Two Become One

This gorgeous Swedish home started out life as two small flats, but they were in such a state of disrepair that the owners knocked down walls and started again, creating one beautiful space. With it's lovely simplistic colour scheme of white and black and just enough colour added, it's definitely my kind of home! I like the mix of modern and pre-loved pieces - just enough to make it look homely, without feeling cluttered.

Love the artwork that can be easily interchangeable

Beautiful wallpaper

Note the cool inset wine rack in the photo to the left and the one above

image source

Finding your Style

I read something earlier this week that the talented stylist, Megan Morton, said over at The Design Files, and it really stuck with me. Megan was talking about personalising your space, in order to have a real connection to your home. In my last year, while working on this blog, starting the Cush & Nooks store, and constantly scouring for new inspiration and products, I have developed a style that fits me. I have learnt what I love, what I don't, what I admire in other people's homes, what I strive to create in my own.


For anyone still trying to figure out exactly what their style is, or how to put your own stamp on your home, listen to Megan's wise advice... think of the places you like to go - your favourite restaurants, your dream hotel, the places you love to explore or long to travel to; what books and magazines make your heart skip a beat, what colours are you drawn to; I think you could even note down your favourite music and fashion to help you uncover your own interior style. All these things will come together as your mood board. Keep updating it with your favourite images and when you're ready you should have a pretty good idea of where to start. 

picture source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8

I like to dine alfresco with a small group of my favourite people, I want it to be relaxed and fun, I want to travel to places with cobblestone paths and shuttered windows, I want to be surrounded by colour and pattern, I love things that are beautiful but not too perfect, maybe a little edgy, maybe a little quirky. Most of all I want to be happy in my surroundings, and that is what we all should strive for. Your style may differ to mine, doesn't mean it's better, just that it fits you better. By all means take inspiration from others, but in the end make sure your home reflects you.

Parliament of Two

A wee while ago I was perusing through one of my favourite New Zealand design blogs, Studio Home, when I came across some pretty gorgeous jewellery by Parliament of Two. Designed and created by a couple of Aussie girls, Vanessa and Melissa, who met at University studying jewellery design, their latest range 'Forget Me Knot' is a modern take on those dearly treasured heirlooms in the form of antique rings.

Loving their designs, I happily 'liked' Parliament of Two on Facebook and went into a draw to win one of their necklaces. Guess what...? I won!!! I know, how fabulous! When my parcel arrived there was much excitement among the girls in our household. My 7 year old twins helped me unwrap it - it was like pass the parcel with one beautifully presented package, then another, and then finally the treasure inside! I love my 'Forever Yours: Ring Pendant', the chain is so delicate and pretty. I choose mine in antique silver, but it is also available in brass and gunmetal. 


So thank you so much Ness & Mel, and also Julia from Studio Home. xxx

Don't forget to enter our competition if you want to be in to win some beautiful art from Crispin Korchen. We will be drawing a winner this Thursday.