French Love on Flickr...

(all images courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilidebretagne/)

Well I've come to the end of a very busy week. Flat out actually and even too tired to blog in the evenings. I apologise for my lack of posts this week, my hayfever hasn't helped either.

I am however, very excited about todays post. I discovered this flickr page that has had me drooling for some time. This lady lives in Bretagne France and has the most wonderful photo's and flickr sets I've ever seen. I've managed to mosaic just a few of my favourites but her numerous sets are pure eye candy so enjoy!

(please click to enlarge)

I'd say my favourite is her Antoinette cherie set. Queen Marie lived with so much lovliness surrounding her, obviously as evident in the recent movie, but also when you view these images you can't help but immerse yourself in the decadence and femininity. How divinely stimulating to be surrounded by so much pattern and texture and colour! Everything looks almost good enough to eat lol - well the lamb does at least LOL.

Seriously, look at these images from my two mosaics and tell me is there any other culture in the world more beautiful? ;)

Have a wonderful weekend mes amis!

A Tag and an Award!

(Stunning tile made by Ness @ Marley & Lockyer)

My new pal Ness at the charming blog Marley & Lockyer Tagged me a few weeks ago. Thank you Ness, I apologise for the delayed response. The rules say to link to the person who tagged you, mention the rules, tell 6 quirky yet un interesting things about yourself and tag six other people with a link to their blogs and a comment to let them know they've been tagged.

Ok here goes -

1, Some would say I am obsessed with interior design, it's all I really like to talk about all day lol (Thank God for my blog!)

2, I LOVE green veges - broccoli, asparagus, zucchini, avocado, capsicum, bok choy, beans, peas - if it's green I can't get enough.

3, I'm a shopaholic and often find myself buying too many things I don't need.

4, I really don't like cooking and only do it cause I have to.

5, I have waaay too many collections.

6, Although it's been 5 years since their deaths I still ache for my grandparents everyday.

(image via Tattersall love and desire to inspire )

My other newest pal, Brooke from Velvet and Linen kindly sent me this award today, thank you :)

The rules for this award are to mention where the award came from and tell them you have posted it, list 6 things you value, and pass it on to 6 other blogs.

I value my family! Immediate and extended. They mean the world to me, without them I am nothing.

I value my friends. Loyal friends are rare and should be cherished.

I'm going to sound like a hypocrite saying this but I do value my faith in Christianity. I feel it's a constant strength in making me want to be a better person.

I value my home. I live in a very modest home but I am grateful because unfortunately there are too many people who don't have a home they can call their own. It's not my dream home but with a few modifcations I would be happy living here my whole life.

I value my families time left to spend at our beloved lake house. It goes to auction on the 11th of december...more on that another time.

Finally, I value my blog and my new friends across the globe who share this passion of elegant, traditional interior design. Since discovering all of you I have become a very happy camper!

Thank you again Ness and Brooke. I wont pass on these posts as I think just about everyone on my blog list has already received them. I think everyone on my list deserves this award so if there is anyone who has missed out please let me know.

Anna xox.

Parterre - The ultimate provincial shopping experience in Sydney...

If you are looking to build or fill your home with quintessential authentic French Provincial wares, you live in Sydney and money is no object, then Parterre is just about the most ultimate shopping experience you could have.


Located in the gorgeous historic blue ribbon area of Woollhara, east Sydney and is housed in one of the areas oldest sandstone buildings, it features 2 floors and a walled courtyard bursting at the seams with French treasures.

I have yet to visit this incredibly enticing and breathtakingly beautiful store. I dare not at this stage as I fear it will break my heart not being able to afford anything lol, although I'm sure I'd find something ;) I don't think It could be possible to walk out with no money spent, just look at the endless exquisite unique pieces Parterre source from our beloved France and surrounds.

My wish list begins with these divine 19th century olive oil pots from southern France.

I've always wanted a marble top buffet. I'm now becoming quite partial to French grey patina.

I had to show these stunning butterfly displays to Mz Giannetti :)

I'm head over heels in love with these 19th century bifold doors featuring etched glass, depicting women in the four seasons. A mere $16,000 AUD *faints* ;)

Finally, what provincial home would be complete without a limestone fountain?

Take a peek at their extensive website if you dare or better still take a deep breath and visit the enchanting world that is Parterre.

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside.....

My mum and daughter and I are heading up to the lakehouse this morning for a lovely girly weekend. My son and husband are having much needed "man time" lol. They're going to play a few rounds of golf and watch action movies. Us ladies will relax on the beach, browse the boutiques, chug down the chardonnay (daughter excluded of course lol) and engorge some divine Thai food.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend also.

Anna xox.

Movie magic...

(image couresy of Vogue Living Australia)

It's heavenly images like this that make want to forget all about my love of French design and embrace the culture from my own backyard.

Whether it be French, English or Australiana, what is it about a feminine boudoir that appeals to my senses? I suppose it's the romance of it all. The fact that although I'm not royalty or a celebrity I can still create this illusion in my own home.

Catherine Martin is the brilliant talent behind this scenic beauty created for the new Baz Luhrmann movie - Australia. It is quite a feast for the eyes with it's intriguing wall of art, fresh plant life (LOVE orchids!) and just the right amount of pink!, including the gorgeous porcelain galah. Finally, aren't those blossom rugs and matching lamps too die for? Mz Martin is driving me crazy! Firstly she tantalizes and dazzles me with her Academy Award winning sumptuous Parisian sets on Moulin Rouge and now I find myself falling love with the interiors of 1940's Australia!

My God I love this room and I CAN'T WAIT to see this movie!

A before and after you don't want to miss!

Before...


After!

Before...



After!!



If there is anyone out there who hasn't yet heard of Brooke and Steve Giannetti then you better hurry and get with the program cause you're missing out!


This husband and wife are a well respected and highly successful architect and interior designer team from California, USA. Their breathtakingly beautiful projects have graced the pages of such wonderful magazines and books as Veranda and Roots of Home.


From their website - Brooke Giannetti's designs express her desire to touch the emotions. Her interiors incorporate her love of antiques, beautiful fabrics, and classic design infused with a bit of whimsy. She works with her clients to find a unique design vocabulary for each project that will reflect the client's own personality mixed with Brooke's unique design sensibilities. Her attention to detail and her sense of style have won her a loyal clientele.


The stunning images above are of their transformed Marina Beach house. I am smitten!

Brooke's blog (Velvet & Linen) and website (Giannetti architecture and interiors) are a MUST SEE! Her style is ever so classic and timeless and relaxed and beautiful. I told Brooke in an email, with the highest respect, her style and approach is exactly the kind I hope to emulate someday.




Completely inspired by Brooke's breakfast room, my mum and I had an idea to try to recreate the look in her new home (she's moving early next year). The first thing we will do is paint all the walls white. My mum has always lived with crisp white walls, it's kinda her signature :) We then found some gorgeous rattan chairs and pedestal table from Riviera Maison. They have a superb range of rattan chairs and you'll find most stores in Australia stock this range. I know Lily-G definately does :)

Our budget is definately smaller than Brooke's so authentic French shutters on the walls are out of the question :) Freedom furniture however have a weathered timber, louvered, three panelled screen/room divider at an affordable price that I think will do the trick. It will definately offer some depth and texture and as you can see I've started collecting various vintage nautical art and accents for that all important touch of whimsy :)

I think a seagrass rug would look great on the floor but I'm struggling big time finding a reproduction French lantern - any suggestions are welcome. I would also LOVE to know what the fabric is on the back seating? It is absolutely stunning! ;)

Please make your way over to Velvet & Linen if you haven't already, to see so much more of Mr & Mrs Giannetti's spectacular designs. If you think their coastal home is gorgeous wait till you see their main residence!! *sighs* ;)

I also wanted to mention my mum, sisters and I skooted off to see Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical at Sydney's Star City casino last night. What can I say...IT WAS OUTSTANDING!!!! We had THE BEST time. For any Sydney siders who have yet to see this extravaganza do yourself a favour and get cracking! You'll laugh your *beep* off and you wont be able to stay still in your seat.

(Ashley & Moi!)

(Sarah, Mum (shy), Ashley)

A love dedication to pretty handpainted furniture...

(The Paris Apartment)

My post on friday about the stunning apartment in NYC featured a gorgeous old Italian handpainted side table that made my heart sing.

This led me to scroll through my files and find a bunch of images I had to compile into a love dedications post.

(OK magazine)

I am completely head over heels in love with pretty handpainted furniture old and new and especially of the French/Italian floral variety.

Pammy's bed for example, is just about the most beautiful piece of furniture I've ever seen. I turn green when I think about the lucky lucky bugger who purchased it, probably for a steal, at her recent yard sale ;)

(1stdibs)

Hand painted furniture really began it's origins in Italy around 1283 AD, introduced by Marco Polo who discovered the art whilst travelling through China. Within the next 100 years the Italian Renaissance had its beginnings; the Venetian school of artists, exemplified by Titian, was in full sway by the early 1500's.

(info from Patina)

(Patina)

(1stdibs)

(House to Home)

(Taverne Agency)

(Charles Faudree)

(Candace Olsen)

(TBA)

(narratives photo agency)

^This is the bed I dream for my daughter :)


(The nostalgia fairy @ flickr)


I would dearly love a piece of my own but without the $15, 000 price tag lol. I'd be more likely to afford a nice piece like the one above. Lovely old queen anne style dressing tables sell all the time on Ebay, if only I could find someone to paint some lovely floral details, it'd look just like and just as beautiful as the real deal. Miss Kris why don't you live in Sydney?! hehe ;)

(A cherished painted chest my Dad bought me for my 30th birthday)


Does anyone own a gorgeous piece of furniture similar to the ones I featured? If so I would LOVE to see a pic. Also if anyone know's of a place I could find one for myself I'd be ever so grateful to be pointed in the right direction :)

We have babies...

(please click to enlarge)

Here are a couple of pics I took of our new family additions on the weekend. Aren't they cute?

Gosh I hope they're all girls lol.

I hope ' y'all ' had or are having a great weekend :)