Displaying posts from December, 2008

Claire emailed us recently in the hopes we could help her out. Here’s what she had to say: “I’ve seen you lend a helping hand to several readers with designing dilemmas and I was hoping for a bit of help myself. I just signed the lease on a wonderful studio-type apartment near Dumbo in Brooklyn. Now I say “studio-type” because it feels more like 3 rooms connected to create a long living space and although I know it has loads of potential, I’m struggling with where to start! Should I paint the entire space one color? If I do different colors for each space will that be too much? What about a gradient going from ochre in the ‘bedroom’ to a paler yellow in the kitchen? I also have to reckon with my boyfriend’s tastes – not that they’re bad – but I have to make sure that it doesn’t seem to girly or to ‘me’. Do you have any pictures in your arsenal that could be inspiring for this project?” Below are a couple photos from Flickr she has of the apartment.

Why Claire, I think I may have found a few photos to inspire the design genius in you! Admittedly, it was a bit tough finding photos of rooms that are connected but have a little bit of a separation with walls. My gut is telling me that bright white all over and working some magic with art and furnishings would be an easy fix. I don’t think I would do different colours – the apartment isn’t very large and having each space a different colour would make it appear smaller. If you aren’t into white (or a light grey, my fav), I would select a colour (I’d keep it light) and then pick the 2 shades next to it on the paint chip – similar to what you are suggesting with the yellow to ochre. I think the subtle change in shade from room to room would have a really nice effect, and would keep the spaces flowing. I am including some photos of different colours in each space as well, in case you choose to ignore me (that’s been known to happen). And please folks, leave a comment if you have some thoughts on this. Help a girl in design distress.

William Meppem	Inspace Locations
Aine Clune	Harry Allen
Domino	elledeco

House and Gar
den

Bauladen

Decormag

stonefox

Elle Decor

Salon

Marie Claire Maison

Jessica Helgerson

Eric Roth

Alexandra Rowley

Light Locations

Another sunny day in paradise! To take your mind off the inclement northern winter weather I’ve been stalking this home in northern New South Wales just south of the gorgeous resort town of Byron Bay. It’s a series of interconnecting pavilions blurring the line between inside and out. Just right for this part of the world. And the beach is only a 50 metre walk along a bush track. I’m afraid to ask the price but a girl can dream.

The real estate agent has gone all out with this pitch. Lots of gorgeous scenery and lifestyle shots. There is even a dolphin surfing a wave. The truth is… this is what it’s really like. Heaven! Here while it lasts.

Just a quick word to say thank you to everyone who has nominated desire to inspire on Apartment Therapy’s The Homies – best design blogs of 2008. I am really touched that a bunch of you out there enjoy what we do that much. Means alot to Jo and I. I’d go nominate some blogs but I don’t think they want me listing everyone on our blogroll.

I thought I was DONE with anything white, as I have just about had it with the snow we’ve gotten already this winter. But I can handle a bit more white, such as the following photos from the architecture firm RB Arkitektur based in Stockholm, where white was born.

Anna Kern’s photography is simply stunning, such beautiful clarity and lighting. Some photos from her interior and still life sets are below but check her website for more as well as portraits and food.