Displaying posts from June, 2017

LOOOOVE this home designed by Los Angeles-based Chris Barrett – especially the outdoor space above! WOW!!! Steps from the sands of Santa Monica, California, this Spanish Colonial home responds to its local context, but derives its essence from a rich architectural history of Mediterranean design. The home’s furnishings and finishes are rich and comfortable, inviting homeowner and guest to relax and enjoy. 

(more features of Chris’ work here, here and here)

Architecture, interior and design practice Studio David Thulstrup knows how to create beauty from something very raw and industrial, making this home a total urban dream. The renowned photographer Peter Krasilnikoff (who took these photos) commissioned us for his private residence in Copenhagen. Our inspiration evolved from worn-out warehouses and factories with their blackened steel and old bricks; a concept which was sparked by the desire to retain the three raw-brick walls of the old garage on site. The design is focused around a central mirror-clad atrium, which floods all three floors of the residence with natural light. The atrium is lush with specially selected grasses, plants and a feature tree which is visible from all floors – creating a central and bright oasis.

How lovely is this simple 19th century cottage nestled among the trees in upstate New York? The refurbishment and extension of original building has seen the architect owner add a fresh Scandinavian touch, like a summerhouse a long way from Sweden. A pared back home, almost minimalist – Stanfordville Cottage by Larson and Paul.

I received some really great books recently that I wanted to share with you today (I LOVE BOOKS!!!) and I didn’t think I could ever get excited about light bulbs, but it happened!

I will start with a book by Sara Emslie, a London-based interiors stylist and writer, called Urban Pioneer with photos by Benjamin Edwards and published by my favourite Ryland Peters & Small. 

The book features incredible interiors that take their inspiration from industrial design. It provides an in-depth look at twelve inspiring homes that were originally non-residential and have since been converted. Exposed brick, copper piping, bare roof trusses, concrete floors…all the elements of industrial spaces that make my heart skip a beat. I adore this book and am adding it to my coffee table pile. 

The next book is called Miniature Moss Gardens: Create Your Own Japanese Container Gardens by Megumi Oshima and Hideshi Mimura from Tuttle Publishing.

I have always been fascinated with moss and would love to fill my entire property with it…and coincidentally I recently renamed my foster cat Moss (from Maurice), so yes, this book is a must-have for my library and yours if you love gardening and plants. This book shares lots of interesting facts about moss and instructions on care and maintenance, making a kokedama (i didn’t know what that was – !!!!), moss bonsais, moss tray landscapes and terrariums. I am going to devour this book this summer and see if I can come up with some creations for my home. Lots of beautiful photos can be found throughout this book too. Another great read. (Find it on Amazon here) 

And last but not least, I received a wonderful treat of some really awesome designer light bulbs. I am SO GLAD to have discovered Globe Electric, a company that originated in Montreal (yay Canadian success story!). They carry all kinds of lighting products as you can see here on Wayfair. We had an email chat and found some products I could try out – namely some light bulbs and extension cord. First let me show you the light bulbs they sent me that I could not be more excited about.

This is their Crystalina bulb and it is the most beautiful bulb I have ever seen. I had purchased gold-tip globe bulbs for my kitchen pendant on Amazon a few months ago and was disappointed with them but never got around to finding replacements. These are what I was waiting for, and are absolutely perfect for any bare bulb fixture. 

YAAAASSSS!!!! I freaking love it, and it looks even more beautiful in the evening. 

I also received the Squirrel Cage Electric light bulb that is like an Edison bulb for my vintage “stripper pole” light in my living room. These are classic bulbs that look fantastic in any fixture where you may see the bulb peeking through the shade. 

They also sent me a not-your-average extension cord that I pan to use on a project I am hoping to finally complete one of these days. Cute extension cords are a must if you have it laying out in view and this one has such a great looking fabric cover. And lastly a Diamante bulb was included in my package. I can’t wait to find a simple, small lamp base to use for this. 

P.S. As a bonus their packaging is spot-on. 

I say it week after week. If you have to drag yourself into work on a weekend it helps if it’s somewhere stylish. Lighthouse Salon by Kirsten Marie Inc. Interior Design.