Fifty Shades of Gray

Sorry, I know that 'Fifty Shades' title has been round the block a few times - I just couldn't resist, and it is quite an apt title for this blog post. You see, I want to talk to you about gray in all it's glorious shades, and how it's a fabulous choice for your walls.

You probably know by now that I love a fresh white wall. But for those of you who find white a little stark, a soft gray is the perfect choice. And likewise, a black wall can look extremely striking, but if black is too dramatic for you, how about a charcoal gray?!

So many colours and styles look great with gray - black & white Scandi style; the industrial look, brilliant in a kitchen teamed with stainless steel; pops of bright colour look gorgeous on a gray background; it's a fab neutral choice for a child's room, add whatever colour you want in the bedding and accessories; or a soft soothing gray creates a calm environment in an adult's bedroom.

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The Home of Stylist Anna Church

I've got another fabulous home to show you today. It belongs to the lovely New Zealand stylist, Anna Church, and is situated on the beautiful Waiheke Island, off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand.

It has a definite Kiwi/Pacific flavour, with warm, sandy tones throughout, and pops of sea blue. Straw hats, wooden oars, and tropical cushions add to the theme. It's completely in keeping with the beautiful, relaxed vibe you get on Waiheke.

Like all good stylists, Anna has the ability to find everyday objects and group them together to make stunning compositions. You can achieve a look like this on a budget - Anna customised the dresser below, and combined it with shells, flowers, and roadside finds. The artwork is one of my favourites by Nikki Apse, inspired by a fish and chips menu.

I love the modern, bright yellow cord light paired with the rustic cane light shade in the bedroom. The artwork above the bed is by talented Waiheke artist, Emma Wright.

The sculptural wire chairs came all the way from the Camden markets in London. And now they sit on the little bedroom deck overlooking the most breathtaking ocean view.

via Fancy Windows via Homelife

Photography by Kevin Emirali.

Paulina Arcklin - Picture This

I recently blogged about an apartment that had been furnished and styled by the VT Wonen team for their digital Magalogue. The photos I featured were taken by a Finnish photographer, Paulina Arcklin. While researching Paulina for that feature, I knew I had to show you more of her work - it's so gorgeous, and she has put together a unique concept for her business.

Based in Amsterdam, Paulina has spent the last seven years working as a freelance interior writer, stylist and photographer for international interior magazines. Now she has taken all of her talents and experience and formed a business called Picture This. She can provide a full service package for companies wanting to market their products. From conception to planning, photo styling and photography - she can do it all and save you the hassle of having to hire three different people.

These days with more and more people shopping and buying online, you need to showcase your products in the best possible light. Beautiful styling, and photography will definitely help to sell your products, and Paulina is the one to help you. Although she is based in Amsterdam, she can travel anywhere. Below are just a few examples of her work - some she has just photographed; others she has planned, styled and photographed. You can see many more examples on her website.