Emerald city

source unknown

Ditte Isager

via Rizzoli

via Habitually Chic

via Emma's Design Blogg

Are you seeing what I'm seeing?

It's where the heart is

I spotted this image over at the lovely Global Atelier.

I find it really comforting.

To me, this is what I feel any home should be...comfortable and one which reflects those that inhabit it.

Inner strength

This post is for the people of Queensland.

After watching the news today, I really didn't feel like writing something which didn't mention these people, among them, fellow bloggers and friends.

I can't quite believe what is unfolding in Brisbane, the next place to suffer as a result of the devastating floods in Australia. My thoughts are with everyone affected by the horrible events of the past couple of weeks and with those who have lost their lives. Whilst I am lucky to be able to say this from the safety of my own home, here's hoping there is no more loss of life and that people have the strength to re-build their lives, homes and businesses.

You can donate to the flood relief appeal here.

This image seriously stopped me in my tracks.

I don't know what it was...the shot of colour from the vintage Eames chair, the striking shell-like centrepiece or that hide (ok-so faux would be better). I think it's just a simple case of all these elements and more make up a pretty spectacular room!

This is the home of interior designer, Marie Olsson Nylander and no wonder it seems to be popping up on so many blogs - it's unbelieveable! The mixture of colours, patterns and textures she's created in her home is the best I've seen in a long time. This image, I hadn't seen, which I found here via Annaleena's blog.

Take a look there too..it's worth it! x

Monday's mood

via Fondly Seen

1.Via here 2. Kenneth Jay Lane 3. Vivienne Westwood 4. Nadia Pignatone

I'm really loving the {sludgy colours} of these items and also in the room above. They perfectly sum up how I'm feeling today...not emotionally but creatively (if you know what I mean?!) I do love the combination of deep muted tones with the addition of metallic elements to add a little lift to a space. I'm thinking mossy greens with hammered copper and slate blues and greys with rose gold.

Pendant Lights: Tom Dixon, Table & Display Cabinet: Oka, Paint: Farrow & Ball

Rug: Knots Rugs, Bowl: Reshape Studio, Chair: Anthropologie

So, I pulled together a little moodboard.

Purely because I'm totally head over heels for that rug. Unfortunately, rugs and Larry don't mix!! x

Waxing lyrical

It doesn't take much to get me talking about the work of Jo Berryman and a lot more to get me to stop!!

To my delight, the February issue of Living etc which arrived today features Jo's latest project - The Folly, a 16th century farmhouse in the Cotswolds. Yes, palpitations ensued - this woman has a serious knack for creating amazing spaces!

Jo's enviable style is evident throughout the farmhouse, yet she has remained sympathetic to it's history and her ability to combine antique finds with glamorous touches couldn't work better in such a space.

What's lovely to see are elements of her North London home, such as artwork and select pieces of furniture looking so at home in a distinctly different setting.

The one thing I really admire and which is evident throughout every Matrushka scheme is the extremely effective use of colour. Matt, chalky shades tend to be used as a base creating a blank canvas, and combined with pieces of art and accessories, they really help to bring out the tones and hues of these objects.

...The best part, the Folly is available to rent !!

Yes, long walks in fresh country air followed by evenings by the fire with friends and comforting suppers cooked on the kitchen's Aga can be yours too! I know where I'd like to spend my next weekend away!!

Just the perfect weekend retreat don't you think? x

All images: Matrushka

Well hello there New Year...

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy New Year!

Oh and does anyone know where 2010 went?!

December proved to be a very topsy turvy month for both Steve and I (hence no posts!!) and the little, but special things went by the wayside. I finally managed to decorate our tree the day after Boxing Day and I iced our Christmas cake on New Year's Eve!! However, like I say these are just little things and I'm so grateful and lucky that I am surrounded by wonderful family and friends.

Whilst I'm very much looking forward to a more organised 2011, more importantly here's to health, happiness and hopefully lots more friendships along the way! xx