lily-g

A new blog

2009-08-26T23:51:00.002+10:00

Our new blog can be viewed at www.lily-g.com.au. Our website is about to be revamped but we will keep you up to date with the changes

Time out

2009-08-05T20:23:00.002+10:00

I'm in need of a blogging break so I'm signing off for a few months but will keep my lily-g customers up to date via our newsletters and in-store promotions. I have such wonderful blogging friends and I will be keeping up to date every week with all of your wonderful posts. Thank you for all the lovely comments made on my blog, every comment is cherished and I look forward to visiting you all often xxx

Happy birthday

2009-08-04T20:17:00.002+10:00

Happy birthday Jess, I know you read my blog every day and I just wanted to say how much I love you and miss you (even though its only been one night) xx p.s you look gorgeous in that dress!

More linen love

2009-08-03T13:14:00.016+10:00

My inspiration for Spring Summer 2009. I'm loving green and my store will be filled with decorations, cushions and beautiful linen in this fresh, summery colour. I love green back with pinks, whites and linens.

Spring @ lily-g

2009-08-03T11:41:00.009+10:00

I have long been inspired by the beauty of products made in France and Italy. Products today are often mass produced, at times great craftsmanship and beauty of fabric is over looked. On the weekend I had the pleasure of meeting an Italian gentleman who was passionate about quality and lasting beauty in his products. His range of bed-linen a delicate blend of linen and cotton in stunning toile prints gorgeous stripes and custom made linen made by job as a decorator a whole lot more inspiring. I love the fact that linen can be collected and shared over generations not merely disposed of, I'm thrilled to be the stockist of this stunning range.

Our colours for spring/summer are fresh apple greens, duck egg blues combined with linen in stripes and toiles, hot pink and pretty pink.

2009-07-30T19:38:00.011+10:00

Today we started early with the truck filling loads of stock for a decorating job on the Gold Coast. We have fully renovated this stunning holiday apartment with panoramic ocean views right on the beach. Our client is such lovely person with a great sense of style, she wanted a classic, timeless feel, a place to relax with family and friends. We will have the job totally completed by the end of next week. I'm so happy with the out come but I don't want to show more until we have completed the rest of the job.

The boy's room was a very difficult space to work with so we couldn't do bed heads due to the window, the end result I'm really happy with, we still need to add the prints on the wall and a sideboard to finish the room.

Parts of the sofa made it up 35 floors but unfortunately the lounges did not make it, sadly by just a few millimeters they just would not fit in the lift, even though we checked several times we ended up being slightly out, thankfully they are going to be pulled up the high rise building on the outside.....very nerve racking especially for those below!! but the end result will be worth it!

A sneak peak in the bedroom, the wallpaper is only on one wall and the other walls are blue with white trim, white linen sheers keeping the room fresh and crystal lamps with white silk shades sit on the custom painted white commodes, a sideboard in pressed silver will complete the room. The room is nearly finished and I will post the final look later in the week.

We have teamed the cushions up with lots of white scatters, we had to use carpet as a requirement of high rise unit living, but it actually is a lot lighter than my photo, we used lime washed timber floors in the kitchen.

A close up of our ottomans, this gorgeous embroidered fabric looks more amazing in real life

my camera was playing up and over exposed the photo.

Under the coffee table will be lots of magazines for holiday reading. The curtains will be made of white linen sheers with lots of fullness with the lounges and finishing touches still to be completed. The entry is wall-papered in tones of silver, taupe, greys and white in a beautiful classic pattern the same as the bedroom but a different colour way. A french style cupboard is going to be filled with lots of white and taupe crockery, crystal glasses and decanters, lots of fresh white flowers will complete the room.

One for the boy's

2009-07-29T20:01:00.011+10:00

When I started lily-g it was a very girly shop, over time our male customer base has increased hugely and we often find the guys lingering in the store and enjoying reading the books and generally just browsing. Our latest collection of vintage luggage, cigar box trunks, aged leather chairs, silver telescopes, leather bound note books and Italian monogrammed wax stamps has been a welcomed addition to our range. My partner Paul now works full time at lily-g due to our growth and our plan to open more store's, it's his influence that made us think of the boy's in our life too.

Lily the flower girl

2009-07-28T19:08:00.006+10:00

I fell upon this beautiful children's website called www.teaprincess.com.au and instantly found the flower girl dress for lily. Initially I wanted more of a tutu style but I just fell in love with this dress and had to order it, simple but very pretty and I love the hair style too. The pink dress I purchased for the day after the wedding isn't it gorgeous!

Little girl heaven

2009-07-27T16:49:00.008+10:00

Hard to believe this is wall-paper. My daughter Lex would love this in her bed-room, in fact I would even love it in my office, quirky fun!

New in-store we are loving the new range from lazybones, great for the grown-ups too, available in pink, white, green, black and cream with tufted cushions to match. Canopy nets also available.

Loving patchwork wallpaper for the girls, great for a nursery too!

This would be lily's favorite colour scheme, I love mixing red with hot pink it makes a gorgeous combination especially for young girls.

Vintage lace wall-paper is an entirely different effect but just as pretty and would make the perfect back drop for any colour scheme. All papers available at lily-g

Garden Ideas

2009-07-23T21:08:00.002+10:00

Planning the gardens would have to be the best part about buying a property in the country. Although I have not yet reached that part in my life, you can only imagine the endless ideas running through my head. A chessboard for the kids, the vintage bench seats in the garden and a glass of wine in hand sets the perfect scene...

Fashion New's

2009-07-23T20:36:00.005+10:00

I have had several emails in regard to our on-line store so I wanted to give you an update. Our latest collection of fashion will be available for purchase online as of next week, and we will be adding new pieces as they arrive. As for our home-wares we are keeping the online store small initially and working on it over the following weeks.

New pieces

2009-07-21T22:07:00.003+10:00

New furniture pieces are starting to arrive in store. I'm loving the recycled work bench ideal as a kitchen Island bench, sideboard or even as an out-door piece of furniture.

Our gorgeous new french chairs with studding detail look great in a library, lounge room or even as a bedroom chair.

Wedding Dress

2009-07-19T09:28:00.008+10:00

Both Paul and I feel like we are married, we have children together, share a home and Business together and experience the highs and lows of raising teenagers, we share our dreams and plan for the future. As we plan for our next chapter of our life it includes officially getting married! yep that means plan a wedding, buy a dress etc...

Last week-end at Byron while we were house hunting we stopped into Victoria's at Ewingsdale a beautiful country estate that the web site does not do justice. Well in a matter of 30 minutes we booked out the entire estate and planned our wedding for the 28th of November 2009. The owner was surprised that we had not even looked at other venues and that we had not even set a date till just at that moment, I guess that's the beauty of being impulsive!

On our way home we rang family and friends, my head was swimming with idea's on decorating the table, flowers, photographers but also wanting to keep the second time round simple and to be honest I don't want to mortgage the house to pay for a wedding!

THE DRESS!!!!!.....well this is the bit that I'm not loving at 42 the body needs lots of toning up, a 5 kilo weight loss plan and if I had the time probably a boob lift and lipo would be an added bonus! I started the exercise plan last week, I joined the gym and my friend Claudine is my official personal trainer. By the second day I could barely walk and my thighs which I gave a double work out, five days later are still shaking!! During my time in Melbourne my legs continued to shake and I complained non stop...that night as I was showering in the hotel I noticed on my groin this red lump only to discover I had a huge tick! yep! a tick which is a paralyzing spider that kills animals and probably explained my shaky legs! After lots of laughs and jokes, tick removed all was well, how I got the tick is still a mystery unless I picked it up from the country house hunting a week ago!

Anyway back to the dress......I was hoping I could just but a dress off the rack but since I'm a 14 and not my well planned size 10 by the wedding I need to get one made. Paul and I were walking the streets of Melbourne only to walk past heaps of wedding dress shops, after lots of hesitation we walked in to one store and Paul spotted a gorgeous vintage lace gown but very clingy and perfect for Barbie. The lady in the store was very insistent that I try a few on, I refused as I told her I need to lose 5 kilo's before I even dare to venture in the change room, with the pressure from the lady and Paul I squeezed into stunning vintage gown, how embarrassing how I got the size 8 dress on me still has me amazed and it looked terrible. Dress number two made me look like a marshmallow or perhaps better described I looked like the wedding cake! to add matters worse the room was filled with 20ish old girls all size 6 wanting me to parade my marshmallow....horror, I should be here dressing my daughter for her wedding, I'm more than comfortable to be mother of the bride. Paul and I both agreed I need simple, elegant no fuss and a gown flattering to my curvy shape, kilos and all. Third gown later Paul ordered a stunning beige satin dress (of course I live in beige why not wear it too!!!) that is very simple and very much my style and we both loved it, now I just need to drop 5 kilo's!!!

Buying trip

2009-07-15T22:01:00.002+10:00

Just a quick post before I leave for a buying trip to buy lots of new and exciting furniture and home wares for our store, I will be back on Monday and wish you all a great week xx

Pretty in pink

2009-07-13T11:17:00.008+10:00

Our new address books in store now, make's a perfect gift.

Love the wall panelling and the entire room, mannequin included!

vintage lace: Sarah Kaye photography

I love this photo of Lily, just a bundle of pink, fast asleep, what a life!!

I can so see me in the country riding my pink bike in my high heels ha! Ha!

A Vintage moment

2009-07-13T10:08:00.013+10:00

In two weeks time, Bangalow (Byron Hinterland) will be having a Vintage Fair which I'm so excited about, in-fact I think we should organize a girls week-end what do you think girls?

I will post all the info later today. Images from Sarah Kaye photographers and stylists.

week-end post

2009-07-11T18:18:00.009+10:00

I could not resist posting images from Vicki Archers "My french Life" garden in the south of France. Her birthday party for her daughter would have been amazing and can be viewed via her blog www.frenchessence.blogspot.com. Her garden is Heavenly, the beautiful furniture, the flowers, its a feast for the eye's. I'm especially in love with the iron furniture, the day-beds and the amazing bird cage that I really want to own desperate really!!!! don't get me started on the Chateau!!

I'm continuing my house hunting in Byron hinterland tomorrow and I'm dreaming of having a garden just like Vicki's I think I could even sacrifice the Chateau just to own just a piece of this beautiful landscape.

Have a lovely weekend xx

Velvet pears

2009-07-08T07:50:00.011+10:00

I absolutely adore the book "Velvet Pears by author and gardener Susan Southam. I have read the book from cover to cover and every page was a pleasant surprise. I have always loved beautiful gardens but I was never much of a gardener, I suppose in my busy life I just never slowed down enough to appreciate how soulful and rewarding gardening can be. This beautifully illustrated book is a diary of a passionate gardener with a beautiful story to tell.

A grown up story book you will love.

you can email us at lilyg1@bigpond.com if you would like us to send you a copy xx

Making a statement

2009-07-04T13:21:00.013+10:00

I noticed when I was in France last year European magazines featuring beautiful homes that used dark wall colours in shades of dark grey and rich warm chocolate tones. Contrasting with lots of white or oak timber finishes creating a unique and different look that had lot's of appeal.

part 2

2009-07-04T12:37:00.010+10:00

Using timber through-out the home keeps the charm and character of these beautiful homes

The kitchen is simple but very tasteful and stylish, love the style of the chairs too.

What a great idea to create a study nook, using timber feature paneling. My partner Paul loves this idea for a den, simple but warm and cosy.

In our next home, my partner Paul wants his own Den i.e A boy's space" he wants tan aged leather Ralph lauren chairs, the chandelier above, a wine cellar and a fireplace with a t.v so the boy's can smoke cigars, play pool and I suppose talk boy talk! Keep dreaming honey!

The images I have used are from a new book that we are selling at lily-g. I snapped up my copy immediately as every page is fabulous. The company called Mi Casa based in Europe are without doubt the leaders in building stylish timber homes. The company is owned by two very talented men Jean-Luc Lidou and Marc Noreillie. The book is a must have and a brilliant read, full of inspiring pictures of stunning houses and beautiful Interiors. This company shows how with good taste and simple elegant style you can have a timeless home that only gets better with age, now all we need is to have them building in OZ!

Hampton's part 1

2009-07-04T11:18:00.009+10:00

What I call Hampton style is really my version of a timber home filled with character. I know a traditional Hampton, long island style home has wood grey shingles but in Australia we simply do not have access to the unique materials required. The photos I'm about to post are all materials we can access and achieve in design.

"Timber homes are stylish, cosy and timeless, homes which exude a warm homey feel" quoted by Mi Casa. The photo's I have used are from a new book we are selling at lily-g featuring the amazing Mi Casa building company in Europe.

I often tell my clients when using timber its important that your windows have timber surrounds, giving the window more bulk and definition. In this image the surrounds have been featured in a taupe colour. I would only recommend doing that when your walls are white not coloured. When building or renovating replacing aluminum windows can be very costly and not always achievable, by adding the timber surrounds and using white timber shutters it can at times fool the eye in to thinking they are timber windows, of course the windows need to be the same colour as the surround for this to work. I often tell my clients that if they don't want to spend the money on timber windows then to at least spend it on all the external french doors, it really makes a difference or blow the budget and go timber all the way for the ultimate look!

Love this internal staircase with the dark timber top rail and treads. Oh! to have a curved staircase, that would be magical!

A beautiful house must have a cubby house or a garden shed....it must be made of timber and match the house to really pull it off!

Lots of french timber doors to complete the look. I like to add windows above the french doors to make the doors taller and I feel it makes a greater statement, but again it depends on your roof height whether you can achieve this look.

Beautiful Coastal towns of America

2009-07-02T19:30:00.004+10:00

This week was the arrival of lots of new books at lily-g. I'm always on the hunt for American style books featuring homes from Long island, Nantucket and the Hamptons but with very little success until today!

Over the week-end I plan on posting lots of gorgeous homes, that is of course if I can work my new scanner!!!

Dyberg Kern

2009-06-30T18:25:00.008+10:00

Also arriving in-store this week is our latest Dyrberg Kern collection of Jewellery. Gold is back...leather cuffs bracelets inspired from Designers like Gucci and D & G are the hottest season looks for spring 2009. The hard part is not wanting to take it all home x

New season fashion

2009-06-29T15:26:00.011+10:00

Our Fashion store is filling fast with stunning spring fashion from Twin-Set Italy, here is a sneak preview!

European lighting

2009-06-29T13:38:00.009+10:00

When I was building my home I struggled with finding European lighting that is legal to use in Australia. Our new collection of lighting is very extensive and if your interested in any pieces please email me lilyg1@bigpond.com.au

All dressed in white

2009-06-27T09:04:00.008+10:00

In my next home I'm definitely heavily lime washing my timber floors, putting it back with lots of raw oak and white for a simple classic look. I adore the raw oak beams, the gorgeous kitchen stools with the linen skirts, the old brass lighting. The arches in the first photo with the wall panelling peaking through, divine..... its all about using lots of texture when working with neutrals.

lily-g

2009-06-18T18:09:00.004+10:00

Tomorrow is officially my first day of my holidays, it has been over a year and half since my last holiday. I'm really looking forward to just relaxing, reading, long walks and dinners out with Paul, spending time with my family. After a week of computers crashing, I can receive emails but cannot send them, at home I can send them but can't receive them, urrggg.....computers drive me crazy! It has been a busy frustrating week, finalizing jobs, starting new ones, unpacking new stock etc... I'm just a Moody Judy who just needs a good rest. We are spending the week at Noosa and on Saturday we are going to Eumundi markets which I always love. The photo of Lily was taken on our last holiday isn't she cute? Why is chubby so cute only when we are little? All I can say is thank goodness its winter and I'm wearing track suits all week :)

Have a great week-end

Judy xx

Inspiration

2009-06-18T17:46:00.003+10:00

Brooke from Velvet and linen in America would have to be my favourite designer, her work is so inspiring and she is so incredibly talented. The make over of this bathroom is stunning and very stylish. I love the wall panelling, the vanities which look more like furniture pieces and the dressing table, I especially love the timber floors with the tiled area giving the illusion of a rug, the fabric ottoman will add the perfect touch.

In a perfect world

2009-06-16T21:41:00.009+10:00

This would be Lily's cubby house

My puppies would own this gorgeous bed and I would be the proud owner of this glorious back yard

I would live in this home......

Country living

2009-06-15T18:58:00.008+10:00

After a day in the Byron hinterland it had me thinking of my next dream house. I would love a home as above ( but it would be half the size) definitely painted white, a beautiful garden and it must have a huge fig tree, we want a house that we can renovate but finding one with character is proving to be a lot more challenging, we are just looking at this stage but I suppose we are just exploring and getting to know this beautiful piece of paradise as we continue to dream.

What a Week!

2009-06-12T07:43:00.002+10:00

I'm so sorry for the lack of posts all week. We were invited to an exclusive Riviera Maison Xmas showing in melbourne which was so much fun. The logs fires, the snow capped tree's, the old sleighs and ski's decorated the room's which were filled with decorations and delights. It was Xmas in July and the freezing cold weather set the scene perfectly. I have now completed all my Xmas buying, hard to believe when its still 6 months away!

Wednesday was our Interiors night at lily-g we showed the latest fabrics and wall-papers and design ideas, we had a guest speaker on Designer rugs and amazing footage from Tricia Guild (Designers Guild) talking about her inspiration and design process, did you know it takes a year of work to produce one collection! Champagne and delicious food flowed through the evening, the night was a huge success.

I have had so many calls in regards to our online shopping. We turn over so much stock in our retail business that every time we load images they sell before we have a chance to load it on to the site. We have had to re think the way we are going to tackle this project and hopefully in the next few weeks it will be up and running, finally!

Have a great week-end, I can't wait to visit all your blogs and see what I have missed out on xx

Lily's Room

2009-06-08T15:59:00.006+10:00

I had fun re-arranging the furniture in lily's room over the week-end, her bedcover was looking tired so I found a gorgeous pink stripe quilt that looked so cute in her room. Most of her accessories I have found in junk stores and markets which adds to the fun. I found an old ottoman, painted it white and re upholstered in a scrap of DG fabric.

White Inspiration

2009-06-08T14:27:00.010+10:00

I often use white as my inspiration in my decorating, always crisp, fresh and always in style. Its the perfect back drop for colour. Add a delicious palette of warm whites- vanilla, biscotti and cream and you have decorating menu made in heaven!

Garden Love

2009-06-04T14:21:00.005+10:00

We have just started a small gardening section in lily-g with gorgeous tools and accessories for your garden. Our grey stone pots from france are sold in the wooden boxes, the pots would look great with herbs and flowers placed in rows on a window ledge.

Our Hampton's inspired bird houses look fabulous in the garden, I just love the idea of attracting birds to my garden.

French Market basket

2009-06-02T22:17:00.005+10:00

If only I lived in France..... I would only have to visit the dreaded shopping centre once a month for cleaning supplies. I would no longer have to fight for a car park and try as I do to steer that trolley that end's up being like a gym workout. Why are the trolley's designed to move sideways?

Every shopper always seems to look miserable, fighting with the kids who seem to want every preservative, coloured food item that is perfectly placed in there view, or is it when you realize that your trolley is full, yet you still have nothing for dinner?

At the check out you then realize you left your recycle green bags at home and now the guilt really sets in as your kids preach environmental issues as once again I use plastic bags. Did the food chains not realize that we would prefer neutral coloured bags perhaps linen, just kidding!!!

On the other hand if I lived in France I could have the pleasure of shopping in the fresh air, soaking up the atmosphere that I so love, picking up fresh flowers, buying real bread from the Baker and perhaps a treat for the kids from the local patisserie. I would then use my market basket and feel quiet stylish, just like the french have always done.

We now have a local market once a month in my area. The gourmet delights and fresh produce fill our park overlooking the bay, we meet up with friends, laugh have fun, try before we buy and fill our french baskets to the rim. Now that is what I call grocery shopping, shame its not every week!

Our French Market baskets are now available for children too, how cute are they?

Bathroom Style

2009-06-01T08:38:00.004+10:00

I only wish this gorgeous store was in Aussie, I'm totally lusting after this free standing bath. In my design work I'm leaning more to less tiling and turning my bathrooms more into beautiful rooms using pieces of furniture, chandelier over the bath, special mirrors and beautiful accessories. visit www.brissi.co.uk

Designers Guild Collection

2009-05-31T20:15:00.005+10:00

Our Designers Guild collection of wallets, stationary and accessories have arrived in store. I'm just loving the beautiful gold fabric purses and leather embossed wallets. I'm also dreaming of my next bed and this is definitely on my wish list!

Happy week-end

2009-05-30T08:41:00.005+10:00

I'm sorry for my lack of posts and visits the last few weeks. I mentioned we are creating new systems in our business, we started by employing an operations manager (big word for me He! He!) so that all I have to do is the fun part create, buy and design.We now have a retail floor manager, decorators and admin staff that will make us "iron out our creases" so to speak and provide even better services to our clients. We want to expand and grow our interior design business to become a team of decorators. The recession is keeping people home more, they are entertaining at home, having dinner parties rather than dining at expensive restaurants. My customers are wanting us to help set an impressive dining table, add new curtains to there home, sometimes its just small little touches they are after, some wanting a complete make over. I'm just loving that are homes are becoming a place we love, not modern minimalist spaces that lack any character or style. The old crystal is coming out, linen tablecloths, candles and beautiful flowers, tables are being filled with books and family photos are back on the wall.

A home is becoming a Home! But that's just my opinion, what do you think?

A New Blue

2009-05-27T18:11:00.007+10:00

I'm always looking for a new direction in colour, this season we are moving away from our classic Navy blue to more of what I call a mid summers blue. Light, fresh and crisp, looks great teamed back with lots of white.

A Blue moment

2009-05-26T20:24:00.007+10:00

A small display inside our store featuring over favourite duck egg blue scheme. Our shelves are always changing, after spending all day Sunday at the shop the shelves are again filled with lots of new pieces. www.lily-g.com.au

Part of our new Designers Guild range of cushions arriving in store, I'm mad about Birds and I just adore our new cushions.

A stunning bed range from Designers guild, I just love this beautiful vintage bed, perfect for that country house!

Thank you

2009-05-22T17:06:00.003+10:00

Thank you to all my customers for nominating Lily-g in the Business Achiever Award. We were very excited to be nominated and I cant thank you enough. Two years ago we actually won so fingers crossed we can do it again!

Have a wonderful week-end and thank you

Judy xx

Vintage Love

2009-05-21T20:48:00.004+10:00

'Picture this,' walking into a room that immediately takes your breath away.

The fresh white linen, a vintage guilded ottoman, chandeliers and a touch of fashionista glamour...what more could a girl want?

This post is for you Jess xx

Vintage LV luggage

2009-05-19T19:47:00.012+10:00

When louis Vuitton in 1854 designed and introduced high end steamer trunks and luggage, I wondered if he really understood that his monogram would be possibly be one of the worlds most sought after product. His monogram label has been counterfeited by the best, sold in every market place and reproduced million of times, yet it still is one of the leading designer brands of the world. He actually produced the first designer brand in modern history and his brand is considered the symbol of status around the world. I was amazed when I very stupidly starting obsessing about owning a vintage chest to use as a coffee table, did I really understand the magnitude of owning a vintage LV chest? Is a price range of $15,000-$50,000 unreasonable for a coffee table a vintage one at that! I suppose its a lot like my no brand black luggage that goes around and around on the conveyer belt at the airport, clearly unidentified because I forgot to to add my signature, designer, gro-grain ribbon! Oh to be a star or Royalty and own such beautiful luggage even as a coffee table, maybe in my next life time :)

Happy week-end

2009-05-15T17:34:00.011+10:00

I love collecting gorgeous white jugs and clustering them in my kitchen cupboards, filling them with flowers and simply using them for every day use, all of these beautiful pieces are available at lily-g.

This week we were photographed by home beautiful, unpacked loads of boxes and worked on several interior jobs keeping me very busy. I'm looking forward to having tomorrow off work, going to the farmers Market and taking Lily to her first ever tennis lesson. She is only four and half so it should be very cute to watch. Have a great week-end with your family xx

Kitchen Love

2009-05-14T18:31:00.010+10:00

Like white houses my second obsession would be white kitchens with lots of overhead cupboards to display beautiful crockery. I'm amazed how many people have beautiful dinnerware and rarely use the pieces. I recently bought a pink cup and saucer from royal Albert and was told on purchasing the item that they would give me a 2 year warranty against any breakages i.e if you chip it, break it, they will replace the item free of charge. As a shop owner I was shocked that the offer stood for two years, her response was, they want customers to use there beautiful pieces and that if porcelain is not used over time it will weaken and possibly crack from no use, so the message girls use it and enjoy, display so you don't forget you own such special pieces and fingers crossed it doesn't break :)

2009-05-12T06:45:00.009+10:00

"There is no more sure-fire combination than blue with white- it simply won't date" no wonder more people list blue as their favourite colour than any other. From royal blue, to aqua, and the palest of duck egg blue's, shades of blue are incredibly easy to live with..... quoted by home beautiful.

Happy Monday

2009-05-11T08:03:00.003+10:00

Just a quick post as its Domestic Goddess Day! I have every Monday off work but today my house is in desperate need of a big clean so I'm off on my broom.....

Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-08T19:02:00.013+10:00

Wishing every Mum in the world the best mothers day, I'm sending you all this beautiful bunch of Magnolias, Have a great day with your family xxxx
How many times do you lend a friend a book to never see it again, of course it's never intentional it just gets forgotten, but now with our book stickers it will give a very subtle reminder. xx
I'm loving our white magnolia jug, handmade in Italy. I have only purchased the jugs for the store but the range includes a full dinner setting which can be ordered on request.
Beautiful vintage linens passed down generations, where do you find it? I need to go market shopping in France, I so want to go........

Our new collection handmade in Italy
Beautiful platters make entertaining so easy

Our Vintage mannequin in our fashion area displaying just one of my jewelry designs

Simple, casual and always beautiful who doesn't love white!

Our raw oak lamp bases add a casual charm to any interior whether you use a simple plain shade or cover in a bold Fabric they look great either way!

I'm loving our new coffee table available at Lily-g soon

I have several major interior jobs happening at the moment all requiring beautiful sheers, one job has spectacular ocean views but the windows need a softness and a filter from the sun. Our latest collection of sheers are simply divine and I cant wait to use them!

Baby Shower Love

2009-05-06T19:04:00.011+10:00

I had such a lovely day on Sunday preparing for my friend, Claudine's baby shower. Her Daughter Evie, is due in a few weeks time and us girls had so much fun preparing for the day. The beautiful Evie is already loved by her many aunties who have spoilt her rotten and yet she hasn't even been born! Marnie and Shannon helped me with the day by doing the beautiful stationary and helping out with the food. We had such a great girlie pink day!

My favourite cupcake in a batch of beauties! I cringed when the girls starting eating because they looked just too beautiful! But somehow we managed, it was tough but someone had to do it!

What's a party without the most famous cupcakes ever? Don't they look amazing? Sharnel and Keren you really are so clever, a very BIG thank you xx

The mum to be Claudine, looked absolutely radiant (far right), Marnie next to her is also expecting, so it's baby fever amongst us girls! (Except for me - too old!) I'm the baby sitter, the party planner and nursery adviser!!

Preparing the table before the guests arrived. It proved to be a challenge decorating a table for so many people, but lots of flowers always does the trick! Every guest was given a linen bag to fill with sweets to take home and yes it was a struggle to buy pale pink and white lollies to keep with our theme!

What is a baby shower without a few games which provided lot's of fun and laughter!

Shannon made the beautiful invitations and name tags. Every guest received a french gold travel candle as a gift, they smelt divine.

I think I raided every market to buy as many pink vintage cups for the the day. Claudine has named her daughter Evie so I had all the napkins embroidered with her initial 'E' for the baby shower. Hopefully she can use them for Evie's special birthdays, christenings etc..

More Photo's

2009-05-06T18:36:00.004+10:00

More photo's of our fashion night can be viewed in next weeks south east advertiser or by visiting the website http:/south-east-advertiser.whereilive.com.au/photos/

A Fashion Night

2009-05-05T19:38:00.021+10:00

Last week we had our in store fashion parade showcasing this seasons winter fashions at Lily-G. Before the rooms filled with people we were able to take a few shots of guests arriving, friends socializing and lots of fun and laughter. The gorgeous models from Vivien's Model Management showed off our winter fashion beautifully with most of the pieces selling out on the night! It was such a great night and loads of fun and I hope to share lots more photos through the week.
Great food from "In a pickle' our local favorite cafe provided us great food and wonderful service!

Friends and customers gathered together for a night of fashion and shopping, the night was photographed by Quest Newspapers and all social shots will be featured in our local paper this week.

Michelle and Sandy enjoying the fashion parade and catching up!

My gorgeous friends Claudine, Shannon, Mel and Sharon - they looked picture perfect on my antique sofa!

Last week my brother Mike spent the entire week analyzing my business, going through my systems and basically organising my entire business. I'm a decorator, love buying gorgeous pieces, styling, merchandising and selling but shocking at the paper work, I hate that part! But believe it or not I am now proud to say that I'm the Queen of Systems and goals!

All thanks to my brother who is always my greatest supporter, I must say he really enjoyed the fashion parade too : )

A successful business means great staff and over the years I have had such wonderful girls. Lauren who has been with me for years has always shown me loyalty and friendship. She is studying interior sesign but is also a qualified decorator and florist and is hugely talented and will have a great future. I'm just enjoying having her at Lily-G until she is famous!

Jo was one of my best customers and now one of my amazing sales girl and friend. We can talk for hours on decorating and hopefully oneday she will let me blog about her gorgeous home on the Gold Coast decorated in her favorite black and white theme. I have had a sneak peak and its gorgeous! She is also our Lily-G 'Social Queen' and a beautiful motivated person inside and out.

More photo's of the night can be viewed on www.south-east-advertiser.wherelive.com.au/photos/gallery/lily-g-fashion-night/

A Country Cabin

2009-05-05T07:27:00.005+10:00

I love collecting photo's of country cabins/shacks and gorgeous houses. I would have to paint the walls inside this cabin white, but at the same time the contrast does look great and give its a more natural feel to the cottage. I just adore the collection of old clocks on the wall and the entry say's it all "A Happy Family lives here!"

Have A Great week-end

2009-05-01T16:51:00.003+10:00

Now that is my idea of Camping!

This week has been such a great week and I can't thank you all enough for the lovely comments made by phone, email and through my blog. Last night we had a fashion parade in our store which was such a huge success and loads of fun. We had photographers take lots of photo's of the models and guests even some night shots of lily-g, We are even starting social pages on my web-site for all the events coming up this year in store. I hope you all have a great week-end and I'm so looking forward to catching up on all of your fabulous blogs xx

The love of Blogging

2009-04-28T23:19:00.004+10:00

I'm just going to say what I really feel as this is my 50th attempt to make this post, three glasses of wine later and the blurb is about to begin. I was shocked when my blogging feature made front cover of Brisbane News with the very talented Anna Spiro from Absolutely Beautiful Things. Six years ago after 17 years of marriage I was divorced with no income and very little confidence in myself and my ability, my self esteem was on an all time low and I knew I had to find a way to make an income to support my family. To cut a very long story short I opened Lily-g with no business plan,very little money but with a determination to succeed. For me it was never about the money it was to prove to myself I could do it, and in all honestly without my family and regular customers I probably would never have survived the late nights and long hours, the stress of money and trying to survive in tough economical times. The highs are dealing with the lovely people I meet every day,my staff and blogging friends,

working with beautiful products and days like today. Thank you Lucy xx

Fashion Parade

2009-04-28T08:53:00.002+10:00

Thursday night at 6.30pm Lily-g will be having a fashion parade showcasing Winter 2009. If you live in Brisbane and would love to attend please contact our store on 07-32179662. The night should be loads of fun, a shopping night with friends to try on all this seasons fashion while we provide you champagne, nibbles and a fashion parade with the gorgeous Viviens models, hope to see you there x

Have A Great week-end

2009-04-25T13:53:00.002+10:00

I would love to spend the week-end lounging around this pool, a few cocktails, a great book but instead we are painting and working in the garden, maybe next week-end, I'll keep hoping xx

Idea's and Inspiration

2009-04-22T22:03:00.008+10:00

I'm loving this months NZ House & Garden Magazine, like lots of house magazines you can often buy it only to be disappointed by the content and lack of inspiration but I can honestly say this does not disappoint. I often post images of grand homes but I love posting homes that are equally as beautiful, not huge, but filled with character and style.

A closer view of the inside of this quaint pool house. I will definitely use this idea in my next home.

I just love the idea of a pool house but if your funds are limited keep it small and stylish, the secret is to add walls so that you can create built in seating, add wall lights or candles creating an outdoor room that you can use and looks stylish.

I have an obsession for white timber houses (as you can tell) I want to start renovating homes as a side line Business with my partner, so I'm gathering heaps of inspiration, i'snt this home just gorgoeus? I love, love, love it and look what's in the backyard!

Now thats what a call a grown up cubby, loving the idea of the outdoor cafe in your own home, what fun entertaining. If I had the funds I would love to build this in my back yard, I can so see me serving cupcakes to eager little children on lily's birthday party or afternoon tea with my girlfriends, hubby thinking great Bar for the guys, studio/office I could go on and on....

L'plunge Day Spa

2009-04-21T20:42:00.012+10:00

Its hard to believe over a year ago I worked with the very talented Karen Cash from L 'plunge Day Spa. Her dream of owning her own Day-Spa took a few years to evolve, but like most dreams it takes hard work and determination and she succeeded in creating this beautiful unique Spa in the Bayside area of Brisbane. I was asked to help her create a concept and to do the Interior Design work and to be honest she was a pleasure to work with as we both had a similar vision of creating a Spa with a difference. At the time Asian spa's were the norm, we wanted to create something different, totally unique and very girly and feminine. The pink room was catering for teenagers and girls who love pink, while the other rooms catered for both men and women. I haven't posted all the rooms as you need to see it for yourself, only the best skin care and treatments are provided and each spa experience is a unique, special experience. I have known Karen for a long time and I have always found her very inspiring, I was just thrilled to work with her and to help create her dream. visit her web-site on www.lplunge.com.au

White love

2009-04-20T10:27:00.010+10:00

I'm blogging today slightly jet-lagged from a whirlwind shopping trip in Hong Kong. We actually shopped till we dropped and I'm totally exhausted and now need a holiday to recover! I have come home to a very sick little girl so this will be a quick post.

I love neutral interiors for their flexibility and ease of living, the images posted are from Slettvoll, so simple and stylish and would work in most homes. I have also posted a gorgeous country kitchen and a stunning dining chair that I personally would love for my home.

Blue and White

2009-04-13T15:58:00.012+10:00

Just a quick post before I leave for Hong Kong with my girlfriends for a week of shopping and fun! I thought I would do a post on Blue and White my all time Favourite colour scheme, some are older images from RL and recent looks from Slettvol just shows that the look is classic and timeless!

Happy Easter

2009-04-07T17:34:00.010+10:00

I'm spending the Easter break with my Family at home just relaxing and doing the odd day trip to the mountains, having a picnic and just spending time with the kids. Sunday we have family coming over for lunch and I have themed my table with lots of fresh flowers, silver eggs and bunny's tied with duck egg blue ribbon, pretty napkins and gorgeous cupcakes and biscuits from The Cup Cake Company to compliment my theme, problem is will they last till Sunday? I hope you all have a great Easter and lots of yummy treats too! (lily-g will be closed over the Easter break, back open on Tuesday)

Homes & Gardens

2009-04-06T17:46:00.010+10:00

What is a beautiful home without a garden? My obsession for timber homes has been with me always. I love the character, the way they can so easily adapt to change with just a simple coat of paint, by adding french doors or adding a guest house to compliment the character of the home. My point is that they can easily be renovated or updated without completely changing the look of your home. I think I'm rambling here but maybe the pictures speak for themselves.

Have a great week-end

2009-04-04T17:34:00.001+10:00

Linen Sheers

2009-04-02T13:04:00.005+10:00

This beautiful new range of sheers are a delight to work with, they create softness without block out, they look great on french doors or to soften the look of shutters. I'm using this range on a job at the moment, the client has a beautiful garden and wanted to be able to look out but still wanted to create softness to the rooms through drapes.

My Daughter

2009-04-01T18:01:00.003+10:00

I was so excited when having my morning coffee reading the local magazine when I spotted my daughter Jess (in black) with her colleague Johanna. I am bragging I know, but WOW she is really grown up and such an amazing girl who I'm so proud of in every way. Jess started working at Vivien's Model Management late last year, and call it coincidence or just sheer determination, but she has carried the Vivien's business card in her wallet for years! She said to me once as we walked pass the Sydney office that one day she would work for this company not as a model but working actually in the management, recruiting and being involved in the industry on a different level. Years later she got the job and is loving it! I'm one proud mum!

Bangalow part 3

2009-04-01T17:30:00.005+10:00

I never stop talking about my pursuit to live in Byron Bay Hinterland. I spend every spare minute on real estate websites hunting for my dream home. Now if you know me personally you will laugh because I can never stay in one house for long. I love building and creating but the more we explore the idea of moving our family, the more challenges we face both professionally and personally. So we have another plan! We are going to down size our home and renovate an old Queenslander or Colonial style home, and base ourselves in Brisbane then use what we have left to buy a holiday home in the Byron hinterland. We then can test country living on a less permanent basics and if we love it, then we can take the big leap. The only problem is finding a country holiday home on our budget. Well then I found this house and Bingo!!! perfect, love, love, love it! perfect holiday house except, Its SOLD! I can't tell you how disappointed I am, how selfish of the buyers not to keep this treasure for me! Just because I have not sold my home or simply do not have the money is irrelevant Ha! Ha! On a good note we are now super motivated to finish our landscaping and to get our home on the market asap. As for this gorgeous home, why do I love it so? First its the tree, I must have a big tree and a backyard for Lily and our puppies. Its white (of course), love the guest house and to put it simply, its our perfect country cottage.

Black & White

2009-04-01T07:05:00.007+10:00

The Black and White collection also launched by Ralph lauren this season is typical of his classic style. I'm loving the black and white teamed back with stunning antique timber pieces and neutral colours. I'm using this collection at the moment on a stunning home in Brisbane and will be launching the collection at lily-g this month.

Vegie patch heaven!

2009-03-31T20:38:00.003+10:00

Now that is what I call a vegetable garden complete with a shed that is really more like a grown up cubby house, very cute indeed!

Have a great week-end

2009-03-28T07:36:00.007+10:00

This is our new range from lazybones arriving in store this week, the gorgeous soft quilts with knotted tuffs in a large selection of colours, vintage cushions and my all time love, the quilt made up of vintage hankies patch worked together. How gorgeous is that quilt?I'm definitely getting one for my lily, I can so imagine her room in our country house with an old iron bed and this delightful range.

This months Country style features this talented designer and the article is styled by our very own Shannon Fricke.

Summerhouse

2009-03-26T18:08:00.010+10:00

The Summerhouse collection by Ralph Lauren is a look I would love in a Country/beach home. The mix of causal pieces with antiques, blue ginger jars creates effortless chic! I suppose I love this style because it never dates easily adapts to change i.e adding different fabric would create an entirely different look. I could so image relaxing with a cup of tea (depending on the time :), feet up in that gorgeous chair, overlooking lush green hills with the ocean in the distance... Bliss!

(All of the Ralph Lauren fabrics and wallpapers from this collection are available at lily-g, we can custom make cushions, re-upholster or supply fabric. Email me for any enquiries.)

Chateau life in Australia

2009-03-23T16:30:00.010+10:00

I just love the gardens of this beautiful Chateau in Victoria. The gardens are filled with lavender, Radox Bouquet, heritage roses and other traditional planting. The Anduze pots planted in english box sit beautifully in the garden with the bench seat perfectly placed. All around the slender pencil pines stand to attention. Paul Bangay talent for garden design is reflected in this property and his website is well worth the visit www.paulbangay.com.au

Weekend Post

2009-03-21T10:31:00.010+10:00

My weekend starts with breakfast at the Farmers Markets with friends, buying fresh flowers for home and spending the rest of the day re-arranging and sorting my cupboards (Long over due). Tonight is an easy night relaxing with my partner Paul with a good bottle of red, pate from the markets and a movie. Sunday the Manly girls are off Antique shopping at Paddington in pursuit of a bargain!

If you have the Saturday Courier Mail turn to page 41 both myself and Anna Spiro (ABT) have been featured in our stores talking about the world of blogging. In all honestly I would have rather been mentioned for my amazing contribution to world peace or perhaps my charitable side, friendly good hearted personality or perhaps my great mothering skills Ha! Ha! but for me is all just a bit of light hearted fun, meeting like minded friends and having a laugh at myself xx p.s Thank you Paddy but I'm 41 not 37 but I'm forever grateful :)

Old world Charm

2009-03-20T19:14:00.003+10:00

I love this photo of an old window placed on an aged wall no doubt in the country of France, a simple day bed understated but still very beautiful.

Our vintage crazed porcelain bowl with bronze dragonfly sits beautifully on a sideboard or bathroom. Back in time I can imagine an exotic tropical Island, shutters, mosquito net over a four poster bed, a marble bath, candles with an exquisite piece of french milled soap inside this beautiful dish available at lily-g.

Stationary Love...

2009-03-19T08:32:00.006+10:00

As you have guessed I have gone stationary mad at Lily-g. I'm always using sticky notes to mark my photo's, recipes and notes at work so when I discovered these gorgeous assorted sticky notes I had to have them. The file organizers, note books, wrapping paper all compliment this botanical story and would brighten any day working in the office doing boring paper work!

Lot's of Green @ lily-g

2009-03-17T08:29:00.003+10:00

Most of the glass candle holders are from $19 and make an inexpensive statement. Mix the candle holders with vases of flowers and the setting takes on a different effect. I have a small sideboard at home that I have clustered candles and vases together and at night it looks gorgeous with all the candles burning.

A letter to you

2009-03-13T07:11:00.007+10:00

I am loving our new stationary range from Poppies and Grace, all handmade and beautifully presented. This range will be for sale via our on-line shop which should be up and running in the next 2 weeks. Their is nothing nicer than receiving a hand written note, thank you card or special message from a friend. The spotty paper with the bird is actually a posty note, how cute. I hope you all have a fabulous week-end and I'm looking forward to catching up on all your posts xx

Cooler Days

2009-03-12T16:41:00.005+10:00

Thankfully the days are getting cooler and I'm looking forward to spending time in the garden. This season at lily-g I have gone gardening mad, buying all sorts of gorgeous gardening tools, pots from france for the herbs, vintage watering cans, old reels of string with scissors even Burberry looking rubber boots! I'm even going to try my luck buying potted hydrangea's for the shop and for my home, they add such a lovely burst of colour.

Chandeliers

2009-03-10T16:37:00.006+10:00

The beauty of a Chandelier adds such a timeless appeal to your home, I have just installed the top chandelier in my lounge room and it looks amazing. This particular chandelier is a reproduction but with old crystals salvaged from Antique chandeliers. They look so authentic and its actually Artisans who create such beautiful impersonations of the real thing. The good news it's a lot more affordable. Our chandeliers and antique pieces are starting to arrive in store now.

Bringing back memories

2009-03-10T08:00:00.004+10:00

I am definitely past this stage, but I just had to post these beautiful Nurseries. This is how a nursery should look, beautiful antiques, pastel colours. My darling lily is rebelling she said, " Mummy I want a rainbow room with lots and lots of colours" she is paying me back for depriving her of colour!!!! Have a great day.

Bangalow Part 2

2009-03-09T08:33:00.010+10:00

The house hunting continues! On Saturday we spent the entire day looking at property in Northern NSW. Our priority list: Rural View, 5-20 acres, near the beach and Bangalow, A huge fig tree, a home with Character that we can renovate. Keeping in the budget and trying to find the above is no easy task but lucky we have lots of time and we plan on finding the perfect property for us. I am so impulsive that its hard "just looking" at this stage, but we have so many things to work out. I will be living half the time in Brisbane, running my store and the other half living the country life, but I'm up for the challenge!

Gretel house is in Eureka, I was very surprised to find this gorgeous area so close to Byron, the tree lined streets and the entire area is so beautiful. We have not been on the property yet but we drove past and loved it. The property is only 5 acres which could be perfect and more manageable, apparently there is a guest house and seven bedrooms, again this property has lots of potential but no view which is on my priority list.

Lornsmere House built in 1917 by the Scarabelloti Family. I noticed this home on the internet but it wasn't till seeing it in reality that we became interested, finally the agent is showing us houses we love. The positives: tennis court, pool, big fig tree, a studio, a guest house and beautiful gardens. The negatives, the house is over priced, the owners have gutted the kitchen and the living space is small, the entire house was built the wrong way around, the entry to the back of the home. We would have to add an extension for a living area and kitchen. The studio and the guest house is in ruins and would need to be completely re-done but we love the prospect of that. The guest house we would convert to a B&B and the added income would pay for maintenance on the property. The down side not one Macca tree, we have either 3000 tree's or zero!! It would be a complete renovation and repaint but if we could get it for the right price its our first real option and only 8 min to Bangalow and 15min to Byron and the beaches.

We have decided that buying a coffee plantation may be a little to adventurous, Just because we love drinking it doesn't mean we can produce it! looks a little daunting!

The creek behind the property supplied drinking water to the Scarrabellotti family before town water. My children would love this water hole.

Regardless my number 1 priority is to have a large fig tree, Sorry Lily I'm thinking a chandelier and a large old french table under this beautiful tree!

This picture is from another property and worth millions (out of our budget) but I can see us having our glass of wine, camp fire watching the sun set, Stress, what Stress!

Week-end post

2009-03-06T16:12:00.002+10:00

This week we have re-painted and wall-papered the store, completed a stock take and start the big job of re-decorating and unpacking boxes of new stock. We are having a day off tomorrow and planning a Day at Bangalow (Byron hinterland) and then its full steam ahead. I hope you all have a great week-end

Judy xx

Beautiful Pieces

2009-03-05T07:46:00.006+10:00

I have never really loved heavy dark antique furniture but light timbers and painted finishes like the blue table below appeal so much more to me. I would love to use the table on my deck or under that big oak tree.

Bundling old books together is a great way to decorate, I collect books from the markets for my shop displays and for home. I tie the books with string and at times I have attached a special charm or like the image above from Marley & Lockyer Etsy shop, a feather to add a special touch.

Ginger Jars

2009-03-03T18:17:00.003+10:00

I'm a huge fan of decorating with Ginger Jars, clustered or standing with other pieces they always make a bold statement. We have ordered several different colours and designs. The green is going to work beautifully in my fashion area that we are busily revamping, the parrot book-ends are very special too!

The Simple life

2009-03-03T09:16:00.005+10:00

The last few days I have had the Flu so staying in bed watching Martha and Jamie Oliver has been a rare treat fever and all! Jamie cooking at home, by the creek, his abundance of fresh herbs, his relaxed attitude to cooking. I just love the Idea of growing my herbs and vegetables in my back-yard, getting the family involved and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Jamie's garden is my inspiration all I need is lots of land and a running creek!

Friends...

2009-03-01T20:16:00.011+10:00

This post is for my friends (Marnie, Claudine and Shannon) who love high-teas, collecting beautiful vintage crockery and decorating the table for any occasion. The girl's and our partners had a fabulous Breakfast on Sunday overlooking the bay enjoying our new found friendships which I know will last a lifetime. Thank you M for such a beautiful quote, I will always remember xxx

In a few months time I'm putting on a Baby Shower for Claudine. We are planning a gourmet Lolly Buffet with gorgeous vintage urns. Hand embroidered linen bags will be supplied to fill with sweet treats for the guests to take home (thanks Sharnel and Sally for the Idea) and of course lots of cup cakes from the Cup-Cake Company.

Have a great week

Judy xx

Have a great week-end

2009-02-27T22:44:00.002+10:00

Its been a crazy week of mixed emotions and I can't thank Vicki Archer (French Essence) enough for posting such a heartfelt message that was so beautiful to read and very true in every way. I often blog late at night and in the morning look at my blog and cringe at my bad grammar only to be told off by my daughters who love checking up on me. I really need to wear my glasses! I hope you all have a wonderful week-end. xx

Back again

2009-02-26T16:56:00.004+10:00

I really don't expect any comments on my blog because you are going to think I have lost my marbles! Well it goes like this, I went to my computer and did my afternoon ritual of sitting behind my blog and went to visit ABT blog, its handy Anna being A because she is on top of the list and then I remembered. I then got up and walked away and then sat down again, husband is laughing because I couldn't help sneaking a peak... walked away again, I can live without my blog, I keep telling myself, I need to get a life!!! Well it's like alcohol you just can't go cold turkey. My plan after so many calls, lovely comments, emails and gorgeous customers encouraging me to continue and I will but at a slower pace and a little more lily-g focused. I may not get to make so many comments but at least I can share my inspiration, dreams and loves.

My last Post

2009-02-24T20:54:00.002+10:00

Over the week-end I thought long and hard about whether I should continue my blog and decided that today would be my last post. I have loved meeting so many people, I still remember when I started blogging in the early days receiving a comment from Vicki Archer and nearly flipping out with excitement that she read my blog and boy did her book sales in my store triple that week!!! Visiting Brooke site at Velvet and linen and drooling over her amazing style, I could go on and on as you all have such inspiring blogs. If you are interested you can visit my website www.lily-g.com.au to join our mailing list. Take care xxx

Pink for Girls

2009-02-24T11:13:00.006+10:00

Having four daughters I'm lucky only one hates pink, so us girls love obsessing about all things pink its such a pretty, cheerful colour not for every one but I personally love working with it especially in girls bedrooms x

A bit of modern with a shabby touch, what a pretty room for a teenage girl, I couldn't handle that much pink but my girls would love it!

A very pink Armoire filled with glorious treasures and beautiful vintage pieces.

I'm always talking about my next house but I would love my daughter Jess to have a study for her and I to share, not fussed on the chair so I would have to upholster a gorgeous chair in an amazing fabric.

Blogging from Sydney!

2009-02-19T19:51:00.004+10:00

I have arrived in Sydney this morning to attend another trade event to buy lots of new exciting pieces for my store, I'll be back in a few days with lots of exciting new pieces to share with you x
(I'm not sure but I may have taken this image from one of my favourite blogs Velvet & linen can't be sure but visit her beautiful blog any-way!)

New pieces available at lily-g

2009-02-18T08:46:00.009+10:00

When Ralph Lauren launched his Mayfair collection, I went on a pursuit of finding a similar bed bed for lily-g at an affordable price. It has taken some time but its now available with so many other pieces to compliment the range. Mixing natural linen to the black softens the look and the canopy of curtains surrounding the bed in a polished soft linen looks very elegant and stylish! All fabrics and Wall-papers from the RL collection available at lily-g

A touch of black

2009-02-18T08:33:00.003+10:00

Love the touch of black in this image sent to me from one of my suppliers. I love the contrast, the ottomans and the bench placed perfectly at the window, the set of prints on either side adds perfect balance.

A touch of blue

2009-02-16T08:11:00.005+10:00

I'm madly in love with this setting, I'm going on the look out to find these gorgeous outdoor cane chairs (ebay perhaps) I have noticed them in RL stores and I just love the design, the fact that they are white and of course the fabric makes me want them even more, does anyone know where I can find them? (image from coastal style mag)

What a great room, the ottoman kept simple is a striking piece on its own and the mirror adds a striking feature, the cushions are similar to an Andrew Schmacher fabric we are using at the moment. The chairs opposite with the mix of fabrics completes the look of this gorgeous room.

I'm obsessing over the latest RL wall-paper, I posted last week the taupe version which we are using in-store, but i would love to use the blue one too!

Botanical Fabrics

2009-02-15T17:16:00.003+10:00

I'm loving the fresh greens and blues in our latest collection of botanical print Cushions.

Week-end post

2009-02-13T20:30:00.002+10:00

The last fews days have been very hectic at my shop and I'm looking forward to relaxing over the week-end with my family, after a horrific week of tragedy and loss I hope this Valentines day bring love and happiness to you all x

A touch of Grey

2009-02-11T06:54:00.006+10:00

I would love to cluster a few of these candle lanterns in a huge tree over a table. The rust colours team back beautifully with raw oak and french oak furniture, This season I have noticed a huge shift towards these finishes. Arriving in-store now!

A beautiful room in France, love the ottoman table and the ceramic stool, The stone fireplace is stunning and the brass vases holding wood on either side create balance to the eye. I'm still looking for an old aged antique mirror for above my fireplace but I want the glass to be aged too not an easy find I'm discovering.
we have a similar sideboard on our floor but we have 15 draws in ours, the same grey wash and recycled top, I would love to take it home but hubby won't let me as It would look great on my deck (boy! men can be so mean!!!) lucky for him I think its going in an interior job of mine.

A touch of black

2009-02-10T08:23:00.004+10:00

how stunning is this fabric room divider, the simplicity of the chaise and the mirrored table provides simple elegance. The wall mounted light adds the finishing touch.

Loving the wrought iron panel as a feature at the end of this hallway, the chair sits beautifully against it, great idea for a difficult decorating spot
This is probably why I love white houses you can change your out door look without repainting the entire house, the black and white colour scheme is broken up by touches of yellow.

Relaxed living

2009-02-09T12:19:00.008+10:00

I love these images of beautiful green grass, out-door settings, bench seats under tree's. I especially love the old lamps featured at the centre of this table. The fabulous photo of the family own this gorgeous home, very envious x

Fire appeal

2009-02-09T08:20:00.004+10:00

As many Australians today and over the week-end witnessed the tragedy of one of Australia's greatest natural disasters. The Fires that have ravaged Victoria are horrendous and the death toll staggering and still rising. These people have not only lost loved ones but they have lost everything, there homes, memories and lives of loved ones. My sister 10 years ago lost her home to a house fire and i'll never forget her desperation as she asked me to brings clothes for her and the children, to realize at the point she didn't even have the basics is such a reminder to what these families are about to go through and it breaks my heart. I asked my husband what could we do to help and we came up with an idea, Our home-wares/fashion store is having a huge clearance sale, today we are packing it all up and donating it all to the families in need. So to all my lily-g customers who read my blog our sale has officially ended today in help of others.

A weekender

2009-02-07T17:46:00.005+10:00

From school house to country living this home purchased in a neglected state for US $30,000 was renovated with a playful spirit and turned into a weekend retreat by owners Jason Nixon and John Loecke. I love the fun colours and the quirkiness, the plates on the wall even the chandelier of this gorgeous looking home.