Category: Travel

Categories
Travel

Olivia is off to Copenhagen for the next four months

Editor’s foreword: I am super proud of our editorial assistant Olivia for being awarded a scholarship to study overseas this year. Luckily, she will still be working for us part-time, with the bonus of all that Danish design inspiration! Travel safe, Olivia! Jen

So, ten days from tomorrow I’ll be off, flying 23 hours to the other side of the world where I’ll be for the next four and half months. I’m trying to stay calm, cool and collected but it’s not going so well!

IMG_9673
I’m off to Copenhagen, Denmark, for my last semester of university, where I’ll be undertaking a mix of journalism subjects and a subject on Danish architecture and design… I couldn’t resist! I’ll also still be writing for Interiors Addict, switching places with Jen as the Europe-based writer when she returns to Australia next month. Haven’t we become the little global operation?! As well-known pioneers in design, I hope to introduce you to some great Scandi finds and if my suitcase allows it, hopefully bring some beautiful goodies home with me.

IMG_9796

Originally from England, I’m looking forward to returning to Europe and being only a couple of hours’ flight away from places like London, Paris and Rome. Ah, someone has to do it! I’m also looking forward to living in another country and really immersing myself in the culture. I visited Copenhagen for four days last year and absolutely loved it, so I have high hopes for the next few months, though I have to admit I’m getting very sad by the idea of leaving all my loved ones behind, especially my kitties!

IMG_9974

If you want to follow me on my impending adventure, find my Instagram here. Also if you have any tips for things to do in Copenhagen please let me know (special thanks to Nat from Apartment Diet who has already sent me some great recommendations)!

Categories
Travel

Interiors Addict’s adventures in New York

There is so much to do in the Big Apple and this month, my second trip to NYC, despite being a generous nine days long, passed in a flash. I had a fantastic time though, sightseeing, eating, drinking and shopping. As far as homewares shopping goes, you just can’t beat it and I had so much fun and left super inspired.

Jonathan Adler Soho 9 by Homer Parkes
Jonathan Adler, Soho

I want to share with you everywhere I shopped, ate and explored. And of course, the Sex and the City tour! Want to know more? Head on over to Expedia’s blog, where I share all the details! Happy reading!

ABC Carpet and Home
ABC Carpet and Home
Categories
Travel

On being a homebody and why you really can have too much of a good thing

I’ve been hesitant to write this post for fear of sounding like a spoilt brat, so before I go any further, I need to clarify two things. The first is that I am still enjoying and very grateful for this opportunity to travel the world for several months. The second is that I am by no means seeking sympathy. Ok, now that’s out of the way, here goes!

Travel is a wonderful thing. Time and money spent on travel, in my opinion, is almost always well spent. My dad would say the same for education and he has a very good point too. Even when you visit places you don’t love, or that disappoint you, you can almost always learn something from being in another country and culture. If nothing else, it makes you appreciate where you’re from, or where you currently live, even more. In the case of my husband for example, being overseas has made him appreciate Sydney, where he was born and raised, more (it has always bugged me that he doesn’t rave about it as much as I, the immigrant, do!). In my own case, the absolute biggest thing I’ve learned from this 3.5 months away thus far, is just how much I love and appreciate home.

I have had some serious cravings of late. Cravings for routine, my own desk, my coffee machine, my privacy, shutting the door on my apartment and spending time with just my husband. In fact, some time to myself would be pretty welcome too (no offence, hubby, but we have never spent this much time in each other’s pockets!). I want my clothes to come out of a drawer, not a suitcase. I want to pick up a book I haven’t flicked through for a couple of months, make a cup of tea and lie on the couch watching a DVD from my collection or head to my local cafe for brunch. All these extremely ordinary things add up to being at home, in my own space, with my things around me. It really is that simple.

I have always been a homebody. I love pottering around at home. I love making my space cosy and warm and colourful, filling it with things I love and knowing where everything is. I have always joked that I am a typical Cancerian: homely, conservative, loyal, maternal etc. I always make my home a place I love spending time in. I haven’t had the pleasure of my own space since last year. A month after our wedding, when our lease ran out, Damian and I moved in with my in-laws, knowing we were off on our trip in a matter of months and keen to save up some money to help pay for it. For the past 3.5 months, we have been on the road staying, on and off, with my aunt in London and my dad in Wiltshire, while hopping off on Europe trips what seems like every few days. For the past three weeks we’ve been in the USA, living in hotels, and we have a week in Canada to go before we return to the UK again.

This is a fantastic experience, do not get me wrong. We’re really enjoying it, despite running my business on the go and constant travel being exhausting at times (thank goodness for my assistant Olivia helping out back in Sydney!). We did this because we know it is about the last chance to do so before really settling down and being grown ups. But man oh man, I cannot wait to get back to Australia and find a new home with my husband! We haven’t even unpacked our wedding presents yet so that’ll be like Christmas come early. Yay! And it’ll be nice to only have to think about the one time zone.

This week, in San Francisco, we’ve opted for an apartment rather than a hotel and we are, quite literally, playing home. It has been so incredibly nice to have a kitchen, go grocery shopping, cook for ourselves (our go-to comfort food is spaghetti bolognese, what’s yours?) and make a cup of tea whenever we want it (so many American hotels don’t offer a kettle in the room which I hate!). I’m sure by next week, I’ll be happy for someone to make my bed every day in our Vancouver hotel though!

What else have I learned? Six months isn’t long at all, my marriage is pretty damn great (we’ve survived living with his parents, his redundancy and spending almost every day together since we got hitched in October and we’re still best mates about 80 percent of the time), and I well and truly consider Sydney, my home of six years, my forever home. No, spending time in the UK with my friends and family, although wonderful, hasn’t changed my mind on that score at all. I’ve also learnt that I love my job (okay, I already knew that!) and I can’t wait to be able to do it full-time again.

At the end of this post my biggest concern is no longer sounding like a spoilt brat but sounding like a total loser!

Thanks for reading, folks. Does this resonate with any of you?

On the plus side…

I know, shut up!

Categories
Furniture Homewares Travel

My visit to West Elm London

When West Elm UK asked me if I’d like to come and visit their first store in my motherland while I was in London, what do you reckon I said? YES! I went for my tour with the associate marketing manager Jessica Sims last week, where we argued about who was the bigger West Elm addict.

West Elm London, which opened a few months after Australia’s first Bondi store, is housed in a great old building on Tottenham Court Road, conveniently opposite Goodge Street tube. It’s perhaps competitively close to established UK homewares brands like Heal’s (it has a great cafe, incidentally) and Habitat, in what is an excellent part of town for an interiors addict after a spot of retail therapy.

IMG_20140528_110804031_HDR
This fabulous window display brightened up the store on the grey and drizzly day I visited

The store, on two floors and with a huge green wall of living plants, is brilliantly styled (or merchandised as they say in the business). I love the Bondi store but this was something else. AND it has a cafe. Hello, two of my favourite things (West Elm and coffee) in the same place! There are plenty of friendly staff everywhere, including an in-house stylist ready to help customers in the Design Lab. No doubt this level of service is shaking things up in the UK homewares market.

IMG_20140528_115037787_HDR
This fab marble coffee table is available in Australia too, for $699

IMG_20140528_120303739_HDR

I of course wanted to walk out with one of everything. Especially this divine navy (of course) velvet couch (sadly not available in Australia). Yes, you should buy big ticket items in neutrals, but… And the herringbone coffee table is clearly magnificent! A side table version is available in Oz, if you’d like a piece of that mirrored action.

IMG_20140528_114304750_HDR

I have already started making a shopping list ready for when I’m back in Australia and looking for my next home, and can visit the new Chatswood store. Hoorah!

IMG_20140528_113309268

This visit reminded me just how much I heart West Elm. I remember once telling someone, if I was a brand, I’d be West Elm. (No really, Jess, I am the bigger West Elm addict…)

Here are four finds I saw in store which are available at home in Australia too (Bondi, Melbourne or online). Clockwise from top left: Paidge chair, $999;  Terrace side table, $329; Parquetry 3-drawer dresser, $1,299; leather stripe zipper cases, from $39.

west elm favouritesI also found out that West Elm are now doing wedding registries, in Australia too. I so would have considered that last year (but I used The Wedding Nest and they were amazing).

Categories
Travel

Addict Abroad: The College Hotel, Amsterdam

On our trip to Amsterdam last month, we stayed in a really cool coverted school called, not surpisingly, The College Hotel! But it was much more stylish and comfortable than the name might suggest!

college hotel amsterdam

I love a bit of hotel luxury but I’m more interested in boutique accommodation than the predictability of international hotel chains. The College ticked all my important boxes: interesting interiors, a very large and comfortable bed, friendly and attentive (but not over the top) staff, coffee-making facilities (don’t roll your eyes, caffeine is important!), free wifi and a full size tub!

Sadly, there was no snow on our visit but the sunshine was very welcome!

With just 40 rooms, the four-star hotel feels intimate and cosy. I can’t fault the location, 15 minutes door to door by tram from Centraal Station in the leafy, quiet and fashionable Zuid (south) area, and even closer to the museums.

Read the full review on the Expedia blog.

Read more about what we got up to and what we recommend in this great city, in the Interiors Addict’s Guide to Amsterdam.

Categories
Travel

Addict Abroad: Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech

I wanted to share with you the most magical place we visited last week in Marrakech: the Jardin Majorelle. It would have to be one of the highlights of our trip so far. The colours, especially in the Moroccan sunshine, are simply stunning.

10372297_10152445002995797_3334007531205461718_n

The stunning house and garden is a shady and peaceful oasis in the middle of bustling, noisy, dusty (and yes, let’s be honest, pretty dirty!) Marrakech. Once you step through the gates, it’s like you’re in another world.

10369740_10152445006240797_7347726691902719265_n

10308234_10152445003150797_8414947726012504852_n

The gardens were a labour of love for French artist Jacques Majorelle (1886 — 1962), who created them, from 1924. I have never seen so many, or such magnificent and large cacti. Amazing. And that blue! It’s no surprise there is now a colour called Majorelle Blue.

10300989_10152445006090797_5475708137745481968_n

10374508_10152445002875797_3421867663185389351_n

The story doesn’t end there though. Can you believe these gardens and this beautiful villa were almost destroyed and replaced with a hotel complex? Enter Yves Saint Laurent (who needs no introduction) and his partner Pierre Bergé, who, living in the city, were big fans of the garden and decided to buy the place and restore it, adding to its already impressive range of exotic plants.

10359411_10152445006150797_994184568502897030_n

10374907_10152445003645797_4935526966768116730_n-1

When Yves died in 2008, Pierre donated the place to their foundation, to ensure it could remain open to the public. A memorial to Yves can now be found in the garden.

1798647_10152445003260797_4021569948665914845_n

10407256_10152445003350797_9201254799012687992_n

The house contains a Berber museum (Berbers are the original indigenous people of Morocco) and also a gallery of Yves’ ‘love’ artworks, which he created each year for many years and sent as New Year cards to clients and friends.

10357174_10152445006910797_249991933627654548_n

If you ever find yourself in Marrakech, this is a must-visit place.

 More information.

Categories
Homewares Travel

Get the Moroccan look from West Elm & Freedom

As I’m in Marrakech this week, I thought I’d share with you some Moroccan-inspired homewares from West Elm and Freedom which you might fancy for your own home.

Freedom

morocco freedom

Clockwise from top left: Lewis mirror ($299), Indiana screen ($249), Mia vessel (29.95), Zahli frame ($29.95), Moroccan Boxes rug ($360), Mediterranean wall panel in metal ($149).

 

West Elm

west elm morocco

Clockwise from top left: Softest throw in ombre (from $39.95), Modernist vases (from $44), Monte mirrors ($139 each), embroidered dot cushion cover ($49), souk wool rug ($1,799), mercury candleholders ($6 each).

I look forward to sharing some photos from Marrakech with you next week. Unfortunately, airline baggage allowances will prevent me from coming home laden with carpets and trinkets but I’m sure I’ll find space for some souk purchases…

Categories
Interviews Travel

Kevin McCloud: my house is shambolic and autobiographical

kevin2
Jen interviews Kevin McCloud in London

My scheduled chat with Kevin McCloud in London was delayed by a mere five hours due to his non-stop schedule but he was, of course, worth the wait. The inimitable Grand Designs host arrived with some new sustainable materials made from old air bags and car tyres, capable of making furniture. “This stuff is going to change the world,” he tells me, excitedly. And I think it’s this infectious enthusiasm which is one of the things which makes him so likeable on TV.

A regular visitor to our shores for Grand Designs Live Australia the past three years, Kevin is amazed by and grateful for his popularity on the other side of the world, with more people watching the show in Oz than in the UK. He has a real fondness for the country and its people, telling me the story of how he almost was Australian (his parents had tickets booked but then found out his mother was pregnant with him and decided not to go).

“It’s actually amazing how popular the show is in Australia,” he says, joking that some of the re-runs are so old he has a lot more hair in them. “I’m very, very grateful. Here, Grand Designs is successful and everything else I do is two-thirds as successful. In Australia, Grand Designs is even more successful and everything else I do is just as successful too.”

Kevin, who was appointed MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to sustainability in this year’s New Year’s Honours list, says he’s seen more passion in the decoration of houses in parts of Melbourne than he has in the UK. “I’ve probably seen more delight and wonder in Sydney and Melbourne than I have here.” He’s been blown away by Queenslanders (the houses) in Brisbane and loves how the architecture can be so different between states and territories, but always uniquely Australian due to our climate. “I’m really fond of some of the 19th Century and early 20th Century stuff, ” he says.

So, what is Kevin’s own home like? “It’s as shambolic, autobiographical, worn around the edges and unplanned as anybody else’s in truth! You and I know that the rooms we see in mags are highly engineered to meet the demographic and advertisers of that mag. Sometimes I look at those homes with a single pineapple in a bowl on the side and think where’s their toaster?! When we’re filming for the show, I always prefer the homes which are a little more shambolic, they’re more interesting.”

kevin quote

If Kevin was invited into your home he’d probably go straight to your library (if you’re lucky enough to have one) or bookcase (more likely), which he believes gives a great snapshot of someone’s life.

I couldn’t resist asking him how he deals with being an unlikely sex symbol, to which he joked it was a but a myth touted by journalists like me. I think we all know that isn’t true! Certainly not judging by the number of readers who tell me otherwise… “Nobody’s ever thrown their knickers at me anyway, ” he adds.

Kevin McCloud Grand Designs Live London

I was lucky enough to meet Kevin a couple of years ago at a media dinner in Melbourne. I can vouch for him being a thoroughly charming, polite, fun, clever and interesting man. He’s exactly as he seems on the telly! I totally meant to tell him that my husband and I watch an old episode of Grand Designs most nights before bed but I’m not even sure that’s a good thing…

Thanks to Grand Designs Live London and Publicasity for orginaising my interview with Kevin.

Categories
Travel

Interiors Addict’s guide to Amsterdam

Well, all I can say is wow! Sign me up for a bicycle, a houseboat, life around the canals and the cafe culture, tout suite!

amsterdam tram

Following my recent first trip to Amsterdam, it has swiftly became one of my favourite European cities. I expected to like it of course, and was keen to visit, but I didn’t really think I’d love it and feel like I could live there. Leave your preconceptions about the seedy red light district at the border!

amsterdam canal sunset

Read all about why I loved Amsterdam and what I suggest you check out (shopping, museums, tulips, canals, architecture and plenty more!) if you’re visiting, on Expedia’s blog.

Categories
Travel

Thoughts on turning three and a $2,000 birthday giveaway

This blog turned three last week. I can’t believe it! For fun, I thought I’d take you back to the Interiors Addict that was, back in 2011, on Tumblr. This was when I didn’t even call it a blog! My first ever post was about displaying single stems of flowers and this shot was taken three apartments ago. Ah, the memories…

I like to think I had good taste from the start however and could spot a rising star. Here’s one of my first interviews with Darren Palmer, way before he became the big TV star (and I’m glad to say friend of mine) he is today.

After more than a decade of working as a journalist, mostly in print (and initially resistant to going online, can you believe it?!), I remain fascinated, excited and obsessed with the immediacy and potential of online publishing.

Here are  few of my blogging highlights this year:

So, three years on, Interiors Addict is on its third new look, it has more readers than ever (around 80,000 each month), continues to grow month on month and I’m making more money than I ever have, doing something I ADORE. Although I’m delighted, I’m still very much on the journey and not ready to rest on my laurels any time soon! The next year, like the last one, will be all about growth and improvement.

Although I’ve of course just listed all the good bits, it’s definitely not all glamour and I mainly share the edited highlights on Facebook and Instagram! You won’t see many pics of me with no makeup and working in my PJs at home, but that happens a lot! I have the same stresses at tax and BAS time as the next person, I’m rubbish with numbers, I sometimes worry WAY TOO MUCH about work stuff, I also worry too much about what other people think (but I’m getting better at it), and I really should switch off from social media a little more often.

If I’ve learned anything about creating a successful blog and business, it is realising just that, that it is a business. It requires a level of professionalism and setting yourself high standards, being organised, doing things properly, thinking like a business owner, constantly diversifying, improving and looking to grow and be sustainable. While yes it’s all very well going to fancy parties, getting goody bags and PR and being featured in magazines and the like, this is not what pays the bills and gets you a following big enough to be able to charge money for ads and sponsored content that enables you to make a living.

I’d love to do this for free but frankly, I can’t! And the fact that it’s a business makes me strive to keep improving all the time. And I always make sure I think about you, the readers (customers, if you will), and what you want to read about. I still get that buzz when I discover something I know you’re going to LOVE or I finish a great interview which I know will inspire and motivate some of you to follow your dreams and get into the design industry.

My ultimate business advice is, and always has been, work hard and be nice! Simple!

I am full of gratitude and thanks and still full of passion for this blog, and its readers, and making it even better, even more than ever. I won’t single people out for thanks because I like to think I appreciate them all year round and I don’t want to miss anyone! You know you are!

So please follow your dreams. I certainly never EVER thought I’d end up doing this for a living!

To celebrate turning three, I’m giving one of you the chance to win a massive $2,000 online homewares shopping spree! Find out all the details on the blog tomorrow!

Categories
Kitchens Travel

Caesarstone think outside (or inside) the bench top in Milan

Last night, I went to a beautiful Caesarstone event in Milan as part of the international furniture fair Salone del Mobile. The crowning glory of the installation was a 19-metre long, super sleek and modern ‘island’ for cooking and food prep, looking striking in the middle of one of the historic Palazzo Clerici’s ornate old rooms, with a lemon tree springing from its centre.

palazzo_clerici_2_8011

Two further islands, also made of various Caesarstone surfaces, comprised a table tennis table and a stunning bath with built-in record turntable!

palazzo_clerici_2_7987

Palazzo_Clerici_7867

Islands is a collaboration with London-based Raw Edges designers Yael Mer and Shay Alkalay. In their eight years, the young duo have designed for Cappellini, Established & Sons, Moroso, Kvadrat, Stella McCartney, Arco, Mutina, Lema and more, and their many works have been showcased in museums and exhibited in expos in Milan, London, Paris and New York.

The main idea was to look at the Caesarstone product differently; beyond simply a surface that you put things on top of. The main island had cut-outs for sinks, dishes, chopping boards and much more, showing just what’s possible. The only limit is your imagination!

Palazzo_Clerici_7959

Palazzo_Clerici_7879

Caesarstone Australia marketing manager Andrew Dixon explains the idea is to really inspire people to think outside the box, and while it’s unlikely many customers will go as far as putting a turntable in their bathroom, the many possibilities available to customise the flexible and super strong product are not fantasy.

“We’d like people to think ‘do I really need all these cupboards?’ for example. Caesarstone is so user-friendly and so much more than just a bench top. I personally love the idea of creating a raised appliances station on top of the bench top where you keep appliances out, but out of the way of the main preparation surface,” Andrew says.

“Innovation is really important to us and we like to provide the customer with direct inspiration.”

Two exciting new products should hit the market around June/July: Sleek Concrete and the marble-inspired Calacatta Nuvo (I’ve seen it and it’s great).

milan signoff

I’m in Milan thanks to Freedom Kitchens and Caesarstone Australia.

Categories
Appliances Travel

Smeg launch seriously stylish stand mixer, toaster, kettle and blender in Milan

If there’s one thing Smeg’s known for it’s iconic and stylish design and their latest small domestic appliances, launched in Milan this week, do not disappoint.

On the one hand, it’s entry level Smeg for those of you who have been lusting after their retro FAB fridge for years but not quite able to justify the price tag. Or you may be lucky enough to already own a Smeg fridge or dishwasher (jealous!) and looking to add a complemetary toaster and kettle! You’ll struggle to find more stylish gadgets for your bench top and the big plus is they all come in ALL OF THE COLOURS!

SMF01CREU

Together with Matteo Bazzicalupo and Raffaella Mangiarotti of deepdesign, Smeg has delved into the not too distant past to come up with this 1950s style collection. Similar to the adored FAB28 fridge, the collaboration has created much more than simple electrical appliances.

 

Toaster_1_CR

Smeg say they are for those who love to surround themselves with strong aesthetics without compromising high quality and performance. From the 2×2 and 2×4 slice toasters, to the standard or variable temperature kettles, to the blender and stand mixer, Smeg small domestic appliances are tools that ensure excellent performance in all stages of food preparation, and have powerful personalities to match.

I was lucky enough to be at their world premiere at the Dolce & Gabanna Gold resaurant in Milan as part of design week. They are the result of intensive research and Smeg’s continuing ability to express excellence in “Made in Italy” design. If, like me, you want your gadgets to look as they function, look no further.

I also enjoyed tours of two of Smeg’s factories in Guastalla this week. I’ll share more with you about that soon.

The products will be available in Australia later this year. Find out more at Smeg Australia.

milan signoff

Categories
Appliances Travel

Top kitchen trends from Eurocucina Milan 2014

I’ve spent many hours at Eurocucina today, the kitchen section (I say section, but it’s bigger than most standalone trade fairs) of Salone del Mobile in Milan. I thought I’d share the top trends I noticed and some photos from day one.

I should preface this by saying the combination of swarms of super-keen visitors and lighting designed to create atmosphere and mood, don’t make for the best photos I’ve ever taken!

  • Timber and timber veneer were everywhere, mostly muted cool greige tones which I found surprisingly warm and interesting. For me, this was the most obvious and overarching kitchen design trend at the fair.

DSC_0163-processed

The new timber kitchen is modern and sleek and just a touch industrial. Although the timber finishes tend to be pale, the look isn’t Scandi as you might expect.

DSC_0166-processed

DSC_0093-processed

DSC_0161-processed

I love the texture and warmth in these kitchens.

DSC_0083-processedTimber and stainless steel was a popular combo.

  • There’s also very little gloss. It’s all about the matt surfaces on cabinetry.
  • Many kitchens incorporated some kind of open shelving. This makes the kitchen feel like more of a dressed room than ever before and not just a functional space. Seeing as it’s the heart of most homes these days, this makes absolute sense!

DSC_0054-processed

DSC_0061-processed

DSC_0044-processed

  • Large pullout drawers for storage, replacing cupboards, are still big, with many featuring lights which automatically come on when opened.

DSC_0167-processed

DSC_0062-processed

  • Touch-open cabinet doors are here to stay with very few doors with handles seen.
  • I saw a lot of glass fronted cabinets (and poor staff constantly polishing fingerprints off them!).
  • Cabinet doors folded up or back on themselves. I loved some of these smart features.

DSC_0168-processed

DSC_0069-processed
This looks like a splashback until it lifts up to reveal the storage behind. Neat.

DSC_0112-processed

  • Low hanging multiple interesting pendant lights over kitchen benches and dining tables were popular; another way to dress the kitchen, as mentioned above.

DSC_0111-processed

DSC_0052-processed

  • Where I saw a few pops of colour against the timber it was almost always red.

DSC_0078-processed

DSC_0104-processed

DSC_0080-processed

  • Bench tops were super slim in many cases; just a few mm.

DSC_0179-processed

  • I spotted many gloss white appliances, like ovens, and some black ones too, making a change from steel. Isn’t it funny how appliances (and electricals like TVs) go through colour trends like this? The white works well with the timber, I must say.

DSC_0150-processed

DSC_0154-processed

DSC_0151-processed

This is my first ever trip to Salone del Mobile and Eurocucina. It is huge and rather mad, especially on opening day. You can feel the buzz of excitement around and there are people from all over the world everywhere. There is a lot of ground to cover. Literally! It was an exciting day, getting a look at what will no doubt become common trends in Aussie kitchens in the not too distant future. Tomorrow, I’ll be chatting to two experts from Freedom Kitchens to get their take on what’s going to be big.

milan signoff

I’m in Milan thanks to Freedom Kitchens and Caesarstone Australia.

Categories
Travel

Grand Designs Live, London Excel, 3 – 11 May 2014

This one’s for my UK readers: the country’s leading contemporary home show, Grand Designs Live, returns to the London Excel by popular demand for the 10th year running from 3 – 11 May 2014. I’m super excited about the show and the chance to interview Kevin McCloud, one of my all-time favourite TV personalities!

kevin mccloud

As the ultimate destination for home owners and self-builders, exhibitors will showcase a range of innovative and inspirational ideas across the nine day show. The following show sections have been confirmed for Grand Designs Live London 2014: Grand Build, Grand Interiors, Grand Kitchens & Bathrooms sponsored by Miele, Grand Village, Grand Technology, Grand Gardens and Grand Food & Housewares.

In addition Grand Designs Live London can reveal the following show highlights:

  • Ask An Expert, will be located in the heart of Grand Build and promises to offer aspiring developers and those undertaking a home project, specialist advice to assist with getting their own Grand Designs project underway.
  • Market Lane – Grand Food & Housewares, new for 2014, Market Lane is an interactive feature within the Grand Food & Housewares section. With six demonstrations daily along with tasting and cookery schools from a variety of experts based in London and the South-East.
  • ‘The Tech Box’ – Grand Technology, new for 2014, the Tech Box is an interactive walk through experience showing the latest innovative gadgets and technology as well as lighting designs and systems for the home.
  • The Live Kitchen Experience, sponsored by Miele, will boast two unique and interactive stages, the first will showcase top chefs, restaurateurs and sommeliers demonstrating on the Live Kitchen and the second will allow show guests to interact and experience Miele products and appliances in action. Plus, don’t miss the celebrity ‘cook along’ featuring show ambassadors Kevin McCloud, George Clarke, James Alexander-Sinclair and Jo Hamilton.
  • The Grand Village promises to showcase best-in-class innovation as seen on Channel 4: ‘Grand Designs’ with a range of eco homes and green living solutions for visitors to explore. Plus it will also demonstrate a variety of sustainable building techniques with hands on activities and live builds taking place throughout the nine-day show.
  • The Grand Theatre will host a ‘meet the grand designer’ seminar each morning along with hot debates and talks with a range of experts and guest speakers – from self-builders to interior designers as well as addressing local planning and building issues.
  • For the eco-conscious visitor, Kevin McCloud’s Green Heroes will showcase show ambassador Kevin McCloud’s hand-picked selection of the most impressive eco-innovations and technologies; some of which are being exclusively launched at the show.
  • This year Grand Interiors will feature room sets to inspire generations; working with top home interiors stylists who will design room settings aimed at everyone from first time buyers, young families, empty nesters to those looking for a revamp. This is a must see for home colour, materials and pattern inspiration. Not forgetting the Grand Interiors Theatre, the hub of the interiors hall, it’s a place to gain inspiration, ideas and advice from industry interiors professionals ranging from DIY specialists, interior designers, celebrity speakers and much more!
  • The Garden Design Competition is set to run at the London show for the second time. The competition will see entrants submit a garden design based on ‘Introducing Colour to your Garden’.  Final judging will take place live at the show by a panel including Kevin McCloud who will be joined by the Grand Designs Live Garden Expert, James Alexander-Sinclair.

Kevin McCloud will be at the London show meeting fans, chairing debates in the Grand Theatre and sharing his Grand Design experiences with visitors. With over 100,000 consumers expected to visit the event over nine days, Grand Designs Live London will offer visitors a great day out.

Grand Designs Live London takes place from 3–11 May 2014 at London Excel. Save pounds when you book in advance. Order your tickets online or call the booking hotline on 0844 854 1348.

Categories
Kitchens Travel

I’m off to Milan tomorrow!

I’m flying to Milan tomorrow which is UBER exciting, to experience the HUGE international furniture fair Salone Internazionale del Mobile, for the first time. It’s every interiors addict’s dream, surely? My trip will be very kitchen-centric, and I’ll spend most of my time at Eurocucina, so I’ll be bringing you back all the latest trends and products. I’ll also be visiting some kitchen showrooms around the city and going to some no doubt glam parties with Smeg and Caesarstone.

Everyone keeps telling me it’s impossible to envisage just how big it is until you go for the first time. Suffice to say, I’m packing my comfy walking shoes! Looking forward to sharing it all with you very soon.

A huge thank you to Freedom Kitchens for hosting my trip to Milan, with support from Caesarstone.

Look out for my pix on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

milan signoff

Categories
Travel

A week in Italy

As most of you know, my husband and I recently set off from Sydney on our six-month European adventure (don’t hate us). We just arrived in the Motherland (the UK) and it’s so good to be (second) home! I thought I’d share a few pix with you from the week we just spent in Tuscany and Rome, on our way here.

148816_10152307039950797_671071267_n
Our home in Tuscany

We spent the first four days in Tuscany, staying here. The accommodation was rustic but comfortable and in the middle of the very pretty countryside. No internet for four whole days, I tell you! Apart from the fact that running your own business means you always want to be able to check your email just in case the world has ended, the break from social media and connectivity was actually lovely. I read half a book, I took lots of baths and walks (mainly because there was only one English TV channel and you can only watch so much CNN) and really relaxed and switched off.

Market shopping for fresh produce
Market shopping for fresh produce

But most of the time we were learning to cook with the super charming Chef Claudio. I can now confidently make ravioli, gnocchi (two types), spaghetti with clams, focaccia, baked fish and so much more. These were all very simple, Tuscan recipes made with local, seasonal ingredients, which made them very straightforward and tasty. I left inspired! I’m not a very adventurous cook but now I can’t wait to expand my dinner party repertoire beyond something out of Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals! We also explored some gorgeous little towns with cobbled streets, visited markets and butchers and tasted the local Chianti.

arezzo

tuscany ravioli

The weather, as you can see, was perfectly springlike and around 21 degrees most days.

1458484_10152307078875797_812975366_n

We then spent three nights in Rome and did all the usual tourist things. It’s a very impressive and iconic city, of course, but I can’t say I loved it. For me, it didn’t have the charm of Venice or Paris, but it was great to experience it nonetheless. Every travel experience is worthwhile if you ask me, and you’ll never love everywhere you visit. And that’s ok.

20140321_113916
The Colosseum

No more travel for a couple of weeks now and a good chance to catch up on work (so far working remotely has been just fine) and spend some quality time with my family. Next trip is to the international furniture fair in Milan, thanks to Freedom Kitchens and Caesarstone. I’m sure I’ll have lots to share from there!

Ciao x

Categories
Travel

Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to Europe I go!

Me in Venice, somewhere we hope to return to

As you read this, I will have already left Australian shores as my six-month adventure with my husband Damian begins! The last couple of weeks have been full on, with lots to organise, two weddings of dear friends, a very early morning trip to the flower markets (wedding-related), many farewell meals and some very last-minute packing. I imagine the reality of this trip will only really sink in as I sit on the plane and enjoy a little enforced relaxation!

Me in Venice, somewhere we hope to return to
Me in Venice, somewhere we hope to return to

First stop is Singapore (you have to break up that killer journey somehow!) for two nights, followed by a week in Italy (you may remember I won this trip to Tuscany and Rome last year as part of a blogger promo with De’Longhi) and then onto the Motherland, the UK. Then before we know it we’ll be off to Italy again, as I attend EuroCucina and Salone del Mobile (thanks to sponsorship from Freedom Kitchens). The rest of our trip is TBA but will include trips to as many European destinations as we can afford and fit in around working, as well as all of June in the States. We will bounce back and forth from my relatives’ homes in London and the Wiltshire countryside. Having family happy to take us in makes this trip infinitely more doable, as does being able to work from anywhere with an internet connection!

As far as you’re concerned, this blog should be business as usual, with my editorial assistant Olivia Shead (based in Sydney) and I (based in hotel rooms, cafes and quite possibly Apple Stores and Starbucks with free wi-fi) bringing you all the usual Aussie content as well as some exciting European extras, videos, reviews and interviews. You can find all the content from my travels in the new, dedicated Addict Abroad section. Please continue to email me as usual and I’ll forward it, if appropriate, to Olivia, who will also be attending events in my absence.

My trusty MacBook Pro is about to get even more battered!

Look out for heaps of photos on Instagram, of course!

For more on why we’re going away, read this post. I’d love to hear your recommendations of must-visit European destinations or design and interiors treasures in NYC, San Fran, Chicago, Boston or Vancouver. Please comment below.

Categories
Travel

Kerrie Hess’s guide to the Paris hotspots

Yesterday, we were lucky enough to feature a tour of illustrator Kerrie Hess’s Paris apartment. Today, we share her guide to homewares shopping, eating, drinking and people-watching in the city of love. If you’re planning a trip, take note!

image33

Kerrie’s Paris: where to hang out