Renovation Inspiration: Ensuite bathroom

Posted on May 13, 2013 by howkatiedid

I don’t think I’ve mentioned this here, but we are currently in the middle of renovating our single-fronted Edwardian weatherboard house. The past couple of months have involved a lot of demolition and rebuilding, but the walls are nearly completely up now and it’s finally starting to look like somewhere you could live again!

We have been looking at colours and tiles for our new ensuite, and so I wanted to share some of the images which I’m using as my inspiration. I love the drama of dark walls contrasting with the white enamel of the bathroom fittings. Dark grey or black walls create a calm space, and when paired with glossy white and chrome fixtures, thick white towels, and a carrara marble topped vanity I am hoping that the room will exude hotel-quality luxury.

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

30 Day Squat Challenge

Posted on May 7, 2013 by howkatiedid

Yesterday, my trainer introduced me to this 30 Day Squat Challenge. Essentially it’s 23 days of squats and 7 rest days, building you up from 50 to 245 reps. The total number of squats you will have done by the end of this is 3,295, which should equate to a new butt!

I thought I’d share this so that you can participate… If you’re up for the challenge!

(Check out this popsugar video on how to squat correctly)

Malachite Accents

Posted on April 23, 2013 by howkatiedid

With Emerald Green named as Pantone’s 2013 colour of the year, it’s no surprise that there has been a sudden surge in the incorporation of malachite pattern across the design sphere.

The copper-ore mineral has been used in decoration for over 10,500 years, originally in the Middle-East and Egypt. Across many cultures it had a strong female-association, and also believed to hold many protective powers. It was also very popular amongst the Russian tsars during the nineteenth century, when it became synonymous with wealth and opulence - an association which has carried over to today’s 21st century interpretation.

Whether it’s the real-deal or a faux painted or screen-printed version, accents of malachite are a great way to interpret the emerald green trend in your home. I personally love the idea of a stone being printed on soft furnishings, such as cushions or upholstered furniture. The swirls of green induce a sense of tranquility, great to incorporate into a living area or study. Amp up the luxe factor by combining it with glints of golden brass, hints of velvet, reflective surfaces such as marble or glass, and classic furniture designs.

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Try a DIY with the Aestate’s faux-malachite tutorial here, or add some of the following pieces to your room:

1 – Emerald green malachite pillow via Etsy 2 – Malachite rubbish bin 3 – P. Fornasetti porcelain tray via 1stdibs 4 – Malachite and brass side table 5 – Five piece malachite desk set via 1stdibs 6 – Faux malachite chest 7 – Tony Duquette chair 8 – Tony Duquette malachite cushions 9 – Malachite coasters via Zazzle 10 – Tony Duquette rug 11 – Malachite fabric via Spoonflower

Tartan blazers

Posted on April 21, 2013 by howkatiedid

90′s style is having its resurgence in fashion right now – distressed denim, floral prints, and of course plaids are popping up all over the place.

Embracing the plaid trend doesn’t mean you need to go full grunge though, the timelessness of tartan worn in a classic blazer is a great way to incorporate this look into your wardrobe while still looking classy and put together.

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

The black watch colours are some of the most versatile, looking great with a button up shirt or a plain tee. Wear the look with jeans for a casual look, or contrast it with a bright skirt for a more dressy style. Because tartan is such a timeless pattern, it mixes well with small prints such as leopard, smaller checks, stripes and florals.

Pineapple Punch

Posted on April 10, 2013 by howkatiedid

Pineapples seemed to be appearing in decor everywhere I looked, but did you know that they have been seen as a symbol of hospitality in America since the colonial times? Apparently back then, giving someone a pineapple as a gift showed them your intention to promote your friendship. These days people may think you’re a bit strange if you gifted them a piece of fruit, but with the motif making its way into so many decorative pieces it’s easy to keep this tradition alive, albeit with a modern twist.

With its unique, spiky shape and texture just begging to be explored in different forms, it’s easy to see why pineapples look great in home decor. While you need to balance out the look with other less exotic pieces (or risk your room looking like a Hawaiian luau!) they are a fun way to bring a bit of tropical, summery vibe to your home - try adding a lamp, a print, or just an ornamental version.

Ceramic pineapple from Alfresco Emporium.

This print is part of the Welcome to the Tropics collection from Wallstudio.

Pineapple wallpaper at Garden Court restaurant, Sofitel, Sydney.

Graham and Green’s beautiful silver table lamp.

A brighter version of a pineapple lamp via Pinterest.

A monochromatic pineapple print via Tumblr.

Below are a roundup of pieces which would be perfect to achieve this look:

1 – Zazzle Retro Pineapple print 2 – 1stdibs Brass Pineapple 3 – Emporium Botanica lamp 4 – Oliver Bonas forks 5 – Pineapple ice mould 6 – Zazzle Pineapple Hawaiian clock 7 – Kristy Lee Interiors pineapple print cushion 8 – Lazy Susan white porcelain pineapple 9 – Frederick Cooper Bermuda wall sconce 10 – Vintage Godinger silver bowl 11 – Wallstudio print 12 – SunnyLIFE candle 13 – Restoration Hardware curtain tiebacks 14 – Silver glass pineapple jar 15 – 1stdibs Vintage Italian Tole Pineapple shelf 16 – Megan fabric from Rubie Green 17 – Arty Pineapples fabric from demigoutte

Happy Easter

Posted on March 29, 2013 by howkatiedid

I hope everyone has a fantastic Easter break! I’m spending the long weekend in Sydney with some girlfriends – shopping, eating, drinking, and overindulging on chocolate and hot cross buns (my favourite… although I have somehow managed to avoid them so far this Easter).

Graffiti as decoration

Posted on March 28, 2013 by howkatiedid

Melbourne is well known for the street art which adorns the city’s laneways. That it’s constantly changing and evolving means it’s always worth exploring the walkways and alleys throughout the CBD and surrounding suburbs.

In most of the city, street art is celebrated as an expression of urban life. With graffiti no longer carrying the same stigmatisation which it used to, artists are being celebrated for their talents – exemplified internationally by the likes of Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Shepard Fairey and Banksy – all of whom have crossed over to the world of high-art.

I was impressed when I opened the most recent issue of Houses magazine to see this Fitzroy house (below), which has graffiti incorporated throughout the internal and external design – a reflection of its inner-city neighbourhood. Although it has been used as a feature, the architects (John Wardle Architects) have used just the right amount of restraint, making it interesting but not overwhelming.

Three above images from Houses magazine.

More information and ideas on incorporating street art into your home: 1, 2, 3, 4.

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