Archive for December 2013

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Theresa Arns

Yesterday I stumbled across Theresa Arns, a Copenhagen-based architect and furniture designer via the lovely blog Beedlsteil. Seeing one of her furniture pieces, I was struck by the elegant aesthetic and clever design. Clicking over to her website I found more of her beautiful work, and an impressive CV. Prior to graduating from the School of Architecture at The Royal Danish Academy of Arts this year with a Master of Arts in Architecture and Furniture Design, she gained a Degree in Architecture from Dusseldorf and a Degree in Translation - she speaks German (her mother tongue) English and Spanish. During this time she worked for several architectural firms, now designing her own range of furniture.

She also recently finished work on an interior design project for Bitte Kai Rand, redesigning their flagship fashion store in Copenhagen. The end result includes stunning furniture design, an incredible store concept and the most divine French parquet flooring.

Consisting of separate wooden pieces, they are stained in four different grey tones, fading from dark to light to dark again. Beautifully Scandinavian in style, I also love the white stained oak furniture with coated steel legs, changing rooms make of folded black steel sheets and brass bulb fittings.

I've picked out a few of Theresa's furniture designs to share with you, starting with The Turning Table. More than just a coffee table, it features a storage container, perfect for storing things like books or magazines. The copper rods on the legs give a nice contrast to the oiled birch plywood.

Like all of Theresa's designs, The Elephant Chair combines form with functionality. It has a beautiful rounded shape and soft colour thanks to the bent birch plywood, and for a unique twist, double layered legs.

The Private Desk is what initially caught my eye and for good reason. This may just be the perfect desk. Made of white oiled ash wood and grey powder coated steel, it has a working area in the centre, complete with a drawer for the computer, a lid with an integrated mirror and storage containers for beauty (or office) products as well as a metal tray with three boxes on the side. Whether you use it as a work desk or dressing table, there is a place for everything!

For more information and images, take a look here.

This will be my last post for a little while, as I take some time off to spend with the family and to celebrate the festive season. Thanks again for all of your support during the year. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas filled with fun, love and laughter, and I look forward to seeing you in 2014!! x

Instagram | Ideas & Inspiration

I haven't had as much time as I'd like for Instagram over the last few weeks, but hopefully I get the chance to be a bit more snap-happy over the Christmas break! Here are some that I've taken lately.

I've picked out three feeds to show you today, all quite different but equally inspiring. The first is Kenziepoo by Rachelle Francey, the American blogger and magazine editor who has an amazing eye for Scandi design. I love her home and style, shown here in these photos. You may remember her daughter Kenzie's gorgeous bedroom from this recent post.

Growing up I dreamed of becoming a professional ballet dancer. I studied ballet and other forms of dance for 14 years, and after I left school I trained full time at the National Theatre Ballet School in Melbourne. Even though I ended up on a different path, I'm still passionate about ballet, dance and the arts in general, which you may have picked up from my Pinterest Dance board. I've been a fan of the Ballerina Project for a very long time, and when I joined Instagram, I started following them straight away.

An ongoing series of photographs created by photographer Dane Shitagi, the Ballerina Project is "not your typical dance photography, but an etching of a ballerinas heart and emotions." A striking contrast to seeing dancers on the stage, I love these urban backdrops and I'm constantly in awe at the beauty and talent. The Ballerina Project has a current following of over 157K on Instagram. Take a look at their amazing feed here (including lots of videos) and prepare to be wowed!

I'm loving the feed of Brie Stanley (@Beebees80) right now. A recent discovery, it is pure eye candy, featuring gorgeous day to day images of her work as a Sydney-based event stylist for Sugar Coated Events along with her three adorable children. A self-confessed 'Instagram girl' Brie has started sharing her love of photography by way of mini cards, which you can purchase here.

12 Days of Christmas | Winners + Moodboards

As promised, I have put together a list of the 12 Days of Christmas winners. I was blown away by all the entries! Special thanks to those who left lovely messages in their emails and sorry I couldn't reply personally to all of them. Of course I couldn't have done it without all the wonderful companies who participated, along with their generous contributions. I'm sure you'll agree the prizes were all fabulous and I hope that those who were lucky enough to win, gain lots of enjoyment from them!

Kauniste - Sophie Abell, Tracey Currington, Rebecca Barrow
Superette - Tracy Kavanagh
Paper Plane Store - Julia Paraha
The Fairy Light Shop - Fleur Maggs, Angela Smith
MintSix - Saralaya Frost

Tessuti - Lorena Barnes

The Wooden Horse - Emily Burn
Perch Home - Tania Hitchcock

Pencil and Hammer - Kristina Martin
George Art - Mary Rodgers

Indie Home Collective - Jacqueline Johnson
Good Regards - Sharon King, Gretchen Rowe, Frances Sandford

Tuturu Home - Tonya Drabble, Anna Mantell, Mel love
George & Willy - Savanah Ganly
Jamie Kay - Rose Dowall
Koko Classics - Jaimee Viner

I also want to thank my friend, graphic designer Heather Mason, who created the gorgeous 12 Days of Christmas artwork, and to those companies who provided exclusive reader discounts during the series. Remember that the special offers from Paper Plane Store, LET LIV, Pencil and Hammer and Jamie Kay run right through to the 31st of December.

I have a couple of Pinterest moodboards for you today, both of which include pins of our home. It's been pretty cool to see them popping up around the web, via blogs that have shared the Adore Home feature. The level of excitement is growing in our household, with the kids finishing up school and kindy, and we're off to visit Santa today.

I'm looking forward to winding down, spending time with the family and recharging the batteries but I'm also really excited about 2014. This moodboard features my favourite colour palette.

I'll be back tomorrow with some Instagram love!

Interview | Jordana of Avalon Je T’adore

Just as the frenzied Christmas rush was setting in recently, I received an email from Jordana Macfarlaine, owner and creative director of Avalon Je T'adore, a new lifestyle brand inspired by the tropical lifestyle of Bali. Feeling a little strung out and in desperate need of a holiday (like most at this time of year) Jordana's story, products and dreamy imagery had me pining for an island escape.

Travelling between Indonesia and Sydney's northern beaches, Jordana develops a luscious range of products that are organic in nature, luxurious to use and enriching for the body. Currently stocked in Australia and Asia and with plans to expand further afield, the growing range also includes hand made ceramics, wine carafes and tumbler sets and leather pieces. Evoking a wonderful sense of summer and relaxation, I wanted to find out more....

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led to the launch of Avalon Je T’adore?

From working in the fashion industry for 10 years I had a passion for design. I was fortunate enough to travel a lot as well. It was on a trip to Bali that I stumbled on the idea of launching Avalon Je T'adore. Being able to bring awareness to recycling was a great incentive to produce the products here.

What is special about the packaging?

The organic scrubs are bottled in recycled glass, hand blown bottles. So each one is individual. I recycled the glass from restaurants here in Bali, and we melt them down and create the Avalon Je T'adore bottle. It allows me to encourage recycling in Bali. My customers also get to keep them once they have finished with the beautiful scrubs, and re use as a vase or decorative item in their home.

What is your favourite Avalon Je T’adore beauty product and why?

My favourite Avalon Je T'adore product is the Sandalwood Scrub! I just love it. It is so soft and has my favourite scent. I use it all over my body and my face and I feel so fresh and revitalised. It's my morning ritual.

Are you planning on expanding the beauty range and if so, what can we expect?

I am planning on expanding the range. I am working on developing a natural range including facial cleanser, toner, moisturiser and some delicious body butters and more! I'm very excited and will be launching these products in early 2014!

How does your event service work?

In the past I have made bomboniere as wedding favours for the guests. These can be done using any of the Avalon Je T'adore products, and we work with the guests and a special price list. They can be made up in different boxes, with notes from the bride and groom. There are several options, as they can also be used for other events as part of gift bags, and we like to work with the clients for different projects.

You've recently expanded into lifestyle products. Tell us about the new range.

The brand was always born to be a lifestyle brand. All things for you and your home. So I have recently developed a range of ceramics and leather products. The ceramics are all hand made, and are individual pieces. The leather range consists of a clutch and wallet for every occasion. I plan to keep expanding the lifestyle range with more homewards and fashion pieces in the future.

You are currently stocked in Australia and Asia. Any plans to expand further afield?

Yes, I am working on expanding the range to Europe, specifically Sweden and Denmark. There are also plans for the range to go to the US and England in early 2014. So it's very exciting.

Beautiful! Thanks Jordana for answering these questions for us. To find out more, visit the Avalon Je T'adore website and follow on Facebook.

Lovisa Burfitt | Style Love

Today I want to share some recent styling work from Pella Hedeby for a new collection of illustrations by Lovisa Burfitt, a Swedish illustrator based in France. Created exclusively for Rum21, one of Sweden's leading online interior retailers, the six designs are very boho chic - think smoky eyes, red lips and big hats!

With titles such as Lipstick Feu Rouge and La Isla Bonita the illustrations exude femininity. I love they way Pella has styled the collection against monochromatic backdrops, industrial elements, design pieces and quirky objects.

Beautifully photographed by Kristofer Johnsson, you can see the full series here.

12 Days of Christmas | Final Giveaways!

Finishing off 12 Days of Christmas on a high note, I have two lovely giveaways for you today!

The first is from Jamie Kay who I first featured here. The Canterbury-based online store stocks a gorgeous range of homewares from around the world, as well as Jamie's own growing collection of designs. A Mum of two little boys, Jamie has a great eye for stylish kids pieces, and many of her products are designed to suit both kids rooms and adult spaces. I particularly love her range of cushions (I own several myself) so I was very happy when Jamie offered to give away one of her newest arrivals, a beautiful vintage style Round Velvet Cushion, valued at $99. The lucky winner will get to choose from a range of colours including black, ivory, grey, vintage yellow and turquoise.

Perfect for use as an extra throw cushion on a bed or sofa, I love the white one above which has been added to a mix of cushions in different patterns and shapes, some of which are also available from Jamie Kay, along with her Cross Blanket that I featured in this recent bedding post. Jamie Kay have also offered 10% off all round Round Velvet Cushions through to the 31st of December, so pop over here to buy yours. To be in to win one, email me at email me at steve3star@gmail.com with JAMIE KAY in the subject line, along with your full name.

The second giveaway is from Koko Classics, who I interviewed here. Specialists in industrial and vintage inspired furniture and homewares, they have two popular Auckland retail stores, one in Mt Eden and one is Ponsonby as well as an online store. With an incredible range of ever-expanding products, make sure you keep up to date by following them on Facebook and Instagram (@kokoclassics).

Koko Classics are very kindly giving away a beautiful framed, Peruvian Blue Morpho (morpho didius) butterfly, valued at $86.

To enter, email me at email me at steve3star@gmail.com with KOKO CLASSICS in the subject line, along with your full name.

Entries close on Tuesday 17th of December and the two winners will be selected via random.org, and contacted via email to arrange shipping. All winners will be announced on the blog at the end of the series.

Please note that this competition is open to New Zealand residents only, and that we will do our best to ensure the prizes arrive prior to Christmas.

Before I go, I just have to say congratulations to all our winners so far. I feel a bit like Santa handing out presents right now! Be sure to check back over this week's posts, so that you don't miss out on any giveaways that are still open, and take advantage of our special offers from Paper Plane, Pop Motif, Pencil and Hammer and LET LIV. Why not get that last minute Christmas shopping done online over the weekend!

Update: This competition has now closed, and the winners have been notified. Thanks to everyone who entered, and huge thanks to Jamie Kay and Koko Classics for their generosity.

12 Days of Christmas | George & Willy Giveaway!

George & Willy are a New Zealand design company, formed by childhood friends George Wilkins and Will McCallum. Joining forces straight out of university last year, the talented Tauranga-based duo are already gaining recognition for their work, which follows the simple philosophy of producing honest, handmade goods that will last the distance. Not only have they taken the time to answer some questions for us, they've jumped on board the 12 Days of Christmas series with a very cool giveaway. Read on....

Can you tell us about your backgrounds and how you came to launch George & Willy?

We decided to launch George & Willy after finishing uni last year. We both grew up in Tauranga, but Will spent a few years in Argentina and we have both spent a lot of time at Mt Ruapehu - that's where we met when we were about 13. We've both always enjoyed making things.

You're never too old for a swing! Find a good swinging spot, hang it up and enjoy! The Everyday Swing will take you back to your childhood

What have you learnt along the way?

We have learnt so much this year. After studying three years of business, marketing and design it's been good to put it all into practice. The main thing we have learnt is that if you do it, it just sort of works out. People aren't going to be buying anything from you if it isn't for sale.

What have been some highlights - what are you most proud of?

Selling stuff through the website. Seeing someone on a Air NZ flight with one of our Duffel Bags was cool. We have a workshop with five of us, (us and three mates) all working, making our stuff, which we have found a market for. We've created this fun place for us to work and hang out.

George & Willy

Any favourite products so far?

It's good because we actually use our products to make the products. We have about six Project Desks which we make all our stuff on.

I love a good trestle table. Strong, solid and reliable, The Project Desk is a winner in any office

I've never seen a Wall Mounted Paper Roller like yours before. Tell us about this product - how did it come about?

Will was trying to find a paper roller but the only one he could find was designed for the floor and wasn't that suitable. We decided that there must be other people out there looking for a similar product, so designed one to suit. We use one in the workshop and it's pretty handy - we use it for our shopping list.

My favourite George & Willy product right now, the Wall Mounted Paper Roller is genius!

What are you currently working on? Any exciting products or projects in the pipeline?

Currently we are just busy getting everything ready for Christmas. We have just improved our Project Desk. It's now simpler, stronger and made from thicker plywood. Otherwise we are just trying to nail down the products we have at the moment, while doing a few custom jobs for people on the side.

Cool with an industrial edge, the Rutherford Clothing Rack is simple, strong and designed to last a lifetime

What inspires you - international design, the web etc?

We are just constantly looking and keeping our eyes and ears open for new ideas, and we throw a lot of ideas around between us. There are about 100 things we would like to make, it is just finding the time to make them.

We want George & Willy things to be the kind of stuff you find in your Grandparents’ shed; timeless stuff that you’re not gonna be chucking out in five years. So it’s made well. It’s not trendy, it’s just simple. It’s not overdone or quirky or anything. Just straight up.

The Wood Box is guaranteed to become a faithful friend. I could certainly do with a few of these around home!

What advice would you give to young designers wanting to start their own business?

Pretty much they just have to get out there and do it. Just start and it'll be all good.

Honest and straight up, much like their design ethos - thanks George & Willy for sharing your story. Check out the entire collection here, and follow them on Facebook, Tumblir and Instagram. Now for the fun part...

We have one George & Willy Wall Mounted Paper Roller valued at $220 to give away! Made from matte black steel, and designed to dispense and display recycled kraft paper, this easy to install product is super cool and practical. Put it in your office for to-do lists or the kitchen for shopping lists, recipes or menus. Great for gift wrapping, or kids arts and crafts... the possibilities are endless!

To enter, simply email me at steve3star@gmail.com with GEORGE & WILLY in the subject line. Please also let me know your full name. Entries close on Tuesday, 17th of December and the winner will be selected via random.org, and contacted via email, to arrange shipping. All winners will be announced on the blog at the end of the series.

Please note that this competition is open to New Zealand residents only.

Update: This competition has now closed, and the winner has been notified. Thanks to all who entered - we had a fantastic response once again! And huge thanks to George & Willy.

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