The stylish Hamptons

The Hampton's style seems to be a sought after look in Australia and adapts well to our relaxed lifestyle. I have several clients trying to achieve this look recently and I have also been asked to write for a magazine on how to achieve this look. My first response was to turn to the experts in this style and for me this is Jennifer and Austin at Mabley Handler Interior Design. They combine the perfect balance of relaxed, elegant Hampton interiors . If this is a look which appeals to you I recommend visiting their website for inspiration on this style. For more images of their work click here

More blue and white

Some of the images which have reignited my love of blue and white ceramics from my inspiration files . I love blue and white ginger jars filled with leaves or flowers and have been so inspired by designer Anna Spiro, a maestro with blue and white arrangements.

Images via 1. Carolyn Roehme. 2. French Essence. All others Anna Spiro

Can't get enough

We have been unpacking lots of lovely blue and white ceramics and lamps at Cottle House, and it seems as fast as we put them on our shelves, they are selling out. We should have more stock arriving next week.

Images via Pierre Frey and Barclay Butera

My favourite things

One of the things I love about living in a cold climate at this time of the year is that we can enjoy a big roaring fire and all the cosy comforts that go with it. I hope you have enjoyed a lovely weekend, SallyAnn x

images from here

Winter comes early

Weather like we are having makes me want to pull out all my winter woollies and bunker down.



We woke to a dusting of snow over the weekend and while it looks pretty is not the kind of weather one wants to be out in.

A divine provincial retreat

We have just returned from a short break in regional Victoria's Beechworth. You can be forgiven for thinking these pictures are in Provence. The little stone cottage " Black springs bakery" situated just outside town is the perfect spot for a relaxing weekend getaway. The decoration of the cottage is divine in every way and well worth a visit.

An autumn royal wedding

With all the world world waiting for Catherine (as we must now call her) and William's big event I though this wedding table would be perfect for an Australian autumn royal wedding. I know I will be tuned in at 6pm. Enjoy your weekend x

Bookcase files

A lovely client has asked me to help her with some bookcases in her sitting room, which led me straight to my files for inspiration. Sometimes I feel we should have some like these in our bedroom as there never seems enough room on the bedside table for all the ones we want to have close by.

A novel idea!

Although very tempted at times, I think I would be in BIG trouble if I ever colour coded our library like Oprah's one.

Always cutting edge Kelly Wearstler's book cases at the Viceroy certainly make a statement.

images via city sage, decorology, the db files, verandah house.

Now where would I start...

The new Farrow and Ball wallpapers have just been released and the possibilities are endless. If not for a wall or a whole room why not pretty up the inside of your wardrobe.

Wallpapers all Farrow and Ball, wardrobe image unknown source.

Weekend reading

The perfect place to enjoy a late breakfast or lazy weekend lunch

Or perhaps stay in bed and soak up the latest ideas in interiors in the March/April Lonny issue, out today.

Enjoy your weekend!

Click here to view

A thing for lattice

I'm finding I just can't get enough of lattice designs whether on walls, curtains, sofas or rugs. This design is the perfect compliment to combine with other patterns or simply used alone. If any one knows the name and supplier of this particular wall paper I would love to know.

image via house of turquoise

A day in the garden

I thought I'd share some photos of our little beach and lake at the foot of our garden. I only wish I had more time to come down here and sit and enjoy it's beauty.

It's not often I have the pleasure of spending time in our garden but today was such a perfect day and I happened to be able to have the day free to potter, weed, prune and just enjoy working in our garden.

Fabric dreams

Wading through racks of beautiful furnishing fabrics is my kind of shopping. The possibilities endless, the designs, colours and textures are a visual heaven. In Sydney recently I was hunting for some lovely fabrics for our little cottage renovation. I fell in love with paisley, trellis and houndstooth all over again. Enjoy your weekend, it has been a perfect March day here. Sally-Ann x

Drawn to orange

I never thought I'd say this but I am finding myself drawn to orange. Not in huge quantities but used sparingly it can add just the right note to lift any interior especially as we start to head toward some cooler weather.

images via inspirational decor and table tonic

Beautiful collections

I could stare at these images all day of India Hick's home in the Bahamas and still not grow tired. Her ability to arrange objects around her home in beautiful displays is no doubt a consequence of having David Hicks (one of my favourite designers) for a Father.

All images from here