Cute DIY Projects

It's that time again... school holidays seem to roll around so quickly! If you're of the crafty nature, I've got a few super cute DIY projects that will keep your little ones happy.

Make a little dolls house with a simple cube shelf (you can find similar here), decorate back walls with wrapping paper, and create a roofline with washi tape - so adorable!

Download this free printable for watermelon ice cream cone wrappers. Top the cone with a scoop of ice cream and let the kids add their own toppings, you'll be very popular.

For a whole raft of clever ideas check out Mr Printables, a great site that offers creative and educational free printable your kids will love. Here are some of my favourites...

Happy crafting, and enjoy the holidays.

Inspired by Marrakech

Marrakech is a city that knows how to work colour and pattern! I would love to travel there one day and see for myself what has already inspired me in photographs. Americans, Caitlin and Samuel Dowe-Sandes, and their young daughter, Gigi, loved Marrakech so much they made it their home and filled their Moroccan bungalow with glorious colour and pattern.

The tiled floors throughout are quite spectacular, and the walls are various shades of fresh blue or white.

There's an eclectic mix of furniture and lights - all quite beautiful and sculptural. The artwork is also impressive, and often nature inspired.

Bold stripes lead you down the hallway and into pattern-packed bedrooms. Bursts of vibrant orange contrast the blue beautifully.

The kitchen steps away from the blues and orange, but the geometric tiled splash back links nicely to the rest of the house. Green and white is one of my favourite kitchen colour combos, it's lovely and fresh.

photographer: Richard Powers | designer: Caitlin & Samuel Dowe-Sandes of Popham Design

I love the personality of this home. As with all the homes I feature on my blog, I hope it's inspired you to embrace colour, and push the boundaries to create a home unique to you.

Contrast & Harmony

Did you see, in the latest issue (June/July) of Homestyle magazine, the fabulous spread called "Contrast & Harmony"? It's all about mixing patterns to make a statement in your home, and some tips on how to achieve this look. You know what a massive fan of colour and pattern I am, so this is my kind of article, especially as it features two products that I hold dear...

Photography by Melanie Jenkins and styling by Alice Lines for Homestyle

I am the exclusive New Zealand stockist of the stunning Neon Vintage cushions, pictured on the chair in the Homestyle shoot. Neon Vintage was founded by Brisbane designer, Kirsten Millbank. The bold, edgy homewares are inspired by African safaris and tribal textiles, with a touch of vintage 80's design. Kirsten has collaborated with several international artists to create her collection.

On the floor in the Homestyle shoot you'll notice a gorgeous rug on the floor. Many of you will know that I am a big advocate of the Armadillo&Co rugs, I have one in my own home and we often use them in our Bibby + Brady client's homes. They are such fabulous quality, and the range of patterns and colours available is vast.

The rug featured is Pilgrim in the granite/fern/ecru colourway from the new Latitude Collection. Pilgrim comes in a range of colours and three different sizes.

If you're interested in purchasing an Armadillo&Co rug, I recommend you spend some time exploring the different designs available - their "I Love My Rug" site is a great place to get inspired. And when you're ready to purchase, contact me, I can help you place an order.

Mixing patterns takes some skill, pick up your copy of Homestyle for some excellent tips on how to rock it!