Flowers + Jugs

I've been thinking a lot lately about the beautiful things I have in storage in Melbourne. When we moved to Abu Dhabi in 2008 we thought we'd be away for only a year.  We moved half way across the world with only a suitcase each to our name (ok maybe I had 2...or 3. Nearly 6 years on and we've now settled in Doha, I'm beginning to think about all those wonderful engagement and wedding gifts and all the trinkets I've collected.

Some of my most treasured wedding gifts (I didn't have a registry) were some divine jugs given to me by close family friends. I used to go to the flower market or local florist each week and fill these jugs with gorgeous blooming flowers.

So while the Mr and I try to decide whether to have our things shipped to us or keep them in Australia, I'll leave you with some truly beautiful images....flowers + jugs.

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Images sourced from here

The Table Is Set

Yesterday I shared with you my love of entertaining. I really love nothing more than good friends coming over sharing good food, good drinks and good tales.

I always try to make my home as inviting as possible and I like my guests to feel that I've made an effort for them. One way of doing this is a lovely table setting. My favourite table cloth is one I purchased in Bali last year which I've used to death but it looks so pretty that I can't bear to use any of my other linens.

My favourite table cloth from Bali, set for an intimate dinner party.

My casual linens, also from Bali. Ready for a Boxing Day BBQ

I found some great inspiration pictures on Pinterest today. You can't go wrong with a heap of candles and some fresh flowers!

Breakfast Nooks

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. That being the case, breakfast would certainly become my favourite meal if I was able to enjoy it sitting in one of these divine breakfast nooks. Large or small, breakfast nooks are the perfect way to make use of that extra space in your kitchen area.

Image sourced here

Image sourced here

Image sourced here

Image sourced here

Image sourced here

Running Wild

I have always been partial to a hint of animal print, as long as it's done the right way. I first fell in love with animal print stair runners after seeing this photo of Kristin Van Ogtrop, editor
of Real Simple Magazine.

Kristin Van Ogtrop

Ever since seeing this photo, I've stumbled across some amazing homes where the stair runner has been the focal point of the entryway. To me these stair runners add flair without tackiness and can turn quite a traditional space into an elegant contemporary feature.

Image Sourced from Here

Image Sourced from Here

Image Sourced from Here 

Image Sourced from Here

JuJu Love

JuJu hats were a huge trend in 2013 and I hope they are here to stay. They add a unique look to any room and look great on their own or grouped together as a statement piece.

JuJu hats originate from the West African nation of Cameroon and were worn by the royal Bamileke tribe.

For me they add a bit of fun and frivolity to any room. I would love one in my master bedroom but I've yet to find them for sale in Doha. I'm thinking a trip to the Table Tonic store in Sydney is a must when I'm home in July!

Great for a teenager's homework area

Multiple JuJu Hats to brighten up the living room 

I love this neutral living area

Louise from Table Tonic's Dining Area = JuJu Love 

A beautiful pop of colour livens up this space

The Black and White Rug...You Know the One

The black and white Stockholm rug from Ikea would have to be the most sought after rug out there right? This rug has featured countless times in design blogs, magazines, TV shows and movies. I'm surprised it doesn't have it's own twitter account!

Ikea opened in Doha March 2013, the excitement around the expat and local community was palpable. Seriously, it was like Kate and William were coming to town. It was all anyone could talk about! At school pickup you'd hear most Mums talking about whether they were going to go when it first opened or wait for the rush to die down.

I of course took the day off work, kept Sadie home from school and we made the trek out to Ikea on it's 2nd day of operation. All my Christmases had come at once. Finally I could get good cheap home wares to decorate the house with. Sadie still talks about the day she got to skip school and go to Ikea. She loves the place, actually she loves the ice creams more so than the flat packs.

One of my first purchases was the Stockholm rug. We had not long moved into our new house and I decided I wanted to change my look. Gone was my traditional, safe decorating style, in it's place was more colour and a much more contemporary feel.

Me and My Stockholm

I originally placed the rug in our living room however with a golden retriever that sheds hair constantly and a rug made from pure wool, the two did not mix. So I have now moved the rug up to my office. My office is a shambles. I'm still trying to work out how I will decorate it but I know this, the Stockholm rug will anchor this room. I love it!

Here are some fab ways the Stockholm has been used in homes.

Fun and Funky Children's Play Room

Living Room Glamour

Pink, Black and Lots of Texture

Sophisticated Bedroom

Do you have the Stockholm rug in your home? Would love to see how you've used it.

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