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Showing posts with label Sustainable Design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sustainable Design. Show all posts

Apple&Bee


While grabbing my coffee the other morning, I popped in to a favourite local retail shop called Box @ Home in Remuera, Auckland. Filled with gorgeous things for the home as well as handbags and other accessories, I came across the most gorgeous tote bags by Apple&Bee. Making a quick note on the iPhone, I've just had a look at their online store and I'm smitten!

Before I show you a selection of their scrummy totes, here's a bit of background. Apple&Bee is the brainchild of Brett Pattinson, founder of Bod, the successful natural skincare company and Claire Morris, who was formerly the Art Director of MarieClaire Australia. 

Not only do they have a combined wealth of experience and skills, both Claire and Brett are passionate about looking after our planet. Committed to producing the best in contemporary design without harming the environment, they are proudly associated with the internationally recognised organisation Climate Friendly.

Their range of gorgeous, natural totes have been created as a way of reducing plastic bag waste and pollution, helping to keep our planet clean. The designs are unique and timeless showing that without a doubt you can be stylish and eco friendly at the same time! 




If you like the look of these totes, you will love the feel of them. Made from the finest materials, they are designed to last. The Apple&Bee range also includes cosmetic, fashion, kids and baby bags as well as stationery and an all-natural skincare range.




To browse the Apple&Bee products or shop online, check out their website. They also have distributors worldwide, so to find your local stockist pop over here.

All images via wwwappleandbee.com

Homes to Inspire | Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

I recently discovered Jessica Helgerson Interior Design (JHID) and I'm so glad I did! Based in Portland, Oregon, Jessica heads a team of talented designers who work on the interiors of both residential and commercial properties. She takes a pragmatic approach to design by looking at spacial function and flow, and then applies the creative/conceptual elements by honing in on an idea or feeling that will ground the design. 

Jessica is always respectful of historical architecture in her work, ensuring that the design and materials fit with the building and its period. She then adds her signature style which is fresh and playful, layering in contemporary elements like lighting, furniture and art. 

I'm particularly impressed by Jessica's interest and support in green building and sustainability. Her family's home was remodelled almost entirely on reclaimed materials and they grow nearly all the food they eat! Not only that, Jessica speaks French and Italian and has lived and worked in Florence, Milan, Switzerland and France.

Bush Prairie House


The home I've decided to share with you is the Bush Prairie House in Southern Washington. JHID were hired to furnish the front rooms and the result is stunning. A standout feature is the  thirteen-foot-long dining table made from a five-inch-thick slab of reclaimed acacia wood, beautifully complimented by Hans Wegner wishbone chairs and a natural woven chandelier. I love the series of abstract paintings titled 'Momentum' by Portland artist Heather Watkins that are hung alongside.
























All images: source

You can pop over to the JHID site here to see more of their gorgeous work but be warned - once you start browsing you won't be able to stop!  

KeepCup Piccolo

Earlier in the week I talked about the KeepCup - you can read that post here. I mentioned it came in four sizes but I just realised that I didn't include a photo of the smallest, the 'Piccolo' size. Introduced in April 2011, the tiny cups are specially designed for the kiddie set to drink their milk, hot chocolate or the super popular fluffy! How cute is that?

When the Piccolo was launched, founders Abigail and Jamie Forsyth hosted 150 guests at South Melbourne espresso institution St Ali. The cups, which also come in many colour combos, were filled to the brim with delicious cocktails, accompanied by delicious food by then head chef Ben Cooper. Talk about doing it in style! 


So here are a few pics. 

'Bubbalino' designed by Vanessa at bubbalino.co.nz

My boys (they love their KeepCups as much as Mum!)

KeepCup Piccolo cocktails! Brilliant!! 

KeepCup

Previously I talked about wanting a fabulous Nespresso coffee machine. In the meantime, I will continue to buy my coffee out, which is not such a bad thing. Especially since I discovered the KeepCup. I've been using mine for a while now and never leave home without it! 

Developed in Melbourne, this barista approved, reusable coffee cup is genius. Launched in 2009, it sold 1000 cups in just two hours. Environmentally friendly aside, the phenomenal success that followed has largely been due to the Keep Cup's stylish design. Its creator Abigail Forsyth tells of customers buying the cups, not even knowing what they were for but because they liked the colours! Check out how you can design your own KeepCup here and you will see why. So many colour combinations to choose from! Even if you're not a coffee drinker you'll want to become one!


The KeepCup comes in four sizes and the colour combinations are endless!