Honey, I'm home!

I have to admit, I pride myself slightly on coming up with blog-posts, usernames or catch phrases that have multiple entendres attached. The title to this blogpost is no different. ;)

Firstly:
Yes! I'm home! After 2 years off uni, I've travelled to Europe, picked up a Frenchman, discovered South East Asia for myself and endured landing in a tropical storm and am now, resting in my hometown. My lovely Frenchman and I have just started renting a gorgeous (inspiring!) little place in Brisbane, and I start uni on the 28th! I'm looking forward to this, Interior design has been such a passion of mine, and, in just 3 years I'll be getting a degree that makes us official!

Secondly:
Something that I love, and don't see enough in the humid climate of sub-tropical Queensland. A softly lit table, warm and welcoming, the smell of rosemary, beef and hot potatoes roasting away. Sharing a Christmas kiss under the mistletoe, watching terrible French Christmas movies you don't totally understand, but have to watch just for the fun of it.

I was lucky enough to spend last Christmas in Toulouse with my partner and his family. His mother is a total sweetheart, and created a winter wonderland for us all.

The soft lighting (homemade, might I add) sets the simple, homely colour palate off. Isn't the painting (done by an uncle) lit beautifully?

I remember walking in to the room and at first thinking how traditional it all was in comparison to the white, simple interiors back home - where a barbecue in the garden was more Christmas-sy than sitting inside watching candles flicker and snow fall.

But it's not completely true in this instance. The house is warm and friendly (the walls are all painted a soft yellow or off white) and the decorations are not tartan, woollen or rich pine (as one would probably expect to see at a traditional European Christmas). Why not look below?

It wasn't all about tradition though. Little silver angels and baubles hovered off modern, minimal white branches. A globe of soft light set off the yellow tones of the wall, and created a magical atmosphere. 

I love Madame O's use of simple lighting to give a warmth to something that could quite possibly appear cold and bleak. For someone who doesn't get to experience this side of Christmas so often, it opened my heart completely, the warmth is simply infectious. I can't get enough. When I start my course, I will make sure that this sort of lighting features heavily, it's subtle, and yet, so powerful.

I hope you all had a wonderful festive season and are ready for more frequent posting! I sense a big learning curve about to happen in my life. And besides, aren't you excited to see my cute little abode once I've dressed it all up?!

xo

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