Birdie & Oak

They do say things happen in 3's

2012-09-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

As a footnote to the latest post; as as a result of the Cosmopolitan Pregnancy shoot, we had both www.herecomesbaby.co.uk, and Womens Day within 2 days of each other ask to feature Noah's Nursery in their magazines....this little dude is getting more press than some celebrities...followed up by US Site Spearmint baby a couple of weeks later.
http://www.herecomesbaby.co.uk/contemporary-coastal-nursery-for-noah/
http://www.spearmintbaby.com/2012/08/here-comes-baby-contemporary-coastal-nursery/#more-6988

Little Boy Noah & his now famous retreat

2012-09-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

What an honour it was to be asked to have my little mans nursery included in the latest edition of Cosmopolitan Pregnancy. Back in March we posted about the photo shoot and a few months later here the story is. It looks great and even the little guy was mesmerised seeing himself and a room that look remarkably familiar in a gloss mag.

Retail therapy...for us designers

2012-09-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

Fortunately for us....but unfortunately for our blog readers we have been sooo busy we have neglected you...sorry!

In the last few months we have completely a gorgeous retail giftware store, another retail store documentation complete ready for construction and one more we are working through as I type.

It is true to say we are really loving retail design at the moment.

Quirky Cow Gifts opened recently & given is location of the seaside town of Kiama we wanted to avoid the common ‘Beachy’ theme preferring to focus on the history of the building (150 years old) and bring out its former beauty. Our clients wanted a sophisticated store with a Quirky spin....but not too crazy :)

Using reclaimed timber from a nearby farming property for the flooring, shelving and counter, this store has a real claim to the area, and little notes around the store explain the history. With an amazing feature of pressed tin as the backdrop for the store, enticing you up the old railway sleeper stairs to explore some more. The plasterboard has been removed from the buildings former use as a real estate, and the 150 year old bricks are exposed as a stunning backdrop to the products Sandra & Arthur have for sale...a hug variety of locally made, never seen before items, including their own range of teas.... and what a range, try the Chocolate & Truffle, its devine.

So much else going on but best get back to work...

Dreaming....

2012-07-20T05:02:00.001-07:00

I love my weekly Elledecor email and this home - I just had to share...I think it is the windows...or rather the lack of solid walls that have taken my attention, the dining room is amazing, the pendant light is perfect for the space, the clever use of high windows = height and light.

Love the use of reclaimed timber, it takes the edge off the modern style.

Amagansett Homes: Victor and Athen Calderone’s Beach House on ELLEDECOR.com-Page 3

Birdie & Oak website goes live

2012-07-03T02:28:00.000-07:00

After many hours (actually weeks!) of compiling ideas and reviewing designs of popular websites, we finally have our new Interior Design website live thanks to the great guys at Aftershock Solutions.
www.birdieandoak.com.au
Full of all the information you would want to know about us and the services we can provide, along with some helpful links to our facebook & blog site too.

Check it out and let us know what you think.

Make a statement!

2012-06-03T03:41:00.000-07:00

We have a rule that you only need 1 fabulous piece to make a lasting memory in you interior space....
Often this is in the form of lighting, you can be easily overwhelmed with everything happening from your eye level down and sometimes the only place to put something 'wow-worthy' is from the ceiling.

Alternatively what about a bold fabric upholstered armchair or a oversized decadent mirror.

This article by one of our fav websites has some great examples too.

See How One Feature Can Make a Room Captivating

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Storage And Organization on Houzz- For Example:

Bookcases Cabinets And Computer Armoires · Closet Organizers · Clothes Racks · Coat Stands And Umbrella Stands · Hooks And Hangers · Media Storage · Shoeracks · Storage Boxes ·

DESIGNEX 2012 Recap

2012-05-14T23:05:00.000-07:00

Whilst my trip to Designex was a little different this year...now as a business owner, and without my partner in crime Casey! it ended very much in the same way...dragging 5 heavy bags full of brochures and samples out with neck and back pain that will last for days...

There were the usual exhibitors that we have grown to love, but this year there was a special Hospitality/Hotel Zone (which really wasnt of great interest to me) so skipping through this section mean't for a quick escape.

With some fabulous lighting on display....clearly my favourite part of the event, it was also a great opportunity to catch up with some exhibitors I hadn't seen in years.

It's always a great day spent in Darling Harbour and culminated with collecting a copy of the photos taken at our Cosmopolitan shoot...keep your eyes peeled for the July 2 release.

Warming my toes

2012-05-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

With cool mornings & evenings definately set in, I ask the question...why dont we have a fireplace...
Browse these great designs, its amazing how far we have come over the years, a fireplace is now a feature and most of the time your furniture is aimed to look at the fire rather than the tv....bizarre i know :)

Make Your Fireplace the Focal Point

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More»

Browse Window Treatments on Houzz- For Example:

Cellular Shades · Curtain Poles · Curtains · Roller Blinds · Roman Blinds · Venetian Blinds · Vertical Blinds · Window Blinds ·

Sewing in the rain!

2012-04-23T02:08:00.002-07:00

Well it must have been the lousy weather we had last week but I dusted off my sewing machine and decided to whipped up a few little cuties.

I love them, and so does their new little owner.

A tooth fairy pillow...how cute... the little ones teeth goes in the heart pocket, love it!

A little friend to take to bed, snug in it's little blanky/pillow case. We arent using a pillow yet and 'Master 15 months' doesnt even have a special bedtime teddy but I saw this in a book and couldn't resist trying to make my own.

A couple of people said I should be selling these little treasures, but with my snails pace sewing style I would need to speed it up alittle (or maybe alot!) to make it even remotely worth while.

oh and a cute little sewing kit for Miss Casey for her birthday...all mums must have a sewing kit!

I think I'm over my sewing moment! and whilst I really enjoyed creating these little pieces I have put the sewing machine away...well for the time being anyway!

I really really really.....

2012-04-10T09:00:00.001-07:00

....want to make a rustic timber bedhead....the fact our bedroom suite is only 2 years old is completely irrelevant...don’t tell my husband!
How can you not love these images, and with a dad like mine....who can make anything, this is definitely my (his) next task. I design and dad makes it....easy!!!
Dad also sources the timber, cuts, puts together and installs.....Hmmmm, but it was my idea, so I take the credit, right!
Now just to pick a style...courtesy of Pintrest.com ofcourse!....oh and don't even get me started on using old Barn Doors inside ....that's another post another day!

Source: smokethis.tumblr.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: lovedesigncompany.blogspot.com via Katrina on Pinterest

Source: imagine-this.com.au via Nikki on Pinterest

My new obsession

2012-04-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

Well maybe I’m a little slower than the rest of you but I’ve recently discovered the fabulous world of ‘Pintrest’....and whilst it took forever for them to accept my request (what is going on there?!?) I am now pinning my heart away...
So many fabulous images and ideas, its an interior designers dream....surely I could do this all day in the name of "research".
Here are some of my most recent pins, but be warned…this may get you hooked as well.

You can follow me on https://pinterest.com/hayleycrowther/

The designer in me wants this sooo bad, but I cant help but wonder how much weight is against that glass wall & how thick would that glass have to be to withstand that pressure.... Regardless of the all the questions it looks spectacular and would be a welcome addition in my home. Love the little tiles that flow through into the practical rebated shelf and the overall slight aqua green colouring. Understated and yet the perfect colour for a bathroom.

I would adore a space like this and what a fabulous use of otherwise wasted roof space. I am a big believer in the converted roof space and for a chill out zone....just perfect! to be enjoyed by the whole family.
Love the washed out look to the cladded elements, comfy floor cushions and the overall blue/aqua tones evoking a beach hut style. Complimented beautifully by the freshly painted white cladding and flooring, I'm also loving the light streaming in by the cute little window.

IWIB Awards Success!

2012-04-05T20:04:00.001-07:00

The team here @ Birdie & Oak HQ were thrilled with our recent success at the Illawarra Women in Business Awards, Highly Commended in our category of Best New Business was definitely a surprise and an honour.

Amongst such a lovely group of business women (and a few men) we were treated to a wonderful afternoon, at the Portofino in Wollongong.

Our award now has prime position in our office and we are only too eager to tell everyone of our recent achievement....we are very proud little birdies!

Whats your Architectural Style??

2012-03-28T15:56:00.000-07:00

Find Your Architectural Style

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More»

Browse Bath Products on Houzz- For Example:

Bathroom Mirrors · Bathroom Storage · Bathroom Tile · Bathroom Vanities And Sink Consoles · Shower Curtains · Showers · Toilet Accessories · Towel Bars And Hooks ·

Fabulous Sky Bars....Cheers!

2012-03-23T01:47:00.000-07:00

the world's most spectacular sky bars

Now who doesnt love a good old sky bar....im feeling that travel bug again!

COSMOPOLITAN NURSERY SHOOT - AT OUR HOUSE!!!!

2012-03-15T02:54:00.001-07:00

Wow, what can I say....what an amazing day!

We had the honour of hosting 3 wonderful members of the Cosmopolitan team to the house today to shoot our little boys nursery....and best of all they brought their hair and makeup team to make me all fancy too.

Editor Kat, was so impressed with photos we had sent her that she had to bring the team out of the big smoke for a road trip, and we put on a beautiful day too.

Birdie & Oak's line of imprints, bunting and Noah's cute custom singlet were all photographed and (fingers crossed) are in for a big plug when the mag is in store June/July.

Super exciting...our 1st published works!

Check out the pics of the team taking pics :-)

Shoalhaven Baby & Toddler Expo - Recap

2012-03-13T04:13:00.002-07:00

Our 1st experience behind the scenes at an expo for Birdie & Oak

could be classed as nothing less than an overwhelming success.

We were so proud to show off our hard work, and had some wonderful feedback from customers indicating our designs are refreshing in an industry where the only options available for capturing hands and feet has been considered rather dated.

Massive thanks go out to Mum-to-be Casey for making the huge effort whilst being 37 weeks pregnant, and the beautiful Nanna-to-be Sue for being a wonderful help as well xx

With orders-a-plenty and numerous entries into our giveaway ...refer to our facebook page for how to enter....entries close 31st March 2012
...we are too very happy little birdies x

NEW SERVICE - Online Interior Design Consultancy

2012-02-28T20:44:00.002-08:00

Have you always wanted your home to look like it’s from a Design Magazine

but don’t have the budget for an Interior Designer.

Birdie & Oak are now offering an online Interior Design service specialising in creating beautiful and practical rooms for all areas of your home, Australia wide!

Your design can include as much help as you need....perhaps you just need help accessorising the space or you might need a complete design, including floor plans, paint colours, joinery design and window furnishings.

Designing a great space doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Birdie & Oak can help you by designing a room created just for you, no matter where you live in Australia. We select from well know companies or online sources! We can correspond by email or phone.

How to get started

- Send through an email info@birdieandoak.com.au to tell us which rooms you are interested in decorating.

- We will send you a detailed questionnaire to fill in (which includes things like what colours you like/what you don’t like/any existing pieces you would like to use).

- Return the completed questionnaire.

- In approximately 2-3 weeks, we will provide a design board, a detailed shopping list & floor plan options* all based on your questionnaire. It will be emailed directly to you, so you can then you can shop direct from stores and links provided!

If this all seems like too much work we can purchase on your behalf and have it arrive at your home.

Design Fee:

Birdie & Oak design fee starts from $250.00 per room, with discounts available for multiple rooms.

Recent Modern Rural Style

Blog find - Habitually Chic®

2012-01-30T19:03:00.000-08:00

We are always on the look out for new and inspiring images online and we have come across this great blog, and what a fabulous name!

Hmmm, im thinking, Birdie & Oak yearly conference destination :-)

Habitually Chic - Glamourous Lives and Stylish Places

Habitually Chic®: Viceroy Anguilla Beachfront Villa: On the charter boat from St. Maarten to Anguilla, one of the crew members told me that a lot of people who visit Anguilla end up extending t...

Birdie & Oak take on the world....

2012-01-30T02:50:00.000-08:00

Hi little birdies,

It’s time for a blog post, it’s been a while and now that Christmas has come and gone, its time to get back in the swing of things.

So much is happening in the Birdie & Oak Studio, some fantastic new interior projects which have cause a wave of excitement, all will be revealed very soon.

Huge interest in our gorgeous baby imprints has got us a little worried...considering Casey only has 8 more weeks til she meets her own little baby (my predictions are pink) but we will manage....somehow!

We will continue to make regular posts, on our facebook account and blog to keep you all up to date, and to give you a glimpse of some ideas that are floating around our heads....Lookout!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T20:53:00.000-08:00

tis the season....

2011-12-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

Mummy & Me Imprint

2011-12-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

You may remember our post on little Max and his Mum Sharna, we designed a special ‘Mummy & Me’ impression to coincide with

Max's 1^st birthday.

Well here it is complete and now it sits proudly in their home.

Inside Celebrity Homes - Ozzie & Sharon Osbourne

2011-12-09T14:07:00.000-08:00

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/homes/homes/2011/06/ozzy_sharon_osbourne_home_article

The home is very tame considering Ozzie’s history, surely Sharon has been the driving influence here, although taking a closer look there are some strange and intriguing pieces that let you take a glimpse inside the Osbourne’s colourful lives.

The central atrium’s black Venetian-plastered walls are reminiscent of Ozzy’s Prince of Darkness days. The living area fireplace constructed of reclaimed bricks showcases Sharon’s Italian puppets and dolls collection.

The sectional sofa, the wing chair, and the cocktail table are all by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard Design (this flamboyant decorator can be seen on TV show Million Dollar Decorator). The gorgeous sliding barn doors were also salvaged & repainted.

Some aspects I must admit are a little OTT, but this family isnt your average client!

Inside Celebrity Homes - Jennifer Lopez

2011-12-04T03:46:00.000-08:00

http://www.veranda.com/room-decorating/jennifer-lopez-home-0111?click=main_sr

This is one is one of our personal favs, a very Hamptons style home set in sunny California. Jennifer set the brief wanting 'graceful with just enough sparkle!' Playing with tones of grey throughout, blue grey in the kitchen, taupe grey in the living, really sets a romantic mood, one from the time of black and white movies.

After the house was nearly complete in a château-inspired theme, she changed her mind (a woman's prerogative of course!) and with a new style in mind the whole project was pulled off in less than 10 weeks...quite extraordinary!

Inside Celebrity Homes - Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi

2011-12-01T16:24:00.000-08:00

emAD/em Visits: Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Homes: architecturaldigest.com

Ellen & Portia really have great taste in home decor and this house is a true testament. Their love of vintage furniture and collection of art and sculpture are stand out pieces in this Beverley Hills estate. Each piece tells a story and reclaiming and reusing materials was quite important to them both, the teak beams for the kitchen floor were sourced from China.

With a palette of natural materials and neutral tones, this is quite a home with a warm cosy feeling too. And a home isn’t a home without a huge stone bathtub with a view!