As I find myself resigning to the fact that in some form or manner, a psychotic client with the unique talent of spinning out one conspiracy theory after another because they are convinced that the world is out to “get [them]“, will somehow find his or her way into my client list without detection and then before I am aware spread his or her crazy infection like a slow-growing tumor, I recognize the growing importance of having a place where I can restore my sanity; not only for myself but to also have a calming ambiance to provide with with fifteen potentially live-saving seconds before said crazy-client pulls out an Uzi and goes to town pow-pow-pow.

For this reason, the front garden of my upcoming office has been in a state of fixing/reconstruction for the past 3 months in anticipation of anticipated zone-of-peace. I look forward to sitting by the fountain with my new laptop for as long as I am able to enjoy the relaxing sound of trickling water without the need to pee.

As part of the bedroom and study redesign at my house, I have considered a photo frame mural on one area of the wall as opposed to one large hanging art piece to provide a new point of interest upon a white wall which should both open up the room space and provide a lighter and brighter ambiance.

It was with pleasant surprise to find this display at Country Road when I wandered in recently to have a look at their latest home range.

While I shamelessly admit that I am a big fan of their photo frames, I also confess that I always wanted a set of Country Road bedsheets (despite their low thread count) and always admired their easy living/beach design ethos – something which I promised I would emulate at my beach house at some point in the future.

Thanks for providing a working example of how I can work my photo mural Country Road. Looks like using differing sizes and colours of photo frames does work after all – but lets just keep it at white and black for now.

I have been in the process of redesigning my bedroom this week and in addition to painting, moving furniture, changing curtains and Buddhist decluttering (12 large garbage bags), I have been ducking into as many stores as possible for inspiration. On a recent trip to IKEA to see their 2010 range, I surprisingly came across something which I absolutely loved.

I associate IKEA with storage solutions combined with cost-competitive pricing (at the sacrifice of material quality) so seeing their male wardrobe range that I loved with unexpected. IKEA delivered with this one however. It contains space for everything from shoes, ties, belts, shirts, jeans and suits and the lines were sleek and visually impressive.

The shelfing panes were glass. The colour a sleek glossy black. The idea that the entire wall is dedicated to the male wardrobe with classy design and ease of use? Beautiful.

Throw in an earthy-coloured, framed-inspired mirror leaning against the wall sold me the idea.

I have guests frequently at my house so my design and interior has always factored into account that my guests would be using the bathrooms and showers. Therefore the provision of shampoo, condition, soap and tooth brushes has been ample and until recently when I stumbled upon a store called Provincial Home Living, I had stored the extra items away in cupboards until they were needed.

Provincial Home Living provided an idea that I could use the extra soap to perfume the bathroom, whilst also displaying it on a shelf-unit which looked both charming and practical. All you’re going to need is a thin glass jar, lots of soap and somewhere to place the jar in your bathroom.

Instant provincial charm.

As I am currently designing a house with thoughts running through my mind ~ French Living ~ I explored this store for inspiration. Although the products aren’t genuine antiques, it provides enough of a muse with excellent design and feel to evoke the provincial environment and ideal.

I also ended up finding items that I absolutely LOVE. The black and white theme is in these days; at least for my bedroom.

The black mirror has a brushed, rough aesthetic which would work well in a bedroom.

I love the black ladder. It could work as a towel rack in the bathroom.

The “Alcase” bedside table ~ 2 drawer ($219 AUD) and “Antique” white washed frames: sml $9.95  (AUD), lge $12.95 (AUD), square $14.95 (AUD). All about the washed black and white look.

Who doesn’t want to fall off their bed, roll over a few times straight into the pool?

The exposed beams, the color, the bed, the draping sheets near the head – beautiful.