Grey Crawford

Photographer Grey Crawford's portfolio is a stunning example of getting just the right shot in just the right light. There's so much warmth to these photos you can almost close your eyes an imagine being there at the exact moment when they were taken.

Mariana's Melbourne mid century

Mariana is a graphic artist/designer, currently studying interior decoration and design. This is her family home on Flickr. I first laid eyes on this fabulous house when Mariana commented on some of my Flickr photos. I'm so glad I clicked on over. Great mid century furniture, funky found objects, fifties sensibilities and amazing twig lamp shades fashioned by Mariana herself. Secretly I'm coveting her West German vases! Thanks for letting me share your home Mariana. I'd love to move in myself. I'm sure I'd feel right at home!

Paul Cha

Paul Cha Architect is based in Soho, New York and has been very successful since it's inception in 1997, having been published in numerous books and magazines including the New York Times and Interior Design. His designs are modern and timeless, and follow Zen sensibilities. I love how he uses different types of wood throughout his designs to keep the modern elements from feeling too cold. (And how cute is that little window along the floor in the third photo?)

Shannon Fricke and her Sense of Style

A little while ago I featured a photographer, Prue Ruscoe whose work I adore. My favourite pictures of Prue's appear in one of my favourite books, A Sense of Style. Colour, by Shannon Fricke, interior stylist, TV presenter and now regular contributor to Inside Out. My copy is well worn and well used. Shannon was kind enough to email thanking me for mentioning her book and with the news that she has a new book, Sense of Style. Space. These are the images she sent to share. In her first book she explores the world of colour, revelling in it's cheekiness and life enriching beauty. Her books, while informative, are joyous celebrations of life, style and lifestyle. Each is a feast for the eyes with glorious photos of homes, mood boards and vignettes styled by Shannon. Her new book takes us on a journey through space, sacred, personal, transitional and functional spaces. Once again her insightful holistic approach is matched by Prue's stunning photographs. If you find her books I know they will become well used sources of inspiration. Both books can be found readily in Australian bookstores and here. Unfortunately both are not yet available in America but that's what online ordering is for!

Images above by Prue Ruscoe courtesy of Shannon Fricke. Don't forget to click on these to supersize.

Images from Prue Ruscoe's portfolio at The Names Agency

P.S. Thank you so much for the copy of the new book Shannon. It's gorgeous from cover to cover!

Retro revisited

Finally my boxes are unpacked from the move and my retro collection of decorating books has a new home. I'll make up for not revealing more retro inspiration last week by doubling up this week. Let the inspiration/aberration begin!

All images scanned from The Practical Encyclopedia of Good Decorating and Home Improvement. Vol 16. Greystone Press, New York, 1971.