Saturday, September 26, 2009

In My House - the shop!






This is the second time I have set up a shop and it doesn't get any easier... But hey it is pretty good fun and here is my latest venture, still a work in progress.
In My House is in Berry, a small historic town 2 hours south of Sydney. The countryside is idyllic - all green rolling hills running down to lovely beaches. The town used to be well known for its antiques but this all died away in the past decade. That is why I am pleased to be bringing back some vintage mixed with new. The "old mixed with new" thing is my point of difference and don't most of us have that sort of mix in our houses?
I have found some excellent craftspeople in the area who help me restore furniture, not to mention one lady in particular who makes fabulous cushions and soft furnishings. 
Pics: The garden corner features beautiful hand-made, rustic garden products from Heaven In Earth which is a local business set up by Jocelyn Van Hoven who originally hails from Conneticut, USA. Very Martha! I painted the dresser lime green and rubbed it back to show the pink underneath.
Aqua Chair: This is an original Parker Knoll chair from England which I had restored and covered in an American linen.
Seaside Corner: Berry is a stop off point for people heading down to beachside weekenders so its great to stock some white-washed firniture, shells, coral and driftwood.
Garden Setting: I love that the shop opens onto a garden laneway. I am collecting architectural bits and pieces, like gates and doors which I put out here.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Back At The Beach






I was talking to Thea about her new home furnishing fabrics yesterday, which are gorgeous by the way, and she said the shop must be taking all my attention as she noticed I hadn't blogged for a while.
Well I am going to take some photos of the shop today to show you (and Thea) what it's like.
For today though, I thought I'd share another beachy place on the south coast I have done a story about.
The Balinese house at Werri Beach is one of the best I have seen in this genre. This style of decorating has become almost like fast food here in Australia as there are "Bali" shops selling cheap knic knacs in every town. Andre, the owner, built this house new and managed to achieve a fabulous relaxing resort-style atmosphere with clever landscaping and architectural details. It helps that he actually imports these huge wooden doors and stone baths...

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Collecting Beach Inspiration




Just thought I would share with you some of the images that are going on my mood board/scrapbook of beach house ideas. Isn't that lime and white striped door fabulous? I already have some red and white doors which I am going to install in the big cottage.... but I am now thinking about a lime and white door too.
Also loving the re-use of sails in soft furnishings. That will be popping up at my shop soon.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Beach Cottage Decorating Project






The little houses we are renovating have now got a name -"The Seafarers Cottages" and their facelift is well underway.
The biggest change so far has been the windows. We replaced all the old brown aluminum sliders with old wooden windows which we have collected from tips, building sites and op shops over the years. The new old windows match in beautifully with the original wooden windows and really contribute to the rustic old-world vibe.
I am contemplating exterior paint colours and an overall theme for the interiors and have some inspiring pics here to share.
If anyone has other great seaside cottage pics - please post them!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

More from Marina





I just had to put in some more pics I found of Marina's beach house at Hyams Beach. Love daughter Stephanie's lilac bedroom and the little vignettes Marina has created on tables and shelves.
The beach at Hyams is stunning - it reputedly has the whitest sand in the world.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Marina's Place






In my search for beach shack inspiration I came across another of my friends' beach houses. Marina bought this old fibro holiday house at Hyams Beach a few years back and didn't want to spend a fortune doing it up as she assumed her husband would just want to knock it down and rebuild! 
She painted it fun colours and hunted around op shops for quirky furniture and objects. I think she did a great job and has quite a few fans in the holiday rental market.
Holiday bookings: 02 444 30242.