THE SLEEPY CHAPTER + GETTING COMFORTABLE

Over the past couple of years as my circle of friends has expanded and we have grown older, we are all reaching that next stage of our lives where we are preparing to fly the coop. It is a little unbelievable that this year alone we will be attending six weddings, whom are all very good friends or close relatives young in age. It is pretty amazing how time brings forth all these different stages. These stages have brought up a lot of questions about what I think is best to look for when wanting to buy all your new furniture for the new pad. It has been dominating phone conversations that is for sure!

I was recently having a discussion with a close girlfriend who is preparing to move out very soon with her soon to be husband and was looking for great quality, comfortable linen. So, I thought why not do a post on the blog about what I look for and what I think are the best elements to create a really comfortable bed. Your bed is super important as you pretty much spend almost half your life sleeping which it allows your body to restore itself so having the right support and comfort is essential. To me it is not something that you skimp on... by the way, I need to take my own advice because my mattress is completely outdated and not supportive anymore! It's on the "To Do List" trust me.

Good quality linen, duvet covers, throws and pillowcases can be hard to come by, which is why I wanted to share with you a great bedding resource, Parachute. They have a great range available at affordable prices. Currently, personally and a lot of my friends are after things that have a really natural look to them, so there does not have to be too much fuss about the sheets, they always look clean, they are simple, feel good and neutral.

Here are some of my favourite tricks when making your bed look pretty amazing and just overall effortless.

+ Think about it as a composition - Layer the bed with different colour linen. For example you may have a white flat sheet and loose sheet but then two different combination of colours for the pillowcases and a different colour for the duvet cover.

+ Add character to a bed by adding at most 3 cushions. Yes, see how I did not say 10 cushions? It is very unnecessary to have excessive amounts of small cushions, 3 is enough and it allows you to have two different colour combinations.

+ Have different sized pillows, 2 x large square size and 2 x normal sleeping size.

+ Add texture to the bed by complimenting it with a casual throw to make it feel that extra comfortable and inviting. Your bed is also a great place for journaling, reading, meditating so having a great throw to lie on top of with your normal clothes is a great idea. 

All products shown in the images below can be found at Parachutes to create your ultimate sleeping haven.

Make sure to visit their website by clicking here

Images sourced from Parachutes. 

PAINT PLACE GUEST POST

Exciting way to start the blogging week off with our expert opinions being shared on The Paint Place blog. Along with other industry professional and the lovely Chris from The Life Creative, we give our scoop on what our favourite colour picks are for the season and how to work them in with other colour palettes.

My pick were bright colours like corals, yellows and my favourite at the moment teal.

You can check out the post by clicking here. 

MEET THE DESIGN TWINS

Have you heard or discovered the latest amazing set of homewares yet? You all know how much I love concrete so it is really no surprise when I say how much I love the designs by this dynmaic duo, Crystal and Mitch, better known as The Design Twins.

Last month Crystal took the time to chat to us about all things design and business, what inspires them and what they believe is the key to success. I want to take this opportunity to thank The Design Twins for taking part in this feature to share with all my amazing readers, I have not been able to publish this until I got back on Australian land so now that I am back, it is the first feature of many more to come.

I know music has been a huge part of your life, how do you think it has helped you channel your creativity into what you are doing at the moment? 

Music gave me the strength and persistence to pursue what we are doing now with Design Twins. Our products are definitely influenced by music and fashion, allowing us to create unique and bold pieces. 

You create some really unique and interesting pieces. What is your creative process? 

With our designs, we always think of the craziest idea possible, to the point of where it can't be made and then bring it right back to a products that is practical, logical and beautiful. For instance, with our concrete pillows, we thought of large outdoor pillows. These would be heavy and not practical, so we created mini pillows for candles, keys and jewellery! 

We have noticed you use concrete, what gave you the idea to use it? And is there another material both you and “Twinnie” would love to introduce? 

We started off with a bag of concrete in our kitchen sink and the craziness went from there! We realised it could be shaped into ANYTHING and we wanted to take it from being a DIY project to the next level of crazy homewares. We would LOVE to introduce copper or steel into the designs somehow. We love all things marble, copper, leather, glass and recycled timber!!

What would be the best three words to describe what The Design Twins is all about? 

CRAZY, UNIQUE, FUN!

What do The Design Twins believe is the key ingredient in working to make your dreams come true? 

Love what your doing and keep persisting even when everything seems impossible. There have been so many times when we wanted to give up, but we just knew that if pushed through, something unique was going to be created.

What would you consider would be the most important step you took in making the business happen?

Moving out of our kitchen sink, to a workshop, where we could experiment with designs in a bigger and better scale.

What do you believe is the best part about having your own business and what would be your piece of advice for those wanting to follow their passions? 

We get to work the hours we choose, although lately its been from 10am until 1am most days, we hope to reduce that to some type of normality soon. We get to do fun things like snorkel on our lunch breaks, as we live on a reef! If you have a dream, don't give up on it! Stay curious. Stay creative. Stay hungry!

You can find The Design Twins website and products by clicking here. 

All images have been sourced from The Design Twins website and Instagram page. 

WARRIOR WEDNESDAY // STORY TELLER OR SEASONAL?

Two posts in one day?! What the hell is going on? ... Well I am inspired that is what is happening today and I have much to share so lets get right to it.

You all know already that I am a huge fan of Sarah Wilson and everything that she stands for so she has again inspired this post, because here at JDZ we really like being rule breakers and stepping away from the crowd. I am all about personality in your home because that is how you tell your story but I am also about keeping your home fresh and vibrant. The thing is I don't mean this in a way that suggests that you SHOULD go out and buy new furniture every month or to match your seasons, I mean that your key pieces and elements around your home should be that, key pieces, that are timeless and always there, but that doesn't mean that changing around your space buy adding in a new cushion that you fall in love with or a brighter colour candle in summer is 'wrong' if it appears on your coffee table... that is actually fine, or not, there really is no right or wrong... it is what works for you and what embodies your personality. If you want vibrance during summer, go get that sweet smelling candle, if you want to be warm in winter, invest in that super wooly bulky blanket that adds that texture to your key couch.

I want to find out from all of you wether you are a story teller in your home or you are more seasonal? Do you believe in having or finding elements that are talking points or different, has history and adds richness to your space?

The thing is, space plays a huge part in our lives especially our homes, it is where we live, it is where we develop a lifestyle, not to mention it impacts the way we feel and how others perceive us. This is why I believe personality and following the concept of creating a "healthy" space is by embodying you.

So, What is your style? Are a mixture of both or are you one or the other?

THE BLOCK IN REVIEW - SUPER K'S FIRST WIN

I haven't even had a chance to catch up on last nights episode so writing this post today feels completely weird as I am itching to watch it. I promise I will get to catch up on it tonight, but that doesn't stop me from having an opinion! Even though I haven't seen all the drama behind last nights episode and second bedroom reveal, I know that the Super K's took home the first win for the Fans. They all delivered great rooms again this week and I really think the judges job is so tough ( did you hear I got to chat to Darren Palmer again on Friday night? More on that later in the week ) which is why I think they are being a lot tougher this year. The super K's did really well producing a show stopping, high standard room. My two favourites this week are the super K's and the twins without a doubt. To me the difference between what makes a winning room is the details as details can really take a room to the next level. I cannot however, go past a large scale mirror standing against a wall, I am a sucker for it as well as glass/mirror and black metal, which the twins nailed in their room.

What do you think?! Are you happy the super K's won? Do you agree that the judges are being very harsh this season? Let's us know all your thoughts below!

Remember you can find all the furniture pieces, homewares and artwork from The Block Shop

and find all the images that you see here on The Block website. 

FEATURE FRIDAY: BE INSPIRED, BE YOU!

Thank god it is Friday and Feature Friday to top it off! I want you to ask yourself this question? Are you constantly wondering how to make yourself and everything in your life stylish? Are you wanting to try and define your style or get inspired to bring your fashion style and translate it into your home? I know 20 questions right? But the thing is we are constantly seeking ways to define our style but also find ways to make our lives look super stylish at the same time. I think that you should not only book mark this resource but also subscribe to an online magazine that will inspire you to be you, in every aspect of your life. We often need to take action to create a great and stylish life in all areas and this is exactly the magazine that will give you the motivation to do so. To top it off, it is extremely user friendly, accessible and interactive for everyone. It is called Stylem, a new fashion and lifestyle online magazine that is targeted at inspiring you to be yourself and achieve style in every aspect of your life. 

The editor and creator behind Stylem is Emma Wood who was Vogue Australia's fashion editor, which means she definitely knows what she is talking about. Stylem is a dream come true for Emma and it gives her the ability to share and educate everyone around the world how easy it is to create a style in all areas of your life. 

So, what are you all waiting for? Get onto the website by clicking right HERE and not only get your fashion tips but also get heaps of interior inspiration... which I love by the way. Below are some snapshots I have taken from the website that demonstrate the stylish nature of the mag. 

Stylem are also running a very cool promo at the moment that I am sure many of you will want to take part in. It is really simple, all you have to do is click HERE to find out all the awesome details, subscribe, invite a friend and you are in the running to win a $250 seed heritage voucher. 

All images have been sourced from the Stylem website. 

WHAT IS YOUR INTERIOR RESOLUTION?

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my lovely loyal readers or whoever may stumble across my little blog. It is something that I am very proud of and cannot wait to develop more and more over the next year. Without all of your support and stopping by, it wouldn't be at the level it already is in such a short time!

New Year is that special time of year where we really kind of get a fresh start, start all over again and begin on a new note. It is customary to develop goals or New Year Resolutions for what you want to achieve or set your mind to in the New Year. I want to ask you all though, do you have an Interior New Year Resolution? What do you want to achieve in your space? Do you have big plans for a renovation? Have you just brought a house? I would love to hear what they are! Even if it is just about making it a healthier cleaner environment, or to create sustainable living, they are all great goals!

Here are the top 5 highlights on the blog this past 2013... well, half of 2013 to get you thinking.

FEATURE FRIDAY- ALISE & LYSANDRA
FUNKY FURNITURE
SYDNEY INDESIGN SNEAK PEEK 
STUDIO SPACE PT 2
BARRY DUBOIS INTERVIEW

And one more for Good Luck

BREEDS OF MEN


Share with my what your New Year Interior Resolution is! I am sure I can help!

MY FURNITURE CRUSH CONTINUED

Last week I was talking to you all and shared some great furniture pieces from designer Patricia Urquiola. Well today I am going to tell you a little bit more about her and how I feel her furniture can be applied in a space to create a very funky vibe. What I really love about Patricia is that she is actually an architect and her development and design of her own furniture collection, really demonstrates the diversity of the design world and how even if you are an architect or an interior designer, it does not mean you are redistricted. Know one and kinda know them all.... well that is what I say anyway. I think many would disagree, but generally speaking if you are trained as a designer and in multidisciplinary thinking you just get it! I would LOVE to be able to do this one day, develop and design your own pieces is just so rewarding and a great way to be even more creative than you are as an architect or interior designer... because lets face it, there are limitations that we are to think about.

Patricia's furniture is very different, it is simple and effective in communicating a very sleek, funky and fun design presence. It can be added to a very modern environment to add a real edge to the space and give it that really "expensive" vibe. ( Far out I think I used the word expensive like Alex Perry does... ignore that... but there is no other way to express what I mean. ) Her furniture I feel also channels very 1940's 1950's styles, that were very streamline and very elegant in shape, material and design. Mainly her furniture is very bright and fun, which is what is needed in certain interior environments sometimes. Very exciting to be able to use her pieces in conceptual development of some awesomely designed corporate interiors by my colleague and friend.

All I want is to own one of her chairs... which I am sure many other designs buffs do.

Here products are available through Space Furniture in DeDeCe in Sydney. Look them up!!
PS: If you live in Sydney and have been to IVY Pool... You can spot a couple of her pieces.

TGIF Tomorrow!

JDZ x

ROAD TRIPS ARE NOT JUST GOOD FOR CLEARING THE HEAD

Now it is time to talk more about the farmhouse project I have been working on for a long time! It is very exciting and is slowly slowly coming together. Thankfully my other half, Evan, better known as  assistant on the day, came along for a very enjoyable but long drive down south into VERY rural NSW. It is a completely different way of life, one that is simpler, slower and rather peaceful. Living off the land and enjoying the beautiful landscape was exactly what was in order for a little recharge this weekend... so even though it was work, it really didn't feel like it. It is also very close to Albury, which is a lovely little town to discover, filled with some really lovely cafes and shops... including a very cute little homewares store... called Little Nest. 

Here are some pictures of Ev's and I on our rural NSW work adventure this weekend, marking the beginning of a lot more behind the scenes snap shots previewing on the blog.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!
JDZ x

MY FAVOURITES FROM SCULPTURE BY THE SEA

Sculpture by the Sea used to be my favourite excursion in High school Visual Arts. Every year we would head down to Bondi to do the walk all the way to Bronte to take in some of the amazing sculptures and installations created. Being a huge lover and appreciator of art in general, I of course love to make this trip down yearly just to have to look. This year was no exception with some really great pieces and lets face it... not so great pieces... I really ask myself sometimes, how the hell did that get chosen? Anyway, apart from being slapped in the face by nature over the weekend while doing the walk, braving the cold wind and rain, I was so pleased I got to see what I knew would be my favourite piece.

Here are some images from my favourites including the sphere ( which I think was just beautiful and oh so simple. ) Did you make the trip down this year? What did you think? Art is such a great way to express emotions, thoughts and concepts, especially if you can communicate it in a very interesting and abstract way.

ALL THINGS FRENCH

Elements I love, last week had a launch and viewing party of their new French shipment that became available to the public last Thursday. It was exciting to go along and get an exclusive preview into all the treasures they have found while they were sourcing the pieces over in France. It has been a years worth of hard work and foresight but I have to say it has definitely paid off as the pieces they have in store are absolutely amazing. Think Gatsby era, think glamour, think Marie Antoinette inspired and all things really cool, retro and funky. If you are looking for a very individual and unique piece with a bit of history and culture behind it, you must head over to Elements I love in Surry Hills and get exploring and put your interiors thinking cap on.

It is so important as a designer to know what is one the market at all times because when you are working on several projects with different briefs the things you see around and know about pop into your mind as soon as you find the perfect brief for it. Having as many resources as possible and product knowledge is key when specifying, you know what will work where and who to get it from instantly.

Here are some behind the scenes shots from the evening last week, you can find a lot more about Elements I love here and by following them on Facebook & Instagram @elements_i_love.

All images taken by JDZ herself... sorry about the black doggy tag in the corner of the photos...my iphone skin is coming off. Time for a new one I think!

Have a great Wednesday,
JDZ x