Eckersley Garden Architecture

Posted on Mon, 5 Jul 2010 by midcenturyjo

It’s a quiet start to the week on Desire to Inspire. Our American friends are celebrating the 4th of July long weekend away from their computers but that doesn’t mean that the rest of us don’t want something inspiring for a Monday. Rick Eckersley designs gardens that are, quite frankly, gorgeous. Practical, livable and just so inspiring. Rick and partners Scott Leung and Myles Broad are some of the foremost garden designers in Australia and it’s not hard to see why.  The website is a treat with so many beautiful gardens as well as sections on focal points, plantings, pools and more. Today I’ve chosen two of their designs. The first is a suburban backyard complete with veggie patch and chickens. The second is a new twist on an Australian native garden. Love!

  

  

  

WINKS

Posted on Sat, 3 Jul 2010 by midcenturyjo

… it’s cold in Australia… bbbbrrrr

WINKS – weekend links. Here we list what has come in during the week, things we’ve found and things we think you’ll want to see. If you’d like to see your blog or website featured email us and if we think it fits with our readers we’ll link you. So what’s in this week?

  • Beautiful, beautiful bone inlay furniture from Sang and Serena.  A chance meeting in India, the desire to promote artisan creations and the result? Stunning furniture and gorgeous textiles.

  • Good looking and good for you. Previously available only to the trade the Q Collection uses carefully selected natural and non-toxic materials and heirloom craftsmanship. Love the look!

  • There’s a tactile sensuality about Rosemary Hallgarten’s designs. Gorgeous rugs and pillows and this OTT shag leather chair and ottoman. Shake it baby!

  • The Lace Glass by Lasistudio. Reclaimed beer and soda bottles transformed into gorgeous new drinking glasses. The romantic side of eco-design. Available through Matteria.

  • Colour is Gretchen Langner’s tool. Vibrant energizing colour. This artist turned textile designer creates a hand screened contemporary range of fabrics, dZign, perfect for a modern look. And as if the choice of colour ways isn’t enough (I loved playing in the colour lab) there is always custom!

Miha Matei

Posted on Fri, 2 Jul 2010 by midcenturyjo

A crazy week! So much to do and so little time. That’s why I love to find a website that transports me to a world of beautiful things and beautiful rooms bathed in beautiful light. New photographer crush. Romanian born but now long based in the States, Miha Matei gets it. She really does. Miha can capture the essence of a room and tug at your heart. She makes you go “yes… that’s it… that’s exactly what I want”. And I want that bedroom and that dining room and those spindly leg stools.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Maddison Architects

Posted on Thu, 1 Jul 2010 by midcenturyjo

Maddison Architects  take a holistic approach to their work. Think architecture, interior design and landscape design. These houses address their site, explore their purpose. Like a lifesaver’s tower rising from the beach the first home is perfect for costal living. Inside and out meld seamlessly. The design is responsive not intrusive. Summer holidays all year round. Don’t miss the black house – I have it saved in my files for my perfect bush retreat.

 

Joan Lao

Posted on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 by midcenturyjo


Sleek and sophisticated, a contemporary take on classic Spanish style. Welcome to the portfolio of Joan Lao. It’s all about the contrasts.  Dark cocooning rooms providing respite from the strong Mediterranean sun. The clean crisp lines of furniture against voluminous drapes. Velvet against stone. It’s spare but luxe. Cool yet hot.