Escape to Brisbane

I took a short trip to Brisbane this week and managed to see a whole lot while there. I'm back in Sydney now and as I was settling down tonight to review the photos I took from the trip I realised my memory card won't read. Hopefully I can recover the photos because I have a lot I would like to share with you!

In the meantime I may have to rely on the photos I took on my phone. Hope you've been well.

Photo taken in Brisbane at Kerbside. LOVE the worn floor.

A print. A painting.

It takes me an awfully long time to frame prints and paintings I purchase but I popped these two into the framers over the weekend.

For the print, the frame will be just like the Macaw print by Sharon Montrose in my living room.

The painting which I had commissioned by artist Michelle Armas (do have a look at her work, she's fabulous!) will be stretched and framed just like my aboriginal paintings.

I hope I run out of wall space soon because I'm currently scouring the work of Mark Mawson and Chuck Bradley ever since I saw them at the Showcase Gallery exhibition launch. The gallery has an online website now!

Snap happy

I'm still snapping away at random things I come across and sharing them on instagram. My username is ishandchi if you would like to join me there. Lately I have been obsessed with patterns I have come across in restaurants and bars as well as chairs. Oh, how I love chairs!

Here are a few images I have collected as well as some other random snaps that make me smile.

Fashion Friday: Last minute

It is not often that I go shopping in stores these days. I love the ease of online shopping, taking my time to decide, clicking a few buttons and then waiting like a little girl at Christmas time for the gift package to arrive.

I bought this dress, which you've already seen, from a store in Coogee over the weekend. I was at the beach to relax but managed to spill coffee on myself so I went hunting for a last minute outfit before heading to a friend's party and this is what I found.

It's the weekend again! I'm going salsa dancing with a friend this weekend. I haven't danced in a while so I'm hoping I can still move this body. Hopefully the weather holds up on Sunday because I would love to dip my toes into the water at the beach. Bring on summer!

Enjoy your weekend.

Colour blocking in architecture

Once upon a time, I admit, I muttered the words: Architecture. I just can't get myself interested in it?!

And now? Obsessed.

The latest building I have fallen for is this one designed by Emmanuelle Moureaux, Tokyo based French architect and designer, and it takes the idea of colour blocking to new heights (literally).

Each of the planes of this credit union bank are in saturated colours with the top most layers in blue shades. I imagine if you were to stand below this building and look up the top layers would blend into the sky. I love design details such as these.

Images via design boom

Assignment is done

My assignment is done! And this is how happy I am.

(I'm a dag I know)

I am still learning how to use the 3D modelling tools to render my perspectives but I'm slowly getting the hang of it. The assignment brief was to design an apartment for a celebrity and I chose Perth based model Tiah Eckhardt.

The living room was inspired by one of her modelling shots - gold and purple glamour. The shallow pool has stepping blocks that glow and that lead into a balcony area. The glass windows double as a projector screen in the evening. Lots of fun and still lots more to learn.

Fashion Friday: Waist deep

I was in the mood today to go CRAZY and post today's Fashion Friday from another part of the house. Wild. I know.

This is my loungey outfit for today but I stacked on the heels for the photos. I like the look of the loose casual top with the fitted electric blue mini. It's warming up here in Sydney!

See the small gold painting on the window sill? That's Robbie's masterpiece proudly displayed. He moves it around the house trying different spots. He'll position it, stand a few feet back, put his hand on his chin and contemplate whether it works with the space before deciding whether to let it rest there for a while. He may have picked that up from someone.

I'm waist deep in an assignment at the moment. I'll be back next week but if you don't hear from me please send the rescue team because I may have drowned.

Have a beautiful weekend and if I haven't told you lately, here's a reminder...

(Top images: ish and chi, Bottom image: amyalishaw. Card can be purchased here: www.etsy.com/shop/amyawalters.)

Layering patterns

If I don't use this wallpaper somewhere, be it in my home or a project, I think I might burst!

I do like the way the sample looks here, layered underneath the yellow wallpaper I framed for the bedroom.

Five colour ideas for your home

Did you like my crazy colour combo for last week's Fashion Friday? If so, you may like these bright colour ideas to try at home. For most of these ideas all you need is paint, courage and a bit of patience!

IDEA 1: I have always loved coloured front doors but how about coloured garage doors? This pinwheel design is fabulous and eye catching. Imagine being able to say to new visitors to your home "just look for the house on the street with the massive pinwheel out the front".

IDEA 2: Colour furniture with vertical rainbow stripes like this Zoe Murphy chest of drawers. You can try strips of coloured tape for a non permanent option, assuming you aren't like me and have the patience to rip off the tape carefully afterwards.

IDEA 3: Paint stripes on the floor (if you are brave!) like this floor spotted in a Kate Spade store in Palm Springs. Or rather than paint the whole floor try painting a faux rug.

IDEA 4: If you are like me you have probably collected lots of little paint sample pots over time. Pull them out and paint boxes on a wall (or fabric) to create a focal point. Be creative and give the colours your own unique names - pollen yellow, blue beard, orangina orange? I'm sure you'll think of something better!

IDEA 5: Last idea, and my personal favourite, paint chips arranged within a frame to create a stunning feature in this dining space. A great alternative for artwork.

Images via Nicole Balch's pinterest page (she pins the best stuff!) and via Sally TV

Fashionably Late Friday: Colour blocking

Have you tried this trend - colour blocking? I'm seeing it more and more lately. Loud and bright solid colours combined to create a look that grabs attention. I'm not one to shy away from colour regardless, trend or otherwise, so I'm welcoming this look with open arms.

How about you?

Snap happy

I probably should have locked myself indoors to work on an assignment due frighteningly soon but the sun was out this weekend. Here are some photos I took on my adventures under the guise of 'colour, styling and interior inspiration' for future projects. Yep, that makes me feel a bit better.

How was your weekend?

Photos taken at The Boathouse, Palm Beach - White Rabbit Gallery, Chippendale - Watsons Bay

Fashion Friday: The pink sofa + springtime flowers

Apologies for my absence. I have been nursing a sick little boy this week but he is on the mend and his usual cheeky self again.

Meanwhile the sofa arrived and I am still decorating the perfect spot for it. I rather like the way it looks under this painting but it is at the entrance to my home and not a suitable spot. I am thinking of placing it in my bedroom with a cluster of antique mirrors hanging above it. That would be dreamy.

Have a beautiful weekend and if you are on my side of the world - welcome to spring!