My First Little Place

Fur for the bedroom

2012-02-27T00:11:00.000+10:00

I know it's crazy, I live in a hot and humid climate but I can't help but think about a fur throw for the bed. Maybe it's because it's so hot outside, I have the cold air conditioner blasting inside.

I love the look, the feel and the cosy aspect of them.

So chic....

I do love it but I think I'd need to be in a colder climate to have one on my bed!

images via lonny, dustjacketattic, goldandgray, housebeautiful, casasugar, onehour, thisisglamorous

Instagram

2012-02-26T14:01:00.000+10:00

I was chatting with a friend yesterday about the world today of social media.

Whether it's for personal or professional use, there are so many ways to keep in touch with people.

And we are all connected to it in some form or another.

I definitely like to engage in a few different types of social media. So far, I have Facebook for my personal use (I don't have one for the blog yet), I write two blogs as a place to share what I love and inspires me plus to meet like minded people out there. I don't do twitter though, I just can't wrap my head around it for some reason. But my latest ~~obsession~~ past time is Instagram.

I've had an Instagram account for sometime now and posted a few pics here and there privately but I was bored one night and started flicking through it again - hello the beginning of another love!

So many great images out there, it's like going to your own personal art gallery full of random photo's.

If you're interested follow me on Instagram, it's simply myfirstlittleplace.

Do you enjoy and/or use Instagram?

Please tell me the name of your profile so I can follow along.

images via instagram, myfirstlittleplace

It's a Boy ...

2012-02-24T22:28:00.000+10:00

CONGRATULATIONS

to our beautiful blogger friend Anna at Lona de Anna.

Baby boy, Noah has arrived.

How adorable is he?

See her beautiful "A Llittle Note to Noah" here

Congratulations to Anna, Mr White and big brother Jacq

xox

More from Amber Lewis

2012-02-24T00:04:00.002+10:00

Ok so I posted about the gorgeous home of Amber Lewis not long ago here,

but I have come across more pics of her 1960's California ranch style home

and I had to share because I just love!

Eye spy a Morrocan pouffe, such a great colour

Great mix of styles and patterns

I love the banquet and the fluffy seats

One of my obsessions - home styling with books

I'd very happily work here thanks!

It is eclectic and comfortable yet so stylish.

Amber Interiors Interior Design

images via casasugar

Blog Shout Outs

2012-02-23T21:27:00.000+10:00

I love my followers, don't we all.
So honoured and humbled that people read and respond to my everyday ramblings
- I can't thank you all enough.

But one of the things I like most about blogging and readers is connecting with like minded people.

And many of these like minded people have amazing blogs.

I would love to list them all (and you can check them out by my followers link)

but these are some of my new followers who's blogs I want to share with you today.

Hopefully they will also provide you with much inspiration ...

Peaches and Candy

Peaches and Candy is a blog from Sydney with really good content of interesting posts
along with gorgeous pics!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Pawley's Island Posh

A photographer wanting to branch off into Interior Styling, Julia writes the blog Pawley's Island Posh which includes some great DIY projects she has tackled, some great interior shots and a hint of fashion thrown in there too.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Lamb and Blonde

The owner of this lovely blog is Kim Grey an American living in Adelaide
(my hometown if you didn't know!).

Lamb and Blonde is full of beautiful images that will provides endless inspiration.

I'll be going through more of my followers and people who leave comments and
will introduce you to some of them in the coming weeks.

Thanks again to everyone reading My First Little Place xox

* Please note none of these bloggers have approached me to ask to be profiled.
I don't endorse anything or anyone unless I clearly declare it.
I do it because I genuinely like what they have to offer.

Moroccan Pouffe

2012-02-22T22:18:00.001+10:00

I've been thinking about getting a Morrocan Pouffe for my living area for quite sometime now, but something has always held me back. But I just don't know what it is!

They suit a wide variety of design styles and are so practical as little side tables or of course to put your feet up on as you sit with your laptop on your lap blogging away (right?)

For those of you who have been reading my blog for a while now would know that my living space is white, yellow with touches of grey and silver.

Louise at Table Tonic has every colour under the sun to choose from,

so I have narrowed my choices down IF I go ahead and get one they would be ...

I didn't put the white as I already have a lot of white going on so I'm thinking of some contrast.

They're only $199, not a huge dent in the budget but still it has to be a carefully considered decision!

I would love to hear which colour you think I should go for or if you have another opinion in colour (or even style) I would definitely appreciate any and/or all of your feedback.

Thanks !

images via beautyandgrace, madebygirl, misswalker, tabletonic, tabletonic, livecreatingyourself, elledecor

A home in London

2012-02-19T02:24:00.000+10:00

This 5 story home in London is designed by the firm Lawson Robb really caught my eye this week.

Whilst the living area has a sophisticated look to it, the modular sofa adds a comfortable feel to it.

I love this kitchen but I would remove the pots and pans above, I'm not a fan of that look.

This is, for me an ideal media room. Traditionally media rooms are dark just like movie cinemas.

But I like that this is light and as there are no windows, I'm sure once the lights are dimmed it would be

nice and dark in there. I absolutely love the seating, now that is where I want to curl up and watch a movie.

The home comes with a bar and a bespoke wine cellar.

Just one of the bedrooms. It feels very show home to me but I love the masculine yet soft feel to it.

So glamorous.

The entire lower level is dedicated to a wellness centre, a tranquil space including a jacuzzi, rain shower,

lounge chairs, techno gym, steam room, sauna and a plunge pool!

Perfect for sitting out on a summer's night with friends.

images via casasugar

Room with a view ...

2012-02-15T22:42:00.000+10:00

I dream of having a bedroom that has beautiful french doors

that open to a balcony or a private little court yard.

images via cocopearl, habitus, interiorsporn, onehour, mrandmrssmith, birchandlily

Revenge

2012-02-13T22:33:00.000+10:00

So tonight was the Revenge debut on Australian TV.

As I've mentioned before, thanks to my dear friend Nick this show is my newest addiction.

We've been a bit cheeky and watched all the eps so far on the net and

we anxiously await each week to quickly get online to watch.

I do love the storylines, so well written and a tad clever.

But naturally I can't help but love the beautiful homes in the Hamptons setting.

Grayson Manor

The guest room - gorgeous headboard

Dining room has an outdoor indoor feel

Kitchen and breakfast area - love the light

Exterior of Emily's Beach House

Beautiful pieces of furniture in Emily's home

Wrap around porch, a must when living on the beach in the Hamptons

True loyalty takes years to build and only seconds to destroy - Emily

So please tell me,

what did you think of Revenge?

Did you love it as much as I do or do you have a different opinion?

101 with Sarah

2012-02-13T00:12:00.000+10:00

I was able to catch up on some episodes of Sarah 101 this weekend and

couldn't help but like this living and dining space she did.

Great colour scheme.

I want that coffee table.

The image above the sofa was taken by the homeowner.

Sarah enlarged it and framed it in a light box.

The grey zebra rug on the floor was actually 2 rugs that she had sewn together.

A much more cost effective way than having a rug custom made.

She always finds really great second hand chairs and has them reupholstered.

Same here, a great find in an old mod century side board.

The wallpaper is a ocmbination of the seagrass and bamboo.

Another pair of old second hand chairs.

I wasn't sure what these were going to end up looking like once redone

but I have to say I do like them, very much.

The dining space was very small so to save on some space, banquet seating was built in.

images via sarah101

Summary of my week ...

2012-02-12T14:37:00.000+10:00

This has been my head and my life in the past week ...

Just let people do what they need to do and get on with your own stuff.

It has been insanely hot here in Cairns.

It is normally wet season here by now so whilst there is usuallystill high humidity about

it should be just a slight bit cooler.

It is just too hot right now!

So it's kind of strange that I have been thinking about winter clothing isn't it??

(It must be the cranked up air conditioner)

But I am loving the little ankle boots for Winter dressing, it's a must.

And probably the biggest thing for the week was related to work.

That time of the year to have a "review" with the big boss.

All went well and I'm a happy girl whhich is always nice.

Good to know I'm on the right path, made good decisions and

I'm looking forward the what's ahead in 2012.

But I can't believe it's time to start the week all over again.

Have a great one xx

images via bitchyoudon'tknowme, myfirstlittleplace, theyallhateus, fashionvibe, birchandlily

Celebrity House - Sofia Coppola

2012-02-11T20:46:00.000+10:00

Sofia Coppola and husband Thomas Mars have put their Nolita apartment on the market.

Of course I love it!

But I don't have a cool $2.75 million nor do I live in New York to be able to take it off her hands for her ...

Oh my, it's those blue sofas, so divine

Love the windows

Perfect little kitchen

Simple bedroom, really like the bare floor boards with the soft rug

The gorgeous blue sofa's were included in the shoot for Louis Vuitton Sofia Coppola bag collection

images via casasugar, habituallychic

Happy Birthday

2012-02-08T00:34:00.000+10:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MRS CHIKSOI

Hope you have a simply beautiful day

(even if you're working!)

I wish the year ahead to be all we you want it to be

hehehe

Looking forward to celebratory drinks

in Sydney with you at the end of the month

xox

images via mimosainthemorning, madebygirl

Beautiful Home - Live Creating Yourself

2012-02-07T00:05:00.000+10:00

I have to share this gorgeous apartment of Alaina from the blog Live Creating Yourself.

It is so lovely and homely, it is definitely providing me with much inspiration for my place.

Favourite colour combination in the kitchen - white with hints of yellow and grey

Love the floor tiles and soft colour palette in the bathroom

Love the black wall, such a contrast the rest of the apartment. I could work here for hours.

Alaina working on her lovely inspiration board

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful and perfectly styled.

images via livecreatingyourself, glitterguide

Shelter Island

2012-02-06T00:15:00.000+10:00

What a better way to start the week than with a sweet home.

This home located in Shelter Island, New York is a remodelled fisherman's cottage built in 1904.

images via remodilista

Life is like a Carrousel

2012-02-05T00:47:00.000+10:00

Life really is a little bit like a carrousel isn't it - round and round and up and down.

My life definitely feels like a carrousel, but that's ok because carrousels are suppose to be fun, aren't they?

Well if you're going to be on a carrousel, it might as well be a Louis Vuitton one.

Make sure you have your sound on to hear the beautiful music to accompany the clip

I hope you are all having a beautiful weekend

xox

Celebrity House - Ashley Madekwe

2012-02-01T11:22:00.000+10:00

I have become addicted to Revenge {thanks Nick}. I love everything about it - the fashion, the characters, the story lines and of course the gorgeous houses they all live in, great set design on this show.

One of the characters on the show is Ashley Davenport, a social climber who organises events in the Hamptons is played by British actress Ashley Madekwe.

I first saw her in Secret Diary of a Call Girl but I prefer her character on Revenge much more.

Ashley recently made the move to LA for her new role and into this beautiful apartment in Hancock Park.

I just love all the elements of it.

It has that bit of glam and sophistication.

Modern but old.

So, so pretty.

I also posted about Ashley this week on my other blog, The Orange Book.

Pop over and have a peek into more of her uh-mazing style.

images via refinery29

Inspired by Yellow

2012-01-30T13:22:00.000+10:00

Have a wonderful week

xox

images via everythingfabulous, palmerweiss, pinklemonade, sarahrichardson, inspirationalgirl, tabletonic, theyallhateus, hopscotchandgrace, decorislikebutter

Modern Living

2012-01-29T19:24:00.001+10:00

♥ the pop of yellow

♥ the black and white

♥ that lamp is very cool

♥ white floor

images via iwantthisflat

Where I want to stay ... Greece

2012-01-25T22:58:00.000+10:00

The Aenaon Villas Hotel in Santorini, Greece look like heaven.

Consists of only 7 rooms which come with free WiFi and a library of books, CDs and DVDs,

flat screen TVs, CD/DVD player and a full kitchen.

Rates of double rooms from AU$330.

Yes, I think these rooms, the pool and this view would do nicely for a few days {or weeks!}

images vis mrandmrssmith

Love this space today ...

2012-01-24T22:14:00.000+10:00

♥ ♥ ♥

The stainless steel and industrial style light

White chairs with the grey velvet bench

Rustic table base with a nice clean white table top

White cabinetry, white accessories and white tiles

All anchored by the gorgeous dark floor

image via birchandlily

Sums it up nicely ...

2012-01-23T23:46:00.000+10:00

= HAPPY

image via sofiasjournal

Bedroom inspiration ...

2012-01-22T13:37:00.000+10:00

This bedroom from the blog Breakfast at Toast was featured in the lastest Rue magazine.

I'm inspired because a) it's white, b) I have that same doona cover, c) it's fairly simple and d) it's just pretty and girly but not too much so.

Love this picture as you enter into the bedroom

I like the side table as it adds a little gold to the room

Such a nice cushion, I like that it adds some colour to the space

Mmmm, it's making me rethink my bedroom!

images via rue, breakfastattoast

Swedish Apartment

2012-01-21T22:21:00.000+10:00

So last time we toured an apartment in Manhattan but now we're travelling over to

Sweden to an area called Malmo and see another gorgeous apartment.

images via residencemagazine

Manhattan Apartment

2012-01-19T22:57:00.000+10:00

Have you seen this apartment in Manhattan?

It's a little more traditional than I normally like, but I still appreciate it's beauty nonetheless.

These are some of my favourite areas of the apartment.

You can see more of this apartment over at Architectural Digest.

Stylish Home Snapshots ...

2012-01-18T21:26:00.000+10:00

A couple of stylish elements to this home that belongs to stylist, Colette Harvey.

images via shoptilyoudrop

Donate to Heal Amelia's Life

2012-01-18T21:05:00.000+10:00

Thank you all for your comments and emails regarding the below post, I have forwarded onto Amelia.

To know she has support, even from strangers I'm sure helps her get through the day to day

of her battle just even a little bit.

I now have details to make a donation for her via paypal, her paypal account is : ameliahill@chariot.net.au

Whatever you can donate will be amazing.

And I know Amelia would want to be saying a big thank you to everyone out there who can help her.

Special Post ...

2012-01-16T17:41:00.001+10:00

This is a bit of a special post that if you have time, please read.

I have a friend who I have known for many years. Her name is Amelia, we met at school and instantly had a connection with a love of fashion. When we met, her health wasn't 100% but we used to sit for hours watching anything and everything that involved fashion, vogue, supermodels (oh and a bit of Oprah) and talking about our dreams of her one day having her own fashion label and me my own modelling agency.

Proud to say we both had a go at both our dreams.


Amelia in blue and I taken exactly 13 years ago today at a Studio 54 party

But our lives different paths - boyfriends, new friends, careers took different directions...
And as does happen in life, we drifted apart.

Not long after I started this blog, I had a surprise email from Amelia.
And funnily enough even the years apart we had both grown to have a love of interiors,
as Amelia said not surprising really.

Amelia is a very creative woman whether it be in fashion, photography, styling, writing - everything she touches. You may have even read some of her work in Australian home magazines.

The reason I'm posting this is Amelia needs our help.
A big ask of strangers I know, but one thing I have learnt about this blog community
is the compassion and care that people have.

To explain a little bit more about her illness, here's some snippets from the Facebook Page that has been dedicated to her :

Initially, medical and health professionals thought Amelia had severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) together with some other complications involving significant breathing difficulties & constant shortness of
breath. But during the last 3 years Amelia has also developed ' EI ' Environmental Illness and ' MCS ' Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Reactive Airway Disease (RAD). Much like the 'Girl in the Bubble',
Amelia is dealing with MULTIPLE issues every minute of every day and night … and for most of the time, she is completely alone in one room trying to manage.

She has been having back to back anaphylactic type reactions to most foods she ingests. She finally received indoor mold test results for her current apartment. The test results show high levels of toxic mold spores with active growth and the report recommends immediate relocation. Toxic mold exposure can be fatal and should not be taken lightly. Your daughter has test results showing a genetic inability to remove mold neurotoxins from her body and they are re-poisoning her as they recirculate over and over in her system. She has had severe breathing problems this last year and her health is at grave risk if she remains in her apartment.

Amelia's situation has become very extreme - she is now housebound and bedbound, and requires daily care - but she has no assets or income to improve her situation above the aid she receives from the government. She spends 22-24 hours a day alone without help or companionship, just wasting away while she breathes in more toxic mold spores every minute. She can barely access the Internet from her phone due to severe electromagnetic sensitivity, and cannot read any books or magazines due to the fumes from the printing inks. For such a previously vibrant woman who is still so young and has her whole life ahead of her, this is just not acceptable. She is trying to organize fundraisers locally but we are afraid her time is running out and she needs to be relocated quickly in order to save her life. The life threatening reactions to food are becoming more frequent and her body is not accepting many foods at this point.

You can read the full letter from her mum by clicking here :

Letter from Amelia's mum

If you would like to donate to Heal Amelia's Life, to help her move into a safer environment that will save her life, you can make a donation here at the FB page dedicated to her.

UPDATE : Sorry the link isn't currently working. I am trying to gain some more information so that if you like you can donate. Please check back shortly.

Amelia might not read this post anytime soon, but Amelia I am sending out all the good energies I can to you and wish for your relocation to happen very soon so you can regain your life back.

Thinking of you

xox

Closet Envy

2012-01-15T15:09:00.000+10:00

Mmmm which one would you like ??

images via birchandlily, elledecor, fashionstylist, habituallychic, elledecor, livingetc, thisisglamorous

Pretty ...

2012-01-13T22:02:00.000+10:00

Have a pretty weekend

xox

images via theglitterguide, ariannabelle, decoristadaydream, cocopearl, lonny, ?, theglitterguide

Beautiful way to start the day ...

2012-01-11T22:45:00.001+10:00

I did the most beautiful thing today.

Picked up at 4am (!!!) we headed up to Mareeba which is about one hour

out of Cairns to go Hot Air Ballooning.

It's something I had always thought about doing so we decided why not.

I wasn't nervous at all, surprisingly but just excited.

As we arrived, the group before us was just taking off ...

Then it was time for our balloon to get ready ...

Eeek I'm chosen to be the first one in the basket ...

And up we went!

It's just not what I thought it would be at all.It is so quiet, so calm.

You don't even feel like you're moving at all but then you realise the ground

is getting further and further away and you just don't feel any fear.

There is no desire to be holding on, you kind of feel free.

We got so high, 4,200 feet to be exact and we were surrounded by the clouds.

It was just white and silence - amazing. Such a surreal feeling.

In the picture above you can see around the shadow of our balloon a rainbow circle.

Before we knew it we had to come back down.

Our pilot Jay was amazing at what he does, it was so smooth.

Smack bang in the middle of a field there was one bump as we landed and

then another slight one, but that was all.

Fun part was you get to help the boys pack up the balloon

which involved getting all the air out of it!

Now you all know I don't advertise or do any of that stuff on my blog.

I share what I truly love and if you are ever in the Cairns region you need to do this.

And you need to go through Hot Air.

They are also located on the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

It was a truly beautiful experience and the views just lovely.

The pilot and all crew were really great, professional and alot of fun.

www.hotair.com.au

all images via myfirstlittleplace

The Offices of Ruby Press

2012-01-07T22:53:00.000+10:00

It's no secret that I have a love of gorgeous, stylish workspaces or

that one day I would like to have my own little business.

So that's why I must share with you the offices of Ruby Press, a boutique Public Relations Agency representing style driven businesses.

How beautiful is the detail on the facade of the building


Founder, Melissa Davis

A touch of modern in the space with the red Knoll stool

A must have - inspiration board

How lovely to work in a space everyday that has those windows

Believe it or not, but the chairs are from Pottery Barn Teen!

You can read more about Ruby Press and their gorgeous workspace here at The Glitter Guide.

If you know of any stylish workspaces you can link me to, I would love to know.

images via theglitterguide

So Glam

2012-01-06T18:58:00.000+10:00

I do love this ...

Yep, it's the living room of Tamara Mellon!

images via casasugar

Home Tour - Bachelor Pad

2012-01-03T23:07:00.000+10:00

What a perfect bachelor pad!

It's the Manhattan apartment of Jason Caroll who is a national correspondent for CNN.

all images via Michael Mundy @ An Afternoon With ...

Perfect Outdoors

2012-01-02T12:05:00.000+10:00

The weather is beautiful here today, warm with a really lovely breeze.

Perfect for sitting outside relaxing with friends.

images via alifesdesign, bellamumma, casasugar, decorista, jamiebush

Memory Jar

2012-01-01T22:39:00.001+10:00

How cute is this little idea, a Memory Jar.

Through the year note down your good, your bad, your happy, your sad moments and put it in the jar.

Then next New Year's Eve, tip them all out and read them.

Truly remember the year you've had!

I'm definitely doing this in 2012.

images via bfastwithtiffany

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T21:46:00.000+10:00

Wishing you all a wonderful, fun filled and safe New Year's

I hope 2012 is all you hope it to be ...

xox

images via bellemaison, bottomoftheironingbasket, laceandtea, lvmhtumblr, glitterguide

2011 ...

2011-12-30T00:02:00.000+10:00

I can't believe we are about to say farewell to 2011.

What a year it has been, I feel like so much has happened this year and I'm not sure how I fit it all in!

I guess first up at the beginning of the year, I moved up to Cairns.

It was never a permanent place to be and has taken some getting used to.

The decision to move so remotely from friends and family has been a challenging situation.

I faced a few challenges and many successes at work and am proud of what I have achieved.

A few friendships have become much closer and I appreciate all their support and love.

I don't think this year would have been as good if it wasn't for them.

Whilst maintaining these friendships next year, I want to spend some more time on a couple of other friendships.

This one speaks for itself really!

I travelled, almost every month I was on a plane whether it be within Australia or overseas.

I visited Hong Kong, Sanya and Singapore this year, all for work but managed a bit of personal time there.

Work or not, lot's of fun was had!

As always blogging has been a consistent and one of the most enjoyable parts of my life.

I even introduced my second blog to nuture my love of fashion too, The Orange Book.

I thank everyone who reads, follows and comments on my blogs.

I can't express how much I appreciate it.

And now as the year comes to an end, I have so much going on.

I can't say too much at this time but I cannot wait to share some news with you all in the new year.

images via dustjacketattic, ada&darcy, thatgirl, lovestillhappens, luju, onelifeoneheart, meandalice, thisisglamx2

Simple Bedrooms

2011-12-29T23:38:00.000+10:00

simple :-

Easy to understand, deal with, use

Not elaborate or artificial

Unaffected, unassuming, modest

Not complicated

images via contemporist, habitus, interiorsporn, citysage, niceroom

Icon - Wishbone

2011-12-28T23:31:00.000+10:00

Also called the CH24 or Y chair, this piece is an icon in furniture design.

It is classically beautiful, light and sculptural.

Craftsmanship is clearly the word to describe this piece with over 100 steps carried out by hand to produce.

And the seats are hand woven with paper cord that can last up to 50 years.

images via stylefiles, danishdesignstore, designtoinspire, elledecor, noendtodesign

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T00:22:00.000+10:00

Wishing you all a very

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I'm signing off for the Christmas break

but I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas

spending time with your family and friends and

of course the typical eat, drink and be merry!

XOX

image via kikkik

Living Space - What do you think?

2011-12-21T09:34:00.000+10:00

I've had this room in my image files for quite some time and I just keep looking at it.

So I'm sharing with you all because I'm curious, what do you think??

I don't know if the choice of coffee table is right? It's a nice table but I think the space needs a different style.

Love this piece of furniture but the painting on the wall is just a little but too big, it looks like a paint finish on the wall. A bit smaller would frame out the area better. And the display on top isn't working for me. Love the rug tho!

Love the chairs but would choose different cushions!

Love the chair, it reminds me of an old setting my nana and grandpa had, but they had it in green. What I would do to have that setting now. The side table is too cute!

I don't know am I being too picky? I don't usually voice strong opinions on my blog because I believe interiors are a place to make your own, however you like it.

So who am I to say .... but I guess when it comes to recognising things I do and don't like,

well that's important to discover, isn't it!?

In summary I think this space is lovely but needs some more colour or a real statement,

something to anchor the room.

It has some great pieces of furniture but they're just quite working well togther.

images via adiaryoflovely

Love this space today ...

2011-12-19T12:25:00.000+10:00

How gorgeous is this space?

The high wall of windows is to die for.

image via interiorsporn

A Favourite Movie - A Single Man

2011-12-18T22:42:00.000+10:00

I finally had a chance to sit down and watch this last night.

I really don't even know where to start with this one.

Firstly well done Tom Ford.

He has displayed an incredible talent of directing and telling a story, a beautiful story at that.

Every detail in this film is perfection whether it be the impeccable wardrobe, adorable vintage mercedes, the cinematography or even the placement of every item you see in every scene.

Set in 1962 Los Angeles, A Single Man is the story of college professor George Falconer and his struggle to find the meaning of his life after the sudden death of his long time partner, Jim.

Whilst Colin Firth, as George did a wonderful job - he is such a great actor he did have to share the spotlight with his infamous mid-century home. .

The house in Glendale, LA was built by architect John Lautner in 1949 and is known as the Schaffer Residence. Since the movie the 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom house has gone on the market at $1.45 million.

The other beautiful home of focus was that of his closest friend Charley, played by Julianne Moore.

Her home was more glam, Hollywood Regency style.

Love love love .... so many things I love here

I almost died when I saw the headboard so in love with it!

How goregous is her dressing table, gorgeous combination of fabrics with that mirror and those lamps

As George and Charley have dinner, no attention to detail has been spared on the dining table, so pretty

This great film is topped off by a very well thought out cast lead by ...

Colin Firth as George Flaconer

Matthew Goode as Jim :(

Julianne Moore fabulous as Charley

Nicholas Hoult as Kenny (yes, he's that kid from About A Boy)

Ginnifer Goodwin in a small part of Mrs Strunk, she was just cute

There has been alot of outspoken opinion of this film and when you watch it you

might see what some people are talking about!!

But for me all I saw in this film is just pure beauty.

I read this quote of Tom Ford and to me he puts it perfectly ...

"We all go through the same things in life -

love, romance, grief, isolation,

trying to come to an understanding

of what life is about"

Workspace Inspiration

2011-12-14T22:39:00.000+10:00

To get over my disappointment of yesterday I'm looking forward.

The workspace of J.Crew Creative Director, Jenna Lyons is the perfect space to ignite

some inspiration for me.

Although I'm a bit of a neat freak I love that there is so much going on in her space,

it's creative and full of collaboration.

Just the way I like to work!

images via nymag, everythingfabulous, haustherapy, apartmenttherapy

My thought for today ...

2011-12-13T22:20:00.000+10:00

Life is full of disappointments and today I received one. It's hard when it seems all you do is

work so hard and in the end is disappointment!

So my thought is what to do next ...

Have you ever felt the same?

images via starworkartists, pinkwallpaper

Beautiful Home - That Girl's Pad

2011-12-12T14:15:00.000+10:00

Brand stylist Erika from Small Shop - A Brand Styling Studio does some gorgeous work.

So naturally with this talent and an eye for style and details, her home is also goregous.

Dark grey walls work so well with the white and black dining setting

Love this combination of the desk {gorgeous} and the lucite chair, sheepskin and Missoni

Hello lamps, cool no?

Perfect styling

This is one of the collest things I've seen and it is styled amazingly well

Gallery wall in her office, where do I start with the love ...

All images via that girl

Happy Birthday

2011-12-11T00:36:00.000+10:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to my beautiful mum, I hope you have a gorgeous day ...

Wishing I could be there to celebrate with you today but I'll see you in 13 more sleeps ...

Love you lots and lots

XOXOX

images via alltheprettyprettiness, turquoisetulips, pintrest, kellyhoppen, creategirl

A Beautiful Home

2011-12-09T22:34:00.000+10:00

Sometimes simple is better!

And this home is a good example of that.

To me this home looks comfortable and very easy to live in, relax in and entertain in.

And when I think of living in LA, this is exactly what I think of.

The home is located in Silver Lake, LA and owned by Alex and Mara {both great hair stylists by the way}

Cute entry to come home too everyday


Not usually a fan of arches, but I do like them here because they keep the feel of a 1920's Spanish style

Gorgeous dining table, compliments the space well

Hello subway tiles, oh how I miss these!

Love the central island and the stools, adds a whimsy of Paris no?

The bedroom's really simple, but I like. But I probably would place a throw on the end of the bed

Homeowners Alex and Mara

Well what's your thoughts, does simple {yet cosy} work for you?

If you'd like to read more about this home, head on over to Apartment Therapy.

images via apartmenttherapy

Summer

2011-12-06T22:47:00.000+10:00

As I was down in Sydney, which was cold and raining for the first days of Summer, I kind of forgot the seasons had changed!

Until I got back to Cairns where it is definitely summer at a warm 32 degrees.

So today I'm inspired by summer time ...

Enjoy your summer

xox

images via theyallhateusx2, cherryblossomgirl, theyallhateus, pinkwallpaper, dustjacketattic,

vanessaandvalentine, cherryblossomgirl, pinkpreppylover

LV George Street Maison

2011-12-05T19:22:00.000+10:00

It's open!

The unique window display is a collaboration with British artist Billie Achilleos, who created a series of animal sculptures from Louis Vuitton monogrammed handbags and SLG's inlcuding some exclusively Australian animals.

Friday was the official ribbon cutting ....

Oceania CEO Philip Corne, Cate Blanchett, Chief Executive of Louis Vuitton Globally Yves Carcelle and
President of LV Asia-Pacific Jean Baptiste de Bains

Friday night was the party ...

{Pop on over to The Orange Book to see all the Black Carpet arrivals & fashions}

And Saturday the store opened to the public ...

The store is so lovely.

There are only 13 Maison's for Louis Vuitton worldwide and Sydney

is now one of them which is just so fabulous for Australia.

Welcome to the new store.
The ground floor is so spacious with it's high gold ceiling. Very sophisticated feel.

Located to the rear to the store on the ground floor is the Watches & Jewellery (OMG!!) and
the Rare and Exceptional bags.

On the first floor is a world for men. Really sophisticated but really comfortable.
Men definitely aren't forgotten in this store.

The Sydney Maison is the second LV store worldwide to have the Made To Order mens shoes

Also located on the first floor is the travel room.

Up on the the 2nd floor is the womens universe where you sill find the RTW and ladies shoes.

Next time you are in the heart of the Sydney city, you MUST pop in and have a look,
you will be warmly welcomed by all staff.

ps. it's the perfect shopping destination for christmas ;)

images via oyster, google, oraclefox, 4thandbleeker

Inspiration for a Monday ...

2011-11-27T13:53:00.001+10:00

And on this Sunday I'm feeling inspired by the Circus!

I hope this brings you some inspiration and happiness for the week ahead ...

I'm headed off to Sydney for the week for ~~my own circus~~ work.

See you all when I get back

xox

images via google, ilvoelv

So many chair options!

2011-11-24T10:40:00.001+10:00

Some more inrpiration today, this time chairs!

Choosing and occasional chair is a difficult decision but also one of the most fun.

What are you getting it for? Just extra seating?

A statement piece in a room?

A design feature?

A really comfy chair to curl up in an read a book {or blog from}?

Nice, simple clean lines you won't ever go wrong here

Oooh velvet, blue, buttoned.... nice

More velvet and in grey with lovely piping

Great, great leather chair

A different design option in leather

Classic Barcelona


Good old brown leather club chair

An updated cane chair - looks great with the Louis trunk

Well I hope that provided some inpsiration for you!

ps. have a great time in Paris Chez xx

images via ariannabelle, brynalexandra, decorpad, emmasdesignblog, everythingfabulous, goldandgray, interiorsporn, downandoutchic

Dining Room Inspiration

2011-11-21T10:36:00.001+10:00

A friend is needing some dining table and chair inspiration

so I thought we could take a look at some dining spaces.

Here we'll look at black dining tables ...

Hope this helps!

I'll post some more later in the week.

images via apartmenttherapy, downandoutchic, fullhouse, houseandhome, onehour, rogerdavis, cocopearl

Inspiration for a Monday ...

2011-11-21T10:36:00.000+10:00

Have a fabulous week

xox

images via flourishdesignandstyle, bellamumma

Jenna Lyons Park Slope home on the market

2011-11-20T13:24:00.000+10:00

So we're no strangers to Jenna Lyons Park Slope home!

It's been featured in quite a few magazines and numerous blogs, including mine, you can see that here.

Sadly now with her divorce etc the gorgeous Brooklyn townhouse is on the market for only $3.75 mil.

I think {if I had the spare cash lying around} that's a bargain!

The home dates back to the 1880's and is 4,400 square feet.

It's 4 stories plus a finished cellar, 7 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms.

Here are some more pictures that I haven't seen before.

Such a gorgeous facade with the glossy black doors

Entrance with beautiful cornices and ceiling details that still capture the heritage of the home but aren't too fussy

The finished cellar has been converted into an entertaining space, check out that exposed brick wall

Beckett's bedroom is now looking a bit more mature but still has the yellow striped ceiling and dark wall. Love the Suzani on the bed!

Master bedroom with a floating bed in the middle, great idea and layout

The open ensuite with the claw foot bath and herrigbone floor

Terrace off the master bedroom, such a desirable thing to have in New York I'm sure

One of the 3.5 bathrooms in the home

We love this kitchen dining area don't we? My favourite part is that bay window with those chairs - perfection!

The buyers of this home will be very lucky!

And I can't wait to see what she does with her next home :)

images via casasugar

Book Heaven

2011-11-18T21:27:00.000+10:00

Look what the postman delivered to me today, just in time for the weekend !!!

The new book by designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard "Live, Love and Decorate"

And I have to say for a coffee table book ~~addict~~ collector like myself,

this is hitting very close to the number one spot of best design books.

It is really good.

The cover features Tamara Mellon's home {and we know we all love her homes!!}. However there are many other great homes in here including celebs Sir Elton John, Cheryl Tiegs, Cher and Kid Rock.

It is a beautiful showcase of his work and a great insight to his signature style.

image via myfirstlittleplace

Brendan Wong Design

2011-11-17T00:02:00.000+10:00

Today all I want to do is share with you some of my favourite works by Australian Interior Designer Brendan Wong and his design firm, Brendan Wong Design.

The man himself, Brendan Wong

images via brendanwong

A Beautiful Home - 1940's Sydney Bungalow

2011-11-14T13:32:00.001+10:00

This family home was transformed from a cramped dark house into this breezy open home.

So much to love about the living room - the cane chair, orginal fireplace, velvet sofa and Missoni cushions

The dining table gives great contrast to the Bentwood chairs

I love this master bedroom, it's so simple but for me has impact. The doors that open out to a private courtyard is divine. A very peaceful space.

Gorgeous little girls room that with definitely grow with her over time. Missoni butterfly cushions on the bed, so cute.

Perfect outside entertaining area. If you look to the bottom right of the pic is a very cool little cubby house for the kids with it's own alfresco dining area, too cute.

images via house&garden

Inspiration for a Monday ...

2011-11-14T00:10:00.000+10:00

Have a gorgeous week everyone

xox

images via thestylesoup, everythingfabulous, gildandgrace, hautedesign

Welcome Home ...

2011-11-12T22:15:00.000+10:00

There are so many important spaces in the home but you would have to put the entrance to your home right up there right?

For some reason I am fascinated by entrances to homes, whether they are big and grand or like these smaller entrances with a bit of personality.

I would love to see what the rest of these homes look like, don't you?

images via beautifulsoup, becauseitsawesome, houseandhome, interiorsporn, thisisglamorous

Oooh nice space .....

2011-11-10T00:56:00.000+10:00

You don't always need colour!

images via escapade

My current inspirations for life ...

2011-11-06T23:25:00.000+10:00

Have a great week everyone

xox

images via everythingfabulous, pinkwallpaper, bellamumma, becauseitsawesome, gild&grace, aglamsideproject, icanread

Net-A-Porter Headquarters

2011-11-04T22:00:00.000+10:00

Workplaces can quite often be boring, bland, basic cubicle sectioned spaces! However some people are fortunate to work in extremely well designed workspaces in both function and style.

This leads me to the Studiofibre designed headquarters of Net-A-Porter in London.

The design speaks to me because well, it's white, lots of white.

There's a combination of modern lines and a few glamorous details.

I love the casual meeting spaces around the space, so conducive to brainstorming and collaborating, something I love,

This video gives you a better look :

And some images to take away from it :

I love the library in the last picture - note to self, include in my one day office!

images via studiofibre

Perfect Bookcase

2011-11-02T09:43:00.000+10:00

To celebrate my friend Nick's birthday today, I wanted to share a few of my favourite bookcases.

Nick and I share a love of books and as he is a visual merchandiser extraordinaire, of course his bookshelf looks fab and perfectly merchandised with a combination of books and glass finds from the Bondi marktes.

Sadly I don't have a picture of his, so I'll share these instead.

Happy Birthday Nicholas

xox

images via decorista, everythingfabulous,lalalovely, lonnyx4

A Beautiful Home

2011-10-30T12:50:00.000+10:00

I've come across this beautiful home of Amber Lewis on Glitter Guide.

Really pretty with lovely details throughout.

images via glitterguide

A Song for the weekend ....

2011-10-29T19:31:00.000+10:00

Hope you're getting your party rock on :)

House Tour - Melbourne Apartment

2011-10-28T00:33:00.000+10:00

As featured in Real Living magazine, I like the simple style yet it's cosy loaded with character!

images via realliving

Dream Workspace

2011-10-26T23:50:00.000+10:00

One day when I have my own business these are the perfect workspaces that I would love to have.

These are the offices of the brilliant website devoted to all things extremely fashionable -

Who What Wear.

Normally I would put some words to the images about what I love,

but these pictures need no words, I love it all ...

images viacoveteur

Million Dollar Decorator - Jeffrey Alan Marks

2011-10-26T22:40:00.000+10:00

Jeffrey Alan Marks

Based : Los Angeles

Studied : Inchbald School of Design, England

Interesting : (but not surprising) Jeffrey was orginally a model in Paris and Milan!

Design Style : California ease with English formality

ps. I find his boyfriend so annoying... just saying!

images via elledecor, jamdesign.bravotv

Let's Keep It Simple

2011-10-25T22:29:00.000+10:00

A room doesn't need to be over dressed! Sometimes keeping it simple in style and colour works so well and can still be really comfortable. And it doesn't have to mean modern minamlism either. But just make sure it doesn't look nor feel like a display home! Still put in some bits and pieces that are you.

I love this first one! The prints on the wall are fab and inject the life into the room. The sofa is simple in shape and neutral in colour with complimentary cushionsand it works well with the similar lines of the coffee table but it's adding some more tone to the space. I'd probably pile with a few more books, but that's just me.

This room is still really simple in style, the furniture and colours aren't fighting with each other. But the space has been personalised with the bookcase. Again I would have more books on the bookcase though instead of knick knacks. Looks like a nice relaxing place to be with friends, chilling out after a nice lunch!

So sleek. All the pieces work well together and make quite an impact even though there isn't many pieces shown. Simple sofa with a good amount of cushions. Oh and I eye spy an Hermes blanket (still on my wishlist!). Coffee table is also simple and holding a good amount of books. And of course finshed off by the beautiful black and white horse images. I think I'd get along well with the owners of this room.

A little bit more of a masculine feel and a bit of a vintage look. The sofa, even in the black leather is a good design. The painting stands out for me. I imagine this room at night, sitting chatting with friends with some red wine.

images via bellamumma, decorislikebutter, flourishdesign+style, casasugar

Room for today

2011-10-24T22:08:00.000+10:00

This space is speaking to me today. Every detail is spot on and works so well together.

image via becauseit'sawesome

Wedded Bliss Pt 2

2011-10-24T13:10:00.000+10:00

What a wonderful weekend I have had. Not only was it great to spend time with friends, enjoy good company, drink and food but of course we attended the wedding of a gorgeous friend.

Her wedding was just beautiful. It was elegant and sophisticated with lots of lovely details.

The lighting in the venue was gorgeous. They set the ambience of the room but what was also great was that every photo that was taken at the wedding had this beautiful lighting as it's backdrop.

The cake not only looked so beautiful, simply elegant but tasted divine!

I remember not too long after she got engaged, Cheryl and I had a conversation about what else but the chairs she wanted for her reception. A girl after my own heart she has impeccable style - even with chairs!

I was so proud of her that the chairs was one of the first decisions she made for her wedding!

Tiffany chairs were the perfect choice, they looked so pretty.

Of course the bride looked beautiful ....

Have you heard of the photopod? Well it's like your more sophisticated version of the photo booth. A fantastic idea for a wedding. It allowing guests to go in an take various photo's for the bride and groom and they pictures get stuck into an album straight away that they can take away with them at the end of the night. It is also uploaded on their website so the guests can download their pics to remember the night also.

Thank you and congratulations Cheryl and Sang on a beautiful wedding.

I wish you both all the happiness in the world

xox

images via claytonilolahia, myfirstlittleplace, photopod

Wedded Bliss

2011-10-21T21:18:00.000+10:00

A big congratulations to my parents who are celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary today.

Love you both very much xx

Just as we celebrate a marriage that has lived for 44 years, tomorrow I head off to Brisbane to see a dear friend marry her soulmate.

Congratulations Cheryl and Sang, I can't wait to celebrate this beautiful day with you xx

Million Dollar Decorator - Nathan Turner

2011-10-16T14:06:00.000+10:00

Nathan Turner

Based : Los Angeles

Studied : St Mary's College of California where he graduated in Business and Economics

Interesting : Due to his love of cooking, he has a full kitchen in his store so that he can

host intimate dinners and parties on site.

Design Style : An "undecorated" collected look, comfortable but stylish.

images via nathanturner

New Books

2011-10-16T13:46:00.000+10:00

The only purchase I made from LV MBS was from the bookstore! I know, I know LV you buy a bag, a wallet.... but it is a new hobby for me when I visit an LV bookstore I will purchase at least one book. I've done it twice from the LV Canton Road store and now MBS. Mmmm I should really head back to Paris just to buy a book from Champs Elysees :)

Here's my latest addition to my growing collection of books :

Morris Lapidus : The Architecture of Joy

Love the work of Morris Lapidus so when I saw this, it was mine.

Think Miami resort hotels of the 50's and you think Morris Lapidus. Very cool.

Kelly Hoppen : Creating a home for the way you live

My second Kelly Hoppen book and I love how she gives an in depth look at her design process accompanied by gorgeous shots of her interiors.

LV Marina Bay Sands

2011-10-15T23:39:00.000+10:00

I'm back from Singapore and I have to say I absolutely loved it. I had a great time.

Singapore itself was beautiful. I have never seen a city so clean and amongst so much greenery, so pretty.

Of course being the design enthusiast I am, I became completely smitten with the new Louis Vuitton Marina Bay Sands store - it is gorgeous and something like I've never seen before. Designed by infamous Peter Marino, it captures the feel of being on a very large yacht or luxury cruise liner.

Fortunately we were given permission to take some photo's (which is usually a big no no inside LV store's) so I can give you a little tour.

The store itself is in 2 parts, one on the MBS mall side which is linked by a tunnel under water to this crystal pavilion on the water.

The entrance from the mall side welcomes you with this display.

This stair case leads you up to the watches and fine jewellery. Behind it is the artwork of Cuban born artist Ruben Toledo who is the artist of the LV Scrapbooks.

As you enter the store you come upon the LV bookstore. Filled with various titles including LV publishing but also titles on art, design, architecture, nautical, cooking and fashion. I was in heaven here!

Following on from the bookstore you enter the art gallery which is the tunnel underwater that links you from the mall to the pavilion. In line with the island store the exhibition at the moment is on islands.

Along one wall of the art gallery is a display of the beautiful Louis Vuitton Steamer bag as it itself has travelled through time since 1901 til today. Did you know it was first designed as a laundry bag back in the day!

Up a very long escalator you arrive into the pavilion. One favourite section for me was the accessories area with textiles and fashion jewellery, so pretty.

A section of the ladies RTW and you can start to feel the enormity of this space.

On the mezzanine level is the travel world, it is amazing. They have done a fabulous job on visual merchandising and I am in love with this wall... *sigh*

Off the travel world is this outside area that feels like you are on a luxurious cruise.

Looking through the travel world off into the open space that is below. Again here you can see the height, space and light that has been created in this beautiful store.

Aaahhhh Louis Vuitton, you've done it again :)

images via myfirstlittleplace

2011-09-24T21:46:00.000+10:00

Thanks to those who've commented or emailed regarding places to see whilst in Singapore.

Tomorrow I'm off and I'm just a little bit excited!

As I'm going for work, I think I might just be a little bit busy (lol) but I hope I have a chance

to pop in and post. And perhaps also update with the quite possibly large amount of photo's I'm sure to take!

If not see you in a couple of weeks

xox

Million Dollar Decorator - Martyn Lawrence Bullard

2011-09-24T21:33:00.001+10:00

Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Based : Los Angeles

Studied : This very successful interior designer to the stars never actually studied interior design, he is self trained. Love that!

Interesting : Has an impressive celebrity client list including Sharon and Ozzie Osbourne, Cheryl Tiegs, Cher, Elton John, Eva Mendes and Tamara Mellon.

Design Style : Sophisticated, comfortable, eclectic and in any and all periods.

Why he loves what he does :

"It’s the freedom to be creative every day. To be lucky enough to do a job I adore, to interact with fascinating people on a daily basis and to shop the world for the most beautiful objects. Truly, I am so fulfilled and lucky that the universe has blessed me with the talent and is allowing me to live my dreams"

images via martynlbullarddesign

Singapore

2011-09-19T16:09:00.000+10:00

On Sunday I'm heading off to Singapore for work for 2 weeks {I know I'm a bit lucky right}.

I've never been to Singapore before so if you have any suggestions on where to visit, eat or shop - clothing and homewares, I'd love to hear all about it.

The only guarantee for me at this point in Singapore is this ...

Bathroom Design

2011-09-18T13:50:00.000+10:00

For those design lovers out there, I think you'd agree that Sarah Richardson is one fabulous designer.

I personally adore pretty much everything she does. She has an amazing eye, incorporates beautiful fabrics, reinvents great furniture pieces and has an overall great attention to detail.

Below is the bathroom she did for the first series of Sarah House where she purchased, gutted and completely renovated a house.

I am in love with this bathroom, I think it is just divine.

Let's start at the vanity. She hasn't used traditional bathroom vanity furniture, she had this custom made. She's added the taller section for extra storage and then placed the make-up vanity on the other side. It works really well and has a unique {dare I say expensive} look.

The darker contrast of the vanity also gives it a beautiful contrast to the crisp, fresh and light colour palette.

{left side} What you can't see in this picture is that this sits right next to the toilet, you wouldn't think so would you?

What a lovely idea, if you have the room to put a small side table with floor length mirror behind it.

They serve function but also a lovely little vignette, something which at times can be forgotten in a space such as the bathroom.

{right side & below}Tiles - in the shower are a beautiful glass mosaic used only on the main wall and then she's carried it through in a single line through the white tiles throughout the rest of the shower.

The same mosaics have been used on the outside of the shower also, which is a great concept.

The floors on the tile are also not short of detail.

Sarah has gone for a large rectangular tile on the floor and framed out each tile at the ends in a tile that is smaller and in a darker shade.

The tub is gorgeous and sits so perfectly in this space.

Behind the tub, Sarah has used drapes, again not a very traditional concept in a bathroom but I love it.

It brings in so much to the space - colour, texture and an element of luxury.

My opinion is t hat she has created a space that you would want to spend a lot of time in. And it's not a bathroom you would find in too many homes.

It definitely has the Sarah Richardson signature.

images via sarahrichardsondesign

A room to love today ...

2011-09-17T23:35:00.000+10:00

So much I love about this room today!

Seriously there's nothing I don't like or would need to remove! But if I had to pick one thing in this room that draws my eye first it would have to be that wallpaper... love!

image via everything fabulous

Million Dollar Decorator - Mary McDonald

2011-09-15T20:07:00.000+10:00

I have another favourite tv show that has just started here in Australia, Million Dollar Decorators! It features many of my favourite designers, I'm in heaven. We always get to see their spaces, but usually don't get to see them at work - now we do!

So I thought over the coming weeks, we can have a look at the designers featured in the show. Today is :

Mary McDonald

Based : Los Angeles

Studied : Parsons School of Design

Interesting : Started out as a milliner

Design Style : Old-fashioned elegance with a modern sensibility. Combination bold patterns, Chinoiserie and Indian influences with contemporary lines.

images via marymcdonald

French Doors

2011-09-05T13:56:00.000+10:00

I love french doors in the bedroom, they're so lovely and provide such an elegant feel to a bedroom.

images via cocopearl, vtinteriors, tabletonic, styleathome, onehour, niceroom, elledecor

A Fashionable Wednesday ...

2011-08-24T14:35:00.000+10:00

If you haven't already and you feel a need for a fashion fix, pop on over to check out my other blog The Orange Book!

Love this space today ...

2011-08-23T15:53:00.000+10:00

What's not to love right!

Gorgeous green cushions, mirrored coffee table and black pieces of furniture.

A well put together space.

image via bellmaison