Eric Prokesh

Posted on Mon, 4 Feb 2008 by midcenturyjo


Eric Prokesh “finds that borrowing from the past is crucial to his work – a deliberate decision that helps him make something new.” Named as one of H&G’s “50 Tastemakers” his portfolio covers French Classical to Mid-century Modern. The colours of these rooms are so beautiful, so fresh, the rooms themselves so luxe but simply elegant. Using colours not usually associated with the fine antiques he uses draws the eye to these lovely pieces.

Bright ideas for the home

Posted on Mon, 4 Feb 2008 by midcenturyjo


Retro time! Yes we take a short break in our tasteful transmission to bring you DIY ideas from the 70s for your swinging pad. Per Dalsgaard and Elisabeth Erichsen are responsible for these decorating ideas and do you know what? Some of them aren’t that bad 30 years later. OK some of them haven’t quite made the journey to the 21st century like that bondage sausage floor lounge (so unbelievable I just had to supersize it) or the very 70s concept of a velvet patchwork round bed for you and your friends. Enjoy these scans from Bright Ideas for the Home, Per Dalsgaard and Elisabeth Erichsen, Macmillan London, 1978.

After but before the disaster

After spending the morning gluing, filling chips and sanding my thrift store credenza I was ready to paint. I bought this veneered teak credenza (below) a couple of months ago for $39 and was finally ready to work on it. Unfortunately the top and some edges were too badly damaged to just rub in a coat or two of Danish oil to bring it back to life. My next plan was to paint it gloss back and restore the beautiful teak doors. Doors done and one coat painted. Another 12 hours before the next coat. That was until this afternoon’s very heavy downpour. “Fine,” I thought as I walked away as a storm brewed. “It’s under cover.” I took this photo to show Kim and was really pleased with myself. 30 minutes later a high wind blew rain all over my hard work. I guess there’s always tomorrow to sand and redo the first coat. Then only 2 more after that…..argh! So no photos this week of it in my dining room. There’s always next week.

Before it all began

WINKS

Posted on Sat, 2 Feb 2008 by midcenturyjo

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?

  • Erin from Design for Mankind has a new project and WOW is it inspirational! Each month she will produce an e-zine to download. Volume one is all about inspiration and draws its images and words from her favourite bloggers/readers/designers/artists. Erin you are one talented woman. Gorgeous eye candy!
  • Small Space Living is a new blog dictated to bringing you books, designs and products that can make smaller living more comfortable and enriching. Thanks for introducing your blog Michael. I love your small space ethos! Downsizing is definitely the way of the future and doesn’t mean giving up style.
  • David and Allison have started a new interior design sharing website Real People Real Houses,a community forum to discuss and share home design ideas and successes. Community members can upload their own home designs, and everyone is invited to browse or search for specific rooms and design styles. Real People Real Houses is a great way to share your home with friends and family.
  • Trend Insights is a team of bloggers fuelled by the drive to spot trends, stimulate creativity and inspire those who read their blog.
  • Lisa Curry Mair continues on a bygone decorating art with her company Canvas Floorcloths. She custom designs cloths as well as providing the basic materials and know how to make your own. All work is executed in the carriage-house wing of an 18th century farmhouse in Vermont. While at her website check out her blog. Thanks Lisa!
  • Frédérique from Harmonie Intérieure emailed to share her new project with her graphic designer husband, a decorative workshop finding new ways with wall stickers. Lovely….sigh!

Ocean blue

Posted on Fri, 1 Feb 2008 by midcenturyjo


It’s been a tough week for Kim and I must admit I’m happy the weekend is here for me. Time for another virtual holiday. This time I’ve booked a couple of rooms at boutique hotel JK Place, Capri. I’m mesmerised by the ever changing azure hues of the ocean and the blindingly white hotel. Once inside…. sigh. If we can drag ourselves away from our drinks we may even venture into Capri’s famous Blue Grotto. Perhaps another glass first.

Images from JK Place Capri