I want to spend the entire summer in this glorious structure (whenever summer decides to show up after we unbury ourselves from the copious amount of snow we’ve received). The aesthetic and design decisions for this project were led by the desire to restore what is natural to the interior. The aim was to create another world, to offer an escape but one grounded in the history and purpose of the original building. Great attention was paid to choosing materials that would be in keeping with the original building as well as finding the most skilled craftsmen to work with them. Local timber was used for the floor and walls, sourced from a nearby salvage yard, the fine wrought iron handrail was handmade by a local blacksmith, even such details as the wooden door latch on the bathroom have been handcrafted. The interior itself has been filled with an eclectic mix of the very best antique pieces alongside contemporary lighting and some of Howe’s signature bespoke designs. A beautiful painted regency chest of drawers sit below a large 1950s Serge Mouille three-armed ceiling light in the bedroom, Swedish mid Century flat weave rugs bring bold colour to the space and an original Royere wrought iron standard lamp provides reading light over an antique battered leather armchair. By Christopher Howe.
After surviving a record breaking heatwave in my part of the world I find myself dreaming of getaways that involve water, lots of water. Backwater “sits on a small promontory in a secluded lagoon in the Norfolk Broads and offers a contemporary counterpoint to more traditionally designed neighbouring houses, while respecting the peaceful natural setting.” Off the grid and may I say off the scale style-wise. I just want to lie staring at the ripples in the water as gentle breezes waft over me… and I can because Backwater, designed by London-based Platform 5 Architects, is a holiday let. Bliss.
What? Another London Victorian? I just can’t help myself, the details of these homes always leave me craving more. Gently revived and refined, enhancing period features and the fine craftsmanship of the era. This was the original builders house on a street of speculative Victorian terraces. Located in an area that had been respectable, then shabby, meant a house that was blessed with most original features intact but worn. Carefully redesigned to bring more light in where possible, but with the design emphasis on thoughtful details and the use of skilled craftsmen, rather than large design statements. It made for a calm and welcoming home, with natural flow and creative energy. By Cassandra Ellis. (For more of her work see here and here)
If you would like to participate in the Monday’s pets on furniture series please send photos, your name, location and a brief description to kim[at]desiretoinspire[dot]net, or hashtag your photos #DTIpetsonfurniture. Thanks!
This is Louis! He’a a one-year-old Coton de Tulear. He is small, but he takes up a lot of space. We’re best friends.
– Blaire (San Francisco – I have a loft, this photo is taken from upstairs)
Drava the Vizsla at work
– Jessica
My husband’s sister-in-law sent me this photo of her daughter Chloe’s cat names May. (Thanks Susan!)
Lucy (on top) showing her cousin Ray no respect
– Stephanie
Pets on furniture from Argentina
– Diego
I forgot to post this last week. GH sent a copy of this fabulous cover of Better Homes & Gardens new look, and featuring Julianne Hough with what I assume are her 2 pooches.
And a few from me. Felix laying on the rug I brought back from Puerto Vallarta, Lucky laying in my vintage apple basket at the end of the foyer that I have filled with winter gear, and Lucky laying on the arm of the sofa watching the snow fall and fall and fall…..
And if anyone in the Ottawa area would is interested in a kitten please give me a shout. This is one of many cats my hair stylist has living on his farm in a barn and it’s freezing cold out and there’s tons of snow and I feel horrible knowing that could be where he spends the rest of his life. I think he’s about 3-4 months old, and I’m told he’s affectionate, which is amazing for a barn cat.
Last call for entries for the A’ Design Award and Competition. The deadline for entries is fast approaching and now is the time to submit your best work. You can nominate your design here. With over 100 categories the A’ Design Award and Competition is the worlds’ largest design competition. But it is not just an award. It is an indicator of quality and perfection in design, recognized worldwide, your design front and centre before design companies and professionals. Entries will be judged by an international jury panel of scholars, professionals and media members and the benefits to the winners are inspiring. The trophy, of course, an invitation to the gala night, a certificate of quality, inclusion in the prestigious A’ Design Award and Competition exhibition and the yearly ResultBook but even more importantly press, PR, introduction to industry professionals and companies and international exposure.
From the Good Industrial Design Award to the Good Architecture Design Award. The Good Product Design Award to the Good Communication Design Award. The Good Service Design Award to the Good Fashion Design Award. (You can find all the design categories here.) Are you inspired? Excited? Believe you’ve got what it takes to take on the best of the best design from around the world? You can register for the 2016-2017 A’ Design Award and Competition here. But you better be quick. The deadline for submission is on February 28. Results will be announced April 15 and you will find full coverage of the results here on Desire to Inspire. Can’t wait!
In the meantime here are some inspiring winners from past years…
Platinum A’ Design Award Winner for Architecture, Building and Structure Design Category in 2015
One Main Office by Mark Goulthorpe, Raphael Crespin
Silver A’ Design Award Winner for Interior Space and Exhibition Design Category in 2015
Dom Pechati Public Space by Nikita Zhilyakov Workspace
Silver A’ Design Award Winner for Architecture, Building and Structure Design Category in 2015
apel on the Hill Holiday cottage by Evolution Design
Silver A’ Design Award Winner for Architecture, Building and Structure Design Category in 2015
Rising Canes Architecture Modular by Chris Precht
Golden A’ Design Award Winner for Interior Space and Exhibition Design Category in 2015
Pocket House Residential House by Cristina Menezes
Silver A’ Design Award Winner for Interior Space and Exhibition Design Category in 2015
Eight terracotta Residential House by Ling Chihmo & Lin Yaoping
Golden A’ Design Award Winner for Interior Space and Exhibition Design Category in 2015
Le Campus Multifunctional space by Virserius Studio
Golden A’ Design Award Winner for Interior Space and Exhibition Design Category in 2015
Pippi’s Office Architecture Office by Juliana Pippi
Golden A’ Design Award Winner for Interior Space and Exhibition Design Category in 2015
Spacious Mountain view is space asset by Chia Hung-Yu
Golden A’ Design Award Winner for Interior Space and Exhibition Design Category in 2015
UM Junior Top Kid’s Wear Store by AS Design Four Lau and Sam Sum
Silver A’ Design Award Winner for Interior Space and Exhibition Design Category in 2015
Pure Essence Home Interior Design by Lin Yu Wei
Silver A’ Design Award Winner for Interior Space and Exhibition Design Category in 2015
Miami Beach Residence Residential Condo by Luca Andrisani
Golden A’ Design Award Winner for Building Materials, Construction Components, Structures & Systems Design Category in 2015
Synapsis Wall Tiles by Fernanda Marques Arquitetos Associados
Platinum A’ Design Award Winner for Arts, Crafts and Ready-Made Design Category in 2015
Micro Matter Miniature Sculptures in Glass Test Tubes by Rosa de Jong
Silver A’ Design Award Winner for Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design Category in 2015
ALSFELD Cutting boards by Nott Design Studio
Platinum A’ Design Award Winner for Furniture, Decorative Items and Homeware Design Category in 2015
Banco Kitchen table by LAAGENCIA
Bronze A’ Design Award Winner for Furniture, Decorative Items and Homeware Design Category in 2015
Lab Multifunctional Planter by Diego León Vivar
Platinum A’ Design Award Winner for Furniture, Decorative Items and Homeware Design Category in 2015
Kitch’ T® Compact Kitchen by Irena Kilibarda/dsignedby
Don’t forget to nominate your designs for award consideration here. Submission deadline is 28 February 2017.
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This post is brought to you in collaboration with A’ Design Award and Competition