I am honored to be one of the five judges of the REECE INNOVATIONS AWARDS that inspires designers to come up with a unique design for the bathroom. Whether you are a professional, student or tertiary student this is a great competition to be part of. Not only do you win a major cash prize but are given the support to have your product manufactured and sold through Reece. Click onto past winners to see the quality and high standards that have been reached through this amazing competition! I look forward to seeing the entries in the near future and good luck to you all!!
I love my job, I love creating and feel passionate about everything I do. The down side is the creative world can trigger times of self-doubt, questioning your ability and sometimes thinking it is all to hard. I am a big supporter of looking for inspiration from people who have made millions in areas they love and are passionate about. Reading books, listening to seminars, creative thinking and taking advice from others who have lived their dream or on their own exciting journey. But still there are times when this isn't enough. Once you put down that book, turn off the computer, walk out of that seminar all you are left with is you. Your feelings, your drive, your attitude. My blog, website and youtube channel are all about interiors, quirky ideas and connecting to the world of social media, so why am I posting this blog? I have had a few pretty hard weeks inspiration and motivation wise, have dabbled in a little self-doubt and pity and have been struggling to take full responsibility of pulling myself out of that never-ending rabbit hole. Then a girlfriend posted this video of Nick Vujicic on Facebook and all self-doubt melted away. Sounds too easy and possibly a little 'wanky', yes I know. I have watched Nick on Oprah and seen him before so it is not like I haven't thought he was amazing and inspiring and thought, 'if he can be so positive with such huge setbacks, what is my issue?' So why is this different? Timing. Watching something like this when you have indulged in a little too much self-pity jolts you. Nick's motto of , "Attitude is Altitude" really hit me. Attitude is everything and your attitude to how you see yourself is your biggest destroyer, or can be your saviour. My business and life motto is "Expression is the greatest form of Freedom" as creating, feeling and saying who and what you are, I believe will set you free and leave you open to what your heart desires. Watching this video gave me my belief back and reconnect with my life motto. I hope Nick's attitude will give you a little something to lift your day and help set you free.
Once the furniture is put in place, the lighting sorted and the rugs lay, how do I put in all the decorator pieces. There are so many things to consider such as colour, shape, size, style and even content. If you want help to get you started have a look at this video for some answers.
Devotion Mixed media found object installation at Haines Annex, San Francisco, CA Dimensions variable, 1991
We all love to recycle and create from what is lying around but this amazing artist Lisa Kokin has gone to the next level and created art that is not only unique but inspiring. She creates individual sculptures as well as art gallery installations and then when you think she cant get anymore creative she brings out a book. Not the written kind but the creative kind. I love her work and imagine if she doesn't already wear glasses she might have to in the future with the intricate works she produces. Leotard Buttons, thread, rug canvas, 33 x 13, 2003
Passage Buttons and mixed media, imitation sinew, waxed linen, chicken wire 41 X 29-1/2, 2004
Partial History of Jewish Life in Modern Times Stitched altered book, 8 x 6-1/2 x 3, 199
Whether it is deciding on what colour to paint your home, select furniture or where to start - leave a comment and through my blogs and youtube videos I will help you bring the world of design to your home! I have made 17 videos so far on what I think people want to know but now you tell me what you would like to see. I look forward to your comments and suggestions
The beach is a place to have a holiday, relax, go swimming, play with your families but it also has incredible visuals with its dramatic sunrises and sunsets and powerful storms. The beach has all parts of the colour wheel with its warm reds and oranges and cooling blues and greys.
It is easy to go over board when introducing a beach scheme to your home so take it slow and look for one element first for your inspiration. Sand inspired colour scheme Shells in your lighting Coral -Lamp from MRDhome Use this as a base to build your scheme around. Be careful not to try and re-create all the elements of the beach in one room as it will be in danger of being cluttered and tacky. See my video for more tips to create that 'beach feel' in your home
Renting can make you feel transient and not feeling like you belong but -'Where ever we lay our hat -it has to be home'. When you are renting you can feel restricted by the do's and don't's of your rental agreement, leaving fear about doing anything at all to personalise your home. It is all about thinking 'off the wall' and creating a space that makes you happy whether you own it or not.
Invest in lighting that is all about texture and shadows. Easels to give you freedom to put your artwork anywhere Fresh flowers and plants not only for their looks but their added fragrance and calming presence Click onto this video for more tips on decorating - there is even something in there for your landlord!!
I don't know about you but when I come back from a holiday I want keep the holiday going and surround myself with the 'essence' of my trip. Not happy with just photos I like have a souvenir or two around BUT it is easy to get carried away.
This bathroom makeover is all about keeping the modern elements of the home but introducing some Asian inspiration into the decorations and final feel. Without a huge budget I took a bathroom from THIS....... TO THIS! It is all about selecting a few pieces that are reminders of the culture you loved to give you a great bathroom, rather than looking at snow globes and picture postcards. Have a look at this video for easy tips on re-creating some holiday magic in your home
When renovating a kitchen for the first time it can be daunting looking at the price tag. The cost of benches, cupboards, applicances, electrics, plumbing can literally blow your budget out of the water. Anywhere you can save money has got to be a bonus. Look at these 'clever' ways to save a bit of money. and by using recycled timbers or gaining a kitchen that otherwise would end in land fill you are doing your bit for the environment. Rupert Blanchard is doing some works for a large 3 story Victorian conversion and well - they obviously are going for the quirky angle.
Keep in touch with your family. Remind you of an important date. Keeping memories alive. Whatever your need is for a noticeboard think outside the average square!
Imagine your comments come straight from a comic book strip. Magnetic chalkbubble board to introduce a little fun. Keep them hanging on a string with a Sarshi board Your fridge is but a canvas, with magnetic photo frames from Fridgi Removable chalk notice board on your mirrored wardrobes is easy and a fun way to get your reminders everyday!
And for that touch of elegance there is alwasy the wine glass chandelier. Glasklasen is a genuine product of Swedish art industry, designed by a team of two architects - Gunnar Cedervall and Björn Stillefors - and an industrial designer - Jörgen Pudeck. The wine glasses are to to be used, then washed and put back - a certain conversation piece!
