Home Style, Monochrome Luxe in Paris

It's almost too chic (could it be?), in this two level apartment; what with the stunning parquetry floor, the perfectly placed minimal furniture, the billowing silk curtains, and of course, it's location on Avenue Victor Hugo in Paris.  Under the masterful eye and direction of designer Guillaume Alan, this  penthouse apartment is pulled together with elegance and restraint.

As much as I love the white walls within and the fabulous natural light filtering through those full height windows, it's the dark, moody kitchen that really has caught my eye.

The custom designed furniture mixed back with the refined monochrome palette, the 360degree views of Paris and a beautiful marble fireplace, just add that touch of classicism.

Of course... it's Paris after all.

Via Est Magazine

A corner spot

A simple desk to work away at in the corner of the room somewhere... a little inspiration from knick knacks and photos and books on the shelf above... there won't be any writers block at all.

Via BoBedre

Home Style...Modern, Eclectic and Sumptuous

I love this home... it's something about the soft palette, warm finishes and the eclectic textiles that come together in harmony and create a sumptuous and enticing modern home.

The softly textured paisley drapes in the bedroom are just stunning, the wide floorboards are beautiful, the outlook from the dining room into the lush garden is sublime (not to mention the rug), and the bathroom looks like a sanctuary from the busy world outside.

Just luscious...

 Photo Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer
Via Bo Bedre

A Perfect Corner

A beautiful corner with the simplicity of black and white for company.

Makes me just want to curl up and hideaway from the general noise outside with a cuppa, don't you think?  Oh, and I wouldn't care that I'm still wearing my pjs!

Photo Sarah Sarna
Via Automatism

Home Style... Eclectic and Elegant in Florence

I'm a sucker for a handful of things when it comes to interiors; a dark floor, amazing parquetry, a round dining table, a simple fireplace, a great chandelier, a bit of fornasetti, a simple contrasting palette... oh, and maybe living in a artfully inspiring old city like Florence!

This home belonging to fashion designer Raffaele Stella Brienza, pretty much covers the above list.  It's eclectic as it brings together elements of mid century clean lines in those armchairs in living room and the split level interiors; the chandelier/pendant over the dining table gives us a glam component; the exposed dark beams are quite rustic and medieval; the tribal rug grounds the sitting area in front of the fireplace, the fornasetti containers in the bathroom give us some style in a overall masculine space and then those books...  it's just so easy and simple when it comes together.

I wonder if it's for rent during holiday periods?

Via Bo Bedre

La Vie En Rose

I went furniture hunting last week with a girlfriend and through the mazes of styled 'rooms' and designer stores it struck me how my eye was generally drawn to the neutral dark sofas.

But sometimes one has to throw some caution to the wind right?... that's when I spied this image from Annika von Holdt..

And really, not that I would have a rose coloured sofa in my home but looking around me and with the right autumn light, it probably could work given that I have light walls and neutral surrounds (ie, obligatory black frames, dark floors, white floor lamp, etc)... just maybe...no?

The pooch on the sofa could just cinch the deal for me!  How cute is he?

Nah... I might just play it safe and stick to my favourite boring charcoal... what say you?

Via Automatism

Home Style... Calming Neutral in Lyon

Just like the stylish wardrobes of today, a little pattern in the floor, some interesting artisanal texture in the rug, a soft neutral everyday palette of cremes and camels throughout and simple black trims to bring it all together.

You know that rule of take one off as your just about to go out the door... this apartment in Lyon looks like it has adhered to that minimal rule and it works beautifully.

Calm, soothing, inviting... just makes me want to put the kettle on, make a pot of green tea and wait for my friends to come over for morning tea!

Via

Perfectly Pastel

A little pastel outlook with a view of this dining area captured by Canadian photographer Janis Nicolay.  You can have a look at some more interiors on Janis' portfolio here.

Gosh I need some new dining chairs and when I look a different colour other than white or black, I just think I might have to investigate further!  And this winter I'll be getting sheepskin piece for my chair!

A soft relaxing image for a crazy mid week Wednesday.

A little dining spot

Just a lovely little dining space in black and white today.

Keeping it simple with some greenery, black frames and touches of metallic on the walls.

Now all that's left is what to decide to make for dinner!  I don't know about you... but I'm running out of new ideas... this cooking dinner every day caper is very exhausting!..

Via

Home Style... Cool in Denmark

Maybe it's the change of season, maybe it's delay in sunlight first thing in the morning, but I'm really taking note of a cooler palette for homes as well.

Cool greys, soft woods, simple black touches... all the hallmarks of a cool comfy home in Denmark.

Simple mid century shapes in chairs and lighting, fine black lines add a graphic touch to mirror edges and frames, and a comfy cool grey sheepskin for an armchair in the corner.

I love the soft grey headboard (I have a similar shade), the restrained decorator touches in the AJ table lamp on the the bedside and the wow of the pendant lighting over the dining area.  Simple yet effective.

Via Bolig

Home Style... Grand Modern Style in London

This stylish mansion in London belongs to Natalie Massenet, founder designer fashion portal, Net-A-Porter and Chairman of the British Fashion Council.

From the enclosed courtyard below, to the lacquered dressing room (yes please), and the stunning entrance and staircases, this is what a modern mansion should look like.

Subtle of palette and grand in style to the nth degree... what else would you expect?

I can do without all those stairs.. but the dressing room would suit me to a tee!

Images via Architectural Digest.

Home Style... A Scandi Christmas

A little look inside another stylish scandinavian home with a touch of christmas just to keep it in the mood... Nothing overdone here as you would expect from the far northern hemisphere.

I'm enjoying a cup of tea after some wrapping of presents, and as I glance around the table it looks nothing like this gorgeous setting.  I had better get on to it.. packing up time and get ready for dinner.

Two more sleeps to go.. trying reminding a little one why no presents allowed to be opened yet!

Hope you are getting most of your preparations ticked off.

Via Bo Bedre

In The Schedule

Aah, another week has finished up, with christmas lists ticked off, ornaments dangling, menu sorted, gifts wrapped (sort of)... that leaves just the food shopping to do.   This weekend has been quite relaxing, surprisingly, even allowing time this afternoon for a small picnic, and later, a quick bite out for some pizza.

If like me you're ahead of schedule, enjoy some downtime with a little bit of christmas inspiration with some links I found during the 'quiet times' these past few weeks...

+  Red, such a festive colour during christmas time.. and although I'd tone it down with some grey or black, or camel, you might find this editorial featuring Manon Leloup for Vogue Spain in shades of scarlet, fire engine, vermilion and just plain red, enough inspiration for christmas day... via pinterest.

+  Take a look at this cool scandi stylish home with a spot of Christmas cheer via Bo Bedre here.

+  Don't know about you, but I'm always happy to receive a little bauble for Christmas.. something colourful, bold and not usually what I would buy for myself... if you're listening honey!?  Here, Irena Nikolaeva in Vogue Germany with some precious little things for last minute gift ideas.

+  Or perhaps, a gorgeous coffee table book on baubles instead... here'a s list of 6 luscious jewellery books worthy of gift giving via French Vogue.

+  Some lovely table setting ideas from the pages of Home Beautiful here.

+  And lastly, for something to eat from that table... and because someone might want the recipe of my Christmas Boiled Fruit Cake that I posted about earlier in the week... here it is Ada...  this batch makes up to 4x mini cakes (10cm diameter x 5cm high) and 1x square cake (20x20cmx 4cm high))

Ingredients

250g butter

1 cup soft brown sugar

1kg mixed dried fruit (I used, sultanas, currants, raisins, glace cherries and mixed peel)

1/2 cup sweet sherry (I did 'splash' a little more to make it extra moist)

1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

1 1/2 cups self raising flour

1 cup plain flour

1 tsp mixed spice

4 eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1/2 cup apricot jam

1.  Preheat your oven to 180C/350F.  Line your cake tins with baking paper.

2.  Put butter, sugar, mixed fruit, sherry and 3/4 cup water into a medium/large pan and bring to boil.  

     Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in the soda and cool.

3.  Sift the flours and mixed spice into a large bowl and make a well in the centre.

4.  Add pineapple juice to the beaten eggs and add into the fruit mixture and combine.

5.  Pour into the well and mix well.

6.  Pour into your cake tins  - the mixture will rise so I filled to about a 1/5 from the top.

7.  Bake approx 30 mins or until a skewer comes out clean.   

8.  Take out of oven and leave to cool in tins for at least hour.  Meanwhile heat 1/2 cup apricot jam with

     2 tablespoons water until dissolved, and brush this on top of cakes while still warm to give it a 

     lovely glaze.

I have made this recipe as one larger cake in a 22cm round tin, and this makes for a high cake and takes about 1hr to cook.. although I would check it at 50mins or until skewer comes out clean.  

The verdict is, that they are delicious! 

Enjoy your weekend and baking & homemaking and special christmas events in the lead up to Thursday.

Home Style... Modern Subtle Grandeur in Melbourne

When I spy those terrace houses in the inner suburbs of Melbourne I often wonder what type of interiors are hidden inside those grand old entrances.

Well, this 2 storey terrace in local Brunswick eschews an urbane modernity in keeping with a beautiful renovated home bringing it into the present day.  The interiors were designed by Chelsea Hing, which include warm light grey walls, elegant rugs, darkened floorboards and modern artwork.

I love those glossy subway tiles in the kitchen and bathroom; and the verandah and front door are just as glamorous.  How beautiful is that marble fireplace and surround?  Rather than having the whole place modernised with complete white walls and ceiling and doors, it's a nice change to see it given depth and warmth with the layering of rugs, grey walls and a darkish palette throughout.

Subtle, eclectic, urbane, grand.  Totally modern too.

Photography Nik Epifanidis
Est Magazine

Home Style... Quiet Elegance, New York

So many lovely elements in this stunning New York apartment on the Upper East side; the view for one, the artwork and framed prints, the soft quiet palette of mostly silvery pastels, the warm light streaming in through the windows, the smattering of designer elements... wouldn't it be nice having breakfast with that view?

Follow the link through to Architectural Digest here for more photos.

Very elegant indeed.