Displaying posts labeled "Brick"

It’s my turn for a change for a stalking post. This one is located here in Ottawa, and was submitted by Isobel (ironically enough I had come across it on MLS the day before she emailed). Isobel’s parent’s live in the Byward Market, a very desirable neighbourhood as it is smack in the middle of downtown, filled with cool shops and restaurants (and she actually grew up there and not in the ‘burbs – lucky girl!). Isobel styled the home for her folks, and she did a smashing job I have to say, especially for Ottawa standards, as no one here knows how to style or photograph a home for a sale listing. I am not kidding you – it’s so embarrassing. Isobel was really smart in styling this older home with modern furnishings as I’d guess 80% of the people looking to live in that area are young professionals who are typically into modern homes and/or decor. And I have to point out how much I love a feature wall in a home that lacks architectural detail. In this home it is a brick wall (although I think it’s wallpaper but imagine it’s real brick), or you could clad a wall in rough, reclaimed timber or some exposed concrete would be cool. Any of these give a bit of drama and intrigue because there’s only so much you can do with furniture. Think about it.

You’ve heard about rough luxe. How about tough luxe? Perhaps we should call it high end brutal. It’s luxury meets spartan, minimalist meets money. It’s bacchanalian elimination. This loft in Dusseldorf revels in the essential beauty of the building. Seemingly unadorned but oh so carefully curated. Restrained, refined, distilled. Warehouse conversion by Belgian studio Atelier d’Architecture Bruno Erpicum & Partners.

P.S. Just realised that Kim had featured part of this conversion before when she featured Bruno Erpicum here. Thought that somewhat misogynistic artwork looked familiar 😉

Many of you will know that Australia started its colonial history as a penal settlement. Britain sent us all her worst best and along with our indigenous and immigrant population we have grown to what we are today. Convict settlements where tough to put it politely and the island of Tasmania had the toughest. Today’s stalking takes us to the Georgian era Bull’s Head Pub in Hobart, Tasmania now restored as two modern apartments. Look at the renovation though. Exposed beams, old floor boards, changes of levels and voids, modern conveniences and beautiful old brick. Did you notice the glass splash back over the old brick in the kitchen? There is even a cellar paved with convict bricks. Just where I’d set up my wine cellar with grand old table and racks of fine Australian wine. I’m dreaming remember. I’d add some stunning artworks, a bit more layering of textures, more fabulous rugs, ambient lighting and books, yes lots of books. Oh maybe the cellar could be a library. Thanks To Kelly for sending the link!

Dear Santa,

Thought I would get in early. Avoid the rush. I’ve been a good girl and for my christmas present I was wondering if you could shove this little country weekender into my christmas stocking? It’s Red Brick Farm in Chewton, Central Victoria. Just 90 minutes up the road from Melbourne. If you can’t get me the barn to keep forever then maybe just a flight to Melbourne and a long weekend getaway. Please?

With love,

Jo

Got a problem? Need some help? Just standing there shaking your head? Don’t know what to do? You’re not alone. Send us a link to photos of your design quandary and let the Desire to Inspire design crew help you …. that’s you lot… the readers! Bridget emailed…

Okay, I have a styling question.  My hubby and I have an industrial loft (30 foot ceilings, brick top to bottom, polished concrete floors, the whole nine yards) in Buffalo, New York.  After searching and searching for the perfectly vintage, perfectly chic work tables for both of us, we ended up purchasing these new industrial packing tables.  Our workspaces are out in the open, and we each wanted about 10 feet of workspace, so we realized that getting enough vintage worktop to look cohesive would be nearly impossible.. and finding 4 mismatched antique tables could get really hodge-podgy, really quick.

We bought these new:

Basically, we’ll each have 10 feet of workspace (1 6-foot and 1 4-foot table each), with brick behind.  The hope is that they’ll be a good, blank, cohesive, industrial canvas for us..  Do you have any ideas for how we could “chic” them up and make them feel more vintage industrial.  His stuff consists of a computer and then bike gear (tools, wrenches, etc.) and mine is 2 desktop iMacs and craft/paper supplies.

Any tips would be much appreciated!