“We are going to buy a twelfth century monastery” declared the subject line of an email from a longtime client. This one just so happened to be located next door to a multi-year project that we have worked on for nearly a decade in the south of France. Though the monks had long since left the premises, the property retained much of its original character. Our mission was to unwind some of the modern alterations that had occured when a kitchen and baths were added– and insert something simpler and less disruptive. Ultimately putting the building back into service with a purpose closer to the original as a creative refuge and housing for artists in conjunction with Saint Joseph’s Arts Foundation.
Ken Fulk taking a monastic approach quite literally with this project and I could not love these gothic, old world vibes more.

I love this home in the St Clair West ‘hood of Toronto. It’s modern organic with lots of curvy furniture that I’d love to sink into, a gorgeous and bright kitchen (though I don’t think I can ever get behind massive hood vent boxes), a dreamy dining room (those chairs!), a library of my dreams, and the calmest of bedrooms. Designed by Sarah Birnie. Photos: Lauren Miller.

Our intention was to evoke something very authentic to our empty-nester clients, regardless of what was happening in the design world. Working with the contractors and the architect from the ground up, we ensured that the property carried the simple English cottage-style architecture and lofty, 12-foot ceilings found in historic homes in Utah.
This home designed by W Design Collective is everything I love. Historic in architecture (even if it is a new build), all warm colours and mostly in soothing neutrals, and just all around so classic it will absolutely stand the test of time. Photos: Malissa Mabey.

It’s that time again! Have you entered the esteemed A’ Design Award and Competition yet? If not you can register your design here. The deadline for entries is fast approaching and now is the time to submit your best work. 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, bringing your design front and centre before design companies and professionals. What a fabulous way to get your talent out there on an international level!

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 and sooooo many more. You can find all the design categories here. With the competition highlighting, advertising & advocating good design, taking part will provide recognition, publicity and international peer review. Entries will be judged by an international jury panel of scholars, professionals and media members and the benefits to the winners are quite 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. The fame, the prestige, the recognition and so much more.

Are you inspired to apply? Are you excited to be a part of this competition? Do you 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 A’ Design Award and Competition 2024 –2025. But don’t delay! The deadline for submission is on February 28th. Results will be announced to the public on May 1st and you will find full coverage of the results here on Desire to Inspire. We can’t wait to share the winners with you! We could be sharing YOUR work!!

In the meantime here are some inspiring winners from last year in the A’ Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award category …

Spirito Table Lamp by Alexey Danilin

Grampo Lamp by Bruno De Lazzari

Flatiron Lamp by Mr Smith Studio

Zero Circular Light by Hsin-Kai Tai and Wan-Ting Lin

Sound Wave Pendant Lamp by Alexey Danilin

Cinqueterre Multifunctional Table Lamp by Francesco Cappuccio

Silver Wings Lamp by Two Square Meters Smart Home Technology

Pearl Chandelier by Waxy Design Studio

Helix Lamp by Jun Wang

Spirit of Earth Outdoor Lighting by Jingyi Miao and Zou Hu

Blazer Pendant Light Fixture by Ninglu Zhang

Swirl Lamp Lighting by Zeynep and Konstantinos Paradeisopoulos

Element Lamp by Jae Choi

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 2024 – 2025 A’ Design Awards & Competition here but time is running out so get your entries in now.

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This post is in collaboration with A’ Design Award & Competition

Bassano is the transformation and combination of two cabins in Red Hill to create a luxurious retreat as a private suite and an artist studio. The exteriors of the cabin meet the natural landscape through a blend of pale brick and timber battens. Inside, the experience contrasts through industrial materialities and bold forms, such as in the steel spine and travertine floor tiles. Traditional ceiling beams pay homage to the region’s farmhouses, and constant views of surrounding farmland maintain a connection to the environment. A central reeded glass wall separates the two zones of the living quarters. One side contains a kitchen, breakfast nook, lounge and fireplace, while the other features the main bedroom, robe, and a centrepiece custom concrete bath dramatically illuminated by a skylight. The result is a richly textured space with a keen sense of individuality, creativity and comfort.
I really love the edgy coolness of this retreat. Not sure which is my favourite element – that statement bath/basin/skylight combo or the dark steel kitchen. Designed by Tom Robertson Architects. Interior design: Simone Haag. Photos: Derek Swalwell.