Fabric & Rattan Beach Hammocks :: Philippines

The islands of the Philippines are not short of white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and picture perfect ocean views so what better place to find your perfect hammock!

Here's just a few I found on my travels...

A lovely purple string hammock.

The local traditional hand weaved rattan hammock... these are quite popular and very sturdy!

My favourite had to be this contrasting purple fabric.

Have fun.

Interior Design Workshops, Brisbane :: Mailing List

Whilst away I have been busy thinking of topics for future interior design and decoration workshops to be held in Brisbane. I have had many kind email enquires regarding my workshops asking when the next one will take place. 

I am still away until the beginning of May so have been using this time (dare I say whilst on the beach) to develop workshop topics, content, dates and venues for 2012. 

This is where I would be grateful for your help…I have created another poll in my sidebar and would love to hear your feedback on which workshop you would prefer from the following:

• Discovering your own design style
• How to decorate - the first steps
• How to use colour in your home
• How to design your bathroom
• How to design your kitchen
• How to design a natural modern home
• How to design a French inspired home
• How to design a Balinese style home
• How to design a coastal inspired home
• How to design a sustainable bathroom
• How to design a sustainable kitchen
• Recycling glass bottles in the home
• Recycling fabric in the home
• Recycling furniture in the home

If you are interested in these new interior design workshops please email me here. You will then be among the first to be notified of course details, costs, registration dates and course topics.

Thank you so much and have fun.

images by Porters Paints, Designer's Guild & Udessi

Modern Beach House :: Batangas, Philippines

If you have ever visited a busy Asian city such as Manila you can easily understand why the brief for this house was to create a modern, serene and luxurious oasis retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Designed by the Philippine based architects Archipelago, this weekend retreat is located in Batangas and sits on a sloping block facing amazing views of Nasugbu Bay and the South China Sea. 

Love the spilt level room with the living area below - great for sloping land

The design is light and airy, with open plan living areas and high ceilings making the most of both the ocean views and coastal breezes which is so important in any tropical climate.

The colour palette is also cool and natural with hues of white, beige and natural stone flooring, decorated with nature inspired objects and artwork.

Simple clean lines for the house style and facade

I am sure you would agree this style of house would sit comfortably in most coastal tropical climates.

Have fun.

Tropical Island Colours :: Coron Island, Philippines

What can I say... The Philippines really is your tropical island paradise.

I couldn't help myself so had to take a few photos of the amazing colours that are used to decorate their traditional 'Bangka' island boats.

More beach therapy awaits. 

Have fun.