These are a few of my favourite things - Series #1

I have recently asked a few of my friends to tell me about their favourite piece of furniture and give me some details about it and also what they'd would like to own if budget or space was no issue...

Introducing my friend Sharon in the first of the series... very brave of her!

1. Where is the item coming from, does it have a story and why do you like it?

I found the antler lamp at an Opp shop while looking for stuff for the kitchen. It was in the middle of a whole heap of other things so I didn't notice it at first. When I saw it though I could not believe that no one had bought it already. I was so afraid that someone would grab it so I stood next to it for 5 minutes maintaining physical contact at all times until finally I could show it to Greg and get his approval. It was the best $55 I have ever spent.

When I got it home I cleaned it and painted it white. It now takes pride in my lounge and everyone comments on it when they see it.

2. What is your profession?

I'm a textile and graphic designer, currently designing babieswear and girlswear.

3.Tell me what piece of furniture you would love to have?

A hanging egg chair. 

4. Why would you love to own this item?

Other than the fact that I obviously love the shape of the hanging egg chair, the idea of owning one means that I would have a large enough house with exposed ceiling beams to suspend it from. I can easily imagine myself relaxing in my hanging chair with a good book and some vanilla marshmallows.

Sharon and her Antler Lamp...

The desired Hanging Egg Chair... 

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As well as being a brilliant graphic designer, Sharon is also a talented Blogger in her very spare time. Check out Stylisti about design and all things pretty.

My Basil Bangs Sun Umbrella is out! Finally...

Just before Christmas I was the lucky winner of a beautiful, highly colourful and fun, Basil Bangs Mi Casa Su Casa Sun Umbrella, thanks to one of Safari Living Facebook competitions. So thrilled! First, I never win anything... second, what an amazing product! This is a serious beach umbrella, so well made, robust, big and bright! I just love it, it's perfect! 
So finally I've made it to the beach today and proudly showed off the cheerful chevron pattern... 

Settling down around 6pm (it was a 38C day...)

 View from my towel

an hour later...

and sunset time around 8pm... time to go.

Mirrors, mirrors on the wall... which one is the best of them all?

Always on the look out for beautiful mirrors...

Statement piece from Baker Furniture below (over 1m diameter)

or the classic Starburst for glamour (also from Baker furniture)...

maybe something more subtle... (from the Pottery Barn)

or more traditional... (also the Pottery Barn)

what about a beautiful antique piece?? From Montreux/Trove...

maybe a rustic look? (again the Pottery Barn) 

or something a little more exotic with these Moroccan mirrors (from Kasbah Imports)

of course let's not forget the Industrial look.... (from Le Constrate)

or even Retro... (also from Le Contraste)

but surely... must have a full length mirror? with a minimalist or a more ornate look?

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so... which one IS the best of them all??

C'est tout pour cette semaine... à bientôt!

Design Fundamentals... street style.

Texture, Colour, Pattern, it is all out there within 100m.... I love this back lane... Prahran.

All images by Anne-Claire Petre

Obsession...

I wanted to share my current obsession with Serge Mouille's lighting... from the internet research I have done, it seems I am not the only one and a few have blogged about his more than fabulous designs... so I'm just going to share a few selected pictures...