Homeware shopping on the Gold Coast.

March 27, 2015 by Hayley 10 Comments

I am often asked about my favourite homeware shopping spots on the Gold Coast, QLD. Today I thought I would share them with you, just in time for the weekend. If you don’t live close to the Gold Coast, never fear, most of these shops have fabulous online stores and Instagram/Facebook accounts that you can go and drool over.

I’m going to start at the most Northern part of the Gold Coast and head South, follow the shops in order for the best route. Tap on the pictures to be taken to their websites, and I have also linked their Instagram and Facebook if it’s available.

Let’s Go!

HAMPTONS STYLE 37A Masthead Way Sanctuary Cove — Hamptons Style
37A Masthead Way
Sanctuary Cove

Think elegant coastal style in a quaint little shopping village, surrounded by gorgeous cafes. Hamptons Style is the perfect spot to start your shopping day. They stock a fabulous range of local and international brands, including Dash and Albert and Lexington. They also have their own range of cushions, the Portsea in the Hamptons collection is a personal favourite. You can also find them on Instagram and Facebook.

While you are at Sanctuary Cove, there is another cute little shop just across the road called Tango Lima, find them here on Facebook. Also, if you have little ones to shop for, pop into Sparrow Couture, its my go-to shop for babies and young kids gifts. Find their website here, and their Instagram here.

St Barts The Brickworks 107 Ferry Road Southport — St Barts
The Brickworks
107 Ferry Road
Southport

If you love Caribbean Island style, with some Bohemiam Luxe thrown in, then this is the store for you. It is full of eclectic pieces, one-off finds and worldy treasures. You can also find them on Instagram and Facebook.

While your at The Brickworks, have a little wander around. You’ll also find Freedom, Globe Interiors, King Furniture, Wheel and Barrow, Greenhouse and the most beautiful florist called Fleurus. See The Brickworks full directory here. Grab a take away coffee from Merlo, or a fresh juice from Quench, your going to need your energy for the next stop!

The Beach Furniture 48 Bundall Road Bundall — The Beach Furniture
48 Bundall Road
Bundall

The Beach Furniture is young and fun, think handmade and bespoke pieces using raw materials and pops of bright accessories with a beachy flavour. Yum! You can also find them on Instagram and Facebook.

Village 54 Bundall Road Bundall — Village
54 Bundall Road
Bundall

Step inside Village to find an eclectic mix of tribal, rustic, urban and luxe homewares. A beautifully curated shop with a big heart, they firmly believe in fair trade and using recycled and responsible materials to produce their drool worthy range of furniture. You can also find them on Instagram and Facebook.

Biku 54 Bundall Road Bundall — Biku
54 Bundall Road
Bundall

Biku is a fusion of global furniture and handcrafted items from artisans and crafters of remote villages in far away places. It is a visual feast of colourful bone inlay pieces, neon buddhas, copper serving ware and cowrie shell embellished baskets. Biku is also on Instagram and Facebook.

While you are here, pop next door to Apartment, Lifestyle & Living. I find this shop a little hit and miss, sometimes I want to take everything home and others … not so much.

Rococo Design 93 Ashmore Road Bundall — Rococo Design
93 Ashmore Road
Bundall

OK, Seriously, I want everything in Rococo Design, big statement, but true! The showroom is full of Hamptons style, white painted furniture, French oak furniture, vintage rattan, European linens and stunning silverware. You can find them on Instagram and Facebook too.

Alfresco Emporium Shop 7, Island Emporium Cnr Ashmore & Bundall Road Bundall — Alfresco Emporium
Shop 7, Island Emporium
Cnr Ashmore & Bundall Road
Bundall

This is one shop you will walk into, sigh and never want to leave. There is blue and white ginger jars, chunks of coral, beautiful shells, big palm trees, rattan accessories, and nautical accents at every turn. Good luck leaving this shop empty handed! You can also find Alfresco Emporium on Instagram and Facebook.

Villa Capri 2604 Capri on Via Roma Isle of Capri — Villa Capri
2604 Capri on Via Roma
Isle of Capri

This is a lovely lifestyle store, it’s young and tropical. They showcase fabulous local artists and crafters. The shop is often colour blocked, I really love this look and often find myself standing in front of the blue and pink sections for far too long. Find Villa Capri on Instagram and Facebook.

Katen Interiors 56B Thomas Drive Chevron Island — Katen Interiors
56B Thomas Drive
Chevron Island

OK, Confession time, I have never been in this shop, I want to, I just haven’t got there yet! I follow them on Instagram and they have such a beautiful range so I thought I’d include them. Find them on Instagram and Facebook.

Suga Suga Shop 1, 19-21 River Drive Surfers Paradise — Suga Suga
Shop 1, 19-21 River Drive
Surfers Paradise

I adore this little shop. Suga Suga has a pineapple as it’s logo, love! It is filled with items that evoke a modern take on British colonial island living. You’ll find white wash, pewter, rattan, shells and tropical chic pieces. Follow Suga Suga on Instagram and Facebook.

Even though this is in no way a comprehensive list of all the great shops on the Gold Coast, it’s just a few of my personal favourites. How did you go? Did you max out your credit card? Are you already thinking of ways to smuggle your stash inside without your other half finding them? Show me!!!

Where shall we shop next time? Shall we go further South on the Gold Coast starting at the beautiful Indiana Store at Burleigh Heads and heading down to Byron Bay? Or shall we go to Brisbane? Tell me, Your the boss 🙂

Hayley x

Easter around my home, plus my gift guide!

March 25, 2015 by Hayley 6 Comments

Have you started decorating for Easter? Do you decorate for Easter? I do, I think it’s the perfect time of the year to bring out lots of colour and have a bit of fun with it. I wanted to share with you what Easter looks like at my house, here’s a few snaps.

I don’t know about you, but at my house by the time the Easter Bunny has been, then the Grandparents, Aunties, Uncles, Neighbours and Friends drop over with piles of chocolate eggs, we have enough to feed a small country for a year. I know, Sad but true. So instead of buying more chocolate, lets have a look at a few chocolate free gift ideas.

Click on the picture to be taken to the website for all the items below, Happy Shopping!

Treasure Box, Bunny with Pearls - Foolhouse $100 — Treasure Box, Bunny with Pearls – Foolhouse $100

Vintage Easter Bucket - Lark $8.95 — Vintage Easter Bucket – Lark $8.95

Bundles of Bunnies Cookies - Love Bites Lifestyle $26 — Bundles of Bunnies Cookies – Love Bites Lifestyle $26

Bandit Bunny - Lark $75 — Bandit Bunny – Lark $75

Little Stirrer Teaspoon, Funny Bunny - Foolhouse — Little Stirrer Teaspoon, Funny Bunny – Foolhouse $20

Ceramic Hen Egg Cup - Corner store $24.95 — Ceramic Hen Egg Cup – Corner store $24.95

I hope you found something for your little ones, or maybe for yourself!

Hayley x

Star Signs … Whats your interiors style?

March 23, 2015 by Hayley 2 Comments

Does your star sign impact your interior decorating style? Do you even read your horoscope? Do you take it seriously, or is it just fun for a laugh? I thought it would be interesting (and a bit of fun) to see if your horoscope really does influence your style.

CAPRICORN.

Capricorns are responsible and resourceful. They prefer a classic home, full of solid wood furniture, leather, rattan, stone and natural elements. They will invest in antique and timeless pieces that will last a lifetime. Their home will be filled with heirlooms and sentimental trinkets. Capricorns care about their home and they want their home to reflect their proud achievements in life, without being flashy. It will be impressive without the snobbery. Their favourite colours are brown, indigo, grey and black.

Kyle Richards from RHOBH is a Capricorn, lets have a look at her home. It’s filled with classic pieces with splashes of indigo in the cushions and ginger jars. I think it’s pretty true to a Capricorns style, what do you think?

afed7835a96658f0de377c797c297899 — Source : www.parade.com

AQUARIUS

Aquarius are progressive and modern. They do not feel the need to follow trends, instead they make their own rules. They appreciate ultra modern designs and high tech equipment. Aquarius have a compelling urge to stand out and be unique, their home will reflect this with statement pieces of art or sculptures. They like metal elements and prefer a monochromatic colour scheme. Their favourite colours are electric blue, violet and black.

Paris Hilton is an Aquarian, here is her Manhattan penthouse. It is quite modern, and does have some statement art pieces, and I’m sure she has all the high tech equipment in there, that long fireplace is stunning.

ff04c802c6ceb04d12097acfe94a9e83 — Source : www.lonny.com

PISCES.

Pisces are intuitive and artistic, they need a space where they can be creative. They don’t like to feel trapped, so they like to have lots of big windows and doors that let the sunlight stream in. They like to bring the outside in with plants and a palette of blues and greens. They love to light candles.

Eva Longoria is a Pisces, I found a few pictures of her San Antonia, TX home. It is filled with lovely big windows, but I was expecting lighter colours.

Eva_Longoria_Luxury_Home3 — Source : www.homeluxury.net

ARIES.

Aries are dynamic and vibrant. They quickly adapt to new trends, but prefer a minimalistic interior. A simple style accented with bold pops of primary colours. They will complete their look with statement pieces of art. Their favourite colours are deep red and golden yellow.

Sarah Jessica Parker is our Aries star. She has a gorgeous home in the Hamptons that I feel reflects her Aries decorating style perfectly. Look at those pops of red!

TAURUS.

Taurus are conservative and cheerful. They prefer simple interiors, it must be comfortable, liveable and practical. They most definitely do not follow trends. They appreciate luxury items such a fluffy towels and beautiful linens. They often fill their homes with fresh flowers. They like to entertain and the kitchen will be well stocked with everything required for a stylish dinner party. They like earth tones, deep greens and vibrant pinks.

Tori Spellings home is exactly what I imagined for Taurus. It is timeless, classic and beautiful with quality fabrics, squishy cushions and full of floral patterns.

Tori-and-Deans-family-room-611x383 — Source : www.hookedonhouses.net

GEMINI.

Gemini’s are social and lively. Their homes are perfect for entertaining and will be casual and laid back, but also modern with clean lines. They like to be the first to get new things and will often have the latest trends incorporated in their style. They often buy things in pairs. Gemini’s are drawn to yellow, but often decorate with bright shades of blue and green.

Kylie Minogue is our Gemini star. I found a photo of her former London home. It has modern clean lines, but it is stylish and laid back, her living area has a pair of blue velvet sofa’s arranged perfectly for conversation. Classic Gemini I say!

Kylie-Minogue-puts-her-posh-London-House-market — Source : www.popsugar.com.au

CANCER.

Cancer star signs are gentle and protective. Their home will be their sanctuary from the outside world. It will feel like home, filled with sentimental objects, family photos and handmade gifts. Cancer’s are drawn to a cool colour palette, blues, silvers and pearl or shimmer finishes. Although they prefer a cool colour palette, their home will feel warm due to the abundance of comfy furniture, cushions and throws.

Pamela Anderson’s Malibu home is stunning. It is cool but also looks comfortable and inviting. What do you think?

LEO.

Leo’s are globetrotters with a taste for the exotic and theatrical. Their homes are filled with memento’s from their vacations to far away places. They proudly display ornamental mirrors, global furniture, and rare finds. They will have a well stocked bar, ready to mix cocktails at a moments notice. Their favourite colours are reds, oranges, yellows and purple. They also like animal prints and rich patterns.

Charlize Theron’s Malibu beach house is full of classic Leo colours and global furniture. I’m starting to believe this horoscope business, are you?

Real Estate — Source : www.becomegorgeous.com

VIRGO.

Virgo’s are meticulous and have an eye for detail. They are very organised and like to have a place for everything and everything in it’s place. They don’t like clutter and appreciate functional storage solutions. They opt for light tone timber finishes and glass finishes on furniture. Their favourite colours are cool or neutral, blues, greens, taupes and creams. They will pay attention to the little details and the linens will be ironed and the windows clean.

Let’s have a look at Cameron Diaz’s Manhattan apartment. Look at those perfectly pressed linens, and no clutter to be seen anywhere!

gallery_nrm_1423168667-edc100113diaz04 — Source : www.elledecor.com

LIBRA.

Libra’s homes are balanced and visually pleasing. They have an elegant aesthetic and love a little sparkle. They like quality pieces and will not hesitate to splash out a little more money for the perfect piece. They will often buy things in pairs, and decorate with their lamps, mirrors, art and vases displayed symmetrically. They opt for neutral and opal type colours in their home, often with a splash of blue.

Here’s Gwyneth Paltrow’s penthouse loft in Tribeca. Look at that symmetry, neutral palette and sparkly chandelier. Classic Libra?

Gwyneth Paltrow - Manhattan loft - Living room - design by Roman and Williams — Source : www.mylusciouslife.com

SCORPIO.

Scorpios are very private people and they will create a home that will be their own private retreat. They make bold choices and their home will reflect that with dramatic decor. Their rooms tend to be dark and moody with colour choices of red, orange, burgundy and black. They love textural fabrics and often use velvet, leather, silk and brocades.

Katy Perry’s Hollywood Hills home is moody and mysterious, look at the rich fabrics and trims she has used on her furniture and curtains. I think this horoscope stuff could be right!

SAGITTARIUS.

Sagittarians have a passion for travel and often bring back mementos of their trips to decorate their homes. They like an eclectic and colourful interior. They don’t need fancy or expensive things and they are happy to have trinkets from their trips to create conversation with their many guests. Purple, turquoise and royal blue are their colours of choice.

Christina Aguilera has extremely eclectic taste as seen here in her kitchen. There is a lot going on in one space, and it’s not fancy or pretentious.

Christina-Aguilera-Kitchen — Source : www.purehome.com

What do you think? Have a walk around your own home and see if your star sign is influencing your interior decor style. Tell me and show me, I’d love to know!

Hayley x

Love Bites Lifestyle

March 20, 2015 by Hayley Leave a Comment

Love Bites Lifestyle create pretty handmade things. Some for your home and some for your belly. Their range includes ceramic crosses, anchors, dishes… and also delicious vanilla cookies, intricately iced by hand.

The face behind Love Bites Lifestyle is Jenna, she is talented, creative, generous and just an all over beautiful person. I wanted you all to meet her. We chatted earlier this week and here’s what she had to say …

Tell me a little bit about yourself.
After being in a relationship for nearly 10 years, I found myself single in my late 20’s (but of course with Sari my beautiful Golden Retriever right by my side). Due to the massive change in circumstances I’ve spent the last couple of years stepping back from all the busyness of life and business, and instead invested a lot of time into myself. I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to rediscover who I am and work out what I really love doing – creating!

What made you want to begin your little business?
I started Love Bites Cookies & Cakes a few years ago after I bought one of Peggy Porschen’s books. Her sweets were like little pieces of art and inspired me to bake even more. After A LOT of convincing from my family and friends I decided to turn my hobby of baking into a little business. Late last year I launched Love Bites Lifestyle which really combines all of the elements that I love – food, travelling, creativity, encouraging each other & celebrating special events.

Your cookies are delicious as well as looking spectacular, How do you manage to achieve both?
I’ve always loved to bake and be creative and I also love all things pretty, so mixing them together was a fairly natural choice for me. It’s really important that my food tastes as good as it looks so I’ve spent many hours perfecting my recipes.

What was your first cookie design you sold, and do you still sell it today?
One of my first cookie designs was a simple heart with initials piped into it. It’s still a really popular style for people wanting personalised wedding favours.

You also have a beautiful range of ceramics including crosses, anchors and trinket dishes. Obviously you are very creative. What made you branch out into ceramics?
About 18months ago I had breakfast with a friend and as I was walking back to my car I spotted a clay and ceramic workshop. I wandered in and had a great chat to the owner and decided to sit down and attempt to make a cross. It was so refreshing to design something simply because I wanted to. It didn’t matter if my project was a total disaster because I had absolutely no expectations. I was literally just playing with clay and my heart was happy. I was so happy with the finished product that I’ve been hooked ever since! I was receiving lots of comments and enquiries about my ceramics so I decided to create a range and launch an online store under the ‘Love Bites Lifestyle’ branch.

What or who inspires you?
I am inspired by creative and kind people. They are two of the things that always really stand out to me and their impact should not be underestimated. I love seeing small businesses bloom! I also love the colours of nature- the aqua ocean, bright flowers etc. We really are surrounded by so much beauty.

How do you feel when you see someone proudly displaying one of your ceramic pieces on social media?
Surprised. Honoured. Happy. It’s always encouraging to know people love my work as much as I do.

What is your proudest achievement?
Last year I travelled to France for over 3 months to be an au pair and also do some traveling. I’m proud of myself for listening to my heart and diving into the unknown. I had the most amazing experiences; I met beautiful people, attending incredible patisserie classes, made cookies for a lovely French wedding, ate my heart out each and every day and of course saw some stunning cities, villages and countryside. I came back to Australia refreshed, inspired and ready to dive back into my business.

What have you got planned for Love Bites Lifestyle in the future?
Lots more prettiness… both of the edible and ceramic kind! This year I also hope to start selling my ceramic products wholesale too.

If you have just the spot for one of Jenna’s gorgeous pieces, or simply ‘need’ some beauty in your home and cookies in your belly … Jenna is giving my readers an exclusive offer – 15% off all sales and you’ll also receive a special surprise cookie with your order! Use the code ‘MUMLITTLELOVES15’ until the 10 April 2015. What are you waiting for, Go!

I am currently running a compeition on Instagram for Love Bites. It is for a gorgeous handmade, hand painted decorative cross. It has a stunning moroccan tile print in beautiful shades of blue. It truly is gorgeous, if you haven’t already entered, quick, go now! You gotta be in it to win it! Details are here.

Hayley x

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