The Blackwood Sassafras

As many of you may know, I have opened a 'retreat' on my property in Sassafras.

The Blackwood Sassafras - www.theblackwoodsassafras.com.au - is an exclusive hideaway, carefully set in a private location with the Sassafras village at its doorstep.

I have thoroughly enjoyed designing the one bedroom studio with my partner. It mirrors the original house, with whitewashed timber lining boards and dark stained flooring. It is filled with a collection of beautiful furniture and accessories. The luxury bathroom and kitchenette is styled with my signature white on white tiles with classic architectural detailing.

It is a showcase for my classic interior style.

For inquiries and reservations please visit contact us through the website... http://theblackwoodsassafras.com.au/contacttheblackwoodsassafras/

"COUNTRY STYLE & design" around the world.

Today, as I begin writing my second book, I discover that my first book, "Country Style & Design" is being spotted around the world. Here we see it at the stunning "Round Barn Potting Company" in Andover, Minnesota, U.S.A.

Styling for Christmas

A little early, yes, but it was necessary timing for an editorial due out in December. Christmas at home came early for me this year, if only temporarily, in the form of a photo shoot for a Christmas decorating story. The editorial will be out in early December and will feature five designers at home with their Christmas 'style'. As usual, mine has a traditional monochromatic scheme mixed up with a fair dollop of eclectic flair. What do you think?

Work progressing in Hawthorn

It's always exciting seeing a project taking shape. My clients home in Hawthorn is doing just that. We are finally seeing the rooms of the house in a defined state, as plaster is working its way through the entire house...

BILL BLASS - NO 1. SUTTON PLACE, MANHATTAN. (Copy)

I have always admired the style of the fashion designer Bill Blass - his work was classic and simple - with beautiful detailing and classic tailoring. His apartment in New York, which he designed with the help of Chessy Rayner and Mica Ertugun of the interior design firm MAC II, reflects the same aesthetic. 

Situated at No. 1 Sutton Place, Manhattan, I was fascinated by the interior. I remember the first time I saw it, perhaps twenty years ago. It was timeless, gracious and and it oozed the most exquisite classic style that I had ever seen.

The furniture was very Regency in style and the decorative details were wonderfully quirky, featuring globes, architectural models, and columns. The apartment was masculine, monotone and to me it was... perfection!

I love this quote from the man himself...

"There is a sense of dignity, a simplicity and a classicism in my clothes which can be read into the apartment. As I am surrounded with colours and fabric all day I look forward to a monochromatic home. I work in fashion - I don't want to live somewhere that looks fashionable." - Bill Blass

BILL BLASS - NO 1. SUTTON PLACE, MANHATTAN. (Copy)

I have always admired the style of the fashion designer Bill Blass - his work was classic and simple - with beautiful detailing and classic tailoring. His apartment in New York, which he designed with the help of Chessy Rayner and Mica Ertugun of the interior design firm MAC II, reflects the same aesthetic. 

Situated at No. 1 Sutton Place, Manhattan, I was fascinated by the interior. I remember the first time I saw it, perhaps twenty years ago. It was timeless, gracious and and it oozed the most exquisite classic style that I had ever seen.

The furniture was very Regency in style and the decorative details were wonderfully quirky, featuring globes, architectural models, and columns. The apartment was masculine, monotone and to me it was... perfection!

I love this quote from the man himself...

"There is a sense of dignity, a simplicity and a classicism in my clothes which can be read into the apartment. As I am surrounded with colours and fabric all day I look forward to a monochromatic home. I work in fashion - I don't want to live somewhere that looks fashionable." - Bill Blass

Bank Street Wood Fired Pizza and Garden

This weekend I went "Country".

My good friends Janelle and Callum have opened an amazing cafe, in the town of Avenel in the shire of Strathbogie, Victoria.

I've watched from afar, over the last two years, as they've slowly transformed the former town bank into a truly amazing oasis in the heart of this sleepy village. 

Their hard work has certainly paid off and it is now a charming wood fired pizza restaurant with an absolutely stunning garden complete with a kitchen garden, a huge open outdoor seating area and a lake!

I spent an afternoon with them and enjoyed every minute. (Not hard when the pizzas are to die for, the platters are superb and the service, unfaltering.)

I'm going back soon, for a longer stay! 

Below are a few shots that I took during the afternoon.