It’s been almost six months since we returned from our trip of a lifetime to Europe and America but I still get to re-live it by writing my regular travel pieces for Expedia’s blog. Today, I’ve shared five must-visit destinations in the big smoke for interiors lovers. Most of you know I’m a Pom and I love the UK, but I’m more of a country girl than a city slicker (despite having lived in London for five years). But you can’t deny how amazing this city is, especially when you go back as a tourist.
I have a bit of everything for you, from Abigail Ahern’s fabulous little shop (above) to the legendary Liberty of London, West Elm (where they have coffee) and the surrounding homewares stores of Tottenham Court Road, the Design Museum and more.
I’ve just booked my place on this ‘Emotive Interiors’ workshop by the talented Sib
As a landscape designer, I am passionate about all elements of landscape design but it’s the feeling of being in a garden that ignites a spark in me. I have worked all over Australia, I have completed works in the UK and France and as well as running a successful business, I am the LifeStyle Channel’s resident landscape expert.
Selling Houses Australia Series 8 starts 4 Feb 2015, only on the LifeStyle Channel
But there is one goal I have always dreamed about since a young age and that is to exhibit a large show garden at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show in London. In past years, I have visited the show and made films for the LifeStyle Channel and in 2014, I volunteered my time to build an exhibit for gardening royalty Alan Titchmarsh. But next year, I will finally be exhibiting my very own garden in a prime spot on the showground.
The plan for Charlie’s Chelsea Flower Show garden
The process of getting approved to exhibit at Chelsea is not an easy one. There are only eight large show garden spots and hundreds of applicants trying to get one of them. Firstly, you need the usual plans, perspectives, mood boards and documentation required for any large-scale project, but with Chelsea you also need to provide a design brief. This is to tell the judges what you are trying to achieve and without an actual client or any direction and with a limited word count available, is actually the hardest part of the process.
Paying for the garden is also a hurdle that has to be jumped over and sending a crew to the other side of the world to build a garden is not a cheap exercise. I approached Husqvarna and Gardena to help fund the garden as I felt they were a good fit, being at the forefront of innovation and quality in the horticultural industry. Along with donations from Conway Landscaping, Capricorn Quarries, Australian Plunge Pools and ME Lighting, we got there!
Upon receiving the email that informed me I would be there in a very prominent position, I felt a surreal mix of excited elation and the feeling of instant pressure to perform. This project has consumed my life in every way and is a process I am thoroughly enjoying.
My garden is inspired by the death of my father when I was 17. The space is a garden to meet with him and tell him about my life since his passing. I have designed a space to celebrate life but to also be emotive and intimate.
The garden is split into three sections and each element of the garden means something to me. The first third is a walk down a meandering path with romantic planting either side. The path is two metres wide so I can walk down it with my father and children hand in hand.
The central section is based around a large water feature that empties within five seconds to represent the feeling of life slipping away. Above this, hanging off the wall, will be a copper sculpture designed by myself and young award-winning sculpture Luke Storrier (son of Archibald winning Tim Storrier).
The rear section is a sunken intimate courtyard that focuses around a dry stone fire pit, which represents my wife as the centre and fire in my life. Surrounding this sunken area are 17 hand-carved sandstone pillars that represent important people and family in my life.
We can’t wait to follow the progress of Charlie’s garden. Watch this space!
You may have seen me raving about my recent trip to Bath on social media. I have been to this English city many times on account of growing up just down the road. And because of that, I’ve never actually spent a weekend there. This city has a special place in my heart and it’s where Damian and I chose to have our second wedding reception for my English family and friends last year. It is probably my favourite place in the UK.
Earlier this month however, we were lucky enough to stay at the amazing Royal Crescent Hotel. As the name suggests, this five-star slice of heaven is slap bang in the middle of one of the most famous street addresses in the world. Will you just look at it?! No wonder Jane Austen used to stroll up and down as it was the place to be and to be seen!
With an exterior like this, it would be easy for the interior to be a letdown, but I’m happy to report this was not the case. Our room was beautiful, and probably the biggest surprise was the English country garden that lay on the other side of this building.
Read my full review and see all the pictures, including the bedrooms, on the Expedia blog.
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.
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.
This fab marble coffee table is available in Australia too, for $699
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.
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!
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…)
I 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).
You all know I’m a big fan of British interiors queen Abigail Ahern and her homewares range for department store Debenhams is a lot of fun. If you like dogs in particular, you’ll love it!
Even better, some of it’s currently on sale. And it’s all able to be shipped to Australia. I’ve rounded up a few picks.
I wanted to share some exciting news with you. In just under 2 months, my husband and I will be taking off to Europe for 6 whole months! Before you panic, first things first, the blogging will continue as usual! Interiors Addict will still be your one stop shop for everything about Australian interiors, homewares and personalities. But, in addition to this, I’ll be bringing you inspiration and finds from all over Europe, and especially the UK, too.
As most of you know, I recently married Damian and I’m originally from the UK. Before we settle into domestic bliss, a mortgage and parenthood, we’ve decided (after much deliberation) that now is our last chance to do something just for us and get the travel bug out of our system while it’s easy (of course you can travel with kids but it’s definitely easier and cheaper when it’s just you!). Added to this the fact that I can technically work from anywhere with a good internet connection, and it seems to be a no-brainer! I’ve employed my new assistant Olivia Shead to be my eyes and ears here in Sydney though, just to cover all bases!
As you may know, I finished our honeymoon in the UK last week, spending time with friends and family. It was so lovely to hang out at my dad’s in front of a roaring open fire. Which reminds me, Christmas is the only time of year I get really homesick! For me, Christmas shopping is always fun and in England, Marks & Spencer is always involved, whether it’s hitting up the food court (oh, WHEN are they bringing M&S Food to Australia?!), buying a few new baubles or some gift sets for relatives.
Some EXCELLENT news I just became aware of is that dear old M&S are offering free shipping to Australia (for a limited time, so that could end any time, so be quick) on orders over 30GBP (just over $50). So I seriously suggest you check out their Christmas decorations, not to mention their famous 3 for 2 offers (these were very important when it came to making pocket money stretch back in the day).
London is filled with culture, history and great designers to be discovered. It is perceived as one of the most influential cities, setting the tone for the global design scene. It is especially known for its large retail, gift and vintage markets, where you can find many treasures.
A designer that is known for participating in some of London’s most prestigious gift fairs is a very unique wallpaper designer. I recently discovered Londonite Claire Coles when I stumbled across her embroidered wallpaper and was instantly intrigued by their unique composition.
When I still lived in the UK, I often coveted the clothes by British fashion designer Matthew Williamson. So I was delighted to hear (and see!) his work is now available as wallpaper and textiles in Australia. How stunning is this?!
This month sees Osborne & Little launch EDEN, the debut collection of fabrics and wallpapers created exclusively for Osborne & Little by Williamson.
British interior designer Abigail Ahern, who is popular with Australians
I asked leading British interior designer Abigail Ahern to tell me what’s hot in my home city of London for design lovers right now. I’m planning a stop-off at the end of our honeymoon in November, and I can’t wait to check out a few of these new shopping and dining finds!
I also found out that West Elm are now doing 
