Sunday, February 8, 2015

For The Love of Beautiful Things



 
 
In Absolutely Beautiful Things, designer Anna Spiro shares secrets from her life in decorating, gives practical details on how to work with pattern and colour, and provides a room-by-room guide to furniture choice.With Anna's help, you'll find beauty in unexpected places, see your old belongings in a new light, and have the confidence to put together a layered and very individual home using elements you love.

This book has inspired me very much. I've recently taken an interest in interior decorating, and get so excited for my next purchase or project, and finding that perfect piece. 'OMG, cushions/textures/that colour!!!' I have thought to myself with glee on more than one occasion. I get more excited to go to a homewares store than I ever used to think would be possible, and I can get quite obsessive. When I fall in love, I do it completely and entirely. Once I see a piece I love, it has to be mine (within reason of course). I believe your best china, so to speak, should not be left on the shelf for when Julia Morris comes to visit (hilarious Aussie comedian I would love to have for dinner). Use them often and appreciate them often.

What I have learnt from Anna Spiro: Not everything in your home must match. 'Mix inexpensive with expensive, modern with antique; timber with metal; objects with different heights; the rough with the refined. The contrast will create a wonderful, eclectic and purely individual style in your home.'

My favourite quote from the book: 'Your house is a self- portrait of you. The greatest compliment you can receive is if someone walks in and says, this house is so you.'

Here is a selection of some of my own beautiful things (photos taken by myself)...


Hand- painted box: ISHKA
Hand- painted vase: Decoria Homewares



Hand- painted candle holder and jewellery tree: ISHKA



Hand- painted bowls and plate: Decoria Homewares

 

Wall stickers: Top Bargain


Maxwell & Williams Birds of Australia mugs: Sauvage Urbain



Tallboy and bedside tables: Harvey Norman

 
Cushions: ISHKA, Decoria Homewares





Key hook: House
 

 
 
 
Mosaic candle holders: Bed Bath N' Table
Mosaic lamp: Project Lighting
 
Matching teapot and teacup: Tree of Life
 

Plans


Make plans, change plans, throw them away

None of it will matter one day anyway

Roll with the punches, go with the flow

Life will take you where you need to go