The Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards were a chance to celebrate the best of the best in the Australian interior design industry. Interior designers, architects, stylists and bloggers alike were invited to witness the announcement on Wednesday 16th May at the Coco Republic showroom in Alexandria.

Styled by Belle's own Steve Cordony, the Alexandria space was transformed into a magical outdoor soiree themed Chateau Marmont, with a dramatic red carpet and an Oly San Francisco gallery on entrance.  Impressive floral displays by Mr Cook were draped from the rafters, while pendant lights and soft candles lit the night.

Guests sipped cocktails by Campari and Tintilla Estate wine throughout the evening.  In the background, Sydney based songstress Sascha Simone played with her band.

If the evening's delights weren't enough to celebrate, the final announcement of the Belle Interior Designer of 2012 certainly was.  Congratulations to Ian Halliday of BKH for taking out the top prize, and to all the finalists, entrants, sponsors and Belle Magazine for making the night a fantastic success.

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After much anticipation and a gloriously glamorous awards night at Coco Republic, the winners for this year's Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards are...

Best Commercial Interior – Russell & George; Aesop, Claremont
Best Hospitality Interior – George Livissianis; The Apollo
Best Corporate Interior – Russell & George; Paper Stone Scissors
Best Residential Interior – Smart Design Studio; Tusculum Residence

Belle/Coco Republic Interior Designer of the Year – Iain Halliday for BKH

Congratulations to all the winners and their achievements.

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Watch this space for more pictures of the awards night itself; the beautifully styled space and see some of the most famous faces on the Interior Design scene today.

This weekend only Coco Republic are offering great discounts of up to 50% on end of line, ex-rental and damaged stock plus all kinds of display pieces from our Property Styling division.

SATURDAY 19 AND SUNDAY 20 MAY

9.00AM-5.30PM

UP TO 50% OFF- THIS WEEKEND ONLY

292 Paramatta Road
Auburn, NSW 2144
View Map

Enquiries 02 9647 1670

Check out the new products that have just arrived from world renowned London based designer Kelly Hoppen to Coco republic.

Loving the black log side table with stud detail down the side. Great as a bedside table, side table in the sitting room, a cluster could be used as a coffee table or even as stools.

The black wire armchair is also a great design and one of my favourites and nothing like it in the market at the moment so these will be snapped up.

Put an order in with Coco Republic today. Click here to contact your nearest showroom.

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The wait is over:  Belle Magazine, in association with Coco Republic, are excited to announce the finalists the 2012 Interior Design Awards.  Celebrating and rewarding excellence in Australian interior design and decoration by individuals and design practices at residential, commercial and corporate levels, the finalists for 2012 represent the best in the industry.

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Belle and Coco Republic anticipate the announcement of the winners at a champagne reception hosted on May 16 at Coco Republic in Alexandria. 

At the largest trade fair show of its kind in the world Milan Furniture Fair 2012 nailed it again this year. A visual feast of nearly 3,000 designers and exhibitors from across the globe exhibiting all together under one roof of the FieraMilano complex in the Milan Metropolitan area of Rho.

Across the 230,000 square meters of stands and exhibits at the Salone, we bring you the "crème de la crème" of what was on offer this year straight to you. Prepare to be amazed!

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There’s always something inspiring about seeing innovative product design and Milan Salone Del Mobile is the pinnacle for those searching, showing or buying such objects.
 
This year Milan didn’t disappoint yet again. My favourites were a timber lamp by Rossana Orlandi featuring stone pencil holder, the beautiful ceramic jars by Kose and the marble and blown glass vases by Satori Marmi and Myver. I wouldn’t want to not comment on Moroso – because they never fail to impress.
 
And as soon as I invest in that 20 acre mansion, I’m buying that Phillipe Starck golf cart for Volteis at Dedon.
 
Check out some of the objects below

Enjoy.

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Zona Tortona has long been regarded as the sister satellite exhibit to the Salone Del Mobile and always houses many of both the emerging and established designer new releases.
 
Over the past few years there has been talk of Zona Tortona being too crowded and commercial however, this year there looks to have been some great new works launching, not too mention  many playful concepts to entice.
 
This year the streets were alive with inspiration including the wonderful Merci pop up concept by Paola Navone in Super Studio – with Australian skin care brand Aesop!
 
Our attaché, Felix Forest, photographically reports below – Enjoy!

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Milan Salone Del Mobile is into its third day now and I thought I’d update you with the colour trends – as taken by our ‘in the field’, Field Notes photographer Felix Forest… wow, say that fast 10 times!

This year it’s all about blue. Aqua, cobalt, sky and retro hues of the primary are everywhere.

Pale greens, purples and lilacs also get a good look in  – and your accenting red’s and yellows are never far off at Milan.
 
However, blue is dominant and I’m predicting it's the colour of 2012.
 
Totally understandable. No other colour soothes, calms and cools quite like blue. It is the colour of balance and consideration, the colour that takes you away to a holiday on the Med.  The colour that helps you escape.
 
Dive into the blue, and all the other colours at Milan, by clicking on the below. Enjoy.

Learn more about the art of selecting and combining colour for interiors from the experts at the Coco Republic Design School. Book now for their renowned Colour Materclass on the 26th May. Click here for more info.

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Milan Salone Del Mobile (Furntiure Show) has just started and I thought I’d give you a sneak peek of what’s going on with the latest shots from our on location Field Notes photographer - Felix Forest.

First stop is Spazio Rossana Orlandi – a must see to anyone going to the show.

Rossana is an institution in Milan with her old converted tie factory not only showcasing the best new talent in furniture, art and design, but also serving up real home-cooked Italian cuisine daily between 12-4pm.

During the Salone Del Mobile week her famous courtyard and store gets jammed with new furniture launches and installations – and is generally packed with heaps of design hunters making the pilgrimage – so beware of the crowds! Go either early or late in the day is my recommendation.
 
In any case check out the installations this year – including launches from Se, Gionata Gatto, Mike Thompson, Frederique Morrel, Piet Hein Eek and more.

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Entries are in, judges have gathered, votes have been cast and we're now just a tiny step away from announcing the finalists of the Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards.  This year, the Awards are even bigger and better with entries from some of the most influential and exciting designers working in Australia today.   The judging across categories was a full day, as inspirational as it was challenging. The judges had a strict criteria to stick to, but in the end for me it came down to personality, emotion and that unexpected element of surprise…

One of the most exciting parts of the process was sitting alongside architecture and design industry heavy-weights such as Neale Whitaker, Steve Cordony, Margie Attard, Domenic Alvaro, Mitchell Oakley-Smith and Jean Wright on the judging panel.  And this year we've added an international flavour with renowned Interior Designer and Entrepreneur Kelly Hoppen adding her opinions to the mix all the way from the UK.

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I've selected a few examples of 2012 entries for this post, but don't get too excited – these picks haven't necessarily been selected as finalists.  You'll have to wait for the next Belle Magazine for that juicy info.  Now, let the count down until the Awards begin…

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With such an enormous variety of new fabrics hitting the market, it's sometimes hard to choose favourites.  However, the new Kelly Wearstler II collection for Groundworks has definitely caught my attention. 

The collection is a mix of textural and organic designs that take their cue from nature and remind us of the beautiful patterns that can be found in rock formations and on water surfaces.  

Kelly Wearstler’s signature is bold and unique but that doesn’t stop these fabrics from working back with a myriad of other fabric options.  Here are a few of my favourites to add to the mix.

Mineral in Indigo and Slate GWF-3104 - 511
A very versatile pattern that is suitable for both upholstery and drapery.  I’d love to see a quirky armchair covered in this pattern or just a couple of simple, floppy scatter cushions on a relaxed white linen sofa.

Agate in Slate/Linen GWF-3102-516 
Stunning on an upholstered headboard.

Serpent in Natural – Linen  GWF-3114 – 616 
A linen that is desperately chic – great as an accent or whole piece and works beautifully with buttery soft leathers.

Barcelo in Truffle – GWF 3105-68
Heavy duty performance, perfect for an ottoman.

Tempest in Truffle – GWF 3111-816
A few scatter cushions to add subtle texture to a plain sofa.

Sonoma in Mushroom – GWF 3109-616
Quiet luxury, a slubby silk blind.

Currents Silk in Ebony/Oatmeal GWF 3112 -816. 
Would make beautiful curtains.

The most famous flea market in Paris is the one at Porte de Clignancourt, officially called Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, but known to everyone as Les Puce's (The Fleas).  It covers seven hectares and is the largest antique market in the world.

Les Puce's is a labyrinth of alleyways with tumbling down shop fronts crammed with glassware, lighting, furniture, vintage clothing, and jewellery taxidermy, posters and prints. This is where international and local dealers visit to search out those quirky items.

This visit was an absolute highlight of my trip to Paris, there were some unbelievable pieces there, amongst my favourites were silver ‘Flower’ table lamps circa early 70’s.

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 Nestled within the multitude of vineyards in the Hunter Valley, only a couple of hours out of Sydney is a hidden gem. Thistle Hill Guesthouse is a beautiful retreat that is lovingly designed and styled in the style of a quintessential country cottage. The delightful owners Carol and Peter have a sharp eye for detail and style and their own charm and homely warmth translates into their styling.

 The Interior Styling

The rooms are decorated with white rattan furniture, neutral deep pile rugs, beds which look like they are straight out of a The White Company Catalogue; with crisp linen, white bed covers and immaculately coordinated cushions. All set off against soft, fresh green walls and styled using antique, rustic accessories and freshly picked white roses in pewter mugs.

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Exterior Styling

No stone is left unturned in the gardens and everywhere you look is another stunning vignette or cluster of beautiful objects. My favourties have to be the incredible explosion of white roses that line the front path to the house, a pair of old white iron recliners by the edge of the lake, a wine barrel, out door wall clock and console combination and a courtyard with wrought iron gates. Even the smokey grey cat completes the scheme.

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If you manage to find the Hunter’s biggest secret and then wrestle your way through the white roses, you won’t be disappointed, least of all by the breaky. The bench mark has been set for Australian Country styling but shhhh, Mum’s the word.

Thistle Hill
591 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
View map
P: 02 6574 7217
Email enquiries and booking

Catch the final day of the 'Drawn by Design' exhibition this Saturday 11am-4pm, Easter weekend at the Art Atrium in Bondi and see the best of the best in Australian Architects exhibiting their architectural masterpieces, old-school style; drawing by hand.

Beautiful illustrations and architectural drawings by the likes of Camilla Block, Malcolm Carver, Philip Cox, Neil Durbach, Richard Goodwin, David Holm, Chris Johnson, Colin Madigan, Glenn Murcutt, Paul Pholeros, Peter Stutchbury, Alec Tzannes, Tone Wheeler and Ken Woolley.

It really is an intriguing display of numerous styles, reflective of character and also interestingly architectural style. It really does make you reminisce about the nostalgic days before computers dominated the design world. Truly refreshing in an old fashioned kind of way.

The Art Atrium
Drawn by Design- The Art of Architecture
181 Old South Head Rd, Bondi Junction NSW 2022, Australia.
T +61 2 9388 9908

If these drawings inspire you and you wish to improve and learn this integral part of being a successful designer then sign up for the Drawing and Illustration Masterclass at the Coco Republic Design School today.

With an seemingly inexhaustible range of wallpapers available, why just consider paint?

There is something for every taste, application and budget. Wallpaper is the greatest foil for your artwork and will add a level of sophistication and personality with texture, colour and design.

Andrew Martin (available through Unique fabrics) has a new range of papers than emulate log stacks, libraries, panelled leather and timber. These papers look fantastic in a Study or Dining room adding real dimension.

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Another big trend is the ethnic print papers in tribal Suzani, Ikat or Batik, Schumacher (available through Orient House) have ‘Tashkent Ikat’ a classic design (attached) in beautiful bronzes and silvers. ‘Changmai Dragon’ (attached) is another favourite from Schumacher in beautiful colour combinations, this is not for the shy!

Another fresh look is Schumacher’s ‘Shantung Silhouette’ a modern interpretation of a classic Chinoiserie, which is fresh and sharp and the Wisteria colour is really elegant.

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If you are looking for a more gentle approach Jocelyn Warner (sold through Ascraft) has a modern take on ‘Wisteria’ with silver branches on a soft charcoal base paper. ‘Lace’ also from Warner is a kaleidoscopic print in stunning soft combinations that will add a quirky elegance to a bedroom.

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Forget straight lines, the chevron is the new stripe.

Missoni made the chevron pattern famous in the 60’s with a kaleidoscope of colours.   Now  this trend is emerging not only in fashion but interiors too. Everything from your wallpaper, your linen, your rugs to your mugs.

Go classic in black & white or pick from a multitude of colour choices, this stripe will give any room a modern touch.

I love nothing more than a good stripe, and this just may be one of my favourites.

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There is something therapeutic about Martine Emdur’s ocean scape collection.  Perfectly rendered bodies submerged in the ocean, light refracting through the water, a calm glistening surface.  Looking at her large-scale paintings you can’t help but feel like you too are immersed in the tranquil water. 

Hanging an Emdur above a dining table, in a living room space or entrance (space permitting, most paintings are almost 2m wide) would create instant interior calm. 

I am not the only one with this opinion; self-taught Emdur has been one of Sydney’s most prevalent and successful artists for some time now.  Her work is in constant demand and has a waiting list of over 2 years at the Tim Olsen Gallery. 

Emdur’s latest exhibition (the first since June 2010) opens at the Tim Olsen Gallery Woollahra, April 4^th – 22^nd. 

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As an Interior Designer I often get asked by clients “what should I select for my walls, they are so bare?”

It’s personal

Artwork is so personal with the style, the subject matter and budget. You could be an enthusiast that follows the career path of certain artists that you love where the artwork become investment pieces or you could stumble across pieces at markets and garage sales.  At the end of the day it is filling the negative vertical voids of wall space to complement the rest of the furnishings.

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 My personal favourites are these paintings by my sister Coco Elder. The serene greens are my current favourites for interiors and the subject matter is dear to me as I used to picnic and swim here as child at Kurringai  National Park.  You can see more of her work at her exhibition on the 12^th April at Charles Hewitt Galleries.

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Artwork can be a stand out feature that can dictate the space and mood or just melt into its surrounds subtly. It can create that view or faux window into another world for a room that perhaps has no windows or outlook normally. The media style implemented in the artwork can add rhythm, movement and texture to the interior space.

Art in interiors

Art can be either the starting or finishing point of the design process. If my client has a special piece, these colours can be extracted and reflected in the furnishing fabrics or alternatively a masterpiece can be added for that finishing touch.

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 Hanging Art

When selecting artwork for your home don’t feel every space has to be filled as the walls then become overwhelming and dominating and if too small, it can be insignificant. Check positioning by blu-tacking paper at the size of your art to the wall, prior to making the big purchase.

Framing

Framing can be used to your benefit for incrementally increasing the size with clever use of mounting board and thickness of frame. Research the various styles of framing with a professional framer first. Frames are meant to be an accessory to enhance the artwork and coordinate with the room, not steal the show.

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Discovering

I encourage my clients to investigate artwork for themselves. It can be an exciting and rewarding discovery exploring galleries, markets, hearing the stories behind the artwork and maybe meeting the artists themselves. They can evoke so much feeling too; sentimental holiday memories or perhaps it’s your own creation. At the end of the day it’s an investment financially (particularly if the artist’s career and profile progresses) but also an emotional investment as every artwork carries its own story.

Where to buy Art

Charles Hewitt Gallery
335 South Dowling St Darlinghurst NSW 2010
View Map

Arthouse Gallery
66 McLachlan Ave, Rushcutters Bay NSW 2010
View Map

Artbank
Artbank is a great place for those who would like to rent some original art that promotes Australian artists and be able to change it over as often as you like. This is a great way of refreshing a room without huge expense.

Most galleries have a stockroom of left over paintings from previous exhibitions and can be at a reduced price so be sure to ask the galleries about this.

Coco Republic
Check out our new series of photographic prints in stores soon.

Celebrate 30 years of business at Coco Republic with very special reductions and promotions across all Coco Republic Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane stores for one month only - starting 23 March.

This April, Coco Republic floor stock will be walking out the door at heavily reduced prices.  Discontinued Coco Republic lines must be cleared to make way for new winter arrivals with selected clearance items be on sale at a never-before-seen 20-50% off.   

Celebrate with Coco Republic: visit a Coco Republic showroom near you to take advantage of these fantastic prices.  Sale must end 29th April 2012.  

Sale does not include homewares or limited edition pieces. 

Kate St James is one busy lady in the interiors magazine world. She’s managing editor of Universal Magazines’ Home Design + Living Series including Luxury Home Design, Contemporary Home Design, Sydney Living, Melbourne Living, Renovate and a number of Australia’s leading residential architecture and design publications.

As an award winner for her design services to the design industry, Kate tells us her wish list for products for 2012;

• Springtime range by B & B Italia. “Since we are still in summer mode and entertaining is high on my calendar, outdoor living is a priority.  For lounging with a gin and tonic by the pool”

•  Parrot Zikmu stereo speakers by Starck. "Music is a must when entertaining outdoors and convenience is key. These offer crystal clear 306 degree sound from which you can play music from today’s digital devices including iPad/iPhone, PC via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Mac computers and Bluetooth mobiles.  My favourite colour – red of course!"

•  Teresa Sapey’s Chemistubes luminaires. "When the sun goes down the party keeps going. These “recontextualisations” of the objects that inspired them are available lacquered in varied colours with a built-in lighting component".

Having been exposed to amazing projects and products she knows the interiors world like the back of her hand. “Even the most humble home can be designed to ensure correct orientation and well-designed spaces that enhance the lives of the occupants. It’s not necessary to spend a fortune to employ an interior decorator or designer and it all depends upon how far you want to go. “

Kate will be speaking about the newest trends and directions in home design at the Coco Republic Design School on Wednesday 11^th  and 13^th April. She is going to show examples from the some of the best design firms and architects that Australia has to offer to inspire and teach you the ways of the masters of design and she will analyse all aspects of renovations with you. Click here for more information and to sign up.

Coco Republic Design School
24 O’Riordan Street
Alexandria  NSW  2015
View Map

Tel:  1300 323 171

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For over 24 years, DesignEX has been Australia’s largest interiors, design and architecture event.

 Lauren Ebbeck is the newly appointed Group Exhibition Director and promises some big changes – including her first big change: the date.

 “Our new dates mean potential exhibitors and key decision makers who haven’t traditionally been able to make the event due to the Milan clash, can now participate” she said.

The 3 day Trade only show allows designers, architects, interior designers, interior design students and retailers to be informed and inspired by the latest products and design trends.

 Over 160 exhibitors will be showcasing the leading brands of furniture, textiles, lighting, architecture, bathrooms, appliances & surfaces.

When: Monday 14 May – Wednesday 16 May 2012

Where:  Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre

Click here to read more & register.

2012 is well and truly underway and with the Christmas break feeling like a million years ago it’s definitely time to start dreaming of the next holiday.  There’s certainly not enough time in the busy work calendar to indulge in any serious globe-trotting so I’ll be looking for that real getaway experience a little closer to home.
 
First stop: Bali.  Just 9 hours away from Sydney via a cheap and cheerful Jetstar flight. It’s the perfect quick break for a group of friends, a romantic couples retreat or an individual indulgence.
 
After trawling the web for the best-of-the-best accommodation in Bali (despite my limited budget it’s still fun to dream) I stumbled across the incredible Alila Villas Uluwatu.  Aside from sitting on the 2012 Conde Nast Traveler “Best Hotels in the World Gold List” it was the avant-garde Bali-inspired Villa design that really caught my eye.
 
Designed by award-winning Singapore architectural firm, WOHA, who have a global reputation for innovative hospitality design, each individual villa features integrated indoor-outdoor living with unique flat lava rock roofs and bamboo ceilings that allow the sea breeze to flow in freely.  Each of the 84 pool villas has a private pool and cabana that looks out towards the Indian Ocean – it’s the ultimate in luxury design.
 

Not to mention the Alila Hotels have embraced Environmentally Sustainable Design principles; each villa uses local materials, rain gardens and recycling water systems and unique Balinese landscaping to encourage local bird and animal life.
 
And if a week’s not enough?  The Alila Villas Uluwatu are also available to purchase. Dare to dream.

Alila Villas Uluwatu
Jl Belimbing Sari
Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu 80364
Bali, Indonesia

P : +62 361 848 2166
F : +62 361 848 2188
E : uluwatu@alilahotels.com

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Open plan living is the only way to go in the warmer Australian climates, and these Queensland properties are about as open as they get. Bringing the outside inside by reducing the wall surface area and increasing window area, allowing light, fresh air and nature to flood in from all angles.

Styled to suit the architectural simplicity, the finishes and colours are neutral but so chic. Open your mind to the opportunity to living in an environment that is perfect for 2.4 children, their doting parents and a pet to boot. Open plan, open living, open air, open minded and an open opportunity; the case is closed.

To see these properties in detail and more, click here to see the Coco Republic Property Styling Portfolio.

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Named after one of the brightest buds in the garden, Poppy, from Melbourne’s Katie Marx Floral speaks to Design Field Notes about styling and keeping Melbourne's Oly showroom in bloom:

Favs?

It changes, season to season but at the moment it’s smoke bush and a colourful bucket of garden roses that drive me crazy!

Inspiration?

All forms of art; from an art deco building to an amazing piece of furniture or simply walking past an overgrown garden.  The artist Jessica Tremp is always an inspiration; she has an amazing ability to capture figures in a natural environment.

Big Impact?

A big beautiful branch placed in an unusual vessel instantly creates drama in a room.  Each space is unique with it’s own aesthetic so that tends to dictate what floral or foliage to use.

 In Season?

Dahlias, Smoke Bush, Hyacinth and White Cosmos have been amazing this season.

For the Oly Richmond Showroom?

Straight away the large clam shell gave me an urge to fill it with blue/green hydrangea.  For the launch party I created an enchanting entrance of draping peppercorn foliage with big bundles of hydrangea and orchard.  This was inspired by the wild and unusual Oly range.

Fantasy?

We are lucky flower ladies to have already had the opportunity to work on many dream jobs.  But one we often fantasize about is at Katie’s partner Greg Hatton’s 150 heritage listed butter factory in Newstead.  It’s an amazing space with beautiful high ceilings exposed brick walls and pealed back pastel paint with an abundance of natural light.  We have talked about creating a walk through floral fantasy of branches climbing up the walls and through windows filled with bunches of apples branches and masses of Rosehip, Forsythia, Hydrangea and Persimmons.  Then we’d cover the floor in a bright floral carpet.

 Amazing.

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