Adding layers and warmth for Winter …

July 1, 2016 by Hayley Leave a Comment

Do you change you home decor for Winter?
I do!
I don’t mean an entire new look, just a few quick changes to make your home feel cosy and inviting for the chilly months. I like to add layers, bring in rich textures and make the house feel warm and inviting.

Here’s what I do …

Firstly, your going to need some throw rugs, blankets, kanthas or quilts, then layer them up … EVERYWHERE!

Merino wool is incredibly warm and super snugly. I love this blanket, the cable knit is chunky and textural and it is available in three perfect colours for winter. Layer it on the end on your little ones bed or throw it over the couch for TV snuggling.

issac_2__15021.1432013643.1280.1280 — Merino wool Isaac cable knit blanket | Babu

Faux fur throws are so snugly, and if you have a fireplace they are downright mandatory!

Secondly, you’ll need cushions and lot’s of them. Nothing is more inviting to snuggle on the couch than a good blanket and masses of cushions. Try to look for chunky textures and luxe fabrics, think knits, leather, velvets and fur.

How perfect and inviting is this pile of pillows in leathers and soft belgian linens?

I love these cushions crafted from thick stone washed cotton, they are blanket stitched around the edges which gives them some extra texture and character.

Sea, Salt and Tide cushions | Linen & Moore

Next, how about a couple of floor rugs to keep your tootsies warm, there is nothing worse than having cold feet!

I am seriously in love with this one from Designer Rugs, it is called Highgate, I love the rich indigo colour, perfect for winter layering.

And if you’d rather add some warm colours to a lighter space, this one is absolutely gorgeous. I love that you have so many colours to pull out of this palette and add to your room in cushions and other decorator items.

Steps wool rug | Dash & Albert | Winton House

I adore the ambience that a lit candle can bring to a cold winters day. Of course if you’re going to light a candle, it better smell good.

The range is one of my favourites, all Australian made from essential oils and beautifully packaged, they not only look pretty, they smell divine!

tilley__hero — Tilley Soaps collection / Photo credit : Hannah Caldwell

I also love the look of this range of candles, I haven’t tried them, but the pretty colours and monogrammed ‘L’ have me all heart eyes, maybe because my surname starts with an L, they look like they were made especially for me!

As for decor pieces, I like to pull back on the coral and shells, and prefer to add brass, wood and pottery.

This antique style bucket crafted from reclaimed elm is perfect for storing magazines, towels or extra blankets.

I love this range of ceramics for winter, they are available in a shades of white, blue and ink and they look fabulous grouped together.

And lastly, just because it’s winter, it doesn’t mean you can’t have flowers. I have recently been converted to natives, they add texture, life and colour, and they last so long!

What do you think? Do you feel warmer just looking at all those beautiful things? Do you have something that you bring out during the colder months? Tell me everything!

Happy Shopping!

Hayley x

Artist Profile – Carolyne Hallum

May 20, 2016 by Hayley 4 Comments

There is nothing better than having a piece of original art in your home, especially a piece that makes you smile every time you walk past it.
I bought a sweet little floral piece from Carolyne Hallum a couple of years ago and it does just that, makes me smile.
What’s even better is when Carolyne visited Brisbane last year from her home in Melbourne we met, and now that little piece of art makes me smile even more because I know it was created by one of the most gorgeous gals I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.

I wanted to introduce you to Carolyne and her love-filled paintings today.
I know your going to love her and her paintings just as much as I do!

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I live in Melbourne, up near the hills of the Dandenongs with my husband and two children, Daniel 26 and Sharna 22. When I left school I went straight into a job with a Shipping Company and worked with them up until I had Sharna. To keep myself busy and make some pocket money, I started my own business Attic House Designs and made ceramics and folk art wood pieces – this is where my love of art came to play. I can’t tell you how many markets I did and party plans I booked but it got to the point where I would have had to employ people to start painting for me, this was when I decided to close the business and work outside of home in retail. I worked in retail for quite some time until I had enough and then became a merchandiser for a card company, in this time I was working with my sister in her family business as well and thats when the urge for painting came back. I finished up working and with 2016 I wanted to solely concentrate on my art and here I am today with Carolyne Hallums Art.

Where did you learn to paint?

To be honest, I didn’t have any formal training, I didn’t go to any art school or classes other than painting at someones house once a week with a group of other craft women. Every day when I pick up the paint brush, I learn something new. When I head to my art supplier and chat, I am constantly learning. I think that is just the way with artists, you just keep evolving.

You know I adore your art, where do you find your inspiration?

Thank you so much – I find that inspiration is everywhere. From floral arrangements, bouquets, rooms with certain colours or even colour matched towels hanging together in a magazine. When you open your eyes it’s everywhere.

What was the first piece you sold?

Before the florals, I hand painted stags which I still do from time to time – so a few of those went to some gorgeous homes. My first floral would have to be you, Hayley – so grateful.

How do you feel when you see your art proudly displayed in somebody’s home?

I love it – although I still get a little embarrassed when I see earlier pieces, I have to remind myself that you had to start somewhere. I am totally honoured to know that people like my art enough to put on display in their homes. This is why I paint and I love having the connection with people who purchase a piece.

Do you have any tips for buying a piece of art?

Not really – art is such a personal thing and the prices on some pieces are jaw dropping but if you love the particular artist and their work, you’d pay the price.

Where can we buy your art?

The best way is to contact me direct challum66@yahoo.com and we can discuss pieces or commissions. At the moment I have a few large pieces at Mood Home Brighton, Victoria or Fine Things Gifts, Benowa Qld. Other shops are Auld Alliance Merchants and Bella Bianco & Homewares – I’m working on some new pieces on my return from our vacation, so these shops can be re-stocked.

What does the future hold for Carolyne?

Goodness Hayley, I hope I can keep painting and growing. I love what I do but I feel I am still learning as a painter and still teaching myself new things as I go. I would love to fill more houses with my art and be able to keep my prices low so you can afford to enjoy them. I’m taking a little break over May/June but I hope I come back with some new inspiration and that my pieces will reflect that.

Isn’t she a sweetheart, full of gratitude, grace and a gorgeous heart!
You can find Carolyne on Instagram here, or Facebook here.

I know a piece of Carolyne’s art will make you smile too,
Happy Shopping!

Hayley x

A welcoming home

May 17, 2016 by Hayley 1 Comment

Your front door is the first thing a visitor or guest will see when they come to your home. Even though we tell our kids not to ‘judge a book by it’s cover’, we still do it. Your front door is your ‘cover’ and I think it’s important to make your family, friends or guests feel welcome and comfortable.
Let’s have a look at how to make it as inviting as possible.

Clean and Tidy.
Make sure your door and porch are clean and tidy. Sweep out the leaves, hose down the walls, wipe down the front door, and definitely make sure there are no nasty spider webs hanging around, eek!

Choose a Colour.
If your front door could do with a facelift, nothing packs a punch more than a fresh paint job. Choose a fun colour if your brave, it always makes a statement.

Add some Greenery.
A beautiful potted plant by the front door brings life and movement to an otherwise bare space. I love the door below with the colourful fruit trees and flowers!

Illuminate it.
The front entry is the perfect space for a fabulous pendant light or pair of wall sconces. If you can’t have any beautiful electrical lighting, use candle light. A collection of lanterns looks lovely sitting by the front door when guest arrive at night.

Number or Name it.
A fun name or decorative number for your house is a great way to add some character.

Doormat.

Make sure your doormat is clean and free from mud, dirt or grass that can be dragged through your house. Give it a good shake or hose off, if it still looks tatty, invest in a new one, they aren’t expensive and make a big first impression.
Here’s a couple I like …

Add a touch of whimsy!

I like to add a little personality to my door with a beautiful wreath, decorative door stop or other fun object.
Here’s some options that you might like to try at home …

What does your front door say about you?

Go on then – Go and make it gorgeous!

Hayley x

Spoil Mum this Mother’s Day with Freedom.

May 2, 2016 by Hayley 5 Comments

I don’t know about you, but every year I find it harder and harder to buy a gift for my beautiful Mumma for Mother’s Day.
It’s nearly here, Mother’s Day is on Sunday the 8th May ❤️

This year Freedom have made choosing a gift for Mum easy with their Mother’s Day gift guide.
It is jam packed with beautiful homewares that will make any Mum swoon.

I popped in store to check them all out for myself.
I could have wondered around in there all day, and trust me I didn’t leave empty handed.
Freedom is full to the brim with beautiful things right now, the styling is inspiring and the range is vast.

I snapped a few of pics for y’all …

See what I mean!
There is so many fabulous treasures for any decor style, and to be quite honest I wanted a little bit of everything.

Anyhow, back to Mother’s Day because it’s coming fast!

The Freedom Mother’s Day gift guide features 100 great gift starting at under $20.
Whether your Mum enjoys decorating, cooking, gardening or even a little luxury, you’re sure to find the perfect gift.

I’ve teamed up with Freedom to gift one special Mum my favourite things from the gift guide.

It was difficult to choose, there are so many beautiful things.
Since we are going into winter here in Australia, I chose a few key pieces to layer the house with warmth, there’s nothing better than a soft blanket and the gentle glow of candle light on a cold winter’s day.

I love the Spektor cable knit throw to keep Mum warm (value $99), it’s super soft and a fabulous neutral colour.

I paired it with the Balmain Hurricane in brass (value $99), brass is bang on trend and perfect for winter decorating.

Of course you will need some yummy candles to go with your hurricane.
I chose three 300g Freedom soy candles (value $44.85).

I hope you love them as much as I do! The winner gets the lot, valued at nearly $250!
Keep it for yourself, share it with Mum, or secure your place as the favourite child and spoil Mum with all of it!

To enter please make a comment here, or head over to Instagram, find the competition post and tag your favourite Mumma’s, enter as many times as you like!

Happy Shopping & Good Luck!

Hayley x

Competition details – Entries open today, Monday 2nd May and close at midnight Wednesday the 4th May. Enter by leaving a comment here on my blog, or head over to Instagram where I know you will be following @freedom_australia and me @mumlittleloves because we are awesome, tag your favourite Mumma’s and you’re in with a chance! This promotion isn’t sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. The winner will be announced on Thursday the 5th both here and on Instagram.

COMPETITION CLOSED – THE WINNER IS SHARON BROWN, CONGRATULATIONS SHARON!

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