I know this one! I know this one! I lusted after it when I saw it in Inside Out quite some time ago. I want this one! I want this one! Sold unfortunately. (Who am I kidding? I could never afford Paddington, Sydney prices!) The house is just fab but I’m really in a splash about that pool in the courtyard. Find it here while the link lasts.

Blog love

Posted on Wed, 6 Oct 2010 by midcenturyjo

A couple of months ago we were asked to name just some of the blogs we are loving for the current issue of Inside Out magazine. Just 6 (but I pushed it to 7). How can we name just 6?!! It was torture picking just these few. I know Kim and I lurk on dozens of blogs each day. We usually divide the press questions on a geographical basis so the choice in this case was mine. If you want to read what I wrote and your eyes are as bad as mine you can see a larger size on my Flickr.

P.S. The new issue of Inside Out is a must have! One of the best.

Girly HQ

Posted on Wed, 6 Oct 2010 by midcenturyjo

I couldn’t get enough of David Hicks’ portfolio. Did you see yesterday’s post? Elegant, luxurious and masculine. And these fabulous girly girly designs? Why it is the headquarters of Australia’s ultra feminine fashion designer Alannah Hill…  by David. Feminine to the max but just as luxurious. If you think the head office is fab click over to Ms Hill’s garden of delights website for so much more.

David Hicks and a big juicy website

Posted on Tue, 5 Oct 2010 by midcenturyjo

The one thing better than an amazing portfolio from one of Australia’s top interior designers? A website that is so luscious and large format that the it does justice to the designs! It is a couple of years now since I first featured David Hicks‘ work on Desire to Inspire (young über talented Aussie not to be confused by the iconic and long passed British designer of the same name). A recent revisit and I was rewarded with such a feast for the eyes. The website is exquisite. Designers out there take note. Big and bold is best when it comes to showcasing your wares. I’ve included some shots I have used in the previous post because I just had to. I love them so much. Don’t just stay here though. Click on over to David’s website for an even better experience.

Welcome to beyond paradise

Posted on Mon, 4 Oct 2010 by midcenturyjo

I think I need a holiday. I have spent the past 2 days in bed with a migraine. Too much stress, too many deadlines, not enough time to breathe. I’m dreaming of running away to a piece of paradise somewhere special. Welcome Beyond hand picks the most beautiful and unique vacation properties around the world. I lost my heart in Florence on my first and only visit. A truly magnificent city and beautiful people (perhaps that is why I lost my heart!). My fantasy return involves this beautiful hotel, Riva Lofts. The trouble is there are too many stunning properties on Welcome Beyond‘s books as you will see…

Still dreaming of a getaway. Perhaps Locanda al Colle in Camaiore, Tuscany. Stylish and well appointed with an eclectic yet luxurious decor with hints of the 40s and 50s. A relaxed retreat for international travellers. Even better this is not an hotel but a home open to guests. Perfect base for exploring a part of Italy that I can never forget.

And as much as I love the easy elegance and luxury of the above properties (hardly rustic I think you would agree) the property that tugs at my heart is The Beachouse in Vendays-Montalivet, Medoc, France. Memories of lazy family holidays in a shack right on the beach come flooding back. A house that is not too precious. Where it is all about family and friends, fun and days spent lost in the sand dunes. Bliss! Want to join me?