Iamwoman Online

Colour Layering

2010-08-05T18:35:00.000+09:30

Chatting to a fellow interior designer last week she was asked to write an article about changing interiors with the seasons. Being a serial "cushionaholic" - self confessed, we chatted about the simplest and most cost effective ways to make interiors pop for the different seasons... AND you guessed it cushions were top of the list followed by flowers and regrouping of objects and also layering for the colder seasons. I have found some great examples of layering courtesy of BHG magazine and what a difference a cushion and throw can make to a room, the before and afters are very telling. So give it a go and make some changes for us in Australia, Spring is looming (Can't come quickly enough) so it's a great time to start and plan some changes.

What an amazing difference a bit of layering with cushions, art, rugs, throw and flowers - all accessories. I love it! How simple is that?
Then this simple detailing of a rug and cushion, taking this corner from bland to beautiful - the addition of the throw and flowers makes it pop even more.

Then we got talking about grey which is everywhere right now in homes and fashion. It can be subtley beautiful and is of varying shades but needs colour to make it work. I love this simple blue/grey distressed cupboard arrangement how simple and stunning! Enjoy

Closets and Wardrobes

2010-04-30T10:57:00.000+09:30

Having looked at a few new houses recently one thing that is clear is that finally closets or wardrobes are getting bigger even too big in a couple of instances (though more shopping could assist with that problem no doubt!). If you are like most of us I could probably sort mine out daily and it still wouldn't be ideal.

As well fitted out as it is we still struggle to keep everything neat. I have found some great looking closets from BHG (see above and below) and thought I would share these with you. Some simple ideas from well placed hooks to well stored shoes with one heel in one out, this all makes for an organised easy to use space. For the rest of us probably a big throw out is the answer. Do we really need 6 black jackets that all look pretty similar. What I would like to find is a brilliant way to store scarves. I have found a scarf hanger in Ikea which is part way effective for some scarves but I am still looking for the ultimate storage system. I have well over 50 scarves, several classic silk squares over 20 years old and as a scarf designer these days the number of scarves will continue to grow so help is required. I couldn't possibly part with any of them as I wear them all occasionally and they are all so beautiful in their own ways. My philiosophy is they make your outfit along with other accessories such as bags, shoes and jewellery, with great accessories a plain inexpensive T'shirt and pants can look amazing. Accessories are King and that goes for our home too with regards to objets, collections and of course my favourite cushions.

And below is my favourite, somehow all white makes it easier to see things, agree?

Happy sorting, it is wonderful therapy and like all de-cluttering it does help clear the mind. The change of seasons is a great time to achieve some new space in your wardrobe. Have a great weekend.

Patterns and Pastels - Accessories and Wallpapers

2010-04-06T18:26:00.000+09:30

Apologies for long time between Blogs - life just got kinda hmmm!!!
How delighted I am to see colour and pattern back in soft furnishings and upholstery and Yes wallpaper, I am really loving. A stunning feature wall of wallpaper will not encroach, there are some glorious options out there. Pastels are around, I particularly am loving the florals and patterns - are we finally over the all beige and greige??? Don't get me wrong, they are great basic furnishing colours but oh so drab with no dressing - think self and how would we look. We need some colour and some lipstick and accessories to brighten us just like our surroundings. So go some pattern and see the dramatic and happy change it makes to your space! Enjoy!

Colour my World!

2010-02-15T16:37:00.001+10:30

As I sit here designing some gorgeous new cushions and sourcing luscious fabrics, I have decided I am in need of large doses of colour. We have seen neutrals for so long now and I am ready for splashes of vibrant colour. The GFC is over so lets get bright and happy and surround ourselves with some "interior sunshine".
It appears others feel the same as there is more colour now than we have seen in ages, so be brave. Remember its simple to add colour through painting a wall and adding some stunning cushions, two inexpensive ways to change and colour your own worlds. I found these lovely rooms from BHG America magazine.

I am Woman goes on Sale

2010-01-30T13:20:00.000+10:30

And I forgot to mention (how remiss) that I am Woman is having her once a year sale, some great bargains, all jewellery is reduced, selected handbags, gifts, cushions and stunning silk quilts and some homewares to clear for the new stock arriving soon. Happy Shopping!

The Home Office

2010-01-30T12:54:00.000+10:30

Spending a day sorting and tidying my home office and got distracted and searched for some inspiration online and found these gorgeous spaces from BHG to inspire working at home. Too gorgeous not to share then its back to the task at hand. Loving the use of bright colours with sharp white. Had a great week as finally received my formal graduation as an interior designer yesterday! Long overdue just never got around to studying formally but now its all done and that makes a girl very pleased with herself! Back to the office sorting - enjoy your weekend.

Iamwoman Online: Christmas Table and The Mosaic Outside Table

2010-01-13T19:34:00.000+10:30

Iamwoman Online: Christmas Table and The Mosaic Outside Table

Christmas Table and The Mosaic Outside Table

2010-01-13T17:27:00.006+10:30

Happy New Year to you all.
I am finally back from a great break in the gorgeous Clare Valley and whilst it was some fun we also worked hard on our property there. Here was my Christmas table and the outside table I spent hours on the mosaic, but thrilled with the result, it was well and truly christened with some fine wines!

And just had to publish the other two shots from our Bed & Breakfast property Artwine Cottages, the dam is full and it's looking glorious even though the naughty Skippy was nibbling our new vines. Interested in staying there www.artwine.com.au

Gorgeous Entrances and storage

2009-12-21T13:27:00.004+10:30

These are some wonderful entrances and include some fabulous storage. I could use a boot/cloak room in our weekender - it would be perfect, not sure that it would be kept as nice as this one by MOTH though, but I can dream!

Christmas Door Wreaths

2009-12-08T21:02:00.012+10:30

Hi Yes I know a long time between blogs, but life is really busy it's nearly Christmas and I am Woman is busy sending out special parcels to some amazing places around the world and I have had blogging issues with getting pictures uploaded!
Anyway I have just put up our wreath on the front door and I have found some other interesting wreaths from Better Homes and Gardens to share with you - you never know they may inspire!

Decorating for Christmas

2009-11-26T20:46:00.006+10:30

I have been a quiet blogger for past couple of weeks as November has passed in a coughing blur for me as I contracted ghastly whooping cough (that certainly knocks a girl around) and now its nearly Christmas! Feeling lousy I have been searching for inspiration and have found the following Christmas decorated rooms and tables that may inspire you too! Some are from the northern hemisphere but will work just as well here and then there is Tara Dennis' gorgeous white table. I have found my inspiration and having black, white and silver with a small shot of punchy red! Well something has to match Santa's suit because he will come I feel sure, he better!

Gorgeous French Doors

2009-11-14T15:33:00.005+10:30

I am passionate about French Doors and in my new renovation of our Clare home we WILL have some! So in my research found some nice door images, in my opinion French Doors should be white or at least pale in color whether modern or traditional, it somehow works best don't you think? Any one have any nice French Door shots to share?

French Country Style

2009-11-12T10:54:00.003+10:30

Planning a trip to France next year has inspired these French country style rooms and this gorgeous French kitchen.

More stylishly Living with Black!

2009-11-04T13:57:00.003+10:30

Living with Black

2009-11-02T09:56:00.003+10:30

Some gorgeous examples of the new black ........

And enter the new black - a strength in decorating. Very popular overseas, we have seen a lot of charcoal and navy here but not much black, with the exception of featuring in the new wallpaper ranges. Not for everyone but it certainly makes a statement and is stunning with white accents.

More Living with White

2009-10-22T15:44:00.005+10:30

More white spaces, who would think they would work so well in the cold and snow of Sweden?

Yet they look very "cool"!

Living with White

2009-10-21T18:09:00.005+10:30

Having had a stunning few days on the Gold Coast, staying with friends in their gorgeous apartment which is mainly white, it got me to thinking about decorating with white. My friends run a successful property staging business on the Gold Coast and use a lot of white everything which suits the generally new apartments and homes that see so much sun.
People often misunderstand white however. It's regularly assumed that white is a 'standard' tone, but white is a wide range of tones and hues like any other colour."
Here are some great white spaces from Notebook Magazine and the link above will take you to see images of my friends business and some of the beautiful spaces she has created.
And you have to love the white "My Dog"

And so to bed...........

2009-10-11T16:32:00.001+10:30

Gorgeous pure silk bed covers available from I am Woman. Sleep in luxury.

Some very gorgeous boudoirs to spend hours in......!

And talking about colour ...............

2009-10-07T18:30:00.001+10:30

This was Clare Valley last weekend - stunning!!

Brave new colour

2009-10-07T18:13:00.004+10:30

Its all about colour for me at the moment, time for some fun, here's a great example of brave use of colour that work beautifully. Raspberry is such a great colour to live with and the added yellows - what a gorgeous combination.
And as for accessories for us pink, chartreuse and orange are big for summer. Great to get out of the black - I am sure you agree.

Being Blue

2009-09-27T15:44:00.004+09:30

Blue is making a comeback as a popular decorating colour - some would argue it never went away but it has appeared back on the scene in a fresh and vibrant way with all shades featuring. Great for bold accent walls and there are many beautiful blue decorator items available to create your own version of "blue". So don't feel blue use blue! Also back in fashion for us this summer, navy is present, turquoise and gorgeous cobalt blue is also featuring strongly.

Take a Seat

2009-09-23T15:45:00.004+09:30

I just love single chairs painted in bright colours - this one is gorgeous and I have just done one in a stunning lime green - show you that one soon and now I am searching for the perfect watermelon/raspberry pink paint to do another. They make great bedroom chairs or placed in a hallway as a statement. Top with a bright cushion and you are done.

I picked one up from the hard rubbish collection from my neighbour (under the cover of darkness of course!!) a good shape that I will easily make into a great piece.

Happy scrounging!

Wallpaper is Back!

2009-09-17T08:56:00.003+09:30

Wallpaper like it or not is making a huge comeback - personally I am still struggling with the concept having scraped so many nasty designs off walls years ago - however these are classy and pale greys which is a huge colour trend and they are subtle, alternatively you can go bold and use as a feature wall - so some of you will embrace some won't but it is making a big comeback. So like all fashions and trends its cyclical! Who thought the 80's would return for a second go?

Silk Boas

2009-09-15T09:38:00.005+09:30

Spring is here and today and I am needing colour and some bright - I am Woman stunning silk boas and silk velvet scarves inspire. Perfect, light to wear, yet with that delicious silk warmth - yum! Silk Taffeta Clutches make perfect company too! COMING SOON!

Making an Entrance

2009-09-14T19:27:00.002+09:30

First impressions count - so make your entrance spectacular! Here are some great hallways and entrances that work well.

Gorgeous Strong Colour

2009-08-31T19:09:00.003+09:30

And .... How beautiful is this - wonderful combination of colours!

2009-08-31T18:42:00.007+09:30

Gorgeous Spring looks. I am changing cushions and brightening up my home right now. There's nothing like Spring to make us want to give our homes a colourful lift. Either soft pretty and feminine florals or just add the brights and orange always works!

Our Cyber Life

2009-08-25T13:46:00.003+09:30

Thought I would share a little poem I wrote a couple of years ago - called "Cyber Life" and highlight how it has changed I didn't Blog or Tweet then - so many changes so quickly - clearly I shall have to update this to reflect today.

We chat in cyber and hide away
Both in work and also play
Where did all the daily talks all go
Where we physically met and got to know

We used to call and then pop in
Now we type on a machine with a pin
Cards and notes with love were sent
Now we download and press send

Accessories transform!

2009-08-25T11:15:00.006+09:30

“While clothes may not make the woman, they certainly have a strong effect on her self-confidence — which, I believe, does make the woman." Mary Kay Ashe

Well said Mary - I couldn't agree more! So if you like me are getting tired of your winter clothes and yearning for Spring weather then just add some gorgeous accessories - its easy to transform your look by adding a great piece of costume jewellery or a gorgeous scarf and bag - brightens up the black and grey no end and will give you a much needed lift!

I hear from the Fashionistas that Pearls are back again - they never go away as flatter us all.

And as its nearly Spring and you need to spring clean your handbag - the Handbag organiser is the way to go, they are fantastic - nor more fumbling!

http://www.iamwoman.com.au/

Bathroom Makeovers

2009-08-19T19:30:00.005+09:30

I am off tomorrow for a very long weekend to our weekender in the beautiful Clare Valley. Hopefully for some rest and relaxation and no doubt some nice wines. I will post some pictures of the gorgeous Clare countryside soon. While away I shall also be looking for inspiration to revamp a tired, small and drab bathroom. The above all inspire - so armed with a pile of interior magazines and a laptop I am off! Back soon. Have a great weekend everyone.

Spring is in the Air

2009-08-14T10:29:00.012+09:30

Spring is in the air for Anne and Tony at Gilty on the Terrace featuring one of our great Fuschia and Lime silk Cushions (available at Gilty on the Terrace, Adelaide or at http://www.iamwoman.com.au/) - certainly a nice bright look and fabulous with our silk boa draped over the cushion.

I am taking a slower start to Spring and loving crisp black and white as above. I shall be inspired by brights next month when Spring is really here. However today the sun is shining which is really great and I am off to Goolwa to stay with friends - fab! Oh and the shoe in the picture for all you "Imelda's" out there is a stunning statement doorstop, also available in red!

Have a great weekend everyone.

Silk and Silk Velvet Accessories

2009-08-11T11:35:00.004+09:30

More Gorgeous PR thank you to Fiona Lawrence who runs the very fabulous "Passion Flora" in Rutherglen for including our stunning velvet bag and velvet and silk rose scarf. Fiona was quoted as saying "To me, velvet is one of the most beautiful fabrics to wear in winter, its luxurious, it's cosy, it makes you feel glamarous and is not necesarily expensive. They're something different that people won't see everywhere". Thanks Fiona we agree wholeheartedly - which is why we have had such a great response to them. They are available online at www.iamwoman.com.au - ENJOY!!

Stunning Petals Cushions

2009-08-10T12:24:00.004+09:30

How exciting to come home exhausted from the Trade Fair to find that my cushions were featured again in the Home Magazine while I was away. A successful trip with some great new purchases for Iamwoman coming in the next few weeks. The new ranges were very well received so now we just have to wait for everything to arrive.

Busy catching up in the office but will be back soon. Here are the featured cushions! The stunning black velvet and silk frill and the statement black velvet with white silk petals.

New Season Cushions

2009-07-27T13:55:00.005+09:30

Getting ready to go to Melbourne for the trade fair, I will be exhibiting the new cushion and accessories range at Home and Giving at the Melbourne Showgrounds AND most importantly buying new gorgeous goodies for Iamwoman. The cushions above are just a sample of the exciting new ranges. An extensive black and white story and stunning pinks, greens and turquoise to inspire us all for Spring and Summer. Talking of some sun, that would be nice right now, but....we do need this rain to keep the earth happy not to mention my new roses we have just planted all 30 of them!

Inspirational Kitchens

2009-07-24T09:20:00.005+09:30

Here are some inspirational kitchens - Now if I had one of these I would spend far more time training to be a "Masterchef" (really I would). However this week I did go back to the 70's and made Coq au Vin and Summer Pudding - a perfect winter meal and it proved to be a hit. It appears that the late 70's/80's food is making a comeback, I guess everythig is cyclical, what is old is now new again - now where are my flares?? Perhaps the Masterchef series has inspired us all - I even dragged out the old dog eared Margeret Fulton cookbook - what a star she is!
Bon Appetit!

Decorating with Orange

2009-07-22T08:50:00.003+09:30

Here's a lovely example of an orange colour on the walls brought into the rest of the room through the rug and a touch in the accessories. Perfect! Warm,lively and a fun room! Personally I would have added some more orange in a cushion or so as well!

Welcome to my new Blog and Gorgeous Rooms

2009-07-14T15:03:00.002+09:30

Welcome to my new Blog. To start this blogging journey I am going to share with you some gorgeous rooms all decorated simply and all in different styles … But the one thing they have in common is the clever use of accessories to create their individual look – my passion. Enjoy!