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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Room with a twist

If you are into all-white, Scandinavian-style interiors, do check out Wellington interior designer Charlotte Minty's great blog. Tapped into all things Scandi, she finds no end of inspirational homes. Love this one. The only thing I find a bit strange is the tiny shower room off the bedroom. It would be like showering in a cupboard. Images via Fantastic Frank reblogged from Charlotte Minty. Click on them for a larger view.

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Bookworms

I've been a bookworm since I discovered Enid Blyton. Tales of towering trees and the adventures of Timmy the dog coloured my childhood. For as long as I can remember I've had at least one book on the go and have developed a rather unhealthy fascination with crime novels (what's that about?) It's no surprise then that the house of my dreams has a proper library – a cosy space with comfy chairs that I'd retreat to whenever I had a spare moment. Sadly, there are no rooms left in our current house to dedicate to books so I'm making do with a huge, floor-to-ceiling bookcase in an converted hallway just off the kitchen. We're planning how it will look now. Here's some inspiration. Click on the images for a closer view.

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