2014

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My Weekends

Bowral weekends … the new design hub 2038

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Bowral in the Southern Highlands now has its very own ‘design hub’. The once neglected bottom end of town is becoming ever so fashionable. My favourite … rabbit trap timber, has a new, larger home that shows off their gorgeous rustic yet contemporary style to perfection.
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Full of recycled and environmentally friendly pieces, the design aesthetic is very much of the moment but with its own unique stamp. Such an interesting mix of beautifully designed furniture and homewares … and found objects.
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I feel I need to keep an eye on the changing scene at rabbit trap timber but look forward to exploring this end of town further next weekend.  In the meantime … back to Sydney !!!
My Design Tips

Is there an art to hanging art ? 2370

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I am not sure there is any right or wrong when hanging art.  What I do know however is that it either works or it doesn’t and only your eye will tell you that.  It must be visually or aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
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And of course what is pleasing to the eye for one is not so for another.  I personally love the order and symmetry above, however aspire to the eclectic and seemingly effortless style below.
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Take time to think about the space you are working with … sometimes it is obvious which way you should head.  The size, proportion and colour of frame and artwork all come into play. I find laying it all out on the floor to organise groupings first is a great start.
Lastly, a professional hanger will take the angst out of the equation … all you have to do is stand back and admire.
http://www.thehangman.com.au
My Design World

Salone del mobile 2014 … the very best of 2380

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Detail Hermes Silk Fabric
As you can imagine, everyone is talking Milan and the Salone del Mobile Furniture Fair at this time of year.  My inbox is flooded with many versions of the pieces and the designers that have supposedly stolen the show. These are the pieces that stood out for me.
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Hermes Club Bar
The glamour of this drinks cabinet defies belief.
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Alexander McQueen Rug by the Rug Co
Wonderfully over the top … as one would expect.
 
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Hermes Lighting
Never before have Hermes ventured into lighting but here it is, a small and perfect collection. 
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Philippe Starck Folding Chair
I simply love this chair for it’s extremely slick take on a very casual piece of furniture … not to mention the unimaginable quality of the tan leather.
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Brunello Cucinelli
So interesting, the number of fashion houses doing furniture and homewares.
Images: Wallpaper 
My Design World

10 iconic objects of desire … my edit 4332

Here is my edit of UK H&G’s 50 Iconic Objects of Desire …. most of which you will know so well.  Each is aesthetically beautiful, classic in design and functional.
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the diptyque candle 
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the bialetti moka
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the tolix stool
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the smeg fridge
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the aalto vase
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the louis ghost chair
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the le creuset
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the billy bookcase
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the anglepoise 1227
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the liberty print ….
and of course the list goes on and on and includes many personal favourites like the barbour jacket, chanel rouge noir nail varnish and the burberry trench.  Items one just can’t live without !!
My Design World

Weylandts … their autumn lookbook for your interior 2828

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Weylandts, Melbourne … the new go-to store for fabulous homewares from Sth Africa.
Innovative, contemporary design, manufacturing and sourcing.
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My pick for an autumn makeover …
the extremely elegant brass pendant lights … and the sparkling glass horlicks jar pendants, so retro …
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these smart black and white side tables … perfect with your winter white bedding
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and an aviator copper coffee table to warm up your living area and reflect that open fire this autumn … so nice to have an excuse to shop for a new look.
My Design Travels

Loving london’s boutique hôtels 2014 2122

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The Pelham Hotel in Sth Kensington is, for me the perfect location in London.  A short stroll to the V&A or along the gorgeous Walton Street to Harrods … more specifically, their Stationary Department.
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Kit Kemp the designer has created a luxury town house style hotel, the interiors ‘a tailored version of grand English style’.  I love the idea of individually designed bedrooms, and there are 52 to choose from.
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What sets these hotels apart is the unexpected … the combination of antique and contemporary furniture … quirky lighting and modern art set within a a wood panelled drawing room or library … it is perfect.
My Week in Sydney

Designex14 … fabulous lighting, brilliant design 2304

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What a surprise packet Designex14 turned out to be.  A new location to navigate (while Darling Harbour Convention Centre is being redeveloped) caused no hardship.  Glebe Island with easy parking and smart temporary buildings was more inviting by far than the tired Darling Harbour venue we were accustomed to.
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The diversity of both exhibitors and products was impressive and all with exciting new products to launch. The latest lighting was exceptional. A clever floorplan enhanced the design experience, with fabulous cafes and pop up bars adding to the buzz !!
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I have come away inspired … as well as having a bag full of new contacts and new product brochures. It is easy to find a reason not to visit Design Fairs however Designex14 with all it had to offer under the one roof, was worth well worth the time.
images: from the top, about space, duncan meerding, porcelain bear
My Week in Sydney

Felix forest photographs at becker minty 2613

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Another stylish soiree at Becker Minty on Wednesday evening with the opening of the exhibition of Felix Forest Photography.  The opulence of the store a perfect setting for his photographs (a curated collection by Becker Minty) which sparkled amongst elegant homewares, jewels and fashion.
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Felix has photographed interiors around the world for private clients and magazines. This exhibition is showing throughout April at Becker Minty.  Photographs are available in varying sizes and framed or unframed … they are beautiful !!

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