transforming room divider

The right room divider can transform a sprawling open space by creating intimacy and adding dimension. Nola Star takes the concept a couple steps further with customizable patterns that also let in light. This flexibility means Nola Star can be configured to nearly any space—whether mid-room, as a wall covering, in a window, or simply as an accent element—and it can fold out of the way if needed.

‘couture’ interiors by frank roop

Frank Roop (one of my favourite interior artists), believes in creating original environments that are ‘couture’. To achieve this it is essential that the ingredients that go into the projects are unique; almost all of the furniture and furnishings he uses are either antique or of his own exclusive design. He travels to France about three times a year to find antique and vintage furnishings specifically for his clients. It is very important to him that his client’s home reflects their personality and how they want to live while being sophisticated in taste. I hope you enjoy...regards, Steven

shoe worlds collide...

The latest unexpected fashion pairing comes from Finland’s 56-year-old design powerhouse, Marimekko, and the King of Shoes, Manolo Blahnik.

Apparently, Blahnik had decided to base his latest collection on the wonderful architectural lines he saw in Hagia Sophia, Turkey. He then came upon some Marimekko fabrics in a little shop in Bath, England. According to Blahnik, “the two just happened to fall perfectly into place — as bizarre as that combination may sound.” To wear these fusions of Turkish architecture and Finnish protest we will need to wait until January 2008 when they will be available in Blahnik stores in London and New York. Story by Tuija Seipell

ian's wish list - 31 days to xmas

Here are three things I hope appear in MY Christmas stocking...


'Le Bambole' from B&B Italia is the ultimate 'chill out' sofa. This re-issue of an original 70's design is my favorite product for 2007! B&B Italia is available in Australia through Space Furniture.


Dello Mano brownies are handcrafted in Brisbane from the finest ingredients.
They are hand delivered (in stunning packaging) and are available online at www.dellomano.com.au
Thanks Deborah and Bien for a great product and service!


A tailor made single button black linen cocktail jacket from Brisbane’s The Cloakroom .
A big thanks to Josh at The Cloakroom for making shopping so effortless!

steven's wish list - 31 days til xmas

here are 3 items that would make for an impressive ( and rather large) christmas stocking...well it would impress me


I WANT A MINI Clubman...but preferably in BLACK.


The Fortuny Lamp (designed by Mariano Fortuny in 1907) is like modern sculpture. It is possibly the most recognised piece of iconic lighting. It is available in Australia through Poliform.



and now some art...from Krista Berga

kevin reilly lighting

Recently one of our clients asked us to source some outdoor feature lights for her classically inspired home.
We didn’t realize this would be such a difficult proposition as, when we started to investigate options, we were bombarded with the ultra contemporary; tacky ‘coach’ lamps and the Federation style more suited to the ‘replica’ market.
Thankfully, Hub Furniture also came to this realization and has recently added Kevin Reilly lighting to its stable of designer products.
Kevin Reilly and a small staff of artisans have created an elegant collection of chandeliers, sconces, floor lamps, table lamps and outdoor lighting; each fixture is meticulously handcrafted at every stage.
Famous for his innovative creations and for his distinctive electrical wax candles which are used on sconces and chandeliers, Kevin Reilly has designed lights for celebrities and designers alike.

cables and cords..be gone...

I love a good BEFORE and AFTER, however, this particular one has completely changed my life! So much so that I needed to share.
I am always at a loss as to how to hide all those cords associated with (semi) modern technology and thanks to the people behind Instructables, my dilemma is now solved!
Try this great idea out for yourselves.
Now I can move on to unsightly cords around the kitchen...
Any ideas???
Ian

let there be light - part 2

Alright...You have probably already guessed that I have a thing for lighting...and as we all get older, its probably not a bad obsession...
On a lighting plan my favorite thing to experiment with is DOWNLIGHTING.
Downlighting is similar to the light received at midday on a cloudless day and it results in intense shadows.
Architecturally, downlighting can be ceiling mounted or recessed.
Ceiling spots are probably the best (if not completely overused) example.
Decoratively, pendants are the go.
The best thing about pendants is that they lower the perceived height of the ceiling through light and shadow. This is great over dining tables, creating intimate space.
The top image is from a PHORM project and features a dramatic chandelier. The middle image features some really effective downlighting over a kitchen bench (also a PHORM project). The last image features one of my favorite pendants, the Fucsia 1 from Flos, designed by Achille Castiglioni. This looks great in multiples over a kitchen bench. Ian

'nesting' PHORM studio

Project: PHORM Interiors
Design: Ian Wrightson and Steven Stewart
Featured Products: Fritz Hansen 3316 Egg Reclining Chair designed by Arne Jacobsen in Kvadrat, Tord Boontje "Happy". Nest by artist Nadine Sawyer
Photography: Kylie Hood

take me away...

I love living in Brisbane, Australia but occasionally my thoughts will stray to where I would possibly rather be and this weekend it is The Hotel Particulier De Montmartre, Paris
Hiding in the heart of the historical, artistic and night-club haven of Montmartre in Paris, it is the most fabulous example of a hotel combining drama, surprise, luxury and comfort.
The owners commissioned well known artists, designers, sculptors and architects to create an intimate five-room hotel filled with atmosphere and charm.
One of the distinctive rooms is the “vegetable room” which evokes hanging gardens, trees, sunlight and shadow.
From every window, residents can view the luscious and intimate garden; did I mention it’s located in the city of lights.
Perhaps I could drive past Park Road, Milton and catch a glimpse of mini Eiffel tower this afternoon.
No that would just be sad…Steven

let there be light - part 1

I adore rainy weekends - like today. Its a time for re-reading favorite novels and watching DVD's on the couch, afternoon naps and generally soaking in the ambience.
Of course, this mood and atmosphere can be created any time of the week with AMBIENT LIGHTING.
Ambient light is similar to the soft and even light of an overcast or cloudy day.
It is achieved, architecturally, by reflecting light off the walls with ceiling or floormounted wall washers and decoratively, with standard lamps and large diffusing shades casually dotted around the room.
The top image features the limited edition 18 carat gold plated Lounge Gun by Philippe Starck in a PHORM project.
The middle image is the stunning 'Anenome' table lights by Melbourne's Hermon and Hermon (available from PHORM Interiors) and the bottom image is the 1994 Rosy Angelis, again designed by Philippe Starck.
Ian

coffee addicts 1-2-3

tulip

My favourite Aunty (Corinne) had 4 original tulip chairs that sat around a lovely, old, round timber table in her kitchen. I have very fond memories of eating and laughing about the most odd and wonderful things, whilst sitting on these chairs.
Guess thats why I count this iconic chair as one of my favourites...
We often use this range in our work. As shown in the top image, the Tulip Side Table is featured with the Delta Chair by King Furniture.
The Tulip Collection by Eero Saarinen was designed in 1957 and to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this iconic collection, Knoll has added a stunning platinum base finish.
Thanks for the memories,
Steven

tree blanket and the lovely Bev Armstrong

Summer pattern seems to be about all things botanical and Bev Armstrong at Luna Gallery has designed this beautiful tree blanket. Bev has been our friend and supplier of inspirational and unique homeware textiles for almost ten years.
We are never without a Luna Gallery blanket, throw and cushion and favour the 100% (machine wash/tumble dry) cotton...perfect for Queensland all year round.
10% of all proceeds from the tree blanket go the The Wilderness Society.
The blankets are available in 3 colourways. Please email us for further information. Steven

integra chair

For my birthday this year I have booked dinner with friends at Christine Manfield's new Universal Restaurant. The menu looks amazing, with clever and interesting 'bites' and perfectly matched wines. I also can't wait to sample from the fabulous dessert menu!
I love the interior of this new restaurant and its great to see the iconic Australian 'Integra Chair' by Sebel Furniture making its appearance in stylish interiors.
This is the same chair that we all sat on during our school years and is about as Australian as the Hills Hoist.
Congratulations to Tina Engelson who has boldly brought this chair back in her stunning interior for Christine Manfield's Universal Restaurant.
Ian

cucina...PHORM'S latest project

We have just recieved images from our latest project CUCINA.
The images were taken by our friend Kylie Hood.
CUCINA incorporates Bertoia wire chairs, a stunning 'Italian long table' in solid oak, wenge veneer cabinetry and a bold palette of primary colours.
Custom banquette seating creates definition of space as this deli/cafe moves effortlessly from breakfast to lunch to dinner.
Details include Ingo Maurer's 'Campari' pendant lights, custom stainless steel swing doors with 'port-hole' features and contemporary stainless steel signage in a concept inspired by a 1950's style Italian cafeteria.

265

The 265 light by Flos is one of my favorite fittings and I am always on the lookout for a project to include it on. It was designed in 1973 by Paolo Rizzatto and provides stunning directional light by moving the adjustable steel arm.

It would look amazing over a boardroom table or bar.

The fitting was included in the recent fitout of The Bentley Bar in Surry Hills.

Ian