Patterns for Now and Forever

I'm throwing this question at the Mummies and Daddies. Have you ever battled with choices of patterns (we're talking about wallpaper patterns here) to decorate your child's bedroom? What looks cute and playful for your toddler now may not be the same when your little angel turns 10. If you'd rather not go through the ordeal of tearing out perfectly good wallpaper, choose patterns that will stand the test of time and yet appeal to your child.

Imperial Trellis by Kelly 

Squiggle by Vivienne Westwood

Ribbed by Ferm Living

Kids and adults of all ages have a life long fascination with butterflies and dragonflies.

Butterflies by Ferm Kids

Ropes by Jonathan Adler

* Images via Architonic, Trincket, Iconic Designs, Jonathan Adler,

Malaysia Tatler Homes

Thank you to the team in Tatler Homes for the special mention in the latest issue. If you're in a bookshop or a magazine store, don't forget to pick up a copy of Tatler Homes - Volume 2, Issue 4. I promise you will enjoy it.

The little piece on Iconic Designs

Cover of Malaysia Tatler Homes - Volume 2, Issue 4

This issue featured a beautiful home in Hong Kong and guess what I spotted....Branches wallsticker by Ferm Living! That's a sign of good taste :-)

Top right - Branches wallsticker by Ferm Living

Rocking Chairs

What is it about rocking chairs that make us feel so at ease and tranquil once we've plunked into one and set ourselves in motion? The gentle back and forth movement is as calming as are babies when rocked in the arms of their parent. While modern massage chairs are designed to un-knot weary muscles, I look forward to relaxing in a good ol' fashion rocking chair at the end of a hard day's work.

Emeco Heritage rocking chair by Phillipe Stark

Mademoiselle rocking chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara

Eames Rocker by Charles and Ray Eames

NY Folding Rocking Chair by Takeshi Nii

Relaxer Rocking Chair by Verner Panton

Beautiful, affordable and easily accessible (from Ikea)...

Ikea's PS Gullholmen by Maria Vinka - woven from banana leaves and are stackable

And my absolute favourite is...

Thonet Rocking Chair by Michael Thonet

* Images via Ohdeedoh, Apartment Therapy, Ikea and Pure Contemporary

Selamat Hari Raya 2010

To all Muslim friends, we wish you Eid Murbarak. Eat without guilt, catch up with old friends and family like there's no tomorrow and be safe on the road!

While the celebration goes on, take a moment to think about those less fortunate...

Siblings displaced by flooding in Pakistan

Smiling despite the severity of the situation

* Images via islamicreliefusa and Raja Islam in flickr

Cycle Chic

Mountain biking is all the rage now, but I personally think every household need a chic little bike to wander around the neighbourhood.

Totally chic

Hot! Check out the itty-bitty dress and the fab legs

Cargo kid

Elegantly waiting in traffic

Impulse shopping?

Pack-Max Duo by De Fietsfabiek

* Images via Cycle Chic and re-nest

First Column in HomePride Experts Say

I was thrilled to be invited by HomePride to write a column in their Experts Say section. Naturally, the topic that I chose to write about involved wallpaper. The column, titled Wallpaper Revival, explores the history of wallpaper and the different varieties. Read all about it here.

Express Yourself

Some things are better said in words.

Love wall hanging by Paul Smith

Crossword wall art

Disguise profanities in art

What's in a name

Bathe

"Welcome" makes a lasting first impression

Name your herbs

* Images via The Style Files, Elle Decor, Ohdeedoh
** Some images are from unknown sources. Please email me if it belongs to you and I'd be happy to credit you for it.

Beautiful on the Inside

Leftovers are almost inevitable in a wallpaper project. Rather than using them as present wrapping, consider using them to line the interior of a cupboard. Shannon Fricke has used various off-cuts from Florence Broadhurst and Cole & Son to transform an old cupboard into a beautiful work of art. 

* Image via Shannon Fricke