Azure Butterflies

I would like to dedicate this image from John Derian of Azure Butterflies to my friends who took me out for the fabulous meal last night!  Very apt as their property management business is called Butterfly Services.

Loving Oka!

The OKA newsletter arrived in my inbox today - full of lots of inspiration for 2011.  I love this beach house collection (see here) using the blue/white stripes and the natural theme.  I must look out for a similar rug. 

Dining - beach style

The bedroom (with a view like mine!!) uses the wonderful Otomi fabric on the bedcover and headboard.  This pattern originates from the indigenous ethnic group inhabiting the plains of Mexico.  Although I suspect this cover will be very expensive, I certainly would like to find some similar fabric for this year (perhaps a cushion?).

Map Pictures

Kara's Wave, 2009, 24 x 36 inches

Fiona's wave, 2006, 48 x 77 inches

I love maps and can get engrossed into an  atlas, studying the countries, oceans, islands and continents.   These map collages are incredible, created by the talented artist Matthew Cusick, from Dallas, Texas.  Source Materialicious.

Azure Stamps

I have found a great website where you can upload your own photos to create dozens of scenes, such as here - stamps.  A lot of fun to play around with, especially with Valentines Day coming up - see link

The Globe is a particular favourite too.  You can upload up to 60 photos to create the montage.

Stone Pillow Cushions

I have had my eye on these for a while so great to see them be promoted more.  These fabulous cushions are actually seamless 100% Merino wool and individually colour-coded to look like stones in nature.  Sourced via Materialicious and here. A Polish company manufactures them and the prices on the website are in euros see here. 

Coastal Dining

I just love these beige and blue stripes here on the table placemat and napkins, plus the healthy meal of ... green apples!   Definitely the coastal look I will try on the terrace when Spring arrives.   (no credit found for pic but sourced here)

Ligne Roset

The company I continue to love is Ligne Roset.  Their newsletter dropped into my inbox today with their new 2011 ad campaign and made me smile ... as my husband had seen this sofa style call Confluences, several months ago, and commented that he loved it .... so I was very pleased!   Although difficult to get this product in Dalmatia, one day I am sure we will buy something from this quality company.  See more here

Wave Break

We recently had our annual visit to Brighton.  New Year's Day was spent enjoying a bracing brisk walk along the promenade and seafront.   With the sun out and flat calm sea  lapping gently over the pebbly beach, it was a great start to 2011.  One of my favourite places to browse is the beachside Kings Road Arches, a collection of small art galleries, quality beach-themed handicrafts and artisan pieces.   The stand of cards caught my eye, naturally with colours of azure blues.  So many to choose from but I decided upon my first favourite - see above.  Called Wave Break.  The talented artist is Zorian P. Matthews, click for website.   Love his work!

LottyB in Mustique & now in Croatia

Beautiful silk sarongs: the originals all hand painted

Gorgeous vibrant colours: perfect photos to look at on this cold December day

Here is Lotty at work on a special commission for the Sandy Lane Hotel, Barbados

Lotty has created new gift boxes for her silk items

Last year I did a post on LottyB, the talented artist based on the gorgeous island of Mustique in the Caribbean. She creates exquisite designs on silk for sarongs, kaftans, dresses, blouses, scarves etc.  They are sold in chic hotels and boutiques around the world.  I bought a "purple puppy" charmeuse silk blouse a few years ago, shipped from the island which is beautiful.  Yesterday Lotty emailed me about her revised website.  I was intrigued to read under stockists: Caribbean ... USA ... UK ... and now Croatia! 

Taking the Biscuit

I came across a motoryacht called "Biscuit" launched this summer and the interior grabbed my eye! Aubergine deck chairs! Fabulous. Yacht interiors are as attractive to me as house interiors even more so, as every minute detail has to be thought about.

Sleek and stylish as all Italian-built yachts are, this 29 metre (95') yacht was built by the Filippetti Yard.
The custom made interior has been designed by Milan based Hot Lab Studio with attention to detail throughout. Great music on the website if you click on the link.





The yacht is on two levels and boasts 2 twin staterooms, a VIP suite and a master cabin. There are comfortable crew quarters for 4 crew.

Precious leather flooring

Looking forward to seeing this yacht (perhaps) gracing our Adriatic shores here in Croatia next year.

Ligne Roset

One company I love is Ligne Roset. Their newsletter arrived in my inbox today promoting their new 2010 collection. Although the photo above is a little stark, the azure blue colour for their "Confluences" sofas I love, and I think all the blue combinations would look great together in my beach house. I have admired their products for many years and one day will succumb to buying something! The capital, Zagreb, sells Ligne Roset too (called Proning, no website).

Cunard - Tiffany - The World

Next to my laptop on my desk sits a beautiful porcelain lidded pot, delicately decorated with continents of the world. I received this as a gift when Captain's Secretary on QE2. Created by Tiffany I was fortunate that my friend, Anneke, worked for Cunard World Club and conveniently had an additional item. Gorgeous and something I look at and cherish every day.

Have a great weekend!

Here's a photo from Jane Coslick - the award winning designer who often appears on House of Turquoise blog. What a great verandah here - with turquoise and white benches looking out to islands. It's been a busy week for me (VIP visitors!) so not much posting, but will do next week.

Azure domed luxury villa in Dubrovnik

The luxurious Sheherezade villa sits right on the water and is truly the most spectacular villa for rental in Dubrovnik. Five deluxe en-suite bedrooms with all the amenities on hand you could wish for. This opulent villa has stunning reception rooms and terraces - perfect to hold a wedding. Nightly rate is reportedly 7,000 euros. See more. Love the azure dome!

On Cloud 9 - property of my dreams

master bedroom view

pool deck view

view towards Russell

view from Cloud 9

lap-pool with fantastic ocean views

bedroom 3 with ocean views

deck with beach views

view from lounge

lounge area

Bank Holiday Monday here in Croatia today. Weather atrocious; mist, thunder, rain, heavy clouds, dipped temps ... and it's mid summer! I surfed the net to find a beautiful inspirational property - alas not in Croatia, but in New Zealand, north island. The property called Cloud 9 is for rental and every photograph is just gorgeous. How cool is the pool. There is a fabulous 3 minute video too!