Interior Design Sense

This past Thursday evening, I met up with friend and fellow blogger Christian May of Maison21 for an event at TableArt on Melrose Avenue featuring Kelly Wearstler and her line of dinnerware for Pickard.  It was an intimate event and Kelly was on hand to sign copies of her latest book, Hue, among chatting with many of the guests.

The highlight of my evening (aside from M21’s ability to silence a room) was seeing Kelly inspired by the fashion of other guests.  With M21 & I standing beside Kelly, she picked up her iPhone to snap a picture of a girl in a slim fitting camel colored coat with over size, unique textural buttons (I think it was the buttons that intrigued her). I overhead someone say something to the effect would it be inspiring the next project.  Like many of us designers, being able to capture a photo of something (whether it’s architecture, a textile, nature, or in this instance, fashion); these are the things that lead us to be inspired and create.  I can’t help but wonder what is on Kelly’s iPhone camera and would love to see the images she captures and how that translates to what she designs.  So Kelly – if  you are ever so inclined to share with us what you photograph on a daily basis, I am sure many would love to see what captivates and inspires you!

On the subject of inspiration, here is the line of china for Pickard designed by Kelly:

Table setting and guests at the TableArt event.

{For more on the event and to see a picture I took of Kelly & Christian, read M21’s post here.}

The residence in the images below is a restoration of a Edwardian building in Australia developed by Architects Eat. The project team stated that their intention was “to create an Inside is outside is inside environment, where inside and outside spaces were interchangeable elements”. The construction took 18 months to finish, but is was worth the wait. The property also features a beautiful courtyard enclosed by the “U”-shaped building. We really like the natural feel of this place as well as its amazing location. Surprisingly enough, a part of the house was suspended not to damage in any way the roots of the near-by trees. The architects not only redesigned an existing home, but also added an extension. The interior also applies to the “outside is inside” rule, featuring materials and elements that are not usually found indoors. -via MOOD

There are two great sale events going on over the next few days for those of you who are in the San Francisco or Los Angeles areas:

The Stark Sale starts tomorrow and will be featuring discounts of up to 75% off of area rugs, fabrics, and wallcoverings.  (Also coming to NYC the week after.)

For those in LA, the much anticipated Rose Tarlow Melrose House sale is taking place this Friday and Saturday in the valley.

For more info:  323 651 2202 or info@rosetarlow.com

Olson Lewis Dioli & Doktor Architects recently shared their appreciation of upcycling with youngsters at the Brookwood School Sustainability Fair by teaching them how to turn trash into treasure. The firm taught children at the elementary school how to save simple wooden pallets from the incinerator and craft their very own bird abodes!

The children were provided with a premade kit made from the wooden pallets, and had help from architects on the scene to piece the parts together. The result of their efforts was a batch of adorable, hand made birdhouses perfect for encouraging birds’ own form of upcycling – nest building. The Sustainability Fair, which was open to the public, successfully gathered students, parents, community members, and organizations, in order to promote the use of sustainable practices, like upcyling, “a life-long habit”.

Thanks for the tip Henry Louis Miller!

+ Olson Lewis Dioli & Doktor Architects

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If any of the furniture in the Vitra Haus looks familiar it should, these are some of the most iconic designs of the current and past generation. The entire collection of Vitra classics are now housed in the new addition to the Vitra campus which was commissioned by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron and recently finalized. The construction situated in Weil am Rhein on the border of Switzerland and Germany is a series of twelve houses positioned to make the best of the landscape attributes and features special areas for specific designers and room settings. Visit Vitra for a look at their entire collection of modern furniture here. Via designboom

Post from Vitra Haus : The Ultimate Modern Furniture Showroom Weil am Rhein, Germany

Inhabitat reader e_meliss tells us that Global Architectural Development (GAD) is on its way to constructing a mixed-use complex that will be a reflection of technology, sustainability and aesthetics in Istanbul. Dubbed the “One & Ortakoy,” this project is under construction in the neighborhood of Ortakoy.  The developers have planned two buildings – one which will be designated for residential purposes while the second will be reserved for commercial use. Positioned right next to an enchanting hillside location, the project will be a major step toward improvement of the area.

Read the rest of One & Ortakoy: A Sustainable Mixed-Use Complex in Istanbul

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The early 70s what a wonderful time for interior design! I’d love to say that that’s a photo of me above but my room back then was nowhere near as groovy. I must be getting old though because I need to turn the volume down on the colours on most of these. Thoughts please on the built in tiled toilet and Mr Super Smooth. Today’s scans from Golden Homemakers 100 Ideas to Beautify Your Home, Gudenian Rockail & Mayer, Marshall Cavendish, London, 1972.

Molteni&C of Italy is one of my favorites when it comes to clean modern furniture with a distinct quality and style that is timeless. Here are some of the looks you can expect if you ever enter one of the more than 350 stores that feature their products in over 60 countries including 24 Molteni&C specialty stores. From the Cunard, Costa and Holland America cruise liners, Cartier boutiques all over the world, and the interiors of the Teatro La Fenice in Venice, you will see the fine works of the Who’s Who of furniture designers from Molteni&C. Experience the entire collection for Day and Night here.

Post from Timeless Modern Italian Furniture by Molteni&C

Renowned designer Patricia Urquiola reduces the entire “Clip” platform bed into a sinuous form running from head to toe. The elegant look of this low profile bed is not only good looking, but functional. An adjustable headboard moves to multiple positions and guarantees the best rest ever for those relaxing times. The Clip bed is indicative of the stunning modern furniture from Molteni&C and is available in both leather or fabric removable covers. Complete the set with the small Clip series glass top bedside table. See the simply stunning modern and contemporary furniture from Molteni&C of Italy here.

Post from Patricia Urquiola’s “Clip” Low Profile Platform bed by Molteni&C

…from Hus & Hem. Or I could have titled this post “How to whip up a quick post to keep for while I’m in Mexico”.