​On a particularly wet and windy wintry afternoon, it seems fitting to be talking about fireplaces and how they really can add both style and warmth (form and function) to your home. My husband (my resident painter) and I embarked on the journey from talk to walk about 2 years ago, and haven’t looked back. It's easy to take things for granted once we’re used to them, but I was reminded of the cold, dull old days when I came across the “before” photos of our home which we bought as a do-up. This is the slightly glorified real estate photo of the room.

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​But as mentioned, on days like today, it’s more than appropriate to stop and remember, followed by thoughts of appreciation for the transformation, and the privilege of living with warmth. This fireplace is gas, and we’re fortunate these days that gas fires can look quite realistic, and that designs are stylish and sleek. Our lounge room is not large, and so we opted for the TV over the fireplace to save space, and took great care in our measurements to ensure that we both complied with regulations and also positioned it well for TV viewing, and also future proofing the cavity size in the knowledge that the TV will need to be replaced one day. So far, so good. (The camera can't seem to pick up the flames from a distance).

​So, if you’re in the market for home heating, I’d recommend that you take care in the process. Seek out different options and opinions. Get advice from the professionals on what product is right for your situation. It’s too important (and too costly) to mess up.

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Over recent years, through my work in interiors, I have more and more come to recognise the value of floor rugs. They really do play a huge role in our home, not just in function but also in aesthetics.
Rugs naturally add warmth, both literally and aesthetically to our home, and also can contribute to sound absorption, which is really helpful in busy environments. Traditionally it has probably been more in wooden floored homes that rugs have been used and many think that if a room is already carpeted, we have no need of adding anything extra to the floor space. But in actuality one of the key roles a rug plays is that of giving definition to a particular area. I think in our modern era of home design where our living spaces in particular tend to be very open plan, a well-placed floor rug can turn an all-in-together look, into a zoned off seated lounging area which invites relationship and relaxation. Of course the rug needs to look like it belongs, either in a subtle way, supporting the themes and tones of the area, or, it can hold centre stage that demands attention and be the base piece on which other styling decisions are made. I like to see some contrast existing between couches and rugs, which in turn means that one makes the other stand out, but my eye also loves to see harmony…..and my brain very quickly makes lovely connections when colours, textures and patterns are picked out in other design features in the space through items of décor and soft furnishings.
There is such a glut of gorgeous options on the market today. I recently visited the Signature Rugs showroom in Auckland and was inspired and heartened by the range of design and quality. From hides to shag piles to beautiful wool blends with designs that truly are a piece of art, we’re spoiled for choice. So my advice is to rug up, adding some warmth, depth and definition to your living areas that welcome you home each time you walk in the door.

​I gotta say, I’m a big fan of occasional chairs. I love the fact that there is such huge variety available and I never seem to tire of looking and admiring them. Chairs are the classic example of a piece of furniture being not just all about function, but also about form. A single chair gives us the opportunity to be a bit (or a lot) more daring than we would be with a whole lounge suite. It gives us the opportunity to say “this space is not just a place where stuff happens, but also a place where I happen!” It allows us room and licence to be expressive and dramatic, adding something of great colour and design that commands attention…somehow expressing something of who we are. It becomes part of, or maybe more so forms the basis of, the accents and accessories in the room….kind of the place where furniture and homewares meet.
I love helping clients choose the style and covering for their chair….it’s where it starts to get exciting! And I can visibly see the client’s excitement grow too, as they begin to visualise something ….a space…that will look lovely, and it’s their space.
So let me encourage you to think beyond function alone….think about something that might be your favourite piece for years to come. Find a corner, a nook, or better still, a prime position where a chair can take up residence and add some beauty and vitality to your living room. Here’s to chairs!!

​Have you ever perused the glossy interiors magazines and loved what you’ve seen, but feel more than a little inadequate in creating something lovely in your own home? Pulling colour and design together, creating an environment that reflects your own style and still functions well, can be a daunting experience for many. I, on the other hand love it!! I’m a visualiser, and I consider it a privilege to work alongside all sorts of different people, with a variety of tastes and preferences, and help them make those decisions. And it’s amazing how many different combinations of colour, texture and design not only “work”, but in fact can look totally stunning.
When consulting with clients, I always ascertain what (if anything) in the space is “non-negotiable”. In other words, are there pieces of artwork, a favourite vase, or a piece of furniture which they definitely want to keep in the room. I find that that tells me a lot about their taste, and tends to become an anchor in how future choices are made – particularly if there are some strong colours involved.
Often an Interiors Consultant will put together a mood-board – with samples of paint colours flooring, fabrics, pictures of possible homeware items, etc that together build a theme for consideration. It helps the client to visualise the possibilities, and then with discussion, progress can be made in how to proceed, to reach the desired outcome. And it’s very satisfying for both the client and me when it all comes together, and looks amazing – a space that not only functions well, but is lovely to look at and truly reflects the personality of the client, and the character of their home: a live-able, love-able masterpiece!

Boy oh boy, did we ever have enough of winter, down under! I’m sure you’re like me and are grabbing on to every warm ray that the sun manages to push through the spring rain clouds. And there’s nothing quite like the sun’s warmth on my skin to fill me with hope and rejuvenation.
After months of dishing up soup and hot buttered toast, I’m once again slicing up tomatoes and avocados. Praise be!!! And after the richer, warmer tones of winter, it’s time to break out the cooler, bright and breezy hues that the warmer seasons invite. You may even dare to go beyond just swapping out your cushions, throws and vases, and breathe new life into a few dowdy pieces of furniture that seem to be past their use-by-date.
Lucky for me I have The Painter!! (I wish every home could have one). With an application of undercoat and a couple of sprayed topcoats, these cane pieces have been saved the trip to a recycling centre, and have taken on a touch of coast. It’s certainly a cost effective way to spruce up a lifeless corner. And with a few fresh cushions, a throw and some eye-catching homeware pieces, you’re ready to cross the threshold from Toast to Coast!!!

While winter is most definitely my least favourite season, I have been enjoying some warm rich earthy tones and textures, both indoors and out. We often hear the phrase “a good indoor/outdoor flow”, mostly used by real estate agents when describing a home, and naturally we think of how that enables our home life in the summer months. But we can also create an indoor/outdoor flow with tones and textures, fragrances and flickering logs, and actually make the most of what winter has to offer. It doesn’t take a lot of time or money to create a warm winter feel to your home, and the living spaces are the ideal rooms to focus on. Home décor in the way of cushions and throws - maybe some warm earthy tones, including russet and metallic bronze, or maybe some strong reds, oranges and auburns, plus a few pots and vases – let alone an array of gorgeous and abundant foliage that nature provides to go in them – are some obvious choices for grooming your room for winter. Maybe in your own garden, or a Sunday afternoon walk in your neighbourhood could produce a lovely collection of leafy brushwood, seed pods and bare twiggy stems that once placed in some urns, jugs or vases, make a great show and give a fresh look to a sideboard, shelf or occasional table. You don’t need much flair to be able to create a few great displays – in fact you can’t really go wrong! Then all you need to do is hunker down with some hot and healthy soup, and your winter experience is complete!