Gazebos

My outdoor gazebo finally fell down in a strong wind recently. It is the middle of winter here but I figure now is the time to start planning for its replacement. Here are some lovely examples of what is possible. Should I go all white and light or rustic and floral?

California Dreaming

I am getting nervous as the day Simon Kenny comes down to photograph my beach cottages is drawing near...

I submit other people to the terror of having their houses photographed for magazines regularly. And to the torture of being grilled on their decorating decisions... but hate having the cameras turned on me. I'll admit it.

In the meantime I am loving these photos from House Beautiful of a 1938 beach cottage in California. The all white backdrop with hits of green and pink is a nice change. The odd piece of vintage furniture is always fun at the beach.

Palm Encore

India Hicks adds Caribbean style to her rooms with palm fronds

Not since I was a teen have indoor plants been cool. Martha Stewart invited hem back in a few years ago (or did they ever go?) but maybe that's because she lives in a colder climate.

Anyway, I have been contemplating the benefits of indoor gardening myself lately. It's not just the benefits of cleaner air, I'm even warming to the idea of a potted palm in the beach house living rooms. At its best the palm is a little bit India Hicks in the Caribbean. At its worst it reminds me of unimaginative office foyers.

So this weekend I might venture into that most stylish of nurseries, the plant section of Kmart, which may be the only place where the fishbone fern, african violet and potted palm still thrive. Think outside the style square...

High-rise Makeover

Many people live in modern high-rise apartment blocks these days and it can be a real challenge to create a welcoming interior in what is basically a space that is more "office" than "home".

New York designers have been tackling this problem for years and this dining nook makeover by Celerie Kemble (from House Beautiful) is a great example of how they use fabric and texture to soften the hard lines and completely ignore the "office" room structure.

The banquette makes the corner particularly cosy and the circular rug defines the dining space.