What little girl didn't love a secret garden? All you needed was tiny patch fringed with flowers that was safely tucked out of sight from tea-party-ruining older brothers. It's a sad day when you realise you're far too grown up to be gathering up your dolls and escaping into your dream world and that's why, dear readers, I was thrilled to stumble across Lilifields on Oxford Street in Sydney. This former terrace house is a one part florist, one part curio and homewares store and, as you discover as you make your way through to the back, one part secret garden café!



You can imagine my delight as I ushered my girlfriends around a table under a wide umbrella for an afternoon of tea and homecooked treats. Lilifields is the best way to revisit your childhood, and this time round it’s even sweeter, given the cake is made from chocolate instead of, erm, mud.

Lilifields 210 Oxford St Paddington 2021
(02) 9368 1366
Mon 8–4pm
Tues–Fri 8–5
Sat 9–5
Sun 10–3

Green future
With a bub on the way, the list of things one 'absolutely must have' gets very daunting. When I read '60–80 nappies in the first week', I had to close the book immediately! But there's no need to be as, erm, wasteful as your new little one. Introducing the Eco Cradle by Green Lullaby. Made from mostly recycled materials, it paints a green future indeed. It folds flat and assembles easily – perfect for stay overs at Nann's. Check it out online at www.green-lullaby.com

Hot for tot
It's all about versatility – isn't it?  That's the line I'm trying on wih my husband as I dream of a perfect tot in their perfect cot. A Danish Stokke cot to be exact. This clever curved contraption starts out as a snug bassinet for newboards then expands as they do, becoming a toddler's bed and then daybed. Alongside it sits a change table whose metamorphosis is equally as thrilling, going from changebed, to play desk, study desk then extra set of shelves. Did I mention it's über chic to boot? Of course, that has nothing to do with it. It's all about longevity and versatility – isn't it? Check out www.stokke.com Start the rationalising early as you can expect to pay about $1650 for the bassinette-to-cot and $860 for the changetable at www.kidscentral.com.au.

Sticker delights
I'm stuck on decals. It had to be said. It's just the best thing since sliced bread and when it comes to decorating the nursery, you won't find anything with as much impact and adaptability. French company Domestic is one to add to your web watching, collaborating with the world's most innovative designers to create an amazing range of graphic vinyl stickers. I've nabbed Dispersion by French architect Matali Crasset, (at Lola Et Moi in Balmain) and after several house moves, it's still looking fabulous. Catenkit by design duo Ich & Kar or Golden Bird by Ineke Hans would work a treat for the bub with style. Find your fave at http://www.domestic.fr

It's 'office-ial'. Being a 'creative type,' I've always had a good excuse for not possessing the most immaculate desk in the office. However, since working with a bunch of Martha Stewarts-in-the-making, I'm feeling both the pressure and the inspiration that looking at someone's spartan desk invokes.

HB art director Imogene has a scented candle, a glass with dried hyrdrangeas from her garden, some neatly stacked cookbooks and a French-themed mood board harmoniously gracing her workspace. I have some tea cups that need a good rinse and a bunch of post-it notes from myself that I can’t decipher.

The icing on my motivational cake came when I recently saw a photo of the office of one of my favourite illustrators, Kat Heyes, on her blog (http://kat-heyes.blogspot.com/). It could have been styled by the Home Beautiful team, complete with vintage chairs and white-washed floors. So I hereby announce a personal revolution... both at home and work, my offices are getting an HB-style makeover. At home, I have already invested in Ikea trestles with a painted door from Bunnings to create a stylish desk. At work, I've been de-cluttering, and ordering all my magazine collections by month and year. Before I leave each day, I'm trying to make my desk look how I'd like it to greet me in the morning.

Working at a magazine, I love laying out features that include shots of the home offices of fashion designers, stylists and architects. It's like getting a glimpse into the recipe for their success. After all, those few square metres set aside at home provide the creative headquarters for people who make this world artistic and beautiful. Perhaps a simple office spruce-up could see me winning the Archibald prize one day

Picture from http://kat-heyes.blogspot.com/

AT MY DESK
These beautiful handmade ceramic beakers from Sweden are my inspirational purchase this month. They were called in for photography and, like many of the beautiful props I am sent, never made it back to the shop! Ceramic beakers, $40 each, from Carmargue in Sydney's Mosman (02) 9960 6234.
AT HOME
Today my new sofa arrived and I am happy to say after a painstaking six-month search and several visits to the showroom to test various sitting and lying positions with my husband and four- year-old, I am thrilled with the end result. Not only was it great value for a custom sofa, but it was delivered within 4 weeks! Barcelona sofa in 'Husk' fabric by Warwick, Sofa Studio in Sydney's Crows Nest (02) 9439 8195.




These stunning stamps are a favourite, one of the most gorgeous things I've found all year. There are a series of them with different messages and they come packaged in a simple yet stunning white box with the message stamped on top. It's the perfect present for a loved one. Thorsten Van Elten Honesty Stamps, $42.50, De De Ce Plus – www.dedeceplus.com.

My three favourite purchases this month...

The Nest bowl by Shannon Carson, featured in our March issue – I love the feel of nature she has managed to capture in ceramic. $310, Planet.
Planet Furniture 419 Crown Street, Surry Hills, NSW Australia 2010. Ph (02) 9698 0680.
A photography artwork seen in this bedroom we featured in the magazine in February. It's by Nicky Ryan, titled Nothing but Blue Skies. I love the whole idea of the name and the serenity and simplicity of the image. They are limited edition and printed beautifully on watercolour paper. They can be purchased by contacting Nicky Ryan Photography – nicky@nickyryan.com.
A copy of the book Spotless (ABC Books, $19.95), which helped me to remove the black permanent marker with which my 2 year old drew all over my beautiful beige linen sofa!



It was a magical day when old met new at Cathy Jankowsky's design studio. At first glance, a jolt of electricity shot through the air and they knew, right away, that they would make a beautiful baby. Nine months later (give or take) their little darling George Jr was born. The proud parents were quick to boast to friends about the effortless labor: "He came flat-packed and only needed one tool to assemble." At baby's first outing (The Edge Exhibition, held in conjunction with The Australian International Furniture Fair last week) adoring onlookers all cooed that his plywood form was actually comfortable. Set to show at the Satelite exhibition in Milan later this year, we predict big things from this budding little Australian.

George Jr, $680, from Cathy Jankowsky Art & Design, www.cathyjankowsky.com.au.

Butterfly Buy

February 6, 2008



Perhaps it was the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar that fostered a love of the magical and wonderful butterfly. Who can say? All I know is that when I see butterflies real or artificial, a childhood delight wells up in me (think of a girl crashing through the shrubbery in hot pursuit of a 'flutter-by'). Hence, when HB market editor Erin Neale brought Alex Earl's Butterfly Lampshade into the office for a photo shoot, it was love at first sight. There were no two ways about it; I had to get out my butterfly net and get one! Now, I'm filled with glee every time I see it hanging in my kitchen. It has even inspired a complete kitchen metamorphosis, so I'm busy scouring the pages of our HB kitchen supplements to plan a whole kitchen renovation to fit with my beloved lampshade.

Thanks to the latest nature trend, butterfly chasing has become a whole lot easier. Here are some of my other butterfly favourites:

• Butterfly Tea Cups $28 each, Spoons $12 each Mrs Red and Sons (above).
• Alex Earl's Butterfly Pendant Lamp, $275, Wikins & Kent, 03 9419 5251
• Julie Cockburn's Book Art with Butterflies. Butterfly book from the Haute Nature website

Going to Radelaide!

January 29, 2008
Beyond the Barossa and arts festivals, South Australia offers much to explore. Take a left at the sleepy churches of Adelaide's outer suburbs and you'll find yourself in Rundle Street, the city's art and culture hub. Stretching from Rundle Mall in the CBD to the sloping hills of the city's trendy East End, Rundle Street is every style aficionado's love affair; crowded coffee shops spill out on the footpath, funky homewares stores sit beside steamy Mediterranean restaurants and, every Sunday, the strip closes to cars and a market of sorts appears, selling everything from parrot earrings to vintage frocks.

Bimbo, down the eastern end of the street, is a particular favourite of mine. An eclectic treasure trove of all things delightfully frivolous, Bimbo is the place for gift shopping, especially for those hard-to-buy-for types. Check out the handmade jewellery and bags by local designers, as well as the large range of cheeky (and slightly rude) gift cards. And, if you're not afraid to inject a little fear into your guests, you'll love the Voodoo knife block. Designed by Raffaele Jannello for Vice Versa Italy, this little guy proves that functionality need not be boring!

Just down the street is Bauhaus, a dramatic lair with a slightly more up-market appeal. On show are Arabic, Turkish and Indian trinkets, as well as Mediterranean inspired homewares and furniture. Dig deep into the ceramic bowls and you can pick up a pair of handpainted earrings for under $10, or splurge out on a precious stone necklace from the glass cabinets. If you're after a statement piece, simply run your hand over the woven rugs and canvas' that adorn the walls – there'll be no turning back.

Urban Cow Studio is slightly off the beaten track but is well worth the stroll. Tucked away at the end of Frome Street, the studio celebrates the beauty, skill and unique qualities of the hand-produced item. Allowing local artists to produce, exhibit and sell, it is a place where both the spirit of the maker and the hand-made dwell. As an Urban Cow devotee, I have been coming here for years to purchase pieces from their signature range. From just $17, their anecdotal ceramic bowls and platters will amuse and inspire. With such tag lines as "his watch said it was beer o'clock" and "she put Imelda to shame" the range also includes wedding platters and dip bowls, as well as textiles and kiln formed glass.

The sweetest end to the day? Swing past famed Adelaide chocolatier Cocolat for a hot chocolate and a tawny vanilla cream truffle. Heaven.

Bimbo
279 Rundle St Adelaide, (08) 8223 4481
Open Mon-Thurs 11-6.30pm, Fri 10am-10pm, Sat 10-6pm, Sun 12-4pm

Bauhaus
257 Rundle St Adelaide, (08) 8215 0003
Open Mon-Thurs 10-5.30pm, Fri 10-9.30pm, Sat-Sun 10-5pm

Urban Cow Studio
111 Frome St, Adelaide, (08) 8232 6126
Open Mon-Thurs 10am - 6pm, Fri 10am - 9pm, Sat 10am - 5pm. Sun12am - 5pm
www.urbancow.com.au

Cocolat
281-283 Rundle St, Adelaide, (08) 8232 6133)
Open Sun-Thurs 9am-10pm, Fri-Sat, 9am-till late

Capital picks

January 14, 2007
Coming from Canberra, I'm more than aware that Australia's capital city is not necessarily renowned as a design destination. But beyond the politicians and public servants, Canberra harbours a vibrant underground scene which extends to the varied mix of artisan design on offer. Don't be fooled by the modest facades and quiet streets; step inside the doors of these boutique stores and you'll be pleasantly surprised...

Tour the galleries. Canberra is home to the National Museum of Australia (www.nma.gov.au) and the National Gallery of Australia, both good reasons to take a day trip to the ACT. With gift shops offering an array of high-end design and pieces inspired by current exhibitions –not to mention gorgeous gift ideas from calendar and stationery to jewellery and artwork –you'll discover the best of indigenous art and craft and a unique selection of products from Australia and around the world. Consider adding The Hive Gallery (25 Lonsdale St, Braddon), Beaver Galleries (81 Denison St, Deakin) and Cuppacumbalong Craft Centre (a 19th-century homestead 30 minutes' drive from Canberra at Naas Rd, Tharwa) to your ACT itinerary. Each boasts a delectable selection of ceramics, woodwork, textiles, paintings and sculpture, and charming cafés, the ideal place to stop off for afternoon tea before browsing.

Rescue & revamp. Some of the finest homewares, furniture and design pieces can be picked up from vintage stores, op shops or even – wait for it – the local tip! Revolve (Hume, (02) 6295 7014 or Pialligo, (02) 6230 7122) is one of Canberra's more ingenious ideas, a shop where items still in excellent condition are rescued from the tip and repackaged as terrific secondhand bargains –great for furniture and children's toys. Also try Queanbeyan's Revamp, just across the border, for a serious selection of antiques and a café in which you can mull over your impulse purchases.

Canberra couture. The ACT is fast emerging as an exciting shopping precinct, with new design stores opening up at a rate of knots. Here at HB, we're particularly enamoured with Unit Concepts (www.unitconcepts.com.au), a relatively new arrival specialising in the best of contemporary design –think designers like Marc Newson and a great range of top-end design.

Going West

December 17, 2007
To residents of Sydney's inner west, Summer Hill is well known for its delightful village atmosphere. Architecturally, it's characterised by a wonderful mix of sprawling mansions, Federation-style homes and dense urban apartment blocks. Its posh roots were replaced long ago with a working-class vibe; it's a suburb that has it all – a thriving cafe culture, parks, a train station, and most importantly some shops definitely worth a look.

Off the beaten track is one of my favourite new discoveries. Scoop Summer Hill, located on Junction Road, about a 10-minute walk from the village, is fairly new to the suburb. Driving past, I was lured inside by a sparkling Art Deco chandelier and gorgeous silk wall hangings (priced from just $150 each) in the window – and with Christmas around the corner, I couldn't resist. Inside, I found a charming mix of mid-century furniture, gorgeous vintage French wrought iron beds ($690 each), amazing glass jewellery (necklaces from $130) and unusual lighting, but it's the gorgeous collection of vintage wallpapers that truly sets this store apart. My favourite? This simply beautiful Laura Ashley wallpaper, which really speaks for itself.

Now we can't mention Summer Hill and homewares without a nod to Reclaim By Monica Trapaga – the word on Lackey street is that Monica will soon be closing Reclaim's sister store to focus solely on Summer Hill – a blessing for us inner westies who are captivated by her lovingly restored furniture and ever-changing shop front. With a French-meets-60s flair and everything from tea sets, cushions, cosmetics and clothes, it's a must-see stop for the perfect present.

And finally, for those of you who've ever wondered what happens when two cupcakes fall in love, no style-hunting visit to Summer Hill would be complete with a visit to Babycakes by Renee. Stop here for a coffee and a cupcake so saccharine you'll smile. My favourite is the strawberry mud, the "unofficial signature baby" – a strawberry mudcake topped with delicious ganache. Mmm...

Scoop Summer Hill
45 Junction Road, Summer Hill, NSW, 2130
Phone (02) 9716 8007; opening hours are varied
www.scoopsh.com.au

Reclaim By Monica Trapaga
48 Lackey Street, Summer Hill, NSW, 2130
Phone (02) 9716 0144; open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm
www.monica.com.au/reclaim

Babycakes By Renee
Shop 3, 50 Carlton Crescent, Summer Hill, NSW, 2130
Phone: (02) 9797 6331; open Tues-Fri: 10am-5pm, Sat 8am-4pm, Sun: 10am-2pm
www.babycakes.com.au

Bondi Beach's 3 of the best

December 10, 2007

	If you look beyond the squawking tourists that flock to Sydney's Bondi Beach, away from the hum of traffic lies a haven of hidden gems, which make it quite the style-savvy retreat. Fashion designer Camilla Franks has just opened her first stand-alone store, Camilla (cnr Warners & Wairoa Ave, Bondi Beach, www.camilla.com.au) only a stone's throw from the beach, where amongst the effortlessly chic kaftans, jumpsuits and wraps sits the most divine furniture, painted in mouthwatering colours and dashingly distressed, from mexican shutter doors to a grand-scale chest.
	There are many places in which to relax and browse and feel the holiday vibe, and if you want a place to perch for a cup of the most delicious herbal tea while surrounded by the charming scent of freshly picked flowers, head to Tea Petal (110 Curlewis St, Bondi Beach, (02) 9365 7099). This started as an artists' gallery and has become a shop for showcasing ceramics and simple fashion pieces. The best thing is, it's kept its creative soul.
	Lastly, if you fancy an adventure into a slightly bohemian artists' space, the Garage Gallery (151 Curlewis St, Bondi Beach, www.thegaragegallery.com.au) is an inspiring space in which to lose yourself for an hour, owned and run by those who are as spiritually passionate about the surf as they are about the artists they showcase. You'll feel right at home in thongs and your bikini.

Artecnica Book of Lights

November 30, 2007

Remember when lampshades were just those daggy appendages in your grandmother's lounge room? Haven't they made a huge comeback...with so much more style! Well, here's my absolute favourite little 'style hunt' of the week! It's also one of those annoying "Why didn't I think of that?" ideas - a gorgeous pop-up lampshade that actually works as a real light. The Artecnica Book of Lights costs $165 (or $175 for the mini street lamp version) and is available from De De Ce Plus (www.dedeceplus.com). Sometimes I like to get out my mental design checklist, and this product gets a lot of ticks! It's portable and folds down, is beautiful graphically and functionally, and you can post it. I have a secret design penchant for products that go from 2D to 3D, and I think this is my favourite so far because it has the added element of fun and fantasy. When closed, it looks like a lovely fabric-covered coffee table book, but open it and dazzle your visitors with the cute lampshade that lights up with a low voltage adaptor. If you're looking for the perfect whimsical gift to send someone this Christmas or to pop on your own coffee table, this is my pick. Thank goodness I chopped up my credit card recently or I'd be ordering in bulk!