Magazine Sneaky Peek - Belle Apr/May 2011

Belle Apr/May 2011 - cover

Sandy K

[above image impatiently scanned by Sandy K]

Real Living Jan/Feb 2011 Issue 62

Real Living Jan/Feb 2011 Issue 62

Okay, this issue review has been a long time coming. Initially I wasn't overly impressed with the issue but I must admit my opinion of it has somewhat improved since my initial flick through the magazine. Still, it's probably one of my least favourite issues of late.

The first home I am featuring from this issue belongs to stylist Tara Sloggett & is yet another cottage which seems to be Real Living's favourite type of abode recently. Although a beach house of traditional looking facade, it's anything but traditional once you venture inside. A mix of modern & vintage items, along with the occasional quirky piece, sit within a white canvas full of light. A beachy yet neutral aesthetic dominates which allows for a degree of versatility to mix things up easily without major redecorating required.

The next home belongs to city dwellers Julia & Andre Stadler & their two children, Max & Gabriella. Julia & Andre hoped to find & create an oasis within a bustling city. The home definitely has a tropical holiday house vibe that is enhanced by its' north facing aspect. Originally bought 10 years ago as a three-bedroom, one bathroom home with a dingy flat downstairs, the home has been extensively renovated, reconfigured & partially extended to open up the house for a light, airy feeling of space. The addition of a pool & decking has also added to the relaxed holiday atmosphere of the home.

The final home I am featuring from the magazine belongs to Jennifer Carpenter. Jennifer's home is a 1930s cottage which is only 93 sq m, but therein lies its' charm.  It is small & cozy, but of manageable size for its' sole occupant. A gorgeous home that has been decorated with help from Jennifer's friend from her student years, interior designer Ariel Ashe. Citrus colours punctuate the white interior bringing a liveliness to a home filled with an eclectic mix of vintage & contemporary items for a retro modern style.

I love the brass accents throughout the home & the mix of textures, from the Venetian plastered walls in the living room to the flokati, leather, hide & rattan items. Also coveting the outdoor tulip chair in the last pic.

Sandy K

[above images impatiently scanned by Sandy K a long, long time ago but only posted after a severe bout of procrastination]

Ivy & Piper - The Love Issue 2011

What a week for lifestyle e-magazines! Aussie e-magazine, Ivy & Piper, just went live with their Love Issue.

The team of Ivy & Piper comprises Elizabeth Raptis (co-founder & editor) of the blog Chichi & Luxe, Melanie Parker (co-founder & editor) & Stuart Parker (director of photography). Elizabeth & Melanie are also the founders of the Ivy & Piper homewares store which provides "fashion for the home".

There are some gorgeous interiors featured including not just residential but interesting commercial interiors including David Hicks (the Aus one, not the British one). Also featured are Manhattan based jewellery designer Devon Haire of Devon Baer Designs, artist Mariska Meijers from Amsterdam, Arizona based interior designer Jamie Herzlinger of Jamie Herzlinger Interior Design, Australia based Diane Bergeron of Diane Bergeron Interiors and Melissa Hawks of luxury home decor online retailer & blog The Well Appointed House.

Not only can you browse the Love Issue online, but you can also buy a hard copy of this issue & back issues by Ivy & Piper from MagCloud.

Sandy K

[above image via Ivy & Piper Love Issue]

High Gloss - Premier Issue Feb/Mar 2011

High Gloss debuts today with its' highly anticipated premier issue. The team behind High Gloss include blogging heavyweights, Paloma Contreras (founder & editor in chief) of La Dolce Vita & Erin Gates (editor) of  Elements of Style. The other founding team members include, Shannon Wollack (editor) of the boutique business Life.Style. by Shannon Wollack which provides"exclusive personal shopping & styling services for an elite clientele, Kyle Knight (editor & director of advertising) of Knight Moves, Lauren Rauter (editor) of the stationery boutique & custom stationery line Rock Paper Scissors & Ashley Steen (art director) of Orchard 11.

Well, what do I have to say? OMG! This is an unbelievable debut from the team. Just astonishing. So many lust worthy items & then we get to the interiors that are to die for. I am blown away by the awesomeness of this new production. I want all of the items featured & would be more than happy to live in any of the homes featured.

Bring on the next issue!

Congratulations to the team for producing a stunning magazine that just exceeds expectations.

Sandy K

[above image via High Gloss]

Covet Garden Issue 7

Covet Garden Issue 7 is now live. This publication usually garners raves from me, but this issue left me a little disappointed. Although I found the couple featured, Alexx & Paul, very interesting & highly likeable, I wanted to see more of their home. This issue is probably the lightest of all Covet Garden's issue with respect to photos of the home's interior.

The quality of the production is first class, the writing is excellent & the subject matter always intriguing.

The issue is definitely still worth perusing, but I just wanted more.

Sandy K

[above image via Covet Garden]