Happy New Year All

Christmas day was a lovely day with my family and I hope your day was special too.
Our gorgeous summer weather has been temporaily suspended with a rather large dose of rain - however, I am looking forward to 2012 and to seeing the hot summer sunshine back very soon.
Charlotte Minty Interior Design wishes you a Happy New Year and have a great evening. Roll on 2012!
Enjoy this summery hallway from an Italian apartment found in Sibella Court's new book, Nomad.
Photograph via Remodelista.

Christchurch Rumbles Again.

Christchurch was dealt another blow yesterday - several serious aftershocks shuddered through the city, causing more damage and undoing the hard work that Cantabrians have been doing over the last six months. The psychological damage would be enough to defeat most people and at a time when they should be relaxing with family and friends.

My family and I all have lovely homes and to know that Christchurch are dealing with uncertainty, damage, breakages and liquidifcation - it is at once humbling and heartbreaking.

I have overseas colleagues and friends expressing their concern and dismay at the latest event.

Christchurch - our heartfelt thoughts are with you and I hope in this difficult time, some calmness and brights stars come through for you.

Photograph for Birdsintrees via April and May.

Merry Christmas All

It is Friday and only two days away from Christmas. It has been a lovely week - relatives arriving in town, friends are getting engaged (congrats Sarah and Richard!), the sun has been shining and everyone is starting to relax while looking forward to the up-coming holiday break.
It is great to conclude a year, which has been difficult for so many, and to look forward to a fresh start next year. I only hope that you are all with loved ones on Christmas day and to take the chance to cherish the good things in life. Merry Christmas all.
Photograph bia Liebig Partie.

A Stylish and Simple Finnish Christmas

Spotted on Nordic Design - this stylish Finnish home simply decorated for Christmas in black and white with hints of gold and copper. Lovely.
Photographs via Lily.

Glossy Black Doors

I had my last client meeting for 2011 yesterday morning! My work load is easing off and there are only small jobs left to do before Christmas.
My lovely client has recently had her house re-painted and yesterday morning, I was admiring the fantastic glossy black front door when I arrived. When I entered the house and looked back, it was white on the inside - just like all the interior doors. I made a suggestion to my client to paint the inside of the door in glossy black as well - the door has great character details and it would look more grand. It would also distinguish the main exterior door from all the other doors. She loved the idea.
I know many people don't mind having different colours on either side of the doors but I am all for same colour on both sides...always! How about you?
Here's a lovely entry way with glossy black doors from the home of Courtney Love.
Photograph via Remodelista.

Simple Italian Holiday Home Surrounded by Olive Trees

A pathway leading to the guest room.

A peaceful outdoor area under the olive trees - the seat cushions are made from coffee bags.

The living area with a bedroom located on the mezzanine.

A fireplace in use.

The simple mezzanine bedroom.

The bathroom's basin is carved from a block of stone.

Recycled timber has been used for the kitchen joinery.

A seating area in the heart of the olive grove.

The guest room.

It is one week to Christmas and as we wrap up our working year, I sense that everyone is just knackered and looking forward to their much needed break. I am too!
Here is a peaceful and simple holiday home in southern Puglia, Italy that just begs one to relax and take their time. Belonging to Bolognese architect, Mario Constanzi and his wife Francesca, this former farm building is surrounded by stunning mature olive trees. Nice.
Photographs by Henri Del Olmo via Cote Maison.

Bedroom in a Barn

Spotted On Remodelista - this lovely barn bedroom scene with a divine cow blanket! This is a range of bedlinen designed by stylish actress, Diane Keaton called K by Keaton and sold in the USA through Bed Bath and Beyond.

Read Keaton's Q&A here about her design choices and ideas for the bedroom.
Photograph via Remodelista.

Bright, Fun and Stripes

I noticed this great living room from Design Sponge a couple of days ago - pretty much anything that has stripes, like these cushions and rug, will always catch my eye! Then I was taken by the wayside to something else.
Today I got an email from my lovely friend, Adriana, based in Washington DC complimenting the same photo as a 'fun and bright' space. I agree! See the rest of the Vancouver home owned by graphic designer, Nerissa here.
Also check out Nerissa's cool online store called The New Domestic, which has these super cool bags called 'Bon Journey' - how cool is the yellow one?
Photograph 1 via Design Sponge, Photograph 2 & 3 via The New Domestic

Christmas Flowers from Ikea

Amaryllis - Christmas Queen

Parrot Tulips

A single Ranunculus

Here are some lovely simple Christmas flowers inspiration from Ikea's Livet Hemma (Life At Home). It is less than two weeks until Christmas Eve and Livet Hemma has some great inspirations for an enjoyable Christmas - go on and have a look here (make sure to translate the pages to english so you can read their advice).
Photographs by Nina Broberg via Livet Hemma.

The Lovely Work of Kara Rosenlund

The kitchen from Rosenlund's Brisbane home.

I have started up a 'small practice' group with two other interior designers, which I think is great! I was always jealous of my father's and my sister's small practice architecture groups that they belong to. When you work on your own, having a support group to talk to is just so lovely and there is just so many issues to keep on top of.
Another thing that you can share is your sources of inspirations and Kerryn (from my cool new 'small practice' group) told me about Kara Rosenlund. Rosenlund is based in Brisbane and is a talented stylist, buyer and vintage wares retailer. You can check out her website and blog here. Also her home was recently profiled on The Design Files - you can read about it here.
Photographs via Kara Rosenlund.

A Classy Norwegian Interior Moment

Spotted on Emma's Blog - I like this Norwegian interior with the sideboard and its lovely collection on top. This is beautifully composed and looks classy.
This photograph is from a Norwegian book called Naturligvis (Naturally) by Kirsten Visdal.
Photograph via Emma's Blog.

New at Minty & Co - Preloved and Reborn Drawers

Today I am loving the latest additions to the Minty & Co store - these two sets of preloved and reborn drawers.
The large drawers were worse for wear when I found them and they needed some serious TLC. After the restoration, they were refinished in a great donkey brown. These useful drawers would look great in a bedroom or as sideboard for a living/dining area. Take your pick.
Meanwhile the smaller drawers with the cute retro legs have been smarten up in a sophisicated grey to suit any bedroom and any age.
I have used classic satin chrome flat round pulls on both sets of drawers to stylishly finish them off. What do you think?
Photographs by Charlotte Minty for Minty & Co.

Subtle and Simple from Uh La La Ceramics

Here are some beautiful Danish ceramics from Uh La La. These plates and bowls caught my eye with their subtle colours and simple shapes. These would be a pleasure to use as well as looking at, don't you think? Find out more about the ceramic artist here.
Photographs via Uh La La.

Colourful World of Gorman & Castle.

Here is the colourful world of Castle & Gorman. 

Castle, founded by Rachel Castle, is well known for her crisp bed linen and one-off colourful artwork, has collaborated with well known Australian fashion house, Gorman to create a limited edition fashion range which includes pillowcases, towels and clothing. Nothing beats a jolt of colour and pattern to get anyone out of a funk.

Photographs via Castle.