‘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