Honiara, Solomon Islands

From Wellington to Heritage Park Hotel, Honiara

Last week I had the pleasure to leave my office in Wellington, hop onto a plane and venture aboard to my first international project...in Honiara, the Solomon Islands of all places.
I am working on a private project which won't been seen here on the blog, however I am able to share the sights I saw over the few days I visited. I was lucky to be looked after by my clients and drive in an air conditioned car to my locations - Honiara has a tropical rain forest climate and it was 30 degrees each day I was there, a rather dramatic jump from 10 degrees that I left Wellington in!
Before my trip, my knowledge of Honiara was of political unrest and ethnic violence especially from the late 1990's onwards. While I was there,  you can sense some tension remains. Scars and debris from past conflicts and floods are also visible. However, there is promise to the town and I met some great people - expats and locals, who are passionate about the country and who made my stay a pleasurable one.

Lush tropical flowers - a riot of colour by this car park

The days were hazy and the supposed stunning view of the surrounding islands were not visible during my stay

A friendly hitchhiker on the car windscreen

I visited a local hardware store to see what was available - love the old school peg board display

Solomon Islands House of Parliament

Seaside dining - a breeze is always welcomed.

Debris and scars remain from the April 2014 floods - worse flooding in history for Solomon Islands

An amazing hanging shell sculpture

We finished each day with Solomon Islands' finest - perfect for the hot weather

A crazy shell wall light at the Hibiscus bar, King Solomon Hotel

The 'guards' at Heritage Park Hotel

Photographs by Charlotte Minty.

Michel, Helsinki

Here is a restaurant that I have been inspired by recently - it is called Michel and located in Helsinki, Finland.
Designed by the clever Joanna Laajisto, a Finnish interior architect and designer who trained and made her career in Los Angeles designing large scale commercial projects before returning to her native country. Laajisto was inspired by 1940's kiosks that were built in the Finnish capital for Michel. I love the use of white tiles, pistachio green painted panelling, marble lined walls, natural timbers and cognac leathers. The interiors are light, modern and fresh (as well as stunning and timeless), which works beautifully alongside Michel's uncomplicated, fresh and approachable menu. Lovely.

Photographs via Joanna Laajisto

Halcyon House

Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach, Northern New South Wales, Australia

The CMID office has been busy over these last few weeks hence the blog has been quiet on postings. So here is a summery and colourful one to finish off the week.
While researching for inspiration, I came across this new hotel on the shores of New South Wales, Australia. It's called Halcyon House and this place has really got me into a summery mood.
This original 1960's beach motel has been restored into a luxurious one-of-a-kind boutique hotel. The owners, sisters, Siobhan and Elisha Bickle worked with interior designer, Anna Spiro of Black and Spiro to create this unique hotel that feels like a stylish home away from home. Each bedroom is individual with unique one off lights, antiques, upholstered walls and bed heads. If you love blue and white, this is the place for you.

Paper Daisy Restaurant

The main area in Halcyon House 

Vignettes and art from markets and estate sales feature throughout the hotel

All bedrooms feature upholstered walls and bespoke bed head boards - none of the rooms are the same

All photographs via Halcyon House