Halcyon House

As a big fan of Australian interior designer Anna Spiro's work, I watched with interest, and huge respect, the development of one of her most recent projects, Halcyon House. Situated in one of Australia's most idyllic beachfront towns, Cabarita Beach in Northern New South Wales, the luxury boutique hotel is a breath of fresh air.

Anna's love of pattern, beautiful fabrics, picture walls and gorgeous vignettes has translated into stunning accommodation with an inviting, homely feel.

Each room features different fabric on the walls (yes, not wallpaper!) and headboards, and although there are common threads that unite the rooms, each has it's own personality.

"I love to stay in a place that wraps me up and is beautifully decorated. When you go home you dream about visiting that place again. I wanted each room to be different so that guests can find their favourite room and then choose to stay in that room each time they visit." Anna Spiro

I have been quite underwhelmed by the accommodation that I've stayed in over the last few years, and I always look forward to getting home. But to stay at Halcyon House would be an absolute joy. It's so refreshing to find a hotel that is so stylish and unique, I love absolutely everything!

photos via Halcyon House, their instagram, and Anna Spiro's instagram

Paul Costello Interior Photography | Part 2

Following on from yesterday's post, here are some more fabulous and inspiring photos by US photographer, Paul Costello. I know from experience how hard it is to capture the essence of a room in a still photo, but Paul does it so well.

I hope these photos have inspired you, and when decorating your own home I urge you to strive for an individual look like these homes have. Put your stamp on it and let it reflect you. Look outside the box and be a little daring, I say. 

Have a fantastic weekend, and come back next week to see my final kitchen reveal!

It's All About the Balance

I don't normally blog in the weekend but I had this home tour ready to post yesterday before the day got away on me. It's such a beautiful home, my kind of aesthetic with white walls and layers of colour and pattern. When mixing patterns it's good to vary the size of the pattern - the ticking striped chairs work well with the large paisley table cloth. The wooden chairs bring warmth and balance the blue and white colour scheme.

Artwork is kept simple which, along with the white walls and soft grey floor boards, balances the busyness of the patterned furniture.

A little table setting provides the perfect spot for breakfast, or coffee with a friend. Dael & I often include a similar setting in our Bibby + Brady projects. Whether it's a small dining table like this, or a pair of armchairs with a side table, it's nice to create another space (other than the main living and dining rooms) to relax.

Little groupings like this one in the kitchen is what gives a home it's soul. It's handy to have some things close at hand when cooking, and they if they look fab you can leave them out on display.

The hallway is not exempt from the home's signature look - a splash of pattern with simple, graphic artwork.

Wicker chairs and an umbrella provide another gathering spot on the balcony.

Although the colour and pattern used throughout the home is bright and busy, it works because the palette of red, blue and green is consistent, and the neutral base provides your eye with a place to rest. I love it!