Master Four is asking for a fish, which I try to skirt by telling him how he has to clean it each fortnight and that there are lots of …ahem…poos…in the stones.  However, after eyeing this, even I would rather like a goldfish.  Wouldn’t this look great in an entrance, all natural wood and organic shape.  Designed by Constance Guisset, the Duplex allows the bird to fly at the same level as the fish.  

via [Woohome.com]

Ahh, this is lovely spacious and light, and if I were to be moving in – just waiting for a bit more colour and cosiness to be thrown about. I love the concrete floors (hope they’re heated) and the bathroom basins. Take a look here at more images (there are loads) and plans as well. 

Over here I saw this great idea and thought I would share it with you all.  If you rent or just can’t commit to a wallpaper for a long period of time, then how about picking your favourite fabric and using that to change your walls.  You can read their instructions or use mine below.  It works a treat and I’ve done it in a few rentals.  

You’ll need:

Fabric
Measuring tape
Scissors
Thumb Tacks
Fabric starch or Low-tack Fabric Adhesive
Stanley Knife and sharp blades
Roller or your kids ruler

1.  Select either an upholstery weight or cotton fabric and measure your walls making sure you allow an extra inch all round.  

2.  Begin by spraying a small wall area (like a wallpaper panel width, and spray down about 1/2 metre) with your starch or spray adhesive – yes the low tack fabric spray adhesive you can get at craft or fabric stores. Or you can do it by spraying the back of your fabric.  

3.  Place the fabric on, beginning at the top and smoothing out any bumps with a paint roller or even a ruler.  You can use push pins (thumb tacks) at the top to secure, while you continue down the wall with the adhesive, the fabric and the smoothing.  Remove the push pins once that panel is complete and use your finger nail to gently scratch across where the pin was to remove the tiny pin hole if there is one.  

4. Trim the edges with a box cutter/utility knife (stanley knife) carefully around the edge of your wall, so it leaves a sharp definite edge.  Make sure it’s a sharp blade and don’t push too hard.  Try only a 15cm length first before running your knife all the way along a  wall and making a mess of it.  

That’s it really.  When you get bored it’s just a matter of starting at a corner and SLOWLY peeling away, or if you find the starch isn’t letting the fabric come away, moisten the fabric with a sponge a bit before pulling and it should come off well.  Oh yes, don’t forget to cover the edges of the wall so the spray doesn’t get onto the other walls.  (tape up a sheet or newspaper).

I came across the cards of Art Angels in one of my fave stores, Allium Interiors here in Auckland, and had to find what else they stocked. Included in their range are notecards, giftwrap, stationery and greeting cards. Some of the illustrations remind me of Roald Dahl books with the quirky people and animals.  Isn’t it just lucky that I get to make up the nursery and use this wall frieze for a simple and not to pricey bit of artwork – and best of all I can change it out to something else later.  All their products are printed either on recycled board, or board manufactured from 100% elemental chlorine free pulp from managed forests with a sound replanting programme and is fully recyclable and biodegradable.  Click here for a list of stockists in your area.  

If you are wanting to splash out on that special pet bird, then how about this work of art. The Seraphine bird cage is a limited edition inspired by the Versailles gardens of the sun King.  Seraphine resembles an archway depicting a romantic dream world.  Perhaps just a bit to fancy to actually use, but as a piece of art, this is gorgeous.  The good and the bad – they ship internationally, you can even pay by paypal, but it’s a pricey NZ$6700.

Ooh err, I have his Floral brocade wallpaper from Habitat that I adore on my dining room wall…at least I think this is the same guy.  Anyway take a look at his house which is showcased in the latest Elle Decor. What a symphony of happy brightness.  Take a look at a few more images right here.

via [NotCot.org]

Woohoo!  Orla Kiely is doing what will of course be an affordable line of homewares for Target.  Due out in February, you better be in there early to get what you fancy, I have a feeling it will sell well.  It is all 70’s nostalgia but with all her groovy prints and designs.  Can’t say if it will make it to Australian Target stores but will keep you posted.

When we lived in Houston, I loved an outing to Crate and Barrel each season to see what new goodies they had in.  And if these Marimekko Tamara sheet sets had been around I would have got a set for our bed. Isn’t the colour so inviting, bright and summery.  They do ship internationally if you just email them for a price.  

These are so rich looking in all the different woodgrains.  I also love that they are not all narrow drawers, but useful cabinets for all sorts.  The Sono range is available only in Japan at Hiromatsu so this may be something you could take your tools to, and make yourself.  

via [Apartment Therapy]

If you have a large house with room for that Pool Table – perhaps just near the swimming pool – then you’re awfully lucky.  Although I would love one (and that space) I really don’t like the look of them – all green, huge with ugly legs etc.  But now you can purchase the Fusion Tables by Aramith; it disappears into the most modern, sleek dining table and comes in a variety of different finishes to suit any minimalist home and best of all you can assemble it yourself.  To see it being built and for more information click here.

via [Not Cot]

Valentina Design has a large collection of pretty birds all shapes, designs and colours.  There’s notecards, and prints, and desk calendars….plus lots more to purchase right here at her Etsy shop.  I am a sucker for embellished birds done up all pretty….perhaps something that could go into my late Xmas stocking!  They start at about NZ$20 and it’s free shipping within the US or only NZ$11 to ship internationally.