choosing an interior colour scheme - some basic tips...

A mood board - style board - is a tool that is vital to all professional decorators... but so handy and creative for hobbyists too... if you're interested in giving your home a facelift - or collecting snippets, ideas for any future projects - keep all your magazine tears....

it could be an item you've found on a walk; an old postcard from an overseas trip that gives you a calm feeling; a brochure from a hotel that visually thrilled you; a photograph you took of your cousin's garden whereby you loved the paving layout and choice of plantings... all these can be added to your board.

the beauty of light....... the secret weapon of decorating.. live in a place before you embark on renovations........ walls and paint can reflect light or absorb........

I'm sure many of us remember that little saying, "Wattle, wattle.. stick it in a bottle......" it's not all that silly. I just adore fresh flowers in my home - they make me feel spoilt, special and indulgent; but sometimes for us busy bees, it's difficult to buy fresh every week....... just walking along the lake near my home (50 metres) are the most beautiful assortment of vase/jar, or indeed bottle appropriate specimens to perk up any home; or any one...

A branch with lichen was my found treat... perfectly formed, weathered, with the fungus lichen growing on it in a soft olive green - and in a vase or bottle in the middle of the diningroom table; lamp table; or entrance hall - it adds height, an organic elegance; and I don't have to stress about changing old water or dead petals..... long live lichen.