Rachel Riley and Caroline Arber Photography...

The August issue of Country Living UK featured an absolutely stunning French country home owned by clothes designer Rachel Riley.

From the magazine - With it's quirky turrets and rococo orangerie, framed by formal gardens, leafy apple orchards and seemingly endless fields, clothes designer Rachel Riley's 16th-century chateau on the borders of the Loire Valley is the quintessential fairytale castle.

That it is! I LOVE the pastel hues, floral fabrics, gilt furniture and that oversize stone fireplace!

That is my dream living room right there. I would even decorate it almost identically :)

(pic 1 & 3 courtesy of frolic)

All the dreamy photographs of this home were taken by another wonderful discovery - Caroline Arber.

Discovering her website was such a treat. With a range of subjects such as Interiors, Lifestyle, Food and Flowers she really knows how to capture such beauty and warmth in even the simplest things in life.

Following are a few favourite images of her work, Enjoy! :)

Caroline Arber Photography

New book alert...

I have a gorgeous gorgeous new book to add to my library and I had to share.

For those of you who LOVE blue and white - and I KNOW there are many of you, this book is a MUST HAVE!

I have only just begun reading it but it is literally filled with stunning imagery of many different styles including Beach, Moroccan, French, Cottage and Contemporary.

Loads of yummy patina including old furniture, shutters and doors,

Exquisite fabrics,

And heavenly scenes.

I know you'll love it as much as me, it has something for everyone. Enjoy!

Find it here.

Picture Love...

(image courtesy of Tara Bradford @ Paris Parfait)

No words necessary.

A Parisian Triumph!

I am seriously jumping up and down (on the inside). The new much anticipated Brad Ngata hair Salon, designed by Scott Weston is now completed and open for business!

If you haven't already seen Desire to Inspire's posts or mine for that matter about this incredible establishment then check it out. This hair and beauty salon was completely inspired by the quintessential Pink Parisian Princess Marie Antoinette.

I'm completely in awe of it's beauty. I can't believe it's actually in Sydney. What a treat to sit amongst such pretty surroundings, eating a pink cupcake, drinking tea from a floral china cup all while having your hair cut, coloured and styled to perfection. It would certainly bring the princess out in me thats for sure lol. I HAVE to book my sisters and I in for a girly pampering day of bliss.

Mr Weston, you've out done yourself!

(All images are courtesy of Desire to Inspire and Scott Weston Architecture*Design)

Indulgent luxuries...

Ok now for something at the completely opposite end of the spectrum. I have discovered this company called Sweet Dreams via a blog I can't remember the name of (argh I'm so sorry). Sweet Dreams is a fine furnishings company who specialise in luxurious fabrics and trimmings sourced from around the world. This company has been around for 15 yrs so I'm sure my American pals know and love their heavenly wares well.

This was an exciting discovery for me and I was practically speechless as I was scrolling through their site. At approx $300 US a pillow it's lovely to dream about someday being about to afford their royal pieces.

Following are some too-die-for examples of just what Sweet Dreams has to offer. Possibly one of my favourite designs is the Angelina (pictured above). The soft blue and green tones are so calming and soothing and perfect for the bedroom.

Angelina Table Cover.

Angelina Runner.

Angelina Throw.

Bellissima Table Cover.




Malmaison Runner.

Momentos Bedding.

I also LOVE this Jasmine bedding.

Now we move on to the pillows. This one called Chelsea Garden is my absolute favourite. Look how splendid she is?! I love her so much! LOL ;)

Jasmine Pillow.

Antoinette Breakfast Pillow.

Look Brookie they even have Dragonflies!

Printemps Boutique Pillow.

Giverny Boudoir Pillow.

Giverny Boutique Pillow.

Daniela Boutique Pillow.

Daniela Boudoir Pillow.

Scuttlebug Boudoir Pillow.

Anniversaire Pillow.

And the piece de resistance - The Scuttlebug Ottoman! WOW what a beauty!!

The details and textures on all these pieces drives me crazy. I love my needlepoints for my livingroom and I sure love my silks and trims and emboideries for my boudoir.

Here was just a small selection of some favourites I picked out. There are so many more breathtaking designs to choose from please check out their website if you dare ;)

May your weekend be full of Sweet Dreams :)