Italian clocks

Tick-tock, tick-tock, I'm still loving the Italian clock!
While in Umbria we saw some fabulous clock towers. The patina of the brick walls and clock faces was so beautiful. Centuries of activity and learning have taken place under the shadow of these beautiful clocks.Artists, academics,business men and locals all checking their daily schedule by the hands of these carefully crafted time pieces.

This week thanks to Carla Coulson, I discovered a lovely blog site; Destination Umbria written by an Australian. Janine has Italian roots and after reading her posts it's obvious that she would love an excuse to go back to Umbria and settle in that beautiful environment.Have a read, you'll love her words and photos.

Have a wonderful week. Andrina x

Doors of Umbria

I've always loved the different architectual styles of doors.
I first fell in love with photographing doors while travelling in Ireland many, many years ago. All that riot of colour; doors painted gloss red, black, blue and green.Have you seen the doors of Dublin? They greet you with a smile, just like the Irish.
While sorting through my trip photos I found quite a few pics of doors taken in Umbria, so I thought I'd share.

What's hidden behind these beautifully carved wooden doors? Generations of Italian lifestyles, amazing courtyards with beautifully crafted gardens and fountains or maybe expat families living la dolce vita? We will never know but we can dream and wonder.

Have a lovely weekend. Andrina x



Summer living...

Dreaming of summer and warmth, sparkling water, ocean swims and walking along Cottesloe Beach looking at the sculptures.....

Have a lovely week. Andrina x

Flea markets

I'm thinking of Paris and the incredible markets and brocante stalls.It's freezing in Perth this week and I wish that I had bought some of those fabulous furs.

There is such a diverse nature surrounding the french brocante stalls that you are often caught by surprise as you round the corner on the next stall.

There are some interesting second hand shops dotted around Perth and over the next few weeks I'll try and get to most of them and share my pics with you.

As for flea markets the best pick of the bunch is

Fremantle Markets

Corner of Henderson and South Terrace,

Fremantle.

Canning Vale Markets

280 Bannister Road, Canning Vale.

Cultural Centre Markets

Between the Art Gallery & State Library

Northbridge.

Have a lovely weekend and happy shopping.

Andrina x

Bastille Day

Thinking of Paris on Bastille day.....

To all those readers who love all things french

have a wonderful fete de la federation on 14th July. Grab a french movie or pick up your favourite french book and celebrate the joys of this amazing culture.

I'll be reading My french Life by Vicki Archer, cooking from Bistro, Great French Food by David Bransgrove and hopefully finding time to watch Amelie with the beautiful Audrey Tautou.

Have a lovely weekend. Andrina x

Parterre...

When visiting Sydney I always make time to swing past my favourite interiors shop Parterre on Ocean street in Woollahra.I love the sense of calm and serenity that flows after entering this beautiful sandstone building.

Parterre is sublime and elegant in its choice of antiques and collectables sourced by owner Richard Haigh, from France and Belguim. Each piece very cleverly occupies its space with a presence and grace that is a delight to behold.

The Woollhara store specializes in antiques and collectables, however if you are after a modern twist, Parterre has a store in Surry Hills that sells modern contemporary furniture including ranges from Royal Botania, Gandia Blasco, Domani and Fueradentro.

If you're visiting Sydney, its well worth the effort to visit these beautiful stores.

Parterre Antiques

33 Ocean Street

Woollhara, Sydney.

02 9363 5874

Parterre Contemporary

493 Bourke Street

Surry Hills, Sydney.

02 9356 4747

I hope your week is full of sunshine and beautiful treasures. Andrina x

Mad Men

Season 5 of Mad Men has created television drama that leaps to a level of pure styling genius.The clever play between business, personal and historical lifestyle is at its very best.

I adore the styling and attention to detail, recreating the perfect interiors of 1960's offices and homes in New York city.

So I thought I'd share some Mad Men style that my father, architect Geoffrey E Summerhayes, created in designing our Mosman Park home, built in 1961.

If your passion is mid century modern furniture then the place to go is Hunters and Collectors.

Hunters and Collectors

614 Stirling Highway

Mosman Park WA

(08) 6101 4004

open Wednesday to Saturday.

Enjoy your week. Andrina x

Strolling in heaven

Walking the Cremorne track is always one of the highlights of my trips to visit family in Sydney.
This beautiful winding path that circumnavigates Cremorne Point through gardens, native bushland and parks is truly magestic.

Glimpses of local yacht clubs, beautiful harbour views, grand old houses and time established gardens all combine to make this an enchanting stroll.

Watching a mother share a moment with her daughter or a man enjoying the outdoors with his best friend...this is my idea of strolling in heaven.

Do you have a favourite walk? Please let me know. 

Talk to you soon. Andrina x