Displaying posts from April, 2020

Over the past few months I’ve gotten my hands on some gifted books that I wanted to share with you. This first one was special and I had to share because I was honoured to be a part of this book in a unique way.

Interiors journalist Kate Watson-Smyth recently launched her third book – Mad About The House: 101 Interior Design Answers and in it is a photo based on one of the photos I had posted on Instagram of my foyer looking into my dining room. It is such a beautiful drawing and I was so stoked with how it turned out and to be a part of this best-selling book. Thank you Kate!

I was sent a book that is one of the best sources of eye candy I have seen in a while and I am dying to devour it a 3rd and 4th time. It is THAT GOOD. I have been a fan of New Orleans interior designer and antiques dealer Tara Shaw for several years and her ability to mix styles and create really unique and elegant spaces is  really incredible.

Soul of the Home: Designing with Antiques showcases several of Tara’s projects as well and helps readers understand how to select the best antiques, including details about Tara’s favourite antique-hunting spots and negotiating tips, and how to use them to create dynamic and unexpected spaces. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

Tuttle Publishing kindly sent over a few of their new gardening titles and given the season they have got me wanting to get some new plants and get my yard landscaping going. The first book I’ll share had me soooo excited because I have an odd obsession with moss. Moss Ball Bonsai by Satoshi Sunamori is all about creating kokedama – koke (moss) dama (ball).

I really didn’t know much about this but WOW they can be so beautiful!!! This book shows you how to grow moss, how to make moss balls, where to find moss and 100 different moss ball creations you can make yourself. I am in love!

Next up is The Ultimate Bonsai Handbook by Yukio Hirose. I have always been intrigued by bonsai plants and this book is a perfect guide for beginners.

It has over 1000 photos and features 70 (!!!) different types of bonsai, and for each type it takes you through basic management tips, transplanting, pruning, arranging and wiring and sprout plucking.

And last but not least, for all you succulent lovers out there (like me but OMG I can’t keep them alive!!!) is The Gardener’s Guide to Succulents by Misa Matsuyama.

A handbook identifying over 125 plants from 40 different genera of succulent and cacti, this book is a great reference to have on hand. It goes through basic information on what each genus needs and where it thrives, descriptions and ratings on ease of growth and maintenance, ideas on plantings, and lots of photos.

Contemporary and classic, colourful and carefully curated. A magical mystery tour of fabulous art, high end finishes and beautiful furniture where theatre meets tradition. Art House by Claire Driscoll Delmar of Studio CD.

Photography by Anson Smart

California dreaming in Newport Beach, high above the water. Warm summer days and outdoor spaces, high style and easy living. Understated sophistication, laid back yet luxurious. Dolphin Terrace by Kelly Nutt Design.

Since it is Sunday and none of us have been able to enjoy a meal at a restaurant in weeks, I thought I would share this quirky Bangkok restaurant called Sundays, where their motto is “Making your everyday a Sunday”. It is filled with colour and art and random vintage bits and bobs, and is overflowing with personality and creativity. I would absolutely love to be hanging out here right now enjoying a meal. Via Yatzer, photos by Chaovalith Poonphol.

Week after week we are compelled to stay home in these dangerous times. Some of us have no choice but to go out into the big, bad world to help others or keep the wheels turning. Strangely we are all heroes. Those who bravely work and those who responsibly stay in to stop the spread of COVID-19. Our thoughts though should also turn to those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. They are the often forgotten victims of this tragedy. One day, on the other side, I hope we all have somewhere we can whinge about when we drag ourselves into work on a weekend. It won’t matter if it’s stylish or butt ugly. What will matter is that life returns to “normal” and if we’re lucky towards something a little better, a little kinder, a little more stable. Oh and I lied. It’s always better to go to work on a Saturday somewhere stylish like these sophisticated offices by Henry Francis Design.