Jodie Carter Design

Modern Home Magazine Vol 8 No 3

2014-01-10T19:07:00.003+11:00

Happy New Year!! I'm so excited to share this post with you today. Modern Home Magazine's January Issue is out now and features a fabulous article 'Grand Design - stunning rooms by the industry's best designers'. My work has been included in this feature - I'm thrilled to have my work alongside some of Australia's top designers that I personally admire. I hope you enjoy the article, there are certainly some stunning rooms on show!!

All images via Modern Home Mag Vol 8-3

Christmas

2013-11-30T18:38:00.004+11:00

Hi everyone, I decorated one of my existing clients home for Christmas today. I wanted to create a natural look with warmth and texture. We kept the colour scheme to red, white, silver and neutral so it wasn't overwhelming. As much as I love a bit of bling - I felt the need to be restrained and I'm really pleased with the results. Simple and elegant - do you agree?

All photos by me

Sharing a link to Interiors Addict Blog

2013-11-08T09:46:00.000+11:00

Hi everyone, its been a while since I have posted some pretty pictures. I wanted to share a link with you today to Jen Bishop's Interiors Addict Blog.

Jen is currently on her honeymoon and I was one of the lucky ones who submitted a guest blog that was published. I am super excited about the opportunity to write and have it published on such an important blog. So a big THANK YOU to Jen for the opportunity.

Please take a read

How to Create Your Own Wabi Sabi Interior

By Jodie Carter

If you haven’t heard of Wabi Sabi before, in simple terms it is translated from Japanese into ‘a beauty of things imperfect, impermanent and incomplete… a beauty of things modest and humble… a beauty of things unconventional”. Originally, the words Wabi Sabi were not used together as they do have quite different meanings. Wabi has come to mean simple, unmaterialistic, humble and in tune with nature. Whereas Sabi means ‘The bloom of time’ such as that beautiful patina of weathered grey wood or aged copper. Nowadays people just use them as one and the term is quite well known around the world.

Image from homelife.com.au: Cherry Cottage in Tasmania – Photography by Jared Fowler

I truly believe this is a valid concept for our times. As we become more aware of the environment and sustainability of our planet, then Wabi Sabi becomes even more important. Not only is it better for our planet to embrace some of our existing pieces but it is quite on trend in interiors today. You will find well known designers and stylists such as Sibella Court successfully using aged items in their designs to great effect.

Wabi Sabi is not actually a design style as such – but rather a mindset of a commitment to using and embracing the less than perfect. Living modestly and learning to be happy with what you have.

Image from homelife.com.au: Wentworth Falls Cottage – photography by Sharyn Cairns

Therefore it doesn’t really matter if you’re looking to create an industrial feel, a loft style apartment or a Hamptons retreat, the Wabi Sabi mindset is an additional tool that is not only good for the environment, its good for your soul and your back pocket.

Dig out your grandma’s tea set, use the basket with the frayed handle, display that beautiful bowl with the chip and hang an old frame you found in the garage. My favourite decorating tool is old hardcover books. Nothing beats the frayed edge and the lovely muted colours and beautiful old typeset.

Even a very modern minimalist design can embrace Wabi Sabi. Cracked un-rendered concrete walls look great with a vintage leather chair and a super sleek modern sofa. The mix of softened aged patinas against sleek modern minimalist décor works really well.

Image from homelife.com.au: Tasmanian Country Home – photography by Sharyn Cairns

It is very important not to use Wabi Sabi as an excuse for a messy or dirty environment though. It does not go so far as to encompass an unmade bed, dirty surfaces, or just plain laziness. It shows the love and care you put into your home. It is never slovenly or messy. Cleanliness implies respect and that is very important for a Wabi Sabi aesthetic.

I hope these inspirational images give you ideas for your own home. You don’t have to spend any money on it, go through your cupboards, raid your grandparents’ and start thinking about ways to bring some Wabi Sabi into your life. It’s good for the soul and good for the environment. Love what you have right now!

Image from Homelife.com.au: Vintage Country House – photography by Michael Wee

Tasmanian Country Home

2013-09-18T13:41:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone, how is your week going? I've been busy finalising designs for my latest clients, but thought it would be time for a breather to clear my head. You get so engrossed in new designs and they really take over your head space. While I was looking through some styling ideas in my Pinterest page I came across one of these images below. I decided to investigate it further to see where it came from and discovered some more of this beautiful Tasmanian home on homelife.com.au.

It is just the sort of country home I would love to live in someday. Its relaxed and has such a lovely lived in feel to it. Bright and airy with a beautiful garden to complement, it really is quite special.

all images via Homelife

Spring is in the Air

2013-09-01T12:30:00.001+10:00

Wow, the first day of Spring is here! I love it, the sun is shining and the weather is just perfect for spending time outdoors. I put all the cushions back on my outdoor lounge yesterday and enjoyed a cup of tea and flipping through a mag. So its time to start thinking about decorating those outdoor spaces and creating your own little hideaway to while away some beautiful weekend hours.

You just need to find a little shady spot, big enough for a chair or some floor cushions and start creating. Add in some coloured cushions, dreamy floaty fabric maybe hanging from a tree, lanterns, a little side table for drinks, a rug, potplant (if you're on a balcony) and maybe space to share with someone else.

You dont have to spend a lot of money to do this either - go through the cupboards and see what you have at home. Dig out that old chair from the garage and give it a coat of paint or just throw some coloured cushions on it. Even a little old stool can be used as a side table - or a milk crate with some magazines stacked on top. A cute entrance mat could be used as a mini rug on a balcony and of course a few potplants for greenry.

Here's some lovely photos to give you inspiration - have fun!

photo credits - all via my pinterest page - with credits to Style by Emily Henderson, The Syle Files, Design Sponge, Heltenkelthosmig

Art Display

2013-08-26T09:41:00.002+10:00

Happy Monday!! Gosh I haven't posted a blog for a while. Sorry, it is has been busy here with 2 new jobs taking up all my time. So even though I have a million other things to do at the moment, I'm going to sneak in a blog post!

Knowing how to display your art and even what to display as art can be a bit tricky. Probably the thing I see most often is small artworks on big walls - so they are very out of proportion and then artwork that is hung so high you cannot actually see it. A lot of people will move into a new home and just hang thier art on all the existing hooks in the home. Which really doesn't work. I have to admit though, I've been guilty of it in the past - especially when I was renting.

Now there are some great picture hanging products available from 3M - so there is no excuse not to hang your art and have some fun with it. Unless of course it weighs a ton - then I suggest you bring out the big guns - cordless drills and someone who knows how to use one!!

Here's some great images of artwork displayed in a variety of ways. I think its a matter of having a bit of fun with it - don't take it too seriously. Mix and match, hang unexpected pieces in unexpected places and go bold!!

images are all from my Pinterest Art Page - with credits to The Zhush, Design Sponge, French By Design,

Working at Home

2013-08-12T22:09:00.000+10:00

Welcome to another week! I hope you all had a great weekend. I have been super busy working and meeting new clients. It seems that as the weather warms up people are starting to get motivated about decorating and even thinking about Christmas!! Which is great news for me as I have been itching to get stuck into some new projects.

I love love love what I do and I'm so thankful for my lovely clients that keep me busy with regular decorating and design needs. But there is nothing quite like the excitement of making a start on a new project - searching for a whole bunch of wonderful new pieces and solving decorating dilemnas - it makes me feel good.

I last posted images on Home Offices back in February this year - so I hope its not too soon to post some more. Because I work from home, I love seeing what other people do with thier home offices. And of course it just so happens one of my new jobs incorporates a home office design. So a bit of inspiration to get me thinking and hopefully give you some lovely ideas of simples things you can do at home.

Its amazing what a difference a few simple things such as a coloured chair, cushion, fun lamp, wallpaper and crazy artwork can bring to you work space. So have fun with it!!

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 , 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Pink

2013-08-07T22:25:00.000+10:00

Hello, I started putting together this blog post on the colour pink earlier in the week. Then it occured to me the 'Pink' concert is on tonight in Sydney. So I thought it would be good timing to have a pink post!!

You won't find much pink in my house - my girls are not very girly, so its lots of blue and red for them. Personally I'm a huge turquoise, aqua, grey and black and white fan. So most of my living areas have these colours. If you love pink, but you're not too sure how to decorate with it - then hopefully these images may give you some inspiration. Pops of pink in furniture look fabulous and the really pale more salmon pink is pretty hot right now in interiors. I've thrown in a few random Pink photos too, just for fun.

Have a great night x

images via my pinterest page with credits to - Le Jolicoeur, bleubirdvintage, artnau, flickr, apartment therapy, The Pink Pagoda

Indoor Plants

2013-08-05T14:30:00.000+10:00

Hi there, when I was studying Interior Design at TAFE one of my teachers told us we should never consider a plant as part of an Interior Design. Now after having fallen in love with the beautiful Ficus Lyrata - I would have to say I'm more than happy to use a plant as part of my overall interior design scheme. Most of these images below feature the Ficus Lyrata - which is very popular overseas and I believe is starting to gain a following in Australia. I recently purchased one for a client and we had to wait a number of months for it to arrive. There was plenty of competition too, they were sold out within hours of arriving.

I remember as a child visiting my Gran's home and she had a plant on nearly every side table, shelf or piece of furniture. It really lovely too - lots of greenery and a good feeling. Plants are good for us, they clear the air of toxins and they make you happy. So perhaps you could join the waiting list for a Ficus Lyrata or choose something else to make your home happy!!

Images via my pinterest page with credits too - Madeline Weinrib, Lonny Mag, Home Adore, Emily Henderson and myself

Fabulous Laundry Rooms

2013-07-31T09:50:00.000+10:00

After posting about nurseries, it got me thinking about the humble Laundry Room. Personally mine is a complete disaster and in desperate need of a renovation. It currently houses the family Pug's bed, a rarely used shower and toilet, an awful rusty tub and of course the washer and dryer. It's actually not a bad size room and after looking through these great laundry room images - It's definately got potential!!

For most people the laundry room is really a forgotten room when it comes to decorating. But if you think about how much time you actually spend in there (which should be quite a bit if you have three kids like me!!) wouldn't it be nice to have a well decorated space to spend that time in. Because it is so small and not usually a space that your visitors would see, I think you can afford to go a little crazy - or if not crazy just a little bit of lovely - with colour, wallpaper, artwork, cabinetry and a rug.

So if money was no option I would have some gorgeous custom cabinetry with loads of storage - probably painted white, airing space, a beautiful porcelain butlers sink, fabulous patterned wallpaper, some artwork and a colourful rug for extra impact. Check out these great images below of some very inspiring laundries.

All images via my pinterest page with credits to Apartment Therapy, Martha Stewart, Decorpad, Style at Home, Dream Fun House

Beautiful Nurseries

2013-07-29T11:46:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone, such lovely news last week about the arrival of Will and Kate's baby Prince George. I know how excited I was when my own baby prince (Hamish - not really a prince) arrived!! Not to mention the excitement about the arrival of my little princesses too.

One of my dear friends is pregnant now with twins due in September. A very special time indeed for her and her lovely husband. These babies have been a long time in the making and they are the most incredible blessing to complete thier family.

So in honour of little babies everywhere - today's post is lots of beautiful nursery photos! It makes me clucky - ha ha, this is not a good thing. Enjoy the photos and hope they provide some inspiration if you're planning your own little nursery.

images are via my pinterest page - with original sources from Lonny Mag, Elle Decor, Decorpad, Styleathome and more

Doors

2013-07-19T10:31:00.002+10:00

I love the impression a really great front door can make to the overall look of your home. Of course first impressions are most important! I recently painted my front door turquoise - my favourite colour. I love the way it looks now and I get lots of positive comments about it. If you have been considering a makeover for your entry area - how about just painting the front door to start with. It's easy, uses minimal paint and definately makes an impact.

Check out these gorgeous photos from my Pinterest Page of coloured doors - there are a few standard residential doors and some fabulous Moroccan, Indian and very exotic examples to be seen.

Aqua Love

2013-07-03T16:08:00.001+10:00

Aqua, Turquoise, Teal - I love them all!

I'm so often asked what the difference is between these colours? and are they just all the same colour? Well if you're anything like me you probably get them mixed up too.

I think the best way to answer this is with a visual - hence the colour chart below.

Aqua = Blue with a hint of green
Turquoise = Green with blue
Teal = even mix of blue and green

Now that's cleared up, here's a bunch of beautiful images from my Pinterest Page

Marble

2013-06-26T13:34:00.000+10:00

Beautiful Marble, always elegant, always in style. For me personally it has only been the last few years that I have really started to take notice of Marble and appreciate its beauty and versatility. I think it has a mature feel and probably appeals to a more mature audience. That may not be the actual case, its just my opinion. You see it can have the potential to be used so well it absolutely wows you and knocks your socks off. Of course like anything, it can be done badly too.

Kelly Wearstler is the Queen of Marble. She breaks all the rules and takes all the risks for a huge payoff. Her designs are bold, daring and quite incredible. She really uses it like an artist uses colours in a palette - very clever.

Check out my photos below - credits from Kelly Wearstler, Elle Decor, Home Beautiful and My Pinterest Page

Penshurst Home - Before & After

2013-06-19T14:42:00.001+10:00

Hi all, here are the before and after shots of a recent home project I have just completed. It's been a long time since I have looked at the before shots myself - so it's really satisfying to see how far we have come. As you can see we retained a couple of pieces of furniture - but mostly we replaced nearly an entire house lot of furniture to complete this renovation. On a modest budget with some clever styling and wise decisions on where to splurge and where to save I think we have achieved a great result (if I do say so myself - haha).

I haven't posted the photos here, but we also completed a 2nd bedroom, guest bedroom, dining room, entry, laundry, rear deck, front verandah and made over the laundry, bathroom and kitchen with beautiful accessories and artwork. A whole house overhaul!!!

Hope you like it - all photos via me xx

Lounge Room - Before

Lounge Room - After

Sofa's Before

Sofa's After

Stairwell - Before

Stairwell After

Lounge Before

Lounge After

Family Room & Study - before

Family Room & Study After

Family Room - Before

Family Room - After

Family Room - Before

Family Room - After

Master Bedroom - before

Master Bedroom - after

Timber Accents

2013-06-19T12:58:00.003+10:00

Just two more trends from The Milan Furniture Fair that I wanted to cover before I move onto the next thing that captures my attention. I wanted to post some before and after photos actually of a recent job - so I will get onto that too. In the meantime though....... it's all about the timber feature. Which is rather lovely, a beautiful way to bring in warmth, texture and nature to your home.

all photos are via my Pinterest Page - where you will find links to the photo source

Copper & Brass

2013-06-17T15:12:00.002+10:00

Hello again, just continuing my musings on the recent Milan Furniture Fair trends. Today I'm thinking about the Copper & Brass trend - or the warm metal trend. For so long it has all been about aluminium or shiny silver, so I think its about time we moved onto something else.

Personally I have been drawn to these metals lately, I cannot put my finger on why. Maybe it is just time for a change. I remember as a kid a huge copper pressed metal picture my Dad hung on the dining room wall. It was of a tall ship in rough seas. Not the most beautiful of artworks, but the warmth of the metal worked well in the overall scheme of things.

Right now I'm loving copper pendants, mirrors and sidetables in my interior designs. It's that old world appeal I think. Something that has been here before and the warmth of the colour that makes it so inviting.

This collection of images is from my Pinterest Page

Pastel & Milan

2013-06-11T22:22:00.001+10:00

Hello, I have been enjoying all the reports back from the recent Milan Furniture Fair 'Salone-del Mobile'. Emerging trends such as pastel colours, lots of brass and copper, marble and natural timber finishes were popular. Before the online Blog and Social Media were so much a part of our lives it would take a while for the beautiful trends of the Milan Furniture Fair to hit our shores. That is obviously no longer the case.

You can see now how we are embracing the new metals, the extensive use of natural timber in interiors and as exterior detail on new homes. Homewares & art featured in beautiful pastels (though I do think the pastel furniture is yet to really take off - wont be long though) and more prominant use of marble. Marble was once reserved for the more upmarket or prestigious property. More and more you are seeing it being used and enjoyed by the masses.

I thought I would share a few photos from my online library of the various trends being used. Starting today with Pastel colour. Hope you enjoy the photos.

images via Decor8, My Pinterest Page, Est Magazine,

Abigail Ahearn

2013-06-06T22:01:00.000+10:00

I have long admired Abigail Ahearn's work without realising she was the one responsible for it. How crazy is that? As you trail through a million design images each month not all are labelled with the original designer. Abigail is edgy and out there! Heralded as one of the 'Hottest UK Designers" right now, she is certainly one to follow.

She has a great blog filled with brilliant tips and tricks of the trade and fabulous photos of her work.

Here's a few of my favourites below.

all images via Abigail Ahearn

Books

2013-06-04T09:42:00.000+10:00

Hi all, I love love love books in interior design. I think I sound like a broken record, but you can never go past a lovely pile of books with a little ornament on top to really personalise your space. Its that loved, lived in look they create. Even if you never read them - books add personality, life and interest to any space.

Colour coded, lying down, standing up, piled on the floor - they are beautiful in everyway!

Check out these little vignettes below featuring the humble book!!

images via Daily Dream Decor, The Style Files & Domaine Home

Pottery Barn & West Elm

2013-06-01T17:44:00.000+10:00

Hi all, I finally got to visit the new Pottery Barn and West Elm stores in Bondi Junction the other week. What a thrill, I had a great day. After having waited so long for them to arrive in Sydney I was really excited to get in and have a nosey. Lots of beautiful pieces, great furniture, homewares, gorgeous throws and cushions. I pretty much loved everything. The prices are really reasonable too!

I think its well worth a visit - and I hope they get bigger and better. Their range here is not quite as extensive as the US - which is understandable of course.

Check out my iphone shots below - these were some of my favourites from the stores.

Jielde Signal Lamp

2013-05-30T13:30:00.003+10:00

Happy Thursday everyone - wow two more days until the first day of Winter 2013. My how the days fly by with work and running around after 3 kids. I finally have a moment of down time so thought it best to have a cup of tea and get some blog entries happening. I love keeping a record of the things that inspire and it changes so often - so this is such a brilliant outlet for that.

At the moment I'm loving these Jielde Signal Lamps. Maybe its the zig zag pattern they create with thier base that is so appealing?? The yellow ones are just great fun and a nice pop of colour/wow factor for any room. What do you think?

all images via Daily Dream Decor

Masculine Rooms

2013-05-13T14:34:00.000+10:00

Hi there, wow just realised its been more than a month since my last post. I have had some overseas visitors staying from New Zealand and Canada and its been a bit crazy here. Lots of entertaining and no time for blogging!!

Workwise I'm loving rooms with a really masculine feel to them at the moment. It might have something to do with my favourite new 'Neutral' colour scheme 'Black, Grey, Timber and metallics'. Here's a sample of a few rooms that appeal right now.

images via Daily Dream Decor, The Zhush and Desire to Inspire

Modern Meets Classic

2013-04-01T21:45:00.002+11:00

Hi there, I hope everyone had a lovely Easter. It was so nice to have a long weekend!! We have been very busy at home - painting, spring cleaning, gardening, decorating etc. Now I need a rest before I go back to work tomorrow.

I wanted to share this lounge room with you today. I love the whole 'Modern meets Classic' look. The juxtaposition of that extremely bold artwork with the classic chairs and sofa works perfectly, thanks to the clever link with the colour. Of course I cannot go past anything Zebra print, so the rug works a treat for me!! Love it!

Images via The Decorista Blog

Oatley Home

2013-03-25T22:19:00.003+11:00

Hi everyone, I just received these great new photos tonight of one of my recently completed projects. I had completed the lounge room late last year - so have been finishing off the master bedroom, guest bed and dining room. Finally it has all come to fruition.

I keep calling it classical elegance, as that is how I see it. Lots of classic pieces that wont date - with that underlying elegance in the finishes - velvets, metals, stunning drapes and a lovely mix of beautiful timbers. Hope you like it.

All photos via F.Larkin