Displaying posts from July, 2008

Uxus Design is an interiors and architecture firm based in Amsterdam. One of the principals and creative director of the firm, George Gottl, emailed us with some photos of one of my FAVOURITE projects of theirs, the Canal House, a loft in Amsterdam that I had initially seen in the April 2007 issue of Elle Decoration. This has always been an unforgettable space for me because it is so creative and quirky and eclectic and just plain funky. It’s a mix of mid-century modern, Hollywood regency and science lab with stunning sputnik light fixtures, Eames molded plywood chairs, and a bowl of skulls. What’s not to love?

“The canal house is located in a 250m2 18th century warehouse with a panoramic view over the city. The owners wanted to keep the original open-plan layout of the space so, UXUS created a series of dramatic curtain walls, which could be opened and closed according to the needs of use. All of the decorative interior elements were selected to reflect the eclectic tastes of the owners.”

Photos courtesy of Jansje Klazinga

Scott Laslie’s design philosophy is simple. “I work to enhance space with proven design expertise and by adding a bit of the unexpected.” Whether it’s traditional or contemporary there is a glam vibe to his rooms. They’re sophisticated and luxe with plenty of personality. I would kill for those dining chairs in the lead photo. Hey I’d sell my soul for the banquette and metal chair dining with or without the zebra hide.

I just had to round out the week with another great photographer, J. Savage Gibson. Kim and I go on and on about lighting and composition and angles and colour but when you see beautiful photos it’s those things that are so apparent. Josh’s work is subtle. These aren’t pictures that scream “look at me look at me”. Instead they draw you in with their order, refinement and relevance. Don’t miss his b&w portfolio…. lovely!

Yvonne wrote us recently to share with us her new home. She moved a few weeks ago and has a limited budget, but I think she’s off to a great start. Her home has amazing features like the high ceilings and the original hardwood floors.

Yvonne did have a design question for us: “Even if I like my cream-colored bedroom, I think now and then it could use some color (with pillows or pillowcases, candles, flowers…). I thought of a dark purple, what colors would you suggest?”. I love the idea of a dark purple, to add a touch of drama. You can pretty much do anything – a dark colour for drama, a bright colour for some life, a pale colour for some softness. I’ve found some photos of all white or cream bedrooms that have a touch of colour to help Yvonne decide.

Bo Bedre	Lucinda Symons
Fox Nahem Design	Tom Scheerer
Canadian House & Home	Homes & Gardens
Living Etc.	Maura McEvoy
Sophie Munro	New York Social Diary
Your Home & Garden	Dan Duchars
Point Click Home	Domino

Paul Siskin of Siskin Valls Interior Design believes flexibility is fundamental. “My work is not exactly art in the sense that it has to function. I try to express what my clients want but often what they want are design fantasies. One aspect of my job is to bring them back to reality about the way they actually live.” He has no particular style to his designs, as all eras interest him. What I love about his diverse style is that he prefers to mix old furniture in modern spaces and modern furniture in old spaces.