Instagram Loves

Happy New Year! I hope you're all off to a great start. Currently in planning mode, I'm starting to get back in to the swing of things. I won't be full steam ahead until February when the kids go back to school, but I will do my best to blog regularly. While I've escaped the office and taken myself offline during the holidays, I have been checking into Instagram and as always, there's no shortage of inspiration from the pages that I follow. I find the 'save' feature really great as a reference tool, and when I look back over my saved images I see a beautiful curation of spaces, art, objects and fashion. Much like a (secret) Pinterest board, you can use this feature to help hone in on your preferred aesthetic, saving ideas for your home and wardrobe. Seeing my love of natural palettes, organic shapes and interesting textures continuing through to 2018, I'm really excited about the year ahead. With styling projects on my mind (and a change of climate when I travel to London at the end of the month),  I've picked out a few recent saves from some of my favourite Instagrammers.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

The home of Copenhagen-based architect Danielle Siggerud - @daniellesiggerud

Ryota Aoki for Ouur Homeware photographed by Lasse Fløde - @Ouur

Styling by Caroline Sandström Blasiak photographed by Martin Cedeblad for Nya Rum magazine - @carolinesandstrom_

House of Toogood featured in Open House Magazine photographed by Stefano Carnelli - @t_o_o_g_o_o_d

Sofa 190 by Pierre Augustin Rose - @pierre_augustin_rose

Naco Yeona via Style By Magazine - @styleby

The studio of stylist Susanna Vento - @susanna_vento

Styling by Annaleena Leino for Mass Productions, photo by Erik Lefvander - @annaleena.interiors

Styling by Danielle Witte for Elle Decoration - @daniellawitte

VIEW STORY

Instagram | Ideas + Inspiration

I don't usually post on the weekend but I'm making up for missing the last couple of days due to school holidays. I thought I'd share some recent pics from my Instagram because they feature some random things I'm currently loving. 

Some you'll recognise such as the Citta Design Talo ceramics, my new TID watch, and blooms from @bloomsocial but there's also some I haven't shared with you yet.

Long before I started blogging I became a fan of @compagniedeprovence. Their Marseilles hand soap worked miracles on my dry, cracked winter hands and I'm in love with their gorgeous new Black & White collection. Shown above, it includes the staple soap and hand cream infused with fragrant aromas of black and white tea.

Issue Four of @togetherjournal features an amazing real wedding in the Thar Desert in India, photographed by @danellebohane. Now on sale in NZ and in the USA. 

Our bed has been freshly made up in beautiful new 100% French Flax striped reversible linen in 'Milk' from @ilovelinen which I featured on the blog recently. And on my bedside sits the new @jomalonelondon fragrance Basil & Neroli. Inspired by 60s London when the city was at its most fashionably young and fun, the stunning new fragrance is quintessentially British, fresh and playful. The launch reflected this perfectly - so much fun! 

Another amazing event I attended just this week was the launch of @tomford Beauty into NZ. Held at a stunning private residence in Auckland, we got to experience the exquisite fragrances and cosmetics while looking out at incredible water views. Making its exciting debut at David Jones Wellington, followed by @smithandcaugheys Queen St, Auckland, on my desk above sits the divine Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum and Lip Colour in True Coral. I'm all set for the weekend! 

All Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for The Design Chaser Instagram (@thedesignchaser)

VIEW STORY

Friday Finds + a Dulux NZ Giveaway

It's been a big week and I've finished up with lots of gorgeous finds that I haven't had a chance to share with you, so here's a selection, starting with some beautiful interior inspiration from Eilersen. A Danish company that has been creating quality, handmade furniture for more than 120 years, the incredible spaces and styling showcase the elegant sofas to perfection. 

Images via Eilersen

These stunning Paper Clay sculptures are by Paola Paronetto. Born in Pordenone, Italy where her studio is located, Paola is inspired by nature and her beautiful surroundings. Find out more about her unique sculptures over on Hege in France.

Photography by Studio Auber via Hege in France

I did a double take when I realised that the gorgeous interior space below was actually a shop. Located in Leeuwarden in the Netherlands, Jan de Jong Interieur offers an array of stunning design. I can only imagine how great it would be to visit in real life. You can see the full shop tour on the lovely blog Van Het Kastje Naar de Muur.

Photography by Milou Nieuwenhuis - Van Het Kastje Naar de Muur

A recent discovery, Bicker is a Melbourne-based creative design studio with a focus on functional, beautiful and creative design solutions. Highett House pictured below has a lovely fresh, Scandi-style. Definitely one to check out, see more of their work here. 

Photography by James Geer via Bicker

Here's a glimpse of the wonderful new Tine K Fall 2016 Collection. I'm loving the muted tones and textural elements. 

Images via Tine K Home

As mentioned yesterday I had the pleasure of taking over the Dulux NZ Instagram account this week, sharing an insight into what is inspiring me right now. Finishing on a high note with an exciting giveaway, visit @DuluxNZ to find out what's on offer and how to enter!  

Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for TDC

SaveSaveSaveSave

VIEW STORY

My Instagram Tips for Viva

I mentioned last week that I had been interviewed by the NZ Herald online regarding a series they were doing on Instagram for small business. If you missed it and would like some tips on how to use Instagram as a powerful marketing tool and to grow your following, take a look here. Coincidentally around the same time I was approached by Viva, the NZ magazine that comes out with the NZ Herald every Wednesday. They too wanted to interview me for their online edition and I was excited to see that it went live today. 

While both interviews include my top tips for Instagram, each one is from a slightly different angle. In both I touch on topics such as frequency of posting and recommended apps, but with Viva I also talk about some different aspects such as why Instagram is important to me, how to take a good flatlay, and who are some of my favourite instgrammers. All really practical advice that I hope you will find helpful! To read the interview, pop over here.

Even though my last Instagram post was only a week or so ago, it seemed fitting to include a few recent pics today! 

Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for The Design Chaser Instagram (@thedesignchaser)

VIEW STORY

Instagram | Ideas + Inspiration

Scrolling through my Instagram over the last couple of months, this first image I posted back in January is a favourite. Since moving into our new build two and a half years ago I've become very familiar with the light in our home and how it moves around the spaces at different times of the day. We are fortunate that the upstairs open-plan living space is bathed in natural light, and I love how it streams in from the windows and travels across to the side of the String Shelf. If you look closely you'll see the it catching the edge of the Houston Design Co ceramics and Cultiver napkins, enhancing the natural textures and shapes. The shadows across the models face in the Repossi image add to the effect with a beautiful play on light and dark. 

I've had the pleasure of testing out the latest Nespresso Limited Edition capsules this week and I’ve taken a serious liking to the sweet and silky smooth Tanim de Chiapas from coffee growers in Chiapas, Mexico, while the Umutima wa Lake Kivu produced by coffee growers in Rwanda is highly aromatic and refreshing. Providing the ultimate afternoon pick me up, the capsules arrived with the beautiful banana, coffee chocolate cake pictured below.  

For those in Auckland, Bloom Social have put together a stunning Valentine's Day edit, teaming up with Moochi to include a selection of jewellery and Essie NZ with a polish duo to go along with the gorgeous blush coloured roses. There's still time to pre-order if you're quick, (or drop some hints for the man in your life!) I was also very happy to receive some more La Chamba cookware to add to my collection. The organic, handcrafted and wonderfully versatile pieces are exclusive to French Country Collections and can be purchased at their Herne Bay store Un Deux Trois and at selected stockists. 

January included some holiday pics from our stay up at Point Wells, near beautiful Omaha beach, just an hour and a half north of Auckland. 

Finally, a highlight from this week was attending the Citta Design Winter 2016 Preview Beautiful Utility - A Journey to 1970s Berlin. The Haus Tea Towel and Ginger Bread Candle above give you a small taste of what to expect. It's all gorgeous and I can't wait to share more with you! 

All Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for The Design Chaser Instagram (@thedesignchaser)

VIEW STORY

Instagram | Ideas + Inspiration

I know not all of you are on Instagram so I like to keep the blog up to date with a summary of my 'life in squares'. It also gives me a chance to introduce you to some new finds along with direct links for easy reference...  and shopping! I'm not sure about you but while Christmas time is definitely all about giving (predominantly to the kids!) I can't resist treating myself to a few new things too. 

Firstly I have to tell you about the new brand ILA founded by Karen Mordechai of Sunday Suppers, the renowned food and design community based in Williamsburg Brooklyn. A gorgeous collection of essential ingredients for your kitchen and home, carefully sourced and delivered to you with great care and purpose, I was lucky to be sent the Black Lava Salt to try out. Beautifully packaged, the dramatic black colour and texture of the salt is amazing. Drawn from activated coconut shell charcoal found in the earth, the salt is harvested from Molokai, Hawaii by hand using a thousand-year-old tradition. Renowned for its health benefits, which include antioxidant properties and enhanced digestive health, a sprinkle takes even the simplest of dishes to the next level.

Still looking for gift ideas? The Jo Malone Christmas Collection features an incredible range of gifts for both her and him. I can highly recommend the Pine & Eucalyptus Candles. Divine! Now available in store at the Jo Malone London Boutiques, including Britomart Auckland, for international stockists visit the Store Finder.

Creators of the Original Roundie Towel, The Beach People have launched their second collection, Volume Two which includes The Paloma pictured above. Inspired by seas near and far, each Roundie was designed to whisk you away to the dreamiest holiday locations around the world and bring bliss to your next seaside adventure. A must-have for summer, check out all of the gorgeous new designs here.

I have a soft spot for beautiful tutus, having worn a fair few in my ballet days, all of which I still have. I still remember going to fittings and being fascinated with the detailing of the netting and intricate sequinned bodices. Australian brand Tutu Du Monde, the creation of celebrated designer Andrea Rembeck captures the magic with an exquisite range of tutus for little girls. I picked out the In The Clouds Tutu Dress in Sand for the special daughter of a close friend recently.

New discovery, British designer Anna Pugh creates timeless luxury leather handbags, known for their buttery soft leather and focus on shape. Just in time for the party season, Anna made me an Ava clutch and the craftsmanship is superb. Definitely one to watch, Anna Pugh's upcoming projects include a collaboration with womenswear brand Jigsaw and an appearance at the National Portrait Gallery shop for the Vogue: 100 A Century of Style Exhibition in February 2016.

Sitting next to my new handbag is a pair of AGE Eyewear sunglasses from LET LIV. The new NZ-designed eyewear brand pride themselves on creating unique, handmade designs. Believing that age is something you feel, not see (amen to that) AGE references vintage styles influenced by the ‘50’s through to the experimental ‘70’s, yet also appreciates the modern details, manifested in materials, finish and practicality. I'm so in love with mine I may need a second pair!

I'm thoroughly enjoying the Nespresso Limited Edition Variations right now. Inspired by the festive season, they include three delicious flavours; Vanilla Amaretti, Vanilla Cardamom and Ciocco Ginger. I also attended the opening of the Nespresso Flagship Boutique in Auckland last week. In true Nespresso style, they put on a fabulous night and the gorgeous store is a wonderful addition to our CBD.

Lastly, a look at Roman's room with the Geo Black Skate Deck from One Hundred Percent Heart. You may remember seeing the Geo Shapes one in my Christmas Gift Guide for the Kids yesterday. They make such a great piece of wall art. See the full collection here. 

All Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for The Design Chaser Instagram (@thedesignchaser)

VIEW STORY

September Instagram + Moochi Shoot

With the school holidays in full swing my blogging time is a bit sparse right now but luckily I have plenty to share from Instagram. Here are some favourites from September. 

Images via @thedesignchaser

To find out more about the products featured pop over to my Instagram page or leave a comment below. 

Some of you may have seen that I walked in the Moochi spring fashion show during NZ Fashion week. By no means am I a model, but rather very lucky to be part of the #mymoochistyle tribe. Taking to the runway alongside a a fabulous group of stylish, confident women, we all had a blast! Last week I had the pleasure of taking part in a #mymoochistyle shoot at my home. This involved selecting several 'looks' including pieces from the gorgeous new spring range. Needless to say I was in my element! 

Pop over to Moochi where you will find the full blog post and be sure to check out the new season must-haves. The collection is stunning!

VIEW STORY