Specializing in the delicate art of imagery & presentation

a u s t r a l i a

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WEDDINGS & EVENTS, FLOWERS, CHILDREN, TABLESETTINGS, ENTERTAINING, INTERIORS, GARDENS & MORE


I have always been associated with the Visual Arts. As an art student in Sydney majoring in photography, painting & screenprinting and after a quick stint as a Jillaroo in outback Australia, my career started in the early 80's working firstly in magazines with Conde Nast Publications as part of the editorial team with Vogue Living, Vogue Entertaining Guide and Vogue Children, then as a Fashion & Beautiy Editor for Murdoch Magazines. After many years with Vogue I then freelanced as a professional photographic stylist through my agent Viviens Model Agency covering fashion, interiors and food & wine and continued as a contributing editor for many magazines until moving to the country. In the early 90's I co-owned a flower shop in Sydney, which led to styling many events & weddings. I am also involved with my husband Andrew's 30 year old business Farquhar's Furniture, Makers & Antique Restorers of traditional furniture.

From my little cottage in Bowral in the Southern Highlands of N.S.W I now blog my work, my life, my ideas and share my thoughts with you. I am older, a little wiser and not as frantic as I was in my earlier life. My teenagers keep me grounded and through many years of ups and downs I have definitely mellowed. I live in jeans and boots most days but I still love the old world of glamour, fashion and magazines and I am constantly discovering wonderful stories and meeting creative people as I float around my town and through this wonderful blogging family and I hope to share all this with you through my blog.

Welcome to Styling - a page a day of inspiration & all the things I love



© Copyright 2009 STYLING BY COTY FARQUHAR
All rights reserved. Please do not copy any images or text from this site without written permission.
ALL STYLING, PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN - BY COTY FARQUHAR

Email for requests and advertising to cotyfarquhar@bigpond.com.au

Our business - Farquhar's Furniture - Makers & Restorers of Traditional Furniture


Did you know that I have a garden's blog as well

This week on my blog beautiful Clematis & Lilac and styling table settings with my favourite objects

Wishing you all a wonderful week

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Alluring Lilac....from my garden to the table and all around my home.

I love antique pieces, hand made fabrics and an earthy colours around my home. All my tables in my home are places for my special objects and styling a setting. All my tables are used all the time, my large dining table, many side table, coffee tables, my kitchen table and my antique cedar pedestal table here in my living room.

What makes this particular table settings so appealing to me is the mixing of colours, objects, flowers and collections from my home. This gorgeous lilac I picked straight from my garden, unfortunately I am quite allergic to it so I had to handle it very carefully. The first year I gathered as much as possible and I couldn't breath for a week. I love to fill as many different vases, buckets, urns and different things as possible with Lilac as it just works so well in many different shapes, and the nice thing is you can just pop it in and the flower just looks great, but you do need bunches of it. I love the idea of using old objects and unusual vases as my centrepiece.
In my living room I have a antique cedar round table that seats four and we don't use it that much to eat at so I usually have books and lovely objects on it most of the time. It is a nice area to sit and read. I have a very old crewel-work fabric draped over it at the moment, which was an old curtain from an deceased estate. Which I think looks gorgeous and I just adore the mix of soft colours. The table sits in front of my Armoire that Andrew, my husband made. It was a gift from Andrew when we became engaged and I adore it so much. The Armoire is totally hand made and hand carved with two inlaid stars in the panelled doors and made from a light yellow looking timber called Yellow Caribbean Pine and it has never been polished as we decided to just let it age naturally.

"When I set my table, I usually start with the cloth, china and glassware and then decide what I would like in the middle and I love to mix old and new objects together and have more than one centre piece, sometimes many. In this case I had the Lilac in the two little tin urns and some in this adorable little flower girl figurine.

I will often pick bunches of lilac and put it in urns outside as well.

And more lilac in my back sunroom sitting beautifully with my ginger jars.

Welcome to everyone from Table scape Thursday at Susan's home, click here to visit her and many others from many countries around the world joining in on her party.

Also... If you have minute to spare, I have a questionnaire on my blog (left) today asking why you visit my blog, I have had numerous business meetings this week and I have been asked many times to describe my blog and which category does it fit in to, interiors, weddings, gardens etc. Well, I couldn't answer as you know I cover everything I love, but, they are waiting for my answer. Would you mind ticking a box (or more) and tell me why you visit my blog or just please leave a comment for me. With thanks, xx Coty

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

A little more Clematis and my love for flowers

When I look back over my blog I have realised that most of my posts have revolved around flowers. Even though my background is from Interiors, fashion and entertaining I find that the one connection throughout all my styling and my images over the last 28 years is flowers. Even when I design costumes my ideas come from the shape and colours of flowers.
I just don't know how we would survive in this world without them.

The white Clematis above is in my garden and the flower arrangement I photographed a couple of weeks ago. I found this lovely little old sugar bowl covered in the most wonderful patina and perfect for a vase.
and below, my friend Maria's garden in Burradoo, a garden that comes to life with Clematis everywhere at this time of the year, her tennis court is covered in both white and pink and the archway leading into the court is absolutely glorious.
and one of my favourite blogs to visit in Norway who also loves Clematis is Lisbeth, and her blog
click below and visit her beautiful home and garden.
Wishing you all a happy week xx Coty

And for two minutes stop and savour this Chanel commercial with Nicole Kidman, I can watch it over and over. The dress, the ruffles, the slow motion..... all beautiful.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Clematis and Chalk Hill Farm

As I mentioned on my last post I had come across a couple of very beautiful and creative people that I wanted to share with you, well here is the first one....

It's not every day that I my heart beats so fast that I have to sit down, I do see and work with beautiful things all the time but last week I was left a comment after my Clematis story from a lovely reader Susan from Florali introducing me to an amazing group of incredibly talented people at Chalk Hill Farm,

Author Kaye Heafey and husband Richard Heafey, floral stylist, Ron Morgan, photographer Keith Lewis and garden designer Mary Toomey.

You may all be saying, Coty haven't you heard of these people before, where have you been?

Well, I believe that there is a time and place for everything and that includes discoveries. I may have heard their names whilst talking about flowers or reading magazines, I may have seen their books in bookstores, but today I my heart was opened when I looked at the beauty of this incredible book and garden. It is a book that I want right now, I off to find one today.

I had to show some of these amazing and beautifully styled images. All these images are from Chalk Hill Farm and the book 'A Celebration of Clematis'
Where do I begin, who must come first, the creator, the floral stylist, the photographer or the garden designer. All these people have joined together to create something special and unique based on a flower that I love and adore the Clematis and it works so well.

Just look at the colours of the these divine Clematis flowers....and you can view more on their website below

This book is one that all lovers of Clematis and flowers should have in their bookcases. The colours, the arrangements, the garden, all very beautiful, the perfect Christmas Present.

Thank you Susan at Florali for the wonderful introduction to Chalk Hill Farm, to go to the Chalk Hill Farm website and see more beauty click here

All images are by Keith Lewis and they are all from the book 'A Celebration of Clematis"

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

New Season Elegance - Summer Settings & Simple Decorations with Ribbons and Paper

One of life's great joys is to be with your family and friends around the table and I just don't do it enough anymore, life is so hectic at this time of the year and my family seem to come and go each day that it is hard to find the time to be together. We used to always sit at the table every night when my children were little, now it has moved to the kitchen and we spend more time together discussing recipes and cooking ideas as both my children love to cook, especially Thomas., then they eat and run....

My love for yellow continues...

Well summer is almost here, which means I go into hibernation, I move into the coolest part of the house for most of the day, I am definitely a veranda girl and I have always been the one under an umbrella when I'm near water. The colours surrounding me at the moment are still very fresh and green and the light is becoming brighter and the days longer. My love for entertaining outside doesn't change, I just look for cool areas to set up my table and we often have our dinner later in the evenings.

This very simple table setting I created with a deep mustard coloured tablecloth to the floor and I laid some dark yellow satin ribbon across and down side of the table, I found this ribbon from one of my suppliers and he was clearing it out for $2.00 a 100 metre rolls, so of course I bought everything he had. The organza ribbon I already had and I created this simple little tree as the centre piece for my setting.

I used a single iron candle stick as the base and wrapped a hoop with the ribbon then tied about ten cut lengths of ribbon to top and then to the bottom hoop, just like a maypole. I like that the ribbon is sheer and it also moves beautifully in the breeze. I also added a couple of lengths of the yellow satin ribbon to the tree and glued a few little satin bows on. It would make a fantastic Christmas tree if you don't want a tree tree, not that I really want to start talking about Christmas yet!

How quickly they do grow up, this is my little nephew Eddie, he is now much older and I know I would never ever get that shirt on him again, he a real footie boy now and very cool. Eddie and my little niece Bella used to stay with us when they were little and I would seize the opportunity to dress them up and photograph when ever I could.

A very quick way to make a napkin ring is to use paper, oh my, did I say that! paper not silver!....Here I have made some little rings out of a wallpaper, it was such an interesting texture and just the right colour. I am always so inspired by the colours of the trees around me, look at the soft yellows and greens in this tree it is almost the same colour as the green grapes which I have dusted with icing sugar!

As I have mentioned in my last yellow tablesetting post, yellow is such a perfect colour for all seasons, it almost looks like an Autumn setting above with the brown pears, it's such a relaxing colour and as a stylist I love that even the white wine in the glasses and the butter matches the yellow. It is vey important in creating the whole look.

I would love to offer you all a glass of beautiful Australian wine or a cool drink while your here at my blog and join me on this garden bench surrounded by all these yummy yellow daisies and we can talk just about blogging.

Cheers! Happy Table scape Thursday

Welcome everyone from Susan's Table scape Thursday gathering at Between Naps on the Porch, it is the place to visit if your like me and love table settings and display.

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Oh, I have also found this week two of the most creative & beautiful stylists, one a decorator and artist and the other a woman passionate about her garden, I will post about them in the next couple of days and I also have more clematis to show you.

don't forget to come back and visit x Coty

How can I thank you......

A year ago this week I was sitting here in my office pottering away on my blog as usual at home hoping that someone might visit me, I had been blogging for many months before, but no one knew I existed, a bit like Julie from the movie Julie and Julia. I had a few visitors, but not many and most of them I think arrived on my blog by mistake. Until, two wonderful women, whom I adore, in the same week introduced me to all their readers.

Thank you Minna and Shawn

Two women, both incredibly talented and creative,

Minna Mercke Schmidt from Blomsterverkstad blog in Sweden

opened the doors to a whole new world for me. Minna and Shawn are so well known through the blogging world that there is little that I can say that you don't already know, except that they are both kind and caring and they both love to share with others.

They are a must to visit each week.
I was positively overwhelmed and totally amazed, my life changed and I have had thousands and thousands of visitors from them and thus began the beginning of my love affair with blogging and all the amazing women and men that I visit each week. I have had many wonderful friends since promote my blog and I am both thrilled and honoured when I see my work, my images, my link and my button appear on websites around the world.
I am truly grateful and I thank you

Today, is the 11th day of the 11th month and at 11am this morning we remember the fallen.

"Rememberance Day "

For more of my recent posts click here

Why I love blogging - your comments mean so much to me, thank you, Coty

SOME COMMENTS FROM FRIENDS & BLOGGERS AROUND THE WORLD..

Cote de Texas said...
What a gorgeous blog!!! You are sooo talented - the photographs are stunning. Makes me jealous! :)Thank you so much for your wonderful comment to the Skirted Roundtable. I loved it. It's always trying to think what could have been - but it looks like you have certainly made quite a huge success out of your life.

Thanks again!Joni

FrenchGardenHouse Thank you for starting my day off with glimpses of such beauty. You have a God-given talent to capture loveliness, and I am thrilled to have found your blog. This will get me through my crazy busy day today with a smile....your images of flowers, children and all that is delightful. Lidy

vicki archer said...A beautiful table setting - absolutely perfect. Lovely to have found your blog. xv

Julie@beingRUBY said...
WEll I want to live inside your head!!Coty you are amazing! What can't you do? heheThis is so beautiful and I love your theme and colours, simple but very effective!

Take care xx Julie

The Lady Prism said...I feel so lucky to have come across your blog! It is truly one of the most beautiful and remarkable to be found on the net. Thank you for generously posting. Your ideas and creations have inspired me to putter around my house today, decorating here and there :)

You are the most wonderful inspiration to us all.
We are very blessed to have you.
Everything you do makes my heart sing.
Thank you.

Warmest regards,

Lisa Milasas

Country French Antiques said ... Bonjour Coty!Not many times do I click on a blog and it sends cold chills down my spine.Yours sure did!!! You definitely have a talent for capturing beauty!Thank you so much for sharing it with us!I love your originality! S

Brooke from Velvet and Linen, Styling by Coty Farquhar is truly a feast for the eyes. It includes so many gorgeous images that are styled and photographed by Coty herself. I first fell in love with her blog when I saw her photographs of the gardens of Kennerton Green. I knew right then and there that I would be visiting as much as possible.

Bill said...
Hi Coty,Thank you for sharing these gorgeous, inspiring images. You obviously developed the skills as a photographer to complement the great eye and refined tastes that served you well as a director/stylist. I'm completely in awe of your skills and talent!So glad you participated in Tablescape Thursday!

Hope your weekend goes well. Bill

The World's Most Beautiful BlogGreetings from the Scribbler!I have discovered the world's most beautiful blog! It is by Coty Farquhar in Australia. In all fairness, she is a professional stylist and photographer.This is the GOLD STANDARD, ladies.Scribbler

Brooke from Velvet and Linen, Styling by Coty Farquhar

I hope you realize what an inspiration you are!
xo
Brooke

FrenchGardenHouse said...Thank you for starting my day off with glimpses of such beauty. You have a God-given talent to capture loveliness, and I am thrilled to have found your blog. This will get me through my crazy busy day today with a smile....your images of flowers, children and all that is delightful.Lidy

Tartelette said,

I have been following Tablescape Thursdays for a little while and recently found your blog. What an amazing talent! You are truly gifted and wanted to thank you fo sharing all this with us!


Heather Bullard said
Styling by Coty Farquhar - everything looks like it just jumped off a magazine cover. Beauty with every single post.

Julia @ Hooked on Houses

Oh, "wow" really is the word that comes to mind. These are just stunning--both the colored glass and the photos of them. I'm so glad you joined my party and showed us these. Thank you! One of my favorites of the day. :-)

Vicki's Bit-o-earth said...
Dear Coty, It is I who wishes to thank you. When I find a notice that Coty has just added a new post, I rush to see what beautiful imagery and words you've given to us. Sometimes I just sit and stare at the screen... lost in the feelings and thoughts they inspire. Sometimes, when the daily rigors of life seem overwhelming, I come here to your blog just to look at something peaceful and lovely. You are one of my favorite artists. And now I'm sure I will get to enjoy the autumn and winter images you are sure to enchant us with. Vicki

Sylvia from Villa Extra:

Oh !!! I am sitting her with my head in the computerscreen...toooooooo beautiful, I just love seashells!!!!And what you did with them in these pictures!! Stunning!!I can allmost feel how soft they are...

Minna at Blomsterverkstad Sweden said .. you never guess what I was doing last week?!! learning to use white sugar the same way you do! i used egg white and decorated a rose, one petal at the time. never tried that before, but seen pictures and finally got the time to do some testing. Your decorations are so fantastic!!!! Hugs, Minna :)



Tamara Jansen said...
I'm starting to VIBRATE just looking at your gorgeous designs! Seriously, these are amazing.

Country French Antiques said...
Stunning, beautiful, FABULOUS!!!What a way to start the day!Merci for sharing your talent!!

Jade Creative said...
Brilliant, magnificant and yet oh, so simple.Have a great day!Darlene

Chandy said...
Your great ideas are just filling up my head! Great things to share today!

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...
Just a feast for the eyes! Lovely!

Janie's World said...
As always, a work of art!


Just a quick note all the way from Miami, Florida USA.

I wanted to thank you soooo much, everyday no matter how stressful and fast my life may be (working realtor, mother of three, etc...) I open your blog and reaches my soul...( I know that sounds tacky) but your taste is exquisite. I really cannot understand why you are not published. You could be the next Martha Stewart in your country and here in the states. You really have a special gift and talent.
Thank you once again, and wishing you all the best.
Lizette Marolf
Miami, Florida

Brooke from Velvet & Linen said,
Oh if only you lived closer! I'd love to have you take pictures of my projects.
Your blog is always filled with such beauty that you have created.
It does look like a wonderful way to spend your days.
I can't wait to see images of the home you just photographed.
xo
Brooke


cottage farm villa (aka cottagecharm) said...
Coty, I just can't get over the roses that you post - I adore roses and I can honestly say that I have NEVER seen roses as beautiful. I don't think they grow anywhere but in your garden!! Just breathtaking!!!!! ~Cheryl


Blomsterverkstad Sweden said...
Dear Coty!Thank you so much for your kind words!!! I really had no choise but make a post on you - your photos and work is astonishing and I want as many as possible to share the joy of visiting your blog! A big hug and have a wonderful day! Minna :)

Blomsterverkstad Sweden said...

May I present a real pro,
Amazingly beautiful arrangements and photograps! Visit Coty Farquhar immediately!

Fete et Fleur

Oh, My! I feel like I've stumbled on a bit of heaven. Your designs and photography are exquisite!! I am so glad you found me. I feel you are a kindred spirit. Your thoughts on Christmas echo my own. Have a beautiful Christmas filled with peace and love,Nancy



Velvet and Linen said...
As always, your images are breathtaking!I am not surprised that two of my favorite blogs would do a post about you!xoBrooke


VERBENA.... NESTED TREASURES said...If there was a big romantic planet up there I think that is where you came from... your pictures are OUT OF THIS WORD!!!! and so are you... hope to meet one day.xoxoxoolaura


Monique said...
Hello !!I just found this blog.......It's so inspiring...!!!You've done so many beatiful things...!!!!!Incredible......I really liked the champagne-event ....with all that sparkle, baubles,mirrors....incredible....I find it very romantic too.......there's too much of black and white things into design lately...at lrast in europe (i'm Swedish but live in Rome)Thank you for so many ideas...Monica in Rome



VERBENA.... NESTED TREASURES said...
Oh my my this is the most amazing blog, banner, photos I have ever seen...incredible presentation!!! I am so glad I found you.. love it..wow...xoxooLaura

Tyra in Vaxholm said...
Exquisite, well done!


Inspiration i vitt said...Hello, Such wonderful images you displays, I becomes happy of judgment.Hug/Ingela.

Cinzia, Italy said...
I love your blog!!! It's magic!!! The pictures are wonderful!!!I visit you every day!Hugs,Cinzia


MelsRosePlace said...
This would have to be my favourite post yet being a rose lover!! I think you definitely need to bring out a calender, diary, cards - SOMETHING with your gorgeous images on them for all to see! I am very glad you have started blogging Coty! Mel xx

cottage farm villa (aka cottagecharm) said...
Coty, you live in such a beautiful area of the world! Your images of the roses are stunning. I agree with MelsRosePlace....you need to show your images to the world in a book, calender or something! ~Cheryl


laurie said...
Beautiful! Love the photos you have taken for your book. What a lovely book that will be. laurie


Les Cotrions said...
Your blog is fantastic! I've never seen so wonderful roses!!!Nice to meet you!Vale

Nancy ~ Fete et Fleur said...
THESE ARE SUPER STUNNING PHOTOS!! Wow! I've been drooling over all your roses photos, especially the one on your side bar!! Nancy

Na-Da Farm Life with Anne Marie
Thank you Coty..........
I was recently and most humbly honored to be added to Coty Farquhar's Beautiful Stylists list....and there is no other photographer that I presently admire more.....she is receiving snow and cold, while I bask in the sunshine and the garden..............it is most unique to visit her wonderful site, and see her world through her eyes, captured by her most brilliant photography......(who is she? she started at Vogue Living as editorial assistant to the Decorating Editors)I urge you to visit and browse...............you will surely not be dissapointed......



Millie said...
Coty - your blog is a visual feast & I'm devouring each post! We live in the gorgeous Adelaide Hills, so face similar challenges with climate & gardens, but like you, count each day in these beautiful surrounds as a such a gift.Millie ^_^