Learning new skills

One of the things that I've been wanting to do for a long time is to get and learn how to use a DSLR camera. So I'm a little bit excited to tell you that I finally got one for Christmas!

Here's my new baby.

I've been on the hunt for a local photography class as I really want to learn how to use my new camera properly and take killer photos. I've just missed the start dates for some of my preferred providers, so I've decided to do an online class instead.

I am a huge fan of lifestyle blog A Beautiful Mess. They always have AMAZING images on their site. They also have a number of products and classes that they sell, including blogging, photoshop and photography basics. I've signed up for the Photoshop for Bloggers and DSLR Basics Bundle. I hope to implement (and experiment!) my new found skills on this blog over the coming months.

This class also fits into my ethos of lifelong learning. There are always new skills to learn! In fact that is one of my resolutions for 2015 - to complete this and also my interior design studies.

There are so many opportunities to discover new things. They don't always have to be formal or expensive. In fact there are many free options these days if you are looking to gain knowledge or skills in a particular area that interests you. You can sign up for any number of free online courses (or MOOC) through places such as Coursera and Open2Study on pretty much any topic you can think of. I just finished an introductory program on disruptive technologies, which I knew nothing about but was a topic on which I wanted  learn more. I watched the videos on the bus on my way to and from work.

So if you'd like to learn a new skill or find out about a particular area that interests you why not sign up to one of the many online courses available. And the best part about it is that there's no assignments or exams!

Top image Sara Rhodes, bottom three images Death to the Stock Photo

All I want for Christmas...

Christmas is upon us again and so I am composing my wishlist for my husband and family (hint hint!). Here are the top 9 items on my wishlist.

1. OrotonRiviera Tote
2. Freedom Dome Floor Light in Chrome
3. West Elm Wool Kilim Rug in Platinum
4. Ecoya Madison Jar (in French Pear)
5. Canon 700D DSLR
6. Alphabet Uppercase Schoolbook Stamp Set
7. Sheridan Bedding 1200TC Millennia Quilt Cover
8. Rose Gold Initial Necklace
9. Gumball Pouf in Green

What are you hoping for this Christmas?

Choose 2 reuse

My sister and I made a trip out to Hornsby today to visit Second Hand Studio, a second hand store that specialises in recycling and upcycling old pieces of furniture, knick knacks and clothing.

Judging from their Facebook page there is a regular turnover of stock, and they also have a “You Choose” area where you can select a piece of furniture and choose a colour and finish that suits you. You will find chairs, bookcases, cribs, coat racks, tables and stools, all waiting to be transformed into your dream pieces.   

There is a vast array of mirrors, artwork, jewellery, vases and vessels and it took all of my willpower not to buy everything in sight. I ended up with one of the gold frames pictured above, and my sister bought a pair of sunglasses and a cushion for her second baby’s nursery. 

Second Hand Studio is a true gem and I know I will become a regular visitor! 

My ultimate design icon

If I had to list one designer whose work and aesthetic I admire the most it would have to be Charles and Ray Eames. Ok, that’s two designers, but boy were they a force to be reckoned with.

Even people who have no knowledge of designer furniture and who have never heard of the husband and wife team will likely be able to recognise at least one of their many signature pieces; such is their influence over the design world. The Eameses pioneered the use of moulded plywood and fibreglass, creating some of the most exciting designs the world has ever seen. Their simple design principle was ‘Better living through better design’.  

As a teenager I used to pore over interior design magazines and would find myself earmarking ‘Eiffel’ dining chairs over and over again. Not surprisingly some 15 plus years later I now have those same DSR plastic and metal dining chairs (in white of course). 

Photo: Bigtime Design Studios

 Photo: Steve Domoney Architecture

 Photo: Gosto Design & Lifestyle

Photo: Optimise Design

I have always admired the Eames Lounge Chair. That familiar wood veneer base, the tufted black leather. Classically cool. I find it mind-blowing that the manufacture of this chair is almost exactly the same as it was when it was first put into production in 1956. I crave one of my own.

Photo: Herman Miller

Of course before the lounger chair came their LCW (or Lounge Chair Wood). The LCW was a moulded plywood lounge chair made up of two pieces (a back and a seat), and rubber mount shock absorbers for movement.

Photo: Eames Designs

The LCW caught the attention of manufacturer Herman Miller and thus began their relationship with the Eameses. TIME magazine designated this "The Best Design of the 20th Century". 

Over several decades the Eameses created many pieces of furniture including desks, stools, chairs and  storage units, as well as toys, films, exhibitions and probably their greatest achievement: the Eames House

Photo: Eames Designs

The fact that many of their designs are still desired today is a testament to the longevity and perfection of the original designs. Personally what I love is that whilst the designs are still relatively unchanged, they fit in so easily into a modern interior.

 Photo: Stardust Modern Design

 Photo: Herman Miller

 Photo: Platinum Building Group Pty Ltd

 Photo: Chris Nguyen

Photo: Design Manifest

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2013 Houzz

 Photo: Janel Holiday Interior Design

 Photo: colorTHEORY Boston

What do you think of Ray and Charles Eames and their legacy? Do you secretly covet one of their pieces (or are you lucky enough to own one)? Who’s your design icon?

A splash of colour

I am definitely more conservative when it comes to decorating and colour in my interiors. I tend to stick to neutral or very safe colours. Whilst there's nothing wrong with this I have found that since beginning studying colour and design that my my appreciation for colour and its successful use in interiors especially has broadened my tastes.

There's something about this living room below that just speaks to me. The use of colour, the quirky elements (garden gnome anyone?), it all somehow works.

These photos are of a house in Toronto designed by R H Carter Architects. Although initially drawn to the living room the remainder of the space continues to showcase brilliant design, eclectic pieces and bold colour choices.

Although not specifically to my taste, homes like this one inspire me to make more bold choices. How do you feel about bold colour? Could you live in this space?

Photography: Peter A Sellar

New book: Adore

There was a knock on my door very early this morning. Normally I am loath to open the door in my pyjamas to anyone, but today was different. I threw open the door with childlike enthusiasm to greet the courier that stood there (much to his amusement I'm sure).

You see today I received my copy of Adore - A book of colourful interiors, from the creator and editor of Adore Home Magazine (my FAVOURITE interiors blog and online mag!) Loni Parker. And I have to say that it was everything I hoped it would be and more!

After making myself a cup of tea I settled down to open my gem, taking my time to savour unwrapping the pink tissue paper.

Once opened I was able to immerse myself in the beautiful pages of this book. It is a stunning collection of spaces that demonstrates how colour, texture and pattern can be combined to create rooms that are full of character. I crave these spaces!

One of the reasons I am drawn to the interiors featured on Adore Home is the colourful and distinctive homes that they feature. There's both a  quirky element and a nod to the Australian aesthetic that you don't find very easily online.

The book is separated into sections, with each covering the different rooms of the house (living, dining, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, etc) as well as a chapter on entertaining and another on creative walls (which in all honesty may be my favourite).

I have already flicked through it twice, and it's not even lunchtime! This is a beautiful and inspiring book that is delightfully presented. I seriously covet every interior featured!

Adore is now available for purchase on the Adore Home Magazine website.

Happy Easter!

Another Easter is upon us. For some the religious significance makes it a period of celebration, for others (myself included) it is an excuse to eat a lot of chocolate! 

I usually do very little to mark the occasion besides enjoying the long weekend with family and friends and buying Easter eggs for my nearest and dearest. This differs significantly from my Christmas preparations, which start early December in earnest. One of my absolute favourite things about Christmas is decorating the house. I usually have a beautiful tree, ornaments and displays throughout the living areas, baubles hanging from the railing in the stairwell and a wreath on the front door.

When it comes to Easter I have no such tradition. So I thought this year I could do a little something to reflect the time of year.

I have a dozen or more of these beautiful hand painted papier mache eggs from Kashmir. I put them in a simple wire bowl and placed them on the coffee table. 

Several years ago my husband and I were in Prague over the Easter long weekend. We saw hundreds of these beautifully decorated eggs being sold in markets all over the city.

They are hand painted eggs called kraslice and are one of the most recognisable symbols of Czech Easter (as I’m sure they are across other parts of Europe).  They come in many variations and colours, but I was oddly drawn to the simple blue and white ones and I bought some as a souvenir.

I have finally gotten around to digging them out of a storage box in the loft (where a lot of my souvenirs lurk) and creating a little display (below) using a simple glass vase, some rocks and a large twig that I found in the garden. So simple.

As you can see from the images below there is no shortage of ways to display these beautiful eggs.

                                                  Source: The Inspired Room

                                            Source: Raphael International

                                           Iconic decorated trees in Germany and Austria are a 

                                           common Easter sight. This one is the notable 

                                           Saalfelder Ostereierbaum in Thuringia, Germany.

                                                          Source: Volker Kraft

                                                                                     

                                                         Source: Volker Kraft

I don’t think I’ll be going to any of these lengths, but it was nice to finally dig these beauties out of storage and use them for their intended purpose.  Perhaps next year I can add a little embellishment to the display.

Happy Easter!