vintage lovin’ at reclaim in newtown

I’m a huge fan of vintage decor; I love that a piece has lived a life and has a story to tell. I had been eyeing off Reclaim in Newtown for some time for this very reason. Not only is it filled to the brim with homewares, fashion and stationery that I have seen nowhere else, but it also has the added bonus of being owned and operated by the glorious Monica Trapaga – jazz singer and Play School alumni! The store is a collection of her favourite things (and now some of mine, too!).

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real rooms; jourdan’s bright and bold bedroom

I love a bold bedroom. Sure, all white with hints of beiges, browns and sandy greys might evoke a real sense of calm, but I’m just not able to be that disciplined when it comes to colour. Clearly Jourdan Parker feels the same way, because this bedroom in this Yeronga home showcases high velocity hue that makes no apologies!

real room: sam’s dreamy open plan home

I love open plan living and the dividing up of a space into zones using furniture. This week’s Real Room does just that – and exceptionally well, might I add. The beachside suburb of Glenelg is the setting for this lovely abode, the home of Creative Sam Cannell. What’s not to love about a space that’s so light, bright, and gives a gentle nod to a coastal vibe without a literal item in sight!?

this week’s top seven creative finds

1 | I love a local set of Creatives making some uniquely Aussie products and the team from Kitchen Ink have not disappointed this week. Get a load of my brand new Mr & Mr pillow case set in all its black and white glory. It’s playing particularly well with my polka dot bedspread and you’ll notice little Oswald there having the time of this life too. They’re also available in Mrs & Mrs and Mr and Mrs sets – too good!

real rooms: cheryl pryce’s bedroom sanctuary

To kick off The Life Creative’s Real Rooms, I thought it was patriotic that we started in the nations capital. This charming bedroom sanctuary belongs to Canberra native Cheryl Pryce; a public servant who is about to embark on an interior design course (is there any better course?). Sharing the 1970’s townhouse with her daughter, two dogs and two cats, Cheryl’s spent the last six weeks recovering from a car accident, which is why this bedroom has become so vital.

this week’s top seven creative finds

1 | It was Mumma Creatives 60th birthday on Saturday, so I pulled my craft box out (yes, I am a 31 year old man with a craft box!) and made some personalised gift tags using paint card samples from Bunnings. I love using these cards because the range of colours is just amazing. With the help of a balloon-shaped hole punch I got from Lincraft, I made my own little gift tags that are very one-of-a-kind. What do you think?

inside the simply beautiful papaya, mosman

When the team from Papaya invited me for an exclusive tour of their Mosman store last week, it’s safe to say I was a little beside myself. I’ve been a longtime fan of the brand, always rather fond of their contemporary designs and use of raw materials. When I stepped into the interior of this North Sydney oasis, it was like being transported into another universe, where I lost my mind in the best way possible and am not certain I have it back yet.

my ikea winter living room makeover

When the team at IKEA contacted me to take part in their blogger challenge – where you’re given $200 to add some winter warmth to your space – it was less of a challenge and more of an all-stops train to Blissville. I’ve been an IKEA addict since birth (my first word was Karlskrona), so adding more of their wares to my existing collection was a glorious experience indeed.

how to achieve a hamptons inspired home

I first came to appreciate the subdued sophistication of a Hamptons-inspired interior when I tuned into The Real Housewives of New York City five seasons ago (don’t judge me!) and saw those wealthy women at their holiday houses. The laidback look of this home decor style really appeals to me, along with the crisp and clean feeling it embodies. So, how does one achieve the look? Let’s explore it shall we?

this week’s top seven creative finds

1 | I was smiling from ear to ear when my glorious business cards arrived this week courtesy of the graphic design genius Amber Stapff at Sprowt Graphic Design. The entire process was seamless. Amber really understood the vibe of the blog and incorporated all the key elements I was after; the black circle, the chevron, my lowercase tlc and the colours I was looking for. I am absolutely in love with them. What do you think?