Mixing it up

I'm trying to decompress this long weekend, and enjoy some time not glued to my computer screen like I usually am. Yesterday I spent the day at my sister's cottage and we plan on doing the same Monday. Today is going to be filled with chores and errands (including hopefully the pick-up of a table I selected as payment from an advertiser - can't wait!) and finishing the painting of shelving I took from the cottage last weekend that I was thinking would be awesome shoe storage in my dressing room. Photos to come on both of those eventually. Needless to say I didn't have much time to get something ready for today and because I don't want to leave you guys with a post-less Sunday, how about a cool apartment in Madrid I found at Nuevo Estilo. It was built in 1914 and renovated by architect Borja Puras Vázquez de Prada. I love how the details from that period were maintained and the eclectic mix of old-world and modern furnishings creates such a unique, refreshing look.

Click to read more ...

Design Crew

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! This week's problem is from Leslie and she really needs your help!

I am moving to a new 2-bedroom apartment - with no roommates - and I'm really excited about designing it the way I want. However, I came across a problem that plagued me in my old apartment as well, and which I am unsure how to solve. I have workout equipment - a treadmill, yoga mat, and exercise ball - and I don't know where to put it. Initially I wanted to sort of 'merge' it into the second bedroom, which will be a guest bedroom. But the square footage in there is small enough that I am worried the equipment would crowd and annoy any guest I had staying over in there. Not to mention mar the design. I want the guest room to be inviting. But I just don't know where else to put the stuff. Is there a solution for placing exercise equipment in an apartment where there is no dedicated exercise room? Could I put it in my main living area (a small double parlor) without ruining that design - which will be seen more often - as well?

Attached are pictures of the living room, dining room and bedroom. The living room and dining room are adjacent. None of the furniture in there is actually mine - it's the current tenant's. So we sort of have to imagine there's nothing in there yet. The items there now do help illustrate scale/size, though.

Many thanks in advance for your help!

A pretty kitchen

Happy Friday everyone! It's Victoria day weekend here and that means getting to someone's cottage (in my case my little sister's), eating a ton of hamburgers and drinking our faces off. We Canadians know how to celebrate the first long weekend of summer let me tell ya. Anyhoo, I have a ton of stuff to get done so I can find some time to relax and enjoy the hot weather we're getting (BRING IT ON!!!!), so before I do that, how about a gorgeous kitchen (etc.) from Natalie of Nest Design Studio (based in Toronto).

Reader's home - Lucyna's home in Poland

I have a FABULOUS reader's home to share with you today. I adore this one. Dark and dramatic and edgy. And that concrete wall! YESSSSS!

My name is Lucyna Kolodziejska and i am an interior designer from Poland, Gdansk. My web site: www.fabrykawnetrz-fw.pl This is my flat, i live there with my husband Jarek, dog Pele and daughter Nathalie. It is 300 metres by the seaside. I design mostly apartments for private investors, I like to connect old things (etc. doors, old polish oak floor) with new design, also like to connecting very decorative elements with primitive concrete. As you see this in my apartment. (Photos: www.agencjanegatywna.com)

Click to read more ...

The category winners of the Belle/Coco Republic Interior Design Awards 2012

Australian interior design has never looked so good!

Best Residential Interior - Tusculum Street Residence SMART DESIGN STUDIO

Best Corporate Interior - Paper Stone Scissors RUSSELL & GEORGE

Click to read more ...