Tuesday 14 September 2010

Working On








This afternoon I visited some lovely clients who I have been working with for quite sometime. We are just finishing off the final bits and pieces in their home like framing and lampshades.

You may recognise the green vintage lamp on their antique entry chest of drawers which they purchased from the antique shop in Marburg I posted about a few weeks ago. Although I love the colour of the old shade, we are making a new one as this one is a bit too vintagey and also has a few dints. We decided today that the new shade would look best made in a very similar vibrant green silk.

We are also having a set of antique copper etchings framed and hung above the chest of drawers. The etchings are actually of entry facades which is so perfect. We have selected a gold bamboo frame to work back with the gold detail on the lamp base and handles on the chest.

Throughout the house we have used lots of blue and white and we have also added some green. I love this fresh palette. The blue and white plates pictured above are from Black & Spiro. We are hanging them on a wall in their informal dining area.

My client was also inspired by the post I did on green leaf arrangements the other day and has used some golden cane palm fronds from her garden in a blue and white umbrella stand which she placed on the antique oval table in their sitting room.

I know I have said this in the past but sometimes, lately more than ever, I feel I am writing this blog for no reason and I also question my ability to continue to inspire with so many other wonderful blogs out there nowdays. However, when I see that my clients are inspired by my arrangements, selections and finds it really does make me understand why, after nearly 4 years, I continue to write this blog.

53 comments:

Jenny said...

We all enjoy reading your blog! I hope you post some pictures of this home when it is finished. ;-)

pve design said...

Dearest Anna,
I for one am so thrilled that we have met here in blog land and that when you have any sort of self doubt about your blogging prowess - please know that I admire you for your creative inspiration. You always seem to eb goodness where-ever you go!
Wishing you all the best with this project and with blogging which I know takes time and patience.
pve

the gardener's cottage said...

hi anna,

i love the bamboo frame you chose. they are lucky clients and so are we b/c we get to see your choices and how they all come together. don't stop blogging. that's an order. well really a request.

~janet

Sarah said...

Please don't ever stop writing your blog! I have been following for about a month now and I cannot believe how fabulous you and your store are. Since I don't think I'll be in Australia any time soon, this blog might be the only way I can see your amazing work! :)

P.S. I LOVE the etchings in the bamboo frames...I think I need some!

Mrs. Blandings said...

Anna, you inspire me with every post. I would be so sorry if ABT went missing - it is so uniquely you.

Anonymous said...

You and your shop inspires us at our shop in New Orleans.
Caroline, Jack, and Valorie

Unknown said...

Oh your blog is my favourite! Please don't think you don't inspire people - you absolutely do.

Unknown said...

As a new blogger, and a home stylist. I look at your blog daily for inspiration. In Canada we are only weeks away from the changing of the seasons, which means a whole new outdoor colour palette. Seeing that you have been focusing on your outdoor surroundings, you have inspired me to get outside with the camera. Have a great day, and merci bien for all your posts!

Faith said...

Hi, I am pretty new to your blog, I've been following for a month or so and I can tell you that I love your aesthetic and that each and every post has been visually inspiring to me. I am an artist and mama here in Brooklyn, NY, so far away from you and loving seeing what you are working on there in Australia! Gorgeous details from this latest house, the green palms in the umbrella stand stole my heart!

Katie @ Yankee and Peach said...

Please never doubt your ability to inspire others! You do have devoted fans of your work - even on the other side of the planet.
I may not always comment, but I do love all of your updates and check for them religiously. Your blogs are also the perfect length and leave us wanting more! (as opposed to the more verbose options out there...)

Natasha @ Northern Light Design said...

Totally worth it, Anna, are you kidding me?!
We all look to you for inspiration, and your thoughts and images are read with great pleasure!! Please keep up the good work!

Northern Light

Anonymous said...

Oh no!! Anna!! You are my constant inspiration.. The little changes.. the big arrangements... All of them.. constantly inspire me!! :-)

Please.. keep blogging.. Your work is excellent.. and its lovely lovely to see your store.. and your work.. and be inspired... sitting in another part of the world.. :-)

Acanthus and Acorn said...

Please keep posting, you were one of the first to inspire me! I love that your client was so clever to use the umbrella stand...such an overlooked accessory!

Corley said...

I love following your blog, all the way from Texas. Your style is colorful, unique, and fabulous - and your creative inspirations inspire me while I redecorate my tiny apartment! Keep it coming :)

Leah H. Grier said...

I adore your blog and think that you have some of the best pictures. I love seeing your store displays. Please don't quit.

Unknown said...

Don't you dare stop :) Every post you write is inspiring..I love seeing photos of the shop and your work! xoxo

Faux Fuchsia said...

Don't stop blogging! I love everything here, esp your new foray into the the world of gardening, plants and mulch (the key Anna. The Key). Cheerio. And carry on.

Trish *Spring Blossom* said...

Oh Anna you are so inspiring and I hate to think of a world with out your blog.
Even though you don't always see or hear from us you are always inspiring us!!!!!!!!!!!

A Perfect Gray said...

you inspire many more of us than you can know...

Unknown said...

I'm a life coach and I enjoy sitting down w/ a cup of tea and entering your world. I enjoy fine tuning my own language for my preferences about beauty and I'm glad you've built up such a gracious and layered playground here...

Fiona said...

I can understand that, with running a shop, owning a design business and having two children, you'd question the blog.

If it's any consolation, your blog is my absolute favorite, and I read many design blogs. It's such a treat to get your design perspective and get the perspective from another part of the world.

Lisar said...

A word of encouragement...Anna, with all the other blogs around I continue to look at yours most days as I find taht at this point in my life, it is your which inspires me the most (as far as home decorating goes)....I find many of the designer type blogs are way too modern for me...just wanted to encourage you and thank you for continuing to inspire me and numerous others.

Lisa said...

Anna, Never stop - you inspire us all more than you know...yes there are other blogs out there but I have NEVER come across anyone who has your style, you really are one of a kind. Lisa x

petals and vintage said...

Blue, white and green palette - just gorgeous. Another happy client I daresay.
Your blog is fabulous Anna, please don't stop writing and inspiring.

Jennie said...

You write this blog because people like me, a writer living in Nashville, TN,is so inspired by your fresh sense of color and design that she never misses a day checking to see what you've written. don't stop. You have an incredible and unique eye for beauty!

jeanette said...

I look everyday at your blog--and thouroughly enjoy it. Ive even e- mailed and enquired about thing KEEP GOING its great Jeanette S>A>

Heather said...

You know that they say that less than 1% of readers actually comment so take heart that you do inspire. Although I'm a lot more restrained with colour than yourself, I still get a lot of ideas about placement and contrast from your blogs. Also I think beautiful things are beautiful regardless of whether you would actually have them in your home.

Peta Rudd said...

Beeautiful! and for the record, you do continue to inspire Anna! The posts I love the most are of your work, shop and home and what you are up to....x

http://petarudd.com

Ange said...

Anna, I love what you've got going on in your client's home. I have recently had a change in direction for my lounge decor and it seems to be in a similar vein ie blues, greens and neutrals.
I, for one, am VERY inspired by your blog and often refer back to old posts when looking for inspiration. This stay-at-home-mum is glad you've stuck with your blog!!!
Angex

Lisa Jane said...

Anna

your blog is my daily ritual, don't ever think your entries are for no reason. I am always inspired.
Lisa

designchic said...

The etchings are beautiful-and the bamboo frames...fabulous!

Lady Lancaster said...

Please do not get discouraged in your blogging. I love your work and eagerly anticipate each new entry. I have learned so much from ABT and have used many of your suggestions in my home to raving reviews.

Delightful Domestic Science said...

Oh Anna this blog is divine! The only design blog I read with regularity. You're ever inspiring!
x
H

Belinda said...

Oh - please never question your ability to inspire. I am a regular visitor to your blog - and, although I have never posted a comment, I always feel elated and a little as though I've had a holiday, when I visit. It's wonderful to see such talent and beauty in our home town. Thank you!

Unknown said...

I feel the same way...but it is also an outlet for your creative mind!

Kylie Tyrrell said...

hi Anna, I love your blog and as a design student, I am totally inspired by your journey - please continue with it- I love it. I loved the pics of your re-vamped shop and hope one day to visit it.
kyliet @ goldchalk.blogspot.com

jlonit said...

Anna - I miss these lovely posts of your clients' homes. The green lampshade is regal and beautiful.

Romana said...

Oh Anna, you have inspired me and my homemaking in such a huge way, I hope you find the energy and inspiration to continue writing your blog for many more years! perhaps it is a case of not knowing how valuable and inspirational your sharing is to so many of your readers? What may be little or everyday observations to you can be a "wow!" moment for me :)
Regards
Romana

Nancy in NC said...

Anna, your blog inspires me with every post. I love your style. It’s elegant, timeless, and real. You create homes I’d want to live in, not just visit for a few minutes. I check your blog daily and would miss it terribly if you stopped.

Laura Collins said...

I love your blog, it is for that reason that I began my blog after looking at yours for hours one night! You are so inspiring, and every morning when I get up and turn on the computer I look to see what you may have posted!!

Laura xoxo

Carly {covet.collect.connect} said...

Anna, you're one of the bloggers I return to time after time - never doubt why you're writing. Your eye is one of the best in the business.

Having just moved to blogger from tumblr, its interesting that I've come across 3 other bloggers who reference you in early posts, even though they're all very different women with very different styles.

In fact, when I very nearly moved to Brissie with an ex-boyfriend, seeing Black & Spiro in real life was right up there on my 'pros' list! Until I can afford to settle down in Cape Town and fly you half way across the world to come help me, you will need to continue blogging!

Carly {covet.collect.connect} said...

Anna, you're one of the bloggers I return to time after time - never doubt why you're writing. Your eye is one of the best in the business.

Having just moved to blogger from tumblr, its interesting that I've come across 3 other bloggers who reference you in early posts, even though they're all very different women with very different styles.

In fact, when I very nearly moved to Brissie with an ex-boyfriend, seeing Black & Spiro in real life was right up there on my 'pros' list! Until I can afford to settle down in Cape Town and fly you half way across the world to come help me, you will need to continue blogging!

Carolyn said...

I love your blog and my favourite posts from you are when you do a post on Black & Spiro, and a home that you have worked on - or your home or your parents and friend's home. I check here every day.

Thanks for taking the time to inspire and entertain us.

P.S. As a mother with two children I am also always inspired by seeing interesting children's rooms too - so if you have any snaps of Max's nursery I would personally love to see them.

Thanks Carolyn

Kerri - Driftwood Interiors said...

Hi Anna,
I realise you must have so many demands on your time nowdays, but yours was the first blog I ever read, and after years of lurking and reading every post, you inspired me to start my own little blog. Please don't pull the pin - you've been an inspiration to so many; your use of colour and design is such a breath of fresh air, and so original that it would be a huge loss to the blogging community if you were to stop. Maybe you need an blog assistant - if so, I would love to volunteer for the position!!! K xx

Unknown said...

Anna, I have never commented before, but I have been reading this blog for two years from Melbourne. This October we are coming up to Brisbane and the only reason is to visit your store! We put the trip off when you were closed for renovations. Please keep blogging.

Ness Lockyer said...

Anna, as you know it was you that inspired me to start a blog...and i thank you for that. I am sure there are many others too who you have inspired by many means. Everytime I visit your blog there is something I see that I can relate to my own style. Even though you think you are writing for nothing, you are giving everyone so much to ponder with your creative prowess and keen eye. Trust me, you are always inspiring and are not blogging for nothing...hang in there.
Ness xx

Jessica said...

Anna, you are my most favorite blog! In fact, I wish you would post more and more! I have found endless inspiration here and am in awe of your gifted use of colour and pattern. Your blog has helped me to develop my own personal style. I look forward to each and every post :)

Be Colorful Coastal said...

crazy for the image of the lamp with the green shade and the papers right on the wall. Prrr Fec tion.
Pam

Irene said...

Dear Anne,
Whatever happens in blogland, you are an original. I come here for your delicate mix of personal, professional and inspirational. You are among my staples, my pit-stops of inspiration in real-life decorating, which is what I do. No whistles, no drums. A big thank you.

White French said...

Dear Anna
I have followed your blog for years and am constantly inspired by you.
Iam an antique dealer in brisbane and believe your blog has contributed to a new generation of young people being interested in vintage and antiques again
Thank you.

LilyBart said...

Lovely, lovely. Just what I would want. Would it be possible to post more pics? (unless the couple wanted privacy, of course - don't want to pry.)

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

It must be a particular thrill to see someone take one of your creative ideas and put it in their home. Well done.

Fondly,
Glenda

Schows said...

I'm twenty four years old and I've been following your blog for over a year. I LOVE your style and tell everyone about it. We recently moved into our first house and am having so much fun slowly decorating. You should know that whenever I buy something or shop online, I keep you blog open off to the side of my computer screen and check in with it for advice. I've feel like I've learned a ton from you, and you continue to inspire me all the time. When I saw the pictures of the updated Black and Spiro it might surprise you to know that the first thing to catch my eye were the cars I could see driving outside the windows. I was so jealous of them. I'm living in Arizona, and hope to one day visit Black and Spiro for myslef! For now I'll continue to ask myself, "What would Anna do?"