Some days are diamonds!!

Today was a great way to start the week.... we have been nominated for an "excellence in Service" award through Rotary and one of our recently completed projects is a finalist in 4 Categories of the AHA

"Awards for Excellence"

It is so lovely to have our work recognised....we love what we do and are grateful to the clients for the opportunities and the fabulous contractors that

make it happen!

Some days truly are diamonds!!!

The Royal Hotel

And finally, while still on the subject of hotels, The Royal is a lovely deco building in Armidale on the tablelands of NSW, that is barely recognisable from it's previous "life" !

Completely gutted and designed to cater for a different demographic, the hotel is now warm, inviting & family friendly ....
Stay tuned for more as we are full swing into a country themed heritage pub with another on the drawing board!

Yamba Shores Tavern

While I am on a roll, we also completed the Yamba Shores Tavern this year. Situated on the bank on the beautiful Clarence River this was a massive renovation that has been in the making for the past 2 years.

We worked closely with owners Matt & Kirsty Muir and the space has been transformed from a dated eighties relic to a fresh, vibrant and practical space.

Latitude 30 Degrees

This project involved the renovation of existing premises situated at the stunning

Marina at Coffs Harbour.

We resisted the urge to use any cliched "coastal hues" opting instead for a rich

and earthy palette to complement the tapas style menu and give locals an alternative atmosphere to other waterfront venues.

It has now been operating for several months with great success and I, for one, look forward to enjoying a mojito, a plate of tapas and watching the sun set at the end of a busy week!

Escaping the Winter Chill

We are back! Two weeks of blissful warmth...no cooking or cleaning....just lots of relaxing, laughing, snorkeling and

as my waistline can attest...

lots of eating and drinking.

Its back to reality...the tan has washed off but I am revitalised and ready to tackle some exciting new commercial projects. Loved the colour and textures that a tropical environment enjoy including the gorgeous "Vakabati" bed mats that were being aired by the villagers during a day trip.

Brightening Winter

Whilst the days are beautiful..crisp & clear, when the temperature goes below 10 degrees

I tend to shiver and moan!

So the latest studio display is a reaction to that...its seems I am in denial and this scheme(meant to be installed in January)  is not actually late...but early...for spring!!

Justification is my strong point! 

The fabrics are a mix of Warwick, Fabric Convention and Schumacher. Mirror, trays & lamptable are a great new find from the trade fair and the  chair itself is another roadside salvage that was repaired and sprayed.

Cool Calm & Collected

Cool calm and relaxed... is how I would descibe this bedroom! My favourite colours equal a restful retreat away from the hustle of the rest of the house. I love my little collection of coloured purfume bottles.

My mission now is recover those lampshades..

New Wallpaper

As promised ... just a taste of beautiful new wallpaper ranges that are now arriving. Harlequin, Marimekko, Porters and a lovely little range from an Australian design company called Printink Studio.

Harlequin Hana

FABRIC, FABRIC, FABRIC

I am just a little bit obsessed with fabric! Most designers have their pet fetish and mine is definitely fabric!

I personally tend to gravitate toward stripes and this new hanger arrived today.

Stay tuned for more stunning Warwick ranges and wait till you see the new wallpaper ranges about to arrive....

OK - its time to stop this denial.... autumn is here winter is on the way... and even though we are in a sub tropical climate and the weather is generally very mild at this time of year, its time to reluctantly pack the stripes away... for now!

Cushions and Fabric

We have some stunning new fabric ranges just arrived ....... just in time to spruce up the lounge for the indoor time of the year! 

We custom make in all shapes and sizes and our workroom does spectacular work...of course!  These images from Harlequin showcase some of the gorgeous cushion styles and upholstery textures available.

New Candle Range

We recently took delivery of a beautiful new candle range at Natural Habitat. 

Whilst I know candles are available in all shapes and sizes, this range took my eye due to its simple and elegant presentation. 

They burn for up to 60hrs and we have a variety of frangrances including lemongrass, 

valencia orange, gardenia, tahitian, oakmoss and pineapple cilantro to name a few. 

I have lemongrass burning on my desk at this very minute and it is very uplifting on this bleak wet autumn evening. 

Designex Update

Well it was off to Melbourne last week with a group of architect colleagues for the annual Designex fix! Whilst it appeared to be

much smaller than past events, it still showcased some interesting new product. 
I particularly liked the new cedar tiles from Thurja and the recycled paneling as pictured. 
A trip out to Richmond to Hermon & Hermon never disappoints and the meal at "Movida"

(still researching Spanish Tapas bars!) 

was inspiring!

 Thurja cedar panels

Recycled wall panelling

Spanish Tapas

Whilst doing some research
for a wine/tapas bar today,

(great news for Coffs locals and visitors!)
I came across this little gem.
Just love the wall mural and of course the colours! 

Bodega Tapas Restaurant & Bar

216 Commonwealth St
Surry Hills NSW 2010

Phone: +61 2 9212 7766

Email: mailto:bodega.restaurant@gmail.com

It's no secret that small portions and tapas style dining are all the go now and I also enjoyed some fabulous food whilst working 

in Sydney last week. 

Bertas, H Bar and The Wine Library are all well worth a visit... 

(it was all in the name of r & d of course!)

"50's" Wallpaper by Sanderson

Its great to be busy... but my resolution to do a weekly blog post has suffered as a result!

While trawling the net for a particular wallpaper this morning I found these great images (yes.. I'm still colour obsessed!) on Sandersons site. 

www.sanderson-uk.com

They also satify my current "Mad Men" phase and

I am coveting the glasses

shown next to the typewriter!!!

"Wrappings" By Sanderson

It may be short and sweet but I back on the job

and I feel better now!!!!!

Island Homes

For some years now our family has headed to stay with good friends on Magnetic Island in far North Queensland.

One hot steamy afternoon, my girlfriend and I went on a photo safari.....something we had been talking about doing for years. We had long admired the humble island abode and had a great afternoon exploring the backstreets. I dream about renovating some of them... but then again, many are perfect just the way they are!

Recently the island was ravaged by TC Yasi and our friends (along with most other locals) "sat it out"!

Thankfully most of these gorgeous dwellings survived without too much damage....but the cleanup is still underway! Wishing all Maggie residents a speedy recovery.