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Showing posts with label Interiors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interiors. Show all posts

Homes to Inspire | Calm and Collected

I discovered this stunning Melbourne home over the break, via Vogue Living Australia. The serene cover shot of the kitchen had me itching to take a look at the full story. Beautifully renovated by architect Steven Whiting and his creative-director wife, Carole, for their own family, I did a bit of research and found these online images via Whiting Architects to share with you.  



Architecturally altered to include a light drenched open plan extension with a barn-like aesthetic, I think the monochrome finishes, blonde wood and a simple pared down style give the home a definite Scandinavian feel. The kitchen demonstrates two clever space-enhancing design elements; the addition of an internal window (top image) and the sliding of the work bench and 'messy end of the kitchen' beneath the stairs. The home features a fabulous collection of design pieces from Carole's store Y10store.com, such as the Muuto tables and display boxes. 



Hand knitted by Carol, I love the chunky wool throw in the living room and the seat cover above. The mezzanine study below has been cleverly slotted into a corridor passage. 


Layers of grey in the master bedroom thanks to beautiful bedlinen by Bedouin SOCIETE, give the room a cosy feel. There is more Muuto goodness here with the simple pendant lights and the wall hooks in the bathroom below. The sliding door fits in perfectly with the barn aesthetic, set off by bold black accents including the door track, tapware, paint-dipped stool and striking floor tiles.
  


See more images here, or pick up a copy of the latest Vogue Living Australia. An inspiring issue, you'll also find a special feature devoted to 'Great Danes' with profiles of leading lights in Denmark's design scene.


Image via my Instagram

Happy New Year!

I just wanted to pop by quickly with a moodboard and wish you all a Happy New Year! I hope that you've been enjoying the festive season, and that you are as excited as I am about the year ahead. I have a great feeling about 2014...

Images via Pinterest

I'll be back to posting regularly on the blog as best I can from next week. If I miss a day here and there during the month of January please forgive me. Like many of you, I'll be doing the school holiday shuffle and attempting to sneak off to the beach as much as possible with the kids, while the sun shines! 

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. 


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. 

12 Days of Christmas | Tuturu Home Giveaway!

I recently discovered a lovely little online store based in Auckland called Tuturu Home. Its product range which includes simple, quality homewares from Japan and New Zealand immediately resonated with me. I've mentioned before how much I love Japanese design, and the strong similarities I see between the traditional Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics. As well as having clean lines and simplicity of form, they both favour the use natural materials and show beautiful craftsmanship.



The owner of Tuturu Home, Yukiko Kyogoku, is Japanese and has been living in New Zealand for almost 15 years. Based in the Auckland suburb of Titirangi, she loves natural, organic products, arts and crafts, and collecting the iconic New Zealand Crown Lynn range of ceramics! She also loves Scandinavian design. She has run a website selling NZ products to Japan for over 10 years, and earlier this year Yukiko decided to start doing it the other way around! She loves both countries, and enjoys introducing products from one to the other.

Prior to September Yukiko had a temporary retail store, and is now on the lookout for a new space. Until then she's happy to continue selling her gorgeous products online, including two of her favourite brands Fog Linen and Noda Horo. She loves that Fog Linen has a Japanese style, but is also suited to the natural New Zealand lifestyle. Noda Horo have been manufacturing quality enamelware in Japan for over 70 years. "They make really cool retro style enamelware and are very popular among stylish people in Japan. Because they only make limited numbers and are not that keen on exporting (they are a very old fashioned company), they are not very well known overseas. The good thing is there are not many available in New Zealand!" 



Yukiko says she will be introducing new products regularly, particularly those that have not made it to our shores yet. Keep an eye out by following the Tuturu Home Facebook page, and shop the current collection here. 

For the 12 Days of Christmas series, you'll be pleased to know that Tuturu Home are giving away three prizes! 


The first winner drawn will win a Petite Kitchen 2014 Recipe Calendar, a beautiful collection of seasonal recipes, written and photographed by Eleanor Ozich of Petite Kitchen. 

The second two will each win a gorgeous Fog Linen 2014 Calendar Tea Towel. The first of these names drawn, will receive the black on natural, and the second will receive the blue on white.  

I'm sure you know the drill by now...  to enter, email me at steve3star@gmail.com with TUTURU HOME in the subject line, and include your full name in the email. Entries close on Monday, 16th of December and the three 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 NZ residents only, and that we will do our best to ensure the prizes arrive prior to Christmas.

Update: This competition has now closed, and the winners have been notified. Thanks to all who entered and thanks to Tuturu Home for their lovely prizes!

Kylee Davis Knitwear | Interiors Launch

I recently had the pleasure of crossing paths with renowned New Zealand knitwear designer Kylee Davis. When she mentioned she was working on an interiors line, I knew it would be something to watch out for. The new collection has now been released and features a range of striking homewares including sumptuous blankets, stunning cushions and cool knitted hanging pendant lights. Kylee's unique aesthetic translates beautifully to interiors, and this range will definitely appeal to those who appreciate quality, New Zealand-made design.



During Kylee's illustrious career as a fashion designer, stylist and manufacturer, she has achieved an impressive amount of commercial success, including winning the prestigious Benson & Hedges Supreme Award and Air NZ Export Development Award. Her first knitwear label Insidious Fix was stocked throughout Australasia and select boutiques in Denmark, the US and the UK, gathering a cult-like following. Her second label Stitch Ministry went on to win further commercial success, and in 2011 Kylee launched her self-titled knitwear label with Browns Fashions, one of the world’s premium retailers and a fashion landmark in the English capital, becoming the world’s first stockist of the exclusive New Zealand made label.

As with the Kylee Davis Knitwear fashion line, the homewares are all made locally in New Zealand using the finest-quality natural yarns, including cotton, linen, angora/lambswool and merino. "For each product we work closely with textile technicians to develop a knit that is unique and exclusive to the Kylee Davis brand."



The cushions come in a range of patterns, including aztec, jacquards and owls. The blankets, available in shades of red, navy and beige are available in super king, as well as a throw size which is perfect for single beds or couches. The knitted lights come in a variety of fun and playful colours such as pink, orange, green and blue. Prices range from $550 for the king size blankets, down to just $49 for the pendants, so there is something to suit all budgets. 


I'm also happy to report that the Kylee Davis Knitware pop-up store has recently opened up, just in time for Christmas! Located at 9 Mt Eden Rd in Auckland, it stocks the new interiors line, which will also be available online soon. Keep up to date by following Kylee Davis Knitware on Facebook.