In the pink

This makes me smile every time I see it. To me it looks like the exteriors equivalent of a beautiful ballerina-like gown, or an amazingly feminine floral display. Pink – especially the right shade – is such a happy colour.

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Show me the shoe

Ok shoe-lovers. Now that I have your attention. What do you think of this as an idea? Great way to store your shoes? I love it.

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Throw me a throw

I'm a little over contrasting throws. But I adore them when their sole purpose is to add texture and warmth, rather than colour. These just make me want to sit and stroke them.

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Stitch in time...

This is so cute. Designed by Norwegian artist Siren Elise Wilhelmsen, it's a clock that actually knits as time progresses. After two years of time stitching on, you have a 2m long scarf.

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Paradise found

Check this out. Imagine sleeping here. You might imagine only an exhibitionist would enjoy it but it's actually a building on a private island (somewhere Scandinavian I think). Bliss.

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The view from my desk

I admit I've been a bit interiored out lately. I've been struggling with finding inspirational stuff to share with you. It's probably a combination of the big Xmas shoots I've been doing for House & Garden and the fact that I've been working like mad to get the house finished. But I noticed a strange (ha!) thing the other day. This is a pic of the view from my desk. I realise now how similar it is to my Mac screensaver below. Delete the ferns and it's very close indeed. Talk about the power of visualisation.

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Ahead of the bed

We're back in the house. Can't say I can see much of it – there are boxes everywhere – but at least I'm no longer cooking in a workshop next to the weed-eater and old paint cans. Now comes the exciting bit when we start to pull it all back together. We still have no wardrobes, no bookcases, things still need painting and the exterior is a total mess but we're sleeping in our own bed (albeit looking at a big hole in the ceiling where a speaker will eventually go). I'm looking forward to making the finishing touches. High on my list is an upholstered headboard. Headboards make a huge difference to a room. If you're after one, too, a great place to look is the new website of Lis Burt, formerly of Mercatini. Called Privato, it offers a fabulous made-to-order luxury headboard range – from buttoned to paneled to studded. I'm thinking panels in our room, in either black satin, linen or velvet. Yum...

Here are some more images of headboard treatments, some a little over-the-top but you get the picture.

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French rules

I'm in two minds about this house. I've just finished a feature for the Dom Post on how French interiors are coming back into fashion. (The look has seemed just a bit stale for a few years but it's now everywhere I go.) I do like this house – a lot – but bits of it seem silly. I love the colour scheme in the lounge and the huge urn of hydrangeas but I'm completely underwhelmed by the mirror above that contemporary fireplace. Adore the branches on the dining table, ditto the tapestry but not sure abut the dresser. Kind of like the kitchen but – really – too many pots. And those curtains and lined up pots in the sunroom are sort of silly. But something really does work. What do you reckon? Click on the images for a closer view.

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Potty about pots

Wouldn't you love your very own little potting shed? Somewhere to potter around and reflect on the beauty of nature. You could grow herbs and flowers and no end of botanical treasures. Mine would look something like this.

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So much love...

Annie Oxborough describes herself as a botanical stylist. What that means is that she's a clever florist with a well-developed sense of what's fashionable. If you're not already familiar with her beautiful work, pay a visit to Auckland's The Department Store where she runs a shop within the Simon James Concept Store or visit her here. And if you're on the hunt for a florist for your wedding, check these out. Soooooo gorgeous. Photography: Sutherland and Kovich/Mag Rouge. Click on the images for a closer view.

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The beautiful life

Love this little French beauty. It was decorated by an American stylist now permanently living la belle vie. I particularly ♥ the living room, especially the furniture placement. And how magical is that garden? But I'm not so sure I'd like to sit my well-padded bottom on those un-cushioned kitchen chairs. Click on the images for a closer view. Reblogged from French By Design.

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Grrrr...

Traditional animal photography can be so cutesy. Not this. Sharon Montrose is a portrait photographer with a difference. If you haven't already discovered her work take a look here. Domestic pets, wild animals... they all look very happy to be photographed. Bemused even. (She also has a puppy called Bird, which I've always thought was a great name for a dog.) Click on the images for a closer view and buy here.

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A touch of spring

Should come as no surprise that this pretty house is the work of former Designers Guild stylist Liza Giles. Doesn't it make you think of spring? Click on the image for a closer view. Images by James Merrell, reblogged from Snoop.

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