great bones

I love old buildings! I love the sense of history you can feel when entering one. No matter what city or country I get the same reaction, even when well preserved you can still see and feel a little wear around the edges, which makes such a great contrast to the new additions (if done well of course!).

It's the layering of time on the building, the creaky floor board, the worn stair tread, the beautiful high ceilings with intricate details and traditional craftsmanship. Old buildings have such great bones, with minor or major upkeep!, they create a great backdrop to a modern lifestyle and furnishings. It's all in the contrast!

In a magazine tidy up last week I revisited some old mags and stumbled on some forgotten old buildings!

insideout - lifestyle issue 2007

a Belgian home

I love everything about this picture. The floor detail, over sized elements, the muted tones against the black and white contrasts!

The stripped back timber staircase is just beautiful.

The over sized pendant and mirror work so well too.

uk elle decoration - dec 2008

Can I move into this apartment in Paris!

It's the home of an Australian fashion designer, Martin Grant. It has such a great moodiness to it!

I love the eccentricity of some Paris interiors, I think it's part of the reason I love French films! I saw the film 'Hunting and Gathering' recently, which has a beautiful/eccentric/old Parisian apartment as it's backdrop. A new French film out this week 'Summer Hours' gives another glimpse at an old Parisian home, can't wait!

The muted tones, exposed beams, rustic but chic!

Great floorboards again, paired with some design classics!

The atmospheric painting of the tree is by Aboriginal artist Butcher Cherel Janangoo.

The splash of vibrant green!

insideout - may/june 2009

I haven't finished reading the latest inside out mag but had to share another home in France. It is also featured in a fantastic book I have, 'Remodelling Country Homes', which showcases old buildings given new life through modern additions.

The contrast of the metallic bronze silk shade against the concrete works so well! And this used to be a barn!

Lots and lots textures!

belle - oct/nov 2007

A new (old) favourite! I have a white moroccan ottoman and have been looking for the perfect chair to go with it, I think I've found it!

remodelling country homes - 2008

Great contrasts, emphasised again with the modern furnishings paired with a classic chair silhouette.

insideout - sept/oct 2007

In the spirit of great bones!