Victorian Secret

After browsing the wonders of The Design Files last week, I came across this not-so-little Melbourne beauty and just had to share it. Interior designer Caecilia Potter of Atticus & Milo who shares this truly impressive Victorian home with her husband James and two children has spent the past 3 years painstakingly restoring it to reveal its beautiful original features. You name it, it's been done. Totally rewired, re-plastered and re-painted throughout, the old timber panelling, doors and staircases painstakingly cleaned down and the original hallway tessellated tiles polished to expose their original finishes. The entire renovation has been respectfully carried out to ensure the mix of traditional and contemporary complement one another - and I think it's safe to say it's been achieved! 

Caecilia has an intriguing and rather adorable view of her home 'We all love the sense of patina and age in our home, she is like a warm and fun old lady with a very original character'

The gardens, also designed by Caecilia, are equally as impressive. Complete with an incredible freshwater swimming pool it not only looks fantastic (and oh so inviting), but the natural mineral spring water also preserves their 100 year old peppercorn tree.

Take a little look for yourselves....I guarantee you'll be inspired!!

 

All images via The Design Files | Production Lucy Feagins | Photography: Sean Fennessy

One can dream!

Kitch-in Kitch-out

Inside out kitchens.....ahhh, don't you just love 'em!? There surely couldn't be anything better than throwing open your seamlessly sliding floor to ceiling bi-folding doors on a beautiful sunny day whilst you brew a fresh cup of coffee and breathe in some fresh sea aiirrrrr.....oh, somebody pinch me!

I've 'trawled' through Pinterest (such a difficult task ;)) to find the most fitting examples of this little dream I harbour....or at least a collection of settings that I can quite easily see myself fitting (and settling) right in to!

all images via Pinterest

Styled To Perfection

BULLETIN.....The sun is shining - I repeat THE SUN IS SHINING!!

This calls for something colourful and inspiring!!

With coffee being pretty much at the forefront of my mind.....every - single - day .... it seems only natural that the humble 'coffee table' should reflect the ever growing obsession. I thought a lovely collection of gorgeously styled, beautifully arrange coffee tables would put you in a good mood for the weekend!

Dig out some hard back books and stack them up, grab a bright, vibrant plant, light a candle, display your favourite little ornament and sit back and admire the loveliness you've just created!

It really is that simple. 

Here's a few picks to get you inspired.

via Macarons and Pearls

via Of Beauty and Love

via Be Lovely Now

via Macarons and Pearls

via Casa Tres Chic

via Hello Lovely Decor

via Lola Lina

via Casa Tres Chic

via Pish Posh Perfect

via Design Darling

via Hello Lovely Decor

via The Peak of Tres Chic

via Style Me Swanky

....and my own attempt the other day!!

Happy Weekend.

Happy Styling!

Chair Army

If you’re looking to add an interesting new touch to the furniture in your house, or if you’re  staging your home ready to be put on the market, there are many different things you can try. One simple option is the inclusion of armchairs in your home.

While an armchair can help to complete your existing two or three piece suite, they don’t just belong in lounges anymore; adding a feature armchair to a guest room, open plan living area, and other big rooms, can help you introduce a hint of elegance while also adding to the practicality of the space.

1. Sheringham 2. Scarlett 3. Monty

So which armchair should you use? Recliner chairs or a comfortable chaise longue can be added to your general seating arrangements in a living room or lounge area, and you can add coffee tables or side tables for extra convenience. Tub chairs add a contemporary feel to any room, wingback chairs will give a touch of sophistication, whereas swivel chairs will add a bit of fun and will be a big hit with guests.

If your décor is built around light, pastel colours, choosing a floral armchair will add to the room’s charm, whereas antique armchairs or a high back armchair will look good in a reading room or library-type setting.

You should also consider the type of upholstery for your chair. Whereas fabric armchairs (say, a fabric chaise longue or tub chair) work well for frequent use, if you want leather armchairs (such as leather recliners), it may only be worth getting them if they won’t be used regularly.

If you choose well, you can create a whole new special area around the chair, and they can also be used as a way of separating the room if the space is particularly large.