Thursday, October 30, 2008

While we are on the subject...

...of Kitchens that is, I found this very cute Kitchen via Simply Decorated, who stopped by my blog yesterday. I had to save this as the wall colour is an exact match to what we have above our chair rails (below is white) at the moment, which is soon to be painted white. We also have the beaded ceiling (which is white too). I love how fresh and clean this looks...I think I am still leaning towards white cupboards.
Ness xx

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Old, New And A Touch Of Whimsy

This beautiful home is in Sag Harbor, New York. I have been looking at a lot of shops etc from this area..this house was a treat to find.....it's a new build!

Inside could have been designed centuries ago. All the details would suggest to the disconcerting eye, that this home was a Castle in another life time. The iron Napoleon Bed is re used as the sofa and the vintage limestone fireplace cosies up to that stunningly simple cupboard.


The beaded board used here softens this formal staircase and gives it a sense of home, a well loved home. Viera, this is another for your Stair case collection.



I just adore this Kitchen. It is photos like these that make me want that white Kitchen. I am still debating on the French Grey or white (sample pots I think). I love the recessed panelling above the range, and the use of wood pieces, black bench tops and vintage hardware. Very welcoming. I could make gingerbread men in here for sure.

This stunning chair (a favourite style of mine) has been left with the hessian on it and the owner has purposely left it uncovered for some texture along with the fabric inside the cupboards. We actually have alcoves on either sides of our fireplaces and, Mic if you are reading this, we could so do this!







An antique clothes rack looks the part in the Master bedroom, along with the hat box and steamer trunk. I still can't get over that this is a new build.




What a lovely view. The tiles are salvaged Terracotta. Everything here has been thought of carefully, lighting, shutters, plumbing, sink...even the upholstered chair are all items that have been collected and scoured to give this home its beautiful look.


A little touch of whimsy with the child's camp chair and over sized scissors.


French File folders look like vintage linen and look fabulous on top of the vintage cupboard.


ahhh! The mannequin. I still have not found one..my search will never end! This just goes to show that new doesn't have to mean heartless. You can still create a masterpiece with just a few individual and quirky pieces that need not cost the earth. Look around your own home and see what other items you can put to use somewhere unexpected.
I will say it again, but for a new home, it stands the test of time..I can't believe it still!!
Have a great day, Ness xx

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Utilitarian Beauty...

I love how something so everyday, so normal can be made beautiful. Giving you a sense of satisfaction for completing an otherwise boring and mundane job. This Kitchen is very simple with a wash of white, herbs from the garden...and lots of natural light.

The lining room would be a very calm and relaxing spot after all that dish washing. More white (love the floors) and a nod to the nearby ocean with a shell perched amongst your cup of tea. The little display in the background on the old wooden piece breaks up the expanse of white.

I love this hallway. The bistro chairs have been left with flaking wood for a bit of texture along with the cane hats and baskets...and the little white wicker basket full of fresh flowers from the garden just go to show. The simple things in life are often the best.
Have a great day, Ness xx

Monday, October 27, 2008

New at M&L...


Here are some new History Tiles I have added to my Etsy Shoppe. This one is called 'Heart Script', and is 12cm x 14cm (as are the others here). I am so happy my little Camera done such a lovely job on the Photos.
This tile called 'Pear Script' has had a lot more views than I thought it would get, but there you go. I will be making a collection of these with other letters and fruits.
This is 'Quill Script', and another success with my little Camera I think. I can do custom and Wholesale orders. If you see something in the Tile collection that is sold, although they are one offs (being Handmade and all) I can make something very similar, but it will never be an exact....I like that though.
You can have a look at the rest here (there will be more soon).
Hope you like them, Ness xx







6 Things I Value...and some awards!


The lovely Judith over at Paris Atelier blog has just given me this award. She has asked me to pass it on to 6 other blogs...they are rules...
1. You have to mention where you got it and tell them you have posted it
2. List 6 things you value
3. Pass it on to 6 other blogs...
My 6 values are,
Our sweet little men, the light of our lives. My Family (including my MIL and FIL) with whom I wouldn't be grounded and I would have no values.
Our Home. I used to draw this same shape house as a child and always wanted one...now we do.


...my talent to create. It is something I was never taught..I have just always been able to do it. I was always shy about it, until I hit 30. Then I realised what a fool I was.


Our 2 ever faith full Border Collies...love them
Grand Architecture. via French Essence


and finally Tasmania...what a fabulous place to live.
I will pass this on to...
Judy at Lily G, because her site is beautiful and her shop is on my to do list.
Brooke at Velvet & Linen, as I am really enjoying her new blog and her emails, and she is a fantastic Designer.
Shannon at Shannon Fricke, a great Stylist with a stylish blog.
Mel at Mels Rose Place, because she is so lovely and her house should be in a magazine.
Anne at Annechovie, her prints are so unique and lovely.
Cathy at Simple Things, Small Joys. Because her little charms and her house are delightful.
I could have picked more, but I think most of you have got it now.
I also received a 'I love your Blog award off Viera at VT Interiors, but for some unknown reason I can't get her site up to save the award...but thank you Viera. Have a great day, Ness xx














Friday, October 24, 2008

Velvet & Linen

I had the pleasure of getting a few emails last night from the fabulous Brooke Giannetti, who owns this stunning Home in Channel Islands. There are great before and after shots of the makeover that Brooke and her Husband Steve (who I found out last night is an Architect I have long admired..small world) have brought out of the 70's with class.

After I seen her Kitchen makeover, I was questioning the Chalk White USA I wanted to paint our own Kitchen (the before shots look like my Kitchen at the moment). Now I am seriously thinking of doing it this lovely French Grey.

Doesn't it look great, and no expensive pull out...just paint. LOVE it. For more great ideas, actually stunning ideas, head of to Brooke's blog for a look see.
Have a great day, Ness xx
all images - Brooke Giannetti



Thursday, October 23, 2008

Indoors or Outdoors?

This home I have in my file is in the NSW Southern Highlands. The whole house is stunning, but I wanted to show you this outdoor area, which I love. The huge Mirror over the table is just perfect for this space...I could spend hours here.

The indoors is just as divine. I love the doors, which are like my own and all of the little pieces that give this place a such a beautiful feel to it like the antique French dining chairs, urns and that lovely Chandelier. I don't quite know which is my favourite..I'm torn. Ness xx
image -Country Home Ideas


Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Relax a vou:)

From the depths of my tear sheet file I bring you this Home which epitomises relaxation for me. I adore the fact that for this shoot, they haven't rushed of to the Hardware shop to get paint to dickie up these chairs. The wreath is a whimsical touch too.

It is this shot that has always tempted me to take out our climbing Roses and replace them with Jasmine...maybe I will wait until our Arbour is painted white like this one.


Once again, this shot has given me something to ponder every time I am out on our back deck (which is quite large). I would love to enclose it with fly wire and some of those clear patio blinds and make it into and 'all weather room', which would be great for the boys...and entertaining. The whole scheme here I am in love with. It is just so relaxing, and I need some right about now.

Have a great day, Ness xx
images Home Beautiful..I think.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

An old Gem?....

You could be mistaken for thinking this is an old stately home in the US, but actually it is a new house!! The owners have gone to great lengths to make this home look like it has been there for ages.....yep, they built it from scratch.

Nearly everything in this home is recycled, or a reproduction find. This Fire screen is an antique re-fashioned as a decorative, yet useful feature in the Master Bedroom. I love that chair


Ooooh...be still my beating heart. This would usually be more red than I could cope with, but I have always loved Barn Red. Here in the Kitchen they have not one, but two islands (they have 6 kids). The red one with marble top is for pastry making. The other is a butcher topped one for prep and is filled with gumballs and the like to look like an old fashioned candy store (I think it would make a great shop counter). I just love this room. It is such a warm, inviting space.

Here is the other end of the Master Bedroom. My kind of space. Vintage linens are a plenty, and the window seat is divine. The old trunk looks so interesting...I wonder where it came from?


What a fantastic area to entertain in. Because of the outdoor fireplace, you could use this as an all year space. Loads of wicker seating have given this casual space a 'kick off your shoes and curl up' feel...so homely.
Ness xx

Monday, October 20, 2008

My New Shoppe!!!!



Yay! Here it is.
I have some sort of Shop. Seeing that our Shop won't be ready for a while (we didn't take the last shop, so we are still loving the first one, confusing I know) we , well I have decided to put all of my handmade things for sale in our own little Etsy Shoppe...click here to go there or at the right of the screen. I have been working on this all week, dying to tell you all, but couldn't because of my troubles last week. Well, now I can.
These pieces I have called History Tiles and are influenced by Sid Dickens...sort of. I have only a few pieces on there at the moment, but more will be added tonight and over the next few days. Please stop over there and let me know what you think... Please be gentle:))
I will be doing Wholesale and Custom orders for all my work if you are interested. BTW all the tiles are one of a kind.
Have a great day...Ness xx

Friday, October 17, 2008

Now I can relax...

My Computer is back from the brink of death with a clean bill of health...yay! So I can relax this weekend and hope you all have a great one too. I have lots of great posts planned for next week (seeing that this week was interrupted by my Computer)...see you then. Ness xx

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Beautiful Rooms...

Image - via Katrina Chambers
I am not sure exactly what it is about this room I love. I certainly wouldn't put a Wing Back Chair at the head of the table, but the whole space has such a warmth about it.

Image - Notebook

The chair against the snowy white walls are lovely...and the drawers are a favourite.

Image - House Beautiful, via Camilla at home

Love everything about this room...floors, doors, table, chandelier...etc

Image - Christoph Living

Oh, and this divine chair (isn't a room, but I love it). I just thought I would sneak it in.

Anyway, my Computer tower is off at the Tech Doctors and I will have it back tomorrow. Thank God for my Mother-in-law's Computer. Ness xx

I am over it...

...still can't upload any photos. I have some fantastic Homes to post too. I tried for 3 hours last night (hence no post yesterday), got up early this morning to try...and still nothing. It is starting to drive me bonkers. I am going to ring the Computer shop this morning and see if I can get some help, or get it fixed. Wish me luck!!
Have a great day, Ness xx

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Relax in style...

image - aust country style
What a way to end, or start, the day than by lounging back on this fabulous Wicker deck chair. This is a quick post today, I was up during the night with our wee one who has had a temp...so off to the Doctors soon....I need a lay on this chair right now.
Hope you are all having a wonderful day. Ness xx

Monday, October 13, 2008

Monday's Love

We had the best weekend weather here. I got so much done as well. Now that it is back to the Monday ritual, I couldn't think of anything better than lying on this magnificent daybed. It would have to be swathed in white voile curtains to catch the breeze though.
This one would do too. It is called 'Moonbed'...I love it. It would be great to sit in in Summer to watch the kids playing outside, but...
...if it got cold out, I would want one of these gorgeous quilts near by. I do love a bit of red here and there.
This bag with a French Bee on it is simple and stylish, and I bet it could fit all my baby paraphernalia in it too.

Last but not least I love this print called 'Come fly with me' that I bought recently from Carambatack at Etsy. It is so whimsical and I have always loved Alice in Wonderland. The original artwork is on a vintage page from the 1800's.
Anywho, I have made some progress on my Furniture purchases I told you about not long ago..and I will show you all as soon as they are done. Have a great day, Ness xx