Displaying posts from March, 2019

I’m stalking in one of my favourite Sydney suburbs Surry Hill. It’s a tiny enclave right next door to the CBD full of character terraces, cool shopping and an almost endless choice of bars, cafes and restaurants. This completely re-imagined terrace has been all but gut renovated creating 5.1m ceilings and walls of concrete and cedar. Modern living hiding behind a historic facade. All that concrete may come in handy as the house sits on a busy road and noise might just be a problem. A little greenery out the back would help soften the concrete canyon effect over time. Link here while it lasts.

The vibe here in this colourful New York City townhouse is what gives me heart palpitations. When colours and patterns and lots of layering and really unique pieces come together and every square inch is a feast for the eyes. I spent a good half hour devouring every inch of these photos. This is what design should be about (IMHO). Where the viewer is drawn in and never wants to leave. Designed by Kati Curtis. We wanted to reflect the vintage era of the townhouse, and at the same time acknowledge the hip and modern nature of this couple; we decided on “vintage with a twist.” 

One way we expressed this was through the wallpaper, by Timorous Beasties, in the dining room; it captures the Victorian feel of the home but with the most modern pattern. 

Another wallpaper, this one in “the family room,” looks like a sweet Victorian pattern…from afar. Upon closer inspection something far less benign is revealed: a pattern of evil-looking moths. The kitchen’s original cabinetry, its leaded glass and old brick had all been restored; we wanted to be respectful, yet we also wanted to give a surprising twist, so along with that crazy moth wallpaper, and a banquette we designed—we layered avery modern, lucite table on top of an antique needlepoint rug.

The tin ceiling in the master bedroom, as well as the fireplace, were both original– we added everything else– again with idea of it “being of the era” and with elements (like the wallpaper) adding an edginess. Vibrant patterns are balanced with quiet and calm moments of white and cream on the king sized bed.

Because we had the wish for the clients to be engaged in their home even before they walked in, we added an antique lighting fixture inside over the original staircase and balustrade.

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 on Instagram with #DTIpetsonfurniture. Thanks!

My sister Jen sent me this photo of her cat Zoe. Seems all of her cats have taken to the brand new living room chairs. “This is why I can’t have nice things” – she quoted on Facebook. LOL

17 year old Mr Biggles
– Anna-Maria

And some from me. Frankie caught mid-yawn, Mimin surveying her territory from atop a scratching post, Saturday morning coffee and cats, and Felix and Bernie lounging on the messy media room sectional.

Prince Edward County is an island on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Here you will find a quirky, campy inn called the Drake Devonshire. Multi-disciplinary design studio +tongtong had the task of turning a tired bed and breakfast and original c. 1880 foundry into an 11-room and two-suite contemporary inn. Something a bit more “hip” as all things Drake are (it’s the rural version of Toronto’s Drake Hotel). How sweet would this suite up in the peak of the A frame be?! (Photos: Nikolas Koenig)

It’s like I say time and time again. If you have to drag yourself into work on a weekend it helps if it is somewhere super stylish. Concept Studio #3 by Sydney-based Triibe.