the Interior "how to" Forum

pic: on Julie-Ann's blog

Via Twitter I keep meeting wonderful and inspiring people! Today I'm doing an interview post with the lovely Julie-Ann Hind from Perth Australia. She is an interior decorator and has started the Decorating Forum, which is now ranked #1 in her country on Google.

Julie-Ann, what are your passions and professional background?

I have always had a passion for renovating and decorating homes. Our very first home had a rainbow painted over all 3 walls of the toilet and the bathroom cabinets. We sold that home for double the money 18 months later, minus the rainbows. I had caught the renovating bug! Since then I have renovated many homes for our family and many more for clients. I tend to specialize in renovating kitchens and bathrooms. However, the work varies enormously, one day I will be working on an Alfresco area for a client and the next day the selections for a client who is building.

(pic: by Julie-Ann Hind)

Why did you start the Decorating Forum?

Being an Interior Decorator I am constantly asked questions about decorating, renovating, building, or simply caring for our homes. I started the forum as a way to make it easier for clients, family and friends to ask me those questions. But it quickly became more than just people I personally knew. 

Why is your forum THE place to visit online when wanting help on interiors?

We have several experienced Interior Designers as members of the Decorating Forum and many very creative people who love to chat about decorating. Also, many members have joined looking to bounce around ideas for their homes. It is not only great to talk about decorating all day but we love to have a laugh and it is all very light hearted.

Julie-Ann, what are your goals for the next 2 years?

I have recently designed several kitchens for exclusive custom designed homes. I would love to do more of this work.

My passion is reaching more Australians and New Zealanders through the Decorating Forum and our blog "A Very Fine House". I love how we have been able to help so many people create a beautiful home for themselves and their families!

What are you most proud of?

That’s easy- my 17 year old son. He is adorable but then I am just a proud mum. With work I am so proud of reaching number #1 ranking on Google so quickly, we are the number #1 Decorating Forum on Google in Australia! 

Well done Julie-Ann and thank you very much for you time.

Below are some pictures of Julie-Ann's smaller projects that show how a makeover can make such a big change in any room! 

Kitchen before:

After:

Enormous change isn't it?

Julie-Ann's tip: how to organize a kitchen easily? Read about it here on Julie-Ann and Katrina's blog.

Bathroom before:

After:

And what a difference! Meet her on the forum and ask Julie-Ann anything you like that is driving you crazy about your interiors: visit 

the Decorating Forum.

Most of all: have fun with your home and do what you love, you don't need to follow the latest trends. 

(Please remember too to cast your vote on the give away tea towel post if you haven't done so yet!)

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tea towel design

The following designs I have made are being printed as we blog-tweet-post, and due to arrive chez moi in about 2 weeks. These unbleached lovelies will be for sale on the Paperroom online store website and my own. Yes my online store is finally springing to life! (I am working on having it up and running by the time these babies arrive.)

fantails

lovebites

sprouting

swanndri horses

My inspiration for these come from different fields, but safe to say: living in New Zealand and on my farm have a lot to do with it. I try to design as much as I can by staying true to the Australasian spirit. 

Now as a surprise for you all: I am giving one tea towel away to one of my lovely readers! If you are wanting to get your hands (quite literally) on one of these goodies, mention the design you like and leave a comment about it underneath this post. I will draw someone on Saturday. Good luck!

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changing the game

Currently I'm reading Gary Vee's book "Crush it". The man is an inspiration, and what he does well too is being so genuine. He connects naturally, even in writing, and his book is very readable.


One of the questions he asks is: why start growing a personal brand and leave our current employment/situation? I'm sure many of you would like to do what you love doing 24/7, instead of having to go through the treadmills. I guess things come to us too when we're itching to change what we're doing, but more so in what format we are able to do what we want to do. The weird part for me is that what I love to do is taking off like a goat on crack and the "I have to but don't quite love to" bit is only mildly humming along, not being very impressive. To me this is unhealthy and I feel painful about the fact I know I can do much more and much better. So I'm doing my homework and am changing what I can about it.


My husband is changing his game and I'm very proud of him. It's not easy for him to do so. He's been wrestling with it for years. It takes guts and effort to change direction. It also takes simple doing. I realized that our attitudes determine greatly how well or how badly things go for us. I've been somewhat grumpy for weeks (trying my hardest not to be). Something wasn't right and I knew damn well what it was: me. Still, there is a time to whing zhing around and there is time to just maturely fluff along. Or so they keep saying. But I don't believe it. As you can tell, the just carrying along is not my passion. I decided I have to make a decision and change the way I go about things. Surely there is a different way to improve matters, before I'm taking "the plunge".


So how can we change the game of Now?
First we assess what it is we LOVE to do. (the Goal)
Then we look at our current situation and ask ourselves: can I change anything to improve where I am now? (the Now)
Then we make a link from the now to the goal and devise a 'transit' phase: the in between and thus draw a timeline:
from "the Now" to "transit" to "Goal"


If we don't put a time frame on it, the now we'd like to change could drag on too long which wouldn't be fair to ourselves, and neither to others. (This is what I have noticed quite fervently.) Realizing what it is specifically in the now that we'd like to change will give us peace of mind, and allows us to accept how we feel enabling us to move to "transit" more easily. I discovered that aspects of the now can actually work as a springboard to where I want to grow to. A vision board can come in handy here too, to remind and help us. This is a great practical tool. (Learn how to make on here.)


Like Gary says: "Do what makes you happy. Keep it simple. Do the research. Work hard. Look ahead."


Indeed Gary! Truer words were never spoken.
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the art sense of nonsense

At the moment I'm working on new textile designs for Hemptech (and myself too). It's the putting together of that which doesn't make sense and also does make sense, at the same time. It's a controversial process. I tried to team up clover with various items, have filed away pics of pelicans, and suddenly have a brainwave about implementing knives, forks and spoons. Where that came from, nobody knows. Least of all me, my brain associates the craziest things.


Today I came across a designer, who also finds the 'outside life' helpful in keeping her ideas "fresh". I don't have to tell you that reading about a designer who has a farming background (or someone who still IS a farmer) is a joyous occasion for me. It's the moooo aspect that rocks the kazba. In this case, designer Matali Crasset spoke to Fastcompany about the benefits and all enticing aspects about the quirky in art. (The quirky can be so under valuated. I mean what can be more hilarious then murky quirky? Exactly.) 

This lady has right handedly come up with a domestic UFO (always handy those), a coat hanger that transforms in a bed (good to hang around in) and some goofy interiors. No wonder she is French and well known throughout the quadrant. 


Recently she has produced kitchen utensils for Alessi (pic above). She says about these: 
" I start by giving intention to an object and I start drawing only at the end. I don't draw to shapes; the shapes are coming from themselves. For example, with the bowl, I just had a vision of one bowl and I wanted to make it more practical. To be two bowls. And I combined them." 
So what does the farming life mean to her?
"You know I come from a small village of 80 farmers. I am kind of an ET. I had nothing to do with this kind of culture when I was growing up. For me it's easier to break codes because I'm still not inside. The best you can have in a collaboration is to have this outside look. And that's my position."
(Read the whole post later here. Source: Fastcompany) 


I also read about a Canadian pigfarmer lady, who like me, has to look after animals by herself usually. She got inventive (thats' what you do if you have to tend to animals and not be pummeled to the ground, have them dash out the fields or see you poking yourself with the drench gun.) What did she do? She invented a roller that dispenses a swath of red cloth--a sort of farm version of the retractable "lane guides" that movie theaters use. 

She had noticed that the hogs didn't like a red material moving about and she could use this idea instead of electric prodding to move them where she wanted them to go. This is industrial genius. And very self sufficient I must say.
(Source Core77, whole post here)


So: the outdoorsy life can inspire us in various forms! Whether you own a green pasture or not, thinking outside of the concrete box is groovy. So if you like to have a bit of zesty farm design right at home, to uplift you, try these:

Japanese artist Koshi Kawachi takes old Japanese graphic novels and carefully adds a few radish seeds to create miniature indoor farms.
(source: greenmuze)
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So who says oddball-ism doesn't pay off? It turns out that it can be very practical indeed.
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friends and strangers

Interesting ponderings lately. I'm having "Happy Tuesday" and am sharing another mindpoppy with you. (Feel free to give feedback in the comment section.)


Many of us yarn or rabbit or talk or chat or tweet or post or write or brag or ponder about learning and the art of progress. This takes individual forms and unique expressions. For each and every one of us there is a goal or direction of some description, there may be a dream or vision, there may be some cash available or maybe not, there may be support from others or maybe not. Still: the fact that you are reading this post implies you have:
a. things in common with me, otherwise you'd be on YouTube watching some chimps in action, or actually doing your work or getting those dishes done and
b. you have things in common with the other readers of this blog as well. This I find a very nice idea. In this time of rapid technological advancement they say there is no solitude anymore, unless you seek it. The beauty is really to meet other groovy souls we otherwise wouldn't have, as the beaming up technology is not yet available to us.


This morning I received an email from Simon Mainwaring to say I had won the book "Crush it" by Gary Vaynerchuk, signed, sealed and delivered. I was surprised. I was excited. I was grateful. And I thought: interesting how inspiring people are so compelling and also: how cool to befriend people all over the globe. To have dialogs, questions, more questions then answers, stories, at time advice, and always the joy of discovery.


After the first phase we get the second phase: personal stories and more sharing. To offer more details of the things we did that were embarrassing, the cock ups, the sheer stupidity, the learning curves. A friend of mine told me there are many posers out there. I understand the sentiment. It is true that it is hard for some to be transparent and genuine. Instead of getting annoyed we might feel these people we come accross are maybe not yet sure of what they are really about. I don't know, but it's worth considering. The point is we have a choice always whom we want to give attention to. We also have the inhibitions to be careful, as our parents drummed into us not to accept candy from strange men and not walk home alone. Especially not when you're a girl.


Still, I'm all for keeping the door open, more so then keeping it shut. When we have been snubbed, conned, let down, hurt or just plain feel disappointed, it's tempting to say: they did it! And not try again. But really; who's losing out? In the end you find it's in your best interest to keep trying and happily hoping. Be sensible, but keep that door open, because there are great people out there and basically you make the choice yourself, by expressing who you are, to draw towards you those that you want to find. If you are not happy with who you are seeing, focus on those you would like to see instead. 


The world is diverse, and it's truly amazing to be alive and kicking today. Kudos to you all. "Live long and prosper."
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the when

I came accross this insightful question today, I just had to share as it resonated with me:

"One person once said it's time to move when the answer is no longer yes to these questions:


1. Am I doing good?

2. Am I challenged?

3. Am I learning? "

(Now maybe I'm the only one excited  about this. Fact is: many things are so frilly simple, but we usually don't see it as such. It's so nice to see it concised don't you think?)
So now you know what to do. Plan your next adventure today.
 
With thanks to Kate Robins the fabulous PR lady on Linkedin.
Her websites: http://turningpointeri.com/
http://mysticballet.org/site/the-company/
http://www.saltmarshopera.org/
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us and them

What makes competition what it is? Why does it matter? Some use competition to work harder, others to give up beforehand. There are grim faces, smirks and comments. Here are ways for you to consider something else: 


If you become so totally kick ass good at being the brand, and you know what it is that makes you and your product different, then competition is basically off the cards, because you have literally become a new breed in your own right, a special species. Unless you bang out washing machines that are the same as the ones from up the road, you've got options. 


As Seth Godin puts it: "You don't have to like competition in order to understand that it exists. Your fair share isn't going to be yours unless you give the public a reason to pick you." (the rest of his post here)


The competition mindset is one of fear. I am a huge believer that there are excellent ways of making distinctions in the big pool, or like Seth said: give people a reason to choose you. There is usually work for everyone, depending on how you look at it. Look further then door number 1. It's not about going along with playing the game, but to change the game or to play your own game. Either way, getting too hung up about the whole gig is bad for your health. The most successful people are telling the story right, know the benefits that they offer and have that magic "it" factor that people will remember. They have full confidence and belief in themselves and their product. It is magnetic.


Above can also apply to you as a person. I explained to my husband the other day that he should remember that he is valuable as a professional and a rare commodity on the market, so to speak (which he is). It's good to realize your own market value, don't sell yourself short, and also, dare to ASK for what you want and know you can. Nicely. It is different approaching your target audience with confidence -knowing what you got- opposed to from a place of 'what if', desperation or neediness. Most people can smell your underlying thought pattern by reading your behavior in a flash. Examine your attitudes.


Another reason to look at - and work with competition differently is that I have found it far more worthwhile to work with them. It's not a matter of "keeping your friends close but keep your enemies closer"; but to see the competition not as an opponent at all, rather someone to work with to create mutual benefit. This makes sense, and it's a lot more positive and fun then the other way round. Why repel or ignore them? Have a chat and see how you can help one another. Some may be very suspicious, others wary, or even very surprised. It doesn't hurt to try. Consider it.


Competition definitely has it's place and function: it does work as the benchmark of any given topic, because of the competition's existence you can re-evaluate where you stand yourself and how you think and feel about the process. You should almost be thankful that they are obliging to just exist in this fashion so you can learn from them.


And finally: how about the discussions that you have to be where the action is (so others are not going to out-do you)? Naturally if you are a retailer or a local dairy this makes sense. But what if you can take that retailing online? What I find so captivating is that more and more entrepreneurs seems to be able to work from anywhere and be creative and resourceful in how they earn a living. Products can be send from many locations. The key is being flexible and adapting to your market. (Check out how Ponoko does things here. I use them for my jewelery and they are a very clever bunch. Also ice cream manufacturer Giapo in Auckland, New Zealand has absolutely aced at marketing their product, using social media -very impressive- they have a compelling organic story to boot.)


"the Global Micro brand is sustainable. With it you are not beholden to one boss, one company, one customer, one local economy or even one industry. Your brand develops relationships in enough different places to where your permanent address becomes almost irrelevant".
Hugh Macleod
(the rest of his post here)


Now I have to say: I like that idea very much indeed. 

crazy softies

Softies: cuddly warmth is what makes the world go round. And the Etsy company. I've done some scribbles on creating Woaties: my goat softies, to spread the goatie love. It's getting wintery down here. We store up all the cuddles we can get. I thought I could make it into a versatile goatie (why not while we're at it).

This fishy creature I spotted by Darcie Fish is for sale here


There some strange looking fellas hanging on the Etsy website, like this Johnny Depp character: he cracks me up:

Johnny Depp gone woodbunny details here


Then there's fun and frivolous eco beasties: including recycled bag inners. Ecohunter to be found here

And a snazzy foxy creature: details here

 

So as you can see, amidst the furry and soft critters there are true treasures to be found. Still, I'm sure there are those who can appreciate a genuine woatie too. Those crazy enough, that is. 

If you want to make some loonies of your own: a good ol' how to here. Yes they're bunnies. Or bears. Or a species-confused one. As long as they're fun!
For some entertaining inspiration I can highly recommend: Aunty Cookie. (She knows how to sew and be cool now that is impressive.)


I'm not a seamstressy type so this'll be interesting. Especially considering I've been trying to sit down to get started for 3 weekends now. Winter project?

I'm doing it

Vision. Mission. Ingrained belief. Results. Wrap it up in one word: Joy.


I have been fluffing around with a few topics in the last few weeks. I kept putting a few things off. Mulling options over. Then several things happened:

1. I made the decision I want to pursue working with my goats on a more full time basis in the near future. I already had made the decision I wanted to study for vet nursing part-time. Then I saw an episode by TVNZ's Country Calendar about the Aroha cheesemaking enterprise, set up -coincidentally- by 2 Dutch emigrants. I was smitten! It wasn't a surprise as Nic and I had pondered this but to see it in action was so wonderful. In that episode there was another Dutch lady that advises the couple on Homeopathy as they are an organic farm. For me this was another 'aha' as I have contemplated studying Naturopathy years ago but put it aside because I work in retail. Last week I received information from an organic certifying business so Nico and I can start application as we decided years ago this is what we would like to do. We had soil tests done by a friend last week who sells organic fertilizer and we are waiting for the results now to determine what is being put on. So in a nutshell: the goat gig is going ahead. I need to find a milking plant, a separator, a storage tank and start discussing w/ Nico on how to modify the woodshed.

2. My design work is getting support. More and more. Someone I met on twitter who lives in LA is now  happy for me to design for him and I receive commission on what is sold. Hemptech the textile company in Auckland is continuing to do very well, selling my Cows and Couches fabric along with the Pukekos and the cows are gaining momentum as an upholstery fabric. One store is getting a furniture piece in it again as it works tremendously well as a talking point. It looks like there will be further expansion for Hemptech in the near future too. One local gallery is waiting to receive a high end new settee by Simon James in Auckland which has large cows and couches back cushions. An online store has also expressed to be interested to sell my accessory products. I have done new designs for Hemptech and the plan is to do something with these later this year. I like the idea very much of doing more freelance design work. I'm working on a drape design with geometric qualities for them now, having already done a cushion design they liked very much involving horses and swanndri.

3. Inspiration and meeting people. Several people I have gotten to know well through social media, as I work in retail and can't dash off all the time. Personal stories are shared, moral support is given. It's lovely to have these online contacts develop in a real fun bond and something more sustainable. I feel my design work is global, and I focus on global contacts opposed to many local tweeters, whereas the future goat set up is local based. 
Having both the micro and the macro aspect in my life is majorly appealing, and also rewarding. I enjoy communicating with these inspiring and lovely people a lot.

4. Online store. At the moment I have an online presence that to me is more like an online portfolio and a modest one at best. I have decided that I'm going to turn it into an actual online store to sell my cushions, tea towels, jewelry in and the to be made Wooties. Not next year but, like SOON. The 'wooties' product will be both a cushion, carry bag and soft toy rolled into one. So, to that effect I need to get moving as there is plenty to be done! And I haven't even told you about a farming product I am still working on that will make life easier for break fencing and I have got the domain names already. Even Nico admits it's a great idea. Someone asked me today: and HOW on earth do you get all these things done?

5. Take responsibility: using the Law of Attraction. I find it has really helped me to focus on the direction I want to go, without focusing overly on the details. Things seems to be slotting into place more and more and I trust that process. Naturally I also have to be sensible in that I don't spread myself thin, prioritize and leave old distractions behind. It's an exciting time and I feel really happy about how things are going. I also know I had to get mature about all our financials as I had the habit of cramming incoming paperwork in a folder and pay the bills but not fully understand the actual process.
In realizing that I have taken responsibility for the way I feel and what happens every day I am actually being far more effective then ever before. It's sounds fuzzy, and it's a biggie, but I'm happy about it.


To summarize: if you want to go forward and expand, it is good to know what you want, and to then keep working towards that goal in an appreciative fashion of what already is. 
That sounds jeeps-deep but really: why wait? Why be so depressing 'realistic'? Groovy brands and happy entrepreneurs didn't get out of that garage by embracing the status quo: they went with their guts and worked hard and happily. That is what I am doing. And it's no longer 'work', it's fun.

the farm life

Today it's sunny picture time! We enjoy living on our farm-let, it's a wonderful private world and harbors lovely animals and tasty veggies. We love it. As I was finishing paintwork on the window sills this weekend I thought I'd sneak in some visuals at the same time...

pumpkin harvest....

our fuzzy friends...

Moooooooo. Bella loves hanging out in goatie ville. She is even sounding more like them (that's a worry).

so while I try to get some work done... #painting

we do get some visitors from time to time, like Sootie our adopted stray kitten and mr Hedgehog

so who says farm live isn't entertaining? Always plenty happening around here.