Etsy Pick of the Month

I am a big fan of local designers and today I want to share with you a great range of contemporary porcelain tableware by Urban Cartel from Melbourne. 

Craig Pearce is the designer behind the brand and works with a French porcelain to create that delicate, handmade feel.

His range of soft pastel hues, organic shapes and minimal design, caught my eye when I was on Etsy.

Porcelain "Cloudy" Dish 

I love the copper scallop details- its very sweet! 

Porcelain Vase- Glacier colour with copper scalloping

These nesting bowls would look great just sitting pretty on a tabletop.

Porcelain nesting bowls

I love the handmade form of their range and think they will suit any contemporary, eclectic or Scandinavian interior.

Organic Entree plate

Motel Mexicola

My husband and I decided we need an island holiday at the end of the year. We try and get away at least once a year and this year we decided to head back to Bali.

Flights are booked, so now the most important thing I have been doing, is making a list of the hottest places to eat and drink in Bali of course!

Upon my Instagram "research" I came across Motel Mexicola thanks to Best in Bali.
The Mexican cuisine has definitely hit Melbourne hard over the past year  and now it's Bali's turn to soak up the tacos and tequilas.
But what caught my eye wasn't just the food, I am dying to check out the interiors, and exterior for that matter!
It is a feast of colour, pattern and tacky kitsch! I love how nothing matches, yet it all seems to work.

I can just picture being here on a balmy night sipping a few delicious cocktails (13 different types of tequilas available, thank you very much).

Let me know if you have been to Motel Mexicola, or recommend some other amazing spots in Bali to add to my list.



Image via Break My Style

Image Via The Lifestyle Department

Image Via Sub-Cult

Image Via Sub-Cult




Image Via Expedia Blog

 

 

 

An Artful Insight- Inkah Art

I am thrilled to share with you a new segment on the blog called An Artful Insight.
Here you will get to know more about local artists I know and love, and get a better understanding on the creatives behind such beautiful work.

 

This month Jacqui Mac, the creative genius behind Inkah Art, takes the time to chat about life on the Surf Coast, being a mum and a talented artist.

 

 

Image Via Little Gatherer

 

Tell us a little about your background.

 We moved to Torquay about 9 months ago, where we are building our house and intend to settle long term. It's so beautiful here, such a relaxed lifestyle, friendly, laid-back people and just a nice vibe. I have always loved the beach and decided it was the perfect place to raise our young family!

I had a few different office jobs in my early 20s, which I knew were not for me. I then studied a bachelor of education and am a qualified primary school teacher, however having taught full time for a couple of years I decided that my heart was not in it. I have always thought it would be amazing to be in the position to work for myself, and whilst being on maternity leave I began to really explore my creative side - I never imagined it would be something I could actually do for a living, but I'm so blessed now that it is!

I love interior design and thought it would be amazing to create some artwork for our own home. I've always been quite creative and enjoyed doodling and drawing for fun, but it was creating my art folio for university that I discovered I had a real passion for being arty and found it to be such a great escape and really therapeutic! I found that while teaching, the art room was actually my favourite place to be. So I thought, hang on, there might be something in that! I'd never really painted before, but ended up experimenting with a few pieces and getting a really positive response to them! I began to get orders from family and friends and then it just grew from there. I now started my own business and feel so lucky to finally be loving what I do and not seeing it as 'work'!

How long have you been painting for and what mediums do you use?

I have been painting for about 2 years, but it's only been around 12 months  where I've been asked to commission pieces for clients. Over the past 7 or so months,  I've launched my website Inkah Art and my Giclee print range. 

I predominantly use acrylics, but also use ink. I have recently been experimenting with watercolour, and occasionally spray paint. I use fluid mediums to dilute the acrylics as I like working with them when they flow easily. I  experiment with different styles of abstract painting, rather than always sticking with the one style of painting. I believe that as an artist your style will always evolve as you try out new techniques or mediums to work with.

Photography is an important part of my creative process as I photograph sections of my work to create my prints.

 

Image Via Little Gatherer

 

Where do you find your inspiration?

I find nature or a gorgeous interior space inspiring. Being at the beach on a beautiful day sparks a colour palette and I just go from there. The painting is never planned. It evolves organically and i have no idea what the outcome will be. Often the end result might be quite different from what I imagined, and no two paintings are ever the same. Each one is completely unique and I think this makes them quite special. 

 

Currently my "home studio" is the garage. I have completely taken it over. I am looking forward to creating a proper studio in our new house. We have plans to create an exposed brick and concrete wall in the garage that I can use to shoot my work and hopefully build a detached studio for me to work from.

I can't wait! My dream is to own my own gallery or studio shop front.

What does a typical day involve for you?

I am currently a stay at home mum for my 17 month old daughter, Indy so most of my time I try and keep her entertained and occupied, while I try and clean up the tornado that a toddler leaves behind!

When she sleeps, is when I catch up on the admin side of my business including responding to emails and generating quotes and invoices. I also upload my work onto Instagram and manage my website. After she is settled in bed, I usually head into the garage to paint.

I try and head down to Melbourne 1 day a week to sign prints and deliver them to the framers etc.

I would love to spend my entire day painting, but unfortunately this probably won't happen until Indy is at school!

 

Image Via Inkah Art

 

What do you do to wind down?

 

I love listening to day spa music and burning scented candles to relax. If I ever get the chance to just lie there and listen to my relaxation music, I do it! I suppose it's kind of meditating - it is honestly the best.

I love reading health and well being books and magazines, I find the reading relaxes me yet the content motivates me. I also love to just zone out with interiors magazines and am constantly searching for interior inspo for our new home.

Walks on the beach - it sounds cliché but the beach is my happy place, probably why we live where we do!

I find escaping to the garage to just be free to create (not when I'm creating a piece for anyone in particular, but just painting or playing for the sake of it and experimenting) I lose all track of time and get completely lost in it so this is quite a wind down for.

I also enjoy my 'me time' at the gym - when I get there, which used to be a lot more often than it is now unfortunately!

 



Ocean Circle Print from Inkah Art

 

 

Where is your work displayed and who are your stockists?

I currently have prints stocked in Forman Picture Framing and Clickon Furniture showrooms (Fitzroy/Melbourne, and Sydney shortly).

My entire catalogue of prints are available through the Clickon Furniture website. Prints are also available through some smaller stockists, Green Door Decor and White Olive Living.

Green Door Decor have just ordered some large prints that they will be selling framed in SA, and she's hopefully putting them into some restaurants, so stay tuned! 

My original pieces are available through Magnus Collective and my website Inkah Art

I'm looking forward to having my work displayed in retail stores as people are always asking where they can see them in the flesh!

What is your favourite local café?

Favourite café in Torquay is Pond - you have to check it out if ever you are down here. Delicious brekkie and coffee, opposite the beach! We love going out for breakfast on the weekends.

 

Who are you loving on Instagram at the moment?

 

I stumbled across @meandmybentley recently which has some amazing inspirational interior and exterior architecture pics that I adore, I just love good design!

There are so many amazing interiors pages that I frequently stalk, such as @oh.eight.oh.nine and @immyandindi, and gorgeous handmade homewares from @behrandco. I also love and am super proud of my good real life friends Kat and her amazing business @my_littleecho.  Ang and her edgy kids clothing label @howi_clothing and James from @steelwindowdesign who makes the most incredible high-end powdered coated steel windows and doors you literally ever did see!!

 

 

 

 

Palm Springs Styled Home

My love for Palm Springs and its interiors came about when I was researching new ideas for an upcoming display home. (I shared my love for it on a previous blog post here.)

The mid century design elements, pop of bright colours, and use of gold, influenced my decorating style for this display home, and I want to share with you the finished product.

Last week I was busy installing furniture, styling and lots of ironing to get the home ready for opening by the weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

What's your favourite element from Palm Springs interiors?

 



 

Tips for a great home office

I am finally sitting in my new home office, posting my first blog post from my new home!
Yes we have been in our home for a little over 3 months now, but up until today, we did not have the internet connected! Frustrated is not the word, but boy can I tell you how happy I am sitting here, finally doing what I have been itching to do.
So I thought it was fitting to share my top 5 tips for creating a great home office!
My home office is nearly complete, and can't wait to share photos!

1. Think outside the square when it comes to office furniture. You could use a dining table, console of trestle table as a desk. Play around with colour, and find legs that are a different colour to the table top. There are so many stylish chairs around at the moment! Make it more comforatble by adding a cushion or faux fur throw.

Image via This Old Apt.

 



2. Ensure you have enough storage. Whether that be built in storage like this stunning plywood overheads, or as simple as a wire baskets, decorative boxes or a mobile pedestal.

 



Image via Est Magazine

 

3. Create an inspiration wall for you to add magazine clippings, photos or anything that sparks creativity. This cork wall is stunning! I love how it compliments the tan leather office chair and works with the concrete floor.

 

Image via Style and Create

 

4. Lighting is key. It is one of the most forgotten elements in any room, and without beautiful lighting, how can you show off your space? Task lighting is great for a home office. Look at pendant lights, desk lamps, or even a floor lamp.

 

 

Image via Vtwonen

 

5. You can't go past stylish desk accessories to keep organised. Look at storage boxes, binders, notebooks and pencil holders that all match or compliment each other. Here is your time to go wild with mixing patterns and colours to really show your personality.

 

 

 

Image via My Luxe Finds

 

Share your favorite places to shop for your home office!

 

 

 





 

Stone Floor Cushions

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While I was specifying furniture for an upcoming display home, I needed something to fill the corner of a small study. It is a usual study with a desk, chair, credenza and occasional chair, so I wanted something that would stand out.

I then came across these stone floor cushions from Mocka! They are fun, practical and very on trend. They are available in marble or granite.

They are only $89.95 for a set of 3 and I'm now thinking I need a set for my living area! 

You can buy your set here..

Palm Springs Styling

Palm Springs is a place I need to visit. I am drawn by the mid-century architecture, beautiful landscapes and stunning interiors of residential homes and hotels.

The “Palm Springs” style is a combination of modern minimalism and old Hollywood glamour. I have noticed this look is making its way back and I am so excited because I feel it is a style that can suit most. The ultra-modernist, lover of mid-century and the bold colourful type!

 I want to share with you a collection of images that best captures the style and how you can create the look yourself.

Image via Style of Design

Image Via Pinterest

Image via Design File

Image via the Jungalow

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

Image via The House that Lars Built

Image via My Modern Met

Image via My Domaine Home

Pendant Light- Sokol

Chair- Globe West

Coffee Table- Globe West

Cushion- Etsy

Pots- Pop & Scott