Melbourne based photographer Derek Swalwell has a fascination for architecture and form. It shows. He delves into a setting and finds the essence of what the art director or designer wants to convey. Beautiful images, talented photographer. Check out the rest of his portfolio here.

Pia Bijkerk is an Australian stylist/photographer/writer who emailed to share her website. “I am in Paris working on interior projects for Paris clients as well as working on the makings of my first book. I work between Paris, Amsterdam and Sydney, juggling (or continually working on a balance as I like to tell myself!) between magazine, advertising and interior projects.” Pia’s worked for Marie Claire, Real Simple, Vogue Entertaining + Travel to name drop just a few. Beautiful website, great work and cute “definition” on the front page. We just had to share her work with you.

Yeah! That time again. Suspend your disbelief and wind back your taste meter. This weeks scans are from The Practical Encyclopedia of Good Decorating and Home Improvement, Vol 1, Greystone Press, New York, 1970. Love this set of books. So much to inspire!

We’ve featured Paul Costello before. Unable to sleep because of an aching back from upholstering chairs I stopped by his site and was in for a pleasant surprise, an updated portfolio. I love Paul’s work. There is a spark in every one of his photos. Rooms come to life captured through his lens. Of course he is responsible for some of the most popular interior photos of recent times. Just look at the first one here. Who hasn’t got that one in their style tray? So if you’re looking for some eye candy this weekend drop by his website and enjoy all the inspiring new images.

Just an update on what’s going on with my UFOs (unfinished objects) at home. Not much!! My old dresser is now painted a teeth clenching green (I love it!) and my thrifting continues.

I’m playing with arrangements and buying things on ebay and at the thrift stores that I really don’t need but I really really have to have.

The ebay fabric may go on an ottoman and the birds were a great thrift shop find. My sister has returned some paintings that she has been “babysitting” for too many years now. I can’t complain though because she also transported the free table/desk that I found. It’s in my dining room at the moment and desperately needs a new paint job and some much chicer draw pulls. The artist’s mannequin at over 70cms gives me an excuse to hang some of my beads and looks happier in my place than in the thrift store where I found him.

I’ve framed my ISO50 prints in cheap Ikea frames but had some mattes cut to improve the look. No idea where they are going but I’m playing with vignette ideas already.

Finally I’ve been playing around with printing some of my drawings and hand colouring them with watercolours. I’m testing some ideas for an etsy store. I’ll keep you posted. I’m sorry to say that’s all I’ve got for you today. You see I’m rather busy. I’m finishing some upholstery.