The Old Library inspires

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I recently caught up with my good friend Natalie Hayllar for lunch at the Old Library in Cronulla, Sydney. Natalie publishes Eat Read Love, the divine blog dedicated to love, food, books, design, photography and travel. Like Natalie, Eat Read Love oozes style and passion; I am always transported to another world when I read her posts and feel as if I have actually experienced the food or place - "in real life", as my four year old would say. If you live in Sydney or ever travel the road south and seek wonderful places, food, or simply enjoy a visual feast online, Eat Read Love is a must-read (start with Natalie's post - A New Chapter for The Old Library).

Apart from the sensational food and inspiring conversation, the atmosphere, created by Hecker Guthrie and stylist Sibella Court of The Society Inc, left its mark on me. The soft timber tones contrasting with graphic black and white lines is calming and the textures, in the more coarsely woven linen fabrics and timber panelled ceiling, add warmth. As a result, I'm researching a panelled ceiling for our cottage extension. I think it will contrast well with the concrete slab floor. If I could achieve the lines and height of the Library's ceiling, I'd be very happy as well. But then there's the budget...of course. 

Patonga beach house - part one

As promised, here are some pics of our digs in Patonga. This gorgeous home belongs to my husband's family and has been decorated by the talented Kirsty Glenwright (featured previously here: Art to Love). It is peppered with her characteristically bright paintings, along with fun textiles and restored furniture, sourced locally. Set against a fresh backdrop of white painted floors and walls, it is difficult not to wake and feel happy in these spaces (the proximity to the water and relaxed vibe of this sleepy fishing village also help!). More to follow, tomorrow...

Habitus features Wendy Whitely

A dear friend bought me a subscription to Habitus Magazine recently. My first issue featured Wendy Whitely's marvellous home. What do i love? - where do i start? - Wendy's inventive approach to renovating, the white floors and walls, the zinc topped table, the lush garden, the magnolias, the location (Sydney's Lavendar Bay) the re-purposed bits of furniture, the collections of tribal rugs and sculptures, the bath, the kitchen and of course the art. Love it all! For loads more pics go to Habitus or pick up issue 13, grab a cuppa and enjoy the images and full story. I'm off to re-position some of my Brett Whitely prints...inspired!

White or Black Floors

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I love a blank canvas when it comes to sprucing up an older place - both walls and floors. Our new abode is pretty small and potentially lacking light with average sized windows so white walls were a given. Fortunately the boards were in good condition. I could have gone either way with the floors - fresh white or smart black. Once photographed I'll post pics of my choice and share the sources (paint product, painters and sanders available here in Canberra) ....