24 May, 2011

Bright Happy Colour, Pattern & Print...


I fell in love with these brightly coloured, patterned & printed images... I am feeling so inspired by all things Suzani - the reduced colour, the rhythm of the pattern & how I could use it through my living spaces. Hmmmm where do I begin! How uber cute are these geopuzzles - print poster form or in puzzle form!Oh and love love love the idea of painting inside the bookshelves walls and hanging favourite art pieces or prints from book shelve beading.
What colours, prints or patterns are inspiring you right now?


images via kate lewis painting, geopuzzles, paterson maker, pretty stuff, ma belle vie.

22 May, 2011

Perfect Palatial Paper Pieces...

via Etsy from Cosy Corner Crafts

Lately I've noticed a trend of paper 'crafts'  art becoming more visible and more commercial through the likes of 'Hard to Find', 'Hand Made' and 'Etsy'. Back at Christmas time on Palatial Living I looked at a Brisbane based paper artist with her stunning decorations simply made from paper - but achieving such a delicate, modern & intricate look. I also love the works of UK Surface Designer [Paper] Artist - Rob Ryan, and could do a bit of damage in his online store aptly name 'Ryantown' via etsy. 
Paper art is something that shouldn't be overlooked - beautiful, clean, fresh, and sometime fragile delicate also vintage looks that can be achieved using paper [pieces] is surprising. By thinking about using paper you don't always need to think about using 'new' fresh paper - think about repurposing an old book, left over paper from your computer printer, newspaper etc... this is also a way to think 'green'!
Take a look,


Creative Curtains
Create confetti curtains for your windows from cut paper. Cut out squares from different weights of paper with a die-cut punch (available at scrapbooking stores) or scissors. Sew the squares together, spacing regularly, to make a string as long as your window frame; tie knots at the top of each square and at the bottom of each string to secure. Hang each on a tension rod from curtain clips. These curtains are a great way to decorate a boring window without blocking out natural light. Get creative and use different colors for your garland depending on your room's color scheme or the season

 
Pretty Tissue Flowers
These delicate petals create an elegant centerpiece whether scattered down the center of a table or piled on a platter. To create, cut a flower shape or 3-inch circles from eight layers of tissue paper. Place in a stack. Next, poke a hole through the stack with a pin. Pull the paper off the tip of a twist tie and insert the exposed wire through the paper layers. Twist the wire to create the flower center. Make the flower bloom by gently pulling up one layer at a time.

Get Rolling
Quilling is a simple yet elegant way to embellish home accessories, such as a white picture frame. To create, cut paper into 1/8-inch-wide strips with a ruler and crafts knife; vary the lengths of the strips. Load a strip onto a slotted quilling tool (find tools and kits at quilledcreations.com). Twist the tool to coil the paper tightly. Once coiled, pull the paper off the tool and release slowly to uncoil slightly to your desired size. When finished, the quills can be glued to objects, such as a picture frame, to add a beautiful decoration to an otherwise plain frame.


images & sub text via bhg, house beautiful, country living, coastal living

20 May, 2011

Happy Weekend!

Happy Friday - Welcome Weekend!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend planned ahead...
Do you have any projects on the horizon? Are you entertaining, or visiting family & friends? Or just hoping to be a home-body for the weekend?
Whatever you're up to I hope you have a lovely time!
Thank you for joining me this week at Palatial Living... See you again soon.


image via tumblr, love this life

A Manly House Snoop...with a Sublime Palatial Touch.



Now I'm not really that interested in cooking, so if it takes more than 20mins prep-time I'm out of there so sometime that rules out a lot. So it's a good thing that my husband prefers to cook in our household - his way of relaxing! But let me tell you that if I had the view that this kitchen has, in this incredible home perched up on Bower St Manly - I'd probably start a catering business! It's that good!
Here's an amazing home I found whilst snooping around this week, located metres walk from one of the most desired beach coves in Sydney, Shelley Beach and perched up on Eastern Hill - this Palatial home boasts generous accommodation & a sublime lifestyle...
Take a look, Enjoy



Agent's Blurb... Belle Property Manly NSW
Lifestyle - Designed to embrace a sweeping northerly ocean and coastal landscape, this exclusive retreat is the ultimate indoor/outdoor family entertainer. A lifestyle of peace, privacy and convenience beckons in a sublime setting just above Shelly Beach and adjoining National Parkland.
Accommodation - Generous living space, formal and casual dining spaces flow to sweeping sunlit seaside terrace, upstairs family entertainment room with wet bar, two ensuite bedrooms, study/studio, granite kitchen with European appliances and Travertine tiled bathrooms.
Features - Set on 697sqm in a premier Eastern Hill setting, it is only metres from Shelly Beach and a short stroll from Manly Beach and village. It comes complete with a sparkling pool, half-size tennis court, bi-fold doors opening to multiple terraces plus a tandem garage.
Property ID: 12P1374


images & sub text via domain.com.au & belle property

20 Palatial Quick n' Easy Weekend Decorating Projects


I love nothing better than a decorating project - what makes it even sweeter is that it's quick, easy and affordable - but give a Palatial feeling to my home!
So here are few great ideas that I came across through a number of fabulous newsletters I receive and thought you might like a few of the ideas too - maybe an even start one this weekend!
Enjoy,


1. Refresh Your Bedroom
New bedding, a fresh coat of paint, and unique lighting will give a bedroom a new personality - and it can be finished in a weekend.
2. Update Window Treatments
Tired of the store-bought panels that are scattered throughout your home? Give them an instant transformation with a few snips of the scissors and a bit of creativity.


3. Paint Fun Stripes
Stripes are the perfect way to add pizzazz to a space. While they're not difficult to achieve, be sure to spend lots of time prepping so your stripes turn out perfect.

 
4. Add Wallpaper
With wallpaper's recent comeback, a slew of beautiful choices are available to jazz up any room. Look for oversize patterns to create a sophisticated and dramatic look.


5. Update Your Bookcases
Bookcases don't have to pose a decorating dilemma. Spend a few hours organizing and arranging them to get the perfect look. Click the link below for editors' tips for styling bookshelves.

 

6. Tile Your Backsplash
Transform your kitchen with a new backsplash. This easy (really!) DIY project will add sophistication to your space. Consider small tiles on a mesh backing for the easiest installation. Or why not use some tile paint - and give it a fresh new look for a the cost of a lick of panit! Just make sure you surface is in good condition, cleaned & prepped before painting - easy! [Australia - White Knight Tile Paint from Bunnings or Mitre 10, your local  paint orhardware store - is perfect for tiles in good condition].
 
7. Update Your Standard Cabinets
Give your standard cabinets a boost with a new coat of paint and modern hardware. This Swedish-inspired look is enhanced by a beadboard backsplash and red-and-white toile curtains.

8. Make Easy Art
Think outside the frame when you need your next piece of artwork. Here a refinished vintage shutter was transformed into a savvy place to display photos, postcards, and clippings.


9. Make Your Own Flower Arrangements
Creating a classic flower arrangement doesn't have to be difficult. With a few simple steps you can turn a grocery store bouquet into a masterfully crafted centerpiece.
 
10. Give a Bookcase a Makeover
This once-ordinary unfinished bookcase was given a modern look with an espresso gel stain finish and a few accessories. To make the bookcase truly unique, a linen roller shade was installed to conceal clutter.
 
11. Make a New Headboard
Two salvaged windows are a great alternative to an ordinary headboard. To get this look, find windows that measure approximately the width of your mattress. Remove the glass and install fiberboard or foam board to cover the backs. Cut fabric or wallpaper remnants to fit each section and adhere with spray adhesive.


12. Redo Your Mantel
Mantels can be tricky to decorate. But in an hour or two you can give your mantel a new look. Here a collection of old books is casually stacked, giving the mantel character. Small accessories provide an interesting contrast to the book collection.


13. Add or Upgrade Your Moulding
From grand crown molding to handsome baseboards, millwork can really elevate a room. If you want to add extra architectural interest, consider adding a chair rail or wainscot.


 14. Dress It Up with Mirrors
Mirrors can make a room seem larger and brighter. A symmetrical arrangement stands out for both its space-enlarging reflections and its graphic simplicity.


15. Create a Custom ShelfThis simple shelf can be made in just a few hours to finish off an entryway, bathroom, or bedroom. You just need a few supplies and basic woodworking skills

16. Put Your Scraps to Use
Do you have extra stacks of scrapbook paper lying around? Decoupage your favorites to canvas to create do-it-yourself art. Paint the edges of the canvases for a finished look.

17. Punch Up Your Plain Pillows
Transform an ordinary pillow into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece with some simple sewing and a few beads.

18.Big Impact with a Little Fabric
If you love your lamp base but the shade needs help, give it a facelift with a modern fabric. Working with a drum shade allows you to use almost any textile; a tapered shade looks best with a small overall print or a solid fabric that doesn't require a pattern match.


19. Create a Home Office
The galvanized plumbing pipes and prefab shelving in this work station are compact and simple to put together. This home office proves that smart style doesn't demand a big budget.

20. Create a Family Gallery
Narrow art ledges are the perfect way to create a gallery from your collection of family photos. Vary the sizes of the pictures, but select compatible frames so the focus remains on the art.
------------------------------------

Which project will you be doing this weekend?

images & subtext via bhg



16 May, 2011

To Brighten Your Day...

I'm sorry I have missed you & posting regularly on Palatial Living these past couple of weeks... I am getting used to [another] new routine and just trying to find the 'happy' balance with work, jobs, family & friends, & my overall health [sanity]!I promise I will get there soon - but in the meantime I want to thank you for your patience and kinds comments...
So here's a little something I know would like on my desk or table - to brighten your Monday!
Enjoy,



image via mirabelle, peonies

12 May, 2011

House Snoop... Perched Up on a Palatial Eco-System Estate.


A tropical hinterland Palatial Estate in Queensland... looking for a magnificent home to get away from it all and feel like you're perched up on top of the world? Well this is the place for you... take heed trans Atlantic & Pacific Friends of Palatial Living... this could also be yours! I instantly feel in love with the landscaping and the infinity edgeless pool - I felt like I could be part of this beautiful  Eco system instantly - just being in or beside the pool! Built for having guests over and entertaining this home is breathtaking... take a look at all these gorgeous images & the serene views from all angles of the home...
Enjoy!





Agent's Blurb... Musgrave Rd Yandina Creek
Belle Property, Buderim Queensland + 61 7 5445 6722




Lifestyle - Indulge in this lavish, tranquil and chic residence Mandalay overlooking sweeping valley views from its hilltop haven 100 meters above sea level with a view over coastal villages between Coolum to Marcus Beach. Perfect environment for an extended family or a fabulous corporate retreat equal to international standards. The Asian influenced architecture has a genuine sentiment of intimate spaces within gentle surroundings providing a perfect transition through indoor and outdoor spaces, pavilions and lush gardens. A contemporary 5 star residence that is an inspirational Bali-Resort style home or retreat just a short drive to Noosa Heads, Coolum Beach, Brisbane and the regional Airport.
Accommodation - Eco-friendly timber and stone finishes to the 4 connected pavilions, 5 living spaces, 7 sleeping chambers, and large office which surround the heated infinity pool. The air-conditioned rammed earth pavilions with 1070 sq meters of living space are linked by steps and shaded pergola breeze-ways. A fully self-contained Guest Suite and a serviced private suit are part of the property's 7 Sleeping chambers, 4.5 bathrooms, 4 living areas and other house facilities such as an art studio. Areas include formal living, dining, eat-in kitchen, media /family room, a number of wet areas, office, library, reading room and art studio.
Features - An open fire place, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, tinted windows, alarm facilities, intercom, gated access, soaring timber ceiling and breezeways. Glorious tropical gardens and fossilized Himalayan slate and terracotta walkways. On site car parking for 12, golf pitching lawn or space for full sized tennis court, 35,000 gallons of water under the suspended pool terrace, reticulated watering systems.
A sustainability declaration is available upon request from the selling agent.



images & sub text via domain.com.au & belle property