Last week I was a guest of Freedom for the launch of their Autumn 2011 collection. Impressive in every way. Heading in a new direction, the line is a mix of sophisticated design with the highest quality workmanship. There is something for everyone whether just starting out, family living or downsizing, a rambling cottage or chic townhouse. To grab your attention here is Freedom‘s limited edition range. Bright, fun, punchy and directional. The Venus dining chairs are in a delicious range of colours. Be quick for these. They won’t last. The bespoke fabric featured on the Threadneedle armchair was a collaboration between Freedom and a group while of Sydney graduates and then milled in Italy. There are only 2000 metres of the Pixel fabric which is featured on the Digital sofa and because of the pattern no two sofas will be quite the same. Thought I’d start with these statement pieces just to grab your attention. More photos to come. Everything from chic city living pieces to Belgian farmhouse country. My camera finger was snapping. (Point and click. I’m no professional photographer but you get the idea.) The range is released in mid-March. Catalogue out then.

Here’s what the agent says…. “This superlative warehouse conversion in “Leicester House” an historic 1880’s building provides privacy and vast spaces. It features soaring warehouse ceilings, huge original arched timber windows, exposed red brick walls, imposing brick archways of 65 cm depth and high gloss timber floors. By day it is imposing and by night dramatic.” Expressions of interest… means big bucks. What do you think? Great space but would you do it differently? Link here while it lasts. (Thanks Maddie!)

How’s this for a reader’s reno! Lisa and her family stripped, ripped, roofed, windowed and walled. They painted and floored. Recovered old chairs and hung lights and shelves. They made themselves an attic retreat perfect for sewing and stowing, reading and chilling. Work your way down. It’s well worth the scroll. A fabulous room and it once was a “hole”. Sorry for the bad rhymes but well done Hobbs family!

Got a problem? Need some help? Just stand 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…. get to it! I have a Saturday to enjoy.

“I have a bit of an issue. I’ve just found the perfect apartment, except for one detail. My new bedroom features only one wall for my bed to go. And not only does that wall have an off centered window, but that window is very low. About a foot off the ground. I’m really hesitant to but my bed up against it when my mattress will cover part of the glass. Is there a rule about this? How can I make design sense of an off center window cut off at the bottom by a centered bed?” – Kayla

Behold the bits of Kayla’s new apartment she is not having problems with….

And now the horror that is Kayla’s bedroom….the listing photo….

And the truth….

“Here are the new pictures of the room. I apologize for the blurriness.  Also, the window is weird. It opens on a hinge, and its close to the ground. I put the mattresses in there just for size illustration purposes.” – Kayla

Come on readers. Let’s help Kayla out. We know you are a super talented and opinionated bunch. Don’t prove me wrong! (If you have a problem contact me with a link to your photos here.)

There was a time on DTI that week after week I slavishly copied images from my extensive retro interior design book collection. One day I just couldn’t scan anymore. I had come to the last one. It was a sad day. Today is a good day for lovers of the retrolicious. Thanks to the wonderful Lia we get to crave and cringe again for one more day. Images from “Schoner Wohnen” from 1976. This has reignited my retro design book addiction. I’m on the hunt for more! If you need more retro too head to my (extensive) collection of past posts here.