BAR STOOL SEARCH

The desire to update my kitchen has completely taken over and I’m currently in the process of getting quotes for re-tiling the kitchen splashback and changing the sink and tap to matte black ones! It’s all very exciting I must say. Another item I want to change in my kitchen are the bar stools. Today’s blog post explores some possible options. First off are these stunning marble stools ($299) pictured above, by Harpers Project. Their Scandinavian approach to design and philosophy of Buy once, buy well, really resonates with me. I’ve been guilty of buying things in the past, based purely on price or current trends, which hasn’t always paid off in the long run. It’s expensive to have to replace major pieces of furniture every couple of years – you could say I’ve now learnt my lesson. When choosing larger pieces I’m now opting for neutral colour, classic styles, and clean lines.

Photography: Annette O'Brien  /  Styling: Greenhouse Interiors

Photography: Annette O'Brien  /  Styling: Greenhouse Interiors

Another contender in the neutral Scandi/coastal aesthetic are these Muuto Nerd bar stools ($739) pictured above. They come in a range of colours – but my favourites are the light grey colour and natural beech timber finish.

Another design by Harpers Projects features opposite - their kitchen stools ($199) look to now be sold out unfortunately. They were featured in Rebecca Judd’s ‘The Style School’ renovation project. I absolutley love the colour scheme in this kitchen – so refreshing. For a small kitchen, it certainly packs a punch. I’ve got my eye on that sexy black tap! If you haven’t seen the rest of this space you should definitely check it out by clicking here.

Below, you’ll find Three Birds Renovations’ latest kitchen design, featuring OZ Design Furniture’s Tractor stools ($149). They have a slightly industrial/rustic quality to them, making them work well in a Hamptons or classic style kitchen.

I’ve done a round-up of my top 3 favourite bar stools in varying styles below. Which is your favourite?

Photography: Hannah Blackmore  /  Interior: Three Birds Renovations

Photography: Hannah Blackmore  /  Interior: Three Birds Renovations

MISTER ZIMI IN PALM SPRINGS

Fashion label Mister Zimi captured their Poolside SS16 collection across various sun-drenched holiday destinations including Palm Springs. Oh, this just feeds my obsession with this Californian desert town.

Photography: Ming Nomchong  /  Styling: Alice Roberts

There are few places quite like Palm Springs. A small desert town, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, sounds like an unlikely holiday destination on paper, however its mid-century modern architecture, soaring palm trees, mountainous location, and high temperatures make it the perfect oasis in the Californian desert. I’ve been lucky enough to visit twice now and still I never tire of it, usually I’m up for holidays to some place new, I rarely like to visit the same place twice. The exception to that is Palm Springs for sure. Oh take me back. These images make me long for the piercing desert heat, especially now that winter is well and truly upon us. Enjoy these images (and the fashion) from Mister Zimi.

BEACH AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography: Hannah Blackmore  /  Interior: Three Birds Renovation  /  Art: Danielle Cross

Photography: Hannah Blackmore  /  Interior: Three Birds Renovation  /  Art: Danielle Cross

It’s the art trend we can’t get enough of – beach aerial photography. Adorning contemporary and coastal style homes, this style of art is truly breathtaking. We’ve rounded up our top 4 contenders in the beach photography market.

1 DANIELLE CROSS

Australian abstract artist Danielle Cross has expanded into photography lately, and we’re loving what we see. Initially we discovered Danielle’s artwork through Three Birds Renovations, who regularly showcase her artwork in their renovation projects. It’s not hard to see why Danielle has become a firm favourite of the Three Birds Renovations team – the beach prints really showcase the depth of colour in water and the patterns they can create. Our favourite piece from the collection is pictured below titled We Are Sole.

Photography: Hannah Blackmore  /  Interior: Three Birds Renovation  /  Art: Danielle Cross

Photography: Hannah Blackmore  /  Interior: Three Birds Renovation  /  Art: Danielle Cross


2 CLAUDIA CHLOE

Chloe Masco, owner of Claudia Chloe, uses photography as a tool to accentuate and simplify the beauty that surrounds her in her travels. It’s no surprise that growing up in Jersey Shore in the US, she is heavily influenced by the playfulness of the beach-goer lifestyle. Chloe’s photographs highlight the beauty of beach umbrellas, swimmers, holiday-makers and sandy shorelines. Chloe is based in the US, so you’ll need to contact her through her Etsy store to find out the cost of international shipping on her beautiful range of prints on canvas and paper. You’ll find an assortment of aerial beach photographic prints of Jersey Shore and Miami. Here are some of our favourites from her Etsy store (click here to shop the range).


3 AQUABUMPS

Aquabumps were definitely at the forefront of the beach photography trend, in fact, Aquabumps founder and sole photographer Eugene Tan has been capturing beaches since 1999! What initially started out as a website and daily email dedicated to early morning beach life, quickly turned into one of Australia’s leading print stores. There’s more than just aerial shots, however they’re probably some of our faves. From Sydney’s Northern Beaches to vibrant Rio De Janeiro, you’ll find an assortment of stunning beach photography from all across the globe. Click here to shop.


 4 SALTY WINGS

Salty Wings is headed up by two beach-loving friends Jampal Williamson and Michael Goetze – who use drones to capture Western Australia’s beautiful and often secluded beaches. Brilliant blues meet jade green hues, in Salty Wings’ vivid photographic prints. All prints are made and photographed in Western Australia too. Keeping it local has led this brand new business to gain quite the loyal following on Instagram. If you’re loving what you see here, you’ll need to add them to your feed – @saltywings for daily coastal inspiration. Think we might need to book a trip to WA quick-smart! Click here to shop their range of prints.

OZ DESIGN FURNITURE’S WINTER TRENDS

I have to say, this is OZ Design Furniture’s hottest collection to date – so many beautiful pieces of furniture and homewares that suit the very on-trend look of contemporary/Scandinavian interiors right now. I’ve put together a curated collection of my favourite looks from their latest Winter campaign and I think you’ll agree, there’s lots here to love. In particular, I love the new Amanda dining chairs, and that Ravi dining table and bench seats with copper legs. I think it would look equally good indoors as it would in an outdoor space. I’ve also been impressed with their collection of homewares and photographic art prints.

And from tomorrow, you’ll save 25% off in store and online with their EOFYS 3 day blitz sale. Ends Monday 27th June, so be quick! You can shop the range online by clicking here.

the hunt for the perfect light

I’m currently on the hunt for the perfect light for my living and dining areas. I’m leaning towards something with a mid-century flavour and in particular, something gold (what can I say, I’m a brass-junkie!). The ‘constellation’ style of light is hugely popular at the moment (especially in the US), although they can be a little hard to track down here in Australia. Today I’ve rounded up a few of my favourite pendant lights with serious wow-factor, and that yes, are available right here in Australia. I am obsessed with the striking ‘Aksel pendant light in brass from Beacon Lighting (also available in matte black), you can even adjust the arms to create your own unique shape, I love how they’ve configured it in the image above. The six light pendant is $895 (although currently reduced down to $805.50), so it’s a little on the pricey side, but the colour and style makes it a clear winner for me at this stage.

Other worthy contenders include West Elm’s ‘Mobile pendant in nickel (pictured above). It’s about half the price of the Aksel light, priced at $449. Whilst it is gorgeous and the perfect shape, I’m leaning more towards something in brass. They did stock it in the US West Elm stores in a brass colour, unfortunately it has sold out over there, and doesn’t look like they’ll be introducing this colour in this style of pendant to Australia. The nickel is still a classic choice, oh the decisions.

Anaesthetic’s ‘Constellation pendant (pictured right), is pretty awesome too. Unfortunately it is well and truly outside of my budget coming in at $1683. But if you’ve got the cash to splash, this could be the light for you!

Jardan’s ‘Emrypendant light (pictured above and to the left), has long been on my lust-list. I sometimes visit Brisbane’s Jardan store, just to stare at it like a crazed stalker! Its $1387 price tag (for its 5 arm pendant design in brass) is a little out of my price-range, but my gosh it fits the design brief in every way. Mid-century in style, tick! Brass in colour, tick! Perhaps I just need to save up for this absolute shining beauty.

Below I’ve rounded up some of my favourite pendant light styles.

DESTINATION: ORANA CACTUS WORLD

Orana Cactus World is a labour of love. It’s a magnificent garden and nursery located in the small town of Gilgandra, central NSW, about a six hour drive north-west of Sydney and about 45 minutes out of Dubbo. It is a quiet town with a small population of just 2700.

Words and photography: Jacqui Turk

On arrival the view of Orana Cactus World is spectacular. Tall and sculptural cactus rise high above the fence making their mark on the small town’s skyline. Nestled in-between neighbours, this impressive garden will excite anyone visiting. It’s hard not to stare in awe at all the spiky tentacles, knowing that they have taken years, in some instances decades, to grow.

Lester Meyers, has been here since 1972. His love of cactus lead him to purchase the half acre block to house his then growing cactus collection. A cactus enthusiast from a young age, Lester bought imported seeds from Mexico, seeking out new and interesting varieties. His collection has grown immensely over the years and he still has some of those original plants from imported seeds growing in his garden, over 40 years later.

Most of Lester’s plants are housed in a large greenhouse and all are grown from seed under his watchful eye. Cactus are sensitive to frost and Gilgandra can get frosty in winter. The greenhouse protects the plants from Gilgandra’s extremes. But the heat and lack of humidity are the optimum climate for cactus and succulent growing.

This garden is a must visit for any cactus and succulent fan. It is a long drive but the opportunity to speak to the inspirational Lester Meyers about his beautiful garden and possibly bring a cactus of your own home is definitely worthwhile.

Orana Cactus World is open most weekends or by appointment. Call Lester for address and to make sure its open before you make the long drive out!
P: 02 6847 0806.

Most of Lester’s plants are housed in a large greenhouse and all are grown from seed under his watchful eye...

MEET THE 5 NEW 'IT' PLANTS

Move over Fiddle Leaf Fig! There’s a new collection of ‘It’ plants – and that thankfully, are much easier to take care of!

1 SNAKE PLANT

Photography: Hannah Blackmore   /  Styling: Tarina Lyell

Photography: Hannah Blackmore   /  Styling: Tarina Lyell

Sansevieria Trifasciata, also called Snake Plant, Viper’s Bowstring Hemp, Mother-In-Law’s Tongue or Saint George’s Sword, adds just the right amount of spikiness and height to a space. It can grow up to 90cm in height, but we think it also looks wonderful on a smaller, less mature scale (like below). This good looker is also a multi-tasker, removing nasty toxins in the air! You’ve got to love that. Just don’t over water it. We think that’s a pretty easy task – got to love a low-maintenance plant.

This image and top image courtesy of The Balcony Garden  /  Photography: Hannah Blackmore

This image and top image courtesy of The Balcony Garden  /  Photography: Hannah Blackmore


2 DEVIL'S IVY

Epipremnum Aureum, commonly known as Golden Pothos, or Devil’s Ivy (among many other names), is almost impossible to kill, making it an ideal choice for any self-confessed black-thumb! This evergreen vine requires very little maintenance – it doesn’t need much light or too much water. Dimly lit rooms – Devil’s Ivy is your go-to plant! Its attractive heart-shaped leaves and lush long draping tendrils make this plant an incredibly popular choice. We think it works well in almost any situation – potted (like the Ivy Muse Calypso pot pictured opposite), sitting on a shelf, in a plant stand, on a console table – heck, anywhere that needs a green facelift!

Its attractive heart-shaped leaves and lush long draping tendrils make this plant an incredibly popular choice.


3 Monstera deliciosa

Artwork: Lamai Anne/  Photography: The Design Villa

Artwork: Lamai Anne/  Photography: The Design Villa

Lovers of lush tropical style, we’ve found the plant for you! Monstera Deliciosa is the perfect plant partner for warmer climates, growing best between 20–30°C. Not only does it look great potted, if you’re growing one outside in your garden, the leaves look fantastic cut and placed in a tall, thin vase. With many people now opting to decorate their interiors with foliage instead of flowers (for both economic and aesthetic reasons), the Monstera leaf adds coastal flavour to any room, and makes quite the statement. Or layer the leaves to create a unique table runner as pictured below.

Image above and right courtesy of Emily Henderson blog.Creative Direction & photography: Andrea PosadasStyling: Amanda Holstein

Image above and right courtesy of Emily Henderson blog.
Creative Direction & photography: Andrea Posadas
Styling: Amanda Holstein


4 ORCHID

Photography: Hannah Blackmore

Photography: Hannah Blackmore

Photography: Jacqui Turk  /  Interior: Steve CordonyImage courtesy of: Interiors Addict blog

Photography: Jacqui Turk  /  Interior: Steve Cordony
Image courtesy of: Interiors Addict blog

Ok, ok so orchids have been around for donkey years, and have always been popular among interior designers. That hasn’t stopped us from loving this elegant flowering plant, and that’s why it has been included in our top 5 list. An orchid can create serious sophistication in a home, and looks great potted en masse (as pictured right).

The orchid represents better value for money than your typical bouquet of flowers with the blossoms lasting a few months. They can take up to a year to re-bloom.

With so many varieties out there, you’ll never tire of this flowering beauty. The most common variety is the Phalaenopsis (pictured) and enjoys windowsill light and consistent moisture (water approximately every 7-10 days).

The orchid represents better value for money than your typical bouquet of flowers with the blossoms lasting a few months.

 

 


5 Rhipsalis

Photo: Annette O'Brien  /  Styling:  Alana Langan for Ivy Muse
Photography: Annette O'Brien  /  Styling: Alana Langan

Photography: Annette O'Brien  /  Styling: Alana Langan

Rhipsalis Baccifera, also known as Mistletoe cactus, is a tropical succulent native to rainforests in warm regions. Surprisingly, growing Rhipsalis requires shade to partial shade, making it perfect for using indoors. Like most cactus though it doesn’t like too much water, so be sure to not over water and keep the soil well-drained. We love Rhipsalis for its draping qualities, its pencil-thin stems make it perfect for a hanging pot (like the Ivy Muse ‘Saturn’ hanger pictured above) or simply place on a shelf to create dimension and add sculptural life to your interior (like opposite).

We love Rhipsalis for its draping qualities, its pencil-thin stems make it perfect for a hanging pot...