Displaying posts from July, 2012

Melbourne based architectural firm BKK Architects was founded in 2000 by Tim Black, Julian Kosloff and Simon Knott. These guys have got it going on. They have won a ton of awards, been featured in a zillion publications, and have captured my attention with their creativity and picturesque designs. I am in awe of the exteriors of the homes they have created. The imagination, attention to detail and understanding of the landscape is so inspiring. A handful of my favourites from their portfolio are below.

Shortlisted in the 2012 Residential Decoration category of the Australian Interior Design Awards this elegant yet relaxed family home by Denai Kulcsar Interiors. A fluid style marrying classic with contemporary. There is glamour and sophistication but also a sense of family and comfort. The house is serene and grounded, practical and beautiful with a touch of drama to mix things up… just a little. Welcome to Park House.

A perfect backyard. Stylish and fun, contemporary and compact. Lush plantings and welcome shade, a playful pool spot for summer splashing. Entertaining is covered… and uncovered. Pure sunshine! By Sydney landscape design firm Secret Gardens.

If you’d like to send me photos to include in next week’s “pets on furniture” post, please ensure your photos follow my basic rules: First, the pet must be on a piece of furniture. And said piece of furniture must be clearly visible in the photo, so it takes center stage rather than your pet. Think of it more of a photo of a great piece of furniture that you want to show off…and your pet happens to be sitting on it. And second, the photo must be of decent quality. If it’s dark or fuzzy (from a camera phone) then it may not make the cut. Photos, your name, location and a brief description can be sent to desiretoinspirekim@hotmail.comand PLEASE don’t send closeups of your pet! Thanks!

This is my brother’s sweet dog, Hank, on a loveseat that’s been in our family since the 80s. It’s a simple piece that’s been reupholstered at least two times. Many dogs have enjoyed this loveseat.
– Amy

This is Teun on a designer chair. He loved me visiting as he got to do things he’s normally not allowed – like climbing on the chair. I loved the chair and really wanted him to pose on it as their colours are very complementary. This image was shot in his very stylish home in the Netherlands (you should see his backgarden!).
– Nynke (Sheffield, England) 

Here are two instagram shots of mine and my roommate’s rescues Oliver (little one, hers) and Harvey (larger one, mine). Most of my furniture comes from consignment finds or deeply discounted modern stores. I constructed my headboard from reclaimed wood that survived our old train station fire here in Panama City, FL. The mirror above the bed is a 150 year-old mirror that was given to me by a friend, and had been passed through her family for generations. Also, Harvey and Oliver are best best best friends.
– Desiree 

These are our [now nearly-3 year old Boston Terrier] Ramble and [nearly-11 year old Chow-Pit mix] Rosey.
While taking pictures of our staged house for sale, Ramble [the Boston Terrier] felt his sweet mug would help sell the home quicker and hopped onto our bed. It must’ve worked, ’cause it sold!
Spending Christmas at my family’s [very dog-less, though dog-loved] house in New Jersey the pups snuck up onto the loveseat whilst my parents were very unaware. My sister, however, thought this was most hilarious!
– Alexandra 

In the photograph, Lily is lounging on a Westnofa chair in our 1963 Saint Paul, MN living room. I’ve tried to snap this photograph on other occasions, but she’s an unholy terror and never still enough to catch the shot. I had to sneak up on her, from behind the piano, to get this one…
If readers have any information about the artist “Madden”, the signature on the serigraph above the chair, I’d be really grateful to hear it.
– Jacob (Minneapolis)

Mattie’s an 11 year old pointer mix and bon vivant. Her preference is the sofa, but she’s been known to hop up on chairs. I adopted her six years ago and she’s been the matriarch of the household since.
– Bennett (Oklahoma City)

After a lengthy debate discussing the pros and cons of being stuffed with polyester fibre or that of domestic cat treats, Miss Abigail Faith ( formally a Teenage-Run-a-Stray ) relaxes with a panel of colleagues. Seen here on The Koi Bench from Vogue Display. The Valet in the background is also from Vogue Display.
– Lee (King City, Ontario)

This next photo doesn’t meet my pets on furniture rules but it’s my entry so I’m allowed. 🙂 This is Misty. Misty is a lucky kitty. I thought you might like to read about this former cat of mine and his buddy here. 

If you’d like to send me photos to include in next week’s “pets on furniture” post, please ensure your photos follow my basic rules: First, the pet must be on a piece of furniture. And said piece of furniture must be clearly visible in the photo, so it takes center stage rather than your pet. Think of it more of a photo of a great piece of furniture that you want to show off…and your pet happens to be sitting on it. And second, the photo must be of decent quality. If it’s dark or fuzzy (from a camera phone) then it may not make the cut. Photos, your name, location and a brief description can be sent to desiretoinspirekim@hotmail.comand PLEASE don’t send closeups of your pet! Thanks!

His name is Anubis, and he’s a long haired dachshund.  In this photo he is visiting my mother-in-laws house and loves it because she has a lot of beautiful chairs for him to feel like a tall dog on!
– Carissa

Here is Pearl (boxer bulldog cross), our beautiful rescue dog. We adopted her & she adopted the eames lounger, her favourite place to sleep! 
This Pearl’s BFF Rocky (boxer). He is always sleeping on the furniture with his tongue hanging out!
– Beth & Vince (Oakville, On)

Although the quality of this photo could be better, it is of our beloved Bailey whom we were forced to say goodbye to last week. She loved to sneak into the guest room and make herself at home with the pillows for a snooze. We miss her dearly and the house is too empty without her.
– Meghan

This is Sadie Mae — a pekingese-poodle mix of 8 years old — on her favorite pillow on the sofa.
– Trina 

This is Buster, my one year old Yorkie. He loves to lay on my gold pouf.
– Allison (Baltimore, MD) 

This is “little” Minime on a Butterfly 🙂 He was adopted in Dubai where he was born. Minime got his name from the Austin powers film because he was the smallest of all his brothers I mean like the other kittys just smaller…. So Mini Me 🙂 Now he is a big big cat who not allways trust the Buterfly.
– Belen (Frankfurt, Germany)

Kizzy and Ouija always enjoyed bird-watching and launching squirrel chases from their bench in the garden.
Kizzy enjoys basking on her roof-top terrace, always alert for geckos.
Here is Ouija at the computer. I can’t recall if he was on Turbo-Tax finishing up our returns…or just playing Angry Birds again.
– Mary