18.9.10

A place in the sun.

Once we'd torn our gaze from the beautiful vintage wares, childhood mementos, travel finds and designer pieces, we noticed the amazing ocean views.  Welcome to designer Kirsty Bruce's tiny but perfect sunsoaked apartment (with views).... 




Natural light pours through the Tord Boontje lightshade
 giving the space an ethereal feel.  So pretty!
Kirsty made the bedspread from fabric sourced at
Fabric Fantasy (sadly now closed) and has added
colour with a Missoni throw.



















Cherished teddies, otherwise
known as "drainys" were
handmade by Kirsty's 
mum. Made in the seventies
 and affectionately classed
 as their own species,
they still look very healthy.



Gorgeous little weavings bought in Japan.

Vintage ashtrays hold a sentimental collection of coins and
matchboxes - including a box of matches Kirsty's grandfather
 kept from a night out at The Summit in the sixties
 (still a Sydney hotspot for fans of good food and revolving retro
glamour).




The man in the painting caught Kirsty's eye as she drove past
the op shop window he was displayed in.  We think he gives
the room a lovely presence.
The small shell in front of him is from Kirsty's 
grandmother's collection who grew up
in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands (now Kiribati and Tuvalu).
It's small teasures like these that really make a home wonderful!
 
There's such a great story behind this cushion. Kirsty's grandad 
gave her an old copy of 'Motels, Hotels, Restaurants and Bars'
featuring modernist buildings in the USA.
Deciding she'd like to stay in one, Kirsty found The Parker Hotel
 in Palm Springs in all its revamped glory. Complete with gift
shop selling these cushions!
If ever in Palm Springs, The Parker looks incredible. 
And if not, just the website is worth a visit.
http://www.theparkerpalmsprings.com/
When Kirsty found the couch it was in a very neglected and
smelly state (petrol and wet dog apparently). 
She painstakingly restored it and now it's worthy of it's cushion!









After growing up on a farm, Kirsty insisted on living by the sea.
She got the ocean view she longed for and has really brought it
home with tropical themed op shop finds. 
The gorgeous Arabia teacup was, Kirsty says,
"bought in an op shop for all the coins I had on me."





Kirsty's moving to New York.
Farewell and all the best Kirsty. And we'll be inviting ourselves
 over to see what you do next! xx  

5.9.10

A perfect winter weekend away


Every now and then we'll feature a holiday house - usually in Australia but we could end up anywhere. So pore over our pictures and relish the thought that you could have a sleepover there too.


Our first house makes us yearn for a long, lazy, beachy break.  Put your feet up and enjoy this very special coastal retreat...

Designer Jo Larratt designed this house with a few key principles in mind: light, vistas, breezeways and natural materials.  Two pavillions ensure a harmonious holiday as separate areas allow "the quiet/reflective to coexist with the energy of socialising."
Food. Wine. Friends. Scrabble anyone? This robust table from Sounds Like Home hosts late night banter and fun. http://www.soundslikehome.com.au/
Jo found this Danish trumpet light at one of our favourite Sydney shops Vampt Vintage Design. For lots of other mid-century gems see www.vamptvintagedesign.com/
We love the serene beauty of 'Bronte Bathers' by Kate Dorrough (not always easy to pull off beachy art in a beach house - nice work Jo) 

'Sun Window' by Byron Bay artist John Cottrell is so right in a house filled with shifting light and warm sun. Jo dedicated many hours to sourcing all the furniture here from ebay.  See John's vibrant pieces at www.visualartist.info/johncottrell
 
Three separate decks serve different purposes. The "arrival" deck is for unpacking and post-beach rinses, another is for lolling about with the weekend papers and one is for alfresco dining. Take your pick - bliss!


Wall light by from Melbourne design duo Pierre and Charlotte www.pierreandcharlotte.com
Hand painted decorative tile by Porteous Tiles. www.porteoustiles.co.nz/
Remember the delight you had as a kid when you got to your holiday spot (even caravans were fun)?
Empty windswept beaches perfect for finding sandy treasures...
Aaah thanks so much Jo. Please can we come back....

If you fancy a break from the real word (but not from great style) this house at Cunjurong Point on the NSW South Coast is available for holiday bookings.  Go to www.manyanaaccom.com.au/accommodation/1116