Stylizimo's Wardrobe Inspiration

I can't tell you how happy I am with our recently completed bathroom renovation, but that doesn't stop me dreaming of the day Mark & I can have our own en-suite and walk-in wardrobe. It won't be happening anytime soon as a new kitchen will definitely come first. But in anticipation of that day I have been gathering inspiration and I was suitably impressed with this gorgeous walk-in wardrobe created on a budget.

The beautiful Nina, interior decorator and owner of Stylizimo blog, created her wardrobe using inexpensive Ikea products and a lot of creative thinking. She took simple metal towel rails and transformed them with gold spray paint, turning them into a clever way to her high heels, belts and sunglasses.

Shelves were made from wood bought from the local hardware store. Nina had them cut to the exact size she needed, and braced them to the walls. The mirror and lights, also from Ikea, are perfect for makeup application.

Even Nina's perfume ties in with her Scandinavian colour palette of white, black and gold. A tray is a great way to house and display all your 'pretties', keeping them neat and tidy.

Ikea's Malm dressers provide more clothes storage and the simple, clean lines complete the beautifully organised space.

Are you as inspired as I am? My favourite is the accessories storage made from the gold rails. For more information about exactly how Nina created her wardrobe, pop over to her blog.

Adore Summer Edition

I'm always excited when the latest edition of Adore magazine is released, and this Summer edition is jam packed with 'gorgeousness'! There is so much in it I love, that I've decided to give you a little sneak peek of my favourite bits.

There are plenty of fabulous gift ideas, and this spread on indigo shibori has my name all over it - I really want the surfboard.

A feature on the gorgeous and super talented artist, Rachel Castle, is like sunshine on the pages. I just love all of her work, and this quote of hers about being yourself is awesome... "Don't be embarrassed to love what you love. I love pop culture and music. Others love flowers and religion, horses and the colour blue. Be proud of what you love, however daggy, and just own it. When you're free to be who you are, you can't help but be inspired".

As a big fan of the iconic Martinique banana leaf wallpaper, I was excited to see the summer party styled by Carly Willoughby-Rolls. Lush green with pops of citrus, I'd be more than happy to be invited to this soirée.

In typical Adore fashion, there are some beautiful homes to inspire us. Of course I love this scene in the home belonging to Alexandra Mills. I have the exact same bone inlay drawers, but in my fave indigo blue, and the colourful vignette atop the drawers is divine.

It was fantastic to see the incredible Scandi-inspired home of fellow Kiwi blogger, Michelle Halford of The Design Chaser, and on the cover no less. Anyone who follows Michelle's blog will have seen snippets of her home, but it was great to see it all in the pages of Adore.

And the with plenty of blue, pink and brass, the home belonging to Anna Caldwell is a must-see. As described by Anna, it's a little Hollywood Regency but with a more relaxed Queensland vibe. Quite gorgeous!

Now go and grab a cuppa and enjoy the whole magazine for yourself.

Design Quarter

I always love to hear about new retail shops, especially those that stock beautiful Scandinavian inspired homewares. One such store is Design Quarter, recently opened in Remuera, Auckland by self-taught interior designer, Carrol Sandston. Carrol specialises in helping clients with the placement of beautiful things in their home, and working with colour (or lack thereof). She has always had a love affair with white, and likes clean, strong lines with a touch of whimsy.

Design Quarter is Carrol's first foray into retail, but it's something she's always dreamed of. She fell in love with the old David Elman shoe shop and had visions of transforming it into her own shop selling gorgeous products. And in May this year her dream became a reality when Design Quarter was formed.

Over the years Carrol has followed and appreciated many trends, but she has a special love of Scandinavian design, and feels it's here to stay. "Their furniture and homewares suit our New Zealand light and our lifestyle".

Carrol has hand-picked an amazing range of products from some fantastic Danish companies, including Madam Stoltz, Hubsch, and Bloomingville, as well as the best of locally sourced New Zealand goodies. She also goes on regular shopping trips to Sydney and Melbourne to complete her envious collection. If you're in Auckland, pop in to see the full range for yourself at 339 Remuera Road, or check out the Design Quarter Facebook page for all new arrivals, including lots of divine Christmas treats.