Hello Spring! Welcome to ‘Rabbit Holes and The Feral Patch!’
Thank goodness in Europe spring is here and Summer just around the corner, I’m over being sucked down rabbit holes, those quick ‘hack’ posts which leave you amazed at the things no one ever told you, politics – that disgusting subject which polarises and brings out the worst and the best of friends and enemies. The ‘health‘ bloggers who have the answer to life, the universe, and everything ‘wrinkles, fatty liver and unwanted hair’, ‘How to Train’ your unruly dog. It is endless, and when there is no reason to venture outside for some garden therapy, and knitting is not your thing, then there you go, down that endless rabbit hole.
One of those not-so-terrible holes is the one that leads to art and design, be it the latest Archibald Prize winner, Australia’s most coveted art award, or a new company offering mind-blowing design opportunities with amazing new products.
Spring in your step
Change has come, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and life is light and breezy again. Some seasons are just a little too long. With spring comes ‘Spring Cleaning’, kill me now! A time when you start cleaning out cupboards and shelves, only to become distracted and end up with a much bigger mess than when you started. You start off thinking you are Marie Condo and end up signing up for Hot Mess House.
A Hidden Gem in Tiles: Discovering TIENTO in Melbourne
Every now and then, I tumble down a rabbit hole and emerge with a real find—and this time, it’s TIENTO, a Melbourne-based import and bespoke tile company that truly stands out from the crowd.
TIENTO Showroom
If you’re planning a renovation, building from scratch, or simply dreaming up future projects, tiento.com.au is worth a look. Their collection of premium tiles is extensive and beautifully curated, with a focus on quality, craftsmanship, and distinctive style. From porcelain to ceramic and natural stone, TIENTO’s range covers just about every surface you could imagine tiling—and then some.
The TIENTO product range includes exclusive imports from Italy, Spain, Morocco, and Japan.
TIENTO is a family-run business with a clear passion for design and a hands-on, collaborative way of working. They don’t just sell tiles—they consult, customise, and help you bring your vision to life.
One of the things I love is their focus on bespoke design. If you’re after something truly one-of-a-kind, they’ll work with you to develop custom tiles to suit your space and aesthetic. They’re all about achieving the best possible design outcome—no matter the size or scope of the project.
Their Melbourne showroom is a visual feast, showcasing a wide selection of wall and floor tiles you won’t find just anywhere. Many styles are exclusive to TIENTO, meaning your project can have a look and feel that’s truly original—something that’s becoming harder to find in today’s market of mass-produced sameness.
If you appreciate craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and a bit of creative collaboration, TIENTO is one to bookmark. Or better yet, visit.
With spring officially sprung, I’ve moved on to the garden. The seeds are beginning to pop their first little leaves, which is exciting—except I never label anything. Ever. So when green shoots appear, it’s less “Oh look, the basil!” and more “Well, something’s alive.” It’s kind of like opening a mystery box, but with more dirt.
Our French Wildflower Lawn
Our lush French country lawn
I’m not much of a precision planter anyway. I prefer scattering to sowing—less control, more chaos. I figure seeds know better than I do where they want to grow. I tend to toss them out there and hope for the best. It’s gardening, yes, but with a touch of improv.
Rules and structure? Not really my thing. That’s why I cultivate what I proudly call my “Feral Patch”—a wildly independent zone where plants can do as they please. Nature makes the decisions, and I very much try to keep up.
In France, our lawn—or more accurately, our anti-lawn—is a joyful jumble of different plants growing side by side. It’s lush, soft, and full of colour, far more interesting than the tidy green carpets so beloved in Australia. I’m dreaming of creating a similar green sprawl in our new home upon our return. Something a little wild, a little weird, and wonderfully alive.
So whether you are enjoying Spring in Europe or Autumn in Australia, get out, feel the breeze in your hair and the ground underfoot, your body and mind will thank you.
Hi I'm Michelle, join me as I accidentally design my home and my life. I prefer being guided by instinct rather than formality and the expected. I draw on my eclectic life experiences to shape a philosophy rooted in creativity and joy. My passion is renovating properties to create vibrant, welcoming spaces that reflect both the past and the possibilities of the future. My AD blog is a journey of discovery through life and design, where intuition and curiosity lead the way.
