Top 7 Interior Design Trends for 2012


interior design trends 2012
1. The sectional sofa is BACK. I think we subconsciously all saw this one coming. Who can resist a huge comfy nest that you can sink into and stretch out on all at the same time? Not me or the husband...


 interior design trends 2012
 2. Fabrics are SOFT. We are going to see this in all kinds of ways - animal furs, extra-fat pillows, velvet... and it's croppin up EVERYWHERE.

 interior design trends 2012
 3. Sheepskin. I don't know about you but this white-fluffy-magic really reminds me of the 80s. Husband and I seem to have aquired a tonne of it in the last few weeks! As I write this I am snuggled into a mohair cocoon.


 interior design trends 2012
4. Old Patterns = New Patterns
Yep, chevron, ikat, chain-link... they are all crazy old. Did you know that? I didn't. I'm pretty sure Victorian's beat us to it. But do correct me if I'm wrong, because I might have just made that up.

  
5. Vintage is still cool.
You totally already knew this. But old stuff = cool stuff. I like this because we are buying all our furniture second hand since we are poor. ;)
 interior design trends 2012 
6. Leather 
You may have noticed leather clothing in places where you wouldn't have expected it lately.. you know, like, leather shorts. That are actually fashionable. (Even tho I can't differentiate them from sexy lederhosen.)...this trend will be echoed in interiors. But not in quite the same way. Phew.

 
7.  In theme with the soft + furry trends above, pillows and rugs take centre stage. Mmm cuddly.

 So in summary, pretty much anything snugglicious and cosy is the next big thing. I'm more than happy with that because I'm a sucker for a warm cuddly space. 

How about you?


Sources:

Some info from this article in Middleton Journal

Pictures:
1. Chic Tip
2. Cup of Te
3. Pinterest
4. Pinterest
5. Decor8
6. Pinterest
7. Pinterest

 P.S I hate citing Pinterest as a source but often they are not linked up to a specific article! Grr

Natural and Cosy







All these interiors have a homely, cosy vibe that makes me want to snuggle up.
They all feature timber and an eclectic pallete with artistic composition... the wood makes them look so warm and cosy! I'm kinda crushing on cowhide rugs right now.

And I don't know about you but I want to snuggle on that woolly chair ASAP






Pic sources:
1. via
2. via
3. via
4. via
5. via
6. Lonny

Is this true or what??

Just quickly - a picture with words that totally resonate. I love this.

I just sneakily popped out and bought a few things from yesterday's fashion wishlist! Will be back soon - but for now, Happy happy Friday!






Pic via http://www.pentagram.com/work/#/all/all/newest/446/

Fashion Wishlist - Back to School

interior design blog, new zealand blog, new zealand design blog, fashion blog, new zealand fashion blog

interior design blog, new zealand blog, new zealand design blog, fashion blog, new zealand fashion blog

interior design blog, new zealand blog, new zealand design blog, fashion blog, new zealand fashion blog

interior design blog, new zealand blog, new zealand design blog, fashion blog, new zealand fashion blog

interior design blog, new zealand blog, new zealand design blog, fashion blog, new zealand fashion blog

interior design blog, new zealand blog, new zealand design blog, fashion blog, new zealand fashion blog

interior design blog, new zealand blog, new zealand design blog, fashion blog, new zealand fashion blog
 I start back at school in less than a week and need to do some seriously thoughtful retailing...

Most of the year I wear jeans, jeans, and jeans. It's very adventurous. I need to put more thought into my shopping BEFORE leaving home.

... SO I have been stalking some of my favourite fashion blogs and scouted out these looks. Perfect for increasingly-cold weather and the slouchy, grungy streetwear that you can totally pull off as a student!

How much thought do you put in before you go shopping? Usually I just buy what I see, but I wonder if careful planning will enable me to create better outfits....??? What are your tips?

***OOOHHHH P.S I nearly forgot - I have joined Twitter. You can find me here and come be friends with me and maybe even give me some tips on how to use it! ;) ***

 Pic sources:
1. Sincerely, Jules
2. Aprilia Love
3. via Pinterest (original source missing)
4. Sincerely, Jules
5. Fash n Chips
6. Scarf my own, purchased at Dotti
7. Joti Tote from Forever New
8.  Watch from Fossil

The Perfect Bed (x 7)

Fancy lighting, deep jewel tones, a big ol' mirror and a few gold edgings here and there.


Daring colour pops and no strict structure

Layers of worn-in fabric and warm timber

Muted and dramatic at the same time


An eclectic mix of styles, symmetry and oriental influences (ala Hollywood Regency)

Bold, bright, and deliberately haphazard


So... Which type are you?


Pic sources:
1. Sweet Home Style
2. via Loveology
3. via Miss Indie
4. Urban Outfitters
5. via La Dolce Vita
6. via Pinterest and Bright Bazaar
7. Lise Roy

20-minute artwork


As always, I was impatient with this artwork. And frustrated. And the perfectly manicured vision in my mind didn't end up coming to the party... so the wall above our fireplace was graced with this child-like doodle instead.

When I paint I get more of a kick out of the actual physical paint itself than the picture it produces, which is probably the problem...


Apart from painting over the original picture and painting the frame white (it used to be a creepy lady. Check it out)....


.... the whole process didn't take more than 20 minutes, if that.

Originally it was going to be more colourful but once I got this far I decided I like the light, abstract, airiness.... kinda.




But at the same time I think I might paint over it all again in a few weeks when I'm feeling more patient!

Do you get impatient and rush projects? Or are you one of those people that can actually pace yourself? Share your tips!


P.S - would kill for a real camera right about now!


A week of Love

interior design blog, interior design, blog, new zealand blog, new zealand design blog, wedding, valentines

interior design blog, interior design, blog, new zealand blog, new zealand design blog, wedding, valentines

interior design blog, interior design, blog, new zealand blog, new zealand design blog, wedding, valentines

interior design blog, interior design, blog, new zealand blog, new zealand design blog, wedding, valentines

interior design blog, interior design, blog, new zealand blog, new zealand design blog, wedding, valentines


Our wedding was probably the most perfect day of my life - everything came together beautifully and all those DIYs and cake-icing-marathons finally paid off. I can't wait to get photos back from the photographers! Of course I will share some here!

Until then, here are a few of my favourite moments from our honeymoon in the South Island (of New Zealand). Experiencing the World's Largest Swing with a 70m freefall drop into a canyon (words cannot describe) was possibly my highlight! Oh the terror!

 Valentines Day happened to be our first day back from honeymoon and we spent the day settling into our new house!  Sneak peek of our coffee table and fireplace:

interior design blog, interior design, blog, new zealand blog, new zealand design blog, wedding, valentines

 The hearts hanging up were left over from our wedding. Decorating is so much fun but also very challenging with a small house and a small budget... but I love it!

Valentines Day isn't a big deal here but we snuggled in for coffee and chocolate to watch DVDs... I think it's our new tradition.

What do you do for Valentines?

xoxoxoxoxo


Not Just a Pretty Face #1: Michaela Noelle Designs

Hi folks,

I'm on HONEYMOON. (Don't worry, I scheduled this post in advance. So not blogging for the next week!). Can't WAIT to have some pretty pictures of it all tho!

Anyway,that's why today I'm launching into a new series called Not Just a Pretty Face - the one where amazingly stylish and cute bloggers get to guest post and tell us more about themselves!

I have invented some questions for them to answer, and our first guest is this lovely lady - bet you recognise the face..?? :) Here we go:

***

Hi! I'm Michaela and I blog all about design and other pretty things over at Michaela Noelle Designs.
I'm thrilled to be here today answering a few questions for the lovely Amy!

1. Favourite colour? Purple has been my favorite color since I can remember! As I've grown up, I've really started loving all shades of the hue.  Violet, lavender, grayish purple, plum...you get the point :)
vi
2. Cats or dogs? Dogs all the way! All growing up my family had the most precious golden retriever named Shasta. She sadly passed away last summer, but our family just welcomed a new little pup into our home! Her name is Hope and she's an English Creme Golden Retriever. Cute is an understatement.

3. Occupation? I'm currently going to school for interior design and loving it. You know that feeling where you just know you're doing what you love and what you're meant to be doing for the rest of your life? I wake up feeling like that every morning. Such a blessing!
via
4. Greatest day of your life? Hmm, I've had a few that top the charts! 1. Any day I've ever spent at Disneyland :) 2. Meeting my best blog friend (turned best real life friend!) last summer. 3. Meeting Mary McDonald in San Francisco at her book tour! LOVE her.

5. An embarassing moment? One time my friends and I were playing kick the can and I was running to kick the darn can, when all of a sudden my shirt fell down leaving my upper half exposed. Oh, and I was wearing a strapless blouse...so not smart. Lesson learned: don't run while wearing a strapless top. Ever.

6. Signature style? My style is an eclectic mix of contemporary pieces paired with shabby chic.  Romantic, classic, and a hint of trendy. My bedroom sums up my style pretty well:
 
Michaela Noelle Designs
7. Secret weakness? Shopping...specifically for clothes. Not such a secret I guess ;) Double weakness? Shopping in a vicinity {you know, like a mall...} that carries both clothing and home goods. Scary combination for my wallet!

 8. Summer or winter? Summer is my favorite because...1. I'm home with my family 2. I love the California sunshine and 3. Summer clothing is my favorite.

9. Best thing about blogging? While there are so many awesome things, I think I'd say sharing a common passion with the community around me. Everyday I wake up to new ideas, DIY's, room designs, painted furniture, outfits, and recipes. This helps me never grow weary of my passion. And also gives me a place to Oohh and Awww over the things I love since my real life friends aren't quite as interested :) The talented, sweet gals in blogland never cease to amaze and inspire me. What a wonderful community to be apart of.

Thanks for having me, Amy! It's been so fun to visit your blog today! Now it's your turn, readers-- You answer a few questions in the comment section so I can get to know you :) xo


Photobucket
*** 

Michaela is kind of like an idol to me (I mean that in the most non-blasphemous way possible ;) ) in the blogging world because I LOVE LOVE LOVE her sweet and honest blog, AND all her cute outfits plus, obviously, her beautifully designed bedroom that we are all jealous of!

So obviously I am pretty stoked to have her here. Thank you pretty lady!
Go check out her blog here if you aren't already a fan, and choose some questions to answer in the comments :)