Displaying posts from February, 2015

The folks of Toronto design firm Prototype Design Lab sent along photos of a project they recently completed that I had to share. This is a family cottage in northern Ontario (McKellar) and it is unlike any ‘cottage’ I have ever seen. When I think cottage I envision pine panelled walls, a rustic kitchen and some antlers on the wall. This cottage IS NOT THAT. We designed this cottage for a family that loves to entertain, cook, and eat. Their whole lifestyle is based around the kitchen, so right off the bat we knew that this space had to be functional, but incredible. The kitchen starts out like a restaurant kitchen, with durable, stainless steel surfaces, but is designed to be warm and eclectic with a great mix of modern & vintage fixtures; pendant lamps, floating shelves and stunning blackened steel-framed chalkboard panels acting as cabinet doors. Then there are some really warm elements such as a reclaimed barn wood wall & ceiling feature, marble counter tops, glass shelving & and reclaimed wine crate table. The palette of the space suggest vintage, contemporary and industrial all at the same time!

I’d say let’s meet for brunch tomorrow morning but I think the wait for a table may cruel the hipster experience. Looks so cool though and the reviews have been good. The Kettle Black in South Melbourne. It’s apple minty green, marble, wood and hints of gold goodness elevates it above the usual grunge coffee/cafe experience. Delicious design by Studio You Me.

My favourite art medium is photography. One of my biggest pet peeves is how photography framed behind glass only seems to show really awful glares if there is a window in the room. The worst is trying to photograph this. Plus, framing costs a fortune. The photograph above is fantastic, and the simple way in which it is hung, without a frame and possibly laminated, is a great solution. I have a photo of my Himalayan fluffball Milo that I want to blow up and laminate (on a thin backing) like this, and I’m even more sure now that this is the way to go. 

Photo via Damien Langlois-Meurinne

I regret not titling this post “Lighting porn” as these spaces by French designer Damien Langlois-Meurinne are outfitted with some of the most spectacular lights I have ever seen. And some of them are designed by Damien himself. These rooms are glamorous and luxe, but the lighting takes them to another level. They are pieces of art, making a statement.

Time to do some filing. Some office inspiration filing that is. Studio on number 17 Belén Street, Granada by Elisa Valero.