I've waxed lyrical about my undying love for books many a time before, but there are just so many novel (pardon the pun) ideas out there. Like the hauntingly talented Jennifer Khoshbin. Jen, who hails from Texas in the U.S, carves the most beautiful scenarios and characters into the pages of unused books. As Jen explains on her website, "My Book Series is an exploration into stories, stories of the past, stories that are vivid reminders of beginnings.

In a series of small, self-contained, conceptual pieces, my focus has turned to the sculptural use of books. I methodically carve each page and minimally design the surface. In these experiments, I am trying to delve into the books, into facts and knowledge, as a way to understand my world."

I adore the idea of expanding on the already magical quality of a book

I love this new range of bedlinen from New Zealand company Wallace Cotton. It's so affordable and easy to buy online – check out www.wallacecotton.com. The Anchorage duvet cover set is only $99, and the bunting and the coast guard pillows are just gorgeous! They have a beautiful range of beachhouse-inspired quilt sets for adults, too.



These beautiful objects are the latest props to come into my home for a photography shoot and not go back to the store!

The fragility and simplicity of these ceramic "paper" bags makes them a perfect addition to my ever-growing ceramics collection. Paper bags, $20/small and $24/medium, from Have You Met Miss Jones; (02) 9212 0588.

Every Francophile should have one of these divine pop-up cards. If you can't get to Paris, at least this little Eiffel tower can remind you of past memories or ones yet to be made. Eiffel Tower card, $6.95, Blues Point Bookstore; (02) 9956 7056. For more information on the designer and to discover more pop-up cards, visit www.surprisingfineart.com.

Attention, $40, by Allyson Mellberg Taylor; Tuart Cottage, $40, by Holly Story.
How does the humble linen tea-towel become a work of art? Australian company Third Drawer Down (where all good kitchen tea-towels are kept!) harnesses the talents of local and international artists, whose wonderous designs appear on these covetable items – they've even made it into the Tate Modern gallery in London! With whimsical illustrations which range from storybook scenes to the cheekily obscene, Third Drawer Down designs also appear on high-quality pillow slips, handkerchiefs and aprons – or "artprons", as the group would say – and come wrapped in a beautifully printed, string-sealed envelope, the perfect gift for the domestic goddess. We love Attention, $40, by US artist Allyson Mellberg Taylor and the haunting Tuart Cottage, $40, by local artist Holly Story – proof that art is for the everyman, not just the elite. Visit www.thirddrawerdown.com for great tips on how to put your Third Drawer Down tea-towel to use (you can even stretch it onto canvas and hang it on your wall).

I am a member of an exclusive club. I'm one of very few people in the world who own an original artwork by young Sydney artist and COFA graduate Chris Jones. Now, I'm no art expert, but I can tell you this: the artwork hanging on my living room wall is priceless. It's one of the few possessions I own that has a value far greater than the sum of its parts, and that's because it was painted by one of my closest friends. It speaks to me of our friendship, of this dirty, sparkling city in which we live, of life, hope, beauty, and of his tremendous talent.

Art is the hardest thing to choose for your home, because your response to it comes from your heart rather than your head. And what you choose to hang on your walls says a whole lot about you. For now, my Jones is going to hang as you see it here – a canvas with no frame, complete with rough edges. It suits me and my home that way.

Contact Chris Jones at finestlittlespace@hotmail.com

Having recently returned to my London roots for a short holiday, I was asked the question whilst sipping bellinis at Momo (www.momoresto.com, +44 (0) 207 434 4040) in the evening summer sun: "So where is home?" It got me thinking about what the word 'home' means to us all and prompted a revisit of one of my favourite books, Home Is Where the Heart Is by style visionary Ilse Crawford ($49.95, from Holistic Page; (02) 9440 7828). Pouring over the pages of effortlessly styled and emotive interiors, it reminded me how very important it is to be inspired by the space in which you live. For me this is first and foremost, needing to be a short walk from the waters edge. Coming in at a close second would have to be uninterrupted personal space – somewhere peaceful where I can get lost in my thoughts and be surrounded by the things I love, and thirdly, having a garden in which to bask and watch things flourish.


From left to right: North Bondi; Family photo of my grandparents (Copyright Spike Powell); Laura Ashley Gatsby mirrored side tables, $895.

So I followed my heart and moved (in a blink) to a place that ticked all those boxes. North Bondi's quirky traits welcomed me with a new lease of life, from early ocean runs watching the sunrise to my wonderfully peaceful bedroom that overlooks the rather tranquil garden. Now all that's left for me to do is to put up a display of black and white family photos, and purchase some elegant mirrored bedside tables upon which to reflect the place I can truly call home. I’m coveting the Gatsby mirrored side tables from Laura Ashley, $895 each, www.laura-ashley.com.au or 1800 033 453.


Internet anonymous

I have a habit, an obsession really, and it involves the Internet, lust and an unhealthy dose of fantasy. A couple of times each week, as I sip my morning coffee (latte, three-quarters full, no sugar, no lid) I dream of what could be. It starts at Domain.com.au, where the whimsy takes hold. My poison – original details, ornate ceilings, and blooming gardens – quickly transports me into a hallucinogenic state ('$3 million dollars isn't really that much'). I tell myself all I really need is ceiling over my head, but should that ceiling be a flourish of roses and pretty little details then life would be that much better.

This week's inspiration lives in starts in Armadale

www.domain.com.au, contact Kay & Buton South Yarra, 1300 656 968.
"Hmm, close to a high street, very pretty, yes - I think it could work!" I tell myself.

Then it's onto my favourite auction sites – Shapiro (www.shapiroauctioneers.com.au) , Bonham Goodmans (www.bonhamsandgoodman.com.au) and Leonard Joel (leonardjoel.com.au), where I search for the perfect mid-century chair/poster/sideboard to juxtapose with the ornate prettiness of my hypothetical dream home. Here are a few of my favourites that went under the hammer at a recent Shapiro Auction:


From left to right: Jim Moody Dune Chair, $2,000–2,500; Grant Featherston B230 Chair, Sold for $5,050; Villemot Bally Lotus ca.1970 linen backed 120cm x 160cm, $2000–2500.


As much as I love magazines, nothing quite compares to the journey that you take when you read a book. In my 22 years, I've sailed a raft with Huck and Jim, hunted the white whale aboard the Pequod, rode a sad train with Anna Karenina and fought the Civil War with Scarlett O'Hara. My books have travelled with me halfway across the country and they are by far the most precious things I own.

This month, I'm loving interior designer Samantha Parson's vision. Her dream? To rescue the world's unloved hardbacks and turn them into works of art. Her avant-garde tables (book block tables) and screens (bookscreens) are created by recycling and folding the discarded pages from old atlases, cookbooks and children's picture books. They’re part of her handcrafted product range, Family of Sam, which can be found at www.studiosam.com.au. If only I had a bigger apartment...

Melbourne couple Ben Mason and Natalie Crupi have also jumped on the book bandwagon with their online store Rebound Books. By day they rescue dusty hardbacks from charity op shops, and at night they fill them with recycled denim paper and bind them with sturdy wire, creating a blank journal for travel dreams, shopping notes and sketches. My personal favourite are the old Enid Blyton covers. Whoever said reading was boring? Head to www.reboundbooks.net for more details.



Love Too by Paul Smith for The Rug Company, 1.45x0.90m £1,550 (approx AU$3,180)

Being surrounded by beautiful homewares every day would suggest my home is full of objet d'art. While this is the case for some who work on Home Beautiful - check out art director Imogene Abady's stunning house in the August issue - I'm the opposite. It takes me months to make a purchase. A case in point is from my favourite shop in the whole world, The Rug Company. I'd coveted the Jubilee wall hanging for far too long, so when I went to London recently, a visit to the Holland park shop was a solid diary date.

As soon as I walked in, I was sold. The only problem was that with so many beautiful rugs and tapestries by designers such as Vivenne Westwood, it was hard to stop at one.

This happened six months ago and I'd put it to the back of my mind until I went to see Sex & the City: The Movie. Paul Smith's 'Love, Too' tapestry adorned the wall of Carrie's apartment, which reminded me just how gorgeous it was. A bit of research later and I've discovered The Rug Company ship overseas and have some in stock. The only thing now is to work out where to put it...www.therugcompany.info

Photography: Johanna Ruebel/www.bobbinbicylces.co.uk

When the winter sun unveils itself, I love to hop on my dear old rattling second-hand bike (re-conditioned by my boyfriend) and head into Sydney's Centennial Park for a little wind-in-the-hair and sun-on-the-cheeks action. Fear not, it's not a fitness lark and you certainly won't find me donning an ill-fitting lycra number and sipping short blacks with the Tour de France crew. It's more of a gentle meander along the streets and around the pond with my faithful dog Elvis keeping pace, before meeting a friend for some cake. Many of my friends have also re-discovered the simple joy of riding, and these days, no self-respecting household should be without a bicycle. For a little inspiration, visit these sites:

www.bobbinbicycles.co.uk
www.copenhagencyclechic.com
www.deus.com.au

Art & home

Jeffrey Smart: Cahill Expressway; Margaret Preston: Mosman Bridge

There's something truly poetic about amazing artworks framed by impressive architecture. When the two combine at the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, it leaves ones a little tipsy with glee. Head to the gallery shop on the entry level and you'll hit full intoxication. Art, architecture, fashion and music and you can take it home! Constantly reinventing itself around the changing exhibitions, this has to rate as the nation's best art gallery store and certainly worth a visit for the home fashionista. If you can't lug your design books and Jeffrey Smart (left) or Margaret Preston (right) prints home with you, try buying online www.ngv.vic.gov.au

100 Years of Fashion Illustration (PB) by Cally Blackman; Nelson Wall Clock, Multicolor Ball, George Nelson, 1948; Picasso, Girl Before a Mirror

Once bitten by the gallery shop bug, you'll find the urge to travel further a field. No, it's not enough to see great art and design, you'll need to snaffle it for yourself. Be warned: it's an insipid shopping disease! Mecca for such sufferers is the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York. Shop online to whet the tastebuds. Whether it's the ultimate coffee table book you're after, a George Nelson clock or a Picasso print, appreciating art has never been so rewarding!

Having adjusted to the Home Beautiful way of life – that is, stylists bringing back gorgeous pieces and the constant flow of ideas and stunning images – I am still amazed at the abundance of design in the world and all its facets. Lately, I've become intrigued by books featuring elements of design often overlooked. As a sub-editor, I work with words creating headlines and editing stories, a process which allows my eccentric attention to detail to surface.

I admit the following book is a little kooky but it has good intentions at its core. "Fifty Designers' Current Favourite Typefaces" is a varied compendium of favoured fonts from a group of contemporary graphic and typography designers. Compiled by designer James West of design and art practice Create/Reject, 100% of this little gem's cover price goes towards UNICEF's Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Children's Appeal, supporting those in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis that hit on May 2nd, 2008. Visit www.createreject.com/unicef for more information and purchasing details.

The second book I've craved for a while now, "Seven Hundred Penguins" ($49.95, Penguin) is a little tome showcasing the history of the humble book cover, with cover jackets of vibrant colour, quirky illustration and the trademark colour format of Penguin books. Our little penguin friend has also changed with the times. This gorgeous little collection would make a great coffee book or a perfect gift for your book-loving or design-savvy friend. For more details and a sneak peek, visit the Penguin website.

My mother and grandmother used to collect porcelain dolls and ornaments. By the age of seven, I had acquired my own collection, just large enough to warrant a dedicated shelf in my bedroom. I loved my ornaments and the very word 'ornament' itself was a joy to pronounce. I had a pair of white ceramaic kissing angels, an American easter egg with bonny hand-painted bunnies, a swan-shaped dish, a glass dolphin and a few Pollyanna-style dolls with literally porcelain skin.

Twenty-one years later, this chic trend (which, I like to believe, I had the ingenuity to recognise as a small child!) is back in a big way. All my favourite critters, including deer, owls, sparrows and rabbits, can be found immortalised – often mid-pounce – in smooth white ceramic. Sadly, my former collection has disappeared, one tragic accidental break at a time. Thank goodness for www.etsy.com, because I can now resurrect it with gorgeous new treasures, including these strange hybrid animals (pictured), perfect for people like me who can't choose between a kitten and an elegant lark...they are rolled adorably into one.

Check out The Runny Bunny store on Etsy.com, from $6. Postage to Australia is a mere $7 when you purchase more than one! For more ceramics and ornaments, pick up the August issue of Home Beautiful (out on July 14) – we've dedicated an entire page to them!

My current obsession at the moment is www.etsy.com. As a working mum, I have absolutely no time to shop for beautiful things so the Internet has become my connection to the shopping world. Etsy.com is an online flea market which brings together buyers and sellers of all things hand made. My latest purchase is this beautiful print of Paris by French artist Labokoff, which I bought for the incredible price of USD $30 USD (plus P&H).

Keeping within the Parisian theme, the latest recipe book to adorn my kitchen shelf is "At My French Table" by Jane Webster. The photography and design of this beautiful book will inspire you to sell your house, move to France and buy that rundown chateau just so you might enjoy the same culinary delights. The delicious recipes only add to this otherwise stunning book, the special design touches of which also include a red, white and blue ribbon page marker. "At My French Table" by Jane Webster, $59.95, Penguin Books.

This week, it's all about clever, individual pieces that look just like everyday accessories – with a twist. I am totally in love with this "Topple" light by designer Trent Jansen. It's so original – you have to "topple" the lamp to turn it on! A mercury switch inside is activated and you have the warm glow of a truly quirky piece of lighting. The gorgeous fabric shade and traditional base will fool your guests into thinking it's like any other lamp – until they knock it over! The kids are sure to love it too.
$450, available from Beautiful on the Inside, 45/322 Bourke St Surry Hills, Sydney.
Ph. (02) 9360 7733.
Website: www.beautifulontheinside.com.au

Here are a few of my favourite bird-inspired purchases for the month. I think I have a small obsession at the moment!

Hanging swallow, AU$13.99, haveyoumetmissjones.com.au
This gorgeous bone china swallow that perches on rim of a ceramic bottle looks absolutely beautiful on my mantle, with all my other ceramics.

Bird and branches decal
Decal, small $95, medium, $180, large $220, stencilgallery.com.au
This is a decal I bought this month to put on my wall. I love the idea of bring the outdoors in with these great removable stickers.

Night is calling
Photographics print by RobertSocha $35, etsy.com
One of a few prints I have bought on etsy.com. This 8x8 inch print is made from an original photo blended with a texture and color layer. I love the moodiness of the image and the technique used to print it.

Paper Bird
by cottonbirddesigns $45, etsy.com
I adore this little bird, created from an old French map in a guidebook dated 1921. A beautiful aged paper map, with delicate coloring and interesting text. A sweet little French bird! Completely hand stitched using embroidery threads.

Strolling down Subiaco's leafy shopping strip, stopping for a latte in Fremantle or driving down to the Margaret River, Perth fabulous homewares boutiques are always worth a look... Here are 4 favourites you must check out next time you're in town:

Post Emporium 23 View St, North Perth, (08) 9228 0373.
Haute couture fashion designer Aurelio Costarella has set up shop in an old post office building, stocking beautiful designer fashion and an array of coveted homewares and accessories.

Remedy 95 High St, Fremantle, (08) 9431 7080, www.remedyonline.net.au.
We love this store (and its whimsical website) – full of wonderful ceramics, handmade jewellery, hand-knitted children's toys, candles, soaps and exquisite stationery, it's a treasure chest of nostalgic pieces and one-off designs by coveted designers. They'll ship anywhere in Australia.

The Lemon Tree in Dunsborough and Margaret River; www.thelemontree.com.au.
This warm and welcoming store combines stylish homewares, furniture and a fashion range with old-fashioned country hospitality, with a friendly staff to help you find that perfect gift. You can also order products online.


Plane Tree Farm 275 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco, (08) 9382 1075, www.planetreefarm.com.
For beautiful products to liven up your bed, bath or living room, this store carries a stylish range of luxury bedlinen, gorgeous homewares, body lotions and perfumes, and babycare products too. The website has an online order service.

I'll admit it – I am a nostalgia hoarder. I can't part with anything. Despite being a neat freak, behind that tidy veneer lies dusty piles of everything. Some of my personal favourites are from my childhood – a battered, held-together-with-masking-tape copy of "Ballet Shoes" purchased for 40c when I was eight; my soft toy rabbit Blossom who I dragged with me everywhere; and my Enid Blyton "Faraway Tree" book collection, which kick-started my love of reading. So when I discovered Arthur's Circus, I was reminded of how carefree, innocent and wild with imagination and curiosity children can be.

This delightful store is a 'new original' treasure trove full of vintage, pre- and well-loved toys, vibrant technicolour illustrations and gorgeous trinkets. The Aunty Cookie softies and the brightly coloured spines of Enid Blyton's books reminds me of racing matchbox cars and reading stories to my younger sister and brother about far-off places in a wondrous imagined world. One of the owners of this nostalgia haven, Natalie Jeffcott, keeps a regularly-updated blog detailing the adventures of Arthur's Circus (named for her three-year-old son) and what is really touching is how much love she has for the store and the treasures it holds.

Visit Arthur's Circus, 631 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne, call 0412 713 202 or 0408 557 459, or check out www.arthurscircus.com. For those of us not lucky enough to be in Victoria, you can get your fix of 'more vintage inspired loveliness than you can poke a stick at' at Etsy or Big Cartel (www.arthurscircus.bigcartel.com) and be sure to check out Natalie's lovely blog (www.arthurscircus.blogspot.com).

Homemade in Manly

When we were planning our move to Oz back in rainy, grey London, sunny relaxed weekends by the beach were the motivating factor. So it was inevitable that we'd end up living by the sea – but, instead of gravitating to Sydney's Bondi, we chose Manly. While it's everything we hoped it would be – namely, sun, sand, and restaurants – it also has the added bonus of being a haven for homewares, a subject always close to home for any stylist.

Here are a few of my favourite shops:

For everyday items such as cushions, towels, blinds and kitchenware, Petersons of Manly is a regular haunt. Describing itself as a mini department store, it has been a proud fixture of the Corso since 1961.
Petersons of Manly, 17 The Corso, (02) 9977 2418

For the best of South East Asian design, take a trip to Epoch Design Centre. Stocking both antique and contemporary ranges, it gives you a real flavour for this genre, rather than the standard pieces you've seen before. The new lacquered art work is a particular favourite.
Epoch Design Company, 79 Pittwater Road, (02) 9977 3771

Nordic Fusion is an epicentre of Scandinavian design, and while it stocks all of the must-haves such as the Artichoke light and Marimekko prints (and clothing), it also offers the works of lesser-known designers such as Swedish company Pappelina (www.pappelina.com), who make beautiful plastic rugs.
Nordic Fusion 1/2 Wentworth Street. (02) 997 66033

It's hard not to fall in love with the cosy ambience of Desire Books. This ultimate preloved bookshop covers a carefully chosen range of books from classics to contemporary for the best-dressed bedside tables around.
Desire Books 3/3 Whistler St, (02) 9977 0888

Who says Manly is all about the beach...?

One of my favourite weekend pastimes would have to be the Hope Street Markets in Sydney's Surry Hills. Housed in an old warehouse, the markets run every couple of months and allow independent designers to showcase their wares to passers-by. You not only get to purchase beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces, but meet and talk to the designers as well – I love discovering what inspired them and how they came up with their ideas. It's shopping at its most personal, and feels so much nicer than handing money over to big corporations!

I thought I'd share with you a few of my favourite independent designers. For those in other states, fear not; they all ship Australia-wide!

Poppies for Grace (www.poppiesforgrace.com) is a Victorian duo who design the most exquisite handcrafted cards, invitations, writing sets, bookplates and prints. Perfect as a wedding or housewarming gift for those hard-to-buy-for types, you can either pick from their nature-themed collections or custom make your own.

Third Drawer Down (www.thirddrawerdown.com) has been on the design radar for a few years now but is definitely worth a mention because their collection changes so often. Their range of tea towels, aprons and table napkins are just brilliant because they are all individually screen-printed with a different designers work. (pictured left)

A particular favourite of mine is artist Geneine Honey, who runs label Love (www.lovehate.com.au). Her jewellery is to die for, and I adore chatting to Geneine when I order pieces for friends. Her 'I wish I was a real girl' range (pictured left) is so endearing – you will fall in love!

For more info on the Hope Street Markets, head to www.hopestreetmarkets.com

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