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Such beautiful soft light. I feel like I could dive in and swim through it. The light in Australia is so harsh and bright that photos like this are like a glass of cool water. So calm and revitalising. (OK the bright pink wall can hardly be called calm but you know what I mean.) New Orleans based photographer Sara Essex Bradley is like the eye of a cyclone. She stands in a room with her camera and all around her is calm. The kids may be running through, the cats are clawing at the rug, life goes on and the telephone is ringing but where Sara stands and aims her camera life stands still and beauty is what results.

Dana Wolter is a designer in Birmingham, Al whose website recently went live and she wanted to share it with us. This is a synopsis of what her firm is all about: “Known for custom interiors that blend comfort and elegance into one, Dana and her team create clean-lined spaces that feel as though they have evolved over time. Through the art of layering the various textures of fabric and wood, contrasting hard and soft surfaces against one another, using light to affect how a space is perceived, and combining modern, antique, and classical elements in a room, Dana Wolter Interiors designs spaces that are naturally sophisticated yet truly functional.” Her living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms are classically beautiful, but she also has a way with creating wonderful children’s rooms that are classic in their own right, yet perfect for a youngster.

I was soooo excited to receive an email a few weeks ago from Deborah Peets, owner of a new furnishings shop here in Ottawa (who saw me in the Jan ’09 issue of Canadian House & Home). We are severely lacking in decent furniture shops here – we do not have all the very reasonable priced shops like C&B, West Elm, Urban Outfitters, etc. etc. We have an Ikea. And EQ3. And that’s about it. Every now and then a funky shop pops up in Westboro or downtown and I can hardly contain myself. Now, these shops are likely where you will find investment pieces that you’d want to keep for a looooong time, and Green Light District Design is one of those shops. Here is what Deborah had emailed me about her shop (www.greenlightshop.ca): “Our aesthetic is clean and contemporary; our pieces from places like Buenos Aires and Cape Town are made of natural materials – leather, wood, parchment, cord, reclaimed cotton. The best part is we get to know the designers and artisans personally, we touch and try every piece before we commit. All our furnishings and accessories come from small production, designer owned companies; all have significant hand made component and the highest level of craftsmanship.” My new hubby and I were in awe right when we walked in. It’s just one amazing piece after another. I managed to pick out a few small things that I HAD to have, and hopefully one day when Jeff and I are done with our house additions I’ll be able to walk in there and pick out a piece of furniture (or 5) when we actually have some space. If you’re strolling around downtown Ottawa, be sure to take a walk down Dalhousie St. and stop by Green Light District Design – Deborah and her husband David are super sweet, they can tell you the stories behind all their finds, you’ll likely walk away with some gorgeous treasures, and while you’re in there, look up. A jaw-dropping restored tin ceiling is part of the shop.

Here is what I came home with: a stunning hand-painted table runner and napkins created by Carole Nevin from South Africa, a large black and white tulip vase (9″ tall with an opening of 9″), 2 of the most gorgeous and perfectly sized pasta bowls (I think I need more) and 2 side plates from the same artisan (Di Marshall of Wonki Ware, also based in South Africa).

… waiting on house news

WINKS – weekend links. Here we list what has come in during the week, things we’ve found and things we think you’ll want to see. If you’d like to see your blog or website featured email us and if we think it fits with our readers we’ll link you. So what’s in this week?

• Melbourne creative duo Nicholas Mesiano and Alistair Knight are launching their newest venture… a showroom full of exceptional, international, original vintage furniture, decorative art and objects in a hundred-year-old warehouse on Melbourne’s city fringe. All I can say is book me a ticket I’m on my way! More must haves on their website Nicholas and Alistair.

• Sleek, sexy with striking curves. The Lorae chair by the Bright Chair Company. Sensuous lines.

• OMG! Talking about sexy… look at these modern steel and hand-blown glass room dividers & screens by Vital Steel NYC. Elegant, graceful and definitely a statement piece.

• I’m dreaming of summer. Warm days spent poolside. Loving the stylish modern designs from Harbour Outdoor. Very cool!

Let’s start the day (or end it if you are on this side of the world) with bright and cheerful loveliness snapped by Danish photographer Kira Brandt. Those bulbs just make me smile. Not too long now until winter ends in this part of the world and I’m gathering spring inspiration from Kira’s portfolio. These images tick all the boxes. Retro boho, real homes, gorgeous flowers, sunny yellows and blissful blues. The woman has a great eye!