Scandinavian style for a new home

I was asked to put together some inspiration boards for a new home.  The owners already have a gray sofa and some black and white furniture pieces, and are drawn to a monochromatic look.  Scandinavian style seemed a good place to start looking for inspiration and some reasonably priced additions to create the home of their dreams.
From top left: the home of Christian Duivenvoorden, my Scandinavian home, Clinton Freedman cushions, library lamp with clamp, Moroccan floor rug from Freedom Furniture

From top left: Elisabeth Heier, Hay tray table, 3 arm mid century lamp, trays from Zohi interiors, vases from Country Road   

Wall dot art from Pony Rider, removable and reusable wall art.



Moroccan floor rug $549 for 2x3m, Hay tray table from $299, vases with simple greenery $20 each

over a cuppa with...Emma Blomfield of Nest Designs, our new contributor!

Today I am very excited to introduce you to Emma Blomfield of Nest Designs.  Emma is a talented Interior Stylist with a flourishing business doing styling, e-decorating packages, decorating workshops, furniture sourcing, personalised mood boards, and from now (drum roll...) contributor to Build House Home.

When I sat down over a coffee with Emma a few weeks ago I just knew she would be fabulous for Build House Home.  We both want the same things from a blog, pretty pictures, useful information, and clear diy instructions.  We like things to be pretty, and practical, and where possible affordable.  Now I know what I like, but I am always looking for fresh inspiration, and Emma is an expert.  She brings a wealth of styling and sourcing knowledge which she plans to share with us right here, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with either.

Lets get to know Emma a little better




Favourite time of day...
When I jump into bed at night and scroll through my iPad to read my favourite blogs and catch up on social media for the day.

I have an hour to myself, the first thing I do is...
Probably refresh Instagram over and over, I’m almost obsessed with it.. Otherwise you’ll find me with a magazine on my lap, nail polish in one hand and the TV remote in the other flicking through rubbish reality tv…

A simple style secret I use myself is...
Look through the lens of a camera or your phone to see how what you’ve styled really looks. It’s ALWAYS different to how you see it in real life.

My favourite flowers are...
Freesias for their smell and ranunculus for colour and their happy faces.

Champagne or lemonade
Ha, easy, champagne. always.

Cheese or chocolate
Chocolate! If you knew how much chocolate I consume in a day you’d be shocked…..

What will be happening at Nest Designs this year
Good question! Each week brings new clients and new projects, in the next few months it’ll be a few retail re-design projects, including the re-design of a day spa (I’d be happy if they paid me in facials & massages to be honest!) plus decorating workshops in rural areas too. I love travelling to see rural towns and meet my e-decorating clients in real life!

No wonder we get on so well: blog obession (tick), reality tv watcher (don't tell anyone - tick), freesias and ranunculus (tick), champagne (tick), facials and massages (tick).

I can't wait to see what Emma gets up to this year and I am so excited that Emma is going to be adding a new voice to these pages! 


Zulu beer pots...moving things around

Wanted to change things around a bit, at the moment I am wanting bigger statements rather than small collections and these Zulu beer pots, bought years ago at the side of the road, seem just the ticket.  

I like their roundness where everything else is so square.  Ok for now, still looking for the perfect piece for this corner.  Perhaps I should add a little succulent pot?  Any suggestions?

Beach party inspiration...

Being inspired by these fabulous beach parties and picnic to try another pop up party of my own.  
The last party was so much fun and the beach seems just perfect for this time of year, after the summer heat for us in the southern hemisphere, and before the heat for all of you in the north.

Lets hope the weather plays along for this one and we don't end up in the passage again like we did with the last one!  Lots of plans for this one so watch this space!!
Sources from top: One fine day shoot, Simple beach picnic, Party at the cliffs, Table in grays by Jose Villa, Bonfire, Under the palm trees via Style Me Pretty, Ojai wedding