Est Issue 7

November 22, 2012

It's always happy times for me when the latest Est online magazine comes out. As soon as
I saw a pink flamingo on the cover, I knew I was going to love this issue (mind you I always do)!
As you might expect, my favourite part is getting to view some beautiful homes. The three featured all have their own style and tons of personality. I've included a couple of sneak peeks for each, but you'll have to go over and see the rest for yourself.

The first home is in Bordeaux, France, and is the first home that graphic designer Elodie had completely designed by herself...

House no. 2 belongs to a family of six, plus a dog and cat in Bulimba, Brisbane...

And last but not least, is a beautiful, serene family home in Middle Park, Melbourne...

Stylish Baby Proofing

November 14, 2012

When little ones come into your life, you often have to re-look at your decor. When friends of mine who are about to become parents, or whose baby is not yet mobile, say that they'll just teach their child not to touch certain things, I smile and nod. While inside I'm thinking "right, I can't wait to see how that works out!". To some extent you can, and as they get older you can certainly teach them to respect people's belongings. But I'm talking toddlers here - they're like chubby little tornados!

I think this post by the gorgeous Joy Deangdeelert Cho, is brilliant. She works with my fav, Emily Henderson, to baby proof her living room, while still keeping it stylish.

The beautiful living room styled by Emily Henderson before baby

Fabric made into a fitted sheet was made to fit over the white sofa seat,
which wasn't standing up to baby spit and leaky nappies

The coffee table with it's sharp edges was replaced with two giant poufs
- soft, easy to wipe clean, and also used to put feet up on

Some of the less baby-suitable objects were removed and in their place
light, safe and even playful decor elements were added

I love this long, narrow console table that Emily has placed behind the sofa for putting your drink on etc

These heavy, breakable items were replaced and the chest turned sideways
to prevent baby Ruby from getting to the cords behind the sofa

Joy was sad to see her bar cart go but it had pretty much everything on it not suitable for kids
- glass, metal, sharp corners and booze

Emily found a gorgeous cabinet to go in it's place,
which houses a mini bar up top and baskets for Ruby's toys below

Pop over to Joy's blog to see more photos, and to read her full story.

Rue Meets The Novogratz

November 12, 2012

There's a new issue of Rue out, and what a fantastic issue - there's so much gorgeousness and inspiration! I loved so many of the articles, but decided to focus on the one featuring the Novogratz. I got such a good response from y'all, both here and on Facebook, on my last post about them. And for those who wanted to know how to see them, they are on Choice TV in NZ, recently changed to Wednesday, 5.30pm to 6pm (not ideal viewing time for parents of young kids!).

I loved reading about how Robert and Cortney helped their friend, Dave Crisanti, decorate his small home in New York's East Village. Like any good designer/stylist, the Novogratz transform the space into a fabulous home by getting a feel for the home owner (easier this time as he's a friend), and accentuating his loves and interests. Also working with the architecture, enhancing the strengths and addressing the weaknesses.

Robert commissioned the original piece above the desk with a Princeton theme, where Dave studied.

The large living room gets plenty of light, so Cortney & Robert
decided it could handle a deep moody teal blue on the walls.

Details capturing Dave's interests - the glass cabinet has become home to
hundreds of concerts and sports games tickets that he's kept over the years.