Displaying posts from November, 2008

There is something about these interior shots by English born but Brisbane based photographer Jared Fowler. In a land of harsh bright light and unrelenting heat they are cool and inviting like a cave or a glass of water on a hot day. You know that inside you will be relaxed, that the “invitation” of the space has been captured by his lens. It’s hard to put into words but those of you who live in warmer climates will understand. Love the light and the composition. Love the honesty of the spaces. His food shots will have you salivating as well.

Oh my! Oh my! Oh my! If you can get past the title of this design book (The Power Look At Home, Decorating for Men, Egon von Furstenberg and Karen Fisher, William Morrow & Company, New York, 1980) you will find some interesting takes on male decor in this week’s retro rollick. There is your traditional gentleman’s club look, the “Sssshh this isn’t really a brothel” look and the “My decorator picked all of this and the cleaning lady keeps it tidy” look. My particular favourites are the giant “womb” floor cushion and the nipple cubes. Please please it doesn’t scream misogynist at all. Unfortunately very few colour photos to share but lots of moody b&w shots. I’ve included one of a small kitchen I find really cool.

Jo and I received a press release the other day that I had to share. It came from the guys of Crawford Alexander, the interior design shop here in Ottawa where I purchased pendants for my new kitchen.

“With great excitement Luc Crawford and Jamie LeBlanc, Ottawa’s Original Design Guys, announce the opening of their new location for Crawford Alexander Designer Boutique at 1089 Somerset Street West. After nearly 2 months of renovations, the dynamic duo have completely transformed this former used appliance depot to a fabulous Designer Boutique with their Designs By 2 studio offices located on site. Custom furniture designed by them and by other great Canadian & American manufacturers boasts an array of great fashion fabrics. Filling the shop is a selection of one of a kind lamps, rugs, pillows, bedding and amazing accessories hand chosen by them while on their design travels. The philosophy is simple, to provide products of unique shape, form and function at multiple price levels.”

I am really excited about this announcement because their new location is just a couple blocks from my house. I am so anxious to check it out. Here is a sneak peek.

I’m always on the lookout for cool wall applications, whether it be murals, wallpaper, whatever. Wallter carries some really fun shapes that are available through 2Modern. They are lightweight pieces that have a peel-away 3M adhesive backing. The applications can be applied to almost any interior wall or door. They are wood based, and come primed and ready for painting.

Wallter also carries mobiles, wool flannel pillows and bedspreads that I love for that modern touch to a space. And a wool flannel bedspread would be SO welcomed with the onset of cold weather. I’d never leave the bedroom, nor would my cats.

I’m hanging my roman blinds this afternoon. Vintage Vera fabric from eBay. I must thank Bronwyn for helping me sew these. I could only get so far! The chair is a recent thrift shop find and as you can see I painted it green. What is it with green and me? I can’t get enough. OK on with….

WINKS – weekend links. Here we list what has come in during the week, things we’ve found and things we think you’ll want to see. If you’d like to see your blog or website featured email us and if we think it fits with our readers we’ll link you. So what’s in this week?

• Alberto Caramello is a designer in Turin, Italy and he emailed to introduce DOT. The cutest bird feeder cipcip, an egg shaped cutting board ovetto, boat a floating candle holder and goodmorning a fun placemat. Alberto produces his designs in small numbers with the help of the craftsmen in his area, to offer a high-quality collection in
  keeping with the best Italian style. CUTE overload!



• I’m busy losing myself in Spoonflower. What’s Spoonflower? It promises to be a revolution in customised fabric printing. An email landed in my inbox and tipped me off to something I have been wanting for ages. Someone to print my own designs on 100% cotton fabric. The site is still in beta so you’ll need to join the community but WHOA! the possibilities. My mind is swimming!!! A sample swatch (8″ x 8″) is $5 (great if you need to see and hold it before you commit), a fat quarter (21″ x 18″) (perfect for crafting) and a yard (42″ x 36″) (or 112cm wide for those metric kids) for $18 (order up to 5 yards). There’s a blog too with lots of useful tutorials like how to create a pattern repeat and a slideshow to fill you in on how it works. I’m heading back to find out more!



• Paul emailed – “I would like to inform you about our UK Print Design Competition open to students and professionals alike. The grand prize winner will be awarded up to 1000 GBP in prizes. The top 100 entries will win a T shirt and have their design displayed on our UK website.

  Contest categories include:
  • Business card
  • Invitation card
  • Christmas card

  Students and professionals can submit their designs here.”



• Loving a new site Australian Edge. Focusing exclusively on Australian creativity in all fields it’s jammed full of great design. They have a lot of super talented Aussies featured already, including MOZI and Tsk Tsk. I’m totally hooked!!!!



• Just wanted to add our voice to many in the blogosphere who are welcoming Nikko Moy and her new online store Ashes & Milk. If you haven’t been there already go now, it’s beautiful and if you have maybe it’s time for a revisit to place an order. Good luck Nikko!

… and it’s time for me to climb up that ladder and hang those blinds. It’s such a hot day here I’m tempted to take a dip in the pool instead. Maybe I’ll hang them tomorrow 😉