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An easy DIY festive wreath & stress free last minute gift ideas…

The minute I laid eyes on Julia Foulsham’s wild, unstructured yet elegant arrangements I had found our dream wedding florist. After a meet & greet over cocktails & countless emails, we have exciting plans for bridal blooms & a wonderful floral DIY to share with you today!

Before handing you to Julia, this is the final blog for 2014 - you won’t hear from me while you spend the next few weeks relaxing & enjoying time with family & friends, I will be back in Jan 15 with more fresh inspiration for the new year. Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read my weekly musings, thanks for sharing them with friends & thanks for your replies - to receive an email from a tribe member letting me know that reading the Bowerhouse newsletter has become a weekly ritual involving a cuppa & an afternoon treat at the end of a long day makes my heart smile!

Scroll down to find my round-up of last minute gift ideas, if you, like me, find the big shopping centres a little frightening this time of year, you might save yourself some stress and find something special for that ‘hard to buy for’ person still left on your shopping list! All pre-Christmas orders will be gift wrapped & upgraded to express postage at no extra charge so order today and it will reach you in time to pop under the tree on Christmas eve!

Julia Foulsham is the owner of LUA LEUCA, a bespoke floral studio based in Perth, Western Australia. With weddings and events being the studio’s focus, each occasion is treated with due individuality and respect to create truly unique and inspiring florals.

You can find Julia here;
http://www.lualeucafloral.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lualeucafloral
http://instagram.com/lualeuca

LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS…

1. Tropico Cushion 45 x 45cm - $52.00
2. Shine Denim Cushion 45 x 45cm - $89.00
3. Keeper genuine suede coin purse - $25.00
4. Kantha Stitch one-off beach/shopper tote - 55cm x 42cm $65.00
5. Vintage Kantha Quilts - Kailash, Jyotis, Javas, Makul $168.00
6. Vintage embellished one-off clutches;
- Petite - 17 x 27cm $80.00
- Oversized - 32cm x 24cm fits IPAD $85.00

NOTE: The bags pictured above are not in store so hit reply if you would like to purchase, dont hesitate to let me know if any queries!

Live bright,
Natalie x

Easy DIY festive luxe gift planters & our new Nautilus collection revealed…

Before I get to this week’s amazing Christmas inspired DIY - a quick reminder that today is the last day to get orders in for bar carts, stools and other bulky, courier delivered items so they reach you in time for Christmas gift giving & holiday festivities!

Monica Palmer is a garden designer with a big heart - if you check out her Instagram feed you will get a taste of how clever she is. Her services range from outdoor e-styling to full landscape design, offering her services all over the country. Mon is treating us with a gorgeous DIY that we hope will come in handy for last minute gift ideas or even sprucing up your own outdoor space. I love that these planters have a fun festive feel but will work all year round, enjoy!

Monica Palmer is the founder and creative director of garden design studio + blog, Slightly Garden Obsessed, and the creative design workshop company, The Love Create Co.
Mon spends her days designing landscape projects Australia wide (with the help of Skype & modern technology).
Her Perth based design workshops empower you to introduce creative design elements into your own home. Sign up to The Love List to receive $20 off your first workshop.

You can connect with Monica here:
Email: hello@sgoxblog.com
www.instagram.com/mon_palmer
https://www.facebook.com/slightlygardenobsessed

THE ‘NAUTILUS COLLECTION - IN STORE NOW…

A relaxed, indulgent summer escape - salty hair, bare feet and icy poles by day, cocktails, dancing & skinny dips at night.

Snuggles & sleep-ins, losing yourself in that pile of books, a day at the beach, a balmy al fresco evening under the stars.

The sound of laughter, the smell of seafood on the bbq and the feeling of being alive, in the moment… inspired by your beautiful life…

Above images shot by Jody D’Arcy & styled by Jo Carmichael

If you have queries on any products in the above images dont hesitate to hit reply & let me know!

Live bright,

Natalie x

Impress your guests this Christmas with an easy festive table setting…

Just like last year, we have an exciting series of posts lined up for you in the lead up to Christmas, each week a special guest will share a DIY which we hope will inspire a little extra style into your holiday season.

We are kicking off the series this week with Lisa Quinn-Schofield of Featherhorse studio; Lisa has an amazing sense of style & inspiring passion for interiors, she recently worked her magic with a mini makeover at her place and invited a few Bowerhouse pieces to join in the fun, don’t these spaces look gorgeous!...

Above Images: Lisa Quinn-Schofield
Products featured: 1 - Native Metal Jute/Gold Stripe Rug, 2 - Terrance Bar Cart, 3 - assorted Bowerhouse cushions & Project kantha quilt, 4 - Indigo Floral Shibori kantha quilt.

Christmas lunch is at our place again this year & one of my favourite things about hosting is to ‘fluff’ around the house on Christmas eve and take some time to set a beautiful Christmas table. Here is Lisa’s easy guide to creating a naturally elegant table setting, I love that you can take Lisa’s ideas & add your own twist by mixing up colours and fabrics to suit your own style…

Lisa Quinn-Schofield of FEATHERHORSE studio is a freelance stylist and artist.
You can find her here:
http://www.facebook.com/featherhorse.studio
www.instagram.com/featherhorse_
Lisa is also an contributing editor for www.designfieldnotes.com

Live bright,

Natalie x

Our beautiful new cushion range revealed…

Before I tell you about our exciting new cushion range, I wanted to share some interior eye candy inspired by the cleverness of cushions to pull a space together, add character & make it feel like you.

The easiest and most affordable way to bring personality & interest to a space, cushions can bring colour & fun or sophisticated texture. When I know a space needs spicing up, I will always look to cushions for an easy update - my cushion collection rotates throughout the home in the bedrooms & living spaces to keep things lively and interesting…

Above images; 1, 2, 3, 4.

Now to our cushions - made from gorgeous vintage washed denim & inspired by our ultimate wardrobe staple. Part of our every day, denim goes with everything - we dress it up or down, mix with colour & pattern or keep it simple with a plain white tee.

That is how I hope these cushions will be used in your home… Mix with colourful solid & patterned cushions & throws, or with neutral colours for a softer, more sophisticated look. The four designs work together or alone so pick one as a feature or mix two or three back with your existing cushions…

Two of the ‘IKAT’ feature cushions on an all white bed would look striking & chic The ‘LEOPARD’ embraces our favourite animal print in a unique, sophisticated way - have fun & mix with floral or paisley prints or bold solid colour cushions/throws. ‘SHINE’ - printed in gold metallic foil print injects a spark of fun & personality into any space - a darling girl’s bedroom, a lounge room reading chair, or a relaxed daybed in your sunroom. ‘KRISS KROSS’ will stand alone or accompany one of its printed mates beautifully. I worked with a specialist denim fashion factory to ensure the best quality denim, metal zips, stitching techniques and vintage wash was achieved, the gorgeous prints were designed by us. These cushions were designed & made with care - a unique piece to bring you joy every day & treasure forever.

$89.00 - inc eco-fill insert Dimensions - 46cm x 46cm Made from 100% cotton vintage wash denim, printed front side, heavy duty metal zip on base seam, edges are either double seamed or frayed denim feature.

SHOP THE CUSHION COLLECTION NOW

10 inspiring spaces - not a splash of colour in sight…

Its no secret that I’m a big fan of gorgeous splashes of colour in the home but there is something about a black & white space that feels so chic, sophisticated & serene.

If, like me you love colour too much or don’t have the restraint for a completely monochrome home - why not consider a dedicated colour-free zone in a beautiful pallet of whites, soft greys & black, a restful & refreshing break for the senses - just take a look at these stunning examples…

Above Images; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

If you love this look you can find more black & white inspiration on the Bowerhouse ‘Greyscale’ Pinterest board.

How to sprinkle some magic in your home (no fairy dust or wand required)...

Are you a gold girl? or is it silver/platinum all the way? Gold has always been my thing & this metallic obsession has even spread to the home - there is nothing like a touch of warm shimmery metal to make your heart smile. Although metallic is ‘the hot trend’ of the moment - if added to your home in a thoughtful way, metallic accents will be more of a lifetime love affair than a one night stand :)

Metals like gold, rose gold, brass, silver & copper bring a sense of luxe sophistication to any space and will work with almost any interior colour pallet or style.

Less is more when it comes to metallic - stick to 1 or 2 metal shades & just a few subtle highlights or 1 statement accent in a space – try foil printed cushions, lamps/chandeliers, picture frames or decorative accessories. Balance the shimmer out with a neutral backdrop & natural surfaces & textures like wood, leather, cotton & jute for a relaxed, classic feel.

Lets face it, spreading a little shimmery happiness around your home can only be a good thing right?…

Above images; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

JUST LANDED - THE NATIVE METAL RUG COLLECTION…

SHOP THE COLLECTION NOW

My top tips to create a dreamy ‘white on white’ space…

Inspired by our new Summer cutwork quilt collection…this week it’s all about the serene beauty of a ‘white on white’ space. Layering varied shades of white, cream & the softest, palest natural tones - either keeping it super simple & clean or dotting a few subtle hits of colour through greenery or decorative pieces.

The key to making this look work is texture - tactile fabrics & finishes will add interest to the space & will help to make it feel warm & comfortable. You can really have fun mixing textured fabrics on drapes, bedding, cushions & adding interesting finishes like leather, natural stone, concrete, wood & metal because the colour pallet is so simple & pared back.

Ok, so it might be completely impractical and no fun at all to have a ‘white on white’ pallet for your living room; but in a kitchen, master/ guest bedroom or study it is a beautiful option to consider.

If you missed it, last year we did an amazing 3 part series on how to choose the ‘right white’ for your walls, you can find it here - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

Above Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

The Summer Cutwork Bed Throw Collection…

Links to above bed throws in store - Alia, Asta, Rosa, Fae, Luna, Avalon, Keeva.
** Note there is free shipping Australia wide for our cut-work quilts

Live bright,
Natalie x

Introducing our new Summer quilt collection…

All about luxe simplicity, layer onto your bed for a gorgeous dose of texture & interest… Create your very own sanctuary, a space that invites you to linger a little longer in bed, lose yourself with a magazine & a glass of ice tea. These pieces are so versatile & designed to work with any style to help you create your dream summer bedroom.

KINGSIZE INDIGO DIAMONDS & STRIPES BED THROW…

The classic combo of blue, white & red is timeless, these throws invite a relaxed, coastal, carefree vibe to your space.

Made from Indian cotton, light weight & easy to layer over your existing quilt cover or over sheets when the weather warms up.

An indigo block print pattern of diamonds on one side and stripes on the reverse with a pop of contrast red hand stitching means you can flip or fold over to create a whole new look.

Dimensions - 232 x 282cm (will cover a king or queen size bed)
Price - $219.00

KINGSIZE CUT-WORK BED THROWS…

Our new cotton cut-work throw brings a luxe, bohemian vibe to a space while still feeling sophisticated. A very versatile piece that you can use to create different looks in your space…

• For subtle texture & pattern layer over all-white bedding
• To make the pattern more prominent layer over coloured bedding
• Or work back with brightly coloured cushions if you need a pop of colour in the space.

Light weight and perfect for layering over sheets when the weather gets warm - made from 2 pieces of Indian cotton, hand stitched together and delicately cut to reveal a divine translucent pattern in the cotton organza. There are 7 unique patterns and no 2 pieces are the same.

Dimensions - 222cm x 272cm (will cover a king & queen size bed)
Price - $239.00

Live bright,
Natalie x

10 inspiring reasons to go bold & black…

Many of us are afraid to go to the dark side when it comes to fixtures & finishes - white feels much safer, easier, but black should not be discounted so quickly! Black is interesting, creates contrast & drama while still feeling classic - it is not a colour that will date quickly.

Cabinetry is a great place to inject black - we went with a black wood grain thermolaminate (Polytec ‘Black Natura’ thermo) for our upstairs lounge kitchenette and it brings such a luxe sophistication to the room…

In a kitchen, all black cabinetry makes a dramatic statement - break things up with white stone bench tops & splash back or for a softer look use dark only for the lower cabinetry and white or wood for the upper wall cabinet doors or consider a wall of black cabinetry with a contrasting white island bench.

Elsewhere in the home black doors are a bold & beautiful option, a black buffet, chest, armoire or a wall of black shelving draws the eye, creates contrast and allows the contents to ‘pop’.

If you dont have great natural lighting I would always recommend going with light finishes in darker rooms but for natural light filled spaces why not go bold & black?

Above images; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Roy is ready for summer…

I had to share the gorgeous feature of our Roy bar cart in the latest issue of free online interiors mag Adore Home - there is a huge feature with lots of great tips and tricks for stocking & styling a bar cart so do check it out! We do have a few pieces left in stock of our handsome Roy, you can find him here.

Live bright,

Natalie x

The never fail starting point for any space…

Without a doubt my favourite foundation pallet for interiors is black, white & wood.

White providing a light, simple canvas Wood provides warmth & texture Black brings striking contrast The pallet can then be restricted to all black, white, wood furnishings & decor for a simple, Scandinavian inspired feel, or colours can be layered on with rugs, art, cushions & throws to suit your style.

Minimal & simple or a rich, characterful, colour filled space - it just works. Below a selection of spaces proving the beauty of starting with black, white & wood…

Above Images; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10.

Live bright,

Natalie x