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Our top (French-inspired) finds of the week

24 May 2013

By Caroline Roessler

Escape to Provence

Homes: Décor de Provence
This interior design and lifestyle blog is dedicated to all things French (with a little Gustavian and Belgian thrown in). The blog’s author, Desireé Ashworth, loves “beautiful, functional settings” and it shows with the collection of inspiring interiors she sources from all around the web. As a bonus, she shares the substantial list of blogs and websites she follows.

Chocolate & zucchini cake. It must be healthy because it has vegetables in it, right?

Food: Chocolate and Zucchini
Probably the best known of the French food blogs, the charming Chocolate and Zucchini was launched by Clotilde Dusoulier in 2003. Why the name? “It is a good metaphor for my cooking style: the zucchini illustrates my focus on healthy and natural eating… And the chocolate represents my decidedly marked taste for baking in general, and chocolate in particular,” she says. Does she have a recipe for a chocolate and zucchini cake? Of course. You can find it here.

Take a virtual tour of the city of light at travel blog Paris in Four Months

Travel: Paris in Four Months
This award-winning blog is a daily love letter to the French capital by Carin Olsson. From fashion to food, home and everyday life, Paris in Four Months is like taking a virtual trip to the city every day. Carin also recently visited Corsica and her photographs from the island are just stunning.

Shoe obsessed? Moi?

Fashion: French Voguettes
Find some French fashion inspiration at the über-cool Tumblr blog French Voguettes. A gorgeous assortment of street style, fashion trends, accessories, beauty and shoes (lots of shoes!). It’s way too easy to get lost here.

See Paris through the eyes of an Aussie photographer at blog Carla Loves Photography

Inspiration: Carla Loves Photography
Carla Coulson is an Australian photographer who is married to an Italian and who is living and working in Paris. She’s the author of Italian Joy, Paris Tango and Chasing a Dream, and this blog is dedicated to her love of photography, featuring the images that inspire her. Make sure you visit this post in particular: Why We Love Paris.

A beautiful sentiment via Republic of You

For more links to great websites, blogs, photography and videos, visit We Recommend.

By: hardtofind. Category: WE RECOMMEND Tags: blogs, chocolate, country, Country style, France, French, French Provincial, interiors, Paris, Photography, Shoes, Travel, We Recommend

Eri & Trudi at the Noosa International Food & Wine Festival

22 May 2013

Noosa’s gorgeous main beach, always photogenic

Eri and Trudi with the lovely Martin Boetz of Longrain

Eri & Trudi do Noosa!

We’ve just come back from a strategy weekend (okay, a girls’ weekend!) at the Noosa International Food & Wine Festival, which this year was celebrating its 10th anniversary (noosafoodandwine.com.au). This mega feat of organisation (by festival director Jim Berardo) brings together world-class chefs, winemakers and foodies from all over the globe – somehow they are all more than happy to fly in for a few days in sunny Noosa! The choice of events was overwhelming, but we opted for the perennially popular Asian Food Trail, which featured the stellar line-up of chefs Martin Boetz (Longrain), Christine Manfield (Universal), David Thompson (Nahm, Thailand) and Poh Ling Yeow (Poh’s Kitchen). We also did a spot of shopping and eating along Hastings St (Berardo’s on the Beach is our favourite for breakfast) and of course no visit would be complete without a stop at Massimo’s Gelateria! We’ll be booking our tickets for next year’s festival as soon as they go on sale!

Garnisha Spice Farm, the gorgeous setting for the Asian Food Trail

Chris Manfield’s delicious crab and lychee salad

Garnisha Spice Farm, the beautiful setting for the Asian Food Trail

Chris Manfield and David Thompson dish up David’s (super spicy!) pork curry

Inviting gifts and homewares shop Hearts & Minds on Hastings St

Mmm, Massimo Gelateria ice cream! The pink grapefruit sorbet was to die for…

The cute Belmondos outdoor store, with Noosa lime cordial (great for cocktails!)

View from the Noosa National Park, a must-do walk after all that eating!

Get the Noosa look:

1. ‘Rouge petal’ scarf, $250; 2. beach umbrella, $239; 3. over-sized organic cotton tote bag, $45; 4. Breo ‘flow’ sunglasses, $44.99; 5. ‘Noosa’ beach towel, $40; 6. Sunshine Coast pocket guide, $9.95; 7. ‘batwing’ kaftan, $89; 8. ‘Noosa’ necklace in ‘earth’, $49.95. Shop the collection here.

By: hardtofind. Category: FOOD & TRAVEL Tags: Chris Manfield, Festival, food, Gelato, Martin Boetz, Noosa, Noosa International Food & Wine Festival, Queensland, Travel

Profile: Richard McAdam of Puddin’head

20 May 2013

An artist’s workshop: Richard McAdam of Puddin’head shows us the workings of his studio. Photography: Sam McAdam

Richard uses vibrant colours on Belgian linen to create his amazing embroideries. Photography: Sam McAdam

Richard McAdam of Puddin’head. Photography: Sam McAdam

The proof of the Puddin’head

One of the best things about working at hardtofind. is discovering all the fantastically creative people across the country doing their own, unique thing. One such clever person is Richard McAdam of Puddin’head. Richard designs and screen-prints beautiful linen tea towels and cushions, and hand embroiders stunning linen artworks at his Newtown terrace in Sydney’s Inner West. At first glance his designs look like they’re from another era, but on closer inspection, you’ll find a humourous twist. They’re so pretty, in fact, that we reckon his tea towels are more suited to being framed and hung on the wall than for washing up dishes. Richard spoke to us about his design process and the perils of being a perfectionist.

How did Puddin’head start?
I come from an artistic family, so I was encouraged to pursue a creative path in life. I studied drawing and printmaking at the National Art School in Sydney, and became interested in symbology in artworks. After many years of making illustrations for commercial clients and private commissions, I noticed a shift in the way that people were embracing well-crafted, handmade homewares and saw a new opportunity for my graphic designs.

Tell us a little about your products.
It all starts with the concept, which can spring from having seen an object, a person, or hearing a piece of music. It’s so random – who can say where ideas spring from? Usually, I will research historical references, draw, paint, scan, and spend a long time in Adobe Illustrator replicating etching cross-hatches or the textures of a woodblock print. A successful design would take me an average of 55- 65 hours to complete, but I’m a bit of a perfectionist – many of my initial designs don’t even make it to print! My first products were 100% linen tea towels, but I also print onto Belgian linen which I hand embroider, then stretch over a frame for wall hanging.

What is your favourite part of the job?
Receiving a positive response is always nice! Having my work embraced by customers and other contemporary artists has been so gratifying, and it’s nice to think that something I’ve made is enhancing someone’s home.

What is your favourite product?
At the moment my embroidered products are my favourites, ‘Lapin’ and ‘Antlers’. Every rosette has a slight variation, so each piece has its own personality.

Who does the washing up in your house?
I do (I am the perfect house husband). Since my flatmate works long, late hours (and she’s a perfect housemate), I try to do the housework and pull my weight.

Shop Richard’s beautifully quirky collection here.

‘Antlers’ screen ready for printing. Photography: Sam McAdam

Richard’s detailed sketchbook shows the planning involved in the process. Photography: Sam McAdam

The screen-printing process captured beautifully by Richard’s photographer sister, Sam McAdam. What a creative family!

‘Antlers’ tea towels hung out to dry. Photography: Sam McAdam

Shop the full range of Puddin’head products available here.

By: hardtofind. Category: TRADE SECRETS Tags: embroidery, homewares, Puddin'head, Richard McAdam, screen print, tea towel

Our top finds of the week

17 May 2013

By Caroline Roessler

White, wood and accents of black make up this Scandinavian-style kitchen.

Homes: Emmas DesignBlogg
Scandinavian style is one of the most enduring design movements of the 20th century and it’s easy to see why – the use of natural fabrics, clean lines and the neutral colour palette define a very simple and modern approach to living. A classic example is this heavenly apartment that we found at Emmas Designblogg, Scandinavia’s oldest and most-read interiors blog. The apartment’s for sale and there are even more photos of it here.

Mmmmm, brownies.

Food: Cook Republic
A simple and delicious recipe for Milk Chocolate Brownies from Sydney designer, food photographer and stylist Sneh of Cook Republic, recently voted Best Food Blog in the Australian Writers’ Centre Best Australian Blogs 2013.

When in Rome…

Travel: 52 Suburbs
Not your everyday travel blog, 52 Suburbs is the incredible journey of Sydney photographer Louise Hawson who spent 12 months shooting the “unfamous neighbourhoods of some of the world’s most photographed and celebrated cities”. In the past year, Louise and her eight-year-old daughter Coco have travelled to cities including Paris, Rome, Hong Kong, Berlin, New York and London. The result is a visual extravaganza.

Spring coats and great fashion on the the popular Garance Doré fashion blog.

Fashion: Garance Dore
It seems every fashionista’s crush of the moment is Garance Doré: illustrator, photographer and writer with a hugely successful fashion blog (and her partner is famed NY blogger Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist). Originally from Corsica, she’s lived and worked in Paris and is now based in New York. If you love fashion, you’ll love this site – the videos, Pardon My French, are a personal favourite.

French bulldogs? Mais, oui!

Inspiration: Love French Bulldogs
Love French Bulldogs is a Tumblr blog dedicated to photography, interiors, decorations, lifestyle and, yes, the occasional French bulldog. Get lost in the prettiness.

Wise words from Julia Childs. Does that mean most of our office meetings are really parties?

For more links to great websites, blogs, photography and videos, visit We Recommend.

By: hardtofind. Category: WE RECOMMEND Tags: brownies, bulldogs, Fashion, food, Garance Dore, homes, inspiration, interiors, recipe, recipes, Rome, Travel, We Recommend

Scandinavian style

16 May 2013

The Scandinavian look is all about whites, woods and textures. 1. Brita Sweden ‘gerda’ rug, $570; 2. kids’ cashmere egg chair, $399; 3. ABCT casserole dishes, from $66 each. Shop here.

1. Rosendahl teak monkey, $280; 2. circle shelf, $420; 3. Marie Claire ‘delfina’ quilt cover set, from $189.95. Shop here.

Get the Scandi look

For years, Scandinavians have been seen by many as leaders in style. They’re known for simple, beautiful forms and exceptional functionality and quality. In fashion, jewellery, textiles, ceramics and furniture you’ll find a Scandinavian designer leading their field, from well-known names such as Georg Jensen, Marimekko and Arne Jacobsen to lesser-known designers such as Filippa Knutsson (of fashion brand Filippa K) and ceramicist Anne Black.

Scandinavian homes are known for their light, bright spaces and an elegant, understated look. White on white with ‘blond’ or whitewashed woods are combined with lots of texture from soft furnishings. Decorate with simple ceramics, wooden objects or silverware to achieve this look.

Get the look:

Texture is the key here. Look for soft furnishings such as cushions in white or soft grey with thick weaves, or throw an animal skin over a chair to create texture and comfort.
Group white ceramics of different shapes and sizes together on a shelf or mantle. Even inexpensive pieces can look fantastic and really draw the eye when arranged in an interesting display. Shop our collection here for ideas.
Painting furniture white or soft grey can be a cost-effective way to achieve this look without having to buy new pieces.
Clear out clutter and pack away possessions – in Scandi style, less is more.
Keep ornaments to a minimum. Using a classic piece, such as a candelabra in the centre of a table, is all that is needed. Don’t be tempted to overstyle!
To keep it affordable, try mixing cheaper IKEA pieces with designer homewares – you’ll be surprised how well they all work together.
Scandinavian style is timeless. It’s worth spending more on a couple of quality pieces that will form the centrepiece of your room – they won’t date and you will treasure them forever.

1. Deer head women’s t-shirt, $55; 2. Roxanne Chair in European Oak and Danish Cord, $1,414; 3. rattan storage baskets (set of 3), $369. Shop here.

1. ‘Ollie’ classic white shirt, $85; 2. Anne Black ‘Ruth M’ handmade porcelain cups, $127. 3. ’Clara’ mohair throw rug; $189. Shop here.

By: hardtofind. Category: GET THE LOOK Tags: design, homewares, interiors, light, scandi, scandinavian, soft furnishings, timber, white, wood

Pia Jane Bijkerk’s Paris

10 May 2013

My Paris finds

Sydney interiors stylist, photographer and now author Pia Jane Bijkerk is known for her flair for turning the everyday into something extraordinary. And where better to find inspiration than the city of light? Pia moved to Paris in 2007 where she established herself as a freestyle photographer and editorial producer. Now back in Sydney, Pia reveals her favourite Parisian haunts…

Pia with her book (Paris: Made by hand) displayed in a bookshop window.

French Touche: This is where I go to find the latest creations from French artists and artisans, including clothing, homewares, stationery, and jewellery. Tucked away in the 17th arr, which is well off the tourist trails, this fabulous boutique is full of affordable treasures. frenchtouche.com.

The Collection: This is an awesome space. There are handmade wallpapers, light features, children’s toys and kitchenware, all beautifully crafted and designed in Europe. Owner Allison Grant has a fabulous eye, making the boutique an always inspiring place to peruse. thecollection.fr

ABOVE Rue du Pot-de-Fer: This is one of the most picturesque restaurant avenues of Paris that is always bustling with locals. It’s where we meet friends for a casual meal of pot au feu, or to enjoy an aperol at one of the bars. BELOW L’Atmosphere: Right across the road from canal Saint Martin in the 10th arr, is one of my favourite cafes. I especially love the cafe gourmand dessert plate. latmosphere.fr.

Café Louis Philippe: Straight out of the early 19th century, this ‘resto-bar’ is one of our favourite lunch spots when in the 4th arr. It serves traditional French dishes like oeuf durs mayonnaise (eggs with mayonnaise), endives au bleu et aux noix (endives, blue cheese and walnut salad) and boeuf bourguignon, all at reasonable prices. cafelouisphilippe.com.

Philippe le Libraire: Just around the corner from L’Atmosphere is our go-to place for the latest French comics, many of which are limited edition and hand-printed works of art. In France, comics are very popular, and this tiny shop is filled with the best collection.

Ultramod: This treasure chest of new and old ribbons, silks, felt and buttons is the most amazing ancient boutique (it’s been selling haberdashery since 1890!). What can I say, I just adore this place.

Square Gabriel Pierné: Named after the early 20th century composer Gabriel Pierné, this pocket-sized park is truly one of the sweetest little corners of Paris. The benches are in the shape of open books and are nestled under the shade of stunning cherry blossoms whose petals float around your feet in spring.

By: hardtofind. Category: FOOD & TRAVEL

Inside the home of… food director Sophia Young

8 May 2013

Sophia's pet rabbit, Twenty-Six, loves the leafy green yard

Sophia Young’s pet rabbit, Twenty-Six, loves the leafy green yard of this North Shore home in Sydney. Photography: Andy Lewis

Sophia Young with pet rabbit, Twenty-Six

Sophia Young is the food concept director for The Australian Women’s Weekly Cookbooks. She has also worked at Notebook, Vogue Entertaining + Travel and MasterChef Magazine. She lives with her husband, Richard, and pet rabbits, Twenty-Six (pictured) and Joseph. Photography: Andy Lewis

Sophia made the artworks in the dining room from old bus destination rolls. The silver bucket was a wedding gift. Photography: Andy Lewis

The dining room opens out to the backyard.

The bright dining room opens out onto the backyard. Photography: Andy Lewis

Sophia’s kitchen houses her mortar and pestle collection as well as ceramic pieces from friends Malcolm Greenwood and Brian Tunks of Bison. Photography: Andy Lewis

On the kitchen shelves, gingerbread cutters found at a garage sale, postcards from friends and a White Rabbit beer bottle cap. Photography: Andy Lewis

Found objects and vintage pieces

Set in the leafy suburb of Chatswood in Sydney, Sophia Young’s home is an eclectic mix of collected items that reflect her love of nature, art and food. “The house is simply an evolution of our lives – very unconsidered and unconscious. I like furniture and objects that have a story behind them, even if the story is in finding them.” Found objects such as birds’ nests and feathers and vintage furniture, as well as antiquities from her grandparents, mix with more modern pieces and her own artwork. The result is a beautifully styled home filled with feminine touches.

Wooden die from Mark Tuckey, cow hide from NSW Leather Co., Jardan sofa and artwork by Joanna Logue. Photography: Andy Lewis

This display in the living room includes birds’ nests and feathers Sophia has collected. The boat belonged to Sophia’s grandfather while the writing box was a gift from her brother. The jug and vase are by Malcolm Greenwood. Photography: Andy Lewis

Don’t forget to decorate the stairwell. The thoroughfares of this house is just as important as the key living zones. Photography: Andy Lewis

The bed, bedside table, lamp and clock were all bought in New York when Sophia and her husband, Richard, were living there. Richard made the cushions on the bed with fabric from IKEA. Photography: Andy Lewis

By: hardtofind. Category: GET THE LOOK Tags: art, artwork, Feathers, feminine, Found objects, Gardens, homes, homewares, interiors, North Shore, Sophia Young, sydney, Vintage

Poached pears with chocolate sauce

7 May 2013

What does autumn mean to you? The crunch of fallen leaves beneath your feet? Rediscovering your favourite jacket or boots? The new crop of delicious fruits and vegetables? We’re excited to see pears coming back into season, and what better way to enjoy them than poached in a vanilla syrup and drizzled with a rich chocolate sauce. Love!

Poached pears with chocolate sauce. Photography and recipes: Snap & Stir

Poached pears with chocolate sauce

Makes: 4

250g caster sugar
1 vanilla pod, split, seeds scraped
4 pears, peeled, cored (stalks intact)
Ice cream, to serve

Chocolate sauce
150g dark chocolate
½ tsp vanilla extract

Method

Place the sugar, vanilla pod and seeds and 2 cups (500ml) water in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil over medium-high heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Cut a small slice from the bottom of each pear to give it a flat base, then place in the syrup. Cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes or until tender when pierced with a skewer. Remove the pan from the heat, then allow the pears to cool in the syrup.
For the chocolate sauce, place the chocolate, vanilla extract and 2 tbs hot water in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water) and stir until melted and smooth. Cool slightly.
Remove the pears from the syrup and place on serving plates. Drizzle over the chocolate sauce and serve with a scoop of ice cream.

By: hardtofind. Category: FOOD & TRAVEL Tags: autumn food, autumn recipes, chocolate, chocolate sauce, dessert, pears, poached pears, recipe, vanilla

Profile: Anne Black, Danish ceramicist

7 May 2013

Danish ceramist Anne Black

Anne Black's studio reflects her simple, yet beautiful style

1. ‘Seam’ small dot vase, $49.95; 2. ‘Knots’ silver hoop earrings, $70; 3. ‘Black is blue’ tray, $105.95; 4. ‘Light my fire’ tealight holder, $46.95. All available on hardtofind. Click the picture to shop.

Meet Anne Black

We love beautiful objects at hardtofind. Every Monday morning, we compare notes on the little curiosities we discovered over the weekend that have now found a new home on our bookshelves and side tables. But when beauty meets functionality, that’s when we get really excited. So it’s no surprise that we are huge fans of the works of Danish ceramicist Anne Black. Anne creates gorgeous homewares and jewellery that seamlessly combine her clean Scandi style with interesting, yet practical, forms. Here, she lets us in on how she got started and what inspires her.

How did Anne Black ceramics start?
I have always found great joy and peace working a craft. The quality and sustainability of a product is also a very high priority for me. In ceramics I found a meaningful combination of the two, creating beautiful products to be used every day. I trained as a ceramicist, but like so many others,  I had a hard time making money. The turning point came in 2002 when I met economist Jesper Moseholm who later became my husband. Together we set out to create a business. Today we have 10 employees in Copenhagen and 60 in Vietnam who all work with craftsmanship, creativity and artistic expression.

Why do you love ceramics?
I always enjoyed the possibilities of clay, but I fell in love with porcelain at first sight. I love its duality of crisp fragility and strength. I’m inspired by the material every day.

What are your favourite parts of the job?
I really love to forget myself and my surroundings. To become so absorbed in the design process so that nothing  else exists.
What is your favourite product? The ‘black is blue’ collection: regular shapes with a classic blue pattern painted on the inside to show that beauty comes from within.

Love Anne Black’s style? Shop the collection here.

1. Ruth M ‘blue landscape’ tile serving plate, $43; 2. ‘Knots’ necklace, $55; 3. Ruth M ‘landscape sugar’ bowl, $43; 4. ‘Black is blue’ large pitcher. All available on hardtofind. Click the picture to shop.

By: hardtofind. Category: TRADE SECRETS Tags: Anne Black, ceramics, Danish, homewares, scandi, style, vases

The Oyster Inn, Waiheke Island, New Zealand

6 May 2013

The Oyster Inn on Waiheke Island, New Zealand, offers a beach house feel in luxury surroundings, from its bright airy rooms to its restaurant serving stellar seafood.

The Oyster Inn on scenic Waikeke Island, NZ. Landscape photography: Kieran Scott

Luxury accommodation and great seafood at The Oyster Inn, Waiheke Island

Andrew Glenn and Jonathan Rutherfurd Best swapped busy London lifestyles for beachside bliss as part of their new venture, The Oyster Inn on Waiheke Island, an interpretation of the traditional Kiwi ‘bach’ or beach house. Andrew and native New Zealander Jonathan, previously with The Ivy and Le Caprice restaurants in London, have collaborated with renowned interior designer Katie Lockhart to create the laid-back luxury of the three guestrooms, restaurant, bar and beach shop. “We loved the pared-back simplicity of Katie’s style. We wanted a design where less was more,” says Andrew. The beach-chic aesthetic extends from the inn’s retro yellow kombi, which transports guests from the ferry, to the yellow-striped awnings, white timber and furnishings with black, navy and teal accents. Cristian Hossack runs the restaurant, serving up simple coastal fare using Waiheke produce and an extensive list of Kiwi oysters. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and a breath of fresh island air.

theoysterinn.co.nz

The restaurant offers relaxed dining in timeless style.

Chef Cristian Hossack also offers a more relaxed dining option.

The food
The focus is on local seasonal produce from the surrounding waters and the island itself, caught by local fisherman or grown especially for the inn by local farmers. Stand-outs are the island’s Te Matuku oysters, along with spaghetti alle vongole made with Cloudy Bay clams and ‘fish ‘inn’ chips’ made with line-caught fish and triple-cooked chips.

The Oyster Inn’s three guest rooms feature a pared-back style.

Contemporary New Zealand art hangs on the walls. This watercolour by Ella Spicer is of the Patea River in Taranaki.

The stay

The minimalist interiors of the three guest rooms reflect the inn’s pared-back style. “We told Katie to think about long lazy days by the sea. We didn’t want anything too kitsch or too much like a crab shack,“ says Andrew. “We wanted the bedrooms to be dreamy and ensconce guests in relaxed luxury.”

The white-on-white bathrooms feature Aesop products and the shop is filled with colourful holiday items.

The shop

Sarah Calvert, one of Andrew’s oldest friends, and Jonathan’s cousin, Mary Wallace Wooley, collaborated with the pair on stocking the shop with gorgeous products. “Sarah has a great eye for fashion. She helped me custom-create The Waihetian collection of kaftans,” says Andrew. Guests can pick up beach essentials including espadrilles, swim shorts, t-shirts, cotton dresses, hats, beach towels and even sunscreen.

Boating at nearby Onetangi Beach. Photography Kieran Scott

By: hardtofind. Category: FOOD & TRAVEL Tags: Accommodation, Dining, Hotels, New Zealand, The Oyster Inn, Travel, Waiheke, Waiheke Island

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About

Posts by :

Eri & Trudi do Noosa!

Get the Noosa look:

The proof of the Puddin’head

Get the Scandi look

My Paris finds

Found objects and vintage pieces

Poached pears with chocolate sauce

Meet Anne Black

Luxury accommodation and great seafood at The Oyster Inn, Waiheke Island

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