Space Healer

Time = Good Design

2012-03-01T23:04:00.006+11:00

My ears pricked up just now. Sitting on my lounge entrenched in a document, I couldn't help but pay attention when Grand Designs' Kevin McCloud said:

"Good design is not about spending money, it's about spending time"

Oh so SO so true!

In our busy world where every minute must convert to a dollar it's just too easy to lose sight of the importance of time. Time to create and design is intrinsic to a successful outcome.

We certainly appreciate our clients who understand this and give us the gift of time.

Here's some good design I specified for a client recently - the stunning Hagia Coffee Table from Kenneth Cobonpue. It took a while to find the ideal solution for this client and it was worth the wait. It is perfect and ticks all the boxes!

It's bed time for me. Night night all.

My Online Shop Give-A-Ways

2012-02-27T12:51:00.011+11:00

We have a beautiful office tucked away near the National Park in Mosman and it's full to the brim with divine things that people never get to see or enjoy.

Often we are required to buy our fabrics and knick-knacks in bulk and we tend to have things leftover as a consequence. It has been bothering me for sometime that so many lovely things are not being enjoyed. Therefore I have decided to give one beautiful thing away quite frequently so my beautiful things can be enjoyed by you beautiful people.

China Seas Fabric Yellow Ikat Front Face

Cloth Fabric Blue and White Back Face

Here's how it's going to work:

-You need to like us on facebook.

-When you see our give-a-way hit your facebook page act fast.

-The first 5 people to post one of our online shop products (any product you like) to their facebook page will go in the draw to win that week's prize. Yes first 5 people only so it's great odds to win!

-Your post must include a heartfelt description on why you love that product and how you would use it in your home.

-It must include an image with a link to our Complete Pad product page for that item.

-On your post you must tag our Complete Pad facebook page.

-You must arrange to collect the prize (or cover freight if you choose to have us arrange it for you).

-The 5 names will be drawn from a 'hat', so to speak, with integrity.

THIS PRIZE IS FOR:
One 50 x 50cm Yellow Ikat China Seas fabric cushion cover with the back face in a gorgeous blue & white patterned Cloth fabric. It comes with a 100% feather infill. It is so super cute and bright. The retail value of this cutie would be in excess of $250. China Seas is a very sort after exclusive US fabric label with a 5 yard minimum so you don't tend to see this ikat pattern around alot making this cushion unique and very special.

Good luck everyone!

B
x

My Wrought Iron Outdoor Setting

2012-02-23T08:44:00.002+11:00

Last night at 7pm I received my much anticipated delivery from my Central Coast Antique dealer. Last week they posted this amazing wrought iron outdoor setting on their facebook page at a very low price. I snapped it up without giving it a seconds thought.

And boy am I glad I did.

Isn't she a beauty!

I knew it was most likely an American piece.

The setting came with 4 seat pads with the name Mary Valentine embroidered on each one. Does anyone know the history of this furniture? There was also a tag that said 'produced by Biebl Design'. I can't find anything on the net so if anyone can shed some light on the subject I would be interested to know.

My Cotton Lace Curtains

2012-02-22T05:59:00.005+11:00

I have long been dreaming of cotton lace curtains billowing softly in my home. This dream began some years ago when I saw Maggie Tabberer's home featured in the Woman's Weekly. Her poolside lace curtains had me hook, line and sinker.

Maggie's curtains are just so exquisite don't you think! These images are from the lovely 'Simply Natural' blog and author Catherine features more on Maggie's home here.

After researching lace curtains some more I stumble across Keri's gorgeous post on her blog 'Driftwood Interiors'. Keri showcases Marcella Kaspar's home (coincidentally Maggie's home in a past life) and I also think her lace curtains pictured above are very special.

For my lace curtains I wanted something a little unexpected to go with my poolside terracotta clad floors and 70's homely vibe. I wanted a vintage look you could say.

I soon discovered I had my work cut out for me. Souring such a look wasn't so easy especially when on a budget!

One thing was for sure they had to be all cotton. No voile no way!

I purchased my stunning Madras Cotton Lace panels from a woman in America who was selling them at a steal. They are a discontinued line from the Morton Young and Borland Company that specialises in manufacturing Cotton Lace on original Nottingham lace looms and Scotch Leno Gauze Weave.

I bought extra for future client's, but if they tickle your fancy I'd be delighted to have you enjoy them too at this very special price.

One BIG rug and one BIG artwork!

2012-02-20T10:54:00.014+11:00

I do love the evolving process of residential design however tackling a commercial brief quickly, realistically and appropriately certainly appeals to my business acumen.

Commercial spaces have an entirely different agenda and often require a specific custom solution. Often that solution needs to be BIG! As was the case with this massively oversized rug and artwork I recently installed into this office foyer.

We commissioned this stunning artwork from one of our favourite artists Sophie Taggart and teamed it with a custom designed goat hair rug from Tretford. We also installed three Sea Reed sculptures to imbue a sea side sentiment whilst not being overtly seaside.

And of course commercial grade fabric for some industrial strength benches were sourced and manufactured.

At the last moment, artworks for two more walls were added to the brief but not to the budget!

Quick on our feet we painted up a series of inexpensive fish plaques and hung them in a row to create a bespoke piece that effectively filled up the long wall.

We did the same to this seagull panel we sourced from a local retailer.

The client was very happy and so were we. It was certainly a big improvement to the mass of grey they had previously.

Talent

2012-02-19T12:17:00.008+11:00

Yesterday my film editor husband, Jas, spoke to a industry audience at a new seminar series run by Tropfest ‘Rough Cut’. Our wonderful Australian of the year, Jeffery Rush, also spoke at this event. Jas said it was a sensational day full of inspiring stories.

Last night Jas shared some highlights with me and I just loved what Jeffery Rush said about ‘Talent’. He advised the aspiring film makers not to be overly consumed with promoting themselves. In his words ‘The cream always rises to the top’. ‘If you are truly talented’, he said, ‘acknowledgement will always find you’.

I thought this was so very true with a liberating and powerful sub message for today's world of hyper social media - Let's move away from our ego and just get on with our craft!

Wallpaper Perfection

2012-02-14T10:20:00.000+11:00

To me this is wallpaper heaven.

I have been in love with this paper for a while now and I still absolutely adore it. Looking at it again has put a smile on my dial! So fresh and comfortable don't you think?

Our Kitchen Chandeliers

2012-02-08T22:20:00.003+11:00

Homes really do have a voice. Hearing what a home is saying is by far the most intriguing part of my job. Communicating this voice with a concept on par with the budget is exactly the challenge I love.

Until we decide to do the full renovation I am healing our new home by employing some affordable and appropriate details that imbue a cosy 70's family charm that I hear my walls whispering.

The 70's vibe that I am channeling is completely infectious. It has made me decorate our home in a style that is somewhat new for me.

When I saw these gorgeous (and affordable) shell chandeliers I was thrilled.

And even more thrilled when I discovered they measured the exact drop to cover our three halogen lights that sat above our kitchen island.

They turned out better than I ever imagined (and not just because they make our 80's terracotta floor seem slightly more desirable)!

Your can purchase these gorgeous shell Chandeliers here for $95 each.
Do they talk 70's to you?
B
x

The end of an Era

2012-02-06T14:14:00.005+11:00

I am back! After an extended maternity leave with Darci I am offically back at work today. Although I must say as a business owner I use the term 'maternity leave' rather loosely.

Our Hugh

The days of bringing my sleepy newborns to the office (and once not so sleepy lovingly proping them in baskets to support their little bodies) are all over.

Our Ashley

It's the end of an era for me.

Our Darci

I am grateful I have these photos to remember these precious moments spent at my office with my three children.

I am also grateful that Darci after 9 months of 'milking it' so to speak finally took the bottle allowing me to return to work today.

A special thanks to my wonderful team who have supported me endlessly over the past five something years. Whether helping me cart all the paraphernalia that goes with bub or walking my unsettled wee-ones allowing me to take a call - I couldn't have done it without you!

Evolution

2012-02-01T13:31:00.001+11:00

It is my oldest child's, Hugh's, first day at school today. Reaching this milestone has made me stop to acknowledge the wonderful little guy he is today and marvel at the potential of who he will become. As his continual evolution unfolds I recognise that I am undergoing my own design evolution at the moment. Our new house and growing family has heightened my appreciation for history and significance. I see this evolution reflected in the types of materials and furnishings I am selecting both for our home and my client's. It is a welcome change that I am embracing wholeheartedly.

I love this photo Jas took whilst we were holidaying in Fiji.

It reminds me of the classic drawing we have seen many times before depicting mans evolution.

Are you undergoing an evolution at the moment?

Ken Done - A blast from my past

2012-01-28T13:09:00.000+11:00

While our kids are at the zoo I have popped into my office for a few hours. Coming to my studio on a weekend is so delightful. The stillness is so rejuvenating and I can focus.

Just now, on my way back from the bathroom, I stopped by my neighbour's studio Framing Workshop to say a quick hello and I notice a Ken Done print on their walls. Apparently Richard does a lot of Ken's framing. This print was of one of Ken's older painting depicting his art studio in Mosman situated above beautiful Chinamen's Beach The Cabin Studio. I was amazed to see how Ken's work painted back in 1980 conjured the same mood that I am trying to create in my new home. I notice many similarities especially in the furnishings.

During my preteens Ken Done was massive. His vibrant graphics and designs covered everything and anything from bikinis to coasters to Olympic posters. He was not only our local Mosman legend but our international one.

Around the same time Stuart Membery was another Aussie Mosman superstar, but I am planning another post about Stu later. Briefly however, the gorgeous Stuart Membery Jamaica lounge which I am currently importing from Stu in Bali is most similar to the one in Ken's painting don't you think?

And the bamboo door curtain I recently bought off ebay for our childrens playroom also features here in Ken's painting.

Now that my curiosity in Ken Done has been rekindled I wanted to know more. His recent works are truly sublime. I just gave Amanda a call at the Ken Done gallery situated in The Rocks and she tells me Ken, now in his 70's, has moved away from his design work and is focusing solely on his fine arts. I am truly blown away by his current collection. His Viridian Sea Garden painted last year is my idea of art perfection. What do you think?

PS:

If anyone is looking for a bamboo door curtain, this ones on ebay looks vintage chic, unique & fabulous. And at $5 a real bargain. Our kids love theirs and it has made their space fun and inviting rather than just another room off our corridor. Hearing where they are within the house as the bamboo tinkers softly like rain is both reassuring and soothing. I am a big fan!

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Macrame Love!

2012-01-25T21:40:00.000+11:00

I am completely obsessed with macrame at the moment. It all started here with my Mother-in-Laws macrame owl, proudly adorning her car dash. She made it many moons ago and for me it was love at first sight. Textured, earthy and wise, a winning combination in my book.

I recently bought this fabulous vintage macrame plant hanger. It fits my home like a glove. I feel grounded when I walk past it and in tune with a generation of woman who valued different things to me.....the things my Mum valued such as making time to make her husband a lovely home cooked meal.

This morning I emailed a client some stage 2 suggestions for their lovely beach side home. I am hoping they like this image I found of a macrame wall hanging as much as I do.

Isn't it just the perfect solution when a bit of tone on tone texture is required! I'll keep you posted on their reaction!

PS: I was inspired tonight to make Jas some homemade sweet & sour pork. As my universe would have it he's working back late!

Tree Of Life Artwork Giveaway

2012-01-19T09:19:00.000+11:00

Not a week goes by where we don't sell one of these lovely Tree Of Life carved artworks through my online shop. I think they are really beautiful.

I wonder if it's the spiritual symbolism and deeper meaning behind this piece that attracts my customers. Or it is purely because it is a stunning piece in a rare triptych formate (set across three square panels). It would indeed make a terrific (and affordable) 180cm wide bedhead.

Made from mangowood each panel measures 60cm wide 60cm high 4cm deep. They come in a variety of colours;

To celebrate the launch of my new blog I will be giving one of these lovely pieces away to an Aussie follower. To enter, simply sign up to start following my blog and leave a comment on how this Tree Of Life artwork would heal your space or the space of someone close to you.

My Furniture Design

2012-01-18T00:17:00.000+11:00

My lovely friend and interior designer buddy Mina came over for a swim last week. While she was visiting my home she asked where I got my console table from. I had a little chuckle and said ‘it’s a Bronnie original’.

I designed this stainless steel mesh console table back in 1998 at university. Being a particularly practical person it was my intent to design a piece of furniture that was completely functional, as well as unique and beautiful.

At the time I was very inspired by the super stylish French interior designer Andrée Putman. I still am today. Her strong minimal yet feminine style is so elegant. Putman used stainless steel mesh in a few of her designs (pictured above) and I was instantly drawn to this stunning and underused material. I found the purity of its texture and colour completely tantalising.

I thought it would be a gorgeous material for an indoor / outdoor console. I imagined the sun streaming through it when outside and the light of a lamp shimmering on it's flawless surface when inside.

Nearly 14 years on this console table has always found a spot in my homes. Although it needs a good polish after being outside at our previous home, it will remain a special piece reminding me of 4 wonderful years at univeristy.
B
x

Custom Scatter Cushions just for me!

2012-01-13T23:48:00.001+11:00

This week I have been playing with lots of lovely fabrics & trims for some scatter cushions for our daybed at home.

Reflecting on the 3 fabrics I have selected for my scatter cushions I notice how much they symbolise me and my style:

The vintage floral for my feminine sensual side

The bold ikat pattern for my earthy bohemian side

The Belgium linen stripe for my casual classic side

And of course I have spent many hours deliberating over the details of each cushion. The gorgeous blue and white vintage rose fabric needs to be spiced up a little. I am considering trimming two sides of each cushion with a stunning tassel trim. These other lovely accessories are for an oversized bolster cushion in a plain fabric.

I also found some gorgeous vintage wooden toggles from an online button shop. Just perfect for the homely feel I am going for.

Customised cushions in special fabrics should be viewed as wonderful unique pieces of art for your home. Designed to sit within your space in perfect harmony, completing the interior and making you smile.

My first post

2012-01-05T01:27:00.002+11:00

I have a few questions for you blog world; Does this feel right to commit to this blog right now? How does it all work? Will people mind if I go M.I.A at times? I guess only time will tell.

Here's my first image to share with you...Jason my husband took it from our living room on the first day that our new home really felt like 'our' home. My very special friend Letitica emailed me an explanation on what it means when a Kookaburra comes to visit you as an animal totem or messenger. It was quite amazing and now reflecting on it again very in keeping with the name I chose for my blog. "A Kookaburra has a very powerful healing energy, and its presence in your life can indicate a time when profound healing is occurring. This healing is not just happening to you, but to people around you, and creates a more healthful ripple effect that creates positive changes to come".

It would be lovely if my little blog has this effect on both me and my readers.