Latest loves:

 the blocks of colour vs geometric pattern - faultless room!

 the antique mirrored glass in this image - UK supplier details below

clean lines (with fantastic light!) vs the lived-in leather and antique Persian rug...

...looking onto this striking kitchen -WOW! 

it's the choice of art that really makes this space

clean, grey lines and great natural light = BLISS

Is this a new colour trend?

I've noticed a colour trend developing - a lot of bloggers seem to be posting images of interiors where lavenders, violets and aubergines are being used. Here, they've tempered the palette with black & gold. I feel it's the use of black that gives this room a certain amount of gravitas - along with the art, of course. Wouldn't you agree?

Most of these images have been lovingly lifted from my all time favourite blog (and blogger - Jules): The Diversion Project. Pop over to hear her mighty roar!

Antique mirrored glass suppliers: Saligo Design (owner, James Stait is really helpful. I received samples within hours of ordering them and just in time for my presentation - thank you, James!)

Need a place to stay?

                                      5 bedroomed house in NYC

Remember the 'Ash cloud' drama a few weeks days ago? Well, Joanna Goddard, the delightful writer of the one of the best lifestyle blogs out there; A CUP OF JO, posted a link to this website.

Airbnb.com - 'travel like a human' (I think they should work on that tagline), is being referred to as the 'eBay of Lodging' and you can see why; the prices are outstanding. This 5 bedroomed house in the Lower East side of Manhattan caught my eye. Just look at the interior! I love the smashed mirrored tiling - the contrast between that an every other surface area is endlessly pleasing. (Not to mention the yellow in the bathroom - bliss.) The next time I go to NYC, you can bet I'll be staying there.

p.s.What a fantastic website; it's informative and super easy to use. Oh, and it's international, too.  

a world of interior: SB Architects

and the all important 'kerb appeal...' 

                                        via a few things from my life
Now, I hope you were sitting down for this blog post - when I first saw these images they nearly knocked my socks off... This extraordinary house was designed by the American firm SB Architects, who describe the project as "high design with high sustainability" and you can certainly see why. 

I love the exploration of surface areas - cool slabs of concrete beside warm American walnut, alongside traditional stone clad chimneys and steel framed balconies. The two-toned tiled bathroom (eight images down) plays with illusion, creating a wider space. Notice the wallpaper on the ceiling? It's a pretty radical concept that F&B's colour consultant Joa Studholme first introduced to the UK market, earlier this year. How will the wallpaper fitters cope if this look takes off? I can't even begin to imagine how you would fit wallpaper to a ceiling...

These images are a good example of how hard the colour black works. Those clean, black lines pull this building together and you're hardly even aware that they're there. Colour consultants' Maria Killam and  Janice Lindsay, posted an interesting interview where they talk about this - and other colours, in greater detail.

Atomic Antiques

click on images to enlarge

This morning I had coffee (and birthday cake) with my sister in Borough Market - for 3 weeks of the year we're the same age (34) and so we split the weeks down the middle and take the time to congratulate ourselves on this recurring oddity. On my cycle back to Islington, I passed Atomic Antiques - one of those quirky little shops tucked in between bits of Shoreditch cool. Their window displays are confidently understated and they seem to change daily/weekly which I think is a sign of a healthy business. If you're in the area you really should pop in. Each time I do, I fall in love.

Current pash: the teal/blue early 50's sofa which is in great condition and the bronze round mirror that lights up, casting a warm (read: flattering) glow. I'm also quite taken with the 1940's writing/dressing desk and very reluctantly - because I want this desk but I really don't need it, I will tell you that it's £490. (In mint condition.)

The Forties and Fifties seemed to be about capturing a flattering view of life. What do you think they'll say about the early 21st Century?

Coexistence

I was cycling back to my studio this afternoon after checking on a couple projects that started this year when I happened to see one of my clients walking by. I pulled over for a quick catch-up chat (sometimes it's these little interactions that really make my day), and as I cycled on, I glanced up and saw this building. It houses Coexistence - a company that sells iconic furniture pieces and designer products. I must have passed it a  hundred times, but as I rarely look up when cycling around the city (for obvious reasons), this extension was a pleasant surprise.

I love that this building is quietly distinguished in a way that doesn't upstage those around it. How great would it be to have that space as your office? The changing light and views of the city would have to be an inspiring backdrop to the working day.

What is the view outside your window?

Photographer: Pierre-Jean Verger

                                        Pierre-Jean Verger

Looking at this website is about as close to a spiritual experience as I'm going to get, sat here in front of my computer. This has to be some of the best interior design work that I have seen, to date. I think the photographs speak for themselves. Have a look at the website, go on, treat yourself... (click on images to enlarge)

a winter hideaway

                                     -Haust-'s Flickr album

I have this dream of one day having a winter hideaway - a good train journey away from London where I can live a different life if only for a month or two. Isn't this house just lovely? Where would your ideal hideaway be?

Images first spotted on decor8