Komaneka Tanggayuda :: Ubud, Bali

Today there has been non stop rain here in Brisbane... This rain reminds me of our first trip to Bali a few years back and a rather soggy stay in Ubud.

Ubud is a beautiful hillside village in the centre of Bali. If you prefer not to be part of the party scene on the coast and would rather relax in a day spa surrounded by lush rainforests, rice terraces and plenty of culture then the inland villages of Bali are the perfect option.

At the time I was designing a Balinese day spa here in Australia… so this trip was well timed and added an extra dimension to my interior design research!

As it was Christmas, we treated ourselves big time and stayed in the Komaneka Tanggayuda resort, just outside Ubud. This picture says it all...

Our accommodation was this Valley Pool Balinese Villa with our own private infinity edge plunge pool, day-bed pavilion and outdoor bathroom!

The design style of this resort reflects a contemporary interpretation of traditional Balinese architecture. It is also a great example of the architecture being constructed from local materials. These included "alang-alang" thatch roofing; "paras" sandstone and other Indonesian stones for the floors, walls and hand made outdoor bath; and hand crafted local furnishings and furniture.

This outdoor stone bath also came with its own surrounding frog pond! It was quite an amazing experience to have your own frog chorus in the evenings.

images via Komaneka

With such stunning views overlooking the surrounding landscape it did not matter that it rained the whole time. It was still warm and we could spent most of the time outside under the protection of our day bed pavilion reading and listening to the rain... bliss!

Since then there is now three in the resort chain. So if you feel tempted you can check them out here.

Have fun.

Cowley Manor Hotel :: Gloucestershire, England

This weekend is my wedding anniversary and I was thinking back to the places we have stayed to celebrate when I remebered Cowley Manor. Now this place would be in my top ten for decor, spa treatments, service and experience.

Cowley Manor is a contemporary-chic country house hotel and spa surrounded by 55 acres of parkland, lakes, woods and meadows in the idyllic Cotswold countryside. The weekend we visited there were gale force winds but we still managed to grab a few walks around the beautiful grounds before heading back to London.

The weather didn't really matter that weekend as the decor of this hotel helped us relax and settle in from a cold and windy winters day. With an emphasis on comfort, service and very few rules Cowley Manor was the perfect place to relax, unwind and indulge our senses.

Our room was a converted stable block (above) with the lounge, bathroom and bedroom set over three floors. The bedrooms are retreats themselves with bespoke textiles and furniture all designed by British artists and designers and oversized bathrooms complete with natural products from their C-Side spa.

The décor at Cowley Manor is colourful and eccentric. From brightly coloured geometric patterned carpets and yellow paintwork to leather padded walls and bizarre sculptures, the atmosphere is a combination of sophisticated know-how and relaxed informality.

We also had to try the C-Side Spa. It had two heated pools, a 17m green slate lined indoor pool and an elegant outdoor pool.

For an interior designer this hotel was real eye candy with its colourful decor, high ceilings, 19th-century manor house character architecture and beautiful views of the grounds

images from Cowley Manor Hotel

Though we were there to relax at the spa, lounge around the outdoor pool and sip cocktails in the bar I was still was in work mode and inspired by the beautiful architecture and how it works with the modern interior design, the use of colour, pattern, texture and all the quirky artwork.

It is an idyllic countryside experience not to be missed.

Have fun.

Dickebusch :: Patonga, NSW, Australia

I have had my eye on staying at this lovely weatherboard beach house cottage in Patonga for some time now as I was inspired by the use of restored, collectable and unique designed furniture.

Situated 80 minutes north of Sydney in the quiet fishing village of Patonga this cottage has been lovingly restored by a couple who own their own furniture and design company called Koskela.

Their brief was to create a beach house with warmth, texture and a lived-in vibe.

A warm feel has been created by using recycled timber floor boards, exposing the existing ceiling beams and using an old recycled timber shop counter to create an additional kitchen bench.

images courtesy of Koskela & photographer Anson Smart

Instead of buying from a furniture showroom, the Koskela team created unique pieces of furniture specifically to suit their beach house, like these hand-woven cane light fittings above the dining area. Natural fabrics like jute and linen were chosen for the cushions, upholstery and curtains.

If you fancy staying in this beautiful beach side cottage click here for booking details. 

What is your favourite beach side cottage? Have fun.

Natural modern design by Lisa Coulburn

Design Refuge has posted their October challenge... What is your design style?

When I design interiors for my clients I always design for their own personal design style so this is a lovely opportunity to share my own design style with you.

My style can be described as natural modern with an eclectic traveller twist and a strong connection to the outdoors. As an interior designer I am also inspired by recycling old materials and the use of non-toxic and natural finishes.

These images (courtesy of photographers Richard Powers & Rhiannon Slatter and Linda from Oeke design) are a collection of natural materials and textures, reclaimed wood and objects that tell stories of past memories and experiences with different cultures. They really sum up my own style which reflects my life, my travels and my connection to nature. They will also be the starting point for my own dream home. 

What's your design style?

The Prince Hotel :: Melbourne, Australia

When I am thinking of an urban escape and a room with iconic original furniture, natural textures, soft hues and a great use of natural light, I always think of the rooms at The Prince Hotel in Melbourne. The Prince is a luxury boutique hotel with 40 unique rooms, located in the heart of St Kilda and a stones throw from the beach and a great selection of restaurants.

Their design philosophy is an eclectic mix of art, textures, fabrics, scuplture and designer furniture. If you wish to know what the original Swan and Egg chair by the designer Arne Jacobsen is like then this is the place to try it out.

This hotel feels like a home. What I love about the living room and bedroom designs are the use of a soft neutral palette combined with natural textures and the use of rattan and raw timber. The use of natural day light also creates a a fantastic atmosphere.

The bathroom design ideas are very simple with the use of small mosaic tiles, cray pots lights, white marble and a clever use of natural day light.

The final touches belong to the spa area and the outside dining area surrounded by a walled herb garden.

images courtesy of The Prince Hotel

Hope this gives you some ideas for when you are next in Melbourne.
Have a great weekend,