Displaying posts from April, 2008

Scott Weston unfolded his concept and now he’s delivered on his promise to reveal the “real” room. A chill out space for Sony at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week. A place to preen an be seen. Great space Scott and it’s hard to believe that the whole thing will disappear in a matter of days!

Here’s what Scott had to say. “The finished room as requested. We thought you might like to see the real deal – just like the model only bigger. Fashion Week launched Monday 28th April & our client Sony thought our idea was so innovative that they asked us to do a mini- version at their main store in the city (Sony Central). We have a topiary space with architect designed printed carpet, curtains & glowing pots with peacocks & cranes studded with fresh flowers. We then took the idea further & designed cotton voile scarves in purpose designed boxes wrapped in tissue paper to give to the main fashion editors- Vogue, Harpers Bazaar & the A-listers. We have a team of florists coming in daily to look after our topiary family, keeping them young & beautiful!” Some one get me an invite and a glass of champagne!

Tate has decided to become a cherished member of the desire to inspire sponsor family, so I’d like to introduce you to his blog, Strange Closets, and welcome him with a great big kiss…but he’ll just have to settle for this post.

I love Tate’s “About Me” section on his blog so I think it’s a perfect introduction: “I’m a native Chicago thirtysomething guy (more Timothy Busfield than Ken Olin, unfortunately). In my dreams, I’m a world-renown taste-maker, sought after for public appearances and too busy with my successful blog to take on any new clients. In real life, I discovered my passion for design while rehabbing a 2 flat in Chicago. For some reason, whether adding a staircase or expanding the kitchen, the result always seems to be Strange Closets.”

Here’s a bit about Tate’s blog in his own words: “It’s Chicago-based but I’m looking for photos of readers ideas, room makeovers, favorite stores, etc. from around the world. I’d like to maintain a Chicago focus for the readers here but to open it up a bit and let other readers introduce Chicagoans to the great design they or their community have to offer.”

I just spent way too long on his blog, and LOVE to see the progress on his home. So do go check it out. And because we are all about photos on this blog, I thought I’d share a few from Tate’s blog of some of his home renovations, which blew me away.

The spaces featured in the portfolio of photographer Noah Webb are stunning. The composition of each creates such a cool vibe, and showcases the extra-special features of each such as the gorgeous artwork and beautiful fabrics. He even had a cat on a chair photo. Gotta love that.

I love beautiful handcrafted timber pieces. The life of the tree is displayed lovingly before your eyes and the silky touch of such a piece is a joy. Caleb Woodard is an artisan woodworker whose organic creations are celebrations of a dying craft and a dwindling resource. Mass produced is a necessity but handcrafted is an artwork to be cherished. Caleb’s fiance and partner in developing this enterprise, Melanie told me that Caleb specializes in an organic woodworking aesthetic with live edges and midcentury touches – he’s inspired by artists from George Nakashima to Vladimir Kagan. Take the time to visit his website and explore his philosophy. Inspiring.

I could use a green tea right about now (it was a very VERY long day), and considering the state of my kitchen, I could also REALLY use some cabinets from Greentea Design. It’s a Toronto based Asian furniture retailer with a large selection of contemporary and antique pieces and a strong commitment to the environment. They’ve been around for over ten years, and judging by the products featured on their website, I’d say they’ll be around for many more. Not only do they carry kitchen cabinetry, but living room, dining room and bedroom furniture as well. Gorgeous!!! (Thanks Michael!)