Interior Styling | Indoor Plants

When it comes to interiors I'll happily take a monochrome palette, wood accents and touches of green. When the green comes from bringing a bit of nature indoors, even better. As the trend for indoor plants (which I touched on here) continues to grow, I'm really keen to embrace it in our new home but I have a long way to go! I finally purchased the Fiddle Leaf Fig I've been eyeing up for ages, but we only have a couple of other plants - one is thriving, the other is a little sad. Both are also in desperate need of re-potting. To be honest, looking after plants has never been my forte, but I figure if I can raise two small boys then I must be able to care for a few house plants, right?!

Back to the Fiddle Leaf (Ficus Lyrata) for a moment. You've no doubt seen this very hip plant buzzing around the web lately. If not, take a look at this terrific post by the lovely Talia of MintSix Boutique Homewares & Styling, one of my newest sponsors. A great roundup of The Fabulous Fiddle Leaf Fig, it's so cool, you'll be rushing out to buy one in no time! 

Luckily I found it easier to come by than Talia who hails from the South Island, happily settling for this Ficus Bambino (the smaller) version, from my local garden centre Palmers Gardenworld Remuera. While there I got chatting to the director Delma Harrison, who with over 35 years experience is able to help you with your plants and interiors, stocking not only a huge selection of plants but also beautiful and unique homewares from around the world. By the time I left, I had several new things on my wishlist including this plant, new pots and even a gorgeous knitted pouffe! Delma also owns the award-winning Cafe Greenfingers onsite, which we visit often as they have a play area for the kids! They also do great coffee, so make sure you stop by. 

One large plant in the corner of a room can make a striking statement...

...while smaller plants dotted around the home, on mantle pieces, shelves and in the bathroom add lovely touches of green and texture...

I also love seeing smaller plants grouped together, especially with some succulents and cacti in the mix... 

Or you could go all out with an indoor garden, including wall-mounted and ceiling-hung plants....

This bathroom is pretty fabulous... 

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Before I go, you may have noticed I've now joined Instagram as a way to share snaps I take here and there for the blog and build. Basically a peek behind the scenes of The Design Chaser, follow along here!  

Studio 46 | Terrarium Workshops

It would be hard not to have noticed the buzz surrounding indoor plants lately. A trend that was big in the 70s, decorating with plants has become popular again in recent years, and I have to admit I'm more than keen to jump on board. It seems that every time I'm on Pinterest I see another Fiddle Leaf Fig and by golly, I want to get my hands on one for the new house! (Watch this space). Another plant trend I'm loving right now is the terrarium, so I was pretty excited to have discovered a class here in Auckland, where you learn how to make one.

Held at Studio 46 on Auckland's North shore, this gorgeous little space is run by two clever creatives, Amber Roper of Red Creative Event Styling and Annie Oxborough a Botanical Stylist. They are also joined by my friend Rachael McMahon of the beautiful blog Made From Scratch, who is now running her popular Cake Decorating Workshops there. In fact, Rachael has kindly invited me to watch one of her classes next week and I can't wait! Being the super clever lass and successful blogger that she is, Rachael is also starting to run workshops for aspiring bloggers, with Blogging 101, Blog Design and Social Media Starter. Pop over here to find out more.

The Terrarium Workshops are run by Annie O, who started out in the floral business at only 14, opening her first shop in Herne Bay at 23, specialising in events including weddings and private functions. In addition to event styling and workshops she now styles for magazines, retail shops and bars. Incredibly talented, you may have seen Annie's stunning botanical pieces, including bespoke bouquets and handmade terrariums at The Department Store.

Rachael attended the Terrific Terrariums Workshop held last Tuesday night at Studio 46 and raved about it! As well as learning all about these gorgeous little plant worlds from resident terrarium guru Annie, participants got to make their own one to take home. They were also given a bag full of goodies from MOR Cosmetics, All’antica, Made From Scratch, Homestyle Magazine, and Annie O. Rachael has sent me some exclusive photos from the night to share with you, taken by the lovely Gem Adams from Blackbird Blog.

The next Terrific Terrariums Workshop is in September. Pop over here to find out more and to sign  up. Hopefully I'll be joining you! There are also Private Group Classes available, including Team Terrariums, perfect for team building and a bit of fun with the colleagues! For the full schedule of workshops held at Studio 46 take a look here. 

Blog Love | Daniella Witte

Daniella Witte is a multi-talented creative from Sweden, whose work gets me in 'the zone' every time. I get excited when I see she's posted a new blog entry, knowing that it will undoubtedly add a dose of visual inspiration to my day. As an interior designer, stylist, photographer, blogger and shop owner, Daniella juggles many roles, sharing her work for all the world to see. If you're not yet following her lovely blog, you must!  

Daniella masters the Scandi style aesthetic that I love to perfection. Monochrome with splashes of green, touches of metallic and layers of texture by way of natural materials like wood and fur are seen here in her stunning home and styling work.  

With an amazing eye for detail, and an incredible knack for using simplicity to create visual impact, Daniella is able to produce the most beautiful product shots, vignettes and still lifes. Captured with incredible clarity, I'm also in awe of her photography skills.

Notice the way Daniella plays with light in these next photos.  

So pretty! I know Daniella's talent will continue to shine on. See plenty more of the magic over here. 

All images via daniellawitte.blogspot.co.nz

Dining Rooms | Bright, White & Green

I've been thinking a lot about the dining area of our new home lately. The pendant lights arrived yesterday which is very exciting, and I've found both the trestle legs and the table top that I want. The chairs will have to wait but our existing ones will work for now, with the help of some sheepskins to warm up the cool steel seats. What I'm really looking forward to however is the surrounding space. The open-plan layout that includes the kitchen and living, the white walls, black joinery of the windows and doors to the adjoining deck, and white ash wood flooring. 

I really love dining spaces that bring in lots of light and greenery from the outdoors. Indoor greenery is wonderful too, and that's one of the key elements of these spaces I'm going to show you. Plants and fresh flowers really brighten up the room, adding texture and life. Regardless of style, be it vintage-industrial, rustic or modern, adding touches of green to bright white interiors is a simple formula that works every time.  

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I hope you've seen something here that inspires. I'm heading off to seek out some cosy sheepskins! See you back here tomorrow. 

Outdoor Living Inspiration

I think the outdoor living areas will be the last to get some love and attention when we move into our new build, due to lack of time and funds, but I have however started taking notes. I wasn't blessed with green fingers but I do love gardens and greenery, and when it comes to outdoor living I've stumbled across some amazing inspiration around the web lately. 

Despite the fact that Winter is looming, we've had some gorgeous sunny weather in Auckland these last few days which is great being that it's the School holidays. I thought I'd get in quick with this post, before the chill really sets in and we start spending much less time outdoors. Mind you, judging by the fireplaces, lush sofas and cosy textures shown in these images, lounging outside in Winter never looked so good.
   

These outdoor rooms show how interior styling can be carried through to the exterior of your home. Comfy sofas lavished with gorgeous throw cushions and sheepskins are teamed up with stools, ottomans, low level tables and of course lots of lush plants.  

As with interiors, I can't get enough of built-in furniture right now. The home above shows how great design can make the most of the space you have, providing seamless indoor/outdoor flow. 

I have a real thing for yellow outdoor furniture. Paired with black, white and grey furniture and textiles, here are some gorgeous examples...

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To finish off, here are some outdoor pot plants that have caught my eye recently. Firstly with a unique vertical garden installation offering a range of herbs...

I love white pots in varying shapes and sizes grouped together, especially with lush succulents and bright pink blooms...

Concrete planters are also a fave...

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I have lots more outdoor finds to show you including alfresco dining inspiration, but that will have to wait for another day because the sun is popping out again and the kids are calling! Have a lovely weekend everyone.