Inspired by Marrakech

Marrakech is a city that knows how to work colour and pattern! I would love to travel there one day and see for myself what has already inspired me in photographs. Americans, Caitlin and Samuel Dowe-Sandes, and their young daughter, Gigi, loved Marrakech so much they made it their home and filled their Moroccan bungalow with glorious colour and pattern.




The tiled floors throughout are quite spectacular, and the walls are various shades of fresh blue or white.





There's an eclectic mix of furniture and lights - all quite beautiful and sculptural. The artwork is also impressive, and often nature inspired.




Bold stripes lead you down the hallway and into pattern-packed bedrooms. Bursts of vibrant orange contrast the blue beautifully.










The kitchen steps away from the blues and orange, but the geometric tiled splash back links nicely to the rest of the house. Green and white is one of my favourite kitchen colour combos, it's lovely and fresh.


photographer: Richard Powers | designer: Caitlin & Samuel Dowe-Sandes of Popham Design


I love the personality of this home. As with all the homes I feature on my blog, I hope it's inspired you to embrace colour, and push the boundaries to create a home unique to you.

Contrast & Harmony

Did you see, in the latest issue (June/July) of Homestyle magazine, the fabulous spread called "Contrast & Harmony"? It's all about mixing patterns to make a statement in your home, and some tips on how to achieve this look. You know what a massive fan of colour and pattern I am, so this is my kind of article, especially as it features two products that I hold dear...


Photography by Melanie Jenkins and styling by Alice Lines for Homestyle


I am the exclusive New Zealand stockist of the stunning Neon Vintage cushions, pictured on the chair in the Homestyle shoot. Neon Vintage was founded by Brisbane designer, Kirsten Millbank. The bold, edgy homewares are inspired by African safaris and tribal textiles, with a touch of vintage 80's design. Kirsten has collaborated with several international artists to create her collection.





On the floor in the Homestyle shoot you'll notice a gorgeous rug on the floor. Many of you will know that I am a big advocate of the Armadillo&Co rugs, I have one in my own home and we often use them in our Bibby + Brady client's homes. They are such fabulous quality, and the range of patterns and colours available is vast.




The rug featured is Pilgrim in the granite/fern/ecru colourway from the new Latitude Collection. Pilgrim comes in a range of colours and three different sizes.





If you're interested in purchasing an Armadillo&Co rug, I recommend you spend some time exploring the different designs available - their "I Love My Rug" site is a great place to get inspired. And when you're ready to purchase, contact me, I can help you place an order.




Mixing patterns takes some skill, pick up your copy of Homestyle for some excellent tips on how to rock it!

Mini Portrait Holiday Sessions

Our children... they grow up so quickly. Look at my twinnies - it seems like only yesterday that they were tiny babes, and now they're full of sass, highly opinionated, and telling me off for singing in front of their friends! :)






It's fantastic to capture them at all these precious stages of life - it's priceless to be able to look back and remember. My photos (above) are amateur snaps, but I have someone amazingly talented to recommend to you. Florence Charvin is a beautiful French photographer living here in Hawke's Bay with her husband and three gorgeous kids. Her business, Fotographie by Florence, specialises in portraits, weddings, commercial and lifestyle photography, and she's particularly brilliant at capturing children's personalities on film.






Florence likes to photograph children in their own environment. She believes that some of the most powerful portraits are the most low key, simple ones, and I have to agree. Look at these stunning photographs of her own children.






With the school holidays starting next week, it's a great time to capture your own little darlings, and Florence is offering 30 minute Mini Portrait Holiday Sessions for only $75. You choose your time between 5th July - 20th July, and your location in Hawke's Bay, and Florence will weave her magic. After the shoot she'll provide you with approximately 15 digital images via Dropbox. Contact Florence to book your session on 021 078 3478 or fotographiebyflorence@gmail.com.




Here are just a few examples of Florence's portraiture work. Pop over to her blog to see much more, and then give her a call.