quite contemporary and minimalist in it's architecture, I've always loved the juxtaposition of new and old, antiques and 20th century design icons. Dear hubby however just hasn't 'got' it when I describe my eclectic decor plans!

I have found and shared many beautiful examples of my aesthetic ideas for this build...

 

And many Chandeliers - at all price points, to woo hubby.

And in a very brief 'moment' he agreed.

Now.... it's a funny thing, total acquiescence's.

It has made me argue less and think more. And the more I think, the more I am convinced that perhaps I was infatuated by the idea or desire to do this in my space.
(Of course, I can equally argue that I have perhaps matured, come 'round' to his way of thinking or am predicting the end of a design trend!!!)
Without psychoanalysing myself into an institution, I think I'm done with the Chandelier idea.

(Except for a more appropriately placement in 'The Farm' drawing' room! He He!)

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

Terrigal project design considerations...

Assisting friends with the myriad of choices possible for a renovation is a major commitment. Choosing friendships that can withstand such intense pressure is essential!

Yesterday, more than 45 text and picture messages passed between us (I stopped counting as 45!) and at least two, hour long discussions on our mobiles occurred too. Over one vanity. Eeeeek! We have decided that this is clearly untenable and discussing all the options is simply confusing so we're going to try a three-choice plan for a more time efficient discussion. Whew!
I think starting with a clear design brief would assist in this area too.

  

One thing that we have discussed is the need for spaces to be contemporary without being so trend specific that they date quickly. Keeping fixtures neutral is key, allowing accessories to add colour and on-trend impact. They are easy and relatively cheap to update too. 

I'm finding the plethora of easily accessed images a wonderful way of communicating and illustrating a design point. White bathrooms need not be bland as these photos from the Reece bathroom website so clearly demonstrate!

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

Some wee progress....

 We got a few things done today. Downstairs ducted vacuum points were installed and a couple of wall lights inserted into the girl's bedroom hall. (And yes, our beautiful marble tiles are still tarped on the veranda waiting to be laid...can't rush these things!)

I found these lights so difficult to choose. I wanted invisible fixings and this proved impossible to find. I just can't understand why the screws have to be seen in a stair light when other fixtures can accommodate secret fixings (Like the vacuum point cover). Grrr....

 

Any hoo, I gave up and these are what I selected. There will be 5 used to light the stair treads that lead upstairs too. Davo finished sheeting the outdoor pool toilet and completed the waterproofing too. It's now ready for tiling. Yay! Mundane pictures I'm sorry to say but any new progress is worthy of celebration in our house!

x KL 

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!