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At Home With ... Clare Le Roy From The Little Design Corner
Tell us what you like about this Sydney blogger's home for your chance to win a gift voucher!
Either it’s grown since its launch last year in January 2014 or Clare Le Roy’s home and lifestyle blog extends to space-spacing tricks. One thing we do know is that her modestly-named ‘The Little Design Corner’ blog is actually packed full of a huge range of tips from DIY projects to healthy ideas for kids’ packed lunches.
Clare launched her blog last year to share her ideas on how to live a stylish, clutter-free and happy life, and to realise her dreams of being an interior designer. From the comfort of her home office sanctuary, she documents the latest tips and tricks around her home – a task she admits is not easy in a house of four boys! Read the full interview below.
To celebrate our favourite Australian bloggers and their homes, we’ll be asking each blogger in this series to choose a giveaway gift. All you have to do to enter is comment on why you love this house. The winner of Clare’s chosen prize – a $50 voucher from Norsu Interiors – has been announced. Well done, izbels!
Clare launched her blog last year to share her ideas on how to live a stylish, clutter-free and happy life, and to realise her dreams of being an interior designer. From the comfort of her home office sanctuary, she documents the latest tips and tricks around her home – a task she admits is not easy in a house of four boys! Read the full interview below.
To celebrate our favourite Australian bloggers and their homes, we’ll be asking each blogger in this series to choose a giveaway gift. All you have to do to enter is comment on why you love this house. The winner of Clare’s chosen prize – a $50 voucher from Norsu Interiors – has been announced. Well done, izbels!
What do we need to know about The Little Design Corner?
The blog is full of design and lifestyle inspiration. My passion is clean, modern design so it’s important to me that the stories I write, and any projects I do on the blog, have great photos and represent the clean aesthetic that I love.
What made you start blogging?
I started the blog in January last year as a creative outlet, and to do something that I really love. It’s grown really fast and I now have lots of opportunities to partner with great brands and other creative people, which is so much fun and a great aspect of being part of such a great online community. I’ve always LOVED interior design and the blog started with me writing about homes, projects and products that I love, but over the last few months I’ve been trying to develop more of my own original content, so there are now lots of ideas for modern DIY projects (e.g. gift wrapping ideas) and lifestyle posts for busy families (e.g. healthy recipes, things to do around the home).
The blog is full of design and lifestyle inspiration. My passion is clean, modern design so it’s important to me that the stories I write, and any projects I do on the blog, have great photos and represent the clean aesthetic that I love.
What made you start blogging?
I started the blog in January last year as a creative outlet, and to do something that I really love. It’s grown really fast and I now have lots of opportunities to partner with great brands and other creative people, which is so much fun and a great aspect of being part of such a great online community. I’ve always LOVED interior design and the blog started with me writing about homes, projects and products that I love, but over the last few months I’ve been trying to develop more of my own original content, so there are now lots of ideas for modern DIY projects (e.g. gift wrapping ideas) and lifestyle posts for busy families (e.g. healthy recipes, things to do around the home).
What’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?
I normally try and get out for a run or go to the gym before everyone gets up. I still work as a management consultant in my ‘real life’ so most days there is a hectic rush getting the kids ready for school/preschool, packing lunches and getting off to work.
I normally try and get out for a run or go to the gym before everyone gets up. I still work as a management consultant in my ‘real life’ so most days there is a hectic rush getting the kids ready for school/preschool, packing lunches and getting off to work.
What’s your proudest DIY achievement?
I love working on my DIY posts and love the reaction I get from them. The one that I still love is this one on wrapping with kraft paper.
I love working on my DIY posts and love the reaction I get from them. The one that I still love is this one on wrapping with kraft paper.
What are your favourite rooms in the house and why?
I love my office space where I sit and work on my blog. I have lots of things around my desk area that inspire me to be creative. My favourite things at the moment are the Le Sac en Papier bag that I store my wrapping paper in.
Where do you love to write and what could you not write without?
I like to sit in my office area and look out the window at the world passing by. I couldn’t live without my laptop!
Desk accessories: Country Road
I love my office space where I sit and work on my blog. I have lots of things around my desk area that inspire me to be creative. My favourite things at the moment are the Le Sac en Papier bag that I store my wrapping paper in.
Where do you love to write and what could you not write without?
I like to sit in my office area and look out the window at the world passing by. I couldn’t live without my laptop!
Desk accessories: Country Road
What’s your next big project?
When we have saved up some money, it will be a big renovation of the kitchen and bathrooms. The pictures make the kitchen look quite nice but it’s not really to our (my!) taste and the use of space isn’t great.
What’s your signature dish?
The family love slow roasted lamb, which I serve with hummus, olives and quinoa tabbouleh. Check out the recipe here.
‘G’ print by Playtype: The Minimalist
When we have saved up some money, it will be a big renovation of the kitchen and bathrooms. The pictures make the kitchen look quite nice but it’s not really to our (my!) taste and the use of space isn’t great.
What’s your signature dish?
The family love slow roasted lamb, which I serve with hummus, olives and quinoa tabbouleh. Check out the recipe here.
‘G’ print by Playtype: The Minimalist
To me, great design is…?
Whatever makes you happy! For me, that is clean, modern and uncluttered.
You will not see [blank] in any house of mine.
Glitzy, formal and over-the-top design.
The next big decorating trend is…?
It looks like there is a move away from the Nordic/Scandi look that is popular now towards more of a traditional/luxe look. I’m not sure it’s really my thing, so I might skip that trend!
Whatever makes you happy! For me, that is clean, modern and uncluttered.
You will not see [blank] in any house of mine.
Glitzy, formal and over-the-top design.
The next big decorating trend is…?
It looks like there is a move away from the Nordic/Scandi look that is popular now towards more of a traditional/luxe look. I’m not sure it’s really my thing, so I might skip that trend!
Describe your home in five words.
Monochromatic, modern, happy, calm and friendly.
Where do you and the boys spend most of your time at home?
Our living room is the heart of the home. We have an open-plan space that connects with the kitchen and we spend most of our time in there. The art work on the wall was a gift from my father and I designed the room to be neutral, in order to show it off. Everyone who visits comments on the impact. Since this photo was taken, we have also hung a Muuto pendant over the dining table, which I love.
Monochromatic, modern, happy, calm and friendly.
Where do you and the boys spend most of your time at home?
Our living room is the heart of the home. We have an open-plan space that connects with the kitchen and we spend most of our time in there. The art work on the wall was a gift from my father and I designed the room to be neutral, in order to show it off. Everyone who visits comments on the impact. Since this photo was taken, we have also hung a Muuto pendant over the dining table, which I love.
How would you describe your decorating style?
I am definitely drawn to the Scandi/Nordic look, although I’m not a slave to it and do have touches of mid-century and industrial influences around the house. My house is very monochromatic on the whole but I like to have a few pops of colour here and there, like the indigenous artwork in my dining room, which was a gift from my dad. I also have a mid-century Parker chair that was given to me by my dad as well. It was the first piece of furniture he ever bought and it has a lot of sentimental value.
I am definitely drawn to the Scandi/Nordic look, although I’m not a slave to it and do have touches of mid-century and industrial influences around the house. My house is very monochromatic on the whole but I like to have a few pops of colour here and there, like the indigenous artwork in my dining room, which was a gift from my dad. I also have a mid-century Parker chair that was given to me by my dad as well. It was the first piece of furniture he ever bought and it has a lot of sentimental value.
Castle bedlinen is a fond addition to all of the bedrooms in the house, including the master bedroom. A Pia Wallén Cross blanket was a gift, and adds texture and interest in the master bedroom.
Clare framed and hung Castle tea towels in her bedroom.
In Archie’s room, bats fly above the bed pulling the room together in a theme that grows with him. The Fine Little Day ‘Gran’ cushion in Black and White is from Norsu Interiors.
What makes you happiest at home?
I’m a real homebody (a typical Cancerian!) and like my home to feel welcoming. When people visit they say my house has a really nice, friendly feel about it, which is exactly what I want. Although I like my house to be clean and uncluttered, the reality is I live with three boys (and a husband!) who normally have lego, cars, clothes and toys everywhere!
What’s your home horoscope for 2015?
I’m a real homebody (a typical Cancerian!) and like my home to feel welcoming. When people visit they say my house has a really nice, friendly feel about it, which is exactly what I want. Although I like my house to be clean and uncluttered, the reality is I live with three boys (and a husband!) who normally have lego, cars, clothes and toys everywhere!
What’s your home horoscope for 2015?
“This is a great way for kids to be able to see what books they have and really encourages reading,” says Clare. “Book spines don’t mean that much to a two-year-old!”
Clare’s friend painted the artwork and sweet quote for her eldest son Caleb, when he turned one. The black chalkboard dot is from Typo; Clare and Paul use it to write him little messages. The Fancy Nulle rabbit doll is by Lucky Boy Sunday at Shak Shuka, and the Ribba photo frame shelves are from Ikea.
Clare’s friend painted the artwork and sweet quote for her eldest son Caleb, when he turned one. The black chalkboard dot is from Typo; Clare and Paul use it to write him little messages. The Fancy Nulle rabbit doll is by Lucky Boy Sunday at Shak Shuka, and the Ribba photo frame shelves are from Ikea.
What do you love to do on Sunday afternoons?
We normally try and knock over family chores (cleaning, supermarket shopping, etc.) on a Saturday so we can have a family outing on a Sunday. Sometimes we just go down to Bondi beach and play/swim for the afternoon; other days we might visit the aquarium or somewhere like that. Last weekend we went to Sculpture by the Sea, which was heaps of fun.
We normally try and knock over family chores (cleaning, supermarket shopping, etc.) on a Saturday so we can have a family outing on a Sunday. Sometimes we just go down to Bondi beach and play/swim for the afternoon; other days we might visit the aquarium or somewhere like that. Last weekend we went to Sculpture by the Sea, which was heaps of fun.
As an ex-classical musician (oboist), music is important to Clare. This piano/keyboard was a gift to Caleb for his sixth birthday. The headphones are hung on a Muuto ‘dot’ so he can use these if he wants to play while the rest of the house is sleeping or wanting a bit of quiet time.
Tell us about your outdoor space? How do you make the most of your urban garden?
We only have a very small back courtyard and with three young boys we have to try and make it as usable as we can. It has enough of a patch of grass to kick a football, and the boys play handball against the walls. We painted the column with chalkboard paint so they kids could draw if they wanted – and we use it to write up messages or the menu for that evening if we have friends over. Just a bit of fun.
We only have a very small back courtyard and with three young boys we have to try and make it as usable as we can. It has enough of a patch of grass to kick a football, and the boys play handball against the walls. We painted the column with chalkboard paint so they kids could draw if they wanted – and we use it to write up messages or the menu for that evening if we have friends over. Just a bit of fun.
We love our outdoor dining table. It’s made from recycled fishing boat wood and has a nice story and history behind it.
Can you share your biggest decorating fail with us?
I don’t really have one … I don’t take decorating too seriously. I do what I like and if something doesn’t work I do something different. My house is constantly changing as my mood and tastes change. As I live in a home full of boys, I’m the only one who really appreciates it – but that’s fine with me! At least my blog followers like it now, too :)
I don’t really have one … I don’t take decorating too seriously. I do what I like and if something doesn’t work I do something different. My house is constantly changing as my mood and tastes change. As I live in a home full of boys, I’m the only one who really appreciates it – but that’s fine with me! At least my blog followers like it now, too :)
Visit Clare’s blog: atthelittledesigncorner.com
At Home With…’ is a series designed to celebrate our favourite Australian bloggers and their homes, we’ll be asking each blogger in this series to choose a giveaway gift. The winner of Clare’s chosen prize – a $50 voucher from Norsu Interiors – has been announced. Well done, izbels!
MORE IN THIS SERIES
At Home With … Amanda O’Sullivan From RedAgape Blog
At Home With … Rachael Honner From Hip Brown Home
At Home With … Eva Burgess From Build House Home blog
At Home With…’ is a series designed to celebrate our favourite Australian bloggers and their homes, we’ll be asking each blogger in this series to choose a giveaway gift. The winner of Clare’s chosen prize – a $50 voucher from Norsu Interiors – has been announced. Well done, izbels!
MORE IN THIS SERIES
At Home With … Amanda O’Sullivan From RedAgape Blog
At Home With … Rachael Honner From Hip Brown Home
At Home With … Eva Burgess From Build House Home blog
Name: Clare Le Roy
Blog: thelittledesigncorner.com
Where do you live? In a free standing house in Vaucluse, Sydney, with my husband, Paul, and our three boys, Caleb (6), Hugo (4) and Archie (2).
Thanks for having us, Clare. Can Tell us, how long have you lived in this house for and how did you and your house meet?
We bought the house about 18 months ago. We had sold our old place unexpectedly (off market) and were in a rush to find something. My husband and I have a bit of a knack for finding houses that other people don’t want to buy and we did the same thing with this place. The previous owners had awful, clunky furniture and the house had sat on the market for a long time. We came in and saw the potential and put an offer in on the spot. We ended up getting a really good deal! We have lovely neighbours, ocean views from the playground at the end of our street and a great local school for the kids. It’s worked out perfectly!