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I just got home from a dinner out with my husband for our 2 year anniversary (we ate here) and OMG Southern cuisine is yummy but dear gawd I’m just about ready to pass out. I’m having a hard time getting past my full stomach to put some thoughts together so how about this…enjoy some wonderful interior photography from New Yorker Tara Striano.

Sometimes a picture traps you, pulls you in, seduces you. An image grows into imagination, inspiration. Something as simple as light and film, a shutter and a bucket load of talent takes your breath away. (OK we all know that the light and film thing is old hat and don’t get me to explain the intricacies of digital imagining because I can’t. As for the simplicity of a bucketful of talent I let the hyperbole run away from me.) All I really know is that photographer Michael Wells has “it”, the gift, the knack. Enjoy his portfolio…. so much more new work since last time he popped up on our pages here.

I got my hands on a new book recently so I thought I’d do a review of it today for you all. It’s called Cupcakes and Cashmere by Emily Schuman, and it is based on her lifestyle blog, which I happen to have been reading daily for at least a year now. This book is only somewhat related to interior design but I quite enjoyed it so I thought I’d feature it with photos of the more design-y topics. 🙂  Cupcakes and Cashmere includes DIY projects, organization tips, party-planning ideas, beauty how-tos, and delicious recipes for food and cocktails (a few I want to try ASAP). It’s separated into seasonal chapters, and within each Emily divulges her signature “Five Things” relating to beauty, style, at home, and food & entertaining. You can purchase the book at Amazon, Abrams and Barnes & Noble. Here’s a little peek (of course I had to include a photo I found at the back of the book of her 2 cats).

Sunset

I am a HUGE fan of photography as art – the graphic nature of it, the realism, the fact that if you can take a decent photo it’s an easy DIY art project, you can blow them up to make statement pieces. Black and white photography can be beautiful in any space in your home. Whether hung in large groups, enlarged or simply a subject that really draws you in (there are a few quirky ones below), it’s eye catching and honestly, it’s pretty tough to screw up. I’d love to have a family gallery wall in the near future, consisting of a row of 9 black and white photos – one of myself, my husband, and each of our cats. 🙂

Micasa

MHZ

Skonahem

Barcelona Atlanta

Lonny

Annaleenas Hem

Design*Sponge

Lonny

Björn Wallander

Summer Thornton

Apartment Therapy

Decor Demon

Bolig Magasinet

Lonny

Katrine Martensen-Larsen

Bolig Magasinet

Traditional Home

Bolig Magasinet

Atmosphere Interior Design

Ashe + Leandro

James Tse

Sunset

Something a little different for today’s post. The Melbourne Central Parents’ Retreat by Clare Cousins Architects.

“The brief called for three key zones: a wet area for toileting/baby change; a feeding/play area; and a retreat lounge as a waiting or alternative feeding area. While the project required a highly practical solution, ensuring children’s safety, adequate sight lines, and low-maintenance wet areas, for example, the emphasis is on peace and play. This is not a utility space, which is used and then left; rather, it encourages people to linger, children to play and parents to recharge. Key to the concept was the aim to preference local suppliers, and to use low-tech and sustainable materials, with bespoke play equipment unique to the project. A vibrant colour palette delineates and connects zones for easy navigation, while the custom-designed play equipment entices children to engage with the space physically.”

It’s fun and fab, a touch of practical luxury and leisure in an often utilitarian and frankly boring space. No “tuck them away way down the back and forget about them” but a celebration of young children and their parents, a welcome respite from the bustle of the crowds. (Photography by Shannon McGrath.)