Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Period
Period is an interior design firm based in New York, and headed by Richard Livingston. "He is a master at orchestrating colors, textures, forms and materials, yet he has no signature style or all-purpose design playbook. Tired labels like "traditional" and "modern" don't apply to his work. Livingston celebrates the plurality of contemporary taste: he draws on the past to enrich the present and anticipate the future." Timeless neutral spaces, with stunning, substantial furnishings. Glorious.
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Labels: interior designer
David Jimenez
In my humble opinion, there is absolutely nothing more fabulous than mid-century modern and Hollywood regency. Pair these two styles (think Jonathan Adler) and I'm in heaven. PURE HEAVEN. My heart races when I come across portfolios as incredible as that of David Jimenez. I cannot believe Jo and I have not posted his work before. This genius of design has now made it to my top 5 list. His Palm Springs house, below, is something that dreams (mine anyway) are made of.
Labels: Hollywood Regency, interior designer, midcentury
Navarra Design
San Francisco based interior designer Kathleen Navarra is the creative force behind Navarra Design. With a contemporary style with references to the traditional her work is elegant with a clean line. Not afraid of colour or pattern Navarra designs rooms that are livable and family friendly without losing their style and sophistication.
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Images from Navarra Design
Labels: interior designer
Monday, June 2, 2008
Kathryn Scott Design Studio
I adore the portfolio of interior designer Kathryn Scott. Almost every space is punctuated with a hit of bold colour (ie. chartreuse ceiling in first 2 photos) or oversized artwork, and I love that mixed with her classic sense of style. "Our designs blend a sharp sense of the classic with contemporary insight and technique to ensure our creations, modern or traditional, are always timeless in style. We believe that everyone is entitled to surroundings that support their activity, inspire their actions and delight their senses."
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Labels: interior designer
Must see mag
I wait impatiently for the first of the month. Every month the first of the month I'm on the prowl for the latest editions of my favourite shelter magazines. I know I know I could subscribe but I love the thrill of seeing a new cover on the news stand. Last month I raved about Australian magazine Inside Out. This month I cannot get enough of another fabulous Australian magazine Real Living. It is just so good. Inside it's crammed with great homes, inspiring ideas and easy to follow get the look tips. Real Living is just that - a magazine about living in real spaces with real people. The thing is this real life is fabulous, funky, fun and budget friendly. Hope my clumsy photos give you just a taste. There is an "in the mag" feature but it hasn't yet updated to the hot off the stands latest edition. Still it will give you a feel for the magazine. If you can you have to get your hands on a copy. It's a must read! (Click to supersize.)
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Labels: Australia, favourites, magazine
Whitewash beauty
Looking through the recent additions to Location Works I came across this eclectic whitewashed apartment. This is a look that the British do so well. Slightly eccentric, slightly decayed but with luxury touches it is a calm almost zen like place. I so want to soak in that tub.
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Labels: locations
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Flickr finds - mid-century
Labels: Flickr, midcentury
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Reader request
Zee left a comment on Friday's rug request post that had me in stitches: "Hi Kim. I'm looking for some photographs of chairs on ceilings. Green ones. If you could post some examples, that would be great. Thanks." Jo and I can always seem to find photos for reader's request, even those made in fun, so thanks to Jo who found the following photo especially for Zee.
Photo via garagesailor
Photo via garagesailorLabels: chairs
Cleaning chrome at Jo's place
I had a wonderful score on eBay this week. I've been after some 70s chrome chairs for my living room. Of course I don't want to spend much but still want the "look". These are by Finnish designer Eero Aarnio for Framac, an Australian furniture company specialising in office furniture. Soooooooooooooo heavy but so comfy and by the time I'm finished they will be so retrolicious. First things first though. I have to clean the chrome before they head off to be recovered. I had heard that vinegar and aluminium foil are great for removing tarnish from chrome so as it was a rainy afternoon I thought why not! Surprise surprise it works! A little elbow grease and a soft cloth to finish. There is some deep scratching at the ends of the arms but I think the chrome looks fabulous. Cheap and a lot more "friendly" than harsh commercial cleaners. Just wish I'd worn gloves. My fingers have black gunk all over them! You can have a closer look at how I did it here.
Labels: Jo's place
Surprise .... reading guide!
(My vintage Penguin book cover collage)
Yes your eyes don't deceive you! It's a reading guide and it's not even a holiday long weekend. So instead of the usual WINKS I've raided my secret blog file and found some great ones to share with you. You know the score. Some are new and some are old, some are big and some are small and some aren't even in English. Enjoy!!!
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Labels: reading guide
Friday, May 30, 2008
Rug request
Janine wrote us with a particular request: "With all the creativity in modern design--angles, curves, patterns, and textures--why do the shapes of area rugs always seem to be rectangular? I'm looking for an interestingly shaped rug, something asymmetrical perhaps. I have, of course, seen nicely shaped animal hide rugs and would love to find photographs using that idea but, please, not striped or spotted. Seen anything like that?" After searching through MANY photographs to find non-rectangular rugs, I came up with only round and animal hide. But considering all the different colours of animal rugs you can get these days, I think that's a great option. I bought one for my living room because it's such a small and narrow space - rectangular would have made it seem even more narrow. And, well, rectangular is boring. I'm not sure why stripes and spots (my favs) are not an option for Janine, but here are some ideas...
Rounding out the week with retro
You thought I had forgotten. How could I not include a retro "fix" in this week's posts. Do I have a treat for you over the next couple of weeks. I have a copy of Terence Conran's The House Book and it is crammed with retrolicious pictures! Sit back and begin your weekend with retro baby! You know you deserve it!
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Images scanned from The House Book, Terence Conran, Mitchell Beazley Publishers, London, 1974.
Labels: retro
Victoria Hagan
I was looking through our archives and realised that we had not paid homage to one of the leaders of interior design, a woman who is a giant in the scene. Victoria Hagan began her career in 1985 and has dominated the American design world ever since. Her style is refined with sophisticated use of colour and dramatic pieces. Instantly recognisable Victoria's rooms are the epitome of good taste whether elegant urban or country retreat.
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Images from Victoria Hagan Interiors
Labels: interior designer
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Jennifer Cawley
Photographer Jennifer Cawley's portfolio rocks. It's full of eclectic, funky and fabulous spaces that I love. Love the bright lighting and composition too.
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Labels: photographer
Small space solutions
Rickita wrote us recently looking for ideas: "I currently live in an approximately 450 sq studio apartment. I've been trying to find inspiring decorating ideas for small spaces. Do you have any pictures of studio apartments: specifically wall decoration and storage ideas? I would appreciate the help!" 450 sq ft is pretty small but I am a firm believer that living in a small space doesn't mean it has to be filled with small stuff. My favourite small spaces include walls painted in bold colours or covered in fun wallpaper, some large furnishings, and oversized artwork (or large groupings of artwork). Hopefully the following photos inspire anyone living in a small space.
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| Clive Tompsett | Domino |
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| Robert Stilin | Domino |
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| Joe Serrins | Domino |
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| James Merrell | Gaelle Le Boulicaut |
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| Markham Roberts | Domino |
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| Domino | Domino |
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| Minh Wass | mlk studio |
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| Johnny Bouchier | Marie Claire Maison |
Labels: dilemma
Didier Delmas
I have three words to describe Didier Delmas' photography. Wow! Wow! Wow! A fabulous portfolio from a talented photographer. You know I love his interpretations of these interiors but I get as much of a buzz from his still life and portrait work.
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Images from Didier Delmas - Photographe
Labels: photographer
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
My chairs are done!!!
Because I was stuck at work well into the evening yesterday, I didn't have time to get a post ready for this afternoon. And since I just got back from the upholsterer, I figured maybe I could get away with just posting my chairs with their new cushions I picked up. It was a bit costly, but OMG soooo worth it. She did an amazing job. Now if I can just keep the damn cats off them...
Labels: chairs, Kim's renos and decos
Reader's dilemma
Tasha emailed with a dilemma. "I'm a single mother to a 17 month old about to move into an apartment (have been living with the parents to save money), and I was wondering if you had any tips for making a place kid-friendly without LOOKING like it's kid-friendly. I'm wanting classy but functional, and ideas about how to pull that off. I sorry, this may be too broad a request, but I'd appreciate any insight you might have!" Where do I begin!!
I'm a firm believer in children enhancing your life and not restricting it. There are responsibilities with keeping your children safe (no knives on the bench, faulty electricals and exposed sockets, dangling blind cords and the list goes on) but I don't think we have to live in a padded room or a cold white germ free box to keep our children safe. Here are just a few ideas.
Slipcovered sofas and chairs. Dirty? Put it in the washer. White is fine because you can bleach it. All over busy patterns are great because they hide the sticky hand marks. Leather is good and I have even covered my dining room chair pads in oilcloth - spill and wipe clean.
Focus on the walls. If you can't have too many nick nacks out on side tables then fill your wall with art to create the focus. High shelves. Keep those precious pieces on display but out of reach. (There's a great example above in the domino picture just ignore the booze bottles ..... oops.)
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| Livingetc | Free Spirit Interiors |
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| Domino | Domino |
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| Livingetc | Jonathan Adler |
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| Elle Deco | Bohl Architects |
Ottomans make great kid friendly coffee tables. No sharp corners or glass and a large stable tray can provide a spot for drinks. So what if it spills. Pull off the slip cover or hey live with it because if it's a dark colour it will hide the juice stain. Rugs can be cotton and a size that can be thrown in the washer.
Collections can be in screw cap bottles. Lena from a couple of posts ago had wonderful bottles holding all sorts of normal choking hazards. Screw the caps tight :) I could go on and on but I'll stop there. Perhaps the readers could chip in with more suggestions.
The photos I've found will give you an idea. Just remove the hazards you see with your imagination. A couple of Jonathan Adler ceramic pieces on a coffee table are just asking for trouble but that picture has a good example of a child friendly pattern. Relax, enjoy and if it gets broken or stained or there's a small bruise on your little one that's all part of living with kids. Hey your biggest problem isn't living stylishly with a toddler, it's living stylishly on a just moved out of home budget. Good luck and buy vintage!
Labels: dilemma
Real estate stalking
Like many parts of the world affected by the sub-prime credit crunch the real estate market in Australia is slowing. How does that affect Desire to Inspire? Less gorgeous homes listed on my favourite online real estate site. If you don't HAVE to sell then you sit quietly and ride out a downturning market. I did find this wonderful 1880 house for auction in one of my town's most exclusive suburbs. I love a classic Queenslander house. Wide verandas, soaring ceilings, french doors and old pine floors. Click on the images to enhance the stalking experience.
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Labels: Australia, real estate
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Essaouira
Jo posted a while back about "Castles in the Sand", homes for rent in the Moroccan coastal city of Essaouira. I was on the website for these homes and found so many amazing photos that I had to do an encore. I would give anything to take a vacation right now, and to a place this beautiful. *sigh*
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Alan Higgs Architects
Alan Higgs Architects is a London-based firm that does everything, from interiors to landscapes. "Our work is characterised by a sense of order and calm, finely composed spaces, generous open relationships between rooms and between inside and out, and the capture of as much natural light as possible. Our designs respond with vision to clients' books, art, and furniture, and form optimal settings for their specific lifestyles and aspirations." Their portfolio is simply wondrous, how they create open spaces that are so seamless. I particularly love how they design such sleek simple kitchens that are unobtrusively open to other spaces.
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Labels: architect
Elaine Griffin
I remember first seeing Elaine Griffin's work in Elle Decor. It was the Dining by Design "room" above and I tore out the page and still have it a few years later. (You can see the scan of it here.) I love what Elaine says on her website, "A person's home -- what it looks like, where it is, how it's lived in -- reveals more about him than absolutely anything else in the world. Think about it: you change clothes every day; you eat a different food at every meal. But you head home to the same house night after night. Feed someone, change his evening. Change his clothes, you impact his day. But when you change a person's environment, you change his life."
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Images from Elaine Griffin Interior design
Labels: interior designer
Monday, May 26, 2008
Kim's place...some progress
Like Jo, I have been so busy the last week or so trying to get some work done in my house. There are some exciting things coming up that involve my place and Jo's that we'll tell you about when we can. But in the meantime instead of doing a regular post (since I am lacking in time) I thought I'd post what I've been working on, and purchasing, lately.
For starters, I spent a few hours yesterday (with some help...thanks Jeff!!) putting up a forest mural in my living room. It was painstaking, and worrisome because we ended up with alot of bubbling, but this morning when I went downstairs, I was relieved to find out they pretty much all flattened out once it dried. PHEW. I love the result. It's kind of wacky, and that's my style. The cat on the couch is a pillow I bought on Etsy. Nah, just kidding, that's Jo's favourite cat Lucky.
Now for the office. Last weekend I painted the office floor-to-ceiling white. I finally said buh bye to pale blue walls, and ugly light oak hardwood. The room is SO MUCH BRIGHTER now. It gets alot of sunlight throughout the day, and with everything white, it's just such a nice room to spend time in, as I do...ALOT. My desk was super long, so I cut it down and covered it in some eBay fabric I've had for a while. Jo suggested I paint the door leading to the back deck yellow, and it looks awesome. I have a ton more work to do in there but it's a good start.
I've gone a little nuts lately on eBay and Etsy (and local shops) looking for trinkets and furniture to finish off some rooms with. Today I received 3 parcels, and am waiting for a bunch more. They included the pincushion chair, the resin grapes and the metal tray. The lamp I bought yesterday at a mid-century modern store here, and the table I bought last week at Value Village. It really needs a coat of paint, and I'm not sure what to do with it. I also have 2 chair cushions at an upholsterer so more photos to come hopefully later in the week.
For starters, I spent a few hours yesterday (with some help...thanks Jeff!!) putting up a forest mural in my living room. It was painstaking, and worrisome because we ended up with alot of bubbling, but this morning when I went downstairs, I was relieved to find out they pretty much all flattened out once it dried. PHEW. I love the result. It's kind of wacky, and that's my style. The cat on the couch is a pillow I bought on Etsy. Nah, just kidding, that's Jo's favourite cat Lucky.
Now for the office. Last weekend I painted the office floor-to-ceiling white. I finally said buh bye to pale blue walls, and ugly light oak hardwood. The room is SO MUCH BRIGHTER now. It gets alot of sunlight throughout the day, and with everything white, it's just such a nice room to spend time in, as I do...ALOT. My desk was super long, so I cut it down and covered it in some eBay fabric I've had for a while. Jo suggested I paint the door leading to the back deck yellow, and it looks awesome. I have a ton more work to do in there but it's a good start.
I've gone a little nuts lately on eBay and Etsy (and local shops) looking for trinkets and furniture to finish off some rooms with. Today I received 3 parcels, and am waiting for a bunch more. They included the pincushion chair, the resin grapes and the metal tray. The lamp I bought yesterday at a mid-century modern store here, and the table I bought last week at Value Village. It really needs a coat of paint, and I'm not sure what to do with it. I also have 2 chair cushions at an upholsterer so more photos to come hopefully later in the week.
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Labels: ebay, etsy, Kim's renos and decos, paint, thrift finds
Jo's place
Thought I'd share a quick photo of my weekend project. I've been rearranging one of my walls in my dining area (would love to say "room" but as a lot of you know 2 bedroom apartments don't normally stretch to a separate dining room). Happy with this for the moment. On to the next project.
Labels: Jo's place
Lena's fabulous family home part 2
More photos from Lena Hyde featuring her beautiful home. You'll find Lena's details in the post below . Double sigh. Stylish home and great photographer to boot. Oh and mother and wife and she has that wonderful daybed (above) as her sitting area in her master bedroom ....
Labels: photographer, reader's home
Lena Hyde
It's official. I'm jealous. Lena Hyde sent us photos of her home, gorgeous photos of her gorgeous home. So many beautiful images that I hope you don't mind if I do two posts on Lena. Before we all die of feelings of inadequacy I must point out that Lena is an extremely talented photographer who captures children in all their joy and beauty. She blogs (you'll find the link on her website) and is also the force behind Design Aglow, an online resource for information and products directed at professional wedding and portrait photographers. Love how Lena uses photography in her home! (Don't forget to click on the images to see them in their glory.)
Labels: photographer, reader's home
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Flickr finds - books
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| RobSog | Bougainvillea |
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| Saidos | hownowdesign |
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| Public Design Center | paper pony |
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| ClatieK | bahkyo |
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| lesterhead | boopsie.daisy |
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| kimdimsunshine | littlerissa |
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| moline | psychofish |
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| skm122 | vampmodern |
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| yo kelley yo | Irina Troitskaya |
Saturday, May 24, 2008
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. So what's in this week?
- A great new online magazine/blog to me but Jane from Atticmag tells me that they've been on the web for over a year. Pop over and ravage their archives if you're not already one of their readers. I love it when I find new sites. Happy hours clicking through eye candy. Thanks Jane!!
- Rachel Burke from Balahu works to promote the arts in Philadelphia. She emailed to introduce us to glass artist Steve Hagan. "I love reading your blog because of all of the fascinating and creative pieces you choose to share. From the pictures that you have chosen for the blog, I see that every piece of furniture/color/print/accent, does its own job to communicate energy and creativity as a whole. Here is an artist that would most certainly add illuminating vibrancy and energy to any room with exciting bowls, vases, etc." And she's right. Steve's work is amazing. While you're at Balahu check out the other artists Rachel promotes.
- This in from Lotta Jansdotter. "I would like to invite you to join me and my friends to do some fabric printing together. I have carved out some of my designs in rubber and potato stamps and it would be lovely if you wanted to join in and try them out. I will share some simple techniques and together we will print on cotton fabric swatches. There will also be wine, plenty of inks and stencils and happy music to get inspired by. It would be great if you can come!" If you're near San Francisco or Brooklyn click here for all the details.
- Great news: Dwell has reached their ticket sales goal for the Dwell on Design Exhibition on in L.A., and has now extended their coupon code offer for a free Exhibition ticket to anyone that has not already purchased a ticket to this fantastic event. If you'd like to take advantage of this, the code that you'll need is BDODEC, and you can register for the Exhibition through this link.
- 1stdibs not enough for you? Ben Spaisman emailed to let us know of a new web marketplace for the highest quality antiques, fine art and design, Bond & Bowery. I'm drooling over the beautiful pieces available and bemoaning the fact that now I have 2 websites to take up my spare time. I love that the best the world has to offer is all in one convenient spot. Sigh!
- Call for entries for tea towel exhibit! That's what Maya wrote. "I am organizing an exhibit of artist-and designer-created tea towels, which will be displayed at Nicholas Gallery in downtown Cincinnati beginning in July. I'm hoping that you can help me get the word out by passing this on to cool, creative people you know and/or posting a note about the call on your blog." Of course we'll pass it on Maya. details here.
- It's the season for new online stores. Molly let us know of another one, this time for all you modern design junkies out there. "I want to introduce you to a brand just launched Zwello from the founders of YLighting.com. Zwello is a virtual store of modern design. They carry furniture and accessories by many of the mid-century more noted names but they're also big on fresh new designers. A whose-who of modern designers' work is for sale including Alvar Aalto, Carlo Alessi, Charles and Ray Eames, Frank Gehry, Michael Graves, Isamu Noguchi, and many more." Stop it! Too many gorgeous things!
- Sophia Portocarrero has a new wallpaper and fabric collection. Python print never looked so good.
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Labels: winks
Friday, May 23, 2008
The Pier
Some of you may have noticed a new sponsor in the side bar. We'd like to introduce The Pier. With stores throughout the UK and a comprehensive online catalogue they help you achieve a global look in your home. It's a great time to visit their website with up to 30% off items across their range in celebration of the May Bank Holiday. Hurry offer ends Tuesday May 27. May madness any one?
Labels: sponsor
Virginia MacDonald
Virginia MacDonald is a Canadian photographer whose work is all too familiar to me, as she's worked for several magazines that I subscribe to, such as Style at Home, Canadian House and Home and Canadian Home and Country. Her portfolio is full of bright, fresh spaces. And the kicker - her portfolio includes a selection of adorable animal photos that had me grinning from ear to ear.
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Labels: Canada, photographer
Butterfly effect
Philippe Caillaud sent me a link to his blog Le Vol du Variable via a breathtaking image of butterflies. Clicking over I discovered that Phillippe is a French artist who works with plastic, paper and thousands of steel pins. According to my page translator his profile says "I am a contemporary artist who works around the lightness and soaring". Kim would be better at translating as she speaks French. We haven't featured artists very regularly lately and I just had to share. I'm dreaming of a hurricane spiral of butterflies on my dining room walls. Beautiful Phillippe, beautiful.
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Labels: art
Area
With clean modern lines referencing classical traditions New york based Area Interior Design also places emphasis on the use of environmentally responsible materials, products and building practices. Some very clever space saving solutions here especially for small space living. Love their bold use of colour balanced by crisp clean white.
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Images from Area Interior Design
Labels: interior designer
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Jocelyne Beaudoin
Jocelyne Beaudoin is a prop stylist and set designer with quite a diverse portfolio - a mix of rustic country and modern contemporary. I love it all.
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Labels: stylist
Lili Abir Regen
Prop stylist and set designer Lili Abir Regen has a jaw-dropping portfolio that is just one incredible space after another, and we've posted several photos of her work before. For kicks, check out her editorial portfolio - talk about creative!
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Labels: stylist
Aqua Vitae Design
Alexandra and Eliot Angle are the creative force behind L.A. based Aqua Vitae Design. Not slavishly tied to any particular style they have a fresh take on the West Coast look. But interior design is not all these talented couple do. They are furniture designers, event designers, authors and television hosts. I'm totally in love with that chaise in the bathroom and would love to host many a dinner party at that table in that room with that view!
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Images from Aqua Vitae Design
Labels: interior designer
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Dorm design dilemma
Kim wrote us hoping we could help her with a design dilemma: "I am a uni student living on campus. My uni room is quite large and easily fits a king sized bed, a bar fridge, a bedside table and two tables. I am looking for an ethnic and minimal look (if that even exists). The walls are the real ugly dorm room walls. I have tried covering two of them up with pictures but am left with one really large blank wall. Any more pictures will definitively defeat the minimal look I'm going for. Any suggestions?? The room currently has a burgundy Thai bedspread with silk cushions, Turkish carpet and a Moroccan inspired lantern. Any help is appreciated!!"
Kim - your room sounds gorgeous so far! I have a couple of suggestions for you - an ornate wood mirror, carved wooden panels, a fab piece of fabric simply tacked up, or a big (but flat) tropical plant. Below are some photos of ethnic bedrooms and a couple living rooms for inspiration. We'd love to see photos of the room once completed!
Kim - your room sounds gorgeous so far! I have a couple of suggestions for you - an ornate wood mirror, carved wooden panels, a fab piece of fabric simply tacked up, or a big (but flat) tropical plant. Below are some photos of ethnic bedrooms and a couple living rooms for inspiration. We'd love to see photos of the room once completed!
Labels: bedroom, dilemma, Moroccan
Buck House blues
Are you addicted to 1stdibs like I am? I wait eagerly each week for my "fix". My favourite dealer? Buck House. Deborah Buck is an artist and designer. Her Madison Ave, New York gallery is artfully crammed with treasures that make my heart sing. Her ability to source beautiful objects is uncanny and the vignettes she creates in her shop are akin to creating paintings. Am I gushing? Can't help it because I'd live in her gallery if I could. Her "sense" of blue is amazing. Enough ... enjoy the pictures.
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Images from Buck House
Labels: art, designer, shop, website
The fuse is lit
Danielle Mac Innes is the creative force behind Fuse Interiors. Just named as Best Newcomer at Ireland's Interior Design 2008 her style is fun, funky and fabulous! Danielle kindly sent us these pictures of one of her latest projects and I don't know about you but I'm packing my bags to move in. Irish houses are not known for their great interior design (think net curtains, wallpaper boarders and loud wall to wall carpet) but with Danielle on the scene I can see things changing rapidly. Check out the rest of her portfolio here.
Labels: interior designer
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Homes in Atlanta
While perusing the internet, I found many photos of lovely homes in Atlanta, from Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine. I adore the first photo (I love any room with a faux zebra rug - so glam)...and the second...and the third...the fourth too...
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Labels: magazine
Sacrifices
Daphne wrote us with an interesting and common problem: "So, I have a happy dilemma, but a dilemma nonetheless. The BF and I are taking the plunge, and he's in the process of moving in with me now. He's pretty content to let me handle the decor, but I want him to feel like he lives here, too. So ... rock posters? I need to see some inspiring photos of ways to keep a bedroom looking sophisticated and elegant with rock poster. Yikes. So far, I am thinking of painting room light gray and framing the posters with carved wood frames painted glossy black. Maybe it will be dramatic. Any ideas?"
For starters your idea is a good one. But I love grey walls and anything in a glossy black frame. Maybe these rock posters you have to deal with aren't as bad as some of us may be imagining. But based on the fact that we don't know what they look like, I have a couple of ideas and a bunch of photos that might help. I don't think you can go wrong painting the walls dark, which would go with the hard edge of a rock poster, or you can glam it up using flocked wallpaper. If you don't want to go dark, then just funk up the room with fun colours and textures, and make it a quirky, eclectic space where you'd expect the unexpected (like a rock poster...in a bedroom). A thin black frame is classic and would work as well as a wooden glossy black one too, or if the posters turn out to have some good colours you can use as accents in the room, maybe thin coloured frames, like yellow or red. P.S. I could only find one photo with a rock poster featured. :)
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| Kenneth Brown | Style at Home |
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| Elle Decoration | Peter Rüssman |
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| Alison Spear | Wayne Vincent |
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| Jeff Andrews | Ngoc Minh Ngo |
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| Greg Natale | House to Home |
Ruy Teixeira
Brazilian born Italian based photographer Ruy Teixeira's work has a poetic element that is not often captured through a lens. His understanding of and respect for the design he shoots is obvious. His portfolio is mind blowing not just his houses but his amazing collection of portraits of the world's leading designers. This is just a taste. Vibrant, exuberant and empathic, three words I use to describe his work. One word? Fabulous!
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Images from Ruy Teixeira
Labels: photographer
Monday, May 19, 2008
Lauren Rubinstein
I am just loving these beautiful spaces from the portfolio of photographer Lauren Rubinstein, and the artwork in the first couple photos in particular.
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Labels: photographer
Can't see the forest for the trees ...
Or the furniture for the plants! Laurel emailed with her design dilemma. "Have you ever done a post of cool rooms that includes large dramatic houseplants? I just staggered home carrying a 6' fishtail palm and am looking for ideas -- a big mirror on the wall behind it is as far as I've gotten in my thinking." I've pulled a few from the files Laurel and while only one features a large mirror (great idea) they all have something in common - the 2 "Cs", containers and care. Dress your palm in a fabulous pot and lavish it with attention. Nothing looks worse than a tatty plastic pot or a tree that has dropped half its leaves from neglect. I love plants in the house although I must admit I'm more a fern on the bathroom window girl. Good luck with your palm. Have you given it a name yet?
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| Francis Smith | Bruce Bierman Design |
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| Paul Whicheloe | Tria Giovan |
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| Redmond Aldrich | bodron+fruit |
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| Alexandra Rowley Photographs | Caldwell Beebe Interiors |
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| Alan Tanksley | Caldwell Beebe Interiors |
What do we want?
More retro! Once again the scans are from Woman's Day All Colour Book of Home Decorating & Design, Edited by Babette Hayes, Octopus Australia, 1977. Some interesting space saving solutions here as well as some that are just "interesting" including ruched headboards and bathroom carpet. I wonder why we stopped doing those last two? Enjoy!
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Labels: retro
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Flea market scores
I just got back from the flea market, which is REALLY crappy and the only one we have here. But I managed to score, big time. I think Jo and I are starting a peacock chair collection - not that either of us have room for several of these chairs in our small spaces, but when you spot a really decent quality one for TWELVE dollars, you've just got to scoop it up. Which is exactly what I did. I also picked up 2 terracotta buddha heads for my backyard for $10 each, a brass peacock for $5, a brass vase for $7, a West German vase for $15, and a painting for $6. All in a morning's work.
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Labels: Kim's renos and decos, thrift finds
Flickr finds - plants
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| gloamingdesigns | Lady Guedes |
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| Attic24 | tooyellow |
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| cuppycakegumdrops | Lady Guedes |
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| jushih | Retromod |
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| jawcey | Catjerome |
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| Evalula | Salon For Sale |
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| dang panda | Jen44 |
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| Camilla E | minolog |
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Jo's place
So I feel like a queen with a throne ... or should that be a blogger with a bad case of retro! My new peacock chair fills a corner of my office (it's HUGE!). For once I resisted the urge to paint a piece of furniture. It was such a lovely day today. The sun was streaming in through the window and all I wanted to do was climb into my chair and read a book. Sorry, too much blogging to do and besides a big comfy pillow is needed for the seat. It's hard on the old bottom! The wall is a work in progress and the Keep Calm poster is a present for a friend. You know I tried minimalism once but just couldn't do it. I wonder why?
Labels: Jo's place, red, retro
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. So what's in this week?
- New must read blog! Shannon Fricke has given in to the lure of blogging. Gorgeous gorgeous just like her personal style. Follow the renovations of her recently acquired country New South Wales property and drool over the eye candy she shares. To see how much we love Shannon click here and here.
- 2Modern have launched their new 2Modern Design Directory. It is a great way for Modern Architects and Interior Designers to promote their work (it's free to get listed)...and a really easy way for businesses or consumers to find pre-screened Modern Architects and Interior Designers in their area. I've been busy checking out fabulous designers from all over the States. Great resource (and not just for us!). While your link hoping don't forget to drop by 2Modern's blog, always a must read!
- Lee Kleinhelter from the über stylish Pieces shot this into the inbox. "40% Off Chic Dog Accessories! This Saturday, May 17th 10am - 5pm. ALL DOGS WELCOME! Treats and water will be provided for the pooches." They'll need a deep drink to cool down after getting all hot under the collar over Lee's fabulous fur baby must haves!
- It's so exciting over at design*sponge. Grace has opened the voting for the 2008 d*s scholarship and the 12 finalists will blow you away. Amazing talent and a fabulous contest to foster emerging designers. Links to voting here.
- Fabulous furniture in the email inbox. Ghettogloss presents its first-ever exhibition featuring furniture as art, and art as furniture in a solo-show by artist/designer Eve Yun. This is a unique line of high-end furniture, influenced mostly by nature and Asian culture. All the furniture pieces are "green", made with all natural materials, including hardwood, silk and cotton. The line has been described as "furniture that fuses organic and moderne with quality in art."
- Jeni Crawford from Rian Rae has beautiful new finds in store from fabulous dreamy chandeliers to the cutest mushroom soaps. Time to drop around to her online store for another look. Sigh!
Jeni has a fabulous promo running until 22 May. Anyone who makes a purchase of $200 or more, gets to choose one of these gorgeous bags (colour of their choice). These ruffle bags make great laundry bags or totes for carrying your towels and beach supplies. Jeni just asks that after making a purchase, you shoot her a quick email letting her know which colour you would like. Love these. YUM! - Laura from Fifi Flowers Design Decor is a talented artist who created this lovely room from images that she loved from the blogs she visits. To see more of her room and the real pieces that inspired it click over here.
- Charmingwall is just about the cutest animated website I've seen in quite some time. After you've stopped marvelling at the wonderful line drawings winding around the page you'll realise that it is the online store of a New York gallery specialising in carefully curated limited edition fine art prints. And do the prints match the hype of the animated site? You bet! I want them all!
- The long awaited debut issue of the alt-country style+design webzine from Urban Prairie’s Chris Brown titled “REFUELED” is here! “I have felt for a long time that there should be a alternative magazine in the country arena.” said Chris, “I want to continue to blur the lines with country - continue to inspire a younger generation.” Each issue, to be published bi-yearly, will feature collectors, shows, designers, decor, style & music. Like Chris it's just pure country class! Man you produce some great sh*t Chris!
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So much more to share but I've run out of time. There's always next week!
Labels: winks
Friday, May 16, 2008
Barn conversion inspiration
Penny wrote us recently with what I'd have to say is the toughest request yet: "In the next few months, I am going to begin renovating a big barn on my property in France to turn into a "great room" (kitchen/living room). I have been trying to collect photos from magazines with modern kitchens/living rooms in renovated barns, but I have only come across a few. Do you have any such photos that you could post on your blog?" The simplest answer to Penny's question is no. But what I did find are photos of lofty spaces that are multi-purpose, that might help with ideas on layout. Penny - are you ever lucky! A barn conversion would be a blast! Hope this helps get your creative juices flowing.
Labels: kitchen, living room
Out of the darkness and into the light
Such beautiful images in Annabel Elston's portfolio. Beautiful but not what you'd call pretty. I love the darkness and the sharp blaze of light, the chiaroscuro. I love the beauty of the spaces in the half light. Don't miss her personal work with images of brutal honesty and decay.
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Images by Annabel Elston at Bird Production
Labels: photographer
Look what the peacock chair fairy left me
So excited. I have another peacock chair and this one is a beauty! Made in the 70s by the man who taught my blind husband to weave cane (yes the typical cliche of a blind man making baskets!) and stored in a shed since his retirement the now 73 year old gentleman let my husband have it for a reasonable price and the promise to help with some cane weaving jobs. He just finished weaving a basket for a hot air balloon and he's supposed to be retired. I would love to have seen his shop in it's heyday. I was too excited to wait until it was in my office to take a photo. It's currently drying after a warm soapy wash. Tomorrow hopefully photos of it gracing a corner of my retro office.
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Labels: Jo's place
Massucco Warner Miller
Massucco Warner Miller - that's Julie Masucco, Melissa Warner and Carrie Miller. Their style is fresh and vibrant with layering of patterns and textures all with a modern twist to the classic. Think cool West Coast vibe is dating chic Upper East Side. The trio obviously love high end fabrics and finishes but equally treasure the flea market find.
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Images from Massucco Warner Miller
Labels: interior designer
Thursday, May 15, 2008
DC Design House bedroom
Brocky Proxmire wrote us about the bedroom his mother, interior designer Kelley Proxmire, designed for the DC Design House. It's stunning, so elegant and sophisticated, and had a special feature: "The big hit of the room was the now you watch it (#7) now you don't (#8) TV. The TV is mounted on a swing arm behind the drapery panels. There is a slit in the drapery panel on the end so that swing arm may be extended several inches into the room. The size of TV (19") is correct size for this distance of TV viewing from the bed." Brilliant! Thanks Brocky (and Kelley!)
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Labels: bedroom, interior designer
Muriel Brandolini
Muriel Brandolini is a highly sought-after interior designer from New York whose style is so funky and creative that I want to dissect every inch of the photos in her portfolio. It's all about vintage mid-century glam with layer upon layer of incredible patterns, textures and colours. Eclectic to the max, I think her style is as close to Jo's wacky taste as I've ever seen. So Jo, this one's for you.
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Labels: interior designer
Hepworth + Howard
Hepworth + Howard have a sophisticated but holistic approach to their projects. This holistic philosophy "allows for cross-fertilization from facades to interiors to gardens to furniture, home accessories and graphic design". I love their clean modern lines with more than a hint of mid century and I covet that bathroom in a totally unhealthy way!
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Images from Hepworth + Howard Inc.
Labels: architect, interior designer
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Not at all to do with interior design
It's official - I have lost my mind. I have 6 cats in my house. Yesterday I became a foster mom to a cat (I named him Felix) who's been a fixture in my yard for the past few weeks. He went to the vets yesterday and has all sorts of health problems, but all treatable with antibiotics (PHEW!). I am fostering him through a FANTASTIC organization here in Ottawa called Friends of Abandoned Pets, who are graciously paying for all his medical bills. He has to live in my second bedroom until I get some test results back, so things are a little "hairy" at my house. :) Pun intended. I wanted to post this because I am very grateful they are helping Felix and I hope they can find him a great home, especially since he turned out to be such an amazing cat. They are having their annual dog walk in a couple weekends so I thought I'd plug that too, because that would be a blast...and I may be their photographer. :) So I'd like to introduce you to the newest (though hopefully temporary) member of my brood, Felix, one of the luckiest cats around.
Labels: cat
Another design dilemma
Living Etc.This time it's an office, and here's what Heidi had to say: "I have been searching and searching for inspiration... maybe you could help. I am in the process of furnishing my new home. I have a great sized, dedicated home office. I use it every day as I run several businesses out of it. Problem is, right now it is just a Brazilian Walnut hardwood floor, blank walls, and an incredible bay window. I NEED some inspiration! I want a modern, clean, minimal look. This is so hard to achieve in an office! I need storage, desk space, and a sitting area, but beyond that, I have no idea which direction to take this room. I'd love to see what you could find to get my brain working again. It's been in a slump since the construction phase has ended." I tried to find photos of modern office spaces that weren't shoved into little corners as they often are (Heidi, you are SO LUCKY as it sounds like you have a decent amount of space to work with). So hopefully this gets your brain going and have fun with it!
Labels: office
Killing two birds with one stone
Sorry for the rather murderous analogy but it will all become clear soon I hope. I'm in a retro kind of mood today. It must be due to the lack of retro posts lately. I've also been inspired by Tessa's design dilemma. When Kim bewailed the fact that no one paints a room burgundy my immediate thought was "they used to". The light bulb went on in my head and one name was there - David Hicks. I've paid homage to Hicks before but I realised he was part of the solution. These are his lush rich rooms, not always burgundy but brave in their dark hues.
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Tessa leans toward super bright hues (oranges, yellows, apple greens, etc.), Kim had some great ideas and with David Hicks' help I'm going to suggest a few more. White, white, white. Tone it down with white. White furniture - think sleigh bed in white gloss, white sheers and fabric that uses white. Chocolate and white, navy and white, pink and white, black and white and even certain greens with white. Treat your burgundy walls as a deep dark neutral.
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Bright colours? Why not! All these fabrics were pulled from Lee Jofa's Groundworks Collection. Many are by David Hicks. Bright colours particularly orange and yellow and pink and green are all happy with burgundy. You don't have to buy these fabrics but they give you an idea. Maybe florals are more your thing Tessa. I suggest a trip to the paint store. Gather together as many burgundy paint chips and every possible accent colour and play to your heart's content. My second suggestion is dark wood with an ethnic twist, suzanis and kilims in rich reds, pinks, oranges and black. Layers and layers of pattern. Cocoon yourself in the mysterious dark. OK now I have retro rooms and Tessa's burgundy dilemma out of my system. Two birds - not bad!
Labels: colour, interior designer, red, retro
I've been a bad bad girl....
I haven't put together a retro post in ages. Today my laziness stops. Today I give you what you crave - retro good and bad. Scans are from Woman's Day All Colour Book of Home Decorating & Design, Edited by Babette Hayes, Octopus Australia, 1977. I promise you won't have to wait so long for your next fix. Don't forget to click on the images to enjoy a larger serve of retroliciousness.
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Labels: retro
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Design dilemma
Tessa wrote us with a design dilemma hoping we could offer some help: "I am writing to you now with a problem of my own. We live in a beautiful 19th century mansion in Washington, DC. It is gorgeous and wonderful, but we rent it and are not allowed to paint any of the rooms. I am about to move into a different bedroom that is gorgeous, but painted one of my least favorite colors- burgundy. I hate burgundy! I tend to lean toward super bright hues (oranges, yellows, apple greens, etc.) when I decorate, and I am wondering (and hoping) that you guys might have some suggestions of what could possibly look good with this awful dark mess. Anything I have tried makes the room look like either a men’s smoking lounge or a cheesy Victorian salon. I haven’t seen you post many pics of burgundy rooms, so I thought you might have some cool ones hiding somewhere. Please help me out."
I went through my photo stash and just as I suspected, no one paints a bedroom burgundy. :) And I hate burgundy too!!! First, here are a few bedrooms that have dark walls (a couple burgundy-ish) that might inspire you to work with what you've got.
For alternatives, if you're allowed to put holes in the walls, maybe you should consider finding some not-too-sheer sheers and hanging them from those wire systems (Ikea I think has it) around the room (if it's not too big). Also, how about painting some really large pieces of foam core (if you can paint that stuff)/thin MDF and leaning it behind your bed, dressers etc. to hide as much of the burgundy as you can, or you can make a screen, like the one below.
And the following photo I thought was very inspiring and SO gorgeous. Now the walls are not burgundy, but imagine they were, and maybe the light shade of bluey-green that are used in the large upholstered pieces were a light pink. Sounds crazy but it could work to tone down the darkness, as they do in this photo.
I went through my photo stash and just as I suspected, no one paints a bedroom burgundy. :) And I hate burgundy too!!! First, here are a few bedrooms that have dark walls (a couple burgundy-ish) that might inspire you to work with what you've got.
For alternatives, if you're allowed to put holes in the walls, maybe you should consider finding some not-too-sheer sheers and hanging them from those wire systems (Ikea I think has it) around the room (if it's not too big). Also, how about painting some really large pieces of foam core (if you can paint that stuff)/thin MDF and leaning it behind your bed, dressers etc. to hide as much of the burgundy as you can, or you can make a screen, like the one below.
And the following photo I thought was very inspiring and SO gorgeous. Now the walls are not burgundy, but imagine they were, and maybe the light shade of bluey-green that are used in the large upholstered pieces were a light pink. Sounds crazy but it could work to tone down the darkness, as they do in this photo.
Alda Pereira
Alda Pereira is based in Vancouver and she is an unbelievably talented interior designer. I adore her style - refined modern with bold hits of colour, graphic artwork, and to-die-for furnishings. It's young and hip and simply fabulous. And I love it. LOVE IT.
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Labels: Canada, interior designer
Rayman Boozer and Apartment 48
Rayman Boozer is the creative talent behind Apartment 48. His work is "a rustic approach to modern design". Unexpected colours, styles and patterns are characteristic of his spaces. I remember bookmarking his apartment when it appeared in Elle Decor in 2006. Loved it so much. Now I'm on love with the leopard carpet!
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Images from Apartment 48
Labels: interior designer
Monday, May 12, 2008
Gareth Gardner
I found this selection of photos on the website of photographer and journalist Gareth Gardner, based in the UK. It's a wonderful dose of modern design that draws your attention to the architectural detail and the stunning materials used (I must point out the multi-coloured timber flooring that is sooooo incredible).
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Labels: photographer
Matthew Leverone
Visually striking but totally functional - that's how Matthew Leverone designs his interiors. With over 25 years experience he creates spaces that reflect his clients' needs and their unique sense of style. His sense of scale, balance, light and colour plays an important role in these spaces. Liveable and authentic as well as stylish.
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Images from Leverone Design
Labels: interior designer
NathanEgan .... again.
Nothing much has changed since we first featured NathanEgan early last year. Wayne Nathan and Carol Egan are still fabulously talented. The rooms are still rich and layered, lush and contemporary. No nothing much has changed EXCEPT they have updated their website. More gorgeous rooms!
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Images from NathanEgan Interiors
Labels: interior designer
