Cereal Magazine | The Row

I picked up a copy of the latest Cereal magazine on the weekend. One of my favourite publications, there is a beautiful photo essay on The Row's two year old flagship store located at Melrose Place, Los Angeles. Founders Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have an incredible eye for both fashion and interiors and this is reflected in the boutique's stunning fitout. If I were to visit in real life (and I hope to one day) I think I'd be just as taken with the clothes as the furniture, art and objects on display. Though restrained and elegant, the space was created to feel like a home, and even has an incredible pool. 

Photography by Rich Stapleton

Images via Cereal 

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Willoughby House by Arent&Pyke

Willoughby House was completed earlier this year by award-winning Australian interior designers Arent&Pyke. Transformed from a traditional California Bungalow into a beautifully light and airy space, the kitchen was the most important aspect of the redesign. Embodying the tonal variation of the home's material palette, it features soft grey panelled cabinetry and a stone island bench framed in slender black steel with a limed American oak base. 

Arent&Pyke have effortlessly combined their clients' collection of mid-century furniture with contemporary and bespoke elements to create living areas that are both relaxed and engaging. The gorgeous oak banquette provides a wonderful low-level window seat with built-in storage. 

Much like the kitchen, I think the bathroom is a feature in its own right. I love the clean lines of the black steel and herringbone pattern of the shower wall tiles. Strong and geometric, these elements are softened by the elegant Carrara marble vanity top and pale grey joinery. An abundance of natural light adds to the overall effect.  

Photography by Felix Forest

Images via In/Out by Arent&Pyke

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Real Estate Round Up

I'm spoiling you today with not one but four inspiring homes, courtesy of the wonderful real estate sites in Sweden. You'll find the links to the full house tours below each home. Though small, the open-plan design of this first apartment makes it feel spacious and airy. It's amazing what knocking a few walls out can do for a home! I love the warm brown leather sofa and bold black and white photography in the living room. A ladder, series of side tables and ottoman provide both comfort and versatility, while the rug provides warmth underfoot. 

Styling by Scandinavian Homes / Photography by Kronfoto via Notar

So often we see fantastic picture walls displayed above the sofa, but the box shelving in the next home makes a nice change. Another super cosy living room, there are plenty of layered textures and botanical accents. I especially like the little tree housed in a simple brown bag.

photography by Jonas Berg via Stadshem

The small details grabbed me when I saw this next home. Magazines stacked on the floor, books casually placed on the bookshelf and windowsill, and stylish seating for reading. Perfect!

via Alvhem

Refined and elegant, this last home has a muted palette and serene feel to it. I'd happily move in!

Styling Linnea Salmén / photography by Mikael Axelsson via Fantastic Frank

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Silke Bonde | Grow Up - A Tribute to the Green Life Around Us

I was very excited to receive news this morning from the wonderful Copenhagen-based designer and artist Silke Bonde. Even more so, when I learnt that her exclusive new collection that takes inspiration from her trip to Tokyo last fall. With common traits of form and function, the Scandinavian and Japanese design aesthetics fuse beautifully and Silke's interpretation is exquisite. Entitled Grow Up, the the collection is 'a tribute to the green life around us' and consists of an impressive 22 handmade art pieces combining different crafts including both watercolouring and sewing. 

Noticing straight away all the green plants growing from every little spot in the city, Silke observed that everyone living in the city had their own small micro garden in front of their property. She says "I like the random and messy green look that blurs the line between public and private space. Also, I love the idea that every little property contributes to a greener world. These beautiful green streets of Tokyo harmonise with my fascination of the Japanese aesthetics and the Wabi-Sabi world view based on the beauty of the imperfect, incomplete and ephemeral." The appreciation of asymmetry, simplicity and the ongoing processes of nature are also important aspects of the Wabi-Sabi aesthetics and this is something Silke finds very inspiring in her work. 

Centred around the exceptional life of plants growing wild everywhere, and the beauty of growing in different directions, Silke has blended natural and organic shapes from the watercolour together with the imperfect, asymmetric and incomplete in the sewing thread that complies with the Japanese aesthetics. Representing the true diversity of plants and the different shades of green you will find in the botanical universe, the resulting creations are each unique, with their own special illustration. 

Photography by Studio Oink

So beautiful! Grow Up is now available to purchase online, with worldwide shipping. 

Images courtesy of Silke Bonde

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Moodboard Series with Fisher & Paykel for Homestyle

Returning home from our holiday, I was very happy to find the latest Homestyle magazine in our mailbox. In this gorgeous Spring issue my moodboard in collaboration with Fisher & Paykel centres around a clean, minimalist kitchen that celebrates natural materials. 

Photography by Rory Gardiner

Designed by Daniel Lee and photographed by Rory Gardiner, its calm, earthy feel comes from a mix of raw concrete and Douglas fir planks by renowned Danish brand Dinesen. Traditionally used for flooring, this kitchen shows how it can also be used on walls and cabinetry, creating beautiful warmth and continuity. Channelling the calm earthy feel and Scandi-style of this kitchen, I chose a stunning photographic pint by Brook Holm, who shoots striking landscapes with an artistic edge. Fabulous appliances from Fisher & Paykel including the spacious ActiveSmartTM French Door Fridge and versatile DishDrawerTM Dishwasher complete the look.   

BACKGROUND, FROM TOP

Douglas fir boards - Vienna Woods 

Concrete benchtop - Concrete Benchtops

Custom-made black steel joinery - Crittall Arnold 

Quickstep Impressive laminate flooring - Flooring Xtra

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT

Liefdefjorden framed photographic print by Brooke Holm 

Gubi Semi pendant by Claus Bonderup and Torsten Thorup - Cult Design 

Enamel spoon - Paper Plane 

Enamel spoon - Father Rabbit 

MIDDLE ROW, FROM LEFT

Purity Minimal Pulldown sink mixer - Foreno 

Stone jug and jar set - Paper Plane

Pallarès Solsona knife - Father Rabbit 

Marble serving board - Città

Wonki Ware ramekin - Indie Home Collective

Wonki Ware plate - Indie Home Collective 

La Chamba salt bowl - Tessuti 

Nkuku chopping board - Father Rabbit  

ActiveSmartTM 900mm 614L Slide-In French Door fridge with Ice & Water - Fisher & Paykel

BOTTOM ROW, FROM LEFT

About A Stool by Hay - Cult Design

Wide DishDrawerTM dishwasher 900mm - Fisher & Paykel

Homestyle is on sale now from all good retailers nationwide. 

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Kate & Kate | Eastern Point - Summer 16/17

When Kate & Kate first launched in 2013, their small collection of cotton blankets won the hearts of many, mine included. Since then, they have well and truly made their mark on the interiors scene with a growing range of textile products and twice yearly seasonal collections. Today I am thrilled to present Kate & Kate's latest campaign for summer 16/17, Eastern Point.

Inspired by the landscape and culture of Australia’s most transportive coastal retreats, the collection is a study of contrast between free-form, hand drawn shape and stark geometric design. Luxurious natural fibres are, as always, a focus, with the introduction of luxurious natural linen and hand woven cotton. Shot on location at Sydney's beautiful Tamarama Beach by talented duo Renata Ferko and Maya Vidulich of The Descendants, this season's incredible lookbook is my favourite yet. In addition, Kate & Kate have brought the vision to life with this beautiful film by Lynden Foss.

Now for a closer look at the collection, I'm really excited about the stunning new White Night Throw and Cushions. Loomed by hand, these pieces are inspired by the coast of Byron Bay and the brilliance of the summer sun. Featuring a particularly fine finish, their light-weight nature makes them the perfect choice for the warmer months.

Since the beginning, the name Kate & Kate has been synonymous with blankets, using only the most luxurious natural fibres to create their extensive range. Available in a range of sizes, Generous Baby, Classic, X Large and Giant Blankets are all knitted from the softest, breathable cotton. When it comes to creating simple yet bold graphics and gorgeous colourways Kate & Kate always strike the perfect balance, delivering timeless designs. Loomed by hand using 100% cotton, the new season White Night Throw and Cushions look incredible either on their own, or paired with any of the new Blankets.

Kate & Kate Linen Throws have become a cult item since their inception 18 months ago. Beautifully hand screen printed on 100% linen, I can attest to their incredible versatility. From a light-weight blanket for the couch or bed, through to a beach throw, wall hanging, table cloth or picnic rug, this is a must-have piece for summer!

Eastern Point introduces a gorgeous new range of Kate & Kate Tea Towels and Napkins that both your kitchen and dining table will thank you for! Made from 100% natural linen, they have been screen printed by hand for enduring quality. The perfect accompaniment to the Linen Throw collection, the set of six beautifully packaged napkins would make the perfect Christmas gift. I may have to treat myself!

Kate & Kate Cushions have become another staple, known and loved for their high quality linen and 100% custom feather inserts. The new hand loomed cotton White Night Square and Rectangle cushions are perfect for summer, and like all Kate & Kate Cushions, they are designed to work across current and previous season blankets and throws.

For those who don't know, Kate Pascoe and Kate Pascoe Squires are sisters-in law, best friends and mums. I had the pleasure of meeting these amazing ladies in Melbourne earlier this year and I am so thrilled to have shared their incredible new collection with you today. All the new pieces are now up on their website.

Enjoy!

Creative direction and photography: Renata Ferko and Maya Vidulich / The Descendants

Film by Lynden Foss

Images and film courtesy of Kate & Kate

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