my luxe lust list # 6: ... marble

Marble is an absolute classic and timeless material. It screams Luxe in every setting and is currently enjoying an enormous resurgence in popularity, not only in traditional use (tile, slab, object) but also newly  interpreted in everything from contemporary artworks to fashion fabrics.

I've always lusted after Calcutta Marble and have few decor pieces that have whet my appetite. Our main en suite floor will soon (I Hope!) feature its grey and white goodness and I'm still wishfully imagining the proposed kitchen island to be topped with a cool, honed slab.

The floors in the lower level of our house are marble (Crema Perla) but the current trend in Marble is for White or Black and veined in monochromatic tones. The best thing about a product becoming 'on trend' is that main street stores add it to their seasonal inventory, and often at very reasonable price points too! This is happening here at the moment with all the larger retailers stocking some form of marble ware.


1. Cheese Board $39.95 Freedom
2. Lisa T Clock $70 Target
3. Hand poured Soy Candle Candlelit & Co
 4. Pillar Table Lamp $289 West Elm
 5. Metro Table Lamp $149 Freedom

I love (and prefer) online shopping, but in a rare day popping into some local stores, found marble items everywhere. Not online yet but in store, I found (and may have bought! he he) beautiful marble bathroom accessories at Domayne, Freedom and Pillowtalk. Freedom had (in addition to the items pictured above) some gorgeous house-shaped paperweights too.

I really like being able to add small touches of this luxe material to my home but with greater outlay, comes greater impact. Below are some of my favourite Pinterest inspirational images...

Missed any of my other Luxe Lust Lists? Catch up here:

1. Hermes Blankets
2. Eames Walnut Stools 
3.Eero Saarinen Tables
4. Fur Throws
5. Leopard Print

x KL

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You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback!

Bits 'n Bobs

Davey has just informed me that as a result of my recent illness, he will need to 'catch-up' the time he lost on client projects, by working Saturdays. 

Fair enough. 

Then, I thought about it...

He is currently employed in Sydney (90 minutes south of Copacabana), and his 5:30 am start and 6:30 - 7 pm arrival home make Saturday his only day to tackle building work here at La Hacienda.

3 weeks = 21 days. 

Twenty-one Saturdays from now takes us into January 2015!!!!

I heard a casual statement ... but it was actually a loaded bomb!

There goes my fantasy of 'moving' upstairs by Christmas.

 *sob*

Anyhow,  s l o w  progress aside (nothing new really....) here are some pics of what has been happening about these parts ....

The two upstairs bathrooms are approved by council and ready for underfloor heating installation. After much debate and soul searching, I decided to purchase Carrara Marble tiles in the same size (400 mm x 400 mm) as the downstairs bathrooms for our ensuite. I just couldn't justify spending three times more for Calcutta or mosaics when we still have so much more to do. The marble is Italian and the white is really crisp though, which helped clinch the deal!

David decided that it was high time we bought a new mattress too. I wasn't much help as I was just out of hospital so couldn't lay on the display beds. He chose a Tempur one (without the folding base, which J loved!). It was a big investment so I hope it's comfortable! Our last bed was a top-of-the-line disaster because of the too soft pillow top.

 Been 'playing' with some decor pieces, motivated by a Country Road competition. If you want to enter too, click HERE.

Had a day of shopping with a girlfriend in Sydney last week. We popped into the newest Matt Blatt store in Castle Hill. I've seen their wares online but never in person. Most pieces were disappointing... but I liked this replica daybed and dining table.

We then headed to a Freedom outlet store my friend knew about. I snapped up this Freedom console which was a quarter of it's retail price!  Not sure where it will 'live' but there are a few suitable alcoves upstairs!

Newham Console from Freedom

Spotted these gorgeous external lights at Beacon Lighting. L.O.V.E. ! 

David liked them too, but we can't have them here. The finish is unsuitable for our seaside location, nor are they IP rated ie; they'll rust. Fast. 

Frustrating. Why manufacture an outside light that isn't durable?

South Hampton light fixtures

Have you started thinking about Father's Day?

I think this Bunning's Tool Chest is on David's 'wish' list. It comes complete with bar fridge, LCD TV and stereo. I think it would be too much of a distraction to work....

Keep dreaming darling....

x KL

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You are very welcome and encouraged to comment, I love receiving feedback!

My Luxe Lust List...# 5 : Leopard Print

Somewhat of a decorating and fashion 'staple', Leopard Print trends come and go but rarely evaporate entirely.  Like my post on fur throws, it is a subject that is very black and white for most people. You either l o v e  or loathe it!

I've been a lover of Leopard print ever since I can remember.

I have fond memories of stroking my Aunt's Leopard coat and snuggling into her cushions when visiting her home. To me it was very glamorous but also a tiny bit wild and exotic. Themes I still relate to and gravitate towards, today.

Who didn't have an leopard-coat-clad Aunt in the 1960s ?

Throughout my 50 years on this earth, I have owned an enormous variety of leopard printed items.

Fashion wise, I've sported coats, anoraks, pants, kaftans, skirts, ball gowns, dresses, shirts, tees, suits, shoes, pyjamas, lingerie, belts, handbags, luggage, leggings, hats, hair accessories, sunglasses, swimmers, gloves, gumboots, an iPhone case and ...  scarves. Whew!

 

On the home front I've owned innumerable cushions, chairs, bed linen, towels, glassware, napkins, frames, candles, votives, vases, art work and one spectacular door mat!

 I don't think there has ever been a time when I haven't owned something Leopard!

Half of the secret to success in using this bold print is in the quality of the design. There's Leopard print and, then there's Leopard Print. Ascertaining the difference is essential! 

Keeping the look classy is key!

The other half of the secret is knowing when and where to use it. The older I get, the more I prefer it as an accent in interiors or as an accessory. A tiny bit goes a long way!

So why have I decided to post about this lust-worthy design today?

Because I've been obsessing, really OBSESSING over these two images....

O.M.G.! I am just am in love with that fabric!

Countless hours have been wasted enjoyed tracking it down to just two possibilities:

Braemore Jamil Natural OR Scalamandre Leopardo Silk Velvet

As I cannot find any Australian references to these, my research has been limited to international blogs or U.S. / U.K. web sites. The unanimous agreement seems to be that they are visually indistinguishable but hugely different in feel, quality and price. The Scalamandre being the ants-pants.

I found two Etsy retailers who sell cushion covers made in the Jamil fabric and I've tracked down some Leopardo being sold by the yard online, so I could consider having them made in this too.
Another wee, but delicious project!

What do you think? 

Are you a Leopard Print lover?

Where would you consider / have you used this print?

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. 
 You are very welcome and encouraged to comment, I love receiving feedback!

My NEW Dining Table....*

A recent yard clean up unearthed this massive Oregon beam (THE Plank*!) salvaged from a house demolition eons ago. We had completely forgotten about its existence as it was literally 'buried' amongst building crap supplies! Before heaving it onto Dumpy (our truck) to go to the tip, David asked me why we had ever kept it. (Davey's a hoarder but occasionally 'lets go' and culls like a madman!) I couldn't remember but as a fellow hoarder (except I rarely cull; LOL) I quickly eyed off that baby's size....

A tape measure confirmed that my silent prayer had been answered.

We were staring out our new dining room table!

Some background info: We already own several tables, all of which have made appearances in previous properties. We did not want / could not afford to buy a new one for this house!

The largest we have is pictured above, in it's unexpanded form; an antique Kauri Pine, Edwardian Banquet table. Extended it seats ten comfortably, twelve at a squeeze. I quite like the contrast between the old table and contemporary chairs but I still have misgivings on the size appropriateness for this build.

 Those misgivings were started when we stored my daughter's eight seater table for a short time in our proposed dining space. Posted about HERE and seen above. 

It looked Incy. Wincy. Eeeek!

Enter THE PLANK*! 

At 6 metres long and 100 mm thick, I should be able to get it re-milled to make four 300 x 3000 x 50 mm thick pieces, perfect to biscuit together to give me a 1200 x 3000 mm table top! I'm thinking of sandblasting the top and waxing it a-la Mark Tuckey style. And remember my coffee table project? It is still waiting for a top but it will be my inspiration for a custom made base. Kinda like these... 

Don't hold your breath....but stay tuned!

* THE PLANK (1967) is simply British humour at it's best. Written & directed by the late Eric Sykes, with a cast of well known actors in their early days....well worth the watch....

Link HERE.

You're W e l c  o m e !

x KL

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Bits & Bobs; random stuff

My girlfriend J phoned a few days ago looking for some bedding advice and after her call I thought I'd do a quick reconnaissance of the latest offerings from around the traps. I stumbled upon this textural delight from Kip & Co; scrumptious dark grey velvet....perfect for winter don't you think? The other colours offered are divine too; burnt orange, teal, cantaloupe and fuchsia. Yum!

David and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary on Tuesday. Neither of us felt like going out mid week so I offered to cook a gourmet, candle-lit dinner at home. David's request? Sausages, peas, mash & gravy. W.T.F....

We've had some exciting deliveries here this week. Boring visually, but those metal sheets above will complete the two front veranda roofs and gutters! Hooray!

 And these unbelievably heavy channel thingies below, are for the frame less glass hand rails.

Thought I'd start investigating flooring options for the master en suite. Fell in love with these hexagonal Calcutta marble mosaics which typically require me to sell a child to obtain. Maybe I should stick with the same 400 x 400 mm size tile I've used in the other bathrooms ? ? ?

I could use the hex as a feature under the shaving cabinet and in the bath niche. Thoughts?

 I bought this wire wrapped-glass-based lamp eons ago for the family room. I unpacked it and popped it into position but it just looks wrong. So much for forward planning. Humph.
Might look better in the playroom....

  

School Holidays have begun here today. Yay! And I've got a stash of magazines (print and digital form) to read with lazy cups of tea in bed...he he! For the first time, I've bought H & G in digital format for my iPad. I hate piles of magazines lying around making me feel guilty! Hopefully, when my subscriptions expire, I'll read all my faves this way instead.

Hope your planning a relaxing Easter break...

x KL 

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seasoned reasoning: designer mills

I don't know about you, but I love to experience good aesthetic design in everyday objects.

It makes the mundane feel more special somehow. 

If I need a new kettle for example, I'll research the design options along with practicality because it's an item that is highly visible in my kitchen, used multiple times a day and needs to earn it's place, being on show. (Best ones I found can be seen HERE) 

I'd like to buy a pair of really nice Salt & Pepper Mills using this same criteria.
We've lived sans salt for just over ten years due to dietry restrictions initiated by David's Ménière's disease. His condition is well managed at the moment and watching MKR has encouraged me to revisit seasoning. Just a little.

Anywho, here are my favourite options that tick all form, function and feel boxes:

  Collective Tools designed by Antonio Citterio & Glen Oliver Löw. Iittala

 Alfredo Mills designed by Alfredo Haberli. Georg Jensen

Left: Y-Grinder by Joseph Joseph

Right: Tree Grinder designed by Vagnby & Ejje. Nuance

Left: Queen Chin Grinders designed by Giovannoni Stefano.  Alessi

Right: Salt & Pepper Mills designed by Michael Graves. Alessi.

 

Bottle Mills Designed by Norm Architects for Menu.

 Tete-a-Tete designed by Stefan Holm.

Craft Mills by Normann Copenhagen

Plus Salt and Pepper Mills designed by Norway Says. Muuto

I think I like the last two sets best. Although the Georg Jensen ones are very beautiful too.

Do you have any recommendations?

x KL

Thank you for stopping by my blog. 

You are very welcome and encouraged to comment, I love receiving feedback!

 If you enjoy my ramblings, perhaps consider following by Email, Bloglovin' or Google+. 

 Join this site via Google Friend's Connect so I can follow you too!