All we want for Christmas...

Celebrate Christmas with festive ornaments, beautiful cards, wrapping paper and handcrafted decorations that don't cost the earth.

Christmas Cards - Handmade cards will be cherished by your nearest and dearest for longer than a few weeks. Use red or black recycled paper and cut out a prancing reindeer shape, a Christmas tree shape, a hanging bauble shape and so on - then create a collage by sticking the shapes on to a white backgound. Play with different textured paper too, and layer the cutouts in groups of three.

The Christmas Tree - Hang cherished decorations, along with hand tied raffia bows - strings of beads and dried flowers and pine cones from the garden and soft white feathers - and don't forget the star - try a hand made twig star with raffia.

Wrapping Paper - this year, we're using brown paper with black cord and hand cut swinging tags that have been name stamped. For fun, let the kids go wild with red and green crayons first - or create a stencil cut out and have them colour in the shapes - snowflakes, candy canes and stars are easy. By carefully folding the paper and using raffia, you can wrap your presents without using sticky tape - it's a very natural and earthy look.

Wall Paper

Once used to ‘cover’ design faults, wallpaper today is a work of art – a testimony to the care and intricacy used in its production. Often used as lamp shades or framed as canvas art, wallpaper, like the feature wall, is an accessory for your home.
Used effectively, wallpaper adds a distinctive style and texture to your favourite room – creating two or more dimensions and adding depth and interest.
Being a natural product, the different fibres of the wallpaper bring a range of colour and tones.

There are rules on which wall to pick, and you need to pay attention to the texture and size of patterns as well. Questions to ask yourself: which wall do I want to look at? What else is in the room - will the wallpaper clash with existing furiture? Is there natural light? Is the wall in a high traffic area? Always get samples too - because the colour and texture will look completely different to how it is displayed in a showroom.

Where to find it?
Style Plantation stores nationally stock Baresque wallpapers– These wallpapers are produced from fibres such as sisal, jute, kudzu vine and bamboo they bring exotic texture and colour – giving a feature to your space.

Dinosaur

Style Plantation visited Corporate Culture with friends last night to hear a conversation by Stephen Ormandy, Dinosaur Designer.

Dinosaur Designs has become synonmous with contemporary Australian design, and the prolific collection of jewellery and homewares produced since their first experiments with resin in 1986 are testament to their relevance and longevity.

For more information, pick up a copy of Habitus magazine and visit www.habitusliving.com where the design hunt truly does continue.

White is the new black: Mediterranean design trends

THIS SEASON is reminiscent of the beautiful Greek Islands. Vivid blues and gentle whites.
Get it right with stone, terracotta or limestone floors that feel cool underfoot.
Dulux white on white walls, ceilings and sheer white curtains. White furniture, sofas and chairs will help add to the cool and relaxed summer atmosphere.
Blue is the other colour du jour which truly compliments our Greek theme. Use it as an accent, with cushions, glassware, candle urns or bowls.
Alternatively use blue as a feature, for instance a bold piece of furniture or a feature wall.
Take your inspiration from the hues of the Mediterranean sea, cobalt or royal blue.
For extra decadence be guided by Versace medusa heads and gilded swirls.

Got Milk?

MILK … is there really any difference?

CHOICE magazine asked the question many of us have been asking—are the different types of milk worth the extra money?

What did they discover:

· Generic brands are much the same as the other, fancy milk

· If you love a creamy, fresh from the cow taste, buy organic milk

· Watch out for the ‘low saturated fat’ tag line—this can often mean it contains a range of oils, like canola or fish oil.

· Regardless of choice, all milk is ‘choc a block‘ full of calcium.

Chic Home Offices, and how to create them.

WHETHER YOU HAVE a desk nook, a small corner of your kitchen or a grand, open space, creating a chic home office is simple. All you need is a deliberate style and some solid pieces to reflect it.

Desk or workstation?

Confined for space or placed in the centre of an existing room ensure your desk/workstation have doors that close when it’s not in use. This allows it to become an integrated part of the room.

Enlist the expertise of a bespoke cabinet maker or joiner to ensure it’s streamlined and doesn’t stand out.

For those fortunate enough to have plenty of space the question of what desk will depend on decor of the rest of your space.

Glass desks
Easy to adjust to any height or angle, glass desks add to the lightness of a room and it’s streamlined design creates a sense of the modern in any environment. Pros: room will appear more spacious, it’s very modern, you can make a feature of your floor as the desk allows you to see straight through.

Cons: is high maintenance to keep clean as any marks are instantly noticeable. It can also scratch easily and not the safest choice if you have young children.

A-Frames
Decidedly in-fashion, A frame desks work really well in a space where you want to maximise space. It also gives a contemporary influence to the room. Versatile, you can add a glass, wood, veneer or melamine top. Pros: cost effective, easy to DIY, not limited to materials for top, possibility of adding a top drawer to provide some storage.

Cons: storage is limited, less sturdy and not the most ergonomic design so not the best for people needing to work for long periods at a time.

Solid timber of traditional desks
Think Chinese rose wood, this kind of desk is a definite statement, bringing history and elegance into a space.

Pros: provides lot’s of storage, leather inlay at the top provides added comfort—great for people who do a lot of writing. Classical design can be swayed to antique or classic modern style, depending on what else you have in the space. Brass handles are an added feature can be complemented with a padded chair with studding and contoured at the back for extra lower back support.

Cons: doesn’t provide shelf space, can appear heavy and bulky, adding weight to a space. Restricted to period style decor/theme.

Mouth Watering

Our BBQ taste teaser of the week:

Can you resist:

Starters
Prawn & scallop skewers
With lemon chili marinade

Main
Carpet bag steak :
fresh, raw or natural oysters sandwiched between two halves of a rump steak.; seasoned with black pepper and barbequed to preference.

Whole snapper wrapped in foil and seasoned with ginger, shallots, garlic and white wine; cook on the hotplate.

Mixed mesclun leaf salad with cherry tomatoes and balsamic vingarette.

Dessert
Mango halves brushed sprinkled with brown sugar; served with vanilla ice cream.

Sustainable Gardening.

The warmer months are hear, and now is the time to be thinking green - in your own backyard. We love picking vegetables and herbs to use in the kitchen - fresh lettuce, tomatoes, spinach -
mint, corriander, basil - the list goes on.
--- Fofi By Design

PLANTING a new garden or enjoying another year’s harvest, now is the time to be outdoors.
Discover the satisfaction of growing your own flowers, plants, vegetables and fruit.

Survival gardening is a new trend, according to CHOICE magazine as consumers continued with supermarkets increasing fresh produce costs.

Great gardens need a combination of Good guidance, Time and Common sense. Lot’s of space isn’t necessary. For people in apartments pots and planter boxes work just as well.

For best results work out which vegetables, fruits and flowers grow in each season.

Inspiring gardening websites:

Yates Garden Guidewww.yates.com.au

The Vegetable Patchwww.thevegetablepatch.com.au

Gardening Australiawww.abc.net.au/gardening

Meet Akril: An eco-friendly way to add colour

Straight, shaped, curved or formed, Akril is a unique high-tech polymer that is environmentally friendly and available in a range of colours.

Applications include, shower screens, kitchen splashbacks, cabinet/wardrobe doors, wall claddings, signage, whiteboards.

Benefits at a glance:
Cost effective when compared to glass

Half the weight of glass
10 year UV warranty
Abrasion resistant
4m to 6m thickness
Scratches can be polished out

Make a bigger difference!

WWF: adopt your own member of an unique species & help take care of the planet

Make a bigger difference to the planet and ‘adopt’ a vulnerable species from around the globe. With WWF Australia you can adopt a panda, tiger, polar bear or even a penguin!
The money you donate will go towards protecting these species and their unique habitats. Go to WWF Australia for more information.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

LifeStylePlantation - On Bread.

DO YOU often feel bloated after eating bread? You are not alone, many more of us are feeling this effect.
This is happening predominately because there’s been a change in the way our bread is made—it’s a very different product to the bread of our grandparents day.
The light and fluffy texture of most store-bought breads is a result of added ‘gluten’, the ingredient that provides the elasticity and viscosity.
Unfortunately this same ingredient has a complex protein mix that is very hard to break down/digest.
Hence you are left feeling ‘weighed down’, ‘bloated’ and ‘heavy’.
The good news is that there are plenty of fantastic alternatives with gluten-free and spelt breads.
Gluten free bread stockists:
Brasserie Bread1737 Botany Roadwww.brasseriebread.com.au
Sonoma Bakery24/198-222 Young Street, Waterloowww.sonoma.com.au
Read more like this @ The Bite

SOARING ENERGY prices make solar electricity even more of a smart investment. Yet despite being the sunniest continent on earth, Australia is falling behind the rest of the world in our use of solar panels.

Grid connect solar system
Solar panels are connected to the main electricity grid through power inverters. Solar cells (photovoltaic cells) are made of thin wafers of silicon covered by a strong glass coating, protecting these cells from the elements.
As the light falls on the panels it knocks electrons about and electricity is produced. A group of these cells make up a module which make up a solar panel.
Solar panels then absorb light (photons) and produce electricity, similar to how photosynthesis works in leaves and trees—absorbing light, making the plant grow.
A solar panel is similar as the panels of the roof absorb light to produce electricity. The panels create DC electricity, like the electricity in car batteries and is not the sort used in households.
· A small box (the inverter) converts this DC electricity into AC240vac for your home to be used straight away.
· No change is required to your power outlets for solar power to be used in your home
· You don’t always need the sun. Solar power doesn’t work on heat absorption, just light. Energy is produced even on cloudy days.
· When you are not generating solar power, like at night, you can supplement the power with electricity off your main power grid.
Visit Solarshop & Solarswitch

SolarBrick solar paving light
A UNIQUE SOLUTION for illuminating your landscaped areas, the solar brick paving light is fantastic for the environment.
Self contained, waterproof and easy to install. The light source is a LED that turns on automatically and is able to stay on for more than 12 hours from a fully charged ultracapicator.
Available in a range of colours and sizes and has many benefits. Eg, lasts more than 10 years and UV protected and scratch resistant, no expensive wiring required, super strong polycarbonate housing. For more information visit Hotbeam
Important Footnote
According to the recent edition of Choice magazine, changes to the federal government’s rebate for solar panels are likely to increase the cost of installing a solar PV system. Week feed-in tariff schemes discourage the uptake of solar panels.

WORLD SNAP SHOT

Life Style Plantation - Discovering the Galapagos.

What is the Galapagos Islands?

The Spanish named them ‘Las Encantadas’, the Enchanted Isles.

The islands were the world’s first heritage site, claimed in 1978.

Charles Darwin made his famous visit in 1839 and while he was there came up with his theory of evolution in just six weeks.

Considered the only place on earth akin to what the world was like before the arrival of humans; the Galapagos have a completely unique and increasingly fragile eco-system.

While increased tourism is considered to be one of the islands biggest threats, approximately 2000 people visit the islands each year.

You can find more information about helping protect the biodiversity of these islands by visiting the Galapagos Conservation Trust.

Good Food Month

YUM! OCTOBER in Sydney
is Good Food Month.


That means that all the restaurants featured in The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide will provide a $35 lunch menu which includes a main meal and coffee, and your choice of a glass of Brown Brothers wine, Coopers beer or a 500ml bottle of S.Pellegrino Sparkling Mineral Water.

Fofi’s choice might not be in the book but she gives it thumbs up for an ambient dinning experience.

“The Country Trader at the PYD building in Waterloo is partaking in the Good Food Month celebrations. The difference is their furniture becomes part of the experience. You get to eat at antique, French dinning table 2-3 metres long off beautiful porcelain - and using stunning cutlery. All this and you can indulge in superb French/Vietnamese influenced food”.

Details: Thursday 8 October, 7pm.

Go to Country Trader for more information.

CLIMATE CHANGE—be part of the solution

DISCUSSION ABOUNDS on climate change but the simple questions are often overlooked. What does it actually mean, how will it affect you and how can we help combat the negative effects?

Essentially observed long term change in weather patterns ranging from decades to many years, climate change may occur in an particular region or across the entire planet.

It’s effects can be seen in:
· Solar radiation
· Deviations in Earth’s orbit
· Greenhouse gas emissions
Simple earth-saving solutions for your home include:

· Install energy efficient light bulbs, LED and compact flurouscentnts
· Install a water tank
· Instead of air-conditioning implement cross-ventilation
What to know how our global government representatives, business leaders and civil society are acting on Climate Change? They will discuss how to build positive momentum for climate negotiations and how business can be part of the solution. Follow the United Nations Leadership Forum on Climate Change coming up on 22 September in New York.

LIGHT INTERIORS: & how to create them

AIRY, CLEAN, FRESH and bright. There are few things more refreshing than a brilliantly fresh room.

Start with the walls
A fresh coat of paint in a fresh white colour, eg DULUX Whisper White or White on White, (without creamy/yellow tinge)

Then the floors
Strip back carpet and replace with natural timber colour such as Style Plantation StyleBoard, natural or conventional bamboo, such as natural vertical or horizontal.

If you have tiles, choose a pale, natural, stone colour, like limestone or a porcelain colour. Fofi recommends www.trendgroupusa.com and www.improntacprontaceramica.com for tiles made from 45 % recycled body mixes in a range of colours and styles.

Any of these choices provide excellent stamina, pale natural colour and suits a casual, relaxing theme.
Then there’s furniture
Creams, pales and whites should be the dominant colours. Making the space more spacious these colours and calming and easy on the eye

Regardless of style you’ll still achieve an atmosphere of tranquillity if you maintain a common colour throughout.

For added light introduce a mirror (maybe instead of large artwork). Mirrors reflect light from the sun as it streams through the window or as it bounces off other adjacent walls and surfaces, like your white furniture. This has the effect of creating an illusion of more space and more light, contributing to the ‘airiness’ of the room.

And to finish, accessorise
This is where you can introduce an accent colour like pale blues, greens and turquoises in cushions, throws, vases, glassware.

Avoid more vibrant shades of reds and pinks which can arouse the senses.

Blues and greens are cool and calming adding to the sense of ‘lightness’ in the room.

Or just maintain the use of whites. Consider using metallic for their shimmer, another light reflecting tool and a touch of glamour. Eg seashells (natural and organic) or sequins, beading and achromatic sheeting. (for a glam look).

WWF: adopt your own member of an unique species & help take care of the planet

Make a bigger difference to the planet and ‘adopt’ a vulnerable species from around the globe. With WWF Australia you can adopt a panda, tiger, polar bear or even a penguin!
The money you donate will go towards protecting these species and their unique habitats. Go to WWF Australia for more information.

Solar energy

SOARING ENERGY prices make solar electricity even more of a smart investment. Yet despite being the sunniest continent on earth, Australia is falling behind the rest of the world in our use of solar panels.
Grid connect solar system
Solar panels are connected to the main electricity grid through power inverters. Solar cells (photovoltaic cells) are made of thin wafers of silicon covered by a strong glass coating, protecting these cells from the elements.
As the light falls on the panels it knocks electrons about and electricity is produced. A group of these cells make up a module which make up a solar panel.
Solar panels then absorb light (photons) and produce electricity, similar to how photosynthesis works in leaves and trees—absorbing light, making the plant grow.
A solar panel is similar as the panels of the roof absorb light to produce electricity. The panels create DC electricity, like the electricity in car batteries and is not the sort used in households.
· A small box (the inverter) converts this DC electricity into AC240vac for your home to be used straight away.
· No change is required to your power outlets for solar power to be used in your home
· You don’t always need the sun. Solar power doesn’t work on heat absorption, just light. Energy is produced even on cloudy days.
· When you are not generating solar power, like at night, you can supplement the power with electricity off your main power grid.
Visit Solarshop & Solarswitch
SolarBrick solar paving light
A UNIQUE SOLUTION for illuminating your landscaped areas, the solar brick paving light is fantastic for the environment.
Self contained, waterproof and easy to install. The light source is a LED that turns on automatically and is able to stay on for more than 12 hours from a fully charged ultracapicator.
Available in a range of colours and sizes and has many benefits. Eg, lasts more than 10 years and UV protected and scratch resistant, no expensive wiring required, super strong polycarbonate housing. For more information visit Hotbeam
Important Footnote
According to the recent edition of Choice magazine, changes to the federal government’s rebate for solar panels are likely to increase the cost of installing a solar PV system. Week feed-in tariff schemes discourage the uptake of solar panels.

Turning Japanese By Gaby, Great Divide

TASTEFULLY evolved over centuries, there is nothing new about Japanese interior design features. Even though western influences are increasingly noticeable, improvements in materials and processes are being made, the basics have been graciously preserved.
Very much in line with less is more, Japanese styling is all about quality over quantity.
· Designs are very simple, functional and clutter free.
· Furniture is grouped or placed towards the centre.
· Walls are an important. Perhaps an alcove to display an important collectable piece or to maximize impact.
· Neutral colours, taking hues from nature accentuate the look of orderliness. Off whites and blacks do not clash.
· Use vivid colours sparingly

Some Japanese textures and materials that immediately come to mind are cedar, rice paper, maple, bamboo, stone, and woven wicker. One might also think of textured silk, tatami floor mats, and the elaborate needlework of kimonos and obi’s.

As a focal point, like for example, red lacquer on a single bamboo post or column.

As with colour, when decorating aim for a balance of opposites. Interior finishes can be highly opposing and contrasting, and yet achieve balance.

· Highly polished floors with heavily textured mats, a lacquered box displayed on top of a rough wooden table, or white pebbles on a polished black granite ledge around a tub.
· A long grained cedar wood table or bench with a perfectly crafted, shining lacquered box. Floors of engineered bamboo hardwood surrounded by a single slab of quarry stone or polished concrete.
· Heavy texture of natural fiber mat with stretched taunt leather seating.

Making your garden more sustainable

It’s so easy to be so busy concentrating on the inside of your home, you forget about styling the garden.
A recent study in Britain showed that gardening can help offset the growing effects of global warming.
Here are some of the ways you can do it yourself:
· Swap your petrol lawnmower for a manual and cut emissions by 36kg of CO2 every year.
· Buy garden furniture made from sustainable products.
· Join a local gardening group
· Use a watering can instead of a sprinkler (sprinklers use 138 litres more of water).
· If you have a large garden dig in a low volume irrigation system with a timer.

Builder Profile: Urbanstyle Homes

With a simple yet solid mission statement, “to build affordable, sustainable greensmart homes, catering for all budgets”, Urbanstyle Homes (USH) is emerging as a true leader in the Sydney building market. And with inspiring interiors, quality finishes and a committed team, it’s no surprise.

By combining the concepts of sustainability and luxury, Brad Hoad of USH says they have helped many happy customers to “Live the Lifestyle”. Features and finishes cover the aspects of thermal performance for reducing consumption of energy for heating & cooling and reducing potable water demand with WELS rated tap ware.

USH offer the same environmentally friendly features for first home buyers with their large range of standard home designs, through to 2nd & 3rd home buyers that may want custom designs.

Visit their display homes at 14 Folkes Street, Elderslie—open 10am to 5pm daily or
contact them for more information.

Chocolate therapy - food of the gods

Winter and all year round, here’s proof that chocolate is good for your heart as well as your taste buds. According to research by Choice Magazine, eating a small amount of dark chocolate may do some good!

Choose a bar high in cocoa and low in added sugar, the darker the better to enjoy the health benefits of cocoa. Cocoa contains higher levels of flavenoids than other well known sources such as red wine, apples, berries & tea.
Cocoa flavenoid benefits: improve blood vessel health, combat insulin tolerance and improve cholesterol. The cocoa increases elasticity of the artery walls, therefore dilation is easier – this affects the blood flow volume and pressure. So for people with high blood pressure, chocolate can reduce your blood pressure!

Our choice:
Valrhona 70% dark bitter (France) $14.67/100g
Moser Roth 70% premium dark (Germany) $2.00/100g
Just Organic 70% dark (Germany6) $1.49/100g

Bamboo Furniture Board

With Fofi, By Design

BAMBOO FURNITURE BOARD is made from Moso bamboo poles which are 100% rapidly renewable.

The boards are cross laminated (using non toxic glues) to reveal vertical and horizontal laminated grain patterns.

Vertical grain appears as ¼ inch strip and horizontal grain appears as ¾ inch strip on the surface of the board, sanded to a 180 grit.

Bamboo furniture board can be cut and sanded using regular wood working equipment. It is a low resin, open grained material which can be stained or waxed.

Colours: coffee or natural
Structure: horizontal or vertical
Sizes: boards 1200Wx2440L from 6.5mm thick
to 35mm thick, from $185.00 to $520.00 each.
Bamboo veneer sheeting comes in two sizes:

2500x430x0.6mm
2500x1250x0.6mm

Many colours and grains to choose from with
cellulose paper backing such as vertical natural, vertical coffee and vertical zebra (two tone).

Also available in horizontal natural and horizontal coffee veneers.

Available from Style Plantation stores nationally.

Style Plantation - On show.

NEWCASTLE HOME SHOW 2009

See the latest from Style Plantation at the Newcastle Home Show!

Where? Newcastle Entertainment Centre
When? Friday 24th July to Sunday 26th July, 2009
Open daily 9am - 5pm

Milan Design Fair 2009

The annual Milan Design Fair.
David Clark, editor of Vogue Living, presented last week at Space - Sydney.
His observations and design 'picks' were so interesting, we really enjoyed!
The July-August issue has a full report.

New Display @ Home Ideas Centre - Brisbane

Visit our exciting new Style Plantation display at the Home Ideas Centre in Brisbane located at:

66 Merivale Street
South Bank


Opening Hours:9.00 to 5.00 Monday to Friday
10.00 to 5.00 Saturday
11.00 to 5.00 Sunday
and most public holidays

If you are building or renovating make the Brisbane Home Ideas Centre your first place to visit. They have the largest permanent building exhibition centre in Queensland with over 204 companies exhibiting thousands of products all under one roof.


Tel: 07 3712 0200

Christmas Pudding Recipe

Christmas in July
Christmas Pudding Recipe
Serves 12
Preparation 30mins
Cooking 5 hours
This recipe can be made a month ahead .
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This
recipe can be boiled in a cloth or steamed in a basin.
5 cups (1kg) mixed dried fruit
3 eggs
1 cup (200g) firmly packed brown sugar
300ml sour cream
21/4cups (335g) plain flour
1 teaspoon grnd nutmeg
1 teaspoon bicarbonate soda
Method
Grease a pudding steamer or basin (1.75litre/7cup capacity), line base with a round of baking paper
Place mixed fruit into a large bowl, stir to separate fruit. Beat eggs and sifted brown sugar in a small bowl with an electric mixer until thick and creamy. Add egg mixture to mixed fruit then stir in the sour cream and sifted dry ingredients.
Spoon mixture into the prepared steamer. Place a 30cmX40cm sheet of foil on the bench, grease foil; top with a sheet of baking paper. Fold a 5cm pleat crossways through the centre of both sheets.
Place sheets, baking paper side -down, over steamer, secure with lid or string. Make handle with excess string. Crush surplus foil and baking paper firmly around rim to help form a good seal.
Place the pudding in a large boiler with enough boiling water to come halfway up the side of steamer. Cover the boiler with a tight-fitting lid; steam for 5 hours.
Replenish with boiling water as necessary to maintain boil and water level during cooking. Stand the pudding for 15 minutes before turning out. Cool.
Wrap the pudding thoroughly in plastic wrap then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Refrigerate pudding for up to 3 months or freeze for 1 year.

Christmas in July.

WHEN winter arrives and the snow begins to fall, there’s a special magic in the air for us Antipodeans. The chilly air gives is a great excuse for a mid-year
escape, relaxation and Christmas style indulgence.
Celebrated now for 29years. Winter in the Blue Mountains NSW spells Yulefest where hotels, motels and restaurants have traditional Christmas theme decorations and food.
Imagine sitting around roaring log fires with a mulled wine and fine food.
The idea was born when Gary Crakett (proprietor of Mountain Heritage) was talking to Irish guests of the irony of the winter weather in July. Gary asked the kitchen to prepare Christmas style food that evening and so the Yulefest tradition was born.
DECORATE your home in a dazzling white Christmas let’s face it July is when snow capped decorations are most appropriate. A white theme is also sophisticated, warmed up with red or gold.

Tips to help you achieve this look:
Use greenery sprayed in snow as a table centre piece or made into a candle wreath with red ribbon bows for the mantle.
Hurricane lamps with large, white candles and dressed up with more glittery red ribbons tied around the base.
Consider organic candles such as beeswax or soy oil, the smell better and are far better for the
environment.
Use white lights and sprinkle fake snow on the tree
‘Alcornea ilicfolia’ is the Latin name for Australian native holly.
FEAST mulled wine is Christmas in a glass, a
celebration of traditional festive spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

Natural Fibre Carpets

Derived from sisal bush, coconut husk, jute plant, seagrass and hemp modern technology has revolutionised these primitive materials to produce simple floor coverings full of texture, style and character.

This natural range of woven carpets are made completely from renewable resources and are available in a wide variety of natural weaves, patterns and colours made from acid free dyes.

The advantages of these products include: especially good for allergy sufferers; their natural tannins repel dust mites; extremely durable and provide good sound absorption.

Available from Style Plantation.

Cavalier Bremworth is a great choice for wool carpet in a range of styles, textures and colours that leave a gentle footprint on the environment. They have been accredited by GECA (Good Environmental Choice Australia) and ISO 14001 as well as being a member of the Australian Green Building Council (GBCA).

Environmentally Sensible Heating

Life Style Plantation went straight to the source to find out more about environmentally sound heating.

These fireplaces are powered by liquid denatured ethanol. Unlike traditional fireplace constructions, no chimney is needed because the combustion emits only small amounts of carbon dioxide and water vapour. And the flames are as natural and captivating as wood fires.

Donna, client manager at Inter-Deco agrees. “Eco heating does so much. Our fire places utilise modern technology and are a fantastic addition to any home. The energy you supply goes straight into the room as heat, instead of being lost through the chimney”.

No flue, no hard connection
Independently tested
Ideal for apartments, houses, bars, restaurants and offices
Unprecedented design flexibility
Environmentally friendly
Denatured ethanol is biodegrabable and a renewable resource.
Contact: 02 9319 7127 118 Renwick Street, Redfern www.interdeco.com.au

Styles influenced by Europe - With Gaby, Great Divide

Whether embarking on a small renovation or a totally new home, most of us will look for inspiration in design features and colours which currently rate high on the popularity scale. The way we use or personalise what we see is very much a way of communicating our own style.

French Provincial This style more than most has tended to be one where there is a cyclic “ back to basics” revival. The use of warm woods, thick ceramics and textured fabrics vary over time but change only enough to stay contemporary.

As we search for a simpler and more casual lifestyle in a modern setting, its popularity continues.

- Handmade items and natural products, thick glazed ceramic bowls, jugs and vases.
- Natural produce baskets, fresh eggs holders
- Woven rugs, candles, wrought iron chandeliers
- Exposed timber beams and walls left in their natural state, or rendered with a matt or chalky finish.
- Wide wooden planks, smooth stones set in concrete creating a cobblestone effect, bricks or terracotta tiles, extending to patio or terrace
- Furniture tends to be unpretentious wooden and/ or upholstered pieces in floral or paisley patterns
- Armchairs and sofas will usually be covered with loose cushions and throws that can easily be moved from inside to outside.
- Windows have louvered or wood shutters, in a natural timber finish or treated with a wash.
- Warm and earthy, a reflection of the light and the natural surroundings of southern France.
- Exteriors strong but fade to delicate hues of rose, ochre, sable, lavender and cream.
- Textiles and ceramics have bold hues.
- Bold tones of red, dark green of the local cypress, blue of Provence includes pale ice blue, sky blue and royal blue.
- Grey is also used to paint metal and wooden pieces such as chairs, bed heads and accessories.

Lighting for effect

Lighting can have a enormous impact on your interior space. Used properly it can be used to create a ‘feature’ in a room, set a ‘mood’ or help you perform a certain task or set of tasks, like in a kitchen or study.

Here are some of Fofi’s tips for maximizing the impact of light in three ways:
“Careful planning is essential for functional and stylish lighting. Factors to consider include the purpose of the room that will determine the wattage and the desired mood.”
Task lighting: General lighting in the form of down/halogen lights or a ceiling pendant. Task light in the form of a desk lamp with strong wattage for reading and writing. As well as helping you to read a desk lamp helps you avoid creating shadows in a room. Task lighting in the form of track lights or angled wall washers to direct the beam to highlight diplomas, degrees or art on the wall.
Feature lighting: People use feature lighting to add maximum impact to a room or provide a focal point to the space. Typical areas include an entry or foyer, over a kitchen island/bench-top, in a high stairwell.
Hallway/foyer: a large hanging chandelier works well in either a modern or traditional style.
Kitchen: Large hanging pendant made from glass or a material that is easy to wipe clean.
Stairwell: a cluster of hanging pendants suspended at varying lengths.
Mood or ambient lighting:
This has an important place in the living or dining room here the general background lighting would be pendant or ceiling down lights on dimmers, together with a table lamp on a sideboard; or a stylish floor lamp poised in the corner of a room.
Not to forget the use of scented candles in a
candelabra or on the dinning table to give further warmth and atmosphere providing an ambience to your space.

By Foffi by Design

Life Organic

About: Life Organic, 125 King Street, Newtown(02) 9565 1156 Open 7 Days. Angy & Vicki have been running Life Organic in Newtown for many years.

Angy is professional member of the Australian homeopathic society and the Australian traditional medicine society. She runs family homeopathic first aid workshops and specialises in children's health issues. Vicki is a member of the Australian traditional medicine society and has diploma in herbal medicine. She specialises in rejuvenation, women’s health and iridology.

Sheets & towels, by nature.

Wild, woolly and wonderful the bamboo towel is super soft and superbly absorbent they will indulge your senses and made from a highly sustainable resource. At Style Plantation we stock Baksana. A beautiful and finely woven towel range, they are 40 per cent bamboo and 60 per cent cotton.

Advantages of our bamboo towels include:
· 4 x more absorbent than cotton towels
· Lint free
· Anti-bacterial & naturally pest resistant.
· Enduring softness
· No need to use fabric softener
They will make a stylish and luxurious addition to any bathroom.
Available in white, stone and slate grey in bath towel, hand towel, bath mat and bath sheet.

ECOLINEN is 100 per cent certified organic cotton and while designed in Australia is Fairly Traded from India. The range comes with a 5 year guarantee on fabric and workmanship. The benefits of organic cotton include; improvements to health and will restore your sleep, eliminates allergies and skin conditions for you and your family.

Certified organic in many ways; certified organic cotton fields, certified weaving processes, certified dyes and treatments.

Ecolinen is also available through Style Plantation in white and stone. The range includes pillow cases, quilt covers and flat and fitted sheets in single, double, queen and king size.

Rejuvenate with nature

Chemical and colour free natural personal care and beauty products are not only better for the earth but their eco properties also make them much better for you.
According to Narelle Chenery, the creator of Miessence, an organic skin and cosmetic range, “There has a been a shift in consumer sentiment with more women wanting products with naturally occurring ingredients. People want to invest in their health and well being rather than applying products to their skin that contains synthetic additives”
Life Style Plantation spoke to Vicki from Life Organic to get some expert insight about natural beauty products.

Q. What is the main difference between natural beauty products & conventional products?
They don’t have the harsh chemicals normally found in cosmetics, namely propylene glycol, formaldehyde and parraben.
Propylene glycol is a real ‘baddy’ because it can cause kidney damage and liver abnormalities, contact dermatitis, neuro toxicity and CNS depression, skin rashes and dry skin.
It is found in anything from moisturisers, perfumes and lipsticks, suntan lotions, hair conditioners, cigarettes, paint and ice cream and even anti-freeze brake fluids.

Q Why would you recommend using natural as opposed to conventional beauty products?
Conventional beauty products contain carcinogens, therefore natural alternatives provide better health benefits helping you to avoid cancer. They are also a better environmental choice.

Q What brands do you recommend?
My recommendations would be Dr Hauschka and Lavera and Miesscence.
Dr Hauschka is a German brand that’s been around for 40 years and has a great reputation. European countries have been practicing alternative skin care products much longer than we have in Australia.
Lavera is also German, but slightly more affordable and is becoming increasingly popular in Australia.
Miesscnce is an Australian brand that makes certified organic, home grown cosmetics, body care and health care products.

Q What ingredients should I be looking for in skincare and cosmetic products?
Anything botanical or made with natural oils. Watch that there is no mineral or petroleum oils. Natural waxes like beeswax are a great choice because they are absorbed by the skin and create a protective barrier and seal to moisturise. Also good are natural minerals which are derived from the earth such as iron oxide, used to give colouring to a product.For shampoos, I would recommend products by Lavera and ‘Wild’ because they do not contain sodium lauryl sulphate. This is a chemical found in a lot of creams and moisturisers or anything else that creates a lather.

Q What about for children and pets?
A good certified organic baby product range is Gaia, these products are enriched with moisturising natural oils to keep your babies skin clean and soft without irritation, dryness and itchiness.
Holistic Select Pet Food is wholesome, gourmet food for the discerning pet. They are made from natural ingredients and without chemicals or harm to the environment.

Accessorise. Add a layer. Define your space.

Accessorise. Add a layer. Define your space.
Hemp curtains & textiles

An ancient product given a new lease of life, Hemp’s eco-friendly textural qualities bring warmth, richness, sophistication and depth to otherwise minimalist spaces.

Inherently organic, Hemp is a highly textural fibre and it’s intricate weave brings ‘nature’ to the interior space. Versatile, Hemp comes in a range of colours and fabric-weights making it suitable for furniture covers, curtains/blinds, cushions, bed-heads and bed throws. Hemp blends harmoniously with many natural or manmade interior finishes.

Like bamboo, Hemp is a renewable resource, harvested within approximately 100 days of planting. It’s cultivation process shuns herbicides, sprays or chemical fertilizers. With twice the tensile strength of cotton, Hemp’s hollow fibres provide thermal insulation and have the best ratio of heat capacity, providing natural thermal qualities.

Hemp also filters 95% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, far exceeding cotton & linen, it can be successfully treated with stain-repellent and fire-retardant properties that increases it’s applications making it suitable for even commercial uses.

Hemp fabrics are available from Style Plantation stores nationally.

The art of creating space - part 2.

Think about your space before creating a feature wall because they don’t work everywhere. Here are a few basic guidelines, that should help make your decision easier.

Small spaces: when you want to introduce another colour into the area without having to bring in a piece of furniture.

To elongate: a corridor or hallway – paint the furthest wall in a lighter colour to the adjacent walls. A large, full length will achieve the same effect as will a carefully placed console table with a gilded mirror placed above it and a bunch of flowers on the surface. This technique will give the illusion of continuing space and is also light reflective.

Other paint techniques you can use to add interest to a room

IF you want to reduce the endless height of very tall ceilings you can paint them in a half-strength colour to the wall, the definition between wall and ceiling, the space will appear smaller and cosier.

To create a feeling of spaciousness, choose a true white ceiling and very pale walls. A pale colour wall with a red ceiling will bring the height of the room down and will bring a sense of ‘drama’ to the room.

Choosing neutral colours like white, beiges and creams will allow you to change the colour scheme without needing to totally decorate because you are able to introduce bright accent colours with cushions, rugs and lamps. Stronger tones like greens and reds or browns will limit your ability to change the room at a whim.

Continue your commitment to the environment by choosing paints that have been created with concern for their impact on the earth.
Our recommendations:

Volvox are made from clay, these paints are solvent and VOC free and guaranteed to be long-lasting, trans-toxic fumes and pleasant smelling. Asthma sufferers and people with skin problems are more comfortable in rooms that have been decorated with natural paints. Available in Australia through ECOHOME

Oikos Natural Paints have a comprehensive range of non-toxic paints for all aspects of painting. From bathrooms to commercial projects OIKOS paints are suitable for use on timber, metal and decorative finishes, like metallic paint, suede effects. The breadth of their range that includes stuccos, pearlescent and travertine stone effects, makes them very competitive with other well-known, traditional paints. Other products include eco-paint strippers to rust converters. The perfect non-toxic solution to all your paint-related projects.

Resene are another great choice with a large range. They will also dispose of unwanted or ‘leftover’ paint products and will dispose of them responsibly. They have an online paint calculator - helps you find out how much paint you need for your project and happily supply test pots so you can make a confident choice.

The art of creating space.

THE BASE: Paint
The Principals of colour psychology tells us that as well as transforming the ‘look’ of a space, your choice of paint colour can have a significant impact on your family’s mood, appetite and energy levels.

with Fofi by design.

Red tones are known to increase blood pressure and levels of agitation but used in the bedroom or dining room of a house, red can also produce feelings of arousal and stimulates appetite.

Dark reds, like burgundy are the best choice for the home because they add warmth, inviting your guests to linger and stay. Use true red sparingly as it’s boldness can be brash and you’ll associate it with the branding of fast food outlets...sans stylish!

Cool and calming, blue will suppress your appetite but makes a great choice when creating a sanctuary, like children’s bedroom or in the bathroom.
Achromatic colours (black and white) can be used as base colours for living rooms. The stark contrast gives a ‘masculine’ feel to and they work best when you introduce an accent colour like champagne, bronze or gold. These tones add warmth and even a hint of opulence. Think Manhattan style.

Go Vintage!

Everything Old is new again. Express yourself and your own unique sense of style by combining modern design with older pieces. Your new sofa can be transformed by an interesting side table. A conversation piece, it instantly introduces a different ethnicity giving a cultural richness not often found in mainstream showrooms.
Moroccan furniture is known for its interesting, geometric shapes that would complement any modern design- with the mother of pearl and silver inlay adds further interest to the piece.
A traditional rattan-top Chinese table made from elm-wood adds impact as it reflects the history of Asian craftsmanship.
While the classic lines and simple designs of a Danish teak buffet or Wegner armchair give a ‘retro-style feel’ when matched with a leather sofa, either with buttoned or top-stitched detail and a heavily textured rug.
Think: reduce, reuse, recycle
Budget and eco-friendly ‘going vintage’ also means getting great brands at a fraction of their original retail price and giving something old a new lease of life. While markets and your local charity store are bound to have some great choices, auctions are also a fantastic place to pick up art, antique furniture, jewellery, dinner service, bronze statues and other collectables. We recommend:
· Deutsche and Hackett
· Lawsons
· Vickers and Hoad Antiques
These are open to the public but you can also be placed on a mailing list that will notify you of up-coming auctions as they happen.

Ethical Shopping.

Often Referred to as “positive buying” ethical shopping means having an understanding of how our choices affect the outcomes of our actions and an increased awareness of the environment sustainability has led to a plethora of ethically produced goods and materials.
To play your part look for products labelled ‘organic’, ‘bio-organic’, ‘fair-trade’ or ‘cruelty-free’. Also try and increase the amount of items you buy that are labelled ‘Australian Made’ or ‘locally-produced’ as this ensures that the least amount of energy or ‘food-miles’ has been used to bring the product to the supermarket.

Purple - the new black.

Lush & Opulent,the colour purple has made another come back for Winter 2009. Historically worn by royalty the colour has traditionally evoked power, luxury and elegance. It was also a hit colour in the 1980’s, think Joan Collins and those shoulder pads.
Purple is fabulous in the home. Think feature walls in a striking purple or consider eggplant or fuchsia, both cousins of the purple family. For something less permanent but equally stylish what about a purple mohair throw rug tossed over your sofa or folded on top of the ottoman. You can even take inspiration from the garden, a vase of iris or a bunch of hydrangeas.

Welcome.

Welcome to the Design and Style blog from the Style Plantation Studios.
- For the latest in eco-friendly trends, designs and style tips for your home, life and style.