Home Office: Black, White and Wood

01. Dante Deep Tray - $29.95, Dante Pen Holder - $19.95, Dante Set of 2 Stacking Boxes - $69.95 and Alfie Small Candlestick - $29.95, Country Road | 02. Replica Asterisk Clock - $59 (Sale), Clickon Furniture | 03. Crest Scissors - $9.95 and Tio Timer - $14.95, Country Road | 04. Wild Stripes Print - $59, The Minimalist and Ribba Frame in white stained oak effect - $24.99, Ikea | 05. Ikea PS 2012 LED Wall Lamp - $69, Ikea | 06. Cowhide Rug - Stencilled Zebra (Black & White) - $ 695, Matt Blatt | 07. Shorthand Desk in White - $299, Freedom| 08. Replica Hans Wegner Wishbone Chair in Beech - $179, Replica Furniture | 09. Cubic Bookshelf Tall in Black - $499, Freedom

I really love this sleek, modern and Scandi-style scheme for an office. The high contrast black and white has graphic impact and the wood softens the look by bringing in a natural element. The rug feels fun and would stop the space from feeling too serious.  You know what they say about all work and no play! I think that for any room, having all the basics comprised of black, white and wood creates a really flexible neutral backdrop which you can easily (and cheaply) change the feel of using artwork, accessories, plants and flowers to lift the mood and add a pop of bright. 

What would be your ideal office scheme?  

Happy Friday!

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Spring Spruce: Bed Linen

Chevron Grande Mint Queen Quilt Cover by Aura - $199

Spring has officially sprung here in Aus and it makes me feel like bringing bright, happy colours and patterns into my home. There are so many colourful bedlinen options available so I started here for inspiration. I like the idea of keeping walls neutral in the bedroom so that you can play with the focal point in the room - the bed. Whatever colours you go for in the bed linen, you can bring them into the rest of the room in little pops through flowers, vases, little trays and decorative bowls, books and even clothing items like scarves and shoes. Here are a few of my favourites from the interweb...

Sandi Queen Quilt Cover by Country Road - $229

Real Living Dotti Quilt Queen Cover Set by Target - $87.20 (reduced from $109)

Matchstick (Black) Queen Quilt Cover and Two Matchstick Black Pillow Cases by Kip & Co - $209 and $59

Kantha Quilt Tropicana Forest Green by Fossik - $165

Queen Bed 'Lily' Quilt Cover Set by Kmart - $25

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An Attitude of Gratitude

'Enjoy the Little Things' Print by The Love Shop via Etsy

I was lucky enough to have my mum come and stay with me here in Australia for the last few weeks and I am so grateful that she did.  Since moving here three years ago I’ve felt a lot of guilt about leaving my family behind and part of me has never quite accepted the fact that I might be here for the long haul. I wouldn’t let myself see Brisbane as somewhere I really fit into and I would feel frustrated that something wasn’t quite right. Being with Mum as she experienced Australia for the first time really put things into perspective for me. She was so impressed by it all and her enthusiasm was infectious. I realised that I have so much to be grateful for and that I live in a beautiful, safe place with heaps to offer. Having the break from work and doing things I enjoy really made me appreciate the little things, like spotting wild kookaburras and hearing them laugh, drinking great wine and people watching by Brisbane River, feeding kangaroos, having the most delicious brunch at a little restaurant called Petrol in Sydney, going on long drives through regional Queensland while taking in the views and spending quality time with my partner’s family and their adorable dog, Buster. So today, I'm adopting an attitude of gratitude.

xx Thanks Mum! xx

Here are a few highlights from our break...

What are you grateful for today?

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Faceted Finds

Faceture Vase/Blue - The Minimalist

I love the ongoing trend for geometric prints in interior design and homewares (which is showing no signs of abating any time soon) so I equally love seeing this reflected in 3D in the form of faceted furniture and accessories.  Here's my quick pick of online faceted finds to add a modern pop to a room...Happy Weekend!

Handmade Faceted Wood Quartz Crystal Point Sculptures by Stone and Violet via Etsy

Candyfloss Geo Pop Necklace by Fruitloop via Rockrose Handmade

Faceted Mirror Side Table - West Elm

Faceted Wall Clocks by Raw Dezign via Etsy

DIY Christmas Balls by Snug Studio via Hello Polly

Faceted Magnets by Pigeon Toe Ceramics via Etsy

Ceramic Vessels via Hunting for George

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Jamieson's Home & Fashion

Last week I was browsing the antique shops in Brisbane's Wooloongabba when I stumbled across an absolute gem of an interiors shop. Jamieson's Home & Fashion opened in March this year and is run by a lovely mother and daughter duo. When you walk into the shop (which I highly recommend you do), be prepared to be bombarded with gorgeousness - bright colour, bold patterns and the most amazing smells from scented candles fill the space. You'll find items by Bonnie & Neil, Orson & Blake and Pony Rider, plus local Brisbane designers like Maker & Merchant. Needless to say, I loved it. The owners were super friendly and were kind enough to let me snap a few pictures. They update their stock frequently so it's well worth a regular look. You can pop into the store at 37 Logan Road, Wooloongabba, Brisbane or follow them on Facebook or Instagram (@jhomeandfashion) for updates on new goodies. Of course, I couldn't leave empty handed so I chose a bright orange Sophie candlestick, pictured below, which will feel right at home on my balcony!

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Dreaming of Summer - Balcony Brights

[Images sourced from Google Images and Pinterest]

We've been given a teaser of summer lately here in Brisbane with a string of 25 degree highs in the middle of Winter, but every year since I've lived in this city and at the same time each August, the winds suddenly pick up and I am left wishing those balmy days would return. Like clockwork, today the winds arrived like a swift slap to the face! This left me thinking about how I'd like my balcony to look when it's finally warm enough to spend some time out there, hopefully relaxing with a cool drink and some good company. When the heat returns, I'll be ready! Our balcony is covered above and on each side so it doesn't get a great deal of light. To compensate for this and to lift the mood of the space, I'm going to use bold, summery brights in cushions and accessories and use neutral furniture to ground the colours and create a lounge-like space that's laid back but fun. Here are some items I think will pull it together... hope you like!

| 01. Resort Black Stripe Cushion - Fab Outdoor Fabrics | 02. Macaw and Nova Flamingo Fabrics - Fab Outdoor Fabrics | 03. Flamingo Statue - Freedom | 04.  Orange Pillow Cover by East and Nest via Etsy | 05. Replica Acapulco Lounge Chair in White - Matt Blatt | 06. Rainbow Tealight Holder in Apple - Freedom | 07. Brisa Tealight Holder in Orange - Freedom| 08. Garpen Sofa Combination in Black - Ikea | 09. Kimberly Orange Outdoor Rug - Fab Habitat | 10. CBD Coffee Table in White - Freedom | 11. Henry Throw in Pink -  Freedom |

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