Spring decorating

If you must be inside on a gorgeous spring day working, a little stargazing at some gorgeous spring colours is surely a must.

I never tire of this last image of a sitting room decorated by Meg Braff. It is definitely a favourite of mine. Enjoy your weekend and Father's Day on Sunday. Sally-Ann x

Plaids

There is nothing like a good plaid to create a cosy, winter, rustic interior.

Throw a plaid blanket over an old coffee table and pick some branches from your garden to create a look like this.

images via 1. pink wallpaper, others via delight by design

In the navy

Navy and white is one of those colour combos which never fails. Add contrast piping and a stripes and it always looks crisp and fresh.

images via 1,2 Vt interiors, designer Ana Cordeiro, 3. Coastal living designer, Lynn Morgan,4. Delight by design, 5. Cottle House

Masculine elegance

In the latest online Lonny mag there is a lovely example of masculine, elegance in the interior of Adam Straus. His apartment in Hollywood is filled with rich textured fabrics, elegant furniture and pieces of art.

I especially love his study which looks like it is painted in the same colour as mine. Definitely worth a visit across to Lonny for some fresh inspiring ideas.

Building ponds and gardening

Our new pond under construction in our parking area at the rear of our homestead. Mr Bangay is so clever with his proportions and design.

It has been the height of activity on our property this week with major projects coming to fruition. After mentioning to my husband my parents were arriving this weekend he also performed a garden blitz in their honour. These are our Plane trees now pollarded for winter.

Our new circular pond is looking lovely, and once stone work has been completed and garden beds and lawns planted, should settle in beautifully. Enjoy your weekend I am off to the kitchen to start cooking to prepare a yummy dinner for my family tonight. x

Snowed in...

A picture paints a thousand words...

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.