Marion Hall Best

Regarded by many as the founder of Australian interior design, Marion Hall Best was the local arbiter of the latest style in the 60s. Her interiors showcased the best of what the world had to offer as well as providing a platform for promoting Australian design. In a post war world of "porridge" colours Marion is probably best known for her vivid glazed walls, colourful undercoats with contrasting translucent glazes; yellow over red,pink, black, blue or green producing intriguing tangerines, olives, aquamarines and chartreuses. Her Woollahra, Sydney shop became known internationally as an authoritative index of the latest modern trends in interior design. But perhaps her best work was in supporting promising young local talent including Gordon Andrews and Grant Featherston.

All images from "The Best Style. Marion Hall Best and Australian Interior Design 1935-1975" by Michaela Richards. These are original photos from the time and the quality is not the best but the design is first class.

Palm Springs - mid century wonderland

Jaime from Design Milk shared a link with me. OMG..... wait til you see Mid Century Real Estate where you're "buying a lifestyle not a home". I'm dreaming of moving to Palm Springs or maybe moving Palm Springs to Australia.

All images from Mid Century Real Estate

PS I haven't even posted the exteriors!

David Hicks

More retro inspiration. This time from the legendary David Hicks forerunner of Jonathan Adler and Kelly Wearstler. He was the superstar designer of the 1960s and 1970s – sought after by royalty and the privileged. Though it's been many years since his last projects were centre stage in the design world, David Hicks' influence is still felt today. His use of pattern is amazing!

www.dh1970.com

David Hicks fabric from Lee Joffa Carpets fromDavid Hicks by Ashley Hicks

Retro chic or how to never grow old

Belle Magazine

I admit it, I'm addicted to retro. Sometimes I call it mid century (when it's refined and well designed). Other times it's just plain kitsch (when it's my aunt's 50's ceramic cat collection). Whatever my mood I love it. But I'm not a slave to it. Carefully edited with other pieces it holds its own.

All photos from Belle magazine

Can't help it. I love mid century madness.