Displaying posts from April, 2012

No not in a balaclava but in Balaclava, the Melbourne suburb. A 3 storey timber and block townhouse with a groovy young family vibe. Love the kitchen/dining area. The pops of yellow. The mirror. The rumpus room leading out into a fab courtyard. The casual vibe where everything is laid back but still cool except that brown velvet couch. Don’t get me wrong. I do like a brown velvet couch but… it’s sloppy and slouchy and not at all hipster family cool. Perhaps it is in real life and perhaps it is soooooooo comfy that you would forgive its down at heels, shoulders hunched, hands shoved belligerently in its pilled acrylic cardigan, don’t look at me, it’s not my fault the rest of the room is empty vibe. Yes the living room needs work but with just a little zhushing how cool would this house be! Link here while it lasts.

Today (the 12th in Oz time) is Jo’s birthday, and this year IT’S A DOOSY. Doosy in that she needs to get plastered to make it through the day. Since she’s 14 hours ahead, I thought I had better post this now before the day is over for her. I am sending her a parcel which will hopefully be filled up by the weekend, and while I wish I could afford some of the goodies over at 1STDIBS.COM, here are some things they currently have listed that I thought were wacky enough for my dear friend and best blogger buddy. 😉

Pair of 60’s horned sheep, complete with real lambswool and horns. Mickey the golden Lab can have 2 new buddies!

Carrera marble statue called “The Pill”, by Alma Allen. At your age Jo, you’re going to need lots of pills to make it through the day so why not pay hommage to THE PILL.

Pair of polymer Michelin men sculptures. To remind you to stay fit. 

Late 19th century fabric on metal mushroom stool. Dear gawd this is hideous. Would make the rest of your furniture look like a million bucks.

1960’s Italian clay Cardinal bookends. Now Jo, I know you’d love to get your hands on these, as ridiculous as they are, because you have a thing for religious trinkets. 

1980’s resin and chromed nails sculpture. Because you wish you were this cool in the 80’s. 

Cement teddy sculpture by LA based artist Valerj Pobega. A reminder, in CEMENT, that you’re not a youngster anymore.

Cast iron swan bench reupholstered in Fornasetti ‘Gerusalemme by Day’ fabric. (Like covering this awful bench in a fancy designer fabric makes it any less awful). Don’t old ladies have a thing for swans? Or is it pink flamingos?

Pair of Art Nouveau double arm bronze sconces. To remind you that your boobs will never look that perky ever again (or your abs).

Bag vase by Tapio Wirkkala with glazed celadon interior encased in a ceramic exterior. I don’t know what to say about this, but stick some billy buttons in here and call it a day. 

A big pig ottman, made out of likely leather from a cow. Perhaps another reminder to try and stay fit. 

Cast aluminum operating room lamp with 5 lenses and relfectors. For that kinky side of you. 😉 Or to inspect all the new grey hairs and wrinkles. 

Vintage parachute light fixture. For the day you decide you’ve had it with that old house of yours, you can turn this light on and watch it all go up in flames. 

Italian 50’s sofa in the form of cupped hands. When your hubby does not have the energy, just climb on top of this baby and it’ll cop you a feel. 

But in all seriousness, I’d rather just ship you this 1950s Gala chair by Franco Albini to go with your stools. 🙂

The following photos caught me eye recently while doing blog research.

Funky artwork via Haynes-Roberts

Interesting take on closing in a staircase via Harvey Hine

Loving the colours in this rustic hardwood flooring via Harvey Hine

Roger Davies is a world class photographer whose photos frequently grace the pages of Architectural Digest (including Ellen and Portia’s amazing home) and Elle Decor. He has been fortunate enough to capture some of the most incredible homes around – and he does it soooooooo well. Each of his photos is a work of art. (I admired his work several years ago here). Stellar eye candy. 

After we have finished our stay in Le Grotte della Civita we can wind our way up the Italian roads to Abruzzo, to the hill top village of Santo Stephano di Sessanio. To another albergo diffuso, another Sextantio property. Scattered around the village are rooms in sympathetically renovated buildings, their spartan beauty saved from a modern desecration, just enhanced by simplicity and touches of hedonist luxury. Fine sheets, fine bathing, fine food and, of course, fine wine. You’ll find me soaking in the tub by the fire.