2013.. the year to embrace your space.

This time one year ago, I started Thinking Designs, a design blog driven by inner design to embrace my creativity.  2012 was all about embracing new challenges and saying yes to anything design related. I've had some amazing experiences, had fabulous fun and learnt a few things along the way.   

Whilst the primary driver for this blog was akin to a "electronic filofax" of design ideas, inspiration and sharing of like minds, it really has been rewarding to have touched so many people and hopefully inspired a few along the way.  

I've learnt that design is for everyone, as it not merely about cushions and colour samples, its actually about how spaces can embrace our lives and adds to the tapestry of our lives.  I've been inspired by my kids and their imaginations and really opened my mind to what tremendous fun design can invoke in our lives.  

For 2013, I see an evolution of this "create" theme, with a challenge of "Space" throw out to you all.  This year is the year to "embrace your space" both in your physical spaces at work and home but more importantly your mental space.   

Its easy to roll off phrases like... 

  "Step outside your comfort zone"  or 

  "Do something that scares you every day"  or

  "If you always do, what you've always done, you'll always get the same result"

But consider how clearing out your spaces will make room for much more in your life.  For example:

• Clean out the clutter in your homes -  A clean space will bring change and a new chapter to your life. Get rid of the old to embrace the new!
• Throw away all that paper on your desk..... we all know you're very important! The mountain of paperwork is holding you back, not to mention our environment.
• Change your rooms around. Much to my husband dismay, I do this regularly and love the sense of renewal it brings to rooms and my headspace.
• Set new goals totally far fetched and beyond your wildest dreams, the attainment isn't important. Its the journey that adds richness to your life.
• Let go of past hurt, its not yours to hold. Only you can hold your future and how you respond to it!
• Be kind to yourself and your fellow mankind.  The real hero's in our world are those battling mental illness so support all those amazing organisations like Beyond Blue and Black Dog and countless others, doing amazing things to help so many. Mental illness effects all of us at some point in our lives, so embrace the kindness you can give to yourself and others.
• Embrace your inner child - Have a Pyjama day at least once a quarter!  Jump on a trampoline, eat coco pops for dinner, make fairy bread and beat the kids to the swings at the park!  

And finally, my gorgeous 92 year old Nanna Winkle tells me that real happiness (and she means REAL) only ever really comes from giving to others.    Pay it forward and relish the joy of giving. It really is true!

So happy 2013 to you all and I sincerely encourage you to "embrace your space" and explore your physical and mental spaces that inspire you this year.  I wish you all enough time and space to achieve everything you aspire to in 2013. 

Now I'm off to find that bowl of coco pops...

Happy New Year!

Rebecca Ward    XOXO

West Elm and Pottery Barn opening in Bondi in early 2013

Thanks to a strong Australian dollar and increased internet interest, Williams-Sonoma is setting up shop in Sydney alongside Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm.

The exchange building in Bondi Junction is where you'll find them in early 2013.

Here's sneak pick of West Elm's goodies. I'm quiet smitten with their pendant lights.

Built in seats with LED lighting

Having a little family Christmas break in Noosa and finding inspiration everywhere.

Check out these built in bench seats with integrated LED strip lighting and extra wide timber planks as cladding. Very classic with the sandstone tiles and striped taupe cushions.

Coco Republics styles "The Church"

Coco Republic latest property styling is "The Church" at Moonee Ponds, Victoria.  Daring, brilliant and uber original. Well done to the team over at Coco Republic.

For full details, pop over to Coco Republic's site here.

Frankie. You've done it again

Beautiful modular seating for kids. Simply stunning new range by Noosh.

http://www.noosh.com.au/furniture.html

IKEA hack - single upholstery bed

Inspired. Jen from Organised Design has delivered an upholstered bed for under $100! Start with an IKEA Fjellse single bed frame.

Go crazy and try hot pink velvet with navy/pink cushions. See Aqua Door Designs for fab cushions.

http://www.organized-design.com/2011/02/how-to-of-bed.html

Vintage Treasures, a Brisbane gold mine for all things vintage.

Heres a post for any locals in Brisvegas. Looking for that Christmas gift with a twist? Check out Vintage Treasures on Facebook or visit at 1 Dan St, Capalaba. 9.30 - 2.30 mon-fri and all day sat.

Lots of fresh quality stock with some amazing prices. Support these guys as they are following their passion in building their business (which was launched in September of this year).

We wish them well as their continue their treasure hunt to bring these beautiful vintage pieces to Brisbane homes. Merry Christmas !

Here's some of their booty..

Chevron splash backs- Jute Interior design

I'm really impressed with This Californian kitchen, the creation of interior designer Alison Davin of Jute Interior Design. Classic Shaker cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, accessorizing only with a
bold and bright backsplash in my favorite aqua chevron print.
Source: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5656015/list?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u201&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery2

DYI "yummy" Christmas baubles

Inspired by my 5 year old who's all about recycling and reuse, this years wonky Christmas trees has a delicious edge to it. Miss 7 year old suggested we fill the clear plastic baubles with Lollies... Lots of different Lollies.

Here's the result. Lots of fun and a little different. Give it a go!

My Christmas wish list

Inspired by the fabulous new edition of Adore Home Magazine, I've compiled my top 5 Christmas list wish.

Adore Home Magazine - Xmas edition

Grab a latte and spend some time drolling over the amazing homewares in Adore Home Magazine Christmas edition.

It's starting to feel a lot like Christmas...

http://www.adoremagazine.com/read/

A little Xmas inspiration

Get creative this festive time with some funky Christmas treats... Get inspired!

Creative Outdoor Solutions (COS)

Creative Outdoor Solutions has been designing and constructing award winning landscapes in and around some of Melbourne’s finest properties since it was founded at the start of 2000. Check out these facades on these contemporary homes.

Type: Landscape Architects & Designers
Camberwell, Victoria, Australia, 3124
phone: 0398893329
web site: www.cosdesign.com.au

Hats off to Heisig Constructions Display Home at Rochedale.

I love display houses as much as the next person. Especially on a wet windy afternoon.  Okay I admit I have discerning taste and I like what I like.  I might be suffering from DHF (Display Home Fatigue),  . tired of the same themes, styling and layouts from leading project builders. 

So it was a breathe of fresh air, to visit Heisig Constructions latest Display Home at the Rochedale Estates in Rochedale, Brisbane, Australia.   http://www.yourhomebuilder.com.au/display-home

The instant "ahah" I felt at the front door, looking at the magnificent staircase, leading upstairs to the family breakout and bedrooms.  On the ground floor, I'm invited to the sitting room complete with Entertainment bar and french windows opening to the outdoor space. To wine or coffee that is the decision. And how refreshing to see the cluster of Chesterfield leather chairs instead of the obvious sofa configuration. Immediately I wanted to see more.

On entering the Kitchen, I'm hooked. The modern hampton styled mixed with subtle country finishes gives a elegant, new england feel, complete with impressive glass chandeliers.  What is impressive is the clever use of louvers, glass sliding doors (complete with hidden cavity) and bi-fold doors. Combined with high ceilings of the outdoor space, my eye is drawn to the cheeky fence "artwork" of 4 beachhuts. The pool is perfectly sized for the property and features an cleverly hidden pool shed and natural shade structures from the counter levered overhang which is the Main Bedroom Ensuite.

Upstairs is equally outstanding in finishes and layout. Simple elegance, large uncluttered bedrooms, all featuring a build in desk and cabinetry and half-mirrored build-its.  

The low lying windows  on the upper floor, are an area of interest to connect the upper and ground level. I love the use of louvers which are both highly functional, environmentally inspired and super stylist.  

My only suggestion is consideration to use the front sitting area as a double void, extending this space to be the modern family room complete with white marble fireplace and built-in shelves for a hampton styled library / modern family space.  Transverse the back family area into the entertainment bar/coffee nock with bi-folds windows opening into the pool space, for convenience for pool side parties and clear visibility for parents watching the kids swim, whilst preparing meals. 

The good news is all Heisig Constructions build custom homes and full renovations so all tastes and budgets can be accommodated.  

I was impressed, as were the Judges at the HIA Awards, awarding Heisig Constructions a string of awards including 2012 Brisbane/Toowoomba Display Home award for over $500k.

The 2012 Queensland GreenSmart Energy Efficiency Award went to Heisig Constructions (Qld) who were also awarded 2012 Queensland Bathroom Project. Heisig Coonstructions (Qld) also won Brisbane/Toowomba Awards for Display Home over $500,001, Kitchen Project up to $30,000, and Bathroom Projects up to $20,000 and $20,001 - $40,000.