Party girl: Elleni Pearce of Lenzo

Grab your esky, unfurl your flag and show off your Southern Cross tattoo - tomorrow's Australia Day. Just kidding, we're planning a barbecue with a slightly more sophisticated edge. To get some tips, we caught up with Elleni Pearce, founder and director of event hire and trade company LENZO, and hostess with the mostess (responsible for the stunning summer soiree below).

'Summer Splash' photography by Stefani Driscoll Photography.

Elleni's passion for parties started young - as a child, she would watch a video tape of her 3rd birthday celebration on repeat. Not surprisingly, she grew into an avid entertainer with an ever-expanding collection of bunting and balloons. "I used to get a little carried away with all the details, spending time and money on props and partyware that were only used once. After a celebration, I'd be left with a heap of on-trend products that were still in perfectly good condition," she says. It was when she started lending pieces to friends and family that she saw the potential to turn just that - loaning lovely, little-used party products - into a business, and LENZO was born.

Elleni started working on the LENZO business plan while on
maternity leave with her first daughter - and hasn't looked back.

The concept of LENZO is simple yet genius. Individuals and events companies can log onto the website and list their items for hire or sale. Then, anyone can jump online and browse through the inventory of styling stock. Searching for some cake stands or antique glassware for a special occasion? In need of a set of supersized letters spelling out LOVE, which you'd rather not buy, but happily hire? Sorted. Alternatively, do you have a collection of vintage chairs from your wedding or engagement party that you're looking to offload? Upload them on LENZO for the next person to enjoy (and help reduce your carbon footprint by reusing and recycling).

As well as the trading aspect, the LENZO website features gorgeous styled photoshoots to inspire your next shindig, with many of the featured products available to hire/buy straight from the site. Also check out Elleni's positively dreamy Instagram feed, a stream of sparkle-laden, party-perfect images - think pastel-hued donuts, magnificent flower-topped cakes and beautifully put together tablescapes.

'Summer Splash' photography by Stefani Driscoll Photography.

'Summer Splash' photography by Stefani Driscoll Photography.

Sweetbakes cake. Via @partywithlenzo

By @grettarose, via @partywithlenzo

By @s.wallis_ , via @partywithlenzo

Image by @ayofemi_, @danielkimphoto, via @partywithlenzo

When it comes to entertaining, Elleni cites a few essentials. "A personalised welcome drink always sets the tone of an event," she says. "For example, at my 30th we did a 'Dirty Thirty' Pimm's cocktail, and for a recent baby shower we created a Baby Bellini." She also recommends employing bar and wait staff - even if they're your teenage cousins - and leaving room in the budget for beautiful blooms. "I have a flower obsession so it's probably not everyone's essential, but it's definitely mine." And ours too, Elleni.

So how does a party professional celebrate Australia Day? "I'll be at a friend's pool party," she says. "I'm looking forward to a casual barbecue, delicious salads and a G&T in the sun. Our giant pink flamingo Fran will also be attending!" Better leave them to it - happy long weekend!

For more info (and to hire fabulous party stuff), check out LENZO here.

MY DREAM PARTY {elleni pearce}

outfit: Backless Dion Lee number

drink: French on tap

location: home

colour scheme: A multi-coloured pastel palette

flowers: Fluffy dahlias

guestlist: Martha Stewart, plus my nearest and dearest

soundtrack: A balance of old and new. Beyonce at the top of the playlist

dessert: Toffee apples!!!

Introducing Fran the flamingo

Art house

No matter how many vases of fresh flowers fill a space, or designer cushions decorate a couch, a room never seems completely finished unless the walls are lined with art. But unless you have the budget of a merchant banker, buying art isn’t as simple as waltzing into the nearest gallery and laying down a house deposit on whatever tickles your fancy. To help you in your pursuit of wonderful walls, minus the exorbitant price tag, we asked interior designer and art aficionado Charlie Cooper of Interiors by Charlie for her expert advice on finding, framing and styling art.

Image via Pop Sugar Home.

STEP ONE: SPOILT FOR CHOICE

Traditional galleries aren’t the only places with the goods – hit up your local markets on the weekend, browse your favourite design stores and trawl the internet or instagram to unearth that perfect piece. We’ve also heard of quite a special little blog that regularly features their favourite artists and prints… oh that’s right, it’s this one!

Some of our favourites include Miss Poppy or Willow Rose Design for gold and silver foiling, Letters on Love or Blacklist Studio for typography and Emily Green or Rachel Castle for colour. Etsy is also a godsend – but it pays to have an idea of what you’re looking for, otherwise you’ll easily lose days scouring the thousands of pages a generic search will deliver.

Fallen in love with an artist you can’t afford? Don’t be afraid to ask them for a limited edition print instead. “Almost all artists will do limited edition prints of their work,” says Ms Cooper, who also recommends scouring Signed & Numbered and Art Finder for unique prints.

Image via volang.elledecoration.se.

STEP TWO: IN THE FRAME 

The right frame can elevate a bargain price print to art gallery status. “Professional framing can be expensive, but you can find fantastic frames in a range of sizes from Ikea, Freedom and Country Road,” says Charlie. “If the frame has a cardboard insert [also known as a mount, matte or surround] that’s the wrong size for your print, simply take it to a framer and they’ll cut it to fit for just a few dollars.” We also like the range of frames at Citta Design.

Image via stylemepretty.com.

STEP THREE: HANGING IN THERE

“Art should be hung at eye level – as a guide, the average height should be 145cm from the ground,” says Charlie. “The natural inclination is to place art higher, but to really appreciate it, it should be at eye level.” If you’re renting or, like us, haven’t a clue how to operate a power drill, get yourself some 3M hooks or hanging tabs for anything that isn’t too heavy.

Another word on placement: “Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade the work over time and cause the timber frame to warp,” Charlie recommends.

Image via flick.r.

STEP FOUR: GALLERY VISITS

Gallery walls are all kinds of gorgeous – and a good trick if you have a bare wall to fill but can’t afford a large-scale artwork. “You can go eclectic, with artworks arranged at different heights and in different frames, or create a grid for a more formal look,” suggests Charlie. “I love black and white photographs displayed in black frames in a grid pattern, it’s a very sophisticated look.” A grid pattern works best with monochrome maps, black and white travel photos or typography.

Charlie’s top tip for a gallery-worthy wall? “To give gallery walls a sense of cohesion, at least one element must be uniform – you might choose all black and white frames, the same size frames, evenly spaced frames or the same colour running through all the prints and artworks.” Watch this space for Anna’s attempt at a gallery wall.

Image via cococozy.com.

  

STEP FIVE: BE CASUAL

Commitment-phobes can eschew the concept of hanging art altogether and instead casually prop their pictures up against the wall, atop tables, benches or even the floor. “You can change pictures quite regularly this way and don’t have to put lots of nails in the wall,” says Charlie. “I love layering images – so, a small work in front of a larger one – and incorporating things like mirrors.” Another option is leaning art atop a picture ledge or floating shelf – try the selection at Ikea or Freedom.

 Image via estiloescandinavo.wordpress.com.

In full bloom

In our minds, we simply don't get sent flowers often enough. If you, like us, have spent Valentine's Day, birthdays and anniversaries at work, waiting wistfully for that call from reception to say you have a flower delivery, only for the clock to strike 5pm without so much as a petal passing your desk, then this, dear readers, is for you.

Bloombox Co makes receiving a bunch of flowers a weekly (we wish!), fortnightly or monthly occurrence, depending on what you sign up for. Instead of a single bouquet, they send a huge box bursting with blooms for you to play with. Each one is a lucky dip - you might get ranunculus and roses one week, gumnuts and gardenias the next - so it's a beautiful introduction to flowers you might not know about, as well as a chance to find your favourites waiting for you by the front door. Boyfriends/husbands - your position has been filled.

Bloombox Co is the work of friends Melissa Whidjaya, whose background is in fashion design and marketing, and Philomena Kwok, a milliner who has worked for the likes of Escada and Carl Kapp.

Bloombox Co founders Melissa (left) and Philomena (right).

We were lucky enough to visit Melissa's sunny Dee Why apartment on the northern beaches of Sydney recently to see how she styles her flowers and her home. Vibrant and eclectic, it's filled to the brim with upcycled treasures Melissa and her fiancé have picked up on their travels, from far-flung destinations to side of the road finds. "Some of our favourites are pieces we've bought or found secondhand and restored ourselves," Melissa says. Check out some of them (including her amazing Louis XV-style dining chairs, picked up from the street!) below...

Candles, paintings and plastic figurines on a timber console Melissa salvaged.

A glorious bunch of blooms in an antiquated vase.

Q. Have you always loved flowers?
A. "I pretty much love anything that adds fun and colour to life, flowers included. That said, I've never much liked formal floral arrangements - I've definitely always been a fan of flowers put together in a way that reflects your personality rather than the 'way things should be done'."

Q. Have you or Philomena trained as florists?
A. "Phil's sister is a florist but neither Phil or myself are professionally trained. While we definitely follow guidelines when it comes to flower care, I actually think it's great that we aren't florists ourselves - it's allowed us to take chances and think totally outside the box. We love experimenting and mixing things up a bit. The whole concept behind Bloombox Co is that flowers aren't just for florists - it's totally up to you to play, create and enjoy."

Leather Louis XV-style dining chairs and a vibrant upholstered stool surround the rustic timber dining table.

Striking black birds of paradise and hot pink carnations atop the table.

Q. Do you always have fresh flowers at home?
A. "Yes, especially since we launched Bloombox Co! I usually at the very least have a vase of something on my bedside table and in the bathroom. If I haven't had a chance to buy flowers I'll just grab some funky foliage from the garden."

Stacks of magazines, a ceramic vase and a rainbow chandelier adorn the coffee table.

Q. What's your top tip for DIY floral styling?
A. "I would say firstly it's really important to embrace what's in season - that way you know you'll be getting the most beautiful blooms and they'll be fresher, so they'll last you longer. Then when it comes to styling, experiment! Pick a few colours you love and then make sure you have a range of textures and sizes to work with. As long as you love everything that goes in, it's likely you'll love the end result."

Melissa's covetable collection of jewellery is displayed in the hallway in an ornate photo frame she transformed.

Q. What size or shape vases should every girl own?
A. "A few bud vases for small arrangements dotted around the house, a decent-sized ceramic vessel in a fun  colour and something unconventional like a bowl or metallic urn."

Bathroom details.

Q. Where do you shop for homewares and furniture?
A. "Locally, I love Cherry Blossom at Narrabeen for kitsch, Mexican-inspired homewares and the Armchair Collective in Mona Vale for vases. The Bower in Marrickville is awesome for secondhand pieces with loads of potential."

Incredibly, Melissa hand-painted the intricate design on the leather upholstery of this armchair -  as you can see, the seat cushion is a work in progress! 

Q. What do you love most about apartment living in Dee Why?
A. "Being so close to the ocean is my favourite thing about it. I love being able to pop down to the beach for a swim and some sun. We've also got other friends and family living in apartments close by, which is really nice."

The turquoise chest of drawers Melissa and her fiancé restored and painted.

STYLE NOTES {melissa whidjaya} 
dream home: Somewhere by Freshwater beach.
style icon: I don't really follow anyone in particular but I am loving Bianca Cheah at the moment.
favourite flower: It changes all the time! At the moment I'm loving foxgloves and snapdragons.
best scent: the ocean.
colour palette: turquoise and hot pink.
music of choice: Bob Marley and movie soundtracks.
film that inspires: Baraka.
go-to outfit: denim shorts, big earrings and basic tanks.
era of choice: Now is pretty good! But the 70s for the music.
ideal holiday: dog sledding in Sweden followed by a nice thaw out in Bali.
perfect Sunday: sleep in, beach and a breakfast picnic, a surfing lesson with my fella, a seafood feast, some margaritas and a movie.

The most incredible ruby red peonies we've ever seen, displayed in a mustard yellow vase.

Visit Bloombox Co's website for Melissa and Philomena's floral styling tips and video tutorials - we love their video on how to fill a shallow bowl with blooms, here.

The look of Lust

Hands up who has a wish list stored on their phone (after the long weekend, our latest reads like this: Triangl bikini, Becca sunscreen, a Clarisonic...). But Sydney-based illustrator Sally Spratt of The Lust List has an infinitely more stylish way of documenting her favourite finds: armed with her paintbrush, watercolours and pencils, she beautifully hand illustrates her must-haves. Her motto? 'If I can't have them, I'll draw them.'

What started as a personal side project while in between graphic design jobs (Bassike is among her former employers) has rapidly morphed into an illustrated empire. Sally has a staggering 50,000+ Instagram followers waiting to see what she draws next and her A3 prints and cards are the latest lust-have for every lover of fashion and design (something else to add to those iPhone lists!). We chatted to Sally about her studio style, inspiration and what it's like to window shop for a living...

 Sally Spratt, illustrator of loveliness. Photo by Bridget Fleming.

"Throughout school I dreamt of being a fashion designer, but then I realised I only really wanted to do the fashion illustrations," Sally admits. "I love that fashion is a perfect marriage of art and sculpture." When she's not being commissioned by high end fashion and beauty houses (La Mer and Louis Vuitton are among her clients), Sally hits the shops for The Lust List. "I get inspiration from window shopping, trawling through blogs and social media as well as reading my fave magazines: Harper's Bazaar, Elle and Vogue," she says. So basically, every girl's dream job.

Above and below: The Lust List gift cards, available here. 

'Tuesday Training' A3 print, $100, and 'Surfing with CC' A3 print, $75.

Given that she's surrounded by luxury labels all day, perhaps it should come as no surprise that Sally can't pick a favourite product. "I'm in a position where everything I have worked on (and am working on) has been something new and inspiring," she says. A recent trip to New York Fashion Week is fuelling her current work. "You'll probably start noticing a shift in the posts," she reveals. You heard it here first. 

The illustrator at work, via her instagram. 

 Sally in her studio (shot via her Instagram).

There's no doubt Sally has an eye for style, and her studio shows it. "I love a fresh white space with succulents, throws and minimal clutter," she says. "However, I tend to work in organised chaos with artwork drying by my feet, so I need to at least start fresh so it doesn't get overwhelming." Her studio essentials? "Pencils, paints, little jar of water with my brushes, light box, laptop and all my posting essentials like envelopes, tissue paper, cotton twine and music in the background to keep me company."

Sally always has a candle burning - "it keeps me calm and the house smelling beautiful" - and a penchant for recycling Palm Beach Collection candle jars to store pencils and paintbrushes. The finishing touch? "A mood board is a great way to keep all inspiration in front of you and also little notes, photos or things that you have collected to remind you of something special," she shares.

STYLE NOTES {sally spratt}

dream home: Spacious beach shack in Palm Beach or Byron Bay.

style icon: Christine Centenera and Lindy Klim.

favourite flower: White peonies and white oriental lilies.

best scent: Gardenia and Jasmine.

colour palette: black, white, grey and navy.

music of choice: Something chilled like Bon Iver or The 1975.

best brunch: eggs, tomato, haloumi and spinach.

go-to outfit: denim cut offs, loose t-shirt, leopard flats and a leather jacket over the shoulders.

ideal holiday: Inspiration trip to NY or a beach shack in Bali.

perfect Sunday: A sleep in, brunch, long walk with friends, relaxing on the beach and finishing with pizza and red wine at The Corner House in Bondi. 

The Lust List gift cards and prints, available here.

To keep up to date with Sally's latest illustrations (and by default, designers' latest collections), follow her on instagram: @_thelustlist_. 

Artist in residence: Kerrie Hess

Commissioned by Chanel. Based in Paris. Featured in Vogue. Kerrie Hess' resume reads like the script of a fabulous fashion flick or Lauren Weisberger novel. But for this Australian illustrator, a glittering list of experiences and encounters is simply the by-product of an enduring passion for drawing. We've long been fans of Kerrie's beautiful illustrations (and yes, she's sister to Megan Hess, featured on The Apartment recently) and caught up with her to talk about her work, style and home.

An Australian in Paris - is it just us, or does Kerrie have a bit of Carrie going on? Photography by Carla Coulson

"If I could be any of the women I've drawn, I'd love to be one from my exhibition at Le Meurice hotel in Paris earlier this year," says Kerrie. "They were all dressed in styles inspired by haute couture." For those of you unfamiliar with her work, Kerrie's spécialité is depicting wonderfully stylish women - the kind you wish you could be. With each watercolour brushstroke comes a vision of a Dior-draped damsel on her way to the opera, a pair of sylphlike girls taking tea and macarons, or a well-heeled lady walking her dog to Tiffany's. 

While Kerrie's to-die-for drawings have graced billboards for Paris department stores, the pages of Tatler and a recent Louis Vuitton campaign, she also creates limited-edition prints (described as her "personal little passion project"), which you can purchase here. Our advice to fashion fiends: bag yourself one of these beauties to dress up your interiors.

 

Shop these prints - and more - at Kerrie's online store.

Kerrie created nostalgic paper dolls for Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2013 campaign. 

"Louis Vuitton actually asked me to write the brief for the project, which was scary!" she recalls.

It seems fitting - given the sense of style and sophistication infused in her work, not to mention the major fashion houses seeking out her talents - that Kerrie spent a "magical" 18 months in Paris. Here, she lived in a chic apartment decorated in timeless monochrome. "I've always loved black and white interiors with pops of metallic," she says, also professing her penchant for high-glamour statement pieces. "I think it's fun to add some unexpected elements to your home, like a chandelier in the office or kitchen."

 

Just like her illustrations, Kerrie's Parisian dining room is a vision of elegance.

 Artwork by Kerrie Hess.

Although Kerrie recently returned to Australia, the City of Light continues to inspire her work and lifestyle. "Aside from all the great shopping, style and fashion in Paris, the thing I miss most is my daily trip to the local boulangerie for a baguette," says Kerrie. "And my young son has become a food snob - he now prefers smoked salmon and goat's cheese to ice-cream and chocolate, which makes me laugh."

So what's next for this creative talent? "I'm currently working on some amazing projects with Laduree Paris and Lancome Paris," says Kerrie. And after that, well, we imagine she could be anywhere from exhibiting in New York to chronicling couture in Cannes... We await the next chapter of this fashion fairytale.

STYLE NOTES {kerrie hess}

dream home: It’s under renovation/decoration right now…

style icon: Emanuelle Alt.

favourite flower: Peonies.

best scent: Chanel No. 5.

colour palette: Black and white (but currently obsessed with pink and copper).

music of choice: Pink Martini.

film that inspires: Rear Window.

go-to outfit: An LBD, or jeans, t-shirt and blazer.

era of choice: For style, the 1950s.

ideal holiday: On the beach with my son, eating ice-cream.

perfect Sunday: A sleep in, breakfast out or a stroll at the markets, an afternoon of painting, then dinner somewhere cosy.

Image via totoi.com.au

Note: if fashion, Paris, macarons or flowers are your cup of tea, 

follow Kerrie's achingly beautiful Instagram account @kerriehessillustration.