Displaying posts from February, 2013

Perched over dramatic boulders with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Apostles mountain range, this double-level apartment in Clifton, Cape Town, South African has been stripped and reconfigured to create the ultimate luxury pad. Cocktail bar, wine cellar, cinema room, gym, bespoke detailing, extensive art collection and an infinity pool to match the view… check! Another amazing project that could only be by Antoni Associates.

My pals Deborah and David of Green Light District (the awesome shop now in Toronto where I got this dreamy chair) just got back from the IMM trade show in Cologne and Maison & Objet in Paris, and kindly shared with my a bunch of the photos they took. I thought I’d pass them along so you can get a glimpse of some of the really cool designs that are up and coming. Deborah put together a little list of what seemed to be popular at these shows: 

1.  Shift back to lighter woods (mostly European oak) in all furniture pieces
2.  Most dining tables were oblong or oval or just a plain unusual shape
3.  European kitchens are modular and transportable (when they move apartments, kitchens move too)
4.  European kitchen technology is far superior to ours, just look at those vent hoods!
5.  Every manufacturer featured a desk that was sleek, compact, functional and beautiful
6.  Poofs are crazy popular
7.  Colour is back big in upholstered furniture, glassware, ceramics, kitchen cabinetry
8.  Felt & wool galore on chairs, stools, poofs
9.  Tall candlesticks making a comeback

Joanne Palmisano had sent along a submission recently for my pet on furniture feature recently that had a DIY spin (at the end of this post). It seems she is the queen of DIY, and had a book out called Salvage Secrets that she kindly sent me. It’s my type of book as I love the idea if re-claim/re-use. It showcases so many ideas of how to transform reclaimed materials into design concepts, and the book’s content is organized by materials – wood, glass, metal, stone, concrete, brick, ceramics and lighting. Lots of DIY inspiration here. Below are a sample of my favourite uses of rescued materials.

Stepping down a steep slope in inner city Brisbane is a brick house of interconnected boxes. Walls slide wide open and privacy is assured with high brick walls. Private courtyards extend out from living areas but the secret jewel of this house is the view from the bedroom. Slide back the doors and your can almost pick the flowers from mature jacaranda and pointsiana trees. Brick walls meet a wall of green. Of course it helps to live in the subtropics. I’d love to be woken from my sleep by the drumming of rain from an early morning storm. The architect is the award winning James Russell. Real estate stalking in my part of the world. Link here while it lasts.

LouiseM is a French story-telling painter whose style is a mix of pop art and street art. She occasionally has the opportunity to personalize her client’s interiors, and in this instance she designed a really funky backsplash. Included in this piece of art are the names of the family members and their favourite foods and drinks. LOVE THIS!!!