Happy Birthday to My Dad...

Wishing my dear 'old' Dad a very Happy 60th Birthday... today!

Hoping you have a wonderful day, with Mum, the puppies & the chook-a-loos; and for a year ahead filled with great times - with family & friends, contentment, good health and fabulous golf days!

In 1949 you were born - the middle of 5 brothers... here's also what happened in the world the year you were born... through this link. 1949 After many years of misery through the depression and World War 11 postwar prosperity is starting to get underway with companies now able to supply the cars, Televisions and the other goods demanded in a consumer society. The cars got bigger, the TV's got bigger, with some 6.2 million new cars sold in the US and nearly 10 million Televisions in American homes, A new type of TV programme appeared we now call Soap Operas ( the name came from the fact many soap manufacturers sponsored the shows to catch the stay at home mum with advertising ) . China became a communist country and Russia had the Nuclear Bomb which increased the tension between East and West ( The Cold War ). 1949 was 60 years ago this year

We're looking forward to celebrating at the party over the weekend, & then when you get your exciting birthday present - the BEST ever (if I say so myself!) it's very Willy Wonka-esque in delivery! That's the only Clue... for now. Happy Birthday Dad. Lots of Love. Always, S xxxx

image from Martha Stewart

Sneaking in another post.... !!

Spalshes of Aqua Glass, with hints of Pink...

I seem to be channelling splashes of Aqua and hints of Pink, through from yesterday to today, I found these images whilst going through my colour picture libraries and had to pop them together. I love the aqua blue ceramic glass vessels - as vases, objects and lamp bases teamed with hints of lolly & floss pink, white and fresh green... I think have been inspired by my parents oversize Camellia Japonica and it's lipstick pink petal carpet on the pathway at their home and by Anna, from Absolutely Beautiful Things... what splash of colour have you been inspired by this week?

Images from House Beautiful; Elle Decor; and Country Living.

Upholstery & Chair Love...

What a colourfully sophisticated & fun living room... I love this graphic ikat inspired style of this gorgeous lolly pink upholstery on the white painted armchairs and the cushions; and again in the sea foam green colourway used as the window treatment - curtains and the cushions too, the design reminds me of the fabulous prints from Michelle Adam's Rubie Green and the East Village print series There is clever use of linear graphic elements through the pattern in the upholstery print to the diamond-esque carpet design, through to balancing the strong heaviness of the angular coffee table to the curves of the 'knob-ular' ball armchair frame. Seamlessly ties together. Don't you love this too? !

Images from House Beautiful & Rubie Green

Happy Mother's Day... Mum xx

Wishing my darling Mum, my two Grandmas, my Mother-in-Law, Grandmother-in-law & Great Grandmother-in-law, and all my dear friends who are [rather new] mummies and all the wonderful mums out there a very Happy Mother's Day - I hope you have a fabulous day!

To my Mum, I love you and want to thank you for being so wonderful, encouraging, supportive and loving... from madly sewing zippers into unfinished cushions for me, for being my right hand man when we were at the markets [in the cold & rain!], to promoting me to all that would listen and for just being my mum... I hope you have had a lovely day...

Love you always, your [eldest] daughter, S xxxx

Image from Flickr

Friday Fields...

Hope you have a beautiful weekend away from it all & with all that mean the most! Enjoy, S xx

Image from Visualize.us

For my Friend...

.

Some beautiful flowers for my Friend, Effie. Just so you know, I am Thinking of You... S xx

Images from Flickr & Vi.sualize.us

A Little House Snoop... Shhh!

Yes... I have been cheating on my home again! I have been House Snooping online... and found this gorgeous property on one of my fave sites Belle Property located on Kent Road, Wooloowin Brisbane Queensland.... and what a gorgeous home it is....

Elegance and sophistication describe this classic character Queenslander that has been architecturally designed and re-built to meticulous standards. It's set on a 688sqm block with manicured gardens, and minutes walk to the leafy Kalinga Park, and with approx 404m2 of living area, and immaculate luxury finishes - when can I sign & move up & in!

Images from Belle Property

May Colour Society Meeting - New Resene White Neutrals Range Launched!!

Last night I attended the May Colour Society [NSW] monthly meeting held at Resene Paint, in Cows Nest [Sydney NSW]. Amongst colour chips, litres of paint, glasses of wine and cheese & bickies. here we were treated to an super informative evening looking at various Resene paints and their application & performance - with some incredibly fantastic technical information provided by Rachel Devine, an Architectural Project Manager & Technical specifier from Resene Paint. We had the opportunity to 'play' with 4 various paint types... One in particular that I loved was the Sandtec which is a textured paint mostly used for exteriors but can also be used for interiors. The best thing about this paint and it's performance is that it 'hides' imperfections for exterior render that needs a freshen up where hairline cracks may have appeared [post settlement = from approx 3 - 8 years of building] or a very bowed imperfect interior wall where low sheen flat paint or wall paper won't suffice - this paint with it's textured affect if like putting on a mud mask on your face and the effects are like 'Botox' for your house!! You can tell I love it already - something I will be considering when spec-ing for these areas!

We and view the newly launched Karen Walker Colour Series... very gorgeous earthy tones - perfect for mid century and calming effects - less vibrational energy from these muted earthy hues.

However let me tell you that One of the most exciting things of the evening was that all CSA members attending last night received the yet to be released Resene - 'The Neutrals Range' hot off the airplane from Resene H/O in NZ - flown in especially for the colour society evening! The Resene Neutrals range is a beautiful selection of the Resene's best selling and most asked for neutral hues and they have shaded and tinted them up to 8 and 9 times for the variations that have been ever so popular - 2 colours in particular that have been longstanding are 'Mono' and 'Tea'... now you can have tinted & shaded variations of these gorgeous hues which can be use in different rooms where the light and aspect may not perform as well if you were to use the 'original' hue, but the effect is still as you have desired and fabulous! How clever - thank you Resene! And thank you to Judith Biggs - Colour Society NSW Chairperson for organising a wonderful evening, and the team at Resene for hosting a fabulous interactive & informative evening....

Images from Resene & Verandah Home & Garden Living Solutions

Part II : Contemporary Natural Sophisitcation, Palatially...

More of the gorgeous home I posted earlier... I'm falling in love with each nook of this spacious home... All areas have 'zones' created for an sense of intimacy without feeling crowded upon. I know I love it... tres 'Palatial'!

Images from Elle Decor

Contemporary Natural Sophistication...the Palatial way.

I found this home on Elle Decor & couldn't resist but share it with you ... I love the use of natural materials - stone, timber, metal, glass & timber; with what seems to be through an effortless neutral colour palette that creates a light, fresh & bright space and together a sophisticated, elegant contemporary home; whilst at each turn appearing to remain both practical & functional for day-to-day living. I especially adore the exposed stone as found on the interior walls & the open [fire] hearth, not to forget the vaulted beam ceilings - floor to ceiling glass windows, an almost subdued glamourous lodge/ chalet atmosphere.... ahhh just so fabulous!

Images from Elle Decor

Raining on a Tuesday...

Hope you have your brolly today... it raining on a Tuesday, here in ole' Sydney town. Stay dry!

Image from vi.sualize.us

Falling Hard...

Autumn is one of my most favourite seasons... I have a real fascination with leaves, and I love the the mild sunny days, the coolness in the air in the evening, the amazing jewel colour through the trees, the dappled light, the cosy couch blankets coming out, tea and toast, the faint smell of wood fire in the evening, and all the wonderful scarves & jackets I can start wearing again...!! What are your favourite things about Autumn [Fall]?

Image - Quote from Vi.sual.ize-us & Watercolour by Laura tm

Friday Fields.... Hello Weekend!

These wheat threshes move in the wind together like a rolling wave of spun gold against an inky sky... fields of gold. It's Friday, and I can't wait to escape ....for the weekend!

A big 'Thank You' for checking into Palatial Living this week - your support & comments are ever-so encouraging! Hope you have a wonderful Friday & a Great Weekend...

Let me know if you find some kind of yellow to put into your life!

Enjoy - S xx

Images from vi.sualize.us & you tube - Sting

Accents of Butter...

Yellow and shade of the hue are invariably fashionable - on trend for some time then go out and come back in... So if you're a little overwhelmed by shades of yellow and don't want to follow too fast fashion, and like most people not too sure where to place it - then here's a great way to put some yellow into your living areas... The oversize arm-chair and ottoman upholstered in a 'Missoni' inspired zig zag print, of neo regency technicolour proportions, are with muddied shades of tobacco, pale blue, and butter yellow combined with black and off white make for a modern & sophisticated way to incorporate colour. The buttery yellow accent cushions also helps to lift a grey taupe chaise lounge and at the same time are able to tie the pattern upholstered arm chair & Ottoman together in the same space - making for a fluid cohesive living room.

Do you have a favourite - print with yellow in it that you could use like this?

Images from Southern Living

Sunny Hall Way - Good Day Sunshine...!

I wanted something in yellow & something that would make me smile today...

I love this hall way - it really does makes me smile what a fun, modern way of using Sunny Yellow on walls & ceiling and incorporating text / typography - to what could be just another hall way, the Beatles lyrics 'Good Day Sunshine...' in black make all the difference! You keep looking up & can't help but smile!

What other quotes or lyrics would you use for this bright happy space?

Good Day Sunshine" is a song by The Beatles on the 1966 album Revolver. It was written by Paul McCartney, though like all Beatles songs written by either of them, it is credited as Lennon/McCartney

Good Day Sunshine, Good Day Sunshine, Good Day Sunshine

I need to laugh and when the sun is out

I've got something I can laugh about

I feel good in a special way

I'm in love and it's a sunny day

Good Day Sunshine, Good Day Sunshine, Good Day Sunshine

We take a walk, the sun is shining down

Burns my feet as they touch the ground

Good Day Sunshine, Good Day Sunshine, Good Day Sunshine

Then we'd lie beneath the shady tree

I love her and she's loving me

She feels good, she knows she's looking fine

I'm so proud to know that she is mine.

Good Day Sunshine, Good Day Sunshine, Good Day Sunshine

Image from Country Living. & Wikipaedia

Remembering... with Love.

Today we remember with love & goodness my Uncle Tony [my mum's brother] who left us for a far better place on this day last year.

You will always be youthful , always be strong and caring, your dry incredibly funny & poignant jokey manner - will never fade in our eyes. You would be so proud of your gorgeous wife & beautiful daughter, and wonderful family. One of your final favourite songs - Songbird - echos & reminds me of how wonderful you are. We love you - Know that you are always in our hearts - never far from our thoughts & prayers. Love you always - S xxx

If you or someone you have loved has been affected by cancer in any way - please think about giving to the Cancer Council Australia [NSW] please visit this link and give generously , be it your time or dollars - all would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Image from Flickr & you tube link to Songbird - version by Eva Cassidy,

Songbird - originally written/ sung by Christine McVie & Fleetwood Mac

Did you Know... About Yellow?

Yellow is the color of sunshine. It's associated with joy, happiness, intellect, and energy. Yellow produces a warming effect, arouses cheerfulness, stimulates mental activity, and generates muscle energy. Yellow is often associated with food. Bright, pure yellow is an attention getter, which is the reason taxicabs are painted this color. When overused, yellow may have a disturbing effect; it is known that babies cry more in yellow rooms.

Yellow is seen before other colors when placed against black; this combination is often used to issue a warning. In heraldry, yellow indicates honor and loyalty. Later the meaning of yellow was connected with cowardice. Use yellow to evoke pleasant, cheerful feelings. You can choose yellow to promote children's products and items related to leisure.

Light yellow tends to disappear into white, so it usually needs a dark color to highlight it. Shades of yellow are visually unappealing because they loose cheerfulness and become dingy. Dull (dingy) yellow represents caution, decay, sickness, and jealousy. Light yellow is associated with intellect, freshness, and joy. The shade of yellow determines the meaning. Pure, bright and sunny yellow is the easiest color to see. People who are blind to other colors can usually see yellow. Yellow is full of creative and intellectual energy. Always use yellow note pads. Yellow symbolizes wisdom. Yellow means joy and happiness. People of high intellect favor yellow. Yellow daffodils are a symbol of unrequited love. Sunday's color is yellow-gold.

Yellow is very effective for attracting attention, so use it to highlight the most important elements of your design. Men usually perceive yellow as a very lighthearted, 'childish' color, so it is not recommended to use yellow when selling prestigious, expensive products to men – nobody will buy a yellow business suit or a yellow Mercedes. Yellow is an unstable and spontaneous color, so avoid using yellow if you want to suggest stability and safety.

Yellow Energy - Like the energy of a bright sunny day, yellow brings clarity and awareness. The shade of yellow determines its effect: Yellow-green can mean deceit, and creates a disoriented feeling. Orange-yellow imparts a sense of establishment. Clean light yellow clears the mind, making it active and alert.
Put some yellow in your life when you want:
* clarity for decision-making
* relief from 'burnout', panic, nervousness, exhaustion
* sharper memory and concentration skills
* protection from lethargy and depression during dull weather

Images from Flickr & Info from Colour Wheel Pro & Crystal Cure

Yellow in the Boudoir...

Top - Playful, Warm & Cosy.
Centre - Modern ,Contemporary & Fresh

Bottom - Sophisticated & Sumptuous

Shots of Yellow in the bedroom in varying shades can create different atmospheres.... the palest lemon & chatruese mustard teamed with metameric teal & night blue - can make it Sophisticated & Sumptuous ; or a burst of daffodil high chroma yellow as an art piece & used as an elevated bed head - set on a cool white wall can be Modern & Contempoaray; or using a sunny butter yellow with cream, ornage coral & tones and toned down apple green make for a Playful, Warm & Cosy bedroom - as shown in these rooms.
Whichever mood you wish to create - why don't you try a shade of yellow in your bedroom or guest room?

Images from Elle Decor, Modern Living & Country Living

Very Pretty Things... with Prue Trollope.

I received my monthly newsletter from one of my favourite stores, Prue Trollope, located in Sydney's Inner West - Balmain. Prue carries such lovely things, and in particular when in blue & white, with tones of latte & taupe I am there in a flash! So thought it would be nice to share one of my favourite 'pleasure' shopping destinations with you, you may have already visited or read about Prue & her store in many of the (Australian) home & garden magazines or SMH's 'Essential' lift out in 'the Source' published on Thursdays.

Eclectic, pretty mix of old and new homewares - Step into Prue Trollope's fabulous homewares store, scattered with luscious woollen floor rugs, tapestry cushions, retro swimsuits, vintage Korean kimonos, original artworks and cotton quilts, and you'll never want to leave! Prue Trollope’s Balmain boutique is one notable exception. Daring to be different, Prue describes her style as “maximalist,” with an eclectic mix of the old, new, classic and kitsch.

Above. Prue, the women behind the name & the business - Prue Trollope, 21 Mullens Street, Balmain. Phone 9810 6567

The Mullens Street boutique is set within a superb old building which for over seventy-five years operated as a hardware store. The space now takes on a significantly more feminine air, with the nails, dust and rust replaced by the prettiest of pieces for around the home. Peruse the store and you’ll discover luxurious cotton quilts, heavy feather-filled tapestry cushions and woollen hooked floor rugs covered in cabbage roses. A true treasure trove, Prue’s shop features an amazing range of finds such as a 1940’s French bed, beautiful vintage kimonos from Korea and highly comfy canvas shoes from China. You’ll even find large urns for the garden and a great range of gifts, including pearl jewellery, hand-stitched shoulder bags and cute woollen purses. If you are looking to pick up something for the kids, the store also has plenty on offer. Highly popular are handmade wooden stools in the shape of sheep, pigs, dogs and horses. You’ll also find the super-soft Flatout Bears, which Prue and her sister Sarah have sold to famous stores worldwide including Barneys of New York, Paul Smith of London and Le Bon Marche of Paris.

So thought I would share a few of my absolute faves from Prue's store & can also be found on her online store...

Images from Prue Trollope