We’ve been living in a very serious world lately. So its time to lighten up with a look at what designers are saying about trends in home styling to kick off the new decade. It’s interesting that our homes become the nest when the world outside is unpredictable and threatening…

Hi Everyone Hope you’re having a great pre-christmas season. I’m on holiday for 2 weeks but had to leave you with these thoughts for Christmas…… Three wise women would have asked directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, bought practical gifts, cleaned the stable, made a casserole and there…

A special pre – Christmas treat awaits dear reader…………….another story from our guest writer, Graeme Leith. We bought you the  narrative of Graeme’s life last week in 50 Faces 50 Lives and also a wonderfully funny story by this very talented writer…He’s made a good drop of wine in his…

Outside the wind howls and lashes the trees and they bend, compliant to a greater force. It’s a violent, snarling dry wind that leaches the atmosphere of its humidity and softness. The air is thick with haze and swirling dust and leaves. Its 38 degrees outside. 90kmph winds. At 1.30…

“Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There’s no how-to road map to style. It’s about self expression and, above all, attitude.” —Iris Apfel   As part of Melbourne Fashion Week I attended a forum of fashion industry…

Having decided to stay put rather than move house I’m treating myself to a design upgrade and hit the stores for inspiration this week. What’s trending out there? What ideas can I pilfer? What would work for me, my lifestyle and my taste? Three trends stand out in the world…

In retreat from single digit temperatures, a leaking toilet and an ever-increasing to-do list, I decided to head to Brisbane for a few days to catch up with friends and a city of sunshine. With no big expectations in my luggage I just want times shared, good walking weather and…

Sometimes there are things to see in your own back – yard. In the spirit of “ explore something new every day,” I cheated a bit when I revisited the Convent Gallery, a 10 minute walk from my home. In all fairness I hadn’t been there for many years so…

Spend an afternoon hunting for a new sofa at any major homewares centre and you’ll soon discover the three key trends in interior design and decoration.  Open Elle Decor or check on – line sites such as theinspiredroom.net  and you’ll see imaginative and vivacious styling. The right mix of colour,…