Thursday 22 December 2011

Merry Christmas, Thoughts, Thank you's & Wallpaper



Here we are again at the end of another busy year. As I tidy my desk and prepare for some much anticipated time away from the office, my mind reflects on the year that was.

It has been a year of setbacks, struggle, sickness and sadness for so many people I know and so many people I don’t know and to them I would like to say sorry. Sorry you had to go through so much heartache and sorrow. I hope, as the year crosses over to the next, things will improve for you all. xx

For me, I feel like I have been chasing my tail all year with to do lists the size of Mount Everest. No matter how easy it may look, nothing and I repeat, nothing comes easy.

With lots of hard work, commitment, stress, worry, exhaustion and tears comes achievement and 2011 saw the successful launch of our online store which I am looking forward to growing and developing further in 2012.

The year also brought some exciting jobs my way along with some wonderful new clients as well as old clients who are very supportive and encouraging and for that I am very thankful. I am also very thankful for the wonderful, hard-working and creative people I've had the fortune of working with this year both in-house at B&S and externally. They have all helped me more than you could ever imagine and I am truly grateful for everything they have brought to the table.

Throughout the year I was presented with some extremely exciting, yet humbling offers. One such offer is something I have been secretly working on for the most part of the second half of this year and it is something I have been dying to tell you about.

Do you want to know what it is?

Well, I am thrilled and excited to announce that earlier this year renowned Australian paint and wallpaper company, Porter’s Paints asked me to design a range of wallpaper with them and in the early part of 2012 we will be launching Anna Spiro for Porter’s Paints – a collection of wallpapers which will certainly spell my signature style . This is something I have always dreamt of doing and I would like to extend a huge thank you to Porter's Paints for this wonderful opportunity.

In the photo above and below of my inspiration board, if you look closely, you might be able to identify some of the drawings of the proposed designs. A special little sneak peek for you my loyal readers.

There will be 3 designs to start with and the collection will hopefully grow to 12 designs and maybe, just maybe, some of the designs might eventually be available in fabric too. The colour ways will be fresh and uplifting and perfect for all of you who love colour just as much as I do.


So, there are some big things in the pipeline and lots of hard work ahead in 2012. But for now, it’s off to the beach with my boys to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and just between you and me I can’t wait to spend endless days with them swimming, walking, reading, sleeping, laughing, talking, kissing and cuddling.

Thank you so much for following my blog and my journey. It’s been 5 years now since I started this blog and I can’t believe that you continue to read it. I really can’t.

I hope I can continue to fill your world with colour and inspiration in 2012.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!!

Love,
Anna
xx


PS.  I'll be back sometime in January.  Not sure when. xx

56 comments:

Anna Spiro said...

jlonit said...

Gobsmacked - I'm gobsmacked! That's fantastic news Anna - in fact I live near Porters Paints' main showroom in Leichhardt.

For non-Australian readers Porters Paints in Australia is the equivalent of Farrow & Ball or Benjamin Moore - it's a really big deal. Bravo Anna!

21 December 2011 7:33 PM

Anna Spiro said...

Janelle McCulloch said...

Congratulations Anna! That's wonderful news. Perhaps Peter Lewis will re-decorate Snapper Lodge (the Porter's Paints 'test' cottage in Sydney) in your signature Anna Spiro colours and wallpapers? It would look so gorgeous in turquoise, blue and pink! Wishing you a lovely Christmas, and a restful break away at the beach house. All the very best,
Janelle McCulloch | A Library of Design

21 December 2011 8:08 PM

Anna Spiro said...

Thanks Janelle! A big Merry Christmas to you too and thank you for your guidance and friendship this year!!xx

Jlonit - thank you for being a lovely follower of my blog for such a long time!xx

xx
Anna

21 December 2011 9:11 PM

Anna Spiro said...

Sorry, I seem to have had a problem with my comments and so now I've had to re-publish them but through my own google account. Sounds way too confusing doesn't it!!
xx
Anna

pve design said...

Anna,
I love the fact that we were able to meet and you were able to see your first snow-fall in NY!
Wishing you and yours a merry year ahead full of inspiration.
pve

EDYTA & CO. INTERIOR DESIGN said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
This is so exciting! Congratulations! Can't wait to see the collection!

xo
Edyta

Will @ Bright.Bazaar said...

Congratulations, Anna! Fantastic news - can't wait to see them! Have a lovely Christmas and thanks for all your inspirations this year. xx

Villa Anna said...

Holy bejeebus that is awesome news Anna! Congratulations! I can't wait to see them. Wishing you and your family an amazing Christmas and new year.

Anna :)

Lyn C said...

Congratulations Anna on a triumphant year with a very strong finish. I am only a new reader to you blog and delight in your glorious, warm and inviting style. Enjoy your rest x

matildaroseinteriors.blogspot said...

Wow Anna, congratulations! I'm sure all of your wallpaper designs will be fabulous and exciting. I look forward to seeing them. I'm sure you are finishing your year with a huge amount of pride & accomplishment and rightly so!

Kelly Green said...

Wow weeee........how amaaaazing for you! so exciting and very well deserved! Cant wait to see what you bring out - i know it will be super gorgeous! KG xx

Anna Spiro said...

Peta said...
Congrats Anna!! You seriously blow me away! I have so much admiration for the work you do. I honestly don't know how you juggle everything but in my eye you are an inspiration to women everywhere. As if you weren't busy enough but if you ever decide to hold workshops/seminars/talks about your journey and how you manage it all, please let me know because I'll be the first to buy a ticket. Well done! What an incredible way to end the year. Seriously. WOW. xx

21 December 2011 9:59 PM

Lorraine said...
I really like your colorful style.
Love,
Lorraine in NY

21 December 2011 11:28 PM

Daryl Wark said...
Anna,
A BIG CONGRATULATIONS, well earn' t.
You are so right, every bit of what looks so easy is really hours, then days and weeks of planning. Your creative deas thrown around until you get it perfect. I am so proud that Brisbane and Australia has such a fine ambassador for Decoration and Design and a person that is real and heart felt. You have followed your instinct and your heart and just look at what you have achieved. You too should be proud, the pain, stress, tear's and the unrelenting pressure has finally started to pay off. I know you are not the sort of person to crave notoriety which makes you even more the amazing person you are.
Well done, I cant wait to see what exciting things come for you in 2012. Enjoy your much earned break over the summer holidays, (I know how you must feel).
Warm wishes,
Daryl Wark

21 December 2011 11:40 PM

VictoriaArt said...
Wonderful news! I am sure you will succeed with all!
Wishing you lots of creativity for the design process!
Merry Christmas to you and yours! And of course all the best for 2012!
Victoria

22 December 2011 1:34 AM

Stylelinx said...
How wonderful for you Anna! I've been following your blog for years and this is so exciting to hear about your new opportunity! Congratulations & Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! xo

22 December 2011 3:54 AM

christine {bijouandboheme} said...
Oh my goodness...wallpaper- so so amazing. I literally can't wait to see your line!!!

22 December 2011 6:47 AM

Vic Bibby said...
How amazing, congratulations, that is a wonderful achievement! I can't wait to see the finished designs. You are an inspiration. Have a great Christmas and holiday with your family. xxx

22 December 2011 7:26 AM

Isabel said...
Happy Holidays for you and your family
and a merry christamas and happy new year !!!

Thanks for bringing color to my life
through your beautiful blog !!!

Your fan number 1 in Argentina !!!

Marge. said...

Congrats! and have a merry Christmas and a very happy and successful new year!

Faux Fuchsia said...

Super Happy for you xxxx

Karen said...

Anna FANTASTIC as someone who adores your style this is great news . Your posts brighten my day. Go and rest and enjoy. To you and your family HAPPY CHRISTMAS.
Kind Regards
Karen

vicki archer said...

Happy Christmas Anna... and thank you for the colour you add to my world... Your Australian touch is something I love and look forward too... it makes me feel less far away... xv

The House That A-M Built said...

Oh the little snippets look divine and very much you! Congratulations! A-M xx

Amanda (Small Acorns) said...

Hi Anna, Congratulations - that is so exciting, and so well-deserved! I'm looking ever so closely at your inspiration board and the drawings look amazing. Just imagine them multiplied across a wall. Enjoy the holidays with your boys and I'll look forward to all your exciting adventures in 2012.
Amanda x

Mrs BC said...

Wow, what exciting news! Well done, that is a huge deal! Congratulations, & have a wonderful christmas!
x

Sarah said...

Congratulations Anna! How exciting! Can't wait to see the designs - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family! ;-) xo

Jessica @ Lavender and Lilies said...

Congrats! So thrilling! Wishing you the best in the new year!

Anchor Cottage said...

We are so lucky to be able to have your sense of color in front of us on your blog. It has inspired me to recreate my store for next season. Merry Christmas Anna!!!!

Anonymous said...

so exciting, look forward to seeing the new wall paper venture!

Unknown said...

SO cool-- what a dream! Congrats on the partnership. What an amazing thing to see your designs put into production! Can't wait to see!

Cheers to 2012.

Viera said...

Anna have a wonderful Christmas with your family.
X
V

Paint Me White said...

Congratulations Anna well deserved, can't wait to see it all transpire. Sandy x

fashion doctor said...

Merry Christmas, darling! xxx

pve design said...

Merry Christmas Anna!
Cheers to you and your lovely shop and your lovely boys. May you savor this day.
xo
pve

TINA KENT said...

This is wonderful news Anna! i bet your wallpaper will be fantastic! happy holidays. LovT

Kate Lewis said...

Yippie, I'm so excited for you! Enjoy your family time:)

Talia said...

Wow! What exciting news. I am a faithful reader from the states and just thrilled to see your dreams come true. So deserving!

Merry Christmas and the brightest new year wishes to you and yours!

Cheers!

Calico Child said...

Merry christmas too Anna & wow a great new year to look forward to thats fantastic!! I bet you are so excited :)) Looking forward to see the wallpaper designs :)

Blue Turtle said...

I enjoyed your blog this year. More blessings on the New Year. And belated Merry Christmas! More power!

jeavon @ Interior Design Pro

Ivy Lane said...

Anna, I come by and "visit" your blog often and am always so delighted with the fresh colorful images and inspiration you exude. Here's wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! and..Best wishes on your new endeavor!

Ivy...

Adore Home said...

Congratulations Anna,
What exciting news! I'm dying to see the new range - will definitely feature in a future issue of Adore magazine once the wallpapers are launched!

Loni, Adore Home x

Meagan, in house nester said...

Congrats on your work with Porter's Paints! How exciting - it looks like 2012 will be an even bigger, better year for you!
Happy holidays,
Laura

Lindsey said...

Gorgeous! No one does color as well as you! Happy 2012!

Mania said...

As we all look up to the New Year
with new hope, aspirations and
promises...
Hope it brings you happiness and
fulfills all your wishes,
Wish you a happy and
fulfilling 2012!!

HomeRefiner said...

Very inspiring and so truthful. Thanks for sharing and congrats on the new job with Porter’s Paints.

Your blog is really gorgeous and always adds some color in my life!

Best wishes for 2012!

Trudys Emporium said...

All the best for your new adventure it sounds like a lot of fun! Happy New Year and may all your dreams come true! xxxx

Maryam in Marrakesh said...

Wowza...that is just amazing, amazing news, Anna. Congratulations!!!

love from Marrakesh,
Maryam

annie@mostlovelythings said...

Oh my goodness...what exciting news that you will have your own line of Anna Spiro inspired wallpapers...Will it only be available in Australia? You have inspired me and so many to embrace color and patters...I sure hope it will be available in the US! Hope you have enjoyed your holiday with your family.

xo
annie

Tania said...

Congratulations!! And hope you have a fantastic new year, can't wait to keep following your blog and seeing more posts, thank you for your inspiration!! xx

http://t-mareeclothing.blogspot.com

sue smith said...

i never comment, but this is big news!! congratulations! you will be fantastic!

Cat said...

Anna: so congrats! I love Porter Paints! They go under the name of syndney Harbor here in the USA. The interno wash is gorgeous. How exciting. Have a welldeserved vacation.
XXOO
Cat

Anastasia said...

wow so exciting Anna! cant wait to see more...here's to a FAB 2012 coming up!

Charlotta Ward said...

Dear Anna!

Happy New Year to you and a big heartfelt congratulations on this great news!

I can't wait to see your designs. I know they will be fantastic.

All the best for 2012 and happy designing!

xx Charlotta
Space for Inspiration

Fiona said...

How exciting! I hope you sell them so the wallpapers can be shipped overseas!

Heather Wiese-Alexander said...

Congratulations on your 5 year journey! I love your colorful desk scene & look forward to many more posts from such a happy place. xx - h

ruediger benedikt said...

very much like this blog, hope to be able to enjoy it this new year as well as we all could last year, all the best for 2012,

kind regards

http://www.ruedigerbenediktshopping.com/english/

Anonymous said...

My gosh, Anna, that is fantastic!! Congratulations, lovely! : ) I'm building a home (well, about to begin any minute), and hope your designs are available by the time we are through (May/June this year perhaps).

Just so happy for you, sweets. Good for you!

Kim x

Ness Lockyer said...

That is AMAZING news Anna! Congratulations. You have worked so hard and you deserve every success with this. I am sure it will be an enormous hit. Have a lovely restful time with your family...you will need it by the looks of things.
Wishing you well in 2012
Ness xx
Marley & Lockyer

Shell Sherree said...

Congratulations, Anna ~ with your talent, something as thrilling as this was only a matter of time. Happy New Year and all the very best to you and your loved ones.

Sofás de Piel - decorpiel.com said...

The harmony of colors, feelings, natural colors, natural, I have my house decorated with your ideas I think are wonderful and charming with you needed help I got it.

Anna Spiro said...

Thank you for your extremely encouraging and supportive comments!!

Yes, the wallpaper collection will be released in the U.S. this year also which is very exciting! Keep watching the blog for updates...

xx
Anna

Princess Sarah said...

Nice to read your post...i really like it! and your card is awesome you put it nice effort.Keep it up!

Vanya Wilkinson said...

Well done Anna that is fantastic news, a brilliant validation of all your hard work, dedication and talent; I'm SO pleased for you :)

If you ever have a moment in your hectic schedule and want some time out, pop by to Endless Inspiration. Its back in business and better than ever ;)

Best wishes

Vanya