Buddha Gardens Day Spa :: Byron Bay, NSW

After my long weekend in Bryon Bay, I would like to share with you one of my favourite day spas in the area. No weekend in Byron is complete for me without a few hours relaxing in the Buddha Gardens Day Spa.

images via Buddha Gardens Day Spa

I am always drawn to this day spa not only for the quality of massage but also for the tranquil tropical gardens which are available for guests to use either before or after their your treatment.

photo above by Ross Doonan & © Beautiful Accommodation

This is one of those gardens that have such a relaxing feel about it... It's just big enough for 4 people with a sauna, a heated plunge pool, waterfull and also the property's resident water dragons! Now I know that if I was a water dragon I would if I lived here!

Home to these lucky guys!

There is also the Orchid Room which features a spa bath set in natural rock, waterfall, an open air shower and Balinese Day Bed which is ideally suited to couples.

I know this will sound rather indulgent... but one day I would love to recreate something similar to this tranquil outdoor space in my own back garden... and all local water dragons will be welcome!

Have a great weekend.

The Bachelor’s Guide in Choosing the Right Pieces for the Bedroom

Planning and shopping for the right bedroom pieces are not only for married people. Even bachelors and single individuals must know the different ideas and options in choosing the right things inside the bedroom. The bedroom is the ideal place for rest and thinking, so it the best move for him to do a research first before choosing among the various modern bedroom sets found in stores.

Being a bachelor, the right bedroom set for you must be something that is modern, easy-to-maintain and that can match your taste. Some guys would choose leather pieces and some would want the traditional ones. For a more contemporary look, there are pieces that are made of hardwood with Cappuccino finish, ideal for a man’s taste. It can have a king or queen-size bed perfect if you have frequent guests sleeping over with you. Usually, these items come in sets. There is a 6-piece bedroom set that includes a bed, mirror, dresser, chest and 2 nightstands. Most of the modern pieces come in dark and bold colors. Most guys would love the colors black and dark brown colors. But there are men who prefer the color white for their bedroom set and wall color.

Aside from choosing the right bedroom set for your room, it is important to embellish it with the right accents and accessories. It does not have to be jars and curtains that will surely make you feel that you are in the feminine side, there are great items that would look good inside a gentleman’s bedroom. An example would be an artwork such as a painting or a wood sculpture can embellish the room. Another idea would be setting up a book shelf or a cd rack of your favorite books and music. Another important item inside a bachelor’s room is putting up a television and audio system. It will help you unwind while watching an exciting basketball game. It is also a romantic way of spending time with a girlfriend while watching a good movie or listening on a soft music together. It is also common for a busy, career-oriented person to have a study or a working table inside the bedroom. These can be made of hardwood or glass. It is important that the table would match other items in the room to have a pleasing appeal.

Either classic or contemporary bedroom sets, every bachelor can make his room a dream space that will not only give him a serene and relaxing ambience but at the same time it will be sophisticated and matches his taste. Just like girls, guys or bachelors can be stylish too!

Modern Bedroom Furniture for the Contemporary Home

The young urban professionals of today dress up their homes with the most trendy and chic furniture and furnishings they can find. A contemporary bedroom should be a sanctuary where you can go home to and find a peaceful rest. Modern bedroom sets usually come with the basic bed, mirror, dresser, nightstand, and chest of drawers. A wise homeowner should go minimalist to avoid clutter and maintain an easy, relaxing, calm and serene ambiance.

Whether they live in condos, lofts, or townhouses, the urban couples of today try to make a statement with modern and bold lines that reflect their busy lifestyle. The bedroom, however, should be a sanctuary, hence, care should be taken in planning the décor or theme of the room. A good example is the Zen-like theme with inspiration from the Far East. The main bedroom pieces could be made of dark teak wood or mahogany, which is the perfect foil for white or beige bed linens. Colors or prints could be confined to the area rug or the wall frames, while the sound of running water could be provided by a small home fountain with pump. Scented candles or lavender oil may also diffuse the aromas to soothe frayed nerves.

The bedroom as haven of rest should be noise-free, cool, well-ventilated and comfortable. Soft music may be played within, but it is advisable to install the television set elsewhere. Adjoining bathrooms could also carry the Asian-inspired look with potted bamboo plants, small stone statues in one corner surrounded by white pebbles. It would be a good idea to use sliding Japanese doors for your walk-in closets, with floor coverings and window shades in Oriental designs. There are many possibilities; with a little imagination and creativity, it is not too difficult to mix and match the right pieces to suit your personality.

It is important to give due attention to the proper furnishing of our bedroom. This is where we spend around one-thirds of our lives. This is the place where we sleep and recharge our energies. Hence, with careful selection, we can find the right furniture that we need, and are going to use for a long time. A good, sturdy bed, comfortable armchairs, and ample storage space for our clothes, shoes, toiletries and accessories comprise the modern, practical bedroom.

Contemporary bedroom sets shy away from the elaborate, embroidered linens and intricately carved furniture of the past. The trend now is for clean lines, dark and easy-to-maintain finish, as well as sleek, stain-free upholstery. Durability and style should go together, and hassle-free maintenance is much sought after due to the lack of maids to do the cleaning for us.

Josephine's French Cottage

I was recently servicing a blind at a client's home~Josephine is her name.

Wallpaper has been on my brain lately as you may know

and look what was in Josephine's kitchen.

 Decoupaged wallpaper on her fridge!

I quickly asked if I could take a picture of it thinking

I shall use this idea somewhere, someday.

 A pair of sub-zeros with french wallpaper cut out into a custom design.

Josephine had a talented young designer, Anthony Catalfano,

 do this way back in 1993! 

Anthony has gone onto huge success and Josephine felt lucky to have his talents

working on her home when he first started out.

He designed pretty window treatments 

for her in a sunny yellow and blue color scheme.

Josephine offered to give me a tour of her home

as she saw how much I was enjoying this.

  I was most happy to accept.

However I only had my iPhone to capture these images,

so fair warning that photo quality is inconsistent.

The cabinets seem to be a yellow lacquer finish.

Wallpaper in a blue and white trellis found on the fridge

continues along the soffit area.

 I adored this cute white iron chandelier.

She used to keep cookies in here when her grandkids were little.

 This is the back entry with the pretty Stark rugs. 

It connects to the kitchen, garage, laundry area and powder room.

 A pretty painted armoire...by Anthony.

 Cottage floral wallpaper on the walls and the ceiling! 

A matching window valance too.

 This is a very old dish that belonged to Jospehine's mother. 

It caught my eye right away~isn't it sweet?

 Happy colors and a sweet floral envelopes the space.

This is the laundry area. 

More wallpaper, and look up at the ceiling!

It has a ribbon detail along the perimeter.

Another pretty valance with a pencil pleat header.

 These two stunning blue and white platters hang on the wall in the back hall.

In my house they would be center stage!

 The blue and white platters tie in with the blue and white
 porcelain motif of the fabric.

 Next Josephine took me into the living room.

 She has the most amazing cabinet in a lime washed pine,

 all decorated with carvings~so french!

I wish I had a better picture of this cabinet.

 The detail on the cabinet was incredible.

Josephine has great taste I have to say.

This cabinet is filled with the things she collects and loves,

 and she told me about many of them.

 

 I was taken with the color of that aqua vase.

Her son-in-law glued it back together as it had broken.

That is what I would have tried to do, it is so beautiful.

 I collect tiny limoges boxes too so it was fun to look through her collection.

Two darling hearts, one says YOU and the other says ME. 

Her living room is soft peach and blue. 

The walls and trim paint job have a hand finished technique that my

camera doesn't show. This room just glows.

A peachy tufted pouf! 

Petite fireside sitting area for a petite lady.

 French touches are everywhere you look.

 These gilded french chairs were one of my favorites.

 

 Josephine had the most glorious fabrics on her upholstery and draperies.

Even the alabaster lamps wore shades with exquisite details.

Notice the petite trim in just the right colors.

She was told this lamp was made by Tiffany.

 It is very old and is only about 10" tall and it is exquisite.

 

 The graceful foyer has the most modern looking 

wallpaper in a peach and white geometric

with a pearlized touch in the design. 

Can you believe this is 17 years old?

 Everything was catching my eye..including this lovely wall sconce.

This gilded sconce with a cherub blowing his horn

 was selected by her husband I believe she said.

 Josephine has jauntily hung a tassel off the scrolled arm~

I love it!

 A camel stool with the most beautiful colored paisley fabric sits by the front door.

 A foyer console table and mirror in ivory and gold greets guests as they come in.

Just as I was about to leave, she invited me to view her private quarters! 

Yes~I would love to see more!

 

Most of these pictures have interior lights on, so it is hard to see the true colors.

This bedroom is fit for a queen, come look at some details.

You are lucky to be able to look in here, 

as I am the only visitor she has ever invited into her private space!

I loved everything I saw.

Her bedding was all custom made in pink moire with a scalloped tasseled edge.

And ruffled pillow shams~you know I love ruffles.

 Yes, she has a gorgeous french bed.

 I am just dying over this bed, I love it!!!

 Gorgeous pink draperies with the floral wallpaper in pinks and blues.

Am I saying gorgeous too much....?

What would the room be without a classic french armoire?

 A walk-in dressing room in ribbons and bows!

Custom cabinetry for all a ladie's needs. 

 A hallway niche with an antique dressing table. 

I cannot believe my eyes....wow!

Isn't this carved dressing table a masterpiece? 

Josephine says this table is quite old. I believe it!

Her little pouf stool is covered with an antique piece of lace~so french!

That, my friends, is the end of this French Cottage Tour. 

I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did~

even though 4 decades on the time clock separate me and Josephine,

I swear we could have been twins!
linking to:
Feathered Nest Friday
and
My Romantic Home: Show and Tell Friday