My Most Favourite Store Ever

I know. Big statement. But true. 

Their most unassuming website does not prepare one for the real life experience.

I didn't even get to the furniture...

... I just wept over the lights.

Every style you could imagine....

... all there in the one magical emporium.

It truly was an 'Aladdin's Cave'.

People were so calm walking around... as if it was nothing to them....

..... like it's normal to have all this choice!!!!!....

.....at these prices. Weep.

My legs were weak after the whole, emotionally draining experience.

The doorman had a giggle and offered me a chair.

I felt like Crocodile Dundee.

It is 7.03am and I am in 'the shed'. Tuesdays are like that. Guitar Ensemble at 7am so shed at 7.01am

Unpacking some new goodies. After my ABC Carpet and Home experience I am so inspired to expand my range.... as best I can.... here.... in this lighting wasteland we call Australia.

Starting today.

Stay tuned!

New Goodies For Cape Cod Designs

Have been shopping up a storm.

All these (and more) will be available from Cape Cod Designs over the next few months.

As you know, photos are prohibited at these dos.

I risked my life for these.

This beauty is over at my Cape Cod Bloggy already.

Click HERE for details.

I have heaps more coming. Couldn't get everything photographed as my iPhone camera died. I fixed it via a "my iPhone screen is black" online forum last night. Phew. 

After my big shop up, I spent yesterday afternoon and evening with my buddy, Linda, from 'The Gong'.

We have been friends since the late 80's, ever since I moved into the nurses quarters in Murwillumbah Hospital, after taking my first job out of Uni as the sole Dietitan at Tweed Heads Hospital. Linda was at one end of the nurses quarters, I was at the other. Boy, we had fun. We both confessed to going back there over the years, to see if was still the same, to catch a glimpse of the verandah, where we had all our French nights....to remember the fun. 

Linda has called me 'Holly' for 24 years, as my room back then was rather floral (Holly Hobby). To Linda, and all her friends and family, I am 'Holly'. It was so nice to be 'Holly' again for one special night.

We hadn't seen each other in over 4 years so our reunion was rather loud outside Hall 1. We moved our noise to a gorgeous harbour-side restaurant and spent hours catching up, photographing each other, texting our friends with photos of us, sharing photos of our boys, friends and family, giggling, crying, philosophising. It was good for my soul. What would we do without real friends? Friends who are 'effortless' (stolen your word Loopy)... and loyal, who fiercely protect you, rally your cause and set you on the right course. Miss you in my daily life Linda. You give such great advice.

She'll be reading this saying, "enough, Holly"... and laughing at that very last sentence. 

I'm off home today, to my gorgeous boys, who have been texting me saying that they've been good and that they've been doing all their jobs. Bless.

Happy Tuesday!

What's a home without words?!

Right now it's all about making a statement in oversized numbers and letters. I mean, why say things quietly when you can let them SCREAM across the room right?!

Via Serendipity is Life

Yellows Photography

Via Serendipity if Life

Via IDN  World

Via Serendipity is life

Oooo am really loving the typography lights it makes such a statement! Do you know any great sources for buying light signage?

PS I found all these lovely pics on Pinterest, my latest addiction! If you'd love a little more inspiration check out my Pinterest moodboards by clicking the icon to the right. If you want to hop aboard the Pinterest train let me know and I'll invite you!

Wednesday DIY - simple cluster pendant lamp from IKEA

If you're looking for a new project to start 2012, how about this light? All you need is several IKEA SKURER plant pots and a few electrical cords. Drill a hole in the bottom of each plant pot and voila! A cluster pendent light like the one below! Thank you Plaza Interiors, for the inspiration. 

Plaza Interiors Blog

The beauty of this light is that you can also just make one or two to hang over a table. Or if you prefer the more colourful approach you could also choose a coloured flex or spray paint the plant pots. Personally I love the simple nature of the white design above. Happy DIY! Oh and if you make one, don't forget to share it with us!

Light bulb moment, New year's eve inspiration

So, New Years Eve tomorrow. Yaaay! I am heading off to see a great friend in the countryside which I'm so looking forward to. Are you having people over? If so, how about these festive ideas with lighting or stars. Simple but beautiful. The perfect way to bring in 2012....

Picture: Wikstein studio



Picture: Varpunen. Lights: Granit

FruFly

The setting in the picture above was created by the wonderfully clever Norwegian blogger, Heidi, at FruFly. Visit FruFly for more inspiration for your New Years Eve table!

Thank you so much for reading my blog in 2011, you've made me super happy! I'll be back with a beautiful home to show you on 2nd January. Happy New year!

Have a cosy evening!

As you know, I have a penchant for white, and this room's no exception. Through the lovely dividing windows you get a glimpse of two vintage Louis Poulsen industrial lights which I am currently trying to track down for my own home. Just lovely. Have a great evening!

Picture Åpent Hus 

Lighting up time

Here in Sweden it's already getting dark around 3pm. Eeeeek! I wish I had the Cluster Light shown in the pic below from the wonderful shop/blog Bodie & Fou to brighten up my home. Have a lovely evening and see you tomorrow!

Picture: François Kong Stylism: Karine Kong via Bodie & Fou

Bright idea: DIY lamp

Check out what the Finnish blogger over at Weekday Carnival made. Pretty cool DIY light. A project for the weekend perhaps?! For more images and know-how click here. 

These are a few of my favourite things...

Hi, so I'm Ullis... I live in a house amongst stacks of interior mags, with a head full of interior ideas, unfinished projects and a wish for my very own handyman to come and execute them all. I wouldn't mind if the handyman had a generous wallet too...

I have a particular obsession with lighting in all shapes, sizes or forms. Any lighting signed Tom Dixon is a particular favourite and more than welcome into my home! I love the play with contrasts - industrial vs. organic, hard vs. soft, cold vs. warm. Like his Bulb Chandelier (below). It almost looks like a diamond ring.

Shown above is the geometrical Etch Light. Pictures are from Tom Dixons catalogue which you can find here.

Lighting doesn't always need to be a source of light, it can just serve the purpose of an illuminous installation. I am seriously contemplating something like this to greet guests in the hall...

A scavanger hunt for desk lamps at the 2nd hand stores, a saw, some spray paint, glue and light cords later and you could create something like the above. But sometimes it's not even the light itself that's of interest, it's where or how you place it!

Credit owed where credit is due - I have a folder full of inspirational pictures I have saved over the years making it difficult to trace the source. If you know where the above three pics are from, please let me know and I will update the post!

That's all from me. Lights out!

Niki is back after the weekend. Have a bright one!