I love an all-stops train to Quirk-ville and this week’s Real Room is just that; an eclectic living space that embraces interesting art and casual furniture while giving a generous nod to craftiness. It’s the home of Canberra Creative Jenna Bain, who like me admits to finding editing a challenge in her home when it’s filled with so many much-loved pieces. She also admits that not everything in her space matches perfectly, which I think is what makes this room so good!
You all responded so well to Cathy Elsmore’s glorious before-and-after boudoir that I had to do a bit of a back-by-popular-demand scenario and show you another room in her home. This time around, I’m showcasing her lovely living room, which sports an on-trend black, yellow and white colour palette and is filled with my favourite things – cushions! Read on for more photos and Cathy’s vision for the room.
Something really must be said about traditional Christmas colours; they take me right back to being a child in the eighties, before stylists turned the festive season blue and pink and orange and lime green. This year, IKEA has released its Christmas decorations in hues I can’t help but smile over; glorious gold and silver plus a generous dose of green and red. What can I say? I want it all and I need it all – immediately if not sooner! No, really, someone get me to IKEA before I throw a tantrum (just like in the eighties).
A friend of mine recently told me she was at a loss when it came to decorating around her brown leather sofa. She had tried adding turquoise accessories but admitted that it felt a little expected (I have to agree with her there). Here are a few ideas to ensure your brown couch – be it leather or upholstered – is used successfully in your space and plays well with your other pieces.
It’s no secret that I would move into an IKEA showroom given half the chance; my love for IKEA is that strong. What has made me even more smitten with the place is their recent mission to encourage us all to make time for living. You know, put the phone down, step away from the email and let something magical happen. Are you up for the challenge?
1 | I scored this bunny when I attended last week’s TheHome Spring Launch and finally gave him a home this weekend on my partner’s desk. I’m yet to name him, but I’ve concluded that he’s a bit of a ladies man who doesn’t mind a bit of a shandy here and there. Rather fitting then that I placed him beside my Pigeon & Weasel candle; he feels right at home here!
Apart from the gorgeous Stockholm collection and their amazing new kitchen showroom, one of the big things to come out of the IKEA event I attended last week was their announcement to focus on the family for 2014. Living with kids was a large part of this focus. So, dear parents, this one’s for you; a look at five fabulous ideas from IKEA that will make your kids room fun for them and still easy on the eye for you. (This is just like an episode of Super Nanny but without the naughty spot!).
1 | Etsy is like that rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland; it’s a whole world of amazing that I don’t want to come back from. I came across the wondrous Camp Koodle this week and had this frame made for me by founder and creative Katie Koodle. It was a gift for my Mother-in-Law and it was very well received indeed. Contact Katie and have your own made up or take a look at her other marvellous creations over in her store.
I did a bit of a clean up on Saturday and thought it might be a good opportunity to show you inside my home. After all, the cats were behaving, the sun was shining and I was busy killing time trying to avoid doing homework for my course (procrastination is something I’ve become very skilled at). So here you go, Creatives, it’s not the stuff magazines are made of – but nobody lives in the magazines anyway – so take a squiz and let me know what you think.
1 | I had my socks rocked off this week when I got my hands on this amazing trio of concrete candle holders from Melbourne company Sarai Homewares. Available in a range of colours – including neon – these three holders are made and set in recycled moulds, which is all rather environmentally friendly! The company also stocks my other love – cushions – and more!
