Looking Back

I love it when Australian House and Garden release their Top 50 rooms. I think my favourite part is being introduced to designers I havent come across before. The second thing I love is getting even more inspiration for my dream home, and the third thing I love is to go back to previous years and see if what I liked then still seems relevant now.

This beautiful apartment is designed by Darryl Gordon Designs in East Sydney. I love the muted palate with pops of green, red and blue and the mustard colour wall - Yum!The black walls in the living spaces add a dramatic and sophisticated touch. You can check out more of the Darling Point apartment at Darryl Gordon Design here.

The Table

{The Decorista}

{Elle Decor}

{Dwell}

{Gramercy}

{Ritzy Bee}

{Style Me Pretty}

{Saipua}

{The Zhush}

We are having a small intimate Christmas celebration this year. Mr husband doesn't really go for table dressings, nice dinnerware or anything to do with fine dining. That does not stop me however from setting a nice table and doing my best to entice him into the Christmas spirit. These images don't really scream Christmas, but they do say that someone has put a bit of thought and effort into making a lovely table - and i appreciate that.

Mrs Wife

xxx

Rain

{Porter Design Company}

The weather here is Sydney has been so crazy lately. On Saturday it was over 30 degrees, and now it is pouring with rain (and guess who forgot to take out the garbage?). Last night was hot and sticky in bed and tonight I feel like I may need another cover. Being a good country girl, i never complain about the rain. Living in a drought for the past 15 years or so has made me appreciate every drop. So in honour of a dark and stormy night I offer the following.

{via Gramercy}

{via The Decorista}

{decorpad via the Decorista}

{Domino via everything LEB}

{skonahem via dilly dallas}

{via The Decorista} 

{via Gramercy} 

{via Plush Palate}

Ms Lover of rain
xx

Barbies Dream House

Looking back to the time when I studied architecture and design, I really wish that I had the chance to do something as outrageous as this... Design Barbies dream home. Can you believe it for real??

The American Institute of Architects put out the call earlier this year after Mattel announced its latest "I can be..." an architect barbie. There was several lash outs over Mattels design, you know "why is she pink - whats with the glasses?" type thing, but you have to remember it's a barbie and it's really for children. That said - I would be tempted to get one!

We have Despina Stratigakos and Kelly Hayes McAlonie to thank for the latest doll. Despina, an architectural historian and author of "A Woman's Berlin: Building a Modern City" made a stand in 2007 when she staged her own exhibition of architect Barbie, bemoaning the male domination of licensed architectural practices.

So following the announcment of Architect Barbie, AIA put out the call for Barbies dream home. The winning design by Ting Li and Maja Paklar, showing barbie as a "creative, fashionable, busy and powerful "Malibu dwelling professional.

"The concept of this house reflects exactly who Barbie is in her new profession," reads the project statement.

"She has pledged to build an environmentally sustainable home using the principles set forth by USGBC as well as to stay true to all the needs of a classic California girl!"

The house also includes a computer-controlled centrally located closet to house Architect Barbie's designer clothes, a meditation space for her to relax in, an exercise room for keeping fit, a greenhouse and a landscaped garden for her pets.

Ms Lover (of Architect Barbie!)

xxx

Touch of Bling #9

For todays touch of bling, I've gone for a remake of an old favourite. The Hans Wegner 1970s stainless steel chair has been recreated by Carl Hansen and Son in conjunction with Georg Jensen in a 24 karat gold version. Yep you read correctly - 24 karat!! Of course you can mix up the choice of leather, available in three shades of brown. No longer resigned to the office - and certainly not at the $10,055 price tag! Head here for more details.

Down a Rabbit Hole

One of the things I love about blogging is the new friends you make and the places it takes you. Visiting blogs is like being Alice, you never know where the rabbit hole will take you. I would really love to know more about the new friends who visit my page, so please feel welcome to leave a comment or become a follower. If you are a fellow blogger I would love to visit your Wonderland too, please leave the address.

Mrs Wife and Lover

xxx

{Annie Leibovitz for US Vogue}

 {Tim Burton}

{Tim Burton}

{Tim Burton}

After Dinner Mint

A quick one tonight because I am pretty worn out. I don't usually go for pastels, but these babies certainly got my attention. And that puppy! Bring him home to me... I will call him Charles.

{The Zhush, Martha Stewart, Domino via Habitually Chic, via Haven and Home}

POP!!! Colour that makes me smile

Sometimes it can be for the simplest reason. Todays post is just about bright colours because I feel bright and cheery. I have had a fabulous weekend. Hanging with my friends at the beach for a wine and jazz festival. And my delightful sister came half way across the country to hang with me for my birthday. Today we had a chilled day, brunch followed by the just opened Picasso exhibition at the Gallery of New South Wales (more on that later). So anyway - here's some pop for your day.

{via Habitually Chic, This is Glamorous, via The Zhush, via The Zhush, DVF via Atlantic-Pacific, enquiries to VT Interiors, Massucco Warner Miller}