Saturday 31 May 2014

Busy Week

Alida and Miller have been really busy this week, with a photo shot for the women's label Isla Collective styled by our senior stylist Kit, and helping my sons gorgeous fiancé set up her new home wares shop Liberty Trading Co. The shop has been a dream of Angie's for years, and it all finally came together this week with the opening on Thursday. With the help of Alida and Miller, our resident carpenter Oldie, and Angie's vision of Scandinavian Chic the shop looks fantastic. The home wares are eclectic and feminine, with gifts for all tastes and occasions, and if your looking for beautiful scarfs, throws or cushions on top of interesting, colourful and sophisticated home wares, then Liberty Trading Co is the place to go. Situated in Fletcher St Byron Bay, pop in and Angie will help you with gift ideas, home wares styling solutions or just for a browse.
.
The photo shot for Isla Collective took place in our home town of Byron Bay, and since Isla Collective is born and bred here, it seemed natural to shoot the winter range in this stunning location. The house in which the shoot took place was a home that Alida and Miller designed and Interior Styled last year, so it was a no brainier for Kit to know were the best areas would be to style this fresh, down to earth range that appreciates simplicity, and has been inspired by their ocean home.
Again Kit is crossing over from interiors to fashion, but at Alida and Miller we believe wearing many hats keeps you informed on the latest trends, helps you know what's happening in the fashion and interior styling industry and constantly keeps you up to date.

Liberty Trading Co

 Angie and Tom glad to finally have their dream come true.

 Getting ready for the grand opening.
Great bag for weekends away or a day at the beach.


 
 
 
Some of the beautiful home wares on offer, and many more to come. Liberty Trading Co will be on line soon if you can't make it up to Byron Bay.
 
Isla Collective Photo Shoot
Winter and Intimates Collection.
 


 
The amazing house styled by Alida and Miller at Wizards Mountain

 Even in winter Byron Bay is so beautiful.
 
Isla Collective. This stunning collection is on line @ islacollective.com/winter.
.

Saturday 17 May 2014

The Outdoor Room

Byron Bays summer is sadly over, we are very lucky here on the far north coast of NSW that our summers can last up to 6 month, but we have trouble accepting the cooler months, so our outdoor rooms become really important. We like to believe if we keep entertaining outside, the summer  may come around sooner, but no matter what season, the outdoor living space is ingrained in the Australian way of life. Weekend breakfast, Sunday brunches and drinks with friends have a richer flavour when taken outside. Whether your outdoor room is by a pool, in the back garden, used to prepare and cook food or to relax in the tub, it definitely gives you more options to entertain, de-stress and relax.
Today outdoor rooms are an integral part of the home, designed to extend interior spaces and enables us to reconnect with nature. I hope these outdoor room ideas get you through the cold of winter, or get you warmed up for summer.







2 chairs and a table can be an outdoor room.





My favourite Pool House.

Would love to have a bath in this garden.

These tiles makes this outdoor space amazing.
Even in the middle of a paddock the outdoor room can be an intimate space.

 
No matter how small your outdoor space is, it can still be incredibly functional.




 



What a great area to cook up a BBQ and enjoy being outside.
Best outdoor space ever.


Please invite me for an Al Fresco lunch here.


Sunday 11 May 2014

Eating Out in Sydney
This week Alida and Miller were in Sydney on a photo shoot for the beautiful Fashion Label Isla from Byron Bay. Kit, our senior stylist crossed over to fashion instead of interior design for the shoot, and since Kit started her carer as a Fashion Stylist she was in her element. Interior and Event Styling is her passion at the moment, but give Kit any opportunity to work in the Fashion Styling Industry and come back to her roots, she's there. Kit is still called upon frequently for her Fashion Styling, so when not styling an interior or planning an event, Kit is out there doing Fashion Photo shoots, yes she is a very busy girl. ( photos of the shoot will be posted when they have been edited).
When we are not working in Sydney we are eating, Byron Bay have some amazing restaurants, but experiencing new foods, eating out and cooking is our second passion next to design. I thought I would share some of the restaurants we visited and others that have been listed in the top 10 best Restaurants in  Sydney.

The Grounds, Alexandria








 
Our Favourite Café and Number 1 on the list is The Grounds in Alexandria, the atmosphere is amazing, originally the building was a warehouse and pie factory, the owners have kept the industrial foundations so this gives the restaurant that lived in cosy feeling, and did I mention the food is to die for, and the coffee is the best ever.
Source: groundsroasters.com 
 
Mexican Mejico, Sydney.
 
 


 



 
We didn't get the opportunity to eat at this restaurant, but were told that the next time we are in Sydney it is a must.
Mexican Mejico Restaurant and Bar Sydney. Love the décor
Source: mejico.com.au
 
The Farm House, Kings Cross.
 



 

 
The simple Scandinavian minimalist look of the Farm House at Kings Cross makes for an easy and enjoyable lunch serving honest food and an ever changing seasonal menu.
Source: farmhousekingscross.com.au.
 
 Mr Wong's, Sydney
 





 
Mr Wong situated at the northern end of Sydney's CBD is owned by the Merivale Family founders of The Ivy Bar and Night Club in the heart of the city. The Merivale Family are renowned for their style, and this restaurant is no exception, taking you back to the 1930 Shanghai, with an extensive Chinese Cantonese and Yum Cha menu.
Source: merivale.com.au/mrwong.
 
Nok Nok Thai Eating House, Darling Harbour.
 






 
 Nok Nok Thai Eating House, is the place to eat if you love Thai food, located in the Darling Harbour Precinct,the service is quick and very friendly, with a casual atmosphere that makes you feel really welcome.
After stuffing our faces over the 3 days that we were shooting, I am sure we have put on a couple of pounds, but it was all worth it.