Displaying posts from August, 2012

There is a new book coming out August 28th called The First Apartment Book that I received a copy of recently, and I wanted to share it with you all because it’s fantastic, especially for folks who are about to move into their first apartment, or for those living in a small space. The author of the book, Kyle Schuneman (whom we featured back here) provides small-budget ideas for big-style decor projects. The book features 10 homes across the U.S. where Kyle cleverly worked with residents to translate their visions into real life. Kyle shows you how can seamlessly blend the things you love into a sophisticated design scheme, and some of his projects are really brilliant I have to say. To note: there are about thirty do-it-yourself projects included in the book that allow you to customize your space, especially when you refuse to let rental regulations or limited budgets stand in the way of your dream pad.Before I get into some of these projects, I was excited to find out the stunning photos in this book are the work of one of our favourite photographers here on DTI – Joe Schmelzer. We have featured Joe’s work several times in the past, including here, here and here. (This means 2 cutie patooties were responsible for creating this book – I couldn’t help but add that). You can pre-order the book on Amazon here. So how about a little sneak peek, including a few of my favourite DIY ideas? And after the jump, there is some news from Joe as well.

Above are 2 of my favourite projects included in the book – dip-dye curtains (which I have been wanting to try for years) and the faded-paint technique. COOL!!

Love these yarn frames (everybody has frames that are less than cute that could use a makeover) and the chalkboard kitchen with an oilcloth-covered island.

The photo above is of Kyle’s own living room. That fabulous piece of wood is actually a piece of wood covered in wallpaper used to hide a hideous heater.

So fun – chalkboard decals used in the insets in the cabinets as well as the fridge, a temporary fix perfect for renters.

How about a box-spring chandelier and chevron wall to spice up a dining space?

Fabulous use of industrial furniture and vintage maps.

This book is really great, for everyone dealing with a rental, a small space, or just enjoys DIY projects. It’s got TONS of projects I’d love to try out. And the fab photographs alone are a reason to snap up this book, as all of the spaces featured are really inspirational. And speaking of photographs, Joe has a show in L.A. that started yesterday that I wish I could check out. Details below!

You will remember Steve and Helena Trupp from this post featuring their Sydney apartment. Things have moved on in the last few years. Steve (runner up on Australia’s Top Design) and Helena have moved to Melbourne, decorated a whole new home, grown their online business Empirical Style (their cage lights are to die for) and… “ta-da”… opened a pop up shop within The Industrial Revolution, 1114 High St, Armadale. Their retro, “can never have too much, too bright, really quirky, life’s too short for beige” aesthetic is a favourite of many DTI readers and you can follow their design journey and inspirations on the Empirical Style blog.

When Helena emailed me to torture me with the news let me know of the pop up retail space I was salivating. (I’m 2000 km away. What I wouldn’t give to stand transfixed by all those vintage maps and science posters in the flesh. I’d love the wall map of Queensland but my husband just quipped that he’d have the map of Tasmania…. bad boy!) I begged Helena for shots of the shop and their new home as the secondbest thing to being there. You know I could easily move into the Trupp’s spare room and stay forever but failing that maybe I could live in the shop… or at least follow their adventures on their blog.

More shots of the Trupp home and their pop up shop after the jump.Thanks Helena!

Happy Friday everyone! Isn’t the first week back from holidays the LONGEST EVER?! I need something to get me through the day, so I have a little treat to share in the form of gorgeous eye candy at the hands of Dutch photographer Inga Powilleit. Her photos are absolutely stunning, and I especially love her portraits in fabulous spaces. She brings a room to life, and I want to hang out with these folks and enjoy a coffee, some conversation and their decor. P.S. Inga has had the honour of photographing the home of super stylist Emily Chalmers (pics 4 & 5).

i LOOOOVE the floors in the pic above

The Lawns, Highgate Village, London. Owned by leading British designers John and Frances Sorrell, designed by Eldridge Smerin, link via WSJ and Savills via Raina. Cool new house wrapping around existing historical house for a not so cool £8 million. Think I need to see more before I commit my hard earned cash.Unless you’re paying.

Me again. I must admit I made a bit of a fool of myself gushing on last time. Just wanted to tell you how much I love this 1880 Victorian terrace renovation. The juxtaposition of old and contemporary, the original staircase and the vertical panels of frameless glass. The clean modern lines, the crisp joinery against old floor boards. It’s here and now and harks back to then. It’s memories past and new memories to be made. That’s all. Just a little note. Thanks and take care.

Paddington Terrace by Andrew Waller of Mr Waller.