Fantabulous design

A prescription for beginning

2012-01-26T16:27:00.002+10:00

Throughout the years, one of the most common questions I get is...

"Do you have any advice for someone who wants to be a designer?"

People in the design business often get into it because we love it. But it takes a while to find your style, no matter how talented you are. This is a truism that applies not only to design but to any other achievement in life — you won’t realize your potential unless you grind through the failures.
So if you are working on New Year’s resolutions, the most important thing is doing the work. Set deadlines, so that every week you finish one thing. It’ll take a while to find your groove; you’ve just got to fight your way through.

Top 10 tips for beginners
1. Go to a design school
2. Get design training
3. Keep sketch books
4. Be self-motivated
5. Assist a professional
6. Acquire a good sense of colour, texture and design. Learn to select the ones that create a harmonious and balanced look.
7. Have a sense of humor
8. Read design magazines
9. There is no secret to success; it’s just hard work and observation.
10. Believe in your dream

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Style Canvas: Decorative concrete driveways

2012-01-13T15:25:00.007+10:00

Question:
I have partially renovated a low set house, painted it white inside and out and am not sure how to paint the driveway or what colour would suit it (currently an ugly faded light terracotta). I need a colour that will be darker than white to hide dirt and marks, but not dark enough to look like dismal. The driveway is about 40m long and the entrance pillars are white. There are also steel posts around the veranda that would need to be painted, the fascia boards and under the veranda.

Styling advice
Of all the different types of decorative driveway finishes, such as acid stains, etching, overlays and stamped concrete, coloured concrete is one of the most hardwearing and requires very little maintenance. It should need resealing every two years at most. You should, however, remove stains as soon as possible. Use a pressure-wash to clean the driveway periodically to remove dirt or grime.

Here are some ideas to add interest to your concrete driveway.

(Image credit: Concrete colour systems,
Colours: CCS Black 21 and CCS Lemon crème)

Contrasting colours
A mix of colours: light concrete separated by bands of darker concrete as an alternative to traditional joint lines or a grooved finish.

(Image credit: Concrete colour systems,
Colours: CCS Pewter and CCS Paperbark)

Subtle, naturally coloured ripple pattern for a beach house using two different base colours for the driveway.

Top Layers
Cement driveways can have pebbles added to the top layer of cement. This leaves the pebbles exposed. Usually the pebbles are coloured to give a dimensional effect. Another approach is to saw-cut patterns into the top layer of cement.

Stamped concrete driveways
Less expensive than traditional pavers and natural stone, stamping can give concrete the look of cobblestones, canyon stone, brick, tile, slate or flagstones.

If the cost of doing the whole driveway is out of reach, borders are a less expensive alternative. Just adding a 6” border will make your driveway look more elegant. You can also add depth by using a contrasting colour in the border.

Image credit: www.concretenetwork.com

If it’s too expensive to redo your entire driveway in decorative concrete, then just add a stamped concrete apron for the first several feet of the driveway. With an apron, the entrance to your home will be more inviting, and you won’t risk having it look overdone.

Another way to spruce up your driveway is with plants. Well-designed landscaping can highlight or minimize a driveway, depending on the effect you desire.

Image credit: www.amslandscapedesign.com

Soften a long driveway with cobblestone edging that follows the treeline.

Tools & Tips:
The Concrete Visualiser is a helpful online tool that helps you select a pattern and colour for your driveway.

Styling advice for exterior colours:
I always advise clients to have the gutters the same colour as the fascia and the house because gutters aren't the nicest of things to see. Picking them out in a different colour draws attention to them whereas using the same colour helps them to blend in.
Most of the time I recommend using a single colour for the exterior but sometimes certain colours can look good together. Of course, it costs more to use two separate colours but sometimes it’s worth the expense.

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It’s Epiphany

2012-01-06T11:09:00.005+10:00

Put your Christmas tree to good use.

It’s Epiphany, January 6th. The holiday hustle-bustle is over and it’s time to take down the Christmas tree.
Epiphany marks the official end of the Christmas season. It’s exactly 12 days after the three wise men are said to have visited the infant Jesus in the manger.

For me, taking down the holiday decorations is always a little bittersweet, but our eco-friendly tree can be left up all year as a decorative backdrop for other celebrations.

As the season of love approaches, I’m starting to collect hearts, photos, and ideas to decorate the tree for Valentine’s Day.

Image credit: www.etsy.com

Do you have any creative ideas for putting your tree to good use after Christmas?

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Why limit yourself to a Christmas tree?

2011-12-20T23:30:00.001+10:00

I’ve been a busy bee getting ready for the Christmas holidays, making an ever-growing to-do list in my light-filled home office.
My Christmas decorations are not the traditional sort, but they’re quirky and fun, nonetheless. Here’s my eco-friendly take on Christmas decor.

Some humble branches from the garden decorated with seasonal ornaments, spring garlands and twinkle lights.

The handmade spring garlands are made from ribbon, scraps of fabric and silk flowers; they’re easy to make and perfect for Christmas in tropical Queensland. If you want to have fun with spring garlands, here are the instructions from Sania Pell.
So join in the fun and share with us your beautiful creations!!

I hope your holiday is filled with joy.

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Gold & Silver Interior Elements

2011-12-05T06:00:00.002+10:00

Guest post by Joanna

Hello, my name is Joanna and I'm a writer for Design Shuffle, an online portfolio site which provides a forum where interior designers can share their work. Be sure to visit DesignShuffle.com to see some of the loveliest rooms on the web. I'm happy to be sharing with you today on Fantabulous Design blog with a collection of festive gold and silver interior designs.

With Christmas fast approaching, our thoughts turn to the classic combination of gold and silver. This collection of rooms, styled from traditional to modern, carry our theme in a variation of ways. Some are quite glamorous while others are a bit more subdued. We hope you enjoy the images and find lots of inspiration!

In this very French room, gold and silver take center stage. This is a lovely setting. Wouldn't you just love to see the rest of this space?

A contemporary room has its own subtle version of gold and silver. The brushed nickel walls, rich parquet flooring and mirrored accent pieces work together to create an elegant space.

The rich silver velvet covers two classically curved sofas in this formal space. Herringbone flooring and ornate molding add to the room stately feel.

An intimate seating arrangement gives this sumptuous space a cozy feel even though the furnishings are quite formal. The designer's use of gold and silver is calculated yet relaxed perfect for a den design.

There is nothing subtle about this brightly-hued space. A large gold and silver sunburst mirror and bright silver poufs bold style statements.

A transitional living room boasts silver and gold in almost every element from its silver silk covered sofa to a mix of stylish tables. This room is so cheery and inviting we could picture ourselves visiting there with friends over a glass of eggnog or mug of hot chocolate.

This room is naturally-finished modern trestle table along with similar toned carpet provides a golden palette from which an explosion of silver erupts. It is filled with dining room design ideas! What a fun holiday setting! Does it inspire you?

To get you in the Christmas spirit, here's a glimpse of a brilliantly decorated gold and silver tree set within a very traditional setting. Happy holidays!

[ Images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 ]

Gold and silver make a terrific color palette! Find more color combo inspirations at Design Shuffle and check out our brand new interior design guide!

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Create your own font

2011-09-06T07:40:00.000+10:00

I am so excited! At last I have my very own font. What a great idea for personalizing your work.
YourFonts.com is an online font generator that allows you to turn your own handwriting into a font within a couple of minutes.
I’ve tried it and was really surprised by how easy it was. It really works! And don’t worry if your handwriting looks like a drunken spider has crawled across the page, you can do it as many times as you like.

Inspiration board with my font !!!

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Natural disaster precautions

2011-08-30T08:45:00.001+10:00

With natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and cyclones devastation cities around the globe, what precautions should you take?

Has this happened in your part of the world?

Feb 2, 2011: Cyclone Yasi was the largest and most powerful cyclone to hit Queensland in living memory. The storm was downgraded from a category five to a category four as it made landfall but it was still the strongest tropical storm to ever hit Australia. The cyclone was so large it would almost cover the United States.

We are so grateful that our house and studio haven’t gone with the wind. It simply blew my mind to see this force of nature wreak such havoc. Our hearts go out to those less fortunate.

In a natural disaster, preparation is everything. We hope the following tips will be useful for everyone.

Some tips to consider before it happens!
- Back up important data somewhere other than an external hard drive. For real peace of mind, subscribe to an online data backup service, which lets you access your data from anywhere. SkyDrive gives you 25 GB of free online storage.

- Keep passports and other important documents in a safe deposit box.

- Scan all your important documents, including photos and receipts and store the scans on an online data backup service.

- For insurance purposes, take up-to-date photos of your property inside and out. Shoot each room and make sure you include before & after shots of renovations. Store these online at a free online photo service like Flickr or Picasa

- Photograph all valuable items, including jewellery, and create a list of hyperlinks to the product sites if the items are available online. Evernote will help you keep it all safe.

- Keep the plans of your property (including all measurements, structural and interior details) in digital files such as PDFs or CADs and store them online. If you don’t have plans, you can create your own with floorplanner (it’s free for personal use and don’t need to install software or plug-ins.)

- Spend the extra to properly insure your property.

Have you been affected by the natural disaster? What precautions did you take? Send us your comments:

Photo credits:
Australia-Cyclone / news.com.au/cyclone-yasi / abc.net.au/news/photos

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Style Canvas: create your own video

2011-08-23T11:39:00.008+10:00

Mic runs a workshop called The Art Getaway from a lovely studio space filled with portraits, drawings and sketches.
She recently made a video to promote the workshop and asked me for tips on how she could improve it to create a more welcoming atmosphere.

Watch video here

Here’s what I came up with:
The red curtain! It’s a really strong colour and the first thing I noticed: ‘Look at me, I’m the red curtain.’ It’s got to go. Use a more neutral colour or create a background that shows off your unique style by displaying some of your own artworks.

The white strip in the corner of the room creates a distracting feature behind her head and divides the frame into sections. This takes the viewer’s attention away from the subject.

When you’re setting up a shot, it’s helpful to have someone take photos of you where you intend to be in the shot. Try a few positions and see if you can spot anything in the photo that’s too dominant or distracting. Make sure there’s nothing growing out of your head or your ears.

The picture in the background doesn't look welcoming or friendly. If you are going to use a photograph, make it one that doesn’t dominate the frame.

The white square in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen is distracting and needs to be dealt with.

The fun parts
Some of the most fun parts of my job are photographing and styling. In many ways, it’s like telling a story. Here are some styling tips to create your own inspirational video.

Tip #1: Before the shoot, take a look at the place to check things are right. Remember, everything can be brought in: flowers, pictures, lighting … whatever you need.

Tip #2: Good styling should be invisible. The set shouldn’t look styled at all; it should look natural and authentic. Ads aren’t just selling products; they’re selling a lifestyle. So an ad for a beach bag will show the bag and the beach but also a beautiful woman sipping orange juice and reading a magazine.

In Mic’s case, I’d suggest a studio setting with coffee or tea on a table, along with some flowers to project a natural and welcoming look.

Create a background that shows off your unique style by displaying some of your own artworks.

Tip #3: Remember that nothing in the frame apart from the presenter should face the camera directly or the setting will look too manufactured. Move everything slightly so it’s not facing the camera head-on.

This might seem like a lot of extra work. But it’s your attention to detail that will set your finished product apart.

Do you have any tips to share with us?

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Photo credits:
everythingfab.com / ffffound.com / decoratualma.tumblr.com / samanthapynn.com

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Designing your dream home

2011-08-16T06:24:00.001+10:00

After designing interiors for more than 15 years, I want to discuss what is involved in gathering inspiration and ideas for your dream home. I’ll focus on three main areas: finding inspiration, designing and building.

Finding inspiration:
1. Inspiration can be found everywhere – in sights, sounds and even scents. For example:
Flower arrangements are a great source of ideas for me. When I look at them I see colour schemes.
Here’s a tool to help you get a personalized colour palette .

2. Jot down your ideas wherever you are. This way you’re sure not to forget them overnight.

more ideas via freshlocations.com

3. Creat your own mood board with all your ideas. Use clippings from magazines, photos, memories from places you like and your favourite colours.

4. Great design doesn’t have to be big. Small can be interesting too. {here}

5. Talk to an architect as soon as you can to help you translate your dream into reality and your ideas into a viable construction project. They can also study the proposed site, help secure planning and zoning approvals, help you work out financing and offer a variety of other pre-design services.

6. Discuss with an interior designer how to best utilize your interior space and get the look that suits your lifestyle.

Building

7. One last thing: find a builder who can build your dream home to your specifications, not his.

I’ve left a lot of details out, each of them stressful in its own way. For example: regulatory requirements, selecting materials, scheduling and financing, dealing with traders, keeping your eye on every detail, tracking progress, panicking, checking everything, letting it go, knowing when to stop, sourcing, styling, solving problems, and patience … the list continues. The level of stress will vary with each project.

But it will all be worth it when you step over the threshold of your dream home.

I've been keeping my eye out for a loft in the city and continue to be fascinated with loft living for my very own dream home. I want one like {this}

What is your dream home?

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Colors palette generator

2011-08-09T09:27:00.009+10:00

Do you ever feel like you’re running out of colours?

A while ago, I blogged about “Colourlovers”, a site that offers colour inspirations and shares palettes among thousands of colour lovers in its online community.
And I found the Colors Palette Generator – a brilliant tool that allows you to upload images to generate a color palette based on the image's primary colors.
Choose your favorite image, upload or enter the image’s URL, and then press "GET PALETTE". In the blink of an eye, you will get a personalized colour palette.

Below are some of my pictures that I played around with:

Sydney trip

From my front yard

At the art gallery

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How to say "No"

2011-08-02T11:50:00.005+10:00

What you have to do when running your own business.

work hard poster

Another important task is getting paid.

Have you ever had clients who don't have enough money?
Or clients who play you off against another designer, or worse, against someone who once took a summer design class.

How about these inflatable boxing gloves to fight with clients :)

Money means you get to eat. But it doesn’t mean that you have to grab at any paying project. This only damages your reputation and that of the design business as a whole.

So what to say when your client's budget is too low?

Instead of fighting or slashing your prices, try this:

“Sorry, you haven’t allocated enough resources
to this project.”

If they insist on their budget, explain that good design costs money. It’s not rocket science. Batter up!
Have you had to say No? If so, please share them.

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Style Canvas: Feeling Blue

2011-07-26T08:08:00.006+10:00

This is a question from a teenage girl looking for an advice on brightening and modernising her room.

Question:
I need to decorate my bedroom, which has very light blue walls. I’m looking to add some color with decorative pillows, blinds or curtains, and some other accessories.
How would you incorporate them into the room?
As much detail as possible would be great as decorating isn't my strong point. I just mainly want colors that will look beautiful.

Styling advice
Designers draw inspiration from everything and this month, my inspiration comes from this fashion shot, particularly the playful way the light blue interacts with the coral and yellow. These three colours would be perfect for a teenager’s bedroom.

So, I couldn't resist putting together a mood board to illustrate the look. To enliven the white base and light blue tone, incorporate a mix of furniture styles, warm hues, colourful accessories and textiles to create a whimsically romantic boudoir that is both funky and welcoming.

Blue is famously easy to live with. Add a splash of white for a combination that won’t date. You only have to change the accent colour to create a different look for any time of year.

Feeling blue is not too bad, is it? Share your blue ideas with us and brighten everybody’s day.

PS: If you know anyone who needs some free styling advice, feel free to share the love.

Photo credits:
Fashion / MOR candle - Blood orange / Current in orange throw & pillow / Thai silk pillow swirl blue / Arthur bookends / Lorrie orange & yellow vases / Fizz clock / Aqua blue mason jar / Picture ledge / Turquoise & blue vase / inspiration decals / blue room / Le vie pillow / ikea pendent lamp / red daisy pillow & pink orange floral pillow/ blue eames rocker chair / blue glass table lamp / Shelves blue /

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Australia post

2011-07-21T07:23:00.001+10:00

In Australia you can create your own personalised stamps to celebrate special occasions such as engagements, the birth of a baby, or to send as greetings to friends and loved ones. This is an ambient campaign by Australia Post to promote personalised stamps where posters with a small mirror are placed on bus stops. People standing in front of the envelope can see their image as a personalized stamp. A simple and interesting idea.

Agency: M&C Saatchi, Melbourne
Creative Director: Steve Crawford
Creative: Murray Bransgrove/Doogie Chapman/Steve Crawford

via: http://adoholik.com

Tupperware party

2011-07-13T06:00:00.001+10:00

Tupperware fantabulous!
A necklace made from coloured Tupperware lids which were cut up, fused together then strung with sterling silver.

Many hours spent searching for vintage plastic knitting needles can unearth amazing finds, including faux tortoiseshell. All blue knitting needles make up this necklace.

Liana Kabel, a full time artist at the Museum of Brisbane's Workspace, is the daughter of a Tupperware Lady mother and a jeweller father. What a fantabulous combination!

photo via: http://lianakabel.com

. . .

The perfect gift: Magazine House

2011-07-06T07:00:00.002+10:00

This adorable house comes in three colours (black, white and red), cute and practical. They make the perfect housewarming gift!

MAGAZIN

Not finished with your reading? Just lay the open magazine on the roof of the house, and you can easily pick it up again to carry on reading, without loosing the page. Meanwhile your other favorite magazines can be stored 'inside the house'.

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Quote of the day: The woman

2011-06-28T11:30:00.000+10:00

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Style Canvas: Decorate with dark green

2011-06-21T06:08:00.008+10:00

Question: Is it possible to create a glamorous living area with a dark green carpet? The brief is you can do anything you want to the room except replace the carpet. So any colour, any furniture ... it’s wide open.

When I first saw a photo of the carpet, it reminded me of summertime: the restful, inviting hue of an old forest, one that says, “Come on in and put your feet up.” It’s a sense of natural peace and tranquillity, a summer-day ambience that I hope to bring to life in this room.

Inspiration

Styling advice:
Blending dark green with oak and beech creates a relaxed mood that offers an inviting background for neutral colours offset by black and white accessories. A vase (or two) filled with colourful blooms infuses the room with a sense of enthusiasm the way only nature can. Oversized scatter cushions invite relaxation, while gold accessories, such as these lamps or small candle holders, add dramatic elements.

What do you think? Do you like this solution?

Photo credits:
Pinterest / Flower via frolic-blog.com

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The art of the dressing room

2011-06-07T07:00:00.000+10:00

Designing boutiques is one of the most fun jobs for a designer and dressing-room décor is one of its highlights. One dingy fitting room can seriously impact sales. But create a flattering space with good lighting and a full-length mirror and sales will soar. One great idea is to mimic the style of a luxurious walk-in wardrobe so customers feel as if they are trying on clothes in their own home. Here are some stunning dressing rooms with secret tips to inspire you...

Couture waiting area
Style, luxury, and practicality are watchwords at Chanel Haute Couture, who thoughtfully include comfortable sofas and magazines outside their dressing rooms for the benefit of those who accompany the shopper.

Partner up
Most people like to go shopping with friends or family. A dressing room that can accommodate two or more can give the shopping experience a party atmosphere.

Perfect harmony
It’s a good idea to provide a selection of matching accessories in the dressing area, such as belts, scarves, and jewellery. Even a mood board or a larger-than-life marketing poster can help shoppers to better visualize the possibilities of the clothes.

Photo credits:
oysterism / glamarellajunk / parisapartment / gardenerandmarks / backyardbill

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Stripe Mania!

2011-06-06T11:20:00.003+10:00

Just having fun with #Stripe Mania party.
So, would you like to join the Stripe Mania!?

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Autumn racing season

2011-05-30T07:08:00.002+10:00

Girls just love to dress up and social events are a great excuse. A highlight of the Australian style calendar is the autumn horseracing season and the much anticipated ‘fashions on the field’ events, when flair takes first place from flash.
Elegant headpieces, cute boater hats, and oversized floral decorations are just some of the fashion accents we can expect to see trackside this year.
Last weekend, local fashionistas took to the field for the first time in this season’s style stakes and really wowed the judges with their form.
If you’re thinking of taking part, here are a few tips to get you on track as we step into the glamour of the racing season and gallop toward the big day in November.

At this time of the year, keeping warm is just as important as looking great, ‘cause you can’t look good if you’re blue with cold. TV’s ‘Mad Men’ has been a huge inspiration this season with its animal print wardrobe, but make sure you choose a subtle print and pair it with neutral colours to keep that classic look.
Although it’s still warm(ish) during the day, nights can be chilly, so to keep your home cosy, faux-fur cushions, animal-print throws and this grassy-look shag rug are great winter warmers, especially topped off with some pretty lace and fabric flowers for a romantic vibe.

Sources:

Valentino leather jacket, $2,050
3 1 Phillip Lim sheer skirt, $450
Forzieri wooden jewelry, $315
Debut red hair accessory, 30 GBP
Giraffe at Home Throw Blanket, $132
Pearce Sofa - everydaysuede™ | Pottery Barn, $369
Kosta Boda 'Contrast' Crystal Vase, $100
Adrienne Landau Mongolian Lamb Fur 26" Pillow, $650
Adesso Lighting, Director Floor Lamp, $247
Heal's | Copper Pendant by Tom Dixon > Pendants > Pendants &..., 320 GBP
Linea Adrienne felt flower cushion, 30 GBP
IKEA | Rugs | Large & medium rugs | HAMPEN, $50
ELLE SHOP Banner Barrett, 17,850 JPY

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Feather your nest

2011-05-23T06:00:00.002+10:00

It’s finally starting to cool down here so my thoughts have turned to staying warm and cosy. My inspiration this week comes from one of the most used accessories from my wardrobe – feather hairpieces.

Feathers are floating in my fantasy room this autumn with feather motifs on furniture, sewn onto accoutrements or wherever you like – there are no hard or fast rules here – just fly and be free.
Feathers are a great way to add texture, shape, volume, warmth and a touch of luxury to your autumn style.

Photo credits: 1, 2 , 3 : via pinterest & 4 : via apartmenttherapy

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Styling job: Quick tips for visual merchandising

2011-05-16T06:00:00.003+10:00

I have just finished creating the new window displays for the jewellery shop. It’s so much fun because the owner has such beautiful things to begin with!

And I was given the freedom to select the pieces and create a harmonious display to catch the attention of passers-by. But visual merchandising does more than simply attract attention. Getting shoppers through the door is one thing; inspiring them to stay (and buy) is what commercial design is all about.

Quick tips for visual merchandising

- Updating a window display doesn’t have to mean a major renovation; simply re-arranging things once in a while injects new life and energy into the shop. And is likely to boost sales!

- Be open to different ways of doing things – like turning merchandise upside down or placing it in an unexpected location. It’s amazing how the most subtle change can have that ‘wow’ effect!

- Colour co-ordination
Effective colour co-ordination can be a real challenge when you’re combining a range of tones and hues from hundreds of different items. Most important are balance and proportion. One colour should dominate about 60 percent, the second about 30 percent, and finally, 10 percent of accent colour, sometimes in one bold stroke! But remember, even the smallest splash can snare the attention, so never underestimate the power of colour.

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From me to Mom

2011-05-08T15:37:00.006+10:00

I have nothing but fond memories of my childhood, surrounded by my parents, siblings and my extended family. Now I live far away from them, I understand even more the value of close family ties and the joy that can bring.

My siblings and I grew up without designer labels and high-tech gadgets. Instead, we had boundaries, discipline and positive role models. I don’t claim our lives were perfect, but we all still love each other and that’s what matters.

Each year I make a card for my mother. I don’t buy one at a store; I want to make something personal so I always include photos of us doing things together. I could make a list of everything I love about her but it would be too long. I want to buy her gifts but they would not be enough to say thank you to the woman who has done more for me than anyone else in the world.
Happy Mother’s Day!

resources:

Catherine Malandrino flower top, Elizabeth and James slouchy pants, High heel shoes, MICHAEL KORS leather clutch, Paloma's sugar stacks earrings, Melissa Odabash wide brim hat, Wet Seal metal shield sunglass, Birds on a Wire Photo Display, Scented cream hand tied bouquet

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Royal wedding theme

2011-05-02T11:31:00.008+10:00

With the enormous enthusiasm for the Royal Wedding, it seems like lots of people have recently rediscovered a soft spot for fairy tales. It’s enchanting!
Along with the wedding, there seems to be a trend towards all things British at the moment.

via pinterest.com

All of this is to say that we can probably expect to see a sudden rise in popularity of the classic English look with some modern twists. I thought I’d share some British-inspired design to mark the occasion.
Forget the palace; you can spruce up your place so you will feel like a princess. I still have fond memories of living in an old flat in London. It’s all about being comfortable with your taste and combining styles to reflect your personality.

Photo credits: armchairs / Dining & Bathroom / English tea / flowers & Bathroom Accessories / Union Jack cushion

photo credit: Hallway

photo credit: janconstantine

An eclectic mix of treasures
photo credits: designspongeonline / housetohome

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Footsteps into the past

2011-04-27T10:42:00.004+10:00

Three years ago, I met a British lady who had a scrapbook full of ideas for her dream home. My job was to turn her ideas into reality. The project is well and truly finished, of course, but last week she invited me to visit her to see how she has enjoyed living in her dream home.
I was honestly flattered to be invited back and quite touched that she should think of me after so long. It was great to see her, and the house, again and pretty amazing to see my original designs transformed into brick and plaster.

Unfortunately she asked me not to publish any photos of the house as she wants to keep it personal and I totally respect that.

What I can share here is the moodboard and the colour scheme that I put together for her. It was truly a pleasure to work with her and it’s nice to know that our relationship has endured past the project that brought us together.

The absolute best thing about a project like this is to be a part of making someone’s dream come true; to see a smile on a client’s face is very rewarding for any designer.

Resources:
- French girl in resin: All modern / Modern vast and flowers canvas wall art: Homedecorators / Mirror: MoreMirror / Vanity: unbeatablesale, inc. / Duvet cover: us-mattress / framed wall art: westelm / Viceroy velvet curtain: anthropologie / The nines apartment sofa: crate and barrel / Branch curtain tie-backs: urban outfitters / Chrome and black crystal chandelier: Overstock / Dog iron bookends: nextag.com/antique-bookends / Traditional french crest giclee kiss table lamp: eurostylelighting.com / Round coffee table: Modern lines

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Easter Chocolate

2011-04-20T13:04:00.002+10:00

Easter’s just around the corner. I’m not a huge fan of giant chocolate eggs, but the holidays do give me an excuse to make simple but extraordinary treats.
These are the easy version of chocolate strawberries. They are perfect for a last-minute dessert and they’re ready to serve straight out of the fridge.

photo credit: Myrtle & Eunice

These tiny Easter eggs hanging from a branch are a simple yet pretty addition for the season.

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Quote of the day: Be awesome

2011-04-18T09:57:00.003+10:00

Ready to get start on Monday morning through the rest of the week?
And ...

Inspirational quote in print by Super Swoon

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Small stuff

2011-04-15T06:00:00.002+10:00

Life is still busy around here. The rain started to fade away and let the sun shine in.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life,
how often do we stop to appreciate the small stuff?

So I decided to leave all my work and go for a bit of walk, to feel the autumn tickle in my face and delight in the beautiful changes to come.
I came home with a handful of goodies that I picked up along the path. Aren’t they just so simple and nice?

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Eggless white chocolate & berry muffin

2011-04-13T15:50:00.006+10:00

I hope you’re ready to start drooling, because last weekend these Eggless White Chocolate and Berry Muffins made my house smell so nice.
It's one of my favorite desserts because it's so quick and easy. And it's so much better if you can use sweet local berries. Throw in some raspberries and blueberries too if you like.

Prep: 30 mins. Cooking: 22-30 mins. (Serves 12)
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ to 1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
3½ oz butter
1 tablespoon white vinegar (I used apple cider vinegar)
1½ cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
3½ oz white chocolate

- Preheat the oven to 375F for 15 minutes
- Lightly butter the muffin molds, line with paper liners and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine sugar, milk, butter and vinegar. Mix well.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stir until just combined. Don’t over stir.
- Gently fold in the berries using a spatula.
- Fill the muffin tin about 2/3 full.
- Bake until a wooden skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean, about 22-30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Then remove the muffins from the molds and cool on a wire rack.

I found the recipe in Eggless Cooking and gave it a try with a few changes. Everyone loved it, especially my friend who’s allergic to eggs.

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Stylish Blogger Award

2011-04-11T11:50:00.005+10:00

Last week I received a lovely message from Tesca, who run a blog called Wohnwasabi. She had nominated me for a Stylish Blogger Award! It was a sweet surprise in my inbox and I couldn’t stop smiling all day.

As part of receiving the Stylish Blogger Award, you are required to share 7 things about yourself to your readers and pass the award on to other bloggers you think deserve it

7 things you probably don't know about me...

1. I’m a self-confessed homewares addict and I’m always changing everything in my house, from colour schemes to re-arranging furniture. And my husband hates it! He says he can’t find anything!!! Too bad :P

2. When I am not at work, you can find me at the museum, gallery or library. Endless window-shopping is my worst habit.

3. I’ve always loved studying and I have a zest for learning new things. So I’m a bit of a nerd in some ways.

4. When I was in primary school. My first art project was to draw a picture “Your home”. My teachers didn’t believe that I drew that picture. So I was very upset and started drawing like mad....

5. My favorite thing? It would have to be my family. We are very close but living apart. This shot was taken in 2010, when we managed to have a family re-union in Thailand. I live in Australia, my younger sister lives in Seattle, USA and the rest of the family are in Bangkok, Thailand. We’re trying to have it again every year.

6. Sunday is usually my day off. I love reading, cooking and enjoy eating, so I usually do that on any given Sunday.

7. I’m lucky to be married to my soulmate and wake up every morning with a smile from his face.

PART TWO - My nominees for the stylish blogger award are...

life in sketch

notes to a further excuse

Casa Greer

colour lovin' mother

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Quote of the day: Lose fear

2011-04-10T07:55:00.000+10:00

via pinterest

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Shrinking

2011-04-08T14:35:00.004+10:00

We're heading into winter here in Australia, but you know what... it has been raining non-stop so I'm shrinking!!!

image via: linein.org

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Office

2011-04-06T10:02:00.002+10:00

I could work here all day... ♡

image via: 79ideas.org

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Graffiti: Art or Vandalism?

2011-04-06T08:12:00.005+10:00

There are always discussions about graffiti. Some want it eradicated; others want to embrace a creative space for it.

Last weekend I had a chance to visit The May Lane Street Art Project at Artspace Mackay. The project began in Sydney in 2005 when Tugi Balog turned the walls of his business into an outdoor gallery space for street artists.
Here are some works from the exhibition.

Back when I was studying interior design at university, graffiti on the university walls was one of the most fun projects. It’s a great way to express yourself and draw and paint without the usual limitations. We created each work to celebrate different occasions throughout the year, and every year, the walls were washed clean again, a process that’s been going on for decades. So nowadays, I always rejoice when I see graffiti because it brings back so many memories.
These photos are of graffiti at my university that have been collected by former students over the years.

Welcome Freshies!

Graduation

Decorative Arts faculty on fire

Art Thesis exhibition

Photo credits: Art of the wall by Santad Saksakorn / Decorative Arts, Mural, Silpakorn University

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What if?

2011-03-29T06:52:00.005+10:00

If you celebrate style, are passionate about design, like to share creative inspirations, offer useful tips, grant behind-the-scenes access to your artistic desk, show off your DIY projects, host giveaways, or any other mind-blowing stuff – and – you would like to be featured in my blog, let’s talk!

I’m happy to spread the word!

photo courtesy: areyouonmyside

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Blog gallery

2011-03-29T06:42:00.006+10:00

I’m working on creating a Blogroll gallery and you're invited to submit your blog button. The links will be displayed in the galleries.
Details on how to submit your blog button(s) :

Blogroll categories for submissions:
1 interior/home décor
2 architecture
3 graphic/photographic
4 craft/DIY
5 fashion
6 lifestyle/food

Submissions:
- Your blog button should include your blog's name.
- Size: 108 pixels wide x 60 pixels high - 72dpi resolution as a maximum.
- Preferably in JPG only. No animations please.
- If you have more than one blog, please feel free to submit artwork for all of them.
- Please use "BLOG SUBMISSION" in your email title.
- A link on your own site back to Fantabulous Design is always appreciated.

- Email me with your blog button, blog URL, and specify the category. (click the envelope below to send me an email)

Note: Please understand that I would like to include everyone's blog but if your blog doesn't meet the submission requirements I may be unable to add you. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

Thank you so much!

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Right or Left

2011-03-25T17:07:00.004+10:00

Are you a left brain or a right brain person? Read more about who you are here.

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Delicious lime pudding

2011-03-23T09:22:00.006+10:00

Photo by: Fantabulous Design

Defeat the summer heat with this simple old-school lime pudding, which uses lime zest and lime juice to punch up the flavour. Add a dollop of crème fraiche or a scoop of ice cream for a sparkling endnote.

Prep: 30 mins. Cooking: 30 mins. (Serves 6)
Butter, for greasing
60 g unsalted butter
2 limes
250 g caster sugar
3 eggs
350ml milk
35g self-raising flour

- Preheat the oven to 180c.
- Lightly butter 6 ramekins and set aside.
- In a kitchen mixer, cream the butter, sugar and the zest from 1 lime until light and fluffy.
- Separate the egg yolks from the whites then add the egg yolks to the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
Mix until combined then add the milk, flour, and the juice of both limes. Continue to mix until a smooth batter is achieved.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites to a stiff peak then gently fold the egg whites into the lime batter.
- Pour the mixture into the 6 greased ramekins then arrange evenly in a bain marie, ensuring the water is halfway up the height of the ramekins.
- Place the bain marie into the oven then cook for 30mins until the top two-thirds of the puddings are spongy and there is lime custard on the bottom third.
- Serve warm or cold.

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My classroom

2011-03-21T09:45:00.005+10:00

It’s been three weeks since I started the online course “Blogging Your Way” by Holly from Décor8 and Leslie from Creative Mint. It’s so inspiring and motivating to meet new people who share my passion for design. There are lots of great tips plus homework for practice, which I really enjoy. I must admit that I’m a bit behind and still trying to catch up on all the homework.

One good thing about the class is that I can do it whenever and wherever I want. This week, I’m planning to print out all the lessons and study while immersed in bubbles with my sketchbook, candles, and a cup of tea. I hope this classroom will help me catch up on everything I’m behind!

Photo credit: Peg and Awl

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Do what you love

2011-03-18T10:23:00.004+10:00

Sometimes people ask me why I like to work from home.
My reply is, because I love it.
I do my research on a comfy daybed with a little daydreaming thrown in and anytime is Me Time.

Photo by: Fantabulous Design

Recently, I put up twinkle lights and let myself drift away into a designer Disneyland where my dreams get transformed into reality and creativity sparkles like fairy dust...

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Quote of the day

2011-03-18T09:46:00.003+10:00

Choose a job you love and you will never have to work another day.
Quote by Confucius (also K'ung Fu-tzu, K'ung-tzu), Chinese philosopher & reformer

Graphic by: flickr/shira

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Gift for designers: NoteSlate

2011-03-16T08:26:00.007+10:00

Don’t get me wrong, I love sketching on paper. But NoteSlate’s extreme minimalism fascinates me. I'm not going to go into all the details of how cool the Noteslate is, because, well, I don't even own one. Suffice it to say that it’s as close to sketching on paper as you can get without, well, sketching on paper. At the moment, I'm just drooling over the colour selections and its brilliant functionality.

Which of the voices in my head should I listen to? The three-year-old that’s screaming, “I want one!” or the adult that knows it’s really just a great toy. So, should I get it? And if so, which colour?
Decisions! Decisions!
I’m really curious, would you get one? Should I?

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stuck!!!

2011-03-14T10:35:00.005+10:00

It has been raining non-stop here, so I'm stuck in the house. When I stumbled upon this image, I felt just like that little girl.
image via bodieandfou

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DIY seating bench

2011-03-11T08:04:00.005+10:00

I just came across this brilliant tutorial for making a seating bench out of IKEA cabinetry. The finished product looks great and it shows how much difference a little creativity can make. I love seating benches by windows. They’re so cosy and comfortable and I’d love to have one in my house.
For the full tutorial, hop over to Aubrey & Lindsay’s Little House Blog.

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Sweet planner

2011-03-09T08:07:00.002+10:00

I can't believe another week has flown by so quickly! We have been busy little bees here in the studio what with working and having a mini-family reunion. It was a heart-warming time with lots of laughter and catching up after two years apart but it’s left my schedule all out of whack.

So, if you’re busy too, this sweet day planner is really inspirational and looks like a pile of fun to work with. I hope that I can get myself back into a regular routine with a lovely little to-do list like this one.
image credit: flickr-decor8

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Quote of the day: Picasso

2011-03-07T13:22:00.007+10:00

Picasso was in a park when a woman approached him and asked him to draw a portrait of her. Picasso agreed and quickly sketches her. After handing the sketch to her, she is pleased with the likeness and asks how much she owed to him. Picasso replies $5,000. The woman screamed, “but it took you only five minutes”.

“No, Madam, it took me all my life”, replied Picasso.

Via quotevadis.com

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Beach picnic

2011-02-25T06:00:00.005+10:00

Wow... I wasn’t expecting this week to be so exhausting and draining. Luckily, the weekend is coming soon and I'll have time to recover. It will be sunny and warm in the forecast for this weekend, which I take as an invitation to have a little picnic on the beach.

Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend.

image credits: housedoctordk / ilovewildfox

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Let the sun shine in!

2011-02-21T17:32:00.007+10:00

It’s been so sunny and hot outside lately. I'm wishing that I could have a relaxing picnic at the park. Unfortunately, the heat is keeping me indoors most of the time.

Still, I’m trying to enjoy the little bits of beauty and the life-giving sparkle of the sun before winter comes. My morning coffee in the sun is the best beginning to the day and once the day cools off, sunset dining is a kind of bliss.

photo credits:
sarahklassen / countryhome / aubreyroad / eco-stylista / potterybarn

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gadget girl

2011-02-16T13:03:00.003+10:00

Looking for a way to de-clutter my desk and these are great solution!

organizing zillion computer cables

Aphrodite USB Hub

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Message in a bottle

2011-02-14T06:00:00.004+10:00

My heart skipped a few beats when I read this love story...
... Mandy English was just 13 when she hurled the note requesting a penpal into the sea during a 1979 school trip to Scotland.
Two years later Richard, then just six, spotted the glass bottle on the beach and sent a reply by postcard.

30 years later... STUNNED Richard has discovered his missus is the same girl whose message in a bottle he answered 30 years ago... Read full story

Who would’ve thought?

1 Planet, 204 Countries, 809 Islands, 7 Seas,
and I had the privilege to meet you.

Happy Valentine’s Day, I hope that your day is filled with love, excitement, and every good thing in between.

Let’s spread the love around.

photo credits:
Chloe perfume
Red-white glass bottle
Message in a bottle
Monochromatic Deck of Cards
Rose cake

Who would’ve thought?&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;1 Planet, 204 Countries, 809 Islands, 7 Seas,&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;and I had the privilege to meet you.

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Sweet projects

2011-02-13T11:14:00.009+10:00

It's all prep for Valentine's Day Next week. You know ... to get in the mood (wink wink)

Morning: Hanging flower along the veranda and some fun photo project in a lounge.

Afternoon: Take a little time out of my day to unwind with a good book on the beach.

Evening: Dinner for two with lots of hugs and kisses! ♥

Photo credits:

Relaxing at the beach
Beautiful photo

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French kiss: Stylish Jewellery Storage

2011-02-09T08:42:00.017+10:00

I just re-watched Sofia Coppola's version of Marie Antoinette and couldn't get enough of this deliciously decadent French style: the soundtrck and the visuals are so delightful.
Then I found this cool tip from Martha stewart: vintage teacups and saucers for sorting jewellery – finally, my jewellery storage problem solved! This is just perfect! It makes me feel like a queen in my own home.

Line the drawer with velvet or felt to prevent rattling and sliding. Hook drop earrings on the rims of cups, nestle necklaces within them, and stash chunkier beads and bangles on individual saucers. --> Martha Stewart.

- screencaps courtesy Screenmusings.org

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Quote of the day

2011-02-07T15:42:00.004+10:00

making things happen

Goodness, January is over!

What will you make to greet the dawn of a new decade? Whether starting your own business, learning to dance, or taking a walk everyday. Time gone so fast .... let's get start!

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Bears bread

2011-02-03T11:17:00.003+10:00

from Happy rainbow -->yaplog.jp

Adorable bread ... How are these made? I so want to make them. But the recipe is in Japanese!

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Quote of the day

2011-02-02T12:23:00.005+10:00

How would you describe yourself?

I'm not perfect
but
I'm limited edition.

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Vintage lover: Honeysuckle

2011-01-24T11:23:00.013+10:00

My friends are getting married next weekend. So we’re hunting for some vintage style to match the theme of the celebrations.
I love vintage. I’ve always been attracted to vintage and I love to use it in my wardrobe. Vintage can sometimes look like junk to the uninspired and it takes a creative eye to see the beauty behind it. So this week I couldn’t resist gathering some inspiring vintage wardrobe tips for all my dear friends.

Sources:

Blouse - EAT | espejo p (out of stock)
Retro Indie Shoes & Vintage Inspired Shoes - Poetrie.com
Vintage style handbag - Vera Bradley Alice in Paprika
Red cocktail ring - GUESS - 177749-21C (Red/Black) - Jewelry
Vintage inspired necklace - Mary Necklace
Vintage Valentino Dress Suits Owned and Worn by Edie Adams -circa...
Vintage mini gold mesh purse - A R C H I V E vintage
Wiola Kowal by Tamer Yilmaz for Marie Claire Turkey December 2010
Where Professional Models Meet Model Photographers - ModelMayhem
Royalty-free stock image | Antique photo frame - iStockphoto.com

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Colour of the year 2011

2011-01-24T06:00:00.005+10:00

Pantone Reveals its Colour of the Year for 2011: PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle, a vibrant, energizing honeysuckle tone that lifts spirits and imparts confidence to meet life's ongoing challenges.

via: pantone.com

For over a decade, Pantone's Colour of the Year has been a source of colour inspiration in multiple industries. That means you will see this dynamic reddish pink everywhere: in the home, in fashion, packaging, and cosmetics. Here are some ideas to get your adrenaline pumping.

On an accent wall, it engages the eye and, used strategically, looks sophisticated and stylish. But if a whole wall is too much of a colour statement for you, try adding splashes of colour with cushions, vases or ornaments.

Fabulous flat by wcarchitect via: desiretoinspire
A minimal feel ... a sweet treat for the eyes

Honeysuckle is best balanced with dark wood, charcoal or light to mid-grey. Floral tones add life and vibrancy to a room – proof that you don’t need to make a major investment to update and add impact to your decor.

image via fashion.telegraph.co.uk

Donna Karan mixes honeysuckle with raspberry reds in her DKNY collection, while the floor-length honeysuckle chiffon by John Galliano for Christian Dior is simply irresistible.

cosmetic image via: FashionTrendsetter / Tights by Fantabulous design

On the catwalk or at work, honeysuckle always looks fabulous and attracts the right kind of attention. But, be warned – once you try this striking shade, it can become addictive!

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Photography tips

2011-01-19T06:06:00.000+10:00

Great photography can really sell your product online or in marketing brochures. It's the first thing that people see when they're looking at what you have to offer. Every home magazine has a stylist to arrange the props before the shoot: everything from candles to lamps, flowers and food are brought in to add some ‘pop’ to the shot.

Take advantage of daylight

You can always turn on a lamp or two to create artificial illumination, but natural light makes for better pictures. Try to minimise the use of flash as it can create shine and glare. Before taking your shots, open the blinds, remove the curtains, and let the sun shine in.

A room is more than corners

People don't want to see just the corners of your rooms. Stand in a doorway to get a more encompassing shot, or open a window and shoot from outside. You should try to fit in as much of the room as you can.

Clear the clutter & minimise the furniture

Nobody likes clutter. Remove any ornaments, furniture or items that are overpowering the photo. By clearing the clutter, you can show the room without the distractions.

image via cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com

The wide shot
Position yourself in the corner of the room. Try to centre the key elements and cut out as much of the ceiling as possible. If you don't have a wide-angle lens, or you cannot capture the whole room in one shot, then do it a piece at a time.

Close-ups
Don't just stand still and zoom in; move the camera to capture interesting details. Frame the key elements well, and make sure there are other things in the photo that complement them.
Home magazines aren’t just selling products, they’re selling a lifestyle. So you’ll notice on most shoots, the houses have fresh flowers in the living room, cupcakes on the table, and drinks by the pool.

Focus

If your camera has a self-timer, use it for low-light shots. If you don’t have a tripod, simply set your camera on something solid like a table or a counter or even a pile of books, compose the shot and start the self-timer. The lack of camera shake means you’ll be able to take good quality shots even by candlelight. For tricky camera placements, I use a GorillaPod and I love how flexible it is.

Get some perspective

Don't take all your photos from the same vantage point. Stand on a chair, lie on the floor, and experiment. You’ll get a whole new perspective on your home.

Go digital

A digital camera allows you to take as many photos as you like, so go crazy and try new things. You never know what you might come up with. Professionals take hundreds of shots to get the one or two that go in the magazine, so don’t be discouraged if all your photos aren’t brilliant.
Editing
Edit your photos. To do this you’ll need a photo editing program and there are lots to choose from, many of which are free. In the beginning, you’ll mostly be cropping the shots, adjusting the brightness, contrast or colours. It’s easy to get started so give it a go.

Cropped out some unnecessary space, which draws even more attention to the great product.

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perfect porch

2011-01-10T06:00:00.005+10:00

We’re finally getting a little sunshine after all the rain that has been falling frenziedly! I can feel the warmth and hear the birds chirping! How lovely!
I’ve been drifting off to thoughts of sunshine and bare skin, hoarding images of cozy little outdoor areas for my inspiration and dreaming of making a sunny mini-vacation getaway on my veranda.
Enjoy the sunshine!

via delightbydesign

via thebellalifeblog

via marthastewart - Riverside Cottage

PS: I saved this beautiful image but I cannot remember where I found it. If you know, please let me know, so I can credit the source!

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☆ happy new year 2011 ☆

2011-01-01T08:04:00.007+10:00

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,

but by the moments that take our breath away.

Happy holidays everyone!!! And hopefully the silly season is weaving its irresistible magic by filling your days with ongoing excitement.
Thank you for the visit, I hope you have a spectacular time and good luck for 2011!

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MERRY MERRY Christmas to you

2010-12-24T16:38:00.004+10:00

Add a little Christmas cheer with these informal Christmas party settings. Big comfy floor cushions for seating and candlelight to create a flattering glow.

Have a wonderful festive season and
use this time to recharge your batteries!

photo via livingetc.com

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Stylish Snowflakes

2010-12-20T11:23:00.004+10:00

Being festive doesn't need to be expensive. A little creative thinking and a personal touch can take you all the way to the North Pole.
I love cutting snowflakes; these stylish DIY Paper Snowflakes from JustSomethingIMade.com are a fun reminder of winter in a city where snow never falls.

Or make shimmering snowflakes with dab of glue and a sprinkle of glitter; then just shake off the excess, let dry and string them onto a satin ribbon to celebrate the festive season.

via marthastewart.com

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Chocolate mousse with raspberry coulis

2010-12-13T17:38:00.006+10:00

Have some fun this weekend with French desert, quick to prepare, light on the palate and oh-so-divine!

Prep:15Mins. Cooking: 35mins. Refrigeration: 3-4hours (Serves 6)
150g Cadbury Dairy Milk Hazelnut chocolate
30g butter
2 eggs, separated
125ml thickened cream
6 Ready-made Gourmet Waffle baskets
300g frozen raspberries
1/4cup roasted hazelnuts, chopped
Fresh strawberries to serve

- Break chocolate into a heatproof bowl, add butter and melt in the microwave on medium low for 3-4 minutes, stir until smooth. Stir in egg yolks.
- Beat egg whites with an electric beater until soft peaks form. Beat cream until softly whipped. Fold egg whites and cream into chocolate mixture until just combined. Cover and put in the fridge for 3-4 hours until thick.
- Reserve half the frozen strawberries. Put the remaining strawberries in a bowl and heat in the microwave on high for 1 minute until soft. Mash with a fork then stir through a sieve. Discard pulp.
- Swirl some syrup on each serving plate. Spoon mousse into waffle baskets and serve with remaining raspberries and hazelnuts.

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A Holiday Spirit

2010-12-13T08:21:00.005+10:00

Santa is coming to town, so it’s time to get out the Christmas tree. It doesn't really feel like Christmas here in Queensland, what with all the heat and the rain. I already miss England's chilly weather and I can only dream of a white Christmas. But still, I like to celebrate the spirit of Yule wherever I am. Without chopping down a tree or buying a plastic one, we set up a little space for some humble twigs, added some fun seasonal items here and there, and set our twinkle lights aglow. And the best part – when Santa has left the building, we just take off the baubles and enjoy this charming little tree all year round.

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eco-friendly Xmas tree

2010-12-03T14:01:00.012+10:00

Looking for a Christmas tree with a difference?
Light up your living room with these stylish eco-friendly and child safe Christmas trees.

left: via lovelycluster / right: via etsy

The lovely stickers are perfect for children, as they are removable and completely reusable.

via mooo

left: David Stark for West Elm via ariannainteriors / right: via John Lewis

Miscellaneous tree by Jane Schouten via style-files

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informal dinner

2010-11-26T13:46:00.009+10:00

I would love to rearrange my dining area like this. These arrangement are so pretty - wouldn't it be a lovely space in which to have an intimate dinner after a hard day at work?

image via House To Home

A chic and relaxed feel with subtle pastel shades of ice-cream pink and blue accents, while an ornate chandelier creates a touch of drama.

image via Vogue Living, House beautiful

image via atlantahomesmag

A classic remix, a casual eating area proves that even something informal can be luxe.

image via ericpiasecki

Create a light and elegant scheme with creamy tones.

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cherry & lemon cake

2010-11-12T19:59:00.005+10:00

Warm cherry cake with a hint of lemon zest and thicken cream are truly a match made in heaven for this afternoon. Happy weekend! ♥

Prep:20Mins. Cooking: 75mins. (Serves 10)
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
Zest of 1 lemon, finely grated
600g cherries, stoned
2 cups plain flour (280g)
2 heaped teaspoons baking powder
1 pinch of salt
1 cup+2 tablebspoons caster sugar (250g)
3 eggs (room temperature)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled (125g)
2 teaspoons icing sugar
1 cup pouring cream, to serve (240ml)

- Preheat oven to 180C (160C fan)/ line the base of a 23cm springform tin with baking paper.
- Combine cherries + lemon juice in a bowl.
- Sift flour and baking powder with a pinch of salt into another bowl, them stir in lemon zest.
- Whisk 250g sugar with eggs until pale and thick.
- Fold in flour and lemon zest mixture in two batches, alternating with melted butter.
- Spoon mixture into springform tin and scatter with cherries in lemon juice. Sprinkle with extra sugar and bake for 60-75mins, or until firm and a skewer comes out clean. Cool for 10mins, them remove from tin.- Place 2 teaspoons icing sugar and 1 cup cream in a bowl and beat until thickened.
- Serve warm or cold with sweetened thickened cream.

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pretty lights

2010-11-06T03:52:00.006+10:00

The simplest of things can look beautiful, just add a bit of creativity by Kootoyoo. It's so stunning and easy to make. I can't wait to get my hands on this weekend.

Have fun to you all!

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klein-bottle-house

2010-11-03T18:29:00.005+10:00

A contemporary holiday home with an origami-like twist. As you can tell from the images below, these odd angles are fun on a grand scale!

The Klein Bottle House in Melbourne, Australia

www.mcbridecharlesryan.com.au

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AutoCAD for MAC addict

2010-10-22T13:29:00.005+10:00

Seriously! You aren’t dreaming!
AutoCAD for Mac has been released and it’s ready to download.
I’d heard it was coming, and I got all excited over a brief glimpse a while back. Well, the wait is finally over...
It’s even better news for students, who can download the software with a free three-year worldwide license or pay a nominal fee to remove the ‘education edition’ watermark.

... Note ...
If you are having trouble installing it, here are some tips:
- The system language needs to be in English, or it will CRASH!
- Run system preferences / language & text and in the language bar choose English and put it on first place.
- Then reboot or re-log-on to your Mac
- Run Disk Utility... verify the disk... then restart your computer.
- If you get stuck at the splash screen, try uninstalling; delete all AutoDesk folders, then reinstall.

Here are a couple of links you should have. The free 30 day trial download:

And the *FREE* student version

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Logo tips

2010-10-15T15:45:00.006+10:00

Singapore-based Aerorich was growing so fast that they decided it was time for a complete redesign of their corporate identity. They were extremely pleased with how their new logo turned out with our design process.

Here are some tips we suggested to Aerorich that you can apply to your logo.
The logo is always set in the same style and uses specific kerning, spacing and a defined colour palette.
- Do not add colours to the palette
This will change the overall complexion and dilute the palette’s effectiveness.
- Clear space
The logo must always be positioned with a cushion of clear space around it that is free of any visual elements to prevent the logo from being crowded, cluttered or inappropriately positioned too close to edges.
- A simple way to determine clear space
Minimum clear space = ½ height of name
Imagine a rectangular border around the logo that is ½ the logo-height away from any other element.

- Protecting your logo
The logo should never be obscured or crowded by other elements and it should never be squeezed or otherwise distorted. Nothing should be placed on top of the logo. (see sample A)

EXCEPTIONS TO CLEAR SPACE AND LOGO RULES
Custom signage
When the logo is displayed for the purpose of signage it is permissible to consider an arrangement other than the standard or alternative logo signatures. Note that the positioning and size of the logo may be altered but not the font style.
Bleeding the logo to the edge of a surface.
The logo may at times be used as a dramatic design element such as for signage or display purposes. In these cases it is permissible to allow the logo to kiss or slightly bleed off the edge of a surface.

This light pole banner is an example of display signage that uses the exceptions rules.

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Aerorich logo

2010-09-27T06:00:00.007+10:00

I’ve been working on a logo for an aviation company and it’s been fun going through all the inspirations and images related to aviation and aircraft.
I started with a collection of images, and then created a few colour palettes, font styles and logo options based on the client’s brief. The result was a logo that both the client and I are happy with. Now, we are working on developing business cards, stationery and so on.

Full detail -->click here

Photo credit: istock photo / gettyimages
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fab & found - dragonflies

2010-09-23T10:26:00.006+10:00

Finally, I put up these dragonflies that I bought in Seattle last month. They look great on the hallway wall.

Some of them have quietly settled in a little corner by the front door, greeting everyone who comes in and out.

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Love me MOR!

2010-09-15T03:28:00.007+10:00

These are objects of joy! Really pretty packaging! Check out their fabulous line of products from MOR Cosmetics. Could they be any more perfectly packaged! MOR has discovered a great packaging designer; they did an awesome job!
I just want to buy everything so I can look at it every day.

Head on over to MOR for their special promotion this month.

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get less Spam

2010-09-09T08:57:00.006+10:00

Here are several ways to hiding email address from spambots. (if you're a geek!)

I love scrim ... the easy way to transform your long ugly email address into a cute short URL that is safe and spambot-proof to share on Twitter, Facebook and other sites.

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Special offer -Sept.2010

2010-09-07T09:54:00.006+10:00

Special offer from Studio Suki

Oh yes! it's FREE until the 15th of September.

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The winner is ...

2010-09-01T07:50:00.005+10:00

Congratulations to John Moldt … (from our Facebook page)

To redeem your prize please email your postal address to http://scr.im/studiosuki
To be eligible for this prize you must respond within 14 days from today.

Many thanks to everyone who entered. I really appreciate all your comments and please do check out our blog or follow our Facebook page because we will be offering more contests and special offers in the future.

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Giveaway

2010-08-02T08:01:00.010+10:00

Ready for a fresh start?
Already we’re halfway through the year and here in Australia it’s tax time! If you’re like me then you’re dealing with a pile of bills and trying to sort through your deductions. Fingers crossed the tax department isn’t too harsh this year.
For me, the second half of the year is kicking off with a new addition to the family – my baby sister is about to have her first baby, so I’ll be taking a few weeks off to visit her in Seattle! I’m absolutely thrilled!
To compensate for my absence, I’m giving away a book this month: “Blogging for Bliss”. It’s 153 pages, so you could read it in a week or over a quiet weekend. Inside are tools of the trade, including blog platforms, techniques for adding and updating photos, graphics, links and tags, as well as ideas, tips and tricks for blogging and ideas for transforming blogging into a profitable business.
Anyone who wants to start blogging or is keen to improve their blog will love this book.

How to win:
1 entry
* Leave a comment in this post with “enter me” in the text.

2 entries
* Become a follower of this blog and get another chance to win – make sure you tell me in your comment.

3 entries
*For three chances to win, mention our giveaway on Facebook and include a link to our page, or post about this giveaway on your blog and include a link to our page. Don’t forget to send me the link.

5 entries
* For even more chances to win, put a link to this giveaway in your sidebar or put me on your blogroll. Don’t forget to send me the link.

... ... ... ... ...

* Please be sure to include your first name plus a valid email address when commenting.
* The closing date for entries is August 31, 2010. The winner will be chosen at random and announced here on September 1, 2010.
* This giveaway is open internationally.
* The prize is purchased with my own money. I don’t get paid for featuring this book.

* Best of luck to you all! *

Free advertising giveaway by Giveaway scout, a popular search engine that automatically scans thousands of blogs and informs people of the latest blog giveaways and contests.

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space-saving

2010-07-21T06:00:00.006+10:00

The space-saving furniture in the video is mind-blowing. The design and engineering work cleverly together, but what is more attractive is how things stay steady when the shelves or bed are pulled out! Each piece has at least two functions.

If you liked the Domestic transformer video, I bet you’ll love this one too.

Giravolta
The Giravolta table begins as a beautiful console that folds open to become a functional dining table in seconds.

The Single coffee table contains a top that lifts up and moves forward with one simple motion, creating the perfect dining or working surface in your living room.

via resourcefurniture

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Milan Design Week 2010

2010-07-12T06:00:00.006+10:00

Last week, after three days of fever, I was left not only with a sore throat but I also had no energy and a splitting headache. Anyway, after lots of antibiotics and plenty of mint tea, I’m feeling as right as rain.
I spent the rest of the week flipping through Vogue Living (July/August 2010) with its free DVD report from Milan Design Week. This was awesome and inspired me to drag myself from my sickbed to continue my battle in the world of design.
Here’s a sneak peek at Vogue Living’s DVD coverage of Milan Design Week:

Strung above the famous fashion street of Via Montenapoleone are huge lanterns that light up the night.

The Invisibles by Tokujin Yoshioka for Kartell

Amplify by Yves Béhar
These LED pendant lamps are made from recycled paper and re-create the shimmering effect of crystal chandeliers.

Maurizio Galante with his 'Drago' bedspread
A bedspread formed from hundreds of raised motifs which in unison create voluminous waves of triangular pleats.

This massive chandelier, "Stella”, by Tokujin Yoshioka, is a large crystal dandelion hung from the ceiling in a room full of white haze.

For a three-minute clip, click here

More coverage of Milan Design Week 2010 including photo galleries, videos, blog posts and interviews from core77

On the bright side of being sick, I had a trip to Milan without ever leaving the comfort of my daybed: not too bad!

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PilotHandwriting

2010-06-28T17:02:00.002+10:00

A year or so ago, I blogged about how to turn your handwriting into a font.
Well, now there is Pilothandwriting, a free web application that saves your personal writing style to a website, and then lets you send emails in your own handwriting.

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Al fresco lunch

2010-06-22T23:31:00.008+10:00

My Sunday project last weekend was finding a suitable spot in our garden for a casual outdoor lunch with friends. We moved the table around the yard, sat down, thought about it, and moved again.
Eventually, we decided on a secluded spot at the side of the house: it’s private, shady and has very green view with the mountains in the far distance.
Garden noodle rolls were great for the entrée. It’s a healthy finger food, complemented with mint & lime sauce. It’s really just lots of finely diced vegetables and minced pork rolled in rice noodles. Everyone loved it!
Massaman curry for the main course worked well. I added a bit of chilli for a little heat to combat the winter breeze. This is a great dish for parties because it’s made the day before and left to simmer overnight, soaking up all the flavours. Then it’s simply a matter of serving it on a bed of rice, sitting back and gracefully accepting the applause.
Fresh strawberries, kiwifruit, and raspberries were perfect just on their own and really helped to cleanse the palette.
Closing the meal were homemade individual fruit tarts served with hot coffee and jasmine tea: a lovely combination.
I couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather. Dining in the winter sunshine was a delight!

It was such a success that we’ve decided to do it all again very soon. In the meantime, I’m inspired by the details of this gorgeous garden party: it’s full of ideas for throwing my next casual get-together outdoors.

via delightbydesign

A bunch of flowers, a few candles, and paper lanterns makes any party feel fabulous.

via myhomeideas

Mosquito netting and bamboo poles turn this yard into an enchanting setting for al fresco dining. It’s movie-set gorgeous – so adorable.

I bet they have a nice glow at night.

via idealhomemagazine
A little corner for girlfriends

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leaf-it

2010-06-14T14:33:00.006+10:00

A few busy weekends in a row and my to-do list rapidly grow to be as big as these...

Leave me some messages -->Leaf-it

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Useful list

2010-05-31T14:57:00.010+10:00

What a busy time it’s been! My “to do” list is all over the place: on my calendar, in my notebook, scribbled on post-its ... till it’s almost more work maintaining the list than doing what’s on it.

Teux Deux is a to-do list application that lets me put the entire list on my computer screen. As an online task manager, it’s slick, simple and free. It offers a clear view of weekly tasks and I love the ‘Someday’ section, where I can slot all the things I want to do but can’t do right now – a long list – without losing them in a pile of paper notes.

Teux Deux is one of the top 25 most useful websites around, according to PCWorld.

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Domestic transformer

2010-05-11T08:28:00.005+10:00

I love the space efficiency.

And what a brilliant ideas for losing weight!
You'll not get fat living in this apartment! Moving and shifting things all the time.

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Spicy citrus

2010-05-04T06:00:00.001+10:00

I have a crush on orange: all those rich, fruity accents. It’s a dynamic and fresh hue, whether on a piece of jewellery, a simple dress or on a statement furniture piece – anything in orange will delight the eye.
As it's such a strong colour, all you need is a dash here or there or, when black is anywhere in the vicinity, simply add some orange detail.

daybed by Fantabulous design / cocktail via flickr /
Fashion design via creativeinfluences / reading nook via apartment therapy

Even in a calming reading nook, a dash of orange gives life to the environment.

image via high-heelfootinthedoor

These signature orange Hermes boxes are gorgeous but even empty ones can be expensive on eBay. It’s rumoured that a customer bought a set of Hermes china just so they could display the boxes around the house, but really, any orange boxes will do – it’s still a great look

image via livingetc

There's something about this colour that is just so warm and welcoming … it really draws you in.

image via creamylife

In combination with grey and earth tones it’s a fashion triumph.

image via ilvoelv

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Overcharging … what’s wrong with that?

2010-04-26T15:54:00.005+10:00

I just quoted my client less than $100 for redesigning a logo. I base my quotes on actual costs, billable hours, and the complexity of the work. I try to offer quality services at affordable rates.

But my jaw dropped to the ground when read this in the Daily Mail the following day:

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband paid a design consultant £80,000 to change the font on the Foreign Office logo. Nice work if you can get it!

"The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has spent tens of thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money on a new logo – which is almost identical to the previous design."

Spot the difference: The old logo vs. the new logo

How do people get away with charging rates like this, especially when the services aren’t anything special?
Tripling (or in this case quadrillioning) your rates based on your client’s ability to pay is hardly an ethical business practice.

When you buy your groceries, they don’t charge you more because you earn more than the guy behind you.
If the Queen rang us (fingers crossed) and asked for our services, she would get the same rate as the guy next door.
It’s simply business integrity.

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The Sea-Cret, Hua Hin

2010-04-21T06:00:00.002+10:00

Last month, I spent three weeks in Thailand visiting my family. For part of the trip, we travelled south of Bangkok to the beachside resort town of Hua Hin. We soaked in the spa, gorged ourselves on delicious seafood and met lots of friendly people. I thought I’d share with you all some pictures of our hotel.

The Sea-Cret, Hua Hin

We stayed at a poolside suite on the ground floor, which has a private terrace right on the edge of the huge saltwater pool, along with its own private Jacuzzi.

Access to the pool through a waterfall curtain next to the terrace

A pretty area divider, the pearly iridescence of the shell curtains adds an air of seaside sophistication. Shell curtains create a shimmering backdrop to the reception area and are also used as privacy screens for the Jacuzzis on the second and third floor balconies.

Colourful waiting area by the 24-hour front desk

Beautiful lighting

Books, magazines and a DVD collection free for guests to borrow

The expertly designed suite consists of a bedroom and a living room with a daybed, which can be converted to a queen-size bed, along with a working table, a dining table and mini-bar.

Spacious bathroom with bathtub, rain shower, and walk-in closet

Walkway to the beach

Complimentary coffee and sandwiches every day

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drawing bunnies

2010-04-18T11:03:00.005+10:00

At this moment ...

(Illustration by Alex Noriega)

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The winner is ...

2010-04-02T13:49:00.003+10:00

Congratulations to Rachel Follett …
the winner of our beautiful bloom competition

Many thanks to everyone who entered. I really appreciate all your comments. They keep my spirits up and keep me motivated to continue writing my little blog.

And again, a big thanks to Thili Blooms for her generosity
........

I should apologise for the delay in the blooming giveaway, which was due to Cyclone Ului. North Queensland was put on “critical alert” and we had no running water or phone connections and days without power. At its peak, 50,000 homes and businesses in the region were blacked out. Trees and powerlines were down all over town and there was some structural damage to our house.

We just got the electricity back a couple of days ago and things are getting back to normal with big piles of work that need to be done. The clean-up is continuing around the region.

photo via: news.com.au

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blooming day

2010-03-02T10:59:00.006+10:00

Hello everyone. I just had to pop back in to say hi and to check out a few of my favourite blogs. I've been having the most wonderful, restful holiday with my family in Thailand. So I will be taking a few weeks away from the blog until I get back on the 18th March.

While I’m having a blogging break, I wanted to leave you with lovely blooms and a chance to win one of your favourite piece!

Have a lovely blooming day!
x x x

. . . .. . . ... ... . . . . . .. . ...... . . . .... . . . .... . . . .

Thilli Blooms presents handmade flowers. Each blossom is created from chiffon scraps that would otherwise be discarded. Thili has built a relationship with a local fabric store who save their offcuts for her, making Thili's unique pieces as green as they are gorgeous. Stick them on your fridge, on cushions, clothes, hats, or whatever takes your fancy, or bring them to life with a sprinkle of your favourite essential oil. They’re the perfect finishing touch for a bride or for those just dashing out of the door to a cocktail party.
So, I'm super-excited to announce that Thili has agreed to create a fabulous individual piece for one lucky reader of Fantabulous Design!

For your chance to win:
* Leave a comment in this post mentioning your favourite piece.
* Become a follower and get another chance to win – make sure you tell me in your comment.
*For a third chance to win, mention our giveaway on Facebook and include a link to our page, or post on your blog and include a link to our page. Don’t forget to send me the link.
* Please be sure to include your first name plus a VALID email address when commenting.
* The closing date for entries is Monday, March 22, 2010. The winner will be chosen at random and announced here on Wednesday, March 23, 2010.

* Best of luck to you all! *

A big thanks to Thili for providing such a great giveaway prize! Thili’s products will be available for purchase in her etsy shop soon. Also, make sure to check out her blog, buy some beautiful blooms and get chic before anyone else.

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Colour quiz

2010-02-16T19:35:00.007+10:00

What colour is your personality?
Take the quiz

Yellow! The description fits perfectly!

“You are quite the powerful thinker. It’s this talent that allows you to overcome a plethora of great obstacles. Luckily, this doesn’t affect your ego and you give off a pretty easy-going appearance. You enjoy the finer things in life and also have an attraction to art. If you can help it, you try not to rock the boat. But you also can’t stop yourself from searching for new ideas, methods or styles.”

My favorite colour is black. I guess I could put them together on the inspiration board. Yellow isn’t as neutral as grey or brown, and if you let it take over I imagine things could get kitschy. My advice is to keep it to a very neutral palette with splashes of yellow and black. I think they work well together: very rich & chic.

But if you want to tone it down a bit, choose pale yellow or buttercream teamed with a soft grey. This palette will give you a soft, sweet feel.

Photo credit: 1. Elle Decoration 2. Living etc. 3.Snippet&Pink
4.food network 5.midcenturyjo@flickr 6.westelm 7.deedeetsyshop

What are your favorite colors and what do they say about your personality? Take the quiz and share your findings in the comments.

Photo credit: 8.classic interior design 9.midcenturyjo@flickr

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Design quotes

2010-02-11T18:28:00.002+10:00

Sometimes, just random quotes bring me inspiration.

Alex Giron has created a system that allows you to display inspiring quotes in full screen mode, as a screensaver or a slideshow for a coffee break during meetings.
Head over to check it out at:
http://neography.com/designquotes/
How to set it up as a screensaver:
http://neography.com/journal/design-quotes-display-screensaver/

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bookbook

2010-02-08T09:00:00.000+10:00

If only they had one for me!
I love these laptop cases! Unfortunately, they don't have one for my 17-inch, at least, not yet. All I can do for now is put these awesome BookBook covers on my wishlist.

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love stories

2010-02-04T15:13:00.008+10:00

As Valentine's Day draws near, it's time to start hunting for the perfect gift. Make a list of ideas now so when the time comes, you won't be stuck with emergency flowers and chocolate - not that I've anything against flowers and chocolate.

{ lovi-heart }

This beautiful 'postcard' cleverly conceals a third dimension. Simply slot its flat-packed pieces together to create this gorgeous decoration. A delightful gift for a far-away friend.

. . .

{ dressup }

Want some designer glam for a special occasion?
Browse your favorite designers, choose a dress, then rent it for a fraction of the price! They come beautifully wrapped and ready to wear. And there's no need to dry clean it afterward; just return it when you're done.

. . .

{ irenesuchocki }

These heart-themed photographs are printed on blank cards and come with matching envelopes. I just love the soft colours. For a perfect Valentine's card, look no further.

. . .

{ red velvet cupcake }

The more I see them, the more I want them. The recipe for these mouth-watering cupcakes is at BetterHomes & Gardens. It's a sweet treat idea for this Valentine's Day.

. . .

{ CafePress }

For a memorable and useful gift that shows you care, customise a Sigg water bottle with a message of love. They're great fun to design and it's as easy as pie. Drop over to Cafe press and give it a try.

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win a ring

2010-02-01T06:00:00.005+10:00

Esther’s Antiques has team up with Plush Magazine to give you the chance to win the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift.

This antique 10k gold ring featuring a heart-shaped onyx with a diamond insert is valued at $756

But it could be yours by simply answering this question:
“What year did Esther’s Antiques first open?”
email your answer to win@plushmagazine.com.au
(hint: you can find out the answer by visiting Esther's Antiques)

Good luck!

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