Archive for February 2013

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Through the Lens of | Chris Court

Discovering Australian photographer Chris Court was one of my online browsing highlights of last week. I saw via Mr Jason Grant that fashion label One Teaspoon had launched a home collection. True to their rock chic aesthetic that I love, the range includes leopard glass candles, patchwork denim throw cushions and skull candles. So striking are the images, taken by Chris Court showcasing the One Teaspoon Home range, I had to find out more.

Images via

When I clicked through to Chris's site I was met with an incredible series of interior photographs. It also just so happens that he is the brother of the renowned Australian stylist, shop owner and author Sibella Court. Talk about a talented family! Chris has photographed three books with Sibella: Etcetera, Nomad and Life of a Bowerbird. To say I was eager to share some of his work with you is an understatement so I sent Chris an email and he very kindly said yes! Phew!!

Chris has worked with many major food, lifestyle and interiors titles including Donna Hay, Gourmet Traveler, Martha Stewart, Harpers Bazaar, Vogue Living and Living Etc. It was hard to choose which photos to share, but I think these represent the diverse range of interiors Chris photographs, and how he beautifully captures each space in natural light, with clarity and attention to detail.

Thanks Chris! All images via http://chriscourt.com.

Endemic World | Inaluxe Giveaway!

I have an amazing giveaway on the blog today thanks to our friends over at Endemic World, the fabulous NZ art prints store who offer an awesome collection of art sourced not only here in NZ, but all over the world. Included in their range is Inaluxe, an Australian design duo who produce the most beautiful range of prints from their studio in Grampians, Victoria.

I love all of their works, so I was super excited to hear that a new range was on its way. Just in, I have the pleasure of sharing some with you today, and even better, I get to give away a framed Inaluxe A3 print worth $189 to one very lucky NZ reader!

To enter simply click here and let me know which Inaluxe print you'd like to win in the comments below. For an extra entry share to Facebook or Twitter (make sure you tell me you've done so in the comments, so that I know to count you twice). The winner will be chosen via random.org and announced on Thursday, 7th March via the blog and The Design Chaser Facebook page.

Please note: This is open to New Zealand residents only. The winner will need to contact me via email within three days, otherwise another winner will be selected.

Update: The winner has been announced - congratulations Erin Pickering! You have won the gorgeous Sol print. Thanks to everyone who entered, and a massive thank you to Endemic World for the giveaway.

Homes to Inspire | LifeSpaceJourney

LifeSpaceJourney, formed by brothers Justin and Glen Lamont, is an Australian firm which fuses furniture design and property development. Based in Melbourne, the creative pair carry out projects that redefine spaces, creating seating, lighting, tables and household objects that combine form and function, with a touch of whimsy. Their creations, which could pass as works of art, and unique housing projects have been featured in many local and international design publications including Inside Out, Dwell and Grand Designs.

I've chosen one of their urban development projects to share with you today, Hardiman St. Discovered while sourcing images for the Tree Stump post I wrote earlier this week, I was captivated by every aspect of this home. Not only does it show how Justin and Glen have expertly fused the home's historical origins with new, modern living spaces, it also showcases many of their designs.

I love the typography, seen often in their work. The black and white interior has been given a golden touch with both the gold front door (how cool is that?) and downlights along the hallway....

Although the home has a fairly masculine vibe, I could definitely live here! Environmentally conscious, the brothers use reclaimed upcycled timber, alongside new raw material.

LifeSpaceJourney pieces from the seating, lighting, and table ranges feature throughout the home. An all black kitchen is given a pop of colour by way of a yellow mixer...

On close inspection, the circular objects on the wall above the fireplace are actually logs, painted black. I love the apothecary jars lined up on the mantelpiece and the minimalist copper pendants, also by LIfeSpaceJourney, hanging in several rooms of the home.

Another pop of yellow in the bathroom above. The talented brothers also create their own artworks including paintings and sculpture. Take a look here.

Overall, I think it's the many and varied textural elements in this home which I find both fascinating and enticing. Cowhide, leather, wood, metals and glass all come together beautifully. I've also enjoyed looking through their Facebook page photos which include many cafe fitouts that they've done. I highly recommend you grab a cuppa and do the same, in addition to checking out their site!

All images via lifespacejourney.com | Photo credit: Amelle Habib

Bob and Friends

I love being the bearer of good news, especially when it involves the opening of a fabulous furniture and homeware store in one of my favourite shopping precincts. Bob and Friends have opened up on Auckland's Ponsonby Rd and I had the pleasure of popping in recently for a look around. As soon as I set foot inside the spacious store I was met with an eye catching array of designer wares including furniture, rugs, pouffes, art, lighting, ceramics, cushions... the list goes on!

Bob and Friends (the Bob stands for Best of British) owner Ron Redel is responsible for bringing world renowned UK-based SCP Furniture to our shores, in addition to boutique products sourced from around the world. With an extensive background in the London furniture industry, Ron is passionate about great design.

Having admired the String Shelving System for such a long time, I was really excited to see that the Scandinavian design classic is available exclusively through Bob and Friends.

More design goodness in-store...

I love everything from the Donna Wilson range, so thought I'd share a few of her gorgeous designs with you. You can see more here.

I'm on the lookout for a dining table, stools and lighting right now. These would do nicely!

A true British design classic, the gorgeous Robin Day chairs have just arrived, including new designs such as the Pepperpot Stool. They come in a range of brights and are really affordable. I think the hard part will be deciding on which colours...

The store is located at 62 Ponsonby Rd and is open seven days. There is also a Bob and Friends 'store within a store' at Homage in Newmarket and you can shop online. Make sure you 'like' their Facebook page to stay up to date with new arrivals!

Images courtesy of Bob and Friends and here.

In case you're wondering, the new Bob and Friends store was formerly home to the Endemic World pop up store I featured prior to Christmas. The NZ art prints store has now moved to a permanent location just downstairs. We're working together on something exciting, so keep a lookout on the blog later this week!

Interior Styling | Tree Stumps

I'm not sure if it's just me but I've started noticing more and more tree stumps used as furniture in the home and I've really taken a shine to them. Often seen in Scandi-style interiors, I love their natural simplicity and rustic quality. Cracks and imperfections add to their charm, and I like that no two are the same. They are ideal for use as low level tables or stools in living areas, bedrooms, and even bathrooms. Although I'd happily take just one, I can't help but want a group of them like in the image above. Greedy I know, but they look stunning, don't they? You can see more of this beautiful home over here.

I found a fantastic DIY Tree Table post on marthastewart.com which gives instructions on how to create a smooth sealed surface by sanding and applying a coat of enamel paint. You could also go a step further and paint the outside of the stump. I love these examples below.

The home below, a recent discovery via French By Design, has some amazing features, one of which is a very cool personalised tree stump. I love how the inside has been painted neon orange, a colour which the owner Amélie has added in eyecatching bursts around the otherwise monochrome interior. Stencilled lettering on the outside of the stump adds further wow. Located in Carpentras, France, you can check out the full house tour here.

It's a good idea to add furniture gliders to the bottom of the stumps to protect your floors. Alternatively you could add wheels for easy movement around the home.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10-11 | 12

Do you like any of these tree stumps? I'd love to know what you think. See you back here tomorrow! ♥

Through the Lens of | Mikkel Adsbøl

When Mikkel Adsbøl was introduced to the world of photography by his ninth grade teacher, he was immediately taken by both the technical and visual aspects. Prior to this he wanted to be a chef, so it seems fitting that he began his career as an apprentice for one of Denmark's best food photographers, Lars Ranek. From here he expanded into other areas including advertising, lifestyle, home design, travel and portrait photography. Mikkel says it's a privilege to be able to interpret and convey what he sees of the world through his lens. Looking over his incredible portfolio, I feel privileged being able to enjoy his beautiful work, and I know you will feel the same.

These photos are from Mikkel's Lifestyle portfolio. He finds this area of work exciting because "the challenge lies in creating rooms". I love how he describes the process: "Lifestyle is so much more than white walls and four-legged chairs. It is also a mood. A composition that has to strike a balance in a dedicated teamwork of stylists, craftspeople and designers to achieve the best possible result. Lifestyle is about creating moods that inspire, provoke and take things to a new place".

I'd love to gain (even some basic) photography skills so I find Mikkel's words both inspiring and daunting at the same time! So much talent, creativity and patience goes in to mastering the art of photographing interiors. I love the way Mikkel incorporates composition, colour and light, often using an over exposed technique to create striking contrasts.

All images via www.mikkeladsbol.dk

The sun is shining and we're off to a wedding this afternoon. Happy times! Have a great weekend - see you Monday ♥

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