Sheila Scotter 1920 - 2012

I was saddened today to learn of the passing of Sheila Scotter, a true style doyenne, affectionately known as the "Silver Duchess"

The formidable former editor of Vogue Australia, and founder of Vogue Living, died at her home in Albert Park, Melbourne, on Good Friday, aged 91.

Miss Scotter took over as editor of the fledgling Vogue Australia in 1962 and ruled the local fashion scene for almost a decade.

Miss Scotter's forthright manner and generosity with opinions became as much a part of her persona as her impeccably styled silver mane and signature black-and-white ensembles.

I admired her style and individuality, she was one of a kind. There will never be another like her.

RIP.

AUSTRALIAN BELLE MAGAZINE

The first review for my new book "Country - Style & Design" in Australian Belle Magazine April/May 2012

"Having helped restore his family home in Melbourne’s Yarra Valley, and later his own home in the Dandenong ranges, Justin Bishop has developed a passion for traditional design with clean, modern influences. His beautifully photographed book looks at country style from England, France, the US and, of course, australia, before going on to room-by-room sections. thinking of setting up your own rural idyll? this will certainly whet your appetite."

- Nigel Bartlett, Belle

Winter Entertaining

For me, winter is a time for entertaining indoors, with friends and family enjoying my home.

Hosting a winter dinner party is one of my favourite ways to do this. Traditional winter food is good for the soul and will ward of the cold. In my home a winter menu is casual and loosely structured; it might start with a hearty soup and an oven-roasted bruschetta.  Pasta, a roast or slow cooked lamb might follow with red wine and cheese (a favourite winter accompaniment) and of course, a sensational home made pudding or some biscotti for a lighter ending.

When it comes to styling a room for a winter occasion I try to evoke a sense of history and tradition. I set my table with old family crockery and original glassware. I use vintage cutlery and historic serving platters. I might add stacks of antique books and other traditional accessories for authenticity. I like to create an atmosphere filled with elegance and time-honoured style.

A collection of luxurious throw rugs and cushions, an open log fire, and sparkling candlelight (another favourite) will always complete the scene. 

Inspirations 2012

While the movies, Howards End, Room with a View, and The Remains of the Day were made many years ago, they continue to be a source of inspiration to me today. The work of Ismail Mercant and James Ivory is timeless.

Here is the trailer for The Remains the Day...

Christmas Wreaths 2010

The perfect Christmas decor shouldn't just be "wrapped up" inside your house... bring it outside for ALL to enjoy.

With my house renovations dragging on and on, I am enjoying some Christmas spirit at my front door step.

A Christmas wreath is a great way to spread some festive cheer amongst your neighbourhood. Such a simple treatment but effective in so many ways.

As usual I've opted for a traditional, monochrome and slightly organic style. But the possibilities, as always, are endless.

Choose a colour or style that YOU like and go with it... let your personality shine through.

I'll upload some images of the wreath I've mentioned on my Sassafras home very soon. In the meantime please enjoy these designs, that I found inspirational, with compliments of ... Martha Stewart, a master of festive styling! 

Christmas at home...

This year my Christmas decor was right on the mark!

A magazine editor asked me to provide her with some content for a story on "designer" Christmas decor at home.  I obliged with my take on a "traditional" tree with matching accessories. I worked with a collection of my favourite things; old glass door knobs, my great grandfathers building tools (including his original measuring tapes which substituted for tinsel) and finished it off with pine cones and brown pears - for an organic edge!

Gifts were wrapped in Hessian and brown paper, then tied in chocolate ribbon in satin and velvet.

I was very pleased with the "look", a good blend of monochromatic colour schemes and interesting objects!

The photos and accompanying story went to print alongside the work of three other designers, all with a very different design aesthetic!

This year I'm eager to do something unique again. Faced with building delays on the house extension, I've been unable to create anything as yet. This week however, things are nearing completion, with a bigger space to decorate! Hopefully I'll have something to show you very soon.

I'll keep you posted.

The Style of Australian "Country"

If I claimed to be an authority on any particular interior design style it would be the style that is Australian “Country”.

From my grass roots, growing up in my families ancestral home in Melbourne’s Yarra Valley, to holidaying on my Aunts property on vast open farmlands in southern Western Australia, the simple, paired down classic style of Australian “Country” has been ingrained in my psyche.

Beautiful country interiors, exteriors and gardens are a perfect vehicle for my knowledge, experience and design ethic. I love to work with a traditional Australian country style with clean, modern influences; Inspired by collections of images, styles and stories representing the essence of Australian “Country” interior design.

I travel and research, write and photograph. I discover visions, places, stories and things that represent the stunning country style that I know and love.

Place settings...

.

Color accents are everywhere...

This is a definite departure from my usual monochromatic "non" color schemes! The color here is striking and I find it very appealing. As strong as the red accents are, the overall look is toned down with the contrasting natural wood, hessian and paper elements. The organic nature of the subject is also a key it keeping it very genuine and authentic..... something I always insist upon!

The work of Restoration Hardware and Gary Friedman.

California-based Restoration Hardware’s CEO/Chairman Gary Friedman is known for boldly remaking the company and giving it a distinctive new vibe and look.

Last week Friedman launched his newest concept, a dramatic, sun-lit Restoration Hardware design gallery in a handsome Palladian showroom in San Francisco’s design district. It’s placed beautifully behind a tall wall and a pair of grand portals, with a terrace and sunlight galore, right in the midst of top design showrooms and the finest antiques galleries.

I have long admired Gary Friedman for the style he has brought into the management and ownership of Restoration Hardware.

The company was founded in 1980 to sell, what else, restoration hardware.

The original founder opened his first store and launched a quirky catalog because he was restoring a Craftsman house in Marin County in Northern California. He could not find all the authentic lighting, doorknobs, hinges, handles, and flotsam and jetsam of remodeling for a classic and historic residence. Thus the name!

The company grew, catalogs arrived through the mail, and stores were opened around the country. The design evolved and the company offered a classic range, with beautiful bed linens, good solid furniture, beautifully made basic pieces for any residence, and the kick of quirky gifts and accessories.

Gary Friedman, formerly with Williams Sonoma, boldly took over the company and has slowly and thoughtfully reshaped it.

Now he is making an even more ambitious leap—with a glamorous new showroom in a former super-luxe antiques gallery. The gallery opened on September 23, with a party for 600 guests, and hundreds of new designs, furniture, lighting, antique reproductions, and singular modern and period pieces.

The new gallery is at 188 Henry Adams Street, San Francisco, in the former home of Ed Hardy San Francisco Antiques. Ed Hardy, who built this Palladian masterpiece, is knowledgeable and uniquely insightful in matters of antiques and decorative accessories, and he will stay on as a consultant.

Classic design...

Classic architectural detailing, an all white color scheme and neutral accessories. I've featured this interior combination in my designs many times... In fact, I recreated this look in my own bedroom when I was fifteen years old!! Im happy to say that I adopted it as my own signiature style!

Ralph - East Hampton.

Ralph Lauren's East Hampton RRL store... it is stunning.

In the middle of pristine shopping stores is this aged and time warn building. It's a treasure chest of items and color and is perfectly  marketed - all as only Ralph can.

Again its a look that has inspired me over and over throughout the years. Basic backdrops (in this case its white washed lining boards) used as the foundation for clever eclectic furnishing.

All images from Ralph Lauren.