Displaying posts labeled "Uncategorized"

British born former model Amanda Masters is a master at design excelling in modern eclectic and global styles. Lots of bold fabrics were used in her spaces, such as suzanis which I am not sure I can ever tire of (nor can Jo as she just purchased a gorgeous one on eBay).

… right? When it’s good it is so good, when it’s bad it brings a smile to my face….  shag pile carpet under the treads anyone? So glad that one is long forgotten (I hope). Enjoy today’s retro scans from one of my all time favourite “vintage” design books Better Homes and Gardens New Decorating Book, Gerald M. Knox Editor, Meredith Corporation, Des Moines, Iowa, 1981. Can’t really call it vintage because I am so much older than it.

“Shall we be cultured aesthetes and dilly dally with our jobs or put on our dungarees and learn the significance of architecture by laying stone and brick for awhile, mixing mortar and sawing wood. Learn of the strength and durability of materials; know of society and its myriad needs and aspirations. Read fairy stories; read Keats, Shelley and Whitman. Absorb a sound and understanding knowledge of the incredible inventions of our day and go to it. There are no fixed formulas; no dry standards; no such thing as composition. There is only one thing to achieve and that is an architectural organism. Composition is dead; an organization is alive… vivid… responsive to conditions; and eloquent of the spiritual association of function and form. Travel the frank and courageous road whereon may be seen the real contributions to ages gleaming in the sunshine.”
– George Grant Elmslie

Elmslie Osler Architects was blogged by Jo back in ’07 but I happened upon their website recently and found quite a few more inspirational photos to share with you. Several of them are just the bones of a space, but WOW, what bones they are. It’s all the inspiration you need. And that lovely quote above just adds to the serenity below.

It’s difficult to put Japanese design firm Jamo associates into the usual pigeon holes we use. Interior designer, stylist, product designer. Their work encompasses all areas. It’s collaboration. Think concept styling, magazines, catalogues, shop co-ordination and display, space design and everything in between.  It’s marie clair and Real Simple, Elle Décor and Sony, Cibone and Laura Ashley. It’s a little quirky but always inspiring.

Today I thought I’d post some more photos from my trip to Mexico, specifically from a couple of the shops that I fell in love with. Then tomorrow I’ll show you all the stuff I managed to cram in my 1 suitcase.

This first shop located in downtown Puerto Vallarta is called Origenes – David Luna. It was BEOOOOOOTIFUL. Tons of incredible rustic, earthy furniture from Mexico and elsewhere that I could have furnished an entire home with. To die for. And none of it fit in my suitcase. If you’re in Puerto Vallarta, you must check it out for the eye candy factor. Bring a shipping container with you.  🙂 (Their website includes details of the locations of their 4 shops and interior design projects).