Book Giveaway | The Tailored Interior by Greg Natale

Award-winning interior designer Greg Natale has just published his first book, The Tailored Interior. After a look through the beautiful pages this morning at Designer Rugs, the first and only current NZ stockist, I knew I had to purchase a copy. Despite saying that my next giveaways were lined up for the New Year, it is after all Christmas, so in the spirit of giving I also have a signed copy to giveaway to one lucky NZ reader!



Since its launch in 2001, Greg Natale Design has become one of Australia's top interiors firms, with Greg being named Interior Designer of the Year at both the 2014 and 2011 Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards. His passion for creating meticulously curated, layered spaces is at the core of his first book, with breathtaking visuals and revealing insights. The stunning photographs showcase Greg’s precisely edited interiors, from exquisite living rooms to luxurious bathrooms and everything in between. Alongside, Greg offers a generous and unique view into the creative process, sharing his passions, experiences, advice and the philosophy behind his richly tailored, sophisticated style. 



I love seeing how Greg approaches each project, from his initial moodboard through to the interior design of a space. Divided into chapters such as Balance, Proportion and Layers, I know I will devour each and every page. A must-have coffee table book for professionals, home decorators and lovers of luxury style, The Tailored Interior opens the door to a world of inspiration.

Here are a few of my favourite images that I photographed while flicking through the book today. I love these monochrome palettes and layers of incredible texture that Greg is known for, especially the marble and beautiful sheer curtains. 

To go into the draw to win a signed copy of Greg Natale's new book, simply email enter@thedesignchaser.com with The Tailored Interior in the subject line. Please include your full name in the email. The competition is open to New Zealand residents only and will close on Thursday, 18th December at 8am. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced on the blog that day, and contacted via email to arrange shipping.

Update: This competition has now closed. Congratulations to the winner, Andrew Carbery and huge thanks to Designer Rugs. 

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Homes to Inspire | Marble Floors + Lovely Light

Earlier in the week I mentioned being happy to see the sun after all the rain we've been experiencing. She is still gracing us with her presence, and I'm loving seeing the streams of light coming in through our recently cleaned windows. Even though I'm at home working and still nursing a head cold, it's so nice to experience a bit of the sunshine, even if it is only indoors.

Sometimes you see those rays of light captured so beautifully in interior images, and today I have a stunning example. The Cronulla Residence, a waterfront property in New South Wales was designed by landscape design and interior architecture studio Amber Road. Sourcing inspiration from Japanese design principles, the Sydney-based, incredibly talented sister duo fulfilled their clients brief to keep things as unpretentious and simple as possible. Clean lines and pale timbers of birch and American oak have been used to compliment existing features like the marble floors. Yes, you heard right... marble. I'll let the images tell the rest....

What an incredible home! See the full house tour over at Est. 

Photo credit: Prue Ruscoe

One more thing before I go. I was recently interviewed by my lovely friend and blogger Anu of Decordots. Based in Estonia, Anu is a fellow lover of Scandi-style and has a very similar aesthetic to me, so I was very happy when she asked to feature my home along with some decorating questions. Now up on her gorgeous blog, take a look here.  

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Joanna Laajisto | Revisited

Today we revisit the talented Helsinki-based interior architect Joanna Laajisto. First featured here after I'd discovered and fallen head over heels in love with her work, I've continued to follow Joanna, eagerly awaiting a glimpse at any new projects. Now almost a year on, I've picked out a few to share with you, each one showcasing Joanna's impeccable taste and beautifully elegant design aesthetic. 

Finnish furniture company Lundia enlisted Joanna to design their stand at the Habitare trade show during Helsinki Design Week recently. A stunning kitchen in black and pale wood, it's easy to see why the stand was awarded best of show by the Finnish Interior Journalist Association. 

I love the simple styling. Natural materials and textural objects like brown glass bottles, terracotta pots, copper kitchenware, flax baskets and branches sit perfectly against the black shelving and pale wood accents.  

This year Joanna was also invited to design a private pop up dining space for the Helsinki Design Week. Located in a historical building that dates back to 1901, her choice of furniture and signature style works in beautifully with the original brickwork. 

Featuring black-painted Alvar Aalto Highback 66 chairs around a large steel-clad table, and new Lambada lamps by Finnish designer Samuli Naamanka, the light-filled space is breath-taking. A willow tree at the end of the dining room adds further wow.

Joanna has also moved into product design, and her first piece, the Edit Lamp, is exquisite.

The timeless design not only looks incredible, it cleverly transforms from a pendant light to a wall fixture with a simple bracket. This would have to be one of the most perfectly stylish ways to illuminate a a reading corner!

See more over at Joanna Laajisto Creative Studio. 

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Pinterest | Picks & Peeks

It's been a while since my last Pinterest Picks & Peeks and being that I really enjoy writing them, I thought it would be a nice way for both you and I to end the week! Kicking off with a Pinterest moodboard for your Friday, I hope it's beautiful!

I've decided to pick out some inspiring finds that I've sourced via Pinterest lately. With each pick I've given you the re-pin, as well as more images that I found by clicking through to the source. 

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I just re-pinned this first one today. The colour palette of monochrome and yellow together with pale wood immediately caught my eye, as did the unique features like the indoor tree and skylights. Rue Voltaire is an apartment development in Paris by award winning interior architect Grégoire de la fforest.

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The Kocca Fall 2013 Campaign features Dutch beauty Bregje Heinen, shot at the Port Forum marina in Barcelona, Spain, by photography and creative duo Hunter & Gatti. Concrete and calm waters provide the perfect backdrop for showcasing the stunning urban collection, which includes classically elegant pieces, with a touch of androgyny. 

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It would be hard to pass by this next image without stopping to re-pin it. Situated in a mountain valley outside of Araras, Brazil, this incredible villa was designed by Brazilian firm Ouriço Architecture. The double height windows and fireplace are pretty mind-blowing, as is the rest of the house. 

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Whenever stylist Lotta Agaton and photographer Pia Ulin collaborate on a project, the results are amazing. This home in southern Sweden, shot for the latest issue of Residence magazine is certainly no exception. Monochrome magic at its best, I love the addition of wood and touches of greenery. The image of the hammock in the moodboard above is part of the series, and one of my fave images. The dripping white paint on the black wall is also very cool. 

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Who better than the incredible Paris fashion house Jay Ahr to give us a taste of what's hot for next summer? These are two of my picks from the stunning Resort 2014 collection. 

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With so much monochrome loveliness on show today, I thought I'd give you colour lovers out there something bright and fun to finish off. Since re-pinning this image, it's been re-pinned over 90 times. Fair to say that we're not tiring of the neons just yet! 

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Finally, I'll leave you with a Pinterest moodboard from last week. Often how I feel after being on there, I thought this was quite fitting!



Happy pinning, and have a great weekend. I'll be doing a lot of packing! I'll give you an update on the impending move on Monday, and announce the winner of the Koko Classics Giveaway. If you haven't yet entered, pop over here. You have until midnight Sunday. Good Luck! x

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Esé Studio

Esé Studio Architects in Athens, Greece is a partnership that was formed in 2011 between good friends Sotos Mallas and Aaron Ritenour. Aaron is an award winning architect whose work has been published in several top publications while Sotos, an interior architect passionate about architecture, design and fashion is known for his cutting edge work. Their combined talents have resulted in some incredible collaborations so far, one of which is the Musique Cafe in Athens. 

What immediately struck me about the restaurant interior was its cool, industrial style. Black and grey chequered flooring, a mix of classic chairs and rustic wood tables all come together to create a very warm and inviting atmosphere. I especially love the pendant lights and stacked wood pallets.  

Here are a few examples of their residential work. Predominantly modern with clean lines, I love the neutral colour pallets and combination of concrete and wood. Furnished with unique touches and beautiful design pieces, there's a definite sense of luxury. I certainly wouldn't mind living in such surroundings!  

In the Faliro Loft I love both the lamp in the dining area and the minimalist ceiling lights, also seen in the bedroom. The bathroom's dark and moody vibe is given a lift with patterned floor tiles and an adjacent outdoor area that is bathed in light. 

The architectural wood detailing in the Lycabettus Penthouse is remarkable. I love the combination in the living area: beautiful pale floorboards, white boards on the ceiling and very narrow walnut panelling on the wall. Concrete introduced in the dining area adds further intrigue, while the bedroom has a distinctive Japanese style. I'm in awe!



Providing a stunning contrast to the pale wood flooring, the Kolonaki Townhouse features a beautiful concrete fireplace. I just want to reach out and touch that lovely pouffe!



The Thissio Apartment is all white with polished concrete floors. The dining area features a striking round rug, perfect for the Tulip table and Eames chairs. 

All images via http://esestudio.gr

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