TDC Styling + Photography | Highlights from 2016

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! A special time of year spent relaxing with family, these days leading up to the new year are my favourite, but before the year is out I wanted to share a round up of my styling highlights from 2016. I've had the opportunity to work with so many amazing people, brands and products this year but there was one project that I know will always be a defining moment for me. This was the shoot for norsu in Melbourne. Travelling to one of my favourite cities, I had the opportunity to work with an incredible team including norsu founders (and two of the most wonderful humans I know), Kristy Sadlier and Nat Wheeler, along with renowned photographer Lisa Cohen. A truly rewarding and collaborative project, I think the photos speak for themselves. If you missed the full campaign and behind the scenes video of the shoot day, take a look here. 

Styling by Michelle Halford - TDC / photography by Lisa Cohen

Another highlight, my work for BoConcept earlier this year involved a living room transformation and the styling of an amazing dark green velvet sofa and full height shelving unit. See more photos and a list of all the products here. 

Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for TDC 

The DIY element of the work I do for BNZ GoodHome is always exciting and this desk has been a favourite so far. Paired with stunning pieces from Cult Design and artworks by Studio Esinam I was thrilled with the way it turned out. Pop over here to find out more. 

Styling by Michelle Halford - TDC / Photography by Michelle Halford + Alistair Guthrie

Another workspace project, this one involved working with Dulux NZ to choose a new paint colour my home office. A fun process and great result, I'm thrilled to have since started my role as Brand Ambassador for Dulux, and I'm looking forward to sharing more painting projects in the new year. Check out the two-part office series here and here. 

Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for TDC

I've really enjoyed working with NZ brand Città this year. In addition to some at-home styling I had the opportunity to style an area within their beautiful Grey Lynn Store. Find out more in this post. 

Styling by Michelle Halford - TDC / Photography by Sam Van Kan

Lastly a very recent project, designing the Nespresso Pop Up Café was most definitely a highlight of 2016! It's also one I couldn't have done without the help of so many wonderful local suppliers. Pop over here to see who they are, along with the full collection of imagery. 

Styling/Design by Michelle Halford - TDC / Photography by Helen Bankers

And that my friends is the last post for 2016. Enjoy your celebrations, stay safe and I will see you in the new year! x 

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Christmas At Home + Beyond

Starting off with a few images from around home, the first is some styling for the Christmas Day table setting. A last-minute change of plans - we were heading to my sister's to enjoy their new pool but the renovations have been delayed - means we are having it at ours and while I'm still feeling a little unorganised, I know it will come together on the day! One thing is for sure, we will not be short of food!

These little Christmas trees on our shelves are from Swedish brand Cooee. I currently have a house full of fresh flowers and I'm hoping they will last through Christmas Day!  

The tree features an eclectic mix of decorations including a growing collection of kids' creations. I have been looking for a new angel for the top, but truth be told I don't have the heart to replace Marlow's paper one that is on there currently! The sofa is placed strategically to hide the lack of presents, which have yet to be wrapped. It's going to be a busy couple of days ahead!

Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for TDC

More than ever I've been drawn to simple, unfussy Christmas decorations, trees and table settings this year. Providing some last-minute ideas and inspo, here are a few of my favourites from around the web. 

Styling and photography by Anna Kubel

DIY Wreath by Erika Rax

Styling by April & May for Studio by Ikea

DIY Paper Ornaments by Maijusaw

Styling by Anna Pirkola / Photography by Katri Kapanen via Dadaa

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. I am feeling well and truly ready for a holiday and looking forward recharging the batteries and spending time with family. As well as continuing to post on Instagram, I'm planning on bringing you some 2016 highlights from the blog again so do check in over the holiday period. We'll be heading away the last week of January before the kids head back to school, and then I'll be back full time on the blog, ready for an exciting year ahead! 

Thank you all for your kindness and support this year. Happy holidays! 

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My Styling with CO:HOME

To coincide with my recent post 10 Easy Steps to Update Your Space with CO:HOME I styled some of the gorgeous pieces at home. Showcasing a mix of cushions, throws, candles and ceramics, I love how the products have injected colour and texture into our living room.

Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for TDC

If you're still looking for last minute gift ideas, there are plenty of options. The CO:HOME range is now available online and from selected Cotton On stores, with more new pieces due to arrive in January. 

This post was created in collaboration with Cotton On. 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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Four Beautiful Reading Nooks

Reading is one of my favourite past times. During the year it's usually reserved for bedtime but come holidays, I look forward to powering through several books one after the other. Though summer calls for outdoor relaxation, reading nooks are a must all year round. For those of you who are in the midst of winter, today's post is really fitting. For tips on how to create a cosy space, check out this article I wrote earlier this year for BNZ GoodHome. These four beautifully styled reading nooks feature warm, muted colour palettes and serious arm-chair inspiration.

Via Woonhuis, featuring The Swamp Oil on Canvas by Dutch Painter & graphic artist Anton Mauve (1838-1888)

Loving these colours. "Modern Mustard" Styling by Pella Hedeby / Photography by Ragnar Ómarsson for Ikea Livet Hemma

I can't go post the Gubi Beetle Lounge chair in velvet. Via Artilleriet Blog

Festive in green. Styling and photography by Daniella Witte for Ikea Livet Hemma

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Carina Seth Andersson for Marimekko at Bolt of Cloth

I first introduced you to NZ company Bolt of Cloth last year when I styled some of their gorgeous Marimekko tableware. As the NZ stockist for this iconic Finish brand, they have a huge range on offer including both ceramics and textile products. I was thrilled to learn that they are also stocking the Marimekko designs by Carina Seth Andersson. A Swedish designer known for her distinct and unique glass and ceramic work, the exciting collaboration has resulted in a range of stunning vases and textile prints that strike a balance between  simplicity and carefully thought-out details - both signature features of Carina's Seth Andersson's design. Today I have styled a couple of her beautiful pieces including the white Ming Vase and clear Flower Vases. You may have caught the sneak peek I shared on Instagram last week - I loved having the Ming Vase on my bedside, but I couldn't wait to see it on the String Shelf and as expected, it looks right at home. Stunning on its own or displaying fresh flowers, it will easily transition to either the coffee or dining table as the mood takes me! 

The small Flower Vases work well on their own or as a pair and are also available in Powder (a soft pink colour) and Red. As with all of Carina's vases, I love the unique shapes. The Urna Vase which comes in clear and a lovely grey colour is another favourite. 

Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for TDC

Other pieces from Bolt of Cloth on my String Shelf include:
Marimekko Black & White Bowls
Marimekko Saapaivakrijo Bowl 

Flowers from Bloom Social

Bolt of Cloth ship internationally, with free shipping for all orders throughout New Zealand and Australia that are over $100. For smaller orders a flat rate fee of just $5 applies. For retail store locations take a look here.

As well as a huge and stunning range of homewares from brands like Marimekko, Bolt of Cloth has a workroom which will tailor make cushions, curtains, lampshades, blinds, bean bags and more from any of our hundreds of fabrics. Learn more here.

This post was created in collaboration with Bolt of Cloth. 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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Breezy All-White Apartment by Laura Seppänen

The latest interior design project by Laura Seppänen Design Agency, this minimalistic but cosy two-bedroom apartment in Helsinki belongs to Stina Mäntyniemi, the head of Cosmopolitan Finland. Her wish was for a clean and monochrome interior without carpets or curtains, along with her one must have piece - the Bertoia chair! 

Laura carried out all of the interior design including the kitchen and hallway renovation, along with the furnishing and final styling. Paper-white colour has been used for the walls, floors and ceilings throughout, creating a clean canvas for layering high quality furniture and a warm mix of natural materials. Although in relatively good shape, the existing kitchen has been modernised with small changes such as the replacement of cabinet doors, sink and faucet and the painting of handles in a contrasting matt black. Unsurprisingly, one of client's favourite features is the Carrara marble which provides the space with texture and a touch of luxury. 

Laura has combined the client's existing furniture with a mix of new pieces carefully selected from Finland and abroad. This effortless blend of Scandinavian design classics with newer Nordic brands has resulted in a stylish home with plenty of personality and charm.

Interior design by Laura Seppänen Design Agency / Photography by Krista Keltanen

Images courtesy of Laura Seppanen Design Agency

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