Styling and Journal Feature with Wallace Cotton

Last year I began working with family-owned New Zealand bed linen and homeware business Wallace Cotton. With a focus on beautiful designs inspired by nature, the gentle pace of our seasons, and the relaxed lifestyle of living in New Zealand, Wallace Cotton has been in homes worldwide for more than 14 years. Their range of collectable products are made from natural materials with enduring quality and attention to detail, all while being kind to the planet. To coincide with the Mid-summer campaign, I also sat down with Wallace Cotton to answer a few questions for their journal. 

Among other things, I talk about how I got into interior design and what I love about my role, what a typical day on location with Wallace Cotton is like, and my tips for creating a beautiful bedroom. 

Styling Michelle Halford - Studio TDC / Photography by Jae Frew 

You can read the interview here. 

Visit Wallace Cotton to see all the new collection designs, including those featured above. 

Additional pieces in the shoot, with thanks:

Armadillo Malawi rug (first and last image), Serengeti rug (images 3 &4) The Ivy House

Louis Poulsen lamps designed by Arne Jabobsen (images 1 & 3) Cult NZ

Sike Monet chair (image 3), Broste Copenhagen vase (image 4), and Triboa Bay Pena bedside table (last image) May Time 

Flowers (first image) Bloom Social 

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Bedroom Update with Dulux

Painting our bedroom has been on the to-do list for such a long time, but for various reasons, it has kept getting pushed aside. This year’s lockdowns have provided much-needed time and head space to finally get to work, and I am very happy to finally share the results with you. 

When we built around eight years ago, we decided to paint the entire interior of our home white. Over time I’ve been introducing some neutral colours to soften the spaces, and I love how calming and liveable these hues are. I’ve always viewed our bedroom as a place of escape, a quiet sanctuary to retreat to at the end of a busy day. I like to keep the styling simple and pared-back, but I have been wanting to soften the white walls to create an even more tranquil feel.

In 2017 we renovated the ensuite and this involved changing the white walls to a soft beige colour, Dulux Haast Double. A beautiful pairing with the new travertine tiles and contrasting black bathroom cabinetry, I knew when it came time to paint the adjacent bedroom and walk-in wardrobe, this would be a good starting point for choosing the right colour.

As always, I hopped online to use the Dulux Colour Swatch service, choosing a selection of large swatches in soft beige, cream and greige hues that would work well with Haast Double. I also included a couple of the Dulux Design Suede Effects paints, as I was keen to see how a textural wall colour would look.

Through the process of seeing how the swatches looked throughout the space, and at different times of the day, I was able to narrow down my choice. I liked the idea of creating a soft and tonal effect with our natural linen bedhead and bedding, but most importantly, I decided that I wanted to create a seamless effect with the ensuite. My husband was very much on board with this, and while I liked the idea of using Design Suede Effects for texture, his preference was for a clean finish. He's also a big fan of the Dulux Wash & Wear paint due to its durability. And because the Dulux Colours of New Zealand collection has such an extensive range of neutrals to choose from, it meant that we could land on the perfect colour.

The room is compact with little natural light in the walk-in wardrobe, however, the bedroom gets a lot of afternoon sun. I wanted to avoid going too dark, but I still wanted the new colour to be noticeably darker than white when that bright afternoon sun streams in. A fine balance, but one that I feel was achieved with the paint colour I finally decided on Dulux Mangaweka Quarter. A soft neutral that fits seamlessly next to Haast Double in the Ensuite, we are loving the result. The window frame and ceilings have been left white to create contrast, but also to tie in with the wardrobe shelving and for creating a sense of cohesion with the rest of the house. Dulux Okarito, a fresh crisp white, provides a lovely contrast. 

As part of the bedroom update, I have replaced our side tables (the much-loved Menu Androgyne side table has found a new home in the living room) with the Bordeaux Night Stands by BoConcept (kindly gifted). It's great to finally have matching side tables and we love the functional storage, which includes a charging station. Our second-hand Tolomeo wall lamps have served us well, but I am very excited to have purchased the Lumina Lamps that were on my wishlist. 

Styling and photography by Michelle Halford / TDC 

It's amazing what a difference a fresh paint colour makes, and now is a great time to look at tackling new projects around the home. Summer is on its way, and with travel restrictions likely to continue for the foreseeable future, why not get stuck into some painting? From choosing the right colour, helpful apps and services through to visiting a colour expert in your local store, Dulux has everything you need. To find out more, take a look here.

AD / This is a Paid Partnership post. I only work with products I love and all opinions are my own. For more information please visit my About Page.

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Thread Design | New Collections Inspired by the Beautiful NZ Landscape

At a time where we’re all being affected by the Covid-19 crisis, I have been watching the design world with a heavy heart. An industry that relies heavily on elements such as personal interaction, communication, logistics (to name a few), a lockdown, though necessary, was always going to present incredible challenges. Here in NZ we are known for rallying together during times of hardship, and I am proud to see local brands communicating warmly with customers and supporting one another online while navigating these uncharted waters. A reminder that we are all in this together, today I want to shine a light on Thread Design, a NZ design house that has been in business for a remarkable 19 years. One of TDC’s first advertisers, and one of my favourite bedlinen brands since long before then, Thread Design are known for using only the finest linens and creating beautiful printed collections where every colour palette is carefully considered for a stunning mix and match aesthetic. Here's a look at their latest collections.

Altitude Collection

One of the silver linings of living in lockdown has been reconnecting with nature. We are so fortunate in NZ to have beautiful outdoor spaces right on our back doorstep, and I’m sure like many, I have found much comfort in daily walks. Inspired by the mountainous landscapes of New Zealand, the Altitude Collection features a unique print designed to inject the beauty of this scenery into your home. Featuring a warm neutral base and gorgeous earthy tones, the collection includes a Lumbar Cushion, 50*50 Cushion and Pillowcases (sold as a pair).

Flutter Collection

With its delicate aesthetic and soft, feminine edge, the Flutter Collection enhances the art of layering. The unique pattern adds subtle texture and depth to plain colours and perfectly complements the Thread Design Sage Green and Natural Linen ranges together with the Altitude print.

The Flutter collection includes Pillowcases (sold as a pair) and the 50*50 Cushion. In addition to the Green colourway, it also comes in a vibrant Brick colour, to compliment the new Brick Linen range.

 

Painted Trees

The Painted Trees Collection was designed as a collaboration with the talented New Zealand artist Georgina Hoby Scutt who creates beautiful abstract landscapes from her home studio in Nelson. Painting on linen, canvas and board, her original paintings are distinguished by warm, earthy colours and free brushwork.

"For me, painting is challenging, therapeutic and hugely joyful all in one. I love to bring together colour palettes that sing and radiate a great energy. My brushwork is intuitive and energetic and I'm inspired daily by the beautiful colours, landscapes and still life vignettes that surround me.” — Georgina Hoby Scutt

The Painted Trees Collection includes the Lumbar Cushion and 50*50 cushion.

Photography by Flash Studios

After almost two decades in business, Thread Design is admirably still manufacturing its bedlinen in NZ. The only exception is the printed cushions and throws, which are digitally printed in India due to not having the machinery in NZ to print onto natural fibres. In addition to bedlinen, Thread Design have created their own line of Bedroom Furniture, the Alba Collection. With a goal to achieve simple sophistication, the pieces feature clean lines and subtle details, delivering a fresh modern look. The collection (featured in the above imagery) includes the Alba Bed, with the options of the Base Bed, Bed with Dowel Headboard, and Bed with Plain Headboard, along with the Alba One and Two Drawer Bedsides. Proudly hand-crafted to perfection in New Zealand, Thread Design can customise this furniture to suit, with a choice of sustainable American Ash or Oak, polished to perfection in an array of colour finishes.

Thread design also stock a range of complimentary homeware brands and products. 

While the physical store is temporarily closed during lockdown, the webshop is still up and running. To shop online and learn more about operations during this time, visit Thread Design.

Images courtesy of Thread Design

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New Belgian Linen Collection by George Street Linen

To say that George Street Linen founder Gregory Davidson knows sheets, is an understatement. An international textile designer with several decades in the textiles/interiors industry, Gregory has been the driving force behind many major bedding brands throughout his remarkable career in New York, Australia and Shanghai. Bringing him back to his home in New Zealand, George Street Linen is the result of years of designing and sourcing exquisite fabrics to create the finest products the industry has seen. With quality at its core, the products are never overdone, but rather every piece is a reflection of Gregory's aesthetic and acute eye for colour, texture and quality. Pieces that breathe with the body and nourish the soul, their latest offering, Belgian Linen, is one to fall in love with.

When George Street Linen approached me to style their new Belgian Linen collection, I jumped at the chance. Crafted from 100% Belgian flax, the fabric has been pre-washed for a soft and textural lived-in look. Perfect all year round, it's no secret that linen is my fabric of choice when it comes to bedding. Wonderfully light and breathable, I love that it keeps you cool in summer and warm in the winter. An absolute dream to style, I was immediately taken with the incredible softness of this Belgian Linen, which comes in a stunning range of colourways. 

Belgian Linen Duvet Cover and Pillowcase in Adobe, Sheets and Quilted Cushion Covers in Natural

For the bedroom above, I combined two of my favourites, Adobe and Natural. I love how the Adobe provides a warm touch of colour, while the Natural colourway is completely unbleached and undyed, resulting in the perfect neutral. Lovely on its own, it pairs effortlessly with the other colourways, creating plenty of options for layering products and creating contrast. 

Additional Products From Left (main image)

Flooring (throughout) - Traffic 250 Vinyl flooring in Warm Oak Soft Brown - flooringxtra.co.nz

Paragon rug in Birch by Armadillo & Co - theivyhouse.co.nz

Walls in Dulux Marton - dulux.co.nz

Gubi C-Chair Dining Chair, all French Cane - cultdesign.co.nz

Framed Details 01 Photographic art print by Rich Stapleton for Paper Collective - paperplanestore.com

Mayu 01 Pendant by Coco Flip - cultdesign.co.nz

Olufemi Sculpture by Cooee Design x Kristiina - cooee.se

Vase by Yo Samejima - aaaselect.co

Gubi Grossman Cobra table lamp - cultdesign.co.nz

Globe West Harper Square Stool - sorenliv.co.nz

White mug by Mishim Pottery - aaaselect.co

Here I combined the gorgeous Honey with fresh White and a touch of  Natural. The Quilted Cushion Covers introduce a subtle patterning, providing further interest and texture.

A great feature of the George Street Linen duvet covers is that they are finished with premium YKK zip closures for effortless changing and use. 

Belgian Linen Duvet and Pillowcase in White, Sheets in Natural, Pillowcase and Quilted Cushion Covers in Honey

Additional Products From Left (main image)

Egyptian rug in Starling by Armadillo & Co - theivyhouse.co.nz

Walls in Dulux Marton - dulux.co.nz

Be My Guest bench seat by Warm Nordic - goodform.co.nz

Demure art print by Anna Johansson, exclusively for The Poster Club - paperplanestore.com

VV Cinquanta Floor Lamp by Astep - goodform.co.nz

Small plate by Yamapota, Sake Cup by Yo Samejima, Painting by Aona Hayashi Sumi, Black mug by Mishim Pottery, Zen incense holder by Walk in the Park - aaaselect.co

Globe West Harper round stool - sorenliv.com

With a natural crinkle and draped edges the Belgian Linen lends itself beautifully to creating relaxed bedroom spaces like the ones above. The Quilted Coverlet provides a stylish layering piece to drape on the bed for added texture and warmth. It also makes a great bedcover, as demonstrated below. For this space I wanted to create a more polished look and chose two stunning colourways Sherry and Graphite. I love how the rich hues add depth and contrast to the soft backdrop.
   

Belgian Linen Quilted Coverlet and Pillowcases in Sherry, Sheets and Pillowcases in Graphite

Additional Products From Left (main image)

Persian Knot Babylon rug in Sterling & Graphite by Armadillo & Co - theivyhouse.co.nz

Walls in Dulux Eco Chic Suede Effect - dulux.co.nz

Montana Dream bedside cabinets, Louis Poulsen Panthella Mini table lamp - cultdesign.co.nz

Framed Painted Surface art print by Berit Mogensen Lopez for The Poster Club - paperplanestore.com

The Belgian Linen collection is now available at georgestreetlinen.com. 

Styling by Michelle Halford - TDC / Assisted by Kirsty Dawn 

Photography by Wendy Fenwick - Flash Studios 

This is a sponsored post. I only work with products I love and all opinions are my own. For more information please visit my About Page.

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AURA Home Spring/Summer 2019 Collection

Inspired by countryside living, the new AURA Home Spring/Summer collection is all about a return to nature with muted palettes and down-to-earth fabrics. Showcased for the first time at the Kyneton home of AURA Home founder Tracie Ellis, the beautiful Belgian-inspired interiors provide the perfect backdrop for the stunning new pieces. Reflecting not only Tracie's personal connection to the collection, but also the well-loved Australian brand's holistic approach to modern home styling, here's a look at what's in store for the warmer months.

Maison Vintage bedlinen in Natural

Chambray Fringe bedlinen in Limestone

Paros & Waffle Bathroom towels

Paros Bathroom towels

Maison Vintage bedlinen in Limestone

I'm loving the green hues that have been introduced for this collection. From subtle limestone to potent olive, these gorgeous colours make the ideal accompaniments to vintage greys, stonewashed blues, and classic white and natural. Highlight colours this season are the understated but always in vogue lilac and nude. 

Vintage Linen Fringed cushion in White & Vintage Linen Fringe throw in Lilac

Herringbone Twill Weave bedlinen in Dove

Vintage Linen Fringed throws 

Herringbone bedlinen in Ink

Herringbone Twill Weave bedlinen in Limestone 

Luxury Velvet round cushions in Nude & Olive

Such a pretty palette for the new season, and I'd now love to take a full tour of Tracie's home! 

To see all the new collection pieces visit Aurahome.com.au. 


Styling by Lara Hutton / Photography by Mark Roper

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Fresh New Linen Colours from A&C Homestore

I've been talking about making some updates to our bedroom for a while, but I do find that the easiest way to reinvigorate the space is by introducing some fresh new bedlinen, and a change of season is always the perfect excuse. Looking ahead to the warmer months, A&C Homestore have created a beautiful new linen colour collection for Spring, and I've picked out some favourites to style.  

The new season palette features five fresh colours; the calm and cleansing Sage, deep and dusky Moss Rose, vibrant Marigold, rich and moody Hunting Green, and the 'new natural' Nutmeg, which I couldn't resist! A warm beige brown, it has an organic, earthy feel that goes hand in hand with the natural properties and tactility of linen. The collection also sees the introduction of Pinstripe, a classic go-to designed to style with any A&C Linen colourway. I chose the Pinstripe sheets, extra pillowcases and euros, and I love how the subtle stripe adds textural interest and contrast to the muted tones of the Nutmeg.

A&C Linen is made from 100% French Flax Linen that has been stonewashed for a super soft feel. I always say that once you experience linen, you'll never turn back. Warm in winter and cool in summer, it's perfect all year round. And as someone who gets the odd bout of eczema, I recommend it as being the kindest option if you have skin sensitivities. 

In addition to the new collection, A&C Homestore have restocked some of their all-time favourite colours so you can build your perfect palette from the range of duvets, sheets, pillowcases and euros. So many options to mix and match, I've layered in a Classic White pillowcase above, and have my eye on the Natural pillowcases, which I think will tie in perfectly with our linen bedhead! 

Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for TDC

The new collection is now available for pre-orders in store and online (due to arrive late August). 

Visit achomestore.co.nz to see the full range. 


This is a sponsored post. I only work with products I love and all opinions are my own. For more information please visit my About Page.

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