happy new year

Chiang Mai - Thailand

Happy new year everyone! This is a very blurry photo of paper lanterns (the little dots of light in the sky!) in Chiang Mai. You basically make a wish , light the paper lantern and it is carried into the heavens. May all your new years wishes come true!

what i heart this week (dinosaurs)!

vogue living - jan/feb 2010
chandelier love!

I was holding out on reading a few of my latest mags so I had my beach reads sorted (the rain had other ideas!). The latest Vogue Living has a profile on the home of Stephen Ormandy and Louise Olsen, two of the three creative forces behind Dinosaur Designs (Liane Rossler is the other). You can only see a bit of it, but how effective is that Dinosaur Designs chandelier in the background!

christmas wishes

wishing you peace, love, hope and happiness ...

and a dip in the ocean (it's where I'll be!)
image from daydream lily

beautiful venie

thank you, love you, miss you

dechirer decipher

all images are from the mutina dechirer product catalogue

I originally thought the name of this tile was decipher, which I though was apt as there were so many layers to decipher in this tile! You could look at it for hours and uncover different stories!

But it is actually called dechirer. It is a French term that means to tear or rip, to split into parts ... to tear apart. The tiles do look like layers of many different parts, designed by the very talented Patrica Urquiola for Mutina.

Patrica Urquiola in front of one of the tiles - love the large format!

images of the inspiration for the design

And now just lots and lots of lovely images!

a chalk prototype of the tile

the range also includes a plain and mosaic tile

just beautiful!

And to end a few inspirational words from Partrica Urquiolo (taken from the dechirer product catalogue).

On the design:
"... I'm also fascinated by the idea of creating an industrial product in which traces of the layers of history are present, a product with a personality. Bas-reliefs of different heights which are not so much decorations as the remains of torn away memories."

And on life and design (I think we can all relate!):

"The creative process is more than just a job, it's an integral part of my existence. It's something I carry within me, together with the other most important things in my life: my family, friends, books, art, travels. It's a part of the whole that is me."

what i heart this week (dreams)!

made by moseby

I always associate clouds with dreaming. It reminds me of being a kid, us all lying on the trampoline picking out shapes in the clouds! This handmade mobile would make a 'dreamy' addition to a nursery!

what i heart this week (urban jungle)!

green issue 11
new terrace in the heart of london

This week it's the outside of the previous fav pic, a new take on the urban jungle! The vines are a shading device, but create such a great contrast to the surrounding environment, it's all in the context!

lovely mud

idea website
great shape and beautiful materials!

It has been featured in a few mags recently and I had to share the KM0901 pendant. Shortlisted for the (inside) design excellence awards, it is a collaboration between Koskela (great tables) and Mud (who bring us those beautiful ceramics!). A beautiful, handmade porcelain pendant.

It apparently came about to address the not so soft light of energy-efficient light bulbs.

vogue living - dec/nov 2009

The latest Vogue had a few 'in production' shots. Love getting a glimpse of the process! The outside is a lovely matt finish and the insides, a hand-brushed glaze. Sublime!

and my favourite shot!

house envy

The UK mag Elle Decoration, recently profiled a house in Copenhgen that I just fell in love with. The clustering of objects around the house and the use of natural elements really appeals! Love the muted colours, the dark timber and scale of all the collections!

all images from elle decoration - sept 2009

what i heart this week (w.turner)!

green issue 11
new terrace in the heart of london
my favourite part of this pic - the found artwork mounted on the wall,
love the contrast with the ultra modern/clean lines of the kitchen!

Btw - if you can get your hands on this mag, not only is the content informative, the layout, graphic design ... and paper is so good!

a little bit danish

I recently wandered into Great Dane on Arthur St in Fortitude Valley. If you love Scandinavian design this is a great little shop to spend a little time in! My favs are the lights and coat hooks ... and this great lounge! I've specifed the lights for a project and can't wait to see how they look.

bulb pendant - transparent shade, blub & wire
I love clear glass pendants - beautiful!

mega bulb pendant - mouth blown glass
this light is just amazing (and is one of the ones I've specified!)

verner panton topan pendant (1960's design)
a rainbow of colours to choose from - I love the black shade with turquoise wire

also going into the project the turquoise one!

And the most stylish coat hooks I've ever seen! Made from oak these dots have a great organic shape, and when not in use look at little like a cute installation piece to me! And with the do-it-yourself placement, maybe it is!

the dots coat hooks
all images from great dane

leaving on a jet plane

yayoi kusama website
City Gallery Wellington reopens in spotty style!

If I could I would be on my way to NZ! The City Gallery Wellington reopened recently in spectacular fashion with an exhibition by the talented Yayoi Kusama. I love the worlds she creates! On display until 7th February, if you are lucky enough to be on New Zealand's shores it is an exhibition you have to experience!

original design rules!

eames elephant: original design is worth supporting!

I went to a very interesting talk on Friday afternoon at Corporate Culture in Brisbane. In conjunction with Instyle and Contemporary Leathers, three information sessions where given on the respective business focuses in relation to sustainability and making responsible design choices.

I believe in supporting original design, and from the presentations and talking to those attending it really reinforced a few key issues for me:

• buying inferior design knock-offs is contributing to the growing landfill issue. While it may be cheaper initially, the designer pieces are created to last and in some cases have recycling programs available.
• there are innovative designs available across most budgets. If you can't afford a designer classic, chances are there is a great alternative that may be supporting a new up-and-coming designer.
• research, research, research! To learn about the best eco-friendly options takes a bit of time, a bit of google and a bit of talking, but it means you have all the facts to choose the best product. And who doesn't have time to talk design!

As the authentic design site says: supporting original design promotes future classics! And we all know original design rules!

For more information:

• http://www.instyle.com.au/
• http://www.authenticdesign.com.au/

lonny mag

I have just stumbled across a fantastic new online mag that I had to share - Lonny. Editor Michelle Adams of the organic fabric company Rubie Green, along with Patrick Cline and a host of contributors has created a fabulous read.

As a litttle side note, here are a few of the Rubie Green fabrics, I love the names! For us Aussies you can purchase at Diane Burgeron in Sydney.

mary

habibi

east village (my fave!)
all images from rubie green

and a little bit of the east village in sydney!
vogue living - november 2009

milky

A favourite thing of mine is milky white bone china in an unusual or beautiful form. Another one to add to my collection!

driftwood
www.haveyoumetmissjones.com.au/

the september issue

fashion in action!
www.imdb.com

I recently saw The September Issue at The Barracks (perfect location, wine with your movie - what more do I need to say!). And absolutely loved it. A great opportunity to peek inside those Vogue doors for a few hours! As all the reviews are saying Grace Coddington really shines as a true creative soul. Her photo shoots are works of art, there is a poignant scene where she is looking out on the gardens of Versailles that is just beautiful.

and it's on YouTube - love it!

one of grace's shoots
www.style.com

And I liked Anna Wintour, although being a huge taskmaster, you can see that it is coming from a very strong vision and expectation she has for the magazine. (Although it may be a little tough to take that much direction on a daily basis!!) It is also interesting to note that Anna and Grace are in their late 50's and 60's respectively, inspirational women!

Anna Wintour with her famous bob and Grace with the red locks!
www.style.com

grace with one of her cats!
www.style.com