Displaying posts from March, 2010

“Shall we be cultured aesthetes and dilly dally with our jobs or put on our dungarees and learn the significance of architecture by laying stone and brick for awhile, mixing mortar and sawing wood. Learn of the strength and durability of materials; know of society and its myriad needs and aspirations. Read fairy stories; read Keats, Shelley and Whitman. Absorb a sound and understanding knowledge of the incredible inventions of our day and go to it. There are no fixed formulas; no dry standards; no such thing as composition. There is only one thing to achieve and that is an architectural organism. Composition is dead; an organization is alive… vivid… responsive to conditions; and eloquent of the spiritual association of function and form. Travel the frank and courageous road whereon may be seen the real contributions to ages gleaming in the sunshine.”
– George Grant Elmslie

Elmslie Osler Architects was blogged by Jo back in ’07 but I happened upon their website recently and found quite a few more inspirational photos to share with you. Several of them are just the bones of a space, but WOW, what bones they are. It’s all the inspiration you need. And that lovely quote above just adds to the serenity below.

It’s difficult to put Japanese design firm Jamo associates into the usual pigeon holes we use. Interior designer, stylist, product designer. Their work encompasses all areas. It’s collaboration. Think concept styling, magazines, catalogues, shop co-ordination and display, space design and everything in between.  It’s marie clair and Real Simple, Elle Décor and Sony, Cibone and Laura Ashley. It’s a little quirky but always inspiring.

I’ve been asked several times to show what I came home from Puerto Vallarta with. Besides a wicked suntan, some jewelry, 3 tops, a pair of pants, 3 pairs of super cheap and funky sandals, a bag, a few Spanish shelter mags, a lime squisher and a big bottle of vanilla, I brought back a few things I thought you guys might be interested in (yes, shopping was a high priority on this trip). Keep in mind I only brought one suitcase with me with as little in it as I could possibly manage so there wasn’t much I could bring back. A few of these items I bought with someone you know in mind (sounds like Bo).

Here is another store in Puerto Vallarta that I almost passed out in. It’s called Ponciana, located downtown, and was filled with everything under the sun. Clothing, tons of linens (lace, tablecloths, pillowcovers, runners…), mirrors, furniture, glassware, dishes, pottery, paintings…you name it. And I went a little nutty in this store knowing I could fit little bits and pieces in my suitcase. To my delight I did end up purchasing several items. Here’s a peek inside Ponciana, and coincidentally you’ll get a glimpse at a few of the things that came home with me (which is another post for later).

Today I thought I’d post some more photos from my trip to Mexico, specifically from a couple of the shops that I fell in love with. Then tomorrow I’ll show you all the stuff I managed to cram in my 1 suitcase.

This first shop located in downtown Puerto Vallarta is called Origenes – David Luna. It was BEOOOOOOTIFUL. Tons of incredible rustic, earthy furniture from Mexico and elsewhere that I could have furnished an entire home with. To die for. And none of it fit in my suitcase. If you’re in Puerto Vallarta, you must check it out for the eye candy factor. Bring a shipping container with you.  🙂 (Their website includes details of the locations of their 4 shops and interior design projects).