design traveller

Washington Park Residence in Seatlle

2011-10-03T15:26:00.001+02:00

Superb design by Sullivan Conard Architects. I can learn a lot! Well thought out interiors composed with clean, elegant forms. Great use of materials - surfaces come alive with smooth or raw textures. And I can not stop to admire those detailed renderings!

www.sullivanconard.com

images via: Contemporist

Styling inspiration: electric blue

2011-10-02T13:56:00.001+02:00

80's old favourite is back!

photos: Siren Lauvdal, styling: Kråkvik & D´Orazio, Vårt Nya Hem

Styling inspiration: blue interiors

2011-09-30T14:31:00.000+02:00

Vibrant ultramarine or warm cobalt? Tasty blueberry? Clear aquamarine maybe? Topaz? Sapphire? Steel or teal? Persian or parisian? ...or indian indigo? Noble royal blue shade? Simple denim? Phthalo? Cyjan? Aquamarine... decide!

I'm having fun with 'blue-analysis' on my tumblr here: design traveller. Have you discovered this blogging platform yet? If you are tumbling as well, let me know :)

image credits: see my tumblr

Philippines: C House by Archipelago architects

2011-09-28T15:48:00.000+02:00

Batangas, Philippines. This beautifully located house seems to breath in the fresh sea air. Spacious, open interiors were nicely softened by delicate beiges and natural textures. Simple idea (but not so easy to come up with) that works so well here! Don't you like the warm effect?

Photography: Tom Epperson via: Contemporist and www.archipelago.ph

70's apartment renovation by Ramisa Projects

2011-09-26T20:50:00.001+02:00

Black,white and wood: graphic-style interiors designed by the Spanish studio Ramisa Projects and Fun. Classy!

via: design elements

In black & white: Robert and Shana Parke Harrison

2011-09-25T22:50:00.000+02:00

Black, white... and sepia. Neo-surrealist, theatrical photography from the series entitled 'Architect’s Brother'. Fascinating power of the elements.

www.parkeharrison.com

Mickey Muennig: Cooper Point house

2011-09-20T15:02:00.001+02:00

Breathtaking house by the Pacific Ocean designed by eco-architect Mickey Muennig, famous for his green-roof architecture build in Big Sur (California). Photography: Simon Watson.

www.simonwatson.com

Modernism in Africa

2011-09-19T16:25:00.000+02:00

Can you believe that this house was designed in 2003? Both cosy and elegant family home in Accra was created by Ghanaian architect Joe Osae-Addo. Inspiration? The contextual modernism of Finland’s Alvar Aalto, Australia’s Glenn Murcutt and L.A.’s Ray Kappe. The 2,500-square-foot house was build from local materials: timber and adobe mud blocks.

“It is not about edifice but rather harnessing the elements - trees, wind, sun, and water - to create harmony, not the perfection that modernism craves so much.”

via: Dwell

Bohemian Paris

2011-09-18T22:36:00.003+02:00

Spacious loft in the heart of Paris - an old printig house transformed into a cosy home. The magician behind the metamorphose: French sculptor Marie Bossée. Real bohemian atmosphere!

via: Le journal de la Maison

Sweet 60's

2011-09-16T13:03:00.003+02:00

Playful and fun, isn't it? Have a nice weekend!

photos: J.Siedlar

Matarangi house by Sumich Chaplin Architects

2011-09-15T14:36:00.000+02:00

... in New Zealand. Perfect balance between interiors and exteriors. Breathing architecture - inspiring!

www.sumich.co.nz

found via: Casa trés chic

Christina Liljenberg Halstrøm

2011-09-14T14:23:00.001+02:00

Straight from Denmark - fresh designs by Christina Liljenberg Halstrøm.

'Beddo' sofa - minimal beauty with sculptural upholstery - soft, woolen duvets can be arranged in different configurations and the wooden backrest is removable. Japanese inspiration is obvious at first sight (and in Japanese 'Beddo' means 'bed') - the sofa invites us to sit almost at the floor level. We change our perspective and what is more - the way we usually position our bodies while resting.

'Gym the luxe' is a fun sitting set made with vegetable tanned leather, organic wool, organic kapok and walnut. Minimum space required to create a confortable resting corner!

Both design were awarded by the Danish Arts Foundation.

www.christinaliljenberghalstrom.com

photos: Kristine Funch, Nielsen Omvik

Glimpt: design and craftmanship

2011-09-13T13:12:00.000+02:00

Fun designs from Swedish design duo Glimpt - Mattias Rask and Tor Palm. Meaningful project, created in co-operation with craftsmen and inspired by their traditional techniques: Superheroes seagrass stools were hand-woven in Vietnam and Forbiden Fruit lamps with hand-decorated ceramic shades were made by The Potters Workshop from South Africa. New prototypes are still coming!

www.glimpt.se

Gubi: deliciously styled

2011-09-12T13:47:00.000+02:00

Great photograps from Gubi catalogue. Superb styling! Worth noticing: Adnet Mirror by Jacques Adnet (with rock'n'roll leather straps!), Gubi 5 and Gubi 33D chair collection (beautiful wooden base), PD lamp series (graphic in elegant black and fun in colorful, bright finishes).

In black & white: me and my friend

2011-09-11T21:12:00.000+02:00

When am I going back to analog black&white photography?

Images: 1 - Josef Koudelka, Magnum, 2 - portrait of Marchesa Luisa Casati, seen at Savoir Faire

Clink Street Apartment by Chiara Ferrari

2011-09-09T13:54:00.000+02:00

Clean, elegant minimalism always seduces me...
and I wouldn't mind seeing the Thames from my window ;)

www.chiaraferrari.com

via: Contemporist

Barcode house by David Jameson

2011-09-07T12:03:00.000+02:00

A new, elegant building added to an old brick row house in Washington. Open interiors... yes!

www.davidjamesonarchitect.com

via: Architizer

Thea Beasley: boho chic

2011-09-04T16:43:00.000+02:00

Charming interiors created by Thea Beasley, a talented stylist living in Atlanta's historic downtown - Marietta. “The size and age of the space conjured up Europe for me,” says Beasley of this late 19th-century house, which now, after renovation and preserving all the beautiful patina, gained a look of a fashionable urban loft.

via: Atlanta homes

Casa da Escrita - a literary abode

2011-09-02T12:20:00.000+02:00

Great renovation project by Portuguese architect office João Mendes Ribeiro. We are in Coimbra, a city famous for its medieval university. This carefully restored historic building houses now an open literature archive and creative writing workshops. A place where writers can live for a while, learn, exchange ideas... and create.

via: ArchDaily

Interview with Alanna Cavanagh

2011-08-26T10:28:00.000+02:00

Many of your works are portraits of everyday objects, like the fabulous, overscaled scissors. Is there a story behind this piece?

Yes, there is. Anna, you have chosen to ask about the print that means the most to me. Scissors are a humble yet very effective object. One can do some very creative things with a pair of scissors, for example give yourself a new haircut, make a collage or a table cloth... or a dress... so for me the scissors are a celebration of making things with limited resources. I am very interested in limits - that is why I use the scissors in my logo.

Also, when I was growing up, we didnt have a lot of money but my mom always kept me well supplied with crayons, markers and scissors - so the piece is also a kind of homage to her.

In addition, I find many everyday objects like shoes, penguin books and cutlery to be very beautiful. It's fun to change the scale and celebrate them.

I remember you did a print of a vintage bakelite phone you saw at my blog last year... I liked it a lot. The Scissors print takes me back to my Grandmas sewing room, full of fabrics, threads, lace scraps... and fashion magazines. My friend told me once: "you should have been born a 100 years ago". And when I saw your silk prints, I thought, and take it as a compliment: "this girl is a designer from the 60's".

That IS a compliment! Thank you.

Your style reminded me of the graphics from the magazines our Moms and Grandmas used to read. Printing technology was not so advanced back then, but the graphics, for example in advertising columns, were so much nicer... What inspires you?

My squiggly drawing style is very influenced by illustrators from the 1950s including Andy Warhol and Miroslav Sasek. (The guy who did the "This is Paris", "This is London" books) Other big mentors are: Paul Rand, Tibor Kalman, Denyse Schmidt, Lucinenne Day, Tina Fey, Hillman Curtis, Paula Scher. I am also inspired by fleamarkets, antiques, books, film, illustrations and graphics from the 1950s, Shelter magazines, documentaries, textiles, wallpapers, patterns, and... bold people that take chances!

Do you think we are all a bit tired with digital media, with photoshop-airbrushed perfection? Do you notice that there is more and more interest for traditional techniques, hand-created, alive art?

Yes, for sure. I myself was working digitally but craved something more tactile - so I began silk screening. In this crazy, buzzed out, info overloaded world we live in, it is very therapeutic to get your hands dirty!!! I had chosen silk screening because it was more inky compared to the dry quality of working in front of a computer which I had been doing for years. I love the process.

I feel we're living in an interesting time where there is a blurring going on between the design, decoration and art world. For example - Spanish artist / designer Jaime Hayon had solo exhibitions of his work, but also designed lighting fixtures, ceramics and furniture. I find this blurring exciting as it's breaking down the traditional hierarchies. I also love collaborations as I believe cross pollination is good for creativity.

Tell me something about your newest projects.

Most recently I illustrated a cover for Penguin books and some ads for Target. I also painted a fun mural in the window of a boutique food shop here in Toronto.

What are your plans and graphic-design dreams?

In addition to continuing with the prints and murals I would love to do more surface design work. Surface design is really firing me up these days! I'd love to collaborate with someone on a line of whimsical wallpaper, rugs and ceramics! I'd also love to design a hotel room or perhaps an entire hotel interior! Hey... one can always dream!

Sounds great! Are you planning to make more large-scale prints? Your graphics decorate all types of interiors so nicely, each one a great centerpiece. Is it possible to buy them?

Yes, I love working LARGE, and have many ideas for large prints in the future. The graphics are all for sale. The prices and sizes are listed clearly on my website under the silk screen print section. I offer a 20% design discount to interior designers and those in the industry.

I would definitely want one of your beautiful silk screen prints in my living-room! Alanna, thank you for the interview!

www.alannacavanagh.com

photography: Donna Griffith (top image) and Janet Kimber

Barn renovation by Russell Groves

2011-08-25T13:36:00.001+02:00

Modern rustic... cosy yet very elegant. An old, historic barn transformed into stylish and comfortable home. I like the use of materials here: natural, coarsely textured fabrics compliment raw wood and stone finishes. Eclectic mix of custom and vintage furniture balances the rustic feel with a modern, sophisticated touch.

www.srussellgroves.com

seen at: casa tres chic

White apartment in Markveien

2011-08-24T23:47:00.002+02:00

This creatively decorated apartment embraces the atmosphere of Grünerløkka - a colorful, lively area of Oslo, where the cafes are buzzing with students from the nearby Art Academy and The Oslo School of Architecture and Design.

Different shades of white and grey make the interiors feel airy and full of light. This monochromatic background was injected with some deliciously contrasting accents of wooden and black surfaces. Look closely at the table in this wonderful, open-plan kitchen. It was made from old wooden doors. Hilde took it from her grandfathers house... isn't it a beautiful symbol?

photography: Sveinung Bråthen, via: BONYTT

Residência Artigas photographed by Pedro Kok

2011-08-23T22:34:00.002+02:00

Modernist architecture: residence in São Paulo, Brasil, 1969.
Still fascinated by João Batista Vilanova Artigas!

www.pedrokok.com.br

Patricia Ketelsen: a cottage in Segovia

2011-08-22T16:49:00.000+02:00

Beautiful styling by Patricia Ketelsen. Great inspiration for me!

www.patriciaketelsen.com

Jean-Marc Palisse

2011-08-21T16:54:00.000+02:00

Interior photography by Jean-Marc Palisse. Sublime light.

www.jeanmarcpalisse.com

Raft by Norm Architects

2011-08-20T16:04:00.002+02:00

Softly rounded edges inspired by drift-wood shapes... unique Scandinavian design straight from Copenhagen - Raft table and stools by Norm Architects.

via: Contemporist

João Vilanova Artigas

2011-08-19T15:01:00.000+02:00

Blue: structural elements (columns and walls), yellow and red: nonload-bearing walls. Modernist logic. Or poetry? Any associations? Piet Mondrian! Two beautiful houses designed by Brazilian modernist architect João Vilanova Artigas.

via: domus

Piet Mondrian, Tableau 2, 1922

Stylish house in Denmark: modernistic poetry

2011-08-18T13:01:00.001+02:00

I could immediately sense the presence of a creative soul - here lives a jewellery designer Julie Wettergren Andersen. These beautiful interiors are a tasteful mixture of old and new: Eames chairs and Octo4201 pendant lamps, rusted mirrors and colonial style wooden bench... and the mahogany coffee table designed by the lady of the house.

images via: femina

Swimming pool in the kitchen?

2011-08-17T15:42:00.003+02:00

This spectacular house in Lidingö (Sweden) is an original 1950s building. Now a cosy family home, it boasts a pretty eccentric past - in the frivolous 70s it used to be a party place and a bastion of lush decadence. The swimming pool in the kitchen area is an obvious remainder of those days, but now the guests invited for sunday family dinners bring their swimsuits along. I wouldn't mind a nice swimming pool like this one :)

photography: Carl Dahlstedt via: mixr

The surreal emergency exit

2011-08-16T14:37:00.003+02:00

So many options today...
This image reminds me of something. Have a look here: the surreal theme posts.

image via: gypsies gold

No Picnic Office by Elding Oscarson

2011-08-15T13:25:00.002+02:00

I've just discovered one more fascinating interior design based on play-with-perception game: No Picnic office in Stockholm, located in an old stable building. The meeting rooms were concealed behind the mirrored wall, dividing the interior along it's axis. The wall, both see-through and mirrored, creates surprising illusion of space and seems to "disappear". Reflections and objects seen on the other side of the wall overlap at a certain angle. The autors behind this great concept is renowned Swedish design duo Elding Oscarson.

...and I really like this conference table, unusal office idea isn't it?

photographer: Åke E:son Lindman via: yossawat

Minimalist restoration

2011-08-14T20:11:00.004+02:00

This spacious house near the Pyrenees was beautifully restored after the disastrous fire, that devoured almost all the interiors - just the bare walls remained. Paradoxically, the catastrophe was an opportunity to revival. A few tall windows were added and the house was filled with light. To emphasize the sense of open space, some dividing walls were designed lower - the ceiling has become a continuous plane. Concrete and marble surfaces create modern look and correspond with tasteful vintage furniture.

via: at casa

Styling inspiration: golden design

2011-08-13T23:58:00.012+02:00

Is gold back? Have you noticed more and more golden interior design details? It's seems to be a new trend in general retro fever. Here is some styling inspiration from Stockholm Furniture Fair - even Carl Malmsten's Little Aland chair is wearing a shiny finish. And have a look at Suburban Skyline lamp from Swedish desigh studio Folkform - 70's style incarnation?

via: mixr

Modern cave-house in Majorca

2011-08-12T12:26:00.000+02:00

Somewhere in a small coastal village in the Tramuntana region of Majorca, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea... a modern cave created by Alexandre de Betak, a renowned show producer, designer and art director. Unusual summer retreat - one of a kind, minimal but very warm...

images via: Trendland

Polka Gelato - artisan ice-cream parlor

2011-08-11T14:29:00.000+02:00

If you want your ice-cream cool and trendy, this is the place to be: Polka Gelato opened just this month in Fitzroy Square. There, in a beautiful historic building, you can indulge in Italian hand crafted artisan gelato. Sounds fancy. It's supposed to be an enlightening experience.

Interiors and brand identity were designed by studio Vonsung, who aimed to create a nice contrast to historical setting and avoid a cliché of pop-culture type, pastel-colored ice-cream parlor. "An early decision was to place the Polka’s colourful, beautifully crafted gelatos as the central focal point and make the surrounding interior resemble the sculpted nature of the hand-made gelato."

images via: architizer

Styling inspiration: vintage cutlery

2011-08-10T12:46:00.001+02:00

Humble beauty of everyday objects...

photo credits: Victoria Fitchett, Glen Proebstel

16th Century in Spain

2011-08-09T12:18:00.000+02:00

Majestic old house located in amazing setting of medieval quarter of Girona, overlooking Plaça de Sant Domènec. Restoration project by Spanish architect Anna Noguera integrates traditional and contemporary elements. Materials used in interior decoration harmonize with the geniunie atmosphere of the house. Creative mix of concrete, metal and wood feels modern, jet reminiscent of the past.

Andy Gilmore

2011-08-08T14:23:00.003+02:00

Fascinating geometric compositions, inspired by the physics of sound and acoustic. From amazing portfolio of Andy Gilmore, a talented designer and a musician. I could actually "hear" the music...

Wild colour

2011-08-07T16:47:00.001+02:00

Wild east... mad colours applied with delightful nonchalance of a genuine artist.

photography: Наш дом

Woodstock Handmade Houses

2011-08-05T14:08:00.000+02:00

This book has been on my readinglist for a while: "Woodstock Handmade Houses" by Robert Haney and David Ballantine. Timeless source of inspiration. Effortless style of Jonathan Elliott photograps captures the true spirit of famous artisan village. Just one word: freedom.

Retro wallpapers: floral nostalgia

2011-08-04T15:10:00.006+02:00

I came up with an idea of redecorating our bedroom in retro style, and this is a surprising result of my internet reaserch: a collection of cute vintage wallpapers from the sixties and seventies. The internet shop claims the designs are original. Just couldn't resist the nostalgia, I remember similar patterns from my Grandma's house...

Rural vs urban

2011-08-01T12:58:00.006+02:00

An old, idyllic farm, hidden among the peaceful villages of the moraine landscape just outside Vienna. Bought by an architect couple Carmen Wiederin and Philipp Tschofen, soon became much more than a summer retreat. In the begining the only plan was to enjoy the quiet rural life: hung a hammock between two apple trees, plant tomatoes... and renovate the house, of course.

The project turned out to be an important learning experience - it required do-it-yourself skills and mostly traditional construction methods. It went so well that the architects (running the successful studio Propeller Z in Vienna) started thinking about creating something entirely new.

The modern house they designed compliments the surroundings in a balanced, elegant way. Designed proportionally, it doesn't overwhelm the old house and it's hardly visible from the road outside the farm. Aluminum-covered walls contrast beautifully with the nature around, and the wooden planks at the back refer to the style of reginal buildings.

photography: Propeller Z and Christian Schaulin (via: Vårt Nya Hem)

Hill Plains House by Wolveridge Architects

2011-07-29T14:43:00.002+02:00

Raw minimalism... a beautiful house inspired by Australian farm buildings.
Design: Wolveridge Architects.

French summer

2011-07-28T15:47:00.003+02:00

An authentic Gascon farm transformed into a cosy summer cottage by Parisian designer Sarah Lavoine. Vintage rustic mixed together with modern, black-and-white minimalism... simple and relaxing, yet incredibly elegant effect. Antique rugs from Morocco, Balinese bed, raw wood and linen. Humble, natural materials soothe the sharp, geaometrical elements. Beautiful contrasts!

photography: Henri Del Olmo via: Cote Maison

Rustic chic: Casa de Palmela

2011-07-21T15:30:00.000+02:00

Great summer atmosphere! The interiors of this beautiful house near Lizbon, designed by Mónica Penaguião, seem like a perfect holiday setting.

The concept is simple: all in white. The walls, the floors, the ceiling - consistently throughout the whole house... except the bathroom, where an entire wall was covered with brigh yellow ceramic tiles. I love this creative use of traditional portuguese azulejos! Decorative hand painted tiles come from Bicesse. Perfect mix of local craft and designer pieces.

via: Nuevo Estilo

San Sebastián apartment by Mikel Irastorza

2011-07-17T18:24:00.002+02:00

Perfection...

www.mikelirastorzainteriorismo.com

FJ House by Studio Guilherme Torres

2011-02-14T15:55:00.004+01:00

Masculine interior design? My first thought was: only testosterone. An old, boring 80’s apartment in São Paulo redesigned and renovated by Studio Guilherme Torres feels now like a trendsetter night club: a modern garçonnière of a successful, single bachelor.

Linear led lighting running through concrete-finish walls and ceiling, create an interesting stage-like effect. Custom-made wooden furniture mixed with famous statement designs, a few vintage pieces and colorful adult toys... effortless ‘high-low’ style. And a black bathtub residing in the main bedroom... true bohemian spirit.

photography © MCA Estúdio via: Yatzer

Insect inspiration

2011-02-13T14:14:00.009+01:00

Not only for entomology enthusiasts: creepy, strikingly beautiful insects photographed by Mads Hagedorn-Olsen and Anders Morell Hagen. The prints creatively complement modern furniture and the overall effect is quite intriguing, do you agree?

www.hagedornhagen.com

......................................................................................................................................................................
...and one more example of edgy styling idea: a parallel with "flying" lightning fixture. Does anyone know where this insect print come from?

top images via: Avdelingen

In Stockholm

2011-02-11T14:40:00.000+01:00

Atmospheric penthouse photos, shot by Christer Olausson, a photographer and founder of the media and publisher house Amazing Magazines. Beautifully captured: the light, reflected by white walls, emphasizes all textures and gives a true sense of depth. Airy space...

www.chrizphotography.se

via my favourite: Zyprezz

Designers & Books

2011-02-10T14:42:00.000+01:00

Architects, fashion designers, graphic designers, interior designers, product designers... and their lists of the most significant, inspiring, meaningful books, formative to artistic and personal development. Books that make your brain storm, bring new design ideas and even change your entire world-view. Designers & Books, a brilliant online catalogue was created by Steve Kroeter.

51 designers, 703 books, and I'm sure the database will grow continuously. The best reads of Daniel Libeskind... and Witold Rybczynski recommends "Books Every Architect Should Read"... just have a look and make your own list! Being a bookworm myself, I found an endless source to feed my reading addiction. After only a brief search I made this obligatory hunger-reading list:

'Art and Visual Perception: A Psychology of the Creative Eye' by Rudolf Arnheim
'The Design of Everyday Things' by Donald Norman

'Fashioning Fiction in Photography since 1990' by Susan Kismaric and Eva Respini

'Annie Leibovitz: Photographs 1970–1990'
'Elements of Design' by Gail Greet Hannah

Have you read any of them? What are your favourites, books that changed somethig for you?
www.designersandbooks.com

Salento

2011-02-09T13:07:00.005+01:00

Two old buildings, uninhabited for years, leaning against each other in rural landscape of Italian Salento. Thick stone walls that witnessed 200 years of history, deeply rooted into surrounding nature... simple, strong beauty and authenticity that captivated an architect Luca Zanaroli instantly. Discovering the place together with his wife Silvia, they were both overwhelmed by immediate sensation of feeling at home... and started thinking about moving in.

In his renovation project, Luca aimed to reveal genius loci of the place, keeping intact the patina of time and balancing contrasts between rural and urban elements. He "contaminated" the countryside atmosphere with the use of materials and decorative objects of city style: a mix of cold and warm surfaces such as steel and fabric, contemporary design objects contrasted with artworks bought from local artisans.

The family, inspired by the life of previous inhabitants, understood the meaning of direct, everyday relationship with the earth. They decided to recover physical contact with the ground, for example by replacing the beds with futons and furnishing only with the most necessary, simple objects.

Do you think these interiors somehow express Wabi-sabi idea, the beauty of imperfection?

seen: Les bulles de Miluccia

Shared space

2011-02-06T20:39:00.000+01:00

It's where all pathways meet: a dining area, a kitchen, a fireplace.

Designing a well-balanced house layout might seem like solving a puzzle: ergonomics, proportions, function, natural light distribution... Having a blank page, I start with these binding points. It's where the soul of the house should come alive.

images via: 1, 2, 3, 4

Wabi-sabi

2011-02-04T16:11:00.010+01:00

"Wabi is the beauty that springs from the creative energy that flows in all things, animate or not. It's a beauty that, like nature itself, can appear with dark and light, sad and joyful, rough and gentle"

Makoto Ueda

Beauty of imperfection... the quintessence of Japanese aesthetic. Ephemeral and incomplete, undeclared, almost unnoticeable. The kind of humble beauty that can be seen only in a balanced, quiet state of mind.

Wabi-sabi is a concept drawn directly from Buddhist philosophy, based on contemplation of nature with its continuous cycle of birth, growth, decay and death... An idea entirely opposite to our European aesthetic shaped by ancient Greek ideals of symmetry and perfect, mathematically calculated proportions. Wabi-sabi aesthetic are intuitive rather than intelectuall, described by presence of natural processes and intimate atmosphere, simplicity, modesty, asymmetry and asperity.

Wabi-sabi can not be perceived as a decorating style but rather as a state of mind that creates certain atmosphere. It is a way of living, harmonious minimalism, the art of eliminating the unnecessary and touching the essential. Japanese architect Tadao Ando, in his study of wabi-sabi wrote: "...interiors tend to be muted, dimly lit, and shadowy-giving the rooms an enveloping, womblike feeling. Natural materials that are vulnerable to weathering, warping, shrinking, cracking, and peeling lend an air of perishability. The palette is drawn from browns, blacks, grays, earthy greens, and rusts."

Axel Vervoordt, an interior decorator and art collector, applied wabi-sabi aesthetics while renovating his magnificent medieval castle of van 's-Gravenwezel. The twelfth-century building, with its bare rooms, worn-out walls and peeling paint, became a perfect canvas for creating new, harmonious and relaxing atmosphere: "Wabi interacts with interiors in a perfect manner, giving them depth and intelligence."

images via: Marie Claire

Polish design 1955-1968

2011-02-03T15:40:00.003+01:00

News for all design travellers heading to Poland: an interesting exhibition starts tomorrow at The National Museum in Warsaw. Entitled "We want to be modern", the exhibition presents Polish design from the Modernism period between the regime thaw of 1955 and the social reforms brought in 1968. Featured ceramics, glass, textiles and furniture express new design thought of the time, slowly liberating from socialist realism. Beautiful everyday objects from the vast museum collection were almost unknown in Western Europe. I think the chairs are genius!

Surrealistic menagerie: François-Xavier Lalanne

2011-02-02T14:55:00.000+01:00

“Everyone can recognize animals... You don’t have to explain what they are or mean.” Ancient Egyptian and Greek gods, Celtic Mythology, medieval bestiary, Indian totems... animal symbolism has been engrained in all cultures and religions. We are mesmerised over and over again.

Lalanne's whimsical sculptures achieve record prices at art auctions. His work became very popular in 1976, when French singer and songwriter Serge Gainsbourg published his album with the title and cover inspired directly by one of the sculptures - "The man with the head of a cabbage".

Inspired by Brancusi, Ernst, Man Ray and Duchamp, Lalanne created his own brand of surrealism, inhabited by herds of sheep, iron rhinoceroses, dinosaurs and baboons. His work was also influenced by ancient Egyptian and Assyrian art, seen everyday at the Louvre, where he worked as an attendant for a short period.

Lalanne's works are almost impossible to classify, balancing somewhere on the border between fine art and design. They were created with childlike joy and surreal sense of humour, and I think this is why we find them so intriguing...

images via: The Selvedge Yard

Casa Honoré: graphic elegance

2011-01-31T14:56:00.002+01:00

Annick and Bertrand bought an old print shop in 2000. Within only nine months the renovation was completed. Gradually, the run-down house in Marseilles was transformed into a harmonious, beautiful family residence. Annick, as a designer, has chosen a tasteful, contrasting, graphic colour palette. Consistently through the whole house, large surfaces were painted in white, black and grey.

To preserve the authenticity of the place, the couple chose materials reminiscent of the vibrant industry that once existed here: door and window frames of steel, asphalt-painted walls, sand-blasted windows, polished concrete and small bricks from Toulouse.

When the children moved out, Annick and Bertrand opened Casa Honoré: a luxurious Bed & Breakfast mini-hotel with four cosy bedrooms. All the interiors feel unique and intimate, absolutely nothing in here was determined or standardized. The house was furnished with vintage pieces bought at antique shops and some of the furniture was designed by Annick herself. Natural materials, charming details and beautifully arranged plants create soothing, relaxing atmosphere.

photography: Jean-Marc Wullschleger via: Vårt Nya Hem

Styling inspiration: birdcages

2011-01-28T12:38:00.014+01:00

I'm hunting for a vintage birdcage... we decided to invite a feathery friend to our home. Do you have any tips where to get an old, nice birdcage or a new one, but vintage-looking?

...or maybe a birdcage lamp?

...or totally crazy and unreal: real victorian wooden birdcage?

images: 1,2,3,4,5

Mobile chandeliers by Michael Anastassiades

2011-01-27T09:57:00.000+01:00

Fascinating kinetic lamps... somewhere between art and industrial design. A sculpture or a chandelier? Mobile chandeliers by Michael Anastassiades were exhibited at V&A Museun in Lodon.

www.michaelanastassiades.com

Nostalgic sepia

2011-01-26T12:42:00.002+01:00

Raw and simple, furnished with basic objects, nothing unnecessary... the kind of house where children run into the kitchen straight in their muddy shoes... and it's ok. Where my Grandmother makes her famous home-made pasta. Where everything is real and sincere.

photography: Bernard Touillon and Nicolas Mathéus, via: Beulahdécor

Elephant ceramics by Michele Michael

2011-01-25T14:06:00.005+01:00

Humble, unpretentious beauty that simply can not be not noticed. Organic texture of homespun linen, opaque glazing... handmade porcelain with unique, earthy feel, designed by Michele Michael, a home design editor and stylist.

Big-game

2011-01-24T11:26:00.000+01:00

Big-game was established in 2004 by Grégoire Jeanmonod (Swiss), Elric Petit (Belgian) and Augustin Scott de Martinville (French). The team has developed a clear, well-defined design style: minimalist, geometric shapes and innovative concepts that suprise with their refined simplicity.

'Signs' coat stand, produced by Japanese Karimoku, won Wallpaper* Design Award 2010 (last photo). The stand movable arms pivot out from the frame when a coat it placed and, thanks to hidden magnets, snap back when not in use. 'Signs' comes in two finish versions: natural or gray stained wood.

St. Jakobus Church conversion by Zecc Architects

2011-01-23T14:20:00.000+01:00

One more interesting adaptation by Zecc Architects: abandoned St. Jakobus Church in Utrecht transformed into a spacious residence.

see more adapted church buildings here: sacrum vs profanum

In Paris

2011-01-21T15:24:00.003+01:00

Karine and Matthieu had a clearly defined idea how to renovate the house: open interiors and more light. Inspired by trips to Japan and by works of Charlotte Perriand and Alvar Aalto, they agreed to keep it simple: wood, metal, polished concrete and beautiful textiles.

The couple had rented the house for ten years when they were offered to buy it. They commissioned François Murraciole and Agathe Perroy to renovate and adapt the building: it needed a thorough facelift. The architects redesigned partition walls to use the space more efficiently and added a small atrium to let more light in. The old, narrow and dark staircase was replaced by new one, made of steel and with innovative sheet metal handrails. A thick wall, running from the kitchen up to the fourth floor, functions both as a partition and a storage. The architects custom-designed many other details as well: handrails, radiators, sinks and kitchen surfaces.

Calm color palette of the interiors was chosen deliberately to provide a perfect, contrasting background for furniture and artwork. The pale-colored parquet that covers all the floor surfaces creates a sense of consistency. The final result is an immediate impression of space and light.

photo: Jean-Marc Wullschlege via: Vårt Nya Hem

Ray lamp by llot llov

2011-01-20T11:03:00.000+01:00

Woolen and warm, it gives soft, diffused light. Ray by llot llov is a very versatile lamp design, you can use it creatively: hang it, lay it on the floor, wrap 12 metres cord in decorative loops and knots...

"Because of our love for old things, our fancy for the ordinary and our joy in finding new interpretations, every piece of our work bears llot llovs special signature. Our idea of design is multidimensional: we avoid the drawing of boundaries, setting our preference on the experimental. llot lov look at the world, take risks, learn, understand and interpolate the world in an illogical, intuitive and creative way."

more knitted lamp designs: knitted lamps, warm light :)

Fogo Island Studios by Saunders Architecture

2011-01-19T12:15:00.001+01:00

Magnificent, raw landscapes of Fogo Island (Newfoundland, Canada) are a perfect location for photoshoots and art projects. The Shorefast Foundation and the Fogo Island Arts Corporation, organizations rejuvenating the local community through the arts and culture, commissioned Todd Saunders to design a series of six artists’ studios. The architect works and lives in Bergen, and designing for Newfoundland, where he grew up, feels like a great opportunity. The whole project will be completed by 2012.

photo credits: Bent Rene´Synnevåg

seen at: knoettehuset

Diesel furniture collection by Moroso

2011-01-18T22:24:00.000+01:00

Metal studs, leather belts, vinyl records... Diesel furniture collection created with Moroso.
Simply rock'n'roll!

Creative mix: Brooklyn townhouse

2011-01-17T10:57:00.008+01:00

Jenna and Vince, a creative directorfor J. Crew clothing brand and a sculptor. As many other urban boheme couples, they used to live in a spacious loft... but it didn't seem like the ideal home to raise a child. Moving to a three-storey townhouse in Brooklyn was the right decision.

The new house is more functional and feels more cosy, but still - it retains the aura of a loft. "We wanted to create different atmosphere in each room. The opposite of an open space, "says Jenna.

Almost none of the furnitue pieces was bought in a traditional store. As in her work, she enjoyed mixing antique and modern, classical and crazy objects. "Each of them deserves adequate space, and interior should not be too loaded. When you follow this logic, the square meters fill in quickly."

photo: Matthew Williams / Photofoyer via: at casa

Muffins by Lucie Koldova and Dan Yeffet

2011-01-16T13:11:00.000+01:00

One more bulb-shape inspiration? Simple, very modern shape, oak wood base, hand blown glass. The style reminds me of Mid-Century furniture. Muffins ambient lights were designed by Dan Yeffet and Lucie Koldova. The series was launched during Designblok in October 2010. Manufactured by Brokis.

Converted church building in Cape Town

2011-01-14T17:31:00.003+01:00

When Samuel and Danilo Benevelli heard that an old church building in Cape Town was for sale, they didn't hesitate. "It was like an angel wispering in my ear", says Samuel. The Italian couple spends three months in RPA every year, and the former church became their second home. Abandoned by the clergy in 1960, the building changed its identity several times: it was a dance studio, a woodworking shop and a photographer's atelier.

Perry Harrison-Hyde, an architect commisioned to adapt the building, preserved its authentic atmosphere and created modern, unpretentious, functional interiors. Retaining original heritage of the building reqired removing all the changes done by the previous owners. For example, scraping off several layers of paint, accumulated over a long period of time, revealed beautiful wooden floor.

Sharp contast between raw, authentic architecture of the building and well balanced mixture of furniture styles makes the interiors absolutely unique. Rustic floors and white cabinets in the kitchen correspond with gothic-style, arched windows. Metal chairs and lamps work as contrasting elements. Avant-garde art pieces add colour and spice up the white, airy, breathing interiors.

see more adapted church buildings here:
Adapted church buildings: private residences
Architectural restoration by MINIM interior designers
Sacrum vs Profanum - church buildings redesigned

photo: Nicolas Mathéus via: marie claire maison

Wheatsheaf House by Jesse Judd

2011-01-13T16:11:00.000+01:00

The multi-award-winning Wheatsheaf House, lost in the depths of Australian woods, is a uniqe example of extravagantly modern holiday home. The structure, due to the risk of fires in the Vicoria region, has been shielded by a layer of metal and lifted on a platform. Its bold, graphic style, inspired by Mies van der Rohe works, makes the Wheatsheaf House architecture seem dramatic. But by the well-balanced contrast effect, it does not affect the forest landscape, it does not feel like an "intruder". “There’s no reason why you couldn’t pick it up and move it elsewhere”says Jesse Judd.

Do you like the hot red, plywood-covered, open interiors?

via: dwell

Countryside industrial

2011-01-12T13:21:00.001+01:00

Industrial loft in a French countryside? I love this creative style fusion.... and notice all the oversized lamps... great interior design concept!

via: french by design

The perfect house

2011-01-11T16:29:00.002+01:00

It takes a lot of imagination and love to create a beautiful family house like this one. Airy white interiors furnished with vitage pieces, decorated only with objects meaningful to the owners - exotic art 'souvenirs' brought from all of their journeys. Natural materials create cosy, warm atmosphere: wooden panels, soft woollen carpet, leather and velvet seating. All contrasted, spiced up with industrial metal: old, flaking coffe table, black, oversized floor lamp. Simple, functional, down to earth, but absolutely unpretentious beauty: the essence of Scandinavian style.

When Marie Olsson Nylander saw the building for the first time, she thought: "Never". The shabby, 70's house in distant Arlid, by the rocky Swedish coast, didn't seem appealing to the successful, busy city couple. But surprisingly to all, it turned out to be a place where everything has found its balance and perfect harmony.

photo: Sara Svenningrud via: Mixr

colour code: black...red...white...

2011-01-09T21:30:00.003+01:00

Timeless colour scheme... simple, elegant, bohemian - it always looks so lively!

imeges via: Côté Maison

Styling inspiration: organic stripes

2010-12-10T14:53:00.002+01:00

Striped-colorful and optimistic. Warm. Close to nature. Aren't these colour palettes beautiful? Enjoy!

images via: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,

Garden of Eden by Ontwerpduo

2010-12-09T14:14:00.003+01:00

The Dutch design duo Ontwerpduo describes themselves as 'a dreamer and a mathematician'. Both young designers Nathan Wierink and Tineke Beunders graduated just two years ago, but their work seems already very mature. Definitely worth remembering!

'Alice in Wonderland' dreamy style collection of garden furniture called 'Garden of Eden' includes a birdcage-shaped hanging chair, a table and a chair. All pieces are made of coated steel (available in all RAL-colours) with graphic, laser cut pattern and come with comfy, embroidered pillows. I love the garden tool-inspired details!

photography: Lisa Klappe, scale model by Patricia Rehe

Imaginary Kingdom of Tim Walker

2010-12-07T12:54:00.002+01:00

Picking apples in my Grandmothers orchard, climbing the trees and turning into a fairy. Lead soldier wars and dreams of flying... Going home for dinner straight from your fresly-build castle or another exciting overseas cruise... As we grow up, our childchood becomes imaginary kingdom. Imaginary - for most of us, but for some - more real than reality.

Tim Walker, the Peter Pan of British photography, creates images that can be seen only with our inner child's eyes. He evokes long-forgotten memories, invites us to the other side of the mirror. Surreal or magic realism? It's not only the whimsical beauty that makes his narrative photo-stories unforgetable: they are created with true love, based on collective unconscious archetypes and cultural symbols, easily-read, mysteriously touching. Alive.

Tim Walker works mostly on fashion projects, his photograps were published in numerous magazines (Vogue,Vanity Fair etc.) all over the world and exhibited at The National Portrait Gallery, The Design Museum and The Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

www.timwalkerphotography.com

Creative chaos theory

2010-12-06T14:34:00.002+01:00

In the beginning there was chaos. Let's not be so serious... let's make some mess...

“The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.” Alan Alda

“The most potent muse of all is our own inner child.” Stephen Nachmanovitch

“Conditions for creativity are to be puzzled; to concentrate; to accept conflict and tension; to be born everyday; to feel a sense of self.” Erich Fromm

images: 1,9: Styled by Emma Thomas, 2,5,10: William Waldron photography, 3,4: Roman and Williams interiors, 7,8: Joanna Henderson photography, 6: Bukowskis auction via iiiinspired

Styling inspiration: minimalist Christmas

2010-12-03T19:44:00.000+01:00

Minimalist Chrismas styling, but still with a rustic-nostalgic touch. Why not?

photos: Walther & Co, seen at: I like design

Animal tales by ding3000

2010-11-25T19:48:00.002+01:00

“Mother Nature is still the best designer in the world.” That’s why we started copying her most fascinating creations.” Wild thing! Afghan hound, shy giraffe, greedy chick and my favourite: not-at-all-stubborn mule... a beautiful whimsical menagerie!

Ding3000 was established by Sven Rudolph, Carsten Schelling and Ralf Webermann in 2005. Three years later Animal tales collection was presented at Milan Design Week and won the Design Report Award. "It is both a challenge and a delight to make wishes, dreams and ideas come true every day."

images via: Yatzer

Dressed up furniture by Kamkam

2010-11-24T17:35:00.000+01:00

Buttons, zips and belts... is it really furniture? Truly creative and unusual concept, incorporating clothing elements into furniture design: Dressed up furniture series by Korean design studio Kamkam. 'Cham', the blue cabinet named after the North Pole monster, a character of Korean novel, have been awarded prestigious Red Dot Design Award 2010. The series, wrapped in warm, colorful felt seems like a perfect choice for children's room!

Bambi Chair by Studio Juju

2010-11-21T21:23:00.005+01:00

Studio Juju is a design partnership based in Singapore, established last year by Timo Wong and Priscilla Lui. Their designs are fun, full of character and what is more, produced mostly by local craftsmen.

I instantly spotted very cute Bambi chair, isn't it charming?

"We wanted a backrest that is inviting to the touch. Bambi has a welcoming handle and a generous low seat. We kept in mind the texture of the wood and its construction, creating a continuity of the handle to its legs. The soft upholstered seat compliments the handmade warmth of the beech wood."

Ultra by Munge Leung

2010-11-18T15:11:00.002+01:00

White feathers, glamorous! But somehow my associations lead me to... a rural landscape. Unconventional, edgy interior design by Munge Leung, a creative mixture of sophisticated luxury and rustic simplicity: Ultra Supper Club in Toronto. I like the innovative concept and fantastic, dark colour palette with hot red accents. Not to mention the beautiful photos by Stephen Green-Armytage. Devilish!

Mangas rug collection by Patricia Urquiola

2010-11-17T17:12:00.001+01:00

Fabulous, colorful, over-sized sweaters, made of 100% virgin wool. Designed by talented Patricia Urquiola! Mangas rug line still grows: Gandia Blasco have extended the collection with four new carpets, two runners and three poufs. "Mangas" means "sleeves" in Spanish - we have all variety of sleeve shapes to choose from: from Manga farol (bellowed sleeve) to Manga de campana (bell-shaped sleeve). Warm and inviting design, makes me think of my Grandmother knitting :)

photos via: Contemporist

Pottinger + Cole

2010-11-16T14:08:00.003+01:00

Pottinger + Cole is a multi-disciplinary design studio based in Wolverhampton, UK, established by Wayne Pottinger and Natalie Cole in 2005. The duoworks on projects includingfurniture, lighting and productdesign. Their furniture gained a lot of publicity and has become easily recognizable. I'm not surprised: all the designs amaze with beautiful simplicity and a slightly humorous touch. Don't you love the geometric, strong siluettes?

www.pottingerandcole.co.uk

New lightning designs from Yellow Goat

2010-11-15T13:36:00.003+01:00

New custom lightning from Australian company Yellow Goat: "crazy but cool". Cutting edge designs in all varieties: exotic and sexy, classic and techno, eco and minimalist, anything you wish for. Whimsical and oversized, but immaculately crafted in the tiniest details. Dramatic, impressive and so beautiful that almost unreal!

See more designs in my previous post: Custom lightning by Yellow Goat