Even with advancing technologies, most of us still have books - whether it be for personal enjoyment, as a coffee table feature, from a collectors perspective or retention of family heirlooms. Books are tactile and works of art in themselves.

So if they are a necessary or loved item in your home, consider how they could be displayed in a way over and above the norm. Here are some ideas and inspiration.

Group books by colour for visual impact and to give an organised or structured appearance.

Give your vintage collectible books authenticity by displaying them with similar aged or antique items. Feature and protect them within a glass dome.

Create a neutral vignette by removing covers (not of your favourites of course!) and bundling them with raffia or twine, wrap the cover with a natural or plain paper or turn your books around - showing the pages instead of the spines.

Use your old books for a new purpose - funky shelving or create an artistic, sculptural display.

Given the organic nature of books, grouping them with flowers or plants is perfect match.

Get creative! Check out this D.I.Y book shelf idea - it's simple, useful and visually effective.

Vignette - interior design definition: a grouping of objects that creates a pleasing picture with visual significance. Sometimes putting together such a display, whether on a shelf, wall, fireplace mantle, table, floor, countertop, pedestal, window ledge, or anywhere really, can take some practice.

The goal is to arranging accessories in a way that will make the eye to stop, relax and stay awhile. If this is a new concept to you, perhaps start with small groupings of 3 items. To help make the process easier, here are some basic rules you can apply:

A symmetrical display: Use symmetry appropriately. Even groupings and symmetry can give a formal, balanced feel which has it’s place in design. Be careful though as it can look overworked.

An asymmetrical display: When decorating with accessories in a more relaxed or informal setting, group in odd numbers, or asymmetrically.

A vignette should have a cohesive theme. Elements that can create a theme are colour, texture, size, item type or collection. Examples here show a collection of crystal and silver, blue oriental ceramics and vintage hand mirrors with hat stands.

If you choose to hang a group of family photos, art, mirrors then they should all have something in common, such as a sepia hue, black & white, similar or identical framing material. Leave several inches of breathing space around each piece

Consider the scale of your grouping within a room, accessories should support their environment's aesthetic - not work against it. Stagger object heights. To create visual interest, group objects with differing heights: high, medium and low.

To make sure you’re happy, take a photo, assess and titivate if necessary

Red, white, green, gold and silver... the typical colours of Christmas. Maybe this year it's time for a change?

Creating a new, not-so-traditonal, Christmas colour theme need not be expensive. A few new decorations mixed with ribbons, wrapping accessories, fabrics, candles and finds from the garden can be enough. For some inspiration, check out the ideas below.

My favourite is a natural palette - get hands-on with wood, brown paper, pine cones, nuts, cinnamon sticks, twine, pine, rattan, linen and burlap.

I have always been a fan of black and white for any interior. It can be just as stylish at Christmas. Striking stripes, gingham and spots - mix them up and make a statement.

Perhaps yellow is apt for a sunny summer kiwi Christmas. Anyone for lemonade?

Tickle the senses with an orange display - dried oranges, cloves and pine create a beautiful aroma and look great too.

Navy blue is trending in fashion and interiors so why not Christmas decor too?

For those of you with little girls - a pink theme will delight. Or, even if you don't have little girls...

There are no rules so have fun with colour this year.

I'm not talking food, fashion, social conscience or the environment here, I'm talking interiors. Indoor plants are back in vogue.

Plants in the home have trended on and off for many years dating back to the ancient Greeks. The Victorians loved their exotic plants, adorning their parlors with large palms and lets not forget the 70's - memories of maiden hair ferns in macrame hangers.

Having plants in the home have proven benefits such as; helping to increase oxygen levels, and our bodies appreciate that; creating moisture in the air which can diminish dry skin, colds, sore throats and dry coughs; Studies have shown that plants can speed up recovery from illness or surgery; And in a working environment, improve concentration, memory and productivity.

All those positives aside, plants can be an effective, low cost decorative accessory. They can give a room a final touch, excuse the pun, a breath of fresh air. Don't be put off if you're not particularly green fingered, there are some pretty indestructible varieties available.

Try the Zamioculcas (known as the ZZ plant) - it thrives on neglect, needing water approx once a month! Alocasia, the good old orchid or succulents are hardy too.

Think about practical uses - handy plants in the kitchen, like this miniature bay leaf or herbs.

Last but not least, as we inch toward summer, don't forget your outdoor living spaces. This is my latest project.

10 tips to prepare your home for market

Spring induces a certain energy - a perfect time to get things done. With that in mind we have put our house on the market – crazy days! If you too are selling, you’ll know the process can be all-consuming, so here’s a basic checklist to help you prepare:

The big tidy-up. This takes time. If you can, allow a month to get on top of things, even before you engage an agent.

1. Declutter

I’m not a collector of ‘stuff’ and like things in order. However, the husband and I took the time to go through the whole house and remove anything that wasn’t adding value. It's a great time to get ruthless - rid yourself of paraphernalia you’re never likely to use or want, store excess furniture and recycle clothing. It’s a cleansing process. For professional assistance in decluttering and organising storage check out the amazing services of Ask Karlene.

2. Spring clean

One whole Sunday was spent spring cleaning the house from top to toe - pesky jobs like cleaning the pantry, oven and storage cupboards. I cheated a little and hired commercial cleaners to do the windows inside and out as well as the carpets. Worth every penny though! Clean windows are essential for marketing photos.

3. Maintenance

This was husband’s domain. Paint touch-ups, small repairs like fixing a dodgy door handles, sanding back a door that was not closing properly and arranging for the carpet in the spare room to be replaced. He re-stained the deck, replaced roofing on the patio as it was tired and a real eyesore. Good lad!

4. Gardens

Full section tidy up – get rid of rubbish, trim trees & shrubs, tidy lawn and garden edges, replace dead or unsightly plants. Maintain fortnightly whilst the house is on the market.

5. Decor & staging

This is the fun part! We didn’t have a heap to do as had recently renovated. We already had a great base to work with. Getting this right is so important as portraying your property in the best light can dramatically effect your sell price. Many things to consider here - layout, colour scheme, furniture, accessorising etc

6. Create a neutral feel

Purchasers need to visualise themselves in your home. Remove most personal photos throughout the house. Rethink accessories and put away appliances that you usually leave out – apply the less is more rule.

7. Dress each room

This is a job you may want to engage professionals for - first impressions count. Think about room usage - we converted our study/media room into a third bedroom as many people struggle to imagine a space being used in a different way. Make sure all bedrooms are drawn as such on your floor plan as they hold more value.

8. Pot plants and flowers

Green is the new black. I spent precious dollars at the local garden shop on pot plants – adding green foliage to each room. This reduces the money spent weekly on fresh flowers for open homes. Consider speaking to your local florist about your needs – they can give you advice on arrangements that last and may even cut you a deal.

9. Fresh linen

I bought some fresh white towels to use just for staging the bathrooms – not to actually use! Make sure these are in place when you leave the house for the day. I would hide away the towels we were actually using in the laundry basket. Don’t forget, a well-made, dressed bed stages a bedroom like nothing else.

Always be open home ready

You need to ensure each time you leave the house, it is ready for impromptu viewings. Use a daily checklist tailored to your needs. It may include things like; spot clean the bathrooms and mirrors, do the dishes, clear and clean benches, put away laundry drying rack, make the beds, arrange sofa scatter cushions and throws, spot vacuum, water plants, empty the rubbish bins.

I have felt pretty busy this month making sure everything is show home ready. I hope these tips are helpful if you are going to take the plunge and go to market. Selling a house is stressful but also rewarding when you see it at its optimum.

Many of us are time poor and market preparation of a house is a time consuming business. Pay for services if need be – gardeners, cleaners, handymen – it’s worth the investment.

As an interior design company, we can help you get ready. KWIoffer a ‘Prepare for market’ consultation. For a minimal investment of $150.00, we will do an onsite visit of your property (Auckland-wide only) and provide you with an extensive list of room-by-room recommendations. The report will consider all of the above mentioned factors plus:

Design styleColour schemeAccessories and presentationRoom layoutFurniture usage, placement and hire (if required)

We can help you to enhance your most important asset, achieving top dollar. We will work with you, your agent and to your budget to create a beautifully presented home, not a ‘Freedom’ showroom. We can then leave you to follow through on the recommendations or manage the process for you – right down to picking up the flowers from the florist.

I have always been drawn to the colour, symmetry, texture and beauty displayed in nature. Raw forms such as skulls, shells and antlers, the contrasting vibrant hues or earthy tones of feathers, butterflies, insects or animal hides.

As a designer, I'll happily incorporate faux or real accents of nature in my décor which may become a point of conversation. Interior design should provoke thought and appreciation therefore sometimes it's refreshing to step away from vases, candlesticks and usual display ornaments. Taxidermy is a point of difference and it definitely creates divide and duality - beauty and unease.

Though I do have a love and appreciation for taxidermy vintage pieces making an eye-popping statement, I do draw the line at full size grizzly bears, rare or endangered species that have fallen prey to poachers. I understand such accessories are not for everyone yet below are some stunning and quirky displays of some beautiful objects.

The clever groupings here create interest with organic texture and beauty.

No need to stick to a neutral colour palette though - this chandelier is stunning!

And the average skull, antlers or bird display does not need to be average at all. Think outside the square and they can be quite unexpected!

Go for a spot of drama with an albino peacock. Show off your forage finds like this collection of feathers. Beautiful butterflies displayed in a glass dome.

So where can you find such treasures? Antiques shops, secondhand stores, places like Auckland's Junk & Disorderly, retailers such as Koko Classics.

Finally, here's my pheasant, kindly given to me by a dear friend whose uncle is a taxidermist. He takes pride of place on the lounge fire mantel.

This weekend I had the privilege of visiting a newly built apartment complex, not yet tenanted but nearly ready to go. These exclusive apartments are high end luxury, we're talking a cool NZ$8.5 million for the three bedroom penthouse.

You get serious bang for your buck - a blue chip post code, exclusive six car garage, private lift, 320 degree unimpeded views, media room, four bathrooms, Gaggenau appliances, smart home technology, wraparound rooftop terrace and a decor that screams quality.

The interiors are elegantly crafted with touches of urbanity and glamour, using natural materials within a restrained palette of tone and texture. Inspired.

This visit influenced my 'loves' for this week...

Three wall finishes that give depth and texture, a point of difference, a touch of bling and pizzazz whilst remaining restrained and neutral.

1. The opposition of nature and city meet in this metallic grass cloth wallpaper. The colour options offered in grass cloth ranges are big but check out these neutrals with a metallic accent. I wouldn't hesitate to apply this to a whole room - a real wow factor for a bedroom or dining area.

2.A beautiful and organic option is cork. No, it didn't just disappear after the 70's, it's as popular as ever for floors and walls. Having environmentally friendly qualities', made from up-cycled materials, it offers benefits such as insulation and sound dampening. Embracing random patterns and colours found in nature, cork wallpaper can be simple and rustic, or elegant and shimmering, have smooth, wavy textures, or feel rough to the touch.

The examples shown below have textural veins that give way to metallic undertones. The grey and silver palette delivers a distressed chic vibe, the black and gold -sophistication and warmth. Use sparingly as a feature wall or just go for it...imagine the black and gold, floor to ceiling, in a powder room - boom!

3.

As a designer, you tend to find your own style which is reflected in your house. I'm a typical example of this. But lately I find myself wanting to go crazy at home with big, beautiful, bold and bright florals. I'm not sure this will happen (husband handbrake, BIG florals are not for the fainted hearted) but let me show you a few things I love, or would love to put in my home.

Surface View UK have a stunning range of wall furnishings and definitely worth a look-see. I can't draw myself away from their Royal Academy of Arts collection, based on timeless classic art pieces - in particular this one entitled Spring, Oil on Canvas, by Mary Moser ca. 1780. This can be purchased in various forms - made to order wallpaper, murals, posters and framed canvases. Below I've teamed a classic white sofa, modernist chrome arc lamp and occassional table with a Spring feature wall. Loving it.

Florals seem to be everywhere it's just deciding how brave you can be with the use of them. The floral palette does not have to be bright, there are certainly some beautiful soft hues around. Perhaps opt for a less permanent touch, through the use of accessories, to start - bedding, rugs, art, scatter cushions and ceramics. Check out some of my favourite finds: Luxotic Tropicana Quilt, white Bird of Paradise rug and MM Linen Flora bedding.

Go on, have some fun, remember spring is on our doorstep...

Eating out in Seminyak is a must! Not only is it an epicurean oasis but a feast for the eyes. Delectable restaurant options vary from the cheap to dear (Bali terms, not home prices). And flavours range from Ethnic/local to european (or a combo). It would take weeks to try all the worthwhile options.

I have to share some of my favourite finds, and not just because of the food, but the ambiance created by the venue's aesthetics. Incredible architecture, vintage and industrial finds, european touches merging with balinese foundations have forged amazing interiors.

On the pricier side in balinese terms, my top choice for dinner would be Merah Putih. The purpose built atrium restaurant cries out comptemporary wow with a touch of colonial Raffles. The food (yum yum and yum) and service match the quality of the decor. Booking in advance recommended.

La Favela offers a unique setting worthy of a visit. Pressed copper panelling, rustic wooden furniture and flooring, vintage accessories, amazing art (you'll find the best on the restroom walls) and secret-garden-of-babylong feel outdoors. Food was delicious, service memorable and pricing very reasonable. Beware, it does turn into a nightclub later on - glassware gets exchanged for plastic!

For outlook, cuisine and service, you can't go past Sardine. Getting there early to enjoy cocktails at sunset overlooking paddy fields is worthwhile. This has definitely given my outdoor living area inspiration (watch this space for the reveal closer to summer).

The Bistrot boasted my favourite interior. Think New York loft/warehouse meets french industrial chic. The cluster mix of beautiful chandeliers, soft grey hued traditional furnishings, vintage and eclectic displayed atrifacts all contribute to a visual feast. Dining is available all day round but here we had brunch. For me, my usual eggs benny was yum.

If you have time, make an effort to visit La Laguna - slightly off the beaten track, in Canggu (an up-coming area in Bali). This place is an Instagramers dream. Photo worthy nooks and crannies are everywhere. The off beat, bohemian vibe is relaxing and gets you in holiday mood. Walk around the garden and discover hidden treasures, not to mention a collection of beautifully restored gyspy caravans. Take your beach gear if going for the day as it's almost a beach club. It's a casual, al fresco dining option for lunch and dinner. The majitos are very good!

Also worth a mention are Sea Circus, Sisterfields, Potato Head, Kilo, Ku De Ta and The Rock Bar (within Ayana Resort).

Lucky enough to visit Bali this June for the first time with a couple of girlfriends (thanks hubby and kids for letting me go), I was constantly wowed by the amazing art to be found everywhere. And I'm not talking about in galleries. On the side of building walls, in bathrooms, on the street - some incredible talent showcased. The photos I have taken, have become unique and free framed art pieces for around my house. Cannot recommend a visit to Seminyak highly enough, in fact, i think I'll have to show off some more of my finds soon.