Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Dog on a chair
Siobhan sent an email to give us more 'dog on a chair' material to post. This time it's the adorable pooch (Morran) of Swedish artist Camilla Engman. Thank you Siobhan! This just might be my favourite dog on a chair photo to date, because that Poppa chair is to die for. Morran too. :)
Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects
The firm of Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects began in the late 60's with Jim Olson, who based his designs on some simple ideas: "that buildings can serve as a bridge between nature, culture and people, and that inspiring surroundings have a positive effect on people’s lives." And as you will see by the photos below, it is absolutely breathtaking how the interior blends with the exterior. I always dreamed of huge glass garage doors that I could open and suddenly be outside. *sigh*
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Labels: architect
Grey, my favourite neutral
Update: Our friend Drey of bijou kaleidoscope just introduced me to the grey living room of Kim from Four Beds Two Baths, as seen above. LOVE IT! I always loved a teak credenza against a grey wall. Thanks Drey and kudos Kim!
My sister was talking to her neighbour the other day about grey walls. Her neighbour said grey walls were cold and depressing. I SOOOOO disagree with her, and so much so that I had to post some photos of grey rooms to prove her wrong. I LOVE grey, but I admit, choosing a warm grey can be difficult. But I think you can do alot with furnishings in a room with grey walls. No matter what the shade, as long as you throw in lots of creams and nice plush fabrics (faux furs in particular), or some pops of colour, like orange or yellow (both of which I adore with grey), you can't go wrong. To me, if a neutral is what you're after, think about using grey instead of white. Didn't you know grey is the new white? ;)
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| Steven Gambrel | Taylor Howes |  |  |
| PointClickHome | Jeffrey Bilhuber |  |  |
| Domino | PointClickHome |  |  |
| Fox-Nahem Design | Jeff Herron |  |  |
| Beckers | Domino |  |  |
| Domino | Domino |  |  |
| Domino | Reinboth & Company |
Labels: grey
The new must have - greenery
Have you noticed that house plants are back? Not just your designer orchid but potted plants. Even bunches of flowers are being replaced by leaves and branches. I haven't seen this much greenery inside since the 80s and it's a trend I'd love to see continue. I'm currently tending three maiden hair ferns in my bathroom and all four of us are loving the group showers. OK too much information.
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| Caldwell-Beebe | Aimee Herring |
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| Steven Randazzo | Arbogast Design |
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| Arbogast Design | Annie Schlecter |
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| Kim Cornelison | Steven Randazzo |
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| Sacha Dunn | Cindy Ray |
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| Tria Giovan | John Gruen |
P.S. Why this post now? I came home to find that my body corporate had cut down a 60 year old tree that overshadowed my courtyard. Why? Because we are suffering a very serious drought here and the tree roots had found their way into the pipes. Sad that the cheapest option was chosen. It's an ugly scar now. Bye bye tree.
Labels: green
Monday, November 19, 2007
Idea Space Design
Idea Space Design is a Beverly Hills firm that is devoted to creating gorgeous furniture and dedicated to creating simple, elegant and understated interiors. Their portfolio is quite a sight, with before and after photos of their interior design work. The changes are so dramatic the photos left me breathless. I thought I would demonstrate the effect by including the before photos of their work as well.
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Labels: interior designer
Ara Design Studio
I love this apartment. The work of Ara Design Studio it was the winner of the 2006 Design Institute of Australia's Interior Design Awards: Best Residential Interior Decoration. That's just a mouthful for saying it is HOT! So is this Australian interior design firm.
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Images from Ara Design Studio
Labels: Australia, favourites, interior designer
Wee WINKS
It was one of those weekends where I didn't actually get much blog work done. Hence no WINKS but I just had to share these two juicy tidbits that came in.
- Ed from SwankLighting sent us this exciting email. "To celebrate the opening of our boutique showroom at Debris Antiques in Dallas, the launch of our web site SwankLighting.com and our eBay store … we are giving away this beautiful pair of Barovier & Toso lamps from our collection. They’re priced at $3,400, but if you’re the lucky winner they’ll be yours for free!Just fill out the simple registration form and your name is automatically entered to win. The cut off date for registration eligibility is January 15, 2008. The drawing will be held at Debris Antiques in Dallas on Friday January 18, 2008." Head here for all the details. Those gorgeous babies would look so cool in my place! (Oh and the guys are blogging now too.)
- And of course this ...."Hi, this is Mary Mulcahy and I'm so happy to finally announce that we are going to be up and running our retail online shop - hopefully within the next week! It will feature our new collection and all orders will receive a free catalog. Thanks again for you kind support. Best, Mary M, Les Indiennes, Designer." Have you been to the website recently? It's been updated with the most beautiful fabrics and wallpaper and the most gorgeously styled photos. A must see.
Labels: winks
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Saturday thrift finds
For the first time in a long time, I went thrifting yesterday. Now that I have sold my house and bought another, things have calmed down and I have a bit of spare time before the packing nightmare begins. (I don't want to say anything else about the house because it's in my lawyer's hands right now and I don't want to jinx it, but as soon as it's a done deal I will post some photos). I ended up going a little nuts at my favourite thrift shop. It's about an hour away in a small town west of the city, and it proved to be worth the drive. And luckily, I had my parent's SUV to fill. Since I am moving, there will unfortunately be no photos of these in their new homes anytime soon. I am just going to have to pack these up for the time being. And there are a couple other things I bought but they are for my niece for Christmas and my sister doesn't want to see them early. If you click on each photo it will take you to the photo on Flickr where I've included descriptions.
UPDATE: We went to yet another of my favourite thrift stores this afternoon. Bought more junk. Must stop going thrifting. Very dangerous. I am broke. See Flickr for details, again.
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UPDATE: We went to yet another of my favourite thrift stores this afternoon. Bought more junk. Must stop going thrifting. Very dangerous. I am broke. See Flickr for details, again.
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Labels: thrift finds
Flickr finds - craft rooms
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| Monkey & Bean | Hillary Lang |
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| Jupiter Buttons | chickadeesimone |
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| laurensh | helenjane |
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| Hillary Lang | multicrafty |
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| Skitzo Leezra | yo kelley yo |
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| listcalledlucky | freckledfarm |
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| fixerupper | jigabugbaby |
Labels: Flickr
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Doors
An interesting object is the door. Practical and symbolic. Entry and exit. External, internal, barrier and welcoming. Private and public, open and shut but always a rite of passage. Today I asked my husband to leave. Doors.
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| Tria Giovan | Mel Yates |
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| Michael Mundy | Alexandra Rowley |
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| Steven Randazzo | Thomas Loof |
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| bodron+fruit | David Hicks |
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| Aidlin Darling | Meg Braff |
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| Annie Schlecter | Aimee Herring |
Labels: door
Friday, November 16, 2007
MLK Studio
Los Angeles-based MLK Studio, created by Meg Joannides, specializes in high-end residential and commercial interior design. Her style is modern and minimal, with not much fussiness in details. Lots of neutral colours are used throughout her spaces. This works because the furnishings are so beautiful you wouldn't want to distract from them. I adore the glittery bathroom above and the white chair in the first photo below.
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Labels: interior designer
Organic Interior Design
Los Angeles eco-designer Kelly LaPlante and her firm, Organic Interior Design, are on a mission to show clients that you don't have to sacrifice style when you choose organic and sustainable furnishings. Today's world is so fragile we owe it to keep one eye on style and both hands firmly on sustainability. Not an easy task but front runners like Kelly are showing the way. Low carbon footprint and eco sustainability do not have to mean hippy horror, more eco chic.
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Images from Organic Interior Design
Labels: interior designer
d.garden collection
Deborah Sommers of d.garden collection calls Paris her home. She creates original textile art for your balcony, terrace or garden. UV protected and machine washable they are perfect for the newest room in home decor, the outdoor one. Add that modern graphic touch to an outdoor space, even the tiniest one. Check out the website for more details.
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Labels: outdoor spaces
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Sean Johnson
Sean Johnson's interior design firm was established in 1992 in New York and has become very successful over the years. "The firm's ability to accommodate a true diversity of tastes, atmospheres, and specific collections of fine art makes them a favorite of discriminating clients who value a design studio whose comprehensive understanding of the history of style and art results in highly developed environments of rich sophistication." The firm's portfolio has so many fabulous elements that caught my eye, from the antique settee, to the bold yellow walls and couch, to the gorgeous colours in the little girl's room.
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Labels: interior designer
Normal Room
The other day I spent a bit of time perusing the site Normal Room looking for photos for a post. It's a great site for ideas on how to decorate "normal" spaces on "normal" budgets. After some time digging around (why so many photos with Christmas trees???), I found a selection of photos that I think are far from normal (my favourites are above).
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Labels: website
Creating something new
Stephanie emailed us. "I moved into a new house about a year ago and found your blog. I Love, Love, Love referencing it for inspirational pictures and ideas!!
Now I have a new project that I would love your help with.
I just recently found out I am pregnant with my first baby and Im already thinking about decorating the nursery of course!
However, I don't want to do typical pink or blue. And I don't want the nursery to look too babyish.
I know that sounds crazy - but the rest of my house is stylish and I don't want one room to ruin the look! Selfish I know!"
Not at all Stephanie. Here are a few ideas. There are even more on the Flickr group Modern Baby Nursery Designs and of course the fabulous AT:Nursery is a must visit. Don't forget to click on the label children's rooms below to go to other kid's rooms we have featured. Good luck with the new baby and the new room!
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| re:place | Domino |
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| Bill Kingston | Greg Natale |
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| It's what I do... | Megan Morton |
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| Aqua Vitae | re:place |
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| house n baby | Design Conquer |
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| New York Interior Design | Modern Nursery |
Update. I forgot to mention the fabulous Nesting blog courtesy of Cookie magazine.
Labels: children's rooms
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Black mirrored wall
ABCD emailed us after having seen Jo's black post from earlier today, and sent us some photos of a wall in her New York City loft. She and her husband painted the wall black and hung 48 rectangular 16.5" x 12.25" mirrors on it in a grid. FABULOUS!!! Be sure to check out her blog ABCD Design, because she will be posting a photo tour of their newly finished apartment. There are some photos of her loft already on her blog and WOW!!!
Labels: reader's home
le souk
Danielle de Lange, a fellow blogger of the fabulous the style files, recently opened an online store called le souk, filled with incredible, drool-worthy items. Not only is her store fab, but she is donating 5% of the profits to Women for Women, an organisation that helps women in war-torn regions rebuild their lives by providing them with job skills training, rights education, access to capital, assistance in small business development and financial and emotional support. So go on over and check it out. Here's a sneak peak of some of my favourites.
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Labels: blog, shop, soft furnishings
Great Etsy finds
Gosia of blue bell bazaar has some great new finds in her shop. I LOVE the porcelain head, which sadly is on hold for someone (a lucky girl). Go check it out, it's really worth a look.
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Labels: etsy
Evan Sklar
Evan Sklar is a wonderful photographer who lives in Brooklyn, NY. I'm loving the ethnic vibe of many of the photos, and the hits of bright colours.
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Labels: photographer
When black gets better
Sometimes the day is just a little black. Things aren't going great. Then you find something that makes you realise that black is OK. Hey more than OK. Absolutely stunning. These photos were styled by Lotta Agaton and taken by Pia Ulin. Both are represented by Agent Bauer. Amazing talent, amazing portfolios. My day is a lot brighter now.
Images from Agent Bauer
Labels: black and white, photographer, stylist
Boy free zone
Sometimes we girls need a little pampering, a little me time. Sometimes we want pink and frilly and fragrance and fantasy. Time for a virtual spa day in this oh so girly, OTT spa room by Caroline Vesey. For when zen is not your yen.
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Images from Caroline Vesey Design
Labels: interior designer, OMG
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Sweet Crib
Leontien (or Accolady as she's known on Flickr) sent us a link to a mid-century Palm Springs rental getaway that is freaking fabulous. Just imagine the parties you could have here.... (Thanks Leontien!)
Note: Richele of *richie design* emailed to let me know that she had covered this house (photographed by her photographer friend David Zaitz) on AT:LA recently. So check out her post here.
Note: Richele of *richie design* emailed to let me know that she had covered this house (photographed by her photographer friend David Zaitz) on AT:LA recently. So check out her post here.
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Labels: OMG, real estate
Dealing with a TV in your living room
David, who has a 32" flat screen TV, sent us an email about a design dilemma he has and it goes a little something like this: "Why does it seem that no one in the magazines or design sites has a TV? We have a micro-sized house with one living area. We like to watch movies every now and then on our couch in said living room, but we don't want the TV to be the focal point of the room. We feel like a grouping could be done that would minimize the impact of the TV while still having it across from the couch, but I can find no inspiration in magazines or online to help me find the answer I seek."
I personally think flat screen TVs are kind of nice to look at and don't need to be distracted from, but hey, I see David's point. My favourite is when the TV is positioned in a convenient place in the room in terms of design aesthetics, but you can't view it easily from any given chair or couch. I saw this exact scenario this afternoon on an old episode of Home to Stay. Gimme a break people!!! So I went digging around my photo stash and came up with some photos to help David and anyone else out there with this common problem. Hope this helps. (I added a photo of my living room - I found that by filling the wall around the TV with photos, the TV was way less obvious.)
I personally think flat screen TVs are kind of nice to look at and don't need to be distracted from, but hey, I see David's point. My favourite is when the TV is positioned in a convenient place in the room in terms of design aesthetics, but you can't view it easily from any given chair or couch. I saw this exact scenario this afternoon on an old episode of Home to Stay. Gimme a break people!!! So I went digging around my photo stash and came up with some photos to help David and anyone else out there with this common problem. Hope this helps. (I added a photo of my living room - I found that by filling the wall around the TV with photos, the TV was way less obvious.)
Labels: living room
De Lisle, Philpotts and Staub
De Lisle, Philpotts and Staub sounds like a venerable law practice but it's actually a fabulous interior design firm based in San Francisco and Honolulu. "Neither traditional nor contemporary, our perspective is modern in the sense that function and comfort paired with graceful and spirited design are key to a successful interior." Too many wonderful rooms featured on the website. Take time to check them all out. Colour, glamour, minimalism, ethnic, traditional and fantasy. It's all there and all amazing!
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Images from De Lisle, Philpotts and Staub
Labels: interior designer
Monday, November 12, 2007
Are those dogs or shag pillows?
Thank you Tammy for sending in this photo of your Pulis. As Tammy says: "Two pulis are better than one, especially on an orange couch". I couldn't agree more.
Labels: dog
John Gruen
The dark side
There is something about a dark room. I don't mean that the light switch is off. These rooms are mysterious, cozy, snug, cool and cave like but they are also chic, elegant and unexpected. Be brave. Turn to the dark side.
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| Hallie Burton | Laura Resen |
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| Paul Whicheloe | Roger Davies |
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| Eve Robinson | David Hicks |
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| De Lisle, Philpotts & Staub | Nicholas Haslam |
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| Barclay Fryery | Justin Bernhaut |
Paul Whicheloe update
Paul Whicheloe emailed thanking us for featuring his work (as if we could resist such fabulous photos) AND to let us know that new work is now on his rep's website. I raced straight over. Can a great portfolio get even better?
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Images from anyway artists
Labels: photographer
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Remembrance Day
Flickr finds - fireplaces
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| achin365 | supposeiwereto |
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| goldenpaws | prosavage |
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| greenbroke | Second City Warehouse |
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| HazeyD | hhmosaics |
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| koalababe2225 | Larsz |
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| mjording | nevertrust |
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| primal_nrg | subblue |
Saturday, November 10, 2007
New in the shop this week
Can't see the forest for the trees! More unique hand coloured tree prints and a negative print available in my etsy store. OK that's the shameless plug finished for the week.
Labels: etsy
Dog getting off a chair
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"No Jo, no photos! No. Go away. What if I use this pillow to hide? Oh god still at it! I won't stand for this. I'm going. I warned you. No!" Thank you Mickey the wonder dog.
Labels: dog
Friday, November 9, 2007
WINKS
WINKS - weekend links. Here we list what has come in during the week, things we've found and things we think you'll want to see. If you'd like to see your blog or website featured email us and if we think it fits with our readers we'll link you.
- Pia sent us a heads up that there is an amazing vintage clothing, accessories and textile show on in Sydney this weekend. If you live there rush over to the Vintage Clothing, Jewellery & Textiles Show. Pia has been finding vintage clothing in Paris for her secret source and favourite store Garden Street Bazaar who will be exhibiting at the show.
- Cupcake Vintage sent us a link to her etsy store hello cupcakes!. Too cute vintage with new stock coming soon.
- Pam sent a link to her amazing blog Retro Renovation. Renovating a 40s, 50s or 60s home? Here's a blog from someone who has been there! This is her kitchen. YUM!
- Anne Bebee sent a link to Jeffrey Bebee Photographer in the Mid West of the USA. Wouldn't you love to be sitting on a porch like this? Thanks Anne!
- Moderndose sent in a link to these cute new wood grain coasters. Check out the rest of their great range.
- When is a skateboard truck more than that? When it's a work of art. Stephanie from Grind King sent a heads up to their upcoming exhibition. Click on the image to get the details. Not quite interior inspiration but too cool not to plug on winks.
- Karl from Swedish firm PID.se - Personal Interior Design sent a link to their site. I had so much fun losing myself in their beautiful online catalogue.
- Amelia commented on a post and left a link back to her blog A Beautiful Living. Great Swedish blog. Go check it out. Lots of eye candy!
- Redbean Design have introduced brand new card and gift tag designs for the holidays ... OMG is Christmas that close?
- Adam Feigen thought this might be of interest. OPEN from American Express brings their latest forum “Inside the Entrepreneurial Mind: The Business of Design” straight to your computer via web cast at www.openforum.com/eventcenter. This discussion features a critically acclaimed panel of architecture and design luminaries, including Michael Graves, Barbara Barry, Kenneth Brown and Cecil Hayes revealing their business experiences and the future of this powerful industry. The origin webcast was on November 7th but OPEN will also re-air the episodes on November 14th and November 28th. Directly after each rebroadcast event, featured talent from the panel will be available for viewers to discuss and answer all their questions through a live web chat. Sounds very interesting!!
- Last but no means least Chris Brown country designer, stylist, collector and creator of the wildly hip site URBAN PRAIRIE emailed to let us know about his assemblages available on his blogshop. Country style has never been so hip! Check the website, the blog and our earlier post.
Labels: winks
Kemble Interiors
Kemble Interiors is a design firm with offices in Palm Beach and New York. Celerie Kemble runs the New York office, and has been in almost every issue of Domino magazine (among many other magazines). Mimi McMakin runs the Palm Beach office and is her mother. I'd say impeccable design taste runs in this family. The furnishings are eclectic, the colours are bold and fresh and the patterns are to die for. Just check out the carpeting and wallpaper!
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Labels: interior designer
If I was an outdoor room ....
.... I'd be this cast concrete soaking tub designed by Oliver Burns. Alfresco bathing on late spring afternoon, pure bliss! I think I need some champagne too.
Labels: favourites
Punch of colour
This dapper little chap is Punch the Scottie and he is perched on a sofa in Chris from Toronto's living room. Look familiar? Chris is a finalist in the AT Fall Colors Contest. See more of Chris's amazing home here. I am so jealous - of your home and that gorgeous dog! Thanks for sending him in!
Labels: dog
Meyer Davies
I've loved this shelving unit for such a long time. I can't even remember where I first saw it. An online magazine photo pool? In print in the hundreds of shelter magazines I can't throw away? At last though I have found the architects, Meyer Davies. The rest of their portfolio is just as inspiring. Timeless and chic, modern yet classic.
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Images from Meyer Davies Studio
Labels: architect
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Two chicks and a camera
Susan Fisher Plotner and Cecilia Hart Wilden are the dynamo duo that make up Fisher Hart, an architectural and interiors photography company. Their photos are so gorgeous I don't know what else to say. Except maybe ohhhhhhh.... and ahhhhhhhh. (I suggest clicking the photos to see them larger).
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Labels: photographer
Bathroom inspiration
My younger sister Jen just bought a house with her boyfriend Dave which includes a bathroom that needs renovating because of some serious leak issues. So I told Jen I would post some photos to inspire her for her upcoming renovation. This was tough because so many bathrooms out there consist of really gorgeous and therefore really expensive tiles or marble, or they're simply really large spaces. Jen and Dave do not have alot of money to spend and although I haven't seen the bathroom, I know it will be a small space. Jen and Dave, do not take these photos literally. For example, I do not think you should tile an entire bathroom in black tile, but using all different shapes of a tile in the same colour is a great idea. (I've also realized that white tile looks incredible with dark grey grout.) Hope this helps.
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| Lagerlings | Lagerlings |
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| Domino | Living Etc. |
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| Domino | Domino |
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| Kenneth Brown | House Beautiful |
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| House Beautiful | Domino |
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| Living Etc. | Living Etc. |
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| II By IV | Stargo |
Labels: bathroom
It's all about the attitude!
Gorgeous pets on chairs are all very well but what about the attitude?! Chester owns his space. Thanks Nina for the fab photo! P.S.Love the sofa and the mud cloth.
Labels: cat
Art group
More arrangements of all things art, prints and even plates. More the merrier!
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| Annie Schlecter | Alexandra Rowley |
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| Megan Morton | Pieter Estersohn |
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| Paul Whicheloe | Cindy Ray |
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| Betty Wasserman | Sue Rohrer |
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| Earl Carter | Jackson Aaron |
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| Jackson Aaron | Noel Jeffrey |
Labels: art
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Dog on a couch with some fab pillows
Dean of my little apartment emailed to share photos of her half corgi/half beagle pooch named Bunny, who appears to love lounging on her couch with some fabulous vintage geometric needlepoint pillows. Thanks for sharing these Dean!
Sorry to steal your thunder Dean but while I'm posting more cute reader's pets, I thought I'd sneak a photo in of one of my 5monsters cats. Here's my favourite one of Lucky, sitting like a little old man on one of my mid-century chairs I inherited from my nonna (grandmother). This one is for you Auntie Jo.
Sorry to steal your thunder Dean but while I'm posting more cute reader's pets, I thought I'd sneak a photo in of one of my 5
Deborah Jaffe
Deborah Jaffe is a photographer who had shot for all sorts of magazines: Domino, Elle Decoration, Jane, Cosmo, Elle, Glamour and more. But of course, I am particularly fond of her interiors portfolio. Sadly, the photos on her website appear to be scans so they aren't very large or clear, but they are beautiful nonetheless.
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Labels: photographer
Grouping
I love grouping (no not groping!) I love the way that artwork clustered together in loose or formal arrangements often adds even more impact than a solitary piece. Here are just a few ideas.
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| Portland Mitchell | Aimee Herring |
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| Michael Luppino | Betty Wasserman |
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| Megan Morton | Paul Costello |
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| Paul Costello | Roger Davies |
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| Alexandra Rowley | Thomas Loof |
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| Tria Giovan | Lorraine Dawkins |
Labels: art
Cat on a sofa
It didn't take long from Kim's request for cats on chairs for Susan, The Kitchen Designer to send us photos of the adorable Sparky. "Sparky sits his derriere right against and usually on top of one end of my keyboard every day for part of the day. Other times he jumps on the tall back of my expensive chair and, what else, uses it as a scratching post. Oh, and let me tell you another thing...every night he sleeps just below my feet on top of the covers! How cute is that!" Too cute that's how cute he is! Here Sparky want to come live in Australia with Jo?
Labels: cat
Election time in Australia
Yes we're in the middle of a protracted election campaign in Australia. Still 2 weeks until election day. I don't want to show political bias so I thought I'd do a post that combined both major parties, the Liberals (right wing) blue and the Labour Party (left wing) red. So without further ado the red and blue room post!
And mustn't forget the Greens who will probably hold the balance of power in the Senate.
Take the time to check out these super talented photographers' sites. I'll be singing their praises in detail soon.
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| Alexandra Rowley | Roger Davies |
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| John Gruen | Michael Grimm |
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| Roger Davies | Quentin Bacon |
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| Barbel Miebach | Tria Giovan |
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| Daniel Farmer | Sandra Lane |
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| Eve Robinson | Oliver Burns Interiors |
And mustn't forget the Greens who will probably hold the balance of power in the Senate.
Take the time to check out these super talented photographers' sites. I'll be singing their praises in detail soon.
Labels: blue, colour, photographer, red
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Dog on a couch
Pethra of the Swedish blog Design & Inredningsbloggen wrote to contribute to our 'dog on a piece of furniture' theme. I'd like you all to meet her adorable dalmation Venus, who is a fabulous addition to her decor. (Thanks Pethra! And by the way, if anyone has 'cat on a piece of furniture' photos, we welcome those too, or any other animal for that matter.)
Labels: dog
Sara Bengur
Sara Bengur Interiors is a very successful Manhattan-based interior design firm that has been featured in some of the best decor magazines such as House & Garden, Domino, Elle Decor and House Beautiful to name a few. I love that alot of her spaces are white which draws your attention to the beautiful furnishings, like the bed above. Love that headboard!
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Labels: interior designer
James Leland Day
James Leland Day is a stylist, a REALLY talented stylist. The following photos from his website are so mesmerizing....it makes me want to gather all my knick knacks and reorganize them into picture-perfect displays like these. But it would never look nearly this good.
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Labels: stylist
Love this idea
I love the idea of pages torn from a vintage book taped above the bed. Love their time yellowed look and the haphazard (but obviously well planned) arrangement. From the work of Sacha Dunn. More on this fabulous stylist just below.
Labels: favourites
Sacha Dunn
I love the work of Brooklyn based stylist Sacha Dunn. There's an "other world" feel to it. Nothing is "precious" but everything is beautiful. Faded and muted or with a pop of colour just there to tease your eye. Don't miss more of her portfolio here.
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Images from Sacha Dunn
Labels: stylist
Monday, November 5, 2007
Living it up in Liguria
Mads of BunkaMadison blog wrote to us over the weekend to contribute to our 'dog on a chair or some piece of furniture' theme. The photos she sent of her pooch Eva (her dog-child) were too cute not to post, so they are below. But she also sent a link to her Flickr photos, where she has included many photos of her totally gorgeous home in Liguria, Italy. I HAD to post those as well. Especially after I heard she built the kitchen with her own hands, got into a fight with the architect in the planning stages, and had a builder who was on crack so in the end she ended up designing it, project-managing it, and finishing the build herself (hence the kitchen). I love it all, such a wonderful space and OMG that view!!!! Her home is a work in progress so be sure to check her blog for updates. (Thanks Mads!)
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Labels: dog, reader's home
Brownstowe
Brownstowe are a multidisciplinary design firm from Melbourne. Clean contemporary lines distinguish their work. Minimalist but oh so liveable their work is not precious but beautifully considered. Check out the rest of their portfolio including refurbishment of 60s and 70s apartment blocks here.
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Images from Brownstowe
Labels: architect, Australia, interior designer
Pattern Queen
Katrin Cargill is a creative producer extraordinaire. Imagine being a talented interior designer. Then imagine creating visual images for advertising. Then you produce style features for magazines. Your clients include Zoffany and Jane Churchill and you styled that now infamous and absolutely beautiful cow parsley wallpaper shot. You have written 14 books and designed rugs for the Rug Company. Katrin's mastery of pattern is amazing!
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Images from Katrin Cargill
Labels: interior designer, stylist
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Flickr finds - tulip table and chairs
Saturday, November 3, 2007
What's in store
A few new pieces this week in my etsy store, the start of a silhouette series leading on from my "Punked Princesses". Kim I have a kitty cat saved for you!
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Labels: etsy
Slow times at Jo's place
Too busy for much work around the apartment this week. Too few hours in the day but I did complete this little job this morning. I've long had a thing for the destination rolls from buses and trams. A number of years ago I got my hands on a few vintage cloth Sydney bus rolls which I stretched and sold. (Here's a snap of one.) I have a few Brisbane paper rolls now and wanted to frame some. As we all know custom framing is horrendously expensive especially for large pieces.
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This is the very ugly, very neglected but very large frame standing in the corner of my secret thrift store. So for the grand total of $39 and some careful disassembling and reassembling I have a framed vintage bus destination roll for my office. By the way that little recovered 70s footstool is my husband Kelvin's latest upholstery project. So cute! The fabric is from Ikea.
Labels: Jo's place
WINKS
A slightly wonky but wonderful winks this week. (WINKS - weekend links. Here we list what has come in during the week, things we've found and things we think you'll want to see. If you'd like to see your blog or website featured email us and if we think it fits with our readers we'll link you.) Lots of reader input this time which we love.
- Sol sent us this picture. "It's the dining room in my aunt's country house, in marble that looks like wood, and some ant chairs (though i think they're knock offs). However I like it a lot and I hope you can use it the next time you blog about Dining In :) We are a very large family, and I love how the zillion chairs look cramped around the table." So do I Sol and it would be great for the upcoming holiday season!
- Jennifer sent snaps of her holiday in Sri Lanka! "I love your Sri Lanka fetish! Lunuganga is insanely beautiful!I can vouch that Sri Lanka is amazingly glam. I was there 6 weeks ago." So jealous Jennifer.
- Katelyn sent us a link to these great photos on flickr. "hi! these aren't my pictures, but i think one of you might like this house. a two piece band live there called lullatone. these are my favorite pictures."
- Pia emailed with this juicy tidbit. "I have a little something for you, thought your Aussie readers might like. It is the release of a new magazine from the ABC called "home basics" , by shannon lush and jane flemming- i took a quick trip back to sydney in august to work on it and it has just hit the shelves. it is so hard keeping these projects i do secret until they are published, so you can imagine i am excited when they finally come out. i haven't received my copy yet but i have heard it looks great, so many great articles and dare i say, great shots! I don't have any larger shots to offer you at this stage but when i do i will get some to you, but in the meantime i'd love to let your readers know about it."
- Jo-Anne sent us a link to this great flickr set by Linzie Hunter, Spam One-liners. These are so cool!! Update - Linzie's work is available through Thumbtack Press
- And this in from Blissliving Home. Its founder Mei Xu has just announced a Global Design Competition, in which the company will select an original design for a new, complete ensemble for Blissliving Home's fall 2008 collection. Entrants will be asked to interpret an "Autumn Chic" aesthetic. More info and details here. Start designing!
- Ed Sexton & Doug Taylor form Swank Lighting emailed with this juicy offering. "Hi MidCenturyJo, I'm writing to let you know about our web site Swank Lighting. My partner and I recently acquired all the remaining inventory of the Edward P. Paul Company (BALBOA Lamps). We bought hundreds of pairs of these beautiful art pieces and had them rebuilt with safe new UL Certified hardware and we are now selling them to the public for the first time since they were packed away in their original shipping crates for nearly 50 years. Please visit our web site, read our story about this wonderful 20th century archaeological find, browse our beauties and let me know if you have any questions. Hopefully you will feel that your blog readers will want to know about us. We do ship worldwide. We also recently opened a boutique showroom in Dallas."
OMG! What a treasure trove. My name should be changed from midcenturyjo to muranoglassjo. I'm in love!
Labels: winks
Friday, November 2, 2007
A husband's photography talent
We received a really sweet email the other day from a reader who wanted us to share her husband's talent with other DTI readers. Here's what she wrote:
I am Issa Feliciano from Pampanga, Philippines. My husband Paolo, has recently put up an online portfolio at www.paolofeliciano.com. I would like to share with you his work and hopefully, you can feature him on your site as well. Mostly he does furniture and interior design photography. Here in the Philippines, the province of Pampanga is a major exporting hub for everything furniture. Everything that you will see in his photos have been hand made in the Philippines, including most of the accessories. Pampanga, Philippines has really an abundance of talent and I hope through your blog, we can share this God-given gift with the world.
Paolo's photography is stunning, and a big thanks to Issa for wanting to share his work with us.
I am Issa Feliciano from Pampanga, Philippines. My husband Paolo, has recently put up an online portfolio at www.paolofeliciano.com. I would like to share with you his work and hopefully, you can feature him on your site as well. Mostly he does furniture and interior design photography. Here in the Philippines, the province of Pampanga is a major exporting hub for everything furniture. Everything that you will see in his photos have been hand made in the Philippines, including most of the accessories. Pampanga, Philippines has really an abundance of talent and I hope through your blog, we can share this God-given gift with the world.
Paolo's photography is stunning, and a big thanks to Issa for wanting to share his work with us.
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Labels: photographer
Paco+Lupe
I was perusing Etsy last night and avoiding doing cleaning for more house showings when I came across some GORGEOUS pillows from Paco+Lupe. Not only are the pillows to die for but the shop, run by Celia Cruz, is from Montreal. Yay Canadian!!! So go check out her store, where she also sells cool bags and pretty quilts.
Labels: etsy, soft furnishings
Michael Grimm
There's nothing grim about the portfolio of mega talented photographer Michael Grimm. Beautiful photographs, wonderful insight into the soul of a room and how to capture it. The light, the colour, the clarity of these images. I feel I can just walk through my monitor into these gorgeous rooms. Check out Michael's fabulous website here.
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Images from Michael Grimm Photography
Labels: photographer
Retro and rehabilitating the 80s
When God was handing out taste most people say that the designers from the 80s were holding the door for the other decades to pass through first. I'm on a mission to rehabilitate this much maligned 10 years. Not everything was horrendous and as some of you have rightly pointed out good design will out. There are good ideas here, bright painted interiors of cupboards, painted floors, bold vibrant artwork and tasteful rooms that could be from the present. Try to ignore the ruffles and the dried flowers. I love the use of house plants from the 80s. Maybe if we start with that. Baby steps remember.
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Images scanned from Better Homes and Gardens New Decorating Book, Editor Gerald M Knox, Meridith Corporation, Des Moines, Iowa, 1981.Labels: retro
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Dog on a couch
Thanks to Zee of Homebug for her shout out to our 'dog on a piece of furniture' post. I said post but that should really be plural because it's becoming almost a regular feature here. So here's Zee's ADORABLE contribution:
Labels: dog
Dogs on a chair
Ingrid, a loyal DTI reader that I posted about way back when, wanted to contribute to our "dog on a chair" theme. She sent the following photo that had me gasping from the shock of so much cuteness (thank you Ingrid!!!!).
David A. Land
Interior photography at it's finest by New York based photographer David A. Land.
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Labels: photographer
Dwell
Dwell is one of my favourite shelter/architecture magazines. The photos are so inspiring, and the architecture featured is always creative, modern and edgy. So here are a few photos from their website that I love.
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Labels: magazine
Dog on a bed
We haven't had a dog on a chair for a while so here's a cute dog on an equally lovely bed. It's from the portfolio of Aimée Herring we featured earlier.
Labels: dog
Sharing some etsy lovin'
I love etsy and I love the artists you find there. Thought I'd share two that have really caught my eye. The first is Danna Ray and her store groundwork. I found her work when she contacted me after I opened my shop. Love her work. She sells original paintings and prints and I just can't pick a favourite.
The second artist I want to share is Jaime from Design Milk and her store Milk Art. Some of you may already be familiar with her work. I love it!
P.S. While you're at it check out Jaime's latest project on her flickr. Beautiful drawings daily in her moleskin.
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The second artist I want to share is Jaime from Design Milk and her store Milk Art. Some of you may already be familiar with her work. I love it!
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P.S. While you're at it check out Jaime's latest project on her flickr. Beautiful drawings daily in her moleskin.
Labels: etsy
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Woodson and Rummerfield's House of Design Part II
Back in February, Jo posted about this hot LA-based design firm. I happened upon their website recently and there were so many glamourous interiors that Jo didn't get to post that I thought they deserved a second mention. These photos...now that's HOT.
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Labels: interior designer
Smitten kitten
Since the first time I saw this rug, I was smitten. I didn't think it was possible to love a rug this much.....
Labels: rugs
Aimée Herring
I love Aimée Herring's work. I love the light. I love the composition. I love the colour or in some cases the bright whiteness. If a photo can be young and joyful and exuberant then Aimée's are. Her portfolio is a treat. Wednesday is such a hump day. Let Aimée Herring get you over it.
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Images from Aimée Herring Photography
Labels: photographer
Cindy Ray
Boston born Palm Beach based interior designer Cindy Ray has a way with colour. The rooms here have a tradition vibe but with the unexpected touch of deepest brown or rich green. There's drama and panache in her rooms. But Cindy isn't tied to tradition as the kitchen and bathroom in this series show. Love the details.
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Images from Cindy Ray
Labels: interior designer
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
All sorts of thrifted goodness
Sidsel wrote to tell us about an apartment in Denmark that is loaded with all sorts of great thrifted finds. A creative agency "Stupid Studios" is taking over the apartment to turn it into their office, but since the previous owner had such a knack of finding and displaying her thrift finds, they posted photos on their blog of what it looked like before they took it over. Since thrifting is one of my favourite pastimes, I LOVE to see what people can do with all the fantastic stuff they find. Many thanks to Sidsel for the link to this treasure trove of an apartment!
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Labels: thrift finds
White floors
Lately I have been dreaming about white painted wood floors and pink walls....not necessarily in the same space but those are things I do not have in my current home that I've been craving. Due to this craving, I got a bit of a fix (although I think I also made it worse) by posting about pink walls. So I thought I'd also post about white floors. I just love the brightness of the rooms and how the furniture pops. Perhaps I'm influenced by people like Jessie who go and buy white hardwood for their entire house. And while I'm pondering white floors, are they as much of a nightmare to keep clean as dark floors? (Because when you live with 5 cats, Swiffer becomes your best friend).
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| Domino | Bolig Magasinet |
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| Galanes Haverland | Dwell |
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| Paul Massey | Zownir Locations |
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| Dixcot Locations | Pia Ulin |
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| Richardson Sadeki | Pia Ulin |
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| House Beautiful | Studio Linse |
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| Galanes Haverland | Tim Beddow |
Labels: white
OMG I need to live here!
I have found my new interior design star and her stunning house near the lake in Zurich, Switzerland. Sue Rohrer is the genius behind these rooms. I think this passage from her feature in the Andrew Martin International Interior Design Review says it all.
"Designer: Sue Rohrer. Company Sue Rohrer Zumikon, Zurich, Switzerland. Wants to study at St Martin's School of Art, London. Could be exiled with just her Amex card. Would paint her whole house black. Feels that cars should run on alternative energy. Would love to be painted by Modigliani. Covets an Alexander Calder mobile. Wants to do lunch with Karl Largerfeld.
Fantasy cover story: Financial Times' How To Spend It magazine,
'Biggest Lottery Winner, ever.'"
Go immediately to her website. Go go what are you waiting for? There are too too many fabulous OTT rooms. LOVE!
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Images from Sue Rohrer
Labels: favourites, interior designer, OMG
Monday, October 29, 2007
Adam Friedberg
Adam Friedberg is a photographer based in New York who specializes in portraits, architecture and landscapes. His portfolio is full of great photos, including some from one of my favourite spaces featured in Dwell magazine, and an apartment I posted about a while ago.
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Labels: photographer
More green
My twin sister moved into her first home about six months ago and to my horror painted most of her main floor white. She finally came to her senses and decided the space needed colour. She thought green would work best with her furniture, and had a particular green in mind.
She loved the green in Nick Olsen's apartment pictured above. According to Nick, it's high-gloss Oregano by Benjamin Moore. My sister went with semi-gloss, and the results are fabulous. So fabulous I had to post about it. She wants to get some accents in yellow, and I told her she should try and find a zebra print rug because Nick's looks AMAZING. I also suggested she paint out the baseboards in the wall colour or even black because the white stands out too much against the green and the floors. The space has alot of potential now that there's some colour going on. Below are some before and after photos of her living/dining area.
She loved the green in Nick Olsen's apartment pictured above. According to Nick, it's high-gloss Oregano by Benjamin Moore. My sister went with semi-gloss, and the results are fabulous. So fabulous I had to post about it. She wants to get some accents in yellow, and I told her she should try and find a zebra print rug because Nick's looks AMAZING. I also suggested she paint out the baseboards in the wall colour or even black because the white stands out too much against the green and the floors. The space has alot of potential now that there's some colour going on. Below are some before and after photos of her living/dining area.
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This contemporary is a classic
Another look at a stunning house for sale in my home town of Brisbane. In our subtropical climate living outside is common almost all year round. A flow between the interior and the exterior is important. This is a stylish contemporary with one thing much prised by the inhabitants of Bris Vegas. No not the pool, the beautiful mature jacaranda tree out front. I'd kill for a tree like that.
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Images from realestate.com.au
Labels: Australia, favourites
