CHIMNEY HOUSE BY MARCIO KOGAN - STUDIO MK27

 

What a beautifully designed space by Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan and his architecture firm, Studio MK27. Located in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This modern home is subtle and in-obtrusive, yet a generous dwelling set over two floors, with landscaped gardens and courtyards that gently complements and add just that little bit of colour to an otherwise neutral palette.  

I love the trees growing out of the decked courtyard and how there is nothing obstructing the view through the living area and onto the next outdoor space.  The thoughtful placing of lighting throughout this project adds to the almost dreamlike ambience.

The master bedroom on the first floor extends outward to a wooden-decked solarium which overlook the courtyard on the ground floor.  Wooden sliding screens filter the light into the inner spaces and the windows open out to the courtyard down below.

The living room is enclosed in the boxed ground floor of this volume and wide windows open it to the external spaces. The inner dimensions of the living room 6.5m by 10.3m, and the low ceiling of 2.40m, create a sensation of coziness, accentuated by the texture of the concrete ceiling made with narrow wooden formwork. 

This is a space that I adore and a designer that I truly admire.

STRIKINGLY STYLISH INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPHED BY WICHMANN + BENDTSEN

Today I am drawn to these beautifully captured interiors, by world class photographers John Bendtsen and Jaochim Wichmann (Wichmann+ Bendtsen).  Atmospheric, uplifting and at times foreboding, colourful and moody but always inspiring. This team of photographers paint pictures with their cameras. Rooms can be rich and aspirational, hard edged and striking, simple and unpretentious but layered with meaning. These are photos that have appeared in leading design magazines, that we dog ear and tear for our inspiration files, that epitomise the gritty pretty Danish style of editorial. Stunning body of work

Via desiretoinspire.net

47 TRUSTING EMOTIONS

When you don't judge your feelings, you can experience a world of possibilities.  By trusting your emotions, you can understand the Tao of Women.

The more facts you gather, the harder it is to understand.

Without leaving the wise women begins her journey.  She trusts her emotions and understands without trying.

27 JOURNEYING

Even the desert holds gifts for those attempting to cross.  The camel evolves as is neccessary.

Plot your course.  Map your journey.  Lose your way in life's bends and turns.  Follow the road less traveled and arrive daily at your destination.

Getting lost is a matter of perspective.   Be prepared, but travel with a light load.

9 FULLNESS

In 1950 a secret language was discovered near Hunan Province, China.  It was not until 1982 that anyone collected and translated this secret 'woman's script'.  Known as Nu Shu, this ancient language was developed and used by women centuries ago allowing them to communicate with each other when their society would not allow them to learn to read and write.

The Tao of Women captures and presents the power and wisdom generated by centuries of women's lives with the hope that this wisdom will not be lost.  From time to time I will be posting some of these encouraging Nu Shu scripts and hopefully it will encourage and inspire you as it did me.  Take a moment and reflect,  and understand how women have always found ways to communicate their wisdom.

PERFECT WINTER RETREAT BY ULLA KOSKINEN

This is the winter retreat of Deko Editor- Ulla Koskinen and her family.  The Barn (Lato) is a prefabricated house by the Finnish Kannustalo company and designed to the last precise detail by Ulla Koskinen herself.  The house was mostly build by Ulla and her husband.

It has a cozy and natural interior, and use of subtle colour tones creates the perfect retreat from the wintry snow and cold .  I love the light stained floorboards and the grey concrete walls gives it an almost rustic feel.  Odd chairs around the dining room table and vast windows invites the natural beauty of the countryside to form the perfect backdrop for this soothing and cozy inviting space.

Ulla Koskinen is also the creative force behind the 'Woodnotes' Design Team.

LOVE IS...

LOUISE ROE DESIGN ESSENTIALS

 

Inspiration behind LOUISE ROE designs is often found in nature, as well as in vibrant city life. A combination of the two and their obvious contrasts give the designs tranquility, energy and an edge.  This is reflected in the highly organic choice of materials, colours and prints being used. Nature, and the rhythm and renewed life and energy it provides us with, is essential to us humans - it’s genuine and real!  

Pulsating and multifaceted big city lifestyle is the other main source of inspiration behind the designs. Modern architecture and old buildings, speed and perfectionism, give a sense of history, life and creation.   Quoted from the Louise Roe website
via 'april and may'

TONALE BY DAVID CHIPPERFIELD FOR ALESSI

"The designer’s intentions which were to draw inspiration from vernacular Korean, Japanese and Chinese ceramics; to conceive of the project as an exercise in refinement of certain functional objects common to the world of housewares; and to pay tribute to the painter Giorgio Morandi through the study of colours and the use of different materials such as metal, glass and wood in a variety of forms. In its inspiration this Service was intended to comprise a collection of nearly random and typologically ambiguous objects somewhere in the area between crafts and industry. These new objects complete the “Tonale” Service continuing its quest for purity of expression on the boundary between these two worlds" Alberto Alessi

This collection of vessels and plates in a smooth, fine-grained stoneware is robust and ovenproof yet has a light, delicate feel. Plates and bowls in different sizes are multi-purpose; so a handleless cup can be used for wine, water, coffee, or a cold or hot dessert. The colours are subtle and understated and include gradations of grey, pink, white and yellow. There is also a glass carafe rather like a milk bottle, plus a drinking glass, an enamelled tray and a wooden board. Simple volumes and pale colors are elements David Chipperfield Architects have incorporated in this beautiful contemporary and timeless range.

Via Design AwardsVia designboom.com

PUY LENTIL SALAD WITH FETA, MINT AND SUNBLUSHED TOMATOES

I was first introduced to this recipe a couple of years ago by my good friend Celia. It's not only healthy and nourishing, but also a delicious and colourful meal with an interesting combination of flavors. Lentils are a good source of protein, it has a high iron content, and have been selected by Health magazine as one of the five healthiest food types.

I have just read an interesting variation on 'the merchant gourmet' website; they add crisp Serrano ham to the salad, and I think perhaps I'll try that next time round. It's great for all seasons and once you've tasted this, you'll definitely want to make it again and again. Enjoy!

SOMETHING SWEET, SOMETHING PRETTY, SOMETHING TO EAT

Sometimes we just need a little something sweet!

I CAN'T EXPLAIN...

I just *love* love this! Think it would be great even printed on canvas and hanging in an entrance or study. Stumbled upon this at a new inspirational blog http://www.lily.fi - thanx for sharing!

SPICY APPLE AND PLUM CHUTNEY

I made this tasty chutney over the week-end. A neighbor gave me a whole bag of plums and after making some jam - I thought what better use to make of them, than to cook some chutney. I used the recipe as a guide - and didn't add the star anise or cinnamon, but imagine it could add a real interesting flavor. The recipe is via BBC Goodfood. Enjoy!

INSPIRING WHITE INTERIORS BY SUSANNA VENTO

White, black and some greens is what makes this one of my favorite inspiring spaces- designed by Finnish Interior Designer and Stylist, Susanna Vento. True to her signature style of a monochrome colour palette - her work is always daring, always refreshing and always inspiring.


The stark black feature wall not only creates contrast in an otherwise very clinical space - it also leaves a backdrop for the crisp interiors to really stand proud against. A truly beautiful and well balanced space.



I do only have one question - can we really live like this?
Least we can try, and if we fail... we can dream!

BEAUTIFUL ARMCHAIR BY JON GASCA FOR STUA

Today I'm loving this Malena armchair designed by Jon Gasca. Simplicity and comfort. The frame is made of solid beech, with completely removable seat and back covers. The Stua furniture collection is a range of timeless design pieces produced in Spain.

Here we have the Malena armchair in Walnut - in a New York Penthouse - interiors by Stua

ALBERT EINSTEIN SAID...

MINIMALIST HOUSE BY MARIA CASTELLO MARTINEZ

This beautiful minimalist house is located on the Spanish Island of Formentera. Designed and built by Maria Castello Martinez for himself as a work studio and home; the building is a mere 12 x 12 square meters. The structure sits perfectly in the natural and rugged terrain- where a traditional stone wall encloses the space.
The house and studio is separated by a core structure which holds a library, filing cabinets, the bathroom, kitchen and some storage cupboards. Two Iroko wooden sliding panels are used to close off certain areas and to create privacy. The construction and thoughtful design of this piece of modern architecture allows for it to sit in perfect harmony with the natural environment.
via http://freshome.com, http://www.designomah.com and http://arkinetia.com/

HOT WATER AND LEMON

Start the day with a simple hot water and lemon drink.

Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. It also contains vitamins like vitamin B, riboflavin and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium as well as proteins and carbohydrates. Lemon is generally consumed in the form of lemon juice or lemon water. It also has a high potassium content. Lemon water makes a healthy drink, especially when taken in the morning. Daily consumption of lemon water provides a number of health benefits.

Lemon juice acts as a liver tonic and stimulates the gall bladder to eliminate toxins and the acidity in them destroys the harmful bacteria that causes bloating, flatulence and indigestion.

WILLIAM NORRIS SAID ...

I have tried to make this my motto - most things I own are beautiful, lots of things are useful, but then there are those in between things - and being sentimental does not help. So.. everyday I try little by little to stick to this one rule. And hopefully someday I can hang this on my wall!

SIMPLICITY ...

Kolonihagen Summerhouse by Tommie Wilhelmsen

A personal favorite - Kolonihagen Summer House. Designed by Tommie Wilhelmsen, a Norwegian Architect in 2003. This is everything a week-end retreat should be. A well contained space - no space for clutter - leaving you with plenty of free time to relax and enjoy a well earned break!
The raised sleeping loft creates a neat canopy and shelter from the summer sun.

The furniture is all built in, and the interiors are white, crisp and with hints of blue.

Images via various sources...