Christmas is almost upon us. Thoughts go into over drive regarding food, presents and when the Christmas tree should go up.

Is it just me or is the season of fairy lights and Santa Claus adorning suburban front yards starting earlier?  In our house the tree has only ever gone up on Christmas eve and comes down January 6th and not a day before or after. I am bucking that tradition this year.

Yup I think I’ve officially turned into the “grumpy old woman” and am just not “feeling it” this year.  2016 has been filled with challenges locally and internationally.  The economy no doubt has had a huge impact on most suburban homes as it has ours.

My true feeling about Christmas is the people you spend it with and reflecting on those who are not as fortunate. With this in mind I decided to do a simple tree made from dogwood branches sprayed white and decorated with silver balls and tiny fairy lights. Ok I still like the sparkle of Christmas!

From my floristry days I had kept some tulle that was placed inside a large glass vase. The branches were kept in position using dry floral foam. I love the challenge of being creative using new and existing homewares, flowers etc.

I picked the oleander early morning and used it as a “filler” to present a Christmas feel to my buffet. With a few candles and ornaments it came up a treat.

The best bit it didn’t cost anything as I used what I already had.

Merry Christmas to all my friends and family 🙂

Down sizing, de clutter, minimalizing, scaling back, or letting go of “stuff” that only stifles one’s life and gives the inanimate object power.

How cathartic to be able to donate to a charity shop, friend or worthy cause and to free up space in your home, wardrobe or office.

Most of the time we don’t wear half of our clothes, or keep an item for “someday” and the same would apply to home wares or even kitchen aids, cook books and a myriad of household items that no longer serve a purpose.

Why not earn a few dollars and do a SWAP Meet or if you want that warm fuzzy feeling of doing good, drop off unwanted items to your favourite charity shop.

It can seem daunting to take on such a task but honestly once you get going it really is amazing how much we don’t use.

If you want 2016 to be a stress free, lighter and brighter year in your home or office and need advice on “culling” those unwanted items please call or email to arrange an appointment.

I am also available to help restyle the available space you have now gained or even to reinvent a use for a treasured item that you just can’t part with!

I look forward to working with you and meeting you all in 2016.

Ruth

Mobile 0409 686 929

Recent clients Graham and Diane wanted a modern look in their family room.

After I reviewed the space and adjacent rooms, as well as finding out how well used the family room was, we agreed to meet at a leading Furniture Store and select a made to measure modular.

ABOVE: Three very out dated  sofas.

After careful consideration of their space I felt their best bet was to go for a modular sofa which not only was practical but filled all of the floor space. This then gave the room a streamlined appearance.  A Warwick fabric was chosen in a heavy commercial grade which is fantastic with all those lovely visiting young grand children.

The cushions were updated by choosing different shapes and texture. It was a bold statement using a faux fur in mustard but this complimented the recently  purchase batik art work with an African theme.

Bold geometric patterns as well as earth tones were used in the cushions.

The beautiful existing glass coffee table may need to be removed to free-up the floor space.

An alternate option would be to use side tables or magazine racks which could be placed at either end of modular for drinks etc.

The Rope floor lamp was a great addition to the right of the sofa.

By selecting a feature area in your room stories begin to evolve. This could occur from travels you made where a print you sourced becomes a wonderful framed reminder of that special trip, thus creating individuality, warmth and interest.

A  collection of glass paper weights add impact when grouped on a coffee table enticing the viewer to admire the collection. A collection could be made up from anything you like for example-heart shaped boxes in glass, wood, or china or all in the same medium.

Have fun and don’t be afraid to try different groupings/collections until you find the one you love.