Displaying posts from June, 2011

I heard about the book New York Rooftop Gardens and I had to get my hands on a copy. I find New York very intriguing, and I hope to one day finally make a point of visiting (and shopping!!!). I’ve lived in Ottawa all my life and despite it being the capital city of Canada, it’s relatively small (likely a population of close to 1 million). And I am able to afford a house a 25 minute walk from the downtown core, with a yard, driveway and all that good stuff. It’s a pretty strange concept to me that there are people who live in the heart of New York City who pay a fortunate to live in VERY small spaces. Some people are fortune enough to have rooftop access and the ability to create outdoor oases as a retreat from the bustle (the hard-edges, lack of greenery) of the city. The juxtaposition of the landscape of these gardens with the views of skyscrapers and rooftops is truly incredible. The book New York Rooftop Gardens takes you on a journey to several magical rooftop gardens, each one more inspiring than the next. This is a fantastic coffee table book and if you are as intrigued as I am I suggest you get yourself a copy. If you’re from the US or Canada you can buy it HERE.

© New York Rooftop Gardens – Photographs by Charles de Vaivre, published by teNeues; Photo © 2011 Charles de Vaivre. All rights reserved

I had to snap a couple photos of some of my favourite images…

Totally off topic: Our blogger friend Manvi of Mochatini is having her first ever tablescape design camp. The first event is on June 29 in Washington D.C. at the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams store on 14th Street in Logan Circle. If you are in the DC/MD/VA area and want to partake hurry because space is limited. You can register HERE.

… not much. OK I’m a little further on. I thought I’d show where we are at the moment. My cheap and cheerful counter top solution is hopefully coming together this week. Plywood will be glued to the existing tops and stained then sealed. Japan black? I’m leaning that way. You can see more of my temporary and dirt cheap kitchen re-do over on my page.

Got a problem? Need some help? Just standing there shaking your head? Don’t know what to do? You’re not alone. Send us a link to photos of your design quandary and let the Desire to Inspire design crew help you …. that’s you lot… the readers!

Jesse emailed “I’m a big fan of the blog, and wanted to reach out & ask for a bit of advice. I’ve recently moved into a new apartment & am trying to make it a home. I’m a rustic minimalist but an eclectic at heart.” Jesse wanted feedback. Then Jesse sent photos. After I picked myself up off the floor I thought Jesse wants advice? Jesse wants to take it to the next level? OMG the bones are fabulous. There is so much that is wonderful about her new space.

“I guess I was just looking for some general feedback than specific what-to-dos. I would love to hear back from readers in a Design Crew post, I’m just looking for others opinions.” This is were all of you come in. Your feedback? The next step? She has motivated me to walk away from the computer and head back to my still unfinished “quick” kitchen redo. Can’t wait to see what you guys have to say.

Here is a reader request from Monika: I’m about a year away from a major kitchen/family room remodel and our architect is recommending we have a large island that would stand alone without a sink or stove. The sink and stove will be on the wall opposite the island. I love the idea of a large open space with no sink/stove paraphernalia to clutter it up, but I haven’t seen an example of this in real life and would like to see a few examples before I give the go ahead… my mother in particular is skeptical siting the importance of the “work triangle” while I feel a large clutter free expanse creating a sense of calm & cleanliness trumps the triangle. If you find examples of large islands with no sink/stove, I would love to see them. I am absolutely with you Monika. Plus, with the main sink in the island, you’ll always have a pile of dishes there. Who wants to see that so clearly?

Style At Home

Freunde von Freunden

Antoine Bootz

Gunkelmans Interior Design

Nathan Egan

Hus & Hem

Lonny

Sköna hem

Robert Bailey

Sunset

Sunset

Bolig Magasinet

Hus & Hem

Susan Gilmore

Lone Pine Pictures

Summer Thornton

Parsonson Architects

Marjorie Skouras

Sammy is a regular reader and commentator on the blog. Sammy is a Kiwi. Sammy shares my real estate addiction and Sammy goes stalking when she is bored.

Gloomy winter day here in Auckland and it’s my day off so I decided to do some real estate stalking and found one of my favourite homes is up for sale. It was featured in a magazine a few years back and I must have ripped out the entire article for my folder once I stopped drooling! I probably couldn’t afford the garage but hey we’re all dreamers at heart. It certainly made me think of summer…..love the slick tropical feel with ethnic touches and worn timbers. Yum.

I want to see more pictures! I want to see bigger pictures! Hey I want to see better pictures! Sammy I want to see those torn out magazine pages! Dreaming of a beachside bolt-hole. Actually, like you, I’m dreaming of summer down here in the southern winter. Link to this North Shore, Auckland home here while it lasts.