Published!

Giving myself a little pat on the back - my first post has been published in this month's Cafe Society magazine! Next edition out at the end of this month.

Bookcase Overhaul

I've had such great feedback from my 'Beautiful Shelf Display' post. Lots of people were inspired to tackle their own bookcases and there were quite a few requests for a private consult! It was a case of good timing for my friend-in-need Tina and on a recent trip to visit her in Canberra I did an overhaul of her very neglected shelves. Before and after pics speak for themselves!

Plants Inside

I really like the look of plants around the house and having a plant in a room gives it a sense of life* and freshness (if you appreciate their air purifying qualities). I think often people are worried they can't keep indoor plants alive but in my experience a Peace Lily is pretty forgiving :) and a quick Google search will show you heaps of more interesting choices. If you're still not convinced then a variation on the theme is displaying cuttings or even whole plants in water. This is a personal favourite decorating tool and costs next to nothing. Pretty glass bottles, small glass vases, fancy jam jars, even chipped heirloom glasses are all potential vessels for cuttings pinched (literally) from neighbourhood walks and visits to friends gardens. Some things put out roots and last for ever, others wilt and die in weeks - just experiment. Display your plants in a row of mixed glassware on a sunny kitchen windowsill or fill a blank shelf on a bookcase with a single stand-out piece - gorgeous and too easy.

* the plant has to actually be alive and healthy to achieve this

The links below are a good start for more detailed info.
http://www.ivillage.com/top-10-indoor-plants/7-a-258925
http://www.rodale.com/easy-houseplants

Creating Beautiful Shelf Displays

Creating Beautiful Shelf Displays

By Brigitte Oberlander

I’m happy to admit it – I do good shelf. Everyone loves shelves and bookcases but getting the display right is the difference between having storage and having a showpiece. Here are some tips to get you started. Take everything off (yes, everything) and clean all surfaces. This will also encourage you to get rid of things you’re tired of or that really belong somewhere else. Combining books and interesting pieces is always a winner but grouping is the key. Grouping books by colour is a clever trick and stack some horizontally for variation. Items of similar size, shape or colour will have better impact when placed together. Don’t overcrowd every shelf and rather than bookends try using a beautiful object or framed picture. Small plants look great, as do cuttings popped into interesting jars or bottles of water (see below). Lastly, don’t be afraid to keep changing it around – at least until you can stand back and say “gosh I do good shelf”!

Next post: Indoor Plants and Plants that Grow in Water

Beautiful Interiors – The First Step

Beautiful Interiors  – The First Step
By Brigitte Oberlander

The very first step towards creating a beautiful interior is to get rid of clutter. Not only does de-cluttering your home create physical space and order, you’ll discover the wonderful side effects of feeling less stressed and more mentally organised – bonus! How to start? Make a day of it and be brutal – throw away, recycle, donate or send to auction unwanted, unused or irreparable items. If you struggle with this part get a friend to help – they’ll be more decisive. Next – organise – put items that aren’t used much out of sight, file away bills and unsightly paperwork and return items to their rightful place. Everything in your home should have a home. Lastly – do a big clean and don’t forget your mirrors and windows, clean windows make any interior feel spacious and fresh. Now you can sit back with a glass of wine, admire your efforts and let feelings of virtuousness overcome you.

Next post – Tips on Creating Beautiful Shelf Displays.