gingerHOUSEDesigner homewares and furnishings from gingerHOUSE are inspirational products which give your home a luxurious and stylish edge.

I hear voices everywhere saying yes to the question “Do I bang on about neutral floors and walls too much”…..(even our dog is neutral in colour).

This is a perfect example of how dramatic this bed head looks, because of the neutral wall and floors.  (thank you Remodelista)

No need to say anything more, other than I love it! xx

Purrrr!  How good is this??

There is nothing here which couldn’t be created by you.

The mirrors attached to the wall are old dressing table mirrors.  The side tables are glass topped and black, so anything similar will work.  Or you could find something old, paint it black and then put mirrors on the top for bling.

The bedspread is from Dolce & Gabbana and obviously not in my budget.  Again, you don’t have to go to this expense of course, but wouldn’t you love to though??

All topped off with two furry-nice cushions .

I’m not suggesting you should have real animal fur in your home by posting this picture, but just showing you something very simple , easy to copy and gorgeous.  I think the room oozes sex and sex sells! xx

Current issue of Belle magazine page 157.

This room is really beautiful with different soft timber tones and a hint of animal print (cowhide) on the stools.

One vase of magnolia’s on the bench to top it off; simple but very very sexy.  Elegance is always timeless.

Current issue of Belle magazine, page 122.

A few friends are looking to make some small changes in their home to freshen it and them up!  It’s a great idea, but you do need to be careful about how you go, as once you make one change, it sometimes leads to a whole new room.

Your first step should always be to research, research and then research.  You want to love the changes you make, not feel like you are stuck with it.  So check out some of the great blogs, decorating sites and magazines available all oozing with motivation.

Your next step should be a budget, well at least start with one.  I know it’s not glamorous, but it’s worth it in the long run.  One of the things people under estimate when re-decorating is the affect one little change in a room can make.  This often (think all the time for me) leads to statements like, “oh well that rug was a bit boring anyway”.  I could rival rugs a million if you saw how many rugs I stored in my garage.

Step three should be to talk to professionals.  Engage an interior designer if your budget allows, otherwise places like Freedom and up market furniture stores have stylist working for them and they are always willing to help (if they think you are going to buy from them!).

Now you are ready to start!

I’ve posted some pictures of really stylish rooms I saw in the latest Belle magazine.  What caught my eye in these pictures, is the gentle use of animal print.

I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas day.

My day went well, I loved how my table looked even though I forgot the green napkins!  The weather was kind to us and there was plenty of food and wine for us all.  We are so lucky.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me and gingerHOUSE during 2011.  It was our first year and there were quite a lot of challenges to over come, which we did…gracefully I think.  Next year will see our first birthday celebrations, loads more products and maybe some surprises.

Take care, enjoy your holidays and we look forward to seeing you again,

bright and shiny in 2012.  gingerGIRL xxx

If you are lucky enough to be able to give a donation or a gift to a charity, what and who would it be?  World Vision is one of my charities of choice.

I was on their website the other day and was quite impressed with their marketing ideas to encourage people to donate.  Everyone has something to sell and when you think about it, charities are no different.

So I bought a duck.

It’s very simple,  just like buying through any online store and it made me feel good.  I can recommend you try it!   www.worldvisionaustralia.com.au

You know I am a “keep it simple girl”, so this idea for the table appeals.

This would look fantastic in the middle of a large table and if you make it reasonably high, it will have even more dramatic effect.

If you use pink or red baubles on the tree, you could colour the water.

Don’t be tempted to spray it silver or gold, I think the natural branches look great and add warmth – as if you are having a white christmas!

This table is a modern take on the traditional green and red.  Lots of eye catching green and bright pink ribbon for wow factor.

This is a good example of how you can use a single colour for impact.

I saw this table a couple of weeks ago in Magnolia Interiors, one of my favourite shops in Brisbane.  They are located in Fortitude Valley and if you live in Brisbane, a visit to their store is well worth it for inspiration!

Just another idea, you might like to try.

Candles are another way you can introduce a bit of christmas bling on your table.  You can find them in any colour shape and size these days.

What’s the current trend in candles ?

Tall taper candles, they come in a variety of heights – up to about 35cm tall.  They look good standing together like a little group of trees.

Coloured candles or not?

If you use white tablecloths, plates & napkins like me, definitely choose Silver, Gold or Red.  Either of these three will look like bling on your table.

Best buys?

Lincraft, Crazy Clarke’s and Red dot all have something ‘fun’ at great prices. They may look a bit cheapo in the shop, but on your table, with all your other bits and pieces, they add a little bit of interest and colour, particularly at night when they are lit.

I try to recycle as much as I can these days.  Particularly with the cost of decorations at this time of the  year.  This wreath I made myself (did I hear you say you can tell?!).

Fake green fronds from any shop which sells Christmas decorations.  Because they are on wire, they can be bent to form a circle.

20cm white netting from Lincraft.

One metre of white ribbon.

Silver spray from $2 Christmas shop.

Picture hanging wire from Bunnings.

Do you need instructions?  Form a circle with the green fronds, bending the wire bits together so it stays in shape nicely.  Spray a small amount of silver (or gold) sparkle on it. I tied the tule (netting) in a bow first, then a little bit of ribbon around the middle of that tule.  Tied it to the wreath and then found an old silver bell, which I hung just underneath the bow.

Voila! so simple. xx