The RSD Blog

Good Kitchen Design: How to make the most of your space

Romona Sandon — 2015-05-24T13:00:00+08:00

Sponsored post by The Kitchen Place Your kitchen should be designed to work in sync with your lifestyle, yet too often it is the opposite way around. As home design continues to revolutionise itself the modern kitchen is a world away from its past incarnations. Previously seen as a room of preparation and storage, the modern kitchen is open, inviting and acts as the epicentre of the home, truly...

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Australian Interior Design Awards 2015 - Residential Award

Romona Sandon — 2015-05-18T17:02:42+08:00

Just thought I'd share some of the beautiful images of this year's winner of the Residential Design category of the DIA Australian Interior Design Awards 2015. How gorgeous is this reno/extension of Orama house by Smart Design Studio in Sydney?! {This dining room is composed of the perfect balance of bright white, raw concrete and moody black accents. Although these Serge Mouille lamps seem to...

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Put A Cork In It

Romona Sandon — 2015-05-16T22:52:02+08:00

{Clork by Puik Art in collaboration with Ilias Ernst. Simple forms combined with the natural material gives the ‘Clork’ a great look and feel. Its left corner stable in the present, while the circular right side allows time to roll by, Clork comes in natural coloured cork or graphic black} {The Smed bar stool by Great Dane Furniture and OX DENMARQ, showcases simple design with...

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The Dining Room Dilemma

Romona Sandon — 2015-05-08T17:58:35+08:00

So I am having a dining room dilemma. Our household cannot come to a decision on what type of dining chairs to get. OK, so the kids aren't really involved in the decision making being under 5yo, so really I mean my husband won't come around to my designer way of thinking and has that dirty word 'budget' as the number 1 (O.N.E) priority! I'm not a ridiculous spender. In fact I am quite fiscally...

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2015 Dulux Colour awards

Romona Sandon — 2015-03-28T20:15:42+08:00

Just thought I'd share some of my favourite colourful winners and finalists from the 2015 Dulux Colour Awards. Enjoy and be inspired - I know I am! {The coolest Vietnamese Restaurant in Smith St, Collingwood, Phamily Kitchen by Matthew Van Kooy won the Commercial Interior Public Space and Hospitality Award. I'm loving those tiles and I have those pot plants! Photo by Dan Aulsebrook}

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A beginner’s guide to illuminating your home

Romona Sandon — 2015-03-27T17:41:22+08:00

Sponsored post by Gail Newland All too often, lighting is seen as merely an interior design afterthought. However, with a little creative thinking, lights can dramatically enhance the look of homes. If you’re new to property design and you want to make the very most of the illuminations now available, take a look at these simple but effective suggestions. Maximise natural light Firstly,...

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Supergraph 2015

Romona Sandon — 2015-02-12T19:55:00+08:00

Woot woot! I'm off to Melbourne tomorrow for a weekend of art and crafty goodness! More than just an art fair Supergraph is a three-day fiesta of graphic art, illustration and design at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Melbourne. The fair features leading graphic artists alongside our brightest emerging talent ensuring that there are original and limited edition artworks available for...

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Bricks and Blocks

Romona Sandon — 2015-02-08T16:00:00+08:00

So lately I've been thinking, dreaming, and living bricks. Samples are strewn around my desk in an ever changing hierarchy. Concrete and clay in all shades of grey form stacks of precariously balanced blockwork. I have been assessing the Perth mantra of 'brick is best' and am finding that I am actually coming around to the idea. Sure, I'm not really in love with the double-brick and tile hot box...

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The Monochrome Kitchen

Romona Sandon — 2015-01-27T11:20:00+08:00

While my boys (big and smalls) passed the hot Australia day with games and music, I took the opportunity to get some work done on our developing house plans. The drawing board lead to the Mac and modelling software, which inevitably lead to procrastination (i.e. doing ‘research’ on Pinterest and Houzz). I am always amazed by how many hours can pass while I am trapped in interior...

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Designer Insights

Romona Sandon — 2014-11-28T14:22:45+08:00

A quick boast to let you know that I have been interviewed for the Designer Insights project over on Terry's Blinds in the UK. Courtesy of: Terrys Blinds Here are the links to my recommended products above: [1] Holiday table by Callum Campbell [2] Wall boxes by Bonnie & Neil [3] Bedding by Hunting for George [4] Oh Buoy small lamp in blue by Treehorn Design [5] limestone Factory Pendant by...

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Raw geology

Romona Sandon — 2014-11-17T07:54:52+08:00

We've been seeing agate coasters and book ends for a while, especially if you follow the musings of trendsetter Kelly Wearstler. Raw geology is turning up in more and more product and furniture design - here are a few stunning pieces that I have on my tremendously long lust-list. {Table top-objects featuring re-appropriated industrial waste, more specifically scrap iron found in a Swedish...

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Chrissy Time

Romona Sandon — 2014-10-31T21:30:00+08:00

I know Christmas has been all over the shops for months, even though it still seems so far away, but from experience, Christmas time will be here in a flash. So I thought I'd gather some festive cheer to share while there is still time to beat the courier rush season. Be quick though, some of these I've already added to cart and am just about to hit the paypal button! {Beautifully crafted...

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Sustainable House Day 2014

Romona Sandon — 2014-09-11T16:46:46+08:00

Open the door to sustainable living by touring some of Australia’s most environmentally progressive homes on show at Sustainable House Day. This Sunday, 14th September, you have the opportunity to tour an amazing array of everyday Australian homes all built and created around the ideal of reducing their footprint on the earth. By partaking in Sustainable House Day you can tap into local...

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Linen love

Romona Sandon — 2014-11-06T23:16:18+08:00

We recently upgraded to a king-size bed, a necessity to avoid injury when you have two growing boys who do running jumps into the bed each morning. So I am now faced with purchasing new bedlinen, oh damn (read 'YAY!'). The assortment of colourful, stylish, fun bedlinen out at the moment is unbelievable. So hard to choose, but finding out I won a voucher from Aura made the decision a little easier...

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Perth's Got Talent 2

Romona Sandon — 2014-09-23T11:58:00+08:00

Further to my last Perth post here, I have found even more designs by the great students of Central Institute of Technology, UWA and Curtin Universities in Perth. Here are just a few more examples of amazing WA talent from Decor + Design Melbourne 2014. {Holiday table by Callum Campbell}

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Kid-size creations

Romona Sandon — 2014-08-28T17:50:13+08:00

I've been staring at the bare walls of my two boys' rooms in our current rental just thinking what I could do with the space that would be transportable to any new home we make. With that in mind, here are a few products and inspiring images for kids rooms and play that doesn't have to sacrifice your desire to keep a grown up house. I thought someone else may also be facing this dilemma, so here...

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Quick distraction

Romona Sandon — 2014-07-23T12:59:00+08:00

With so much going on in the world, my moving house, lack of internet connection and allergies from too many moving boxes seem like major #firstworldproblems. Having said that, sometimes we all need a bit of aesthetic joy in our lives to remind us of people's potential to create beautiful things. With all the above going on, I haven't yet sorted out my reams of notes, brochures and cards from...

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Off to Melbourne I go

Romona Sandon — 2014-07-09T14:30:00+08:00

About to pop on the plane to good ol' Melbourne town for the Decor + Design Trade show (and of course catching up with all my wonderful people). I will fill you in on all the pretty-pretty designer goodness on my return next week. Until then, here's another teaser of some of the amazing designers on show... {Sorrento Beach house Interiors by Shareen Joel of Shareen Joel Design (SJD) and Share...

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Spotlight on Australian Designers | Lab De Stu

Romona Sandon — 2014-07-05T09:20:00+08:00

Ok, so when trying to find a product or image that summed up Lab De Stu for their VIVID at Decor + Design appearance, I ended up with a whole post on them. Made up of Melburnians Adam Lynch, Dale Hardiman and André Hnatojko, these guys have kicked arse on the national and international design award scene since 2011. DQ calls them 'Industry Giants', and being in their very early 20's that...

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D+D Melbourne less than a week away

Romona Sandon — 2014-07-04T22:50:00+08:00

I can't wait for a few days of design and visual saturation at Furnitex and Decor + Design Melbourne next week! If you haven't heard about the stellar lineup of international industry speakers yet, check out my summary here, and get in really quick before tickets sell out! However, the highlight of my conference visit always seems to be the VIVID (Vibrant Visions in Design) competition. Now in...

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Geek Chic

Romona Sandon — 2014-06-28T17:50:00+08:00

Whether you are embracing your inner chemist, classic (80s) movie and toy enthusiast or just like a side of education with your fun and pretty, here are a few finds to get your nerd on. Enjoy! {For a little randomness with your relativity, Progetti Rnd Lab Fun Time Random Clock at Top3}

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How Hardwood Flooring Has Changed

Romona Sandon — 2014-06-27T19:00:00+08:00

*The following is written for the RSD blog by Jonathan Sapir M.D. of Wood and Beyond. They are ethical FSC certified vendors of hardwood from engineered to solid hardwoods. Hardwood flooring has changed profoundly in recent years. These changes in floorboard technology, colour and texture mean that hardwood can fit a greater number of interiors than ever before. Here’s our visual recap to...

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Win Tickets to Decor + Design Melbourne's International Seminar Series

Romona Sandon — 2014-06-21T17:45:00+08:00

Melbourne, here I come! Aside from catching up with all my wonderful Melburnians, I'm itching to get back to Melbourne for the Decor + Design and Furnitex conferences this July. Although rebranded from the previously called Decoration + Design, if past events are anything to go by, attendance is a must - so much designer eye candy! (I've posted about past events here). Furnitex and Vivid are...

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Re-use Revolution breeds new App

Romona Sandon — 2014-06-14T16:50:00+08:00

I have put together a few of my faves from the recently launched Couchelo app below to showcase just a few of the large range of items available. To celebrate the launch of the app, Will and the team are offering a $250 giveaway to 5 lucky people. More information on the giveaway at the end of the post! So get in there all my lucky, wonderful Melbourne and Sydney readers and snatch them up...

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Black and White

Romona Sandon — 2014-04-09T18:45:15+08:00

Here are just a few pretty monotone goodies that have caught my eye lately. I'm desperately trying to restrain my purchasing until I have at least designed my house, let alone built it! Until then, I'll let you drool with me. {Harbour House by uber-talented Arent&Pyke. How yum is that Christian Liaigre console table?!}

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Gravity Light

Romona Sandon — 2014-03-31T18:05:00+08:00

I came across this project and just had to share. Sure, it's not pretty, but how innovative and what a great humanitarian effort. Well done Deciwatt and everyone that contributed through their Indiegogo campaign. The GravityLight was the result of wanting to help solve the unreliable and unsafe lighting issue for the poverty-stricken 21% (more than 1.5 billion!) of the world's population....

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Terrariums and Potted Green

Romona Sandon — 2014-05-04T22:00:00+08:00

Here's a follow-up from your requests for more, after posting Vertical Green #2. These fill the gap for some even smaller and affordable greenery options when you have limited space, budget or garden know-how. {Ceramic Diamond Planters on table and Petite hanging Vase on the wall, both by LoveHate and available at Cranmore Home}

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Concrete jungle

Romona Sandon — 2014-02-17T08:00:00+08:00

How could I not start a concrete post with the most stunning of my Melbourne-life BFF-date champagne-sipping locations?! The Prahran Hotel (II) by the multi-talented Techné Architects is simply stunning. If you live in Melbourne and haven't been, go! If you don't live in Melbourne, visit and go! Well worth the trip to sit in your own cosy concrete pipe, lean in for conspiratorial...

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Spoil someone… or yourself

Romona Sandon — 2013-12-20T19:20:00+08:00

Since I seem to have missed the boat on Christmas gifts (every other blog in the world is posting cheap or cool chrissy gift ideas), I thought I'd put up some pretty golden pics of sparkly goodness to treat yourself with for the new year. Of course, if you can't help but soak up the spirit of giving, these are all available at good homewares stores around australia, to pick up in person. The...

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Myanmar, Cambodia, KL and KK

Romona Sandon — 2013-12-13T06:30:00+08:00

It is so hard to sum up the 'highlights' of our recent travels to Myanmar, Cambodia, Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur. I've tried to whittle down to just a few of the pretty pics from my massive folders of images - thank god for huge SD cards and spare hard drives! First stop, Yangon (formerly Rangoon) in Myanmar (formerly Burma). A bit of culture-shock and in-your-face poverty did not help...

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Oh the Places You'll Go! Giveaway

Romona Sandon — 2013-11-30T12:30:00+08:00

I love when a local creative finds the courage to get out there and start something new and exciting. I know coming up with ideas is the comparatively easy part, but getting the idea out of your mind and into the real (or online) world is definitely harder. What's the saying? 1% Inspiration, 99% Perspiration. Indeed! I recently had a chat to designer Adina Levy of The Cumulus Factory about her...

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Hello Perth!

Romona Sandon — 2013-11-27T18:35:09+08:00

Hello ladies and gents! Miss me? ;) Sorry for the big delay. Massive changes in our lives at the moment. We sold the house (see previous post Home Open); packed up the house; moved from Melbourne to Perth; went on holiday sans-kids to several Asian nations; found out our belongings were not delivered due to company liquidation and therefore not on their way; rearranged delivery while overseas...

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Home Open

Romona Sandon — 2013-09-17T09:00:00+08:00

If you have noticed my absence of late, here’s why - we are preparing for the big move back out west! We are sadly saying goodbye to our cultured, hip Melbourne-town home and hello to beach sunsets and perfect weather Perth (not to say that it isn’t also cultured and hip, of course - Love ya Perth). We’ve reached a time in our lives where family-at-a-distance isn’t working...

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Nautical dreams

Romona Sandon — 2014-05-28T16:55:00+08:00

The boys and I did a spontaneous day trip to Lancelin beach on Monday and I felt inspired to share some nautical ultramarine goodies with you. Some I own, some I lust after and some are just plain fun. Enjoy :) { 1. Compass cushion, 2. Côte d'Azur Ice bucket, 3. Ahoy Door Mat, 4. Skull & Crossbones Cushion, 5. Hold Tight wall flag, 6. Pier Rope Table lamp, 7. World Map Sticker }

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Melbourne Life Instyle 2013

Romona Sandon — 2013-08-16T13:45:00+08:00

More than a week late, but since it was my birthday last week (and it’s my blog) I’m cutting myself some slack. Last week’s Melbourne Life Instyle event was set inside Melbourne’s beautiful Royal Exhibition building. I had been to events here before but never have I seen it so crammed full of designer goodies. I swear they somehow increased it to twice the size than the...

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Leo Love

Romona Sandon — 2013-08-08T21:45:00+08:00

Thought I’d do a quick post for all you fellow Leo’s out there (or just lovers of the big, bad king o’ the jungle). {Captain Laramie Lion Print by Mulga The Artist, with a poem composed by Mulga, printed on the reverse. Too cool} {Leo teacup by Takeawei}

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Melbourne Decoration + Design 2013

Romona Sandon — 2013-07-25T08:05:00+08:00

I love a good trade event, as I’m sure by now you can tell. Any excuse to wander around aimlessly through furniture, homewares, art, lighting and all things design and I’ll take it. I visited the Melbourne Decoration + Design 2013 last Thursday but it has taken a few days to decide on my favourite pieces and narrow it down for you all. As usual, the co-located Design:Made:Trade and...

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Vertical Green #2

Romona Sandon — 2014-01-15T15:35:00+08:00

So the design and decoration world was going a bit nuts over green walls in 2013. I personally hope the trend continues. I don't think you can overdo it and kudos to anyone who has built, designed, installed, planned, housed or dreamed green walls in any form. No matter what you call them - vertical garden, green wall, wall planter, wall garden, living wall - and no matter what form they take -...

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Spotlight on Australian Designers | Flynn Talbot

Romona Sandon — 2013-07-14T14:00:05+08:00

After being wowed by his display of the Latitude pendants at DesignEx, I had to look further into this fellow Perthite and his design journey so far. Original interest and training in furniture design took Flynn Talbot to the UK, Italy and then Germany, where he now has a studio in Berlin. His other studio is in his (and my) hometown of Perth, Western Australia, and I believe we are lucky to have...

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Great Gatsby!

Romona Sandon — 2013-05-29T13:45:00+08:00

Like everyone else, The Great Gatsby is on my nightstand being re-read in anticipation of Baz’s release. I am sooooo excited to be off to a Great Gatsby opening event tonight with a super-great BFF. In honour of our gettin’ all dolled-up and nineteen-twentifying ourselves, I thought I’d do a quick post on some of the Gatsby-inspired Art-deco goodness around the traps at the...

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DesignEX 13

Romona Sandon — 2013-06-14T07:05:00+08:00

I’m going to have to apologise again for taking so long between posts, but when you see the mountain of pics below from the show, (and I have drastically culled from those taken on the day) then you’ll understand. Celebrating 25 years of DesignEX, Melbourne hosted this trade only event for professionals working in either the architecture & design, building & construction or hotel &...

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Orange Brights

Romona Sandon — 2013-07-23T14:30:00+08:00

I’m channeling warm summer thoughts out into the dreary Melbourne Winter sky with today’s post. Below are a collection of some of my favourite orange products in shades ranging from zesty mandarin and persimmon to fiery burnt orange and rust. {For a bright statement piece, The Martini side table in Persimmon from West Elm} When highlighting orange, I couldn’t go past Greg...

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Beautiful Reading

Romona Sandon — 2013-05-11T13:45:00+08:00

There has been a sensational surge of design and interiors books in the market at the moment. Nothing makes me giddy like a big brown cardboard parcel waiting at the door - The delivery guy must know my house pretty well by now! Here a few of my recent purchases. I have read most and flicked through the others, to be scoured over at a later date when I can get a child-free moment. They are all...

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For Mum

Romona Sandon — 2013-05-08T16:25:47+08:00

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, this Sunday 12th May, here are some last minute gift ideas for the bright, fun and loving Mums out there. And yes, most of these are hints! ;) {A touch of gilded luxe. Missoni Home Maremma Candle from Spence & Lyda}

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Do you Adore?

Romona Sandon — 2013-04-26T19:20:16+08:00

Sorry for the mega delay in posts! I have finally painted my laundry-slash-office and my computer was hidden under dust and splatter sheets. The room was in desperate need of a mini makeover, covering up the patchwork walls and ceiling, and brightening from a dull yellowed cream to the now beautiful and bright white (FYI Dulux Lexicon Half on walls and Vivid White to ceiling). For some insane...

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Now that's efficient

Romona Sandon — 2013-04-08T12:25:00+08:00

Sorry for the long break. I was going to say I’ve been slack, but the reality is far from that. Blogging just happened to slide down the massive list of things-to-do over the Easter break. Hope you all had a great one and here is a cool little apartment run-through that’s worth the watch when you have a spare ten minutes. Very efficient use of space and storage through innovative...

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Easter treats

Romona Sandon — 2013-03-20T05:18:37+08:00

Easter has come around super-quick this year. Probably something to do with the eggs being out before the christmas decorations are down at the stores! I know the actual meaning of Easter is more to do with going to church (which I’ll be honest, isn’t half as appealing since Father Bob is no longer at St. Peter and Paul’s) and dying/painting boiled eggs (on my Russian Orthodox,...

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Aqua vital!

Romona Sandon — 2013-05-17T13:35:48+08:00

This one could be a big one! My all time favourite colour, AQUA BABY!!! And not to forget her chic older sister, Teal. Or her rich cousin, Turquoise! It is no surprise that these colours have made it three times out of the last ten Pantone Colours of the Year: 2010’s Turquoise, 2005’s Blue Turquoise and 2003’s Aqua Sky). They also work great with this year’s colour,...

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Royal Blue Relief

Romona Sandon — 2013-03-17T13:00:00+08:00

In honour of the wonderful cool change that Melbourne has had, a welcome relief from the humid heat of the last few weeks, I thought I’d go blue. Since the heat has kept me out of the office (as you may know its in a corner of the laundry/sun room aka sweat-box sauna room), and since this is my favourite colour range, I’m going to really pack in the pics, products and pinspiration for...

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Sydney Decoration + Design 2013 - Part 3

Romona Sandon — 2013-03-03T13:45:00+08:00

The final instalment of my Sydney trip to attend Decoration+Design. I shared my product faves with you in Part 1, and focused solely on the gorgeous Abigail Ahern in Part 2. Finally, I get to sift through the image banks of Greg Natale and bring you my favourites. {Greg Natale’s Wallpaper range for Porter’s Paints} Greg’s seminar took us on a journey starting back with his...

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Sydney Decoration + Design 2013 - Part 2

Romona Sandon — 2013-02-19T20:37:37+08:00

As you may know I had a whirlwind trip to and around Sydney mainly to attend Decoration+Design. (I was recently reminded that I shouldn’t be surprised that people know where I have been, when it is discussed on blog/facebook/twitter etc!) I shared my product faves with you in Part 1, however the highlight for me was obviously the seminars by Abigail Ahern and Greg Natale....

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Sydney Decoration + Design 2013 - Part 1

Romona Sandon — 2013-02-11T20:58:41+08:00

Aside from cancelled and delayed mucking about with flights, no names mentioned (Crapstar!), I had a whirlwind trip to and around Sydney, catching up with great friends and popping into Decoration+Design. The highlight for me was the seminars by Abigail Ahern and Greg Natale, but I have so many images of theirs to share and they are way too hard to choose from, so I’m saving this until Part...

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Decoration + Design

Romona Sandon — 2013-02-04T13:35:00+08:00

Hi Everyone. Just a quick note to let you know that I’m off to Sydney tomorrow to catch up with friends and colleagues as well as take in the sights at Decoration+Design. {Atelier Abigail Ahern. Image from her seriously cool blog} Super excited about the seminars by Abigail Ahern and Greg Natale. Here’s a sneak peak at their work…

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Ruby ruby ruby ruby!

Romona Sandon — 2013-02-07T20:59:30+08:00

While in the past our Valentine’s day was spent enjoying delectable French cuisine et le vin under flattering, flickering candlelight, these days (i.e. post-kiddies) it has become an accidental tradition to get the kids to bed on time, get chinese take-away (all the naughty yummy dishes we normally try to resist) and sit on the couch watching a movie. {Vintage Valentine’s Day...

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Australiana

Romona Sandon — 2013-01-24T15:40:00+08:00

In honour of Australia Day coming up on the 26th January, I thought I’d round up a few of my favourite Australiana products out in the design world at the moment, as well as those classic pieces that gently state where they still call home. {Corro Bowl from Design By Them} Although I am sure I have shown you this before, I still abso love the Corro Bowl from Sydney-based design...

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Industriart

Romona Sandon — 2013-05-07T12:25:28+08:00

I had hinted at this post a looong while back while soaking up the Australiana for Aussie Day. Forgive my tardiness, but I really wanted to get the best of the million Instagram pics I took at this wonderland of vintage and eclectic treasures. Industriart is the brainchild of the amazing Roni DiCandilo (and I’m sure husband Nick gets a word in to). This hidden gem (actually, it’s more...

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Emerging Designers

Romona Sandon — 2013-01-22T10:25:00+08:00

Just a quick note to check out the beautiful pieces by up-and-coming Australian Designers on sale at Temple & Webster’s Emerging Designer’s page. Only 6 days left! While there, why not vote for your favourite, for a chance to win a T&W voucher and InsideOut Magazine subscription. If you can choose, that is. With talent like this, its a very difficult decision! P.S. Don’t...

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The Fine Design Market

Romona Sandon — 2013-01-22T12:00:00+08:00

I had intended to share this with you right after getting home from it, however the week just sped past. So, it’s a little late, but here we go. On Sunday (13 Jan) I had a pleasant (but pricey) surprise. A wealth of local design talents with plentiful, purchasable pretties, of which I did readily partake. The Fine Design Market, held every second Sunday of the month, was right there in my...

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Emerald Delights

Romona Sandon — 2013-01-13T17:00:00+08:00

Along with pretty much all of the design and blogging world at the moment, I am in love with all the greeny goodness popping up all over the place since Pantone announced Emerald as its colour of the year for 2013. Just for a bit of visual candy, here are a few of my favourite interiors, products and miscellaneous images featuring variations of this striking gemstone hue. {Pantone’s...

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Lamp revamp

Romona Sandon — 2014-03-10T15:25:00+08:00

Those that follow my mish-mashed Instagram account, may have seen my impulse buy at the Abbotsford Convent markets waaay back in Feb 2013. Some of you also commented on my lovely bedside table lamps from our real estate shots, home open and move. I've put together a quick summary of my DIY lamp update, but scoot down the page further for a bit more detail. Enjoy!

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Bathroom... After

Romona Sandon — 2012-11-14T17:50:00+08:00

Hello lucky readers! The bathroom transformation has occurred much faster for you than for us - a day rather than two weeks. The only thing we are waiting on is the frameless shower screen so we can make full use of the yummy new shower head, but I didn’t want to keep you waiting. I’ll give you a quick run down on the work, then get into the good stuff - the before and after photos!...

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Bathroom Before…

Romona Sandon — 2012-11-13T13:40:00+08:00

First up, I would like to justify why we wanted to do this. It's not a cheap exercise and I think updating a bathroom for aesthetic sake alone can be costly, time-consuming and if not done correctly won’t give you the value-add you were expecting. If you are going to rip it all out, take the time to assess what works and what doesn't. What features you like and what you detest? What...

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Let the Demolition Begin

Romona Sandon — 2012-10-27T16:05:00+08:00

Hi All Just a quick note to let you know that I will be a bit absent over the next week or two - demolition starts on our one and only bathroom on Monday, and work will be speedy to fit in with my wonderful parent's visit to help (all the way from Perth). Dad's a builder, so I am very much relying on his instruction, knowledge and old-school builder attitude of getting in there and doing it...

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Things I Love

Romona Sandon — 2012-10-18T06:00:00+08:00

Today is the start of Interiors Addict’s Instagram comp to win a copy of stylist Megan Morton’s new book Things I Love. Running for seven days, simply snap the categories for each day, hashtag #thingsilove and link to both @jenbishop_interiorsaddict and @megan_morton to be in the running. Any excuse to get snap-happy I say!

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Spotlight on Australian Designers | Christopher Boots

Romona Sandon — 2012-10-25T14:00:00+08:00

From a feature in Inside Out Magazine (May/June 2012 Issue) to The Design Files’s Instagram pics to Darren Palmer’s recent Surry Hills project, I seem to be seeing his work everywhere, and for good reason. Since setting up his own Architectural Lighting Design practice in 2011 (after more than a decade in the industry), he has produced some magnificent products. Succinctly put on his...

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Spotlight on Australian Designers | Catherine Martin

Romona Sandon — 2012-12-06T15:40:00+08:00

Now for another Spotlight on Australian Designers. Two in one week - how lucky are you! Thought I should pack a few in before some Christmas down time, and in case you need a little designer shopping encouragement (as if any of us need that!) Catherine Martin really needs no introduction. Costume Designer. Production Designer. Set Designer. Art Director. Oscar, AFI, BAFTA and Tony Award winner....

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A Spot of Paint

Romona Sandon — 2012-12-14T14:00:00+08:00

I’ll take any technological advantage to convince my husband that it is not that difficult to repaint a room a new colour (or finally paint over the god-awful cream in my office-slash-laundry, the only room left to repaint). He recently came home marvelling at his great new discovery on a Bunnings trip. Paint that lets you know if you’ve missed a spot and when its ok to paint the next...

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Vertical Green

Romona Sandon — 2012-10-15T17:30:00+08:00

Greenwalls seem to be popping up everywhere these days. About time, I say. Back during my early student days, vision of them was scarce and often could only be found in hippy bio-domes or a Patrick Blanc involved building. I’m not delving into the complexities and technicalities of green walls. Rather, I wanted to collect a few of my favourite examples of green walls, in all their varied...

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Spotlight on Australian Designers | Simone LeAmon

Romona Sandon — 2012-10-19T06:00:00+08:00

A creative spokesperson for the Design Industry in Australia, Simone LeAmon has contributed continuously to publications, run creative masterclasses and lectures, and been involved with Launch Pad, JamFactory and too-many-to-name exhibitions. Ever-present in the publishing world, Simone writes for InDesign (Aust), is editor-at-large for howwecreate.com sharing news of the Australian design and...

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Spotlight on Australian Designers | Volker Haug

Romona Sandon — 2012-12-03T06:00:00+08:00

Sorry it has been a while since my last Spotlight on Aussie Design, but as I am sure you are also feeling, this time of year just sprints along. In light of the break (pun intended), this spotlight (again) will be shining (uh-huh) on the ever-awesome, Volker Haug and his brilliant lighting designs! I have already revealed my Design-crush on Volker when I saw his work again at Grand Designs Live...

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Spotlight on Australian Designers | Helen Kontouris

Romona Sandon — 2012-10-07T15:00:00+08:00

Seen in Space and Stylecraft showrooms this year during Melbourne’s Saturday InDesign, her supple and simple furniture inspires. She has collaborated with the likes of One Third Design, Alessi, Schiavello, Ritzenhoff and Celda, with her works being showcased in Belle, Vogue, InDesign, Artichoke, Monument and many other national and international publications. Her design ethos is perhaps...

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Rug update

Romona Sandon — 2012-10-01T15:45:41+08:00

Just a quick update to show off my new rug, won in Carpet Court’s Love the Look competition. While I am still holding onto hope that I might win the big prize, I seek solace in my new grey and black Noodle-pile Artizen rug. It manages to be soft and comfortable, sleek and stylish, and family-friendly all at once. Great choice and great rug. Thanks guys. {Black and Grey Noodle-pile Artizen...

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Sexy and Smart - LED Tech

Romona Sandon — 2012-09-27T15:30:00+08:00

The self-proclaimed smartest light globe in the world to date has gone viral. By the time I saw it, a few days into the Kickstarter backing process, it had already sold out. This sexy and smart product is bound to get the creative juices flowing of both designers and tech-heads alike. LIFX is a WiFi enabled, multi-colour, energy efficient LED light bulb that you control with your smart...

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Grand Designs Live

Romona Sandon — 2012-09-22T13:15:17+08:00

With what looked like half of Melbourne, I went along yesterday to see the smooth-voiced Kevin McCloud speak at Grand Designs Live Australia. Crowds were early, eager and wide-spread. If I had’ve scored a seat and he’d been a little less busy, I could have stayed there forever. His enthusiasm and obvious love of architecture is abundantly apparent in every gesture and grin. He wooed...

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Rug luck

Romona Sandon — 2012-09-21T16:00:00+08:00

I always thought I was lucky in rugs, but this last month solidified it. To explain, I’ll have to go back through a little bit of my floor covering history… While work at Woodhead in Perth was very rewarding in most ways, it also paid off with an employee of the month prize, giving me my first official free rug. A delicious turquoise shag rug. This rug is quite famous among family...

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I'll be back

Romona Sandon — 2012-09-05T19:00:00+08:00

Hi all It’s been a little bit, and will still be a bit more, before another post, sorry. I’m transitioning between my current non-supportive program (won’t go into details — its reeeeeaally frustrating!) and a new program (not decided on as yet). Just a small shout out this week: a big thanks to Carpet Court and their Love the Look competition. It is actually worth...

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Unearthing Treasures

Romona Sandon — 2012-08-26T13:30:00+08:00

Finding your personal style is a difficult endeavour. Inspired by Carpet Court’s new Love the Look competition (How hard is it to choose between team Darren and team Stacey!), I went rummaging through my boxes of trinkets and collected items from my travels and explorations. You know the ones - the pieces you’ll put up in your one-day house (the one with room to spare - a...

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Saturday InDesign 2012

Romona Sandon — 2012-08-23T10:50:00+08:00

I wouldn’t recommend scurrying around Melbourne CBD in the rain, carrying a bag, brolly and baby, but to get our design fix and not miss out on the splendour that is SiD, us mums have to do what we have to do. I’m lucky to have been blessed with two very co-operative babies (my first was strapped to me in the same Baby Bjorn two years ago at the last Melbourne Saturday InDesign)....

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Planning + Procrastination

Romona Sandon — 2012-08-20T18:30:00+08:00

Being a perfectionist is hard work. Being a scaredy-cat one is even harder. I've been delaying this blog for some time now, determined to have at least a few months of posts planned, laid out and prettified. I had planned to post my thoughts and highlights of several Home shows, Decoration + Design, Furnitex, Green Building Conferences, Design Made Trade, Saturday In Design... using any trade...

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Perth's Got Talent

Romona Sandon — 2014-08-20T12:10:00+08:00

It took travelling to the other side of the country to realise what amazing designers we have here on the sunset coast. I had already fallen in love with more than half of the designs before I looked up to the title of the stand and saw they were all students of Central Institute of Technology in Perth. I guess I could blame my seven year absence, but I was unaware that Central had such a...

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