Portrait of a Lady

I am often drawn to portraits of women, and I love seeing them used in interiors. It doesn't have to be (and more often is not) someone you know, just an image that "speaks" to you. A vintage painting is always nice, I think, to contrast the more modern elements that a lot of us have in our homes.

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Although he is a contemporary artist, David Bromley's "Nudes" series is a favourite of mine.

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And Tretchikoff is another favourite, especially Miss Wong.

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Anna Spiro created one of her famous picture walls, featuring mostly women, at the Halcyon House restaurant. I sometimes think I should do that with my collection.

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Photographs can also be really striking, especially if they're larger than life.

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Do you share my love of lady portraits? Which is your fave from the selection above?

Inspired by Petra Bindel

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Swedish photographer, Petra Bindel, I have featured her work before on the blog, here and here. The interiors she photographs always inspire me with their unique style.

I love the dark walls and crisp white trim in this room (below) looking through to the gorgeous teal room beyond. The touches of teal and green in the foreground room provide a link to the room behind.

I'm particularly drawn to the dramatic moody colour palette of charcoal, teal and indigo blue at the moment. Soften with white and bring warmth with wood and metallics.

Also high on my list of current faves is a modern take on traditional plaids and checks. I love taking something old and giving it a new twist.

To see more of Petra's work check out her website, and also Cameralink, I'm sure you'll be as inspired as I am.

Halcyon House

As a big fan of Australian interior designer Anna Spiro's work, I watched with interest, and huge respect, the development of one of her most recent projects, Halcyon House. Situated in one of Australia's most idyllic beachfront towns, Cabarita Beach in Northern New South Wales, the luxury boutique hotel is a breath of fresh air.

Anna's love of pattern, beautiful fabrics, picture walls and gorgeous vignettes has translated into stunning accommodation with an inviting, homely feel.

Each room features different fabric on the walls (yes, not wallpaper!) and headboards, and although there are common threads that unite the rooms, each has it's own personality.

"I love to stay in a place that wraps me up and is beautifully decorated. When you go home you dream about visiting that place again. I wanted each room to be different so that guests can find their favourite room and then choose to stay in that room each time they visit." Anna Spiro

I have been quite underwhelmed by the accommodation that I've stayed in over the last few years, and I always look forward to getting home. But to stay at Halcyon House would be an absolute joy. It's so refreshing to find a hotel that is so stylish and unique, I love absolutely everything!

photos via Halcyon House, their instagram, and Anna Spiro's instagram

Paul Costello Interior Photography | Part 2

Following on from yesterday's post, here are some more fabulous and inspiring photos by US photographer, Paul Costello. I know from experience how hard it is to capture the essence of a room in a still photo, but Paul does it so well.

I hope these photos have inspired you, and when decorating your own home I urge you to strive for an individual look like these homes have. Put your stamp on it and let it reflect you. Look outside the box and be a little daring, I say. 

Have a fantastic weekend, and come back next week to see my final kitchen reveal!