an elegant home...what is elegance and how do you get it

What is elegance?  The first thing that popped into my head was Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy Onassis, I wonder what just popped into yours?    
How do you get elegance?  It is such a personal vision there can't be an exact guide, in fact I think that's the point, it is a unique quality so it needs to be personal to you.

But like Audrey and Jackie there is a certain similarity.  They were certainly unique but there is a similar feel to their looks, bold but simple, striking but always sophisticated.
Essential qualities don't you think?   Today I am sharing my tips for elegance (as I see it) with you, and some lovely quotes from fabulously elegant icons, but please let me know what you think elegance is too.

Elegance is the art of effortless style - it appears effortless even if it isn't.
Elegance is edited but not minimal, it is just the right thing in just right place.  
Elegance is not fussy or cluttered, it is carefully edited collections, and items chosen for beauty and functionality.
Elegance is not over designed, it is a personal statement that doesn't come from a catalogue.
Elegance may be faux, but it is never fake.
Elegance is quality over quantity.
Elegance is a bold statement done in a simple way.
Elegance is understated and not overbearing, it a large statement done with simplicity.
Elegance may look expensive but it doesn't always come with a large price tag, it is the hint of luxury without trying to hard.
Elegance cannot be copied, it is unique.

1 - Buy quality over quantity, less really is more.  
2 - Edit rooms carefully but don't lose your personality, elegance cannot be copied so your rooms must be unique to you.  Fill them with objects, fabrics and furniture you love.
3 - Say goodbye to clutter.  Absolutely show off your collections, your photographs, your favourite things but edit carefully.  Make sure collections have room to breathe and are displayed in a space, not crammed onto a shelf.
4 - Be bold in your decisions - Choose that dark wall paint you always wanted, blow up those photo's extra large, create a gallery wall with photo's and paintings, go for that crazy wall paper.
5 - Don't try to hard, don't be over designed, remember elegance should look effortless.

Remember, be memorable not fashionable

This post was written in partnership with Nick Scali - where buying furniture is an investment in your life and style, and quality is the right price.  But as usual all opinions and content are entirely my own.

Three months late but here at last!

Remember my buffet and tv unit post? Well, they were 3 months late but are finally here. Mr B picked them up this week so we've finally got some furniture now :)

I must say I am really disappointed with Nick Scali. Firstly the items were meant to be in Adelaide by the end of February, and then when I emailed them asking what was going on they kept ignoring my emails until I asked for a refund. They then told me the items were here and ready to be picked up. When we rang the warehouse, we were told that they are not ready for pick up but are instead in Sydney and yet to be forwarded to Adelaide... Then there was drama over not being able to pay the remainder of the balance at the warehouse... When I asked if I could transfer the money via netbanking, they sent me their account details, but not the exact amount remaining... I gave up waiting for their response, so we went to the nearest store and paid the remainder prior to picking up from the warehouse. I am yet to receive a reply from them. LOL. Very sad really.

We like both items but I am unsure if we will be able to mount the tv unit to the wall, on top of the skirting boards... even though we've added bracing to the steel frame in place where it's meant to go. The unit is extremely heavy, and deeper than I thought it was... But we will see.

We've put the buffet along the wall where it can be seen from the kitchen, in between the dining room and "meals" area. MrB is not happy with it being there, and besides this is the wall where a portable gas heater is meant to go... I hope to take some photos of them both in place so you can hopefully provide me with some advice. I've pathetically styled the buffet, and am looking forward to your advice on that too :)

B

Recent purchases

Since it's been too hot to make any progress on the house, MrB and I decided to go furniture shopping. We rarely find anything that we love + at the right price but this time we were lucky! Phew!

We ended up ordering a buffet and tv unit from Nick Scali. So excited for them to arrive. The buffet I am planning for the wall in between the meals and dining room windows. However, this is the wall where the gas point for a heater (which we are yet to buy is), so we might end up moving the buffet elsewhere. Maybe to the formal lounge or even under the tv in our bedroom...

The tv unit will for now sit in the formal lounge. Once we buy a family room sofa/lounge we will remove the legs from the tv unit and hang it on the wall. If only we would come across our dream family room lounge now.... Ahhhh

B